CONICET, Cdtedra de Genetica, Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias UNR, CC 14 S2125ZAA, Zavalla, Argentina. FONCyT, Cdtedra de Genetica, Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias UNR, CC 14 S2125ZAA, Zavalla, Argentina. CIUNR, Cdtedra de Genetica, Facultad de Ciencias Agr
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2010.v12i01.04
Key words: Plant breeding, diallel analysis, combining ability, Solanum lycopersicum, recombinant inbred lines
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Abstract: Five recombinant inbred lines, generated from a single interspecific cross S. lycopersicum x S. pimpinellifolium, were crossed in a complete diallel combination without reciprocal. Fruit quality traits were analyzed according to Griffing (1956), method 2, model 1 (fixed effects). Significant general and specific combining ability (GCA and SCA) effects were found for all traits. Weight, reflectance percentage, chroma index, firmness, soluble solids content, pH and titratable acidity presented SCA values greater than GCA values, indicating nonadditive effects. Both additive and nonadditive effects were significant in determining diameter and shape. Positive unidirectional dominance was found for shape, shelf life and chroma index, while negative unidirectional dominance was involved in the expression of weight, diameter, height, reflectance percentage and firmness. Bidirectional dominance was found for soluble solids content, pH and titratable acidity. In spite of being a genetic pool generated from a single interspecific cross, high levels of genotypic and phenotypic variability was found among the fifteen genotypes for important agronomic traits. Both additive and nonadditive effects were important in the genetic determination of these traits.
Institut des Regions Arides, 4119 Medenine, Tunisie. Institut Superieur des Sciences et Technologie de I'Environnement BP 1003, Hammam-Lif2050, Tunisie.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2010.v12i01.05
Key words: Arid, drip irrigation, border irrigation, yield, Capsicum annum.L, water use.
Abstract: Field experiments were performed to study the impact of two different irrigation systems (surface drip and surface) on water use efficiency and yield components of a pepper crop (Capsicum annum. L). Irrigation scheduling was carried out based on estimated crop evapotranspiration (ETc) using crop coefficients for pepper and reference evapotranspiration ETo calculated using the Penman-Monteith equation (Allen et al., 1998). The crop received total water needs computed according to Veirmeiren and Jobling (1983) procedure for surface drip irrigation. Border irrigation was scheduled by Cropwat model (Smith, 1992). Experimental plots were irrigated simultaneously during the appropriate duration for each one and received the same nutrients (N, P, and K) ratio. Comparison was made on fruit number per plant, fruit weight, fruit weight by harvest and yield per unit surface. The results showed that compared with surface irrigation, drip irrigation presented a significant difference in total fruit yield and water use during cropping season (May to September). With drip irrigation, average yield was 19.73 kg m2 which was 68% greater than that irrigated with surface irrigation (11.90 kg m2). Applied water volume by unit production (m3/kg) was 0.38 for drip and 1.05 for border, respectively. Drip irrigation increased fresh pepper fruit yield with a reduction of 60% in water use compared to traditional surface irrigation.
Laboratorios de Bioquimica and Viticultura - Enologia, Facultad de Agronomia, Avda. Garzon 780 CP 12900. Montevideo, Uruguay, Instituto Nacional de Vitivinicultura, Dr. Pouey 463. Las Piedras, Uruguay.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2010.v12i01.01
Key words: Anthocyanins, anthocyanidins, berries, hydric deficit,Vitis vinifera L.
Abstract: Anthocyanins accumulation and gene expression in berries of Vitis vinifera L. cv. Tannat trained in Lyre system was investigated. Expression of genes involved in anthocyanins biosynthetic pathway as chalcone synthase (CHS), flavonoid 3-hydroxylase (F3H), dihydroflavonol 4- reductase (DFR), and UDP-glucose flavonoid-3-O- glucosyl transferase (UFGT) was examined. On the other hand, the influence of plant architecture, Lyre and vertical shoot positioned (VSP) trellis systems, on anthocyanins accumulation and gene expression was also analyzed. Final contents of total anthocyanins were not affected by trellis systems but varied in two years with different water deficit imposition period. However, the individual profile of the genes and anthocyanidins modified according to the moment of water deficit imposition (veraison or harvest) and by the trellis systems (Lyre or VSP). Analysis of gene expression in Lyre along the berry development period showed that low leaf water potentials after veraison cause an earlier and greater induction compared with expression in a year with low leaf water potential at harvest. At harvest, the hydric deficit induced an increase in the expression of CHS, F3H and DFR genes and a higher total anthocyanins content. The study revealed that plant architecture affect the expression of anthocyanins related gene in berries possibly by modifying the canopy microclimate.
School of Biological & Conservation Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Private bag X54001, Durban 4000, South Africa. Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafr El-Sheikh 33516, Egypt.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2010.v12i01.06
Key words: Bioreactor, in vitro flowering, Gentian, mass propagation, microponics
Abstract: Hormonal control of flower induction in vitro was investigated in Gentian. The effect of PBZ concentrations on flowering was studied in plantlets cultured in MS medium containing 30 g L-1sucrose. Paclobutrazol (PBZ) concentration at 1.0 mg L-1 induced the highest flowering in terms of flowering percentage (91.5%), number of flowers, days to first flowering, flower length and flower diameter. PBZ did not trigger flowering but it rather stimulated flowering and its role seemed to be additive but not essential for flowering. Comparison between solid and bioreactor cultures (continuous immersion with a net) revealed that shoot multiplication and growth were more efficient using bioreactor culture. The highest shoot number per explant (29.9) was obtained in bioreactor culture. Regenerated shoots were cultured microponically for 6 weeks. Hundred percent of plants rooted and were acclimatized successfully in growing media containing perlite: vermiculite (1:1).
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Botany Department, P.O. Box 62000 Nairobi, Kenya. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, 00100 Rome, Italy. Economic Botany, Missouri Botanical Gar
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2010.v12i01.07
Key words: Native pollinators, watermelon, visitation patterns, pollen deposition
Abstract: Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Mansf. (Watermelon) is an important crop plant in Kenya. Being monoecious, watermelon is entirely dependent upon pollination services usually by insects for production. Although the centre of origin for this plant is thought to be tropical Africa, essentially not much has been studied of its pollination requirements in this region. The current study investigated the identity of the wild pollinators of watermelon, their behaviour and relative pollination efficiencies at Yatta, a farm near Thika (Eastern Province). The main pollinator for this crop was found to be the honey bee, Apis mellifera but three wild species of Lasioglossum were found as important pollinators. These wild bees have a significantly higher (P< 0.0001) pollen deposition on stigmas of watermelon than honeybees. One of the Lasioglossum (Ctenonomia) sp. 4 deposited on average three times as much pollen as the honeybee. At about the time of stigmatic receptivity, the number of visits by this species to female flowers increases until it equals visits to male flowers irrespective of number of flowers per plot. This behavioural pattern coupled with the high pollen deposition potential makes Lasioglossum (Ctenonomia) sp. 4 a superior candidate as an alternatively managed pollinator for watermelon. Knowing that visitation occurs mostly in the morning, and that flowers last only for one day, spraying can be done in the later hours of the day when the pollinators have virtually stopped foraging on the flowers. In view of the reported pollinator decline globally, the wild pollinator species reported in this study warrant further investigation on their nesting biology and potential for domestication.
G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development, Sikkim Unit, Pangthang, Post Box 24, Gangtok, East Sikkim-737101, India.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2010.v12i01.08
Key words: Micropropagation, shoot formation, rooting, acclimatization, Rhododendron dalhousiae, Sikkim Himalaya
Abstract: The first successful micropropagation protocol was developed for an important Sikkim Himalayan Rhododendron, R. dalhousiae Hook. f. also known as Lahare Chimal in Sikkim. In vitro raised shoot tip explants from R. dalhousiae were used to produce multiple shoots on a medium containing various concentrations of growth regulators. Among the combinations used, Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing 5 mg L-1 2-isopentenyladenine (2iP) along with additives such as, 100 mg L-1 polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), 100 mg L-1 ascorbic acid, 10 mg L-1 citric acid was found to be best for induction of multiple shoots within 12 weeks of culture. The combination of 5 mg L-1 2iP +1 mg L-1 indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) resulted in further multiple shoot production than using them alone. Rooting of shoots in vitro was achieved on MS medium containing 0.2 mg L-1 indolebutyric acid (IBA). Rooted plantlets were transferred to small polythene bags containing autoclaved fresh peat moss and soil (1:3) and maintained with a high humidity for acclimation. These in vitro-raised plants grew normally in greenhouse and natural habitat (arboretum of the Institute) without showing any morphological variation. The protocol developed from the present study could be used for large scale multiplication of R. dalhousiae in a limited time.
Plant Genetic Resource Division, Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute, Palode, Trivandrum 695 562, Kerala, India.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2010.v12i01.09
Key words: Amomum hypoleucum, micropropagation, tissue culture, Zingiberaceae
Abstract: An efficient and repeatable micropropagation protocol has been established for Amomum hypoleucum, a lesser known threatened medicinal plant of the family Zingiberaceae. Eighty percent of the rhizome nodes from greenhouse grown plants, cultured on MS medium supplemented with 1 mg L-1 BA and 0.5 mg L-1 IAA, showed axillary bud break in 8-10 days. Multiple shoots proliferated from such shoot explants when transplanted to medium with 3 mg L-1 BA and 1 mg L-1 TDZ. An average of 9.2 shoots could be recovered in two months and about 65-70% of the shoots showed simultaneous rooting. Isolated shoots were also rooted in medium fortified with 0.5 mg L-1 NAA. Plantlets, transferred to the field after acclimatization in greenhouse conditions, showed 85% survival.
Agricultural Research Institute, Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment, P. O.Box 22016, 1516Nicosia, Cyprus.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2010.v12i01.10
Key words: Lactuca sativa, nitrogen, gibberellin, kinetin, growth, TNC
Abstract: Lettuce plants (Lactuca sativa L. cv. 'Paris Island') were grown in an unheated plastic greenhouse to determine the effects of solution nitrogen concentration and growth regulators (gibberellin and kinetin) on growth (fresh and dry head weight) and tissue nitrate content (TNC). The plants were grown in plastic containers with perlite and supplied with a basic nutrient solution supplemented with nitrogen (N) corresponding to 50, 100, 150, and 200 ppm NO3-N. Growth regulators; gibberellin (GA3) and kinetin were applied at different doses independently and in combination. Fresh, dry weight and TNC were responsive to N application level. However, fresh and dry weights were similar at 150 and 200 ppm and TNC at 100 and 150 ppm nitrogen supply. Gibberellin (GA3) and gibberellin and kinetin in combination (GA3+kinetin) enhanced fresh and dry weight and TNC compared to the control. There were few differences in response to application rates. Therefore, where lettuce plants are grown in similar conditions and low NO3 accumulation is desirable, together with high yield and good size, the best N application level is 150 ppm NO3-N and growth regulators application may enhance yield. However their use in reducing the nitrate content is not recommended.
The University of the West Indies, Department of Food Production, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, St. Augustine, Trinidad, West Indies.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2010.v12i01.11
Key words: Papaya, ripening, climacteric, ethylene, colour, firmness
Abstract: The process of ripening was evaluated in three papaya cultivars, Solo Sunrise (SS), Tainung #2 (T2) and Red Lady (RL) with different mean fruit weights of 387, 1364 and 2266 g and fruit cavity void volumes of 56, 334 and 502 mL and fruit weight/cavity void volume ratios of 6.9, 3.8 and 4.3 g mL-1, respectively. The evaluation was done by comparing physiological determinants of the ripening process; ethylene (C2H4) generation and respiratory CO2 production, measured at two temperature ranges, 20-22oC and 28-30oC, by sampling cavity void volumes, with physico-chemical quality characteristics of ripening: skin colour, flesh firmness and pH. Fruit ripening of the three cultivars was delayed at the lower temperature range as measured both by physiological determinants including pre-and peak climacteric rates and physico-chemical quality characteristics. However, cv RL showed slower ripening than cvs SS and T2 at both temperature ranges, probably partly related to its low fruit weight/cavity void volume of 4.3 g mL-1. Moreover, there were negative temporal displacements for skin degreening compared with those for flesh softening, respiration and ethylene generation in fruit of the three cultivars. Fruits of cvs SS and T2 were fully ripened in 8 days after harvest (DAH) and RL fruits in 10 DAH at the lower temperature range. Values for C2H4 generation and CO2 production measured in the fruit cavity are judged to be sensitive indicators of the progress in the process of ripening.
Department of Horticulture, Chamran University, Ahvaz, Iran, Safiabad- Dezful Agricultural Research Center, Dezful, Iran.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2010.v12i01.12
Key words: Nitrogen, flowering, fruit set, 'Valencia' Orange
Abstract: Yield of fruit tree is determined primarily by flowering intensity and subsequent fruit set. Flower number and fruit set are also influenced by endogenous nitrogen level. This research was concerned with the effect of winter foliar application of urea on flowering and fruit-set of 30-year-old 'Valencia' orange on sour orange rootstock at Safiabad Agricultural Research Center of Dezful. Treatments included urea foliar application at 3 levels (0, 0.5, 1%) and 2 times of application (6 and 9 weeks before full bloom). The experimental design was a factorial randomize complete block with 4 replications. Nitrogen percentage in leaf, flower number, ovary diameter and fruit set were studied. Results showed that winter application of urea increased the level of N for 2 weeks. Different levels of urea increased the number of flowers, ovary diameter and fruit set. The higher concentration of urea (1%) had more effect. Considering the time of application, urea spray 9 weeks before full bloom had the highest effect on flowering but urea spray 6 weeks before full bloom resulted in higher ovary diameter and fruit set.
Department of Nematology, Centre for Plant Protection Studies, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore - 641
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2010.v12i01.13
Key words: Cassia angustifolia, Meloidogyne incognita, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Withania somnifera, non-chemicals
Abstract: Experiments were conducted for the management of root knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita using non-chemicals under controlled and field conditions in medicinal crops viz., ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) and senna (Cassia angustifolia). All the treatments comprising of bioagents, organic amendments and humic acid were effective to suppress M. incognita population and to increase the plant biomass and yield of economic parts of these crops. Among the treatments, the use of plant growth promoting rhizobcaterium, Pseudomonas fluorescens available commercially in talc formulation (2.6 X 106 cfu g-1) at 2.5 kg ha1 as soil application recorded the lowest nematode population accompanied with highest economic yield.
Department of Food Science and Technology & Department of Horticulture, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana-141004.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2010.v12i01.14
Key words: Cling stone, peach, Shan-i-Punjab, cultivar, canning
Abstract: Two cling stone peach cultivars "Shan-i-Punjab" and "Tropic Beauty" and one free stone cultivar "Florda Grande" were processed for canning (whole and halves) and beverages (squash and nectar). Fruits of Shan-i-Punjab were found to have the best characteristics for canning (as whole) and for making pulp based beverages (nectar and squash) with maximum ascorbic acid content (17 mg/100 g) and pulp yield (47.62%). Organoleptically Shan-i-Punjab fruits were found to have the highest acceptability scores i.e. 8.50 for canned peaches, 8.58 for squash and 8.38 for nectar among all the cultivars studied on a 9-point Hedonic scale judged by eight semi-trained panelists and general consumers. Florda Grande also received the higher acceptability scores (8.50) for its canned peach halves because of its tough texture. The fruits of Florda Grande were not much suitable for pulp based beverages, whereas those of Tropic Beauty were found acceptable for canning as well as for making beverages at zero time and also after six months storage.
Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2010.v12i01.15
Key words: BCG, total alkaloids, medicinal plants, determination
Abstract: A simple spectrophotometric method based on the reaction with Bromocresol Green (BCG) was developed for determination of total alkaloids in medicinal plants. A yellow complex forms and is easily extractable by chloroform at pH 4.7. The absorbance of the complex obeys Bear 's law over the concentration range of 4-13 ug atropine per mL of chloroform. This procedure can be carried out in the presence of other compounds without interference.
S.C.I. India Ltd., Bhagalpur - 812001, Bihar. Department of Food Engineering and Technology, SLIET, Longowal - 148 106, Punjab.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2010.v12i01.16
Key words: Okra, Abelmoschus esculentus, correlation, variance, principal component.
Abstract: Twenty selected genetically diverse okra strains were evaluated using Principal Component and cluster analysis for the extent of variability and relationship between various economically important traits for the purpose of genetic improvement. The trial was laid out in a randomized block design (RBD). Positive significant correlation for days to 50% flowering (DF) with days to first harvest (DFH), number of pod per plant (NP) with pod yield per plant (PY) and pod yield per plot (PYP) (P<0.001) and PY with PYP (P<0.001) and negative correlation was observed for pod weight (PW) with NP (P<0.01). The analysis of extracted components, component pattern and Eigen values revealed that the first two principal components alone accounted for 53.25% of variance. First component was found heavily loaded with days to 50% flowering (DF), days to first harvest (DFH), pod length (PL), pod diameter (PD) and pod weight (PW), which comprised of fourteen genotypes in three clusters. The matrix obtained from principal component analysis revealed that the genotype Pb- 57 and HRB-9-2 found their positions in same cluster in principal space. Dominating similar prominent phenotypic characters formed separate place in principal space as coherent cluster. Cluster based inter breeding of genotypes would exhibit high hetrosis and is also likely to produce new recombinants with desired characters in okra.
Department of Horticulture (Floriculture), Department ofAgriculture Botany (Phytopathology), Faculty ofAgriculture, Kafr El-Sheikh University, Kafr el-Sheikh, Egypt.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2010.v12i01.17
Key words: Zinnia elegans, essential oils, powdery mildew, biocontrol agents.
Abstract: A field experiment was carried out during two successive seasons at the Experimental Farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, Kafr El- Sheikh University to evaluate some essential oils as biocontrol agents for powdery mildew on Zinnia elegans, L. Marjoram, clove, cinnamon, garlic, ginger and fennel oil were used as a foliar spray at 2 levels (250 and 500 ppm) beside Kema zein 75% and distilled water as a control. The plants were sprayed four times beginning from June 15th with one week interval by a hand atomizer as soon as the first sign of powdery mildew detected on plants. Disease incidence and severity as well as vegetative parameters such as plant height, number of branches per plant, leaf area, fresh and dry weights of shoots, root length and fresh and dry weights of roots were determined in the two seasons. Peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase activities were determined after 24 hour from the last spray in leaves samples. The highest significant decrease in disease incidence and severity and the best results for most of the studied growth and flowering parameters and total green colour were recorded when plants were sprayed with ginger, cinnamon and clove oils, respectively each at 500 ppm compared to the other treatments in both seasons. In addition, the activities of peroxidase (POX) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) enzymes increased as a result of oil spray on plants. In conclusion, these findings provide a rational basis for possible utilization of these essential oils as a safe and alternative method to fungicides for controlling powdery mildew in zinnia plants.