Erect Plant Research Articles

Domestication of medicinal plants (Lonicera japonica Thunb.) in China: comparison of morphological, resistance and biochemical traits between wild and cultivated populations

BackgroundMost studies on domesticated plants have focused on those utilized for sustenance purposes. This study provides valuable insights into the domestication processes of honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica Thunb.), a semi-evergreen twining vine in the Caprifoliaceae family that is important in traditional Chinese medicine for its flower buds and potential as a dietary supplement. The definition of domestication syndrome for honeysuckle remains unclear due to its perennial and asexual reproduction mode, resulting in a lack of information on domestication-related traits. Therefore, this study aims to compare and analyze differences in morphology, resistance, and biochemical composition between wild and cultivated varieties.MethodsA total of 36 wild and 81 cultivated specimens were examined to compare plant morphology, flowering time, bud length, active ingredients, and resistance between wild and cultivated populations.ResultsThe cultivated honeysuckle exhibited several noteworthy characteristics, including more erect plant morphology, higher flower-to-leaf ratio, more obvious aggregation of flowers into clusters at the top of branches, higher frequency of flowering, and longer bud length compared to the wild type. Additionally, the cultivated specimen demonstrated significantly elevated levels of chlorogenic acid as a biochemical constituent. However, in terms of resistance against powdery mildew, wild individuals displayed evident advantages over their cultivated counterparts.ConclusionThe observed phenotypic variation within the honeysuckle field provides empirical support for the hypothesis that farmer management practices influence domestication syndrome, as indicated by the deliberate enhancement of specific desirable traits during species domestication.

LMV-513: Breeding Innovations for Pest and Disease Resilience in Little Millet (Panicum sumatrense L.)

The breeding innovations for LMV-513 in little millet (Panicum sumatrense L.) focus on enhancing resilience to pests and diseases, crucial for stable yields and reducing dependency on chemical inputs. This resilient variety supports sustainable agriculture by maintaining crop health in adverse conditions, aligning with the goals of ecological and resource-efficient farming practices. Little millet is developed and evaluated between 2013 and 2021, the shoot fly-resistant little millet variety LMV-513 was evaluated from 2013 to 2014 and officially released and notified in 2021, proving to be a high-yielding and medium-maturing cultivar. This variety, created at the MARS, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, is specifically recommended for cultivation in Karnataka, maturing in 85-90 days and exhibiting an erect plant type with a height of 123-130 cm. Its grains are bold, oval-shaped, and gray in color. Similarly, DHLM-28-4/LMV-513 demonstrated impressive performance, with grain and fodder yields of 17.14 q/ha and 6.5 t/ha, respectively, while maintaining a tolerance to shoot fly at 19.42%. This variety recorded grain yields that surpassed the national checks OLM-203 and JK-8 by 9.59% and 11.21%, respectively. The study emphasizes the superior yield potential and adaptability of both DHLM-36-3 and DHLM-28-4/LMV-513 across diverse agro-climatic conditions in India. Specifically, DHLM-36-3 achieved an impressive mean seed yield of 37.99 q/ha, exceeding local and national checks by 21.56% and 15.75%, respectively. Meanwhile, DHLM-28-4/LMV-513 consistently outperformed the national check OLM-203 by 11.95%. Both varieties demonstrated strong resistance to key diseases and pests, including grain smut, brown spot, leaf blight, and shoot fly, making them reliable choices for farmers. Additionally, DHLM-28-4/LMV-513 exhibited enhanced nutritional qualities, particularly in zinc, iron, calcium, and protein content. Its favorable morphological traits, such as early maturity and robust growth characteristics, further bolster its appeal. DNA fingerprinting analysis revealed significant genetic diversity among the evaluated varieties, enhancing their suitability for marker-assisted selection in breeding programs. Overall, these findings highlight the vital contributions of these cultivars to sustainable agricultural practices, food security, and public health, positioning DHLM-28-4/LMV-513 as a promising candidate for wider adoption in millet cultivation.

Review on Evaluation of Phytochemical Analysis of Kalmegh (Andrographis Paniculata) Leaf Extract

Andrographis paniculata is an herbaceous plant which is commonly known as “King of Bitters” and belongs to the family Acanthaceae. Andrographis paniculata is one of the commonly used herbal medicines worldwide.It is an erect plant which grows mainly as under shrub in tropical moist deciduous forests. It grows erect to a height of 32-100cm in moist shady places with glabrous leaves and white flowers with rose-purple spots on the petals. This plant is the richest source of bioactive constituents. Andrographolide is generally considered an essential bioactive component of plant A. Paniculata. Andrographolide is colorless, crystalline in appearance and has a very bitter taste. the andrographolide are multifarious and include: analgesic, antipyretic, antiretroviral, antimalarial, anti-hyperglycaemic, hepatoprotective, immunemodulatory, protective against alcohol induced toxicity and cardio protective activity and anticancer activity Its phyto extract can protect human against a number of diseases.Kalmegh is used both in Ayurvedic and Unani System of medicines for possess immunological, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic and hepatoprotective properties. Andrographolide is an interesting pharmacophore with anticancer and immunomodulatory activities and hence has the potential to be developed as an anticancer chemotherapeutic agent as well.. The A. paniculata treats a wide range of diseases in traditional medicinal systems, and its intended benefits must be evaluatedThe present communication deals with the anti-diarrhoeal properties of the alcoholic extract, its fractions and pure compounds isolated from A. paniculata.In the ayurvedic system of medicine currently widely practiced in Indian, Andrographis paniculata is often used in combination with other herbs and health care procedures for helping patients suffering from diverse spectrums of organ pathologies and mental health problems

Agro Morphological Trait Characterization of Chickpea Germplasm Varieties to Improve Genetic Resources in Agdora, Oromia, Ethiopia

According to the study, thirty-two chickpea accessions with eight check varieties have been characterized considering to its morphological characteristics. All accessions have exhibited absence of plant pigmentation, and the majority of them exhibited an erect plant growth type. Most accessions had an angular ram's seed shape and medium-length pods. Majority of accessions have exhibited early days of flowering and medium-sized seeds, while Plant height had the lowest coefficient of variation (0.04), and Days to 50% flowering had the highest coefficient of variation (0.57%). All accessions have been characterizing lately flowering whereas twenty-five accessions were lately matured than check varieties. Twenty accessions have produced more primary branches and twenty-four accessions produced higher pods per plant than the check varieties. Three clusters were present in the study. days to 75% maturity and plant height have very significant positive association (r=+1.00) but there was no association between secondary branch and 100 seed weight.

Phenotypic Characterization of Chickpea (Cicer Arietinum L.) Base on Agromorphological Traits at Fedis Eastern Oromia, Ethiopia

As study indicated chararacterization of crops based on agro morphological traits are important for breeding to select the best quality accession in the field gene bank. 34 chickpea accessions were characterized based on agro morphological traits. All studied accessions were characterized by absences of plant pigmentation and most accessions were characterized by erect plant growth type and pink flowering color. Accessions were characterized by medium pod length and angular ram’s seed shape. Majority of accessions were characterized by rough seed textures and brown to reddish brown seed color. Most accessions were characterized by medium seed size and early flowering days. The highest coefficients of variation were observed for Days to 50% flowering (0.57%) and least coefficient of variation (0.04) for Plant height. 32 accessions were flowering lately than the check varieties and 25 accessions were more lately matured than the check varieties. Twenty accessions produced more primary branches than the check varieties. 24 accessions produced higher pods per plant compared to the check varieties. Cluster I consisted of eleven accessions and cluster II consisted of eighteen accessions and also cluster III consisted of five accessions. The intra cluster distance ranged from 474.48 to 953.36. There was significantly strong positive correlation observed between days to 75% maturity with plant height(r=1.00) while weak and negative correlation were observed between days to 50% flowering days with secondary branch but no correlation secondary branch with 100 seed weight.

Morphological characterization of selected cowpea [<i>Vigna unguiculata</i> (L.) Walp.] accessions from International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Ibadan, Nigeria

Characterization of available germplasm is a necessary step to facilitate breeding programs worldwide. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize twenty accessions of Cowpea from the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Nigeria. The accessions were planted in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. The morphological characters of seedlings were assessed following the International Board for Plant Genetic Resource cowpea descriptor list (IBPGR) and twenty-nine descriptors were used. Eighteen accessions showed semi-erect habits while two showed erect plant growth habits. The number of Days to first flowering among the selected accessions was 35-45 while the number of days to first pod was 37-47. Peduncle length was observed to be 12-35 cm, Pod length was 10.61-22.81 cm while seed length was 6.10-9.93 cm among sampled accessions. Morphological assessment of the accessions showed a dendogram of three clusters with six (A), nine (B) and four (C) accessions respectively. One accession TVu-12501 formed an outgroup owing to the uniqueness of its terminal petiole length. The cluster analysis substantiated the existence of diversity among the twenty accessions for the morphological traits studied and posits TVu-12501 accession as a morphologically superior accession to be studied further for selection in breeding programmes in the West African region.

Assessment of DUS Traits in Rajmash (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Genotypes: A Comprehensive Study on Genetic Diversity and Morphological Characteristics

The study was conducted at Dry Land Agriculture Research Station (DARS), Rangreth, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India aimed to comprehensively assess 40 genotypes, alongside 5 checks, for Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability (DUS) characterization. Employing an Augmented Block Design in the field in kharif season of April-August, 2022 and a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) in the laboratory from September–March 2023, the genotypes underwent evaluation for 21 DUS traits and 43 morphological, maturity, yield and quality traits. The evaluation followed descriptors specific to rajmash genotypes, utilizing frequency distribution based on “state” and “code” for each trait. The results indicated that majority of genotypes exhibited early flowering (<50 days), with 91% displaying an absence of anthocyanin coloration. Erect plant types were prevalent (51.11%), with 51% and 60% being viny and determinate, respectively. Most genotypes featured medium-sized, light green, ovate leaves (46.66%, 53%, and 22%, respectively). White-colored flowers (48.88%) with striped petal surfaces (57.77%) and medium curvature (40.00%) were predominant. Seed-related traits, such as cordate pod shapes (51%) and concave pod sutures (50%), along with acute pod distal shapes (69%), were observed. Pale green pods (57.77%) and 76% of genotypes exhibiting pod stringiness were noted. Seed shapes were mainly kidney-shaped (60%), and absent pigmentation in pod shells (73%) was observed. Large-sized seeds (40%) with dark red testa color (44%) were common, and seed testa variegation was “absent” in 75.55% of genotypes.

Phenotypic Characterization of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Base on Agromorphological Traits Fedis, Oromia, Ethiopia

As study indicated chararacterization of crops based on agro morphological traits are important for breeding to select the best quality accession in the field gene bank. 34 chickpea accessions were characterized based on agro morphological traits. All studied accessions were characterized by absences of plant pigmentation and most accessions were characterized by erect plant growth type and pink flowering color. Accessions were characterized by medium pod length and angular ram’s seed shape. Majority of accessions were characterized by rough seed textures and brown to reddish brown seed color. Most accessions were characterized by medium seed size and early flowering days. The highest coefficients of variation were observed for Days to 50% flowering (0.57%) and least coefficient of variation (0.04) for Plant height. 32 accessions were flowering lately than the check varieties and 25 accessions were more lately matured than the check varieties. Twenty accessions produced more primary branches than the check varieties. 24 accessions produced higher pods per plant compared to the check varieties.  Cluster I consisted of eleven accessions and cluster II consisted of eighteen accessions and also cluster III consisted of five accessions.  The intra cluster distance ranged from 474.48 to 953.36. There was significantly strong positive correlation observed between days to 75% maturity with plant height(r=1.00) while weak and negative correlation were observed between days to 50% flowering days with secondary branch but no correlation secondary branch with 100 seed weight.

Regulator of Awn Elongation 3, an E3 ubiquitin ligase, is responsible for loss of awns during African rice domestication

Two species of rice have been independently domesticated from different ancestral wild species in Asia and Africa. Comparison of mutations that underlie phenotypic and physiological alterations associated with domestication traits in these species gives insights into the domestication history of rice in both regions. Asian cultivated rice, Oryza sativa, and African cultivated rice, Oryza glaberrima, have been modified and improved for common traits beneficial for humans, including erect plant architecture, nonshattering seeds, nonpigmented pericarp, and lack of awns. Independent mutations in orthologous genes associated with these traits have been documented in the two cultivated species. Contrary to this prevailing model, selection for awnlessness targeted different genes in O. sativa and O. glaberrima. We identify Regulator of Awn Elongation 3 (RAE3) a gene that encodes an E3 ubiquitin ligase and is responsible for the awnless phenotype only in O. glaberrima. A 48-bp deletion may disrupt the substrate recognition domain in RAE3 and diminish awn elongation. Sequencing analysis demonstrated low nucleotide diversity in a ~600-kb region around the derived rae3 allele on chromosome 6 in O. glaberrima compared with its wild progenitor. Identification of RAE3 sheds light on the molecular mechanism underlying awn development and provides an example of how selection on different genes can confer the same domestication phenotype in Asian and African rice.

A sustainable approach for weed and insect management in sweetpotato: breeding for weed and insect tolerant/resistant clones

AbstractWeed management is consistently ranked among the top priorities of the United States sweetpotato industry. To provide additional weed and insect management strategies for sweetpotato, we initiated development of insect-resistant germplasm that also has weed tolerance by breeding and selecting for sweetpotato clones that are fast growing and have semi-erect to erect canopy architecture. Field studies were conducted in 2018 and 2019 in Charleston, South Carolina, to quantify the effects of weed-free interval and sweetpotato clone on weed counts for naturally occurring weed species, storage root yield, and insect resistance to the major pests of sweetpotato. Weed-free intervals included plots that were weedy all season and weed-free for 2, 3, and 4 wk after transplanting. Sweetpotato clones evaluated included ‘Beauregard’, ‘Covington’, ‘Monaco’, and six advanced selections with semi-erect to erect plant habit. Significant weed-free interval and sweetpotato clone main effects were observed for all variables measured, but not for their interaction. Two sweetpotato clones, USDA-17-037 and USDA-17-077, were consistent across both years and had the lowest weed counts, exhibited enhanced insect resistance, and were the highest yielding entries. These results demonstrate the potential for development of insect-resistant sweetpotato germplasm with a vigorous, erect plant habit that may be less susceptible to weed interference than cultivars with spreading shoot growth. The combination of germplasm that is both resistant to insect pests and competitive with weeds can provide organic and subsistence sweetpotato growers solutions to these critical issues related to sweetpotato production.

Phytochemical and pharmacological potential of Impatiens balsamina

Impatiens balsamina is an annual herb, belongs to the family Balsaminaceae, commonly seen in India, China, and Korea. It is an erect plant commonly known as rose balsam and garden balsam. Studies shows that the plant contain many valuable phytoconstituents such as flavonoids, saponins, phenolics, naphthoquinones, and glycosides. The plant is used in traditional medicine for their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic and antidermatitic properties. The plant can also be used to treat burns, scalds, and lumbago. Flowers of the plant is used as dye in pastry. Seeds of this plant is edible. Leaves and stem are also edible when boiled. Leaves, stem, flowers are also having medicinal properties. Microscopical features of pollen grains shows that the pollen grains contain a vegetative and generative cell. Many studies have been done to identify the pharmacological properties of this plant. Some of the pharmacological actions of the plant include antipruritic, antidermatitic, antimicrobial, antitumor, wound healing, antidiabetic and antinociceptive. The present review summarizes information about the morphology, chemical constituents, and pharmacological actions of Impatiens balsamina for future works.

Phenotypic Screening of Chilli Genotypes Collected from Different Regions

The experiment was performed at Maharajpur Farm under the Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, J.N.K.V.V., Jabalpur (M.P.) during the Kharif season 2019-2022 and planted in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The characterization of thirty genotype for thirty-five qualitative traits articulated no variability for trait i.e., the monomorphic trait was non-enveloping fruit calyx cover, two descriptors were found to be moderately diverse, which were with medium fruit intensity of the red colour (at the mature unripe stage) and the narrow triangular shape of fruit with the Shannon-Weaver diversity index H'=0.46 & H'=0.50, both of these are fruit related traits. The descriptor intensity of pubescence (hairiness) of the stem had the highest diversity index of 1.82. The studies highlighted some of the genotypes with the distinctness, MPKC-1(Katni collection) addressed unique features with green with purple tinge leaf colour, purple petal colour, upright fruit orientation, absence of fruit curvature, purple fruit colour at ripening maturity, ovate leaf and erect plant habit, depicting it like a wild relative of capsicum and could be utilized as the morphological descriptor.

Quantitative assessment on the grain appearance of a new Japanese rice cultivar ‘Niji-no-kirameki’ with a novel heat-avoidance mechanism during ripening

There is an increased demand for developing a heat-resilient cultivar with high palatability and acceptable grain yield to cope with the impacts of progressive changes in global climate conditions. This study attempted to quantify the heat resilience level and explore the heat resilient mechanism of ‘Niji-no-kirameki’, a new Japanese cultivar with heat resilience during ripening, and compare it with the leading Japanese cultivar ‘Koshihikari’. Multi-environmental testing on grain appearance under diverse high temperature field conditions across three prefectures revealed superior performance of ‘Niji-no-kirameki’ compared to ‘Koshihikari’, especially when the average of daily mean temperatures during the first 20 days after heading was over 27 °C, a general threshold temperature previously reported to decrease grain appearance in ‘Koshihikari’. Starch properties such as amylose content and amylopectin chain length distribution were similar between cultivars across seasons. Severely chalked grains by high temperature stress had lower protein content and 13 kDa prolamin content in the grains, suggesting that inter-relationships between starch and storage protein biosynthesis affect the formation of the chalky phenotype irrespective of cultivars with different heat resilience levels. As a possible heat resilience mechanism, a novel biological response of ‘Niji-no-kirameki’ for preventing an increase in panicle temperature to rising temperatures during ripening was found. It is assumed that the erect plant phenotype until maturity concealing panicles inside the canopy could create a cooler environment for panicles of ‘Niji-no-kirameki’ during ripening. We conclude that ‘Niji-no-kirameki’ is a promising cultivar for the improvement of grain appearance in the heat-vulnerable regions of Japan.

Molecular Basis of Unique Branching Phenotypes in Salvia splendens and the Role of PSY

The branching system of higher plants plays a very important role in plant morphogenesis, and the number of branches can directly affect crop yield and the ornamental value of plants. It is a complicated development process involving complex molecular mechanisms. The ‘Cailinghong’ variety of Salvia splendens is characterized by its great branching ability with the ability to grow into a spherical form naturally, without pinching. To gain insight into the molecular events during the branching development of S. splendens, suppressive subtractive hybridization (SSH) technology was used to screen differentially expressed genes between the erect plant type (strain 35) and the spherical plant type (‘Cailinghong’). In total, 96 and 116 unigenes were annotated. Four and eight unigenes up-regulated in ‘Cailinghong’ and strain 35, respectively, were associated with plant hormone anabolism and signal transduction, suggesting that they participate in the branching process. One of these genes, phytoene synthase (PSY), is a precursor of the new plant hormone group strigolactones. Using the PSY fragment (192 bp) as a template, the cDNA sequence of PSY in S. splendens was cloned and named SsPSY. A relative expression analysis and transgenic test results indicated that SsPSY plays an important role in lateral branch development in ‘Cailinghong’. These results provide new insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying branching in S. splendens.

Extraction and Purification of Secondary Metabolites of Paris polyphylla (Smith) Using Column Chromatography.

Paris polyphylla Smith is an erect and herbaceous plant. It has rich chemical constituents such steroidal saponins, phytosterols, flavonoids, and alkaloids that possess antimicrobial and anticancer activities. In the current investigation, we examined the effect of different solvents in the extraction yield and further purification via column chromatography. The ground powdered rhizomes of P. polyphylla was extracted with 100% hexane, 100% ethyl acetate, 70% ethanol, and 70% methanol. The extracts were filtered, evaporated using a rotary evaporator, concentrated, and measured. Subsequently, the solvent with high extraction yield was further purified using column chromatography. Ethanol produced the highest extraction yield as compared to the other solvents. About 30 fractions were eluted which was pooled into four fractions based on the Rf values and bands observed through thin layer chromatography (TLC) analysis.

Effects of Water Depth on the Growth of the Submerged Macrophytes Vallisneria natans and Hydrilla verticillata: Implications for Water Level Management

Water level is one of the most important factors affecting the growth of submerged macrophytes in aquatic ecosystems. The rosette plant Vallisneria natans and the erect plant Hydrilla verticillata are two common submerged macrophytes in lakes of the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, China. How water level fluctuations affect their growth and competition is still unknown. In this study, three water depths (50 cm, 150 cm, and 250 cm) were established to explore the responses in growth and competitive patterns of the two plant species to water depth under mixed planting conditions. The results show that, compared with shallow water conditions (50 cm), the growth of both submerged macrophytes was severely suppressed in deep water depth (250 cm), while only V. natans was inhibited under intermediate water depth (150 cm). Moreover, the ratio of biomass of V. natans to H. verticillata gradually increased with increasing water depth, indicating that deep water enhanced the competitive advantage of V. natans over H.verticillata. Morphological adaptation of the two submerged macrophytes to water depth was different. With increasing water depth, H. verticillata increased its height, at the cost of reduced plant numbers to adapt to poor light conditions. A similar strategy was also observed in V. natans, when water depth increased from 50 cm to 150 cm. However, both the plant height and number were reduced at deep water depth (250 cm). Our study suggests that water level reduction in lake restoration efforts could increase the total biomass of submerged macrophytes, but the domination of key plants, such as V. natans, may decrease.

A new high yielding proso millet variety (Panicum miliaceum L.): PMV 442

A high yielding short duration new proso millet variety GPUP 25 was developed at Project Coordinating Unit, AICRP on Small Millets, University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bengaluru for cultivation in Karnataka and other states in India during 2019 at central level and released as PMV 442. This variety is a derivative of a cross GPMS 109 and GPMS 908 developed by recombining the desirable characteristics of both the parents. This new variety matures in 70-75 days and has erect plant type with dwarf stature (85-90 cm), non- lodging, narrow leaves. Panicle is semi compact and medium sized. The grains are bold, oval shape and gray in colour. The grain of this variety contains calcium (26.0 mg/100 g), iron (6 mg/100 g seed) protein (7.41 %), and crude fiber (9.72 g/100 g). The variety GPUP 25 showed 29.78 and 16.39 per cent increased seed yield over the local check GPUP 21 and National check TNAU 145 respectively in Station trials. Likewise, in All India Coordinated Trials PMV 442 (GPUP 25) has showed superior performance in grain yield over national checks GPUP 21, TNAU 151 and TNAU 164 by 12.99, 23.73 and 12.44 per cent, respectively at national level. This variety has been released and notified in 83rd meeting of Central Sub -Committee on Crop Standards, Notification and release of varieties for agricultural crops held on 4th October 2019. This variety is recommended for cultivation in Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana states.

High Yielding Mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] Variety “NIFA Mung-2017”

National yield of mungbean is low as compared to other countries, mainly due to shortage of commercial mungbean varieties. To address this issue, an exotic Mungbean Yellow Mosaic Virus (MYMV) susceptible accession VC 1973A and a local MYMV resistant genotype NM 92 were crossed (VC 1973A x NM 92) at the experimental field of the Nuclear Institute for Food and Agriculture (NIFA), Peshawar during kharif 2004. Selection for best recombinant lines based on high yield (more pods per plant), resistance to MYMV, semi erect plant type in early segregating populations, and genetic stability in F2 - F5 generations for the desired traits was carried-out from 2005 to 2010. The high yielding recombinant “NFM-6-5” along with other advanced lines and local standard variety “Ramzan” were screened for MYMV resistance, and tested for seed yield and other related components in various yield trials i.e. preliminary, advanced, multi-locations and National Uniform Yield trials from 2011-2015. Results revealed that recombinant “NFM-6-5” produced up to 2283 kg ha-1 seed yield in replicated yield trials with 25-30% higher seed yield compared to the check variety “Ramzan” in various yield trials. More number of pods per plant and large seed size are the main primary yield contributing components in NIFA Mung-2017 (recombinant “NFM-6-5”). NIFA Mung - 2017 is a promising variety with different genetic background from earlier mungbean varieties. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Provincial Seed Council approved the recombinant “NFM-6-5” as a commercial variety with name “NIFA Mung-2017” for general cultivation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) on 19th September 2017. Keywords: Disease resistance; Mungbean; NIFA Mung-2017; Seed yield; Variety; Yield components http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2020.90278

Induction of Earlier Flowering in Cassava through Extended Photoperiod

Erect plant architecture is preferred by farmers but results in late and scarce flowering, which slows down breeding considerably. Inducing earlier and abundant flowering in crossing nurseries (involving erect genotypes) is a key objective for cassava and was the subject of this study. Five genotypes with contrasting flowering behavior were grown under dark night (DN) and extended photoperiod (EP) conditions for three seasons. EP was achieved with different red light emitting diodes (LEDs) with 625–635 nm wavelength all night long or through night-breaks. EP reduced height and number of days to first branching, particularly in non- or late-flowering genotypes. A minimum of 0.02 μmol m−2 s−1 was required to elicit earlier flowering in plants illuminated all night. Early results using five genotypes were validated across 116 genotypes planted in a crossing nursery. EP promoted earlier flowering in erect-plant genotypes but reduced the number of branching events in early flowering genotypes to some extent. 50W LED lamps, fixed at 3 m above ground in a 4.5 m grid, proved to be a practical approach to extend photoperiod in breeding nurseries. Night breaks also proved effective, thus opening the possibility of using solar panels where electricity is not available.

Effect of Pruning Young Branches on Fruit and Seed Set in Cassava

Flowering in cassava is closely linked with branching. Early-flowering genotypes branch low and abundantly. Although farmers prefer late flowering genotypes because of their erect plant architecture, their usefulness as progenitors in breeding is limited by their low seed production. In general, the first inflorescence aborts in cassava. Preventing this abortion would result in early production of seeds and make cassava breeding more efficient. The objective of this study was to assess if pruning young branches prevents the abortion of first inflorescences and promotes early fruit and seed set. Four genotypes with early, late, very late, and no flowering habits were grown under an extended photoperiod (EP) or normal dark night conditions (DN). Additional treatments included pruning young branches at the first or second flowering event and spraying (or not) benzyladenine (BA) after pruning. One genotype failed to flower and was not considered further. For the remaining genotypes, EP proved crucial to induce an earlier flowering, which is a pre-requisite for pruning. Total production of seeds in EP plots was 2,971 versus 150 in DN plots. For plants grown under EP, the average number of seeds per plant without pruning was 3.88, whereas those pruned produced 17.60 seeds per plant. Pruning at the first branching event led to higher number of seeds per plant (26.25) than pruning at the second flowering event (8.95). In general, applying BA was beneficial (38.52 and 13.98 seeds/plant with or without spraying it, respectively). The best combination of treatments was different for each genotype. Pruning young branches and applying BA in the first flowering event not only prevented the abortion of inflorescences but also induced the feminization of male flowers into hermaphrodite or female-only flowers. The procedures suggested from this study (combining EP, pruning young branches, and spraying BA), allowed the production of a high number of seeds from erect cassava genotypes in a short period. The implementation of these procedures will improve the breeding efficiency in cassava.