Horticultural Science Research Articles

Genetic Relationship and Diversity Analysis in Arecanut (Areca catechu L.) Genotypes using Molecular Markers

Background: Arecanut (Areca catechu L.) is an important plantation crop of India belongs to the family Arecaceae. As it is a highly cross-pollinated crop there is a significant difference among the genotypes. Morphological traits used for determining diversity and relationships among genotypes or variety are prone to environmental influences. Thus, the usefulness of molecular markers has been investigated as a means of characterizing and discriminating difference more precisely. Therefore, the present study was carried out to assess the genetic relationship and diversity among the arecanut genotypes by employing RAPD, ISSR and SSR markers. Methods: A total of 11 genotypes are being grown in University of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences (UAHS), Shivamogga, Karnataka, India, which includes both local and exotic collections. These 11 genotypes were evaluated for genetic variations using molecular markers viz., random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD), inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSR) and simple sequence repeats (SSR). Result: All the markers studied showed significant polymorphism among the genotypes. Jaccard’s genetic similarity coefficient values of RAPD, ISSR and SSR markers were found in the range of 0.56-0.76, 0.55-0.74 and 0.52-0.91. The higher similarity was observed between the genotypes Mohitnagar and Mangala, as well as Theerthahalli Local and Hirehalli Dwarf. The genotypes Maidan Local and Cameroon were placed in very distinct clusters, showing that they are having very distinct traits. The dendrogram prepared using SSR data separately and combining data of RAPD, ISSR, SSR markers showed similar results. Therefore, employing SSR markers for further studies will be more useful for identifying germplasm for varietal improvement programmes.

Introduction pages

The papers published in Notulae Botanicae Horti Agrobotanici Cluj-Napoca, Issue 2, Volume 50, 2022 represent new exciting research in different topics of life science, respectively in plant science, horticulture, agronomy, and crop science. Among the interesting articles we invite you to find news about: Regulation mechanism of long non-coding RNA in plant secondary metabolite biosynthesis; CRISPR/Cas9 applications for improvement of soybeans, current scenarios, and future perspectives; Antioxidant activity of mustard green and Thai rat-tailed radish grown from cold plasma treated seeds and their anticancer efficacy against A549 lung cancer cells; Chemical constituents, antioxidant, and anticancer activities of bee pollen from various floral sources in Taiwan; Antioxidant and cytoprotective properties of seeds and seed by-products from lotus (Nelumbo nucifera); Pot Aloe vera gel – a natural source of antioxidants; In vitro direct organogenesis of the Cretan dittany (Origanum dictamnus L.), an important threatened Greek endemic species; Microscopical characteristics, phytochemical investigation and biological activities of different Lysimachia species growing in Vietnam; Deciphering the stem variations in ginseng plant using RNA-Seq; Biofortification with nanoparticles and zinc nitrate plus chitosan in green beans – effects on yield and mineral content etc.

Assessment of Some Selected Cultivars of Almond on GF677 Rootstock in Drought Stress Conditions

Drought stress is the most important factor limiting the successful production of agricultural crops worldwide. The response of some almond cultivars grafted on GF677 rootstock was studied to drought stress at a research greenhouse in the Horticultural Science Research Institute of Karaj, Iran, in the 2016-2017 growing season. The plant materials included 12 almond (Prunus dulcis Mill.) genotypes/cultivars, including ‘Sh10’, ‘Saba’, ‘A1-16’, ‘Shokofeh’, ‘Kh1’, ‘A230’, ‘Mamaie’, ‘A13-40’, ‘A9-7’, ‘A8-24’, ‘Fragiolu’, and ‘Sh17’, which were grafted onto Gf677 rootstock. The results showed that the treated almonds differed significantly. When all studied traits are considered, it can be concluded that genotypes ‘Kh1’ and ‘A13-40’ outperformed all other genotypes and cultivars in terms of the studied morphological and physiological traits and exhibited far more tolerance to drought stress. In normal conditions, cultivars Kh1 and Mamaei had maximum proline (2.35 µmole/g), but A8-24 still showed the lowest content of proline (1.20 µmole/g). The highest K content under drought stress was obtained in A1-16 (2.8 %) and Mamaei (2.71 %) cultivars.

Quick Reference Guide to Preemergence/Residual Herbicides for Citrus Weed Control

The 2-page document intends to provide readers with quick information (mode of action, weeds controlled, postharvest interval, usage restrictions, suggested rates, etc.) on different preemergent or soil-residual herbicides used in citrus. Compiled by R. Kanissery, W. Liu, J. D. Burrow, S. H. Futch, B. A. Sellers, and S. S. Teems and published by the UF/IFAS Horticultural Sciences Department.https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/hs1438

Plants for human health: Almost gone but will not be forgotten

Using plants to develop therapy or treatment in humans seems to be a potential way to improve patient outcomes. The continuum of plant genetics changing into foods that improve health is an applicable strategy at this present. Horticultural Science, microbial biology, bioprocessing, and nutrition sciences require during the process. Therefore, the role of healthcare professionals including medical doctors, pharmacists, and nurses is needed to discover the benefits and process them into usable objects. Establishing coordinated efforts in the evolution of the resources to address health issues and ensure a successful way with institute initiatives program. Also, clarifying and delivering information to the public can be very useful to counteract the symptoms. In addition, a need for translation research along with innovative technology will reach the objective of this issue.

Hop Harvesting Procedures for Small-Scale Production

This new 4-page publication of the UF/IFAS Horticultural Sciences Department explains hop harvesting procedures for small-scale production (generally up to 5 acres). It is part of a series that examines the challenges and opportunities for hop production in Florida based on research at the UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center. Written by Shinsuke Agehara, Chris DelCastillo, Mariel Gallardo, Weining Wang, and Jack Rechcigl.https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/hs1437

Plant Petiole Sap-Testing for Vegetable Crops

Various nitrate and potassium "quick-test" kits for vegetable plant sap-testing have been calibrated for use on Florida vegetables. The objective has been to find a system that growers can use in the field to help manage nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) fertilizer—especially for drip-irrigated vegetables. The following guidelines should help individuals who are currently using—or are interested in using—sap-testing. Revision by George and Robert Hochmuth published by the UF/IFAS Horticultural Sciences Department; 6 pages.https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/cv004

How to Determine the Optimum Time to Harvest Hops

This article explains how to determine the optimum time to harvest hops. It is part of a series that examines the challenges and opportunities of hop production in Florida based on research at the UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (UF/IFAS GCREC). Written by Shinsuke Agehara, Mariel Gallardo, Christopher DelCastillo, Weining Wang, and Jack Rechcigl, and published by the UF/IFAS Horticultural Sciences Department; 4 pp.https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/hs1436

Yacon, a Potential Tuberous Crop for Florida

The purpose of this article is to introduce yacon as a potential crop to Florida growers and the Extension community by providing information on its propagation, production, and utilization as well as nutritional value. It is anticipated that the availability of such information will support the establishment of yacon as a higher-value crop and promote yacon production and utilization in Florida. Written by Sergio Marcelo Gutierrez Laredo, Jianjun Chen, and Guodong Liu, and published by the UF/IFAS Horticultural Sciences Department; 5 pp.https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/hs1435

Print and Electronic Resources Usage and Preference among University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwda and University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot: A Comparative Study

Print and Electronic Resources Usage and Preference among University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwda and University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot: A Comparative Study

Appraise a seed Treatment of Carbendazim 50% WPagainst Sheath Blight Disease of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

An investigation was carried out to evaluate the efficacy of different dose of Carbendazim 50 % WP as seed treatment on the severity of sheath blight disease and yield contributing characters of rice in the Department of Plant Pathology and the field of University of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences farm, Shivamogga, Karnataka during the period of 2017 to 2018. Four doses of Carbendazim 50 % WP were evaluated against sheath blight disease at three growth stages (flowering, milking and maturity) and yield attributing features. It was observed that disease severity was gradually increased from flowering stage to maturity stage with the age of the plant and minimum severity gave the maximum yield. Seed treatment of Carbendazim 50% WP @ 4g / kg of seeds or Carbendazim 50% WP @ 3 g/kg of seeds was found to be highly effective in managing sheath blight disease at early stage of crop growth and significantly reduces further spread under field condition by mitigating inoculum at seedling stage which in turn provided higher grain yield and other yield attributing characters. Present study clearly indicated that, Carbendazim 50 % WP was best chemical to control sheath blight disease as seed treatment.

Introduction pages

The papers published in Notulae Botanicae Horti Agrobotanici Cluj-Napoca, Issue 4, Volume 49, 2021 represent new exciting researches in different topics of life science, respectively in plant science, horticulture, agronomy and crop science. Among the interesting articles we invite you to find news about: Trehalose induced drought tolerance in plants: physiological and molecular responses; Taxonomy, distribution, epidemiology, disease cycle and management of brown rot disease of peach (Monilinia spp.); Promoter activity analysis and transcriptional profile of Ginkgo biloba 1-Deoxy-D- Xylulose 5-Phosphate reductoisomerase gene (GbDXR) under abiotic stresses; Identifying strawberry DOF family transcription factors and their expressions in response to crown rot; Analysis of codon usage pattern in Lonicera × heckrottii ‘Gold Flame’ based on chloroplast genome; Biofortification with copper nanoparticles (Nps Cu) and its effect on the physical and nutraceutical quality of hydroponic melon fruits; Effect of gibberellin, nano-nutrition with titanium, zinc and iron on yield and some physiological and qualitative traits of white beans; Seasonal variation of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in ecotone forests of the northern region of Brazilian Amazonia.

Influence of Organic Manures, Inorganic Fertilizers and Bio-Fertilizers on Yield and Quality Attributes of Potato (Solanum Tuberosum L)

Studies on effect of organic, inorganic and bio-fertilizers on yield and quality attributes of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) variety Kufri Jyoti, comprising of 10 different treatments using randomized complete block design with three replications were conducted at Post Graduate Centre, University of Horticultural Sciences, Campus, Gandhi Krishi Vignana Kendra, Bangalore during Rabi 2011. Application of 50% RDF + 50% FYM + Azotobacter + Phosphobacteria (T7 ) showed significantly maximum number of tubers per plant (7.87), tuber yield per plant (363.33 g plant-1) and tuber yield per hectare (34.13 t ha-1). This treatment also produced maximum tuber dry matter (21.67%), starch content (78.20%) non-reducing sugars (0.84%) and total sugars (1.74%) which were on par with T3 , T4 and T6 during rabi 2011.

Performance of dahlia (Dahlia variabilis L.) genotypes for floral and yield attributes

The experiment on “Performance of dahlia (Dahlia variabilis L.) genotypes for floral and yield attributes” was carried out at the Department of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture, College of Horticulture, Sirsi, University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot, Karnataka with a view to find out the best genotypes for floral and yield characters. Among 35 genotypes HUBD-26 recorded minimum days to flowering (31.40 days), maximum flower yield per plant (559.03 g) and flower yield per hectare (207.05 q). Whereas Genotype HUBD-21 recorded longest duration of flowering (84.80 days) and HUBD-30 (13.52 cm) showed highest flower diameter. The number of petals per flower was recorded maximum (104.30) in genotype HUBD-25.

Waterleaf, a Potential Leafy Vegetable for Florida

Waterleaf is a vegetable crop whose edible leaves are soft, succulent, and highly nutritious. It is available in some local grocery stores in Florida but is new to most people in Florida and its environs. Waterleaf production is economically attractive due to low cost for seeds, pesticides, and herbicides for producing the crop. Like other leafy vegetables, waterleaf can be grown in home gardens as well. This new 6-page article will give an overview of this emerging vegetable in Florida. The intended audience is county Extension faculty, students, growers, and consumers. Written by Christianah T. Oladoye and Guodong Liu and published by the UF/IFAS Horticultural Sciences Department. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/hs1434

La Producción de Lechuga en Sistemas Hidropónicos a Pequeña Escala

This publication presents an overview on the use of different small hydroponic systems that could be implemented by home gardeners. Recommendations on lighting, media, and other key aspects are presented in this publication as well. Spanish translation of HS1422, Growing Lettuce in Small Hydroponic Systems, by Germán V. Sandoya, Jonael Bosques, and E. Vanessa Vassilaros. Published by the UF/IFAS Horticultural Sciences Department; 8 pp.

Evaluation of dahlia (Dahlia variabilis L.) genotypes for quality, yield and shelf life

The experiment on “Evaluation of dahlia (Dahlia variabilis L.) genotypes for quality, yield and shelf life” was carried out at the Department of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture, College of Horticulture, Sirsi, University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot, Karnataka during the year 2018 to 2019 with a view to find out the best genotypes for quality, yield and shelf life of dahlia. The genotype HUBD-30 recorded highest individual flower weight (15.33 g), flower diameter (13.52 cm) and length of petals (7.25 cm) whereas, maximum width of petal (3.05 cm) was registered in HUBD-19, highest stalk length (14.04 cm) was observed in the genotype HUBD-12, genotype HUBD-34 registered the more shelf life (6.30 days). Maximum number of flowers per plant (67.40) was observed in the genotype HUBD-26.

Critical Issues in Consumer Horticulture: Gaps in Research and Public Gardens’ Involvement in Consumer Horticulture

The retail gardening industry in the United States is expected to reach $50 billion by 2023, and it is a significant driver of the agricultural economy. To meet the corresponding demand for information, consumer horticulture (CH) professionals will need to develop innovative digital outreach, research-based solutions, a concerted recruitment of youth, and enhanced collaborations. To understand the current gaps in CH research and the extent of the involvement of public gardens in CH, surveys were conducted among the two groups, CH/extension researchers and staff of public gardens. The results of the surveys were presented at the virtual conference of the American Society for Horticultural Science on 12 Aug. 2020 during a workshop hosted by the Consumer Horticulture and Master Gardener Professional Interest Group. The workshop included four presentations, and two of those are discussed in this paper: 1) research gaps in CH and 2) bridging the divide between CH and public gardens. Among researchers, even though there was a general understanding of CH, there was a disconnect in participants’ perceptions of the roles of CH in the economy and recreation. The greatest knowledge gap was in basic horticultural practices. Regarding public garden professionals, there needs to be a concerted effort to educate them about CH so they can provide a consistent message to their audiences and the general public.

Fingered Citron—A Fragrant Ornamental Fruit Crop for Florida

The purpose of this new 4-page publication of the UF/IFAS Horticultural Sciences Department is to introduce fingered citron to county Extension faculty, students interested in crop production, growers, certified crop advisors, crop consultants, consumers, environmentalists, and policy makers in the agricultural sector for better production, consumption, and environmental sustainability. Written by Yuheng Qiu, Mary Dixon, Jonathan Denison, Fernando Alferez, and Guodong Liu.https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/hs1427

Irrigation Practices for Southern Highbush Blueberry in Florida

This new 4-page publication of the UF/IFAS Horticultural Sciences Department provides guidance on irrigation requirements and practices to Florida Southern highbush blueberry growers. Written by Douglas A. Phillips and Jeffrey G. Williamson.https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/hs1432