Plant Tiller Research Articles

The Overexpression of Zea mays Strigolactone Receptor Gene D14 Enhances Drought Resistance in Arabidopsis thaliana L.

Strigolactones (SLs) represent a recently identified class of plant hormones that are crucial for plant tillering and mycorrhizal symbiosis. The D14 gene, an essential receptor within the SLs signaling pathway, has been well-examined in crops, like rice (Oryza sativa L.) and Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana L.), yet the research on its influence in maize (Zea mays L.) remains scarce. This study successfully clones and establishes Arabidopsis D14 gene overexpression lines (OE lines). When compared with the wild type (WT), the OE lines exhibited significantly longer primary roots during germination. By seven weeks of age, these lines showed reductions in plant height and tillering, alongside slight decreases in rosette and leaf sizes, coupled with early aging symptoms. Fluorescence-based quantitative assays indicated notable hormonal fluctuations in OE lines versus the WT, implying that D14 overexpression disrupts plant hormonal homeostasis. The OE lines, exposed to cold, drought, and sodium chloride stressors during germination, displayed an especially pronounced resistance to drought. The drought resistance of OE lines, as evident from dehydration-rehydration assays, outmatched that of the WT lines. Additionally, under drought conditions, the OE lines accumulated less reactive oxygen species (ROS) as revealed by the assessment of the related physiological and biochemical parameters. Upon confronting the pathogens Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 (Pst DC3000), post-infection, fluorescence quantitative investigations showed a significant boost in the salicylic acid (SA)-related gene expression in OE lines compared to their WT counterparts. Overall, our findings designate the SL receptor D14 as a key upregulator of drought tolerance and a regulator in the biotic stress response, thereby advancing our understanding of the maize SL signaling pathway by elucidating the function of the pivotal D14 gene.

Estimation of Hetrosis in F1 Hybrids of Bread Wheat Genotypes

The experiment was conducted for estimation of the heterosis in F1 hybrids in wheat genotypes. The research was conducted at the experimental field of Seed Production Development Centre, Sindh Agriculture University Tandojam during Rabi growing season 2019-20. The experiment was laid-out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) using three replications. The performance of parents and their hybrids, and heterotic effects were measured in various aspects like earliness characters (days taken to 75% heading, days taken to 75% maturity), morphological and yield traits like plant height, tillers plant-1, yield plant-1, and a physiology related trait; relative water content. The study consisted of six varieties and their six F1 hybrids. The parents used were TD-1, Benazir-2013, TJ-83, Hamal, Imdad-2005, Kiran-95 and their crosses were as TD-1 × Hamal, TD-1 × Benazir-2013, Benazir-2013 × TD-1, TJ-83 × Benazir-2013, TJ-83 × Imdad, Kiran-95 ×Benazir-2013. Results revealed that all the parents and hybrids were highly significant for all the parameters studied at P<0.01 level. The F1 hybrids Benazir-2013 × TD-1, TD-1 × Benazir-2013, TD-1 × Hamal and Kiran -95 × Benazir-2013 had showed better response in mid parent heterosis and heterobeltiosis for most of the traits except plant height. On the basis of current findings, it could be concluded that these cross combinations may be used in bread wheat for yield improvement

Physiological and transcriptomic analysis provides novel insight into growth in Kam sweet rice under different nitrogen supplies

AbstractKam Sweet Rice (KSR) is a rice cultivar cultivated for thousands of years in China. Proper and balanced use of nitrogen sources is essential for achieving optimal growth and yield in KSR. This study was carried out to find the most effective hydroponic nutrient solution for cultivating and promoting the growth of KSR. Different nitrogen treatments were applied to KSR cultivars GouDan (GD), GouHa (GH), HongHe (HH), LeiLongGang (LG), and ZaiBianXiaoXiangHe (ZH), resulting in noticeable changes in both growth and physiological traits. Our findings revealed that D3 treatment [1.2 mM NH4Cl + 2.4 mM NaNO3+ neutral amino acids (0.1 mM Ser + 0.2 mM Thr + 0.2 mM Gly + 0.2 mM Pro +0.3 mM Ala)] had a notable positive impact on the growth of GH and ZH which showed the best performance in terms of plant height, root length and fresh weight when compared to the control (CK). Through transcriptome analysis, we discovered that these treatments altered the expression levels of genes associated with carbon metabolism, photosynthesis, and nitrogen pathways within 40 days. Interestingly, by altering the growth and tillering in rice transgenic plants, we validated the role of amino acid transporter OsAAP13 identified in transcriptome profiling, underscoring its significance. Our results are helpful for large‐scale production of KSR with the key methods for controlling the growth of KSR. It is a valuable asset for future investigations aimed at unravelling the intricate mechanisms governing plant growth in the context of different nitrogen supplies.

Effects of oilseed rape green manure on phosphorus availability of red soil and rice yield in rice-green manure rotation system.

Improving the nutrient content of red soils in southern China is a priority for efficient rice production there. To assess the effectiveness of oilseed rape as green manure for the improvement of soil phosphorus nutrient supply and rice yield in red soil areas, a long-term field plot experiment was conducted comparing two species of rape, Brassica napus (BN) and Brassica juncea (BJ). The effects of returning oilseed rape on soil phosphorus availability, phosphorus absorption, and yield of subsequent rice under rice-green manure rotation mode were analyzed, using data from the seasons of 2020 to 2021. The study found that compared with winter fallow treatment (WT) and no-tillage treatment (NT), the soil available phosphorus content of BN was increased, and that of BJ was significantly increased. The content of water-soluble inorganic phosphorus of BJ increased, and that of BN increased substantially. Compared with the WT, the soil organic matter content and soil total phosphorus content of BN significantly increased, as did the soil available potassium content of BJ, and the soil total phosphorus content of BJ was significantly increased compared with NT. The soil particulate phosphorus content of BJ and BN was significantly increased by 14.00% and 16.00%, respectively. Compared with the WT, the phosphorus activation coefficient of BJ was significantly increased by 11.41%. The rice plant tiller number under the green manure returning treatment was significantly increased by 43.16% compared with the winter fallow treatment. The green manure returning measures increased rice grain yield by promoting rice tiller numbers; BN increased rice grain yield by 9.91% and BJ by 11.68%. Based on these results, returning oilseed rape green manure could augment the phosphorus nutrients of red soil and promote phosphorus availability. Rice-oilseed rape green manure rotation could increase rice grain yield.

Azolla pinnata ammendment and P-solubilizing bacteria inoculation for improving Inceptisols fertility and rice (Oryza sativa L.) yield production

Continuous and long-term use of chemical fertilizers in lowland rice fields can have negative impacts on the environment, causing harm to aquatic life and a decrease in soil health. Applying Azolla pinnata and inoculating phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) in organic farming is an appropriate strategy to increase soil nutrients and lowland rice production. Azolla pinnata plays a role in increasing N nutrients, while phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) increase available phosphate in the soil. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of varying doses of Azolla pinnata and PSB inoculant in increasing soil available P, plant-P concentration, plant hegh, productive tiller, and rice yield. The experimental design used a Factorial Randomized Block Design of two factors in three replications. The first factor was Azolla pinnata application (0 ton ha-1; 10 ton ha-1; 20 ton ha-1; 30 ton ha-1), and the second factor was PSB inoculation (0 kg ha-1; 12.5 kg ha -1; 25 kg ha-1). The experimental results showed that the Azolla pinnata application at a dose of 10 t ha-1 with inoculation of 12.5 kg ha-1 PSB significantly increased the highest soil available P by 48.3 ppm. The application of Azolla pinnata 30 t ha-1 significantly increased the P content of plants—0.26 mg g-1. Azolla pinnata 30 t ha-1 application and PSB inoculation produced significantly the highest productive tillers of rice plants, 38 plants pot-1. Azolla pinnata 10 tons ha-1 application with BPF inoculant 12.5 kg ha-1 significantly increased the highest grain yield, namely 81.47 g pot.-1

Estimation of Heterosis and Heterobeltiosis of F1 Generation of Bread Wheat Genotypes.

This study included 10 genotypes of bread wheat, namely M45, Yakora, Giza168, Sids 12, SK95, Misr2, Giemiza 9, Sahel 1, Sids14, and Silano. The genotypes (parents and their single crosses) were cultivated at the research station of the Department of Field Crops of the College of Agriculture University of Kirkuk. During the winter agricultural season (2021-2022) using a Randomized Complete Block Design (R.C.B.D) and with three replications. The performance and hybrid vigour of the genetic compositions were studied based on the average and best parents . The most important results can be summarized as follows: The best performance of the parent (Sids12) was for the traits of the No. of grains. spike-1 (111.409) grains, the weight 1000 grains (42.991)(g), and the single grains yield (60.250) (g) . The hybrid (Sids 12x Sahel 1) showed the highest hybrid vigour for the traits of spike length (22.041) cm, No. of grains. spike-1 (147.835) grains, and single grains yield (96.991) (g). The hybrids (Yakora * Sids 12), (Yakora * Sids14), (Giza168* Sahel 1), (Sids 12* Sahel 1), and (Sids 12* Sids14) also showed significant hybrid vigour, calculated on the basis of deviation from the mean of parents for all the studied traits Days 75 % flowering , No. of tillers plant-1, spike length (cm) , No. of grains spike-1 , weight1000 grains (g) , single grains yield (g) and Biological yield plant-1 (g) , The hybrid (Giemiza 9* Sids14) showed significant hybrid vigour, calculated on the basis of deviation of the first generation from the best parents for all the studied traits Days 75 % flowering, No. of tillers plant-1, spike length (cm), No. of grains spike-1, weight1000grains(g),singlegrainsyield (g) and Biological yield plant-1 (g).

Effect of micron (micronutrients) fertilizer on the growth and yield of Wheat variety Sarsabz

The Department of Chemistry Soil Section Agriculture Research Institute, Tando Jam, conducted an examination in order to find out how micron (micronutrient) fertilizer affected the growth and yield of the wheat variety Sarsabz. Three replicates of a Randomized Complete Block Design were used to investigate the effects of micron (micronutrients) fertilizer utilized at rates of 0, 50, 100, and 150 kg ha-1 having a plot size of 46 m x 44 m. The results of the study revealed that applying micronutrient fertilizer to crops significantly altered the crop’s parameters. The application of Micron (micronutrients) fertilizer applied at a rate of 150 kg ha-1, with proposed N (168) and P (84) doses, resulting in the maximum wheat plant height (101.73), more tillers plant-1 (9.73), spike length (13.7), more grain spike-1 (51.66), heavier seeds (39.3), and higher grain yield (3453.3 kg ha-1). Therefore the micro nutrient is essential for achieving maximum yield production and should be applied with recommended doses on the wheat crop, performed better results in soil conditions of Tando Jam.

Integrated Effect of Synthetic Fertilizers and Bio-Inoculant on Growth, Yield Attributes and Yield of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

During the Rabi season of 2021-22, a field trial was carried out in micro plots within the 'pot culture house' at the Department of Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology in Kanpur. The study involved nine treatment combinations arranged in a randomized block design with three replications, aiming to assess the impact of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and Azotobacter on the wheat variety K-1317. Based on the findings obtained from the study, it can be deduced that concerning the growth parameters maximum plant height is 77.51 cm, maximum number of tillers plant-1 is 6.00 were associated with the treatment T6 [125 % RDF + Azotobacter]. Similarly, among the yield components and productivity parameters maximum values in relation to length of ear (12.75 cm), number of grain ear-1 (57.67), fresh weight plant-1 (156.24 g), dry weight plant-1 (25.25 g), grain yield (52.00 q ha-1), straw yield (65.80 q ha-1) and biological yield (101.96 q ha-1) were also found in the treatment T6 [125 % RDF + Azotobacter]. While the minimum value of growth, yield attributes and yield parameters were also found under the treatment T1 [Control].

Exogenous GR24 Inhibits Strawberry Tillering by Affecting the Phytohormone Signaling and Sugar Metabolism Pathways

Tillering is an important part in strawberry growth, and strawberries can reproduce nutritionally through stolons to generate genetically stable offspring. However, excessive tillering during the fruit-growing stage can negatively impact fruit yield and quality. In this study, different concentrations of exogenous rac-GR24 (GR24) are used to treat the strawberry plants. It was found that GR24 effectively inhibited the sprouting of strawberry stolons, while promoting the growth of the stems and leaves. Among the treatments, the most effective concentration was found to be 5 μmol/L GR24. This treatment resulted in a decrease in the glucose content in the strawberry crowns and also caused changes in the contents of two endogenous phytohormones, gibberellic acid (GA3) and trans-zeatin riboside (tZR). Transcriptome data further suggested that exogenous GR24 may inhibit strawberry plant tillering by affecting various phytohormone signaling pathways and the sugar metabolism pathway. In 5 μmol/L GR24-treated plants, the expression level of type-B response regulator (B-ARR) was down-regulated and the expression level of CYTOKININ RESPONSE 1 (CRE1), histidine-containing phosphotransfer protein (AHP), and type-A response regulator (A-ARR) were up-regulated, suggesting the inhibition of the cytokinin (CTK) signaling pathway. The down-regulation of auxin (AUX) and auxin response factor (ARF), as well as the up-regulation of auxin/indole-3-acetic acid (AUX/IAA), led to the inhibition of the indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) signaling pathway. Additionally, the up-regulation of pyrabactin resistance 1/ pyrabactin resistance 1-like (PYR/PYL), non-fermenting 1-related protein kinase 2 (SnRK2), and ABRE binding factors (ABF) and the down-regulation of protein phosphatase 2C (PP2C) were observed in the up-regulated abscisic acid (ABA) signaling pathways. In the sugar metabolism pathway, the up-regulation of invertase (INV), hexokinase (HK), and fructokinase (FRK) and the down-regulation of trehalase (TREH) and beta-amylase (BMY) led to a decreased glucose synthesis and an increased glucose consumption. Therefore, GR24 can effectively inhibit strawberry plant tillering through these pathways, making it an effective reagent for tillering inhibition.

Triticale selection lines yield’s level and its structural elements in the middle Amur river region

The studies were carried out in 2020-2022 at the Far Eastern Research Institute of Agriculture (Khabarovsk Territory). The object of study is breeding lines of spring triticale. Agrometeorological conditions differed by years: 2020 - within the average multi-year values, 2021 - high temperatures of the surface air layer and lack of moisture, 2022 - excessive waterlogging. As a result of the research, breeding lines of spring triticale were identified according to grain yield (38.0-45.4 c/ha) - 102-20, 103-20, 104-20, 105-20, 106-20, 107-20, 109- 20, 116-20, 178-20, 184-20, 185-20, 190-20, 196-20, 208-20, 212-20, 217-20, 218-20. In the soil and climatic conditions of the Middle Amur region, samples 102-20, 103-20, 105-20, 116-20, 117-20, 118-20, 119-20, 122-20, 123-20, 134-20, 178- 20, 257-20, 258-20 formed a stable productivity over the years (V˂10 %). The indicator of productive tillering ranged from 1.6 to 3.4 plants according to the samples. Breeding lines of spring triticale 125-20, 184-20 with the maximum number of grains per ear (52-53 pieces) were marked. On average, over the years of research, all samples (except line 105-20) exceeded the standard variety Ukro in terms of grain weight per ear (1.58-2.27 g). In terms of the weight of 1000 grains, 73 % of the samples exceeded the standard variety Ukro by 0.4-9.8 g. A high correlation coefficient was established between the formation of yield and the productive tillering of triticale plants (r = 0.89). The number and weight of seeds of triticale genotypes in the conditions of the region correlate to an average degree (r=0.63). The amount of grain from the main ear and its weight are weakly correlated with the weight of 1000 grains (r= -0.41 and r=0.43, respectively).

Characterization of Buffelgrass (Cenchrus ciliaris L.) Germplasm Using DUS Descriptors

The present study was carried on thirty seven Cenchrus genotypes during rabi, 2022-23. Tweleve traits were recorded as per the descriptors provided by PPV & FRA and several genotypes possessed unique traits that aids in genotype identification. The traits viz.,Growth habit ,Anothcyanin coloration on nodes, Node colour, Leaf blade altitude, Leaf blade pubescence, Awns distribution, Awns colour, Leaf colour, and Early vigour showed significant variation among genotypes. Quantitative Characters viz., Plant height, Leaf length (cm), Leaf width (cm), Inter-nodal length (cm), Nodes on tiller, Panicle length (cm), Tillers/Plant, Green fodder yield were recorded. The traits, Plant height, No. of tillers plant and green fodder yield recorded significant critical difference between the genotypes. Hence utmost care would be given for these characters while in the selection process of Cenchrus ciliaris crop improvement.

Effects of Organic Fertilization on Growth Response of Brachiaria (Mulato II) in Lushoto, Tanzania

The smallholder livestock keepers in Tanzania, like any other country in sub-Saharan Africa, depend heavily on the natural pastures that lack quality and nutrients for livestock. Efforts to establish pasture with Bracharia grass in most parts of sub-Saharan Africa to supplement the deficiency are inevitable. This study aimed to investigate the effects of farmyard manure fertilisation on the performance of Brachiaria grass (Mullato II) at Ubiri Village, Lushoto District, Tanzania. The study used two treatments, i.e., the number of harvest and fertility improvement options, whereby Randomised Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications were used. Data was collected on plant tiller number per bunch, tiller height (m), biomass (tha-1) and leaf area indices per treatment in replications. R software version 3.5.0 was employed to analyse the gathered data sets. We compared the mean difference using the standard error of the mean. The result indicated that tiller height, number of tillers, biomass yield and leaf area index, of the hybrid Brachiaria grass had increased significantly (P<0.05) by 59, 48, 68%, and 76 %, respectively, in the second Harvest (i.e., 22 weeks). It was revealed further that manure fertilisation showed positive effects on the growth response of the grass. The study recommended that the integration of farmyard manure should be promoted in Tanzania and elsewhere in sub-Saharan Africa. Moreover, a study should be conducted to investigate the effects of farmyard manure fertilisation on the nutritional value of Brachiaria grass in the area studied

Identifying a Most Suitable Growing Medium for Acclimatizing Dendrobium Orchids for Commercial Purposes

Dendrobium orchid highly valued as cut flowers. During acclimatization different growing media are being used. However, these media have not scientifically tested, thus, the effect of growing media on acclimatization stage of Dendrobium orchid type ‘TC 05’ was evaluated under glass house conditions to assist in producing quality pot plants. The experiment was carried out at the Orchid Section of the Floriculture Research and Development Unit (FRDU), Department of National Botanic Gardens (DNBG), Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. Six months old tissue cultured Dendrobium plants with an average mean height of 2.4 cm were potted in 12.7 cm clay pots and five different potting media were tested. Fifteen pots were used for each treatment with 05 plants in each pot (total number of plants in each treatment = pots 15 x 5 plants = 75 plants) with the total number of plants 5 x 15 x 5 = 375 plants. Five different potting media were (T1) Coir dust+ Roof tile pieces + Sand (1:1:1), (T2) Coir dust + Granite + Sand (1:1:1), (T3) Coir dust + Roof tile pieces + Charcoal (1:1:1), (T4) Coir dust + Roof tile pieces + Granite (1:1:1), and (T5) Coir dust + Charcoal + Paddy husk (1:1:1) were used in the experiment. The experiment was arranged according to the Randomized Complete Block Design. The T1 medium Coir dust+ Roof tile pieces + Sand (1:1:1), which is regularly used as the growing media of the FRDU of the DNBG, was considered to be the control treatment. Observation on growth parameters (height, number of new leaves and number of new tillers) of plants were recorded twice a month from October 2022 to June 2023. Mean height of plants in treatment two is (6.4 ± 0.58) significantly higher than those of T3, T4 and T5 (F=5.7, P<0.01). Similarly mean number of new leaves in treatment two (5.2 ± 0.69) is significantly higher than those of T3, T4 and T5 (F=25.72, P<0.01). However, mean number of tiller in treatment two (1.9 ± 0.35) is significantly higher than that of T5 ( F=4.3, P<0.01). Thus growing media (T2) Coir dust + Granite + Sand (1:1:1) showed the best performance in average plant height, number of leaves produced and number of tillers. It may be concluded that Coir dust + Granite + Sand (1:1:1) is the most suitable media for the acclimatization stage (6 to 14 months plants after tissue culture) of Dendrobium verity ‘TC 05’ under local climatic condition in a glass house with 70% shade.

SRAP and IRAP revealed molecular characterization and genetic relationships among cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) irradiated by gamma-ray

BackgroundCowpea is a high-protein legume that can be grown in many environments. Gamma radiation can modify plant metabolism and growth. An experiment was conducted to determine the effect of different gamma-ray doses on cowpea yield and growth. The results showed that gamma radiation had a significant effect on cowpea yield and growth, with the highest yields and growth rates observed at lower doses. Higher doses had a negative effect on cowpea yield and growth. The study suggests that gamma radiation can be used to improve cowpea yield and growth, but that the optimal dose must be determined for each specific cultivar and environment.ResultsResults specified that gamma ray significantly affected growth characters and forage yield. Gamma-ray dose of 50 Gy in M1 and M2 generations gave the highest values for all studied characteristics compared to the control and all other irradiation doses, except the crude fiber, followed by 75 and 100 Gy doses for all characters, except number of tillers plant−1 and crude fiber. Seven combinations of SRAP produced 227 loci with an average polymorphism percentage of 85%. The allele frequency of target loci ranged between 0.29 and 0.60, and the PIC was 0.41–0.50 in range, while the GTS% of SRAP combinations ranged from 36 to 63%. The genetic similarities ranged between − 4 and 30%. Ten primers produced 450 loci with a polymorphism percentage of 88%. The allele frequency of target loci ranged between 0.28 and 0.46. The PIC was 0.40–0.50 in range, and the GTS% of IRAP primers ranged from 29 to 71%. The genetic similarities ranged from 8 to 37%.ConclusionsSRAP and IRAP analysis revealed more than two clusters of treated plants. In silico analysis showed that some SRAP primers could align with genes in cowpea and related genomes. The SRAP-F12R9 primer is unique to Phaseolus vulgaris, while the SRAP-F13R15 and SRAP-F13em1 primers align with genes on different chromosomes in cowpea cultivar Xiabao 2.

Character Association and Path Co-efficient Analysis Among Inbred Lines of Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. BR.)

A field experiment with 70 pearl millet inbred lines was carried out for analysis of character association and path coefficient for 21 metric traits. A perusal of character association indicated highly significant positive association of panicle weight, green fodder yield plant-1, dry fodder yield plant-1, number of productive tillers plant-1, spike girth, plant height, leaf blade length, number of nodes plant-1, spike length, harvest index, threshing percentage, leaf blade width and specific leaf area at 45 DAS with grain yield plant-1 as well as among themselves at both phenotypic and genotypic levels. Path coefficient analysis indicated that kernel yield plant-1 exhibited high positive direct effect on panicle weight followed by threshing percentage and green fodder yield plant-1. Critical analysis of results obtained from character association and path analysis indicated that grain yield plant-1 had strong positive association with panicle weight which also had high magnitude of positive direct effect. This reveals the importance of this component trait in selection of superior genotypes for higher yield in genotypes of pearl millet.

GENETIC PARAMETERS AND PRINCIPAL COMPONENT ANALYSIS FOR QUANTITATIVE TRAITS IN RICE (ORYZA SATIVA L.)

Conventional breeding is vital in improving yield-related traits and developing high-yielding cultivars. In the presented study, an evaluation of 15 F1 hybrids compared them to their six parental genotypes for genetic variation of various traits. The results showed that the analysis of variance revealed significant (P ≤ 0.01) differences among the cross combinations and parental cultivars and among the parents and crosses. The mean sum of squares of parents vs. crosses also indicated substantial (P ≤ 0.01) for all the characteristics. The general (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) variances were significant (P ≤ 0.01) for all traits studied in the F1 generation. Three varieties, namely, Sakha108, Giza179, and Sakha109, were highly significantly positive for grain yield plant-1, which means these varieties can benefit as good combiners to transfer the said trait in the breeding program. In SCA, seven crosses were negative in plant height and a negative value was desirable to avoid lodging and suitable for mechanical harvesting; however, positive significant values are preferable in the rest of the traits. The results indicated that the best crosses for grain yield plant-1 and plant height were Sakha105 × Sakha102, Sakha105 × Sakha108, and Sakha108 × Sakha109. Conducting cluster analysis also exhibited the genotypes dividing into four groups. The first group included rice genotypes Sakha109 and Sakha108 alone. These cultivars, produced from a common parent Sakha101, could have genetic relations for three quantitative traits (flag leaf area, 1000-grain weight, and panicle weight). The second group, comprising Sakha 102 and Sakha 106, has a very similar genetic background because both cultivars share a common parent, Giza 177. In addition, these two rice cultivars had at par number of tillers plant-1, 1000-grain weight, and panicles plant-1. The third group included only Giza 179 belonging to Indica-Japonica varieties. A fourth group has Sakha 105 produced by different parents.

Nanosilica enhances morphogenic and chemical parameters of Megathyrsus maximus grass under conditions of phosphorus deficiency and excess stress in different soils

Phosphorus (P) imbalances are a recurring issue in cultivated soils with pastures across diverse regions. In addition to P deficiency, the prevalence of excess P in soil has escalated, resulting in damage to pasture yield. In response to this reality, there is a need for well-considered strategies, such as the application of silicon (Si), a known element for alleviating plant stress. However, the influence of Si on the morphogenetic and chemical attributes of forage grasses grown in various soils remains uncertain. Consequently, this study aimed to assess the impact of P deficiency and excess on morphogenetic and chemical parameters, as well as digestibility, in Zuri guinea grass cultivated in Oxisol and Entisol soils. It also sought to determine whether fertigation with nanosilica could mitigate the detrimental effects of these nutritional stresses. Results revealed that P deficiency led to a reduction in tiller numbers and grass protein content, along with an increase in lignin content. Conversely, P excess resulted in higher proportions of dead material and lignin, a reduced mass leaf: stem ratio in plants, and a decrease in dry matter (DM) yield. Fertigation with Si improved tillering and protein content in deficient plants. In the case of P excess, Si reduced tiller mortality and lignin content, increased the mass leaf:stem ratio, and enhanced DM yield. This approach also increased yields in plants with sufficient P levels without affecting grass digestibility. Thus, Si utilization holds promise for enhancing the growth and chemical characteristics of forage grasses under P stress and optimizing yield in well-nourished, adapted plants, promoting more sustainable pasture yields.

Influence of autumn plant condition on cold hardiness of winter cereal crops at different sowing dates

Research on the influence of autumn plant condition as a factor affecting the cold hardiness of winter wheat, rye, and triticale was conducted at the Siberian Scientific Research Institute of Plant Growing and Breeding, a branch of the Institute of Cytology and Genetics, SB RAS, from 2018 to 2021. Morphological indicators of pre-winter plant condition in cereal crops (plant height, number of tillering shoots, and green mass) are primarily associated with the sowing date (contributing to 54.68–85.86%) and genotypic characteristics of winter crops (contributing to 3.63–22.81%). The best morphological indicators were observed with the first sowing date, which decreased by the third sowing date. Over the research period, more vigorous growth, the formation of tillering shoots, and the development of green mass were observed in winter rye compared to triticale and wheat, regardless of the sowing date. In addition to morphological changes in plants, biochemical changes were also observed (sugar content in the tillering node). The accumulation of sugars was influenced by the meteorological conditions of the year (contributing to 30.36%) and determined by the biological characteristics of the crop (contributing to 18.69%). High sugar content in the node of tillering of rye was found in 2020 - 34.3–43.4%, in wheat - 22.8–32.5%, and in triticale - 28.4–37.3%, which can be explained by excellent vegetative conditions promoting the accumulation of more sugars in the node of tillering of plants. At different sowing dates, high sugar content was observed in winter rye: in the first - 36.5%, the second - 26.8%, and the third - 31.3%. Triticale exceeded winter rye in sugar content in the second - 29.5% and third sowing date - 33.0%. Winter rye exhibited high morphological and biochemical indicators in autumn, contributing to its high cold hardiness (80–100%) at different sowing dates. A positive correlation was established with plant height and tillering coefficient (r =0.90*–0.91*), indicating increased cold hardiness with these traits. Wheat and triticale significantly lagged behind rye due to their lower resistance to extreme negative temperatures compared to rye. It was found that an increase in linear growth promotes increased cold hardiness, the formation of tillering shoots, and the amount of sugars in the node of tillering (r =0.34…0.93*) in wheat and the maximum height and number of tillering shoots (r =0.84*…0.94*) in triticale in the autumn period.

Economic efficiency of growing winter barley in the Southern Steppe zone of Ukraine under the influence of variety and biological preparations

The relevance of the article lies in the determination of the most optimal varieties and biopreparations that ensure high yield and profitability of growing winter barley. The purpose of the research was to determine the main indicators of the economic efficiency of the elements of the technology of growing winter barley for foliar fertilizing of plants in the main periods of vegetation with biological preparations. When conducting research, generally accepted methods were used: systematic approach and systematic analysis, field and statistical. The article provides data on the economic efficiency of the elements of winter barley cultivation technology based on the results of research conducted with four varieties of the crop in the conditions of the Educational and Scientific Practical Center of the Mykolaiv National Agrarian University in 2016-2019. The impact of variety selection, foliar fertilizing with modern bacterial preparations on the main indicators of the economic efficiency of growing winter barley was analysed. It was established that the cost of the grown grain depended on and changed under the influence of the features of the variety, biological preparation and the number of fertilizing. Obtaining the maximum cost of grain ensured the cultivation of winter barley varieties Valkyrie and Oscar for carrying out foliar feeding in the phase of tillering and emergence of plants in the tube with the biological preparation Organic Balance: 26.5 and 26.3 thousand hryvnias/ha, respectively. The same varieties, in case of two-time fertilization with Azotophyt, formed the value of grain at 25 thousand UAH/ha, and in controls – 20.1 and 21.1 thousand UAH/ha, respectively. Indicators of conditional net profit and level of profitability also changed with a similar dependence. Values of the cost of growing a unit of production of winter barley had the opposite dependence. The obtained scientific research results and definitions will contribute to the cultivation of winter barley on the basis of resource conservation with the use of biological preparations to increase productivity and the main factors of economic efficiency

Assessing the Genetic Diversity for Yield Attributing Traits in Aromatic Rice Landraces Using Multivariate Analysis

The present investigation was carried out in kharif 2020 (July to November) to explore the genetic diversity for yield and its attributing traits. Genetic diversity can directly provide information on germplasm richness and the extent of their genetic amelioration. Multivariate statistical techniques analyze multiple measurements on each individual under study and are widely used in the analysis of genetic diversity. Here, multivariate analysis techniques like principal component analysis was used to assess genetic diversity in 90 aromatic rice genotypes along with six checks for 24 yield attributing traits. Analysis of variance revealed significant and ample amount of variation for all the studied traits. High magnitude of coefficient of variation was observed for number of effective tillers plant-1, panicle weight, number of filled grains panicle-1, total grains panicle-1, grain yield plant-1 (g), 1000 grain weight and biological yield plant-1 (g) indicating the existence of significant variability among the yield traits and offers the opportunities of improvement through desirable selection techniques. Results of principle component analysis revealed that out of twenty-four traits studied, only seven principal components (PCs) exhibited more than 1.00 eigen value and showed about 77.39% cumulative variability among the traits and are given due importance in this study. Here PC1 had the highest variability followed by PC2, PC3 and so on. Top ranking accessions identified in PC1 are Sukra Phool, Tendu Phool, Banspatri and Chinnour. Consequently, the results of the current study can be taken into account while developing new rice varieties.