Local Genotypes Research Articles

The hsp70 EXPRESSION PROFILING IN FAYOUMI AND MATROUH CHICKEN SUBJECTED TO HEAT STRESS

The present study was undertaken to test the effect of heat stress (39 °C) for 4 hours on Hsp70 mRNA profiling in two chicken genotypes. Expression levels of hsp70 were used to assess the heat tolerance of two Egyptian local genotypes (Fayoumi and Matrouh). The expression level of the hsp70 gene is high in the Fayoumi type as opposed to the Matrouh type. In blood, after four hours of exposure, the hsp70 mRNA expression analysis revealed higher expression levels. These results showed that the acquired thermotolerance is positively linked to the stress memory. Within the two genotypes, Fayoumi type exhibited the highest means for hsp70 production, and therefore the heat stress is better tolerated, which indicates that Fayoumi mortality rate might be lower genetically under heat stress

Adaptive Differences in Gene Expression in Farm-Impacted Seedbeds of the Native Blue Mussel Mytilus chilensis.

The study of adaptive population differences is relevant for evolutionary biology, as it evidences the power of selective local forces relative to gene flow in maintaining adaptive phenotypes and their underlying genetic determinants. However, human-mediated hybridization through habitat translocations, a common and recurrent aquaculture practice where hybrids could eventually replace local genotypes, risk populations’ ability to cope with perturbations. The endemic marine mussel Mytilus chilensis supports a booming farming industry in the inner sea of Chiloé Island, southern Chile, which entirely relies on artificially collected seeds from natural beds that are translocated to ecologically different fattening centers. A matter of concern is how farm-impacted seedbeds will potentially cope with environmental shifts and anthropogenic perturbations. This study provides the first de novo transcriptome of M. chilensis; assembled from tissue samples of mantles and gills of individuals collected in ecologically different farm-impacted seedbeds, Cochamó (41°S) and Yaldad (43°S). Both locations and tissue samples differentially expressed transcripts (DETs) in candidate adaptive genes controlling multiple fitness traits, involved with metabolism, genetic and environmental information processing, and cellular processes. From 189,743 consensus contigs assembled: 1,716 (Bonferroni pvalue ≤ 0.05) were DETs detected in different tissues of samples from different locations, 210 of them (fold change ≥ | 100|) in the same tissue of samples from a different location, and 665 (fold change ≥ | 4|) regardless of the tissue in samples from a different location. Site-specific DETs in Cochamó (169) and Yaldad (150) in candidate genes controlling tolerance to temperature and salinity shifts, and biomineralization exhibit a high number of nucleotide genetic variants with regular occurrence (frequency > 99%). This novel M. chilensis transcriptome should help assessing and monitoring the impact of translocations in wild and farm-impacted mussel beds in Chiloé Island. At the same time, it would help designing effective managing practices for conservation, and translocation traceability.

Cultivating for the Industry: Cropping Experiences with Hypericum perforatum L. in a Mediterranean Environment

Hypericum perforatum is an intensively studied medicinal plant, and much experimental activity has been addressed to evaluate its bio-agronomical and phytochemical features as far. In most cases, plant material used for experimental purposes is obtained from wild populations or, alternatively, from individuals grown in vases and/or pots. When Hypericum is addressed to industrial purposes, the most convenient option for achieving satisfactory amounts of plant biomass is field cultivation. Pot cultivation and open field condition, however, are likely to induce different responses on plant’s metabolism, and the obtained yield and composition are not necessarily the same. To compare these management techniques, a 4-year cultivation trial (2013–2016) was performed, using three Hypericum biotypes obtained from different areas in Italy: PFR-TN, from Trento province, Trentino; PFR-SI, from Siena, Tuscany; PFR-AG, from Agrigento province, Sicily. Both managements gave scarce biomass and flower yields at the first year, whereas higher yields were measured at the second year (in open field), and at the third year (in pots). Plant ageing induced significant differences in phytochemical composition, and the total amount of phenolic substances was much higher in 2015 than in 2014. A different performance of genotypes was observed; the local genotype was generally more suitable for field cultivation, whereas the two non-native biotypes performed better in pots. Phytochemical profile of in-pots plants was not always reflecting the actual situation of open field. Consequently, when cultivation is intended for industrial purposes, accurate quality checks of the harvested material are advised.

Multiple DNA marker-assisted diversity analysis of Indian mango (Mangifera indica L.) populations

Arbitrary (65 RAPD, 25 ISSR, 23 DAMD), gene-targeted (22 SCoT, 33 CBDP) and co-dominant sequence specific (40 SSR) markers were used individually, or in combinations, to examine the genetic variability within and among 70 selected Indian mango genotypes based on geographic origin (East India, West India, North India, South India) and fruit status (Selection, Hybrid, Landrace). The highest genetic variability was demonstrated by the East Indian populations, followed by those from South India, West India, and North India, when measured in terms of Na, Ne, H, I, PB%, Ht and Hs. Interestingly, the local genotypes of Odisha, which forms a part of East Indian populations, showed the highest diversity compared to hybrid or selection groups, suggesting that the indigenous genotypes hold a greater potential for exploiting the unique and favourable alleles. The maximum genetic variability was detected in geographical/fruit status populations with SSRs (Na—1.76/1.88, Ne—1.48/1.51, H—0.28/0.30, I—0.41/0.45, PB%—76.1/86.9, Ht—0.31/0.32 and Hs—0.28/0.30), followed by CBDPs and SCoTs, reflecting their preeminence for examining the level of genetic polymorphism and diversity. Outcome of AMOVA based analyses as well as low-to-moderate coefficient of genetic differentiation (Gst) and high gene flow (Nm) indicated a greater amount of intra-population genetic variation compared to heterogeneity at inter-population level. Information generated through this investigation could facilitate conservation and further exploitation of mango germplasm including genetic improvement through breeding.

Within-population genotype – Soil interactions drive phenotypic variation in a recovering fir forest from central Mexico

Within-population phenotypic variation can be used as a proxy for adaptive potential and individual performance in forest plantations and natural populations. Such variation can be viewed as the sum of genetic factors and their interaction with environmental variation (e.g., soil characteristics), which lead identical genotypes to produce contrasting phenotypes in different environments, and introduced individuals to perform differently from local trees in plantations and test trials. Predicting this variation is of great interest to foresters working with commercially important species. Such is the case of sacred fir (Abies religiosa), a species that is an important source of wood and resin for communities living above 2500 m asl in central Mexico. We determined the contribution of both genetic and soil factors for predicting phenotypic performance of local naturally regenerated (NR) and introduced by reforestation (RF) seedlings in a sacred fir trial test performed by local communities in the Nevado de Toluca National Park. In spite of a low genetic differentiation between plant sources, NR seedlings outperformed RF plants in terms of height, diameter and water use. According to our models, a large part of these differences could be explained by the interaction of genetic, management and edaphic factors within the trial site, with local genotypes using more efficiently the available soil nitrogen than the introduced ones; thus indicating that planting could be changing plant microenvironment and have a measurable phenotypic effect. Association studies between genetic and edaphic variation further suggested that local adaptation might also be occurring at small within-population scales. All such traits, when correctly integrated, may result in fair genome-based phenotypic predictions for small secluded natural populations, which could be at the base of better reforestation practices, and conservation and assisted migration programs.

Physicochemical characterization of starch from seven genotypes banana in West Sumatera

Banana fruit has the potential to be developed as a functional food. For that reason, a detailed characterization of its fruit is necessary. We collected seven banana local genotypes that are widely cultivated in West Sumatra, Indonesia. This study is aimed to determine the physical characteristics and functional properties of banana starch. The analysis was carried out for its starch and proximate variables, XRD, XRF, and RVA. The results showed that the average water content of the starch from the 7 types bananas is ranging from 8.3 to 15.8%, while their ash content is ranging from 0.5 to 2.29%. Protein is in a range between 1.28 to 1.58%, while the fat content is ranging from 0.12 to 0.7%. The crystallinity structure types A involving Pisang Sipuluik, Randah, and Gadang genotypes. Genotype Rotan, Tinalun, and Jantan are classified as type B. While, Pisang Mas is classified as type C. The average starch gelatinization temperature from all 7 genotypes ranges from 70°C to 75.7°C.

Effect of Culture Media and Plant Growth Regulators on Shoot Proliferation and Rooting of Internode Explants from Moroccan Native Almond (Prunus dulcis Mill.) Genotypes

In this study, several methods have been used to facilitate shoot formation from nodal explants of local almond ecotypes known as “Beldi” grown in Eastern Morocco. Nodal segments of divers old local genotypes were cultured on various concentrations of auxin (indole-3-butyric acid (IBA)) and cytokinins (6-benzyl-aminopurine (BAP), thidiazuron (TDZ), and kinetin (KIN)) added to two different media (Murashige and Skoog (MS) and Heller medium). The results showed that TDZ was more effective than the other tested hormones for in vitro proliferation of the “Beldi” ecotype. TDZ at the concentration of 1 mg/L significantly improved the nodal shoot proliferation rate, with the highest percentage (63.6% ± 0.63) and number of regenerated shoots (13 ± 0.54) recorded for S1 genotype inoculated on MS medium, while the most significant rooting rate (60.41% ± 0.81) of proliferated shoots and number of roots per shoot (7.3 ± 1.36) were achieved for S2 genotype on 1 mg/L of IBA incorporated to a half-strength MS medium. With 80% of plantlets survival, the rooted shoots were successfully adapted to the in vivo conditions and were grown vigorously in the greenhouse without any morphological abnormalities.

Microbe-mediated adaptation in plants.

Interactions with microbial symbionts have yielded great macroevolutionary innovations across the tree of life, like the origins of chloroplasts and the mitochondrial powerhouses of eukaryotic cells. There is also increasing evidence that host-associated microbiomes influence patterns of microevolutionary adaptation in plants and animals. Here we describe how microbes can facilitate adaptation in plants and how to test for and differentiate between the two main mechanisms by which microbes can produce adaptive responses in higher organisms: microbe-mediated local adaptation and microbe-mediated adaptive plasticity. Microbe-mediated local adaptation is when local plant genotypes have higher fitness than foreign genotypes because of a genotype-specific affiliation with locally beneficial microbes. Microbe-mediated adaptive plasticity occurs when local plant phenotypes, elicited by either the microbial community or the non-microbial environment, have higher fitness than foreign phenotypes as a result of interactions with locally beneficial microbes. These microbial effects on adaptation can be difficult to differentiate from traditional modes of adaptation but may be prevalent. Ignoring microbial effects may lead to erroneous conclusions about the traits and mechanisms underlying adaptation, hindering management decisions in conservation, restoration, and agriculture.

Genetic control and assessment of breeding value of selected exotic and local genotypes of taro (Colocasia esculenta) for yield and yield components

The study sought to assess combining ability and establish the gene action involved in the inheritance and heritability of yield and yield components in taro. Five (5) parents and twenty (20) F1 hybrids generated from hybridization were evaluated in 3 locations in Ghana. The field trials were laid in RCBD with three replications. Data measured included number of stolons, number of suckers, corm length (mm), corm width (mm), corm weight (g), yield (kg/ha) and dry matter content. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted using Statistical Tool for Agricultural Research version 2.0.1. Griffing Method II, Model 1 diallel analysis was used to estimate the general and specific combining ability. Heterosis was estimated for all the F1 hybrids. Heritability and correlation among the traits was also estimated. The ANOVA revealed significant differences among the genotypes for yield and its components. The high magnitude of SCA over GCA, high broad sense heritability over narrow sense heritability and below unity Bakers ratio observed for most of the yield traits studied indicates the predominance of non-additive gene action in the expression of the traits. The highly significant positive heterosis and above parental means recorded for the progenies indicates that effective progress can be made in the development of high yielding varieties of taro. CE/IND/16 which recorded significant positive GCA for all the traits except for number of stolons can be included in hybridization programs for varietal development in taro. Hybrids: CE/MAL/32 $$\times $$ KAO19, KAO19 $$\times $$ CE/IND/16, CE/IND/16 $$\times $$ KAO19 and CE/IND/16 $$\times $$ BL/SM/10 which had high hybrid vigor across the research environments could be further evaluated in other environments to ascertain their potentials for release to farmers for cultivation. Significant positive association observed between corm weight and yield/ha(kg) and corm width (mm), indicates that breeding for high corm weight and corm width will definitely improve the yield of taro.

Genetic characterization at the species and symbiovar level of indigenous rhizobial isolates nodulating Phaseolus vulgaris in Greece

Phaseolus vulgaris (L.), commonly known as bean or common bean, is considered a promiscuous legume host since it forms nodules with diverse rhizobial species and symbiovars. Most of the common bean nodulating rhizobia are mainly affiliated to the genus Rhizobium, though strains belonging to Ensifer, Pararhizobium, Mesorhizobium, Bradyrhizobium, and Burkholderia have also been reported. This is the first report on the characterization of bean-nodulating rhizobia at the species and symbiovar level in Greece. The goals of this research were to isolate and characterize rhizobia nodulating local common bean genotypes grown in five different edaphoclimatic regions of Greece with no rhizobial inoculation history. The genetic diversity of the rhizobial isolates was assessed by BOX-PCR and the phylogenetic affiliation was assessed by multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) of housekeeping and symbiosis-related genes. A total of fifty fast-growing rhizobial strains were isolated and representative isolates with distinct BOX-PCR fingerpriniting patterns were subjected to phylogenetic analysis. The strains were closely related to R. anhuiense, R. azibense, R. hidalgonense, R. sophoriradicis, and to a putative new genospecies which is provisionally named as Rhizobium sp. I. Most strains belonged to symbiovar phaseoli carrying the α-, γ-a and γ-b alleles of nodC gene, while some of them belonged to symbiovar gallicum. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first time that strains assigned to R. sophoriradicis and harbored the γ-b allele were found in European soils. All strains were able to re-nodulate their original host, indicating that they are true microsymbionts of common bean.

Long-term effects of stand density management and genotype on wood properties of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) in the mid-South USA

Changes in ownership and forest product use patterns have incentivized growing loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) for chip-and-saw and sawtimber in shorter rotations in the southeastern United States. These management objectives can be accomplished by relatively low stand densities and moving fast-growing genotypes from the Atlantic Coastal Plain to other regions of the loblolly pine range, but wood quality concerns accompany these silvicultural options. In three trials in the Western Gulf region of the mid-South United States, effects of stand density management options on key wood properties (specific gravity, corewood (juvenile wood) diameter, corewood proportion, latewood proportion, corewood:outerwood (juvenile wood:mature wood) transition age as determined using specific gravity) were tested. At one site, clearwood modulus of elasticity (MOE) and modulus of rupture (MOR) were measured. Genotypes of Atlantic Coastal Plain and Western Gulf origin were also tested at two sites. In a trial in which stand density was managed at diverse levels through sequential thinning, beginning at precommercial size, only a regime that was commercially thinned to half its density two times from 297 TPH at age 7 to 62 TPH by age 41 had significant reductions in MOE, MOR, and specific gravity. Corewood diameter increased with decreasing planting density at two sites at the northwestern edge of the loblolly pine range, but corewood proportion declined with decreasing planting density due to greater diameter growth and earlier transition from corewood to outerwood. Specific gravity differences among planting densities was site-specific, with no differences at the more well-drained site. Latewood proportion, which was greater at higher planting densities, was more strongly correlated with specific gravity differences among planting densities. A planting density between 1075 and 1680 TPH would likely be optimum for these site conditions for balancing tree volume growth with minimizing reductions in specific gravity associated with reduced latewood proportion and larger corewood size. The Atlantic Coastal Plain genotype retained its tendencies to transition to outerwood earlier and have greater latewood proportions relative to a local genotype when planted at these Western Gulf sites, and its specific gravity was similar to that of the local genotype. Together these trials suggest that forest managers have flexibility in managing loblolly pine stand density without altering wood properties. Furthermore, these results provide some evidence that moving genotypes may not carry a risk of reduced wood specific gravity.

Adıyaman Ekolojik Koşullarında Farklı Ekim Zamanlarında Bazı Nohut (Cicer arietinum L.) Çeşitlerinin Verim ve Kalite Özelliklerinin Belirlenmesi

The research was carried out to determine the morphological and seed characteristics of some chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) genotypes at different sowing times on Adıyaman ecological conditions, in 2017. Diyar-95, ILC-482 cultivars and local chickpea genotype with three different sowing times (January 15th, January 25th and February 4th) were used in the study. Obtained findings illustrated that days to shoot initiation 12.66–15.00, plant height 19.90–36.10 cm, the number of main (2.30–2.90) and lateral (8.56–8.92) branches, days to flowering (75.00–79.00) and maturation (110–130), the number (38.71–44.15) and the weight (22.13–24.88 g) of pods on plant, seed yield per decare 155.40–182.60 kg da-1, 100-seed weight 35.28–41.25 g, the ratio of protein in seed %25.60–27.80 were changed depending on genotypes and sowing times. As a result of the study, all genotypes used in the study and 25th of January sowing time could be advised for Adıyaman province and surrounding areas.

Identification of volatile compounds of Turkish local strawberry genotypes using various extraction techniques by GC/MS

Identification of volatile compounds of Turkish local strawberry genotypes using various extraction techniques by GC/MS

Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Capacity in Anthocyanin-Rich Carrots: A Comparison between the Black Carrot and the Apulian Landrace "Polignano" Carrot.

The carrot is one of the most cultivated vegetables in the world. Black or purple carrots contain acylated anthocyanins which are of special interest to the food industry for their stability and nutraceutical characteristics. Anthocyanin-rich fruits and vegetables have gained popularity in the last ten years, due to the health benefits they provide. In this paper, the characterizations of the bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacities of different anthocyanin-containing carrots (a black carrot—BC, and a local purple carrot, the “Polignano” carrot—PC), compared to the commercial orange carrot (OC) (lacking of anthocyanins), are reported. The anthocyanin profiles of the polyphenolic extracts of BC and PC were similar, but differences were observed at quantitative levels. The total anthocyanin content in BC was more than twice that in PC (13.84 ± 0.61 vs. 5.64 ± 0.48 mg K Eq. g−1 DW). Phenolic acids (mostly chlorogenic acid) were also present at high level in anthocyanin-rich carrots compared to OC. High polyphenol content accounted also for a high reducing capacity (evaluated by Folin–Ciocalteu reagent, FCR), and antioxidant capacity (evaluated by TEAC and ORAC assays) which were the highest for BC (FCR value: 16.6 ± 1.1 mg GAE. g−1 DW; TEAC: 76.6 ± 10.6 µmol TE. g−1 DW; ORAC: 159.9 ± 3.3 µmol TE. g−1 DW). All carrot genotypes (mostly OC) were rich in carotenoids (BC 0.14 ± 0.024; PC 0.33 ± 0.038; OC 1.29 ± 0.09 mg. g−1 DW), with predominance of α and β-carotene, in OC, and lutein in BC. PC showed the highest malic acid and sugar (glucose plus fructose) content. In conclusion, while BC is remarkable for nutraceutical features, the local genotype (“Polignano” carrot) is worth considering in genetic biodiversity conservation programme.

Breeding Progress for Vitamin A, Iron and Zinc Biofortification, Drought Tolerance, and Sweetpotato Virus Disease Resistance in Sweetpotato

Sweetpotato is a resilient food crop with great potential to contribute to reduced hunger in the world. Sweetpotato shows significant potential to contribute to reducing the Global Hunger Index, which reflects deficiencies in calories and micronutrients based on the components of hunger, undernourishment, under-five mortality rate, stunting and wasting. Its genetic diversity has been harnessed through breeding to increase vitamin A, iron, and zinc content, virus resistance and climate resilience for the world's food needs. Africa and India are the most food-insecure regions. The main objectives of this research were to: provide information and a knowledge base on sweetpotato breeding in Africa for biofortification of vitamin A, iron, and zinc, drought tolerance and virus resistance; recommend procedures for generating new breeding populations and varieties; and develop new tools, technologies and methods for sweetpotato improvement. The research was implemented between 2009 and 2020 in 14 collaborating African countries using introduced and local genotypes. The redesigned accelerated breeding scheme resulted in increased genetic gains for vitamin A, iron, zinc contents and virus resistance, and the release by sub-Saharan African countries of 158 varieties; 98 of them orange-fleshed; 55 varieties bred by an accelerated breeding scheme; 27 drought-tolerant and two with enhanced iron and zinc content. Our experience has demonstrated that through the use of more optimized, standardized and collaborative breeding procedures by breeding programs across Africa, it is possible to speed official sweetpotato variety release and contribute to reducing the severe micronutrient deficiencies on the continent.

Identification of Local Rice Genotypes from Deli Serdang, North Sumatera, Indonesia to Drought Stress Condition

Regency of Deli Serdang in the Province of Sumatera Utara has high diversity of landrace rice that has adapted to various climatic and edaphic condition including drought. Studies on various local rice genotypes tolerant to drought is of important to be carried out. This will help plant breeders with germplasms for future breeding program. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a water-soluble compound with high osmotic pressure and unlikely to have specific interaction with biological chemicals. With these properties, PEG is often be used in studies of plant response to drought stress. The experiment reported here was aimed at determining rice genotypes, local to Regency of Deli Serdang, tolerant to drought. The experiment was carried out at Laboratory of Physiology and Glass House of Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Islam Sumatera Utara, Medan from February to April 2020. A two-way factorial experiment was assigned in a completely randomized design (CRD) with 3 replicates. The first factor was 23 local rice genotypes plus 4 genotypes tolerant to drought and the second factor was the concentration of PEG 6000 i. e 0 and 20% (w/v). Observations included percent of germination, plant height, length and number of roots protruding from paraffin-wax layer, leaf chlorophyll content, seedling fresh and dry weight, index of tolerance, probability of resistance, and proline content. Data were analyzed with analysis of variance and mean separation of DNMRT at 5%. Results demonstrated that 6 local rice genotypes, Gemuruh, Ramos Merah, Arias, Sialus, Silayur, and Sirabut were resistant to drought stress under the experimental condition.

High Yielding Mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] Variety “NIFA Mung-2017”

National yield of mungbean is low as compared to other countries, mainly due to shortage of commercial mungbean varieties. To address this issue, an exotic Mungbean Yellow Mosaic Virus (MYMV) susceptible accession VC 1973A and a local MYMV resistant genotype NM 92 were crossed (VC 1973A x NM 92) at the experimental field of the Nuclear Institute for Food and Agriculture (NIFA), Peshawar during kharif 2004. Selection for best recombinant lines based on high yield (more pods per plant), resistance to MYMV, semi erect plant type in early segregating populations, and genetic stability in F2 - F5 generations for the desired traits was carried-out from 2005 to 2010. The high yielding recombinant “NFM-6-5” along with other advanced lines and local standard variety “Ramzan” were screened for MYMV resistance, and tested for seed yield and other related components in various yield trials i.e. preliminary, advanced, multi-locations and National Uniform Yield trials from 2011-2015. Results revealed that recombinant “NFM-6-5” produced up to 2283 kg ha-1 seed yield in replicated yield trials with 25-30% higher seed yield compared to the check variety “Ramzan” in various yield trials. More number of pods per plant and large seed size are the main primary yield contributing components in NIFA Mung-2017 (recombinant “NFM-6-5”). NIFA Mung - 2017 is a promising variety with different genetic background from earlier mungbean varieties. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Provincial Seed Council approved the recombinant “NFM-6-5” as a commercial variety with name “NIFA Mung-2017” for general cultivation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) on 19th September 2017. Keywords: Disease resistance; Mungbean; NIFA Mung-2017; Seed yield; Variety; Yield components http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2020.90278

The Effect of Spike Row Type on the Grain Yield and Grain Filling Parameters in Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) Genotypes under Semi-arid Conditions

Background: Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is one of the more important cultivated crops in the Mediterranean region, where drought and high temperatures during the grain filling stage are the main abiotic stresses limiting its production. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of the spike type on the grain yield, thousand kernels weight and some grain filling parameters.Methods: The present study was conducted on the experimental site of station ITGC in Setif, Algeria, eight Barley genotypes were tested during two cropping seasons (2017/2018 and 2018/2019) in a randomized block design with 3 replications.Result: The results proved significant effect of genotypes and spike types on the grain filling parameters, but no significant effect of spike type on the thousand kernels weight during the both cropping seasons. In addition, the spike type registered significant effect just during the second cropping season. Among the genotypes with 6 rows spike type the local genotype Fouarra have high grain yield (97.79 Q/ha) with a deviation of 37.57% from the total mean of the genotypes with 6 row spike type. Many studies proved that in 6-row barleys, the magnitude of contribution of grain number in grain yield was higher than contribution of grain weight. The grain growth of genotypes studied follows a sigmoid curve, during the first season (2017-2018) the duration of grain filling ranged between 24 days for Saida 183 and 28 days for Rihane 03, for the group of genotypes with 6 rows. In addition, the duration of grain filling for the 2 row genotypes varied from 24 days for G4 to 28 days for genotype G2. During the second season (2018-2019) and for the genotypes with 6 rows, the duration of the grain filling varied from 21 days for the Saida 183 and 26 days for the genotype Fouarra, for the genotypes with 2 rows the duration of grain filling ranged from 21 days for the genotype G2 to 26 days for the genotype G3. The correlation analysis between the grain filling parameters, GY and TKW demonstrate a significant and positive correlation between TKW and MGW and GFR (r = 0.82* and r = 0.84*, respectively). Overall, the genotype variation in grain filling velocity and duration was responsible for the difference in grain yield and the improvement in grain yield was achieved by the increasing in velocity or duration of grain filling.

Evaluation of Growth, Yield and Quality of Turmeric Genotypes (Curcuma longa L.)

This study was conducted to examine growth, yield and quality performances of five turmeric genotypes. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications. Results showed that different genotypes significantly influenced on plant growth, yield and quality of turmeric. The highest germination (97 %), number of leaves (8.16), plant height (69.51 cm), weight of rhizome (47.06 g/plant) and yield (6.01 t/ha) was found from “Sinduri Holud” (BARI Holud-2). But this genotype scored the lowest percentage in curcumin (0.30 %) and low dry matter (22.54 %). While local genotype (“Mota Holud”) performed the lowest germination (87.57 %) and minimum plant height (53.52 cm), leaf area (127.42 cm2), number of fingers per rhizome (3.73), weight of rhizome (34.16 g/plant) and yield (4.78 t/ha). But this genotype contained the highest curcumin (2.10 %), and “Mala Holud” attained maximum dry matter (25.20%). Based on flesh color, dry matter and curcumin contents local turmeric genotypes performed superior than that of the check varieties. From the findings of this investigation, it can be concluded that local genotypes can be used in breeding program for development of high quality turmeric in Bangladesh.

Screening of Bush Type French Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Accessions for Micronutrient Variations and Characterization of Selected Genotypes using Micronutrient Content Linked Markers

Background: French bean or kidney bean is a rich source of protein, fibers and minerals in diet and is used by poor people in several Asian countries as a cheap source of protein and mineral vegetable/seed grain. Thus, the study on micronutrient variations in French bean local genotypes was undertaken to screen for Fe, Zn, Cu and Mn content in comparison to developed varieties. Methods: Selected twenty local genotypes/accessions and four released varieties of French bean were grown in the field. The morphological characterization was carried out as per crop descriptors. The micronutrient analysis for Fe, Zn, Mn and Cu content was carried out using AAS. Further, accessions were screened using fourteen SSR markers linked to Fe and Zn content.Result: The results revealed that accession IC342273 exhibited significantly higher dry pod (58.94 g) and seed yield (809.74 g) per plot. The accession IC538420 (177.31 ppm) exhibited significantly higher mean Fe content and was on par with Arka Suvidha (176 ppm). Accession EC500226 showed significantly higher Zn (26.91 ppm), Mn (15.31 ppm) and Cu (8.55 ppm) content over other accessions and varieties. Among fourteen SSR primers amplified, two genomic SSR markers (BM154 and BM211) exhibited higher polymorphism among the accessions. The SSR markers classified the accessions and varieties into two clusters, which can be used in crop improvement programmes on French bean for micronutrients bio-fortification studies.