Local Germplasm Research Articles

Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis reveals ancestry and genetic diversity of cultivated and wild grapevines in Croatia

BackgroundCroatia is a geographically small country with a remarkable diversity of cultivated and spontaneous grapevines. Local germplasm has been characterised by microsatellite markers, but a detailed analysis based on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) is still lacking. Here we characterize the genetic diversity of 149 accessions from three germplasm repositories and four natural sites using 516,101 SNPs to identify complete parent-offspring trios and their relations with spontaneous populations, offering a proof-of-concept for the use of reduced-representation genome sequencing in population genetics and genome-wide association studies (GWAS).ResultsPrincipal component analysis revealed a clear discontinuity between cultivated (V. vinifera subsp. sativa) and spontaneous grapevines, supporting the notion that the latter represent local populations of the wild progenitor (V. vinifera subsp. sylvestris). ADMIXTURE identified three ancestry components. Two sativa components are alternatively predominant in cultivars grown either in northern Adriatic Croatia and Continental Croatia or in Dalmatia (i.e. central and southern Adriatic Croatia). A sylvestris component, which is predominant in accessions from spontaneous populations, is a minor ancestry component in cultivated accessions. TREEMIX provided evidence of unidirectional migration from the vineyards to natural sites, suggesting that gene flow has gone preferentially from the introduced domesticated germplasm into local wild populations rather than vice versa. Identity-by-descent analysis indicated an extensive kinship network, including 14 complete parent-offspring trios, involving only cultivated accessions, six full-sibling relationships and invalidated a presumed pedigree of one of the most important varieties in Croatia, ‘Plavac Mali’. Despite this strong population structure, significant association was found between 143 SNPs and berry skin colour and between 2 SNPs and leaf hairiness, across two previously known genomic regions.ConclusionsThe clear genetic separation between Croatian cultivars and sylvestris ruled out the hypothesis that those cultivars originated from local domestication events. On the other hand, the evidence of a crop-to-wild gene flow signals the need for an urgent adoption of conservation strategies that preserve the residual genetic integrity of wild relatives. The use of this reduced-representation genome sequencing protocol in grapevine enables an accurate pedigree reconstruction and can be recommended for GWAS experiments.

Genetic diversity, population structure, and a genome-wide association study of sorghum lines assembled for breeding in Uganda.

Sorghum is an important source of food and feed worldwide. Developing sorghum core germplasm collections improves our understanding of the evolution and exploitation of genetic diversity in breeding programs. Despite its significance, the characterization of the genetic diversity of local germplasm pools and the identification of genomic loci underlying the variation of critical agronomic traits in sorghum remains limited in most African countries, including Uganda. In this study, we evaluated a collection of 543 sorghum accessions actively used in Ugandan breeding program across two cropping seasons at NaSARRI, Uganda, under natural field conditions. Phenotypic data analysis revealed significant (p<0.01) variation among accessions for days to 50% flowering, plant height, panicle exsertion, and grain yield, with broad-sense heritability (H²) estimates of 0.54, 0.9, 0.81, and 0.48, respectively, indicating a high genetic variability for these traits. We used a newly developed genomic resource of 7,156 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers to characterize the genetic diversity and population structure of this collection. On average, the SNP markers exhibited moderately high polymorphic information content (PIC = 0.3) and gene diversity (He = 0.3), while observed heterozygosity (Ho = 0.07) was low, typical for self-pollinating crops like sorghum. Admixture-based models, PCA, and cluster analysis all grouped the accessions into two subpopulations with relatively low genetic differentiation. Genome-wide association study (GWAS) identified candidate genes linked to key agronomic traits using a breeding diversity panel from Uganda. GWAS analysis using three different mixed models identified 12 genomic regions associated with days to flowering, plant height, panicle exsertion, grain yield, and glume coverage. Five core candidate genes were co-localized with these significant SNPs. The SNP markers and candidate genes discovered provide valuable insights into the genetic regulation of key agronomic traits and, upon validation, hold promise for genomics-driven breeding strategies in Uganda.

A comprehensive physicochemical characterization and proposed portfolios of applications for the fruits and seeds of 11 accessions of Jatropha curcas L.

The seed oil and extraction cake from 11 accessions of Jatropha curcas from Mexico, El Salvador, and India were comprehensively characterized with the objective of selecting parentals based on desirable traits for a hybridization program. Kernels contained up to 65 % oil and up to 30 % protein. The most abundant protein types were glutelins (48 %) and globulins (24 %), with arginine (0.096 mg/g) and leucine (0.070 mg/g) being the major amino acids. Glucose (0.09 g/g) and arabinose (0.03 g/g) were the most abundant carbohydrates. The oil was primarily composed of oleic (41 %) and linoleic (37 %) acids. The physicochemical properties of the oil included an acid value of 0.28–1.15 %, saponification value of 155–208 mg KOH/g, iodine value of 0.97–1.08 g I2/g, and viscosity of 21.9–40.9 cSt at 40 °C. Six accessions were selected as parental candidates based on their potential as feedstock for a diverse portfolio of products. The most common applicability of oils were lubricants, biopolymers, biofertilizer, and liquid biofuels production. One Mexican accession had a phorbol-ester concentration much lower than the toxicity threshold (0.06 mg/g) and a high protein content, making it attractive for the animal feed industry and for protein extraction. The selected accessions are preserved in a local germplasm bank and will be used for continued genetic improvement through hybridization, aiming to preserve the identified traits while increasing fruit productivity.

Strategies, challenges, and outcomes of heat stress resilience in sub-Saharan African community-based cattle feedlots: a systematic review.

In sub-Saharan Africa, cattle feedlots face a significant challenge in dealing with heat stress. However, there is a lack of inclusive strategies for resilience in these situations. The aim of this systematic review is to investigate the strategies, challenges, and outcomes related to heat stress resilience in community-based cattle feedlots in sub-Saharan Africa. The PRISMA approach, which is a method for reporting systematic reviews and meta-analyses, was used to identify, screen, and analyze 30 peer-reviewed articles published over the last 20 years from Google Scholar and Scopus. The review found that key strategies to mitigate heat stress include providing shade through natural and artificial means, ensuring constant access to cool, clean water using water spraying systems and cooling ponds, and implementing nutritional adjustments such as high-energy feeds and electrolyte supplements. Additionally, genetic selection for heat-tolerant breeds and management practices like adjusting feeding times and improving ventilation were found to be effective in dealing with heat stress. In particular, local germplasm and genetic traits of cattle in sub-Saharan Africa play a crucial role in heat stress resilience. Indigenous breeds, which have adapted to the region's harsh climate over centuries, exhibit traits such as higher heat tolerance, better water-use efficiency, and improved feed conversion rates under heat stress conditions. This genetic resilience can be enhanced through targeted breeding programs aimed at amplifying these beneficial traits. Implementing these strategies resulted in improved cattle health and productivity, as evidenced by enhanced weight gain, better reproductive performance, and lower mortality rates. The socio-economic benefits of these strategies included reduced economic losses and increased farmer incomes, which in turn contributed to improved community health and nutrition. However, the review also identified significant challenges, including financial constraints, limited access to knowledge and training, and cultural resistance. To address these barriers, the review recommends increased investment in affordable cooling technologies, farmer education, and community-based initiatives. Additionally, leveraging the genetic strengths of local cattle breeds should be prioritized to maximize the effectiveness of heat stress resilience strategies.

Exploring Italian Autochthonous Punica granatum L. Accessions: Pomological, Physicochemical, and Aromatic Investigations.

Autochthonous Italian pomegranate accessions are still underexplored, although they could be an important resource for fresh consumption, processing, and nutraceutical uses. Therefore, it is necessary to characterize the local germplasm to identify genotypes with desirable traits. In this study, six old Italian pomegranate landraces and a commercial cultivar (Dente di Cavallo) were investigated, evaluating their fruit pomological parameters, physicochemical (TSS, pH, TA, and color) characteristics, sugar content, and aromatic profiles (HeadSpace Solid-Phase MicroExtraction (HS-SPME)) coupled with Gas Chromatographyass Spectrometry (GC-MS) of pomegranate juices. Significant differences were observed in the size and weight of the seed and fruits (127.50-525.1 g), as well as the sugar content (100-133.6 gL-1), the sweetness (12.9-17.6 °Brix), and the aroma profiles. Over 56 volatile compounds, predominantly alcohols (56%), aldehydes (24%), and terpenes (9%), were simultaneously quantified. Large variability among the genotypes was also statistically confirmed. The results indicate a strong potential for commercial exploitation of this germplasm, both as fresh and processed fruit, and highlight its versatility for diverse applications. The genetic diversity of the autochthonous pomegranate accessions represents a precious heritage to be preserved and enhanced. This work represents a preliminary step toward a more comprehensive characterization and qualitative valorization of the Italian pomegranate germplasm.

Effects of Ginger Straw Silage with Enzymes on Growth Performance, Digestion and Metabolism, Meat Quality and Rumen Microflora Diversity of Laiwu Black Goat.

Laiwu black goats comprise an excellent local germplasm resource; however, a shortage of feed resources has led to the application of unconventional feed. Ginger straw feed has good physiological effects, but research on this feed source for ruminant animals is lacking. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of enzymatic silage ginger straw on Laiwu black goat performance. The experiment used an independent sample t-test analysis method; 24 healthy Laiwu black goats with a body weight of 20.05 ± 1.15 kg and age of 5.67 ± 0.25 months were randomly divided into two groups with three replicates (bars) per group and four goats per replicate. The experimental diet was composed of mixed concentrate, silage, and garlic peel at a 2:7:1 ratio. The silage used in the two groups was whole corn silage (CON group) and 60% whole corn silage plus 40% enzymatic silage ginger straw (SG group), and the other components were identical. Daily feed intake/daily gain (F/G) was significantly higher in the SG group than in the CON group (p < 0.05), but there were no significant differences in dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) digestibility between the groups. The shear force, cooking loss, centrifugal loss, and pressure loss of the longissimus dorsi muscle group were significantly lower in the SG than in the CON group (p < 0.05). Compared with those in the CON group, the serum and liver total antioxidant capacity was significantly increased in the SG group, and in the liver, the O2·-, malondialdehyde, and OH· contents were significantly decreased. Collectively, the rumen fluid microbial diversity was changed in the SG group. It was concluded that enzymatic silage ginger straw usage instead of 40% whole silage corn as feed for Laiwu black goats can significantly improve the muscle quality, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal flora, with no adverse effects on production performance. In conclusion, our study provides a basis for ginger straw processing and storage and its rational application in the Laiwu black goat diet.

Grain diversity of rice collection from South Sulawesi, Indonesia

Abstract South Sulawesi province is among the Indonesia rice barns, which is expected to buffer the national rice supply. Although rice stock is mainly produced from high-yielding superior varieties, local germplasm is still the main basis for variety development. Local germplasm has been adapted to various agro-ecosystems and thus has potential as a genetic source for adaptation to climate change. This study was aimed at measuring the diversity of rice germplasm from South Sulawesi based on its grain characteristics. A total of 98 rice accessions that were conserved in the agricultural genebank were examined. Grain length, shape, color, and other grain-related characters were observed following the international standard descriptors for rice. NTSYS-PC software version 2.2 was used to perform clustering analysis. Rice collections from South Sulawesi showed diversity in their grain characteristics. The majority of seeds are awnless, have medium length, medium shape, and straw-colored lemmae-palea and attributed with medium-sized and straw-colored sterile lemmae, and the dehulled grain bran is predominantly white. The rice accessions can be grouped into eight clusters at a similarity level of 52%. This diversity and similarity information is important for germplasm management and utilization. However, due to the limited number of characters used, information from this study cannot yet be used as a basis for their management. More comprehensive characterization efforts need to be conducted in order to make this study more usable, both in supporting conservation and for their utilization

Exploration of Anethum graveolens diversity from North Western Himalayan

Anethum graveolens L., an aromatic plant grown during winter season belongs to the family Apiaceae. The leaves and seeds of the plants are widely consumed in India. The seeds of the plants are rich in aroma, due to the richness of essential oils whereas the leaves hold immense potential due to their antioxidant and heavy metal stress alleviation properties. However, the genetic diversity of A. graveolens from North Western Himalayan has not been explored so far. Therefore, the genetic diversity of A. graveolens was investigated using 33 random amplified polymorphic (RAPD) and 27 inter sequence specific region (ISSR) markers. Out of the 33 random primers, only 4 RAPD markers resulted in PCR amplification whereas 18 ISSR markers resulted in reproducible PCR amplification. Out of these ISSR markers, 11 markers accounted for 75–100 % of the polymorphism across all the accessions. Additionally, protein profiling was also used to investigate the diversity of A. graveolens landraces. Overall, the cluster analysis using Neighbor joining (N-J) and unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) method followed by principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that the accessions of A. graveolens irrespective to their geographic distribution shared the common group. Furthermore, the antioxidant potential of the local landraces was also investigated based on the free radical scavenging potential using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. The present current study on exploration of A. graveolens diversity can be helpful in developing conservation strategies of its local germplasm prevalent in North Western Himalayan region.

Genetic Diversity and Relationships among Indian Jujube (Ziziphus mauritiana Lamk.) Cultivars Using Morphometric Characteristics, matK Barcoding, and ISSR Markers

Indian jujube displays genetic diversity and does not prominently display minute morphometric variations, and this makes correct identification a difficult and long-term task. However, little work has been conducted to bring jujube cultivars into domestication. So, the present study aimed to evaluate eleven cultivars of Indian jujube in terms of the fruit’s morphometric characteristics, as well as molecular marker studies by plastidial megakaryocyte-associated tyrosine kinase (matK) barcoding and inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSR) markers for species differentiation, identification, and relationships among Indian jujube cultivars. The results of the morphometric characteristics showed that the mean geometric diameter, surface area, sphericity, sphericity ratio, shape index, fruit length, fruit diameter, fruit weight, and seed weight varied among cultivars. The results also showed that the color values of L*, a*, and b* for fruits differed in different cultivars. In addition, the results showed a discrepancy in the genetic diversity parameters related to the matK barcoding, ISSR markers, and relationships among Indian jujube cultivars. Substantially, hierarchical clustering by heatmap revealed that ‘Zytoni’ and ‘Um-Sulaem’ with spines seem to be mono-clades distinct from other cultivars, which related to variations in the expression levels of genes. Therefore, they should be relied upon together to distinguish and identify cultivars in order to maximize the effectiveness of local germplasm conservation and exploitation.

Establishment of an efficient regeneration system of ‘ZiKui’ tea with hypocotyl as explants

Zikui (Camellia sinensis cv. Zikui) is a recently discovered cultivar of local purple tea in Guizhou, China. It is a purple leaf bud mutation material of Meitan Taicha (Camellia sinensis cv. ‘Meitan-taicha’) ‘N61’ strain, which is an important local germplasm resource in Guizhou. It is also a model plant for the study of anthocyanins, but the limited germplasm resources and the limitation of traditional reproduction hinder its application. Here, an efficient regeneration system is established by using hypocotyl as explants for the first time. Different plant growth regulators (PGRs) are evaluated during different regeneration processes including callus and root induction. According to our findings, using the optimal disinfection conditions, the seed embryo contamination rate is 17.58%. Additionally, the mortality rate is 9.69%, while the survival rate is measured as 72.73%. Moreover, the highest germination rate of 93.64% is observed under MS + 2.40 mg/L GA3 medium conditions. The optimal callus induction rate is 95.19%, while the optimal adventitious bud differentiation rate is 20.74%, Medium with 1.6 mg/L IBA achieved 68.6% rooting of the adventitious shoots. The survival rate is more than 65% after 6 days growth in the cultivated matrix. In summary, our research aims to establish a regeneration system for Zikui tea plants and design a transformation system for tea plant tissue seedlings. This will enable transfer of the target gene and ultimately facilitate the cultivation of new tea varieties with unique characteristics.

Valorization of a Local Italian Pear (Pyrus communis L. cv. ‘Petrucina’)

In recent decades, the food production chain has undergone transformations that have profoundly affected the way food is supplied, causing changes in the quality of the final products. Moreover, biodiversity is seriously threatened worldwide, and the valorization of local germplasm is a priority goal for most sectorial policies in Europe and elsewhere. Southern Italy and the Mediterranean basin present a vast heritage of fruit tree cultivars that is gradually being lost. Through this work, we aim to valorize a well-adapted local pear cultivar named Petrucina from the Salento area (southeastern Italy, Apulia region), which has never been studied before in detail. With this aim, the nutritional and nutraceutical features of pear flesh were characterized and compared with a reference pear cultivar that is widespread and well-known in Europe (cv. ‘Conference’). Petrucina fruits have shown a peculiar aromatic compound profile, and a content of up to 398.3, 30.9, and 4.7 mg/100 g FW of malic acid, citric acid, and ascorbic acid, respectively, much higher than that of Conference fruits. Additionally, Petrucina flesh presents a more than triple total phenolic content and an antioxidant activity more than double that of Conference, making Petrucina a true functional food that deserves wide appreciation.

Aplikasi Ecoprint untuk Mendukung Peningkatan Produktifitas Ekonomi Perempuan Desa Tarai Bangun

Most women in Tarai Bangun Village focus on their domestic activities. The community service program aimed to empower women in the enhancing of their economic productivity through gaining new skills such as the eco print technique. Ecoprint is an eco-friendly product, using parts of plants; therefore, it also inspires women to preserve the existence of local germplasm. The results of the program showed that all participants were able to make ecoprint products. They also were satisfied with this program. However, the drawback of this program is that our partners need to understand marketing techniques.

Morphological, phenotypic and nutritional characterization of exotic and local tomato germplasm under tunnel

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is one of the most important and widely cultivated fruit. By characterizing local germplasm, exclusive breeding material is successfully identified and improved varieties could be created. The research conducted between November 2020 and 2021 at the Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI) in Pakistan used developmental, vegetative and fruit traits to individualize sixty tomato inbred lines for 17 morphological traits. The study showed that 6 qualitative and 11 quantitative morphological traits exhibited a wide range of variation, while 8 traits showed a high coefficient of variation among genotypes according to biplot principal component analysis (PCA). According to biplot PCA, the first component contributed 17.6% of the variation, while the second component contributed 13.0%. Together, the first and second components explained 30.6% of the variation. A correlation analysis was performed to determine the relationship between genotypic traits and phenotypic traits. A very positive correlation was observed between inter-nodal distance, flower per cluster and immature fruit color. The morphological data for firmness, pericarp thickness, fruit width, TSS, inter-nodal distance, number of flowers and fruits per cluster showed specific characteristics that can be used to distinguish the genotypes. The highest value of lycopene of 21.2 mg kg−1 fresh weight was observed among the genotypes. We conclude the results of this study, presenting the crop quality and yield characteristics that could be used in future plant breeding and genetic enhancement of tomato germplasm for improved food security. Based on yield characteristics, Nyagous, Korneseivje and Earliana were selected as the best and most promising genotypes.

Comparative Evaluation of Secondary Metabolite Chemodiversity of Citrus Genebank Collection in Greece: Can the Peel be More than Waste?

Citrus fruits are among the most economically important crops in the world. In the global market, the Citrus peel is often considered a byproduct but substitutes an important phenotypic characteristic of the fruit and a valuable source of essential oils, flavonoids, carotenoids, and phenolic acids with variable concentrations. The Mediterranean basin is a particularly dense area of autochthonous genotypes of Citrus that are known for being a source of healthy foods, which can be repertoires of valuable genes for molecular breeding with the focus on plant resistance and quality improvement. The scope of this study was to characterize and compare the main phenotypic parameters (i.e., peel thickness, fruit volume, and area) and levels of bioactive compounds in the peel of fruits from the local germplasm of Citrus in Greece, to assess their chemodiversity regarding their polyphenolic, volatile, and carotenoid profiles. A targeted liquid chromatographic approach revealed hesperidin, tangeretin, narirutin, eriocitrin, and quercetin glycosides as the major polyphenolic compounds identified in orange, lemon, and mandarin peels. The content of tangeretin and narirutin followed the tendency mandarin > orange > lemon. Eriocitrin was a predominant metabolite of lemon peel, following its identification in lower amounts in mandarin and at least in the orange peel. For these citrus-specific metabolites, high intra- but also interspecies chemodiversity was monitored. Significant diversity was found in the essential oil content, which varied between 1.2 and 3% in orange, 0.2 and 1.4% in mandarin, and 0.9 and 1.9% in lemon peel. Limonene was the predominant compound in all Citrus species peel essential oils, ranging between 88 and 93% among the orange, 64 and 93% in mandarin, and 55 and 63% in lemon cultivars. Carotenoid analysis revealed different compositions among the Citrus species and accessions studied, with β-cryptoxanthin being the most predominant metabolite. This large-scale metabolic investigation will enhance the knowledge of Citrus peel secondary metabolite chemodiversity supported by the ample availability of Citrus genetic resources to further expand their exploitation in future breeding programs and potential applications in the global functional food and pharmaceutical industries.

Growth and Fruit morphometric characteristics of local avocado germplasm (Persea americana Mill.) grown in northern Tanzania

Tanzania has a diverse agroecological area suitable for growing tropical fruits, including avocados. In Northern Tanzania, avocados have been growing under variable soil and altitudinal characteristics for over 100 years, allowing the naturalisation of this crop in this region. However, the region's avocado germplasm is uncharacterised, thus impeding the selection of elite genotypes for increased value and breeding programmes. This study examined the growth and fruit morphometric characteristics of avocado populations grown under variable soil pH and altitude in six districts in the Tanga, Kilimanjaro and Arusha regions. Variations in growth and fruit morphometric characteristics were compared using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Pearson product-moment correlations (r) were used to evaluate the relationship between studied growth and fruit morphometric traits. A linear mixed-effects model (LMM) was used to assess the influence of the soil pH, altitude, tree height, canopy diameter, and trunk diameter on fruit length, fruit diameter, pulp thickness, and seed diameter. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to depict the extent of the racial admixtures in the avocado germplasm in the Northern regions of Tanzania. The results revealed a significant variation in growth and fruit morphometric characteristics (p < 0.05). The Korogwe population had the highest tree height, while the Karatu had the lowest. Tree height was positively correlated with the trunk diameter (r = 0.63, p < 0.001. There was a positive correlation between fruit length and pulp thickness (r = 0.51, p < 0.001), fruit diameter and pulp thickness (r = 0.47, p < 0.001), and fruit length and fruit diameter (r = 0.36, p < 0.001). The fruit diameter was positively correlated with the seed diameter (r = 0.61, p < 0.001). There was a significant but weak association between fruit length and trunk diameter (−0.01), fruit length and canopy diameter (0.15), and between seed diameter and tree height (2.95e-2). These findings highlight the influence of individual tree genetic makeup on the variation in growth and fruit morphometric characteristics. The morphometric trait correlations may prove valuable in field measurements, especially when resources are limited. The study further indicates the presence of all avocado races within the local germplasm, highlighting its high diversity. Remarkably, the observed admixture of variant races implies gene flow among studied avocado populations, possibly facilitated by sharing seedlings among farmers or seed disposal through avocado fruit trading. Further study is needed, particularly in quantifying the above-ground biomass of local avocados in northern Tanzania, potentially contributing to carbon credit initiatives for fruit crops..

Revealing the Diversity and Complex Relationships of Croatian Olive Germplasm.

Olive growing in Croatia has a long tradition and is of great economic and social impact. The present study includes a set of 108 tree samples (88 samples corresponding to 60 presumed cultivars and 20 trees of unnamed ones) collected from 27 groves in the entire olive growing area, and is the most comprehensive survey to be conducted in Croatia. The genetic diversity, relationships, and structures of olive plants were studied using eight microsatellite loci. All loci were polymorphic and revealed a total of 90 alleles. A total of 74 different genotypes were detected that were subjected to further diversity and genetic relationship studies. The Fitch-Margoliash tree and Bayesian analysis of population structure revealed a complex relationship between the identified olive genotypes, which were clustered into three gene pools, indicating different origins of Croatian olive germplasms. Excluding the redundant germplasms, 44 different genotypes among the sampled trees of well-known cultivars and 16 new local germplasms were identified. In addition, we provide the etymology of 46 vernacular names, which confirms that the vast majority of traditional Croatian cultivars have common and widespread names. The results presented herein underline the importance of safeguarding local cultivars and conducting continuous surveys.

Assessment of Genetic Variability, Heritability and Genetic Advance for Seed Yield and Its Contributing Traits in Greengram [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek

Vigna radiata L. Wilczek, sometimes known as greengram or mungbean, is a popular pulse crop in India. Most of its cultivation takes place in India's subsistence farming systems. It is cultivated in three distinct seasons in India, despite the extremely low average productivity. Due to the crop's extensive growth in a variety of environmental circumstances, the local germplasm exhibits a high degree of genetic variation. In order to determine the genetic variability, heritability, and genetic advancement of 40 green gram genotypes, a study utilizing twelve quantitative variables was conducted. For every traits, significant variance was discovered using basic descriptive statistics. High Phenotypic Coefficients of Variation (PCV) and high Genotypic Coefficients of Variation (GCV) were identified for seed yield per plant, number of branches per plant, number of clusters per plant, biological yield per plant, number of pods per plant and 100 seed weight. Moderate PCV and GCV values observed for number of seeds per pod, plant height, harvest index, pod length and days to 50% flowering, whereas low PCV and GCV values were observed for days to maturity. Most of the characters studied in the current study had high estimates of heritability coupled with high to moderate genetic advance as a percentage of mean. This may be attributed to the preponderance of additive gene action and their high selective value, meaning that selection pressure can be applied profitably to these characters to improve them rationally.

Morphological and molecular characterization of Sicilian carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) accessions

The evergreen carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua) is considered one of the oldest trees in the world, cultivated since ancient times in the Mediterranean Basin, for its edible and high nutritional fruits, adapted to human and animal consumption. Spain is the main producer, followed by Italy, Portugal, Greece, Morocco, and Turkey. In Italy, the cultivation of carob is concentrated in a few provinces and insists on an area of more than 5,500 hectares. In this work 19 accessions, showing interesting fruit traits were analysed morphologically and genetically. Overall, 13 quantitative characters were considered regarding leaf (5 characters), pod (5) and seed (3). To investigate the genetic diversity 8 fluorescently labelled SSR primers were used, indicated as polymorphic in the literature. A UPGMA dendrogram was constructed to depict identity cases and relationships among the accessions. Clustering showed discrimination among accessions from Eastern and Western Sicily. The morphological characterisation does not clearly discriminate any of the cultivars recognized by the growers, similarly, the molecular analysis showed a reduced level of diversity. Since most of these local accessions are of unknown origin and that they are representative of the local germplasm they still warrant protection for their economic and environmental value.

Identification of the physiological characteristics of some local Aceh rice (Oryza sativa L.) germplasms

The identification of local rice germplasms resources is essential for determining morphological and anatomical traits for agronomic applications. In this study, we have screened several local rice germplasms from Aceh, conducted in Gampong Paloh Lada and Agroecotechnology Laboratory, Agriculture Faculty, Universitas Malikussaleh, Aceh Utara Regency, from February to June 2023. The study employed Randomized Block Design Non-Factorial, consisting of 7 lines of local germplasms, including Unsyiah Cakep, Unsyiah Seumeulu, Cot Bada, Sigunca, Sigupai, Cot Bada and Rajasa (control). Flowering age, net assimilation rate, relative growth rate, root length, shoot – root ratio and 1000- grain weight was observed. The results of this study showed that there were significant differences between several rice strains on the variables of flowering age, net assimilation rate 40-20 DAP, relative growth rate 60-40, shoot-root-ratio at 60 DAP and harvest, root length, 1000 seed weight. Cotbada eight and Cotbada four strains gave the best effect compared to Rajasa (control) and other strains, seen in the parameters of relative growth rate two, number of grains per clump, weight of 1000 seeds and yield tonnes/ha. Cotbada four strain with a production of 7.24 tonnes/ha and followed by Cotbada eight strain with a yield of 6.48 tonnes/ha.

The evaluation of vitamin C and β carotene of Globe Amaranth (Gomphrena globosa), a local germplasm of Bali (Indonesia) from two different altitudes

Introduction: Globe amaranth (Gomphrena globosa), known as "Bunga Ratna" in Balinese or "Bunga Kancing" in Indonesian, is a versatile flower species that thrives in a wide range of environmental conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the vitamin C and β carotene content of globe amaranth grown in two areas in Bali (Indonesia), with two different altitudes. Methods: The research was conducted from March to June 2023. This was a split-plot study with a randomized block design. The main plots were two planting areas where samples were obtained, including Sanur and Sibang Gede with altitudes of 7 m asl and 350 m asl, respectively. The subplot in the procedure was the various genotypes, namely purple, pink, and white. Observations were then carried out on vitamin C and β carotene content of the flower, stem, and leaf, with five replications. Results: The results showed that the test plant in Sanur, a coastal region (7m asl), produced higher vitamin C and β carotene levels than those in Sibang Gede (350 m dl). Vitamin C was found in a greater quantity in the flower and leaf, irrespective of the altitudes and genotypes, while higher levels of β carotene were obtained in the leaf. Conclusions: In conclusion, the current research found that globe amaranth leaves and flowers have high potential as a source of vitamin C and β carotene. Research regarding the vitamin content of globe amaranth has never been reported. This is the first report on the vitamin content of globe amaranth.