Seed Production Areas Research Articles

Evaluation of teak (Tectona grandis Linn. f) stands for establishing seed production areas in West Bengal

Evaluation of teak (Tectona grandis Linn. f) stands for establishing seed production areas in West Bengal

Effect of Mepiquat Chloride and Nitrogen levels on yield and economics of Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) cotton

A field experiment was conducted in Bt cotton during the kharif season 2018 at the National Seed Production Area of Choudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar. As cotton has indeterminate growth habit, so to control plant height and encourages the translocation of photosynthesis towards reproductive sinks (growing cotton bolls), which lead to higher yields this experiment was conducted in factorial R.B.D with three replications comprising three levels of Nitrogen (N1: 100% RDF, N2: 125%RDF, N3: 150%RDF) and three different doses of growth retardant (G1: Control, G2: Mepiquat chloride application 20g a.i./ha. at 60 DAS, G3: Mepiquat chloride application 20g a.i./ha at 60 DAS and 75 DAS). The results indicated that several bolls/m2, boll weight (g), and seed cotton yield (kg/ha) was higher at 150% and 125% RDF than 100% RDF. However, seed index is significantly high with 100% RDF. A number of bolls/m2, boll weight (g) and seed cotton yield (kg/ha) was significantly higher with twice the spray of mepiquat chloride at 60 and 75 DAS compared to the control. Similarly highest gross and net return was recorded with 150% RDF level of nitrogen followed by 125% RDF and 100% RDF. Among spraying of mepiquat chloride higher gross returns and net returns was recorded with two sprays of mepiquat chloride (Rs.1,87,138/ha& 95,850/ha) followed by single spray (Rs 1,82,457/ha & Rs 92,473/ha) and control (Rs 1,66,902/ha &Rs 88,364/ha).

Reproductive phenology of <i>Milicia excelsa</i>, <i>Antiaris toxicaria</i>, and <i>Pouteria adolfi-friedericii</i> in South West Ethiopia

Deforestation and degradation of natural forests pose a challenge for the forest sector in Ethiopia. Gathering scientific data on the reproductive biology of selected timber species has now become important to develop seed production areas and establish forest management regimes. In this regard, this study is aimed at determining the reproductive phenology of three indigenous tree species. The time of leafing, flowering, and fruiting in the three indigenous timber tree species has been recorded for three years in South West Ethiopia. This study was conducted in natural forests of the Benchi-Maji zone (Debub Bench district). We selected three prioritized species, Milicia excelsa, Antiaris toxicaria, and Pouteria adolfi-friedericii, based on the severity of their depletion and relative timber values in the area and in the country at large. Over 20 reproductively healthy, mature, and average mother trees 10 cm wide in diameter at breast height and with easily visible crowns, located at a distance of 100 m from one another, were selected out of each species and marked with marking ink. We conducted continuous observations and recorded data on leafing, flowering, and fruiting every 15 days (twice every month). The data was then analyzed using descriptive statistics. The result of this study indicates that the actual season when the seeds of Milicia excelsa are available for collection is once a year, from January to February. The results also showed that, for Antiaris toxicaria, the fruiting time is seasonal, and seeds become available for collection from early January up to the end of February. The fruiting time or the actual season when seeds of Pouteria adolfi-friedericii become available for collection is from May to June. Low-cost technologies (to establish seed production areas and domesticate the species) are recommended to be used for seed/seedling acquisition and distribution and preferable to reduce the destruction of the selected indigenous tree species.

Integrating the Rate of Moisture Loss into Needle Retention Testing to Improve the Selection of Balsam Fir (Abies balsamea) for Use as Christmas Trees

A study was conducted to identify balsam fir (Abies balsamea) for use in Christmas tree breeding programs in Northeastern North America. A total of sixty-four phenotypically good trees were identified from a provincial clonal seed orchard in New Brunswick, a multi-aged natural seed production area in Nova Scotia, and an operational plantation in Quebec, Canada. Trees were selected for good growth and form, numbers, and vigour of internodal branches, acceptable crown taper, needle colour, age class, branch angle, needle configuration, and freedom from insects and diseases or deformities, all traits deemed desirable in a Christmas tree. Three branches from each tree were collected at two harvest dates each year, one early and one late during the normal harvesting season in 2020, 2021, and 2022. Qualitative assessments of colour and branch pliability were performed weekly in conjunction with needle loss rub tests. A quantitative assessment of moisture loss was conducted weekly by measuring branch weights. The combination of qualitative and quantitative assessments was used to identify 7 of the 64 trees for which one or more tested branches consistently remained green and pliable, retained the majority of their needles, and lost moisture at a significantly reduced rate in all six testing periods. Grafts of the seven ‘Select’ trees are currently being integrated into seed orchards in the three participating provinces. These second-generation seed orchards are part of breeding programs designed to develop Christmas trees that will perform well under warm fall conditions, an outcome of climate change. The results from this study combined with the progeny testing of the ‘Select’ trees will be used to test for the heritability of needle retention, a key trait for the next generation of Christmas trees in the Northeast.

Phenology of flowering and seed development of jernang rattan (Daemonorops spp.)

Abstract. Fridayanti N, Widajati E, Ilyas S, Budi SW, Palupi ER. 2023. Phenology of flowering and seed development of jernang rattan (Daemonorops spp.). Biodiversitas 24: 349-358. Jernang rattan has a high economic value due to its resin content in the exocarp, as the raw material of dyes, medicines, and cosmetics. The resin is highest in the immature fruit skin (exocarp); therefore, fruits are harvested before the seed is germinable. As a consequence, regeneration is very scarce, and the species is categorized as a rare plant. This research was aimed at investigating the flowering phenology and seed development of jernang rattan until they reach physiological maturity, when the viability and vigor are at their highest. The flowering phenology was observed based on Biologische Bundesanstalt Bundessortenamt and Chemische Industrie (BBCH), at the inflorescence stage, flowering stage, fruit development stage, and fruit ripening stage. The inflorescence development from flower bud until ready to bloom took 136.4 ±10.9 days for male plants and 141.6 ±16.4 days for female plants. The inflorescence of staminate flowers bloomed longer (29.4 ±2.7 days) than pistillate flowers (15.4 ± 4.0 days). Fruit abortion mostly occurs during the first six months of fruit development, coincides with the nuclear stage of endosperm, and the final seed set is 56%. It takes around 27 months of one reproduction cycle from the appearance of the inflorescence to seed maturity. The fruit reaches physiological maturity approximately at 22 MAA when the seed is of high viability and vigor, and harvesting at 22 MAA is best for seed production. It is recommended to set up a seed production area separated from the resin production area.

Caracterização anatômica do lenho de acácia-negra para produção de celulose e papel

ABSTRACT: The growing worldwide demand in the pulp market has fostered research that evaluates alternative fiber sources with specific characteristics that attend the needs of the consumer market, with a view to add value to the final product and reduce production costs. Acacia mearnsii De Wild wood is a by-product of the extraction of tannin from the trunk bark, used for firewood, charcoal and pellets. However, its wood is still poorly studied, especially its anatomical characteristics, which can provide important information about its industrial potential. This study evaluated the anatomical characteristics of Acacia mearnsii wood for the production of pulp and paper. Ten trees at approximately seven years old were cut down, five from the seed production area (SPA) and five from the clonal population area (CPA). From each tree, one trunk disc was sectioned at the diameter at breast height (DBH), resulting in 10 (ten) wood samples. From each disc, a sapwood specimen was made oriented in the tangential longitudinal, radial longitudinal and transversal planes, for later obtaining the anatomical cuts and the macerates. The anatomical description of the wood followed the recommendations of the International Association of Wood Anatomists-IAWA. From the dimensions of the fibers, their quality evaluation ratios for the production of pulp and paper were calculated. Results obtained from the anatomical characterization allowed to conclude that the Acacia mearnsii woods from SPA and CPA are indicated as a source of raw material for the pulp and paper production.

The Determination of Nitrogen Concentration in the G2 Potato Seed Production on Fertigation System

The nitrogen concentration of AB mix fertilizer in the G2 fertigation system in the field would be influenced by various factors. This research aimed to increase the production of the G2 potato seed by using different concentrations of nitrogen in AB mix fertilizer in the fertigation system. The study was carried out in the G2 seed production area, Lembang, West Java, Indonesia from January to April 2019. The study used a randomized group design with four nitrogen concentrations in AB mix hydroponic fertilizer, namely 200, 215, 230, 245 ppm, and common AB mix (control) with five replications. The results showed that the number of big tubers of all nutrition formulas was higher than the control. The nitrogen concentration treatment increased the number of large tubers, small tubers, and total number of tubers, and decreased the weight per tuber compared to control. The best concentration to get the total number of tubers, small and large tuber, and weight per tuber was 217 ppm. The total number of tubers was affected by 93% by the number of small tubers. Meanwhile, the number of large tubers affected 78% of the tuber weight per plant.

Plus and Mother Trees in Mt. Banahaw de Lucban, Quezon, Philippines

The selection of forest trees as planting materials in reforestation projects or plantation development could be based on the existing needs of the wood-based industry, and in support of the National Greening Program. It is anchored on natural adaptation to ensure high survival rates considering suitability to prevailing site conditions; purpose for planting; availability of planting stocks; and commercial value. Thus, selection and mapping of plus and mother trees at the northeastern slope of Mt. Banahaw de Lucban, Philippines were conducted to determine potential seed production areas as sources of quality planting materials. Information materials were developed for dissemination. Twenty-two species with 65 individuals representing families of Annonaceae, Fabaceae, Fagaceae, Clusiaceae, Meliaceae, Myrtaceae, Podocarpaceae, Sapindaceae, Sapotaceae, Symplocaceae, Theaceae and Tiliaceae showed vigorous growth and superiority in height and diameter compared with the surrounding trees. Phenotypic characteristics are influenced by temperature, rainfall, soil and elevation. Highest population of plus trees was distributed in moderate to steep slope. Favorable soils for growth were found at lower elevations. Species diversity of 2.00 showed moderately diverse plus trees at 700 masl and 800 masl. However, 11 species were found threatened as listed on DENR Administrative Order (DAO) No. 11, s. 2017 and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Local seed sourcing for sustainable forestry.

Seed sourcing strategies are the basis for identifying genetic material meeting the requirements of future climatic conditions and social demands. Specifically, local seed sourcing has been extensively promoted, based on the expected adaptation of the populations to local conditions, but there are some limitations for the application. We analyzed Strict-sense local and Wide-sense local (based on climatic similarity) seed sourcing strategies. We determined species and genetic pools based on these strategies for 40 species and deployment zones in Spain. We also obtained the total number of seed sources and stands for these species in the EU countries. We analyzed the richness of the pools, the relationship with variables related to the use of the species in afforestation, and the availability of seed production areas approved for the production of reproductive material destined to be marketed. This study confirms the existence of extensive species and genetic local pools. Also, that the importance of these pools differs for different species, limitations being derived from the use of forest reproductive material and the existence of approved basic materials. Strategies derived from local seed sourcing approaches are the basis for the use of forest reproductive material because a large number of the species in the area considered in the study are under regulation. However, despite the extensive work done to approve basic materials, limitations based on the availability of seed production areas to provide local material for sustainable forestry are found in those species. Considering a Wide-sense local seed sourcing strategy we provide alternative pools in order to meet social demands under the actual regulations on marketing of reproductive materials.

Screening of potato cv. Florice against potato wart and Fusarium oxysporum using different planting densities based on the weight of the tubers

Potato wart and fusarium diseases are increasing rapidly in the potato producing areas of Turkey and are gradually becoming a cause of concern potato-based Turkish economy. Therefore, taking of early measures against both diseases are of great importance. Seed mini tubers regenerated under in vitro conditions have a significant role to produce disease-free tubers for use as plants. This research was conducted at Ankara province, in the Central Anatolia (hot-humid continental climate conditions (Dsb- as per koppen Geiger climate classification), in 2015-2016 growing seasons for 2 years. The mini tubers were planted in 5 different planting densities (70×10 cm, 70×15 cm, 70×20 cm, 70×25 cm, 70 × 30 cm) by using in vitro regenerated mini tubers belonging to 3 categories (5-10 g, 11-20 g and 21 -30 g) during 2015 and 2016 at Ankara in the Central Anatolia (hot-humid continental climate conditions (Dsb- as per koppen Geiger climate classification), belonging to the cv. Florice. A comparison was made for mean tuber weight per plant (g), number of tubers per plant (number/plant), Total weight of all tubersper plant (g/plant) and yield (kg/ha) at the time of harvest. The findings of the study showed that average tuber weight and number per plant, Total tuber weight per plant increased positively, and yield decreased by increasing the seed tuber weight and row to plant-to-plant distance between plants, when the results of the two years were compared. It was found that the weight changed from tuber weight was 91.3 g and 48.8 g/plant, number of tubers per plant was 5.5 and 5.3, Total tuber weight per plant was and 373.8 and 201.0 g/plant for first and 2nd year respectively without showing any signs of wart and fusarium regardless of the density of the plants. The maximum seed yields per hectare was 32,272 kg and 15,082 kg, during 2015 and 2016, respectively. When the tuber distribution was compared, the maximum of 40% and 39% tubers attained diameter of 35-60 mm and 25-35 mm in the first year and 2nd years in the same order. No wart and fusarium rot was noted on the tubers irrespective of the row to plant to plant distance in each plot. Maximum yield was obtained by planting large tubers (21-30 g) using planting density of 70 ×10 cm. The results recommended use of Ankara as an alternative place for the production of wart and fusarium rot free potato seed production area

Changing Structure and Composition of Rice Seed Sector: Insights from Seed Villages in Telangana State, India

The purpose of the study was to understand the recent developments in the seed industry as well as farm-level information from seed villages on the structure and composition of the of the rice seed system in the Telangana state. A focussed group discussion approach was adopted to collect the primary data needed for the study with 8 to 10 progressive and experienced seed farmers in 30 selected seed villages of two predominant seed producing districts of the state in two points of periods 2014 and 2021. The results indicated that the sizeable portion of seed business has been shifted to other neighbouring states specially to Chhattisgarh in case hybrid paddy due to special incentive is being given to seed growers. Similarly, cotton seed production area is being shifted to Karnataka due to less cost of production compared to Telangana. As a result, the relative share of Telangana in India’s seed business has declined from about 30 per cent to 18 per cent between 2014 and 2020. The commission paid to intermediators (organisers) by companies has increased by 40 per cent while the procurement price paid to seed growers increased merely 14 per cent in the case of inbred paddy seed and less than 1 per cent in the case of hybrid paddy seed. The MNCs' participation in both inbred and hybrid rice seed production has decreased substantially. The average yield of hybrid rice seed has decreased, and there is no improvement in its procurement price offered by companies between 2014 and 2021. The per cent of farmers who entered into a contract without specifying a price has been increased in last seven years. The companies reduced their services like insurance to farmers, supply of critical inputs like GA3 for free and prolonged payment period after procurement, and limited compensation in the event of crop loss, which influenced the farmers to convert from hybrid rice seed production to other crops.

Seed Quality Parameters as Influenced by Plant Growth Regulators and Fresh Fruit Harvesting in Okra

The research work was conducted to find out the most suitable level of plant growth regulator (PGR) and stage of plant for spray as well as fresh fruit pickings to increase the seed yield of okra. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design (factorial) with three replications to at the Vegetable seed production area BAU, Sabour, Bhagalpur. Present investigation was framed with Sixty (60) treatments consisting of 10 PGR’s level, P0 (distilled water), GA3 (100 ppm, 150 ppm and 200 ppm), NAA (100 ppm, 150 ppm and 200 ppm), IAA (30 ppm, 60 ppm and 90 ppm), 2 Stage of plant for spraying of PGRs, S1 (4 leaf stage), S2 (4 leaf stage + Flower initiation) and 3 pickings of fruits, H1 (3 Pickings of fresh fruits + rest fruits left for seed production), H2 (6 Pickings of fresh fruits + rest fruits left for seed production), H3 (No pickings of fresh fruits + all fruits left for seed production. It was observed that the different levels of treatments affected the seed quality attributes of the crops. Among the treatments, P2S1H1 treatment was recorded maximum Germination % (86.36), Seedling length (31.04 cm), Vigour index-I (2787.73), Vigour index-II (5.27) and seed viability test (88.00). Thus, P2S1H1 was superior among all treatments.

Response of Plant Growth Regulators on Growth, Yield and Quality of Okra cv. Kashi Kranti

The present work was conducted to evaluate the response of okra cv. Kashi Kranti to plant growth regulators and micronutrients at the vegetable seed production area, Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhagalpur, Bihar, India during Kharif season. The experiment was laid out in RBD (Factorial) and replicated thrice. The experiment was framed with two levels of PGRs, GA3 (100 ppm,150 ppm) and NAA(100 ppm and 150 ppm), sprayed twice, first at twenty days after sowing and second at forty days after sowing. The maximum number of leaves (18.13), number of branches (3.48), plant height (104.17 cm), number of fruit per plant (23.39), fruit fresh weight (17.95g) and fruit yield (130.88q/ha), 1000 seed weight (78.49g) chlorophyll-a (1.84), chlorophyll-b( 0.81), zinc content (30.81 ppm), boron (22.55 ppm), copper (18.24 ppm) and germination (85.48%) was observed on application of GA3-100ppm, which was found to be significantly superior in most of the cases. Maximum net return highest benefit cost ratio (2.67) was also obtained on application of GA3100 ppm.

Effect of presowing seed treatments on teak (Tectona grandis L. F) drupes dormancy and germination

Poor seed germination is a major issue in teak (Tectona grandis) propagation. Teak seed dormancy is thought to be the reason for delayed germination. So far, specific dormancy mechanisms have not yet been identified. In order to study the influence of presowing treatments on germination, seedling vigour, and biochemical attributes of fresh teak drupes collected from the seed production area of Top Slip in Tamil Nadu. The collected drupes were subjected to different presowing treatments viz., T1 - control, T2 - soaking and drying for 6 days, T3 – T18 (soaking and drying for 5 days + soaking in different concentrations of thiourea, potassium nitrate, hydrogen peroxide and calcium oxychloride for 12 hours). Treated drupes were placed for germination in earthen pots and kept in open sunlight. In parallel, true seeds extracted from untreated drupes were also subjected to germination under in vitro conditions as a check. A higher percentage of germination (40%) was recorded in true seeds under in vitro conditions when compared to the treated and untreated drupes under in vivo conditions. Among the treated drupes sown under in vivo conditions, the drupes given soaking + drying for 5 days + soaking in 2% calcium oxychloride (CaOCl2) recorded higher germination (17.16) with better seedling vigour. Analysis of teak true seeds and mesocarp extract in high-performance liquid chromatography showed that gibberellic acid was found only in true seeds, whereas the other compounds, viz., indole-3-acetic acid, indole butyric acid, abscisic acid and coumarin, were not present in the true seed or mesocarp.

First Report of Black Scurf Caused by Rhizoctonia solani AG 2-2IV on Potato tubers in Heilongjiang Province, China.

Black scurf and stem canker on potato (Solanum tuberosum L.), caused by Rhizoctonia solani, is one of the most important soil-borne diseases throughout the world. Isolates of R. solani anastomosis group (AG) 3-PT have been reported as the predominant cause of the disease on potato (Carling 1996) and the same results were also obtained in Heilongjiang Province, China (Yang et al. 2017). In October 2020, 14 diseased potato tubers (cv. Youjin-885) with symptoms typically associated with black scurf were found in Hegang City of Heilongjiang in Northeast China, where potatoes are grown for propagation in the breeding nursery. Pieces of sclerotia were removed from the surface of the potato and were surface sterilized with 70% ethanol for 30 s and 0.5% NaClO for 1 min, then rinsed three times with sterile distilled water and placed on potato dextrose agar (PDA) at 25°C in the dark. After incubation for 48 to 72 h, mycelia resembling Rhizoctonia were microscopically examined for morphological characteristics, and hyphal tips transferred to fresh plates of PDA. The characteristics of the observed isolate were typical of R. solani Kühn, which include hyphal branching at right angles, a septum near the branching point and a slight constriction at the branch base (Yang et al. 2015). Hyphal cells were also determined to be multinucleate by staining with 1% safranin O and 3% KOH solution (Bandoni 1979). PCR amplification and DNA sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the ribosomal DNA (rDNA) was performed by using the universal primers ITS4/ITS5 (White et al. 1990). The resulting sequence of 700 bp (GenBank accession no. OL770460) showed more than 99% identity to AG 2-2IV isolates present in GenBank (e.g. AB911322; KR259910). On the basis of morphological characteristics and molecular analysis, the isolate was identified as R. solani AG 2-2IV. Pathogenicity of the isolate was tested in greenhouse conditions. Pathogen-free minitubers (cv. Favorita) of approximately the same size (10 to 20 g) were allowed to sprout at room temperature for 10 days. The minitubers were then planted in autoclaved soil in a plastic pot (4 L capacity), placed in a greenhouse at 18 - 27°C (night-day) with 50% relative humidity and watered as required. The pots were inoculated with 7-mm-diameter mycelial plugs (from one PDA petri plate) near the minituber, which was then covered with potting mix. The control pots were inoculated with sterile plugs of PDA. Each treatment consisted of 10 plants, and the experiment was repeated three times. Two months after stems emerged, plants and progeny tubers were harvested and assessed for disease. Stem cankers typical of R. solani infection and black scurf were observed on plants grown in pots inoculated the mycelial plugs, but the control plants remained disease free. Fungi reisolated from symptomatic stems and tubers were identified as R. solani AG 2-2IV using morphological characters and ITS sequences.Sclerotia were observed on PDA by incubating at 25oC in the dark. Although eight AGs have been previously shown to cause black scurf and stem canker in Heilongjiang (Li et al. 2014; Yang et al. 2015; Yang et al. 2017; Yang et al. 2019; Yang et al. 2020), to our knowledge, this is the first report of AG 2-2IV causing disease on potatoes in Heilongjiang Province, the main potato seed production area of China. Early detection of R. solani AG 2-2IV during potato seed production is necessary to prevent its dispersal via infected tubers to other fields across China. The information of which AG is present will assist in developing management strategies for this disease.

Growth Behaviour of Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) Cotton as Influenced by Mepiquat Chloride under Varying Nitrogen Levels

Cotton is indeterminant and long duration crop. For synchronising in growth and to prevent heavy shedding of bolls different growth regulators used in cotton field. The present field experiment was conducted at National Seed Production Area of Choudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, India during kharif season 2018. The experiment comprised of three levels of nitrogen (100%, 125% and 150% Recommended Dose Fertilizer) and three spray of mepiquat chloride (control, single spray at 60 Days After Sowing and two spray at 60 and 75 DAS) was conducted in factorial randomized complete block design replicated thrice. Based on the research investigation, it was found that different phenological stages were delayed by 3 to 4 days with application of 150% RDF, while twice spray of mepiquat chloride resulted in 6 to 7 days earlier completion of these stages. Ginning out turn was statistically at par with different levels of nitrogen, while 100% RDF has shown maximum span length with lowest micronaire value. With single mepiquat chloride spray at 60 DAS ginning percentages decreases by 6.80% over control, it maybe seen beacause of shortened growth period. While span length reduces with two sprays of mepiquat chloride at 60 and 75 DAS by 0.62% over the control and single spray of mepiquat chloride at 60 DAS. However finest fibre (4.23 x 10-6g/inch micronaire value) obtained with single spray of mepiquat chloride. The result of present study reveals that, 100% RDF in Bt cotton along with single spray of mepiquat chloride at 60 DAS gives finest fibre with more span length by completing all phenological stages earlier than others.

Exploration and utilization of maize male sterility resources.

Male sterility refers to the defective development of male reproductive organs, which led to plants incapable of producing normal and functional pollens. Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the most important food crops, as well as one of the earliest crops to utilize heterosis in breeding. Single cross hybrid has been the main type of maize heterosis utilization for a long time. The planting area of maize hybrid in China has been stable at about 620 million mu. More than one billion kilograms of commercial hybrid seeds are needed each year, and the annual seed production area has been stable at about 2.5 million mu in recent years. So far, manual emasculation has been the major way of maize hybrid seed production in China, which is laborious and time consuming. Generally, spatial isolation is necessary for maize hybrid seed production, this requirement results in only some regions in the country suitable for maize hybrid seed production. Manual emasculation requires seasonal demand of labors. At present, with the urbanization of a large number of rural laborers, the seed production regions experience a serious labor shortage. Accordingly, the cost of seed production increases with the rising of land rent and labor costs. In addition, it is difficult to guarantee the seed purity with manual or mechanical emasculation for hybrid seed production. However, incorporating male sterility into maize hybrid seed production could reduce its cost and ensure hybrid seed purity. It can also avoid the difficulties of manual or mechanical emasculation in field operation under extreme weather conditions. Therefore, it is the inevitable trend of development in the maize seed industry. In this review, we summarize the exploitation and creation of maize cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS), maize genic male sterility (GMS) resources in China, and the developing process from natural discovery to targeted creation of male sterility resources in plants, and the research progress of maize male sterility. We then analyze the application status and existing problems of maize male sterility, based on the development trend of maize seed industry, as well as the research and application status of male sterility in China. We also identify seven aspects that need to be further strengthen, thereby providing the reference for the creation, research and utilization of maize male sterility in the future.

Contribution of Pulses to Agrobiodiversity in the View of EU Protein Strategy

The importance of legume crops in global agricultural systems is inevitable; conversely, less than 4% of European agricultural lands are dedicated for these plants. Besides total loss of biodiversity, agrobiodiversity is also in danger. The production of legumes diversifies arable plant production and supports the nutrient management of the agroecosystem, as well as that of the whole ecosystem. Increasing soybean production area means that other pulses are grown on smaller areas, that means a reduced resiliency of the whole production system. Expanding environmental stresses of climate change and intensive agricultural practices are easier to counteract with help of diversity on species and on genetic level as well. As a consequence of climate change and targeted breeding of the last decade, agricultural lands appropriate for soybean production shows an increase in Europe. The self-sufficiency rates of the European Union concerning single protein sources shows fluctuations. The easier utilization of soy-based products as forage displaces the use of other pulses, which are traditionally produced as protein crops. Besides protein flow, these leguminous plants have an important role in different levels of agricultural systems as well. Several recent initiatives aim to reduce the serious protein exposure of the EU. These programs, beyond the introduction and technological development of soybean production, always mention the strengthening of the role of other pulses. In this study, the last decades of EU pulse utilization were analyzed, using crop yield, crop harvested area, certified seed yield, seed production area, number of registered varieties, and the number of scientific publications as indicators to summarize trends of EU field bean, field pea, lupin, chickpea, lentil, and soybean production in the view of targeted protein initiatives.

Ex-situ conservation and diversity index of greened ex-tin mine

The greened ex-tin mine comprises planted timber species of Acacia mangium, Hopea odorata and Khaya ivorensis. The ex-tin mine was formerly a lowland dipterocarps mixed forest. The man-made forest was established at 4 x 5 m spacing or 500 stem/ha on slime tailings. However, high mortality of the timber species due to damages by wild pigs and farm animals have reduced the plantation of 3.2 ha to only 93 stems of Acacia mangium, 92 stems of Hopea odorata and 130 stems of Khaya ivorensis at 20 years after planting. The regeneration covering the planting line was kept and the planting spaces in-between the planting lines were cleared for planting of another 14 species of endemic, endangered and threatened tree species (EETS). The ex-situ conservation program of planting 1500 stems of EETS to the 3 ha site was sponsored by Asian Forest Cooperation Organization (AFoCO). The 100% vegetation survey was carried out 4 years after planting. The species richness, Shannon diversity index and species evenness were computed for the nurse stand, and the nurse stands with EETS. The results obtained for species richness, Shannon Index (H) and Shannon Evenness index (EH) of the nurse stand and nurse stand with EETS was 24, 1.46, 0.46 and 38, 2.30, 0.63, respectively. The nurse stand with EETS has increased in species richness, H and EH of nurse stand to 58%. and 36.9%, respectively. More importantly, none of the introduced EETS was found in the composition of the natural regeneration of the 20 years old nurse stand. The 21 species naturally regenerated in the nurse stand were an only pioneer and late pioneer species. This shows that ex-tin mine after the reclamation efforts of planting timber species and the natural regeneration will not be able to regain the initial species composition of a lowland dipterocarps forest. The domestication technology of EETS developed in this project is reproducible. The project has successfully preserved the 14 EETS and the site shall be a demonstration plot for the future seed production area.

Megachile rotundata (Fab.) as a potential agro‐environmental conservation strategy for alfalfa seed production in Argentina

AbstractAlfalfa (Medicago sativa L. 1753) is one of the main forage crops of the world, and the availability of an adequate seed supply to farmers is one of the main concerns for the seed industry. The international alfalfa seed trade is widespread and several countries depend on imported seed. The continued importation of alfalfa seed carries a serious risk of unintentional introductions, such as contamination by genetically engineered (GE) alfalfa. We evaluated: (i) GE contamination in the main alfalfa seed production area of Argentina by analysing 263 conventional bulk seed lots (~900 tonnes) and feral populations (n = 49) over a 5‐year period (2016–2021); and (ii) the location of alfalfa fields near natural vegetation formations as a pollination management strategy to increase the local seed production. Although GE alfalfa seed fields are prohibited, contamination was present in commercial seed lots (5.58% to 23.25%) and in feral alfalfa populations (8.16%). We did not observe an increase in the alfalfa seed yield in fields pollinated with honey bees (HB, Apis mellifera L., 1758) or located near natural vegetation formations when compared to fields pollinated by the alfalfa leafcutting bee (ALCB, Megachile rotundata Fabricius, 1793). In this study, use of the specialized pollinator ALCB was two to four times more effective than HB in terms of seed yield. Therefore, ALCB can reduce the risks of GE contamination by increasing the alfalfa yield in Argentina, which may then lead to a decrease in imported seed containing the potential contaminants. In addition, due to its specificity and small radial action, the ALCB could also drastically limit unintentional transgene diffusion. The reduction of seed importation will decrease the risk of worse biological or transgenic introductions of contaminants into national agroecosystems. Therefore, the use of ALCB as an input becomes a priority until new management practices are developed and adopted.