Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow-226015, India.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2008.v10i01.10
Key words: Spearmint, Mentha spicata, Zn-efficient genotype MSS-5, protein, photosyntheis, photosynthetic pigments, Zn toxicity.
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Abstract: Changes in growth attributes, photosynthesis (Pn), photosynthetic pigments with y-Glu.cys peptidase peptide and Zn accumulation in a Zn-efficient genotype of spearmint MSS-5 were investigated. Effect of phosphorus toxicity on MSS-5 were significantly different than the other genotypes; Arka, Neera and control (the local strain), in terems of phenotypic changes in height and a decrease in chlorophyll contents and CO2 exchange rate. Heavy P manuring lead to the tolerance of Zn accumulation in MSS-5 with y-Glu.cys. peptidase peptide with high protein contents and Pn. Hence, the P toxicity induced a differential utilization of y-Glu.cys.peptidase peptide for higher accumulation of Zn in MSS-5 spearmint with higher photosynthetic rate for increasing the height and essential monoterpene oil(s). The study also indicated that accumulation of toxic heavy metal-Zn with y-Glu.cys.peptidase peptide made protein synthesis easier with antioxidants Zn cofactor enzymes.
University of Illinois Extension, Mt. Vernon, Illinois
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2008.v10i01.11
Key words: Biosolids, sewage sludge, Callicarpa, Ilex, pH, electrical-conductivity, nitrate.
Abstract: Growth of Callicarpa dichotoma (Lour.) 'Early Amethyst' and Ilex glabra (L.) 'Compacta' liners were evaluated in substrate containing 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100% composted biosolids as compared to a 3:2:1 (v:v:v) pine bark:peat:sand horticultural mix. Biosolid waste substrate amended with biosolids had higher pH, EC, nitrate, bulk density and container capacity compared to a standard horticultural nursery mix. Total porosity and air-filled capacity were greater for the control compared to substrate amended with biosolids. The effects of substrate amended with composted biosolids on growth varied for each species. Callicarpa dichotoma "Early Amethyst' liners grown in substrate amended with 20, 40 and 60% biosolid waste had greater shoot and root dry weight and a better visual evaluation compared to the control. Ilex glabra 'Compacta' liners grown in the control (standard nursery mix) had greater shoot and root dry weight and a better visual evaluation compared to any biosolid amended substrate. It was concluded that substrate amended with biosolid waste can be utilized for the container production of plants, however, its usage may be species specific.
Department of Fertilization Technology, National Research Centre, Dokki, Egypt.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2008.v10i01.12
Key words: Olive, Olea europaea L., leaf nutrients, seasonal variations.
Abstract: The study was conducted for two successive years at a private farm in El-Saf, Giza, Egypt on 19 years old trees of olive cultivars, Picual, Aggizi and Manzanillo, grown in calcareous soils. Leaf nutrients were measured bi-monthly during the 2001-2002 growing season. The study revealed that most of nutrients in the soil were at inadequate level. Nutrient concentrations in the leaves of the three cultivars were nearly the same. Results revealed that leaf N ranged between low to satisfactory. P contents were adequate in spring while inadequate in summer. K leaf contents were adequate. Peaks of Mg were found to be the highest during winter. Ca peaks were observed during March-June. Fe and Zn were inadequate while Mn was adequate. The concentrations of Fe, Mn and Zn peaked during June, which could be due the repeated foliar application of these nutrients during this period. The seasonal nutrient changes (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu) of the olive leaves are supposed to be used as a guide for proper fertilization. Nutrients should be added as acidic fertilizer to the soil, which is useful in calcareous and high pH conditions.
North Mississippi Research and Extension Center, P.O. Box 1690, Verona, MS, 38879, USA.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2008.v10i01.13
Key words: Zinnia elegans, zinnia, cut flower, field production
Abstract: The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of cultivar and planting date on zinnia (Zinnia elegans) cut flower production. Parameters evaluated were the number of days to harvest, duration of harvest period for each planting date, number of stems per plant, stem length and diameter. Plants from the May planting date produced stems over a longer period of time compared to plants from the June and July plantings with the exception of 'Scarlet Splendor' from the July planting. Within each of the three planting dates, there were no statistically significant differences in the number of stems produced per plant due to the cultivar effect for 10 of the 13 cultivars evaluated. A trend of increasing stem and bloom size from the May planting date to the July planting was observed. The median number of stems produced by the zinnia cultivars in this study from the May, June, and July planting dates were respectively 21.6, 10.8 and 14.5 stems per plant for plants spaced one foot apart in the row. The potential stem yield for a single 100 ft row of the zinnia cultivars included in this trial was 2160, 1080 and 1450 stems for the production life of May, June, and July plantings, or 4690 stems for the three plantings combined. The cut flower zinnias evaluated in this study were very productive during the summer growing season.
National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning, Amravati Road, Nagpur-440 010, Maharashtra, India.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2008.v10i01.14
Key words: Grape, soil characterstics, growth, yield, drainage, depth, available water content
Abstract: Six grape growing typical pedons in Nasik district, Maharashtra were characterised and soil-site parameters were correlated with yield and yield attributes of the crop. These soils were very shallow (Darana), moderately deep (Mahiravani, Kothure), shallow (Shivdi), deep (Talegaon) and very deep (Andersool) and characterised by well drained (Darana, Mahiravani, Shivdi) and moderately well drained (Talegaon, Kothure, Andersool). The height, stem girth, spread volume, bunch per plant, berries per bunch were very much related with soil depth, drainage, pH, available water content and DTPA extractable micronutrient cations.
Department of Biochemistry, Department of Horticulture, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar-263 145, Uttarakhand, India.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2008.v10i01.15
Key words: Picrorhiza kurroa, axillary bud, In vitro multiplication, micropropagation
Abstract: Picrorhiza kurroa Royle ex Benth (Kutki) has traditionally been used to treat disorders of the liver and upper respiratory tract, fever, and to treat dyspepsia, chronic diarrhoea and scorpion sting in Ayurveda medicine owing to the presence of active principles in root and rhizomes. The plant is self-regenerating but unregulated over-harvesting has caused it to be threatened to near extinction. The current research describes a protocol of micro propagation of this important medicinal plant from establishment to hardening in field conditions. Multiple shoots were induced in apical and axillary meristems derived from mature explants on Murashige and Skoogs (1962) medium supplemented with 0.25 mg L-1 6-benzylaminopurine (BA), 0.25 mg L-1 kinetin (KN), 0.5 mg L-1 ascorbic acid and 3% (w/v) sucrose. Optimal rooting (86.6%) and growth of microshoots were observed on a medium containing 0.25 mg L-1 indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) with 2 % (w/v) sucrose. Micropropagated plantlets were acclimatized and successfully grown in soil.
Ingeis-Conicet Pabellon Ingeis. Ciudad Universitaria (1428), Buenos Aires, Argentina, Facultad de Agronomia, UBA, Av. San Martin 4453 (1417), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2008.v10i01.17
Key words: Fertilization, vermicompost, Ocimum basilicum L., basil
Abstract: The effect of conventional fertilization was compared with a vermicompost that was mixed with substrate for sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) in a greenhouse experiment. The study was conducted in a completely randomized block design with 4 replications. Eight treatments were compared: a control treatment of a substrate mixture (T0: with no vermicompost added), five treatments with increasing percentages of vermicompost added to the substrate mixture (H1 to H5), and two treatments using two application rates of a chemical fertilizer (F1 and F2). Both fertilizer and vermicompost presented very low levels of heavy metals, which assured agronomical suitability. Vermicompost from SS-MSW (Source-Separated Municipal Solid Waste) and slaughterhouse sludge, presented significant value as soil conditioner and biofertilizer and produced increased levels of C and N (P<0.05). The phosphorus addition by vermicompost was high, with a decrease of zinc absorption by plants and potential contamination risk. Mixtures including more than 50% of the vermicompost and the highest rate of fertilizer showed statistically significant differences for dry weight, leaf length, plant survival and P-Zn antagonism (P<0.05).
Horticultural Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Kagawa University, Miki, Kagawa 761-0795, Japan.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2008.v10i01.02
Key words: Chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflorum (Ramat.) Kitam. syn. Chrysanthemum morifolium), floral development, high temperature.
Abstract: Delayed flowering of chrysanthemum under high temperature conditions is a serious obstacle for all year round cut chrysanthemum flower production in southern temperate and subtropical zones. To clarify the causes of flowering delay in spray chrysanthemum, two different genotypes of spray chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflorum (Ramat.) Kitam. syn. Chrysanthemum morifolium) were grown under high-temperature conditions: summer-to-autumn flowering type (SA type, high temperature tolerant) and autumn flowering type (A type, high temperature sensitive). Their flower-bud initiation and development were subsequently compared. Results clarify that two independent events caused by high temperatures occur in the shoot apex of spray chrysanthemum under short-day conditions. First, high temperatures slowed floral development in inflorescence, thereby increasing the number of florets in both SA and A chrysanthemum genotypes. Secondly, high temperatures slowed the developmental speed of inflorescence after the budding stage, and the time to reach the bud break stage was prolonged, thereby delaying flowering, especially in A chrysanthemum genotypes.
Rafnajan's Payam Nor University; Department of Horticultural Science, University of Tehran; Pistachio Research Institute, Rafsanjan-Iran.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2008.v10i01.18
Key words: Dormancy, bud break, cold storage, chilling requirement, bud development
Abstract: Effects of different chilling periods were evaluated on growth and development of floral buds of male seedling trees (Pistacia.vera L.) for chilling requirements of male genotypes helpful in predicting overlapping of flowering with female trees and escape from spring cold damage. The chilling requirement and responses of male genotypes to chilling treatment were determined by applying eight levels of chilling to shoots (i.e. 600-1300 h) at 3?1 oC. Based on the effect of chilling hours on bud break on four male pistachio genotypes were grouped to early (P1 and P6) and late flowering (P7 and P10) types. Percentage and rate of bud break, duration of flowering, growth and development of bud (length and width) were evaluated. The results indicated that genotypes had different chilling requirement. Among the male pistachio genotypes, the adequate chilling hours (bud break >80%) for P1, P6, P7 and P10 genotypes were 800, 700, 1100, and 1300 hours, respectively. P1 and P6 had low chilling requirement (700 hours) for 50% bud break compared to P7 and P10 (900 and 800 hours). Increased chilling led to decreased heat unit requirements for sprouting, resulting in greater overall growth and development. Chilling was a determining factor in floral bud break for all the genotypes, increasing chilling also produced greater bud break percentages. All genotypes required fewer heat units for bud break as chilling increased. Increasing the chilling hours also increased the length and width of flower buds and reduced duration of flowering.
Department of Applied Biological Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Kagawa University, 2393 Ikenobe, Miki-Cho, Kagawa 761-0795, Japan, Kagawa Prefectural Agricultural Experiment Station, Busshouzan, Takamatsu, Kagawa 761-8078, Japan. Kagawa University, 239
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2007.v09i02.22
Key words: Ammonia, amination, asparagine synthetase, crispness, deamination, glutamine synthetase, Lactuca sativa, sugar.
Abstract: As a cool weather crop, lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) is very sensitive to the changes in temperature during growth. This study investigated the textural, compositional and some biochemical changes in the outer and inner leaf tissues of two crisphead lettuce cultivars ('Bittsu' and 'Cisco') harvested in different seasons. The result demonstrated that in colder months, the crispiness of lettuce leaves reduced significantly and higher amount of sugars, organic acids and ammonia were accumulated. In general, between the two cultivars, 'Bittsu' contained higher amount of sugars and organic acids, while 'Cisco' contained higher amount of ammonia. However, inner leaf tissues contained higher amount of ammonia than outer leaf tissues in both cultivars. The level of fructose was found to be higher than glucose and sucrose in all cases while malic acid was the main component in organic acid fraction. The activities of ammonia-assimilating enzymes such as glutamine synthetase (GS; EC 6.3.1.2) and asparagine synthetase (AS; EC 6.3.5.4) either decreased or nearly remain constant depending on the tissue types during the colder months. Outer leaf portion showed higher GS activity than inner leaf tissues. However, both of aminating and deaminating activity of glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH, EC 1.4.1.2) decreased in the outer leaves whereas deamination activity slightly increased in the inner leaf tissues during warmer harvest months.
Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Kafr El-Sheikh University, Kafr El-Sheikh 33516, Egypt
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2007.v09i02.23
Key words: Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, grape, irrigation, nurslings
Abstract: This study was conducted during two successive seasons (2005 and 2006); in the experimental farm of Faculty of Agriculture, Kafr El Sheikh University; with the aim to investigate the influence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculation and irrigation intervals on growth of grapevine nurslings cv. Ruby King. Two mix mycorrhizal fungi including Glomus fasiculatum and Glomus mosseae were used for inoculation. The AMF inoculated and non-AMF nurslings were irrigated at 3, 6 and 9 days interval. The results showed that a combined treatment of AMF inoculation and irrigation at 3 days intervals recorded the highest values in terms of length of main root, total root length, root volume, root dry weight (%), top/root ratio, number of fine roots (< 2 mm), number of small roots (2-5 mm), number of leaves and leaf area per nursling. These results are of practical importance, as they highlight the potential of using mycorrhizal fungi inoculation for root development and growth improvement in grapevine nurslings and hence increases its adaptability upon transfer from the nursery to the open field.
Biotech Institute, GlonetBU, Doosan Corporation, Yongin 449-795, Korea; AKConsulting, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2007.v09i02.24
Key words: Firmness, plant growth regulators, size, soluble solids content, titratable acidity
Abstract: The effect of foliar applications of lysophosphatidylethanolamine (LPE) on 'Thompson Seedless' (Vitis vinifera L.) was evaluated to determine the suitability of this plant amendment aid as a management tool in table grape production. LPE at 10 mg L-1 was sprayed on vines at two different stages of berry growth and development. Treatments were: 1) 4 weeks after fruit set; 2) 6 weeks after fruit set; and 3) 4 and 6 weeks after fruit set. Soluble solids content (SSC) of berries at all harvest dates was significantly higher for vines treated with LPE compared to the control. Titratable acidity (TA) gradually decreased during ripening, and by the third harvest, TA of berries from vines treated with LPE was lower than that of control. All the treatments resulted in higher fruit firmness when compared to control. However, there were no significant differences in firmness of berries from vines given LPE treatment at different stages of growth. LPE treatment increased berry size, although no significant difference in size between single and sequential applications of LPE was observed. These results indicate that LPE may play a role in plant hormone-associated regulation of berry growth and development.
Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2007.v09i02.25
Key words: Dianthus caryophyllus 'Lunetta', preharvest, postharvest, Thidiazuron, vase life.
Abstract: Experiments were conducted to determine the effects of Thidiazuron (TDZ) applied at preharvest stage under glasshouse conditions on Dianthus caryophyllus 'Lunetta'. Thidiazuron at 0, 1, 10, 100, and 1000 uM was applied as a foliar spray arranged in completely randomized design. Time to flowering was recorded, and relative stem length, total nitrogen and tissue water content were measured at harvest. Postharvest vase life, relative fresh weight changes, and solution uptake were also measured. TDZ treatments decreased relative stem length compared to the control (0 uM). TDZ treatment tended to decrease total nitrogen and water content of tissues slightly, but not significantly (P > 0.05). TDZ at 100 uM significantly increased the vase life of cut carnation flowers compared to the control. TDZ treated flowers tended to maintain higher relative fresh weight, with positive differences for the 100 uM TDZ treatment being apparent at day 5, 7 and 9 of vase life. Solution uptake was higher in TDZ treated flowers.
King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Post Box 6086, Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2007.v09i02.26
Key words: Miyako, Nagissa, Tifgreen, Tifway, Zoysiagrass, Bermudagrass, RAPD, morphology
Abstract: With the increasing number of turfgrass cultivars, development and use of reliable identification methods is becoming important. Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers along with morphological markers proved useful for cultivar identification. Seven turfgrass cultivars encompassing four bermudagrass and three zoysiagrasses were grown under uniform greenhouse conditions and their key diagnostic features were described. Bulk samples of leaves were collected from each cultivar and subjected to RAPD analysis using standard protocols. Out of the 35 Operon primers used, 20 detected polymorphism among the cultivars. 'Nagissa' and 'Miyako' zoysiagrasses showed close genetic relationship as compared to the rest of the cultivars. They had the highest value in the similarity matrix for Nei and Li's coefficient (0.802) while one variant of Miyako clustered with Bermuda-1. Tifgreen Bermuda and Bermuda-2 also clustered together while 'Tifway' stood apart. Analysis of the morphological data showed that the variant of ' Miyako' belonged to the Zoysia genus but its genetic affinity with Bermudagrass needs to be explained. Within and between species, the cultivars having similar leaf-texture showed a tendency to cluster together.
Department of Plant Pathology, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswa Vidyalaya, Mohanpur, Nadia-741252, West Bengal, AICRP on Tuber Crops, Directorate of Research, BCKV, Kalyani, West Bengal. India.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2007.v09i02.27
Key words: Sweet potato, viruses, symptoms, NCM-ELISA, coat protein
Abstract: The natural occurrence of sweet potato virus disease (SPVD) in 26 Indian sweet potato cultivars was evaluated at Horticultural Experimental Field of the B.C.K.V. University, West Bengal during 2004-2005 seasons based on the possible symptoms and serology. The leaves from virus suspected plants were indexed for viruses by nitrocellulose membrane enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (NCM-ELISA) and coat protein study. Disease incidence was highest in Pol-4-9 during 2004 (12.87%) and 2005 (25.19%). Results were confirmed in several seropositive plants with higher incidence and diversity of viruses. Sweet potato feathery mottle virus (SPFMV), sweet potato cauliflower mosaic like virus (SPCaLV), Sweet potato mild speck virus (SPMSV) and C-6 virus were detected serologically in single or mixed infections in many leaf samples of the cultivars. The frequency of C-6 virus was very high (73.07%) followed by SPCaLV (34.61%), SPFMV (26.92%) and SPMSV (23.07%). Attempt was made to characterize the virus coat protein of the partially purified virus from the leaves with most frequently observed symptoms. Protein analysis by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed a major protein band of 65 kDa, and 38 kDa which were assumed to be the viral coat proteins of associated virus. Minor protein bands of 24 kDa were also observed. The viral protein degraded upon storage at 4?C over time to yield a protein band of 22 kDa.