Commercial Cultivation Research Articles

Effect of Various Pre-sowing Treatments on Germination and Seedling Performance of Bixa orellana L. at Low Seed Moisture Content

Natural plant-based substances are becoming more and more popular in today's society for a variety of uses. Bixin (vibrant red-orange dye) is one such compound derived from Bixa orellana L., commonly known as annatto. This plant is primarily propagated through seeds for commercial cultivation. However, there is very little information available on germination combined with the seedling performance of this species. Hence, to fill this research gap, the present study evaluated seed morphological characteristics and various pre-sowing treatments to enhance seed germination and its vigour at a low seed moisture content of 10%. This study used Completely Randomized Design (CRD), and seeds were subjected to six pre-sowing treatments with four replications. The study showed the highest germination (52%) and highest mean daily germination (4.6) in 24hrs Water-soaked seeds, whereas mechanical scarification in combination with 24hrs water-soaking increased the germination percentage from 19% to 47%. In addition, the highest seed vigour index (411.25) was also observed in mechanical scarification combined with 24-hour water soaking. These findings of germination and vigour at low seed moisture content will certainly help in the formation of desiccation and storage protocols for medium to long-term conservation of Bixa orellana L. seeds.

Nitrogen use efficiency in bread wheat: Genetic variation and prospects for improvement.

Nitrogen (N) is one of the primary macronutrients required for crop growth and yield. This nutrient is especially limiting wheat yields in the dry and low fertile agro-ecologies having low N in the root zone soil strata. Moreover, majority of farmers in India and South Asia are small to marginal with meagre capacity to invest in costly nitrogen fertilizers. Therefore, there is an immense need to identify lines that use nitrogen efficiently. A set of 50 diverse wheat genotypes consisting of indigenous germplasm lines (05), cultivars released for commercial cultivation (23) and selected elite lines from CIMMYT nurseries (22) were evaluated in an alpha-lattice design with two replications, a six-rowed plot of 2.5m length for 24 agro morphological, physiological and NUE related traits during two consecutive crop seasons in an N-depleted precision field under two different N levels of 50%-N50 (T1) and 100%-N100 (T2) of recommended N, i.e., 100 kg/ha. Analysis of variance revealed significant genetic variation among genotypes for all the traits studied. About 11.36% yield reduction was observed at reduced N levels. Significant correlations among NUE traits and yield component traits were observed which indicated pivotal role of N remobilization to the grain in enhancing yield levels. Among N-insensitive genotypes identified based on their yielding ability at low N levels, UASBW13356, UASBW13358, UASBW13354, UASBW13357 and KRL1-4 showed their inherent genotypic plasticity toward N application. The genotypes with more yield and high to moderate NUtE can be used as parents for the breeding of N efficient genotypes for marginal agro-ecologies. Low N tolerant genotypes identified from the current investigation may be further utilized in the identification of genomic regions responsible for NUE and its deployment in wheat breeding programs. The comprehensive data of 24 traits under different nitrogen levels for diverse genotypes from India and global sources (mainly CIMMYT) should be useful for supporting breeding for NUE and thus will be of great help for small and marginal farmers in India and South Asia.

Characteristics of the ET, a new species created by interspecific hybridization of two wild eggplants

The eggplant tree (Solanum stockii Ye, ET) is a dominant hybrid obtained by sexual hybridization, embryo rescue, and tissue culture between the maternal parent SWB (Solanum wrightii Benth) and the paternal parent ST (Solanum torvum). Compared with its parents, eggplant tree has a faster growth rate, more efficient nutrient and water absorption, higher grafting compatibility, as well as comparable resistance and perenniality, making it an ideal rootstock for simplified, labor-saving, and long-season production of vegetables. However, there is few studies reported about the eggplant tree. In this study, we aimed to explore the factors contributing to the rapid growth of the eggplant tree. We obtained the ET using the same method, which the leaf and flower sizes are comparable to those of SWB, but larger than those of ST and cultivated eggplant (G063). Ploidy analysis demonstrated that ET is diploid, but with a significant decrease in pollen viability, which may be the reason for the phenomenon of "flowering but not fruiting". Transcriptome and metabolome analysis revealed that 6177 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 563 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) significantly changed in plant growth and development, and stress resistance. A key gene (Smechr0700070.1) that may indirectly promote scopolin synthesis in ET was identified according to an in-depth analysis of the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway, which promotes plant growth in ET. These findings significantly improve our understanding of the characteristics of ET and lay a theoretical foundation for its commercial cultivation.

Physical culture, posing, and the medium of fitness magazines

ABSTRACT Physical culture describes a new socio-political interest in physical activity which emerged in the late nineteenth century and became a global phenomenon. Physical culture was concerned with the ‘commercial and ideological cultivation of the body’, as made manifest in gymnasium and keep fit cultures. This paper focuses specifically on physical culture magazines, which began to be sold with regularity in North America and Europe from the late 1890s, and contributed to the movement’s spread in this period. Publications relied on a reciprocal relationship with their readers to craft their content and remain financially viable. Reader-submitted content, be it images or letters, helped these magazines shape the practices and values of physical culturists. Critically, many of these magazines were transnational in nature, republishing articles and images from other publications and from readers across the world. This article is driven by a two-pronged argument: first, that magazine cover images helped to implicitly inform ways of presenting the male body. Second, that this was a transnational phenomenon. The article discusses the rise of physical culture in Europe before examining two popular physical culture magazines from the early twentieth century, the French magazine La Culture Physique and the English magazine Health and Strength. Using examples of cover images and reader submissions to these two publications, the article demonstrates how the growing mediums of physical culture magazines and photography provided crucial avenues for countless men around the world to re-evaluate their relationships with their bodies.

Morels as a source of Food, Medicine and Income in Himachal Pradesh - A North West Himalayan Region, India

Himachal Pradesh is situated in north India between 300 22’ to 330 12’ N latitudes and 750 47’’ to 790 04’ E longitudes within the Western Himalayas in northern India. The elevation varies from 450 meters to more than 7,026 meters above the mean sea level. Tribal and indigenous communities of Himachal Pradesh are associated with collection of wild mushrooms for edible, medicinal and sale purpose. The Morels (Morchella spp.) are fungi belong to family Morchellaceae commonly known as Guchhi in Himachal Pradesh. The traditional people of Himachal Himalayan Region (HHR) cooked it as food and used in medicine and health care system. Traditionally, it has been used for gastric problems, as a tonic, to cure cuts and wounds, and reduce joint pain. The native people gather it from the forest regions and sold it to nearby merchants after drying it at home. Presence of nutrients like amino acids, vitamins and minerals, the Guchhi mushrooms are in high demand not only in India but also in various foreign markets such as Switzerland, France, the USA, Italy etc. Commercial cultivation of Guchhi mushrooms will help rural masses and farmers obtain benefits due to their high demand.

First Report of Powdery Mildew Caused by Golovinomyces adenophorae on Adenophora triphylla var. japonica in Korea.

Adenophora triphylla var. japonica (Campanulaceae), known as Japanese lady bell, is native to East Asia. It has been used as a medicinal plant but is widely cultivated in Korea as an indigenous vegetable (Park et al. 2011). In the summer of 2020, about 100 plants in an experimental plot at the National Institute of Forest Science, Seoul, Korea, showed powdery mildew symptoms with a 100% disease incidence. Signs first appeared as white colonies, subsequently expanding over the leaves, stems, and inflorescences. Infected young shoots were elongated and became slender. Chasmothecia were found in late October. Voucher specimens were deposited in the Korea University Herbarium (KUS-F). Conidiophores arising from the lateral part of the hyphae were upright, 100 to 220 × 10 to 12 µm, and produced 2 to 5 immature conidia in chains with sinuate edge lines. Basal parts of foot-cells in conidiophores were curved. Conidia were barrel-shaped to ellipsoid, 26 to 40 × 14 to 20 µm, and produced germ tubes on the perihilar position of the conidia. Chasmothecia with short mycelioid appendages were gregarious, 144 to176 µm in diam., and contained 8 to 22 asci. Asci were clavate-saccate with short stalks, 60 to 82 × 28 to 42 µm, and contained two spores. Ascospores were broadly ellipsoid, cytoplasm-dense without vacuoles, colorless, and 22 to 28 × 12 to 18 µm. The structures and measurements were consistent with those of Golovinomyces adenophorae (R.Y. Zheng & G.Q. Chen) Heluta (Braun & Cook, 2012). To confirm the morphology-based identification, two herbarium specimens (KUS-F29252 and F31898) were sequenced for the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and large subunit (LSU) regions with PM10/ITS4 and PM3/TW14 primers, respectively (Bradshaw and Tobin, 2020). A Blastn search revealed high similarities in the ITS and LSU sequences, with 99.81% (538/539 bp) and 99.86% (697/698 bp) to G. adenophorae sequences (AB077633 and AB077632), respectively. All resulting sequences were deposited in GenBank under accession numbers OR841069-70 for ITS and OR841071 for LSU. A pathogenicity test was performed through inoculation by gently dusting the conidia from a detached symptomatic leaf onto the leaves of five healthy plants. Five non-inoculated plants served as controls. Following inoculation, plants were covered with plastic film and maintained in a greenhouse (24 to 32°C) until symptoms developed. Powdery mildew colonies developed on the inoculated plants after twelve days, whereas the control plants remained symptomless. The inoculated pathogen was confirmed morphologically and molecularly by the sequence comparison aforementioned, fulfilling Koch's postulates. Based on morphological characteristics and the sequencing data, the powdery mildew was identified as G. adenophorae. The association of G. adenophorae and Adenophora spp. has been known in China, Japan, Kazakhstan, and the Far East of Russia (Farr and Rossman, 2023). This is the first report of powdery mildew caused by G. adenophorae on A. triphylla var. japonica in Korea. Since the commercial cultivation of this plant aims to harvest young shoots as one of the most popular vegetables in Korea, appropriate control measures for the powdery mildew should be considered.

‘Juxiangyuan’ Seedless Orange: A New Mutant with Male and Female Sterility

Seedless is a highly valued commercial characteristic in the citrus industry, both for fresh consumption and for processed markets. In this study, the ‘Succari Sweet Orange’ (WT) and its seedless mutant ‘Juxiangyuan’ (MT), which originated from a bud mutation, were selected to study the formation of a citrus seedless phenotype. Microscopic analysis of MT’s floral organs, including anther and ovary cross-sections, provides insights into its seedless phenotype compared to the original seeded cultivar. Additionally, pollen features, viability, and in vitro germination were examined to determine the cause of seedlessness. MT exhibited significant developmental deformities in both male and female gametes, with pollen grain analysis indicating a high rate of deformity (41.48%), low viability (9.59%), and minimal in vitro germination (9.56%). Hybridization experiments were conducted to assess male and female sterility and pollen incompatibility. Both WT and MT exhibited parthenocarpic development. Notably, MT fruit produced with an average of 3.51 seeds pollinated to WT, despite severe pollen abortion of MT. MT, however, produced seedless fruit through self-breeding or cross-breeding with other varieties, demonstrating stable female sterility. Despite reduced pollen quantity and viability in the seedless mutant ‘Juxiangyuan’, its seedlessness primarily stems from female sterility. This study contributed to a deeper understanding of seedless formation in ‘Juxiangyuan’ and provided valuable information relevant to its commercial cultivation.

Cultivar-Specific Growth and Yield of Mukunuwenna (<em>Alternanthera sessilis</em>) in the Low Country Wet Zone, Sri Lanka

Joyweed/Mukunuwenna (Alternanthera sessile) is a globally significant leafy vegetable, yet its maximum yield potential remains largely unrealized due to the limited genetic diversity of existing varieties. Farmers frequently lack precise knowledge about the yield potential, growth characteristics, and quality of the produce. Few attempts of research attentions were given to assess its growth characteristics, susceptibility to diseases and pests, consumer acceptability, and yield potential. Therefore, this study aims to comprehensively evaluate growth and yield traits, sensory qualities and morphological features of eight carefully selected Mukunuwenna cultivars. Thus, identifying the most suitable Mukunuwenna cultivars for the Low Country Wet Zone, Sri Lanka. In this investigation, we assessed four Mukunuwenna selections, including one wild (red) variety, alongside three local Mukunuwenna cultivars, focusing on their growth, yield and morphological characteristics under upland field conditions at the Agriculture Research Station, Thelijjawila, Sri Lanka. The study followed a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates. Data were meticulously collected for eight growth parameters and two yield parameters including average internodal distance, average leaf length, average leaf width, average number of shoots per unit area, average number of leaves per stem, average number of flowers per stem, average shoot height, average chlorophyll content, average leaf to stem ratio, and average yield per plot. The results, analyzed through ANOVA and mean separation demonstrated significant differences (P< 0.05) among Mukunuwenna cultivars across various attributes, To assess the diversity in growth and yield, a principle component analysis was conducted. A sensory evaluation was performed to assess the consumer preference. Notably, the Piliyandala selection exhibited the most promising growth and yield traits, particularly excelling leaf to stem ratio and gaining the highest consumer preference. Other notable performers were the Colombo selection, Weda Mukunuwenna and Cultivar M7 showing preferable growth and yield traits with strong consumer appeal. Considering these findings, we conclude that Piliyandala selection, Colombo selection, and Cultivar M7 exhibit preferable growth and yield traits for commercial cultivation, while Weda Mukunuwenna stands out as an ideal choice for home garden cultivation under upland conditions in the Low Country Wet Zone, following recommended agronomic practices. This study’s outcomes hold significant promise for further research endeavors, focusing on enhancing desirable growth and yield traits.

Оцінка товарних кондицій помісей першого покоління антонінсько-зозуленецьких та галицьких рамчастих коропів

Purpose. To characterize age-1+ hybrids obtained from the crossing of Galician framed carp (GFC) and Antoniny-Zozulenets framed carp (AZFC) according to a set of commercial conditions in comparison with parental lines. Methodology. The objects of the study were age-1+ hybrids of the reciprocal crossing of Galician and Antoniny-Zozulenets carps grown in pond conditions of the “Karpatskyi Vodogray” LLC. The study was conducted at the end of the growing season according to methodological recommendations. The body of the experimental carp for analysis was divided into its constituent parts: scales, fillet with skin, entrails, fins and bones. In the process of work, blood was removed, its weight was attributed to the entrails. The head was separated from the carcass by breaking it off between the occipital bone and the first vertebra.Each part was weighed separately and presented as a percentage of the total body weight. Findings. The obtained results showed that the yield of the main part of the fillet with skin in crossbred groups of age-1+ carp was 48.7–52.0% and was higher compared to purebred offspring.In comparison with the original maternal line, crossbred age-1+ ♀GFC ×♂AZFC had a higher index of relative fillet weight by 3.15%, and the similar 1.6% superiority was observed in crossbreds ♀AZFC × ♂GFC. At the same time, with an increase in the average weight of age-1+ by 28.9–68.6% in the 2023 studies, the relative weight of the carcass increased by 2.4–11.0%. At the same time, the relative weight of the head decreased by 5.3-6.1%, and the relative weight of the entrails increased by 0.7-4.7%. In general, the inedible part of the studied groups of fish was in the range of 27.2–32.4%. In terms of the yield of fillets per 1 ha of fattening pond, the superiority of interbreeding groups of age-1+ was 31.5–62.7%. The obtained results indicate the expediency of their use as new highly productive commercial lines in pond farms of the Polissiya zone. Originality. For the first time, a comparative analysis of the nutritional value parameters of age-1+ carp from reciprocal crossings of Galician and Antoniny-Zozulenet framed carp and the original pure lines cultivated in the conditions of Ukrainian Polissiya was carried out. Practical value. The obtained results will complement the studies of previous years and will allow providing recommendations on the use of these hybrids for commercial cultivation in the Polissiya zone of Ukraine. Keywords: carp, weight, market conditions, edible and inedible body parts.

Evaluation of Small Sized Watermelon Varieties for the Bhutanese Market

Watermelon is one of the important emerging cash crops in Bhutan contributing to the generation of farmer’s income. However, a major challenge in watermelon farming in Bhutan is the lack of varieties with fruit sizes preferable to the consumers. Therefore, this research aimed to evaluate new hybrid watermelon varieties with smaller sized fruits for commercial cultivation in Bhutan. This study was conducted in four different locations in three research centres (ARDC Wengkhar, ARDC Bajo and ARDC Samteling). Six hybrid varieties namely, PPS 142, PPS 304, PPS 313, PPS 315, PPS 317 and Sugar Baby (check) were evaluated with two replications following completely randomized design. Fruit weight, diameter, height, Total Soluble Solids (TSS), fruit colour, flesh colour and yield per plot were recorded from the sample fruits. In addition, market and consumer preference surveys were conducted involving 11 vendors and 20 consumers in Mongar to evaluate the acceptability of varieties by vendors and consumers. The results showed that there was no significant difference in fruit weight, TSS, crop duration and yield among the six varieties. However, significant location-based variation was observed in the fruit weight and yield. All the varieties fell within the medium- sized category, commonly referred to as the “icebox” type in Lingmethang, Bajo and Panbang while it fell under “personal” type in Samtenling. The consumer and market preference survey indicated a preference for medium-sized, round fruits with a dark green colour, which aligns with the characteristics observed in the evaluated varieties. This result of this study provides varietal choices to farmers to produce and market suitable varieties and for consumers to obtain optimum fruit size varieties for consumption.

INFLUENCE OF FOLIAR APPLICATION OF ZINC AND BORON ON SEEDLING GROWTH OF PAPAYA (Carica papaya L.)

Papaya is one of the important nutrient rich tropical fruit that is preferred and 
 cultivated almost in majority of the states of India. Choice of variety, proper 
 nutrition and disease management are the key operations for successful 
 commercial papaya cultivation. Micronutrient deficiency starting from the early 
 stage of growth can cause poor growth and yield reduction. Thus a potted plant 
 experiment was conducted to study the influence of zinc and boron as foliar 
 application on seedling growth of papaya. The experiment was laid out in a 
 completely randomized design with nine treatments comprising of zinc sulphate 
 @ 0.2 and 0.4%, and borax @ 0.2 and 0.4% and their combinations along with 
 a control treatment (distilled water spray). The seedlings were raised in 
 polythene bags filled with growing media (soil: sand: FYM @ 4:2:1) and sprayed 
 with the micronutrients as per treatment, adjusting neutral pH at 15 day’s 
 interval after germination. The application of ZnSO4 @ 0.4% + borax @ 0.2% 
 improved seedling growth of papaya in terms of height, girth, number of leaves 
 and leaf size. Also, the fresh and dry weights of shoot and root also showed 
 significant improvement. Thus the foliar application of ZnSO4 @ 0.4% + borax 
 @ 0.2% can be recommended for better seedling growth of papaya.

Achachairú (Garcinia humilis) Fruit Trees: Botany and Commercial Cultivation in South Florida

This article provides detailed information on the achachairú’s characteristics, botany, and recommended horticultural practices for commercial growers and county and state Extension faculty in south Florida and is also applicable for homeowners and students interested in growing achachairú. Written by Federico W. Sanchez, Jonathan H. Crane, Haimanote Bayabil, Ali Sarkhosh, Muhammad A. Shahid, and Bruce Schaffer, and published by the UF/IFAS Horticultural Sciences Department, March 2024.

Taxonomy and phylogeny of endophytic Chaetomium (Chaetomiaceae) associated with mango (Mangifera indica) in Yunnan, China

ABSTRACT Endophytic fungi reside within plant tissues throughout their entire or partial life cycle, establishing a mutually beneficial symbiotic relationship with their host plant, free from causing any adverse effects or diseases. In addition, endophytic fungi are known as a rich source of new and physiologically active natural chemicals with great therapeutic potentials. Endophytic fungi can promote their host's growth and improve tolerance towards biotic and abiotic stresses. The endophytic fungi associated with mangoes have been infrequently studied, and most isolates lack both morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analyses. When investigating fungal endophytes associated with mango, we isolated four species of Chaetomium from fresh mango leaves, which were collected from mango trees under commercial cultivation in Honghe Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China. Based on morphological comparisons and the results of phylogenetic analyses of concatenated LSU, ITS, rpb2, and tub2 sequence data, here we introduce a new species: Chaetomium hongheensis (KUNCC22-10764, 22-10750); and two new host records: C. cochliodes (KUNCC22-10741) and C. globosum (KUNCC22-10752) from mango leaves. The two new host records were frequently reported on various substrates in China previously. In addition, the new host and country record Chaetomium unguicola (KUNCC22-10758) is first reported in this study as a mango endophyte in China.

Enhancement of Nutrient Composition and Non-Volatile Flavor Substances in Muscle Tissue of Red Drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) Through Inland Low Salinity Saline-Alkaline Water Culture.

The red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus), a globally significant marine aquaculture species, boasts formidable osmoregulatory capabilities and remarkable adaptability to low salinity, making it an ideal candidate for commercial cultivation in inland low salinity saline-alkaline waters. However, studies on the fundamental nutritional composition and flavor quality of S. ocellatus in these inland low salinity saline-alkaline waters remain unreported. This study delves into the impact of inland low salinity saline-alkaline environments on the basic nutritional components and nonvolatile flavor substances (including free amino acids and free nucleotides) in the muscle tissue of S. ocellatus. The findings reveal that redfish cultivated in these conditions exhibit a significant increase in the crude fat, ash, and protein content in their dorsal muscle tissue, coupled with a decrease in moisture content (p < 0.05), indicating an enhancement in the nutritional value of the dorsal muscle tissue. Furthermore, this cultivation environment significantly elevates the content of free amino acids in the muscle tissue (p < 0.05), particularly those contributing to umami and sweet tastes, while reducing the relative content of bitter amino acids. Although the total content of free nucleotides decreased, the equivalent umami concentration (EUC) in the muscle tissue markedly increased (p < 0.05) due to the synergistic effect of umami amino acids and flavor nucleotides, enhancing the umami taste characteristics. Therefore, inland low salinity saline-alkaline aquaculture not only elevates the nutritional value of S. ocellatus muscle tissue but also improves its umami flavor characteristics. This discovery opens new perspectives for further research into the impact of inland low salinity saline-alkaline environments on the flavor properties of marine animals.

Prospects for fisheries use of lake Sobache (Pionerskoe) in the Republic of Khakassia

We assess Sobache (Pionerskoe) lake located in The Republic of Khakassia for aquaculture using. The lake is drainless, the water-surface area is about 1.5 km2. The prevailing depths range from 2 to 4 m. We provide data on the hydrological regime of the lake (temperature, dissolved oxygen level, chemical water composition). 3 species of rotifers, 10 species of cladoceran and 3 species of copepods were found in the zooplankton. The dominant complex consists of the rotifer Asplanhna priodonta, Bosmina longirostris and Ceriodaphnia quadrangula. The zoobenthos community includes 13 groups of organisms, where chironomids predominate in abundance, and gastropods and bivalves predominate in biomass. The ichthyofauna of the lake consists of perch and pike, perch predominates in abundance. Four species of parasites were found, including trematodes and myxporidia. The infection of fish with trematode metacercariae indicates the presence of intermediate hosts in the zoobenthos community of the lake. The detected species of parasites do not pose a danger to human health. The natural fish productivity is estimated at 48.2 kg/ha. We recommended to use the lake for commercial cultivation of fish in polyculture way. We proposed two schemes of fishery exploitation of the lake on the principle of pasturable fish culture: annual cultivation of fish in polyculture (carp, trout, herbivorous fish species) and joint cultivation of fish in polyculture (carp and white amur) by continuous intensive technology (three-year turnover) with carp feeding. The expected yield of fish products varies from 460.0 to 400.0 kg/ha, depending on the chosen technology. These recommendations can contribute to the effective use of the fisheries potential of Sobache (Pionerskoe) lake to provide the region with fresh fish products and create jobs for the local population.

Assessment of molecular and metabolic traits of a newly isolated Spirulina platensis BERC15 in a low-cost cultivation alternative for its use as functional food

Commercial cultivation of Spirulina relies on expensive chemicals. This study aimed to optimize low-cost cultivation media for upscaling of the Spirulina cultivation for food applications. Here, low-cost nitrogen source resulted in 3 gL−1 of biomass while outdoor pilot-scale cultivation produced 6.5–9.6 g m−2day−1 of biomass. The growth media prepared in underground water (UGW) using commercial-grade chemicals (UGW + CC) was found to be the most suitable low-cost alternative media which produced 2.3 ± 0.28 gL−1 of biomass containing 56 ± 1.22 % proteins, 22 ± 1.88 % carbohydrates, and 12 ± 2.52 % lipids. GC–MS-based metabolomic analysis implied that only four metabolites were either down or upregulated out of 50 detected metabolites. The Hep G2 cancer cell line-based study showed 15-fold higher free radical scavenging activity in UGW + CC grown cells compared to control. This study provides a basis for process optimization towards commercial-scale cultivation of Spirulina using small and medium enterprise mode.

Cobweb disease on Morchella sextelata caused by Hypomyces spp. in Sichuan province, China

Morels (Morchella spp.) are commercially important edible mushrooms with high nutritional and medicinal value. There are more than twenty provinces in China that cultivate Morel mushrooms. As of 2023, white mold disease on cultivated Morchella sextelata has become a disease of concern in Sichuan Province, China, with a disease incidence of 12.13%. The ascocarp infected with white mold disease appears covered with a dense white mycelia of a foreign fungus and disintegrates soon after. However, the causal agent is not yet known. Therefore, this study aims to confirm both the causal pathogen by using Koch's postulates and to further establish, at the species level, the identity of this organism via morphological and molecular methods. The pathogens were later identified as Hypomyces rosellus and Hypomyces aurantius. Healthy ascocarps were inoculated with H. rosellus and H. aurantius, which produced the initial disease symptoms with white mold appearing at the inoculation sites, and H. aurantius showed stronger pathogenicity than H. rosellus; the same pathogens were then isolated again from diseased ascocarp. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the ascocarp cobweb disease of cultivated M. sextelata caused by H. rosellus in China. Our work may be beneficial, especially for designing control measures for ascocarp cobweb disease in the commercial cultivation of M. sextelata.

Small Scale Subsistence Farming in Nalbari District of Assam, India and the Scope of Sustainable Development of the Households

Land is the free gift of nature to man for the sustenance of life and sustainable use of land resources is an inevitable choice for sustainable development. Maintaining productive land and healthy soils to ensure food security, sustainable development and restoration of degraded land is essential for the future of mankind. Small-scale farming does not require a large amount of land and this aspect enables the development of various crops and livestock in the neighbourhood. In the present study, Nalbari district of Assam, India has been taken and most of the inhabitants of case study villages in Nalbari district make their income from small-scale farming. Diversified uses of available land is one of the significant strategy adopted by households to remain sustained in their natural and human environment in the district. The sustainable use of land resource in the study area is based on indigenous knowledge systems. To compare various indicators generated from the primary survey of this study, standardization is required and Z-transformation method is used for standardizing indicators. Level of economic sustainability is high in Paramankhow, Mohina village (0.1 and above), medium in Haribhanga, Sataibari, No.1 larkuchi village (-0.25 to 0.1) and low in Tilana, Deharkatara, Paila, kachimpur, Suplekuchi, Sandheli, Barajal, Uttarkuchi, Barkuriha, Bajaliudaypur, Kalardia, Loharkatha, Chamata, Mohkhuli, Dahudi village (Less than -0.25). Based on composite Z score value, level of environmental sustainability is not high in the case study villages in Nalbari district. The type of soils and abundant rainfall are blessing for the commercial cultivation of different subtropical fruit crops such as Banana, Assam lemon, Mandarin orange, Coconut, Areca nut, Jackfruit, Papaya, Litchi, along with spice crops like Ginger, Turmeric, Chilli, Black pepper etc. in the district. The agriculture in entire district is organic by default, due to low use of agro chemicals in field and horticultural crops.

Effect of substrates of transplantation of the rare epiphytic orchid Dendrobium farmeri for conservation

Abstract. Nuammee A, Pingyot T, Foowan S, Pumikong S, Rujichaipimon W, Sornpood S, Panyadee P. 2024. Effect of substrates of transplantation of the rare epiphytic orchid Dendrobium farmeri for conservation. Biodiversitas 25: 708-715. Dendrobium farmeri Paxton is an epiphytic orchid, one of the most celebrated for its beauty. However, its natural population is dwindling, and it faces the risk of extinction. Although tissue culture techniques are successful for orchid propagations, the transplantation of in vitro-derived plantlets to ex-vitro conditions is often restricted by high mortality, which is considered a challenging and crucial stage in orchid conservation. This study investigated the effect of substrate mixtures on the survival and growth of D. farmeri plantlets under greenhouse conditions. The substrates for acclimatization contained coconut husk, charcoal chips, brick chips, sphagnum moss, fern fiber, and leaf mold in various ratios. Survival percentage and vegetative growth characteristics of plantlets were the main observations recorded. The result showed that the substrate mixture containing brick chips, charcoal chips, and sphagnum moss in a 1:1:2 ratio was the most effective, yielding 100% at 30 days and 96.7% at 180 days post-transplantation, fostering improved development of plantlets under greenhouse conditions. The findings suggest that this optimized substrate mixture could be a standard approach for acclimating D. farmeri and potentially other epiphytic orchids, enhancing conservation efforts and commercial cultivation.

Berries without Bugs: Recreational Foraging and a Fruit Fly Threat in Rural Michigan

Recreational foraging is an important cultural activity in the rural region of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. During the summer of 2019, an exploratory survey was conducted of foragers in the Keweenaw Peninsula area of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to identify local knowledge of berries and a new invasive fruit fly, spotted wing drosophila (SWD, Drosophila suzukii). SWD infests fruit before it is harvested, hastening ripening and potentially causing the fruit to spoil more quickly than might be expected. Research studying recreational foraging in the US has primarily focused on the study of urban areas. In addition, research studying SWD???s impact on berry production has largely focused on commercial cultivation rather than foraged harvesting in mixed woodlands. The majority of our respondents began picking berries in their youth and have continued throughout their life, emphasizing the importance of berry foraging within the local culture. Furthermore, many of the respondents confirmed that they pick berries as a cost-saving way to obtain healthy food, which could negatively be impacted by the fruits spoiling more quickly. In conclusion, most respondents were unfamiliar with SWD. Our findings suggest additional research studying the cultural and economic impacts of SWD is needed to inform adaptive foraging practices and SWD infestation prevention.