Immature Grains Research Articles

Sodium stress-induced oxidative damage and antioxidant responses during grain filling in Indica rice.

Sodium treatment caused the sodium ion accumulation at the milk stage of immature rice grains which in turn triggered the overproduction of reactive oxygen species and oxidative damage. The tolerant cultivar showed an enhanced antioxidative response and induced expressions of OsNHX and OsHKT ion-transporters. Sodium chloride-(NaCl) induced soil salinity is a major constraint hindering global rice production. Amongst its constituent ions, sodium (Na+) is known to be the main driver of toxicity under salt stress. The present investigation aims to measure the impacts of excess Na+ during rice grain filling using two Indica rice cultivars with opposite tolerances to salt (salt tolerant: Panvel-3, salt-sensitive: Sahyadri-3) mainly via oxidative and responsive antioxidative pathways. Plants were treated with Na+-specific treatments and NaCl with equimolar Na+ levels (100mM) at the initiation of the reproductive phase. Stressed and control plants were harvested at three different grain-filling stages- early milk, milk, and dough and assessed for ion accumulation and oxidative damage/antioxidant responses under Na+ stress. Na+ toxicity triggered reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and upregulated the responsive enzymatic antioxidants. Na+ stress also increased the nitric oxide (NO) levels and the activity of nitrate reductase in immature grains. Differential expression levels of OsNHX and OsHKT transporters were observed in response to Na+ stress. Mature grains displayed a high accumulation of Na+ along with reduced K+ content and elevated Na+/K+ under high Na+ availability. The alterations in mature grains' sugar, starch, and protein content were also observed in response to the Na+ stress. Overall, the salt-tolerant cultivar displayed higher antioxidant activities and a lower rate of ROS generation in response to the Na+ stress. Results suggested a link between Na+ accumulation, Na+-mediated stress responses via anti/-oxidant pathways, and the grain-filling process in both rice cultivars.

Effects of Harvest Time on Grinding Quality, Appearance Quality and Physical and Chemical Quality of Japonica Rice.

Harvest time is very important to rice due to its high correlation to rice yield, eating quality, etc.; however, the impact of harvest time on quality is still unclear. In this study, Nangeng 5718, a japonica rice planted in three regions in Jiangsu Province of China, was used to analyze and compare the milling quality, appearance quality, and physicochemical quality of japonica rice at different harvest times. The results showed that the 1000-grain weight of Nangeng 5718 exhibited no significant change at different harvest times (p > 0.05). The brown rice rate and rice yield at different harvest times were 82.3-85.4% and 66.3-76.1%, respectively. Harvest time had no significant effect on the brown of rice (p > 0.05). However, Nangeng 5718 planted in Nanjing had the highest rice yield at 50 days after heading, which was significantly different from that of rice harvested 65 days after heading (p < 0.05). Nangeng 5718 planted in Huai'an had the highest rice yield at 55 days after heading, which was significantly different from that of rice harvested 60 days after heading (p < 0.05). Harvest time had little effect on the length, width, and thickness of rice. The immature grain rate showed a decreasing trend with the increase in maturity. There were little differences in the protein content of Nangeng 5718 at different harvest times. Nangeng 5718 planted in Nanjing had the highest protein content at 50 days after heading. There was a significant difference between the rice harvested and the rice harvested 60 days after heading (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences between the other two regions (p > 0.05). The accumulated temperature in Nanjing was relatively high, and the RVA curve and RVA eigenvalues of rice varied greatly. The setback value of rice harvested at 50 days was significantly lower than that at 55 days and 60 days (p < 0.05). Rice has good gelatinizing properties. Therefore, timely harvesting and appropriate accumulated temperature could increase 1000-grain weight and rice yield, reduce the immature grain rate, and improve the gelatinization characteristics. Overall, the quality of Nangeng 5718 reached a good level when it was harvested 50 days after heading, with the accumulated temperature reaching 1051 °C. In fact, the harvest time should be chosen flexibly according to the weather conditions. Nangeng 5718 planted in Nanjing should be harvested earlier than 50 days, and rice from Huai'an and Lianyungang was of better quality when the harvest time was 50 days.

Grain yield and quality responses to nitrogen application rate and timing in dry direct broadcast seeded rice under different weather conditions

AbstractIn rice (Oryza sativa L.) production, dry direct seeding is one of the most essential technologies to reduce labor input and to increase net income. Field experiments were conducted in southwestern Japan in 2019 and 2020 to determine the effects of nitrogen (N) application rate and timing on grain yield, lodging, grain appearance, and protein content in dry direct broadcast seeded rice under different weather conditions. In 2019, plants had larger source ability using the normal solar radiation at the tillering stage, regardless of N application timings. Plants with applied N at the reproductive stage produced the highest grain yield and the highest percentage of undamaged grains under high air temperature condition during the early ripening stage. In 2020, plants did not have larger source ability due to the lower solar radiation at the tillering stage. Plants with applied N at the reproductive stage produced the highest grain yield but produced the highest percentage of green immature grains. These results mean that solar radiation at the tillering stage may be important for increasing grain yield and quality in dry direct broadcast seeded rice. Therefore, since plants grown under normal solar radiation condition at the tillering stage may have large source ability, more N application at the reproductive stage may be recommended to increase grain yield. In contrast, since plants grown under low solar radiation condition at the tillering stage may have small source ability, less N application at the reproductive stage may be recommended to decrease the occurrence of green immature grains.

RNA-Seq transcriptome profiling of immature grain wheat is a technique for understanding comparative modeling of baking quality

Improving the baking quality is a primary challenge in the wheat flour production value chain, as baking quality represents a crucial factor in determining its overall value. In the present study, we conducted a comparative RNA-Seq analysis on the high baking quality mutant “O-64.1.10” genotype and its low baking quality wild type "Omid" cultivar to recognize potential genes associated with bread quality. The cDNA libraries were constructed from immature grains that were 15 days post-anthesis, with an average of 16.24 and 18.97 million paired-end short-read sequences in the mutant and wild-type, respectively. A total number of 733 transcripts with differential expression were identified, 585 genes up-regulated and 188 genes down-regulated in the “O-64.1.10” genotype compared to the “Omid”. In addition, the families of HSF, bZIP, C2C2-Dof, B3-ARF, BES1, C3H, GRF, HB-HD-ZIP, PLATZ, MADS-MIKC, GARP-G2-like, NAC, OFP and TUB were appeared as the key transcription factors with specific expression in the “O-64.1.10” genotype. At the same time, pathways related to baking quality were identified through Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes. Collectively, we found that the endoplasmic network, metabolic pathways, secondary metabolite biosynthesis, hormone signaling pathway, B group vitamins, protein pathways, pathways associated with carbohydrate and fat metabolism, as well as the biosynthesis and metabolism of various amino acids, have a great deal of potential to play a significant role in the baking quality. Ultimately, the RNA-seq results were confirmed using quantitative Reverse Transcription PCR for some hub genes such as alpha-gliadin, low molecular weight glutenin subunit and terpene synthase (gibberellin) and as a resource for future study, 127 EST-SSR primers were generated using RNA-seq data.

Ecological plasticity, stability, and nitrogen-fixing capacity of edible bean cultivars in the Forest-Steppe of Ukraine

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of climatic conditions of the research years on changes in productivity and environmental plasticity and stability of edible bean cultivars. Furthermore, the study investigated the nitrogen-fixing potential of edible bean cultivars for the biologisation of agriculture. The study was conducted in the conditions of the educational and production department of the Uman National University of Horticulture during 2020-2022, using nine cultivars of edible beans. Standard methods of statistical analysis were used to study the parameters of adaptive variability. As a result of the comparative study, the characteristics of various parameters of the adaptive potential of edible bean cultivars were established by the following traits: the onset of the technical ripeness phase: Bianco and Extra Grano Violetto – 78 days. The cultivars Windsor Broad (16.42 t/ha), Bianco (13.73 t/ha), and Svitiaz (11.51 t/ha) stood out in terms of yield and adaptability in the technical ripeness phase, the cultivars Bacchus (1.92 t/ha) and Svitiaz (1.90 t/ha) – in terms of yield and adaptability in the biological ripeness phase; cultivars with high protein content in immature grain: Karmazin (12.77 g/100 g), Windsor Broad (13.51 g/100 g), Bianco (14.30 g/100 g), and Green lowland (14.43 g/100 g); cultivars with high nitrogen-fixing capacity: Ukrainian Sloboda (67.7 kg/ha), Windsor Broad (71.0 kg/ha), and Extra Grano Violetto (75.7 kg/ha). The results of the statistical analysis showed a significant influence of environmental conditions on the formation of productivity indicators of edible bean cultivars and a greater dependence on environmental conditions (CVA = 10.40-82.7%) than on the genetic component (CVG = 5.76-39.7%). The data suggest a tendency for yields to be inversely related to yield stability, with low-yielding cultivars showing stability and high-yielding cultivars showing instability. The presented findings suggest an idea of the change in the productivity parameters of edible beans under contrasting weather conditions, which makes it possible to identify cultivars with high productivity for food purposes and with a higher proportion of high-protein and energy-rich consumer products. Cultivars with increased nitrogen-fixing capacity were identified, which will help reduce the use of synthetic fertilisers

Osa-miR1861e Modulates Sodium Toxicity Responses in Rice Immature Grains via OsGST and OsPILS7b

Osa-miR1861e Modulates Sodium Toxicity Responses in Rice Immature Grains via OsGST and OsPILS7b

Haplotype variation and KASP markers for SiPSY1 – A key gene controlling yellow kernel pigmentation in foxtail millet

Carotenoid biosynthesis and accumulation are important in determining nutritional and commercial value of crop products. Yellow pigmentation of mature kernels caused by carotenoids is considered a vital quality trait in foxtail millet, an ancient and widely cultivated cereal crop across the world. Genomic regions associated with yellow pigment content (YPC), lutein and zeaxanthin in foxtail millet grains were identified by genome-wide association analysis (GWAS), and SiPSY1 (Phytoene synthase 1 which regulates formation of the 40-carbon backbone of carotenoids) was confirmed as the main contributor to all three components by knockout and overexpression analysis. SiPSY1 was expressed in seedlings, leaves, panicles, and mature seeds, and was subcellularly localized to chloroplasts. Transcription of SiPSY1 in 15 DAP immature grains was responsible for YPC in mature seeds. Selection of SiPSY1 combined with increased YPC in mature grains during domestication of foxtail millet was confirmed. Haplotype analysis suggested that expression level of SiPSY1 could be a selection target for future breeding programs, and a KASP marker was developed for selection of favorable SiPSY1 alleles in breeding. The results of this work will benefit nutritional and commercial improvement of foxtail millet varieties, as well as other cereal crops.

Morphological characteristics and variability of traditional starch forming coix (Coix lacryma-jobi var. ma-yuen) populations from Mindanao Island, Philippines

Abstract. Bon SG, Antesco GP, Enicola EE. 2023. Morphological characteristics and variability of traditional starch forming coix (Coix lacryma-jobi var. ma-yuen populations from Mindanao Island, Philippines. Biodiversitas 24: 4382-4391. Adlay (Coix lacryma-jobi var. ma-yuen (Rom.Caill.) Stapf) is an underutilized crop in the Philippines with high potential. Characterization and elucidation of the available variability among the local adlay populations are essential information for its improvement and better utilization. The study aimed to characterize the qualitative morphological traits of 34 traditional adlay populations from Mindanao Provinces and assess diversity by the Shannon Index and similarity by multivariate clustering. Results showed that all populations shared the same morphotypes in five descriptors but were variable for the rest. Six populations showed intense leaf anthocyanin coloration, and 23 expressed upright growth habits. Three types of leaf blade colors were observed, while the intensity of anthocyanin coloration of culms was expressed in four types. Most populations had semi-pubescent or highly pubescent leaves, generally intermediate leaf orientation and non-glaucous leaves. Immature grains were generally light green but expressed four color types at maturity, mostly circular with furrows on the surface. Diversity Indices (H') ranged from low to high. Leaf blade pubescence, anthocyanin coloration of culm, and mature grain color had high H' values. Cluster analysis showed that the variability was narrow, where overall clustering achieved 0.50 similarity. At 0.65 similarity, three groups can be derived with three populations as outliers. Clustering can be attributed to the differences in seedling color, anthocyanin coloration, plant growth habit, immature grain color, mature grain color, and shape. The study established the morphological description of the qualitative traits of traditional Philippine adlay and assessed diversity to be generally intermediate, where populations can be clustered into subgroups according to the degree of morphotype similarities. Clustering, however, was not related to provenances. It is recommended to conduct further geographic germplasm sampling, marker-based characterization, and agronomic evaluation to dissect further the genetic diversity and crop potential of the local adlay populations.

Estimation of grain quality of rice (Oryza sativa L.) by UAV-acquired vegetation index and climate factors

ABSTRACT We aimed to associate unmanned aerial vehicle – acquired vegetation index (VI) with the percentage of several kinds of imperfect grains and grain protein content (GPC) for use as an indicator of rice grain quality. The cultivars ‘Koshihikari’ and ‘Ishikawa 65’ were grown in the field from 2019 to 2022 at various N application rates. From 20 days before heading to 10 days after heading, the field was imaged with a multispectral camera to construct VI maps. We measured the chlorophyll index at heading (CIG 0) and two climate factors, mean air temperature in the 20-day period after heading (T +20) and cumulative solar radiation in the 20-day period before heading (R −20). At maturity, we harvested plants to determine grain yield and quality. We assessed the percentages of two types of chalky grains basal-white and white-back grains (BBWG), milky-white grains (MWG), as well as other types of immature grains (OTG) and GPC. In Koshihikari, CIG 0 and climate factors were associated with BBWG and MWG, whereas in Ishikawa 65, they were associated with BBWG, MWG, and OTG. Based on these findings, the response of BBWG, MWG, OTG, and GPC to CIG 0 was estimated using the mean T +20 and R −20 values from the last 10 years. We found that as CIG 0 increases, the sum of BBWG and MWG decreases in Koshihikari, whereas the sum of BBWG, OTG, and MWG increases in Ishikawa 65. Thus, CIG 0 is an acceptable indicator of grain quality in rice.

Determination of the physical, chemical and antinutritional properties of firik and einkorn bulgur

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesHulled wheat varieties and immature grains are seen as interesting raw materials in the production of grain‐based products. More research is needed on the quality, functional and nutritional properties of einkorn and immature wheat products, which are processed and consumed by many societies under different names. This study was carried out to evaluate the physical and nutritional properties of einkorn bulgur and firik (bulgur produced from immature wheat) samples sold in the market.FindingsThe firik samples had higher ash, fat and free, bound and total phenolic content, antioxidant activity and lower protein content than einkorn bulgur. Low phytic acid content of firik obtained from immature wheat was found to be remarkable. The total yellow pigment, Ca and Mg contents were found to be 5.4, 1.3, and 1.3 times higher in firik samples than in einkorn bulgur. The weight increase value obtained as a result of the cooking test was found to be lower in firik samples compared to einkorn bulgur.ConclusionsBoth types of bulgur showed superior characteristics in terms of nutritional value and functional properties.Significance and NoveltyIt has been determined that firik and einkorn bulgur are two important products in terms of healthy nutrition with their functional components. It is an introductory study in terms of expanding the usage area of valuable ancient wheat and immature durum wheat and processing it into new products.

Barcoding of white-spotted stink bug, Eysarcoris ventralis (Westwood) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) attacking Egyptian barley and its population density

White-spotted stink bugs, were noticed as a first time in a few numbers of the Egyptian barley cultivar Giza 138 plants in mid of January of 2019/2020 season at soil improvement and conservation Research department at Sakha Agricultural Research station, farm, Kafr El-Sheikh Government, Egypt. Morphological identification and DNA barcoding of mitochondrial gene cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) were used identified the species of collected bugs. The results revealed a new record of Eysarcoris ventralis (Westwood 1837) (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Pentatomidae). The results of pest insect survey of directly accounts on barley cultivar weekly during two growing winter 2019/2020 and 2019/2021 seasons displayed a significant effect of seasons on the E. ventralis population density. Positive significantly correlation was found between the E. ventralis population density and growth stages of barley under 2019/2020 and 2019/2021 seasons by (0.311 and 0.531) respectively. Regression coefficient, revealed that decrease of temperature by 1 °C increased population of E. ventralis by 0.051 and 0.036 insects per 10 tillers in 2019/2020 and 2019/2021 seasons respectively, while increase of relative humidity by 1% decreased population of E. ventralis by 0.047 and 0.31 insects per 10 tillers in 2019/2020 and 2019/2021 seasons. High population of E. ventralis was found in Anthesis stage of barley. Minor damage was found in immature grain at dough stage. Thus these results are so important to using feature integrated pest management (IPM) programs in barley to avoid the damage of Eysarcoris ventralis (Westwood 1837). Partial DNA sequence of collected sample using cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) mitochondrial gene with clear alignment of 576 bp. The tested sequence more related to Eysarcoris sp. and far from Nezara sp.). For more accuracy, BLAST was used for tested sequence with Eysarcoris sp. and found it closely related to E. ventralis. DNA sequence of COI as type effectively precludes the finding of a new evidence to resolve taxonomic problems.

Efficacy of periodic cold plasma treatment in a paddy to produce white-core grains in brewer’s rice cultivar Yamadanishiki

We investigated the effect of cold plasma application on the yield and grain quality of rice (Oryza sativa L.), focusing on the brewer’s rice cultivar, Yamadanishiki. Two treatment methods were examined in a paddy; direct plasma irradiation of seedlings and indirect treatment with plasma-activated Ringer’s lactate solution (PAL) during the vegetative growth phase. Periodic direct irradiation for 30 s increased whole plant weight and grain yield. Treatment with PAL promoted some growth of panicles relatively and partially suppressed the growth of culms and leaves. Both treatments affected the grain quality; an increase of the ratio of white-core grains to total number of grains, which is suited for producing Japanese sake rice, as well as a decrease of the ratio of immature grains. The results showed that the effective production of rice grains for sake production can be improved by the application of cold plasma treatment of rice seedlings in a paddy. Highlight Rice plants of brewer’s rice cultivar in a paddy were treated with cold plasma, by the direct irradiation of plants and the immersed of plants in plasma-activated Ringer’s lactate (PAL). Direct plasma irradiation promoted plant weight, grain ripening, and increased yield. PAL treatment affected the growth of main stem and promoted the growth of panicles relatively. Both treatments improved the producing white-core grains, in addition to promotion of grain ripening. Cold plasma treatment can be applied to produce stable and high-quality food in various agriculture and food industries, which can achieve the sustainable developmental goals (SDGs).

Exogenous Application of Salicylic Acid Modulates Oxidative Stress during the Seed Development of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Grain

The present study aimed to discover the effects of exogenously foliar-applied salicylic acid (SA) in concentrations of 0, 1 and 15 mM (applied 7 and 21 days after heading) on oxidative stress. The effects were monitored through the concentrations of phytoprostanes (PhytoPs) and phytofurans (PhytoFs) in immature and mature grains of three genotypes of rice (‘R52’, ‘R45’ and ‘Yerua’), and their influence on grains per panicle and chalkiness. Chromatographic separation of PhytoPs and PhytoFs was performed using a UHPLC coupled to triple quadrupole-MS/MS (Agilent Technologies, Germany). The concentrations of oxylipins showed differences in both harvest times (immature and mature) for each genotype. The advanced lines, ‘R52’ and ‘R45’, showed concentrations that were 24.0 and 79.0% lower than those of the immature grains, respectively. The PhytoFs concentration in “R45” was 46.0% lower in the mature grains. In unripe grains, SA reduced a single oxylipin of all those analyzed, while in mature grains, a significant decrease in six of the ten monitored biomarkers was observed. The SA produced an increase in grains per panicle, and a decrease in chalkiness. Therefore, salicylic acid-mediated antioxidant regulatory capacities due to oxylipin down-regulation could favor grain filling and, hence, rice production.

Foliar Application of Boron Improves the Growth and Yield in Barley (Hordeum Vulgare L.)

Crop productivity is limited by several environmental constraints. Among these, micronutrients availability to plants plays a key role in agricultural crops production. Boron is an important micronutrient for crops and it significantly aids in a grain setting. Soil applied boron become unavailable to plant due to fixation in soil sites and cause nutrients deficiency in plants, immature grain settings, and yield reduction. Thus, the aim of this work was to quantify the impact of the foliar application of boron gradients on the yield and growth of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). Five treatments were studied, which included; T1= Control (0% B), T2 = 0.5% B, T3 = 1% B, T4 =1.5% B, and T5 =2% B. The results indicated that foliar application of B significantly increased the yield and growth traits in barley. However, 2% foliar application of B showed the highest value for all studied traits including; plant height (5.6%), number of tillers per plant (2.4%), spike length (32%), weight gain per spike (6.2%), seed index (6%), grain yield (10%), and biological yield (4%). Based on these findings, it can be concluded that the foliar application of B at 2% can be used to improve the growth and yield in barley.

Selenium Application Enhances the Accumulation of Flavones and Anthocyanins in Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Grains.

Selenium (Se) biofortification in wheat reduces the risk of Se deficiency in humans. Se biofortification increases the concentration of Se and anthocyanins in wheat grains. However, it is unknown whether Se biofortification can enhance flavonoids other than anthocyanins and the mechanism underlying flavonoid accumulation in wheat grains. Here, foliar application of selenite solution in wheat was conducted 10 days after flowering. Metabolite profiling and transcriptome sequencing were performed in Se-treated grains. A significant increase in the total contents of Se, anthocyanins, and flavonoids was observed in Se-treated mature grains. Twenty-seven significantly increased flavonoids were identified in Se-treated immature grains. The significant accumulation of flavones (tricin, tricin derivatives, and chrysoeriol derivatives) was detected, and six anthocyanins, dihydroquercetin (the precursor for anthocyanin biosynthesis) and catechins were also increased. Integrated analysis of metabolites and transcriptome revealed that Se application enhanced the biosynthesis of flavones, dihydroquercetin, anthocyanins, and catechins by increasing the expression levels of seven key structural genes in flavonoid biosynthesis (two TaF3Hs, two TaDFRs, one TaF3'5'H, one TaOMT, and one TaANR). Our findings shed new light on the molecular mechanism underlying the enhancement in flavonoid accumulation by Se supplementation and pave the way for further enhancing the nutritional value of wheat grains.

Assessment of the Potential of a Native Non-Aflatoxigenic Aspergillus flavus Isolate to Reduce Aflatoxin Contamination in Dairy Feed.

Aspergillus species can produce aflatoxins (AFs), which can severely affect human and animal health. The objective was to evaluate the efficacy of reducing AF contamination of a non-aflatoxigenic isolate of A. flavus experimentally coinoculated with different aflatoxigenic strains in whole plant (WP), corn silage (CS), immature grains (IG) and in culture media (CM). An L-morphotype of A. flavus (CS1) was obtained from CS in a dairy farm located in the Mexican Highland Plateau; The CS1 failed to amplify the AFs biosynthetic pathway regulatory gene (aflR). Monosporic CS1 isolates were coinoculated in WP, CS, IG and CM, together with A. flavus strains with known aflatoxigenic capacity (originating from Cuautitlán and Tamaulipas, Mexico), and native isolates from concentrate feed (CF1, CF2 and CF3) and CS (CS2, CS3). AF production was evaluated by HPLC and fungal growth rate was measured on culture media. The positive control strains and those isolated from CF produced a large average amount of AFs (15,622 ± 3952 and 12,189 ± 3311 µg/kg), whereas A. flavus strains obtained from CS produced a lower AF concentration (126 ± 25.9 µg/kg). CS1 was efficient (p < 0.01) in decreasing AF concentrations when coinoculated together with CF, CS and aflatoxigenic positive control strains (71.6–88.7, 51.0–51.1 and 63.1–71.5%) on WP, CS, IG and CM substrates (73.9–78.2, 65.1–73.7, 63.8–68.4 and 57.4–67.6%). The results suggest that the non-aflatoxigenic isolate can be an effective tool to reduce AF contamination in feed and to minimize the presence of its metabolites in raw milk and dairy products intended for human nutrition.

Assessment of the Physiological Response and Productive Performance of Vegetable vs. Conventional Soybean Cultivars for Edamame Production

Because there is a close relationship between plant physiological response and crop performance, the current study aims to evaluate the photosynthetic efficiency and productive performance of vegetable versus conventional soybean cultivars for edamame production. The study was conducted at the School of Agriculture (FCA UNESP), Botucatu-SP, Brazil. The treatments in this study included soybean cultivars: vegetable-type BRS 267, vegetable-type BRSMG 790A), and type soybean cultivar grain 58HO124 EP RR, with ten repetitions per treatment in a completely randomized block design. Gas exchange and the response of the cultivars to light were evaluated for photosynthetic characterization. The first pod insertion height, plant height, number of pods per plant, and production in immature grains were all assessed for cultivar productive performance. The type of soybean cultivar grain and vegetable types of soybean showed different behaviors on physiology and yield. The vegetable-types BRS 267 and BRSMG 790A had the highest average for first pod insertion height. The vegetable type BRS 267, whose photoassimilates were designated for vegetative development, had the greatest average plant height. The conventional type 58HO124 EP RR showed greater assimilation of CO2; however, the photoassimilates were directed to floral emission because such features are inherent in its ability. Finally, vegetable-type BRSMG 790A produced the most immature grains per plant while also having the greatest first pod insertion height, being the best in converting photoassimilates for edamame production.

Drip Irrigation Technology Performance on Rice Cultivation

This study aims to determine the performance of drip irrigation technology as compared to conventional farmer’s practice on rice growth and yield, grain quality, and water consumption. The research was carried out at the Sukamandi Experimental Station, Subang, West Java in July - October 2019. The test was arranged by a nested randomized block design with 5 replications. The main plot was water management with 2 levels: (1) Drip Irrigation Technology (DIT) and (2) Conventional Farmer’s Practice (CFP) (flooded condition) as a comparation. Subplot was varieties with 4 levels: two hybrid rice (1) Hipa 8 and (2) Hipa 18, upland rice (3) Inpago 11, and irrigated inbred rice (4) Inpari 42. The result showed that yield of DIT not significantly different to CFP with higher number of tillers per m2. However, it was lower for plant height, tillering ability, grain filling, 1000 grains weight, transpiration rate, assimilation rate and stomatal conductance. For grain quality determination, DIT gave an increase in the average of grain density and impurities, but decreased in the average percentage of chalky and immature grains. In Hipa 18, DIT was able to produce a higher percentage of head rice. DIT only consumed 3864 m3/ha/season water irrigation compared with average water consumption in Sukamandi Field Station which range of 7460-8740 m3/ha/season.Keywords: Drip irrigation, Rice, Water, Yield, Grain quality

Petrography, geochemistry and depositional model of Ispikan Conglomerate, Makran Accretionary Prism, Southwest Pakistan

Sedimentology, petrography, and geochemistry of the Ispikan Conglomerate of southwest Makran have been studied to establish its stratigraphic position, age, provenance, and depositional environment. Very thin to massive beds, poor sorting, no fabric, and poor grading are the common features. It is composed of mostly reworked, medium- to coarse-grained pebbly sandstone, siltstone, and discontinuous lenses of matrix- and clast-supported conglomerate. The sandstone is composed of angular to sub-angular, poorly sorted, immature grains having Q72F13L15 as average composition. Pebbles are of mostly metamorphic and acidic igneous origin. Large angular boulders (~1.5m) of sandstone indicate quick debris flow conditions. Geochemical discriminants suggest the derivation of Ispikan sediments from an active continental margin. The Nb and Zr/Th and Ba/Y values indicate the continental island arc setting, whereas a high K/Rb ratio points to the derivation of detritus from an acid and intermediate source. Ispikan Conglomerate is interpreted as an Eocene olistostrome formed after a localized submarine debris flow triggered by slope failure.

Establishment of an Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation and CRISPR/Cas9-mediated targeted mutagenesis in Hemp (Cannabis Sativa L.).

SummaryHemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is an annual and typically dioecious crop. Due to the therapeutic potential for human diseases, phytocannabinoids as a medical therapy is getting more attention recently. Several candidate genes involved in cannabinoid biosynthesis have been elucidated using omics analysis. However, the gene function was not fully validated due to few reports of stable transformation for Cannabis tissues. In this study, we firstly report the successful generation of gene‐edited plants using an Agrobacterium‐mediated transformation method in C. sativa. DMG278 achieved the highest shoot induction rate, which was selected as the model strain for transformation. By overexpressing the cannabis developmental regulator chimera in the embryo hypocotyls of immature grains, the shoot regeneration efficiency was substantially increased. We used CRISPR/Cas9 technology to edit the phytoene desaturase gene and finally generated four edited cannabis seedlings with albino phenotype. Moreover, we propagated the transgenic plants and validated the stable integration of T‐DNA in cannabis genome.