Agricultural Institutions Research Articles

Variability of genetic diversity of spring barley by hordeincoding locus over a 40-year period of scientific breeding in the Krasnoyarsk Territory

The article discusses and summarizes the results of studies of polymorphism of hordeins (HRD) of spring barley by electrophoresis at the Krasnoyarsk Research Institute of Agriculture (KNIISH) for the period from 1988 to 2021. The analysis of the dynamics of the genetic diversity of barley varieties from the ecological and breeding nurseries of the KNIISKh, released and approved for use in the Krasnoyarsk Territory, showed a significant narrowing of the frequency of occurrence and the loss of a number of alleles characteristic of the conditions of the Yenisei Siberia, and the appearance of rare variants for the Siberian region. Based on long-term observations of the composition of hordeins of breeding samples (promising and rejection) created in different areas of breeding, a number of alleles were found to be associated with economically valuable traits.

ВОСТРЕБОВАННОСТЬ СРЕДНЕПОЗДНИХ СОРТОВ ЯРОВОЙ МЯГКОЙ ПШЕНИЦЫ В УСЛОВИЯХ ЗАУРАЛЬЯ

The objective of the study is to determine the characteristics and advantages of mid-late varieties for sustainable harvesting of food grain in the region based on long-term variety testing. Objectives: to study the economically valuable indicators of spring wheat varieties and to identify the advantages of late-ripening varieties. The object of the study is mid-late ripening spring soft wheat varieties, including the Raduga variety bred by the Kurgan Research Institute of Agriculture. Predecessors are fallow and provo-cative backgrounds: sowing on stubble and late sowing date. Observations and assessments are carried out in accordance with the Methodology of state variety testing. The studies were carried out at the Kurgan Research Institute of Agriculture – a branch of the Ural FRC of the Ural Branch of the RAS. Mid-late varieties, when sown at different times, excluding extremely late ones, showed an advantage in a number of economically valuable traits. The mid-late Raduga variety allows obtaining consistently high indicators in various weather conditions. For the period 2017–2023, with a yield of 1.22–5.53 t/ha, the excess over the Uralosibirskaya standard was 0.24 t/ha, with annual fluctuations from 0.08 to 0.53 t/ha. In arid conditions of 2020–2021 it was 0.15–0.20 t/ha. The variety responds to fertilizers and the use of fungicides. The grain quality met the GOST requirements for valuable wheat or a good filler. The gluten content in the grain, depending on the conditions, ranges from 23 to 37 %, protein – 14.7–15.7 % (2021–2023). Raduga, thanks to its genetically determined resistance to diseases, exceeded the standard in yield in three sowing pe¬riods by an average of 1.27 t/ha during the years of rust epiphytotics, demonstrating a resistance of 1.5 points versus 5 points for the standard.Against the background of mass germination of grain on the root in 2023, the percentage of sprouted grains in Raduga was 14.5 versus 40 % in the Uralosibirskaya standard. It is included in the list of breeding achievements for 7 and 9 regions of Russia.

Efficacy of Various Insecticides against Gram Pod Borer (Helicoverpa armigera) Hubner in Chickpea

The investigation sought to examine the efficacy of several pesticides on the larval population of the gram pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera) in chickpea plants, as well as the corresponding cost-benefit ratio. The experiment was carried out in the Entomology Research Field, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, Deeksha Bhawan, DDU Gorakhpur University, Gorakhpur in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with seven treatments replicated three times using Pusa 362 variety in a plot size of (3 m×2 m) at a spacing of (20×10 cm). The treatments used during the observation were T1 Spinosad, T2 NSKE, T3 Bt, T4 Beauveria bassiana, T5 Neem oil, T6 Emamectin benzoate and T7 control plot (without any treatment). From the study it was noted that the highest reduction was reported in plots treated with Spinosad 0.20ml/l which proved to be superior among the rest of the treatments and the next effective treatment is Emamectin benzoate 0.4 g/l, followed by Beauveria bassiana 2x 10 CFU@ 5ml/l, Bacillus thuringiensis 1.5g/l and maximum population of pod borer was observed in untreated control plot. The data on the yield of chickpea revealed that the highest yield recorded in the treatment Spinosad (0.20ml/l) and it was superior over all the other treatment followed by Emamectin benzoate 0.4g/l with the yield was obtained in the control. The data on the increase in yield over control of chickpea revealed that the highest increase in yield over control was recorded in the treatment Spinosad (0.20ml/l) and it was superior over all the other treatments and followed by Emamectin benzoate 0.4g/l with the lowest increase in yield over control was reported in plot treated with NSKE 5% with, respectively. The maximum cost-benefit ratio was obtained in the plot treated with 0.20ml/l spinosad 45 SC next effective treatment in terms of cost-benefit ratio was Emamectin benzoate 0.4g/l and the lowest cost-benefit ratio was found in Neem oil 3%treated plot.

Characterization of the typology of producers in the “sembrando vida” program in Oaxaca, Mexico

In Mexico, research work documented at plot in the field or producer level is uncommon and with limited information, due to the fact that it is expensive and requires specialized personnel. This research work carried out by the National Institute of Forestry, Agriculture and Livestock Research (INIFAP) and financed by the National Council of Humanities, Science and Technology (CONAHCYT) was based on a field diagnosis to determine the description of the typology of the participating "sowers'' producers enrolled in the Sembrando Vida Program (PSV), of the Federal Goverment of Mexico belonging to the state of Oaxaca, and thus, be able to implement strategies for training and follow-up attention on a massive scale. A total of 383 sample surveys were analyzed from a population of 37,719 small producers representing an estimated crop area of 56,578 hectares distributed in two regions of the state of Oaxaca. It is concluded that the diagnosis continues to be a fundamental information tool to identify and address more precisely and timely the problems at the farmer's plot level and with any type of crop. Another fundamental activity was the visit or technical visits to the territories that are representative of the regions in order to validate the information obtained. With the results obtained in this research, it was possible to address the main problems through personalized and directed technical assistance under the scheme of field schools (learning-by-doing) throughout the development of annual and fruit crops that the planters have in the MIAF within their PUPs (Small Production Units). Likewise, insert the main training needs at the express and consensual request of all program stakeholders: researchers-trainers, PSV technicians and sowers.

Optimizing Growth and Yield of Cluster Bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.) Var. Neelam-61 through Integrated Use of Inorganic Fertilizers, Organic Manure and Rhizobium Inoculation

Organic matter decomposition is beneficial to plant growth and development. However, the overuse of chemical fertilizers poses risks to environmental sustainability and long-term soil health. The integration of organic fertilizers, such as poultry manure, offers a promising solution to reduce dependency on chemical inputs while maintaining crop productivity. The field experiment was conducted at Research Farm of the Department of Soil Science, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj U.P during Kharif season of 2023. An experiment was conducted in Factorial Randomized Block Design (FRBD) with three levels of N:P:K, Poultry manure and two levels of Rhizobium inoculation. The seeds were treated with Rhizobium. Based on the experimental data, the application of 100% Recommended Dose of Fertilizer (RDF), 100% Poultry manure and 100% Rhizobium inoculation not only resulted in maximum growth and yield attributes but also proved to be significantly superior to all other treatments.

Impact of NPK, Rhizobium and FYM on Physico-Chemical Properties of Soil for Cluster Bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.) Cv. Radha SPL

An experiment was conducted to study the impact of NPK, Rhizobium and FYM on Soil properties, and Yield of Cluster Bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.) Cv. Radha SPL at Research farm of Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Naini Agricultural Institute, during kharif season of 2023-24. The experiment with 18 treatments, was laid out in randomized block design with three replications. The pre and post-harvest soil samples taken for analysis revealed sandy loam in texture. and treatment T18 - [ N20P40K40+ FYM@ 5 t ha-1+Rhizobium@ 600 g ha-1] showed a slight decrease in soil pH (7.18), Db (1.21 Mg.m-1) and Dp (2.20 Mg.m-1) along with increase in EC, pore space, water holding capacity and organic carbon i.e.,0.29 dSm-1, 46.88%, 44.90%, 0.55% respectively. The maximum available nitrogen 292 kg ha-1, phosphorus 31.18kg ha-1 and potassium 264 kg ha-1 were recorded in T18. made it best treatment among soil health parameters.

Peran Kelembagaan Pertanian dalam Pengembangan Usaha Tani Biofarmaka (Studi Kasus di Desa Trosono, Kecamatan Parang, Kabupaten Magetan)

<p><em>Biopharmaceuticals are a type of plant that can be used as medicine. Developing farming for a commodity requires the role of various parties, one of which is agricultural institutions. Agricultural institutions are an important element in agricultural modernization and supporting farming in Trosono Village, which is known as a producer of biopharmaceutical commodities, especially ginger and turmeric. This research aims to determine the system, the role of institutions, and the impact of institutional roles on agriculture in the development of biopharmaceutical farming in Trosono Village. The research used a qualitative descriptive method and the determination of informants was carried out purposively and snowballing with a total of 13 informants consisting of administrators of agribusiness microfinance institutions, farmer group administrators, extension workers, middlemen, farmers and village heads. Data analysis used Miles and Huberman’s interactive analysis, then data validity was carried out using source triangulation and method triangulation techniques. The results of the research show that Trosono Village has an institutional system for both agricultural input and output, namely the Agribusiness Microfinance Institution, the Association of Farmer Groups, the Agricultural Extension Center and middlemen who work with each other in relation to biopharmaceutical farming. Each institution has a role that is demonstrated in the activities of each institution. However, in terms of institutional conditions in Trosono Village, it is still not optimal in accordance with the existing ideal conditions. The role of institutional activities in developing farming has a social impact on farmers such as improving relations, harmony and economic impacts in the form of easy access to capital, subsidies and marketing, so there has been no improvement in economic conditions. Coordination and assistance between agricultural institutions for biopharmaceutical commodities is needed so that a synergy arises in the implementation of programs and activities in the context of increasing biopharmaceutical commodities.</em><strong></strong></p>

Peran Gapoktan dalam Peningkatan Pendapatan Petani Tanaman Hias (Studi Kasus Gapoktan “Tani Makmur” Kecamatan Tawangmangu Kabupaten Karanganyar)

<p><em>Ornamental plants are cultivated or grown for their aesthetic value, including the beauty of their flowers, leaves, or the entire plant. These plants are commonly found in home gardens or yards. The development of ornamental plant farming requires the role of agricultural institutions. Agricultural institutions play crucial role in modernization of agriculture. This study aims to understand institutional system, the role of agricultural institutions, and the impact of the Tani Makmur Farmer Group Association on ornamental plant farmers in Nglurah Village. This research employs a qualitative method with a case study approach in Nglurah Village. Informants were selected using purposive and snowball sampling techniques. The study involved 14 informants, including farmers group association stakeholders, agricultural officers, and ornamental plant traders. Validity was ensured through source and method triangulation, and data were analyzed using the Miles and Huberman analysis method. The results showed that Nglurah Village has an institutional system that supports the sustainability of ornamental plant farming. Farmers group association in Nglurah Village has procedures, management, and roles. Farmers group association in Tawangmangu Sub-district plays various roles in developing ornamental plant farming, including acting as a liaison between farmer groups and the government, providing farming capital, offering information or facilitation to groups, and establishing partnerships with other business units. These roles have social impacts on farmers, such as improved relationships and harmony, as well as economic impacts, including easier access to capital. There is a need to enhance each institution to ensure that the management system operates more effectively and achieves the goals of the Tani Makmur Farmer Group Association.</em></p>

Registration of provitamin A‐enriched tropical maize inbred lines

AbstractVitamin A deficiency and its associated disorders are pervasive in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) including many middle‐ and low‐income countries across the world. Provitamin A‐enriched maize (Zea mays L.) inbred lines with desirable agronomic and adaptive traits have been developed and used to generate and commercialize maize varieties with medium to high levels of provitamin A in a few countries to curb vitamin A deficiency. Nonetheless, these inbred lines have not been made widely available to the public and private sector breeders in many countries. The main purpose for releasing the 21 provitamin A‐enriched tropical maize inbred lines (PI 705424–PI 705444, Reg. nos. GP‐624–GP‐644) is to supply maize breeders with elite source germplasm for increasing provitamin A and other carotenoids to much higher levels to offset losses during storage, natural degradation, and processing. These inbred lines were developed at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) from backcrosses of high β‐carotene temperate lines as donors and elite tropical lines as recipients. These inbred lines were developed through repeated self‐pollination with rigorous visual selection among and within lines for plant vigor, synchronous silk emergence and pollen shedding, low ear placement, and resistance to lodging and major tropical diseases, followed by selection for bright yellow to orange kernel color with semi flint to flint kernel texture after harvest. The released maize inbred lines will be diverse sources of favorable alleles to accelerate genetic gain in provitamin A and other beneficial carotenoid enrichment for human health.

Breeding in bread-making wheat varieties for Mediterranean climate: the need to get resilient varieties.

Being one of the "big three" most cultivated cereals in the world, wheat plays a crucial role in ensuring global food/nutrition security, supplying close to 20% of the global needs for calories and proteins. However, the increasingly large fluctuations between years in temperatures and precipitation due to climate change cause important variations in wheat production worldwide. This fact makes wheat breeding programs a tool that, far from going out of fashion, is becoming the most important solution to develop varieties that can provide humanity with the sufficient amount of food it demands without forgetting the objective of quality. The National Institute of Agricultural and Veterinary Research in Portugal has carried out a long-term experiment (9 years) in different locations to test four different bread-making wheat cultivars, each representing important variations in germplasm. Wheat yield and quality traits obtained by official methods were recorded in 18 different environments regarding temperature and precipitation. According to the ANOVA and PCA, protein content, wet gluten, dough tenacity, and extensibility were found to be highly affected by the environment. Paiva cultivar presented a higher yield in almost all the tested environments, but its quality traits varied enormously. Contrary behavior was recorded for Valbona cultivar. Antequera cultivar, with a production ranging between 4.7 and 9.3 tons/ha and a protein content between 11 and 16.8%, seems to be the most resilient cultivar regarding both productivity and quality of the flour with reference to changes in the main climate traits. The most ancient cultivar, Roxo, released in 1996, showed the worst results in this experiment, supporting the need to continue working in wheat breeding to meet the unavoidable changes in the environment.

STUDY OF BETA-CASEIN GENE POLYMORPHISM IN DOMESTIC BREED DAIRY COWS

Studies have been conducted on the study of beta-casein gene polymorphism in Sumy inbred cattle populations of the Ukrainian black-spotted dairy and Ukrainian brown dairy breeds. The research was carried out in the breeding plants of the State Enterprise "Experimental Farm of the Institute of Agriculture of the North East of the National Academy of Sciences". Determination of polymorphism of the beta-casein gene was carried out in the genetic laboratory of the Bogomolets Institute of Physiology of the National Academy of Sciences using a molecular biological analysis of allele recognition, using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method in real time. It was established that cows of the studied breeds are characterized by polymorphism at the CSN2 locus. Allele A2 prevailed in frequency in animals of both groups. A difference in the frequency of this allele was established between them, to the advantage of animals of the Ukrainian brown dairy breed (by 1.4 times). No difference was found between actual and expected frequencies of genotypes in cows of both breeds. The results of the molecular genetic analysis of the cattle of the two breeds reflect the genetic structure at the studied locus, which corresponds to the breed characteristics of the Swiss and Holstein.

Response of Different Panchagavya Levels on Yield Attributes of Bitter Gourd (Momordica charantia L.)

The field experiment on response of different panchgvaya levels on yield atributes of bitter guard (Momordica charantia L.) was conducted at Horticulture Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj from January to July, 2023. The experiment was laid out in Factorial Randomized Block Design (FRBD) with three replications and eighteen treatment combination. The experiment consist of two factors. The factor one is hybrids as (TMBI-1309, TMBI-3346, VNR22) and factor second is different concentration of Panchagavya in which control (water spray), 1% spray of Panchagavya, 2% spray of Panchagavya, 3% spray of Panchagavya, 4% spray of Panchagavya and 5% spray of Panchagavya. TMBI-3346 was recorded significantly higher yield attributes of bitter gourd over other hybrids in parameters like fruit weight (99.91 g), fruit length (15.64 cm), number of fruits per plant (37.0), fruit yield per plant (3.73 kg) and fruit yield (331.42 q/ha). Among The different Panchagavya treatments, 5% spray of Panchagavya resulted in significantly better fruit weight (104.66 g), fruit length (15.92 cm), number of fruits per plant (37.2), fruit yield per plant (3.90 kg) and fruit yield (346.99 q/ha). The interaction effect of TMBI-3346 + 5% spray of panchagavya resulted in significantly higher yield parameters.

Study of Metroglyph Analysis in Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.) Genotypes for Different Quantitative Characters

The study conducted at the Research Farm of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences during the rabi/winter season of 2022-23 aimed to estimate the genetic diversity and morphological variations among 20 Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) genotypes using Anderson’s metroglyph analysis for different quantitative traits. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences for all the characters studied indicating the presence of considerable amount of variability among the genotypes. The genotypes viz, IVT HB19-14 I, IVT HB 19-11, ABSPS-2-1, AVT I HB16-15, IVT HB18-15, VIKRANT (CHECK), ABSPS-1-5, ABSPS-1-2 recorded significantly superior seed yield and yield contributing traits respectively. Six distinct morphological complexes were identified as a result of the analysis, which showed significant variation among the genotypes for the majority of traits. Complex I included eight genotypes with high seed yield and a high number of seeds per plant, while Complex II comprised five genotypes with low seed yield and a low number of seeds per plant. Complex III: High seed yield with a lower number of seeds per plant including three genotypes. Complex IV: Moderate seed yield with a higher number of seeds per plant, represented by two genotypes, Complex V: Very low seed yield and a very low number of seeds per plant, represented by one genotype and Complex VI: Low plant height with a very low number of spikelet’s per panicle, represented by one genotype. The genotypes IVT HB18-15, IVT HB19-13, IVT HB19-14 I, IVT HB19-11, ABSPS-1-1, ABSPS-1-2, ABSPS-1-4, and VIKRANT were identified as superior due to their high index scores and were suggested for use in breeding programs to enhance yield and other desirable traits. The study concluded that metroglyph analysis is an effective method for assessing genetic diversity and morphologicalvariations, providing valuable insights for breeders to improve Faba bean yield and adaptability through targeted cross-breeding of superior genotypes.

Assessment of zinc sources and levels for urea coating to achieve higher productivity and soil fertility in spring maize (Zea mays)

An experiment was conducted during 2021 and 2022 at the research farm of ICAR-Indian Institute of Maize Research, Ludhiana, Punjab to study the efficacy of zinc oxide and zinc sulphate for urea coating to achieve higher productivity in maize (Zea mays L.). Experiment was laid out in a randomized block design (RBD) comprised of 11 treatments, viz. no Zn; 0.05% of Zn through ZnO; 0.12% of Zn through ZnO; 0.24% of Zn through ZnO; 0.47% of Zn through ZnO; 0.95% of Zn through ZnO; 0.26% of Zn through ZnSO4; 0.52% of Zn through ZnSO4; 1.03% of Zn through ZnSO4; 2.07% of Zn through ZnSO4; and 4.15% of Zn through ZnSO4, replicated thrice. Results indicated that grains/cob and cob weight/plant recorded higher with 1.03%, 2.07% and 4.15% of Zn through ZnSO4 compared to no Zn. Zn at 2.07% (5.68 and 6.36) and 4.15% (5.71 and 6.37) through ZnSO4 recorded higher grain yield followed by 0.95% of Zn (5.50 and 6.23) through ZnO and 1.03% (5.42 and 6.25) of Zn through ZnSO4 in 2021 and 2022. A higher Zn content in grain was registered with 4.15% (27.70 and 27.87 mg/kg) and 2.07% (26.33 and 27.67 mg/kg) of Zn through ZnSO4. Overall, Zn at 2.07% through ZnSO4 was found suitable for urea coating to enhance productivity, soil enzymatic activities and residual soil fertility in spring maize.

Влияние биологических регуляторов роста на содержание фотосинтетических пигментов Campanula alliariifolia

Abstract. The purpose is to study the effectiveness of the action of the natural signaling molecule salicylic acid (SA) and Bacillus subtilis (Bs) on the ratio of photosynthetic pigments (PhSP) in plant materials (leaves) of Campanula alliariifolia Willd. and its decorativeness. Methods. Using spectrophotometric techniques, an analysis was carried out of the dynamics of the content of pigments (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and carotenoids) under the influence of a strain of the bacterium Bacillus subtilis, isolated at the Bashkir Scientific Research Institute of Agriculture of the Federal Research Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences (Ufa) from the arable soil layer of the Republic of Bashkortostan, and its combination with salicylic acid during the growing season. Scientific novelty. The influence of the B. subtilis strain separately and together with salicylic acid on the physiological parameters and decorative properties of Campanula alliariifolia in the conditions of the Bashkir Cis-Ural was studied. Results. The content and ratio of PhSP in dynamics (phases of budding, flowering and fruiting) were analyzed. It was revealed that inoculation of C. alliariifolia plants with Bacillus subtilis significantly increases the amount of carotenoids during the flowering phase. During the fruiting phase, the maximum content of PhSP was noted in the Bs + SA variant of the experiment. Two-factor analysis of variance showed that the significant influence of factor A (vegetation phase), factor B (different experimental options), and the degree of total influence of two factors (A × B) on the content of PhSP in samples of campanula leaves is statistically significant for the studied indicators. It was found that inoculation with the B. subtilis strain maximized indicators such as the abundance of flowering and the density of bellflower inflorescences, thereby improving the decorativeness of C. alliariifolia in the conditions of the Bashkir Cis-Ural.

Determination of Genetic Diversity in Greengram (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek)

The experiment was conducted in a Randomized Block Design with three replications during the Zaid season 2023 at field experimentation centre, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Naini Agriculture Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Naini, Prayagraj, U.P. The aim of experimentation was to analyse genetic diversity present among green gram germplasms. Plant to plant distance was 10 cm and row to row distance was 30 cm. the data were recorded from randomly selected five plants for each genotypes for each replications for thirteen characters viz. days to 50% flowering, days to 50% pod setting, days to maturity, plant height (cm), number of primary branches, number of clusters per plant, number of pods per plant, pod length (cm), number of seeds per pod, seed index (g), biological yield (g), harvest index and seed yield per plant (g). From the present investigation it was concluded that among 31 genotypes of greengram on the basis of mean performance 3 genotypes were found to be superior for seed yield per plant over check variety Samrat viz., IC-76569, IC-121220 and IC-119006. On the basis of Mahalanobis’ D2 statistics 31 genotypes of greengram were grouped into five clusters. Maximum numbers of 13 genotypes were included in cluster 1 followed by cluster 2 with 7 genotypes, cluster 3 with 5 genotypes, cluster 4 with only single genotypes in each cluster. The highest intra cluster D2 value was recorded for cluster 5 (43.09) with 5 genotypes followed by cluster 2 (30.45) with 7 genotypes. The maximum inter cluster value of 153.82 was recorded between cluster 3 and cluster 5. It was also reported that the characters like seed yield per plant, biological yield, number of pods per plant, number of clusters per plant, number of seeds per pod, pod length and harvest index contributed about 71.13% towards total divergence alone. Therefore, selection should be done based on these characters considering the diversity and genetic variability present in greengram.

Soybean pod shattering resistance allele pdh1 and marker-assisted selection.

Pod shattering is a major production constraint of soybean [Glycine max (L.)]. The objectives of this study were to (i) estimate heritability for pod shattering resistance, (ii) determine the frequency of the pod shattering resistance allele pdh1 in the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) soybean germplasm and Zambian commercial varieties, and (iii) determine the effectiveness of the DNA marker for the pod shattering resistance allele pdh1. A total of 59 genotypes were evaluated for pod shattering in field trials conducted in Malawi and Zambia and genotyped with a marker for pdh1. TGx2002-8FM and TGx2002-9FM were the most resistant among genotypes in early and medium maturity classes and can be used for genetic enhancement of pod shattering resistance in these specific maturity classes. Narrow sense heritability estimates for pod shattering ranged from 0.27 to 0.80. Of the 59 genotypes, 57 (96.6%) carried the resistance allele pdh1 while only two genotypes (3.6%) carried the susceptible allele, suggesting near-fixation of the resistance allele pdh1 in the IITA germplasm. The marker for pdh1 was highly effective in selecting resistant genotypes.

Strategies for improving independent oil palm smallholders’ welfare in Konawe Regency, Southeast Sulawesi

Abstract The oil palm plantation sector in Konawe Regency, Southeast Sulawesi, plays a vital role in the regional economy: absorbing labour, encouraging economic growth, and improving oil palm smallholders’ welfare. The welfare of independent oil palm smallholders (farmers) has not been maximized, even though smallholders are faced with fulfilling their basic household needs. This research aims to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats and provide strategies for improving the welfare of independent palm oil smallholders in Konawe Regency. This study used primary data (interviews, observations, focus group discussions, and documentation) and secondary data (literature review). SWOT analysis was used to determine the factors of opportunities, threats, strengths, and weaknesses and formulate strategies to improve independent oil palm smallholders’ welfare. The research findings show that weaknesses and opportunities are the main priorities for strengthening smallholder welfare. Factors affecting the welfare of smallholders are the quality and selling price of fresh fruit bunches, oil palm workers and farmers’ skills, production costs, maintenance of oil palm plantations, and oil palm farming institutions. As for the results of the SWOT analysis, the primary strategy is the formation and enhancement of the role of independent oil palm smallholder institutions in Konawe Regency.

Effect of Gibberellic Acid and Zinc Sulphate on Growth, Yield and Quality of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)

An experiment was conducted at Horticulture Research Field, Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Faculty of Agriculture, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, during February-May, 2023 on cucumber. The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design with twenty treatment combinations and was replicated thrice. The experiment consisted of two factors. Factor H: Hybrids (TMCU-1107, TMCU-1125, TMCU-3112 and Saira-934) and Factor T: Different concentrations of GA₃+ZnSO₄ (T0 - Control (water spray), T1 -GA₃ @100ppm+ZnSO₄ @0.25%, T2 - GA₃ @200ppm+ ZnSO₄ @0.50%, T3 - GA₃ @300ppm+ ZnSO₄ @0.75% and T4 - GA₃ @400ppm+ZnSO₄ @1%). TMCU-1125 recorded significantly higher yield attributes of cucumber over other hybrids in parameters like vine length at 80 DAS (102.6 cm), days to 50% flowering (40), days to 1st harvest (46), number of fruits per plant (11), fruit length (18.4 cm), average fruit weight (237.5 g), average fruit yield per plant (2.6 kg) and ascorbic acid content (0.8 mg/100g). Among different treatments, GA₃ @300ppm+ ZnSO₄ @0.75% resulted in significantly longer vine at 80 DAS (98.4 cm), Days to 50% flowering (43), days to 1st harvest (50), number of fruits per plant (9), fruit length (16.6 cm), average fruit weight (232.0 g), average fruit yield per plant (2.0 kg) and ascorbic acid content (0.5 mg/100g). The interaction effect of T8 (TMCU-1125 + GA₃ @300ppm+ ZnSO₄ @0.75% is best suited for getting higher growth, yield, quality of cucumber.

Genetic diversity and population structure in banana (Musa spp.) breeding germplasm.

Bananas (Musa spp.) are one of the most highly consumed fruits globally, grown in the tropical and sub-tropical regions. We evaluated 856 Musa accessions from the breeding programs of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture of Nigeria, Tanzania, and Uganda; the National Agricultural Research Organization of Uganda; the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa); and the National Research Centre for Banana of India. Accessions from the in vitro gene bank at the International Transit Centre in Belgium were included to provide a baseline of available global diversity. A total of 16,903 informative single nucleotide polymorphism markers were used to estimate and characterize the genetic diversity and population structure and identify overlaps and unique material among the breeding programs. Analysis of molecular variance displayed low genetic variation among accessions and diploids and a higher variation among tetraploids (p<0.001). Structure analysis revealed two major clusters corresponding to genomic composition. The results indicate that there is potential for the banana breeding programs to increase the diversity in their breeding materials and should exploit this potential for parental improvement and to enhance genetic gains in future breeding efforts.