100-seed Weight Research Articles

Biogas slurry: A potential substance that synergistically enhances rapeseed yield and lodging resistance

Biogas slurry (BS) plays a vital role in improving the efficiency of crop production. On the flip side, the impact of BS on plant lodging factors and yield related traits is still obscure. Hence, we aimed to study the effects of pig and cow BS applications on yield formation, morpho-anatomical, mechanical, physiological properties and transcript expression patterns. The results showed that the yield and lodging resistance of rapeseed were synergistically improved via applying full BS dosage versus nitrogen fertilizer (CK). In addition, the seed yield was significantly increased by 23.9 % by promoting the dry matter accumulation and transport-ability, increasing number of pods by 8.4 % and 1000-seed weight by 5.1 %, respectively. Moreover, BS developed the stem mechanical strength by decreasing lodging index by 34.2 %, which was manifested by an increase in stem thickness and stiffness and a reduction in plant height. Besides, it enhanced the photosynthesis through promoting chlorophyll synthesis, delaying plant senescence, and accumulating N and K concentration. Anatomical observations revealed that BS increased greater number and area of stem vascular bundles, vessels, and maintained a dense microstructure than CK. Also, it boosted pectin, Ca2+ and K+ contents, which were significantly positively correlated with stem mechanical strength and reduced cellulose, lignin and hemicellulose contents. Meanwhile, correlation and structural equation modeling analysis validated the above results. Additionally, the differentially expressed genes were enriched in cell wall formation pathway, especially about the biosynthesis of pectin (PME, PG and PL), cellulose (CesA and CSL), lignin (PAL, POD, CCR, LAC and COMT) and hemicellulose (XTH and Xyl) were identified under BS. The above-mentioned results indicated that BS simultaneously affected lodging behavior by altering structural carbohydrates and modified yield composition by regulating dry-matter accumulation and allocation. This is the first comprehensive strategy on synchronizing rapeseed yield increase and lodging resistance under optimized BS management.

The transcription factors GmVOZ1A and GmWRI1a synergistically regulate oil biosynthesis in soybean.

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] is a major oil-producing crop worldwide. Although several related proteins regulating soybean oil accumulation have been reported, little is known about the regulatory mechanisms. In this study, we characterized vascular plant one-zinc-finger 1A (GmVOZ1A) that interacts with WRINKLED 1a (GmWRI1a) using yeast two-hybrid library screening. The GmVOZ1A-GmWRI1a interaction was further verified by protein-protein interaction assays in vivo and in vitro. GmVOZ1A enhanced the seed fatty acid and oil contents by regulating genes involved in lipid biosynthesis. Conversely, a loss-of-function mutation in GmVOZ1A resulted in a reduction in triacylglycerol (TAG) content in soybean. Protein-DNA interaction assays revealed that GmVOZ1A and GmWRI1a cooperate to up-regulate the expression level of acyl-coenzymeA-binding protein 6a (GmACBP6a) and promote the accumulation of TAG. In addition, GmACBP6a overexpression promoted seed fatty acid and oil contents, as well as increased seed size and 100-seed weight. Taken together, these findings indicate that the transcription factor GmVOZ1A regulates soybean oil synthesis and cooperates with GmWRI1a to up-regulate GmACBP6a expression and oil biosynthesis in soybean. The results lay a foundation for a comprehensive understanding of the regulatory mechanisms underlying soybean oil biosynthesis and will contribute to improving soybean oil production through molecular breeding approaches.

Improving the productivity and profitability of maize (Zea mays L.) using optimum blended inorganic fertilization.

There is limited information on the best NPSB rate for maize production. Thus, the study aimed to determine the optimal NPSB fertilizer dose for maximizing maize yield and profitability. The nine treatments that included 0, 25, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 175, and 200 NPSB kg ha-1 were tested using a randomized complete block design with three replications. The results showed that increasing NPSB application significantly influenced maize plant height, ear height, hundred-seed weight, aboveground biomass yield, and grain yield. Specifically, the application of 150 kg ha⁻¹ NPSB consistently produced the tallest plants, highest ear heights, heaviest hundred-seed weights, and maximum aboveground biomass and grain yields across both sites. Economic analysis revealed that the 150 kg ha⁻¹ NPSB earned the highest net benefits and marginal rates of return, indicating its economic viability for smallholder farmers. Beyond 150 kg ha⁻¹, further increases in NPSB did not enhance yield or economic returns significantly. These findings underscore the importance of balanced fertilization for maximizing maize productivity and profitability while ensuring efficient resource use and environmental sustainability. Implementing optimized fertilizer practices with 150 kg ha⁻¹ NPSB can empower farmers in the study area and similar agroecological zones to achieve sustainable maize production and economic success.

Biofortification in garden peas through multi-micronutrient formulations

Soil micronutrient deficiencies lead to crops with low essential element concentrations, affecting human health through micronutrient malnutrition. Effective practices, like foliar nutrient application, improve crop quality and reduce malnutrition. The garden pea (Pisum sativum L. var. hortense) is cultivated worldwide for its nutritional value and such nutrient-rich crops, through agronomic biofortification, offer a sustainable solution to global health issues by addressing micronutrient deficiencies. Four liquid micronutrient formulations [Treatment 1 (T1), Treatment 2 (T2), Treatment 3 (T3), and Treatment 4 (T4)] were prepared using either water or vermiwash as a carrier, with variations that included the presence or absence of plant growth regulators (GA3 + NAA)] and evaluated along with commercially available formulations [Arka Vegetable Special (T5) and ProKissan (T6)]. Micronutrient formulations, particularly T3, demonstrated notable effects on various parameters, including plant height, biomass, root characteristics, pod weight, and micronutrient contents in seeds of garden pea var. Kashi Nandini. T3 significantly outperformed other formulations in promoting plant growth, resulting in higher values for plant height, biomass, branches per plant, nodule mass, root biomass, surface area, volume, and density. Yield parameters such as pod length, weight, number of pods, and seeds per pod were also positively influenced by micronutrient treatments, with T3 leading to the highest overall yield, with a 24.09 % increase per plant and a 13.39 % increase per hectare compared to the control. Additionally, foliar application of micronutrients increased the concentration of copper, zinc, iron, and manganese in seeds, positively impacting seed quality. Quality parameters, including total soluble solids, protein, total phenol, and total flavonoid contents, were significantly improved by micronutrient treatments, with T3 showing the most favorable outcomes. Texture analysis indicated that peas treated with T3 had lower firmness values, suggesting maintained tenderness and sweetness. Correlation analysis revealed strong positive associations between various growth parameters, yield traits, and micronutrient contents. Overall, foliar micronutrient application proved to be a valuable biofortification strategy for enhancing the performance and quality of garden peas.

Modeling Chickpea Productivity with Artificial Image Objects and Convolutional Neural Network.

The chickpea plays a significant role in global agriculture and occupies an increasing share in the human diet. The main aim of the research was to develop a model for the prediction of two chickpea productivity traits in the available dataset. Genomic data for accessions were encoded in Artificial Image Objects, and a model for the thousand-seed weight (TSW) and number of seeds per plant (SNpP) prediction was constructed using a Convolutional Neural Network, dictionary learning and sparse coding for feature extraction, and extreme gradient boosting for regression. The model was capable of predicting both traits with an acceptable accuracy of 84-85%. The most important factors for model solution were identified using the dense regression attention maps method. The SNPs important for the SNpP and TSW traits were found in 34 and 49 genes, respectively. Genomic prediction with a constructed model can help breeding programs harness genotypic and phenotypic diversity to more effectively produce varieties with a desired phenotype.

Phenotypic analysis of the diversity of nine (9) tepary bean (Phaseolus acutifolius) lines by agronomic performance evaluation in Burkina Faso

Tepary bean is a neglected and underutilized grain legume. Tepary bean has a greater potential to cope with the effects of climate change and contribute to food and nutritional security in Burkina Faso. Although it is a versatile legume, its use in human food and as fodder remains poorly understood. It is in this context that this study was initiated at the Gampèla experimental station with a view to improving knowledge of tepary beans by evaluating the agronomic performance of nine (9) lines introduced from Mexico. They were evaluated on seven (7) qualitative variables and fourteen (14) quantitative variables in a randomized complete block design with three (3) replications. The study showed the existence of agronomic variability within the lines studied with regard to qualitative parameters (type of plant, colour of flowering, colour of mature pods, dehiscence of pods, creeping stem, leaflet shape, seed colour) and quantitative parameters (emergence, flowering). Line 13IS-7500 scored highest in pod length (7.9 centimeters); pod weight (0.9 gram); seed length (9.36 centimeters); seed width (9.34 centimeters) and 100-seed weight (15.028 grams). The line 13IS-7500 deserves to be popularised for its seed size and was the best line on yield components.

Identification of Multiple Genetic Loci and Candidate Genes Determining Seed Size and Weight in Soybean

Identification of Multiple Genetic Loci and Candidate Genes Determining Seed Size and Weight in Soybean

Assessing the Growth and Yield Metrics of Pigeon Pea (Cajanus cajan) as Affected by Foliar Nutrient Management

An experiment titled was conducted at the Agriculture Research Station, Badnapur, Maharashtra, under Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani during the kharif season of July 2018-19. The primary objective was to assess the impact of foliar nutrition on the growth, yield, and economic performance of pigeonpea. The study was designed using a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with ten different treatments and three replications, utilizing the BDN-716 variety of Pigeonpea. The total rainfall received during crop season was 437 mm.The findings indicated that applying RDF combined with a 2% solution of DAP and Multimicronutrient at a rate of 2 ml/litre during 50% flowering resulted in the highest plant height (150 cm), number of branches (14.33), functional leaves (96.67), dry matter accumulation (143.33), pod count (73.67), pod weight per plant (52.67 g), seed yield per plant (38.67 kg/ha), 100-seed weight (14 g), and overall seed yield (1650 kg/ha). It also yielded the highest straw yield (4100 kg/ha), biological yield (5750 kg/ha), harvest index (28.69). This was followed closely by the application of RDF with 2% urea and Multimicronutrient spray at 2 ml/litre. RDF (25:50:00 NPK kg/ha) in combination with 2% DAP and multimicronutrient @ 2 ml/litre spray was found to be the best treatment for enhancing overall growth and yield of pigeonpea.

Seed size improves vigor and emergence of Cenostigma tocantinum seedlings

Cenostigma tocantinum is a tree native to Brazil, with high timber and urban landscape potential. This species is propagated by seeds; however, few studies have reported the production of seedlings with higher quality standards. This study aimed to evaluate the emergence and initial growth of C. tocantinum seedlings of contrasting seed sizes (small and large). The design was completely randomized with two treatments [small seed (dimensions of length 1.20 cm; width 1.00 cm; thickness 0.32 cm; and fresh weight 0.18 g) and large seed (dimensions of length 1.52 cm; width 1.35 cm; thickness 0.39 cm; and fresh weight 0.37 g)] and four replicates of 25 seeds each. One hundred seeds from each group were randomly selected for measurements of the length, thickness, width and fresh weight. During the experiment, the following emergence and emergence speed index (ESI) were assessed. After 10 days of sowing, the shoot and root lengths, stem diameter, and shoot and root dry weights were assessed. The results showed that the length, width, thickness, and fresh weight of large seeds were 27, 35, 22, and 106% greater, respectively, than those of the small seeds. Regarding emergence (ranging from 21.8 to 23.8%) and ESI (ranging from 4.4 to 4.8), no significant differences were observed (P > 0.05) between large and small seed sets. More importantly, large seeds favored the development of seedlings with shoot length, root length, collar diameter, shoot dry weight, and root dry weight that were 29, 38, 17, 93, and 109% higher, respectively, than those of small seeds. Thus, C. tocantinum seeds can be stratified into two different sizes (small and large), with large seeds providing the initial growth of more vigorous seedlings (e.g., growth, development, and dry weight). The findings of this study can aid seedling producers in improving their product to meet higher quality standards.

Exploring Genetic Variability and Morpho-Agronomic Trait Associations Among Ethiopian Flax (Linum Usitatissimum L.) Accessions for Enhanced Fiber and Seed Yield

ABSTRACT Flax is a versatile crop grown for its fiber and seed oil. Despite extensive conservation efforts in Ethiopia, the genetic potential of flax accessions conserved in the gene bank remains largely underexplored for fiber and seed yield. Here, we aimed to assess the genetic variability and association of morpho-agronomic traits and identify potential accessions for fiber and seed yield among 150 flax accessions. The study was conducted at Holeta Agricultural Research Center during 2022/23 growing season using an augmented design. Data were collected on flowering and maturity dates, plant and technical height, basal and secondary branch, boll and seed numbers, 1000-seed weight, and yield. Results revealed significant variation both between blocks and within treatments, with flowering time, maturity, plant height, boll number, seed weight, and yield contributing for the highest variability (58.7%). Cluster analysis revealed nine distinct genetic groups, each exhibiting specific trait patterns. Seed yield had strong associations with maturity, plant height, and boll number. High broad-sense heritability for days to flowering, plant height, and yield traits suggests selection could be effective based on phenotypic expressions. The study highlights the potential of Ethiopian flax genetic diversity for enhancing fiber and seed yield, suggesting effective selection based on key traits.

Seed- and Foliar-Applied Iron Chelate Improves Performance, Physiological, and Biochemical Aspects of Black Cumin (Nigella sative) under Semi-Arid Conditions

The cultivation of medicinal plants plays a crucial role in promoting human health benefits. However, the production of these plants can be affected by drought conditions. This research aimed to investigate the impact of differing water status (non-drought and drought during the flowering to harvest stage) and various iron treatments on the performance of black cumin. The iron treatments included no iron as the control (nFe), no iron with seed hydro-priming (nFe + P), seed iron priming (pFe), seed iron priming with iron foliar spraying (pFe + sFe), and double iron foliar spraying (sFe + sFe). The purpose of these treatments was to assess the effect of iron application methods on plant response under different water conditions. The findings revealed that drought significantly reduced the levels of Chla (15%) and RWC (5.9%), plant height (7%), follicle number (16.7%), seed number (4.6%), 1000-seed weight (3.2%), and seed yield (30.1%). Additionally, drought increased the proline content (90.9%), electrolyte leakage (9.2%), and MDA levels (23.9%). Interestingly, applying iron amendments reduced electrolyte leakage and increased seed yield under both water conditions. The drought-induced increase in proline content was more pronounced in the nFe treatment than in the other treatments. The amount of MDA in the nFe and nFe + P treatments was significantly higher under drought conditions compared to non-drought conditions. In conclusion, the addition of iron amendments helps black cumin plants recover from the effects of drought and reduces damage to seed growth. This means that using both seed iron priming and iron foliar spraying can significantly improve yields. Alternatively, focusing on either seed iron priming or double iron foliar spraying can also boost black cumin production compared to not using iron amendments.

Performance of Zero Tillage Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) under Different Irrigation Schedules and Nutrient Levels in Northern Telangana Zone (NTZ)

An experiment was carried out at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Polasa, Jagtial in Northern Telangana Zone during rabi (winter season), 2023-2024 where the performance of zero tillage safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) was tested under different irrigation schedules and nutrient levels. The experiment was executed using a factorial randomized block design with 15 treatment combinations, with three replications. The treatments consisted of two factors i.e., factor-1 included irrigation schedules-; I1: Irrigation at rosette and flower initiation stages, I2: Irrigation at rosette and seed development stages, I3: Irrigation at branching and flower initiation stages, I4: Irrigation at branching and seed development stages and I5: No irrigation (residual moisture) and factor-2 included nutrient levels, S1: 75% Recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), S2: 100% RDF and S3: 125% RDF. The results revealed that irrigation at branching and seed development stages(I4) reported significantly highest seed (1199 kg ha-1), stalk yield (4724 kg ha-1) and yield attributing traits viz.; number of heads plant-1(22.5), number of seeds head-1(23.4), seed weight plant-1(19.8 g), 100-seed weight (7 g), whereas the lowest yield were observed with no irrigation (residual moisture) (I5) treatment. Among different nutrient levels, application of 125% RDF (S3) resulted in the highest seed (1105 kg ha-1) and stalk yield (4429 kg ha-1) and yield attributing traits viz.; number of heads plant-1(21.4), number of seeds head-1(22.6), seed weight plant-1(19.5 g), 100-seed weight (6.7 g) over 75% RDF (S1). Among different treatments, irrigation at the branching and seed development stages combined with the application of 125% RDF gave the best results.

Efficacy of Fe-BC in enhancing growth, photosynthesis, nutrition, and alleviating the toxicity of Cd and Cr in rapeseed (Brassica napus L.): A tool for managing the environment and attaining sustainable agriculture

Soil contamination with cadmium (Cd) and chromium (Cr) pose serious threats to food safety and ecosystem stability. In current study, pristine biochar (BC) and iron-modified biochar (Fe-BC) were prepared, and the potential of BC and Fe-BC to reduce the bioavailability of Cd and Cr in soil, their uptake, toxicity in rapeseed (Brassica napus L) and the mechanisms involved were examined. In a pot experiment varying levels of BC and Fe-BC were applied to Cd and Cr-contaminated soil. The results indicated that soil supplementation with the highest level of Fe-BC (2 %) incremented the dry weights of roots, shoots, and seeds by 65 %, 33 %, and 149 %, respectively. Additionally, Fe-BC (2 %) treated rapeseed plants showed highest increase in photosynthesis, transpiration, stomatal conductance, intercellular CO2 emissions, and chlorophyll contents by 43.2 %, 39.5 %, 33.5, 36.9 % and 28 %, respectively. Plants treated with Fe-BC (2 %) showed amplified superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activities. The results regarding saturated and unsaturated fatty acid contents of seeds showed that Fe-BC (2 %) treatment exhibited the greatest increase in linolenic acid, oleic acid, erucic acid, and linoleic acid contents, increasing these acids by 21 %, 6.5 %, 53 %, and 14.5 %, respectively. Moreover, Fe-BC (2 %) treated seeds depicted increased oil and protein contents by 14 % and 29 %, respectively. Soil application of Fe-BC (2 %) dramatically decreased Cd and Cr levels in the roots, shoots, and seeds by 21 %, 44 %, 88 %, 16 %, 38 %, and 57 %, respectively. The addition of Fe-BC significantly lowered the concentration of exchangeable (Exc) and bound to carbonate (B-C) fractions of Cd and Cr in the soil, while increasing that of iron-manganese (B-Fe-Mn) bounded and residual (Res) fractions. In conclusion, soil application of the Fe-BC amendment could be used as a sustainable approach to reduce the ecological and environmental risks associated with soils contaminated with Cd and Cr, and ensure safer crop production.

Glomus mosseae AND Pseudomonas fluorescens AGAINST Soybean mosaic virus UNDER DRIP IRRIGATION SYSTEM

ARTICLE HIGLIGHTS- Glomus mosseae and Pseudomonas fluorescens enhance soybean resistance to SMV.- Ten-day drip irrigation stop at bloom stage boosts seed yield and weight.- Treatment reduces disease severity and increases P. fluorescens population.- Water-saving irrigation method improves soybean performance in dry seasons.- Combining G. mosseae and P. fluorescens increases soybean productivity. ABSTRACTSoybeans [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] require much water, especially in the early stages of growth, flowering, and pod formation and filling. Drought stress on soybeans will increase with global climate change. The research aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Glomus mosseae and Pseudomonas fluorescens in inducing systemic resistance to control Soybean Mosaic Virus (SMV) and the performance of soybean plants with drip irrigation in the dry season. The drip irrigation was stopped for ten days at the beginning of bloom, full bloom, beginning pod, and regular drip irrigation. The application of G. mosseae inoculants used 100 g of sterile compost mixed with 30 spores. The liquid inoculum of P. fluorescens was applied on cotyledonary leaves using the watering method. The plants were inoculated with SMV 6 and 12 days after the P. fluorescens treatment. The symptoms of SMV were recorded two weeks after inoculation, and Indirect ELISA detected the virus. The results showed the combination of G. mosseae and P. fluorescens under drip irrigation stopped at the beginning of bloom for ten days on ELISA absorbance values and disease severity of 0.259 and 3.72 %, respectively. Moreover, this treatment showed the highest values for the 100-seed weight, seed yield, and fresh weight of leaves. The technique of giving water by stopping drip irrigation at the beginning of bloom for ten days will help save water and increase the P. fluorescens population optimally in Alfisols with a pH of between 4.5 and 5.1 with incredibly low fertility. The combination of G. mosseae and P. fluorescens population resulted in a significant increase in the number of G. mosseae’s spores by stopping drip irrigation at the beginning of bloom for ten days.

Identifying dryland-resilient chickpea genotypes for autumn sowing, with a focus on multi-trait stability parameters and biochemical enzyme activity

BackgroundChickpea is a key pulse crop grown in the spring in dryland regions. The cold resistance potential of chickpeas allows for the development of genotypes with varying sowing dates to take advantage of autumn and winter rainfall, particularly in dryland regions. In this study, we assessed grain yield, plant height, 100-seed weight, days to maturity, and days to flowering of 17 chickpea genotypes in five autumn-sown dryland regions from 2019 to 2021. Additionally, the response of selected chickpea genotypes to cold stress was examined at temperatures of -4 °C, 4 °C, and 22 °C by analyzing biochemical enzymes.ResultsMixed linear model of ANOVA revealed a significant genotype × environment interaction for all traits measured, indicating varying reactions of genotypes across test environments. This study reported low estimates of broad-sense heritability for days to flowering (0.34), days to maturity (0.13), and grain yield (0.08). Plant height and seed weight exhibited the highest heritability, with genotypic selection accuracies of 0.73 and 0.92, respectively. Moreover, partial least square regression highlighted the impactful role of rainfall during all months except of October, November, and February on grain yield and its interaction with environments in autumn-planted chickpeas. Among the genotypes studied, G9, G10, and G17 emerged as superior based on stability parameters and grain yield. In particular, genotype G9 stood out as a promising genotype for dryland regions, considering both MTSI and genotype by yield*trait aproaches. The cold assay indicated that − 4 °C is crucial for distinguishing between susceptible and resistant genotypes. The results showed the important role of the enzymes CAT and GPX in contributing to the cold tolerance of genotype G9 in autumn-sown chickpeas.ConclusionsSignificant G×E for agro-morphological traits of chickpea shows prerequisite for multi-trial analysis. Chickpea`s direct root system cause that monthly rainfall during plant establishment has no critical role in its yield interaction with dryland environment. Considering the importance of agro-morphological traits and their direct and indirect effects on grain yield, the utilization of multiple-trait stability approches is propose. Evaluation of chickpea germplasm reaction against cold stress is necessary for autumn-sowing. Finally, autumn sowing of genotype FLIP 10–128 C in dryland conditions can led to significant crop performance.

RNA Sequencing Reveals Transcription Factors and Genes in Phenylpropanoid Biosynthesis That Positively Regulate Size and Weight of Oak Tree Seeds

Acorn size is of great importance, both ecologically and economically. However, the long lifespan is an obstacle to improvement in breeding. Keumsura1ho is a recently bred cultivar of oak (Quercus acutissima Carruth) selected after eight years of selection due to its larger acorns and higher weight compared to the control. In the present study, we investigated the transcriptional mechanisms underlying the outstanding morphological characteristics of Keumsura1ho. For this purpose, one- and two-year-old acorns from the control and Keumsura1ho groups were used for comparative transcriptome analyses of their seeds. Among morphological characteristics, the Keumsura1ho seeds were 18.3% longer than those of the control. Seed width and depth were 33.9% greater than those of the control. In the transcriptome analysis, genes related to seed size were further enriched, with biennial Keumsura1ho showing higher enrichment in comparison to control genes. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis revealed that the upregulated genes of the two-year-old Keumsura1ho seeds showed higher enrichment in phenylpropanoid metabolism compared to the control, with OMT1 and PRXs exhibiting high expression levels. This pathway has a significant impact on seed coat lignification and size in Keumsura1ho. The results of this study will benefit the development of breeding techniques by identifying marker genes for seed size.

Development and implementation of energy-saving technologies for growing sunflower hybrids in the south of Ukraine

The development and implementation of energy-saving technologies for growing sunflower hybrids is a relevant area of research to ensure sustainable development of the agricultural sector and environmental protection. The study aimed to analyse the impact of different tillage methods on sunflower yields in southern Ukraine. To achieve this goal, a field study was conducted in the fields of the Educational and Research Centre of Mykolaiv National Agrarian University in 2021-2023. The study determined that the method of soil cultivation has a significant impact on its density, moisture reserves and structural stability. Reducing the intensity of cultivation, especially when using no-till, preserves moisture in the soil more effectively, but increases its density. With no-till, before sowing sunflower, it was 1.11 g/cm³ at a depth of 0-10 cm and 1.21 g/cm³ before harvesting, while with conventional tillage, the soil density was 1.02 g/cm³ and 1.1 g/cm³, respectively. In addition, no-till tillage provided the best sunflower productivity indicators, including 1000-seed weight (47.3 g), basket diameter (20.2 cm) and yield (2.6 t/ha). No-till cultivation also improves the quality of the sunflower crop, increasing the content of oleic acid (86.5%) and crude fat in the seeds (48.3%). The obtained results contribute to the development of integrated approaches to the introduction of energy-saving technologies in the cultivation of sunflower hybrids in southern Ukraine, which will increase production efficiency and reduce production costs

Temperature and elevated CO2 alter soybean seed yield and quality, exhibiting transgenerational effects on seedling emergence and vigor.

Environmental conditions play a prime role in the growth and development of plant species, exerting a significant influence on their reproductive capacity. Soybean is sensitive to high temperatures during flowering and seed developmental stages. Little is known about the combined environmental effect of temperature and CO2 on seed yield and quality and its future generation. A study was conducted to examine the effect of temperature (22/14°C (low), 30/22°C (optimum), and 38/30°C (high)), and CO2 (420 ppm (ambient; aCO2) and 720 ppm (elevated; eCO2)) on seed yield, quality, and transgenerational seedling vigor traits of soybean cultivars (DS25-1 and DS31-243) using Soil-Plant-Atmospheric-Research facility. A significant temperature effect was recorded among yield and quality attributes. At high-temperature, the 100-seed weights of DS25-1 and DS31-243 declined by 40% and 24%, respectively, over the optimum temperature at aCO2. The harvest index of varieties reduced by 70% when exposed to high temperature under both aCO2 and eCO2, compared to the optimum temperature at aCO2. The seed oil (- 2%) and protein (8%) content altered when developed under high temperature under aCO2. Maximum sucrose (7.5%) and stachyose (3.8%) accumulation in seeds were observed when developed under low temperatures and eCO2. When the growing temperature increased from optimum to high, the seed oleic acids increased (63%), while linoleic and linolenic acids decreased (- 28% and - 43%, respectively). Significant temperature and CO2 effects were observed in progenies with the highest maximum seedling emergence (80%), lesser time to 50% emergence (5.5 days), and higher seedling vigor from parents grown at low-temperature treatment under eCO2. Exposure of plants to 38/30°C was detrimental to soybean seed yield, and eCO2 levels did not compensate for this yield loss. The high temperature during seed developmental stages altered the chemical composition of the seed, leading to an increased content of monounsaturated fatty acids. The findings suggest that parental stress can significantly impact the development of offspring, indicating that epigenetic regulation or memory repose may be at play.

Chromosome-scale reference genome of an ancient landrace: unveiling the genetic basis of seed weight in the food legume crop pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan).

Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) is a nutrient-rich and versatile food legume crop of tropical and subtropical regions. In this study, we describe the de novo assembly of a high-quality genome for the ancient pigeonpea landrace 'D30', achieved through a combination of Pacific Biosciences high-fidelity (PacBio HiFi) and high-throughput chromatin conformation capture (Hi-C) sequencing technologies. The assembled 'D30' genome has a size of 813.54Mb, with a contig N50 of 10.74Mb, a scaffold N50 of 73.07Mb, and a GC content of 35.67%. Genomic evaluation revealed that the 'D30' genome contains 99.2% of Benchmarking Universal Single-Copy Orthologs (BUSCO) and achieves a 29.06 long terminal repeat (LTR) assembly index (LAI). Genome annotation indicated that 'D30' encompasses 431.37Mb of repeat elements (53.02% of the genome) and 37 977 protein-coding genes. Identification of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), insertions/deletions (indels), and structural variations between 'D30' and the published genome of pigeonpea cultivar 'Asha' suggests that genes affected by these variations may play important roles in biotic and abiotic stress responses. Further investigation of genomic regions under selection highlights genes enriched in starch and sucrose metabolism, with 42.11% of these genes highly expressed in seeds. Finally, we conducted genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to facilitate the identification of 28 marker-trait associations for six agronomic traits of pigeonpea. Notably, we discovered a calmodulin-like protein (CcCML) that harbors a dominant haplotype associated with the 100-seed weight of pigeonpea. Our study provides a foundational resource for developing genomics-assisted breeding programs in pigeonpea.

Genetic variation for tolerance to pre-harvest sprouting in mungbean (Vigna radiata) genotypes.

Pre-harvest sprouting (PHS) is one of the important abiotic stresses in mungbean which significantly reduces yield and quality of the produce. This study was conducted to evaluate the genetic variability for tolerance to pre-harvest sprouting in diverse mungbean genotypes while simultaneously deciphering the association of yield contributing traits with PHS. Eighty-three diverse mungbean genotypes (23 released varieties, 23 advanced breeding lines and 37 exotic germplasm lines) were investigated for tolerance to PHS, water imbibition capacities by pods, pod and seed physical traits. Wide variation in PHS was recorded which ranged between 17.8% to 81% (mean value 54.34%). Germplasm lines exhibited higher tolerance to PHS than the high-yielding released varieties. Correlation analysis revealed PHS to be positively associated with water imbibition capacity by pods (r = 0.21) and germinated pod % (r = 0.78). Pod length (r = -0.13) and seeds per pod (r = -0.13) were negatively influencing PHS. Positive associations between PHS and water imbibition capacity by pods, germinated pod % and 100-seed weight was further confirmed by multivariate analysis. Small-seeded genotypes having 100-seed weight <3 g exhibited higher tolerance to PHS compared to bold-seeded genotypes having 100-seed weight more than 3.5 g. Fresh seed germination among the selected PHS tolerant and susceptible genotypes ranged from 42% (M 204) to 98% (Pusa 1131). A positive association (r = 0.79) was recorded between fresh seed germination and PHS. Genotypes M 1255, M 145, M 422, M 1421 identified as potential genetic donors against PHS could be utilized in mungbean breeding programs.