Significant Varietal Differences Research Articles

Ethylene-Induced Postharvest Changes in Five Chinese Bayberry Cultivars Affecting the Fruit Ripening and Shelf Life

Ethylene is an essential indicator of fruit ripening and climacteric or non-climacteric nature. This study investigated the postharvest behavior of five Chinese bayberry cultivars ‘Biqi’, ‘Dongkui’, ‘Fenhong’, ‘Xiazhihong’, and ‘Shuijing’. The fruits were harvested mature and stored at room temperature (25 °C) and under cold storage conditions (4 °C) to investigate the dynamics of ethylene production, firmness, anthocyanin content, and cell wall polysaccharide composition, as well as basic fruit physicochemical characteristics. The results show that Chinese bayberry is a climacteric fruit with ethylene production peaking shortly after harvest, especially at room temperature. Fruit color intensified over time due to anthocyanin accumulation, particularly in the flesh core. Darker cultivars produced more ethylene, which correlated with higher anthocyanin levels. At room temperature, ‘Biqi’ (black) had the highest ethylene production (4.03 µL·kg−1·h−1) and anthocyanin content (0.91 mg/g FW), while ‘Shuijing’, the white cultivar, had the lowest ethylene levels (1.9 µL·kg−1·h−1) and anthocyanin content (0.03 mg/g FW). Firmness significantly decreased at room temperature due to the degradation of hemicellulose and insoluble pectin, whereas cold storage mitigates this effect. After 3 days at room temperature, the average of firmness decreased by 23.7% in the five cultivars, compared to 12.7% under cold storage. Total soluble solids increase during storage, enhancing sweetness, especially at room temperature, with ‘Biqi’ increasing from 9.2 to 10.9% at 4 °C. Titratable acidity slightly decreased over time: the value for ‘Biqi’ decreased from 1.2% to 0.95% at room temperature and 1.1% at 4 °C. Citric, malic, and tartaric acid generally declined at room temperature but stabilized under cold storage. Sucrose, fructose, and glucose increased or remained stable, with significant varietal differences. Our results indicate that storing Chinese bayberry at 4 °C effectively preserves its quality and extends postharvest life. These findings underscore ethylene’s key role in regulating ripening, postharvest quality, and shelf life by influencing fruit color, firmness, and overall consumer appeal.

Variation in Grain Yield Losses Due to Fall Armyworm Infestation among Elite Open-Pollinated Maize Varieties under Different Levels of Insecticide Application

Maize is an important food and industrial cereal crop that serves as the main source of energy for millions of low-income people in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), but its production and productivity are constrained by many constraints, among which the fall armyworm (FAW) is the major one. The use of insecticides is the most effective control measure for the FAW. However, excessive use of chemical insecticides has environmental and health implications, and it can be expensive for resource-poor farmers. The objective of this study was to evaluate the extent of variation in yield losses due to the FAW among some elite maize open-pollinated varieties (OPVs) under two levels of insecticide application and control (0 application). In a two-year field study, 10 elite maize OPVs were evaluated under two levels of emamectin benzoate (5% WDG) applications and the control: 75 and 150 mL of spray solution per 20 L of water. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with three replications. The data were collected on grain yield (GY) and FAW leaf damage rating (LDR). The LDR was conducted on a 1–9 scale and used to categorize the maize varieties as resistant (1–4), moderately resistant (4–6), and susceptible (6–9). Significant varietal differences were obtained for GY and LDRs. The GY of the varieties under control (0 mL), 75 and 150 mL insecticide applications ranged from 3.3 t ha−1 (DTSTR-Y SYN-13) to 4.6 t ha−1 (PVA SYN-3), from 4.5 t ha−1 (DTSTR-Y SYN-13) to 6.4 t ha−1 (PVA SYN-13), and from 4.2 t ha−1 (DTSTR-Y SYN-13) to 6 t ha−1 (DTSTR-Y SYN-14), respectively. No significant differences in GY were found between the application of 75 and 150 mL of insecticide application. The relative loss in GY among the varieties under control (0 mL) differed with an increase in the level of insecticide application. The relative GY loss at the 75 mL insecticide application ranged from 18% (PVA SYN-3) to 38% (DTSTR-Y SYN-15) with a mean of 27%, whereas at the 150 mL insecticide application, it varied from 13% (PVA SYN-3) to 42% (DTSTR-Y SYN-15), with a mean of 26%. All the varieties exhibited moderate resistance to FAW, except DTSTR-Y SYN-14, which was susceptible. The varieties PVA SYN-3 and PVA SYN-13 were the most consistent in GY across the three insecticide treatment levels. The mean performance of the varieties for FAW leaf damage ranged from 4.0 (SAMMAZ-15) to 6.2 (DTSTR-Y SYN-14), from 4.5 (SAMMAZ-15) to 6.3 (PVA SYN-6), from 4.5 (SAMMAZ-15) to 6.3 (DTSTR-Y SYN-14), and from 3.5 (SAMMAZ-15) to 5 (DTSTR-Y SYN-14) for LDR 1, LDR 2, LDR 3, and LDR 4, respectively. The use of moderately resistant varieties, combined with timely spraying of emamectin benzoate at 75 mL provided adequate management for the FAW infestation and sustained high maize grain yield.

NITROGEN FERTILIZERS ROLE IN GRAIN CROPS PRODUCTIVITY IN SOUTH-EAST KAZAKHSTAN

Seeking to improve the efficiency of nitrogen fertilizers for grain crops led to conducting this study on developing methods using 15N in 2015–2017 at the Kazakh Research Institute of Agriculture, Almalybak Village, Almaty Region, Southeastern Kazakhstan. Nitrogen use efficiency using the stable isotope 15N in microfield experiments revealed that the assimilation of nitrogen fertilizers by grain crops largely depends on the norms, timing, fertilization method, and varietal parameters of the concerned crop. Based on morphophysiological methods of monitoring plant development conditions, the nitrogen fertilizers’ role based on the development has been affirmative, with the optimal timing of their application also determined. Results show that grain crops use nitrogen productively with partial application at the beginning of tillering and tubing, respectively, and stages III and V of organogenesis. With the use of nitrogen fertilizers, the significant varietal differences were evident. The help of an isotope label established the accurate nitrogen utilization coefficients of fertilizers based on the options ranging from 14.7% to 32.2%. Using the isotope method provides an opportunity for further development of practicing the most efficient techniques of applying fertilizers, which is an imperative method for determining the effectiveness of nitrogen fertilizers.

Oat as a Potential Source of Energy

Oat (Avena sativa L.) is one of the agricultural crops that can be grown in marginal areas. Grain and straw are used mainly for food and fodder purposes. However, due to the high-fat content in the grain and the small amount of ash, it can be an attractive raw material for energy production. The biomass can be straw and oat grain. Grain should be intended for food purposes, but if it does not meet the quality requirements, it can be used for energy purposes. The aim of the experiment was to evaluate the energy usefulness of four oat cultivars depending on the applied level of nitrogen fertilization. The research results show that oat grain and straw can be used as fuel for energy purposes. The average calorific value of grain was 18.7 MJ·kg−1, and the ash content in dry matter was 2.03%. With the increase in the dose of nitrogen fertilization, a decrease in the calorific value of oat and straw grains and a decrease in ash content were noted. The findings show significant varietal differences. Oat straw had a lower calorific value and a higher ash content, which indicates its lower usefulness for energy purposes compared to grain.

Results of the study of soybean varieties at Omsk agricultural research centre in the Kostanay region of the Republic of Kazakhstan

The authors conducted research from 2012–2021 at LLP Agricultural Experimental Station “Zarechnoye” of the Kostanay region of Kazakhstan. The experiment included early maturing soybean varieties bred by the Omsk ANC, approved for cultivation in the Russian Federation: Dina, Sibiryachka and Zolotistaya, also zoned in the Republic of Kazakhstan. From May till September 2012, 2014, 2019, and 2022 dry weather conditions were observed (HTC 0.40 - 0.69); arid (HTC 0.70 - 0.99) - in 2015 - 2017, 2020; moderately humid (HTC 1.00) - in 2013 and 2018 A significant positive effect on the duration of the growing season was provided by an increase in the HTC coefficient for the period May–September (r = 0.566) and in July (r = 0.444). An increase in precipitation lengthened the growing season to 113 days, and an increase in air temperature accelerated the growing season to 83 days (r = -0.353 and r = -0.440, respectively). The most stable was the plant height, which varied depending on the conditions of the year and variety from 55 to 76 cm - the coefficient of variation was about 10%. Significant varietal differences in average long-term values were revealed only by the number of pods per plant - the Sibiryachka cultivar had an advantage over the Dina and Zolotistaya cultivars, having formed an average of 36 pods per plant over ten years. The level of seed yield was significantly affected by the amount of precipitation (r = 0.608) and air temperature (r = 0.632) in June, as well as the number of productive nodes (r = 0.365) per plant. The increase in the share of protein was positively influenced by the rise in the amount of precipitation in June and in general for May–September: r = 0.415 and r = 0.581, respectively, as well as by the HTC for these periods: r = 0.362 and r = 0.561. A significant positive correlation was found between the protein content and the weight of 1000 seeds (r = 0.615) and a not high but significant positive correlation between the weight of 1000 seeds and the amount of precipitation in August (r = 0.375). The maximum seed yield and protein content in the experiment were noted in the Dina variety in 2016 - 2.78 t/ha and 40.6%, respectively. Variety Zolotistaya has the best resistance to stress in these indicators. Types differed in plasticity: Dina - in terms of yield (bi = 1.11) and Sibiryachka - in terms of weight of 1000 seeds (bi = 1.18). All varieties of the selection of the Omsk ANC included in the experiment can be used in breeding work in the conditions of the Kostanay region as sources of early maturity and yield - they need from 93 to 110 days to form more than 2.4 t/ha of seeds.

EFFECT OF DIFFERENT PHOSPHORUS FERTILIZATION AND SOWING DATES ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF LABLAB (Lablab purpureus L. walp) VARIETIES IN SEMI-ARID ECOLOGICAL ZONE OF RINGIM, JIGAWA STATE, NIGERIA

Field trials were conducted at the Jigawa state Horticultural Farm during 2019, 2020 and 2021 wet seasons to investigate the effect of phosphorus levels and sowing date on the growth and yield of lablab varieties (Dan Farankachi and Dan Inusa). The treatments consisted of four levels of phosphorus (0, 20, 40 and 60 kgPha-1) in the form of single superphosphate and three sowing dates 1st July (S1), 15th July (S2) and 29th July (S3), laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) and replicated three times. Data were collected on canopy height, number of branches, leaf area index and pod yield per hectare. The results showed that application of 60 kgPha-1 and 40 kgPha-1 resulted to highest growth in terms of canopy height at 4WAS and 8WAS in 2019, 2021 wet season and 2020 wet season and combined, respectively, sowing three had taller plants at 4WAS, and highly significant (P≤0.01) varietal differences at 12WAS in 2020 and 2021 wet seasons, variety was highly significant (P≤0.01) at 12 WAS in 2020 wet season and combined. The results showed that application of 60 kgPha-1 at 4WAS and 12WAS were highly significant (P≤0.01), and sowing three resulted to highest number of branches per plant at 4WAS. It was further reported that, leaf area index were highly significant (P≤0.01) interns of phosphorus application and sowing dates at 4 and 12WAS, pod yield was also highly significant (P≤0.01) in all the seasons. Based on the result of this study, it could be concluded that application of 60 kg P/ha, Dan Inusa and sowing date of 29th July could be adopted by farmers for better yield of lablab in the study area, hence recommended for better yield.

Developmental Fruit Quality Based Clustered Normalized Maturity Index Can Ensure Proper Harvesting Time of Ber

ABSTRACT Ziziphus mauritiana is a drought and salinity-tolerant crop and one of India’s most crucial arid fruit trees. The present study evaluated the fruit development of ber based on durational advancement in eight different cultivars, viz. Chhuhara, Chinese, Kalagola, Nazuk, Sanaur-2, Sanaur-4, Umran, and ZG-2. The developmental stages were chosen based on the number of days after full bloom: these stages included 28, 42, 56, 70, 84, 98, 112, 126, 140, 154, and 168 days after full bloom. With the advancement in fruit development, fruit firmness continued to decline till 168 days after full bloom. Total carotenoid content and flavonoid content were observed to increase as maturity progressed, but phenolic content decreased. The total antioxidant activity was also found to increase over time. Significant varietal differences were observed in the developmental changes in the quality attributes. To find optimized maturity time, varieties were grouped into four similar clusters. A normalized average maturity index was developed for each cluster. Depending upon the developed maturity index, a harvesting duration of 154 days after full bloom was found suitable for all tested varieties except ZG-2, for which 140 days after full bloom was found ideal as time for commercial harvest. The current experiment simplifies the complex maturity indices to a single harvesting time for each varietal cluster to act as ready recommendations to fruit growers.

Effect of Sodium Selenate and Selenocystine on Savoy Cabbage Yield, Morphological and Biochemical Characteristics under Chlorella Supply.

Biofortification of Brassica oleracea with selenium (Se) is highly valuable both for human Se status optimization and functional food production with direct anti-carcinogenic activity. To assess the effects of organic and inorganic Se supply for biofortifying Brassica representatives, foliar applications of sodium selenate and selenocystine (SeCys2) were performed on Savoy cabbage treated with the growth stimulator microalgae Chlorella. Compared to sodium selenate, SeCys2 exerted a stronger growth stimulation of heads (1.3 against 1.14 times) and an increase of leaf concentration of chlorophyll (1.56 against 1.2 times) and ascorbic acid (1.37 against 1.27 times). Head density was reduced by 1.22 times by foliar application of sodium selenate and by 1.58 times by SeCys2. Despite the greater growth stimulation effect of SeCys2, its application resulted in lower biofortification levels (2.9 times) compared to sodium selenate (11.6 times). Se concentration decreased according to the following sequence: leaves > roots > head. The antioxidant activity (AOA) was higher in water extracts compared to the ethanol ones in the heads, but the opposite trend was recorded in the leaves. Chlorella supply significantly increased the efficiency of biofortification with sodium selenate (by 1.57 times) but had no effect in the case of SeCys2 application. Positive correlations were found between leaf and head weight (r = 0.621); head weight and Se content under selenate supply (r = 0.897-0.954); leaf ascorbic acid and total yield (r = 0.559), and chlorophyll (r = +0.83-0.89). Significant varietal differences were recorded for all the parameters examined. The broad comparison performed between the effects of selenate and SeCys2 showed significant genetic differences as well as important peculiarities connected with the Se chemical form and its complex interaction with Chlorella treatment.

Chemometric and Physico-Chemical Characterization of Fruit and Olive Oils from Autochthonous Cultivars Grown in Aragon (Spain)

Olive tree crops and the olive oil market are becoming less and less diverse due to the rise of intensive growth varieties, with the consequent loss of varietal richness provided by oils from minority and autochthonous cultivars. "Royal de Calatayud" and "Negral de Sabiñán" are two local minority cultivars in Aragon (Spain). Fruit parameters such as ripening, fresh weight, and oil yield were evaluated, as well as physico-chemical and chemical composition parameters in olive oil in comparison with "Arbequina", a cultivar widespread in Spain and other countries. Fruits were harvested from October to December in 2017 and 2019. Chemometric analysis revealed significant varietal differences among the three cultivars. In comparison with "Arbequina", higher oil yields were obtained in the two local cultivars. "Royal de Calatayud" has a higher oleic acid content and a greater quantity of phenolic compounds. It thus displays a better nutritional profile than "Arbequina". This preliminary study shows that "Royal de Calatayud" could be regarded as an excellent alternative to the "Arbequina" cultivar in the parameters analyzed.

Physical and engineering properties of chickpea (Cicer arietnum L.) for planter design

The design of a chickpea planter and its optimum performance requires physical and engineering properties of the grain varying with cultivars. Such properties include size, shape, mass, density, static friction coefficient, and repose angle etc. The cultivars viz. JG 16, HC 5, KWR 108, IPC 4-1, IPC 5-62, DCP 92-3, IPC 4-98 and JG 14 were investigated at 11.0±1.0 per cent moisture content using standard methodology. The grain size was presented in terms of major, intermediate, minor, and geometric mean diameters as 8.49-9.78, 5.91-7.23, 5.88-6.94, and 6.68-7.89 mm, respectively. The shape of the grain was presented in terms of sphericity which ranged from 0.78-0.81. The thousand seed mass, bulk density, and true density were 198-338 g, 830-880 kg m-3, and 1310-1350 kg m-3, respectively. The static friction coefficient was the least against aluminium followed by galvanised iron and mild steel surfaces with respective ranges of 0.37-0.40, 0.41-0.45, and 0.52-0.56. The angle of repose ranged from 26.4-27.7 degrees. There was a significant varietal difference in different physical and engineering properties of chickpeas except true density and angle of repose, where the difference was non-significant.

SCREENING OF IMPROVED AND LOCAL CULTIVARS OF POTATO FOR RESISTANCE TO POTATO LATE BLIGHT DISEASE (Phytophthora Infestans)

Potato late blight disease caused by Phytophthora infestans has become an economic disease in the world and particularly in potato growing regions of Cameroon. Four improved (Pamina, Sassy, Desiree, Diaman) and two local (Belo, Banso) cultivars of potatoes were screen in the field and screen house in Regional College of Agriculture and Catholic University laboratory for resistance to potatoes late blight disease (PLBD). These potatoes cultivars were planted on four ridges per plot in the field in randomized complete block design with three replicate. These cultivars were monitored for disease incidence and severity and data was collected. Potatoes cultivars were planted in a screen house and inoculated with spore suspension of P. infestans of 2.5×104 spores / ml of distilled water to evaluate the resistance of the various potatoes cultivars. Screen house and field screening showed significant varietal difference (P≤0.05) in sensitivity to the fungus. The improved and local cultivars of potatoes from field and screen house show varying levels of resistance to (PLBD). All the improved potatoes cultivars (Pamina, Sassy, Desiree and Diaman) were highly susceptible to (PLBD) compared to the local cultivars (Belo, Banso) and improved cultivar Desiree that were susceptible. The highest mean disease severity of (PLBD) of 5.0 % was recorded on cultivars, Pamina, Sassy and Diaman at 12 weeks after planting. Diaman recorded the highest mean area of (PLBD) growth of 11.45 m2 in the screen house experiment. The local and improved potatoes cultivars that were susceptible could be planted in the field by farmer to reduced disease incidence and severity and increase productivity of the crop.

Evaluation and Selection of Elite Cassava Varieties for Storage Root Yield in the Transition and Guinea Savannah Ecologies of Ghana

This study was carried out to identify and select local and improved cassava varieties suitable for cultivation in the transition and Guinea savannah agroecology of Ghana against climate change. Two agroecologies; transition and Guinea savannah ecologies were considered for the study. Four cassava growing communities were chosen in the transition zone whilst three cassava growing communities were chosen for the Guinea savannah ecology. The cassava varieties representing the treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications at each location. A total of 13 cassava varieties were used for the study. Cassava cuttings measuring 20-25 cm were planted using a spacing of 1m × 1m. Harvesting was done at 12 months after planting to assess storage root yield of the cassava varieties at the different locations. Analysis of variance indicated significant (P≤ 0.05) varietal differences among the local varieties for root yield (11.25 - 29.27 t/ha), harvest index (0.46 – 0.75), storage root number per plant (2 - 8 roots/plant) and mean storage root weight (307.0 - 972.4 g) in Transition zone. However, there were no significant varietal differences between the improved varieties for root yield. The best performing improved varieties in the transition zone were Bankyehemaa (28.06 t/ha), Eskamaye (27.76 t/ha) and Nkabom (26.99 t/ha) whilst Filindiakong (22.65 t/ha) and Nyerikobga (31.17 t/ha) were identified to be suitable for the Guinea savannah ecology. Therefore, these cassava varieties can be cultivated to mitigate the effects of climate change on cassava and ensure food security.

Varietal and moisture effect on physical properties of various pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) cultivars

Engineering properties of pearl millet varieties (Pusa composite 443, Pusa composite 701, Pusa1201 and Pusa1801) were evaluated at varying moisture content (10-25% wb). A significant varietal difference was found on studied properties. GMD, Surface area, thousand grain mass, the angle of repose, porosity, internal coefficient of friction, static coefficient of friction (Poly, GI, MS and Al) increased linearly with increase in moisture content within the range of 10 to 25% (w.b.) while the bulk density, true density and hardness decreased linearly with increase in moisture content within the same range. But the value of sphericity showed that direct and indirect relation with moisture content depending variety. The mean value of different cultivars observed and found extreme high and low value of bulk density, true density and porosity for PC701 and Pusa1201, geometric mean diameter and surface area for pusa1801 to Pusa1201, sphericity and internal coefficient of friction for Pusa1201 and PC443, grain mass for Pusa1801 and PC 701, angle of repose for Pusa1201 and PC701, hardness for PC701 and PC443 respectively at moisture ranges from 10 to 25% (wb).

Morphological Characterization of Tulip Cultivars at 1587m above Mean Sea Level under Kashmir Himalayas

Morphological characterization of tulip cultivars was carried out during 2018-19 at Division of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture SKUAST- K Shalimar with an objective to assess the genetic diversity on the basis of qualitative and quantitative traits of growth, flowering and propagation ratio. Results based on analysis of variance depict sufficient genetic diversity among the genotypes. The variability response for minimum to maximum values ranged (92.00 to 107.00) for days to bulb sprouting after planting (117.00 to 164.00) for days to flowering,( 4.70 to 8.20 cm) for flower diameter, (9.00 to 18.00) days for duration of flowering, (23.13 to 72.22) cm for Plant Height (cm), 3.5 to 6.50 for number of leaves per plant, (1.13 to 1.72) for number of bulbs plant-1- and 12.30 to 21.20g for bulb weight plant-1. However minimum days to sprouting 92.00 were recorded after planting resulted with cultivar first Sprout and also maximum days (107.00) were recorded with Royal virgin. Maximum days taken to flowering (164.00) were noticed with La courtine and minimum (117.00) with Royal virgin. Highest values for flower diameter 8.20 cm were recorded with Antartica whereas lowest (4.70cm) with Royal virgin. Duration of flowering resulted maximum18.00 days with cultivar La courtine and minimum 9.00 days with Royal virgin. Plant height (72.22cm), number of leaves (6.50) were observed maximum with cultivar La courtine where as minimum (23.13 cm) and (3.5 cm) respectively with Royal virgin. Maximum number ofbulbsplant-11.72 & Bulb weight plant-1 (21.20gm) were recorded with cultivar Happy generation where as minimum values (1.13 & 12.30gm) respectively with cultivar Royal virgin. It was concluded that highly significant varietal differences indicated the presence of high amount of variability. This morphological variability delaminated cultivars First proud, Happy generation Purple prince, Royal virgin, Triple A in early group, Antartica, Avenue, Darwiorange, Niigata (mid cultivars) and La courtine as late flowering cultivar.

Model for detecting nitrogen deficiency in wheat crop using spectral indices

An experiment was conducted four years (2007-08 to 20010-11) during rabi at Anand, India to study nitrogen stress response of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) on spectral signature using spectroradiometer (Model - UniSpec DC Dual Channel Spectrometer, PP System, USA). The experiment was carried out with two wheat cultivars viz., GW496 and Lok 1 and five levels of nitrogen 120, 90, 60, 30 and 0 kg ha-1. The NDVI (normalized difference vegetation index) which is an indicator of status of crop biomass was found higher at 45 to 65 DAS of the crop age. The same characteristics were also observed in case of NDRE (normalize difference red edge) index at the 45 to 65 DAS of the crop age. Based on the index value of NDVI & NDRE at different growth stages of wheat crop, it was revealed that the crop biomass under the 120 N kg ha-1 could be more healthy which resulted in better yield. The variety wise analysis showed that no significant varietal differences were observed for NDVI, mSR and NDRE during different growth stages of wheat crop. The index value of NDVI and NDRE was higher in the highest nitrogen 120 kg ha-1 and lowest in treatment without nitrogen application. The NDVI was found more related to biomass production, while the NDRE was found useful to detect nitrogen stress during 45 to 75 DAS of the crop. Moreover the nitrogen stress detected during the initial growth stages 35-45 DAS of the crop are most useful for top dressing dose of nitrogen to overcome the stress. Using stepwise regression approach nitrogen deficiency model was developed, which showed NDRE is the only highly significant (P<0.01) index for detecting nitrogen deficiency in wheat crop.

Biochemical and Histological Insights into the Interaction Between the Canker Pathogen Neofusicoccum parvum and Prunus dulcis.

The number of reports associated with wood dieback caused by fungi in the Botryosphaeriaceae in numerous perennial crops worldwide has significantly increased in the past years. In this study, we investigated the interactions between the canker pathogen Neofusicoccum parvum and the almond tree host (Prunus dulcis), with an emphasis on varietal resistance and host response at the cell wall biochemical and histological levels. Plant bioassays in a shaded house showed that among the four commonly planted commercial almond cultivars ('Butte', 'Carmel', 'Monterey', and 'Nonpareil'), there was no significant varietal difference with respect to resistance to the pathogen. Gummosis was triggered only by fungal infection, not by wounding. A two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance and liquid chromatography determination of cell wall polymers showed that infected almond trees differed significantly in their glycosyl and lignin composition compared with healthy, noninfected trees. Response to fungal infection involved a significant increase in lignin, a decrease in glucans, and an overall enrichment in other carbohydrates with a profile similar to those observed in gums. Histological observations revealed the presence of guaiacyl-rich cell wall reinforcements. Confocal microscopy suggested that N. parvum colonized mainly the lumina of xylem vessels and parenchyma cells, and to a lesser extent the gum ducts. We discuss the relevance of these findings in the context of the compartmentalization of decay in trees model in almond and its potential involvement in the vulnerability of the host toward fungal wood canker diseases.

Digital Seed Morphometric Analysis of Nigerian Cultivated Rice (<i>Oryza sativa</i> L.) Varieties Grown Under Guinea Savannah Agro-ecology

This study investigated the varietal differences for morphometric properties among Nigerian cultivated rice varieties. Twenty-two rice varieties were grown under rain fed conditions in guinea agro-ecology at National Agricultural Seed Council, Abuja, Nigeria in 2017 and 2018. After 30 days of harvest, seed samples were collected for morphometric evaluation. The seed samples were evaluated in laboratory of the Department of Plant Breeding and Seed Technology, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta in 2017 and 2018 using completely randomized design in three replicates. Seeds obtained from the 22 varieties in two years were assessed for: six morphometric (physical) characters: seed projected area, seed straight length (mm), seed curve length (mm), seed straight width (mm), seed curved width (mm), seed width length (mm) and seed perimeter (mm) using an Epson Scanner connected to a computer device to acquire image of the seeds. A reagent instrument from Reagent Instrument Inc. Canada was used for the digital image analysis by running the custom written software WinSEEDLETM (Pro Version). Data obtained were subjected to Analysis of Variance and means were separated using Tukey’s HSD at 5% probability level. Pearson’s correlation coefficient and principal component analyses were also used. Significant varietal differences were observed for all seed physical characters evaluated. Seed physical characters (projected area, curve length, seed width, seed length and perimeters) were higher in 2018 compared to 2017. WAB 189 had superior physical characters. FARO 62 and FARO 22 had the least values for most of the seed physical characters. Most of the seed morphometric characteristics were strongly associated with one another. PC1 with seed projected area, straight length, seed straight width, seed curved width and seed perimeter contributed to the total variation observed. The study concluded that WAB 189 and FARO 50 with superior seed physical characters should be used for future seed improvement programme.

Participatory Assessment of the Potential of Traditional Lowland Rainfed Rice Varieties in Lower Casamance

Casamance was perceived as an agricultural granary that had rice potential which could meet the high food demand of Senegal. Given that the rice-growing lands have been degraded due to pedoclimatic variabilities, improved modern varieties are not usually well adapted to the Casamance rice-growing ecosystems. This work aims to contribute to the increase of rice production through varietal diversification and enhancement of cultural heritage. A participatory evaluation of five local farmers’ traditional varieties along with one check was carried out in an experiment laid out in a one-factor complete randomized block design using the six accessions with five replications. ANOVA followed by a 5% mean comparison Tukey test and the Kendall Rate were performed with IBM SPSS Statistics software. The result showed very significant varietal differences for leaf blade of the penultimate leaves, 100-grains weight, panicle length, growth cycle, plant height, ramification of secondary branching of the spikelets, resistance to lodging and threshing facility (p ≤ 0.005). However, traits including flag leaf, tiller numbers, sterile tillers number, panicle numbers, panicle yield, and grain yield did not show a significant difference (p ≥ 0.06) among varieties. Thus, based on some of these characteristics, farmers selected their most preferred rice varieties or accessions. The most important characteristics were tillering ability, lodging resistance and fertility rate. Koussik Emandiouck selected by farmers as the best variety, had a high grain yield (4.9 t∙ha-1), higher lodging resistance (9), and higher fertility rate (80.53%). Koussik Emandiouck, Koufekeny and Awandiaho varieties were the most preferred by farmers.

Cold Stress during Flowering Alters Plant Structure, Yield and Seed Quality of Different Soybean Genotypes

The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of cold stress at flowering stage on plant structure, yield and chemical composition of seeds of 15 soybean cultivars. The study was conducted in 2019–2020, using the complete randomization method, in three replications. Fifteen soybean cultivars belonging to three maturity groups: early (EC), middle-early (MC) and late (LC) cultivars were included. Weekly cold stress (17/13 °C day/night) was applied at plant flowering stage. In the control treatment, plants were kept under natural conditions (24/17 °C day/night). Our research showed that cold stress negatively influenced the elements of plant structure: height, number of nodes, stem dry mass, number and weight of pods, number and weight of seeds per plant, as well as yield of soybean seeds, reducing it on average by 24%, as compared to the control treatment. The highest yield decrease was found in LC cultivars (31.2%), while a smaller and similar one in EC and MC cultivars (by 19.7 and 20.1%, respectively). Significant varietal differences were found for plant biometric traits and seed yield. EC cultivars had the lowest set first pod, as well as the lowest number of nodes, number of pods and seeds, pod and seed weight per plant, and seed yield. MC cultivars had the highest set first pod, and the smallest stem DM and seed yield average by 29.2% higher compared to EC cultivars. LC cultivars had the highest stem DM, number of pods and seeds, and pod and seed weight per plant compared to the other cultivar groups, and yield by 22.8% higher compared to EC cultivars. The experimental factors significantly affected crude protein, crude fat, and crude ash content, while they did not differentiate water-soluble carbohydrate and crude fiber content. Cold stress at the flowering stage caused a significant increase in protein content (by 4.1% on average) and ash content (by 3.8%) and a decrease in fat concentration (by 6.9%) in soybean seeds. Differences in nutrient content among cultivars were a genetic trait not related to cultivar maturity.

Bioprospecting aerobic rice (Oryza sativa) and mycorrhizal interaction for nutrient uptake and plant growth

With the growing concern of water scarcity in agriculture, aerobic rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a promising mode of cultivation for reducing water use, although the reduced optimal plant growth and yield are major constraints. Arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) are known to readily colonize rice roots under aerobic conditions, however, the response of upland and lowland rice genotypes has not been investigated. This study was carried out during 2018-19 at ICAR-IARI, New Delhi, using a mycorrhizal consortium and percent colonization was observed to be higher by 58% in upland rice genotypes. AM- upland plants also showed 20% higher plant biomass. AM colonization significantly enhanced rice growth under aerobic conditions, with the upland rice genotypes. Pyari and Satyabhama showed higher response upon AM inoculation. AM colonization increased the total chlorophyll by 54% and the upland rice genotypes showed 51% enhanced nitrogenase activity in their root zones, with highest recorded for Satyabhama. The AM plants showed enhanced activities of nitrate reductase (NR) and glutamine synthetase (GS), and interestingly, the rice genotypes with higher NR and GS (Pyari, Satyabhama) also exhibited more (20%) biomass production and plant N content (36%). Significant varietal differences were recorded in terms of accumulation of antioxidant compounds such as ascorbate, glutathione and proline in AM inoculated plants, which helped to alleviate negative effects of water stress in rice plants under aerobic cultivation.