Brassica oleraceaL Research Articles

The role of silver nanoparticles synthesized from Brassica olerace for determination of Aspirin in pharmaceutical samples by standard additions method

In this study, silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) were prepared from Brassica oleracea (BO) leaflet extract (BO-AgNPs) and applied for to determination of Aspirin in pharmaceutical samples through selective and sensitive spectrophotometric standard additions method. The measurements of UV-Visible, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) have been used to confirm the formation of BO-AgNPs, revealing a prominent absorption band at 450 nm, crystallinity, and an agglomerated morphology having an average particle size of 29 nm. Aspirin in Acifein, Aspirin, Acylpyrin and Disprin tablets was determined through the complexation with BO-AgNPs, revealing a linear range of 1-10 mg/10 mL and limit of detection (LOD) as 0.09, 0.46, 0.69 and 0.99 mg/10 mL, respectively. An average percent recovery for four samples were found to be 90, 99, 101 and 99 % and relative standard deviation (RSD) as 1.6, 0.6, 0.3 and 1.4, respectively. The suggested method was successfully used for the quantitative analysis of pharmaceutical tablets, which opens up the possibility that Ag NPs could be used to determine biological molecules when interferences from real samples are present.

The role of silver nanoparticles synthesized from Brassica olerace for determination of Aspirin in pharmaceutical samples by standard additions method

In this study, silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) were prepared from Brassica oleracea (BO) leaflet extract (BO-AgNPs) and applied for to determination of Aspirin in pharmaceutical samples through selective and sensitive spectrophotometric standard additions method. The measurements of UV-Visible, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) have been used to confirm the formation of BO-AgNPs, revealing a prominent absorption band at 450 nm, crystallinity, and an agglomerated morphology having an average particle size of 29 nm. Aspirin in Acifein, Aspirin, Acylpyrin and Disprin tablets was determined through the complexation with BO-AgNPs, revealing a linear range of 1-10 mg/10 mL and limit of detection (LOD) as 0.09, 0.46, 0.69 and 0.99 mg/10 mL, respectively. An average percent recovery for four samples were found to be 90, 99, 101 and 99 % and relative standard deviation (RSD) as 1.6, 0.6, 0.3 and 1.4, respectively. The suggested method was successfully used for the quantitative analysis of pharmaceutical tablets, which opens up the possibility that Ag NPs could be used to determine biological molecules when interferences from real samples are present.

Strategies to terminate summer cover crops for weed management in no-tillage vegetable production in southeast Brazil

AbstractCover crop residue left on the soil surface as organic mulch in no-tillage crop production provides several environmental benefits, including weed suppression. Thus, many farmers who use cover crops attempt to reduce the use of agricultural inputs, especially herbicides. Therefore, our objectives were to study the potential of different cover crop species to suppress weeds and produce an in situ organic mulch and to evaluate the effect of the organic mulch with and without spraying glyphosate on weed suppression for vegetable (tomato [Solanum lycopersicumL.] and broccoli [Brassica oleraceaL. var.botrytis]) growth and yield. Five cover crop treatments (sunn hemp [Crotalaria junceaL.], jack bean [Canavalia ensiformis(L.) DC.], pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum(L.) R. Br.], forage sorghum [Sorghum bicolor(L.) Moench ssp.bicolor], and no cover crop [control]) were used in the main plots; and glyphosate was or was not sprayed on the flattened cover crop in the subplots of this split-plot experimental design. Organic mulch from pearl millet, sorghum, and sunn hemp resulted in lower weed biomass during the early seasons of both tomato and broccoli than mulch from jack bean and no cover crop (control). Spraying glyphosate after roller-crimping reduced weed biomass by 103 g m−2and 20 g m−2by 45 and 60 d after transplanting (DATr) of tomato, respectively, and resulted in a better tomato yield compared with not spraying. Glyphosate reduced weed biomass by 110 g m−2in the early season of broccoli (30 DATr) but did not affect yield. Terminating high-biomass cover crops with a roller-crimper is a promising technique for weed management in vegetable crops that has the potential to reduce or even eliminate the need for herbicide.

Adaptability analysis in a participatory variety trial of organic vegetable crops

AbstractSuccessful organic farming requires crop varieties that are resilient to environmental variability. Assessing variety performance across the range of conditions represented on working farms is vital to developing such varieties; however, data collected from on-farm, participatory trials can be difficult to both collect and interpret. To assess the utility of data arising from participatory trialing efforts, we examined the performance of butternut squash (Cucurbita moschataL.), broccoli (Brassica oleraceaL.) and carrot (Daucus carotaL.) varieties grown in diverse organic production environments in participatory trials in Oregon, Washington, Wisconsin and New York using adaptability analysis (regression of variety means on environmental index). Patterns of adaptation varied across varieties, with some demonstrating broad adaptation and others showing specific adaptation to low- or high-yielding environments. Selection of varieties with broadvsspecific adaptation should be guided by farmers’ risk tolerance and on-farm environmental variation. Adaptability analysis was appropriate for continuous variables (e.g., yield traits), but less so for ordinal variables and quality traits such as flavor and appearance, which can be vitally important in organic vegetable crop variety selection. The relative advantages of adaptability analysis and additive main effects and multiplicative interactions are also discussed in relation to on-farm trial networks. This work demonstrated the unique challenges presented by extensive participatory vegetable trialing efforts, which, as compared to grain crops, require novel approaches to facilitating farmer participation as well as data collection and analysis. Efficient, precise and reliable methods for evaluating quality related traits in these crops would allow researchers to assess stability and adaptation across a wider range of traits, providing advantages for effective plant breeding and trialing activities within the organic sector.

Phenolic Acid Content and Antioxidant Properties of Extruded Corn Snacks Enriched with Kale.

Prohealth food contains specific components which have positive influence on the health and well-being of the consumer. An important position among bioactive compounds occurs for polyphenols. Many results have indicated that an increased intake of phenolic compounds may reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes. The objective of the study was production of extruded corn snacks with addition (0, 2, 4, 6, and 8%) of kale (Brassica oleracea L. var. sabellica)—a polyphenol-rich plant. Afterwards, high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) and antioxidant activity analyses of snack extracts were performed. In the corn snacks enriched with kale, fifteen phenolic acids were indicated. These were protocatechuic, 4-OH-benzoic, vanillic, trans-caffeic, cis-caffeic, trans-p-coumaric, cis-p-coumaric, trans-ferulic, cis-ferulic, salicylic, gentisic, syringic, 3-OH-cinnamic, trans-sinapic, and cis-sinapic acids. Both the qualitative and quantitative content of polyphenols increased with the addition of B. oleracea. Data from spectrophotometric analyses of the samples showed high DPPH radical scavenging potential of snacks enriched with 4, 6, and 8% of kale. Snacks enriched with kale contain high level of phenolic acids and, therefore, have great potential to make a valuable source of natural antioxidants. High-temperature short-time extrusion-cooking process had no negative impact on polyphenol's activity.

Simulation of the process kinetics and analysis of physicochemical properties in the freeze drying of kale

AbstractInvestigations were performed to study the freeze-drying process of kale (Brassica oleraceaL. varacephala). The process of freeze-drying was performed at temperatures of 20, 40, and 60°C for whole pieces of leaves and for pulped leaves. The kinetics of the freeze-drying of both kale leaves and kale pulp were best described by the Page model. The increasing freeze-drying temperature from 20 to 60°C induced an approximately two-fold decrease in the drying time. Freeze-drying significantly increased the value of the lightness, delta Chroma, and browning index of kale, and had little influence on the hue angle. The highest increase in the lightness and delta Chroma was observed for whole leaves freeze-dried at 20°C. An increase in the drying temperature brought about a slight decrease in the lightness, delta Chroma and the total colour difference. Pulping decreased the lightness and hue angle, and increased browning index. Freeze-drying engendered a slight decrease in the total phenolics content and antioxidant activity, in comparison to fresh leaves. The temperature of the process and pulping had little influence on the total phenolics content and antioxidant activity of dried kale, but significantly decreased the contents of chlorophyllaand chlorophyllb.

FIRST REPORT OF PECTOBACTERIUM CAROTOVORUM subsp. CAROTOVORUM CAUSING SOFT ROT ON WHITE HEAD CABBAGE IN TURKEY

In October of 2016, soft rotted tissue on white head cabbage (Brassica oleraceaL. var.capitata subvar. Alba) were observed in commercial fields of Samsun province. Infected tissue was macerated in Bioreba extraction bags and extract was plated on Crystal Violet Pectate (CVP) medium. Cavity forming strains on CVP were facultative anaerobic with pectinolytic ability on potato tuber slices, grew at 37°C, produced acid from α-methyl glucoside, were negative for producing indole and reducing substances from sucrose. The sequence of 1400 bp of 16S rDNA gene (Weisburget al., 1991) of strain BTC2 (GenBank accession No. MF314823) showed 99% identity to P. carotovorum subsp. carotovorumstrain ICMP 13550 (KY446059). Further confirmation of strain BTC2 was done with a 713 bp recA gene sequence (Waleron et al., 2002) (MF314822), which showed 99% similarity to P. carotovorum subsp. carotovorum strains in Genbank. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rDNA and recA sequences grouped our strain in the same cluster together with type strain ATCC 15713T and respective P. carotovorum subsp. carotovorum strains derived from GenBank. Pathogenicity was performed on cabbage plants (cv. Beyaz Bursa) by inoculation of 10 µl of suspension (108 cfu ml-1 ) using a syringe and hypodermic needle at the leaf axil. Inoculated plants were incubated in humid conditions at 28°C. Inky-black lesions and slimy decay developed within 72 h. To our knowledge,this is the first report of P. carotovorum subsp. carotovorum causing soft rot of white head cabbage in Turkey.

ANTIMICROBIAL AND PHYTOTOXIC ACTIVITIES OF FEW IMPORTANT XERIC PLANTS

The present study was conducted to record and report the biological activities of four selected xerophytes species of District Bannu. Phytotoxic effect of Calligonum polygonoides, Sueda fruticosa, Peganum harmala (L.) and Rosa brunonii was conducted by the germination of Cucumus sativus, Brassica olerace, Helianthu annus and Abelmoschus esculentus similarly antibacterial and antifungal activities were also carried out in libratory by using of various strains of bacteria and fungal such as Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia colli, Aspergillus niger and Aspergills flavos. All of the selected plants have inhibitory effect on bacteria growth. In this study the effect of different concentration (.5mg/ml, 10mg/ml) of shade dry leaf methanol extract of Calligonum polygonoides, Sueda fruticos, Peganum harmala (L.) and Rosa brunonii on various strains of bacteria and fungi were investigated. The results showed that the methanol extract of Calligonum polygonoides, Rosa brunonii and Peganum harmala (L.). inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi just like antibiotic but Sueda fruticosa have little inhibitory effect on Bacterial and fungal strain. Maximum growths of bacteria and fungi were occurred at positive control Petri dish (DMSO); growth were not observe at Petri plate of Tetracycline and Terbinofine test tube.Growth of bacteria and fungi was not observe in higher concentration Rosa brunonii and Calligonum polygonoides on various strains of bacteria and fungi.

Characteristics Defining Broccoli Cultivars from Different Seed Producers

Broccoli (Brassica oleraceaL. var.italica) is currently considered a main vegetable food in the markets due to its high nutritional value, containing elevated levels of phytochemicals widely described to have beneficial effects against cancer and other illnesses. Broccoli is an interesting crop with a high commercial value because it complements the tomato industry, the main agricultural income in Badajoz, Spain. Nine varieties of broccoli from four nurseries were evaluated by analyzing both agronomic and quality parameters. Total yield and number of harvests were monitored. Parameters defining quality like diameter, weight, and height of the heads were determined. Granulometry, compactness, and the presence of internal leaves in the heads were also analyzed. Diameter and height of sprouts were complementarily estimated. Principal component analysis was further employed to investigate the relationship between the agronomic variables and the cultivars and nurseries. Results revealed that both first and second principal components explained more than 75% of the variance and grouped data according their cultivar and commercial origin. Additionally, correlations between the scores of those components and the values of the phenotypic parameters suggested that head weights are main determinants of the phenotypic differences observed among the cultivars whereas the presence of internal leaves and granulometry and head weight appear to be key traits defining nurseries.

Содержание фенольных соединений в листьях растений-регенерантов капусты белокочанной (Brassica oleracea L.)

Содержание фенольных соединений в листьях растений-регенерантов капусты белокочанной (Brassica oleracea L.)

Living mulch for weed management in organic vegetable cropping systems under Mediterranean and North European conditions

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate the effect of growing in-season agro-ecological service crops as living mulch (LM) with vegetable crops, exploiting their potential to suppress weeds by filling the ecological niches otherwise occupied by weeds. Two field experiments were carried out in Denmark and Italy to compare different LM introduction strategies in organic vegetable cropping systems. In Denmark, leek (Allium porrumL.) was grown with dyers woad (Isatis tinctoriaL.) LM strips, while cauliflower (Brassica oleraceaL. var.botrytis) was intercropped with a broad sowed burr medic (Medicago polimorphaL., var. anglona) in Italy. Two LM times of sowing relative to cash crop transplanting––an early sowing (es LM) and a late sowing (ls LM)––were compared with a control with no LM (no LM). The effects of LM treatment on crop competitiveness, LM smother effect and weed populations were evaluated by direct measurement, visual estimation and competitive index methods. Comparison among hybrid and open pollinated cultivar responses to LM introduction was also performed. Results showed a significant higher cash crop biomass in ls LM than in es LM, with comparable yield to the weeded controls, except for es LM in Italy. Moreover, in the Danish experiment, the LM and weed biomasses were up to 5 times lower in the es LM and ls LM treatments than the weed biomass alone in no LM treatment. Reduction in weed biomass and abundance was observed also in ls LM in the Italian trial. Similarly, the competitive balance (Cb), which quantifies the ability of the cash crop to compete with neighbours, was higher in the es LM (+0.29) and ls LM (+0.72) compared with unweeded no LM control (−0.86) in Denmark. In the Italian experiment, the cauliflower showed more competitive ability against neighbours in ls LM (+0.53) and was a weak competitor in es LM (−1.51). The cash crop had higher competitive ability against LM (Cbc-lm) when sowing was more delayed in both experiments, while, in the Italian trial, the LM was more competitive against weeds (Cblm-w) in ls LM (+1.54) than in es LM (−0.41). The slight differences observed for biomass and competitive ability between the tested cultivars, highlighted similar suitability of both hybrid and open-pollinated cultivars to grow with LM. Our findings suggest the viability of the introduced LM in managing weeds and avoiding a smother effect on the crop, with particular effectiveness with delayed LM sowing.

Genome-Wide Identification and Characterization of bZIP Transcription Factors in Brassica oleracea under Cold Stress.

Cabbages (Brassica oleracea L.) are an important vegetable crop around world, and cold temperature is among the most significant abiotic stresses causing agricultural losses, especially in cabbage crops. Plant bZIP transcription factors play diverse roles in biotic/abiotic stress responses. In this study, 119 putative BolbZIP transcription factors were identified using amino acid sequences from several bZIP domain consensus sequences. The BolbZIP members were classified into 63 categories based on amino acid sequence similarity and were also compared with BrbZIP and AtbZIP transcription factors. Based on this BolbZIP identification and classification, cold stress-responsive BolbZIP genes were screened in inbred lines, BN106 and BN107, using RNA sequencing data and qRT-PCR. The expression level of the 3 genes, Bol008071, Bol033132, and Bol042729, was significantly increased in BN107 under cold conditions and was unchanged in BN106. The upregulation of these genes in BN107, a cold-susceptible inbred line, suggests that they might be significant components in the cold response. Among three identified genes, Bol033132 has 97% sequence similarity to Bra020735, which was identified in a screen for cold-related genes in B. rapa and a protein containing N-rich regions in LCRs. The results obtained in this study provide valuable information for understanding the potential function of BolbZIP transcription factors in cold stress responses.

Vliv kvality sadby na parametry konzumních částí vybraných druhů košťálové zeleniny

The aim of this work was to evaluate the influence of seedling preparation technology (seedling flats with cell size of 20 ml, 40 ml and seedlings pulled from patches) and of seedling age at the time of planting (development stages of 3–4 true leaves and 5–6 true leaves) to the qualitative characteristics of seedling of selected cabbage species: white cabbage (Brassica oleraceaL. convar.capitata(L.) Alef. var.albaDC.) –Aros, Avak,Midor; cauliflower (Brassica oleraceaL. convar.botrytis(L.) Alef. var.botrytisL.) –Beta, Delta, Roberand savoy cabbage (Brassica oleraceaL. convar.capitata(L.) Alef. var.sabaudaL.) –Vega, Versus. The diameter and weight of rosaces, resp. heads, was evaluated in the harvested production. After splitting the harvested crop into several groups, the percentage of non-standard portion of the yield was determined. The use of older seedlings (5–6 true leaves) for the white and savoy cabbage planting had a positive influence to both average yield and the harvest earliness. On the other hand, for the cauliflower conclusively better average crop of rosaces and earlier harvests were achieved with younger seedling transplanting (3–4 true leaves). Seedling flats proved to be the most suitable way of seedling preplantation; no differences were found between the characteristics of products cultivated from the seedling flats with 20 ml and 40 ml cell volumes. In average, smaller amount of non-standard harvest plant parts was, gained with the transplanting from larger seedling flats (40 ml cell volume).

Effect of Modified Atmosphere Packaging on Postharvest Quality of Kohlrabi

Abstract: The effect of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on kohlrabi (Brassica olerace L. gongulodes group)’s quality and antioxidant molecule during storage was examined to determine the optimal film package for maintaining freshness. To extend shelf life, MAP was tested using PE 50 μm and oriented polypropylene (OPP) films with oxygen transmission rate (OTR) at 3,000, 10,000, 15,000 mL/m 2 /day/atm. The OPP film packaging with modified oxygen transmission rate showed a delay in a weight loss and extended storage period. The package with OTR 3000 attained the desired gas composition of O 2 3.2-6.7 kPa and CO 2 13.1-19.8 kPa, in storage at room temperature. Kohlrabi stored in this package showed the lowest weight loss and the highest visual quality. Deterioration and off-odor were developed more rapidly in PE 50 μm towards the end of the storage at room temperature. However, there are no differences among OTR films in visual quality and off-odor until 60 days at cold storage. Vitamin C content of kohlrabi was reduced rapidly in OTR 15000 with high transmission rate and showed less loss in PE 50 μm and OTR 3000 in both room temperatures and cold storage. Results revealed that an OPP film with OTR 3000 extended the shelf life of kohlrabi in storage with maintained quality and vitamin C.Additional key words:

Assessment of toxicity of a biosurfactant from Candida sphaerica UCP 0995 cultivated with industrial residues in a bioreactor

Background: The aim of the present study was to propose a low-cost method for the production of a biosurfactant by the yeast Candida sphaerica and assess its toxicity and phytotoxicity. The medium was formulated with distilled water supplemented with residue from a soy oil refinery (5%) and corn steep liquor (2.5%) as substrates. These two products were the sources of carbon and nitrogen as well as mineral elements to encourage the growth of the microorganism and production of a biosurfactant. Results: The isolated biosurfactant yield was 6.364 g/l. The biosurfactant exhibited an excellent ability to reduce surface tension (26 mN/m) and demonstrated no toxicity against seeds of Brassica olerace, Chicoria intybus and Solanum gilo or the microcrustacean Artemia salina employed as a bioindicator. The biosurfactant exhibited no antimicrobial activity against the fungi and bacteria tested. Conclusions: The promising results obtained in this study indicate the feasibility of producing biosurfactants from powerful non-toxic organic residues and their application in the bioremediation of contaminated soil and water.

Conservation tillage for organic agriculture: Evolution toward hybrid systems in the western USA

AbstractOrganic farming has been historically dependent on conventional tillage operations to convert perennial pasture leys to annual crop rotations, incorporate crop residues, compost and cover crops, as well as to mechanically kill existing vegetation. Conventional tillage, however, has long been known to lead to soil degradation and erosion. A recently developed no-till organic production system that uses a roller–crimper technology to mechanically kill cover crops was evaluated in two states in the western United States. In Washington, pumpkins (Cucurbitaspp.) grown in a no-till roller–crimper (NT-RC) system produced yields 80% of conventional tillage, but with fewer weeds. However, in California on-farm research trials in organic cotton (Gossypium barbadenseL.), tomato (Lycopersicon esculentumMill.), eggplant (Solanum melongenaL.) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata(L.) Walp.), the no-till system produced virtual crop failure, or yields less than 20% of the standard production method. The major problems associated with rolled cover crops in California included reduced crop seedling emergence, planter impediment with excessive residue, lack of moisture and delay in transplanting of vegetable crops due to continued growth of cover crops, in-season crop competition from cover crop regrowth and impracticability of using cultivators. Further, excessive dry residue during summer in California can present the risk of fire. In both California and Oregon, considerable success has been demonstrated with zone tillage (strip tillage) in conventionally produced field and vegetable crops. In a replicated Oregon trial, the organic strip tillage treatment produced 85% of the broccoli (Brassica oleraceaL.) yield compared to a conventional tillage treatment. Our studies suggest that the zone tillage concept may offer opportunities to overcome many of the agronomic challenges facing no-till.

Origin and Domestication of Cole Crops (Brassica oleracea L.): Linguistic and Literary Considerations1

Origin and Domestication of Cole Crops (Brassica oleraceaL.): Linguistic and Literary Considerations. Various attempts have been made to locate the area of domestication of Brassica oleracea crops (i.e., cole crops). Contrasting hypotheses suggest either a North Atlantic or a Mediterranean origin. In the absence of archaeological proof, linguistic and literary considerations can offer some insight into this issue. Expressions indicating a deep-rooted knowledge and use of these crops are present in early works of ancient Greek and Latin literature, while no trace of cole crops has been found in documents from ancient Egyptian or other Fertile Crescent civilizations. Most cole crop terminology used in modern European languages can etymologically be traced to ancient Latin or Greek roots, particularly those terms indicating the most obvious morphological feature of the primitive domesticated forms, i.e., the solid upright stem (kaulos, caulis). Celtic tradition is not documented earlier than the Christian era, other than in stone inscriptions, and there is no clear evidence of a “cole tradition” among the Celts. This paper gathers information from the linguistic, literary, and historical points of view that are compatible with the domestication of B. oleracea in the ancient Greek-speaking area of Central and East Mediterranean.

Sorghum sudangrass as a summer cover and hay crop for organic fall cabbage production

AbstractNo-tillage (NT) organic vegetable production presents several economic opportunities for growers in the southeastern United States while promoting natural resource conservation. This study was conducted to determine if removal of sorghum sudangrass (SS) cover crop biomass as hay, frequency at which the cover crop is mowed, and tillage affect weed suppression and head weight of transplanted organic cabbage. Sorghum sudangrass [Sorghum bicolor(L.) Moench×Sorgum sudanense(Piper) Staph.] was planted in May 2004 at Reidsville and Goldsboro, NC, preceding the planting of organic ‘Bravo’ cabbage (Brassica oleraceaL. Capitata group) in August and September 2004, respectively. SS management systems included: low-frequency mowing with hay removed following the first mowing operation (LFM-H), low-frequency mowing with hay not removed (LFM), high-frequency mowing with hay not removed (HFM) and a no cover crop control. Two tillage treatments were applied within each management system: conventional tillage (CT) and NT. Under NT conditions, SS mulch generated by LFM offered broadleaf weed control in cabbage similar to that achieved under CT, regardless of whether cover crop biomass was removed as hay. Mowing with higher frequency reduced SS cover crop biomass by 18–33% and reduced weed suppression in NT cabbage. Mowing frequency did not influence the quantity of SS that re-grew in the cabbage crop. SS re-growth contributed to lower head weight in NT compared to CT cabbage in Goldsboro, and crop failure of NT cabbage in Reidsville. Cabbage head weight was highest when the crop was not preceded by SS in both CT and NT systems (1.6 as opposed to 1.3–1.4 kg head−1). Our findings suggest that the potential for growers to manage a cover crop also as a hay crop does exist; however, SS may not be a compatible cover crop species for organic fall cabbage production due to high amounts of re-growth.

Effects of Alternative Control Methods Against Meloidogyne incognita in Organic Tomato Production

The effects of some alternative control methods consisting of biofumigation, intercropping with attractive plants, grafting, solarization or biological nematicides against Meloidogyne incognita in organic tomato production were evaluated in two successive short growing cycles (2007 autumn and 2008 spring) in unheated greenhouse conditions. Eight treatments were investigated in both growing seasons while four treatments were the same in each year, two were different. Soil solarization was applied for 6 weeks with a covering of 110 μm thickness of clear polyethylene sheets. For the biofumigation treatments, all the plant parts of the broccoli (Brassica olerace var. italica) (14 t ha -1 ) or the leaves and fruits of the castor oil plant (Ricinus communis) (2.5 t ha -1 ) were added to the soil one week before planting the tomatoes. The American Marigold plant (Tagetes erecta) seedlings were transplanted to the plots one week before planting as an intercrop with the tomato plants. As a biological nematicide, BioAct® [Paecilomyces lilacinus, strain 251: 62.5 g kg-1, 1010 cfu g-1 LD 50>5000 mg kg-1 cfu mL-1 (Boyut Foreign Trade Ltd, Turkey)] was applied three times at the firm's recommended rates. Organic manure, acting as a biological nematicide namely Netisin® (BioGlobal Company, Turkey), was applied at a rate of 10 kg ha -1 using a drip irrigation system to the soil twice. In both seasons root galling caused by M. incognita was lower (1.90 in autumn and 2.95 in spring) in the grafted tomato plants on the rootstock Beaufort than the other treatments. In terms of yield, among the tested treatments, grafting (0.922 kg plant-1 in autumn and 1.785 kg plant -1 in spring) and biofumigation with R. communis in autumn (0.924 kg plant-1) and biofumigation with broccoli in the spring (2.315 kg plant-1) gave higher yields. The overall results showed that biofumigation with broccoli and

Improving the Production of Well Irrigated Cauliflower (Brassica OleraceaL. Var. Botrytis,Cv. Snowball Y. Imp) by Foliar Spraying of some Growth Regulators

Three different experiment were conducted on Snowball Y. IMP Cauliflower Cultivar. Seeds were sown in
 seedbed to produce transplants. The obtained transplants were planted on furrows, and then they were sprayed
 twice, 2 weeks after transplanting and 4 months latter with either gibberellic acid (GA3) at rates of 0.0, 20, 30 and
 40mg.l-1, indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) at rates of 0.0, 20, 30 and 40mg.l-1, or naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) at rates of 0.0, 20, 30 and 40mg.l-1 to improve the production of snowball Y. IMP cauliflower cultivar which was irrigated
 whenever 25% of soil water capacity is depleted to a soil depth of 30cm. The results revealed that snowball Y. IMP
 cauliflower cultivar required supplementary irrigation of 327.6 mm, besides 254.3 mm rainfalls, during the entire
 growing season. GA3 application substantially increased the yield of cauliflower particularly 40 mg.l-1 which gave the highest yield (3.65 kg.m-2), as compared to check (2.44 kg.m-2). Regression analysis displayed that cauliflower yield responses to GA3 application could be estimated by the following positive linear equation (Yield kg.m-2 = 2.35836 + 0.0313786(GA3rate)). IBA application substantially increased the yield of cauliflower particularly 40 mg.l-1 which gave the highest yield (7.61 kg.m-2) as compared to untreated control (5.74 kg.m-2). Regression analysis displayed that cauliflower yield responses to IBA application could be estimated by the following cubic equation (Yield kg.m-2 
 = 5.7375 + 0.599098(IBA rate) - 0.0436278(IBA rate)**2 + 0.0007442(IBA rate)**3). NAA application 
 substantially increased the yield of cauliflower particularly 30 mg.l-1 which gave the highest yield (3.15 kg.m-2 ) as compared to check (1.4 kg.m-2). Regression analysis displayed that cabbage yield responses to NAA application could be estimated by the following positive linear equation (Yield kg.m-2 = 1.85084 + 0.0377673(NAA rate).