Vulgaris Cultivars Research Articles

Metabolomics Study by Amino and Organic Acid Profiling Analyses in Pre- and Post-Milling Barley Using Gas Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Barley (Hordeum vulgare) is a major cereal grain grown in temperate climates globally and provides various nutrients in a peeled form after milling. However, milling causes changes in nutritional composition, including metabolites. Thus, a metabolomics study was conducted to monitor the changes in nutritional composition before and after the milling of Hordeum vulgare seeds (Saechalssal, Hinchalssal, and Yeongbaekchal) focusing on the development and application of new analytical methods for organic acids (OA) and amino acids (AA). Profiling analyses of OAs and AAs were performed using GC-MS/MS. This analytical method showed good linearity (r ≥ 0.995) with limit of detection (0.1 ng, 21.2 ng) and limit of quantitation (0.3 ng, 63.6 ng), respectively. Repeatability varied from 0.1 to 12.4 (% RSD) and accuracy varied from –12.3 to 14.8 (% RE), respectively. Altered levels of 36 metabolites (16 OAs, 20 AAs) were monitored post-milling and compared with pre-milling in the three Hordeum vulgare cultivars. Radar plots of OAs and AAs to corresponding mean levels of each pre-milling group in the three Hordeum vulgare cultivars were easily distinguished from those in each post-milling group. The pre-and post-milling groups of the three Hordeum vulgare cultivars were completely separated by partial least square discriminant analysis, and the lysine, cysteine, glutamic acid, asparagine, 4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid, and citric acid were significantly different. Therefore, this study will be useful for monitoring altered metabolites following milling and discrimination of varieties.

Evaluation of Chemical Profile and Biological Properties of Extracts of Different Origanum vulgare Cultivars Growing in Poland.

This research studied the phenolic content compared with the antioxidant properties of various O. vulgare (Lamiaceae) cultivars grown in Poland. The research results in this paper indicate that the dominant ingredient in all oregano cultivars was rosmarinic acid, known for its strong antioxidant properties. The highest amounts of rosmarinic acid (87.16 ± 4.03 mg/g dm) were identified in the O. vulgare spp. hirtum (Link) Ietsw. Other metabolites identified in the studied extracts include luteolin O-di-glucuronide-O-di-pentoside (30.79 ± 0.38 mg/g dm in the 'Aureum' cultivar), 4'-O-glucopyranosyl-3', 4'-dihydroxy benzyl-protocatechuate (19.84 ± 0.60 mg/g dm in the 'Margerita' cultivar), and p-coumaroyl-triacetyl-hexoside (25.44 ± 0.18 mg/g dm in the 'Margerita' cultivar). 'Hot & spicy' and 'Margerita' cultivars were characterized by the highest activity in eliminating OH• and O2•- radicals. Extracts from Greek oregano had the highest ability to scavenge DPPH radicals and chelate iron ions. This research has also provided new evidence that oregano has anti-migratory, cytotoxic properties and influences the viability of gastric cancer cells (the highest cytotoxicity was attributed to the 'Hot & spicy' cultivar, which performed the worst in antioxidant properties tests). Extracts from the tested cultivars at a concentration of 0.625% effectively inhibited the growth of S. aureus and P. aeruginosa bacteria. It seems that the oregano grown in Poland is of good quality and can be successfully grown on a large scale if the appropriate use is found.

Comparative Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of two cultivars of Hordeum vulgare L.

Hordeum vulgare L. is a multi-nutritional food grain crop of the Poaceae family. It is a significant staple crop in Asia with significant nutritional and commercial importance. It is possible to grow this plant under a number of abiotic conditions of stress, such as fluoride stress. The objective of the current study was to determine whether two chosen cultivars of Hordeum vulgare could endure or tolerate fluoride stress conditions by using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. The two H. vulgare cultivars’ seeds that were chosen, RD2786 and RD2794, were planted in pH-5 soil and allowed to mature for a month in clay pots. Different concentrations of fluoride (0, 5, 10, 15, 20 ppm) were added to the soil as supplements. Moreover, GC-MS was used to assess factors such as protein content and nitric oxide. Additional TLC analysis was carried out using a TLC sheet. As a result of free radical production, the cultivar RD2786 had higher total protein and nitric oxide scavenging enzyme (NOSA) activity than RD2794. Because of its osmoprotectant properties and ability to tolerate fluoride stress conditions, cultivar RD2786 of H. vulgare is therefore advised for farmers in fluoride-affected regions based on the results of this study.

Evaluation of inhibitory activity, purification and X-ray crystallography of Alpha-Amylase inhibitor from Phaseolus vulgaris cultivars of Uttarakhand, India.

The present work is based on analysis of inhibitory activity of alpha-amylase inhibitor in selected cultivars of Phaseolus vulgaris of Uttarakhand. Fifteen samples were assessed for inhibitory activity of alpha-amylase inhibitor. Significant variations were found in different cultivars. Crude extract of alpha-amylase inhibitor from sample PUR (Purola) have shown maximum inhibitory activity (70.2 ± 0.84). Crude extract of all the cultivars have shown considerable variations in inhibitory activity in the temperature ranging from 20ºC to 100ºC. Based on inhibitory activity and heat stability profile, the alpha amylase inhibitor was purified from PUR cultivar. The purified inhibitor was found to be stable even at 90ºC with an inhibitory activity of 97.20 ±0.09. The molecular weight of purified inhibitor on Native PAGE (Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis) was found to be 31kd, consisting of two subunits of 17kd and 14kd on SDS-PAGE.

Pathogenically altered Colletotrichum lindemuthianum transformants help in understanding the biochemical defense and colonization dynamics in Phaseolus vulgaris

Colletotrichum lindemuthianum poses a serious threat to common bean production and impacts food security. It is essential to comprehend the intricate nature of the pathogen infection process and the underlying biochemical systems regulating plant defence to create tactics that effectively increase plant resistance. This study leveraged a stable C. lindemuthianum transformant library to examine these intrinsic mechanisms in a susceptible Phaseolus vulgaris cultivar, Jawala. Among the 57 mitotically stable transformants employed to screen for altered virulence, 51 were pathogenically similar to wild type and the remaining six transformants were either reduced or impaired. Nine transformants (three pathogenically similar and all impaired and reduced mutants) were selected for subsequent studies. These mutants exhibited an array of morpho-cultural variations. The biochemical studies of these mutants revealed free radicals as double-edged swords, exerting a pivotal influence on the infection process. The free radical (H2O2) elevated at an early stage (24 hpi) in the cases of reduced (CT-51) and impaired (CT-225) mutants. However, at the later stage (72 hpi), H2O2 was promoted in the case of R-2047 and equal to wild type (CT-101) transformant. Contrary, superoxide (O2−) increased considerably at 48 hpi in the incompatible interaction of reduced (CT-51) and impaired (CT-225) mutants. The microscopic images revealed how easily the wild type (CT-101) could germinate, penetrate, and infect the leaves. The pathogenically reduced transformant (CT-51), however, had delayed germination as well as a decreased growth rate and spore production. Additionally, the pathogenicity of the impaired transformant (CT-225) was completely lost, and its conidia failed to properly germinate. This is the first account of C. lindemuthianum in planta colonization with a GFP tag. This study increased our understanding of the mechanics of the reactions triggered by C. lindemuthianum and may be used to develop novel strategies for the effective control of bean anthracnose. Additionally, identifying the genes disrupted by the insertion of Agrobacterium T-DNA will help in identifying the genes necessary for bean plant colonization.

Biochemical and Phylogenetic Analysis of Italian Phaseolus vulgaris Cultivars as Sources of α-Amylase and α-Glucosidase Inhibitors.

Phaseolus vulgaris α-amylase inhibitor (α-AI) is a protein that has recently gained commercial interest, as it inhibits mammalian α-amylase activity, reducing the absorption of dietary carbohydrates. Numerous studies have reported the efficacy of preparations based on this protein on the control of glycaemic peaks in type-2 diabetes patients and in overweight subjects. A positive influence on microbiota regulation has also been described. In this work, ten insufficiently studied Italian P. vulgaris cultivars were screened for α-amylase- and α-glucosidase-inhibiting activity, as well as for the absence of antinutritional compounds, such as phytohemagglutinin (PHA). All the cultivars presented α-glucosidase-inhibitor activity, while α-AI was missing in two of them. Only the Nieddone cultivar (ACC177) had no haemagglutination activity. In addition, the partial nucleotide sequence of the α-AI gene was identified with the degenerate hybrid oligonucleotide primer (CODEHOP) strategy to identify genetic variability, possibly linked to functional α-AI differences, expression of the α-AI gene, and phylogenetic relationships. Molecular studies showed that α-AI was expressed in all the cultivars, and a close similarity between the Pisu Grogu and Fasolu cultivars' α-AI and α-AI-4 isoform emerged from the comparison of the partially reconstructed primary structures. Moreover, mechanistic models revealed the interaction network that connects α-AI with the α-amylase enzyme characterized by two interaction hotspots (Asp38 and Tyr186), providing some insights for the analysis of the α-AI primary structure from the different cultivars, particularly regarding the structure-activity relationship. This study can broaden the knowledge about this class of proteins, fuelling the valorisation of Italian agronomic biodiversity through the development of commercial preparations from legume cultivars.

Betaxanthin Profiling in Relation to the Biological Activities of Red and Yellow Beta vulgaris L. Extracts.

Beta vulgaris L. is an edible plant with health-beneficial activities. The profile of betaxanthins is more complex than previously described in beetroot cultivars. Twenty-four betaxanthins were detected in extracts of the peel and flesh of five cultivars by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS, of which two new betaxanthins (arginine-Bx and ornithine-Bx) were detected for the first time in B. vulgaris cultivars. The content of betaxanthins in the studied cultivars decreased in the Tytus > Ceryl > Chrobry > Forono > Boldor sequence. The highest content of compounds (1231 mg/100 g DE) was observed in the Tytus cultivar (peel). The peel of B. vulgaris, which is often considered a waste, appeared to be a richer source of betaxanthins compared to its flesh. Antibacterial and antifungal activities were determined against twenty-three microorganisms. Tytus (peel) showed a moderate or good bactericidal effect, especially against the majority of Gram-positive bacteria as well as against most of the tested fungi (MIC = 0.125-0.5 mg/mL) and additionally characterized by low cytotoxicity towards non-cancerous cells (CC50 = 405 μg/mL, CC50-50% cytotoxic concentration). Tytus flesh also showed a high cytotoxicity value against human cervical adenocarcinoma (HeLa), with CC50 of 282 μg/mL. Correlation analysis was used to determine the relationship between the betaxanthin profiles and antimicrobial and anticancer activities. Arginine-Bx, proline-Bx, and tryptophan-Bx were indicated as active against HeLa and the colon cancer cell line (RKO), while asparagine-Bx and phenylalanine-Bx was responsible for activity against all tested bacterial and yeast species. The significant effectiveness and safety of these beetroots make indicated compounds promising applicants as antimicrobial and anticancer agents.

Bioestimulants on common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivar TAA Marhe in vitro

Plant biostimulants are substances that can increase plant germination growth, and development, acting on the stimulation of cell division. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro action of two commercial biostimulants AgroRaiz® and Stimulate® on the physiological quality of seeds of Phaseolus vulgaris cultivar TAA Marhe. Seeds of the TAA Marhe cultivar were used at the usual concentration of both biostimulants AgroRaiz® 0.3 L 100 kg-1 and Stimulate® 0.5 L 100 kg-1 seeds. Classic germination test, dry matter, root length and accelerated aging test were performed. The experimental design was completely randomized with three treatments and four replications. The usual doses of biostimulators did not influence the germination rate and dry mass by the classical method; however, Stimulate® demonstrated action on mean root length. For the aging assay, AgroRaiz® proved to be superior to Stimulate® in germination and seedling dry matter.

The evolutionary patterns of barley pericentromeric chromosome regions, as shaped by linkage disequilibrium and domestication.

SUMMARYThe distribution of recombination events along large cereal chromosomes is uneven and is generally restricted to gene‐rich telomeric ends. To understand how the lack of recombination affects diversity in the large pericentromeric regions, we analysed deep exome capture data from a final panel of 815 Hordeum vulgare (barley) cultivars, landraces and wild barleys, sampled from across their eco‐geographical ranges. We defined and compared variant data across the pericentromeric and non‐pericentromeric regions, observing a clear partitioning of diversity both within and between chromosomes and germplasm groups. Dramatically reduced diversity was found in the pericentromeres of both cultivars and landraces when compared with wild barley. We observed a mixture of completely and partially differentiated single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) between domesticated and wild gene pools, suggesting that domesticated gene pools were derived from multiple wild ancestors. Patterns of genome‐wide linkage disequilibrium, haplotype block size and number, and variant frequency within blocks showed clear contrasts among individual chromosomes and between cultivars and wild barleys. Although most cultivar chromosomes shared a single major pericentromeric haplotype, chromosome 7H clearly differentiated the two‐row and six‐row types associated with different geographical origins. Within the pericentromeric regions we identified 22 387 non‐synonymous SNPs, 92 of which were fixed for alternative alleles in cultivar versus wild accessions. Surprisingly, only 29 SNPs found exclusively in the cultivars were predicted to be ‘highly deleterious’. Overall, our data reveal an unconventional pericentromeric genetic landscape among distinct barley gene pools, with different evolutionary processes driving domestication and diversification.

Weed management by allelopathic activity of Foeniculum vulgare essential oil

This study was conducted to evaluate the allelopathic effect of essential oil (EO) extracted from five Foeniculum vulgare Mill. cultivars against two weed species, Portulaca oleracea L. and Amaranthus retroflexus L. Various EO concentrations (0, 100, 200, 400, 600, and 800 mgL−1) were used to determine their effects on germination and seedling growth of P. oleracea and A. retroflexus. Radicle length, plumule length, radicle wet weight, plumule wet weight, plumule dry weight, and germination percentage of the target plants were measured. GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of different compounds in studied F. vulgare cultivars. Cultivars containing α-pinene possessed strong inhibitory potential towards weeds growth. On the contrary, cultivars containing fenchone showed poor inhibitory potential on both weeds. Moreover, the results indicate that with increasing EO concentration of F. vulgare, radicle length, plumule length, radicle wet weight, plumule wet weight, plumule dry weight, and germination percentage of both weed species decreased. The highest inhibitory effects were observed at 600 and 800 mg L−1 concentrations. Boushehr F. vulgare cultivar showed the highest inhibitory effect, while Esfahan and Yazd cultivars were identified as least inhibitory against the two weeds. Both P. oleracea and A. retroflexus showed similar sensitivities to F. vulgare EO.

Effect of Water Deficit Stress and Foliar Application of Maternal Plant on Germination Characteristics of Three Barley (Hordeum vulgare) Cultivars

Effect of Water Deficit Stress and Foliar Application of Maternal Plant on Germination Characteristics of Three Barley (Hordeum vulgare) Cultivars

Genome-Wide Association Study of Seed Folate Content in Common Bean.

Plant-derived folates (Vitamin B9) are essential components of the human diet. They provide one-carbon units that are required for the synthesis of nucleic acids and proteins, and folate deficiency is associated with numerous adverse health conditions. The development of high-folate cultivars of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and other staple crops is an important tool to combat folate deficiency. A population of 96 P. vulgaris accessions, representing major North American market classes, was grown in 2 years in Ontario, Canada. The population was genotyped for 5,361 molecular markers with an Illumina Infinium platform. Total folate was extracted from mature seeds using the tri-enzyme extraction method and quantified based on a microbiological assay with Lactobacillus rhamnosus. Significant genetic diversity for folate content was observed among the population in both years of study, and folate content had a range 113–222 μg per 100 g of seeds. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) for seed folate content were identified based on a genome-wide association study (GWAS). Six QTL were identified on Chr. 4, 6, 8, and 11, with three in each year of field trials. Both QTL on Chr. 11 occurred in genomic regions that were syntenic to seed folate QTL detected in previous work with P. vulgaris, Z. mays, and O. sativa. Candidate genes were identified for these QTL that might be targets for the development of molecular markers for selecting P. vulgaris cultivars with improved seed folate content. This work reports the largest survey of genetic diversity for seed folate content in P. vulgaris and identified several genotypes, including SCN4, Bat 93, OAC Redstar, and Pompadour 1014, that would be useful for breeding beans with higher than average folate levels.

Discovery and fine mapping of Rph28: a new gene conferring resistance to Puccinia hordei from wild barley.

A new gene Rph28 conferring resistance to barley leaf rust was discovered and fine-mapped on chromosome 5H from wild barley. Leaf rust is a highly destructive disease of barley caused by the fungal pathogen Puccinia hordei. Genetic resistance is considered to be the most effective, economical and eco-friendly approach to minimize losses caused by this disease. A study was undertaken to characterize and fine map a seedling resistance gene identified in a Hordeum vulgare ssp. spontaneum-derived barley line, HEB-04-101, that is broadly effective against a diverse set of Australian P. hordei pathotypes. Genetic analysis of an F3 population derived from a cross between HEB-04-101 and the H. vulgare cultivar Flagship (seedling susceptible) confirmed the presence of a single dominant gene for resistance in HEB-04-101. Selective genotyping was performed on representative plants from non-segregating homozygous resistant and homozygous susceptible F3 families using the targeted genotyping-by-sequencing (tGBS) assay. Putatively linked SNP markers with complete fixation were identified on the long arm of chromosome 5H spanning a physical interval between 622 and 669Mb based on the 2017 Morex barley reference genome assembly. Several CAPS (cleaved amplified polymorphic sequences) markers were designed from the pseudomolecule sequence of the Morex assembly (v1.0 and v2.0), and 16 polymorphic markers were able to delineate the RphHEB locus to a 0.05cM genetic interval spanning 98.6kb. Based on its effectiveness and wild origin, RphHEB is distinct from all other designated Rph genes located on chromosome 5H and therefore the new locus symbol Rph28 is recommended for RphHEB in accordance with the rules and cataloguing system of barley gene nomenclature.

Genetic Diversity and Characterization of Symbiotic Bacteria Isolated from Endemic Phaseolus Cultivars Located in Contrasting Agroecosystems in Venezuela.

Phaseolus vulgaris is a grain cultivated in vast areas of different countries. It is an excellent alternative to the other legumes in the Venezuelan diet and is of great agronomic interest due to its resistance to soil acidity, drought, and high temperatures. Phaseolus establishes symbiosis primarily with Rhizobium and Ensifer species in most countries, and this rhizobia-legume interaction has been studied in Asia, Africa, and the Americas. However, there is currently no evidence to show that rhizobia nodulate the endemic cultivars of P. vulgaris in Venezuela. Therefore, we herein investigated the phylogenetic diversity of plant growth-promoting and N2-fixing nodulating bacteria isolated from the root nodules of P. vulgaris cultivars in a different agroecosystem in Venezuela. In comparisons with other countries, higher diversity was found in isolates from P. vulgaris nodules, ranging from α- and β-proteobacteria. Some isolates belonging to several new phylogenetic lineages within Bradyrhizobium, Ensifer, and Mesorhizobium species were also specifically isolated at some topographical regions. Additionally, some isolates exhibited tolerance to high temperature, acidity, alkaline pH, salinity stress, and high Al levels; some of these characteristics may be related to the origin of the isolates. Some isolates showed high tolerance to Al toxicity as well as strong plant growth-promoting and antifungal activities, thereby providing a promising agricultural resource for inoculating crops.

Overexpression of Nepenthesin HvNEP-1 in Barley Endosperm Reduces Fusarium Head Blight and Mycotoxin Accumulation

Fusarium head blight (FHB) causes substantial losses of yield and quality in grains, both in the field and in post-harvest storage. To date, adequate natural genetic resistance is not available for the control of FHB. This study reports the cloning and overexpression of a barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) antifungal gene, nepenthesin 1 (HvNEP-1), in the endosperm of barley grains. Transgenic barley lines overexpressing HvNEP-1 substantially reduced FHB severity and disease progression after inoculation with Fusarium graminearum or Fusarium culmorum. The transgenic barley also showed reduced accumulation of the mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON) in grain, far below the minimum value allowable for food. Semi-field evaluation of four HvNEP-1 transgenic lines revealed substantial reduction of FHB severity and progression as compared with the control H. vulgare cultivar Golden promise (GP) plants. Our study demonstrated the utility of HvNEP-1 for the control of FHB in barley, and possibly other grains such as wheat and maize.

Differential responses of Phaseolus vulgaris cultivars following mungbean yellow mosaic India virus infection.

Phaseolus vulgaris, commonly known as French bean is a vital leguminous crop worldwide and India stood 1st rank in dry bean and 4th rank in green bean production worldwide (FAOSTAT 2017). However, this production is severely affected by Mungbean yellow mosaic India virus (MYMIV) infection. Hence it is very important to identify MYMIV tolerant P. vulgaris cultivars. MYMIV infection results in the production of reactive oxygen species and plant cells have evolved complex defense mechanisms at different levels to overcome the damage. Our study for the first time focused on the changes at the morphological and biochemical level, as well as on the relative quantification of MYMIV genes in nine cultivars of P. vulgaris after MYMIV infection. Highest growth and the highest accumulation of four antioxidants of cv. 'Anupam' after MYMIV infection, established that cv. 'Anupam' was less affected by MYMIV infection amongst all nine cultivars. Relative quantification studies also correlated well with these results. Additionally, there is a consistent level of photosynthetic pigments content in mock- and MYMIV-treated seedlings of cv. 'Anupam' over early infection period. Combining all the results we conclude that cv. 'Anupam' is a MYMIV tolerant cultivar.

Protein and DNA Polymorphisms among Three Colored Seeds of Phaseolus vulgaris L. Cultivars during Seven Subsequent Stages of their Development

THIS STUDY aimed to evaluate genetic variations among germplasms of three colored seeds of Phaseolus vulgaris cultivars (creamish yellow “strike”, deep brown “contender” and reddish spotty pinto “wounder”) during seven subsequent stages of seed development ranging from dormant seed to pollen grains. The evaluation based on the analysis of the data obtained from electrophoretic banding patterns of protein and DNA separated from each of the three studied cultivars, by using two different bioassays; sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and random amplified polymorphic DNA-polymerase chain reaction (RAPD-PCR). These analyses revealed major distinctive genetic variations among the three cultivars qualitatively and quantitatively. Besides, there were also variations in the percentages of polymorphisms in the produced protein and DNA bands due to the differences among their size, number, intensity, types, and gain or loss others. The highest number of polypeptide bands and amplified DNA products was scored at the contender cultivar, while the lowest number was scored at the strike cultivar during all stages of seed development. Meanwhile, the highest total number of polypeptide bands (64) and amplified DNA bands (108) were scored at the seedling and vegetative stages, respectively. This study concluded that data generated by the used bioassays were nearly equivalent, but not identical. Thus, it is better to be combined for reliable estimates of genetic variations among the three studied cultivars during their development to earn valuable genetic resources exploited for breeding new cultivars.

Comparative transcriptome analyses reveal genes related to pigmentation in the petals of red and white Primula vulgaris cultivars.

Primula vulgaris is an important ornamental plant species with various flower color. To explore the molecular mechanism of its color formation, comparative transcriptome analyses of the petals in red and white cultivars was performed. A total of 4451 differentially expressed genes were identified and annotated into 128 metabolic pathways. Candidate genes FLS, F3'H, DFR, ANS and AOMT in the anthocyanin pathway were expressed significantly higher in the red cultivar than the white and may be responsible for the red coloration. In the red petals, a putative transcription factors bHLH (c52273.graph_c0) was up-regulated about 14-fold, while a R2R3-MYB unigene (c36140.graph_c0) was identified as a repressor involved in anthocyanin regulation and was significantly down-regulated. In addition, the anatomy analyses and pigments composition in the red and white petals were also analyzed. The papillae on the adaxial epidermis of the red petals of P. vulgaris display a triangle-shapes, in contrast with a spherical shape for the white petals. Although flavonoids were detected in both cultivars, anthocyanins could only be identified in the red cultivar. Gossypetin and peonidin/rosinin were the most abundant pigments in red petals. This study shed light on the genetic and biochemistry mechanisms underlying the flower coloration in Primula.

Seasonal dynamics of flowering of Calluna vulgaris (L.) Hull and its cultivars in conditions of Kyiv regarding to peculiarities of the flower structure

The aim of our study was to research the connection between the flower structure and the duration of flowering of Calluna vulgaris (L.) Hull and its cultivars. Our tasks were to investigate the flower structure of bud bloomers and double-flowered Calluna vulgaris (L.) Hull cultivars, to compare it with the structure of C. vulgaris flower; to analyze the data of phenological observations of C. vulgaris and its 10 cultivars flowering phase during 2015–2018. The methods were phenological observations and microscopic examinations. Results. Common features for C. vulgaris and cultivars concerning to their flowering are racemose inflorescences, an arrangement of flowers, acropetal succession. The flower structure of ‘Dirry’, ‘Mullion’, ‘Golden Carpet’, ‘Winter Red’ is similar to that of C. Vulgaris. Among this group, ‘Winter Red’ finishes blooming the first and ‘Dirry’ is the last due to its compound inflorescence. An increased number of petals, full sterility and long flowering period characterize flowers of double-flowered cultivars. Bud bloomers ‘Alicia’, ‘Bonita’ belong to f. diplocalyx Jansen. They are characterized by different flowering periods. ‘Alicia’ blooms the longest (85±7 days) among investigated C. vulgaris cultivars and ‘Bonita’ blooms about 53 days. Conclusions. C. vulgaris cultivars that have the same flower structure as species begin to bloom, as well as common heather, in the third decade of July. The duration of C. vulgaris cultivars flowering period depends also on the peculiarities of the inflorescence structure. Therefore, in order to predict the duration of cultivars flowering, it is necessary to study the features of their inflorescences structure. Double-flowered cultivars are worth to be used more often in gardening due to their high decorativeness and long flowering period. The issue of preserving the color of bud bloomers flowers needs further research. When using the cultivars of C. vulgaris with different types of flowers and duration of flowering, we can create landscapes of high and long decorative features

Dry bean cultivars with the potential for use in potato–dry bean crop rotation systems for managing root-knot nematodes in South Africa

Potato (Solanum tuberosum) cultivars are highly susceptible to the root-knot (Meloidogyne spp.) nematodes, with the preferred nematode management strategy being rotation using nematode-resistant crops. Most commercial potato- producing farmers prefer high-yielding, but low-input leguminous crops for use in potato crop-rotation systems intended to manage Meloidogyne spp. A study was conducted to screen 11 commonly used dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) cultivars in potato rotation systems for managing population densities of Meloidogyne species. Three screening trials, each for M. javanica, M. incognita race 2 and M. incognita race 4, were conducted under greenhouse conditions. After validation in time, at 56 d after inoculation, the reproductive potential values of Meloidogyne spp. on test dry bean cultivars suggested that the cultivars were hosts, except for the cultivar ‘Kleinwit’, which was a non-host to M. incognita race 2 and M. incognita race 4, but host to M. javanica. In conclusion, except for ‘Kleinwit’, most dry bean cultivars used for managing Meloidogyne species in potato–dry bean crop-rotation systems in South Africa are hosts and are therefore not fit for the intended purpose since host plants promote the build-up of nematodes. In addition, ‘Kleinwit’ should be used with caution because it was host to M. javanica.