Early Ripening Research Articles

Защита вишни от коккомикоза в Республике Татарстан

The purpose of the research was a comparative assessment of the use of the biological drug Bactofit and the chemical drug Skor in protecting varieties of sour cherry from coccomycosis in the Republic of Tatarstan. The objects of study were varieties of ordinary cherry (Prunus cerasus L.) Nizhnekamskaya – early ripening, Shakirovskaya – medium ripening and Obil,naya – late ripening. Sour cherry plants were treated after the end of flowering, after 6 p.m. with the biological drug Bactofit 4 times after 7 days, with the chemical drug Skor – 2 times after 14 days. The concentration of the Skor solution was 2 ml/10 l, Bactofit – 30 ml/10 l. The control sour cherry plants were not treated with drugs. The growing seasons of 2020-2021 were dry. In 2020, the hydrothermal coefficient (GTC) for the growing season was 0.64, for the summer period – 0.57. GTC for the growing season of 2021 was 0.48, for the summer months – 0.19. In the Republic of Tatarstan in 2020-2021, the Nizhnekamskaya cherry variety (25%) was affected by coccomycosis less than the Shakirovskaya (36.7%) and Obil,naya (30%) varieties. The biological effectiveness of the chemical preparation Skor (67.3%) is higher than the biological preparation Bactofit (59.2%). The share of the influence of drugs on the incidence of cherry leaves with coccomycosis is 38.2%, the share of the influence of varieties is 3.2%, the share of the influence of head conditions is 0.2%, the share of the influence of the interaction of drugs with varieties is 29.5%, the share of the influence of the interaction of drugs with the conditions of the year is 3.7%, the share of the influence of the interaction of varieties with the conditions of the year is 9.8%, the share of the effect of the interaction of drugs, varieties and conditions of the year – 13.0%. The development of coccomycosis on sour cherry leaves on average for 2020-2021 ranged from 14.9% in the Nizhnekamskaya variety to 25.5% in the Shakirovskaya variety. The disease has received significantly less development when processing sour cherry plants with the chemical preparation Skor. The treatment of plants of the Nizhnekamskaya variety with the chemical preparation Skor gives the greatest, reliable increase in productivity. In sour cherry breeding for resistance to coccomycosis, it is recommended to use the Nizhnekamskaya variety.

Influence of improving selections on potato productivity in original seed nurseries in Karelia conditions

In potato seed production, selections contribute to maintaining varietal typicality, increasing yields and improving the quality of seed material. The purpose of this work is to evaluate the effectiveness of improving selections in the first field generation of potatoes under conditions of variability of meteorological factors during the growing season of plants. In the process of crop reproduction, the yield indicators of the super-super elite of three varieties of the early ripeness group (Latona, Impala, Red Scarlett) are reflected during the selection in the first field generation. Using cluster and step-by-step discriminant analyses, three groups of productivity of vegetative offspring were identified for each of the above varieties: I – maximum, II – average, III – minimum. In the experiment, they were used as experimental options for control – offspring without selection. Against the background of the absence of reliable deviations in the number and weight of tubers in the experimental variants from the corresponding controls, a tendency to increase production was revealed.

CHH hypermethylation contributes to the early ripening of grapes revealed by DNA methylome landscape of “Kyoho” and its bud mutant

Abstract DNA methylation is a stable epigenetic mark that plays a crucial role in plant life processes. However, the specific functions of DNA methylation in grape berry development remain largely unknown. In this study, we performed whole-genome bisulfite sequencing on “Kyoho” grape and its early-ripening bud mutant “Fengzao” at different developmental stages. Our results revealed that transposons (TEs) and gene flanking regions exhibited high levels of methylation, particularly in “Fengzao”, attributed to CHH site methylation. Interestingly, the methylation patterns in these two cultivars showed distinct dynamics during berry development. While methylation levels of genes and TEs increased gradually in “Kyoho” throughout berry development, “Fengzao” did not display consistent changes. Notably, “Fengzao” exhibited higher methylation levels in promoters compared to “Kyoho”, suggesting that hypermethylation of promoters may contribute to its early ripening phenotype. Integration of methylome and transcriptome data highlighted differentially methylated genes (DMGs) and expressed genes (DEGs) associated with secondary metabolite biosynthesis, with 38 genes identified as potential candidates involved in grape berry development. Furthermore, the study identified a jasmonate-induced oxygenase gene (JOX1) as a negative regulator of ripening in Arabidopsis and grapes, indicating that hypermethylation of JOX1 may play a role in the early ripening of “Fengzao”. Overall, our findings provide insights into the distinct DNA methylation patterns during grape berry development, shedding light on the epigenetic regulatory mechanisms underlying the early-ripening bud mutant.

Leaf-stem diseases of soybean on varieties of diferent ripenity groups in the conditions of the Amur region

The Amur region is the main producer of soybeans in the Russian Federation, where one of the significant phytosanitary problems of soybean cultivation technologies is leaf and stem infections. The susceptibility of soybeans to diseases varies greatly depending on weather conditions, used agricultural technology and the resistance of cultivated varieties. Since the soybean varieties, cultivated in the region, have significant differences in early maturity, it remains relevant to monitor leaf and stem infections and identify the degree of their development depending on the length of the crop growing season and the year conditions. The purpose of the study was to assess the influence of soybean variety by maturity groups and year conditions on the incidence of leaf-stem infections. Research was carried out in 2022 and 2023 in the Tambov district of the Amur region on 32 soybean varieties of domestic and foreign selection, belonging to 3 ripeness groups: early ripening, mid-ripening and late ripening. A phytopathological examination of soybean crops revealed Septoria blight (Septoria glycines T. Hemmi. Syn.), Cercospora blight (Cercospora sojina Hara), Ascochyta blight (Ascochyta sojaecola Abramoff. Syn.), downy mildew (Peronospora manshurica (Naum.) Syd. Syn.), purple Cercospora blight (Cercospora kikuchii (Matsuet Tomoyasu) Yardn) and angular bacterial spot. According to the indicator of disease incidence on soybean varieties of three ripeness groups, it was revealed that the incidence of downy mildew significantly, at the level of 90 %, depended on the variety ripeness group: mid-, and especially late-ripening varieties, were affected by the disease in both years an order of magnitude more strongly than early-ripening varieties. No significant influence of soybean varieties maturity groups on other infections was detected after the use of the fungicide, while analysis of variance according to the two-factor experiment scheme showed a significant influence of year weather conditions on the diseases incidence: Cercospora blight – at the level of 75.7 %, Cercospora purple blight – 77.1 %, Ascochyta blight – 98.5%. Both the ripeness group of soybean varieties and the year conditions influenced the bacteriosis incidence: the disease was more pronounced on early-ripening varieties, which were more populated by mites, the vectors of the disease pathogen, and was noted only in 2023. Analysis of variance according to the two-factor experiment scheme did not reveal a significant influence of varieties and year conditions on the incidence of Septoria blight, which indicates significant adaptations of the pathogen to weather factors and the physiology of plants from different ripeness groups, as well as the stable effectiveness of fungicidal treatment of soybean crops against Septoria blight.

Adaptability of hybrid populations of Linum usitatissimum L. in conditions of the Northern Transural region

Relevance. The selection of genotypes with high adaptive properties for the conditions of the Tyumen region allows us to contribute to the development of a regional strategy for breeding and genetic work, selection and cultivation of varieties in connection with changing weather and climatic conditions.Material and methodology. The research was carried out over a three-year period (2020-2022) in the northern forest-steppe zone of the Tyumen region. Intervarietal hybridization (4x4 scheme), evaluation of the obtained material according to morphological (4 pcs.), biological (1 pc.), adaptive indicators (2 pcs.) was carried out using generally accepted methods. The objects of study were 12 combinations of fiber flax, first obtained in the region.Results. Significant differences (p<0.05*) were determined between hybrid populations of fiber flax in the influence of genotype, environment, and genotype-environment interaction on the degree of implementation of the studied traits. Correlation relationships have been identified that determine the fiber content in the stem (r=0.79-0.91*, growing season, plant height, inflorescence length, softness, camber), the number and weight of seeds per plant (r=0.79-0 ,91*, inflorescence length, number, size and crackability of the capsule). Based on the results of individual selection in the third hybrid generation (F3), early ripening (4 pieces), tall (n=4), with the maximum number of bolls (n=4) and the number of seeds in them (n=7), fiber content (n =4) in the stem of the combination.Conclusions. Hybrid combinations of fiber flax with high levels of stable properties (G1, G3, G9, G10, G11), productivity criteria (G1, G2, G4, G7, G8, G9, G11, G12) can be valuable in breeding work.

Agrobiological and Agricultural Performance of Tangerine Unshiu and Early Ripe (Adreula) Clones and Nucellar Seedlings under Relatively Harsh Conditions of Citrus Cultivation

Agrobiological and Agricultural Performance of Tangerine Unshiu and Early Ripe (Adreula) Clones and Nucellar Seedlings under Relatively Harsh Conditions of Citrus Cultivation

Effect of different packaging materials on banana ripening and shelf-life in Dang, Nepal

This research was conducted to evaluate the effect of different packaging materials on the shelf life and banana quality (cv G9) at the laboratory, Campus of Live Sciences, Tulsipur, Dang, Nepal. The different packaging materials were used as high-density non-perforated polyethylene bags, low-density non-perforated polyethylene bags, low-density perforated polyethylene bags, fiber bags, jute bags, paddy straw with cardboard, and a control treatment (in open trays). The research was conducted in a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications. The bananas were packed in different packaging materials after being treated with a 250 ppm ethephon solution. Parameters such as peel color, physiological weight loss, pulp-to-peel ratio, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), and Benedict test were assessed at two-day interval. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed highly significant differences for all the recorded parameters except TA. Unpackaged fruits lost 22.92% of their weight, while fruits packed in high-density non-perforated polythene (HDNP) and low-density non-perforated polythene (LDNP) bags lost 13.27% and 6.15%, respectively. Peel colour development from green mature to yellow was observed first in bananas packed in low-density perforated polyethylene (LDPP) bags followed by open trays, jute bags, and paddy straws. The lowest pulp-to-peel ratio was observed in HDNP and LDNP bags. It can be concluded that packaging bananas in high-density and low-density non-perforated polyethylene bags resulted in longer shelf life. The sweetness, aroma, and mouthfeel of bananas in jute bags, fiber bags, and paddy straws were highly accepted. Thus, LDPP bags were found effective in early ripening and uniform yellow colour development on bananas.

Activated carbon derived from Mahachanok mango seeds as a potential material to delay the ripening of mangoes

The mango processing industry in Thailand generates significant waste, with over 60 % consisting of mango seed. Mahachanok mango seeds, a by-product of mango processing, can be processed into highly porous activated carbon with potential application in agricultural and food preservation. This study investigated the potential of activated carbon derived from Mahachanok mango seeds on delaying the ripening of Nam Dok Mai mangoes. The activated carbon was prepared through a two steps process: biochar preparation followed by activation using KMnO4. The morphology of activated carbon was characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area, and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The optimal carbonization temperature was determined, and the activated carbon was applied to mango storage. The mango ripening was assessed by measuring weight loss, total color difference (ΔE), firmness, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), and TSS/TA ratio as a ripening level indicator. The optimal carbonization temperature was found to be 500 °C, yielding 25.47 % activated carbon with iodine number of 361.77 mg I2/g AC. The activated surface carbon contained hydroxyl and manganyl groups, with a BET-surface area of 0.649 m2/g. Mangoes stored with 10 g of synthesized activated carbon exhibited the best delay in ripening, extending the ripening process by five days compared to the control. On the 8th day of storage, mangoes became early ripe with firmness and TSS/TA values for 10 g of synthesized activated carbon were 0.467 N/mm and 22.35, respectively (p < 0.05). The TSS/TA ratio indicated that this treatment effectively maintained mango quality for up to 14 days of storage. Activated carbon derived from Mahachanok mango seed shows promising results in delaying mango ripening, especially when used at 10 g dosage. This approach utilized food processing waste to create a valuable product for post-harvest handling, potentially improving the freshness of exported fruit.

Genome-wide identification of kiwifruit K+ channel Shaker family members and their response to low-K+ stress

Background‘Hongyang’ kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis cv ‘Hongyang’) is a high-quality variety of A. chinensis with the advantages of high yield, early ripening, and high stress tolerance. Studies have confirmed that the Shaker K+ genes family is involved in plant uptake and distribution of potassium (K+).ResultsTwenty-eight Shaker genes were identified and analyzed from the ‘Hongyang’ kiwifruit (A. chinensis cv ‘Hongyang’) genome. Subcellular localization results showed that more than one-third of the AcShaker genes were on the cell membrane. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the AcShaker genes were divided into six subfamilies (I-VI). Conservative model, gene structure, and structural domain analyses showed that AcShaker genes of the same subfamily have similar sequence features and structure. The promoter cis-elements of the AcShaker genes were classified into hormone-associated cis-elements and environmentally stress-associated cis-elements. The results of chromosomal localization and duplicated gene analysis demonstrated that AcShaker genes were distributed on 18 chromosomes, and segmental duplication was the prime mode of gene duplication in the AcShaker family. GO enrichment analysis manifested that the ion-conducting pathway of the AcShaker family plays a crucial role in regulating plant growth and development and adversity stress. Compared with the transcriptome data of the control group, all AcShaker genes were expressed under low-K+stress, and the expression differences of three genes (AcShaker15, AcShaker17, and AcShaker22) were highly significant. The qRT-PCR results showed a high correlation with the transcriptome data, which indicated that these three differentially expressed genes could regulate low-K+ stress and reduce K+ damage in kiwifruit plants, thus improving the resistance to low-K+ stress. Comparison between the salt stress and control transcriptomic data revealed that the expression of AcShaker11 and AcShaker18 genes was significantly different and lower under salt stress, indicating that both genes could be involved in salt stress resistance in kiwifruit.ConclusionThe results showed that 28 AcShaker genes were identified and all expressed under low K+ stress, among which AcShaker22 was differentially and significantly upregulated. The AcShaker22 gene can be used as a candidate gene to cultivate new varieties of kiwifruit resistant to low K+ and provide a reference for exploring more properties and functions of the AcShaker genes.

Expression of AtNF-YB1 activates early flowering, showing potential in breeding hybrid rice.

The nuclear factor Y (NF-Y) has been shown to be involved in plant growth and development in response to various environmental signals. However, the integration of these mechanisms into breeding practices for new cultivars has not been extensively investigated. In this study, the Arabidopsis gene AtNF-YB1 was introduced into rice, including inbred Kasalath and the hybrids Jinfeng × Chenghui 727 and Jinfeng × Chuanhui 907. The obtained transgenic rice showed early flowering under both natural long day (NLD) and natural short day (NSD) conditions. For the inbred Kasalath, the transgenic lines clearly showed a shorter plant height and lower grain yield, with a decrease in spike length and grain number but more productive panicles. However, the hybrids with AtNF-YB1 had much smaller or even zero reduction in spike length and grain number and more productive panicles. Thus, maintained or even increased grain yields of the transgenic hybrids were recorded under the NLD conditions. Quantitative PCR analysis indicated that the rice flowering initiation pathways were early activated via the suppression of Ghd7 induction in the transgenic rice. RNA-Seq further demonstrated that three pathways related to plant photosynthesis were markedly upregulated in both Jinfeng B and the hybrid Jinfeng × Chuanhui 907 with AtNF-YB1 expression. Moreover, physiological experiments showed an upregulation of photosynthetic rates in the transgenic lines. Taken together, this study suggests that AtNF-YB1 expression in rice not only induces early flowering but also benefits photosynthesis, which might be used to develop hybrid varieties with early ripening.

Transcriptome and weighted gene co-expression network analyses reveal key genes and pathways involved in early fruit ripening in Citrus sinensis

BackgroundThe fruit ripening period is an important target trait in fruit tree crop breeding programs. Thus, citrus tree breeders seek to develop extreme early ripening cultivars that allow optimization of citrus maturation periods. In this study, we explored the regulatory network involved in fruit ripening in Citrus sinensis using the ‘Newhall’ navel orange variety and its early-ripening mutant, ‘Gannanzao’. This research will provide a basis for further research on important signaling pathways, gene functions and variety breeding of Citrus sinensis related to fruit ripening period.ResultsPhysiological analyses suggested that early fruit ripening in ‘Gannanzao’ is regulated by early accumulation of abscisic acid (ABA), persistently high levels of jasmonic acid (JA), and higher sucrose content in the pericarp. Pericarp samples from ‘Gannanzao’ and ‘Newhall’ navel oranges were sampled for RNA sequencing analysis at 180, 200, and 220 days after flowering; 1430 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that these DEGs were mainly enriched in the plant hormone signal transduction and sugar metabolism pathways, as well as other pathways related to fruit ripening. Important DEGs associated with fruit ripening in ‘Gannanzao’ included genes involved in ABA and JA metabolism and signal transduction, as well as sugar metabolism. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis showed that the deep pink module had the strongest correlations with ABA content, JA content, and early ripening. Based on gene functionality and gene expression analyses of 37 genes in this module, two candidate hub genes and two ethylene response factor 13 (ERF13) genes (Cs_ont_5g000690 and Cs_ont_5g000700) were identified as key genes regulated by ABA and JA signaling. These findings will help to clarify the mechanisms that underlie early citrus fruit ripening and will lead to the development of excellent genetic resources for further breeding of extreme early-ripening varieties.ConclusionsThrough analyses of the ‘Newhall’ navel orange cultivar and its early-ripening mutant ‘Gannanzao’, we identified genes involved in ABA and JA metabolism, signal transduction, and sugar metabolism that were related to fruit ripening. Among these, two ERF13 genes were inferred to be key genes in the regulation of fruit ripening. These findings provide insights into the genetic architecture related to early fruit ripening in C. sinensis.

GENETIC INSIGHTS AND BREEDING IMPLICATIONS: ENHANCING COTTON YIELD AND QUALITY THROUGH BIPARENTAL SELECTION

This study was performed in Egypt's Sakha Agriculture Research Station during the seasons 2015–2018 to study the efficiency of biparental progenies derived from inter-population random mating in F2 generation in a cotton cross. Intercrossing is allowed in cotton breeding populations. Although the best lines may include harmful alleles, thus early segregating generation recombination and hybridization are required. The F2 generation of the cotton cross (Giza70 TNB1), which obtained from Agriculture Research Center, Egypt, consisted of five male and eight female plants, was used to test biparental progeny from random interpopulation mating. About 28 and 24 families in BIPS1 and BIPS2 had their original parents were examined. All genotypes were assessed for agricultural and fiber qualities. The mean of families (BIPs2) was higher than BIPs1 for all measured metrics except lint yield, percentage, and uniformity ratio. BIPS2 families had more genotypic coefficients of variation (GCV) for features than BIPS1. Intercrossing affected correlation coefficients of BIPS1 and BIPS2 genotypes. Seed cotton yield and lint index genotypic correlations became considerable. Seed cotton yield estimated by seed index and first fruiting node location were altered from negative to positive. Among them, No.5, No.7, No.8, No.18, and No.19 had large yields and early ripening, as shown by their components. The top five families chosen for fiber length had gain values of 3.373% to 8.961% and 5.919 to 7.781% for fiber strength. The No.18 family exhibited good seed cotton production and fiber length. Intermating and self-pollination (BIPS2) may utilize non-additive gene effects and accumulate trait-influencing alleles. Continuing to select and evaluate families based on their large-scale reproductive performance will enhance the likelihood of producing genotypes with desired features. In conclusion, this study underscores the utility of continued selection based on discerned genetic parameters, genotypic correlations, and observed gains in facilitating the ongoing improvement of cotton breeding programs. By providing valuable insights into the intricacies of genetic variability and trait associations, this research holds implications not only for the advancement of cotton breeding practices but also for the broader agricultural landscape on both national and global scales. Keywords: Biparental, selection efficiency, correlated response, hybridization, self-pollination

Вегетационный период сортов яровой мягкой пшеницы разных групп спелости в земледельческих зонах Красноярского края

The purpose of the study is to analyze the effect of cultivation point and meteorological factors on the duration of the growing season of spring wheat varieties of different ripeness groups. We used data from the State Variety Commission of the Krasnoyarsk Region on the yield and duration of the growing season of spring soft wheat varieties for 1999–2020. Statistical data processing was performed for varieties of four ripeness groups: early ripening, mid-early, mid-ripening and mid-late, undergoing variety testing in 6 natural zones of the Krasnoyarsk Region at 10 state variety plots: Zone III (lowland subtaiga, Kazachinsky state cultivating plot), IV (foothill subtaiga, Dzerzhinsky, Sayansky) , V (Kansk-Krasnoyarsk forest-steppe, Sukhobuzimsky, Uyarsky), VI (forest-steppe of the Chulym District, Nazarovsky, Uzhursky), VII (southern forest-steppe, Karatuzsky), VIII (foothill steppe on ordinary and southern chernozems, Krasnoturansky, Minusinsky). A significant range of variability in the studied period between variety plots was revealed for mid-ripening varieties (22 days), early-ripening (20 days), mid-early (17 days), mid-ripening varieties (12 days). A shorter growing season for all ripeness groups is shown by varieties in the Kazachinsky variety plot, a longer one – in the Sayansky and Uyarsky variety plots. A significant amplitude of variability in the duration of the growing season for all ripeness groups is observed in the Nazarovsky, Karatuzsky, and in mid-ripening and mid-late varieties – Uyarsky, Uzhursky, Minusinsky variety plots. The phenotypic varia-bility of the period under study is determined primarily by the contribution of the factor “varietal plots” (34.0–48.1 %) and the interaction “years × varietal plots” (36.0–53.2 %). The variety plots are located in different natural and climatic zones of the region and have their own characteristics according to the complex of natural conditions, which is shown by different correlations between the duration of the growing season and meteorological factors. They differ in variety areas, which represent the natural zones of the region. It has been proven that to form the duration of the growing season of mid-late varieties at the Dzerzhinsky, Sayansky, Uyarsky and Nazarovsky variety plots, average daily air temperatures are more ne¬cessary; Sayansky, Dzerzhinsky, Sukhobuzimsky – precipitation; Sayan, Dzerzhinsky, Sukhobuzimsky, Uyarsky, Nazarovsky, Uzhursky variety plots – relative air humidity than for varieties of other ripeness groups. Reliable correlations between average daily air temperature, precipitation and relative air humidity with the duration of the growing season were obtained for all ripeness groups at the Karatuz and Krasnoturan variety plots.

Reducing nitrogen and deficit irrigation is a practical solution for optimal forage barley production in semi-arid cropping systems

Given the scarcity of arable land and water resources in semi-arid regions, it becomes imperative to achieve maximum yield and early maturity for winter grains. In this regard, the present research was conducted to synchronize grain and shoot maturity in high-yielding barley (cv. Behrokh) by reducing nitrogen and deficit irrigation. The experimental factors included three levels of nitrogen (50, 75, and 100% plant nitrogen requirement; PNR) and three levels of irrigation (full irrigation, cutoff irrigation in the milk stage, and dough stage). Results showed that cutoff irrigation and nitrogen fertilizer caused early ripening. The interactions of irrigation and nitrogen were significant for the number of grains/spike, grain yield, straw yield, aboveground biomass, and protein yield. Grain yield in cutoff irrigation in the dough stage plus reducing 25% PNR was similar to full irrigation plus 100% PNR. In full and cutoff irrigation in the dough stage, reducing 25% PNR did not cause a significant change in straw yield. Cutoff irrigation in the dough and milk stages did not cause a significant difference in the grain protein content. In general, it is concluded that to maintain grain, straw yield, and protein quality, it is more appropriate to use 150 kg/ha of nitrogen in the conditions of cutoff irrigation in the dough stage, which could reduce the cost of fertilizer and water in addition to early ripening of the crop and minimize the environmental consequences of consuming these inputs. Early harvesting of barley also helps to prevent summer crops from encountering late-season chilling.

Increased DNA methylation contributes to the early ripening of pear fruits during domestication and improvement

BackgroundDNA methylation is an essential epigenetic modification. However, its contribution to trait changes and diversity in the domestication of perennial fruit trees remains unknown.ResultsHere, we investigate the variation in DNA methylation during pear domestication and improvement using whole-genome bisulfite sequencing in 41 pear accessions. Contrary to the significant decrease during rice domestication, we detect a global increase in DNA methylation during pear domestication and improvement. We find this specific increase in pear is significantly correlated with the downregulation of Demeter-like1 (DML1, encoding DNA demethylase) due to human selection. We identify a total of 5591 differentially methylated regions (DMRs). Methylation in the CG and CHG contexts undergoes co-evolution during pear domestication and improvement. DMRs have higher genetic diversity than selection sweep regions, especially in the introns. Approximately 97% of DMRs are not associated with any SNPs, and these DMRs are associated with starch and sucrose metabolism and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis. We also perform correlation analysis between DNA methylation and gene expression. We find genes close to the hypermethylated DMRs that are significantly associated with fruit ripening. We further verify the function of a hyper-DMR-associated gene, CAMTA2, and demonstrate that overexpression of CAMTA2 in tomato and pear callus inhibits fruit ripening.ConclusionsOur study describes a specific pattern of DNA methylation in the domestication and improvement of a perennial pear tree and suggests that increased DNA methylation plays an essential role in the early ripening of pear fruits.

Formation of a model of lettuce (&lt;i&gt;Lactuca sativa&lt;/i&gt; L.) variety of the Batavia type for hydroponic cultivation

Relevance. Currently, there is a tendency to increase the volume of lettuce cultivation in hydroponics. Such specific conditions for growing lettuce hydroponically as high humidity in the root zone, different levels of illumination throughout the year and specific mineral nutrition, dictate a number of necessary characteristics that varieties should possess. In addition, the lettuce variety for hydroponics should consistently give high yield and have good consumer qualities. Accordingly, it is necessary to carry out selection separately for specific hydroponic conditions. And for theoretical justification of the selection of lettuce varieties for this technology and increasing the efficiency of the breeding process, it is necessary to form a model of the variety, which was the goal of this research.Methods. The 13 most common lettuce varieties were research: 8 light green and 5 dark green Batavia. The morphological characteristics of plants in the phase of industrial ripeness were described and the biometric traits of plants were determined.Results. Based on research in 2021-2023 the 13 most commonly hydroponically grown lettuce varieties of the Batavia variety have been defined as the variety model criteria for hydroponics. The characteristics of a leaf rosette, leaf blade, indicators of early ripening and productivity inherent in these varieties were identified, and a model of the variety was formed on their basis.

Экономическое обоснование уборки зерновых культур ранних фаз спелости очесом и приготовления корма из необмолоченного вороха

Abstract. The stripping of grain allows organizing the separate harvesting of grain for feed in early phases and for food purposes in the phase of full ripeness. Purpose. To carry out the economic justification of the technology of harvesting early ripening grains by stripping without threshing and the technology of preparing pelleted fish feed for fish from unthreshed ears and additives. Methods. Economical estimation of the technology of winter wheat harvesting by stripping in early phases of ripeness without threshing and its processing into feed has been carried out by comparing operational and indicated expenses of the total technological operations. Scientific novelty lies in the joint estimation of the economic efficiency of technologies of harvesting and processing of grain crops. Results. The prime cost of harvesting cereals without threshing and separation is 2.65 times lower than that of the harvesting technology with combine threshing and separation. The cost of performing operations under the traditional (from grain) and the new (from ears) technologies of pelleted fish feed production is almost equal. However, the total cost of technological operations of harvesting grain without threshing and preparation of pelleted feed from unthreshed ears using the new technology is 24.3 % lower than that of traditional technology of harvesting with threshing and preparation of feed from grain. The use of non-grain part of ears of early ripeness in the composition of feed will increase the amount of raw material from hectare of sown area by 20–30 %. The proposed technologies is cost-effective and promising for implementation in the agricultural enterprises of southern Russia.

Pengaruh Pemilihan Eksplan Dan Varietas Terhadap Induksi Kalus Tanaman Tebu (Saccharum Officinarum L)

Tissue culture is one of the appropriate plant propagation methods for producing superior seeds in large numbers and simultaneously. The aim of this research was to determine the effect of selecting different explants and varieties on callus induction in sugar cane plants. This research was carried out from March to May 2022 at the Tissue Culture Laboratory of the Sugar Research Center (Puslit) PTPN X Jengkol, Plosokidul Village, Plosoklaten District, Kediri Regency. The method used in this research was a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) which was arranged factorially with two replications. The first factor is the explant part of the sugar cane shoot (E) which consists of 6 levels, namely the 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th and 11th pieces. The second factor is the types of varieties with different ripeness types (V) which consist of 3 levels, namely NX 01 (early ripe), Cenning (middle ripe), and PSDK 923 (slow ripe). Based on the data analysis that has been carried out, the results obtained are that the combination of treatment of sugarcane shoot explant parts (E) and varieties (V) shows a positive response to the callus emergence time variable with the fastest callus emergence being the combination of the 1st explant cutting treatment on the NX variety 01 with an average of 6.5 days. A single treatment of sugarcane shoot explant parts (E) had a very significant effect on the contamination percentage variable. The lowest contamination percentage observed in 11-th piece as 8,35%.

Evaluation of viability and germination of pollen grains of three local caprifig cultivars and their effect on some characteristics of fig fruits (Ficus carica L.)

This research was carried out in fig fields in the village of Kafar-Jales, in the north of Syria. The analyses were conducted in the laboratories of the Faculty of Agriculture at Idlib University during the 2022 farming season, to evaluate the viability and germination of three local varieties of Caprifig (Bunduqi, Azraq, Panjani). The morphological characteristics, the date of the exodus of insects (Blastophaga psenes) from male fruits, the quantity of pollen, and the percentage of germination and viability were studied on four nutritive media at a temperature of 27°C. The measurements were taken after 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h. These three pollinators were used to pollinate three varieties of edible figs (white Satehi, Safrawi, and Habashi) to study the effect of pollen source on the productive characteristics of edible fig fruits. The result showed significant superiority of the Bunduqi cultivar over the rest of the cultivars in traits of the fruit’s early ripening, pollen quantity, and date of departure of insects. The Azraq cultivar is found to be superior to Bunduqi and Panjani cultivars in the germination rate of pollen at all stages of the experiment and in all used media. The addition of stigma flower extract in culture media increased germination percentage by 35% for all studied Caprifig cultivars. The addition of 10% sucrose in the cultivation environment increased the percentage of pollen germination by 20%. The cultivars that were inoculated with the Panjani pollinator outperformed the characteristics of the length, diameter, and weight, demonstrating that the fruit’s quality characteristics are affected by the genotype of the pollinator used. The results of this research can be beneficial for both fig growers and plant breeders, as they help to select the best pollinators and contribute to the development and improvement of the quality of the cultivated fig fruits.

Performance of grape (Vitis vinifera L.) varieties under agro- climatic conditions of Ayodhya, U.P. India

Five grape varieties viz. Perlette, Beauty Seedless, Delight, Thompson Seedless and Banqui-Abyad were evaluated at Horticulture Experiment Farm, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya (U.P.) for their yield, ripening and quality characteristics. Performances of Perlette, Beauty Seedless and Delight varieties were found better in terms of early ripening, bunch and berry quality, productivity as well as physico-chemical constituents. As such these varieties emerged potentially rich for commercial cultivation under Ayodhya conditions in view of their over excellence.