Average Number Of Seeds Research Articles

CARACTERIZACIÓN AGROMORFOLÓGICA Y DIVERSIDAD FENOTÍPICA DE LA COLECCIÓN DE GERMOPLASMA DE PALLAR (Phaseolus lunatus L.) DEL INIA, PERÚ

<p><strong>Background:</strong> Pallar (<em>Phaseolus lunatus</em>) is a grain legume of great socioeconomic importance in Peru, which has been domesticated in the past by pre-Hispanic cultures. <strong>Objective:</strong> Carry out the agromorphological characterization of 36 accessions from the Pallar National Collection of the Germplasm Bank of the National Institute of Agrarian Innovation (Peru). <strong>Methodology:</strong> 16 qualitative characters and 10 quantitative characters were compared using descriptive analysis, ANOVA and Scott Knott test, correlation, principal components and hierarchical grouping. <strong>Results:</strong> There was a positive correlation between the length of the main stem and the average number of mature pods per plant, average number of seeds per plant, average weight of seeds per plant and average weight of seeds; Likewise, a negative correlation was found between the number of locules per mature pod and the length and average weight of the seeds. <strong>Implications: </strong>The agromorphological characterization of the pallar is necessary for the conservation of genetic resources originating in Peru. <strong>Conclusions:</strong> Phenotypic variability was found among the Pallar accessions; Thus, the existence of three groups was established among the accessions in relation to quantitative characters, highlighting the high values of average number of seeds per plant, seed thickness, number of locules per mature pod, length of the main stem and average number of seeds. mature pods per plant. The promising accession was 14ac with respect to the highest average number of mature pods, average number of seeds and average weight of seeds per plant.</p>

Results of evaluating the early maturity and yield potential of wild vetch varieties growing in Moscow Oblast

Wild-growing varieties are used in the breeding of Vicia sativa L. in order to expand genotypic diversity and improve the environmental stability of created varieties. In order to find wild-growing vetch possessing valuable breeding traits, 22 specimens from 15 countries were evaluated. Tests were conducted in a field experiment in the south of Moscow Oblast in 2018, 2020, and 2021. The ‘Vera’ variety served as the reference. On the basis of three-year data and in accordance with the International Classification of Vicia sativa L., the specimens were evaluated for early maturity, crop and seed production, seed size, leading shoot length, branchiness, number of pods per plant, and number of seeds in a pod. All the specimens were characterized by early maturity of fodder mass and seeds. The three-year average duration of the “sprouting- crop ripeness” period amounted to 34.7-46.3 days, while that of “sprouting-seed maturity” reached 59.0-67.5 days. In wild-growing specimens, the dry weight of the plant in the phase of crop ripeness ranged from 1.0 to 5.0 g (18-92 % of the reference). The fodder mass yield per plant was lower than that of the reference variety due to the poorer development of lateral shoots. Nineteen specimens were at the same level as or superior to the reference variety in terms of plant height. The three-year average seed yield of the specimens varied from 1.3 to 3.2 g (28-70 % of the reference). An analysis of seed yield showed that all specimens produced fewer pods than the reference. However, seven specimens were identified to be annually superior to the reference in terms of other traits: seed size (kk-36830, 36831, 36837, 36848, and 36850); the average number of seeds in the pod (kk-36871); the maximum number of pods in a node; the number of pods and the number of productive nodes on the leading shoot (kk-36879). These specimens are of interest for use in breeding vetch for seed yield.

Microscopic observation and transcriptome analysis provide insights into mechanisms of hybrid incompatibility in Rhododendron

Hybridization across species has been widely utilized to improve agriculturally important traits in Rhododendron. These interspecific hybridizations are often inhibited by reproductive barriers at the prezygotic and postzygotic stages. Thus, in order to character the barriers and reveal the underlying regulation mechanism of interspecific hybrid incompatibility in Rhododendron, we compared the pollen germination and pollen tube growth, fruit growth, seed number and germination rate between intraspecific (Rhododendron ‘XXL’ × R. ‘XXL’) and interspecific (R. ‘XXL’ × R. delavayi) hybridizations. After pollination, the pollen germination rate and pollen tube growth rate of interspecific hybridization (Inter) were always higher than that of intraspecific hybridization (Intra) during the whole observation period. Conversely, the fruits and ovules of Intra grew faster than that of Inter after 20 DAP. The ratio of shrunken embryos of Inter was 73.27 ± 10.19 %, which was significantly higher than that of Intra with 28.41 ± 8.33 % at 40 DAP. Moreover, the fruit setting rate, the average number of seeds per fruit and seed germination rate of Intra were significantly higher than that of Inter at 150 DAP. These results indicated that the barriers of interspecific incompatibility between R. ‘XXL’ × R. delavayi could be mainly ascribed to post-fertilization isolation. Consequently, RNA-Seq analysis on ovaries at three developmental stages from two hybridizations indicated that plant hormone signal transduction, flavonoid biosynthesis, MAPK signaling pathway and plant-pathogen interaction pathways might play important roles in regulation of hybrid incompatibility between R. ‘XXL’ × R. delavayi. The results can provide a basis for the study of the hybrid incompatibility mechanism of Rhododendron, and provide useful information for the breeding and conservation of genetic resources of Rhododendron.

Fruit and seed morphometry and seed structure of the potentially invasive Calotropis procera (Aiton) W.T. Aiton (Apocynaceae)

Background: Calotropis procera is a plant native in the tropics and subtropics of Asia and Africa. In Mexico, its presence is now registered in Yucatán, Quintana Roo and Oaxaca.
 Questions and / or Hypotheses: Fruit and seed morphometry vary among places where it is native or exotic? Are seed structures well identified in Calotropis procera?
 Studied species: The exotic Calotropis procera has been already reported in several states in Mexico, however, information about its reproductive biology in Mexican populations is scarce. 
 Studied site and dates: Fruits were collected in Oaxaca, Mexico in September 2019.
 Methods: We obtained fruit and seed morphometric data and seed images with microscopy.
 Results: The fruits are green and ovoid. The average number of seeds per fruit is 364 ± 86 (SD). The seed is brown and flattened dorsoventrally. The length of the seeds is 8.37 ± 0.413 mm, the width is 5.01 ± 0.39 mm, and the weight is 10.5 ± 7.86 mg. The position of the hilum and the micropyle is reported and the occurrence of two types of trichomes on the testa. We suggest that the protrusion on the ventral surface of the seed is the raphe.
 Conclusions: From data obtained we concluded that fruit and seed characteristics are well conserved in this species. We confirmed the position of the hilum and micropyle and reported the presence of two types of trichomes in the testa. Location of the raphe is suggested, providing information that may be useful for future taxonomic studies.

Bee Visits Improves Production Parameters of Maize in Northern Côte d’Ivoire (West Africa)

Maize (Zea mays) is one of cereal rich in nutrients and antioxidants essential for human health. Many studies showed that this speculation is pollinated indirectly by wind. However, we observed a strong presence of bees on the male flowers of maize as soon as they open. The high activity of bees on these flowers, causes an intense release of pollen, which couldimpact positively the fruit set. This study was carried out in the botanical garden of the university Peleforo Gon Coulibaly of Korhogo located in northern Cote d'Ivoire. Two varieties of maize (EV8728-SR and LG501) were used for this study. For each variety, 15 plants were protected from insect visits and 15 other plants were still unprotected. Ear mass,seed mass and seed number resulting from each treatment were analyzed. The findings showed that the average number of seeds per ear resulting from unprotected plants (V1: 445.8 ± 17.92 and V2: 442.27 ± 6.8) was significantly higher compared to the protected plants (V1: 242.13 ± 4.39 and V2: 208.6 ± 9.52) for each variety. The average mass of seeds resulting from unprotected plants (V1: 205.31 ± 2.23g and V2: 169.45 ± 5.15g) was also higher compared to the protected plants (V1: 101.79 ± 1.93g and V2: 77.49 ± 1.70g). Whatever the maize variety, the germination rate of seeds resulting from unprotected plants (V1: Tg = 96.67% and V2: Tg = 100%) was higher compared to the protected plants (V1: Tg = 66.67% and V2: Tg = 56.67%). This study are very relevant for farmers and scientists because, it showed clearly bee contribution in the maize production improvement.

Evaluation of different lines of vegetable soybean Glycine max L. Merr. under conditions of the Moscow region

Edamame is a special soybean ( Glycine max (L.) Merr .) harvested as a vegetable when the seeds are immature (R6 and R7 stage) and have expanded to fill 80 to 90 percent of the pod width. The study was conducted in the experimental field of Federal Scientific Vegetable Center in the Moscow Region in 2020-2022 and Agro-biotechnological department, Agrarian and Technological Institute, RUDN University. The object of research was 3 accessions of soybean ( Glycine max L.): accession A, accession F, Hidaka and Lira. Before sowing, soybean seeds were inoculated with Optimays 400 ( Bradyrhizobium japonicum ) and Biobesta ( Sinorhizobium fredii ). In the field experiment, 10 soybean samples were taken from each plot at the stage of biological ripeness to determine plant height (cm), number of pods per plant, number of stems per plant, stem width (mm), average number of seeds per plant, weight of 1000 seeds (g) and yield (t/ha). The experiment was designed in a complete random block with a factorial arrangement. Thus, we had 4 accessions and 3 treatments (C - control, V1 - Bradyrhizobium japonicum and V2 - Sinorhizobium fredii ) with 3 replacations. The study showed that accession A had the highest average yield per hectare (2.70 t/ha) and weight of 1000 seeds (159 g). Under conditions of the Moscow region, variant V2 ( Sinorhizobium fredii ) had the highest average yield (2.57 t/ha) and weight of 1000 seeds (100.25 g). Therefore, more than 90 % of the results obtained for these two indicators are associated with the use of V2 treatment. For the rest of the studied indicators, no significant differences were found, and they did not affect the efficiency indicators. The combination of accession A and treatment V2 led to the highest average yield (2.99 t/ha). The product based on Sinorhizobium fredii showed the best indicators for all the studied samples.

Results of study of polymorphism of <i>Lupinus angustifolius</i> L. spike–like samples from VIR collection on valuable breeding traits

The spike-like (epigonal) forms of Lupinus angustifolius L. differ from the typical forms by transformation into pods of the first order branches in the upper part of the plant. There were lines and varieties of narrow-leaved lupine alternately subjected to three-year tests in the climatic conditions of the Moscow region in 2009-2022, as they come into VIR collection. The results of the evaluation of 48 spike-like samples were presented. Of these, a total of 40 non-alkaloid samples were selected. The carriers of the gene le (24 samples) and two genes ta и le (5 samples) were allocated. The morphometric parameters of the samples were characterized in accordance with the descriptor scale. The ranges of variability and coefficients of variation of indicators within the group were shown. The epigonal forms were characterized by weight of seeds in the range of 3.3-9.9 g per plant (on average for three years). The correlation analysis showed that the differences between the samples in the seed productivity were mainly due to differences in the seed size (r...0.51), in the number of pods on the main stem (r...0.53) and in the number of pods on the lateral branches (r...0.54). A negative relationship between the number of pods on the central brush and in the axils (r...–0.70) and between the weight of 1 000 seeds and the average number of seeds per pod (r...–0.55) was noted. The highest indicators of seed productivity had samples k-3062 75A/327 (Australia) and k-3630 B-23/86 (Russia) (9.5 and 9.9 g per plant). The leadership of these samples was due to the outstanding number of seeds per plant (67 and 70) and the number of pods per plant (21.1 and 26.3), including on the main stem (11.4 and 11.1) and on the lateral branches (9.7 and 15.2), as well as by the larger seeds (weight of 1 000 seeds 141 g). Both samples were low-alkaloid, and the sample k–3062 had non-cracking pods by ta and le genes.

Maturation indexes and physiological quality of seeds and fruits of Morinda citrifolia L.

The seeds of Morinda citrifolia L. present unevenness and delay in germination in relation to other fruit trees. Knowledge about the physiological quality of seeds is extremely relevant for the production of seedlings and propagation of the species. Thus, the objective was to study maturation indices and the physiological quality of seeds and fruits of M. citrifolia. Seeds from freshly picked fruits, fruits harvested after seven days of maturation and freshly dropped fruits were used. The extracted and processed seeds were submitted to the following pre-germination treatments: GA3, KNO3 and H2O. The following were analyzed: fruit length and diameter, seed length, width and thickness, number of seeds per fruit, average number of seeds per kg, weight of 1000 seeds, germination, germination speed index, shoot and root length, seedling dry mass and percentage of normal seedlings. The experimental design used was completely randomized, with three stages of fruit maturation and six treatments, with four replications of 25 seeds. M. citrifolia seeds do not show tegumentary dormancy. The seeds of freshly harvested fruits and fruits harvested after seven days of maturation do not need pre-germination treatments. GA3 promotes greater germination in seeds of fruits harvested from the ground. Fruits that have just fallen to the ground have a higher content of soluble solids and a higher content of acidity. The storage of fruit in a refrigerator for a week provides the maintenance of texture characteristics, such as hardness, adhesiveness, elasticity and gumminess. Fruits with greater hardness have higher physiological seed quality.

Silicon in agrocenosis with spring wheat

The influence of various ways of using silicon in the form of potassium silicate on the yield of spring wheat under the conditions of model agrocenosis has been studied. To address the issues raised, a vegetative experiment was carried out in the soil culture. Studied two ways of making potassium silicate by treating seeds before sowing and applying to the soil. The positive effect of the silicon-containing compound was established both on the mass of grain and on the mass of straw. The greatest efficiency of silicon was manifested when using potassium silicate for seed treatment before sowing. The mass of grain increased as a result of an increase in the average number of seeds per ear by 5% and the weight of 1000 grains by 22%. An increase in the removal of basic nutrients from the soil was revealed as a result of an increase in the content of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium and stimulation of the processes of their outflow from vegetative organs to generative organs.

Popcorn (Zea mays L. var. Everta) haploids identified by Navajo phenotype and ploidy level.

For popcorn, obtaining and identifying haploids are still challenging steps. We aimed to induce and screen haploids in popcorn using the Navajo phenotype, seedling vigor, and ploidy level. We used the Krasnodar Haploid Inducer (KHI) in crosses with 20 popcorn source germplasms and five maize controls. The field trial design was completely randomized, with three replications. We assessed the efficacy of induction and identification of haploids based on the haploidy induction rate (HIR) and false positive and negative rates (FPR and FNR). Additionally, we also measured the penetrance of the Navajo marker gene (R1-nj). All putative haploids classified by the R1-nj were germinated together with a diploid sample and evaluated for false positives and negatives based on vigor. Seedlings from 14 females were submitted to flow cytometry to determine the ploidy level. The HIR and penetrance were analyzed by fitting a generalized linear model with a logit link function. The HIR of the KHI, adjusted by cytometry, ranged from 0.0 to 1.2%, with a mean of 0.34%. The average FPR from screening based on the Navajo phenotype was 26.2% and 76.4% for vigor and ploidy, respectively. The FNR was zero. The penetrance of R1-nj ranged from 30.8 to 98.6%. The average number of seeds per ear in temperate germplasm (76) was lower than that obtained in tropical germplasm (98). There is an induction of haploids in germplasm of tropical and temperate origin. We recommend the selection of haploids associated with the Navajo phenotype with a direct method of confirming the ploidy level, such as flow cytometry. We also show that haploid screening based on Navajo phenotype and seedling vigor reduces misclassification. The origin and genetic background of the source germplasm influence the R1-nj penetrance. Because the known inducers are maize, developing doubled haploid technology for popcorn hybrid breeding requires overcoming unilateral cross-incompatibility.

Inoculum source dependent effects of ericoid, mycorrhizal fungi on flowering and reproductive success in highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum).

Most terrestrial angiosperms form mutualisms with both mycorrhizal fungi and animal pollinators. Yet, the effects of mycorrhizae on pollinator behavior and plant reproduction are unknown for most species, and whether the source or type of mycorrhizal fungi affects reproductive success has rarely been examined. We examined whether inoculating highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum; Ericaceae) with ericoid mycorrhizal fungi enhanced investment in flowering and attractiveness to pollinators, and thus reduced their levels of pollen limitation over that of non-inoculated plants. We also examined the degree to which pollen limitation was dependent on inoculation source and the surrounding pollinator community context. Three-year-old saplings of Vaccinium corymbosum 'Bluecrop' or highbush blueberry (Ericaceae) were inoculated with a) ericoid mycorrhizal fungi within soil of the rhizosphere of plants growing at a local blueberry farm, b) a commercially available ericoid inoculant, c) both the local soils and commercial inoculum, or d) were not inoculated and served as controls. They were grown for one year in pots in a common garden and, in the following year, were moved to six farms in central Vermont that were known from prior studies to differ in pollinator abundance and diversity. We conducted a hand pollination experiment at each farm to examine if inoculation or pollinator abundance (i.e., farm context) affected reproductive success. Plants treated with all types of inoculums were more likely to flower, and produced more inflorescence buds than non-inoculated plants in 2018. However, in 2019, plants in the combination inoculum treatment, alone, produced more inflorescence buds than those in the other treatments. Neither the source of inoculum nor hand pollination affected fruit set (the proportion of flowers setting fruit), or fruit sugar content. Hand pollination, but not inoculation, increased berry mass and the average number of seeds produced/berry. Our results add to the growing body of evidence that mycorrhizal fungi can affect reproductive traits of their hosts but that the effects of mycorrhizal fungi depend on the mycorrhizal symbionts.

The Effect of Applied Biostimulants on the Yielding of Three Non-Genetically Modified Soybean Cultivars

Background: Soybean is one of major crop plants cultivated in numerous parts of the world, which is due to an increasing demand for plant protein. Both in Europe and Poland, much attention is paid to enhancing the production of their own fodder protein, as to reduce the import of soybean meal produced from genetically modified plants. Climate warming and breeding progress have made it possible to grow soybeans in central Europe. The yield potential of plants, including soybeans, can be enhanced by an application of biostimulants, which alleviate negative effects of stresses disturbing the life processes of plants. The objective of the present work was to evaluate, under the climatic conditions of central-eastern Poland, the yielding of three non-modified soybean cultivars treated with biostimulants. Methods: A field experiment was conducted in the years 2017–2019 in eastern Poland (central Europe). The soil of the experimental field belonged to the Haplic Luvisol group. The experimental factors included three non-GMO soybean cultivars (Abelina, Merlin, and SG Anser) and two biostimulants (Asahi SL and Improver). Results: Soybean seed yields were affected by the climatic conditions during the growing season, cultivars, and biostimulant applications. Regardless of cultivars and biostimulants, the highest yields were produced by plants grown in 2017 (on average, 3.41 Mg∙ha−1), them being slightly lower in 2019 (on average, 3.0 Mg∙ha−1) and the lowest in the dry 2018 (on average, 2.48 Mg∙ha−1). Significant differences were recorded between cv. SG Anser (the average yield 2.73 Mg∙ha−1) and Merlin (the average yield 3.31 Mg∙ha−1). An application of biostimulants resulted in a significant increase in soybean seed yield compared with the control. Biostimulants contributed to a significant increase in the values of the remaining characteristics, i.e., 1000-seed weight, seed number per pod, and average number of seeds per pod.

Mating system of a Mammillaria magnimamma (Cactaceae) population of the semi-arid central Mexican region

Knowledge on the reproductive biology of globose cacti in the genus Mammillaria is incipient, despite being one of the most diverse and threatened groups in Cactaceae. We studied a clonal population of Mammillaria magnimamma (Hawort) located in the Valle del Mezquital, Mexico in which sexual reproduction occurs, although neither seedlings nor juveniles were observed. Based on their short life cycle, globose life form, and melittophilous pollination syndrome, this species was expected to exhibit a mixed mating system and null seed recruitment. We examined the population structure, reproductive phenology, and the mating system by means of controlled-pollination experiments (autonomous self-pollination, manual self-pollination, manual outcross pollination and open pollination). We tested for differences between treatments in the number of seeds per fruit and estimated outcrossing rates. Most (88%) of the M. magnimamma population consisted of clones (10.6 stems/ind) and no juvenile plants or seedlings were recorded. Seed were produced in all the experimental treatments. The average number of seeds per fruit was significantly higher (χ2 = 29.52; d.f. = 3; P < 0.0001) in the outcross than the self-pollination treatments. Outcrossing rates estimated from fruits, te, fruits = 0.829, and seeds, te, seeds = 0.8774, showed that M. magnimamma exhibits a mixed mating system. Despite the large number of seed produced, the persistence of these populations likely depends on clonal reproduction. The null recruitment and elevated anthropogenic pressure that this species undergoes across its distribution range threaten its populations.

Development and Ergonomic Assessment of Manually Operated Modified Linseed Crop Thresher for Studying the Physical Properties of the Linseed Seed

The study took place at SHUATS, Prayagraj (U.P), India, 210203. Studying the physical properties of linseed were studied for two varieties SHUATS Alsi-2 and Neelam, with moisture contents (d.b) of 7.473%, 10.786%, and 14.03%. The average number of capsules per plant was found to be 36.88. The average number of seeds per capsule was found to be 8.12. Linseed's length, width, and thickness were measured to be 8.11, 6.94, and 6.87 mm, respectively. The geometric mean diameter was measured at 7.288 mm. The linear dimensions of the seed were discovered to be an average of 5.308mm, width 2.507mm, and thickness 0.964mm for the SHUATS Alsi-2 variety, and an average of 5.214mm, width 2.448mm, and thickness 0.903 for the Neelam variety. The SHUATS Alsi-2 variety had an average AMD of 2.924mm and a GMD of 2.338mm, whereas the Neelam variety had an average AMD of 2.855mm and a GMD of 2.258mm. The average surface area, sphericity, and volume for the SHUATS Alsi-2 variety were 17.218mm2, 0.441, and 6.741mm3, respectively, whereas the average surface area, sphericity, and volume for the Neelam variety were 16.0403mm2, 0.433, and 6.047mm3. It was also discovered that the mean 7.656gram 1000 grain weight for the linseed variety in SHUATS Alsi-2 and the mean 8.0153gram 1000 grain weight for the linseed variety in Neelam were different. The SHUATS Alsi-2 variety had an average bulk density of 626.64 kg/m3, a true density of 1139.553 kg/m3, and a porosity of 44.847, whereas the Neelam variety had an average bulk density of 673.354 kg/m3, a true density of 1126.174 kg/m3, and a porosity of 40.135.

ASSESSMENT OF SELF-FERTILITY OF BLUEBERRY VARIETIES IN THE CONDITIONS OF BELARUS

The results of a three-year study of the self-fertility of 15 varieties of highbush blueberry and one variety of lowbush blueberry are presented. The fruiting indicators (berry setting, average berry weight, average number of seeds per berry) in case of most self-pollinating highbush blueberry varieties, as a rule, are lower than with natural cross-pollination. In accordance with the average indicators of fruit set during self-pollination of flowers, blueberry varieties are ranked into five groups corresponding to the degree of self-fertility. The Spartan, Toro and Sunrise highbush blueberry varieties have a high degree of self-fertility, the best of which in terms of fruiting parameters are Spartan and Toro. Good indicators of selffertility under conditions of self-pollination were demonstrated by the Nui variety. Most of the studied blueberry varieties are characterized by unstable self-fertility rates. The Bonus and Putte varieties are classified as self-infertile taxa.

Characterization of cultivated pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata Duchesne) landraces for genotypic variance, heritability and agro-morphological traits

Cucurbita moschata (Pumpkin) is a multipurpose species whose fruits and sometimes oil seeds are used for various purposes. It is low in calories and is a significant source of income. Despite the great potential of the pumpkin production and usage, there is no attention to establish the varieties grown in Benin for proper documentation. Therefore, the present study was carried out to (i) evaluate the agro-morphological variability of pumpkin accessions collected in Benin and (ii) investigate heritability, genetic gain, phenotypic and genotypic variances of the agronomic traits. Six landraces from one hundred and twenty accessions collected in Benin were sown and characterized. The agronomic experiment was laid out in a complete randomized block design with three replicates. Out of the twenty-seven quantitative descriptors measured, fifteen were found to be significant. The 50% emergence time (p = 0.03), the number of female flowers (p = 0.02), the seed width (p = 0.05) and the ratio seed width and length (p = 0.01) were significant. A highly significant difference was observed with the days to 50% flowering and the length of male flower stalks (p = 0.002), the average weight of one hundred seeds (p = 0.009). Fruit set at 50%, length of female flower peduncle, number of male flowers, mean fruit weight, fruit length, fruit diameter, average number of seeds per fruit and seed length were very highly significant (p < 0.001). Fruit color and shape, seed color and leaf color showed phenotypic variability. A positive correlation (r = 0.76; p < 0.05) was observed between average fruit weight and average number of seeds per fruit. Principal component analysis and Hierarchical Ascending Classification revealed three classes. Estimates of the phenotypic coefficient of variation were higher than estimates of the genotypic coefficient of variation for most characters. High heritability was observed for fruit diameter (96.73%), average fruit weight (96.46%) and fruit length (94.64%). High heritability associated with high genetic advance was observed for these traits. In sum, the genetic diversity observed within the landraces of pumpkin shows that there is possibility for further selection.

Influence of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Native to Senegal on the Growth and Yield of Sesame (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Sesamum indicum&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; L.) Grown Under Glass in Central African Republic

In the natural environment, sesame (<i>Sesamum indicum</i> L.), like any other crop, is subject to biotic and abiotic stresses. The presence of symbiotic microorganisms in the soil is often beneficial to the crop. Among these, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are particularly effective in stimulating plant growth and it has been well shown that their inoculation into the soil is one of the biological means by which the crop can resist certain stresses and increase productivity. The objective of the present work is to evaluate the comparative effect of mycorrhizal inoculation with strains indigenous to Senegal on the growth and yield of sesame grown under controlled conditions. In this study, sesame was grown under greenhouse conditions and inoculated with four AMF inocula. Growth and yield parameters were evaluated at 14, 28, 42, 56 and 70 days after sowing. Above-ground, root and total biomass were assessed at 70 days after sowing. The results show an improvement in height by 78.34%, crown diameter by 78.34%, above-ground biomass by 54.83%, root biomass by 54.16% and total biomass by 54.65% compared to the non-inoculated control. Regarding the number of leaves, the difference observed with the control treatment was not significant (P = 0.0005). The frequency and intensity of mycorhization are quite high. Statistical analyses show significant differences (P < 0.05) between the different treatments. It is noted that the roots of the controls are not mycorhized. Similarly, the yield of the inoculated sesame plants resulted in a better improvement in the number of pods (131.25%), average number of seeds per pod (137.03%), seed yield (448.14%) and 1000 seed weight was not improved (0%). From this study, it appears that AMF provide significant benefits to the plant, and can be used in the field to improve sesame growth and yield.

Seed Potential of Ruminants Organic Manures in Sahelian Agro-Pastoral Systems

In degraded Sahelian agro-systems, livestock manures increase agricultural production and ensure natural regeneration through their selective seed potential. Yet, this seed potential that contributes to species dissemination is still poorly known. This study aimed to determine the seed potential of different livestock ruminant manures. To this end, cattle (Bos indicus), goat (Capra hircus) and sheep (Ovis aries) manures were collected in 45 distinct enclosures in the Sahelian zone of Burkina Faso following the three seasonal periods of the year. A total of 36 species in 13 families and 26 genera was identified in the coarse fraction of the three type of manure. The most abundant seeds in the manure are those of Fabaceae-mimosoideae, Fabaceae-caesalpinoideae, Rhamnaceae and Balanitaceae. The results showed that the contribution of goats to the total seed potential was 61% against 36% for sheep and 3% for cattle. The average number of seeds was 205 seeds/Kg of manure for goats, 125 seeds/Kg for sheep and 11 seeds/Kg for cattle. Depending on the collection period, the cold-dry season contributed 70% to the total annual seed potential against 22% of the hot-dry season and 8% for the rainy season. Following the species functional traits, goat spread more seeds of woody indehiscent pods (barochores species) containing one, 4 to 10 seeds with hard cores and integuments. Sheep spread more seeds of annual legumes having dehiscent pods (autochores) and more than 10 seeds. The most abundant seeds in the manure are those of agroforestry (Vachellia nilotica, Faidherbia albida, Piliostigma reticulatum), ruderal (Ipomoea eriocarpa) or invasive (Senna obtusifolia) species. The most frequently (RI Dactyloctenium aegyptium, Eleusine indica, Corchorus tridens, Sporobolus festivus and Ipomoea eriocarpa. Taxonomic and functional characteristics of the seed potential of ruminants manures shape the regeneration traits of agro-ecosystems through selective seed dissemination.

Improvement of yield in Guizotia abyssinica (L.F.) Cass. by using backcross method

Guizotia abyssinica (L.F.) Cass. is one of the important oilseed crops cultivated in India. The seed of the plant is used by the tribal and rural people of our country as a source of edible oil. The present investigation of the Niger plant deals with the study of the back cross-program and improvement in the variety. Unknown local variety (A) of niger was selected as a non-recurrent parent because of having some desirable characters like less vegetative growth (dwarf), resistance to waterlogged condition, and large seed grains while IGP-76 variety (B) was selected as a recurrent parent and used as a female having characters like small black grains, resistant to leaf-eating cater Piller and powdery mildew result shows successfully transfer of the characters in the F1 generation. The average number of capitulum/plant shows very good and positive results in F1 as well as BC1 generation. As compared to the recurrent parent (B) an average number of capitulum per plant was increased in F1 generation by 14.28% and in BC1 generation by 28.5%. The table indicates that there is incensement in the average number of seeds per capitulum. The average number of seeds per capitulum was increased by 8.3% in the F1 generation and by 11.11 % in the BC1 generation as compared to the recurrent parent. Average weights of 1000 seeds were also increased in F1 generation by 31.78% and in BC1 generation by 47.28% along with the total yield per plant.

The Effect of Planting Distances in Several Genotypes of Yellow Maize (Zea Mays l.)

Two field experiments were carrid out in Abi Gharaq, Al-Masaleeb in Autumn season, 2020 and Spring season, 2021 in the fields of Technical college/Musayyib for finding out the effect of planting distances in several genotypes of yellow maize (Zea Mays L.). Five genotypes are used as parents and the first one of it is used in planting the second season and in three experimental units for both distancing and genotypes. The distances were (60cm, 70cm, and 80cm) among the species for each five species from each experimental unit (three experimental units) and the soil was structured for five genotypes. The characteristics of the crop and its ingredients (the average number of kernels in the plant, the average kernel height(cm), the average number of rows in a kernel, the average number of seeds in a row, the average number of kernel seeds, the average weight of 300 seeds (gm), and the average crop seeds for the plant (gm)/a plant) are studied for each experimental unit. The data are analyzed statistically for each characteristic according to variance analysis and using a least significant difference test (LSD) under the level of 5% for autumn and spring seasons using the standard design for agricultural experiments (RCBD). The results have shown the excess of the first density in most of the characteristics studied. As for the species, the results have shown the excess the of the first genotype over all other genotypes.