Agro-morphological Characters Research Articles

Genetic Variability and Cause-Effect Relationship in Aromatic Rice

Twenty diverse rice genotypes, mostly aromatic landraces, were grown during warm wet season of 2022 to analyse the genetic variability, correlation and path coefficients for sixteen agro-morphological characters. The results of genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variability, heritability, and genetic advance indicated that improvement through selection for flag leaf angle, panicle exertion, secondary branches per panicle, test weight, spikelet number, and number of filled grains would be effective. Correlation coefficients of grain yield with flag leaf area, spikelet fertility percentage, test weight and harvest index were positive and significant, while with flag leaf angle it was negative and significant indicating the importance of these characters on grain yield. Path analysis revealed that selection for larger flag leaf area, greater test weight and narrow flag leaf angle, reduced plant height and early flowering would increase grain yield. However, restrictions are required to be imposed on panicle number, panicle length and filled grain, so that a balance between morphological architecture and physiological rhythm is maintained to optimize source-sink relationship.

Elucidating Diversity of Linseed (Linum usitatissimum) Germplasms by Applying DUS Guideline to Examine Morphological Features

Flax, or Linum usitatissimum, is a multipurpose crop that may be produced in a variety of climates for use in industry, feed, fibre, and food. It is crucial to characterize and assess an array of genotypes to comprehend the potential of linseed in agriculture. The present investigation focused on agro-morphological characteristics to identify the best germplasm that may be utilized as future donors for linseed breeding. The goal of this study was to find the best germplasm to be used as future donors for linseed breeding by focusing on agro-morphological traits. In the current study, an expanded design was used to test 92 genotypes in total, both alien and native, throughout the course of two seasons, Rabi 2022-23 and Rabi 2023-24. The ninety-two genotypes were found to be organized into seven primary clusters by cluster analysis. Cluster I consist of twenty-four genotypes. Whereas cluster II and cluster III each encompass one genotype i.e., IC394118 and IC0599415 respectively. While cluster IV consists of seventeen genotypes, cluster V contain thirty-one genotypes. Cluster VI consist of seven genotypes. Whereas cluster VII which is the last cluster included eleven genotypes. A broad variation of genetic diversity was found using cluster analysis. The findings of this study open the door for focused breeding initiatives and environmentally friendly farming methods by offering insightful information about the genetic diversity and phenotypic variability of linseed.

Genetic Characterization of Water Yam (Dioscorea alata L.) and Production Constraints of Yam in Pwani Region and Unguja Island, Tanzania

Yam (Dioscorea spp.) is a tuber crop cultivated in over 30% of all regions in Tanzania, contributing to the carbohydrate needs of many households. The morphological and genetic diversity of water yam (D. alata L.) local cultivars collected from Pwani region and Unguja Island were evaluated using 26 agro-morphological characters and 10 Short Sequence Repeat (SSR) markers. Cluster analysis using morphological characters classified nine water yam local cultivars into two main clusters with three subclusters. Tuber flesh and leaf colour were the main descriptors for clustering. The genetic diversity of 128 water yam genotypes using ten polymorphic SSR markers generated a total of 40 alleles that ranged from 2 to 7 per SSR marker. The mean polymorphic information content (PIC) ranged from 0.3 to 0.9, with a mean of 0.56. Cluster analysis separated 128 yam genotypes into two main clusters with five subclusters. The findings revealed relatively high genetic diversity of D. alata in the study areas. A structured questionnaire revealed drought (29.3%) and lack of planting materials (23.3%) as the major constraints to yam production in the study areas. Information reported in this study is useful in improving, reviving and promoting yam through breeding and conservation programs.

Comparative analysis of the insecticidal activity against Sitophilus oryzae (L.) and agro-morphological characteristics of maize using non-biogenic and biogenic ZnO nanoparticles

Utilizing environmentally friendly nanomaterials to address insect pests and promote plant growth is imperative.

The identification of potato genotype diversity based on morpho-agronomy and nutritional traits in the highland areas of Papua, Indonesia

Abstract. Prabawardani S, Yogi DJ, Mawikere NL, Gari NM, Noya AI, Taberima S, Djuuna IA, Luhulima FDN. 2023. The identification of potato genotype diversity based on morpho-agronomy and nutritional traits in the highland areas of Papua, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 24: 5137-5145. Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) are a potential food crop in terms of economic value and food security, and, therefore, its development must be considered. The missionaries introduced several potato genotypes from 1959 to the 1960s in Papua; however, this area has not been widely studied. This research aimed to identify the agro-morphological characteristics and analyze the tuber nutritional traits of potato genotypes. The research was conducted in Mimin Village, Oksop Sub-district, Pegunungan Bintang District of Papua Province, Hungku Village, Anggi Sub-district, Pegunungan Arfak District of West Papua Province. The research in both locations was designed using a descriptive method, and the samples were collected based on the random sampling technique. There were 2 potato genotypes found in Mimin (KM-O and KP-O) and 5 in Hungku (KM-A, KH-A, KP-A, KB-A, and KT-A) with quite diverse traits, particularly in tuber components. With several prominent morphological characters, potato genotypes from Hungku (KM-A, KBH-A, KT-A) produced the highest yields (0.8 kg/plant). Based on the agro-morphological and nutritional characteristics, it shows the formation of two main clusters with a dissimilarity index of Squared Euclidean Distance ranging from 6.112 to 46,643. Cluster one consisted of genotypes KM-O, KP-O, KM-A, and KH-A, and cluster two consisted of KP-A, KBH-A, and KT-A genotypes, and the dissimilarity mainly lies in the yield and nutrient characters. Based on the nutrient analysis, the highest dry matter content was found in KH-A. The highest starch content was in KP-O and KBH-A, and the highest reducing sugar was in KM-A. The potato genotype with the lowest reducing sugar content was KP-A. Each potato genotype shows various agro-morphological and nutritional characteristics that can be used as a basis material for plant breeding.

Agro-Morphological Variability of Wild Vigna Species Collected in Senegal

The domesticated Vigna species still need some of the beneficial characters that exist in the wild Vigna species, despite the improvements obtained so far. This study was carried out to enhance our understanding of the Senegalese wild Vigna diversity by exploring the agro-morphological characteristics of some accessions using 22 traits. The phenotyping was carried out in a shaded house for two consecutive rainy seasons (2021 and 2022) using the alpha-lattice experimental design with 55 accessions. Multiple correspondence analysis was carried out based on the qualitative traits, which showed considerable variability for the wild species (Vigna unguiculata var. spontanea, Vigna racemosa, Vigna radiata and the unidentified accession). The quantitative traits were subjected to statistical analysis using descriptive statistics and ANOVA. Our results revealed that ninety-five percent (95%) pod maturity ranged from 74.2 to 125.8 days in accession 3 of V. unguiculata and in accession 92 (V. racemosa), respectively. In addition, accession 14 of V. radiata recorded the highest weight for 100 seeds with a value of 4.8 g, while accession 18 of V. unguiculata had the lowest (1.48 g). The ANOVA showed significant differences for the accessions during each season (p ≤ 0.05). Seasonal effects (accession × season) were observed for some quantitative traits, such as the terminal leaflet length and width, time to 50% flowering and 95% pod maturity, pod length and 100-seed weight. Principal component analysis showed that reproductive traits, such as the time to 50% flowering, number of locules per pod, pod length, pod width and 100-seed weight, were the major traits that accounted for the variations among the wild Vigna accessions. The genetic relationship based on qualitative and quantitative traits showed three clusters among the wild Vigna accessions. Indeed, the diversity observed in this study could be used to select parents for breeding to improve the cultivated species of Vigna.

Genetics Studies on the Agromorphological Parameters of Some Ecotypes of Okra

The nutrient-rich okra, Abelmoschus esculentus, plays an essential role in the nutritional balance of rural populations in Chad, whose diet is based on cereals. Okra is also of considerable economic importance to women. However, Doba growers use traditional varieties which do not meet their acceptance criteria, making it essential to create new cultivars. For this reason, it was necessary to identify local population varieties with important characteristics. To this end, 9 ecotypes with varied agromorphological characteristics were sown in the field using a Fisher block design with 3 replications. Analysis of variance showed that there was considerable variability between the ecotypes used for all the agromorphological parameters studied (p<0.05). The results of the principal component analysis showed that ecotypes 2 and 4, the number of leaves per plant and the number of fruits per plant were positively and significantly correlated with the F1 axis (34.49%). Ecotype 6 and the number of seeds per fruit were strongly correlated with the F2 axis (27.90%). The correlation coefficient showed that number of seeds per fruit and plant height (r = 0.61); number of fruits per plant and number of leaves per plant (r = 0.77); number of fruits per plant and fruit width (r = 0.57); can be improved simultaneously. The integration of these agromorphological characteristics into the genetic improvement program could combat food insecurity and promote financial autonomy for women in Doba.

Interaction of Rosmarinus officinalis L. with UV-A radiation by preserving its morphological traits and modifying its phenolic composition

This study investigated the effects of supplemental ultraviolet-A (UV-A) radiation on phenolic compounds, antioxidant properties, and agro-morphological characteristics of Rosmarinus officinalis L. Greenhouse plants were exposed to UV-A for 1, 2, and 4 h daily, 40 days. Based on the results, UV-A radiation had no significant effect on agro-morphological traits, while it remarkably altered chlorophyll content, total phenolic and flavonoid contents, as well as radical scavenging activity. Plants exposed to UV-A (4h) had the highest total phenolic and flavonoid contents, antioxidant activity, as well as the content of rosmarinic, carnosic, vanillic, and caffeic acids, and naringin. Conversely, carnosol, cirsimaritin, and hispulin levels decreased in treated plants. Overall, UV-A radiation had a positive effect on the medicinal aspects of R. officinalis L., which is important in the pharmaceutical industry. Therefore, it is suggested application of UV-A emitting LEDs for commercial purposes, with a lower risk level than UV-B and UV-C.

Genetic diversity and productive potential of starchy corn varieties evaluated in Peruvian highland environments

Corn cultivation is relevant to the province of Tayacaja, a region with the greatest biodiversity in the Huancavelica State, although to date there are no published studies. Phenotypic characterization pursues measuring the genetic diversity of a group of genotypes, using appropriate morphological descriptors. The main objective of this work was to study the agro-morphological characteristics and productive potential of 25 starchy corn varieties, evaluated in four contrasting environments of the province of Tayacaja, Perú, during the crop cycle 2019–2020. For this purpose, 25 plant and ear characteristics were chosen, using principal components (PC) and cluster analysis. The experiments were established in an alpha-lattice design, with three replications, in experimental units of two rows, with 0.20 m between plants and 0.80 m between furrows, 4 m long. The agro-morphological characterization grouped the 25 varieties within 6 well-defined clusters, giving an overview of the existing phenotypic variability among the evaluated starchy corn varieties. The varieties G6, G14, G20, GT3, and G18 were the genotypes with the most outstanding characteristics, which facilitated their separation from the rest of the materials studied. The multivariate analysis brought together representative varieties of certain races, with typical plant and ear characteristics. The study revealed the existence of a good productive and agronomic potential for the development of genetic materials for cancha (toasted kernel grains), choclo (fresh corn), and mote corn production; as well as the presence of anthocyanin in the grain, information that, together with the agro-morphological characterization, could be very useful to enhance gains in the selection process in future genetic improvement work.

Agromorphological traits and bioactive compounds of four Mexican chili peppers (Capsicum annuum var. annuum L.)

In Mexico, diverse morphotypes of chili pepper with local recognition are distributed regionally contributing to the in-situ conservation of Capsicum diversity in the hands of farmers, as is the case of Huacle pepper in Oaxaca. The objective of this study was to evaluate the variation among morphotypes of Huacle, Guajillo, Ancho and Pasilla chili peppers, based on agromorphological traits, bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity in fruits. The morphotypes were established in greenhouse conditions under a random block design, obtaining fruit at physiological maturity for laboratory analysis. Significant differences (P ≤ 0.01) were determined in the analysis of variance among and within morphotypes for all the agromorphological characters evaluated, except in plant height at 120 days after transplantating (dat) and specific weight. Different growth patterns were evaluated from 30 to 120 dat, but the final height was similar. Size, weight, shape, pericarp thickness, locules, number and total weight of fruits per plant were used to determine the variation among and within morphotypes. Morphotypes of Huacle (CH-4, CH-9 and CH-15) and Ancho (AN-R) presented the highest values of fruits, total weight and a low number of fruits per plant. Among morphotypes, significant differences (P ≤ 0.01) were observed for fruit composition, but not for antioxidant activity. Also, significant differences were seen in vitamin C, flavonoids content, and antioxidant activity. In fruit composition, Huacle and Guajillo peppers presented a higher vitamin C content (4.5 mg acetic acid g-1). Huacle pepper was also high in total polyphenols (31.5 mg GAE g-1). Ancho pepper showed a higher content of carotenoids (2.8 mg β -carotene g-1) and total flavonoids (3.3 mg QE g-1). Pasilla pepper showed low values in all the evaluated compounds. In conclusion, all morphotypes showed variation in fruit characters (weight, length, width, pericarp thickness, number of locules and fruit length/width ratio). In fruit composition, the variation was in vitamin C, carotenoids, flavonoids and polyphenols, but not in antioxidant activity. Key words: Morphotypes, Huacle pepper, Ancho pepper, Guajillo peppers, fruit composition, phenolic compounds, vitamin C, antioxidant activity

Mutagenic sensitivity, effectiveness and efficiency of gamma rays and ethyl methane sulfonate on soft and semi-hard bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) varieties in the north-western Himalayan climate

Purpose The North-western Himalayan region requires unique varietal traits for the cultivation and quality of grain produced. Wheat varieties released for this zone in the past remained very popular among the farmers. However, with the passage of time certain traits such as the appearance of pathogenic rust races and grain softness have become threat to the fecundity of these genotypes and needs immediate improvement in this region. Mutation breeding facilitates improving one or two traits of a popular cultivar and to generate variability for most of plant traits upon which selection can be imposed. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the mutagenic sensitivity, effectiveness and efficiency of physical and chemical mutagens in four bread wheat varieties with differential grain texture. Materials and methods Four bread wheat varieties; HS 490, HPW 89, HPW 360 and HPW 251 were irradiated using six doses of gamma rays (γ-rays) ranging from 175 to 300 Gy; Co60 source (BARC, Mumbai, India) and six doses of ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS) ranging from 0.3 to 1.3%; EMS (Sigma-Aldrich, Bangalore, India) to assess their mutation sensitivity, effectiveness, efficiency and spectrum of induced macro-mutations in M1 and M2 generation. Results Based on mutagen sensitivity tests, both gamma rays and ethyl methane sulfonate had similar effects as the doses/concentrations increased in all four varieties. Ethyl methane sulfonate had a discernible effect on seed germination and growth parameters as compared to gamma irradiated treatments. Pollens viability studies confirmed the differential effects of both mutagens on germination and plant survivability. The LD50 and LC50 values varied between 290–315 Gy for gamma rays and 0.90–1.35% for EMS under controlled laboratory conditions, however, the range substantially differs for gamma rays (240–290 Gy) and for EMS (0.50–1.1%) under field conditions, irrespective of the variety treated. The frequency of chlorophyll mutations was low and showed a linear correlation with the doses/concentrations of the mutagen. A total of 117 putative mutants with desirable agro-morphological characteristics were also isolated. Mutagenic effectiveness and efficiency results showed that gamma irradiation doses of 250–300 Gy and ethyl methane sulfonate of 0.7–1.3% were most potent for an effective mutation breeding programme in wheat crop. Conclusions It was found that semi-hard textured varieties showed higher sensitivity to chemical mutagens as compared to soft-textured varieties. Gamma irradiation dose of 250–300 Gy and ethyl methane sulfonate concentration of 0.7–1.3% were found to be most effective and efficient across four bread wheat varieties and can be used in large scale mutagenesis programmes.

Agro-morphological Characteristics of Weedy Rice (Oryza sativa f. spontanea): A Precious Genetic Resource for Rice Improvement

Weedy rice (Oryza sativa f. spontanea) is considered a feral crop wild relative (CWR) of cultivated rice (O. sativa) and has become common weeds of rice fields globally. Weedy rice has been generated either through hybridization or gene flow process between wild rice O. rufipogon and cultivated rice during domestication event. Weedy rice is a conspecific to cultivated rice under the family poaceae which are annual and self-pollinating plant. Weedy rice retains a wide range of diversity in the phenotypic features for adaptation in natural harsh climatic conditions. Many biotic and abiotic stresses tolerance traits have been accumulated slowly through natural evolution to withstand climatic fluctuation. Agromorphological traits were assessed in weedy rice including wild rice and cultivated rice following DUS test protocol for proper characterization and comparative studies. Physicochemical properties such as ASV, GT, GC and sensory based aroma were carried out for six rice genotypes. Phenol test conducted to categories the rice genotypes. Caryopsis ultrastructure was studied using SEM for more clarity in grain fine structural anatomy. Plant height in weedy rice is on average 94.40 cm, and in wild rice it is 120.19 cm. Flag leaf length is 33.69 cm in weedy rice, in case of wild rice it is 21.21cm. Thousand grain weight is 22.50 g in weedy rice whereas in wild rice it is only 13.50 g. Grain per panicle is high in weedy rice (117.10 grain/panicle) but very less in wild rice (39.80 grain/panicle). Weedy rice showed phenol positive reactivity due to presence of PPO (enzyme). Sadanunia was negative in phenol test, is a local aromatic variety. Starch granules mainly CSG ranges from 5.88 to 13.33 μm with irregular spherical structure in weedy rice. In wild rice, CSG is polyhedral structure without any angularity (5.45 μm to 16.26 μm in size). CSG are various shape and size, spherical to polyhedral with moderate angularity (3.53 to 13.748 μm in size) in Banni. PB is moderately present with less impression of PB (0.692 to 1.53 μm in diameter) in all the rice genotypes. It was detected that CSG ranges from polyhedral to spherical in shape and size from 3.53 to 23.07 μm. Both wild rice (O. rufipogon) and weedy rice (O. sativa f. spontanea) have long awn with barbed features (329.169 to 358.489 μm). Main aim of the present work is to explore the reservoir of natural variations in weedy rice based on agro-morphological characteristics and ultra-structure of the caryopsis under SEM and to utilize feral rice for the crop improvement program in near future. Therefore, it needs conservation through on farm in situ process and utilization in the breeding program to develop climate resilient high yielding improved rice varieties with quality grain for sustainable food security. This precious genetic resource of Oryza species is to be utilized in future breeding program to introgress the naturally occurring stress tolerance genes for both biotic and abiotic tolerance potentiality to develop climate ready rice varieties.

Evaluation of yield attributes and bioactive phytochemicals of twenty amaranth genotypes of Bengal floodplain

Twenty vegetable amaranth (VA) genotypes were evaluated to assess the variability, associations, path coefficient, and principal component analysis (PCA) of morpho-chemical traits. The genotypes exhibited adequate antioxidant colorants, phytochemicals, and antiradical capacity with significant variations across genotypes. Genetic parameters revealed selection criteria for the majority of the traits for improving amaranth foliage yield (FY). Based on correlation coefficient, stem weight, stem base diameter, root weight, plant height, and shoot weight for significant development of FY of VA. Observing significant genotypic correlation with high positive direct effects on FY, the path coefficient (PC) of root weight, stem base diameter, stem weight, and shoot weight could contribute to the noteworthy development of FY of VA. The genotypes AA5, AA6, AA8, AA10, AA11, AA19, and AA20 might be selected for high FY, antioxidant colorants, and antiradical phytochemicals to utilize as colorants and antiradical rich superior high yielding cultivars. The first PC accounted for 37.8% of the variances, which implies a larger proportion of variable information explained by PC1. The features that contributed more to PC1 were FY, SW, STW, RW, and PH, whereas Chl b, total Chl, and Chl a contributed to the second PC. This suggests that there are significant genetic differences between amaranths in terms of biochemical and agro-morphological characteristics. The findings of the current work support plant breeders to investigate the genetic potential of the amaranth germplasm, notably in biochemical parameters. High colorants enrich genotypes that can be selected for extracting natural colorants to use in food processing industries.

Impact of silver nanoparticles against stored product pest Sitophilus oryzae (L.) and effect on agromorphological characteristics of Zea mays (maize seeds)

The present study, comparative entomotoxic efficacy of silver nanoparticles obtained through the chemical and biological route against Sitophilus oryzae L. Physicochemical characterization results revealed that silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) were spherical morphology with an average size of 20–51 nm having excellent stability. XRD diffraction peaks showed major peaks at (2 theta) 38.19º, 44.37º, 64.56º, and 77.47º confirming their crystalline nature. UV–vis spectra inferred strong absorbance between 410 and 450 nm. Bioassay studies exhibited the LD50 values as 40.16 mg/100 g for c-Ag NPs and 24.69 mg/100 g for b-Ag NPs. The mortality brought by b-Ag NPs at the dose of 130 mg after 6 days of exposure was 100% whereas only 80% of mortality was observed for c-Ag NPs at the same dose. These c-Ag NPs also enhanced seedling characteristics i.e., germination (96%), seedling length (45.33 cm), vigor index (4351.68), and dry matter production (4.20 g). The experiment results shows that the b-Ag NPs are an alternative to insecticides against S. oryzae and improving agromorphological characteristics of maize.

Productivity and Stability Evaluation of 12 Selected Avena magna ssp. domestica Lines Based on Multi-Location Experiments during Three Cropping Seasons in Morocco

Avena magna (2n = 4x = 28) is a tetraploid oat with a very high protein content compared to the hexaploid common oat, A. sativa (2n = 6x = 42). The wild type of A. magna originates from Morocco; its domestication has been achieved only within the past 25 years. The present study aimed to evaluate the productivity potential of an A. magna ssp. domestica collection of 11 advanced lines and a control variety, ‘Avery’. Twelve trials were conducted during three cropping seasons at four, three, and five locations and revealed significant differences among the accessions. Data on twelve agro-morphological characters and two disease traits were collected, and they confirmed the presence of variability in this oat germplasm set. Mean grain yield was 30.76 q/ha and varied from site to site, ranging from 6.89 q/ha at Bouchane_19 to 85.5 q/ha at Alnif_21. Across experimental sites, plant height ranged from 48.93 to 120.47 cm; thousand kernel weight from 32.83 to 49.73 g; and harvest index from 20.43 to 31.33%. Line AT6 was relatively tolerant of BYDV and crown rust infections, based on disease severity scoring at the heading stage. According to AMMI analysis, 78% of the grain yield variability was due to the environment factor and 4% was explained by the genetic factor. Among the highest-yielding lines, AT5 and ATC were relatively unstable. Line AT5 was more productive at the elevated site of El Kbab_19, and ATC performed better at the oasis location of Alnif_21 under irrigation. Line AT7 showed the most stable behavior; it was high yielding across the five environments and exceeded the general mean of the experiments. The A. magna ssp. domestica lines proved their suitability for cultivation under local farming conditions. Their nutritional quality, especially their high protein content, makes them good candidates for further testing in the Moroccan breeding program and for integration into local cropping systems.

Evaluation of Some Agro-morphological Characteristics of Dwarf Snap Bean Genotypes Collected from Erzurum Province

The study was conducted in the trial area of the Department of Horticulture at Atatürk University during the 2022 cropping season to evaluate some agro-morphological characteristics of the dwarf-type snap bean genotypes collected from Erzurum along with the commercial cultivars SARIKIZ and GINA have been widely cultivated there. The genotypes tested in the study showed statistically significant variations in terms of all parameters examined. Genotypes ERZ PA 28 and ERZ UZ 36 reached the earliest fresh maturity time by 58 days. The genotype with the longest pod was ERZ NR 104 (17.35 cm); the genotypes with the widest pod were ERZ UZ 36 (15.29 mm) and ERZ TO 49 (15.43 mm); and the genotype with the thickest pod was ERZ İS13 (8.75 mm). The ERZ TO 49 genotype had the most pods per plant (32.41), the highest yield per plant (217.73 g), and the highest yield per square meter (1360.79 g/m2), while the ERZ UZ 35 genotype produced the heaviest average pod weight (8.63 g). Additionally, in terms of the number of pods per plant, yield per plant, and yield per square meter, ERZ PA 28 has been determined to produce the results that are closest to ERZ TO 49. According to the study’s findings, ERZ IS 13, ERZ PA 28, ERZ UZ 32, ERZ UZ 35, ERZ UZ 36, ERZ TO 48, ERZ TO 49, ERZ NR 104, ERZ PS 111, ERZ PS 115, and ERZ PS 116 genotypes yields per square meter was founded that higher than commercial cultivars and other genotypes, can offer the producer a sufficient level of yield.

Evaluation of agro-morphological and molecular characters of 22 rice landraces of East Timor

Abstract. Branco LM, Palupi ER, Ilyas S, Purwoko BS, Purwito A. 2023. Evaluation of agro-morphological and molecular characters of 22 rice landraces of East Timor. Biodiversitas 24: 2536-2546. Landraces play an important role in the local food security and sustainable development of agriculture as a source of genes that control important traits adaptive to environmental conditions. The study aimed to characterize the agro-morphological and molecular characteristics of 22 rice landraces of East Timor (Timor Leste). The research was conducted in April-August 2018 in Caibada-Baucau-East Timor. Soil analysis was conducted at the Soil Laboratory of the Agronomy and Horticulture Department, IPB University. Materials used were 22 rice landraces seeds and one check variety. The seeds were germinated in seedbed seedlings with a basin (30 cm x 25 cm). The seedlings were planted in the field 16 days after sowing in a plot of 1.5 m x 7.0 m and a spacing of 25 cm x 25 cm, with an isolation distance between plots of ±3 m. Data collection was based on nine growth phases of rice. The cluster analysis based on agro-morphological characters resulted in 6 groups with a similarity coefficient of 0.17 or 17%, showing a high level of diversity. The lowest yield was Ale Kukefuhu (290 g/m2), and the highest was Hare Nona Portu (979 g/m2). Using 10 RAPD markers, the 22 rice landraces samples produced 77 DNA fragment bands with sizes between 300 bp-1475 bp, averaging 3.35 alleles per landrace; polymorphic rates of 8.1. OPA8, OPH1, and OPH7 markers were the highest (100.00%), and OPF5 was the lowest (66.67%) polymorphic percentage. Based on the molecular marker, the coefficient of similarity of the landraces ranged from 0.12 to 0.51, and they were grouped into five clusters.

Rice variety classification & yield prediction using semantic segmentation of agro-morphological characteristics

Rice variety classification & yield prediction using semantic segmentation of agro-morphological characteristics

VARIABILITY ANALYSIS OF WILD GUATEMALAN AVOCADO GERMPLASM BASED ON AGRO-MORPHOLOGICAL TRAITS

<p><strong>Background. </strong>For the Guatemalan culture, the avocado (<em>Persea americana</em> Mill) represents more than a crop, since it has religious, mythical, economical, and medicinal significance typical of the center of domestication of the species. Although there is speculation about the wide variability of wild avocado germplasm, there are no studies describing avocado populations. <strong>Objective.</strong> To explore wild germplasm based on agro-morphological characteristics using the standardized descriptors for avocado (<em>Persea</em> spp.). <strong>Methodology. </strong>The distribution of characteristics of 189 avocado trees across eight populations was evaluated using cross-tabulation and Chi-square testing. In order to properly handle qualitative and quantitative data, it was employed the factor analysis of mixed data (FAMD) and hierarchical clustering on principal components (HCPC) to analyze the relationship and variation of features within and between populations. <strong>Results.</strong> The samples showed various morphological characteristics that indicate the presence of Mexican, Guatemalan, and West Indian avocado races in Guatemala. The FAMD revealed that the fruit shape, skin color and flesh texture, and anise odor in the leaves are ideal traits for distinguishing between individual trees. At the population level, the HCPC showed considerable variance amongst the studied trees but no distinct geographic groups of the samples. <strong>Implications.</strong> Although not all wild avocados grown in Guatemala are of the highest quality, several trees of extraordinary excellence are strewn over the republic's highlands. Thus, due to the danger posed by the introduction of commercial varieties, it is advisable preserving the germplasm. <strong>Conclusion. </strong>The clustering methods revealed that the 189 avocado trees could be regrouped into three main clusters. The morphological descriptors proved to be useful for grouping trees according to known races and can therefore be used in the characterization of cultivars and wild trees whose ancestry is unknown.</p>

Determination of Resistance Levels of Selected Tomato Genotypes to Meloidogyne incognita, Tomato Yellow Leaf Curling Virus (TYLCV) Verticillium Wilt, Fusarium oxysporum radicis, Fusarium Wilt, Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus (TSWV)

Tomato is one of the most cultivated vegetables in the world. In this context, intensive tomato breeding studies are carried out around the world and new cultivars are emerging every day, which leads to great competition. In particular, resistance or tolerance levelstolerance levels to some important diseases and pests are considered important in cultivar breeding and in determining the commercial value of cultivars. In this context, the determination of resistance levels to 70 tomatoes, Meloidogyne incognita, Tomato Yellow leaf curling virus (Tylcv), Verticillium wilt, Fusarium oxysporum radicis, Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV), Fusarium Wilt, which have the potential to become parent lines at S8 level due to their agro-morphological characteristics formed the subject of this study. When the results of the study are examined, tomato genotypes showed resistance/sensitive levels according to combinations of alleles as 58 genotypes of RR (homozygous resistant), 10 Rr (heterozygous), 2 rr(sensitive) to Meloidogyne incognita, 45 RR (homozygous resistant), 15 Rr (heterozygous),10 rr (sensitive)to Verticillium dahliae, 10 to, 52 RR (homozygous resistant), 13 Rr (heterozygous), 5 rr (sensitive) to Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus,46 RR (homozygous resistant) 18 Rr (heterozygous), 6 rr (sensitive) to Tomato Yellow leaf Curl Virus, Fusarium oxysporum (Fusarium wilt) 49 RR (homozygous resistant), 13 Rr (heterozygous), 8 rr (sensitive), Fusarium oxysporum radicis (Frl) 52 Their resistances were determined as RR (homozygous resistant), 12 Rr (heterozygous), 6 rr (sensitive).