Coffee breeding programs aim at developing superior genotypes, which entail exploring the genetic variability existing in conilon/robusta coffee. This study aimed at examining the variability and estimate genetic param of physical and physiological nature in Coffea canephora seeds in order to provide bases for the selection of genotypes for superior seeds quality. Forty-three C. canephora genotypes were evaluated for 11 physical and physiological seed traits. Estimates of genetic param, environmental variance, phenotypic variance, genotypic variance, broad-sense heritability, variation index and Pearson's correlation were obtained. The Dissimilarity between genotypes was obtained by generalized Mahalanobis distance. The dendrogram was constructed using unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA). C. canephora genotypes presented high germination potential and exhibited genetic diversity for all seed traits, with estimates of genetic variance greater than environmental variance. Heritability reached values above 96.0% and all genetic variation indices found were higher than unity. The UPGMA hierarchical method grouped the genotypes in three groups. The physical traits (circumference, area and roundness) were those that contributed the most to explaining the dissimilarity between genotypes. Genotypes Alecrim, AP, Bamburral, Z39 and Tardio C were the most divergent. The results revealed the presence of genetic variability between C. canephora genotypes and greater genetic than environmental influence on the characters of seeds, indicating that selection for the studied traits showed favorable conditions in terms of immediate gain.

Oilseed cultivation is the major source of energy that fulfills the cooking oil requirements of large masses across the globe. Mustard is one of the important members of the brassica family, which is attacked by an aphid, Lipaphis erysimi. This research investigated the field population fluctuations of L. erysimi on different mustard varieties for two growing years. L. erysimi population reached to peak (171.3 nymphs and 141.6 adults) in the Mustard-early variety in early March. Based on Mustard Resistance Index (MRI), the Mardan-Local variety is highly resistant having an Aphid Population Score (APS) and Leaf Damage (LD) of 1 with a pooled annual mean of 1.85 aphids. The varietal preference test results indicated that the highest L. erysimi (8.0 adults) were attracted to the Mustard-early variety while the least (2.80 adults) were attracted to Mardan-local. In the In-vitro bioassay, Lefenuron and Pyriproxyfen caused 100 and 70.4% mortality, respectively. In the field, synchronized experiment, Imidochloprid (control positive) and Lefenuron showed the highest mortalities (100%), respectively. The Pyriproxefen and Runner (Methoxyfenoxid) treated plots had caused 77 and 70.3% mortalities, respectively. The present research is the first attempt to investigate the synchronized effects of Host Plant Resistance and Insect Growth Regulators for the L. erysimi management in Mustard. It is concluded that Mardan-Local variety alongside lefenuron application provides an effective IPM for L. erysimi. These outcomes will help the farmers better understand and manage aphids; it will help the researcher to explore further management tools of Aphids in oilseed crops.

Prebiotic sources can be developed from natural materials such as the inulin of mangrove apples (IMA). The objective of this research was to evaluate the efficacy of inulin from mangrove apples on the growth of Lactobacillus bulgaricus at an incubation time of 24 h. The experiment was conducted in the completely randomized design with 4 replicates using five different concentrations of IMA. The IMA concentrations applied in this study were 0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10% w/v. The concentration of IMA of 10% had significantly (P<0.05) revealed to have higher viability of L. bulgaricus bacteria, presenting the growth value of 9.63±0.61 log CFU/mL, producing 1.55±0.02% of total lactic acid and resulting the low pH value at 3.46±0.01. L. bulgaricus could produce different amounts of short-chain fatty acid content In vitro. IMA could be a candidate as prebiotics to support the survival of L. bulgaricus. © 2024 Friends Science Publishers

Excessive intake of a high-fat diet (HFD) is profoundly linked with various diseases, including dyslipidemia, inflammation, obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and inflammation. Meanwhile, Mentawai taro, a variety of taro in the Colocasia esculenta species, has traditionally served as a daily staple food for the local people in the Mentawai Islands (West Sumatra, Indonesia). However, it remains unclear whether Mentawai taro corm can effectively counteract the detrimental effects of an HFD. This study investigated whether Mentawai taro corm flour (MTF) can significantly prevent HFD-induced T2DM and leukocytosis. The experimental study involved adult male mice (n = 27) divided into three groups: normal diet, HFD, and HFD supplemented with 20% MTF. After a 12-week treatment, the levels of blood glucose, plasma insulin, glucose tolerance, insulin tolerance, homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), malondialdehyde (MDA) levels as well as leukocyte counts were determined. Results showed that supplementation of 20% MTF in the HFD substantially improved blood glucose profiles, reduced blood glucose levels (P < 0.01), enhanced glucose and insulin tolerance (P < 0.01) and prevented hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance. Additionally, Mentawai taro flour effectively reduced pancreatic tissue MDA (P < 0.05) and regulated leukocyte profiles, including total leukocyte number (P < 0.01), and numbers of lymphocytes, monocytes, and granulocytes (P < 0.01). Hence, our study suggests that MTF supplementation in the context of an HFD exerts beneficial effects on glucose homeostasis, insulin sensitivity, oxidative stress, and inflammation. It implies potential antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory properties of MTF to manage diet-induced diseases

Luteolin is a flavone that serves as a natural antioxidant. The therapeutic impacts of luteolin is influenced by its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, neuroprotective and antineoplastic properties. This study aimed to establish an animal model of testicular toxicity caused by Thioacetamide (TAA). In addition, high doses of Luteolin (LUT) were supplemented to observe the role of LUT in attenuating spermato-toxicity, the hazard of oxidative stress, and testicular histopathological alterations induced by TAA. Thirty adult rats were equally divided into three groups as follow; G1: negative control group, G2: was given TAA 200 mg/kg body weight, G3: was received LUT at a dose of (50 mg/kg body weight) for four weeks concurrently with TAA. During this experiment histological, immunohistochemical, biochemical and morphometric measures were evaluated. TAA revealed loss of normal architecture of testicular tissue, wide interstitial spaces, and a loss of stratal arrangement of germinal epithelium with intercellular spacing. Also, a reduction in the number of +ve vimentin staining Sertoli cells with a marked reduction in the mean of vimentin-positive cells increased oxidative stress in testicular tissue. LUT protected testis against these alterations. By reducing oxidative stress, histological and immunohistochemical alterations and restoring the normal testicular tissue architecture and function, LUT successfully lowers TAA testicular toxicity in albino rats, recommending that it may have similar effects in humans. © 2022 Friends Science Publishers

‘Markaz-2019’ is a spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivar developed and released by the wheat breeding program at the Crop Sciences Institute, National Agricultural Research Center, Islamabad, Pakistan, in 2019. The cultivar was approved by the Punjab Seed Council of Pakistan in its 51st meeting (19th September 2019) held at the Punjab Seed Corporation, Lahore, Pakistan. Markaz-2019 is of known pedigree “SOKOLL//FRTL/2*PIFED”, derived and selected from the 19th Semi-Arid Wheat Yield Trial (SAWYT) entry number (332) from CIMMYT during 2011–2012. Following evaluation of this candidate, ‘NR-449’ was used as candidate line for five growing seasons at NARC-Islamabad and in multi-location trials and then was officially named as Markaz-2019. Trials were conducted under rainfed conditions and grain yield and quality parameters such as grain color, size and 1000-grain weight were tested. This cultivar is a medium height wheat (107 cm) with semi-erect growth habit, stiff and hollow stem, medium to high grain volume weight in kilogram/ hectoliter (78.7 kg/hL), medium maturity (160 days), medium to high grain protein (151 g kg-1) and flour protein concentration (151 and 105 g kg-1). Markaz-2019 was released for its high yield, (ranging from 4500 kg ha-1 to 6050 kg ha-1), its improved resistance to stripe rust (Puccinia striiformis var. tritici) and leaf rust (P. triticina) and tolerance to drought. Its grain yield was significantly higher than check cultivars, and therefore recommended for cultivation in rainfed areas of Pakistan. © 2022 Friends Science Publishers

Sorghum is a tropical grass used for various purposes including food, animal feed, and biofuels source, but its in vitro propagation still found an obstacle due to tissue browning. This study aims to propagate and regenerate callus in the Indonesian sorghum hybrid, named Numbu cultivar from seed and meristematic leaf whorl explants. The combined effect of plant growth regulators (PGRs), namely 2,4-D and proline as well as NAA (naphthalene acetic acid) and BAP (6-benzyl amino purine) was investigated on embryogenic callus induction and regeneration, respectively. The results showed that callus induction was significantly faster in the seed explants compared to leaf whorl. The optimal medium used to obtain a large induction in the seed explants was MS salt containing 3 mg L-1 2,4-D and 5000 mg L-1 proline, which gave a 68% yield. Furthermore, the best medium used to obtain a high plant regeneration frequency was the MS medium containing 0.1 mg L-1 NAA and 3 mg L-1 BAP, which regenerated 78% of the callus into plantlet. The addition of 560 mg L-1 proline to the combination medium increased doubled the regeneration into the planlet. Based on the results, PGRs combinations are required to improve embryogenic callus induction and regeneration into planlet in sorghum. © 2022 Friends Science Publishers

This article presents the results of field studies of the biological diversity of wild plants with antibiotic properties growing in the climatic conditions of Central Kazakhstan. As a result of the field studies, 28 plant species with antibiotic properties belonging to 26 families were found. Among them, the most numerous are from Asteraceae family – 8 species and the Lamiaceae family – 6 species. The rest of the plant species were distributed according to the principle “one species - one family”. These plants have enormous potential for health, but mainly grow locally or are scattered in small groups and do not form thickets of commercial value in nature. We also conducted a survey among two age groups – 18 to 25 years old and 35 to 55 years old. The survey showed that the older generation is more aware of plant species with antibiotic properties and is more willing to choose natural herbs. The second group knows only those types of plants that are part of the famous syrups and lozenges for colds. Based on the above data, it can be concluded that a sufficient number of plants with antibiotic properties grow in the territory of Central Kazakhstan. Given their low cost and availability, we believe that they need to be popularized among the younger generation and recommended for commercial use. © 2022 Friends Science Publishers

A field experiment was carried out during 2019 and 2020 summer seasons to evaluate the effect of foliar applied proline as osmoprotectant on yield and quality response of maize in calcareous saline soils. Proline was applied to maize as foliar application 100, 200, 300 and 400 mg/L including no spray as control (with only water). These treatments were applied three times in a season with one month interval. The results showed that foliar application of proline increased growth, biochemical parameters, nutrient content, yield and its component including oil percent in maize under saline condition. Foliar application of proline at 400 mg/L gave the highest values of most studied parameters, but there was no significant differences were found for foliar applied 300 mg/L. Yield and its components and oil percent recorded the highest values with treatments 400 mg/L proline foliar application. The foliar applied proline (400 mg/L) showed relative increase in grain yield and oil percent of 157.2 and 79% respectively compared with control. Foliar applied proline at 400 mg/L produced the highest increase in growth, biochemical parameters, and nutrient contents which finally resulted in improved grain yield and oil percent. © 2022 Friends Science Publishers