Characteristics Of Cultivars Research Articles

Physiological differences of green-leaf and variegated - leaf ivy (hedera helix L.) Cultivars

To screen sun-resistant cultivars of ivy for the three-dimensional greening of urban roofs and balconies, the chlorophyll content, photosynthetic response index, and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters of 5 green-leaf and 5 variegated leaf cultivars of ivy were measured, and compared the photosynthetic characteristics of different cultivars. Results showed that ivy seedlings were very shade tolerant. The photosynthetic adaptation range, maximum net photosynthetic rate, and electron transfer efficiency of the PSII reaction center of the green-leaf ivy cultivars were significantly higher than those of the variegated ivy cultivars. The photochemical conversion efficiency and photosynthetic capacity of Hedera helix ‘Shamrock’ were higher than those of the other tested green-leaf cultivars, suggesting that Hedera helix ‘Shamrock’ had a strong light tolerance. The differences in photosynthetic characteristics among the variegated cultivars were greater than those within the green-leaf cultivars. Among the tested cultivars, Hedera helix ‘Mini Kolibri’ had a relatively high light adaptation range and high light efficiency potential. Bangladesh J. Bot. 52(2): 539-549, 2023 (June) Special

Water Availability in Pumice, Coir, and Perlite Substrates Regulates Grapevine Growth and Grape Physicochemical Characteristics in Soilless Cultivation of Sugraone and Prime Cultivars (Vitis vinifera L.)

Table grape production in soilless cultivation under a controlled environment is a promising solution that addresses many of the challenges of grapevine cultivation, such as factors affecting the quantity and quality of table grape production, cultivation cost, pest management, soil degradation, soil-borne diseases, and adaptation to climate change. However, due to limited knowledge, investigation of many factors is required to effectively implement soilless cultivation, among which are the substrate’s physical-hydraulic properties and suitability for grape production. In this context, we investigate the impact of the properties of organic (coir dust) and mineral (perlite, pumice) substrates and their blend (perlite:coir) on grapevine growth and grape physicochemical characteristics of Sugraone (Superior Seedless) and Prime cultivars. Perlite substrate was the best in qualitative and quantitative production characteristics, whereas pumice substrate proved unsuitable for soilless vine cultivation. Coir and perlite:coir substrates, due to their increased ability to retain moisture, improved plant nutrition and grape quality but delayed ripening. For effective soilless cultivation of grapevines and table grape production, substrates must have the ability to maintain sufficient but not excessive moisture, suitable for supporting physiological processes and plant nutrition, resulting in smooth growth and production.

Foliar Application of Liquid Micronutrient Formulation for Improving Quality of Panner Grapes

Micronutrient deficiencies play a significant role in impacting the yield and quality of grapes in vineyards. To address the deficiencies, a field study was conducted during the summer, of 2022 by using foliar micronutrient mixtures in three different concentrations (0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5%), with one spray during pre-fruit set stage and twice at pre-fruit set/berry growth stages. The study aimed to investigate the effects of foliar micronutrient application on the biochemical quality characteristics of the Muscat Hamburg grapevine cultivar. The results of the study showed that the application of micronutrients spray showed a beneficial impact on all the yield parameters, such as number of bunches per vine (ranging from 28 to 44), the yield per vine (varied from 5.56 to 6.55 kg per vine), with overall yield range between 20.7 to 24.2 t ha-1. The biochemical properties of the berries, including sugars (reducing, non-reducing, and total sugars), juice pH and content, TSS (Total Soluble Solids), Titrable acidity, and berry firmness, were found to be high in grapevines sprayed at 1.0% twice. Results showed that total sugars ranged from 15.2% to 10.7%, with a juice pH of 3.47 to 3.94, juice content of 83.5 to 95.5%, and TSS from 15.6 to 17.40º Brix. Regarding the Titrable acidity and firmness of the berries, the outcomes showed a range of 0.92% to 1.14% for acidity and 9.4 to 12.9 N for firmness. Findings from the study clearly showed that applying 1.0% micronutrients twice at fruit-set and berry stages increased yield and improved quality indices of Paneer grapes.

Literature Review Crop Modeling and Introduction a Simple Crop Model

Modeling science has been applied by many advanced countries in many fields, such as geology, meteorology, climate change, crop productivity, environment, erosion, and landslide. The crop model simulates the processes of agriculture. The writing of this article is descriptive qualitative using the Systematic Literature Review (SLR) method. So far, each model has its advantages and disadvantages but generally is based on the physiology of the growth and development of crops in relationship with soil, climate, solar radiation energy, and limiting factors to plant growth. There have been many models for rice that can forecast yield and biomass or predict future climate change dynamics. Meanwhile, many models such as DSSAT, AquaCrop, Oryza, APSIM, EPIC need more data to operate their modeling, which in many cases, data is not readily available. In this review, we would like to introduce the model “SIMPLE” which includes only thirteen parameters and four of which describe cultivar characteristics. Another advantage of “SIMPLE” is that it can be adapted for many crop species and added variable modules such as nutrient dynamics, water stress, temperature stress, or pests. It is entirely open source based on R programming, but limitations still exist that have been mentioned in the review.

Anatomical characteristics of the upland local Indonesian rice cultivars as structural protection against drought

Anatomical characteristics of the upland local Indonesian rice cultivars as structural protection against drought

Characteristics of Cultivars and Productivity Improvement Practices in White Mustard

Characteristics of Cultivars and Productivity Improvement Practices in White Mustard

Изучение фенотипических характеристик ретросортов Hemerocallis х hybrida hort. для их использования в образовательных и просветительских целях

This article presents the results of studying the variability of some phenotypic characteristics of retro cultivars of Hemerocallis x hybrida hort. under the influence of selective selection. The sample is formed from the collection fund of the laboratory of ornamental plants of the Main Botanical Garden RAS and includes cultivars created in different countries in the period from the middle of the XIX century to the early 1960s of the XX century. In the course of research, it was found that the most variable — in the composition of the studied morphometric signs of generative shoot — is the number of flowers on the peduncle. Its limits of variability are: 7 pc. (cultivar ‘Summer Pride’) and 23 pc. (cultivar ‘Frans Hals’), and the coefficient of variation is 30 %. At the same time, the number of simultaneously opened flowers on the peduncle changes insignificantly. The height of the generative shoot is also characterized by a significant amplitude of variability. The coefficient of variation is 21 %, the minimum and maximum sampling limits are 74,3 cm (cultivar ‘Frans Hals’) and 150,2 cm (cultivar ‘Autumn Red’). A high level of variability was also noted for the distance between the leaf level and the lower flower in the inflorescence: min = 2,7 (cultivar ‘Autumn Red’), max = 50,3 (cultivar ‘Kwanso’), the coefficient of variation is 63 %. Within the framework of the studied sample of retro cultivars H. x hybrida, the absence of a relationship between the height of the generative shoot and the size of the flowers (r = –0,11 for the length of the flower, (r = 0,03 for its width), as well as the distance between the leaf level and the lower flower in the inflorescence (r = 0,17) was revealed. In the course of studying the variability of the linear dimensions of the pericarp in the diameter of the flower, the presence of multidirectional breeding selection was noted, a tendency to its gradual decrease was revealed in the width of the flower. To realize the potential possibilities of using the studied sample of retro cultivars H. x hybrida for educational and educational purposes, options for their placement on the main territory of the Main Botanical Garden are proposed.

Resistance Characteristics of Chinese Cabbage Cultivars to Black Rot

Black rot of Chinese cabbage caused by <i>Xanthomonas campestris</i> pv. <i>campestris</i> (<i>Xcc</i>) is one of the most severe diseases in crop cultivation. To define the resistance characteristics of Chinese cabbage to <i>Xcc</i>, we tested the virulence of eight <i>Xcc</i> isolates in four susceptible cultivars of Chinese cabbage. The isolates of <i>Xcc</i> showed different the virulence on the cultivars. On the other hand, we selected 22 resistant or moderately resistant cultivars of Chinese cabbage to <i>Xcc</i> and tested the occurrence of black rot on the cultivars caused by the isolates of <i>Xcc</i>. Mean disease severity of black rot on the Chinese cabbage caused by each isolate was also positively correlated with the virulence of <i>Xcc</i> isolates. Furthermore, the development of black rot in each cultivar increased according to virulence of <i>Xcc</i> isolates. The number of resistant cultivars of Chinese cabbage to eight isolates of <i>Xcc</i> decreased according to the virulence increase of bacteria. Taken together, these results suggest that resistance of Chinese cabbage cultivars to <i>Xcc</i> is likely affected by the virulence of <i>Xcc</i> isolates, but not result from race differentiation.

CLASSIM: A relational database driven crop model interface

Crop models are valuable tools for examining the interactions of cultivar characteristics, environment, and management practices, and how they affect crop growth and development. The difficulty in finding all the data needed to set up a simulation can often deter potential users from utilizing a crop model. Model interfaces are necessary to make these complex tools accessible to end-users who may lack the expertise needed to work with the models directly, but who would benefit from the information generated by the models. As crop models vary in terms of input and output structures, there is no one universally compatible interface, so different crop model suites require their own interface. CLASSIM is a graphical user interface (GUI) for a suite of models developed by USDA-ARS. The interface provides a simplified tool to assemble input data for a model simulation. Web access to online databases for soil and weather data simplifies finding site-related data. The user is guided step by step to build the necessary input files. A database structure facilitates data entry, storage, and retrieval. The use of Structured Query Language (SQL) for data retrieval allows for advanced analysis and visualization outside of the interface. We describe the features of the GUI and provide examples of various operations. Model outputs are provided in tables and graphs to allow for visualization and analysis. Two-dimensional contour plots of soil processes are provided to visualize output from the two-dimensional finite element soil model. CLASSIM also allows users to set up single- and multiple-season runs for maize, cotton, soybean, potato, and fallow treatments, and is expected to be expanded to more crops in the future. A user-friendly GUI is essential for making simulation tools accessible to the broad range of researchers and practitioners working to solve the agricultural system challenges.

Effects of Fogging System and Nitric Oxide on Growth and Yield of 'Naomi' Mango Trees Exposed to Frost Stress.

In years with unfavorable weather, winter frost during the blossoming season can play a significant role in reducing fruit yield and impacting the profitability of cultivation. The mango Naomi cultivar Mangifera indica L. has a low canopy that is severely affected by the effects of frost stress. As a result of the canopy being exposed to physiological problems, vegetative development is significantly inhibited. The current investigation aimed to study the influence of spraying nitric oxide and fogging spray systems on Naomi mango trees grafted on 'Succary' rootstock under frost stress conditions. The treatments were as follows: nitric oxide (NO) 50 and 100 μM, fogging spray system, and control. In comparison to the control, the use of nitric oxide and a fogging system significantly improved the leaf area, photosynthesis pigments of the leaf, the membrane stability index, yield, and physical and chemical characteristics of the Naomi mango cultivar. For instance, the application of 50 μM NO, 100 μM NO, and the fogging spray system resulted in an increase in yield by 41.32, 106.12, and 121.43% during the 2020 season, and by 39.37, 101.30, and 124.68% during the 2021 season compared to the control, respectively. The fogging spray system and highest level of NO decreased electrolyte leakage, proline content, total phenolic content, catalase (CAT), peroxidases (POX), and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) enzyme activities in leaves. Furthermore, the number of damaged leaves per shoot was significantly reduced after the application of fogging spray systems and nitric oxide in comparison to the control. Regarding vegetative growth, our results indicated that the fogging spray system and spraying nitric oxide at 100 μM enhanced the leaf surface area compared to the control and other treatments. A similar trend was noticed regarding yield and fruit quality, whereas the best values were obtained when the fogging spray system using nitric oxide was sprayed at a concentration of 100 μM. The application of fogging spray systems and nitric oxide can improve the production and fruit quality of Naomi mango trees by reducing the effects of adverse frost stress conditions.

Adequacy of rootstock and planting spacing for cv. Sangiovese in high altitude region of Santa Catarina

The choice of rootstock is fundamental for the productive success of the vineyard, as it influences the vigor characteristics of the canopy variety requires the adaptation of planting density. The objective of this work was to define a rootstock and spacing that best contribute to the productive characteristics of the Sangiovese cultivar in a high-altitude region of Santa Catarina. The experimental design used was randomized blocks, in a 5 × 3 factorial scheme, the treatments consisted of the combination of five rootstocks (101–14 Mgt, Harmony, IAC 572, Paulsen 1103, and VR 043–43) with the Sangiovese canopy cultivar and three plant spacings (1,0, 1,2 and 1,5 m). The phenological cycle of the plants, as well as the productive and quality characteristics of the grapes, were evaluated during the 2018/19, 2019/20 and 2020/21 harvests. The 101–14 Mgt rootstock presented the highest precocity of sprouting and the longest cycle until maturation. IAC 572 provided greater vigor to the canopy in all three evaluation harvests, resulting in decreased productivity. The highest total acidity was attributed to the VR 043–43 rootstock in all evaluated cycles. Based on the obtained data, it was concluded that the IAC 572, Paulsen 1103 and VR 043–43 rootstocks delay sprouting, the spacing of 1,0 and 1,2 m between plants increase vineyard productivity, the soluble solids content is higher when using the 101–14 Mgt, Harmony and Paulsen 1103 rootstocks, and the anthocyanin content is increased by 101–14 Mgt and Harmony rootstocks.

Effects of Low-Temperature Accumulation on Flowering of Prunus mume

Low-temperature accumulation is one of the essential stages in the growth process of woody ornamental plants. In this study, two different low-temperature treatments, 6 °C and 10 °C, were used to analyze the effects of different low-temperature treatments on dormancy release and flowering of the ‘Gulihong’ plant using artificial low temperatures. Based on the experimental results, four typical early-blooming Prunus mume cultivars widely planted in Yangling area of Henan Province, China, including ‘Zaoyudie’, ‘Zaohualve’, ‘Nanjing gongfen’, and ‘Gulihong’, were selected as the experimental materials. The effects of low-temperature accumulation on the flowering characteristics of different cultivars were analyzed using a 6 °C artificial low-temperature treatment. The suitable cultivation temperature for early-blooming cultivars was screened to provide a theoretical basis for further exploration of P. mume bonsai cultivation techniques. The results showed that the flowering rate, flower diameter, flowering quantity, flowering uniformity, and bud development in the 6 °C treatment were significantly better than those in the 10 °C treatment. Furthermore, under 6 °C low-temperature treatment, the flowering rate and quality of different cultivars showed an increasing trend with the accumulation of low temperature, with ‘Gulihong’ exhibiting the highest flowering rate. Therefore, chill accumulation plays a significant role in promoting flowering quality.

Petal Morphology Is Correlated with Floral Longevity in Paeonia suffruticosa

Floral longevity (FL) is an important floral functional trait which is critical for flowering plants. FL shows great diversity among angiosperms; however, there is limited information on the mechanisms that influence differences in floral longevity, especially the relationship between petal anatomical traits and floral longevity. We aimed to examine (1) the relationships between petal anatomical traits and FL in tree peony cultivars and (2) the petal anatomical characteristics of longer FL cultivars. Eleven traits of six tree peony cultivars with different FL were investigated, including six water conservation traits (petal thickness, cuticle thickness, number of cell layers, mesophyll thickness, adaxial epidermis thickness and abaxial epidermis thickness), three water supply traits (vein density, number of xlylem vessels and xylem vessel diameter), petal fresh mass and petal dry mass across cultivars. There are significant differences in traits related to water conservation and water supply ability of tree peonies with different FL. Tree peony cultivars with long FL were characterized by the thicker Mesophyll, cuticles, adaxial and abaxial epidermis of the petals. There was a positive correlation between FL and vessel number and vessel diameter. These results suggest that the ability to retain water in flowers is associated with floral longevity. Petal traits related to water conservation and supply, including vein densities, mesophyll thickness, and epidermis thickness, are beneficial for prolonging the flower longevity in tree peonies.

Optimizing plant type structure to adjust the temporal and spatial distribution of water consumption and promote the growth and yield formation of cotton

Global warming leads to further shortage of agricultural water resources. Understanding the water consuming characteristics of different cotton cultivars is crucial for efficient utilization of water resources and yield increasing. However, there is little evidence about the effects of cotton cultivars with different plant-type structures on yield formation and temporal and spatial distribution of water consumption. A two-year experiment was conducted at the Cotton Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences in 2020 and 2021 to evaluate the water consumption of six cotton cultivars with different plant-type structures cotton using spatial grid method and water balance method combined with 5TE sensor. The leaf area index (LAI), biomass, yield and spatial distribution of bolls were also measured and analyzed. The results showed that the loose-type cultivars consumed more soil water than the compact-type cultivars, which was due to the higher water consumption in the 40–120 cm soil layer. The cumulative water consumption and water consumption of each soil layer (0–40 cm 40–80 cm and 80–120 cm) of different cotton cultivars had significant quadratic function relationship with LAI, and had significant linear positive correlation with biomass accumulation (aboveground biomass and underground biomass), with R2 greater than 0.8. When consuming the same amount of water, loose-type cultivars produced more biomass and larger green leaf area than compact-type cultivars. However, the yield-increasing and water-saving effects of the two plant-type structure cotton cultivars were similar, while SCRC 28 and Ji 228 have higher yield and water use efficiency (WUE), which were suitable to be popularized and planted in the cotton area of the Yellow River basin. Cotton yield was significantly negatively correlated with boll setting rate in upper canopy and water consumption in 0–40 cm soil layer, and the R respectively were − 0.82 and − 0.69; it was positively correlated with boll setting rate in lower canopy and water consumption in 80–120 cm soil layer, and the R respectively were 0.75 and 0.64. Therefore, increasing the WUE of 0–40 cm soil layer and water consumption in 80–120 cm soil layer was beneficial to high yield of cotton. By optimizing the structure of different plant types, the temporal and spatial distribution of water consumption of cotton can be adjusted, and the yield of cotton can be effectively improved. The results can provide a basis for cotton cultivar selection and precision irrigation management.

Transvaluate of genotype × environment × season interaction of agronomic traits and bioactive compounds of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal in the Deccan plateau region

The exegesis of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera L.) types related to various seasons was the focus of the current investigation. A field study was conducted at the CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants experimental field in Hyderabad, India, using a factorial randomized block design with three replicates over two years and four seasons (Kharif and Rabi). The all three factors were made up of with two years (2020–2021 and 2021–2022), eight varieties (Red berry, JA-134, Poshita, CIMAP-Pratap, CIMAP-Chetak, NMITLI-118, NMITLI-101, CIM-Pushti), and two seasons (Kharif and Rabi) respectively. Plant growth indices (plant height, number of branches plant–1), phenological parameters (day to flower initiation and days to root harvest), yield attributes (main root length, root diameter, dry root yield hectare–1, and seed yield hectare–1) quality traits (starch content, fiber content, starch fiber ratio, and total alkaloid estimation) were evaluated. Research findings contribute to understanding of how seasons influence the characteristics of ashwagandha cultivars and their overall agronomic performance. Understanding how environmental factors, such as seasons, affect plant growth and development is crucial for optimizing agricultural practices and improving crop yields. The results obtained in this study can be used to select specific varieties for specific seasonal conditions and identify varieties that perform better in both states. Irrespective of the variety used, both seasons (Kharif and Rabi) produce higher dry root yield per hectare, and the rabi season yields superior results in terms of starch fiber ratio and total alkaloid content in ashwagandha. CIM-Pushti, NMITLI-101, and Poshita achieved good results concerning yield and quality aspects in the Kharif season. CIM-Pushti, NMITLI-101, and CIMAP-Pratap performed admirably during the Rabi season. CIM-Pushti and NMITLI-101 provide superior agronomic performance in both seasons (Kharif and Rabi).

Determination of Some Technological and Quality Characteristics of Different Chickpea Cultivars (Cicer arietinum L.)

Bu çalışma 2022 yılında Van Yüzüncü Yıl üniversitesi Ziraat Fakültesi Tarla Bitkileri Laboratuvarında yapılmıştır. Çalışmada Tarım ve Orman Bakanlığı’na bağlı Tarımsal Araştırma Enstitülerinden temin edilen tescilli 12 adet nohut çeşidinde bazı teknolojik ve kalite özelliklerinin belirlenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Denemede, tanede nem oranı (%), hektolitre ağırlığı (kg/hl), kuru ağırlık (g), yaş ağırlık (g), ıslak hacim (ml), kuru hacim (ml), su alma indeksi (%), şişme kapasitesi (ml/tane), şişme indeksi (%) ve pişme süresi (dk) gibi özellikler incelenmiştir. Elde edilen veriler Tesadüf Parselleri Deneme desenine göre varyans analizine tabi tutulmuş ve ortalamalar LSD testi ile kıyaslanmıştır. Araştırma sonunda elde edilen verilere göre; tanede nem oranı % 8.20-10.50, hektolitre ağırlığı 63.07-80.80 kg/hl, kuru ağırlık 27.40-45.79 g, yaş ağırlık 60.75-87.87 g, ıslak hacim 148-176.27 ml, kuru hacim 73.50-88.50 ml, su alma indeksi % 0.89-1.11, şişme kapasitesi 0.25-0.47 ml/tane, şişme indeksi % 1.92-2.63 ve pişirme süresi 49-80 dk arasında değişim göstermiştir. Tüketici ve pazar tercihleri göz önünde bulundurulduğunda nem oranında İnci, hektolitre ağırlığında Hasanbey, kuru ağılık, yaş ağırlık ve ıslak hacim kriterlerinde Canıtez-87, kuru hacimde Azkan, şişme kapasitesi, su alma indeksi ve şişme indeksi değerleri bakımından Çağatay çeşitlerinde en yüksek, pişme süresi bakımından ise Hisar çeşidinde en düşük değerler tespit edilmiştir.

Germ and seed morphometric parameters of seeds of vegetable plants of the Umbelliferae family as a breeding subject

The work is devoted to the study of statistical parameters of the linear dimensions of the seed, endosperm and embryo, variability, correlations, and the manifestation of these traits in hybrid combinations. Morphometric parameters largely determine the quality of seeds. The presence of an underdeveloped embryo determines the duration of the period of heterotrophic development of the seedling, affects germination, energy, longevity, seed response to changes in germination conditions, and, ultimately, increases the interphase period from sowing to germination. The article shows the high variability of these parameters in numerous representatives of vegetable crops - representatives of the Umbelliferae (Apiaceae) family, analyzes the causes that cause them, and predicts the potential use of this variability in breeding programs. The object of research was the seeds of various varieties of carrots, parsley, parsnips, celery, dill. Measurement of the length of the seed and endosperm was carried out using a caliper. The length of the embryo was determined using a microscope and a video eyepiece at ×40 magnification using the Scope Photo program. The experiment was repeated four times, in each repetition at least 20 seeds. The values of the coefficient of variation in the length of the endosperm and seed varied from 9 to 19%, depending on the species and cultivar characteristics. The variability of the embryo reached 18-28%. between the size of the embryo on the one hand and the length of the endosperm (0.208-0.369) and seed (0.213-0.376) on the other, weak correlations were noted, indicating the independent inheritance of these parameters. The hereditary conditionality of the variability of the embryo, endosperm and seed of carrots (50.8-86.5%) and parsnips (49.6-58.9%) is shown, which characterizes the real possibility of their breeding improvement. In the process of studying distant hybrids of carrots (the parental forms of which differed sharply in morphometric parameters of seeds), it was found that F1 hybrids for these traits predominantly showed positive overdominance (38.1%) and dominance (16.7%). According to the complex of relative parameters (indices), negative overdominance (23.8%) and dominance (4.8%) were more often noted. The results of many years of research indicate that the morphometric parameters (length of the seed, endosperm, embryo) and their ratios (indices) of seeds, like any other biological traits, are genetically determined and depend on species and cultivar characteristics. A comparison of wild-growing and varietal samples of carrots indicates that in the process of cultivation, the size of the embryo underwent significant upward changes, even in the absence of targeted selection. Therefore, when applying artificial selection in this direction, one can expect more significant results.

Effect of Foliar Nutrition with Brassinolide on Vegetative Growth Characteristics of Several Sesame Cultivars

In the summer of 2022, researchers in the Karma region of Anbar Governorate applied foliar nutrition with brasinolide to four different sesame cultivars to see how it affected their growth. The study followed a randomized complete block design (RCBD), with a split-plot layout and three replicates. Brassinolide concentrations occupied the main plots (0, 0.5, 1, 1.5 mg L-1), while the cultivars (Sumer, Rafidain, Wadea, Hadd) occupied the sub-plots. The results indicated that the Sumer cultivar recorded the lowest number of days from planting to the beginning of flowering, which amounted to 39.83, it also gave the highest average plant height of 198.17 cm. The cultivar Hadd was superior in the number of branches (6.29 plant-1), the leaf area (7863 cm2 plant-1), and the dry weight of the plant (223.48 gm). Whereas, the Wadea cultivar outperformed in the leaves content of chlorophyll (26.53 mg 100 g-1 fresh weight). The brasinolide concentration of 1.5 mg L-1 recorded the shortest period from planting to the beginning of flowering (38.67 days), plant height (199.17 cm, number of branches 5.08 branch plant-1, leaf area 5619 cm2 plant-1, chlorophyll content (26.93 mg 100 gm-1 fresh weight, and plant dry weight 215.58 gm. There was a significant interaction between the cultivar Sumer and the concentration of 1.5 mg L-1 in the number of days from planting to the beginning of flowering and plant height. Also, there was an interaction between Hadd cultivar and the same concentration in the number of branches, leaf area and dry weight of the plant. While, the cultivar Wadea, it also interacts with the same concentration in the leaf’s chlorophyll content.

Correlation among some phenological and biochemical traits in date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) germplasm.

Date palm is an economically important fruit crop in the arid and semi-arid regions of the world. The knowledge of genetic variation, genotype-by-traits comparison, as well as the relationship among several phenological traits is effective for developing breeding populations by choosing the best allelic combinations and employing selection approaches. Information regarding the genetic variability and inter-relationships among fruit characteristics is facilitating the plant breeders to efficiently exploit the date palm germplasm for the introduction of elite genotypes. The present study was conducted to examine genetic variation among different date palm cultivars -collected from two different research stations in Pakistan as well as the relationship among their phenological and biochemical characteristics. Biplot analysis revealed that the cultivars 'Dhakki', 'Chohara', and 'Kupra' possessed the highest fruit and pulp weights. Moreover, the fruits of the cultivars 'Champa Kali' and 'Shakri' had the maximum TSS (total soluble solids) and total sugar content. Similar variations were observed in the mean values of the studied phenological and biochemical characteristics as in the biplot analysis. Cluster analysis on the basis of phenological and biochemical characteristics divided 50 cultivars into seven clusters, showing differences in the studied characters. A correlation matrix revealed that pulp weight had a strong relationship with fruit weight, length, and diameter. A strong correlation also existed among antioxidant capacity, antioxidant activity, and total phenolic content. These results demonstrated a huge diversity in phenological and biochemical characteristics of date palm cultivars as well as a correlation among several characteristics of the studied germplasm, which can be exploited in future breeding programs.

In Vitro Micropropagation of Commercial Ginseng Cultivars (Panax ginseng Meyer) via Somatic Embryogenesis Compared to Traditional Seed Production

Panax ginseng Meyer is an important medicinal crop; however, most ginseng farmers cultivate native species that are not genetically fixed. Although several cultivars have been developed in Korea, distribution to farmers remains insufficient given their low propagation characteristics. This study compared the efficiency of seed production and micropropagation via somatic embryogenesis. Seeds were collected from cultivars, and zygotic embryo-derived explants were inoculated and cultured in a series of media for micropropagation. Seed production and characteristics of commercial cultivars were evaluated. The number of seeds from a 4-year-old individual cultivar was 23.1–58.8, and seed characteristics varied with cultivars. The genotype had a notable effect on somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration. The number of somatic embryos and shoots obtained from a single seed of cultivars was 71.3–100.2 and 50.7–61.3, respectively. The number of in vitro grown roots (IGRs) per a single seed was 37.1–41.1 in one year. IGRs were successfully acclimatized and sprouted normally in the field. Flow cytometry analysis suggested that micropropagated plants had no ploidy variations. The results demonstrated the utility of somatic embryogenesis in the in vitro micropropagation of P. ginseng cultivars. Our findings can enhance the distribution of cultivars among farmers in the future.