Local Varieties Research Articles

THE PERFORMANCE OF SEVEN ELITE MAIZE ACCESSIONS FROM DIFFERENT AFRICAN ORIGINS UNDER RAIN-FED CONDITIONS IN SOUTH-EASTERN NIGERIA

Maize is an important cereal crop, and millions of Africans rely on it as a major source of carbohydrates in their diet. Grain yield from local maize varieties is generally low. Evaluation of different maize genotypes within a specific region is one way to identify and introduce varieties with high yield potential. This study assessed the yield and agronomic traits of 6 exotic maize accessions and a local variety to compare the performance of the exotic accessions with the local variety. The experiment was laid out as a randomized complete block design with four replications. The treatments included six exotic maize accessions, TZM386, TZM85, TZM16, TZM109, TZM392, and TZM1330, and a local variety ‘Uwep’ the result indicated that there were no significant differences in plant height and plant population at anthesis. Grain yiel among all accessions was not greater than 0.5 t/ha in 2020 but ranged between 1-3 t/ha in 2021. There were no significant differences in grain yield and components between the exotic and local accessions in 2021. In 2020, TZM 386 outperformed the local variety (uwep) in grain yield, ear weight, and number of ears/ha. Multiple linear regression showed a high dependence of grain yield on the growth parameter-plant height and the yield component ear no/ha in 2020 and 2021. This study has revealed differences in yield traits between the local and exotic accessions. The maize accession TZM 386 showed potential for higher grain yield and yield components and appears to be a promising candidate for further research.

Karakteristik Durian Lokal Sinapeul di Dusun Sinapeul Kecamatan Ujungberung, Majalengka

Durian (Durio spp.) is a tropical fruit with high economic and cultural value in Indonesia. As a member of the genus Durio, there are nine consumable species of durian, with D. zibethinus being the most widely cultivated. Indonesia boasts various types of durian, differing in taste, aroma, and flesh color, which are crucial assets for increasing the number of superior parent plants. Durian is renowned for its unique taste and offers numerous benefits, including consumption as fresh or processed fruit, use in anti-aging treatments, and blood pressure improvement. Morphological identification of durian is essential for determining fruit quality, which is vital in plant breeding. The Sinapeul durian, a local variety from Majalengka, has unique characteristics and significant economic value, but knowledge about its distribution remains limited. This research aims to analyze the distribution and characteristics of the Sinapeul durian around the area of PT. Indocement Tunggal Prakarsa Tbk Unit Palimanan Cirebon, to support conservation and sustainable utilization efforts, and to provide a basis for the propagation of the increasingly rare Sinapeul durian

Results of estimating promising winter barley varieties and lines

The current paper has presented the results of an analysis of promising winter barley lines and varieties developed by the FSBSI “Agricultural Research Center “Donskoy” to select valuable genotypes for breeding programs. The basis for the analysis of the studied samples was the methodology for a comprehensive estimation of breeding results, developed by the researchers from the FSBSI “ARC “Donskoy” and the FSBEI HE DSTU. The study was conducted at the FSBSI “Agricultural Research Center “Donskoy” in 2021–2023. Sowing was carried out in 6-fold repetition, the local variety ‘Timofey’ was taken as a standard. There have been analyzed 14 economically valuable traits, identified as the most significant according to the methodology for a comprehensive estimation of barley breeding identifiers. The purpose of the current study was to conduct a comparative estimation of breeding winter barley lines according to the most significant traits for the selection of promising samples. The studied varieties and lines were ranked according to a set of traits and properties into three groups, such as promising, not very promising, and unpromising. The promising group included the new varieties ‘Step’ and ‘Alabai’, sent to the State study in 2, 5, 6 and 8 regions of the Russian Federation in 2022 and 2023, respectively, as well as the lines ‘Parallelum 2015’, ‘Parallelum 2136’, ‘Pallidum 2100’ and ‘Bezosty 2074’, characterized by high indicators of a complex of basic economically valuable characteristics and properties. These samples are being planned to send to the State Commission of the Russian Federation for Testing and Protection of Breeding Achievements.

Manifestation of the Effect of Growth Heterosis in Intraspecific Hybrids of Soft Wheat

The presented article presents the results of the study of height inheritance in hybrid combinations of the first generation (F1) of bread wheat. The research was conducted in the 2019-2020 growing season at the Apsheron District Experimental Farm under irrigation conditions. In 32 combinations of hybrids of the first generation (F1), obtained as a result of reciprocal crossing of 9 local varieties («Mirbashir-128», «Azeri», «Gobustan», «Fatima», «Gyrmyzy gul-1», «Murov-2», «Askeran», «Matin» and «Onur»). Studied the height of plants in comparison with parental forms and determined the degree of true heterosis and dominance. In the studied hybrid combinations, a variety from high dominance to depression was found in the transmission of heredity. When analyzing hybrids of bread wheat of the first generation (F1) according to the inheritance of plant height, high dominance was determined in 19 combinations (59.4%), depression — in 8 combinations (25.0%), intermediate heredity - in 5 combinations (15.6% ). Positive heterosis was revealed in 19 combinations (59.4%), negative heterosis - in 13 combinations (40.6%). As a result of the research, it is possible to initially conclude that it is possible to obtain low-growing hybrids by involving in the hybridization a variety of the same height.

Cluster Front Line Demonstrations on New Chickpea Varieties in Western Parts of Kurnool District of Andhra Pradesh

Background: Cluster Front Line Demonstrations were conducted to study the comparative performance of new chickpea varieties in the western parts of Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh. These demonstrations were conducted at twenty five locations during the Rabi season of two consecutive years (2019-20 and 2020-21). Methods: Three improved chickpea varieties (Nandyal Gram-3, Nandyal Gram-49 and Nandyal Gram-452) were selected to implement these demonstrations and the improved varieties were compared with the locally grown JG-11 variety. Result: During two years of assessment, the pooled results revealed that the highest mean number of pods (51.3) per plant and average pod yield (2234 kg ha-1) were recorded in Nandyal Gram-452 compared to local variety JG-11 (41.2 pods per plant; 1862 kg ha-1). The lowest incidence of fusarium wilt was recorded in Nandyal Gram 452 (6.14%) followed by Nandyal Gram 49 (9.73%) and Nandyal Gram 3 (12.04%) compared to JG-11 (15.83%). The lowest dry root rot was also observed with Nandyal Gram-452 variety (10.92%) compared to JG-11 (18.19%). The higher average net income (80486 Rs ha-1) and benefit cost ratio (2.9) were realized in the demonstration with the improved Nandyal Gram-452 variety in comparison to lower net income (58370Rs ha-1) and benefit cost ratio (2.3) with JG-11. These results clearly indicated that the improved chickpea variety Nandyal Gram 452 is the best alternative old variety JG-11 which is being cultivated since 2005.

Productivity and thermal requirement of fodder oat varieties under different micro-environments in Bihar

A field experiment was carried out at Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur during Rabi season, 2021–22. The experiment was conducted using a split plot design with three varieties of fodder oat (Kent, JHO-822 and Local) in main-plots and four different sowing dates (15th November, 25th November, 5th December and 15th December) in sub-plots with three replications. The results obtained from the experiment showed that ‘JHO-822’ recorded 9.4 and 29.5% higher green and dry fodder yield than local variety and accumulated the highest meteorological indices (GDD, HTU and PTU) and resulted in the highest HUE and PTUE. Among different micro-environments, seeding on 15th November recorded the highest green and dry fodder yield with substantially greater values of agro-meteorological indices which decreased with advancement of sowing date. Per day delay in sowing resulted in 0.7% decrease in green fodder yield and 1.2% decrease in dry fodder yield.

Physico-Chemical and Nutritional Evaluation of Flour Made from an Under-Utilized Food Crop Buckwheat

Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) is widely regarded as a pseudo-cereal among economically significant yet underutilized crops. Nutritionally, it is comparable to or even superior to major cereals such as rice, wheat, and maize, particularly in terms of protective nutrients. Buckwheat is a gluten-free pseudo-cereal known for its high nutritional content and numerous scientifically proven health benefits. Its nutritional appeal lies in its high lysine content, absence of gluten due to lack of prolamin, and substantial protein levels. For processing buckwheat, seeds from a local variety were sourced from Roing, located in the Dibang Valley district of Arunachal Pradesh (Latitude: 28.17194, Longitude: 95.82454). The physico-chemical properties of the seeds were analyzed by measuring parameters such as length, width, bulk density, thousand kernel weight, moisture, crude protein, total fat, total ash, crude fiber, and in vitro protein digestibility. The study reported that buckwheat is an excellent source of protein, fiber, dietary fiber, and minerals. The nutritional content of buckwheat flour was determined as follows: moisture, 12.08%; ash, 2.33%; fat, 0.89%; protein, 12.84%; carbohydrates, 66.54%; energy content, 325.53 Kcal/100g; crude fiber, 5.38 g/100g; dietary fiber, 18.28 g/100g; protein digestibility, 74.38%; and carbohydrate digestibility, found to be low. The sodium and potassium contents were 3.7 mg/kg and 66.2 mg/kg, respectively. These findings highlight the nutritional benefits of buckwheat, showcasing its potential as a valuable food source, especially for those needing a gluten-free diet and seeking high-protein, high-fiber alternatives to traditional cereals.

Multidimensional Identity as Bricolage: Indexing Race and Place in Bakersfield, California

While traditional variationist research has been critiqued for positioning ethnic and regional variation in terms of separate “lects,” recent work has adopted a more nuanced view in which racialized subjects can combine individual linguistic resources to index multiple identities. Expanding upon this perspective, this paper explores how 12 African Americans in Bakersfield, California, combine elements of a local variety— California Vowel Shift (CVS)— and elements of a racialized variety— African American Language (AAL) via their realization of BOOT-fronting, BAT-backing, and the BOT-BOUGHT merger. While African Americans front BOOT and increasingly back BAT over time— as predicted by the CVS— they maintain a BOT-BOUGHT distinction— a pattern in line with descriptions of AAL. These patterns, which do not mirror either CVS or AAL in a wholesale way, align with the aforementioned perspective describing the linguistic practices of racialized individuals as a fluid linguistic repertoire, in which individual variables can be leveraged to articulate identity in complex ways. Relatedly, conversations in gender and linguistics have used bricolage as a theoretical framework to describe a similar phenomenon. Bridging these disciplinary conversations, it is argued that through stylistic bricolage, speakers draw from a fluid linguistic repertoire to articulate their identities as multidimensional.

Implementing Internet of Things for Real-Time Monitoring and Regulation of Off-Season Grafting and Post-Harvest Storage in Citrus Cultivation: A Case Study from the Hilly Regions of Nepal

Citrus fruit cultivation, especially mandarin oranges, is crucial to the economy of Nepal’s hilly regions due to their ideal geoclimatic conditions. Despite its economic importance, the sector faces several challenges, such as inadequate grafting techniques, low-quality saplings, and ineffective post-harvest storage. This paper explores these issues and proposes innovative solutions through the use of Internet of Things (IoT) technology. To address these challenges, we identified key areas for improvement. First, we focused on extending grafting practices during the off-season to ensure a higher success rate and better-quality saplings. Second, we examined different post-harvest storage methods to determine their effectiveness in terms of shelf life, decay loss, and quality of fruit. In addition to exploring post-harvest strategies, this paper provides preharvest recommendations for farmers, emphasizing methods to enhance fruit quality and longevity through effective pre-storage practices. Our IoT-based approach introduces off-season grafting in polyhouses and advanced monitoring for post-harvest storage. The results are promising: We achieved grafting success rates of 91% for acid lime and 92% for local mandarin orange varieties. Additionally, our research compared different post-harvest storage methods for mandarin oranges, including room, cellar, and cold chamber. We assessed these methods based on shelf life, physiological weight loss, and the total soluble solids (TSS) to titratable acidity (TA) ratio. The cold chamber proved to be the most effective method, offering superior conditions for storing mandarin oranges. The IoT-based monitoring system played a crucial role in maintaining optimal temperature, humidity, and gas content within the cold chamber, resulting in reduced post-harvest losses and extended shelf life. These findings highlight the transformative potential of IoT technology in mandarin orange cultivation and post-harvest storage.

Nutritional composition, fatty acids, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activity of Nigella sativa seed grown in Bangladesh

Black cumin seeds are extensively utilized for foods, cosmetics, and medicinal purposes. The current investigation was undertaken to analyzse the nutritional values, fatty acid compositions, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant roles of different black cumin genotypes available in Bangladesh. The genotype BSK-2074 had a higher content of proximate composition of crude oil (35.17%), crude protein (23.51%), total carbohydrate (35.23%), moisture (6.54%), ash (3.74%), crude fiber (8.12%), and gross energy value (644.88 kcal/100 g) than the released varieties and cultivars of black cumin available in Bangladesh. The major fatty acid profile of the seed-oil of the BSK-2074 genotype revealed that the oil contained a high amount of linoleic (59.39%), oleic (25.72%), palmitic (13.11%), and stearic (2.25%) acids, as well as a low amount of arachidic, linolenic, myristic, behenic, palmitoleic, lignoceric, and eicosadienoic acids. Moreover, the genotype BSK-2074 contained a high amount of unsaturated (UFAs, 85%), and low content of saturated (SFAs, 18%) fatty acids, and the ratio of UFAs to SFAs was higher (4.39–5.37). Again, the seeds of the genotype BSK-2074 were also enriched in different minerals, viz., calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, iron, and zinc. Moreover, total phenolic contents (TPC) and flavonoid contents (TFC) were found significantly higher in the genotype BSK-2074 (478.47 ± 7.33 mg GAE/100 g and 284.07 ± 2.08 mg QE/100 g, respectively) than the local Kalozira variety (316.48 ± 2.33 mg GAE/100 g and 120.53 ± 3.57 mg QE/100 g) found in Bangladesh. The activities of antioxidants 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) were found significantly higher in BSK-2074 (37.93% and 129.65 ± 0.19 mg GAE/100 g), than the local Kalozira variety (98.09% and 193.75 ± 0.19 mg GAE/100 g). Thus, the new genotype, BSK-2074, was identified and suggested as the most promising and nutritionally enriched genotype of black cumin.

Evaluating the Onfarm Performance of True Seed Shallot Varieties in Northwest Ethiopia

Shallot (Allium cepa L. var. aggregatum) is an important vegetable crop in Ethiopia, but its production has declined in recent years due to a lack of true seed-propagated varieties. This study aimed to demonstrate and evaluate the performance of true seed shallot varieties in three districts of the Amhara region: Fogera, Libokemkem, and Dera. The study involved the participation of host farmers in variety demonstrations and the evaluation of the demonstrated varieties by experienced farmers. Two true seed shallot varieties, DZsht-157-1B and DZsht-91-2B, were compared to the local Bombay red variety. Bulb yield data was collected from one-meter square quadrants, and farmers' preferences were assessed using a direct matrix ranking approach. The results showed that the true seed shallot varieties outperformed the local Bombay red variety in terms of bulb yield. In the Fogera district, DZsht-157-1B and DZsht-91-2B had 40.1% and 0.3% higher bulb yields, respectively, compared to Bombay red. In the Libokemkem district, DZsht-91-2B had a 4.2% yield advantage over the local variety. The farmer evaluation results revealed that the true seed shallot varieties were preferred over the local Bombay red variety in various aspects, such as higher bulb yield, redness, and prolonged food span. The findings of this study suggest that the true seed shallot varieties have the potential to improve shallot production in the study areas and potentially in other parts of Ethiopia. To promote the adoption of these varieties, it is crucial to ensure the availability and accessibility of high-quality seeds to farmers, as well as to educate them on the importance of maintaining the true seed to bulb and bulb to true seed cycle. This will enable the continuous propagation of the true seed shallot varieties and ensure a sustainable supply of high-quality planting material, contributing to the revitalization of shallot production in Ethiopia and enhancing the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.

Justice In Management, Utilization and Preservation of Local Plant Varieties

Justice is important (urgent) in the Management, Utilization and Conservation of Local Plant Varieties and as an effort to realize the protection of the rights of local communities. Justice in question must be a basic value that must be realized through law, in this case the Plant Variety Protection Law, article 7, and Regional Regulations. Substantially, both laws and regional regulations must accommodate all stakeholders' interests and needs in the management, utilization and preservation of local plant varieties.

The use of auxin to regenerate embryogenic callus of Indonesian local garlic varieties

Abstract Garlic is a national priority commodity with regards to reducing imports. One of the obstacles in its national production is the limitation of seed quality. This study aimed to investigate how auxin impacts the regeneration of embryogenic callus in three local garlic varieties. The experiment employed a two-factor Complete Randomized Design, involving varieties (Lumbu Putih, Geol, and Sangga Sembalun) and auxin types: A (IAA 1 ppm), B (IAA 3 ppm), C (IAA 5 ppm), D (IBA 1 ppm), E (IBA 3 ppm), and F (IBA 5 ppm). Each treatment was repeated three times so that the total treatment was 54 experimental units. Embryogenic calli, weighing about 0.2 g, were cultivated on the treatment medium. The observed variables were the diameter and texture of the callus, as well as the number of green spots on the callus. The results showed no significant interaction between variety and auxin treatment, but variety had a significant effect on callus diameter. The largest callus diameter was shown by the Sangga Sembalun variety under treatment C (2.75 mm) with a friable texture, yellowish color, and rooted structure, while the smallest callus diameter was produced by the Geol variety in treatment E (1.20 mm) with a non-friable texture and white color. The highest number of green spots was also produced from Sangga Sembalun in treatment D (7 green spots). It was concluded that auxin plays a role in the regeneration of somatic embryos in garlic, but its effectiveness depends on the genotype.

The stepwise regression analysis method for estimating sorghum production in Karangmojo

Abstract Sorghum is a multifunctional crop that can be utilized as a source of food, feed, and bioenergy. Sorghum is a plant that can adapt to land with optimal conditions, dry land with minimal nutrients and tolerant to pests and diseases. Sorghum has been widely cultivated in Indonesia, one in Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta. Sorghum production is influenced by several agronomic characteristics. The purpose of the study was to determine agronomic variables that affect sorghum production. The research was conducted in Karangmojo, Gunungkidul, Special Region of Yogyakarta, from October 2022 to March 2023. Sorghum varieties were local varieties as well as national superior varieties which are usually planted by local farmers. A total of 10 variables were analysed for their significance level on sorghum yield. The collected data were then processed using a multiple linear regression model (stepwise) using SPSS 16.0. The results showed that of the 10 agronomic variables observed, two variables contributed to the sorghum production, namely panicle weight and days to harvesting. The regression model from stepwise results is y = 8.884 + 0.036x3 – 0.062x10, with R2 = 0.754. This result indicates that the two independent variables are the main variables in determining sorghum production in Karangmojo.

Multiple cytokinin elevates indirect regeneration potential of indica rice mature embryo

The concept of producing high quality mature seed derived callus competent to genetic transformation followed by efficient full plant regeneration is not unique in rice. But the process is lacking in terms of regeneration efficiency, genotype dependency especially in indica rice. Further, most of the research has only been focused on elite indica cultivars and popular local varieties are neglected. Our extensive literature study also revealed that among all the factors responsible for higher rice regeneration efficiency, the combination, concentration, and type plant growth regulators (PGRs) are mostly responsible for indica rice genotypes. Hence, the present study is focused on standardization of popular local indica rice cultivars for callus induction and regeneration by tweaking the PGRs in culture media, according to their amenability. The plant regeneration potential was assessed on both traditional organogenesis frequency and morphology-based scoring matrix. This revealed the best suitable PGR concentration-combination for efficient organogenesis and the genotype Khitish to be most responsive for indirect regeneration (78.68 ± 1.50 %). The highly polymorphic SSR marker based clonal fidelity test also validated the absence of somaclonal variation among the regenerated plants. This study would be helpful in improving the regeneration potential in local indica rice varieties and genetic transformation studies.

Influence of higher levels of NPK fertilizers on growth, yield, and profitability of three potato varieties in Surma, Bajhang, Nepal

Potato is a crucial food and cash crop with high yield potential in many parts of the Bajhang district. However, achieving optimal yields can be hindered by inconsistent NPK fertilizer application rates and suboptimal potato variety selection, including instances where no fertilizers are used at all by the farmers. To address these challenges and determine the most effective NPK fertilizer rates and potato varieties, a field experiment was conducted in Surma rural municipality of Bajhang district. The experiment utilized a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications, to evaluate the effects of four NPK fertilizer rates (0:0:0, 50:50:50, 100:100:60, and 150:150:90 kg NPK/ha) and three potato varieties (Khumal Seto, Cardinal, and Bajhang Local), on growth, yield, and economic profitability. Statistical analysis, including analysis of variance and Duncan's multiple range test (DMRT), indicated that the highest values for plant height, canopy diameter, number of leaves, number of main stems, tuber weight, fresh weight of leaves and stems, average tuber diameter and number of marketable tubers per hill were consistently observed higher in either the Khumal Seto or Bajhang Local potato varieties. Similarly, these results were particularly prominent with the application of 150:150:90 kg NPK/ha. Economic analysis demonstrated that the Khumal Seto variety showed superior performance in terms of gross benefit, net benefit, and benefit-to-cost ratio (NPR 1,805,714.29, NPR 1,306,168.83, and 3.61, respectively) when compared to other varieties. Similarly, the application of 150:150:90 kg NPK/ha resulted in higher economic returns (NPR 1,645,714.29, NPR 1,129,908.83, and 3.19). In conclusion, using higher levels of mineral fertilizers (150:150:90 kg NPK/ha) with high yielding and well adapted potato varieties such as Khumal Seto and Bajhang Local significantly enhances growth, yield, and profitability in potato cultivation, as demonstrated by the findings of this study.

Fusarium wilt of some shallot local varieties in Yogyakarta alternating-bed (surjan) agroecosystem

Abstract Leaf twisted is one of the dominant diseases in shallot that is caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cepae. Rain intensity and air humidity due to climate change affect the severity of disease and become an essential factor for high yield loss. Alternating-bed system (surjan) is one land arrangement to cultivate multiple commodities in an irrigated rice agroecosystem. It is implemented by farmers in Yogyakarta. However, it relates to climate conditions. Research about tolerant or moderately resistant shallot varieties against leaf twisted disease in alternating-bed systems is very beneficial for farmers to increase yield. This research aims to determine the potential local shallot variety which is moderately resistant and tolerant against leaf twisted and provides high yield. The research was conducted at the alternating-bed system in Kulon Progo District, Yogyakarta Indonesia from August to September 2022. The experiment was designed in randomized blocks with five replications. Shallot varieties such as Siyem, Srikayang, Crok Kuning, and Tajuk were used in this experiment. Results showed that disease severity in Tajuk, Srikayang, Siyem, and Crok Kuning was 7.60%, 9.60%, 19.60%, and 14.00%, respectively. Disease incidence of Tajuk, Srikayang, Siyem, and Crok Kuning were 0.56%, 0.83%, 1.81%, and 1.25%, respectively. The yields of Tajuk, Srikayang, Siyem, and Crok Kuning were 7.34, 6.27, 5.31, and 7.04 tons per ha, respectively. Siyem and Crok Kuning were categorized as moderately resistant, while Srikayang and Tajuk were tolerant. All four varieties are potentially developed at alternating-bed systems in Yogyakarta.

Assessing the productive potential of high-yielding rice varieties on acid sulfate soils in the tidal swampland of Central Kalimantan

Abstract Tidal swampland holds significant agricultural potential including cultivating rice. Farmers in these regions typically cultivate local rice varieties. Breeding rice techniques have led to the development of superior rice well-suited to thrive in tidal swamplands. This research was conducted on acid sulfate soil within a tidal swampland located in Terusan Karya Village, Kapuas Regency, Central Kalimantan, during the 2021 dry season. The study employed a completely randomized block design with two replications. The experimental treatments comprised nine high-yielding rice varieties: Inpari IR Nutri Zinc, Cakrabuana Agritan, Inpari 3, Inpari 32, Inpari 42, Inpari 47, Inpara 2, Inpara 8, and Inpara 10. The parameters were observed, including plant height, panicle number per hill, panicle length, and grain yield. The high-yielding varieties of rice planted in acid sulfate tidal swamplands exhibit varying growth and yield performances. Grain yields of rice ranged from 5.45 to 7.30 t ha−1 of dry-milled grain. The highest grain yield was shown by Inpari 3 (7.30 t ha−1) and Inpari 32 (7.04 t ha−1). High heritability values are indicated by the traits of dry harvest and milled grains, while wide variability is shown by characters such as plant height, panicle length, grain dry harvest, and dry milled.

Searching of new gene donors for high Fe and Zn content from Indonesian rice varieties

Abstract High Fe and Zn content rice varieties are believed to be effective in reducing the high prevalence of deficiencies. Searching gene donors for high Fe and Zn content is required to further increase the Fe and Zn content of the existing varieties. This preliminary study that was conducted aiming to quantify the Fe and Zn content of rice genotypes of various local (set I) and released (set II) varieties in Indonesia. Set I experiment was conducted in 2014 in 328 Indonesian local variety measured using an ED XRF machine at the ICRR laboratory in Subang. Set II experiment was conducted in 32 rice genotypes using T XRF machine at BRIN laboratory in Bandung in 2022. The results showed the existence of variation of Fe and Zn content among local and improved varieties indicating the potential of breeding efforts to increase Fe/Zn content. Set I with more huge numbers of genotypes showed normal distribution for both Fe and Zn content but not for set II. Fe and Zn content were positively correlated in both sets. Further trial with replications at the same planting environment and uniform method is required to confirm these results.

Genetic Insights into the Historical Attribution of Variety Names of Sweet Chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) in Northern Italy.

The sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) is subject to the progressive disappearance of its traditional chestnut groves. In the northern part of Italy, where distribution of the sweet chestnut is fragmented, many local varieties continue to be identified mostly by oral tradition. We characterised by SSRs eleven historically recognised varieties of sweet chestnut in the area surrounding Lake Como, with the goal of giving a genetic basis to the traditional classification. We performed classical analysis about differentiation and used Bayesian approaches to detect population structure and to reconstruct demography. The results revealed that historical and genetic classifications are loosely linked when chestnut fruits are just "castagne", that is, normal fruits, but increasingly overlap where "marroni" (the most prized fruits) are concerned. Bayesian classification allowed us to identify a homogeneous gene cluster not recognised in the traditional assessment of the varieties and to reconstruct possible routes used for the propagation of sweet chestnut. We also reconstructed ancestral relationships between the different gene pools involved and dated ancestral lineages whose results fit with palynological data. We suggest that conservation strategies based on a genetic evaluation of the resource should also rely on traditional cultural heritage, which could reveal new sources of germplasm.