Purpose Of Seed Production Research Articles

Estimation of spinach (Spinacia oleracea) seed yield with 2D UAV data and deep learning

Precision agriculture has drawn much attention in the last few years because of the benefits it has on reducing farming costs while maximizing the harvest obtained. Yield prediction is of importance for farmers to fertilize accordingly to reach the potential yield. However, this task is still relying on manual work, which is expensive and time-consuming. Instance segmentation has been implemented in the last years for fruit detection and yield estimation, obtaining state-of-the-art metrics, and reducing the labor required. This research presents a novel approach for spinach seed yield estimation for seed production purposes, that consists of correlating the number of plants and two phenotyping variables (plant area and canopy cover percentage) with the number of harvested seeds and the thousand seed weight. Mask R-CNN is applied to count the number of detections of spinach plants and obtain the object mask from which the plant area is derived. The results show that there is a high linear correlation between a multivariate linear mixed model of the three variables and the number of seeds, with an R2adj of 0.80. Furthermore, 77.42% of the variation in the weight of thousand seeds can be explained by the number of plants. For future studies, the algorithm should be trained with more spinach images from different locations and under varying weather conditions to allow it to generalize for the crop worldwide. It can be concluded, until further research, that Mask R-CNN can be applied for spinach counting and the computation of its individual plant area, with promising results.

Sex ratio, gonadal and condition indexes of the Asiatic hard clam, Meretrix meretrix in Marudu Bay, Malaysia

Abstract. Duisan L, Salim G, Ransangan J. 2021. Sex ratio, Gonadal and Condition indexes of the Asiatic Hard Clam, Meretrix meretrix in Marudu Bay, Malaysia. Biodiversitas 22: 4895-4904. Asiatic hard clam, Meretrix meretrix is one of the important shellfishery resources in Marudu Bay, Sabah, Malaysia. It is among the most popular clam species being widely traded in the local wet markets around Sabah, Malaysia. Unfortunately, the shellfishery management for this species has not been well established. In addition to overexploitation, habitat destruction is also one of the significant threats to this species due to the extensive land use of the coastal areas in Sabah. Hence, conservation and breeding efforts for this species are greatly required. Therefore, the current study was conducted to examine the sexual maturity of the clam with respect to shell length classes for artificial seed production purposes. For this study, a total of 86 clam specimens were randomly collected from mudflats in Marudu Bay. The specimens were utilized for gonad histological and condition analyses. The clams were grouped into three shell length classes; (3.00-4.99) cm, (5.00-6.99) cm, and (7.00-8.99) cm prior to the analyses. Results showed the natural stock of the Asiatic hard clams in Marudu Bay was dominated by females (1.39:1) over males with no hermaphroditism observed. The gonadal index was recorded higher among clams with shell lengths between 5.00 and 6.99 cm. The condition index analysis also recorded high (>4.0) for clams in all the shell length classes. The findings of this study suggest that the clams with shell lengths between 5.00 cm and 7.00 cm are already fully matured and can be utilized as a broodstock candidate for an artificial breeding program in the hatchery.

THE IMPROVEMENT OF WINTER WHEAT SOWING METHODS AND RATES IN THE ZAVOLZHIE

At present winter wheat is the leading grain crop in the Volga region and Russia. However, it’s necessary to improve its cultivation technologies to increase its efficiency. The purpose of the work is to identify the optimum sowing methods and rates of winter soft wheat with the application of disinfectant ‘Stsenik Kombi’ in the climatic conditions of the Middle Zavolzhie. In 2015–2018 there was estimated the influence of two sowing methods (row and wide-row) and five sowing rates of the winter wheat variety ‘Svetoch’ when applying disinfectant ‘Stsenik Kombi’ in comparison with the control variety. It has been established that the highest net income (12251.5–12498.3 rubles/ha) and level of profitability (107.7–121.5%) were obtained on options with the sowing rate of 2.0–4.0 million/ha. The highest breeding rate was found in the usual ordinary sowing rate of 1 million/ha to 100 (in 2016), which is in 2–4 times higher than when sown with the rate of 2.0–5.0 million/ha. The obtained regularity indicates the prospects of this sowing rate when cultivating seeds of high reproductions for seed production purposes, both in ordinary row sowing (the width of the spacing is 15 cm), and in wide-row sowing (30 cm). When sowing 2.0 million/ha or more, there was established a prevalence of ordinary row sowing over wide-row sowing on 0.4 t/ha (or 16.9%). The application of disinfectant ‘Stsenik Kombi’ is recommended in winter wheat cultivation.

Economic and bioenergy evaluation of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) seed production efficiency in the conditions of Ukrainian Polissia

Purpose. To provide the scientific basis for material costs, economic efficiency assess and bioenergy evaluation of “technological elements” of seed production of lettuce ( Lactuca sativa L.) varieties in the conditions of Ukrainian Polissia. Methods. During the years 2013–2015 at the “Maiak” Research Station of the Institute of Vegetable and Melon Growing of the National Academy of Agra­rian Sciences of Ukraine, 12 salad varieties of different types were studied: leaf var. secalina (‘Snizhynka’, ‘Zorepad’, ‘Malakhit’, ‘Dublianskyi’), head var. capitata (‘Hodar’, ‘Smuhlianka’, ‘Dyvohrai’), romaine var. longifolia (‘Sovskyi’, ‘Scarb’) and stem var. angustana (‘Pohonych’, ‘Pastushok’, ‘Skrypal’). Results. The production of lettuce seeds is rather labour-intensive process. The largest share of expenditures in its overall structure (15–26%) takes crops care and harvesting, remunerations and costs for petrol and oil. The lettuce seed productivity (according to the varieties) was: 0,34–0,49 t/ha (leaf var.); 0.31–0.54 t/ha (head var.); 0.36–0.43 t/ha (romaine var.); 0,38–0,45 t/ha (stem var.). The highest value of the seed croppage provided the ‘Dyvohrai’ variety. The first cost for 1 kilogram of lettuce seed production varied from 36.67 to 63.87₴. The highest cost was for ‘Hodar’ variety (63.87 ₴/kg), ‘Snizhynka’ (58.24 ₴/kg) and ‘Sovskyi’ (55.0 ₴/kg), the lowest – for ‘Dyvohrai’ (36.67 ₴/kg) and ‘Dublianskyi’ (40.41 ₴/ha) varieties. The varieties, which formed a sufficiently high yield, ensured a high level of profitability: ‘Dublianskyi’ – 167%, ‘Dyvohrai’ – 142%, ‘Skarb’ – 108%, and ‘Skrypal’ – 123%. The coefficient of bioenergy efficiency of seed production of all lettuce varieties, for the non-seedling method of cultivation, was 1.2 on average, in particular for var. secalina – 1.1, var. capitata and var. longifolia – 1,2, var. angstana – 1.3. Conclusions . Calculated indicators of economic efficiency and bioenergy estimation of lettuce seed production confirm the expediency of all Lactuca sativa L. varieties cultivation for seed production purposes in the conditions of Ukrainian Polissia.

DENSITY OF CUCUMBER SEED^PLANTS WHEN USING DROP IRRIGATION IN CONDITION OF EAST UKRAINE

The results of three-year study of density of cucumber seed-plants when using drop irrigation in condition and planting system 50+90 сm are shown. The optimal plant density for seed production purposes is 70 thousand plants on 1 hectare.

EFFECT OF PLANT DENSITY ON SOWING AND PHYSICAL QUALITIES OF TOMATO SEEDS

The optimal scheme and plant density of non-seedling tomato culture for seed production purposes in condition of Dagestan Studied were determined.

Evaluation of Morphology and Seed Production of Alpine Cat’s Tail [Phleum rhaeticum (Humph.) Rauschert] Germplasm in View of its Use for Ecological Restoration at High Altitude

Abstract “Site‐specific” vegetation, that is germplasm ecologically adapted to the prevailing pedoclimatic conditions and native to the target region, is increasingly required in the revegetation of disturbed areas at high altitude. Some key site‐specific species have been reported for the Alpine region. Better knowledge is needed on the existing variability of these species, while high seed yield is required to ensure the availability of commercially adequate seed supply. Natural populations of Alpine cat’s tail from the Rhaetian Alps were evaluated for morphology and seed production at a mountain and at a lowland site of northern Italy aiming at (1) identifying possible superior populations for the selection of adapted high‐yielding cultivars and (2) verifying whether the seed multiplication of site‐specific species could also be undertaken in areas different from those of origin. The germplasm from one valley featured an interesting architecture of traits, representing a possible ideotype for seed production purposes. Individual populations across different valleys also proved to be a valuable source of variation for economically useful traits. A discussion on possible implications of use of nonlocal germplasm sources for restoration purposes is provided. The lowland site gave much lower seed production than the mountain location and experienced outstanding plant mortality after the first summer. The specific site conditions, namely the occurrence of an appreciable level of heat and drought stress in summer and a severe rust infection rather than the altitude per se, limited the suitability of this site for seed production of the alpine germplasm.

Combining ability, maternal, and reciprocal effects of elite early-maturing maize population hybrids

Choosing germplasm based on elite and diverse genetic sources is essential for the genetic improvement of maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids. The objectives of this research were to evaluate the agronomic and economic potential of maize population and single-cross hybrids and whether significant maternal (ME) and reciprocal effects (RE) reside in elite population hybrids for seed production purposes. Seven elite maize populations currently under recurrent selection at North Dakota State University (NDSU) [NDSCD(M-S)C11, NDSAB(MER-FS)C14, BS21(R)C7, BS22(R)C7, LEAMING(S)C4, CGL(S1-S2)C5 and CGSS(S1-S2)C5] were crossed in a diallel mating design to form 42 population hybrids, including their reciprocals. The 42 population hybrids with eight single-cross hybrids were evaluated at six U.S. North Central locations in 2005. Data collected across locations indicated that differences across genotypes were significant (P ≤ 0.05) for all traits observed, except for grain yield ear components. General combining ability (GCA) effects were on average larger than specific combining ability (SCA) effects. ME and RE were not significant for all traits, except for ear height. The large grain yield differences between macro-environments were reflected in the ranking of genotypes, with BS21(R)C7 × BS22(R)C7 being the top performer in eastern environments and CGSS(S1-S2)C5 × NDSAB(MER-FS)C14 being the top one across western environments where drought is the major limitation. The increased ethanol production and demand from maize make test weight (and grain quality), earliness, lodging resistance, and drought tolerance as important as grain yield for maintaining a sustainable maize-ethanol relationship.

A Safe Technique for Leaning Tall Oil Palms for Breeding Programmes

Breeding programmes have identified proven dura (mother) palms and pisifera (father) palms. These palms are very valuable with high economic values. Such palms will get taller with age, making them difficult to collect the pollen or to carry out seed production work. FELDA Agricultural Services Sdn Bhd (FASSB) has developed a safe technique for leaning these tall, high value palms with minimal risk of palm damage. Essentially, trenches are dug around the palm, and the angle and position where the palm will rest after the leaning are predetermined. A crane is then used to secure the palm with a strong cable before being pushed down to the predetermined spot using an excavator. By skilful maneuvring, the rate of descent for the palm is controlled and the palm is brought to rest on the predetermined spot with minimal damage to the fronds. This technique ensures that the palm trunk will not snap, as can happen if the rate of descent is not controlled. With this safe technique of leaning the palms, they can be reused again for breeding and seed production purposes. Keywords: Valuable, tall palm, leaning, reused

Current Trends in Cabbage Breeding

Summary Cabbage is an important vegetable crop of the family Brassicaceae and is grown in many countries of the globe. There are different types of cabbage depending upon shape, size, and color. It is a highly cross-pollinated crop where heterosis in F1 hybrid progeny has been exploited so largely in developing countries too. Due to high yield, strong disease resistance, wide adaptability, good quality, and uniform economic characters. The rate of conversion from open pollinated varieties to hybrid varieties and seed replacement ratio is very high in this crop. There are different temperature requirements for fresh vegetable and seed production purposes. The self-incompatibility and male sterility systems are present in the crop, which facilitates easy and cheaper hybrid seed production. For the successful seed production program we need suitable production area, congenial environment, and stable parents. The present review deals with the vegetative, reproductive biology, breeding methods, heterosis breed...

A rapid and efficient method for the screening of acid phosphatase 1 in young tomato seedlings, and for the identification of root‐knot nematode species using miniaturized polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis

A relatively rapid and highly sensitive miniaturized polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis technique is described for the analysis of certain isozymes from single cotyledons of tomato seedlings and from single females of the root-know nematode (Meloidogyne spp.). Homogenates from single tomato cotyledons (7, 14, 21, and 28 days old) were electrophoresed and stained for acid phosphatase 1 (Aps 1) activity. Cotyledons from plants of all the above age groups showed good Aps 1 activity. Nondestructive screening for tomato Aps 1 is therefore feasible, using very small samples, from as young as 7-day-old tomato seedlings. This could be of important use in expediting root-knot nematode resistance (based on the Aps 1-linked resistance gene Mi) screening for breeding programs, or F1 testing for seed production purposes. In addition, the mini-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis technique was useful for determination of the Aps 1 allelic contribution to the total enzyme activity. The system was also used to detect malate dehydrogenase and esterase isozyme activity from single adult females of the four common root-knot nematodes, Meloidogyne arenaria, M. hapla, M. incognita, and M. javanica, with equally good results, enabling species discrimination.

Microenvironmental Measurements for the Dioryctria amatella-zimmermani Complex in Shortleaf Pine. 2. Cone Moisture Content, Cone Utilization, and Food Consumption123

The microenvironmental conditions for existence of Dioryctria spp. in shortleaf pine 2nd-year cones were investigated. The influence of moisture content of cones on diapausing and nondiapausing Dioryctria larvae was considered. Larvae occurred in 2nd-year cones which varied in water content from 15.6% to 78.9%. Diapausing larvae occurred in brown cones where the water content was low. Nondiapausing larvae were found in cones with a wide range of moisture conditions. Cones with high moisture content appeared to be preferred. Diapause in Dioryclria larvae was thought to result from exposure to higher temperatures and greater water stress in the habitat where diapause was noted to occur. Dioryctria spp. utilized approximately 40% by weight and 35% by volume of each 2nd-year cone. Each cone attacked was rendered useless for seed production purposes. Colopterus truncatus Rand occurred in cones which varied greatly in water content.