Micropropagation of Daylily(Hemerocallis fulva)from Crown-Tip Explants and Assessment of Somaclonal Variation of in Vitro-Propagated Plants Using SCoT Markers

Determination of the somaclonal variation of in vitro-propagated plants is crucial to determine the appropriate micropropagation protocol and growth regulators for commercial scale multiplication.In this research,nine multiplication media(MM)augmented with different concentrations of 6-benzyl adenine(BA),Kinetin(Kin),and Thidiazuron(TDZ),Three rooting media(RM)supplemented with three levels ofα-naphthalene acetic acid(NAA)and three types of soil mixtures(v/v);Coco peat/Vermiculite/Sand(CVS),Peat moss/Perlite/Sand(PPS)and Peat moss/Perlite(PP)were used in the micropropagation protocol of daylily plants.MM2 showed the maximum shoot length and the number of leaves,while MM9 showed the maximum number of shoots.The RM1 showed the maximum root length and the number of roots.During acclimatization,CVS,PPS,and PP soil mixture showed similar performance except the CVS mixture showed lower performance regarding plant height and diameter.The genetic fidelity of micropropagated plants was evaluated using Start Codon Targeted(SCoT)Markers.Six SCoT primers amplified 51 scorable bands with an approximate range from 146 bp to 1598 bp size.Thirty one out of 51 loci were presented in the mother plants.40 loci were polymorphic,11 were monomorphic and 7 were unique.The amplification patterns of the micropropagated plants demonstrated genetic integrity to the mother plant ranging from 84.32 to 47.06 and somaclonal variations ranging from 52.94 with 5 mg/l BA pathway to 15.68 with 1mg/l TDZ pathway,thus demonstrating that the homogeneity and the variation of the micropropagated plants affected by the type and the quantity of the plant growth regulator used during multiplication subcultures.This research can be successfully used for other ornamental and medicinal plants’bulk multiplication,germplasm conservation,and future genetic improvement.

Anatomical and Molecular Identification of Ornamental Plant Ficus L.Species

This present study includes twelve species that represent the Ficus genus,namely;aspera,carica,tinctoria subsp.gibbosa,hirta,hispida,neriifolia,palmata,pumila,racemosa,septica,sur,and sycomorus,belonging to the Moraceae family.The species samples were collected from various locations in Egypt.The study focused on the anatomical and molecular characteristics of mature foliage leaves.Since the identification and classification of taxa are highly dependent on the anatomical features of leaves,the anatomical characteristics were recorded in the form of a comparison between the examined plants in the data matrix.This study aims to contribute to the identification of the studied species based on the anatomical details of the matured leaves.Anatomical characterization includes the variations in upper and lower epidermal layers that are covered by a thin or thick cuticle;the number of palisade and spongy layers;crystals;secretory elements;lithocysts;the midrib zone has parenchyma associated with mechanical tissue,vascular system,and investigation of trichomes;on the other hand,in the current study,the phylogenetic analysis was conducted by using the ITS and 5.8 S sequences.From the analysis of all the available data,it could be stated that there is an overall agreement with the anatomical character dendrogram.

Characterization of Endophytic Microorganisms of Rice(Oryza sativa L.)Potentials for Blast Disease Biocontrol and Plant Growth Promoting Agents

One hundred twenty-five endophytic microorganisms were isolated from the roots,stems,and leaves of four prominent rice cultivars growing in temperate regions.Their potential to combat rice blast disease and promote plant growth was investigated.The dual culture tests highlighted the strong antagonistic activity of five fungal(ranging from 89%–70%)and five bacterial(72%–61%)endophytes.Subsequent examination focused on volatile compounds produced by selected isolates to counter the blast pathogen.Among these,the highest chitinase(13.76μg mL−1)and siderophore(56.64%),was exhibited by Aspergillus flavus,and the highest HCN production was shown by Stenotrophomonas maltophilia(36.15μM mL−1).In terms of growth promotion traits,Aspergillus flavus and Enterobacter cloacae excelled in activities viz,phosphorous solubilization,ammonia production,auxin and gibberellic acid production,and nitrogen fixation.The Identity of these endophytes was confirmed through molecular analysis as Trichoderma afroharzianum,Trichoderma harzianum,Penicillium rubens,Aspergillus flavus,Stenotrophomonas rhizophila,Stenotrophomonas maltophilia,Bacillus cereus,Enterobacter cloacae,and Bacillus licheniformis.Under greenhouse conditions,the highest disease control was shown by isolate Bacillus licheniformis and A.flavus with an inhibition of 79%,followed by S.rhizophila(77%)and T.afroharzianum(73%).The overall results of this study showed that Bacillus licheniformis and Stenotrophomonas rhizophila have great potential to be used as bio-stimulant and biocontrol agents to manage rice blast disease.

Evaluation of Cobalt Application Combined with Gypsum and Compost as a Regulator of Cabbage Plant Tolerance to Soil Salinity

In response to the global food crisis and the imperative to address soil degradation, the international agricultural policy is actively working to alleviate the adverse impacts of soil salinity. As part of this initiative, a field trial spanning two consecutive seasons (2019/20-2020/21) was conducted under saline conditions. The primary objective was to evaluate the influence of various compost sources, including vermicompost at a rate of 0.5 ton·fed-1 and plant residues compost at a rate of 5.0 ton·fed-1, as main plots. Subplots were established by applying agricultural gypsum, both in the presence and absence of gypsum requirements. Additionally, sub-subplots were created by externally applying cobalt at a rate of 10.0 mg·L-1, with one sub-subplot receiving foliar cobalt application and the other not. The trial sought to assess the growth performance, chemical composition, enzymatic antioxidants, yield, and quality of cabbage plants (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.) cultivated in saline soil. According to the findings, cabbage plants exhibited the most favorable response in terms of plant height, chlorophyll content, carotene levels, leaf area, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), head yield, vitamin C, and total dissolved solids (TDS) when treated with vermicompost, followed by plant compost. Conversely, plants grown without compost exhibited the least improvement in performance. Cabbage treated with agricultural gypsum requirements showed better performance than those without gypsum amendment. Moreover, plants subjected to cobalt spray demonstrated the highest growth, yield, and quality parameters compared to those without cobalt foliar application. In contrast, the control group (plants without the studied treatments) displayed the highest levels of enzymatic antioxidants, specifically catalase and peroxidase. This indicates that soil salinity stress led to an increase in catalase and peroxidase production in cabbage plants as a defense against the harmful impact of reactive oxygen species (ROS) resulting from soil salinity stress. The applied treatments (compost, gypsum, and cobalt) led to a reduction in the cabbage plant’s inherent production of catalase and peroxidase. Generally, the combined treatment of vermicompost × gypsum requirements × cobalt proved effective in mitigating the detrimental effects of soil salinity on cabbage plants. These findings hold significance for farmers and policymakers aiming to enhance agricultural productivity in regions affected by soil salinity. Additionally, further research can explore the long-term effects of these treatments on soil health and crop sustainability.

Short-Term Influence of Burning on Species Abundance, Biomass Production, Wood Plant Density and Browsing Unit in an Albany Thicket of the Eastern Cape, South Africa

Fire is regarded as management practice for maintaining grasslands and savannas. The vegetation occurring in fire prone areas becomes highly adapted to fire occurrences in savannas and grasslands. However, documentation on the influence of burning on vegetation is still limited in an albany thicket biome. The aim of the study was to evaluate the short-term influence of burning on species abundance, biomass production, wood plant density and browsing unit. Six plots (2500 m2) were demarcated;in each plot two parallel transects of 120 m2 with 5 m distance apart were measured. Three plots were burned in spring season, while no burning was done on the other remaining plots. Forty points per plot were obtained using step-point method to determine the relative abundance at burned and unburned plots. Woody plants occurred within a transect were identified, counted and recorded to determine density and browsing unit. Three quadrats (i.e. 0.25 m2) per plot were randomly laid within the transect;aboveground plant material within a quadrat were harvested. A total of 18 samples were harvested and oven dried at 60˚C for 48 hours to determine biomass production. The results showed that Themeda triandra (14%) and Panicum maximum (10%) were most abundant grass species at the burned plots. Burned plots had significantly higher biomass production (4804 kg/ha) compared to unburned plots (3641 kg/ha). Vachellia karoo (burned: 65.85% & unburn: 13.70%) and Searsia pallens (burned: 26.83% & unburned: 6.85%) were most dominant wood plant species at both burned and unburned plots. Burned plots had the highest browsing unit (3221 BU/ha) compared to unburned plots (2058 BU/ha). The decrease of woody plants at the burned plots proved that fire has a tremendous potential for managing woody plants. This study provided information on short-term influence of burning, however further long-term trials are required to determine the effects of burning.

Floristic diversity and regeneration status of woody plants in Zengena Forest, a remnant montane forest patch in northwestern Ethiopia

The study was conducted at Zengena forest, a fragmented remnant montane forest in northwestern Ethiopia, which surrounds Lake Zengena. The purpose was to assess the species composition, diversity and the regeneration status of woody plants. A total of 27 plots of 20 m - 20 m were sampled along the line transects laid down the altitudinal gradient from the edge of the forest encompassing the lake to the edge of the lake in eight aspects. In each plot, woody species were counted and the diameter at breast height and the height of trees and shrubs were measured. A total of 50 woody species belonging to 31 families were found, of which 17 （34%） were trees, 7 （14%） trees or shrubs, 23 （46%） shrubs and 3 （6%） lianas. The overall Shannon-Wiener diversity and evenness indices of woody species were 2.74 and 0.7, respectively. Clausena anisata had the highest relative density （23.5%）, Rapanea rhododendroides the highest relative frequency （6.5%） and Prunus afri- cana the highest relative dominance （45%） and importance value index （IVI, 51.6）. The total basal area and density of woody plants were 22.3 m2.ha-1 and 2,202 individuals.ha1, respectively. The population structure showed variations among woody plants and revealed varied regeneration patterns of different species. The importance value index and population structure revealed that some species are threatened and need prioritization for conservation measures. The results suggest that remnant forest patches in the highlands of northern Ethiopia host several woody plant species that are almost disappearing in other areas due to deforestation.

Determination of soybean yield gap and potential production in Iran using modeling approach and GIS

Increasing crop production is necessary to maintain food security for the growing global population.Reducing the gap between actual and potential yield is one of the important ways to increase yield per unit area.Potential yield and the yield gap of soybean were determined for Golestan Province,Iran,using Soybean Simulation Model (SSM-i Crop2) and Geographical Information System (GIS).Information from 24 weather stations and soil data of the region were used.Yield gap and production gap were calculated at county and province levels.The average actual yield of soybean in this province was2.28 t ha^(–1) while the province’s potential yield was 4.73 t ha^(–1),so the yield gap was estimated 2.44 t ha^(–1).Thus,there is a great potential for increasing soybean yield in Golestan,which is possible through improving crop management of soybean in farmers’fields.The average water productivity of soybean was estimated to be 0.81 kg m^(–3).Spatial distribution of water productivity in soybean farms showed that the highest and the lowest water productivities (0.99 and 0.44 kg m^(–3)) were in western and eastern regions of the province,respectively,in accordance to vapour pressure deficit.It was concluded that soybean production in the province could increase by 66%(from 109 970 to 182 170 tons) if 80% of the current yield gap could be removed.

Efficacies of four plant essential oils as larvicide, pupicide and oviposition deterrent agents against dengue fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti Linn.(Diptera: Culicidae)

Objective:To evaluate larvicidal,pupicidal and oviposition deterrent activities of four plant essential oils from Alpinia galanga(L.)Willd rhizome,Anethum graveolens L.(An.graveolens)fruit,Foeniculum vulgare Mill.fruit,and Pimpinella anisum L.fruit against Aedes aegypti(Ae.aegypti).Methods:Four essential oils at 1%,5%and 10%concentrations were assessed for insecticidal activity against larvae and pupae of Ae.aegypti,following the procedure of a dipping method assay.Oviposition deterrent activity of four essential oils was evaluated on gravid female of Ae.aegypti by a dual-choice oviposition bioassay.Results:The results revealed that An.graveolens oil provided the strongest larvicidal activity against Ae.aegypti among four tested plant essential oils with the highest mortality rate of 100%and LC_(50)value of-0.3%.From the pupicidal experiment,An.graveolens also showed the highest toxicity against Ae.aegypti pupae with the highest mortality rate of 100%at 72 h and LC_(50)value of2.9%.In addition,10%An.graveolens had an oviposition deterrent effect against Ae.aegypti with effective repellency of 100%and an oviposition activity index of-1.0.Conclusions:An.graveolens oil has a good potential as a larvicidal,pupicidal and oviposition deterrent agent for controlling Ae.aegypti.

Evaluation of Plant Densities and Various Irrigation Regimes of Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) under Low Water Supply

Drought stress, during growth season along with plant density, is an important problem that needs attention. In order to investigate the influence of both factors in increasing the water use efficiency, field experiments were laid out in split-plot design at Agriculture Research Station, Collage of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, to investigate the effects of irrigation intervals viz., irrigation every (6, 9 and 12 days) under different plant densities i.e., (6, 8 and 10 plants/m2) on growth, yield and yield component parameters as well as grain quality of sorghum local variety (Gizani). Results revealed that almost all growth, yield and yield component parameters were significantly influenced by both factors as well as their interaction. Chemical composition of seeds, leaf proline content and WUE were also considered. Severe drought stress condition caused gradual decrease in most of the growth characters as compared to watered treatment and reflected in decreasing yield and yield component characters. Increasing plant densities led to raise biomass production and seed yield per unit area and not able to compensated the low number and weight of grains per panicle. Contrary, low plant density, under adequate irrigation conditions, can be compensated by a high number of grains per panicle and high weight of the grain. Maximum seed yield per hectare was recorded by the interactional effects of most watered treatments (irrigation every 6 days) and plant density of 10 plants per square meter.

Plant communities and reproductive phenology in mountainous regions of northern Libya

Within the semi-desert landscape of northern Libya, two sub-humid escarpments occur: Al-Akhdar in the east and Nafusa (Jabal Al-Gharbi) in the west. This study compares plant communities in the two regions, which are along an elevation gradient, in terms of species composition and diversity, frequency of different Raunkiaer life forms, and reproductive phenology. The two regions differed in species composition and life-form frequency between regions and between elevation zones within each region. Patterns were associated with the lower rainfall and lower moisture-holding capacity of soils at Nafusa, resulting in more xeric conditions. Only 13% of species were shared between the two regional landscapes. Species diversity, life-form frequency, and duration of the flowering-fruiting phenophase were all affected by elevation above sea level. The duration of flowering and fruiting in spring and fall was associated with environmental conditions, although there were different thresholds in the two regions. There was both a spring and fall episode of flowering at Nafusa, but only spring flowering at Al-Akhdar. It is anticipated that there will be a gradual shift of plant communities to higher elevations and loss of certain sensitive species in response to ongoing climate change.

Production and Testing of Biopesticide for Control of Postharvest Mold Infections on Fresh Fruits of Apple and Pear

The present research aimed at producing a biopesticide with proper formulation of invert emulsion (water-in-oil type) and effective strain of?Trichoderma harzianum?then, testing it against pathogens of postharvest mold infections(Botrytis cinerea?&?Penicillium expansum) on fresh fruits of apple and pear. The?proper formulation of invert emulsion (IE#3) used for biopesticide production has the following ingredients (100% w/w): soybean oil (28.50%), coconut oil (19.50%), oil-soluble emulsifier: Tween 20 (2.0%), glycerine (4.25%), water-soluble emulsifier:?dehymuls k (0.75%),?sterile distilled water (22.5%) and conidial suspension of the effective strain ofT. harzianum?“TrichoPAL1” in water (22.5%, concentration 1 ×?107?conidia/ml). Testing efficacy of the produced biopesticide has indicated a significant reduction in the disease lesion diameter of mold infections on wounded apple and pear fruits stored at?20℃?± 1℃?compared to the untreated fruits or control (reduction from up to 38.75 to about 7.50 mm, respectively, according to?the type of mold infections and fruit type). Also, the treatment with the produced biopesticide has resulted in?a long protection period from mold infections on wounded and un-wounded fresh fruits of apple and pear stored under controlled and semi-commercial conditions(up to 2.5 months according to the type of mold infections and fruit type). In conclusion, the overall results have demonstrated the effectiveness of produced biopesticide on stored fruits under controlled and semi-commercial conditions therefore,?it is recommended to test this effectiveness on marketed fruits stored under variable conditions before applying it at a large scale.

Management of Insect Vectors of Viruses in Tomato Plants Using Different Densities of Yellow Traps

The initial phase of tomato is critical to the infestation of insect vectors of viruses. Therefore, this study aimed to test the use of yellow card traps around the crop to manage insect vectors of viruses and test the best density of traps/tomato plants. Yellow card traps were placed on the border of the crop plot to capture adult insect vectors. Density of trap/tomato plant was assessed in 10 blocks at the following levels： 1/25; 1/50; 1/75; 1/100; 1/125; 1/150. The monitoring was carded out in 1% of the crop during 60 days in 2011 and 2012 crop. The evaluated systems were Conventional and Phytosanitary Pest Management （PPM）. During 2011 season the Conventional system received 14 insecticide applications whereas only 6 insecticide applications were made on the PPM, representing a reduction of 133%. In 2012, the crop under Conventional system was subjected to 15 applications of insecticides, over 8 on PPM, with a reduction of 87.5%. The PPM allowed a 90% reduction in application cost for this insects, obtaining a reduction of R$1,345.00/ha. The highest density was 60 plants/trap. We can conclude that the yellow card traps in tomato crop decreased infestations of insect vectors of viruses.

Larvicidal, pupicidal and oviposition deterrent activities of essential oils from Umbelliferae plants against house fly Musca domestica

To evaluate the toxicity against house fly Musca domestica L.(M. domestica)-larvicidal, pupicidal, and oviposition deterrent activities of essential oils(EOs) from five plants: Anethum graveolens L.(A. graveolens), Centratherum anthelminticum L.(C. anthelminticum), Foeniculum vulgare Mill.(F. vulgare), Pimpinella anisum L.(P. anisum), and Trachyspermum ammi L.(T. ammi) Sprague. Methods: Dipping, topical and dual-choice assays were performed by using each EO at three concentrations(1%, 5% and 10%) as well as cypermethrin(positive control) and ethyl alcohol(negative control) in order to determine their larvicidal, pupicidal and oviposition deterrent activities against M. domestica mortality rate and morphogenic abnormality of larvae and pupae were recorded after 3 and 10 days of incubation. Oviposition deterrent activity was recorded for 5 consecutive days from the beginning of the assay. Results: All EOs at the highest concentration(10%) were highly effective in oviposition deterrent with 100% effective repellency and an oviposition activity index of-1.00. Ten percent of F. vulgare oil exhibited the highest efficacy against the larvae with 89.6% mortality rate at 3 days and an LC50 value of 5.4%. Ten percent of A. graveolens and T. ammi oils showed the highest efficacy against the pupae with 100% mortality and an LC50 value ranging from 1.81%-2.24%. Conclusions: These results indicate that F. vulgare, A. graveolens and T. ammi EOs are effective larvicidal, pupicidal and oviposition deterrent agents against house fly M. domestica.

Herbage Production and Species Richness in Sub-alpine Grasslands of Different Soil Parent Material in Northern Greece

Several abiotic and biotic factors were investigated as possible predictors of local species richness in two sub-alpine grasslands of Jenna and Belles Mountains in Northern Greece.For species richness modelling a hierarchical modelling framework based on generalized additive models was adopted.The two sub-alpine grasslands differed in aspect,altitude and soil parent material(volcanic origin,mostly trachyte,and andesite(TA) for Jenna and metamorphic rocks,mostly gneiss(G) for Belles).12 fenced squared plots,16 m2 each,were used per grassland,where soil properties,herbage production,species presence and cover of grasses,legumes and forbs were estimated.Mean herbage production was significantly affected by slope and altitude,soil K content and floristic composition as expressed by an ordination axis.Soil p H,floristic composition and average herbage production were significant predictors of forbs and total species richness.For the former,soil N content and for the latter the occurrence of Agrostis capillaris,were also included as significant terms in the predictive model.Thepredictors for grasses species richness were N content,having a positive effect,and average herbage production.In all cases higher species richness was predicted for intermediate values of average herbage production.Differential responses were found between forbs and grasses.The predictors of their species richness were different while for the case of the common predictor(N) the responses of the two groups were also different(grasses species numbers increase and forbs species numbers decreased with increasing N).Maximum species richness of grasses was observed at relatively low production levels while forbs species richness maximized at relatively high production levels.

Carbohydrates, Growth and Production of “Roxo de Valinhos” Fig Tree in Initial Development under Irrigation Management

The carbohydrates translocation and consequently growth and production of fig tree (Ficuscarica L.) vary according to the different management on cultivation conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in the levels and total carbohydrates accumulation together with growth and “Roxo de Valinhos” fig trees production onimplementation of orchards in initial phase, cultivated with and without irrigation. We adopted a factorial arrangement (2 x 7) with four repetitions distributed in installments (with and without irrigation) subdivided in time (collect time). Destructive analyzes were performed at 40, 80, 120, 160, 200, 240 and 280 days after pruning (DAP) and are measured: stem diameter and branch, stem length and branch, number of leaves, internodes and fruit. Subsequently, the plant parts were sectioned to obtain the leaf area, length and roots volume, fresh and dry matter weight. The number, weight and total productivity of fruits were evaluated. The media of all growth attributes and production characteristics were higher in treatments with water irrigation. The total carbohydrate content was higher at 120 and 160 DAP and the carbohydrates accumulation was increasing for most institutions over the plants development, except for the leaves that showed a decrease in the levels at 160 DAP. The fruits showed greater carbohydrates accumulation in relation to the other evaluated organs.

Impact of Environment Conditions on Grapevine (<i>Vitis vinifera</i>L.): To Optimal Production and Sustainability, Achieving Food Security and Increasing the Palestinian Economy

Grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) is one of important economic fruit crops found in Hebron of Palestine. Climate is one of the key controlling factors in grape and wine production. Materials & Method: We analyzed grape production in Hebron region, and studied the correlation analyses between productions and climatic, bioclimatic factors. The bioclimate, climatic factors were obtained according to Rivas-Martinez to classification of the earth. However, the independent variables were examined: the bioclimate factors as compensated thermicity index, annual ombrothermic index, water deficit and simple continentality index;and following climate factors: mean monthly temperature, precipitation and soil water reserve. The data used were from one meteorological station of the Palestinian Meteorological Department for the years 1993 to 2009 (16 years), and to the same years of grape production (rain-fed) from the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS).?Result & Discussion: When we applied a Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and observed that the Hebron type plots are located at the left of axis 1 during 1999-2004 negatively affected by the bioclimate factors as compensated thermicity index, with a large proportion of the variance explained by axes 1 (76.66%), but precipitation was positive influenced on grape yield for the years (2004-2009), with a proportion of the variance explained by axes 2 (23.34%);Hebron type plots are located at the right of axis1during 1993-1999 positive affected by the bioclimate factor as a simple continentality index and annual ombrothermic index, and climate factors as water deficit, soil water reserve and mean monthly temperature, with a large proportion of the variance explained by axes 1 & 2 (100%). Conclusions: Grapes are sensitive climate and the surrounding environment factors, and in order to get a high production and high-quality grapes, mean monthly temperature must be between 15&#176;C - 20&#176;C, and 20&#176;C - 30&#176;C (27&#176;C) in the last two months of the maturation process, the value of simple continentality index is 15 - 18, compensated thermicity index is 220 - 350, and annual ombrothermic index is more than 3.

Drought Tolerance in Mung Bean is Associated with the Genotypic Divergence, Regulation of Proline, Photosynthetic Pigment and Water Relation

Drought is one of the critical conditions for the growth and productivity of many crops including mung bean(Vigna radiata L.Wilczek).Screening of genotypes for variations is one of the suitable strategies for evaluating crop adaptability and global food security.In this context,the study investigated the physiological and biochemical responses of four drought tolerant(BARI Mung-8,BMX-08010-2,BMX-010015,BMX-08009-7),and four drought sensitive(BARI Mung-1,BARI Mung-3,BU Mung-4,BMX-05001)mung bean genotypes under wellwatered(WW)and water deficit(WD)conditions.The WW treatment maintained sufficient soil moisture(22%±0.5%,i.e.,30%deficit of available water)by regularly supplying water.Whereas,the WD treatment was maintained throughout the growing period,and water was applied when the wilting symptom appeared.The drought tolerant(DT)genotypes BARI Mung-8,BMX-08010-2,BMX-010015,BMX-08009-7 showed a high level of proline accumulation(2.52–5.99 mg g^(−1) FW),photosynthetic pigment(total chlorophyll 2.96–3.27 mg g^(−1) FW at flowering stage,and 1.62–2.38 mg g^(−1) FW at pod developing stage),plant water relation attributes including relative water content(RWC)(82%–84%),water retention capacity(WRC)(12–14)as well as lower water saturation deficit(WSD)(19%–23%),and water uptake capacity(WUC)(2.58–2.89)under WD condition,which provided consequently higher relative seed yield.These indicate that the tolerant genotypes gained better physiobiochemical attributes and adaptability in response to drought conditions.Furthermore,the genotype BMX-08010-2 showed superiority in terms of those physio-biochemical traits,susceptibility index(SSI)and stress tolerance index(STI)to other genotypes.Based on the physiological and biochemical responses,the BMX-08010-2 was found to be a suitable genotype for sustaining yield under drought stress,and subsequently,it could be recommended for crop improvement through hybridization programs.In addition,the identified traits can be used as markers to identify tolerant genotypes for drought-prone areas.

Socio economic impact of vegetable production in Senegal:a case study of Niayes area

Vegetable production plays a very important role not only as a source of foreign exchange for Senegal and an appreciation of the dietary needs of populations,but also in the context of the policy of diversification.Thus the aim of this analysis is to measure the important economic impact and vegetable industrial actors,find the limited factors of the horticulture development and the perspectives for improving the vegetable production in the area.Our results show that the National production of fruits and vegetables is estimated approximately at 370,000 tons and the Niayes zone constitutes 80%of the domestic production.Horticulture is a sector which creates employments in that area with important incomes earned by both producers and the various intermediaries(commercial process) .The volume of exports has reached 14,321.588 tons in(2002-2003) against 11,125.132 tons in(2001-2002) witnessing than an increase of 28.7%,but the one of imports is very important and represents an outflow of foreign currency estimated at about 3 billion per year.

Types of Irrigation Water and Soil Amendment Affect the Growth and Flowering of Petunia x alkinsiana ‘Bravo Pinc’

Water insufficiency is the hampering feature of crop sustainability,especially in arid and semi-arid regions.So,the effectual usage of all water resources especially underground brackish water represents the core priority in Saudi Arabia.The present study aimed to recognize the influence of different types of water irrigation(tap water as a control,salinized well water,and magnetized salinized well water)with or without soil amendments(soil without any amendment as a control,peat-moss,ferrous sulfate,and peat-moss plus ferrous sulfate)on petunia plant growth and flowering as well as ion content.Irrigating Petunia plants with saline well water adversely affected growth and flowering as compared to tap water and magnetized saline well water.Additionally,plants irrigated with magnetized water showed a significant enhancement in all the studied vegetative and flowering growth parameters as compared to those irrigated with salinized well water.Furthermore,mineral contents and survival of Petunia plants irrigated with magnetized well water were higher than those irrigated with tap water.Irrigation with magnetized well water significantly reduced levels of Na+and Cl−ions in leaves of Petunia plants indicating the role of magnetization in alleviating harmful effects of salinity.In conclusion,we recommend the utilization of magnetized saline well water for irrigating Petunia plants either alone or in combination with soil amendments(peat moss plus ferrous sulfate).

Estimation of Genetic Divergence and Character Association Studies in Local and Exotic Diversity Panels of Soybean(Glycine max L.)Genotypes

The availability of favorable genetic diversity is a thriving vitality for the success of a breeding program.It provides a firm basis of selecting superior breeding lines for the development of high yielding crop genotypes.In this context,present investigation aimed to generate information on genetic divergence and character association in a diversity panel of 123 local and exotic soybean genotypes.Analysis of variance revealed significant response of the evaluated genotypes based on studied attributes.It depicted the probability of selecting desirable soybean genotypes by focusing on character association studies and genetic diversity analysis.Correlation analysis revealed that seed yield per plant showed high positive correlation with 100-seed weight followed by pods per plant and plant height.Furthermore,path coefficient analysis exposed that pods per plant had maximum direct contribution in seed yield per plant followed by 100-seed weight,days to flowering and SPAD measurement.Genotype named“G-10”showed maximum yield per plant followed by 24607,G-52,24593,Arisoy,24566,17426,A-3127,24570 and 24567.Genetic diversity analysis grouped the evaluated germplasm into 17 clusters.All clusters showed zero intra-cluster variability;while inter-cluster divergence ranged from 9.00 to 91.11.Cluster V showed maximum inter-cluster distance with cluster XII followed by that of between V and VIII.Moreover,cluster IV with superior genotypes(G-10,24607,24593 and 24566),VI(17426 and 24567),XIII(24570)and X(Arisoy and G-52)showed above mean values for most of the studied characters.Overall,the results of hybridization between the superior genotypes of these cluster pairs might be useful for soybean breeding with improving agronomic traits and adaptability.