Local Cultivars Research Articles

Combining Ability Analysis of Half- Cross in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

The study was conducted in one of the fields of Al-Yaramjah region, south of the Mosul city, which is 5 km from the city center for the season (2021-2022). In which five genotypes of wheat were used, which were obtained from the Summit organization (C.I.M.M.Y.T), in addition to an approved local cultivar(Abu Ghraib.) Cultivation was conducted on lines with a length of (2) m, and the distance between one line and another was (30) cm, using a randomized complete block design (R.C.B.D) with three replicates. The study included the following traits: number of days to flowering at (50%) and plant height (cm) The spike length, the flag leaf area, the number of grains / spike, the number of spikes / plant, the biological yield (gm / plant), the grain yield (gm / plant), the weight of 1000 grains, and the harvest index% and the percentage of protein and protein yield, where the analysis of variance table showed that the mean squares of the parents were significant at the level of probability 1%, and the general combining ability was significant at the level of probability 1% and for all studied traits. Except for the trait of the biological yield, where it was significant at the level of probability 5%, and for the Specific combining ability, the mean squares were significant at the level of probability 1%, except for the traits of flag leaf area. The number of spikes per plant and the percentage of protein were significant at the level of probability 5%, while the trait of the number of days to flowering did not reach the limit of statistical significance. The ratio between the components of the general and specific combining ability was less than one for all traits except for the two traits, the number of days to flowering at 50% and the length of the spike and the number of spikes m 2 and the biological yield and protein yield, and we note that the effect of the Specific combining ability was significant and in the desired direction in the hybrid (2x1) for the plant height and the spikes length, the flag leaf area, the number of grains / spikes, the grain yield, the harvest index, the weight of 1000 grains, the percentage of protein, and the protein yield.

Pathogenesis study of blood disease bacterium in local bananas of Malaysia

Banana blood disease (BBD), a banana wilt disease caused by blood disease bacterium (BDB), Ralstonia syzygii subsp. celebesensis (RSC), was first reported in Malaysia in 2007. BDB results in wilting appearance and internal bleeding-like symptoms, which eventually leads to entire crop loss including ready-harvested fruit bunch. Understanding the pathogenesis of BDB in local common banana cultivars provides good foundation to tailor disease management plan to mitigate BBD. To address this need, our study was performed to characterize BDB isolated from locally grown banana plants and to compare the pathogenesis of the bacterium in four most common local banana cultivars. In this study, BDB isolated from Malaysia's plantation was identified and characterized via the molecular and phenotypic method. The pathogenicity of characterized virulent BDB isolate was determined in four local banana cultivars via disease rating that was newly developed specifically for BDB-infected bananas. The identity of the isolated strains was first confirmed as Blood Disease Bacterium using Sanger sequencing analysis of 16s rRNA gene. Standard biochemical tests and growth curve study showed that the BDB isolates were Gram-negative, non-motile rod-shaped, catalase-positive, oxidase-positive bacterium, and had an optimum growth rate at 35 °C. The pathogenicity of a selected virulent BDB isolate was then determined via Koch's Postulates in four local banana cultivars. Recognizing the lack of a specific disease rating scale to quantify the pathogenesis of BDB in bananas, we developed a disease rating scale specifically to BDB-infected bananas in this study. Based on the pathogenicity test, local banana cultivars (cv.) in Malaysia included cv. Berangan, cv. Nipah, cv. Awak and cv. Nangka demonstrated disease severity index (DSI) higher than 95%, indicating their susceptibility towards to BDB. In conclusion, our results showed that the four most common banana cultivars in Malaysia were highly susceptible to infection by virulent BDB.

POLYMORPHISM AND INHERITANCE OF GLIADIN PROTEINS IN WHEAT LANDRACES OF UZBEKISTAN

Wheat genotypes grown in Uzbekistan and other Central Asian countries cannot compete with commercial cultivars for productivity. These landraces are valuable genetic resources that could benefit in developing new cultivars enriched with nutritious microelements and other ingredients beneficial for human health. As a result of wheat research, for the first time, preserving the 31 landraces in their natural form in the remote territories of Uzbekistan ensued, including a catalog of compilation by determining their economic and morphologically valuable features. Based on cluster analysis and quantitative characteristics, local wheat genotypes attained five groupings with a compiled dendrogram. With the dendrogram, determining the morphological attributes of ancient local cultivars of wheat materialized, even though the grain color is the same, a sharp difference is noticeable, but still similar based on quantitative characteristics that ensure the grain yield. In ancient local wheat cultivars, plant height and 1000-seed weight have a weak correlation with other traits, and a strong positive association was distinct between the spike length and spikelets per spike and the number and grain weight per spike. The polymorphism of soft wheat landraces showed according to the electrophoretic spectra in the grain’s gliadin proteins. The electrophoretic parameters of gliadin proteins indicated that of the six samples of cultivar Kzyl-bugdoy listed in the catalog, only four have similar electrophoretic spectra. In cultivar Ak-bugdoy’s four specimens, three have identical spectra, while three from the cultivar Surkhak have different bands. Based on individual selection and according to electrophoretic spectra from wheat landraces, the release of the wheat cultivar Kairaktash was due to its high baking and nutritional value.

QUALITATIVE CHARACTERISTICS AND GENOMIC ANALYSIS OF WHEAT GENOTYPES IN IRAQ

The breeding material comprising 17 Iraqi wheat cultivars belongs to three different types, i.e., a) salinity-tolerant cultivars (Dajla, Furat, 1H, 2H, 2N, 3H, 3N, and 7H), b) drought-tolerant cultivars (Sham-6 and Orok), and c) local cultivars (Iraq, Iba99, Iba95, Abu Ghraib-3, Adnanin, Tamoze, and Alrashid) underwent qualitative characteristics and genomic analysis studies in 2021-2022, at the Biotechnology Research Center, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad, Iraq. Measuring the percentage of protein, wet and dry gluten, and molecular fingerprinting used the randomly amplified polymorphic of DNA (RAPD) technique with six primers, with traits estimation using a dendrogram. The highest percentage of protein (24.5%), wet (52.7%), and dry gluten (27.3%) emerged from the wheat genotype Dajla. However, the recorded lowest percentages of wet (32.52%) and dry gluten (7.62%) appeared in wheat genotype Iba99. The cultivars Aadnania, Abu Ghraib-3, and Tamoze gave the lowest protein content of 9.45, 10.34, and 10.54, respectively. The cluster analysis divided 17 wheat genotypes into two large cluster groups. Amplification of all 365 loci used six primers. Fragments‟ size ranged from 100 bp to 2000 kb. The highest number of bands (73) was amplified with primer Pr-5, while the lowest number (48) was with primer Pr-1.

Development of Novel Banana Supplemented Biscuits using Different Banana Cultivars (<em>Musa spp</em>)

A considerable postharvest loss has been documented in banana due to its very perishable nature and abundant production in Sri Lanka. The present study was conducted to develop banana biscuits utilizing banana flour obtained from three different local cultivars (ash plantain, seeni and ambun banana) with the purpose of decreasing the postharvest losses of banana. The composite mixture of unripe banana flour and wheat flour with varied degrees such as 0, 20, 40, 60, and 100% w/w were utilized to create biscuits from each banana cultivar and an initial sensory evaluation was carried out. Proximate composition, microbial qualities, and the shelf life were assessed for the biscuits developed. The biscuits containing 100% w/w ash plantain flour, 100% w/w ambun banana flour, and 80% w/w seeni banana flour were ranked at the highest for assessed properties in second sensory analysis. Among these, 100% w/w ash plantain biscuit was picked as the best product utilizing second sensory analysis. The ash, moisture, fiber, fat, protein, and carbohydrates of ash plantain biscuit were 2.3 ± 0.1%, 3.78 ± 0.5%, 4.33 ± 0.5%, 0.33 ± 0.01%, 4.56 ± 0.25%, and 87.73 ± 3.5%, respectively while moisture content and pH changes of all types of biscuits were ranged within 6.5 - 7.3 and 3.2 - 4.0%, respectively during the storage period. Microbial studies revealed that biscuits can be preserved for two months in biaxially oriented polypropylene containers under ambient temperature. In conclusion, the banana flour may be efficiently used to create the biscuits thereby lowering the postharvest losses of banana.

ASSESSMENT OF BOTANICAL AND GENETIC COLLECTION OF SOYBEAN FOR MORPHOLOGICAL AND YIELD ATTRIBUTES AND THEIR IMPACT ON NODULE-ASSOCIATED BACTERIA AND SOIL FERTILITY

Assessment of botanical and genetic collection of soybean cultivars transpired during 2021–2022, for morphological and yield-related traits and their impact on nodule bacteria and soil fertility, at the Dormon Scientific Experimental Station, Institute of Genetics, Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan, District Kibray, Tashkent region, Uzbekistan. The soybean cultivars, grown in a randomized complete block design, had a factorial arrangement with three replications. Results revealed that in the botanical collection, the highest seed yield per plant came from the soybean cultivar K-2600 (48.3 ± 1.30 g), 1000-grain weight from Bk-105 (215.9 ± 0.15 g), and the number of grains per plant from the genotype K-2600 (346.4 ± 6.48). Moreover, in the genetic collection, the high oil content resulted in the genotypes Gen-15 (20.11%), Gen-13 (19.46%), and Gen-11 (19.40%). The higher values of the total protein content emerged in the soybean cultivars, Ehtiyozh (34.09%) and Gen-9 (33.74%), Gen-19 (34.72%), and Gen-26 (33.08%). Among the two types of soybean collections studied, the most substantial number of root nodules appeared in the cultivar Sochilmas (96.65 ± 0.11) during the pod formation phase. The recorded highest amount of soil microelements, according to soil analysis, was at the sowing site of the soybean cultivar, Genetiс-1 and on average, the soil samples contained N-NO3 (28 mg/kg), mobile P2О (212.3 mg/kg), and volatile trace element K2О5 (36 mg/kg), found to remain in the soil after crop harvesting. The conclusion based on the results indicates that the local soybean cultivar Genetik-1 has a more positive effect on improving soil fertility versus the other genotypes in both collections.

Congress mashing of malted wheat cultivars from Thailand provide adequate malt extract physicochemical properties suitable for brewing purposes

AbstractBackground and ObjectiveThe use of wheat for brewing is associated with its influence on protein content, phenolic compounds, and organoleptic properties, such as mouth feel, haze, and foaming intensity in malt‐based beverages. The quest for alternate malt materials other than barley malt and the exponential growth of micro‐breweries in Thailand have intensified the search for appropriate wheat cultivars suitable for brewing purpose. In this study, four imported commercial wheat malts and three malted wheat cultivars from Thailand (Samerng‐2, Phrae‐60, and Fahng‐60) were compared in terms of their physicochemical characteristics. Malt quality was based on α‐amylase, β‐amylase, antioxidant activities, the contents of free amino acid (FAN), fermentable sugars, total reducing sugar (TRS), and total polyphenol (TPC) of the malt extract samples produced by congress mashing.FindingsThe levels of α‐amylase activity were lower than that for β‐amylase activity in all malt samples. The malt extract (wort) yield was 83.7% weight per weight (w/w), 83.9% w/w, and 83.3% w/w in Samerng‐2, Phrae‐60, and Fahng‐60, respectively. The FAN contents in wort from the three Thai wheat malts were in the range of 155.2–183.4 mg/L. When used as an adjunct at 30% w/w or 50% w/w, the FAN contents were in the ranges 197.5–203.9 and 140.9–173 mg/L, respectively. Sucrose, glucose, maltose, and maltotriose were in the ranges 0.37–1.17, 2.8–4.3, 37.9–48.8, and 7.3–9.68 g/L, respectively. Wort produced contained contents of TRS, total carbohydrate, and TPC of 56.3–57.4, 79.4–88.9, and 116.4–18.2 mg/L, respectively. The antioxidant activity level based on 2,2‐di(4‐tert‐octylphenyl)‐1picrylhydrazyl and 2,2‐azino‐bis (3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) diammonium salt assays was within 61.0–125.4 and 1259–1413 µmol TE/L, respectively.ConclusionThese physicochemical attributes of the Thai malted wheat cultivars were similar to the commercial imported wheat malt samples. Consequently, the Thai cultivar would be suitable as raw brewing material.Significance and NoveltyThis preliminary study is limited to laboratory experimental design. Different conditions and processes could lead to different experimental results. Notwithstanding, this study provides the first report on some physicochemical properties of malted Thai wheat cultivars as the base raw material and adjunct for brewing purposes, which are critical in selecting cultivars for brewing purposes. This will intend to promote the cultivation of local wheat cultivars to meet the demand of local craft breweries.

Stress Drought and Mycorrhizal Dose on the Growth Characteristics of Boci Sawala Pandanga Morotai Local Peanuts

Mycorrhizal can provide plant resistance when drought came. Thus, this study aims to examine the effect of stress drought and mycorrhizal dose on the growth of Boci Sawala Pandanga Morotai local peanuts. The study was conducted at the BPTP screen house North Maluku in Kusu Village, Tidore Kepulauan City, North Maluku Province from March to June 2022 with the elevation of 50m above sea level. It utilized a factorial design with 2 factors. The first factor is the drought (K) 2 levels (K0 = optimal and K1 = stress), and the second factor is mycorrhizal (M) 4 levels (M0 = 0 g/polybag, M1 = 20 g/polybag, M2 = 25 g/polybag, M3 = 30 g/polybag) with 3 replications. The parameters observed consisted of relative growth rate, flowering age, and number of gynophores. The fingerprint results showed that the Boci Swala Pandanga Morotai local peanuts cultivar is tolerant to drought conditions which can be seen from the relative growth rate, number of ginophores, and the fastest flower. With drought stress conditions by giving mycorrhiza 30 g/polybag of peanuts land, it still grew and worked.

Evaluation of ginger genotypes for commercial cultivation in Mizoram and future prospects

A study was carried out for three years (2019, 2020 & 2021) in the experimental field at ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Mizoram Centre, Kolasib, Mizoram to check the performances of seven ginger genotypes viz., Gurubathani, Bold Nadia, Bhaise, John's ginger, PGS 121, PGS 95 and PGS 102 against Local ginger cv Thingria and their economic feasibility for commercialization in Mizoram, India. Out of seven genotypes when compared with Local ginger cv Thingria, five genotypes have out yielded Local cultivar in the range of 21.25 to 45.45% with Bhaise having 45.45% higher rhizome yield than Local ginger. On the other hand, Bold Nadia possesses a combination of good quality traits. The highest B:C ratio was obtained in Bhaise (2.08) followed by PGS 102 (1.99), Gorubathani (1.95) and Bold Nadia (1.87). The highest cost of cultivation was contributed by labour cost which was 53.40% of total cost of cultivation. The four genotypes viz., Bold Nadia, Bhaise, PGS 102 and Gorubathani can be selected as potential genotypes possessing optimum combination of all traits. Based on economic analysis, these genotypes can be considered for commercial purposes under Mizoram condition. Different production systems such as intercropping, pro-tray technology, and bulb extraction method may increase the overall income of farmers. Farmers need to venture the possibilities of value addition in ginger on commercial basis. Government intervention is required for creating marketing infrastructures, initiating youth-centered schemes, occasional skill training and developing farmer-friendly policies to protect them from market risks and exploitation. Ginger has been an important horticultural crop and widely marketed spice crop of Mizoram, a potential enterprise contributing to state economy

Using of Somatic Embryogenesis for Improving Bolting-resistant New Local Cultivars of Heirloom Carrot Cultivars (Daucus carota) Under Egyptian Conditions

Foreign carrot varieties with desirable morphological traits for the local and global markets must bloom in low temperatures for a long period of time in Egypt, but these climatic conditions are not available for flowering and seed production for these varieties, so it is common to import carrot seeds from abroad. On the other hand, Local cultivars bloom earlier when planted later than the advised date. Due to the heat, it cannot be grown throughout the summer. Pushing the somatic cells to divide and create a new polarity is necessary for the induction of tissues in the lab and the creation of somatic embryos. It was shown that several auxins play a crucial role in the development of these embryos, particularly 2, 4-D (2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid). This experiment was carried out to investigate the effect of five procedures in a tissue culture laboratory using two concentrations of 2, 4-D at a concentration of 2.5 and 5 mg/l for indirect somatic embryos induction from sexual embryos produced from culturing carrot (Daucus carota) seeds of Carrot cv. Kuroda (an heirloom variety). The results confirmed by scanning electron microscopy showed that it is crucial to compare the various processes used to create somatic Embryogenesis to assess their effectiveness. The four stages of somatic embryos, globular, heart, torpedo, and cotyledon form, were observed on the formed callus. The highest amounts of callus fresh weight, the number of globular-shaped stage embryos, the number of heart-shaped stage embryos, the number of torpedo-shaped stage embryos, the number of cotyledon-shaped stage embryos, and the number of seedlings had been recorded in the media supplemented with 2, 4-D at a concentration of 5 mg. This study was able to produce somatic embryos of the foreign carrot cv. Kuroda, Plants obtained from somatic embryos are included in selection programs to produce varieties resistant to early flowering under Egyptian conditions. These results constitute a step in the way in the field of improving bolting-resistant new local cultivars of heirloom carrot cultivars (Daucus carota) under Egyptian conditions.

Genetic Diversity of Common Olive (Olea europaea L.) Cultivars from Nikita Botanical Gardens Collection Revealed Using RAD-Seq Method.

In different countries, interest in the commercial cultivation of the olive has recently greatly increased, which has led to the expansion of its range. The Crimean Peninsula is the northern limit of the common olive (Olea europaea L.) range. A unique collection of common olive's cultivars and hybrids has been collected in the Nikitsky Botanical Gardens (NBG). The aim of this study was to assess the genetic diversity of 151 samples (total of several biological replicates of 46 olive cultivars including 29 introduced and 11 indigenous genotypes) using the ddRAD sequencing method. Structural analysis showed that the studied samples are divided into ten groups, each of which mainly includes cultivars of the same origin. Cultivars introduced to the Crimean Peninsula from different regions formed separate groups, while local cultivars joined different groups depending on their origin. Cultivars of Crimean origin contain admixtures of mainly Italian and Caucasian cultivars' genotypes. Our study showed that the significant number of Crimean cultivars contains an admixture of the Italian cultivar "Coreggiolo". Genetic analysis confirmed the synonymy for the cv. "Otur" and "Nikitskaya 2", but not for the other four putative synonyms. Our results revealed the genetic diversity of the olive collection of NBG and provided references for future research studies, especially in selection studies for breeding programs.

QUALITY PERFORMANCE OF DURUM WHEAT (Triticum durum L.) GERMPLASM UNDER RAINFED AND IRRIGATED FIELD CONDITIONS

Wheat is usually grown as a rainfed crop and no irrigation is applied in most production fields. This study was undertaken to evaluate the quality characteristics of durum wheat germplasm in under rainfed and irrigated field conditions during 2019-2020 and 2021-2022 growing seasons. The experiments were laid out in 12x12 alpha lattice block design with two replicates for rainfed and irrigated experiments. Grain protein content, starch content, wet gluten content and test weight were examined for 125 genotypes which consisted of fifty local cultivars, nineteen foreign cultivars used in Turkey, forty two gene bank landraces (ex situ) and fourteen local landraces (in situ). Supplemental irrigation resulted in a decrease in grain protein content and wet gluten content but an increase in starch content. Ex situ landraces (17.48%) and in situ landraces (16.62%) had higher grain protein content mean values under both rainfed and irrigated conditions. The correlation coefficient was 0.82 between grain protein content-wet gluten content whereas it was -0.77 and -0.65 between grain protein content-starch content and wet gluten content-starch content, respectively. The decrease in protein and gluten content in local and foreign cultivars was more dramatic in both years compared to landraces. Our results indicated that ex situ landraces have a great potential in terms of grain quality characteristics. The high genotypic diversity and improved quality characteristics in landraces provided extensive insights for future studies to improve crop quality in areas with limited irrigation opportunities.

Moisture Sorption Behavior and Effects of Temperature, Slice Thickness, and Loading Density on Drying Kinetics of a Local Sweet Potato Cultivar Grown in Bangladesh

This study is aimed at investigating the moisture sorption behavior and thin-layer drying kinetics of local sweet potato sada (LSPS) variety slices. The sweet potato tubers were sliced at 3, 5, and 7 mm and dried at temperatures of 45, 55, and 62°C at a constant air velocity of 0.6 m/sec in a laboratory-scale cabinet dryer. The BET (Brunauer, Emmet, and Teller) and GAB (Guggenheim-Anderson-De Bore) models were applied to fit the sorption data. Fick’s diffusion equation was used to calculate the drying rate constant and effective moisture diffusivity. Our current result reveals that LSPS exhibited an isotherm with a sigmoid (type II) shape, and the GAB model was more goodness of fit than the BET model to clarify the adsorption isotherm of LSPS. The drying time increased with increasing slice thickness but reduced with increasing drying temperature. The drying rate constant for thin-layer drying decreased with an increase in slice thickness but increased with increasing drying temperature. The loading density with two different shapes (French cut and cube cut) also affected the drying rate constant, which decreased with the increase in loading density. Using statistical parameters, five thin-layer drying models were applied to fit the drying data. The findings indicated that the logarithmic model for 45-55°C and the Page model for 62°C were the most suitable models for explaining the drying behavior of LSPS slices. The effective moisture diffusivity increased with increasing slice thickness and drying temperature, ranging from 7.10 × 10 − 11 to 1.55 × 10 − 10 m2/s over the temperature range studied. The activation energy also increased with increasing slice thickness, and the values were 5.55 and 7.39 kJ/mol for 3 and 5 mm slices, respectively. The findings suggested that slice thickness, drying temperature, and sample loading density on cabinet dryer trays affect the drying kinetics of sweet potato slices.

Antioxidant, Antidiabetic, and Anti-Obesity Properties of Apple Pulp Extracts (Malus domestica Bork): A Comparative Study of 15 Local and Commercial Cultivars from Spain.

Apples (Malus domestica Borkh.) have a great agricultural and economic impact worldwide; they also present an interesting nutritional value, and their consumption has been associated with beneficial health effects. In this study, 15 apple varieties (three commercial, 12 autochthonous genotypes) were collected from mountainous areas in Spain and were evaluated for their phenolic content, antioxidant, anti-obesity and antidiabetic activities. Quercetin was tested as the reference substance in bioassays due to its role as one of the most common flavonoids in apples and other vegetables. Total Phenolic Content (TPC) of apple pulp extracts was quantified using the Folin-Ciocalteu method. The antioxidant activity was determined by using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging and xanthine/xanthine oxidase (X/XO) scavenging assays. Antidiabetic and anti-obesity potential were evaluated by inhibition of alpha-glucosidase (α-GLU), advance glycation end products (AGEs) formation and pancreatic lipase. The results showed in general higher phenol content in autochthonous varieties than in commercial apple pulp extracts. Phenolic-rich extracts showed better antioxidant profiles and significantly inhibited AGEs production and the α-glucosidase enzyme in a dose-dependent manner. None of them showed pancreatic lipase inhibitory effects but in general, the genotype known as "Amarilla de Octubre" was the best in terms of TPC and bioactive properties.

Early Test of the Tolerance of Upland Rice to Drought in the Germination Phase

Climate change in the form of drought will reduce agricultural production, so it is necessary to develop superior drought-tolerant varieties. The study aimed to determine the drought-tolerant local upland rice cultivars at the germination stage. From September to December 2021, the study was carried out at the Seed Science and Technology Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, Tadulako University, Palu, Center Sulawesi, Indonesia. A completely random design (CRD) with a two-factor factorial pattern was employed in the study. Twelve cultivars comprised the first factor, while two superior drought-resistant variants served as comparators. The second factor is osmotic stress, namely P0 = control, P1 = -1 bar, P2 = -2 bar, and P3 = -3 bar, so there are 56 treatment combinations repeated four times, so there are 224 experimental units. The observed variables were maximum growth potential, germination rate, radicle length, plumule length, radicle dry weight, plumule dry weight, sprout dry weight, water volume, and germination rate. The results showed that drought stress through PEG – 1 bar did not affect germination. Using PEG down to -3 bar resulted in a significant reduction in germination. Pulut ko, logi and sina ponding are cultivars that have tolerance to drought stress.

Keragaman Fenetik Pisang Lokal yang Dimanfaatkan oleh Masyarakat Sentani Kabupaten Jayapura, Papua

Banana plants are a food source that has good prospects. This is because bananas are very popular with all groups, and are easy to grow in tropical areas. There are many varieties of wild and cultivated bananas that grow in Indonesia, one of which grows around Lake Sentani, causing differences in morphological characters between types and between varieties of bananas. The purpose of this study was to determine the phenetic diversity of local Sentani bananas based on morphological characters. The research was conducted in June-October 2022 in five villages around Lake Sentani, namely Ayapo, Yahim, Kampung Harapan, Doyo and Netar using the exploration method and interviewing key informants. For morphological identification using banana descriptor guidelines from the International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI). Morphological character data were analyzed in a quantitative descriptive manner using the NTSYs 2.01 application program. The results showed that there were 15 local banana cultivars based on the knowledge of the Sentani people. Based on the phenogram, the local Sentani bananas are grouped into two groups based on the character of the shape, size, color, taste, and color of the organs of the leaves, stems, flowers and fruit. The local banana cultivars have wide phenetic diversity with similarity coefficient values ranging from 20-73%. The closest similarity value is found in Hoyombi and Wabulu cultivars with a similarity value of 73%. The furthest similarity value was found in the Rawo and Anakhola cultivars in group A, and the Olukhu and Honggambu cultivars in group B with a value of 53%.  Key words: diversity; characters; morphology; bananas; Sentani.Â

Dynamic Rheological, Thermal, and Structural Properties of Starch from Modified Cassava Flour (MOCAF) with Two Cultivars of Cassava

The objectives of this study were to investigate alteration in the starch properties of modified cassava flour from two different local cassava cultivars from Indonesia at different fermentation times, provide structural information for starch molecules, and characterize the dynamic rheological and thermal properties. Resistant starch, non-resistant starch, and total starch levels in the cassava cultivars were also evaluated. Changes in the starch properties of Cimanggu and Kaspro (local cultivars of cassavas from Indonesia) were compared following different fermentation times (0, 12, and 24 hours). The properties of starch from modified cassava flour were influenced by the fermentation time, although both cassava varieties showed the same general characteristics. Their levels of resistant starch, non-resistant starch, and total starch were 33.28% to 51.74%, 20.51% to 23.72%, and 53.81% to 72.25% (g/100 g dry sample), respectively. The starch granules for the non-fermented samples were oval, polygonal, and round shapes; however, during fermentation, the starch granules became more porous and developed cracks of various sizes. The starches of both varieties showed an onset temperature between 67.85 and 70.17 °C, a peak temperature of 69.33 °C to 71.62 °C, and an end set temperature of 68.62 °C to 70.95 °C, with enthalpy values ranging from 1.25 mJ/mg to 1.74 mJ/mg.

Study of Comparative Morphology of Eight Cultivated Genotypes of Olea europaea L

The current study was designed to assess the comparative morphology of eight olive cultivars with different geographical origins and diverse genetic backgrounds, introduced to a new climatic zone. The morphological parameters of eight (five exotic and three domestic) olive cultivars (Bari Zaitoon-1, Bari Zaitoon-2, Favolosa (FS-17), Koroneiki, Balkasar, Ottobratica, Leccino, and Arbequina) were compared at the experimental area of the Department of Botany, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan (29°24′0″ North, 71°41′0″ East, 401–421 feet above sea level). Plant height, number of leaves/15 cm shoot, leaf size characteristics (leaf length, leaf width, leaf area, and length/width ratio), leaf shape characteristics (margin, leaf axil, base, and apex angles), leaf pigments (Chlorophyll a, Chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll contents, and carotenoids), phyllotaxy, and leaf color and venation were recorded. The highest plant height (28 cm) was obtained by Bari Zaitoon-2 followed by Bari Zaitoon-1 (24 cm), both of which are domestic cultivar of Pakistan, while the shortest height (5 cm) was obtained by Koroneiki. Leccino displayed the highest average number of leaves (17.8) on main shoot, followed by BARI-2 (16.4) and the lowest score was from Balkasar (10.4). Leaf area ranged from 5.66 cm2 (Bari Zaitoon-1) to 3.08 cm2 (Koroneiki). The longest leaf length (5.74 cm) was found in Bari Zaitoon-1 and the shortest (4.04 cm) in Koroneiki, while the broadest leaves were found in Leccino (1.54 cm) and the narrowest (1.12 cm) in Koroneiki. Bari Zaitoon-2 led in leaf length to width ratio (4.058) followed by Bari Zaitoon-1 (3.772) with small lanceolate leaves hardly reaching the value of 4, with the lowest value illustrated by Leccino. The total chloroplast pigments were highest in FS-17 followed by Bari Zaitoon-1 and Bari Zaitoon-2, while the lowest was in Arbequina. Chlorophyll a was highest in Bari Zaitoon-1 followed by FS-17 and Balkasar, with the lowest rate in Arbequina. Chlorophyll b content of FS-17 was the highest whereas the Chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll contents in Arbequina were the lowest of all the cultivars. The highest value of total carotenoids was found in Balkasar followed by FS-17 with the lowest value in Arbequina. The phyllotaxy was categorized into three types, i.e., alternate, opposite, and whorled. The combination of two or more types was usually observed on the same branch. The whorl of four leaves was also present in rare cases. Leaf venation was both pinnate and reticulate. The leaf base of most (four) of the olive cultivars, i.e., Arbequina, Balkasar, Leccino and FS-17, were cuneate having acute, rounded, apiculate, and cuspidate leaf tips, respectively. The findings revealed remarkable variations in olive morphology, especially in the leaves and a successful record of the preliminary data of olive cultivars from the study area was made. The present research demonstrated that local olive cultivars have unique characteristics that differentiate them from imported cultivars. Thus, local cultivars provide novel genetic resources that should be conserved.

Recent Advances in Crop Improvement of Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) for High Fruit Yield and Quality

Capsicum annuum L. is an indispensable spice cum vegetable crop cultivated worldwide for its edible fruit. The current research is majorly focused on the development of improved chilli varieties to achieve high fruit yield and quality to meet the rapidly growing market demands. Therefore, the screening of the chilli landraces and local cultivars for the genetic variation would provide best parents for the chilli crop improvement. Most of the recent chilli breeding programmes involve the assessment of genetic variation among the genotypes by the estimation of important genetic variation parameters such as phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation, heritability and genetic advance, gene flow, and cluster analysis. Correlation and path coefficient analysis was also applied to evaluate the progeny to understand the association between desired traits. The popular DNA-based molecular marker system, simple sequence repeat, is predominantly applied to understand the genetic variation as well as to select the desired progeny. In this current review, we discussed such recent research reports on chilli crop improvement for high fruit yield and quality, highlighted the recent major achievements and provided the important information for the chilli breeders. We hope this current review would shed light on recent developments in chilli crop improvement and help chilli breeders for their future breeding programmes.

Study the Indicators of germination and growth of two varieties of papaya

The study was conducted in the Seyhan Agricultural Reserve in the city of Siba in Basra Governorate during the period (2019-2021), for the purpose of knowing the extent of the success of the cultivation of Carica papaya L. and identifying the indicators of germination and growth of two varieties of local and Red lady papaya. Papaya seeds were grown under standard germination conditions.
 The results of the study showed the superiority of the Red Lady cultivar in the percentage of germination, seed germination speed and stem diameter, while the local cultivar was superior in seedling height.