Local Cultivars Research Articles

Contribution of Sucrose Metabolism in Phloem to Kiwifruit Bacterial Canker Resistance.

Kiwifruit bacterial canker, caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae (Psa), is a catastrophic disease affecting kiwifruit worldwide. As no effective cure has been developed, planting Psa-resistant cultivars is the best way to avoid bacterial canker in kiwifruit cultivation. However, the differences in the mechanism of resistance between cultivars is poorly understood. In the present study, five local kiwifruit cultivars were used for Psa resistance evaluation and classified into different resistance categories, tolerant (T), susceptible (S), and highly susceptible (HS), based on their various symptoms of lesions on the cane. Susceptible and highly susceptible varieties had a higher sucrose concentration, and a greater decrease in sucrose content was observed after Psa inoculation in phloem than in tolerant varieties. Three invertase activities and their corresponding gene expressions were detected in the phloem with lesions and showed the same trends as the variations in sucrose concentration. Meanwhile, after Psa inoculation, enzyme activities involved in antioxidant defense responses, such as PAL, POD, and CAT, were also altered in the phloem of the lesion position. With no differences among cultivars, PAL and POD activities in phloem first increased and then decreased after Psa inoculation. However, great differences in CAT activities were observed between T and S/HS categories. Our results demonstrate that sucrose content was negatively correlated with the disease resistance of different cultivars and that the increase in immune response enzymes is likely caused by increased sucrose metabolism in the phloem.

Mediterranean Diet: The Role of Phenolic Compounds from Aromatic Plant Foods

Today's global food system aggravates climate change while failing in meeting SDG2 and more. Yet, some sustainable food cultures, such as the Mediterranean Diet (MD), are simultaneously safe, healthy, and rooted in biodiversity. Their wide range of fruits, herbs, and vegetables convey many bioactive compounds, often associated with colour, texture, and aroma. Phenolic compounds are largely responsible for such features of MD's foods. These plant secondary metabolites all share in vitro bioactivities (e.g., antioxidants), and some are evidenced in vivo (e.g., plant sterols lower cholesterol levels in blood). The present work examines the role of polyphenols in the MD, with respect to human and planetary health. Since the commercial interest in polyphenols is increasing, a strategy for the sustainable exploitation of Mediterranean plants is essential in preserving species at risk while valuing local cultivars (e.g., through the geographical indication mechanism). Finally, the linkage of food habits with cultural landscapes, a cornerstone of the MD, should enable awareness-raising about seasonality, endemism, and other natural constraints to ensure the sustainable exploitation of Mediterranean plants.

The optimization of grain crops’ phytosanitary condition with the associative rhizobacteria application

The effectiveness of the associative rhizobacteria influence on the intensity of the soft wheat and triticale diseases’ development was studied. According to the experimental scheme, seeds were soaked and plants were sprayed twice with a working fluid, containing rhizobacteria strains of Bacillus subtilis 124-11, Sphingomonas sp. K1B and Pseudomonas fluorescens SPB2137 (titer 108-109 cl/ml), and other variants with combined treatment with a liquid organomineral composition Batr Gum were used. In the control plants were treated with water and Batr Gum (by 10 ml/l of water). The biopreparations influence on the diseases development was investigated using generally accepted accounting scales and additional phytopathological indicators. The Bacillus subtilis strain 124-11, had the maximal effectiveness against yellow and brown rust of wheat, and Sphingomonas sp. K1B - against triticale rusts. In particular, the treatment of the local cultivar Leningradskaya 6 with Bacillus subtilis 124-11 led to a decrease in the development of yellow rust by 12 %, the pustules number by 47 %, the strip length by 41 %, the pustule area by 39 %; the brown rust development by 9 %, the pustules number by 50 %, the pustule area the by 40 %. After the Dua, k-828 cultivar treatment with the Sphingomonas sp. K1B strain, a decrease in the plants affection by brown rust was observed by 13 %, the pustules number decreased by 59 %, the pustule area by 52 %. A significant decrease in the powdery mildew development on soft wheat and a decrease in the number of spots with plaque were recorded when using the Sphingomonas sp. K1B strain on cultivars: Leningradskaya 6 - by 12 % (79.4 %), Ajeeba - 19 % (72.5 %), Trizo - 13 % (87.2 %), Sudarynya - 3 % (60 %). On the soft wheat cultivar Sudarynya and triticale cultivars Aist Kharkovskiy and Dua, a decrease in helminthosporiotic root rot was revealed when using associative rhizobacteria; the maximal decrease in the disease development (by 32 %) was noted when using the strain Sphingomonas sp. K1B. When bacterial strains were used combined with the organomineral fertilizer Batr Gum, the development of powdery mildew and yellow rust was much slower than when they were used separately, while the greatest effectiveness against these diseases (by 31 % and 91 %) was revealed in the «Batr Gum + Pseudomonas fluorescens SPB2137» experimental variant.

Chemometric and Physico-Chemical Characterization of Fruit and Olive Oils from Autochthonous Cultivars Grown in Aragon (Spain)

Olive tree crops and the olive oil market are becoming less and less diverse due to the rise of intensive growth varieties, with the consequent loss of varietal richness provided by oils from minority and autochthonous cultivars. "Royal de Calatayud" and "Negral de Sabiñán" are two local minority cultivars in Aragon (Spain). Fruit parameters such as ripening, fresh weight, and oil yield were evaluated, as well as physico-chemical and chemical composition parameters in olive oil in comparison with "Arbequina", a cultivar widespread in Spain and other countries. Fruits were harvested from October to December in 2017 and 2019. Chemometric analysis revealed significant varietal differences among the three cultivars. In comparison with "Arbequina", higher oil yields were obtained in the two local cultivars. "Royal de Calatayud" has a higher oleic acid content and a greater quantity of phenolic compounds. It thus displays a better nutritional profile than "Arbequina". This preliminary study shows that "Royal de Calatayud" could be regarded as an excellent alternative to the "Arbequina" cultivar in the parameters analyzed.

Parametric mapping of QTL for resistance to European canker in apple in ‘Aroma’ × ‘Discovery’

Resistance to European canker (Neonectria ditissima) in apple is currently one of the most important breeding targets for commercial production in Sweden. Previous research has identified significant genetic variation in susceptibility to the disease, with the local Swedish cultivar ‘Aroma’ considered as one of the most resistant cultivars. Identification of genetic regions underlying the resistance of this cultivar would be a valuable tool for future breeding. Thus, we performed Bayesian quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping for resistance to European canker in a full-sib family of ‘Aroma’ × ‘Discovery’. Mapping was performed with the area under the disease progression curves (AUDPCs) from all seven (AUDPC_All7) and the first four assessments (AUDPC_First4), and three parameters of a sigmoid growth model for lesion length. As a scale for the effect of the different parameters, historic phenotypic data from screenings of a genetically diverse germplasm was compiled and re-analyzed. The parametrization of the data on lesion growth increased the number of QTL that could be identified with high statistical power, and provided some insight into their roles during different stages of disease development in the current experimental setup. Five QTL regions with strong or decisive evidence were identified on linkage groups 1, 8, 15, and 16. The QTL regions could be assigned to either of the parameters lesion length at the first assessment (‘LL_A1’), the maximal lesion growth rate (lesion length doubling time, ‘t_gen’), and the lesion length at girdling (‘LL_G’). Three of these QTL were traced along the pedigrees of some known relatives of the FS family, and discussed in relation to future crosses for breeding and genetic research.

Photosynthetic activity and metabolic profiling of bread wheat cultivars contrasting in drought tolerance.

The rapid increase in population growth under changing climatic conditions causes drought stress, threatening world food security. The identification of physiological and biochemical traits acting as yield-limiting factors in diverse germplasm is pre-requisite for genetic improvement under water-deficit conditions. The major aim of the present study was the identification of drought-tolerant wheat cultivars with a novel source of drought tolerance from local wheat germplasm. The study was conducted to screen 40 local wheat cultivars against drought stress at different growth stages. Barani-83, Blue Silver, Pak-81, and Pasban-90 containing shoot and root fresh weight >60% of control and shoot and root dry weight >80% and 70% of control, respectively, P (% of control >80 in shoot and >88 in root), K+ (>85% of control), and quantum yield of PSII > 90% of control under polyethylene glycol (PEG)-induced drought stress at seedling stage can be considered as tolerant, while more reduction in these parameters make FSD-08, Lasani-08, Punjab-96, and Sahar-06 as drought-sensitive cultivars. FSD-08 and Lasani-08 could not maintain growth and yield due to protoplasmic dehydration, decreased turgidity, cell enlargement, and cell division due to drought treatment at adult growth stage. Stability of leaf chlorophyll content (<20% decrease) reflects photosynthetic efficiency of tolerant cultivars, while ~30 µmol/g fwt concentration of proline, 100%-200% increase in free amino acids, and ~50% increase in accumulation of soluble sugars were associated with maintaining leaf water status by osmotic adjustment. Raw OJIP chlorophyll fluorescence curves revealed a decrease in fluorescence at O, J, I, and P steps in sensitive genotypes FSD-08 and Lasani-08, showing greater damage to photosynthetic machinery and greater decrease in JIP test parameters, performance index (PIABS), maximum quantum yield (Fv/Fm) associated with increase in Vj, absorption (ABS/RC), and dissipation per reaction center (DIo/RC) while a decrease in electron transport per reaction center (ETo/RC). During the present study, differential modifications in morpho-physiological, biochemical, and photosynthetic attributes that alleviate the damaging effects of drought stress in locally grown wheat cultivars were analyzed. Selected tolerant cultivars could be explored in various breeding programs to produce new wheat genotypes with adaptive traits to withstand water stress.

Regulatory Effects of Thai Rice By-Product Extracts from Oryza sativa L. cv. Bue Bang 3 CMU and Bue Bang 4 CMU on Melanin Production, Nitric Oxide Secretion, and Steroid 5α-Reductase Inhibition.

Alopecia and gray hair are common hair abnormalities affecting physical appearance and causing psychological problems. Chemical treatments partially restore hair disorders but have distressing side effects. Bioactive plant compounds constitute promising sources of potential medicinal substances instead of chemical agents, producing high side effects. In this study, we focused on the waste of local rice cultivars: Bue Bang 3 CMU (BB3CMU) and Bue Bang 4 CMU (BB4CMU) from the north of Thailand. The rice bran oil (RBO), defatted rice bran extract (DFRB), and rice husk (H) were determined for in vitro hair revitalization in melanin production, nitric oxide (NO) secretion, and steroid 5α-reductase inhibition. The results indicated that BB4CMU-RBO with high contents of iron, zinc, and free fatty acids showed a comparable induction of melanin production on melanocytes (130.18 ± 9.13% of control) to the standard drug theophylline with no significant difference (p > 0.05). This promising melanin induction could be related to activating the NO secretion pathway, with the NO secretion level at 1.43 ± 0.05 µM. In addition, BB4CMU-RBO illustrated a significant inhibitory effect on both steroid 5α-reductase genes (SRD5A) type 1 and type 2, which relates to its primary source of tocopherols. Hence, rice bran oil from the Thai rice variety BB4CMU could be applied as a promising hair revitalizing candidate, from natural resources, to help promote hair growth and re-pigmentation effects.

Effect of NaCl Salt Stress on Growth, Ions and Organic Solutes Contents in a Local Cultivar Kpinman of African Eggplant (Solanum macrocarpon L) in the Republic of Benin

Aims: This research has as objective to evaluate the effect of NaCl salt stress on African eggplant plant growth and to determine the implication of the accumulation of Na+, proline and soluble sugars and the reduction of K+ in the detrimental effect of NaCl in the growth of this plant species.&#x0D; Study Design: The experiment was laid out in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) having five treatments and three replications.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was carried out in screening house under natural conditions at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Commune of Abomey-Calavi. Republic of Benin from June to august 2022.&#x0D; Methodology: Five NaCI concentrations (0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 mM) were used to irrigate four weeks old plants for two weeks. Plant growth, sodium (Na), potassium (K), proline, and soluble sugars contents of leaves and roots were determined at the end of the experiment.&#x0D; Results: Salt stress induced a significant reduction (P = .001) in shoot and root growth from 30 : 60 or 90 mM NaCI according to the growth parameter but had no impact on shoot water content. Leaf and roots Na+ contents significantly increased (P = .001) under salt stress whereas K+ content deoreased significantly (P = .05) only in root. Na change was observed for proline and soluble sugars contents in both leaf and root.&#x0D; Conclusion: Salt stress reduces the growth of plants of African eggplant due mainly to Na+ ion toxicity. The ionic selectivity ratio (K+/ Na+) rather than the K+ ion content plays an important role in the response of plants of African eggplant to salt stress. Proline and soluble sugars accumulation appeared not to intervene.

Effect of potassium rate on yield, potassium uptake and canopy radiation interception of direct-seeded winter canola

Direct seeded canola (Brassica napus L.) has become increasingly popular in China’s key canola-producing regions. The studies on the K response of direct-seeded canola performance are limited. This research aimed to investigate the K utilization efficiency and canopy radiation interception rate of direct seeded winter canola at various K application rates. Two seasons field trials were done with five K levels (0, 75, 150, 225, and 300 kg K2O ha-1) utilizing two key local cultivars (Huayouza no. 9 and Zhongshuang no. 11) in Southwest China. Canola yield rose by 17.9%-82.6% in 2017-2018 and 21.1%-73.6% in 2018-2019 when K was applied, compared to K-unfertilized. Canola yield go up rapidly at first and then gradually when K ingestion grew, demonstrating the phenomena of K luxury consumption. As K levels rose, internal utilization efficiency, agronomic efficiency, and physiological efficiency all decreased. In canola pod development and maturation period, 150 kg K2O ha-1 intercepted the most solar radiation (73.8%), while K-unfertilized treatment intercepted the least (61.6%) on average. The K supply rates had a significant effect on canopy radiation interception and K absorption in winter canola. When K application exceeded a specific rate, luxury consumption occurred. Canola’s luxury K consumption was mostly stored in the pericarp and plant stem.

The effect of differences in fruit maturity levels of three Balinese banana cultivars (Musa spp.) on the quality of fruit flesh flour produced

Banana in Indonesia is one of the horticultural commodities with high economic value and widely cultivated in all regions. Banana is used not only for fresh food but also for processed products such as flour to reduce the use of wheat flour, which currently Indonesia imports in large quantities. This study aimed to determine the effect of differences in fruit maturity levels of three local Balinese banana cultivars on the quality of the banana flesh flour produced. The study used a randomized block design with 2 factors and 3 replications. The first factor was the local Balinese banana cultivar consisting of 3 levels (Ambon Kuning, Kepok, and Ketip banana), while the second factor was the maturity level of the fruit at harvest which also consists of 3 levels (unripe, physiologically ripe, and overripe). The results showed that the interaction between local Balinese banana cultivars and maturity level of the fruit at harvest was significantly different for all observed variables except for the heavy metal content of lead. Based on the various variables observed, the quality of banana flesh flour in the combination of Balinese banana cultivars and degree of maturity of the fruit at harvest is relatively adequate as a wheat flour substitute. Unripe Ketip banana produce the best quality banana flesh flour, with a weak smell, a powdery form, the color L*81.41, protein content of 5.01%, iron content of 211.64%, and lead content of 0.75%.

Characteristics qualities of banana peel flour on three balinese banana cultivars (Musa spp.) with different fruit maturity levels

The province of Bali is among the top banana producers in Indonesia. It has high diversity of different varieties of banana. Banana peel waste produced can be transformed into banana flour that has the same nutrition and function with the wheat flour that can become alternative usage aside from wheat flour. This study aimed to analyze the characteristics quality of banana peel flour due to the influence of cultivar differences and the level of ripeness of the fruit at harvest. The study used a randomized block design with 2 factors and 3 replications. The first factor was the local Balinese banana cultivar (Ambon Kuning, Kepok and Ketip banana). The second factor was level maturity of fruit (Uunripe, Physiologically ripe and Overripe). The results showed that the interaction between local Bali banana cultivar and maturity level of fruit at harvest had a significant effect on all variables observed, except for color and content of the heavy metal lead. Characteristics quality of banana peel flour in the combination of cultivar types and fruit ripeness levels were weak to very strong banana aroma, faded brown to dark brown color. Based on the analysis, it was found that Kepok banana level of maturity Overripe peel flour almost meet the Indonesian National Standard 3751:2009 with moisture content of 11.33%, ash of 13.32, protein content of 88.48%, mineral of Fe, K, Zn respectively of 53.78 mg/kg, 3.18%, 36.20 mg/kg, vitamin B2 of 14,83 mg/kg, total soluble solid of 3.07 °Brix and pH of 6.27.

Growth and development of local waxy corn of Southeast Sulawesi and its implications for cultivation

Waxy corn is an important cereal in Southeast Sulawesi. The Southeast Sulawesi farmers have been long times cultivating waxy corns continuously so there are many local waxy corn in the islands. We try to develop corn through cultivation practices and breeding programs. Consequently, we must know the development of the local waxy corn. This research aims to describe the growth and development phase of the local waxy corn. The growth phase was identified by the leaf collar method and the release of the tassel coupled with leaf growth variables, while the developmental phase was based on silking and seed. Five local waxy corn cultivars and one hybrid variety were used to determine the growth and development phase. The research was carried out at the Experimental Garden of the Faculty of Agriculture, Halu Oleo University, Kendari City, Indonesia, from May to August 2021. Stages of growth after silking can be identified by the development of the kernels on the ear. The result of the research show that (i) the corn staging system divides development into vegetative (V) which take time about 49-55 days and reproductive (R) stages which take times about 31-36 days. Local waxy corn from Southeast Sulawesi typically develops 9-13 leaves, silks about 50-55 days after emergence, and matures about 80-91 days after emergence.

Productivity and Resource Use Efficiency in Lentil Production in Selected Areas of Bangladesh

Optimum use of resources in crop production is crucial for reducing production costs and getting higher profits. Lentil farmers are traditionally using different inputs without considering their efficient use levels. Hence, the present study estimated the productivities of various lentil varieties and measured the resource use efficiency in lentil production. The study analyzed 360 household data collected from 240 improved variety users and 120 local cultivar users spread in the six lentil growing districts namely Faridpur, Magura, Kushtia, Jhenaidah, Manikgonj, and Sirajganj. Along with descriptive statistics, the study used Cobb- Douglas production and resource use efficiency models for analyzing the data. The average productivity of improved variety (1.63 t/ha) was much higher than local cultivars (1.08 t/ha). The highest productivity was found in mediumintensive growing areas due to the use of better variety (BARI lentil 8) and a higher level of inputs. Human labour, seed, TSP, MoP, other fertilizers, pesticides, irrigation, and variety had a positive and significant effect on lentil production. Farmers were not efficient in using inputs, they used excessive amount of labour but less amounts of seed and fertilizers. Lentil farmers faced the lack of suitable land, biotic and abiotic stresses, and lack of improved seeds. Farmers should be supplied with improved variety and production technology to increase farm profits through the efficient use of resources in lentil production.&#x0D; Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 46(3): 231-243, September 2021

The Effect of Weather Parameters on Yield Performance of Some Aromatic Rice Cultivars (Oryza sativa L.) of Manipur

Background: The primary objective of the study was to find out the effect of Weather parameters on the Chakhao production. Reports postulated that crop productivity is impacted by agricultural practises rather than climate. However, yield is very much dependent on environmental and cultural conditions which are less studied and not yet defined. Since Chakhao is traditionally a low yielding crop of Manipur. Despite of being their great values in nutrition, medicinally and economically, the farmers of Manipur neglect the cultivation of the black scented rice in large scale due its low yield. Thus, the current study was taken to have a better understanding of the growth and yield with effect to weather parameters of the three Chakhao cultivars viz. Poireiton, Amubi, Angouba. Methods: The present investigation was conducted to study the effect of various weather parameters on growth and yield of black scented and aromatic rice cultivars of Manipur. During this study, three local rice cultivars of Manipur was cultivated in kharif crop season (June -July to November-December) during the year 2019 , 2020 and 2021 at PDDUIAS, Research farm of Utlou, Manipur. The experimental field is located at 24°43‘78²N Latitude, 93°51‘60”E Longitude and the elevation or altitude of 2513 feet above mean sea level. During these experiments different major growth stages were recorded, while all other input parameters were kept constant. For this study the spacing adopted was 25 cm x 25 cm. After harvesting, the agro-morphological characters compared to analyse the effect of weather parameters were Temperature, Relative Humidity, Rainfall and Wind speed for the period of 3 years i.e., 2019, 2020, 2021. Result: It was observed that the rice variety Chakhao Angouba resulted the highest yield followed by Chakhao Poireiton and Chakhao Amubi. The correlation between weather parameters and agro-morphological growth and yield related parameters were estimated by Pearson correlation coefficient and degree of dependencies of these agro-morphological parameters on weather parameters were analysed by using linear regression analysis. All the yield attributing characters i.e., number of panicles per plant, number of grains per panicle and 1000 grain weight (g) were taken but they do not showed significant correlation except average rainfall and the number of leaves.

Growth and Yield of Local Upland Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Wakawondu Cultivar in Various Plant Populations and Balanced Fertilization

The present study aimed to analyze the effect of plant population and fertilization based on efficiency and nutrient adequacy balanced between organic and inorganic on the growth and yield of local upland rice Wakawondu cultivar. The treatment design was split-plot in a randomized block design with three replications. The main plot was the number of seeds per planting hole (A) consisting of three levels, namely one seed (A1), two seeds (A2), and three seeds per planting hole (A3). Subplots were organic and inorganic fertilization (B) which consists of four levels, namely without fertilization (B0), 100% bokashi from Cromolaena odorata or 10 tons ha-1 (B1), giving 100 % inorganic fertilizer or Urea 200 kg ha-1, SP-36 100 kg ha-1, KCl 100 kg ha-1 (B2), and a combination of 50% bokashi fertilizer or 5 tons ha-1, and 50% inorganic fertilizer or Urea 100 kg ha-1, SP-36 50 kg ha-1, KCl 50 kg ha-1 (B3). Plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, productive and maximum of tillers, harvesting age, flag leaf area, length of panicle, total number of grains, percentage of open grain, grain weight of 1000 grains, dry grain weight, and yield were the variables observed. Data were statistically analyzed using ANOVA and further DMRT α= 0.05. The results showed that three seeds per planting hole were the best treatment to increase the number of productive tillers, namely 7.8 tillers with a production of 1.52 tons ha-1 or an increase in productivity by 5% compared to one seed per planting hole. A balanced fertilization combination of organic and inorganic fertilizers is the best treatment that can increase the number of productive tillers, namely 7.1 tillers with a production of 1.8 tons ha-1 or an increase in productivity of 16% compared to without fertilization.

Effect of Cultivar and Geographical Origin on the Volatile Composition of Greek Monovarietal Extra Virgin Olive Oils

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is highly appreciated by consumers for its unique sensory characteristics that are directly related to its volatile composition. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of cultivar and geographical origin on the volatile composition of Greek monovarietal EVOOs. Samples of three local cultivars (Koroneiki, Kolovi and Adramytini) originating from three areas of Greece (Crete, Lesvos and the Peloponnese), spanning two consecutive harvesting periods, were selected. Their volatile components were determined using headspace solid-phase microextraction combined with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. More than 70 volatile compounds were identified. Alcohols were the dominant class (43–50%), followed by ketones (12–24%), esters (12–18%) and aldehydes (4–12%). The most prominent volatile compounds were (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol (6–11%), 1-penten-3-ol (7–11%), (E)-3-hexenyl acetate (0.5–11%) and 3-pentanone (8–16%). Significant differences were observed and highlighted. Clear separations between samples from different cultivars and geographic provenances were achieved using multivariate analysis and the most discriminating volatiles were identified. Additionally, using multivariate receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, a combination of five chemical markers was found superior (area under the curve, AUC: 1.00; predictive accuracy: 100%) for the correct classification of Koroneiki EVOOs according to geographical origin.

Isolation and identification of fungi associated with root rot disease in broad bean caused by Rhizoctonia solani (Kuhn)and select the disease suppresser species as biological control agents 2.Induced resistance markers by Trichoderma harzianiumand their

The antagonism ability of the15 species of fungi associated with rot roots disease against the pathogen R.solani showed the growth of fungus T. harzianumwas faster than the pathogen R.s which cover all area of the perti plate with the antagomism degree 1.33. A field experiment was carried out in 2011/2012 in Agriculture College /Tikrit University for the test of the induction of a systemic resistance by T. harzianumagainst root rot disease caused by R.s in three cultivars of broad bean. Shabila cultivar infected with R.s and treated with T. harzianumgave maximum seeds germination (98.67%) compared with 67.67% in the infected and untreated plants. Maximum specific activity of Peroxidase was 10.9 unit/mg protein recorded in the infected and treated (with T. harzianum) local cultivar,while maximum specific activity of β-1,3glucanase was 0.289 unit/mg protein recorded in the uninfected and treated local cultivar, in the infected and treated Barshlona cultivar, maximum specific activities of Chitinase and Phenyl alanine ammonialyase were 0.074 and 2.089 unit/mg protein, while maximum specific activity of Poly phenol oxidasewas 2.163 unit/mg protein recorded in the infected and treated Shabila cultivar.Maximum total phenols was 19.22 mg/g tissue recorded in the infected and treated local cultivar. T. harzianum reduce the percentage of dead cells from 75.3, 70.0 and 58.3% in the infected local,Shabila and Barshlona cultivars to 20.07,30.0 and 44.4% in the infected and treated these cultivars,respectively.in addition, T.h reduced the percentage of disease severity from, 44.67, 50.67 and 44.67% in the infected local,Shabila and Barshlona cultivars to 14.3, 23.67 and21.93% in the infected and treated these cultivars, respectively, while the productivity of these infected cultivars increased from 53.7,34.8 and 74.3 g of fresh seeds to 104,68 and 158.8 g of fresh seeds when treated with T. harzianum.

Improvement of morphology, biochemical characters, and molecular changes of local upland rice cv. Sidikalang M3 generation through induction of gamma-ray irradiation

Abstract. Naibaho D, Purba E, Hanafiah DS, Hasibuan S. 2023. Improvement of morphology, biochemical characters, and molecular changes of local upland rice cv. Sidikalang M3 generation through induction of gamma-ray irradiation. Biodiversitas 24: 200-207. Upland rice cultivar Sidikalang is one of the local upland red rice cultivars of North Sumatra, which has the potential to be developed. However, this rice has limited planting area due to factors such as its higher plant height and long duration compared to other rice cultivars. Plant characteristics can be improved through induced mutation using gamma-ray irradiation. This study aimed to determine gamma rays' effect on changes in morphological, biochemical, and molecular characters and to obtain a superior Sidikalang cultivar mutant plant M3 generation. Observations of morphological changes were carried out quantitatively and qualitatively, biochemical analysis (amino acid content) was done using a High Performant Liquid Chromatography analyzer, and molecular analysis was performed using Random Amplified Polymorphism DNA markers. The results showed that 600 Gy gamma-ray irradiation improved quantitative morphological characters (shorter plant height, higher number of tillers and panicles, faster panicle release age) and qualitative morphological characters (flag leaf angle in dwarf mutants became upright) compared to no irradiation. 400 Gy gamma-ray irradiation also increased almost all amino acid content compared to no irradiation. The presence of polymorphic bands in the M3 generation Sidikalang cultivar mutant plant evidenced changes in morphological and biochemical characters.

Sustaining maize (Zea mays) productivity through improved agronomic management practices under jhum ecosystems

Maize (Zea mays L.) is an important crop cultivated in jhum farming (shifting cultivation) practiced in north-east India. However, productivity of maize in jhum is very low due to use of local cultivars and poor management practices. A participatory field trial was conducted in 2015–16 and 2016–17 to assess the impact of high yielding varieties/ cultivars and improved management practices on maize productivity and soil fertility in farmer’s jhum field of Ri- Bhoi District, Meghalaya. Nine cultivars/varieties of maize (Improved cultivars/varieties: Hemant, Vijay Composite, Megha Maize 1, Megha Maize 2, RCM 1-1, RCM 1-3, RCM 75 and local cultivars: SaruTangring and SaruBhoi) were evaluated under improved agronomic management practices (IAMP) and farmers’ practice in a factorial randomized block design. Results revealed that number of seeds per cob, seed weight per cob and seed index were significantly higher under IAMP compared to that of farmers’ practice during both the years. The IAMP produced significantly higher grain and stover yields of maize than farmers’ practice. The maize variety Megha Maize 1 recorded significantly higher grain yield (3.15 and 2.92 t/ha in 2015–16 and 2016–17, respectively) than the rest of varieties/cultivars. The variety RCM 75 (7.13 t/ha) being at par with Megha maize 1 (6.83 t/ha) produced higher stover yield than others in year 2015–16. IAMP recorded significantly higher soil organic carbon, pH and available N, P, K over farmers’ practice after two years. Thus, the study recommends adoption of improved agronomic management practices and high yielding cultivars like Megha Maize 1 and RCM 75 for sustaining soil fertility and enhancing productivity of maize under jhum farming in the north eastern region (NER) of India.

Nutrient management in maize (Zea mays) under shifting cultivation for higher productivity and sustainability in North-East India

A participatory field experiment was conducted during the rainy (kharif) season of 2015 and 2016 at farmer’s land of Meghalaya, to identify suitable maize (Zea mays L.) varieties and nutrient-management practices for higher maize productivity under shifting cultivation (jhum). The experiment was laid out in a factorial randomized block design with treatment combination of 3 maize cultivars, viz. ‘JKMH 502’ (Hybrid), ‘RCM 61A’ (Composite) and ‘Saru Bhoi’ (Local), and 5 nutrient-management practices, viz. N1, farmers’ practice (no manure or fertilizer application); N2 , 50% of recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) (40, 20 and 20 kg N, P2 O5 and K2 O/ha) + FYM 2 t/ha + 500 kg lime/ha in furrow; N3 , fertilizer + FYM (50% N from each source to supply 40, 20 and 20 kg N, P2 O5 and K2 O/ha) + 500 kg lime/ha in furrow; N4 , maize + groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) intercropping (4 : 2 ratio) with N3 ; and N5, foliar spray of diammonium phosphate (DAP) @ 2% at 30 and 60 days after sowing (DAS) with N1 . Among the cultivars, the composite cultivar ‘RCM 61A’ produced higher number of rows/cob (13), seeds/cob (271.2), seed weight/cob (67.2 g) and test weight (247.4 g) than hybrid and local cultivars. However, among the nutrient-management practices, N2 treatment resulted in significantly higher grain yield, straw yield and harvest index than N1. The soil fertility in terms of SOC, available N, P2 O5 and K2 O were significantly higher under treatment N4 . Thus, cultivation of maize composite (‘RCM 61A’) and adoption of maize + groundnut intercropping (4 : 2 ratio) along with application of fertilizer + FYM (50% N from each for total supply of 40, 20 and 20 kg N, P2 O5 and K2 O/ha + 500 kg lime) is a profitable practices for improving maize productivity in jhum lands and sustaining soil health.