Indigenous Varieties Research Articles

Exploring the Phytochemical Profiles, and Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of the Hydroethanolic Grape Pomace Extracts from Two Romanian Indigenous Varieties

Exploring the Phytochemical Profiles, and Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of the Hydroethanolic Grape Pomace Extracts from Two Romanian Indigenous Varieties

Physicochemical properties of starch of four varieties of native potatoes

The limited industrial use of indigenous varieties of native potatoes has caused a decrease in its cultivation, restricting it to the self-consumption of the Andean population. The present study analyzed the physicochemical, thermal, and structural properties of the starches extracted from four of these varieties Aq'hu Pukucho, Yurakk Kkachun Wakkachi, Yurac Anca, and Huarmi Mallco, as a potential source of be used in industries such as food, pharmaceutical and, bioplastics. The percentage yield in wet extraction ranged between 14.53 and 20.26 %. The luminosity L* and whiteness index (WI) values were observed in ranges of 90.75–92.71 and 90.05–91.50, respectively. The Finding revealed various techno-functional properties, since the level of amylose varied between 36.29 and 43.97 %, an average zeta potential of −22 mV, and a maximum viscosity between 19,450–14,583 cP. The starches showed consistent thermal behavior since the TGA curves showed three stages with gelatinization temperatures that ranged between 54.9 and 59.75 °C, an enthalpy of 3.60–6.62 J/g, and various shapes of particles such as circular, elliptical, and oval. In conclusion, the relationships between variables such as water absorption index, swelling power, viscosity, crystallinity, enthalpy, and gelatinization temperature reveal different characteristics of each type of starch, which can influence its use.

Interplay of Language and Identity in Education: Prospection for Urdu and English Language and Second Language Teaching and Learning

Educational contexts are the primary sites for the promulgation of linguistic ideologies and for determining the linguistic market for a language. English language in Pakistan is considered vital for mundane, official, and academic activities hence its learning gains currency in the polity. Conversely, the learning outputs are unsatisfactory which necessitates understanding how English language learners perceive themselves concerning the languages they are taught in the educational context. This study explains the language identity for Urdu (L1) and English (L2) of Pakistani undergraduate English as second language (ESL) learners for institutionally recognized and prescribed languages in the national curriculum to explicate the interplay of language and identity of learners in educational settings. Learners’ demographic profiles (previous education, schooling system, language proficiency, and family’s socio-economic status) were also inquired to understand relationship variation across demographic traits. A validated survey questionnaire was administered to a sample (N=316) comprising male and female students from 28 different programmes at a large public university in Karachi. Descriptive analysis and one-way ANOVA were carried out using the IBM SPSS 22 version. The findings attest to learners’ hybrid identity revealing attachment neither with L1 nor to L2. Learners acknowledged the privileged status of the English language in polity and preferred British English compared to the indigenous variety of Pakistani English [PakE] echoing the language ideologies permeated through the Educational context. They also endorsed English language speaking skills for gaining higher recompenses in society however deluded themselves in code[1]switching instead of practicing speaking skills. Besides, no significant difference was found in the language identity of ESL learners across demographic traits. The study has strong implications for devising language policies for education and adopting pedagogical approaches calling to accentuate language identity as a catalyst in the teaching-learning process and not considering linguistic diversity a barrier in the multilingual context.

Comparative Analysis of Nutritional Properties, Phytochemical Profile, and Antioxidant Activities between Red and Green Water Chestnut (Trapa natans) Fruits.

The present study explored the nutritional composition, phytochemicals analysis, and antioxidant capacity of two indigenous varieties of red and green water chestnut (WCN) fruit grown in Pakistan. Accordingly, this study was designed to investigate the proximate composition (moisture, ash, fiber, proteins, fat, and energy), physicochemical properties (pH, °Brix, and glycemic index), minerals, and vitamins. The methanolic extracts of WCN fruits were explored for phytochemicals (total phenolic and flavonoid content), and antioxidant potential was examined in vitro by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging capacity (DPPH) and Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). Quantitative determination of mineral (sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, iron, manganese, copper, and zinc) and vitamin (vitamin C, vitamin B6, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin A, and β-Carotene) composition was also assessed. Based on the findings, the proximate compositions of WCN green and red varieties varied greatly as WCN green contained significantly higher protein (1.72%), fat (0.65%), dietary fiber (2.21%), moisture (70.23%), ash (1.16%), and energy content (112.8 Kcal) than WCN red. In WCN green, the macro-micromineral concentrations were significantly higher than WCN red. Among the minerals analyzed, potassium was the most abundant mineral found in both varieties. Levels of vitamin C, B6, A, and β-Carotene were significantly higher in WCN green. In this study, methanolic extract showed higher extraction efficiency than acetone, ethanol, and distilled water. WCN green had a significantly higher quantum of total phenolic (91.13 mg GAE/g) and total flavonoid (36.6 mg QE/g) and presented significantly higher antioxidant activity than the WCN red. This study showed that, among both varieties, WCN green extract has therapeutic potential against free radical mediated health conditions and suggested the potential use of this fruit as a source of natural antioxidants in nutraceuticals.

Genetic diversity of rose apple (Syzygium samarangense) varieties based on ISSR molecular markers

Abstract. Hien PTT, Hang VTT, Cham LTT. 2024. Genetic diversity of Rose apple (Syzygium samarangense) varieties based on ISSR molecular markers. Biodiversitas 25: xxxx. Rose apple (Syzygium samarangense) exhibits a rich diversity in its varieties, metabolic compounds, and biological activities. Genetic diversity studies are crucial in understanding plant species taxonomy and evolutionary history. They provide a roadmap for researchers to trace the relationships between different varieties and offer insights into the evolutionary processes that have shaped the diversity within the species. Many traditional or indigenous varieties of plants may harbor unique traits adapted to specific local conditions. This study, therefore, holds immense value as it aims to evaluate the genetic relationship among rose apple varieties in Vietnam using morphological characteristics and ISSR markers. Sixteen local varieties of rose apple were collected from provinces in Vietnam for this purpose. The morphological characteristics of leaves and fruits were compared among samples, and the genetic diversity was evaluated using ISSR markers. The results revealed significant morphological diversity in the leaf base, blade shape, leaf color, and fruit shape and size. Based on the DNA profiles of 15 ISSR markers, 102 amplicons were produced, and the percentage of polymorphism ranged from 57 to 100%. The dendrogram constructed using the UPGMA method classified these varieties into two main clusters with a genetic diversity of 64%. Such comprehensive information underscores the genetic diversity among S. samarangense, thereby contributing to the germplasm resources for future plant breeding programs.

Study of Agrobiologic and Pomological Characteristics of Some Aboriginal Varieties of Apple Tree Cultivated in the Territory of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic

The article presents the agrobiologic and pomological characteristics of indigenous apple varieties cultivated in the territory of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. The origin of each variety, average fruit weight, disease susceptibility, yield per hectare and tasting prices are described in detail here. The article presents the history of the development of fruit growing in Nakhchivan, as well as what foreign travelers say about Nakhchivan, and the history of gardening in Nakhchivan goes back to ancient times. According to travelers, the history of fruit growing in Nakhchivan dates back 3,500 years or even earlier. For the first time, we studied the exact list of apple varieties common in Nakhchivan, noted their names and synonyms. Also, the varieties and forms of apple trees cultivated in Nakhchivan were grouped into local varieties, introduced varieties, folk selection varieties and newly discovered forms. As a result of the research, indigenous varieties and forms of apple trees cultivated on the territory of the autonomous republic were grouped according to their ripening time. The pomological characteristics of the indicated varieties and forms of apple trees are given in detail.

Comparative Study on Uttarakhand’s Indigenous Black Soybean Variety (Bhat) for Tofu Production

Background: Tofu is increasingly captivating the food industry as a milk-based product alternative. Diverse soybean varieties worldwide are harnessed to create various milk substitutes. This study assesses the potential of Uttarakhand’s indigenous bhat variety for producing soymilk and tofu, comparing its commercial viability and quality with conventional counterparts. Methods: The study focused on Uttarakhand’s indigenous variety, bhat and the commercially popular PS-1347 for soymilk extraction. Preliminary investigations were conducted to optimize the process to maximize recovery and minimize beany flavor, grinding soybeans for 6 minutes and boiling for 20 minutes. Tofu was produced using CaSO4 as a coagulant at varying concentrations (0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6%) and coagulating temperatures (75°C, 85°C, 95°C). Result: Tofu produced from bhat, coagulated with 0.4% CaSO4 at 85°C, exhibited superior acceptability, making it suitable for large-scale commercial production. Its quality matched commercial counter parts, with protein at 16.45%, total mineral at 6.23%, calcium at 152.66 mg/100 g and iron at 14.62 mg/100 g.

Кoнкурсно изпитване между местни и интродуцирани сортове тютюн Бърлей

During the period 2016-2020, is made in the experimental field of TTРI a comparative complex evaluation of six samples of tobacco from the Burley varietal group, of which three introduced varieties and the same number of indigenous varieties,. The subject of the study are biometric, biological, economic and chemical indicators of the studied variants. As a result of the study, it is found that the researched genotypes presented with favorable Burley tobacco biometric indicators. All studied varieties have a shorter vegetative period than the standard Pliska 2002 variety. The highest yield is presented by Burley 1000 variety, followed by a small but proven difference by Burley 1317 variety. The highest percentage of the first grade is distinguished by the Tennessee 90 variety, which also gives the lowest percentage of the third grade. Tennessee 90 variety also has the most favorable chemical composition in terms of all the investigated chemical indicators.The complex assessment of the biological, economic and chemical indicators shows that it is not possible to distinguish a variety that is superior to the other tested variants. In terms of percentage of grades and chemical composition, the introduced variants are superior to the local varieties, but they are seriously inferior to them in terms of yield. The Tennessee 90 and Tennessee 86 varieties have similar biometric, economic and chemical characteristics with a slight predominance of Tennessee 90. Tennessee 90 variety namely has the highest selection value of the introduced varieties. The studied introduced varieties are valuable genetic material that can be successfully used in the selection of Burley tobacco.

Composite coatings containing silk protein, chitosan, and Aloe vera for prolonging postharvest shelf-life of ghost chilli (Capsicum chinense)

Ghost chilli (Capsicum chinense) is an indigenous variety of capsicum in the northeast region of India, which contains considerable amounts of vitamin C and antioxidants. The short shelf-life of the fruit causes significant postharvest losses, a major hurdle against supply chain resulting in financial losses for growers and suppliers. The primary goal of this study was to improve postharvest shelf-life of ghost chilli by applying composite coating formulations prepared from silk protein (SP), chitosan (CH), and Aloe vera gel (AVG). The coating on ghost chilli was applied by dip-coating method, and it extended the shelf-life of the coated fruits for up to 15 days during storage in ambient conditions. The result showed reduced weight loss in the coated fruit (less than 15%) compared to the uncoated control (almost 20%), maintained firmness, total soluble solids, and titratable acidity in the coated chilli (more than 15 N, 2% and 0.52%, respectively) compared to the uncoated control (6 N, 3%, and 0.42%, respectively). Moreover, the microbial counts in the SP/CH/AVG coated chillies was significantly less (1.5 log CFU/g compared to the uncoated control (almost 4 log CFU /g) after 15 days of ambient storage. The developed composite coatings can be effective alternative to synthetic wax based coatings for shelf-life enhancement of fruits and vegetables, however, future studies on toxicity of the developed coating formulation, cost analysis, etc. are needed for their future scale-up and commercialization.

Genome-wide scans for selection signatures in indigenous chickens reveal candidate genes associated with local adaptation

Population growth and climate change pose challenges to the sustainability of poultry farming. The emphasis on high-yield traits in commercialized breeds has led to a decline in their adaptability. Chicken varieties adapted to the local environment, possessing traits that facilitate adaptation to climate change, such as disease resistance and tolerance to extreme weather conditions, can improve hybridization outcomes. In this study, we conducted an analysis of the population structure and genetic diversity of 110 chickens representing indigenous breeds from southern China and two different commercial breeds. Further, we performed comparative population genomics, utilizing nucleotide diversity and fixation statistics, to characterize genomic features of natural selection and to identify unique genetic traits and potential selection markers developed by indigenous breeds after adapting to the local environment. Results based on genetic diversity and population structure analyses showed that indigenous varieties exhibited high levels of genetic diversity. Commercial breeds that have been indigenously bred demonstrated higher levels of genetic diversity than those that have not, and breeds with different selection practices displayed significant differences in genetic structure. Additionally, we further searched for potential genomic regions in native chicken ecotypes, uncovering several candidate genes related to ecological adaptations affecting local breeds, such as IKBKB, S1PR1, TSHR, IL1RAPL1 and AMY2A, which are involved in disease resistance, heat tolerance, immune regulation and behavioral traits. This work provides important insights into the genomic characterization of ecotypes of native chicken in southern China. The identification of candidate genes associated with traits such as disease resistance, heat tolerance, immunomodulation, and behavioral traits is a significant outcome. These candidate genes may contribute to the understanding of the molecular basis of the adaptation of the southern native chicken to the local environment. It is recommended that these genes be integrated into chicken breeding programs to enhance sustainable agriculture and promote effective conservation and utilization strategies.

Phytochemical profile of onion (Allium cepa) var. aggregatum: Comparative study of TNAU varieties with a local indigenous

Aggregatum onion (Allium cepa L. var. aggregatum Don.) is widely grown and consumed in southern India. Present study was carried during 2020–23 at Anbil Dharmalingam Agricultural College and Research Institute (Tamil Nadu Agricultural University), Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu to map the metabolites and other dietary nutrients contributing to nutraceutical potentials between indigenous varieties and aggregatum onions varieties of Tamil Nadu. Experiment consisted of Co (On) 5 and Co (On) 6 (Tamil Nadu Agricultural University released varieties) and an indigenous variety from Perambalur (PL), Tamil Nadu. In the present study, metabolites of all the 3 varieties were mapped with the GCMS/MS, and the PL was shown to have high phytonutrients with health benefits. Further, in UHPLC, quercetin was identified with a sharp, well resolved symmetrical peak for all the three onion varieties with the retention time of 64.5, 65.5 and 64.5 min respectively. The Co (On) 6 is the improved variety of Co (On) 5 with a quercetin content of 75.05 ± 0.30 mg/kg, followed by PL (11.11 ± 0.51 mg/kg). However, the native cultivar PL (4.52 ± 0.15 mg/kg) has the highest anthocyanin content followed by Co (On) 6 (4.00 ± 0.10 mg/kg). This study therefore, provides preliminary information on metabolites and phenolics in the selected onion varieties of Tamil Nadu.

Crop Landraces and Indigenous Varieties: A Valuable Source of Genes for Plant Breeding.

Landraces and indigenous varieties comprise valuable sources of crop species diversity. Their utilization in plant breeding may lead to increased yield and enhanced quality traits, as well as resilience to various abiotic and biotic stresses. Recently, new approaches based on the rapid advancement of genomic technologies such as deciphering of pangenomes, multi-omics tools, marker-assisted selection (MAS), genome-wide association studies (GWAS), and CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing greatly facilitated the exploitation of landraces in modern plant breeding. In this paper, we present a comprehensive overview of the implementation of new genomic technologies and highlight their importance in pinpointing the genetic basis of desirable traits in landraces and indigenous varieties of annual, perennial herbaceous, and woody crop species cultivated in the Mediterranean region. The need for further employment of advanced -omic technologies to unravel the full potential of landraces and indigenous varieties underutilized genetic diversity is also indicated. Ultimately, the large amount of genomic data emerging from the investigation of landraces and indigenous varieties reveals their potential as a source of valuable genes and traits for breeding. The role of landraces and indigenous varieties in mitigating the ongoing risks posed by climate change in agriculture and food security is also highlighted.

Study of Genetic Diversity and Drought-Tolerance Characteristics of Few Rice Varieties Using Morphological and Molecular Markers

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is one of the most important cereal crops. Increasing rice production is constrained by various stresses and drought is one of the major limiting factors. For future food security, assessments of genetic resources are necessary. Indigenous varieties contain a high level of genetic diversity and can serve as potential genetic resources for improving yield, and resistance to various biotic and abiotic stress conditions. The present investigation was conducted in the Biotech Hub, Biswanath College of Agriculture, AAU, Biswanath Chariali during 2022-23. In this study, the genetic diversity of 27 indigenous rice germplasm using SSR markers was assessed. Out of the total 28 SSR markers screened, 17 were found polymorphic across twenty-seven genotypes with PIC values ranging from 0.076 to 0.499. The genetic diversity was estimated by the Jaccard dissimilarity coefficient. The phylogenetic tree, using unweighted neighbor-joining (UPGMA) drawn from the analysis divides 27 genotypes into 3 clusters. Nine genotypes were further characterized by exposure to drought stress compared to the control condition. Plants were grown in PVC pipes and subjected to drought by withdrawing water at 45 days after showing (DAS) for 25 days. A comparative study was done for a few morphophysiological parameters i.e. root length, root biomass, root-shoot ratio, root length density, chlorophyll content etc. It was observed that genotype Dehangi followed by N22 and Shahabhagi showed the best performance for all parameters under drought stress. This information will help in the selection of varieties with better root characteristics for drought tolerance in future breeding programs.

Relative impact of vermiwash against phytophagous insects and growth properties of yardlong bean (<em>Vigna unguiculata</em>)

Due to severe insect infestation, yardlong (Vigna unguiculata) bean expansion and production have been declining in Sri Lanka. This experiment tested the effectiveness of several vermiwash against phytophagous insects in yardlong bean. Ten distinct types of vermiwash were generated by alternately and separately feeding exotic (Eudriluseuginea) and indigenous types earthworm with the specified botanicals, viz. onion and garlic peel, marigold and neem leaves, and the materials given for mass culturing. Eleven treatments including 10 vermiwash and untreated control and three blocks were laid on Randomized Complete Block Design. Since the third week of planting, vermiwashes have been administered to the corresponding plots at weekly intervals. Before each application of treatment, the total number of insects in each treated and untreated plot were carefully counted. ANOVA assessed treatment effects, and Duncan's Multiple Range Test compared mean separation values at 5% significance using SAS software. Plots treated with vermiwash made from indigenous earthworm varieties with garlic peel (1.33), exotic varieties with onion peel (2.33), and native varieties with onion peel (3.00) had the significantly similar fewest epilachna beetles. Further, vermiwash of an indigenous variety with neem leaves, where the maximum yield of yardlong beans was also discovered, had a considerably lower population of epilachna beetles. Furthermore, with the exception of the vermiwash of exotic species with onion peel, practically all treatments were less harmful to ladybird beetles. As demonstrated by this experiment, vermiwash has a beneficial effect on plant development in terms of both plant height and leaf area. Vermiwash made from combining an indigenous species of earthworm with neem leaves was potentially suggested for yardlong bean production since it was both environmentally and economically efficient.

The Potential of Grapevine Leaf Extract in Treating Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation, characterized by the excessive accumulation of melanin in the skin, is a common dermatological concern triggered by various factors, including UV radiation exposure. This study investigates the potential of grapevine leaf extracts in treating hyperpigmentation induced by UV radiation, focusing on 11 European and 12 Israeli grapevine varieties. Our research explores the correlations between total polyphenol content (TPC), tyrosinase inhibition, sun protection factor (SPF), and half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of these extracts. Our findings reveal substantial variation in TPC among grapevine varieties’ leaves, with the Israeli varieties showing higher TPC levels than the European ones. Correlation analysis demonstrates a robust link between TPC and SPF, indicating that increased TPC contributes to enhanced sun protection properties. However, TPC alone does not strongly correlate with tyrosinase inhibition, suggesting the importance of specific polyphenols in tyrosinase inhibition. Furthermore, the study identifies specific peaks in the HPLC analysis that correlate with desired activities. In summary, our research highlights the potential of grapevine leaf extracts, especially those from Israeli indigenous varieties, in addressing hyperpigmentation. It emphasizes the importance of specific polyphenols rather than TPC alone in achieving the desired effects. These findings open doors for further investigation into identifying and isolating active compounds from grapevine leaves for skincare applications.

Influence of reasoned organic and inorganic fertilization on okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) growth, productivity, and profitability on degraded sandy soil in South Togo

Reasoned fertilization practices promote fertilizers formula adjusted to the crop’s needs and increase production and income. In this study, two agronomic tests were carried out on two sites named Tabligbo (site 1) and Djikame (site 2) on degraded sandy loam soils situated in the south of Togo using inorganic and organic fertilizer quantities obtained from reasoned fertilization. An indigenous variety of Abelmoschus esculentus was used and five treatments were applied: T2: mineral fertilizer (667 kg/ha), T3: waste compost (6126 kg/ha at Tabligbo and 7260 kg/ha at Dzikame), T4: mineral (333.50 kg/ha) + compost fertilizers (3063 kg/ha for site 1 and 3630 kg/ha for site 2), control (T0) and smallholder farmers’ old fertilization practices (T1). At Tabligbo, treatments T2 and T4 stimulated quick growth (74,5 ± 03.50 cm) and the highest number of fruit was obtained on T4 treatment (102 ± 09). At Djikame, treatments T2 and T3 presented the highest growth (65.82 ± 2.51 cm) and the T4 treatment gave the best number of fruits (72 ± 4.00). Economic Efficiency and Cost-Value Ratio were high on the T4 formula on Tabligbo soil (53.48% and 1.85). At Djikame, treatment T2 presents the highest value of economic parameters (24.52% and 01.35). Among treatments tested, T4 (compost + mineral fertilizer) is the effective treatment on Tabligbo sandy loam soil for okra production while the T2 (mineral fertilizer) option is the best for okra production on site 2 due to the low content in nitrogen increasing C/N ratio. The effective fertilizer formulas discovered in this study will be shared with farmers in the study areas in order to improve market garden crop production in South Togo.

Utilizing the Genetic Potentials of Traditional Rice Varieties and Conserving Rice Biodiversity with System of Rice Intensification Management

The genetic potentials of rice cultivars will need to be expressed to their fullest if global rice production is to be expanded enough by 2050 to meet the increased demand of the expanding population while the availability of land and water per capita dwindles. New and ‘improved’ rice varieties have contributed greatly to increased production over the past 50 years, but the rate of rice yield increase based on genetic changes has declined in recent decades compared with the early years of the Green Revolution. In fact, many rice consumers continue to prefer to consume ‘traditional’ rice varieties (referred to also as local, native, unimproved, or indigenous varieties) because of their taste, aroma, texture, and other qualities. Furthermore, many farmers prefer to cultivate these varieties because of their better adaptation to local climatic and soil conditions and their evolved resistance to endemic stresses. The practices that comprise the System of Rice Intensification (SRI), including transplanting rice seedlings at a young age, wide spacing between plants, keeping the soil well aerated rather than inundated, and enhancing soil organic matter, provide traditional rice varieties with micro-environments that are more favorable for the expression of their genetic and agronomic potentials. Interactions among rice plants, soil characteristics, water, energy, and other inputs improve the phenotypic and physiological performance of rice plants. This paper considers how the cultivation of traditional rice varieties with SRI methods can raise yields, reduce farmers’ costs of production, and generate higher incomes while contributing to the conservation of rice biodiversity.

ПОКАЗАТЕЛИ ИМПЕНДАНСА ДЛЯ ОЦЕНКИ СОВМЕСТИМОСТИ ПОДВОЙНО-ПРИВОЙНЫХ КОМБИНАЦИЙ ВИНОГРАДА АБОРИГЕННЫХ СОРТОВ КРЫМА

Indicators of the level of electrical conductivity resistance of tissues (impedance) of grafted grape seedlings of indigenous varieties of the Crimea were studied. The experiments involved 15 variety-rootstock combinations consisting of five graft varieties (Dzhevat kara, Sary Pandas, Ekim Kara, Kefesiya, Kokur white) and three rootstock varieties (Berlandieri × Riparia Kober 5 BB, Berlandieri × Riparia CO4, Riparia × Rupestris 101-14). In order to reliably evaluate and interpret the data obtained, the impedance indicators of the studied rootstock-graft com-binations were compared with the data on the yield of standard grafted seedlings from a ground school. A multifactorial analysis of var-iance was carried out, according to the results of which an assessment of the influence of fac-tors of rootstock, graft, conditions of the year of research, as well as their interaction on the impedance indicators of grafted grape seedlings of Crimean native varieties was given.

The epistemic future in exported grammars: a comparison between two Italo-Romance speech communities

Abstract The analysis of differences and analogies that the (synthetic) epistemic future exhibits in two varieties of the Italo‑Romance dialect of Verbicaro contributes to uncover uncharted aspects of its morphosyntax and uses. The case study presented in this paper is based on different degrees of competence of the speakers of the indigenous variety of north-western Calabria as well as the corresponding exported variety spoken in São Paulo (Brazil). The grammar and use of the epistemic future is fully captured if the analysis of the data is pursued alongside an assessment of the acquisitional history of the speakers. Based on the sociolinguistic account of three different groups of speakers of the exported Verbicarese (monolingual Verbicarese L1, bilingual Verbicarese‑Portuguese, Verbicarese heritage speakers), I provide a structural interpretation of the development of the synthetic epistemic future in both the exported and the indigenous variety. More specifically, I show how glaring parallels can be established between the three relevant groups of speakers of the exported speech community and three distinct stages of evolution of the epistemic future in the indigenous variety. This study also serves as a documentation task for the epistemic future which is rapidly disappearing in Verbicarese.

Influence of Seed Storage and Priming on Naturally Aged Seeds of Aromatic Joha Rice

Joha is a fine grain aromatic rice of Assam, well known in the world market. This rice is protected and tagged as a geographical indication. This study evaluated priming effects on naturally aged seeds of two varieties, Kon Joha and Keteki Joha, after 0, 3, 6 and nine months of storage under ambient conditions. Seeds were hydro-primed, osmo-primed with 5% and 10% PEG, halo primed with 1% and 2% KCl and primed with 5 ppm and 10 ppm GA3 for 12 and 24 hours. Seed moisture percentage, germination percentage, germination index, mean germination time, seedling length and dry weight, seed vigour index, field emergence, seed reserve utilization rate, seed reserve use efficiency, seed reserve depletion percentage, and biochemical parameters like electrical conductivity, lipid peroxidation and α-amylase were observed. Seed quality was gradually deteriorating due to ageing over the storage period. The rate of deterioration was faster for seedling vigour traits than germination parameters. There was a varietal difference in the rate of deterioration; it was slower in Kon Joha, an indigenous variety which also showed dormancy. The priming treatments were able to ameliorate the effect of seed ageing on seed germination, seedling growth and biochemical parameters in Kon Joha. Treatments with 1% KCl, 10 ppm GA3 and 5% PEG enhanced the germination parameters and vigour indicators. KCl (1%) priming was the best priming agent; 24 hours of priming for all agents was better than 12 hours.