Italica Plenck Research Articles

Pseudomonas brassicae sp. nov., a pathogen causing head rot of broccoli in Japan.

Phytopathogenic bacteria, MAFF 212426, MAFF 212427T, MAFF 212428 and MAFF 212429, were isolated from head rot lesions of broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica Plenck) in Hokkaido, Japan, and subjected to polyphasic taxonomic characterization. The cells were Gram-reaction-negative, aerobic, non-spore-forming, motile with one or two polar flagella, rod-shaped and formed pale yellow colonies. Results of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that they belong to the genus Pseudomonas with the highest similarity to 'Pseudomonas qingdaonensis' JJ3T (99.86 %), Pseudomonas laurentiana GSL-010T (99.22 %), Pseudomonas huaxiensis WCHPs060044T (99.01 %), Pseudomonas japonica NBRC 103040T (98.87 %) and Pseudomonas alkylphenolica KL28T (98.73 %). The genomic DNA G+C content was 63.4 mol% and the major fatty acids (>5 % of the total fatty acids) were summed feature 3 (C16 : 1 ω7c / C16 : 1 ω6c), C16 : 0, summed feature 8 (C18 : 1 ω7c / C18 : 1 ω6c) and C17 : 0 cyclo. Multilocus sequence analysis using the partial rpoD, gyrB and rpoB gene sequences and phylogenomic analyses based on the whole genome sequences demonstrated that the strains are members of the Pseudomonas putida group, but form a monophyletic, robust clade separated from their closest relatives. Average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) values corroborated their novel species status, with 88.39 % (ANI) and 35.8 % (dDDH) as the highest scores with 'P. qingdaonensis' JJ3T. The strains were differentiated from their closest relatives by phenotypic characteristics, pathogenicity on broccoli, and whole-cell MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry profiles. The phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and genotypic data showed that the strains represent a novel Pseudomonas species, for which the name Pseudomonas brassicae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is MAFF 212427T (=ICMP 23635T).

Evaluation of Trap Cropping for Control of Diamondback Moth (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) in a Broccoli Production System.

Trap cropping, in which a trap crop is planted near a cash crop, has been used successfully for reducing pest damage in some agricultural systems. We used a meta-analysis of extensive data on two trap cropping systems, diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (Linnaeus), exploiting cabbage and Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) exploiting maize, to show that oviposition preference for, and high larval mortality on trap crops are important indicators of effectiveness of trap cropping systems. We then evaluated Indian mustard (Brassica juncea var. juncea L. Czern.) (Capparidales: Brassicaceae) and yellow rocket (Barbarea vulgaris W. T. Aiton) (Brassicales: Brassicaceae) as trap crops for protecting broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica Plenck) (Capparidales: Brassicaceae) against diamondback moth in Yuma, AZ, using planting configurations compatible with current practices for commercial production and without use of insecticides. In oviposition choice tests, both yellow rocket and Indian mustard were highly preferred over broccoli in the field. Furthermore, the number of larvae and pupae was significantly lower on yellow rocket and Indian mustard compared to broccoli, indicating relatively high mortality on these trap crops. Nevertheless, during the fall and spring growing seasons, no significant differences in the number of individuals on broccoli or proportion of broccoli crowns infested at harvest occurred between plots with trap crops relative to plots exclusively planted to broccoli. Thus, with the plant density and planting patterns used and without use of insecticides, there was no evidence that trap cropping was effective for reducing diamondback moth infestation of broccoli.

Effect of genotype and spacing on yield and quality traits in broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica Plenck) under Pune conditions

The present investigation was carried out to study the effect of two varieties viz., Ganesh Broccoli and Pusa Broccoli KTS-1 and five spacing viz., 60 ´ 60 cm, 60 ´ 45 cm, 45 ´ 45 cm, 60 ´ 30 cm and 45 ´ 30 cm on yield and quality traits in broccoli. The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design with three replications under Pune conditions. The experimental results revealed significant differences among the varieties and spacing for most of growth, yield and quality parameters under study. The variety GaneshBroccoli performed superior over the variety Pusa Broccoli KTS-1 with number of days to head appearance (32.80 days), days to first harvest (44.00 days), days to 50% harvest (53.40 days), days to last harvest (68.40 days), head diameter (10.81 cm), average weight of head (154.80 g), number of auxiliary tillers (15.11), yield per hectare (70.75 q) and stem hollowness (18.69 %). While variety Pusa Broccoli KTS-1 recorded significantly maximum plant height (65.69 cm), number of leaves (19.81), plant spread (68.65 cm in N-S and 65.8 cm in E-W), days to head appearance (48.47 days), days to first harvest (59.73days), days to 50 % harvest (70.93 days), days to last harvest (85.27 days), number of auxiliary tillers (10.85) and stem hollowness (66.72 %). Amongst five spacing under study, S5 (45 ´ 30 cm) recorded significantly minimum plant height (56.78 cm), number of leaves (15.73), plant spread (53.39 in N-S and 55.63cm in E-W), days to head appearance (37.00), days to first harvest (49.17 days), head diameter (7.93 cm), average weight of head (104.14 g), number of auxiliary tillers (5.18) and percentage of stem hollowness (37.28 %). However, S1 (60 ´ 60 cm) gave significantly maximum values of the various parameters under study except days to 50% harvest (59.83 days) days to last harvest (74.00 days). Hence, variety Ganesh Broccoli performed well than Pusa Broccoli KTS-1 at spacing of 60 ´45 cm and is better suited for commercial cultivation underPune conditions

The influence of lighting on the seeds germination of chinese cabbage and broccoli and antioxidant activity of microgreens in the closed system of the synergotron ISR 1.01

Relevance.Growing plants in artificial conditions (closed agroecosystems) requires precise regulation of plant growth factors, starting from the first stages of ontogenesis. One of the parameters is the presence or absence of light in the period of seed germination. For most types of cabbage the standard method is germination in the dark, but for freshly harvested seeds (at rest) light exposure is necessary. According to the literature, the mechanisms of the effect of light on seed germination are complex and ambiguous, so the issue needs detailed research.Methods. Therefore, the purpose of this work was to study the germination of seeds of broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica Plenck) and Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa var. chinensis), taking into account the light factor and the simultaneous analysis of antioxidant activity as a marker of changes in metabolic processes.Results. The experiment has revealed a significant increase in the antioxidant activity of the microgreens during germination in the dark compared to germination in the light (in broccoli by 5.5 times, in Chinese cabbage by 4.8 times). Later on, after the seedlings are moved to the light, the differences between the light and dark versions practically disappear. After germination in the light, the antioxidant activity of microgreens in comparison with the original (dry seeds) decreased by 3-3.5 times, while in the dark – on the contrary, increased by 1.5-1.6 times. The final results of germination (germination energy and seed germination) practically do not differ in the versions. In the case of dark germination, the height of microgreens is greater (due to etiolation and stretching in the absence of light), however, later on, the differences in the versions are smoothed out. The biomass of microgreens in the version of light germination on the 4th day after sowing seeds in broccoli is by 9.1% higher, in Chinese cabbage – by 10.5%. In case of Chinese cabbage, differences remained until the end of the experiment (on the 18th day from sowing seeds), in case of broccoli they were smoothed out. Comparison of two kinds of cabbage has showen that broccoli in the closed system of the synergotron forms a much higher aboveground biomass than Chinese cabbage (on the 4th day after sowing – by 37%, on the 18th day – by 75.4% in the dark version).

Evaluation of the Bioaccessibility of Antioxidant Bioactive Compounds and Minerals of Four Genotypes of Brassicaceae Microgreens.

Microgreens constitute an emerging class of fresh, healthy foods due to their nutritional composition. In this study the content of minerals and antioxidant bioactive compounds, and for the first time bioaccessibility, were evaluated in broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica Plenck), green curly kale (Brassica oleracea var. sabellica L.), red mustard (Brassica juncea (L.) Czern.) and radish (Raphanus sativus L.) hydroponic microgreens. Macro- (K, Ca, Mg) and oligo-elements (Fe, Zn), ascorbic acid, total soluble polyphenols, total carotenoids, total anthocyanins, total isothiocyanates and total antioxidant capacity (Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity and Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) were determined before and after the standardized simulated gastrointestinal digestion process. All microgreens provided relevant amounts of vitamin C (31–56 mg/100 g fresh weight) and total carotenoids (162–224 mg β-carotene/100 g dry weight). Mineral content was comparable to that normally found in hydroponic microgreens and the low potassium levels observed would allow their dietetic recommendation for patients with impaired kidney function. Both total soluble polyphenols and total isothiocyanates were the greatest contributors to the total antioxidant capacity after digestion (43–70% and 31–63% bioaccessibility, respectively) while macroelements showed an important bioaccessibility (34–90%). In general, radish and mustard presented the highest bioaccessibility of bioactive compounds and minerals. Overall, the four hydroponic Brassicaceae microgreens present a wide array of antioxidant bioactive compounds.

An Eco-benign Synthesis of AgNps using Hydroalcoholic Extract of Brassica oleracea var. italica Plenck : Anticancer Response against Human Breast Cancer Cells MCF-7

Breast Cancer is the second foremost reason of Cancer mortality in females globally. The conventional treatments available for Breast Cancer include surgery yet they are related to serious side effects that have moved the worldwide focus towards Complementary and Alternative Medicines (CAM). One of the emerging strategies has been the use of plant extracts for synthesizing metal nanoparticles (such as gold and silver) for anticancer applications. The objective of this study is to reflect the current availed study on green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNps) with its future prospects to treat Breast Cancer. The development of eco-friendly and reliable techniques for silver nanoparticles synthesis is a vital initiative in the area of nanotechnology. Brassica oleracea var. italica Plenck Leaves Extract (LE) prepared by maceration process and silver nanoparticles of LE prepared by using biological reduction method. Female rats were divided into 5 groups, Group-I served as Positive Control and received normal saline. Group-II served Negative Control (Tumor Bearing) and was treated with single dose of MCF 7. Breast Cancer Cells (1.7 mg/pellet). Group-III served Standard Control (Tumor Bearing) treated with Paclitaxel 40 mg/Kg. Group-IV served test and treated with LE 400 mg/Kg, Group-V served test and treated with LENP 400 mg/Kg respectively about 21 days and on 21th day blood samples were collected for Hematological Parameters and Feed and Water Consumption, Body Weight Determination and Organ Weight were estimated. These discoveries infer that the synthesized Silver nanoparticles utilizing green nanotechnology could be a perfect methodology to battle malignant growth and irresistible ailments. Keywords: Breast Cancer, Nanotechnology, Synthesis, , MCF-7, CAM

Assessing the relationship between pest density and plant damage: a case study with the belowground herbivore Delia radicum (Diptera: Anthomyiidae) on broccoli

For many crops, we have poor knowledge about the relationship between pest density and damage. However, investigating pest harmfulness is particularly relevant currently in the search for alternative crop protection strategies that are unlikely to totally suppress pest populations. Here, we assessed the harmfulness of Delia radicum (L.) (Diptera: Anthomyiidae) on broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica Plenck). We worked inside insect-proof cages set up in the field with additional pitfall traps to remove ground-dwelling predators. Plants were manually infested with 10 levels of pest density ranging 0–100 individuals per plant, following a natural infestation pattern. Surprisingly, no plants died but almost 100% of the pests introduced died over the course of the experiment. However, all broccoli development and growth traits were negatively correlated with pest density and broccoli head mass at harvest decreased linearly with pest density. The observation over time of development and growth traits showed evidence of plant compensation, suggesting that the head mass of individual plants may have reached similar values if allowed to fully mature. The relationship between pest density and damage, together with forecast models of pest population dynamics could be used to develop decision support tools assessing the relevance of preventative treatments.

Branched broomrape (Orobanche ramosa L.) control in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) by trap crops and other plant species in rotation

Forty-four plant species of 13 families were tested as trap plants reducing Orobanche ramosa L. infestation on tomato under glasshouse conditions. Many species were parasitized but Orobanche shoot number and dry weight were varied. Petroselinum sativum Hoffm and Trifolium alexandrinum L. were the most infested and Origanum syriacum L. and Citrullus vulgaris Schard. the least. Tomato growth was reduced after many tested species and none prevented parasite infection. Parasite shoot number was the highest on tomato followed Anethum graveolens L., C. vulgaris, Cucumis melo var. flexuosus L., Pimpinella anisum L., Sesamum indicum L., Solanum elaeagnifolium Cav., Sorghum vulgare Pers., Spinacia oleracea L., and T. alexandrinum and the lowest after Brassica oleracea L. var. italica Plenck, Brassica rapa L. var. rapa, Capsicum annuum L., Capsicum frutescens L., Cicer arietinum L., Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad., Cucurbita maxima Duch., Cuminum cyminum L., Hordeum vulgare L., Linum usitatissimum L., Spinacia oleracea L. cv. Epinard greant and Vigna sinensis (L.) Savi. Parasite dry weight per shoot was the lowest on tomato grown after C. arietinum, C. frutescens, Cucumis melo L., Hibiscus sabdariffa L., P. anisum and T. alexandrinum but the highest after Cichorium endivia L. var. crispum Lam., Peganum harmala L., S. oleracea cv. Epinard greant, and Zea mays L. Tomato shoot dry weight increased by 126% over parasite-free control following Ecballium elaterium (L.) A. Rich. and parasite infestation reduced by 56% of the Orobanche-infested control. Considering the average of two experiments, high tomato growth and best parasite control (73% reduction) were obtained after V. sinensis. H. sabdariffa, H. vulgare, and S. vulgare reduced both Orobanche infestation and tomato growth.

Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Different Plant Materials and Their Antibacterial Activity

The green route of metal nanoparticles synthesis has received significant attention in recent years due to it's cost-effective, non-toxic and eco-friendly nature in comparison to other physical and chemical methods. This study reports on the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) from bio-reduction of 1mM aqueous silver nitrate (AgNO3) by extracts prepared from three different plants namely, Brassica oleracea L. var. italica Plenck (Broccoli), Capsicum annuum L. (Chili) and Parthenium hysterophorus L. (Carrot grass). The synthesized Ag-NPs were characterized using UV- visible spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Ag-NPs synthesized showed the surface plasmon resonance with the appearance of absorption peaks around the range of 410-430 nm. The possible biomolecules involved in the reduction and the stabilization of synthesized Ag-NPs were found to be alcoholic, phenolic, amine and carbonyl groups. SEM study revealed that Ag-NPs were spherical in shape with varied size about 10-40 nm. Besides, the analysis of antioxidant and antibacterial activities of Ag-NPs was carried out. The Ag-NPs synthesized using B. oleracea extract showed the higher antioxidant activity than Ag-NPs synthesized from both C. annuum & P. hysterophorus extracts. Ag-NPs exhibited good antibacterial activity against both Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) and Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria. The higher antibacterial activity was shown by Ag-NPs synthesized from P. hysterophorus extract in comparison to Ag-NPs synthesized from both C. annuum & B. oleracea extracts. Hence, it can be concluded that Ag-NPs synthesized following the green route could be the source for potential antioxidant and antibacterial agents.
 Int. J. Appl. Sci. Biotechnol. Vol 6(4): 294-301

Conservation of Crop Genetic Resources in Italy with a Focus on Vegetables and a Case Study of a Neglected Race of Brassica Oleracea

This study attempts, above all, to provide a summary, on a strictly scientific basis, about the strategies of conservation of autochthonous agrobiodiversity followed in Italy. A special focus is dedicated to vegetables and, therefore, could represent a contribution to improve the national strategy for the safeguarding of its agrobiodiversity in general. The paper offers also an outlook on the most critical factors of ex situ conservation and actions which need to be taken. Some examples of ‘novel’ recovered neglected crops are also given. Finally a case study is proposed on ‘Mugnolicchio’, a neglected race of Brassica oleracea L., cultivated in Altamura (Ba) in southern Italy, that might be considered as an early step in the evolution of broccoli (B. oleracea L. var. italica Plenck) like ‘Mugnoli’ another neglected race described from Salento (Apulia).

EMBRYOGENESIS IN CULTURE OF ISOLATED MICROSPORE OF BROCCOLI

The process of embryogenesis and technological experimental protocol has been studied and applied to produce doubled haploid plants from microspore cultured in vitro in broccoli B. oleracea L. convar. botrytis (L.) Alef. var. italica Plenck. It was shown that successful embryoid development occurred from microspore isolated from buds 4-5 mm long, containing microspores at late vacuolated stage and pollen grain at twocell stage. The optimal temperature of treatment was 32 Cᵒ within 2 days after culture was launched. The embryoids were produced from the following broccoli accessions: Arcadia F1, Everest, Green Valiant, Marathon F1, and Furio. The highest embryoid yield was obtained from accession Green Valiant, and consisted of 140 embryoids per Petri dish, whereas the lowest yield was in Furio, up to 3 embryoids per Petri dish. The first microspore division was observed in all accessions in 2-3 days of cultivation. Further development of embryoids went either directly into usual embryoid or into suspensor-like structures. The embryoids with suspensor developed more slowly than embryoids without one. We observed the embryoid formation not only at distal end towards microspore originated the suspensor-like structure but also the formation of chain of embryoids, and all variation of twin embryoid combinations. The study of process of embryogenesis in isolated microspores in vitro showed that this method can be used both to produce doubled haploid plants and study the developmental stages of zygotic embryos and suspensors.

Identification and expression pattern analysis of the glucosinolate biosynthetic gene BoCYP83B1 from broccoli

Glucosinolates are a branch of amino acid-derived metabolites, which are specifically found in Brassicales. In Arabidopsis, tryptophan derived indolic glucosinolates are required for plant defense against a wide range of pathogens and herbivores due to their strong antimicrobial activity and potential signaling function. An important enzyme in indolic glucosinolate biosynthesis pathway is CYP83B1, which oxidizes indole-3-acetaldoxime, a precursor of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). In this study, we reported isolation and expression characterization of a CYP83B1 gene from Brassica oleracea L. var. italica Plenck, which we termed BoCYP83B1. Overexpression of BoCYP83B1 in Arabidopsis resulted in an altered glucosinolate profile and early flowering phenotype. By expressing the reporter gene β-glucuronidase under the control of the BoCYP83B1 promoter in Arabidopsis, we analyzed the spatial expression pattern of BoCYP83B1 under normal growth conditions as well as in response to several hormones and stresses. The BoCYP83B1 was primarily expressed in vascular tissue through the almost whole plant. It was strongly induced by methyl jasmonate, 1-amino-1-cyclopropanecarboxylic acid, salicylic acid (SA), gibberellin, and IAA, suggesting its involvement in complex signaling pathways. Mannitol, NaCl, UV, and Flagelin 22 significantly up-regulated BoCYP83B1 expression, indicating its possible role in stress response. Interestingly, the response of BoCYP83B1 to SA and NaCl showed tissue specificity. Thus, BoCYP83B1 might have different functions in different tissues.

Purple head broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica Plenck), a functional food crop for antioxidant and anticancer potential.

Natural foods are used in many folks and household treatments and have immense potential to treat a serious complication and health benefits, in addition to the basic nutritional values. These food products improve health, delay the aging process, increase life expectancy, and possibly prevent chronic diseases. Purple head Brassica oleracea L. var. italica Plenck is one of such foods and in current studies was explored for chemical compounds at different development stages by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Antioxidant potential was explored employing different assays like molybdate ion reduction, DPPH, superoxide anion radical scavenging and plasmid nicking assay. Inspired by antioxidant activity results, we further explored these extracts for antiproliferative potential by morphological changes, cell cycle analysis, measurement of intracellular peroxides and mitochondrial membrane potential changes. Current study provides the scientific basis for the use of broccoli as easily affordable potent functional food.

Effect of nitrogen fertilization on the growth of broccoli hybrids Brassica oleracea var. italica Plenck. and yield content of NPK

The experiment was conducted during the winter season 2016-2017 in the tomato Development Project of the Directorate of Basra Cultivation in Khor Al-Zubair. The aim is to study the effect of nitrogen fertilization and its relation to the growth and content of the Broccoli Brassica oleracea var. italica Plenck. of the elements of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium to determine the best fertilizer dose resulting in the highest production and the best hybrid of the conditions of the region. The experiment included six treatments involving broccoli hybrids, Paraiso and Monaco and three levels of nitrogen (46% urea) of 0, 50 and 100 kg. The experiment was implemented as Factorial experiment with a Split Plot Design by Randomized Complete Block Design was used for the experiment with three replicates. The mean of the treatments was compared according to the least significant difference at the level of probability 0.05. The results showed that Paraiso was superior in plant height (cm) and leaf area (Dcm2) and showed a superiority in the content of floral cruds of total carbohydrates (mlgm.gm-1) and percentage of nitrogen. Monaco plants exceeded the percentage of phosphorus in floral cruds; both levels were superior in the vegetative growth indicators under study. The plants fertilized with 100 kg.dunum-1 had a significant effect on the total yield of a plant (kg), the total productivity of the floral cruds (ton.hectar-1), the percentage of dry matter, nitrogen and phosphorus content. The plants fertilized with 50 kg were superior in the cruds contents total carbohydrate and in the percentage of potassium, and the bilateral interactions was significant in all the traits in the experiment.

Susceptibility of germinating cruciferous seeds to Bagrada hilaris (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) feeding injury

Bagrada hilaris (Burmeister) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) is a serious pest that attacks both germinating and seedling stages of a variety of cruciferous crops grown in the Central Coast of California. B. hilaris feeding on germinating seeds can cause severe stunting and plant mortality, and little is known about the feeding preference of B. hilaris for germinating seeds of major cruciferous hosts and varieties of hosts. No-choice and choice experiments were conducted in which germinating seeds in soilless and soil settings were exposed to B. hilaris adults for 7 days. Susceptibility scores were developed using B. hilaris feeding injury sites, distorted leaves, and deformed and dead plants to determine the overall B. hilaris preference for germinating host seeds. Based on the scores, the order of preference was arugula (Eruca sativa L.) > turnip (B. rapa L. var. rapa) > mizuna (B. rapa L. nipposinica) > kale (B. oleracea L. acephala) > choi (Brassica rapa L. var. chinensis) > broccoli (B. oleracea var. italica Plenck) > cauliflower (B. oleracea L. var. botrytis) > lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) > sweet alyssum (Lobularia maritima [L.] Desv.). The lowest feeding injury was recorded on germinating lettuce and sweet alyssum seeds. Furthermore, no-choice and choice experiments were conducted with four varieties each of arugula and mizuna, twelve varieties each of kale and choi, and nine varieties/types of leafy Asian greens. The arugula varieties ‘Wild Rocket’ and ‘Spirit’ were more damaged by B. hilaris than other varieties tested. Among mizuna varieties, ‘Beira F1’ was more attractive to B. hilaris than ‘Scarlet’ or ‘Starbor F1.’ The choi varieties ‘Tokyo Bekana,’ ‘Feng Qing Choi F1,’ ‘Joi Choi F1,’ and ‘Win-Win Choi F1’ were more attractive than ‘Rosie F1.’ The leafy Asian greens variety ‘Carlton F1’ was more attractive to B. hilaris than ‘Yukina Savon,’ ‘Tatsoi OG,’ ‘Komatsuna Summerfest F1,’ ‘Red Rain F1,’ and ‘Shungiku.’ Therefore, the results suggest that not all varieties were equally susceptible to B. hilaris feeding and possibly be utilized for further field evaluation as a trap crop or developing more resistant varieties to B. hilaris.

Using the possibilities of some trap, catch and Brassicaceaen crops for controlling crenate broomrape a problem in lentil fields

Broomrapes are obligate root parasitic weeds and major constraint to many dicotyledon crops especially in Mediterranean agricultural lands. Due to the fact that no single control measure is able to control broomrapes in the field satisfactorily, integrated management is recommended in general. The use of of trap crops or catch crops is an important strategy for controlling the weeds; and allelopathic plants are also utilized for the control. Trap crops, also called false hosts, are plants which stimulate the germination of the parasite seed but cannot be infested and thus reduce the seed population in the soil. On the other hand, catch crops stimulate the germination of the parasite seeds at a high frequency and allow the development of the parasite. Seed bank of the broomrapes are decreased by destroying the catch crops before the seed creating period of broomrape begins (Sauerborn, 1991). Field trials were conducted using flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) as a trap plant; lentil (Lens culinaris L.) as a catch plant; members of the Brassicaceae species, such as cabbage (Brassica oleracea L.), Brussels sprouts (Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera (DC.) Thell.), broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica Plenck), cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis L.), canola (Brassica napus L.) and turnip (Brassica rapa var. rapa L.) as allelopathic plant in the Adana province (Turkey) in 2007-2009. Flax was the most effective treatment by decreasing 52% and 71% in shoot number and 55% and 26% in dry weight of O. crenata in the first and second year, respectively. Broccoli of the Brassicaceae family, was found to reduce the number of O. crenata shoots by 48% and 39% in two years. Regarding the effect of Brassicaceae family on O. crenata, broccoli was found to reduce the number of O. crenata shoots by 39%. It is concluded that growing flax as a trap plant or lentil as a catch crop two months before the sowing of lentil as a crop is can be a main element of integrated broomrape managament, which cause to reduce the soil seed bank of crenata broomrape.

Studies on Growth, Yield and Quality of Broccoli (Brassica Oleracea L.Var Italica Plenck) as Influenced by Boron and Molybdenum

ABSTRACTBroccoli (Brassica oleracea L.var italica Plenck) is an important winter season exotic vegetable from the Brassicaceae family as well as heavy feeder of plant nutrients. Plant nutrition is one of the prime considerations for getting higher yield of any crop. Mineral fertilizer improves growth and yield of broccoli due to the role of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium on the meristematic activity. Boron and molybdenum are essential micronutrients required for normal plant growth and development. Plants differ widely in their requirements, but the ranges of deficiency and toxicity are narrow. Boron and molybdenum deficiencies are very common in Cole crops. Deficiency causes many anatomical, physiological, and biological changes. The deficiency of boron and molybdenum has threatened the ever increasing areas of broccoli. The effected heads become irregular in shape, smaller in size and bitter in taste which adversely affects the market demand of the crop. No systematic work so far has been done in production technology of sprouting broccoli in relation to response of nutrients in the gangetic plains of West Bengal. The present investigation was attempted to find out the growth, yield, and quality of broccoli on the aspects of minor mineral (boron and molybdenum) nutrition. The experiments were conducted at the Horticultural Research Station of Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mondouri, Nadia, West Bengal, during 2010–12 with four levels of boron (0, 15, 18, and 21 kg ha−1) and molybdenum (0, 1.2, 1.5, and 1.8 kg ha−1). Design of the experiment was a Factorial Randomized Block Design. Biometric observations were recorded from the selected plant from each plot and each replication of both the years. It was concluded from the results that under favorable agro-climatic conditions, the application of 18 kg borax and 1.8 kg ammonium molybdate ha−1 was found beneficial for growth, yield, and quality of broccoli.

The effect of soil mulching with organic mulches, on weed infestation in broccoli and tomato cultivated under polypropylene fibre, and without a cover

Abstract An investigation was done on the effect of different types of organic mulches that were applied in form of straw to the soil mulching process, on the weed infestation, number, and fresh mass of weeds in broccoli cv. Milady F1 (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica Plenck) and tomato cv. Polfast F1 (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) grown under polypropylene fibre as a covering, or grown without a covering. The different types of organic straw mulches were: rye (Secale cereale L.), corn (Zea mays L.), rape (Brassica napus L. subsp. napus), and buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench.). All the organic mulches were applied at a dose of 10 t/ha. The effect of the mulches was compared to a control plot which had no mulch. The type of organic mulch applied to the soil mulching process influenced species composition, number, and fresh mass of weeds. This effect could be the result of the properties of the mulch (colour, structure, etc.) or the allelopathic effect on the germination and growth of individual weeds species. Irrespective of the investigated factors, 24 and 25 weeds species, respectively, were observed immediately after cover removal and before broccoli and tomato harvest. In the first date of estimation Chenopodium album L., Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) P. Beauv., Fallopia convolvulus (L.) Á. Löve, Stellaria media (L.) Vill., and Viola tricolor L. dominated, however, before the vegetables were harvested Ch. album, V. tricolor, Veronica arvensis L., and E. crus-galli dominated. An application of polypropylene fibre contributed to an increase in the number and fresh mass of weeds in both vegetables in the first date of estimation (after cover removal). During this period, vegetables cannot compete with weeds. It is important to note, though, that before the vegetables were harvested, a decrease was found in the number and fresh mass of weeds in the covered plots. The most efficient weed limiter, both after cover removal and also before the broccoli and tomatoes were harvested, was buckwheat and rye straw, respectively.

Performance and stability of homogeneous and heterogeneous broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica Plenck) varieties in organic and low-input conditions

Organic (OA) and low-input (LI) farming rely on genotypes with high adaptability that maintain good performance over a broad range of agronomic and environmental conditions. Two synthetic varieties of Brassica oleracea var. italica Plenck (broccoli) were developed from a landrace. Their performance and stability under LI and OA farming conditions were then assessed and compared to a F1 hybrid variety. Identical experiments were carried out over a period of 2 years in three locations in Italy having different management and pedo-climatic conditions. Initially, an analysis of variance, carried out using a linear mixed model (LMM), with “Genotype” (“G”) and “Location” (“L”) as fixed factors and “Year” (“Y”) as a random factor, showed that the “Genotype” effect was significant for days to heading (DH), head number (HN), plant diameter (PD), plant vigour (PV) and plant height (PH). The “L” effect was significant for PD and PV. “G × L” interaction was significant for DH, PV and for yield. To obtain a better understanding of entry performances across years and locations, each location—year combination was considered as “Environment” and the additive main effects and multiplicative interaction analysis was used to dissect the “G × E” interaction. Synthetic varieties had good performances and always had a higher stability than the F1 hybrid. The data discussed in this study suggest that heterogeneous varieties developed from adapted materials are suitable for OA and LI because of their stability.

Correlation and path coefficient analysis in sprouting broccoli (Brassica oleracea var italica)

The present investigations were conducted on sixteen genotypes of sprouting broccoli (Brassica oleracea var italica Plenck) in Randomized Complete Block Design in two environments, viz. rabi 2010-11 and rabi 2011-12. Character association analysis revealed that marketable yield/plant was significantly and positively correlated with terminal head weight/plant, harvest index, gross weight/plant, head size index, days to first harvest, leaf size with leaf stalk, plant frame and leaf size without leaf stalk which could be considered as the important selection criteria in the improvement of marketable yield. The results of path analysis revealed that the maximum positive direct effect on marketable yield/plant was exhibited by terminal head weight per plant followed by harvest index, gross weight per plant and head size index. This indicated that a selection procedure based on high terminal head weight/plant along with high harvest index, high gross weight/plant and high head size index may be effective in improving marketable yield.