Novel Techniques for Gene Delivery into Plants and Its Applications for Disease Resistance in Crops

From the early past to the present, biotechnologies have produced the ability to genetically transform a wide variety of plant species. The plant transformation technologies have changed the face of agriculture and plant biology. Plant genetic transformation is one of the key technologies for crop improvement in addition to emerging approach for producing recombinant proteins in plants. Both plastid genomes and plant nuclear can be genetically modified. Until now, essential functional differences between the prokaryotic-like genome of the plastid and the eukaryotic genome of the plant cell nucleus will have an impact on characteristics of transgenic organism. Thus, the main goals are to generate transgenic plants with the traits of interest as well as minimizing the amount of transgenic DNA in plants while maximizing stability of gene expression and trait performance. In this review, two broad groups of gene delivery methods will be discussed namely, (bilogical and physical methods) and subsequently there applications for improving disease resistance will be discussed.

Effectiveness of biofertilizers foliar application on yield and quality traits of flax(Linum usitatissimum L.)

Flax is considered to be one of the most significant dual-purpose crops for oil and fiber production in Egypt and worldwide.Biofertilizers have a substantial impact on various metabolic processes,including increased photo-synthesis,endogenous hormone levels,ion absorption,nucleic acid synthesis,and protein synthesis.These factors collectively contribute to the growth and development of plants.Therefore,this study aims to investigate how three biofertilizers(Algae extract,CMS as a by-product of yeast,and Metalosate multi minerals as amino acids)can enhance both the quantity and quality of flax seed yield under sandy soil conditions.Two field experiments were conducted at the Experimental Station of National Research Centre in Nubaria District,Behira Governorate,Egypt during two seasons(2021/2022)using a randomized complete block design(RCBD).The results revealed significant differences among all tested biofertilizers in terms of various characteristics studied in flax.Foliar application of algae extract at a rate of 1.50 mL/L resulted in an increase in seed yield(ton/ha)by 26.69%&19.89%,straw yield(ton/ha)by 8.08%&17.12%,and oil yield(kg/ha)by 47.72%&33.69%compared to the control group during both seasons respectively.Foliar applications of algae extract at a rate of 1.50 mL/L along with CMS at a rate of 5 m L/L and amino acids at a rate of 1.50 mL/L demonstrated significantly higher macronutrient contents(N,P,K),micronutrient contents(Fe,Zn,Mn),seed oil content,and protein content in flax seeds during both seasons.The highest values for seed oil content and protein content%were obtained through foliar application of amino acids at a rate of 1.50 mL/L.It can be concluded that foliar sprays with these bio-fertilizers effectively improved flax performance by increasing seed straw and oil yields,nutrients oil,protein and fatty acids seeds contents.

Sodium nitroprusside as a signal molecule for up-regulating membrane characteristics,antioxidant defense system to improve flax productivity under water stress

Water stress is a critical environmental adversity that significantly impacts the growth,development,and yield of flax plants.In this study,flax seeds were cultivated under different water irrigation requirements(WIR)(100%,75%,and 50%)to investigate the effects of exogenously supplied nitric oxide(NO)donor sodium nitroprusside(SNP)as foliar treatments at concentrations of 0.0 mmol/L,0.5 mmol/L,1.0 mmol/L,and 2.0 mmol/L.Drought stress led to a significant decrease in plant growth,photosynthetic pigments,yield components such as oil and total carbohydrate percentage.It also resulted in an increase in leaf H2O2 production,lipid peroxidation levels and activities of enzymatic antioxidants including polyphenol oxidase,superoxide dismutase,and nitrate reductase enzymes.However,foliar application of SNP improved photosynthetic pigments and antioxidant defense system which mitigated the negative impact of water stress on growth and yield productivity by reducing oxidative damage caused by reactive oxygen species accumulation.The use of SNP also decreased H_(2)O_(2) accumulation levels,lipid peroxidation levels,and improved membrane stability.SNP treatment at concentration of 2 mmol/L showed superior results compared to other concentrations with extremely significant increases observed in yield characteristics such as oil content,total carbohydrate percentages,and unsaturated fatty acids to saturated fatty acids ratio.

Enhancing Canola Yield and Photosynthesis under Water Stress with Hydrogel Polymers

While Egypt’s canola production per unit area has recently grown,productivity remains low,necessitating increased productivity.Hydrogels are water-absorbent polymer compounds that can optimize irrigation schedules by increasing the soil’s ability to retain water.Accordingly,twofield experiments were conducted to examine hydrogel application to sandy soil on canola growth,biochemical aspects,yield,yield traits,and nutritional quality of yielded seeds grown under water deficit stress conditions.The experiments were conducted by arranging a split-plot layout in a randomized complete block design(RCBD)with three times replications of each treatment.While water stress at 75%or 50%of crop evapotranspiration(ETc)lowered chlorophyll a,chlorophyll b,caro-tenoids,and total pigments content,indole-3-acetic acid,plant development,seed yield,and oil and total carbo-hydrates of seed yield,hydrogel treatment enhanced all of the traits mentioned above.Furthermore,hydrogel enhanced to gather compatible solutes(proline,amino acids,total soluble sugars),phenolics content in leaves,seed protein,and crop water productivity,which increased while the plants were under water stress.The results revealed that the full irrigation(100%ETc)along with hydrogel compared to water-stressed(50%ETc)led to enhanced seed yield(kg ha^(-1)),Oil(%),and Total carbohydrates(%)of rapeseed by 57.1%,11.1%and 15.7%,respectively.Likewise,under water-stressed plots with hydrogel exhibited enhancement by 10.0%,3.2%and 5.1%in seed yield(kg ha^(-1)),oil(%),and total carbohydrates(%)of rapeseed by 57.1%,11.1%and 15.7%,respec-tively compared to control.As a result,the use of hydrogel polymer will be a viable and practical solution for increasing agricultural output under water deficit stress situations.

The Role of Humic Acid and Proline on Growth, Chemical Constituents and Yield Quantity and Quality of Three Flax Cultivars Grown under Saline Soil Conditions

In order to mitigate the salinity effects on flax grown on moderate saline sandy soil (3275 - 3430 ppm) and irrigated with moderate saline water (2300 - 2460 ppm) field experiments were carried out at the experimental Station of the Faculty of Agriculture, Wadi El-Natrun district El-Behera Governorate—Egypt, during two successive winter seasons of 2012/2013 and 2013/2014. Three flax varieties (Opal, Giza-8 and Mayic) were grown and treated with some chemical additives humic acid (50 kg/fed) and/or foliar applied proline (Control, 50 and 100 mg/L). The results showed the positive responses of Giza-8 variety to the combined application of humic acid and proline and mitigated the salinity effects of soil and irrigation water and reflected on most of the studied characters. Such results indicate the potentiality of mitigation the hazardous effect of salinity with these chemical additives. The data indicated that the highest seed yield, straw yield and oil yield were obtained at humic acid (50 kg/fed) with foliar treatment of proline at rate of (100 mg/L). The interaction of proline at (100 mg/L) with humic acid at rate of (50 kg/fed) improved plant fresh and dry weight in all flax cultivars under salinity conditions. Fresh weight increased by 66.6%, 48.7% and 65.5% over controls for Opal, Giza-8 and Mayic varieties, respectively. The interaction of proline at (100 mg/L) with humic acid at rate of (50 kg/fed) with Giza-8 variety gave the highest values of seed yield, straw yield and oil yield.

Humic and Oxalic Acid Stimulates Grain Yield and Induces Accumulation of Plastidial Carbohydrate Metabolism Enzymes in Wheat Grown under Sandy Soil Conditions

Humic and oxalic acids have the effects of promoting plant growth. We test whether they are able to positively impact wheat yield under newly reclaimed sandy soil, where water deficiency negatively influences yield. Foliar application of humic acid and oxalic acid on two wheat cultivars, Gemiza-9 and Sakha-93, leads to overall better performance of the plants and increases the yield significantly, irrespective of the cultivar genetic background. However, Gemiza-9 surpassed Sak- ha-93 in grain yield parameters. The highest values of grain and protein yields/ha were obtained in both cultivars, when the plants were sprayed with a combination of 17 mg/L humic acid and (300 mg/L) oxalic acid. Humic and oxalic acid showed accumulative yield-promoting effect. To understand the mechanism by which humic and oxalic acids promoted grain yield, we performed SDS-PAGE followed by MS-MS-LC analyses. We identified a unique humic acid-induced 52 KDa band in Gemiza-9. The band contained three major proteins, Ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase large chain, ADP-glucose synthase and NADP-dependent glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPN). Thus humic acid increased the activity of plastid enzymes involved in photosynthesis, sucrose biosynthesis and starched accumulation to improve the overall performance of the plant.

DNA Marker Technologies in Plants and Applications for Crop Improvements

Over the past several decades, especially through traditional breeding programme, intensive attempts have been made for the improvement of a large number of cereal varieties which adjusted to diverse agro-ecologies. However, increasing biotic and abiotic stresses, increasing populations, and sharply reducing natural resources especially water for agricultural purposes, push the breeders for organizing and developing improved cereal varieties with higher yield potential. In combination with developments in agricultural technology, plant breeding has made remarkable progress in increasing crop yields for over a century. Molecular markers are widely employed in plant breeding. DNA markers are being used for the acceleration of plant selection through marker-assisted selection (MAS). Genes of agronomic and scientific importance can be isolated especially on the basis of their position on the genetic map by using molecular markers technologies. In this review, the current status of marker development technologies for crop improvements will be discussed. It will also provide an outlook into the future approaches and most widely used applications in plant breeding in crop plants on the basis of present development.

Production of autotetraploid plants by in vitro chromosome engineering in Allium hirtifolium

Persian shallot has been propagated vegetatively through daughter bulbs and has a narrow genetic base.In the present study,to create genetic diversity in terms of ploidy level,the effects of in vitro polyploidization were investigated on morphological,physiological and phytochemical traits.Different colchicine treatments(0,0.3%,0.5% and 0.7% concentrations)for 24,36 and 48 h and oryzalin treatments(0,0.001%,0.002% and 0.004% concentrations)for 4,6 and 8 h were used.A sterile basal plate of bulbs was used for the induction of polyploidy in liquid and solid media.After obtaining plantlets,root tip chromosomes were counted for the determination of ploidy levels.Flow cytometry was performed to confirm the chromosome counting results.The regenerated diploid and tetraploid plantlets were transferred to ex vitro conditions.Colchicine and oryzalin were both successful in inducing polyploids and the polyploids induced were tetraploids and mixoploids.The highest induction of polyploidy was obtained in solid media using 0.5%(w/v)colchicine for 36 h(35.0% polyploidy induction)and in 0.001%(w/v)Oryzalin for 8 h(45.5% polyploidy induction).Differences in plantlet height and weight,bulblet weight,density,stomatal width and length,and chlorophyll content were observed between tetraploid and diploid plants.Chromosome duplication,as a result of tetraploid induction,significantly influenced the antioxidant content and enzyme activities.The results showed that total phenolic content,allicin,and antioxidant capacity were significantly higher in the tetraploid plantlets than that in the diploid plantlets.SRAP loci polymorphisms indicated that the 12 autotetraploid plants(with high allicin content)had different genotypes from the parental diploid plant.Besides,in vitro polyploidy induction not only duplicated chromosomes but also altered the DNA sequence in Allium hirtifolium.In vitro induction of tetraploids in A.hirtifolium can be a reliable way to obtain suitable plant material for breeding programs to generate new genotypic variations.

Effect of Boron Foliar Application on Yield and Quality of Some Sunflower （Helianthus annuus L.） Cultivars

This study was carried out in the greenhouse of the National Research Center, Dokki, Giza, Egypt, in order to investigate the effect of foliar application of boron （0, 300 and 600 ppm B） as boric acid （H3BO3, 17% B） on the yield and yield components and also the seed quality of two sunflower cultivars （Sakha-53 and Giza-102）. B application at a rate of 600 ppm produced the highest values of seed yield/plant （g）, head diameter （cm）, number of seeds/head, weight of 1,000 seed （g）, percentage of oil （%） and oil yield/plant （g） of both cultivars. Seed yield/plant increased by 26.85% and 34.81% with increasing B concentration from 300 ppm and 600 ppm as compared to control plants, respectively. The results indicated that application of 300 ppm B resulted in an increase of palmitic, stearic and oleic acids as compared to the treatment with 600 ppm B and control plants. However, the linoleic acid increased gradually with increasing B up to 600 ppm. Such increases were estimated by 8.72% and 7.19% over the control plants or the treatment sprayed with 300 ppm B, respectively. The highest oleic and linoleic acids percentages （52.71% and 36.05%, respectively） were obtained from Sakha-53 cultivar with 300 ppm B foliar application, while the lowest lenolenic acid percentage （2.01%） was obtained at 600 ppm B. The highest content of gluatmine, isoleucine and arginine （9.61, 3.97 and 3.97 mg/100 g dry weight） was obtained from Sakha-53 cultivar, followed by Giza-102 at a rate of 600 ppm foliar application of B. It can be concluded that B plays a vital role for increasing the productivity and quality of sunflower plants, especially when grown under B deficient soil.

Effect of Humic Acid, Mycorrhiza Inoculation, and Biochar on Yield and Water Use Efficiency of Flax under Newly Reclaimed Sandy Soil

In order to examine the application of different soil and foliar organic fertilizers as well as biofertilizing flax under sandy soil conditions, two field experiments were carried out at the Research and Production Station of the National Research Centre (NRC), Al Nubaria district, El-Behaira Governorate, Egypt during 2012/2013 and 2013/2014 winter seasons. The trials aimed to study the effect of humic acid (HA) as low cost natural fertilizer, inoculation with mycorrhiza, and biocharcoal on on yield, quality and water use efficiency of flax variety (Amon) under newly reclaimed sandy soil. The treatments consisted of HA (25 kg/feddan), inoculation with mycorrhiza (1 kg/ feddan), and biochar (4 tons/feddan) and all the combinations among the treatments. Results showed that the treatment combination of (humic acid + mycorrhiza + biochar) was significantly superior compared to all the other treatments in number of capsules/plant, biological yield/plant (g), seed yield/plant (g), seed yield (kg/feddan), straw yield (tons/feddan), oil percent (%), and oil yield (kg/feddan). However, it gave the highest fruiting zone length (cm) but not significantly different from (mycorrhiza + biochar) and (humic acid + biochar), also it gave the highest seed index (g) but not significantly different from humic acid and (humic acid + mycorrhiza). The treatment combination of (humic acid + biochar) gave the highest plant height (cm), technical stem length (cm), and number of branches/plant.

Integrated Action of Mixture Rates and Nitrogen Levels on Quantity and Quality of Forage Mixture from Egyptian Clover and Barley in Sandy Soil

Effect of seeding rate mixture from Egyptian clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) E.C. and barley (Hordum vulgare L.) B, N-fertilization levels and their interaction on quantity and quality of forage yield. Two field experiments were conducted during winter season of 2012/2013 and 2013/2014 in sandy soil at research and production station of National Research Centre, Al Nubaria district, Al Behaira Governorate, Egypt. The experiment included two factors first was five mixtures from seeding rates (24 kg EC/fed. – 50 kg B/fed. – 18 kg EC + 12.5 kg B/fed. – 12kg EC + 25 kg B/fed. – 6 kg EC + 37.5 kg B/fed.) and second factor was three N levels (30-45-60 kg N/fed.). Two cuts were obtained at 60 and 100 DAS. Results indicated significant differences between mixture rates for all studied characters in both cuts 60 and 100 DAS. Significant differences between N levels for all studied characters at 60 DAS, also, forage yield /fed. and DM% at 100 DAS. It can be introducing forage mixture of 18 kg EC + 12.5 B had balanced character in forage yield/fed., DM%, carbohydrate % and protein % at both cuts 60 and 100 DAS.

Potassium and Zinc in Relation to Improve Flax Varieties Yield and Yield Components as Grown under Sandy Soil Conditions

Two field experiments were carried out at the experimental station of National Research Centre, Al-Nubaria District, El-Behira Governorate, Egypt during winter seasons of 2011/2012 and 2012/2013 to study the effect of potassium soil application at the rates (0, 50, 75 and 100 kg/fed.) with or without chelated zinc foliar application 5% at the rate of (0.03 kg/fed.) on the yield and quality of two flax varieties (Sakha-2 and Amon) in newly reclaimed sandy soil. The obtained results could be summarized as follow: Sakha-2 variety significantly surpassed Amon in plant height, technical length, number of branches/plant, seed yield/plant, straw yield/plant, 1000 seed weight, seed yield/fed., straw yield/fed., fiber %, fiber yield/fed. and oil yield/fed. Amon variety surpassed Sakha-2 in fruiting zone length, number of capsules/plant and oil % in both seasons. Potassium soil application at the rate of (100 kg/fed.) with chelated zinc foliar application 5% at the rate of (0.03 kg/fed.) gave the highest value for all studied characters.

Alleviation of Adverse Effects of Salt Stress in Wheat Cultivars by Foliar Treatment with Antioxidant 2—Changes in Some Biochemical Aspects, Lipid Peroxidation, Antioxidant Enzymes and Amino Acid Contents

Ascobin (compound composed of ascorbic acid and citric acid) is considered one of exogenous protectants which may alleviate the harmful effects of salinity stress. Pot experiments were performed at the screen greenhouse of National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt to study the effect of foliar treatment of two cultivars of wheat plant with different concentrations of ascobin (0, 200, 400 and 600 mg/l) on some biochemical parameters, antioxidant enzymes, element contents and amino acid constituents of two cultivars of wheat plant grown under different salinity levels (0.0, 3000 and 6000 mg/l) in 2011/2012 and 2012/2013. Salinity with different concentrations levels increased phenolic compounds contents of the two wheat cultivars. The activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, POD, PPO, AXP and GR) dramatically increased due to salinity stress. Amino acid content was increased in cultivar Sids 1, while the content was decreased in cultivar Giza 168 in all salinity treatments. Increments in the above mentioned parameters compared to the untreated plants at normal and stressed conditions. The magnitude of increments was much more pronounced in response to 600 mg/l of ascobin. It could be concluded that, foliar treatment of wheat cultivars with ascobin could partially alleviate the harmful effect of salinity especially at the lower levels of salinity of the two cultivars of wheat at most of the studied parameters.

Effects of Different Geographical Aspects and Ontogenetic Variability on Total Hypericin Content of Hypericum triquetrifolium Turra. and Hypericum scabrum L.

The present study was conducted to determine the total hypericin contents of Hypericum triquetrifolium Turra.and Hypericum scabrum L.species which are naturally distributed in the flora of Siirt province,Turkey.Hypericin contents of Hypericum species grown in different geographical aspects(North,South,East,and West),and it was measured at different harvest times(full bloom-ing and post blooming period).In the current study,it has been determined that total hypericin content varies considerably according to aspects,plant developmental stages(ontogenetic variance),and species.According to species x aspect interaction,the highest total hypericin content was recorded from the west aspect(3.13 mg/g)in Hypericum triquetrifolium,while,the lowest hypericin content was also obtained from the west aspect(1.22 mg/g)in Hypericum scabrum.When the highest total hypericin content was analyzed according to aspect x species x harvest time interaction,the highest total hypericin content was produced from Hypericum triquetrifolium at the harvest of west aspect with 5.28 mg/g,while the minimum amount of hypericin was obtained from the same aspect in Hypericum scabrum with 0.50 mg/g.In species x harvest time interaction,the highest total hypericin content was obtained from the full bloom(3.10 mg/g)harvest in Hypericum triquetrifolium,while the lowest hypericin was obtained from the full bloom(1.26 mg/g)harvest in Hypericum scabrum.The data suggest that the aver-age total hypericin content was 2.26 mg/g in Hypericum triquetrifolium and 1.28 mg/g in Hypericum scabrum.

Comparison of Spectral and Molecular Analyses for Classification of Long Term Stored Wheat Samples

This study aimed to determine whether NIR spectroscopy and protein band analysis can differentiate the grain samples of 15 wheat genotypes stored for different periods:Group Ⅰ(91weeks),Group Ⅱ(143weeks),Group Ⅲ(194weeks),and GroupⅣ(246weeks).Samples were harvested from previously-conducted field trials,and stored at+4 ℃.A-PAGE and SDS-PAGE methods were utilized to separate gliadin and glutenin fractions,respectively.A qualitative calibration model based on the Support Vector Machine(SVM)method was generated and validated using NIR spectra taken from samples.Results indicated storage length did not have an effect on molecular band fractions.Use of this method would not be considered an effective tool for discrimination of samples stored for different lengths of time.Spectral techniques may have potential in sorting samples based on their storage time.The SVM calibration model generated here had an acceptable true classification rate(over 80%)for separating all groups,while only GroupsⅡ andⅣ were precisely separated(100%true classification rate)in the validation step.

Estimation of Some Plant Secondary Products in Urtica dioica L., Viola odorata L. and Melissa officinalis L. Naturally Grown in Hawraman-Kurdistan Region of Iraq

The plant aerial parts of three species, Urtica dioica L., Viola odorata L. and Melissa officinalis L. were collected at randomly-different locations, according to altitudes in May 2010. The aerial parts of Urtica were collected within three replications from different locations： Biare 1,090 masl （meters above sea level）, Tawile 1,450 masl and Awiser 1,680 masl. The aerial parts of Viola and Melissa were collected randomly within three replications at different locations： Biare 1,090 masl, Degashikhan 1,250 masl and Tawile 1,450 masl. The extracts of the aerial parts of these species were purified by filtrations for several times in preparation for HPLC analyses. The chromatograms of Urtica indicated the presence of five major important alkaloid components （fragrine, benzylisoquinoline, scopoletin, glucoquinone and dotriacotaine） and ten major important phenolic compounds （formic acid, tannin, chlorogenic acid, caffeoylmalic acid, anthocyanine, quercetin, zeaxanthin, luetin epoxide, coumarine and vanillin）. All the concentrations of alkaloid and phenolic compounds were increased significantly due to higher altitudes, except that of alkaloid dotriacotaine. The chromatograms of Viola indicated the presence of four major important alkaloid components （violine, isoquinoline, cycloviolacin and luteolin-3-glucoronide） and ten major important phenolic compounds （formic acid, tannin, chlorogenic acid, caffeoylmalic acid, anthocyanine, quercetin, zeaxanthin, luetin epoxide, coumarine and vanillin）. The results of the influence of altitudes showed that the concentrations of all alkaloids and phenolic compounds were increased significantly due to higher altitudes, except that of the alkaloid luteolin-3-glucoronide and the phenolic compounds zeaxanthin and luetin epoxide. The chromatograms of Melissa indicated the presence of five major essential oils （pinene, linalool, citronellol, geraniol and rosmarinic acid）. Their quantitative evaluations were influenced by altitudes indicating that the concentrations of all oils were increased significantly due to the higher altitude, except that of the pinene.

Effects of Nitrogen Fertilization on Some Turfgrass Characteristics of Perennial Ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.)

The paper aimed to study the effects of nitrogen fertilization on the yield and some plant characteristics of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.). The study was conducted at Agricultural Research and Application Center of the Faculty of Agriculture in Igdir University in 2013. In the experiment, eight levels of fertilizers: 0, 10.0, 20.0, 30.0, 40.0, 50.0, 60.0 and 70.0 kg N/ha per month were applied in perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) during the sixth growing season. A randomized complete block with three replications was used as the experimental design. Nitrogen application affected plant height, green grass yield, plant covering rate, canopy color and turfgrass quality values of perennial ryegrass positively. In both monthly and as the average of nitrogen application, times of application (spring, summer and fall) caused the most uniform turfgrass quality and establishment. Results indicated that although a significant impact was on the character investigated, such as the leaf length, green grass yield, plant cover ratio, canopy color and turfgrass quality, the doses of nitrogen fertilizer have created close to each other in groups. In the stand point of view of all characters, N1, N2 and N3 were located in first group, N4 and N5 in the second group, N6 and N7 in the third group, expect for control (N0). It can be concluded that 40.0-50.0 kg N/ha per month may be more suitable to be used in ryegrass production in the landscape.

Effects of Using Different Percentages of Fenugreek Flour to Improve the Sensory, Rheological Properties and Keeping Quality in Maize Dough to Produces Gluten-free Breads

Adding different percentages 1%, 3% and 5% of fenugreek flour depending on maize flour base to gluten free bread recipe for making tanoor bread was used to improve the tanoor bread quality, in term of sensory properties like volume, crust, color, symmetry, bake uniformity, texture, grain, aroma and taste. Also some rheological properties like gelatinization temperature and maximum viscosity of dough with bread keeping quality were used. The aim of this work is to produce suitable bread with maintaining the bread quality by selecting the suitable percentage to produce gluten free bread for people who suffering from celiac diseases and its contribution to health benefits. Significant differences were observed by using 5% of fenugreek flour in term of gelatinization temperature, maximum viscosity, breed keeping quality and volume. While using 1% of fenugreek flour significantly improved symmetry value, bread texture, crumb color, aroma and taste.

Effects of Cultivar and Explant Sources on Callus Induction and Plant Regeneration in Rice （Oryza sativa L.）

In vitro callus induction and plant regeneration potentiality were studied from mature embryo of three Indian rice （Oryza sativa L.） groups at Field Crops Department, Agricultural Faculty, Ondokuz May？s University, Samsun, Turkey. The study was done by using callus induction MS medium having different concentration of four. The present research was conducted according to the design of randomized blocks trial. A total of 696 calluses, 193 plants and 917 seeds were obtained from Indica group; 2,110 calluses, 103 plants and 235 seeds were obtained from Japonica group; 1,243 calluses and 13 plants were obtained from Javanica group. With regard to number of calluses obtained from each explant source, 52 calluses were obtained from whole-plant explants, 1,668 calluses from root explants, 629 calluses from shoot explants, 649 calluses from the 1st node explants, 240 calluses from the 2nd node explants, 269 calluses from the 1st internode explants and 12 calluses from the 2nd internode explants. With regard to number of plants obtained from each explant source, 27 plants were obtained from whole-plant explants, 195 plants from shoot explants, 43 plants from the 1st node explants, 40 plants from the 2nd node explants and four plants from the 1st internode explants. With regard to number of seeds, 823 seeds were obtained from shoot explants and 329 seeds were obtained from the 2nd node explants. Germination rate of harvested seeds was over 90%. The establishment of this regeneration system is essential for the development of a genetic transformation system for commercial rice cultivars.

Performance Assessment of Some Flax (<i>Linum usitatissimum</i>L.) Varieties Using Cluster Analysis under Sandy Soil Conditions

To assess the performance and the variability of 49 flax varieties based on agronomic parameters using cluster analysis, a field experiment was conducted in 2011/2012 and 2012/2013 winter seasons at the farm of the National Research Center at Nubria district, Albehira Governorate, Egypt. The results revealed high significant difference among all flax varieties in all the studied characters. Letwania-9 and Evelen cultivars surpassed all other varieties in seed and oil yields/fed. On the other hand, D variety gave the lowest value of seed yield/fed and F variety gave the lowest values of oil% and oil yield/fed. While, G Variety surpassed all other varieties in straw yield/fed. Blanka variety recorded the lowest values of straw yield/fed and biological yield/fed, while, Posna variety gave the lowest values of technical stem length (cm). In cluster analysis, all the studied characters were used to construct a distance matrix using the Euclidian coefficient, and generate dendrogram showing dissimilarity among all the varieties. Distance coefficient was ranged from 1.2 between Piltstar and Litwania-1 varieties and 10.8 between Posna and G varieties, which reveal the genetic diversity among varieties. The varieties can be divided into 4 groups based on cluster analysis.