Cultivars Research Articles

Устойчивость горчицы черной к фузариозному увяданию в условиях центральной зоны Краснодарского края

The different diseases decreasing quantitative and qualitative yield indicators can infected black mustard as the other oil crops of Brassicaceae family. Fusarium wilt is one of the most dangerous diseases for the crop. If plants are infected with disease pathogens (fungi Fusarium spp.) in a phase of 2– 4 true leaves root rot developes of young plants that causes their depth. In adult plants, conductive bundles in stems become clogged, causing premature drying of plants. Cultivation of resistant varieties is economically profitable and environmentally safe method of plant protection. The purpose of the research was to estimate new breeding material of black mustard on resistance to fusarium wilt in the central zone of the Krasnodar region. In a phase of yellow-green pod, breeding material of black mustard was estimated on resistance to the disease in a form of tracheomic wilting using 10-point scale of sample infection degree: from 0 to 9 points. All samples of mustard were divided on five group: immune, resistant, weak resistant, weak susceptible, and susceptible. During three years of research, the immune samples of black mustard were not selected. Ten samples of the crop were selected, they were resistant to the fusarium wilting on middle and high natural infection background in all years of the research. It allows recommending them to use in breeding of new black mustard varieties.

An insertion in the promoter of a malate dehydrogenase gene regulates malic acid content in apple fruit.

Malic acid is an important flavor determinant in apple (Malus × domestica Borkh.) fruit. One known variation controlling malic acid is the A/G single nucleotide polymorphism in an aluminum-activated malate transporter gene (MdMa1). Nevertheless, there are still differences in malic acid content in apple varieties with the same Ma1 genotype (Ma1/Ma1 homozygous), such as 'Honeycrisp' (high malic acid content) and 'Qinguan' (low malic acid content), indicating that other loci may influence malic acid and fruit acidity. Here, the F1 (Filial 1) hybrid generation of 'Honeycrisp' × 'Qinguan' was used to analyze quantitative trait loci for malic acid content. A major locus (Ma7) was identified on chromosome 13. Within this locus, a malate dehydrogenase gene, MDH1 (MdMa7), was the best candidate for further study. Subcellular localization suggested that MdMa7 encodes a cytosolic protein. Overexpression and RNA interference of MdMa7 in apple fruit increased and decreased malic acid content, respectively. An insertion/deletion (indel) in the MdMa7 promoter was found to affect MdMa7 expression and malic acid content in both hybrids and other cultivated varieties. The insertion and deletion genotypes were designated as MA7 and ma7, respectively. The transcription factor MdbHLH74 was found to stimulate MdMa7 expression in the MA7 genotype but not in the ma7 genotype. Transient transformation of fruit showed that MdbHLH74 affected MdMa7 expression and malic acid content in 'Gala' (MA7/MA7) but not in 'Fuji' (ma7/ma7). Our results indicated that genetic variation in the MdMa7 (MDH1) promoter alters the binding ability of the transcription factor MdbHLH74, which alters MdMa7 (MDH1) transcription and the malic acid content in apple fruit, especially in Ma1/Ma1 homozygous accessions.

Blocking of amino acid transporter OsAAP7 promoted tillering and yield by determining basic and neutral amino acids accumulation in rice

BackgroundAmino acids are not only the main form of N in rice, but also are vital for its growth and development. These processes are facilitated by amino acid transporters within the plant. Despite their significance, only a few AAP amino acid transporters have been reported.ResultsIn this study, we observed that there were differences in the expression of amino acid transporter OsAAP7 among 521 wild cultivated rice varieties, and it directly negatively correlated with tillering and grain yield per plant. We revealed that OsAAP7 protein was localized to the endoplasmic reticulum and had absorption and transport affinity for amino acids such as phenylalanine (Phe), lysine (Lys), leucine (Leu), and arginine (Arg) using subcellular localization, yeast substrate testing, fluorescent amino acid uptake, and amino acid content determination. Further hydroponic studies showed that exogenous application of amino acids Phe, Lys and Arg inhibited the growth of axillary buds in the overexpression lines, and promoted the elongation of axillary buds in the mutant lines. Finally, RNA-seq analysis showed that the expression patterns of genes related to nitrogen, auxin and cytokinin pathways were changed in axillary buds of OsAAP7 transgenic plants.ConclusionsThis study revealed the gene function of OsAAP7, and found that blocking of amino acid transporter OsAAP7 with CRISPR/Cas9 technology promoted tillering and yield by determining basic and neutral amino acids accumulation in rice.

Alleviating Astringency in Persimmon Fruit for Enhanced Palatability and Consumer Acceptability

Persimmon fruits are classified as astringent or non-astringent, depending on the level of astringency the unripe or partially ripe fruit exhibit at the time of harvest. Astringency in persimmon fruit is a sensation caused by tannins present in the flesh that can make the mouth feel dry, cause puckering, numb the tongue, and constrict the throat. Sometimes, it may also impart a bitter taste. The astringency decreases as the fruit ripen until it is no longer present in fully ripe fruit. While consumers typically prefer non-astringent varieties, the cultivation of astringent varieties notably remains common. The purpose of this publication is to introduce consumers, growers, Extension agents, and specialists to postharvest methods for reducing astringency in unripe persimmons, making them more palatable and acceptable for consumption.

Ethnobotanical insights into the traditional food plants of the Baiku Yao community: a study of cultural significance, utilization, and conservation

BackgroundThe Baiku Yao, primarily residing in Guangxi and Guizhou provinces of China, is a distinctive branch of the Yao ethnic group, known for their profound cultural preservation and unique ethnobotanical knowledge. This study investigates the Baiku Yao community’s utilization of traditional food plants, focusing on the relationship between their dietary practices and the local biodiversity within their mountainous living environment. It aims to illuminate the cultural significance and survival strategies embedded in their ethnobotanical knowledge, highlighting the potential for sustainable living and biodiversity conservation.MethodsThrough ethnobotanical surveys, key informant interviews, and quantitative analysis techniques such as the cultural food significance index (CFSI) and relative frequency of citations (RFC), this research systematically documents the diversity and cultural importance of edible plants in the Baiku Yao community. The study assesses how these plants contribute to the community’s diet, traditional medicine, and overall cultural practices.ResultsA total of 195 traditional edible plants were documented, belonging to 142 genera and 68 families, with a significant concentration in certain families such as Asteraceae, Rosaceae, and Fabaceae. The Baiku Yao diet prominently features herbaceous plants, with wild (103 species) and cultivated (89 species) varieties as diverse food sources. They utilize various plant parts, particularly fruits and leaves, for multiple purposes, including nutrition, medicine, and fodder. Their processing techniques, from raw to fermented, showcase a rich culinary tradition and emphasize a holistic use of plants for enhancing diet and health in a concise overview. The RFC and CFSI analyses reveal a deep cultural reliance on a variety of plant species, with a notable emphasis on vegetables, fruits, spices, and medicinal herbs. Specific plants like Zingiber officinale, Zea mays, and Oryza sativa were highlighted for their high cultural significance. The study also uncovers the multifunctional use of these plants, not only as food but also for medicinal purposes, fodder, and other cultural applications, reflecting the Baiku Yao’s profound ecological wisdom and their harmonious coexistence with nature.ConclusionThe findings emphasize the rich ethnobotanical knowledge possessed by the Baiku Yao, underscoring the importance of documenting, safeguarding, and transmitting this invaluable traditional knowledge. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of cultural heritage and biodiversity conservation, advocating for concerted efforts to protect such traditional practices against the threats of modernization and cultural erosion.

Evaluating the Acclimatization Potential of Pruvian Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.) in Greece

Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) is one of the most important sources of plant – based protein, for human and animal consumption. In Greece, faba beans are cultivated as annual, winter crop. The aim of this study was to evaluate the growth of faba bean seeds from Peru and the comparison of its characteristics with a variety, mainly cultivated in Greece (control). A field experiment was laid out at the experimental field of Agricultural University of Athens. Measurements included the agronomic traits, the yield characteristics, and the seed quality. According to the results, there were not significant differences between the two cultivars for the plant height, the number of seeds per pod, the yield and the crude protein content. The number of branches and the Thousand Seeds Weight were significant higher at the seeds from Peru. The fat content of the seed and the number of pod’s were higher at the control. In the present research work, we demonstrated that faba bean population from Peru can be cultivated in the Mediterranean region. The measurements showed that the crop’s growth was normal, and some characteristics of Peruvian beans showed better results than the cultivated varieties.

Exploring agro-morphological and fiber traits diversity in cotton (G. barbadense L.)

Cotton (Gossypium barbadense L.) is a leading fiber and oilseed crop globally, but genetic diversity among breeding materials is often limited. This study analyzed genetic variability in 14 cotton genotypes from Egypt and other countries, including both cultivated varieties and wild types, using agro-morphological traits and genomic SSR markers. Field experiments were conducted over two seasons to evaluate 12 key traits related to plant growth, yield components, and fiber quality. Molecular diversity analysis utilized 10 SSR primers to generate DNA profiles. The Molecular diversity analysis utilized 10 SSR primers to generate DNA profiles. Data showed wide variation for the morphological traits, with Egyptian genotypes generally exhibiting higher means for vegetative growth and yield parameters. The top-performing genotypes for yield were Giza 96, Giza 94, and Big Black Boll genotypes, while Giza 96, Giza 92, and Giza 70 ranked highest for fiber length, strength, and fineness. In contrast, molecular profiles were highly polymorphic across all genotypes, including 82.5% polymorphic bands out of 212. Polymorphism information content was high for the SSR markers, ranging from 0.76 to 0.86. Genetic similarity coefficients based on the SSR data varied extensively from 0.58 to 0.91, and cluster analysis separated genotypes into two major groups according to geographical origin. The cotton genotypes displayed high diversity in morphology and genetics, indicating sufficient variability in the germplasm. The combined use of physical traits and molecular markers gave a thorough understanding of the genetic diversity and relationships between Egyptian and global cotton varieties. The SSR markers effectively profiled the genotypes and can help select ideal parents for enhancing cotton through hybridization and marker-assisted breeding.

Identification and Evaluation of Celery Germplasm Resources for Salt Tolerance

This study evaluated the salt tolerance in 40 celery germplasm resources to clarify the different salt tolerances of celery germplasm. A gradient treatment with different concentrations of NaCl solutions (100, 200, and 300 mmol·L−1) was used to simulate salt stress. After 15 days of salt treatment, 14 indicators related to plant growth, physiology, and biochemistry were determined. The results showed that different celery varieties responded differently to salt stress. Notably, there were significant variations in below-ground dry weight, root–crown ratio, antioxidant enzyme activity, and soluble protein content among the accessions under salt stress. Principal component analysis was used to identify important indices for evaluating salt tolerance, including plant height, spread, content of soluble protein, and so on. A comprehensive evaluation was conducted utilizing the salt damage index, principal component analysis, affiliation function analysis, and cluster analysis. The 40 celery germplasms were classified into five highly salt-tolerant, seven salt-tolerant, fifteen moderately salt-tolerant, nine salt-sensitive, and four highly salt-sensitive germplasms. SHHXQ, MXKQ, XBQC, XQ, and TGCXBQ were highly salt-tolerant germplasms, and BFMSGQ, HNXQ, ZQ, and MGXQW were highly salt-sensitive germplasms. The results of this study provide a reference for the variety of celery cultivation in saline areas and lay a foundation for the selection and breeding of salt-tolerant varieties of celery.

BRRI Dhan107: High Protein Premium Quality Rice Variety for Irrigated Ecosystem in Bangladesh

A newly released high protein enriched, premium quality type high yielding, extra-long slender grain containing rice variety BRRI dhan107 which suitable for irrigated ecosystem of Bangladesh, is an improvement over existing high protein enriched and premium quality type rice varieties for Bangladesh. The variety has satisfactorily passed the Proposed Variety Trial (PVT) conducted in the farmers’ field in Boro 2022-23 season. As a result National Seed Board (NSB) approved this variety for commercial cultivation in the Boro season (dry season) in 2024. It has modern plant type with 103 cm plant height and matures by 148 days. The proposed variety showed 1.20 t/ha higher yield than check variety BRRI dhan50. Identifying characters of this variety are green leaf, intermediate plant height, semi-erect flag leaf, extra-long slender grain, intermediate leaf senescence. On an average it can produce 8.19 t/ha grain yield, although with appropriate management under favorable environment it can give up to 9.57 t/ha yield. Thousand grain weight of the variety is 26.1 gm and head rice yield is 60.1%. High protein (10.02%) enriched BRRI dhan107 has high amylose (29.1%) with extra-long slender (7.6 mm) type grain. The high protein enriched, premium quality type rice variety BRRI dhan107 is a superb variety for cultivating in the Boro season (dry) and farmers as well as the country can be nutritionally and economically benefited by the cultivation of BRRI dhan107.

Epiphytic and endophytic bacteria on Camellia oleifera phyllosphere: exploring region and cultivar effect

The epiphytic and endophytic bacteria play an important role in the healthy growth of plants. Both plant species and growth environmental influence the bacterial population diversity, yet it is inconclusive whether it is the former or the latter that has a greater impact. To explore the communities of the epiphytic and endophytic microbes in Camellia oleifera, this study assessed three representative C. oleifera cultivars from three areas in Hunan, China by Illumina high-throughput sequencing. The results showed that the diversity and species richness of endophytic microbial community in leaves were significantly higher than those of microbial community in the epiphytic. The diversity and species richness of epiphytic and endophytic microbes are complex when the same cultivar was grown in different areas. The C. oleifera cultivars grown in Youxian had the highest diversity of epiphytic microbial community, but the lowest abundance, while the cultivars grown in Changsha had the highest diversity and species richness of endophytic microbes in leaves. It was concluded that the dominant phylum mainly included Proteobacteria, Actinobacteriota and Firmicutes through the analysis of the epiphytic and endophytic microbial communities of C. oleifera. The species and relative abundances of epiphytic and endophytic microbial community were extremely different at the genus level. The analysis of NMDS map and PERMANOVA shows that the species richness and diversity of microbial communities in epiphytes are greatly influenced by region. However, the community structure of endophytic microorganisms in leaves is influenced by region and cultivated varieties, but the influence of cultivars is more significant. Molecular ecological network analysis showed that the symbiotic interaction of epiphytic microbial community was more complex.

Selection of pollution-safe head cabbage: Interaction of multiple heavy metals in soil on bioaccumulation and transfer

Screening for pollution-safe cultivars (PSCs) is a cost-effective strategy for reducing health risks of crops in heavy metal (HM)-contaminated soils. In this study, 13 head cabbages were grown in multi-HMs contaminated soil, and their accumulation characteristics, interaction of HM types, and health risks assessment using Monte Carlo simulation were examined. Results showed that the edible part of head cabbage is susceptible to HM contamination, with 84.62% of varieties polluted. The average bio-concentration ability of HMs in head cabbage was Cd> > Hg > Cr > As>Pb. Among five HMs, Cd and As contributed more to potential health risks (accounting for 20.8%–48.5%). Significant positive correlations were observed between HM accumulation and co-occurring HMs in soil. Genotypic variations in HM accumulation suggested the potential for reducing health risks through crop screening. G7 is a recommended variety for head cabbage cultivation in areas with multiple HM contamination, while G3 could serve as a suitable alternative for heavily Hg-contaminated soils.

Influence of Genotype × Environment Interaction on Yield Stability of Maize Hybrids with AMMI Model and GGE Biplot

Maize yields perform differently in different environments, so the selection of suitable genotypes in diverse environments is essential for variety selection to enable better site-specific planting. Hence, the objective of the study was to estimate the productivity of 11 maize hybrids (G) in 10 different environments (E) and select high-yield and stable varieties for adaptive cultivation in 2022 and 2023. The combined analysis of variance showed that G (4%), E (50%), and their interaction (31%) had a significant effect (p < 0.01) on maize yield, with E factors contributing the most. In addition, the average yield ranged from 9398 kg/ha to 10,574 kg/ha, and ZF-2208 and DY-519 performed relatively well in both years. The AMMI model showed that the varieties DY-213, DY-605, and DY-519 had high and stable production in 2022, whereas it was ZF-2209 and LX-24 in 2023. The “W-W-W” biplot showed that DY-519 and JG-18 were the optimal varieties in 2022, and ZF-2208 and ZF-2210 were optimal in 2023. The “mean vs. stability” biplot indicated that JG-18, DY-605, and DY-213 (in 2022) and ZF-2208, LX-24, and ZF-2209 (in 2023) were the optimal varieties. Additionally, both the discrimination and representative biplot and the ranking biplot reflected that BinChuan and ShiDian (in 2022) and GengMa and YongSheng (in 2023) were the ideal test environments. In conclusion, DY-519, DY-605, ZF-2208, and LX-24 hybrids could be used for variety promotion. Moreover, BinChuan, ShiDian, GengMa, and YongSheng were the ideal test environments for selecting varieties. Therefore, the AMMI model and GGE biplot can be used to complement each other for a comprehensive evaluation of maize yield. In this way, excellent maize hybrids with high yield and stability can be selected, which could promote the selection and popularization of varieties and shorten the breeding process.

The potential range of west Asian apple species Malus orientalis Uglitzk. under climate change

The wild relatives of cultivated apples would be an ideal source of diversity for breeding new varieties, which could potentially grow in diverse habitats shaped by climate change. However, there is still a lack of knowledge about the potential distribution of these species. The aim of the presented work was the understand the impacts of climate change on the potential distribution and habitat fragmentation of Caucasian crab apple (Malus orientalis Uglitzk.) and the designation of areas of high interest according to climatic conditions. We used the MaxEnt models and Morphological-Spatial Analysis (MSPA) to evaluate the potential distribution, suitability changes, habitat fragmentation, and connectivity throughout the species range in Turkey, Armenia, Georgia, Russia, and Iran. The results revealed that the potentially suitable range of M. orientalis encompasses 858,877 km², 635,279 km² and 456,795 km² under the present, RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenario, respectively. The range fragmentation analysis demonstrated a notable shift in the edge/core ratio, which increased from 50.95% in the current scenario to even 67.70% in the future. The northern part of the range (Armenia, northern Georgia, southern Russia), as well as the central and western parts of Hyrcania will be a core of the species range with suitable habitats and a high connectivity between M. orientalis populations and could work as major refugia for the studied species. However, in the Zagros and central Turkey, the potential range will shrink due to the lack of suitable climatic conditions, and the edge/core ratio will grow. In the southern part of the range, a decline of M. orientalis habitats is expected due to changing climatic conditions. The future outlook suggests that the Hyrcanian forest and the Caucasus region could serve as important refuges for M. orientalis. This study helps to understand spatial changes in species’ range in response to climate change and can help develop conservation strategies. This is all the more important given the species’ potential use in future breeding programs aimed at enriching the gene pool of cultivated apple varieties.

Forage yield, seed, and forage qualitative traits evaluation by determining the optimal forage harvesting stage in dual-purpose cultivation in safflower varieties (Carthamus tinctorius L.)

Abstract Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.), adapted to arid and semiarid regions, is grown for seed and petal production, but the present study aimed to evaluate the possibility of simultaneous forage and seed production in the autumn and middle types of safflower varieties in dual-purpose cultivation in semiarid areas in the shortfall forage period. An experiment was done based on a randomized complete block design with nine treatments and three replications at the Seed and Plant Improvement Institute, Agriculture Research, Education and Extension Organization, Karaj, Iran. The treatments included the cultivation of Parnian, Goldasht, and Golmehr varieties with the purpose of seed harvesting as control treatments; the same varieties (Parnian, Goldasht, and Golmehr), once with the aim of forage harvesting at 50% stem elongation stage and seed harvesting; and again with the aim of forage harvesting at 50% branching stage and seed harvesting. The results showed that forage harvesting at the 50% branching stage significantly increased the dry and fresh forage yield compared to the 50% stem elongation stage. The highest fresh and dry forage yields (DFY) (42,229 and 11,266 kg/ha) were related to the Golmehr variety at the 50% branching stage. Forage harvesting at the stem elongation stage decreased the crude protein, protein content, and digestibility compared to the branching stage in three safflower varieties. Parnian variety had the maximum seed yield (2,226 kg/ha) without forage harvesting. The highest seed yield in the second year (2018–2019) of the experiment belonged to the Golmehr variety (1,310 kg/ha) to harvest forage at 50% stem elongation (rapid stem growth) and seed harvest treatment, which compared to the first year (2017–2018), showed an increase of 25%. Finally, the forage harvested amount of all three varieties studied was higher in the branching stage than in the stem elongation stage. These results implied that the Golmehr variety (11,266 kg/ha DFY and 520 kg/ha seed yield) is for dual-purpose cultivation, and the Parnian variety (2,226 kg/ha seed yield) is suitable for only seed production for the semiarid region of Karaj in Iran and similar areas in terms of climate.

Estimating yield stability and predicting the response of sesame genotypes to climate change using the SALTMED model

AbstractClimate change (CC) could lead to many crises. Therefore, increasing the number of cultivated varieties represents a low‐cost factor in confronting this problem. The effect of the genotype × environment (G × E) interaction on yield stability was estimated for 28 new sesame lines in the Beni Suwef, El‐Beheira and El‐Menoufia governorates in Egypt across 15 environments from 2019 to 2022 using AMMI analysis. The SALTMED model was used to predict the yield of sesame plants under five increasing air temperature scenarios (CC factor) to obtain future projections of sesame yield to determine the lines that are most genetically stable and facing CC. Variance analysis revealed significant differences in yield between the G and E groups and between the G × E interaction group. Fifteen genotypes yielded better control, and C6.4, C5.8 and C9.6 were selected as genetically stable according to AMMI analysis. The SALTMED model predicted that the yields of lines C3.8 and C6.2 were not affected under the high‐temperature scenarios across the three governorates, moreover lines C1.8, C2.3, and, C6.12 productions were not affected under Beni Suwef and El‐Beheira governorates. of lines C1.8, C2.3 and C6.12 were also not affected by the Beni Suwef or El‐Beheira governorates. It is now possible to establish a hybridization programme in sesame that combines parents with high productivity and high resilience to CC.

Composition of high-molecular-weight glutenin subunits and gluten quality in wheat lines with alien genetic material

Background. High-molecular-weight glutenin subunits (HMW-GSs) make the greatest contribution to the formation of baking properties in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Glutenin polymorphism of bread wheat relatives is significantly richer than in cultivated varieties. The objective of this work was to identify the HMW-GS composition and assess the gluten quality of bread wheat lines with introgressions of alien genetic material.Materials and methods. We studied the parental varieties of spring bread wheat, accessions of the tetraploid and hexaploid Triticum L. species, and 19 introgressive lines produced with their participation. Glutenins were separated using sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and HMW-GSs were identified using the Payne nomenclature system. Gluten quality was determined in accordance with GOST 13586.1-68 (the 2017–2019 and 2021–2022 growing seasons). Data processing was performed using the Statistica 10.0 and MS Excel software packages.Results and conclusion. HMW-GSs uncharacteristic of T. aestivum cultivars were identified in the studied accessions of T. dicoccoides (Körn. ex Aschers. et Graebn.) Schweinf., T. spelta L., and T. kiharae Dorof. et Migusch. These HMW-GSs are of interest for enriching the wheat gene pool. HMW-GSs of related species were found in 10 out of 19 introgressive lines. A five-year observation period revealed that wheat relatives on average significantly exceeded common wheat cultivars in gluten quality, and introgressive lines did not differ significantly from the parental genotypes. Lines with high rheological properties of gluten had, as a rule, HMW-GSs of related species in their composition.

Integrated Nutrient Management in Muskmelon: A Comprehensive Field Study

The present study aims to describe the effects of integrated nutrient management (INM) on Madhumita variety of muskmelon cultivation in terms of plant growth, fruit yield, and quality. The experiment has been carried out in the crop field located in the North Konkan region of Maharashtra, India. This case study involved seven different treatments (T1 to T7), each with varying nutrient application regimes. Certain observational data, such as vine length, number of leaves per plant, leaf length, days to 50% flowering, number of fruits per plant, fruit length, fruit width, fruit weight, and fruit yield, were recorded for three replications over the course of the experiment. The results of statistical analysis revealed significant differences, with specific treatments demonstrating T6, which included Vermicompost at 5 tons/ha, 75% of the recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF), and 1% NOVEL prime organic liquid nutrient, consistently outperformed the other treatments groups. The findings highlight the utility of integrated nutrient management. It helps in understanding and optimizing the application of nutrients to boost crop productivity and promote sustainability.

Comparative analysis of sipeimine content, metabolome and chloroplast genome in cultivated and wild varieties of Fritillaria taipaiensis.

The wild variety Fritillaria taipaiensis E.B (EB) is known for its superior therapeutic effects, but its limited production cannot meet demand. As a result, the cultivated variety F. taipaiensis P. Y. Li (PY) has been widely grown. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis comparing EB and PY in terms of external features, sipeimine content, metabolome and chloroplast genome to differentiate these two varieties. Our research revealed that the petals and pods of EB are green, while those of PY have purple markings. The bulbs of EB contain significantly higher levels of sipeimine compared to those of PY. Metabolomic analysis identified 56 differentially expressed metabolites (DMs), with 23 upregulated and 33 downregulated in EB bulbs. Particularly, 3-hydroxycinnamic acid and secoxyloganin may serve as distinctive DMs. These DMs were associated with 17 KEGG pathways, including pyrimidine metabolism, alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, and galactose metabolism. Differences in the length of the chloroplast genome were primarily observed in the large single-copy (LSC) region, with the largest variation in the trnH-GUC-psbA region. The placement of the trnH gene and the rps gene in proximity to the LSC/IRb boundary differs between EB and PY. The results of this study provide valuable insights for the introduction and comprehensive development of wild F. taipaiensis from a scientific perspective. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Organic cultivation of sugarcane varieties and its effect on cane yield and quality jaggery production

Organic cultivation of sugarcane varieties and its effect on cane yield and quality jaggery production

Evaluation of the yield of highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) cultivars and their economic efficiency on commodity plantations in Poland in the years 2020–2022

The selection of suitable highbush blueberry cultivars is a prerequisite for obtaining an optimal yield that determines the profitability of production and competitiveness on the market. The study assessed the production efficiency of highbush blueberry cultivars concerning the fruiting period, taking into account the size of the plantation, and evaluated the economic efficiency of the fruiting period. Production efficiency was assessed based on yields obtained according to data from 15 production plantations from all over Poland in 2020–2022. Economic efficiency was determined by analysing the production value, the amount of costs, and the Gross Margin. It was shown that yields of highbush blueberry cultivars differed depending on the ripening time. Generally, the highest yields were obtained in cultivating varieties with middle ripening time. The analyses show that the most prolific varieties in the three-year study, starting from the early to late ones, were Spartan and Duke, Bluecrop, Chandler, Aurora and Nelson. The cultivation of highbush blueberries was profitable in all the analysed plantation groups in the analysed years, although the level of economic production efficiency differed depending on the fruiting period of the cultivated varieties.