Mature Pods Research Articles

Impact of seed maturity on season-long physiological performance and offspring seed quality in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Cultivated peanut produces pods of varying maturity throughout most of the plant developmental stages, often leading to a considerable proportion of immature seeds at harvest. Plants originating from immature seeds not only have reduced emergence and physiological performance, but also reduced vigor of both mature and immature seeds produced in subsequent generations. Therefore, seed maturity effects on plant performance could potentially extend from physiology to the initiation and progression of reproduction. This study aimed to elucidate the impacts of seed maturity on plant performance and productivity. In this two-year experiment, season-long physiological and reproductive performance was compared among plants established from mature and immature seed of eight peanut cultivars differing in maturity potential. Our results suggest that plants produced from mature seeds had higher emergence and canopy coverage than plants produced from immature seeds over the season. Further, descendent seed quality was also affected: plants that originated from immature seeds produced mature seeds with average 9.91 % decreased mass, particularly for those formed earliest in plant development, and average 37.18 % less mature pods formed latest in plant development. At harvest, seeds were collected and tested for biochemical characteristics. Seeds that were produced by plants originating from mature seeds generally had higher carbohydrates, protein, oleic acids and lower lipid content than seeds produced by plants originating from immature seeds. Given these results, the use of mature seeds in production appears to be of utmost importance for both the performance of the subsequent plant and the resulting quality of the seed produced by these plants. • This two-year study tested peanut plant performance and the quality of their offspring seeds that formed at different time periods (represented as cohort groups) based on whether the plants and their offspring seeds originated from mature or immature seeds. • Plants produced from mature seeds had enhanced emergence and greater canopy cover than plants produced from immature seeds over the season. • Plants originating from immature vs. mature seeds produced pods/seeds differed in the numbers of mature pods, seed mass and biochemical compounds within each cohort group. • The impact of seed maturity on plant development is highly dependent to environmental influence.

Genetic Variability, Correlation Co-efficient and Path Analysis in Soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) Genotypes

Soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) is an important oil seed and grain legume crop in the world and a perspective high potential crop in Bangladesh. It belongs to the family Leguminosae, sub-family papilionaceae and genus Glycine. An experiment was conducted with 14 genotypes of soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) to study the variability, correlation coefficient, and path analysis. Analysis of variance for each trait showed significant differences among the genotypes. The genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) and phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) were close to each other for all the characters except the leaf area index, indicating the minor environmental influence on the expression of these characters. High heritability associated with high genetic advance in percent of mean was observed for leaf area index, number of seeds per plant, 100 seed weight, and yield, which pointed out that selection for these characters, would be effective. The significant positive correlation with seed yield was found in pod length and 100 seed weight which revealed that selection based on these traits would improve yield ultimately. Path coefficient analysis evidenced that 50% flowering, pod length, days to 1st pod maturity, number of seed per plant and 100 seed weight had a positive direct effect on yield per plant. Therefore, importance must be given to these characters in further breeding programs to improve soybean yield.

Effect of Depth of Sowing and Mulching on Rainfed Chickpea (Cicer arietinum) in Red and Lateritic Belt of West Bengal

Background: Availability of soil moisture is a serious bottleneck for successful growing of post monsoon crops in red and lateritic soil. Hence, soil moisture conservation is crucial for post monsoon crops. In this aspect using mulches for conservation of moisture and optimum depth of sowing for proper germination and seedling emergence are important crop management practices in red and lateritic soil. Methods: The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three depths of sowing as main-plot treatments and four mulching practices as subplot treatments replicated thrice. Measured growth parameters were plant height (cm), number of branches plant-1, dry matter accumulation (g m-2) and leaf area index (LAI); yield attributes such as effective branches m-2, number of mature pods branch-1, number of seeds pod-1 and seed index; grain and stalk yield. Economics of cultivation was assessed in terms of cost of cultivation, gross and net return and net return per invested. Result: Chickpea sown planted at 7.5 cm depth of sowing recorded maximum yield, consumptive water use efficiency and profitability. Application of 7.5 t ha-1 straw mulch registered significantly higher yield of chickpea, consumptive water use efficiency and profitability.

Growth and development of transgenic peanut (Arachis hypogaea) lines containing chitinase 42 kDa gene from Trichoderma asperellum SH16

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is vulnerable to many diseases. Vietnam and other regions where peanut is widely cultivated have a high threat of fungal and other plant diseases. Various fungicides are available to control the fungal disease but these have various harmful effects on the natural flora, fauna, and environment. Transgenic peanut lines which possess antifungal activity provide a possible solution in managing fungal diseases apart from the traditional resistance and fungicide usage. Therefore, this study evaluated the probable growth and development of chitinase transgenic peanut lines against Sclerotium rolfsii, a pathogen that causes “southern blight” in plants, under greenhouse conditions. This study provided evidence that through Agrobacterium itumefaciens mediated transformation, 42 kDa chitinase genes from Trichoderma asperellum, which is under the regulation of 35S promoter, were successfully incorporated into the peanut’s (A. hypogaea L.) genome and expressed in their plants. This evidence also demonstrated that transgenic peanut lines were suitable for growing and developing in the greenhouse. Further, it was reported that transgenic peanut lines took approximately 133 to 145 days from planting to maturity. These results also revealed that various growth characteristics of transgenic peanut lines having two synthetic genes (syncod Chi42-2 i.e. S2-2, S2-4, S2-6, and syncod Chi42-1 i.e. S1-1, S1-2, S1-3) were greater than that from the wild-type Chi42 (WT-1, WT-2, and WT-3). In addition, yield-related parameters including the number of mature pods, 100 pods weight and 100 seeds weight for all the transgenic peanut lines were higher than that of the non-transformed plant. Among the transgenic lines, line S2-4 exhibited significantly higher growth and yield than the other transgenic lines. These results demonstrated that 42 kDa chitinase genes overexpressing peanut lines could be a candidate for improvement against plants to phytopathogenic fungus S. rolfsii and high yield.

Dissipation and Persistence of Imidacloprid Used as Seed Treatment in Peas

Dissipation and persistence study of imidacloprid on peas as seed treatment revealed presence of 6.47 and 9.92 mg kg-1 residues on green pea leaves at a dose of 1.8 g and 3.6 g a.i. per kg of seed, respectively after 19 days of treatment. Residues of imidacloprid dissipated below limit of quantification of 0.01 mg kg-1 after 49 and 54 days of treatment. Residues of imidacloprid were found below limit of quantification of 0.01 mg kg-1 in immature pod with succulent seeds, succulent seeds (shelled), mature pod with seeds, mature seeds (shelled), soil and dry fodder (without root and pod).

Isolation of Cellulose from Leucaena leucocephala Mature Pods and How Different Bleaching Agents Affect Its Characterization

Abstract A Fourier-transform infrared spectrometer was used to investigate the effect of using different bleaching agents during the bleaching process on the functional group of cellulose obtained from Leucaena leucocephala pods. The spectra showed that fiber treated with 5 % sodium hypochlorite (NaCIO) showed a similar functional group with the commercial cellulose. Moreover, the chemical composition analysis and whiteness index showed that fiber treated with NaCIO produced 89.37 % cellulose. The whiteness index was 78.5 %, which was the highest. Therefore, these results are expected to provide insight into the potential of utilizing L. leucocephala pods as the alternative raw material for the isolation of cellulose, as the pods of these plants are underutilized.

Insect Pests and their Direct Damage of Piliostigma reticulatum (D.C.) Hochst Flowers and Pods in North-Soudanian Region of Burkina Faso

Aims: The objective of this work is to gain a better understanding of insect pests of flowers, fresh and ripe pods of P. reticultum in Burkina Faso.
 Study Design: The P. reticultum trees were selected randomly. Also, the collection of flowers and pods from these trees was done in the same way.
 Place and Duration of Study: Flowers, fresh pods and mature pods of P. reticulatum were collected in a village in the province of Bam called Yilou.
 The observations were conducted in the laboratory. The study was carried out between December 2020 and September 2021.
 Methodology: 120 flowers, 200 fresh pods and 2000 ripe pods of P. reticulatum were collected. Fresh flowers and pods were collected randomly from 20 trees and ripe pods from 100 trees. In the laboratory, fresh flowers and pods were dissected and insects were collected. Ripe pods were stored in the laboratory in polyethylene bags at room temperature for up to six months. When the bags were opened, all the insects observed were captured and placed in vials containing 70º alcohol. Insect damage to the pods was assessed using a score from 1 to 5. The pods were then dissected and the insects were collected again. All insects were identified under a binocular "stereomicroscope using identification keys.
 Results: The results showed that Thysanoptera (Thripidae) were the most important insects in the flowers followed by Hymenoptera (Formicidae) and Coleoptera (Curculionidae). The main pests on fresh pods were Lepidoptera larvae (Lepidochrysops quassi Karsch). The extent of damage on mature pods in storage was high with an average score of 4.68. The pests of these pods in stock are Caryedon serratus (Olivier) followed by Tribolium castaneum (Herbst).
 Conclusion: The study revealed that thrips, L. quassi and C. serratus are the main pests of P. reticulatum flowers, fresh pods and socked pods respectively.

First Report of Diaporthe tulliensis and D. pseudomangiferae causing cacao pod rot in Puerto Rico.

Worldwide cacao pod rot is a devastating disease of Theobroma cacao, infected cacao pods turn necrotic reducing yield up to 30%. From July 2020 to August 2021, a survey was conducted at the USDA-ARS cacao germplasm collection located at Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. Incidence of cacao pod rot was 73.9%, observed in 142 of the 196 accessions sampled. The disease was observed at different stages of pod development (small, green, mature pods, and dry mummified large pods). Diseased tissue from three cacao pods (1 mm2) per each cacao accession was surface disinfested by immersion in 70% ethanol for one minute, rinsed with sterile-distilled-water and plated on potato dextrose agar (PDA) amended with 250 mg/L ampicillin and 60 mg/L streptomycin. After 30 days of incubation at 25°C, seven isolates developing white fast-growing colonies with black-globose pycnidia were observed. All isolates produced hyaline, one-celled, biguttulate, and cylindrical and rounded at the apex α conidia of 5.1 to 7.3 µm × 2.5 to 3.0 µm in size and were identified as Diaporthe spp. (Gomes et al. 2013; Crous et al. 2015). To determine the species identity, seven isolates were sequenced of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), sections of β-tubulin (BT) and translation elongation factor 1 alpha (EF1-α) and compared using the BLASTn with Diaporthe spp. type specimens deposited in NCBI GenBank. ITS, BT and EF1-α sequences of Phomocac16, Phomcac17, Phomcac18 and Phomcac21 isolates (GenBank accession nos. OL353698 to OL353701, OL412430 to OL412433, and OL412437 to OL412440 for ITS, BT and EF1-α, respectively) were grouped to the holotype BRIP 62248a (Bootstrap BS=100) of Diaporthe tulliensis R.G. Shivas, Vawdrey & Y.P. Tan. The other three isolates (Phomcac8P1, Phomcac8P3 and Phomcac8P4) were grouped to the ex-type (CBS 101339) of Diaporthe pseudomangiferae R.R. Gomes, Glienke & Crous, ITS, BT and EF1-α sequences of (GenBank accessions nos. OL353702 to OL353704, OL412434 to OL412436, and OL412441 to OL412443, for ITS, BT and EF1-α, respectively). Pathogenicity tests were conducted using isolates Phomocac16, Phomcac17, Phomcac18 and Phomcac21 of D. tulliensis and isolates Phomcac8P1, Phomcac 8P3 and Phomcac8P4 of D. pseudomangiferae on five healthy detached green, yellow and red pods of the following cacao varieties: TARS27, ICS16, ICS1, GS29, UF601, SIAL56, Amelonado, SIAL98, EET94, ICS129 and GNV58. Cacao pods were wounded and inoculated with 5-mm mycelial disks from 8-day-old pure cultures grown on PDA of each isolate and wrapped with parafilm. Untreated controls were inoculated with PDA disks only. Fruits were kept in a humid chamber for 8 days at 25°C. Tests were repeated twice. Eight days after inoculation with D. tulliensis and D. pseudomangiferae, all cacao pods turned dark brown, untreated controls showed no symptoms of pod rot, and no fungi were isolated from tissue. Both species, D. tulliensis and D. pseudomangiferae were reisolated from their respective diseased tissues fulfilling Koch's postulates. Diaporthe tulliensis has been reported from rotted stem ends of cacao pods in Australia (Crous et al. 2015), and D. pseudomangiferae was reported in a shipment of cacao seed pods in California; however, pathogenicity tests were not conducted at either location. In California D. pseudomangiferae is considered a quarantine pathogen with a temporary Q rating (Chitambar 2017). To our knowledge, this is the first report of D. tulliensis and D. pseudomangiferae causing cacao pod rot in Puerto Rico. Knowing the identity and incidence of these new cacao pathogens is the first step for developing specific control measures and potential sources for resistance to cacao pod rot caused by Diaporthe spp.

Generation mean analysis of the key earliness related traits in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp)

The nature of gene action controlling agronomic traits enables plant breeders to execute a successful crop improvement programme. To elucidate the type of gene action governing the key earliness related traits in cowpea, seven populations of the six basic generations, viz; P1, P2, F1, F2, BC1 and BC2 were developed by crossing three extra-early and three early-to-medium maturing parental lines. Each of the populations were sowed in Randomised Complete Block Design, in the experimental field of Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)-Savana Agricultural Research Institute Manga, Ghana. Observations were made on days to first flower appearance (DFFA) and days to 95% pod maturity (DNPM). The results indicated that the epistatic gene interaction for DFFA in most of the crosses was duplicate epistasis between dominant decreasers. For DNPM, duplicate epistasis between dominant increasers was found. Only Kirkhouse-Benga × CB27 revealed complementary epistasis between dominant decreasers for both traits. Among the significant epistasis terms re-estimated using perfect fit procedure, the χ2 values were not applicable in any of the crosses, indicating the inadequacy of the six-parameter model of digenic epistasis. Therefore, trigenic or other high-order epistasis could be responsible for the inheritance of the traits evaluated. This implies that improvement of earliness in cowpea could be achieved through hybridization method, followed by selection of promising recombinants in later generation, for crosses governed by duplicate epistasis. Complementary epistasis detected for one of the crosses is desirable and would be beneficial in the development of early duration varieties, where selection could be done at early generation. The preponderance of partial-dominance, over-dominance of earliness over late maturity, and significant negative heterosis and heterobeltiosis observed for DFFA and DNPM indicated that the developed of short duration cowpea cultivars would be efficient. The genetics of the three most popular extra-early maturing cowpea genotypes reported in this study could be exploited by breeders to develop extra-early duration varieties.

Assessment of genetic variability, character association and path analysis of kernel yield and yield components in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

The present study was carried out in the Department of Oilseeds, during rabi, 2021 at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore to study the genetic variability, correlation and path analysis using thirty promising genotypes of groundnut.   Kernel yield and its component characters were recorded. The magnitude of PCV and GCV values were higher for the characters viz., number of branches, total biomass, 100 kernel weight, leaf area ratio and leaf area index. Total number of branches, total biomass and 100 kernel weight exhibited high heritability and high genetic advance as per cent of mean. Kernel yield showed significant positive association with pod yield, mature pods, number of pods and shelling percentage. The importance of these characters was also confirmed through path analysis, as they had direct implications on kernel yield. As a result, selection based on these traits will result in increased kernel yield in groundnut.  Keywords: Groundnut, genetic variability, correlation, path analysis, kernel yield.

Genetic control of earliness in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L) Walp)

Global climate change is expected to further intensify the already harsh conditions in the dry savannah ecological zones of sub-Saharan Africa, posing serious threats to food and income security of millions of smallholder farmers. Breeding cowpea for improved earliness could help minimize this risk, by ensuring that the crops complete their lifecycle before the cessation of rainfall. In this study, we crossed two sets of cowpea lines showing contrasting phenotypes for earliness in terms of days to 50% flowering (DFF). One set of the lines comprised three extra-early parents (viz.: Sanzi-Nya, Tobonaa and CB27, 30–35 DFF), and the other set consisted of three early-to-medium maturity lines (viz.: Kirkhouse-Benga, Wang-Kae and Padi-Tuya, 42–45 DFF). The derived crosses and their parents were evaluated for key earliness-related traits at Nyankpala and Manga sites of CSIR-Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (SARI), Ghana. To unravel the genetic control of measured traits, we compared the appropriateness of Chi-square goodness of fit tests using classical Mendelian ratios, and frequency distribution (histogram)-related statistics such as skewness and kurtosis. The Chi-square test suggested a single dominant gene mode of inheritance for earliness, whereas the quantitative methods implicated duplicate epistasis and complementary epistatic gene actions. Our results show that coercing segregating lines to fit into classical Mendelian ratios to determine the genetic control of earliness could be misleading, due to its subjectivity. Thus, the genetic control of earliness in cowpea is governed by complementary and duplicate epistasis. The most applicable breeding approach for traits influenced by duplicate epitasis is selection of desirable recombinants from segregating populations developed from bi-parental crosses. Complementary epitasis, as found in the Wang-Kae × CB27 cross, could be exploited in developing improved extra-early lines through backcrossing. Heritability and genetic advance estimates were high for days to first flower appearance (DFFA) and days to 95 % pod maturity (DNPM) in the Padi-Tuya × CB27 and Kirkhouse-Benga x CB27 crosses, indicating that breeding for extra-earliness is feasible. CB27 could be a good donor for introgression of earliness into medium to late maturing improved cowpea varieties, because crosses developed from it had high heritability and genetic advance estimates.

Relationship of some insect pests of roselle with weather parameters in Makurdi, Nigeria

The population dynamics of three insect species namely: Monolepta thomsoni, Nisotra sjostedti, and Dysdercus volkeri along with their correlation with weather factors were studied during the 2016 cropping seasoning Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria. Insect count was done within a 1m by 1m area for 21 weeks. M. thomsoni and N. sjostedti populations peaked at 9 WAP, while D. volkeri peaked at 21 at pod maturity. M. thomsoni and N. sjostedti strongly linked with early crop relative humidity. M. thomsoni associated favourably with rainfall and relative humidity in the late harvest, but not maximum temperature. D. volkeri was positively correlated with sun radiation, maximum temperature, and relative humidity in early-sown crops. Positive and significant association between D. volkeri and maximum temperature in late crop. N. sjostedti did not link with late-sown crop weather. This study's result can be used to forecast insect pest damage, which can aid with pest management.

High source–sink ratio at and after sink capacity formation promotes green stem disorder in soybean

Green stem disorder (GSD) of soybean is characterized by delayed leaf and stem maturation despite normal pod maturation. Previous studies have suggested that GSD occurrence is promoted by a high source–sink ratio, which is produced by thinning or shade removal at the R5 growth stage (the beginning of seed filling). Here the effects of different times and durations of shade removal after the R5 stage on GSD severity were analyzed. First, shade removal for more than 28 days after R5 increased GSD severity by more than 0.4 point in GSD score. Thinning treatment at R5 increased specific leaf weight by 23%, suppressed stem dry weight reduction, and upregulated 19 genes including those encoding vegetative storage proteins at R5 + 28d, indicating excess source ability relative to sink size. On the contrary, shade removal for 14 days after R5 decreased GSD severity by 0.5 point in GSD score. In this treatment, seed size was smaller, while seed number was significantly larger than control, suggesting that shortage of source ability relative to sink size. These results implied that soybean plants regulate GSD occurrences either positively or negatively according to a source-sink ratio during the R5 to R5 + 28d growth stages.

Farmers’ selection cues in cowpea for vegetable use in eastern Uganda

A participatory cowpea varietal selection was carried out in Eastern Uganda in Kumi district among farmers (n=30) in the sub-Counties of: Ongino, Kumi and Kanyum. A range of opinions were collected to identify farmers’ selection criteria based on different sensory attributes and their most preferred genotypes for vegetable use. A preference analysis was carried out to obtain quantitative preference scores of each plot. This was followed by organoleptic tests which included attributes like taste, aroma and texture of the genotypes at the vegetative and immature R4 stages. Focus group discussions (FGDs) were also held to find consensus of the independent evaluations made by individual farmers. Data for sixteen (16) cowpea genotypes were collected at the different above mentioned stages. Quantitative data were analyzed based on farmers’ scores made on the different evaluated attributes and ANOVA was used to provide mean differences between location, gender and genotype at a significant level of 5%. Preference score for each of the varieties tested was determined and presented. Data from FGDs were grouped, similarities and differences were later determined depending on their level of importance to the farmers. Significant differences (p<0.05) in farmer choices were observed for leaf taste, immature pod aroma, taste and texture; mature pod aroma, taste between farmer groups, age genotype and gender. Irrespective of age, gender, farmer group and genotype, farmers seemed to give more importance to the smooth texture, little hard leaves when chewing, sweet taste with a mild aroma (leaves) and a moderate aroma (pods). Majority (9%) of the farmers preferred Ebelat (landrace) at V4 stage; this was followed by Danila (8.7%). On the other hand, UCUCOW1 (13% at immature and 10.2% at mature cooked R4 stage) followed by Ebelat (9% and 9.8% for immature and mature R4 stage, respectively) were preferred by majority of the farmers. In terms of sensory attributes, farmers preferred genotypes with sweet taste, moderate aroma and tender texture. The information is a baseline for understanding key farmer selection criteria in utilization of cowpea as a vegetable which can be used in generating a demand-led variety design for the crop. Key words: Farmer preferences, demand-led variety design, cowpea vegetable, sensory attributes

Response of Different Pre-sowing Seed Treatments with Biofertilizers, Plant Growth Regulators and Botanical Extract on Growth and Yield Parameters of Field Pea (Pisum sativum L.)

A field experiment was conducted during rabi season in the year (2021-2022) at post graduate Central Research Farm, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Naini Agriculture Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with 13 treatments and 3 replications. Pea seeds were treated with (NAA, GA3, Rhizobium, Azatobacter, Neem Leaf Extract, Lantana Camera Extract ) were subjected to growth and yield parameters. The results showed that seed treatment with treatment (T2) (NAA@100 ppm for 12hours) recorded the highest germination percentage, maximum plant height, minimum days for 50% flowering and days to pod maturity, maximum number of branches/plant, number of pods/plant, number of seeds/pod, highest pod length and pod width, maximum seed yield, biological yield, harvest index was significant in all and highest gross returns, net returns and cost benefit ratio was recorded in treatment (T2) seed treatment with NAA@100ppm for 12hours.

Selection indexes and economic weights applied to runner-peanut breeding

ABSTRACT Runner peanuts are known for their high pod yields, but are late to flowering and pod maturation, and the optimal combination of these traits with pod yield is widely desired for peanut improvement. Selection indexes are useful tools for crop breeding. In this study, seven selection indexes combined with economic weights were used in a peanut population to estimate the superior and balanced genetic gains. Eleven runner genotypes were grown in three environments in the Northeast region of Brazil under a randomized block design with five replicates. The following indices were used: Smith and Hazel, Pesek and Baker, Williams, Elston, Subandi, Cruz, and Mulamba & Mock, in combination with the following economic weights: weight 1 for all evaluated traits, primary and secondary traits, genetic variation coefficient, genetic standard deviation, and b coefficient, obtained via multivariate regression. Although the population is genetically uniform, statistical differences were found, indicating sufficient genetic variability to generate selection progress. The combinations involving earliness traits were not satisfactory for production gains. The index based on the Mulamba & Mock rankings combined with weight 1 for all traits proved the optimal combination, as indicated by the most balanced gains. The cultivars Florunner, Cavalo, LGoPE-06, and LViPE-06 are promising germplasm for ensuring satisfactory selection gains based on production means and high heritability of the most evaluated traits.

Sequel of divergent sowing dates on phenological event with yield and quality of Tossa jute (Corchorus olitorius L.) seed

This experiment was conducted at Jute Research Sub Station, Bangladesh Jute Research Institute, Jashore to determine phenology, yield and quality of Tossa jute seed at different sowing times starting from 15 July to 1 October, 2020. Variety O-9897 was used as plant material. Randomized Complete Block Design was followed with 4x3m plot size. Line sowing was practised. The result revealed that phenology, seed yield and quality varied significantly with different sowing dates. The earliest flowering (at 42 days) was observed from the sowing on 1 October and the most delayed flowering (at 89 days) from the sowing on 15 July. Sowing from 15 August to 1 September gave the highest yield with good quality seed. Sowing on 15 August, 2020 required 150 days and sowing on 1 September, 2020 required 139 days for pod maturation. Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 57(1), 61-66, 2022

Interspecific and Intergeneric Hybrids of Aerides Species with Rhynchostylis coelestis Rchb.f. and Germination of Hybrid Seeds In Vitro

The beautiful Thai orchid species are Aerides and Rhynchostylis coelestis Rchb.f. that hybrids are valued for potted plants or cut flowers. Interspecific hybridization of Aerides species and intergeneric hybridization of Aerides species with Rhynchodtylis coelestis were investigated to observe their cross ability and the germination of hybrid seeds in vitro. The successful crosses were 4 interspecific hybrids including A. multiflora × A. houlletiana, A. odoratum × A. multiflora, A. odoratum × A. houlletiana, A. falcata × A. houlletiana (40 to 100 % pod formation) and 3 intergeneric hybrids including A. multiflora × R. coelestis, A. houlletiana × R. coelestis and A. falcata × R. coelestis (83 to 100 % pod formation). The age and size of mature pods of interspecific hybrids were 106 to 181 days with length of 1.40 to 2.37 cm and width of 0.70 to 1.23 cm and intergeneric hybrids were 93 to 165 days with length of 1.75 to 2.68 cm and width of 0.81 to 1.18 cm after pollination. Seeds of 4 interspecific and 3 intergeneric hybrids germinated into protocorms after sowing on VW (1949) agar medium for 26 to 84 days and 35 to 50 days, respectively. Hybrid plantlets with well-developed shoots and roots for 150 days after cultured on modified VW (1949) agar medium supplemented with 100 g L–1 banana, 150 mL L–1 coconut water, 20 g L–1 sucrose, 2 g L–1 activated charcoal, 7 g L–1 agar, and pH 5.2 at 25 ± 2 °C under light condition for 16 h day–1. Hybrid plantlets were transplanted into greenhouse condition after 180 days showed 100 % survival and grew. The successful hybridization of Aerides hybrids can be applied for production new varieties of orchids.
 HIGHLIGHTS
 
 The genus Aerides is one of the most beautiful Thai orchids that flowers have variation in shapes, sizes, and color for potted plants or cut flowers. Rhynchostylis coelestisf. is native to Thailand that the flower colors are purple used for trades and making hybrids
 There are reported on interspecific hybridization of some Aerides without intergeneric hybridization with Rhynchostylis coelestis Rchb.f
 The ability to interspecific hybridization of Aerides and intergeneric hybridization between Aerides spp. with Rhynchostylis coelestis Rchb.f. were successful for pod formation, seed germination and developed into plantlets
 
 GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Transgenerational changes in pod maturation phenology and seed traits of Glycine soja infested by the bean bug Riptortus pedestris.

Land plants have diverse defenses against herbivores. In some cases, plant response to insect herbivory may be chronological and even transgenerational. Feeding by various stink bugs, such as the bean bug Riptortus pedestris (Hemiptera: Alydidae), induce physiological changes in soybean, called as green stem syndrome, which are characterized by delayed senescence in stems, leaves, and pods. To investigate the plant response to the bean bug feeding in the infested generation and its offspring, we studied the effects of R. pedestris infestation on Glycine soja, the ancestral wild species of soybean. Field surveys revealed that the occurrence of the autumn R. pedestris generation coincided with G. soja pod maturation in both lowland and mountainous sites. Following infestation by R. pedestris, pod maturation was significantly delayed in G. soja. When G. soja seeds obtained from infested and non-infested plants were cultivated, the progeny of infested plants exhibited much earlier pod maturation and larger-sized seed production than that of control plants, indicating that R. pedestris feeding induced transgenerational changes. Because earlier seed maturity results in asynchrony with occurrence of R. pedestris, the transgenerational changes in plant phenology are considered to be an adaptive transgenerational and chronological defense for the plant against feeding by the stink bug.

SELECTION OF LANDRACES OF LIMA BEAN FOR FAMILY AGRICULTURE

ABSTRACT Lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus L.) is the second most important socioeconomic species of the genus, consisting of a food alternative as green or mature beans. It is an income option for family farmers and the lack of superior varieties makes its recommendation difficult, considering the peculiar lima bean variability. Thus, aimed to select landraces of lima beans based on desirable agronomic traits, enabling their use in breeding programs and later recommendations to family farmers. Evaluation trials were carried out with 14 landraces of lima beans in the municipalities of São Domingos do Maranhão - MA, Teresina - PI, Bom Jesus - PI, and Tianguá - CE. The agronomic traits were evaluated: number of days until flowering, number of days until pod maturation, pod length, pod width, pod thickness, number of seeds per pod, 100-seed weight, and grain yield. The data were initially subjected to univariate analysis of variance to determine the genetic variability in different environments and, subsequently, to multivariate and cluster analyses. The evaluated landraces showed genetic divergence, not being grouped according to geographic origin, demonstrating the existence of similarity between germplasms of rural communities in neighboring states. The varieties Boca de Moça, Raio de Sol, and Fava Branca CE are the earliest; Boca de Moça, Rajada, and Raio de Sol presented the longest pods and largest seeds; and Boca de Moça, Rajada, and Mulatinha are the most productive. Therefore, it qualifies them for recommendation to family farmers and/or incorporation in lima bean breeding programs.