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Synchytrium endobioticum (Schilb.) Percival. is a pathogen of potato wart disease and has a restricted distribution on the territory of the Russian Federation. Its main pathways are infected potato tubers and different planting material containing soil particles infected with spores of the fungus. One of the main problems is the use of toxic chemicals during detecting the disease in laboratory methods of direct soil testing to identify resting spores. This paper presents the assessment of molecular methods of soil diagnosis for detection of S. endobioticum by direct extraction of fungal DNA from soil samples using the MetaGen reagent kit. Identification was performed using the Fitoskrin. Synchytrium endobioticum-RT kit. The kit was pre-tested using DNA isolated from potato warts by various commercial kits. It was found that the optimal method of DNA isolation from the warts was using the FitoSorb-Avtomat 48 kit at the Tecan robotic station. Studies have shown that the sensitivity of the direct DNA extraction method from soil samples with various infection levels is the same as that of flotation method using carbon tetrachloride. Moreover, this method makes it possible to work with soil samples of different types, including peaty soils.

The article presents the results of field experiments on deepening the arable horizon of gray forest medium loamy soil to increase its fertility through applying organic fertilizer under PY-3-35 layer plow to a depth of 2527 cm. Low mineralization of organic fertilizer during layer cultivation under oxygen deficiency conditions contributed to accumulation of humus in soil by 6.6 t/ha more than during conventional plowing, and by 7.5 t/ha - than during disking. It also improved water-physical and biological properties of soil: number of water-resistant aggregates increased by 4.6 and 5.3 %, soil density lowered by 0.03 and 0.04 g/cm3, number of earthworms increased by 3...6 individuals, expanded reproduction of fertility was provided, productivity of arable land increased by 7.0 and 6.7 % and crop quality increased compared to conventional plowing and disking, respectively. Deep manure incorporation extended life of organic fertilizer up to 5 years, while after conventional plowing and disking this process lasted only 2...3 years. It is not economically and environmentally beneficial, since frequent application requires a lot of fuel, and a large amount of harmful chemical compounds contained in combustion products is dumped into the environment.

The experiments revealed that the studied fragments of Rosa acicularis L. coenopopulation were normal and full-fledged with single-vertex ontogenetic spectra. They are able to form self-sustaining habitats for several generations and spread over a significant territory. Three periods and six ontogenetic states were distinguished in the ontogenesis of Rosa acicularis L. The age structure had three types of spectrum - left-sided, centered, and right-sided. The difference in the ontogenetic structure depends on influence of anthropogenic factor, ecological and coenotic conditions of rose habitats, and variations in climatic conditions. When analyzing the parameters of coenopopulations, we found that the best conditions for existence of Rosa acicularis L. were in the berry pine forest (FCP5) in the park named after Foresters of Russia and reed grass pine forest (FCP1) in Uktus forest park, where the habitats were characterized by high morphological indicators, numbers and high values of the pregenerative fraction.

In agricultural production, it is important not only to achieve a high productivity, but also to ensure its stability. To obtain high and stable yields, it is necessary to have information on the adaptability of crops varieties and hybrids to a specific cultivation zone. The article analyzes the results of the field experiment on the variety testing of sweet pepper. To assess the variety for adaptability to natural conditions and cultivation technology in the Astrakhan region, such parameters as plasticity and stability of the variety were used. To characterize the ecological plasticity, the regression coefficient bi was determined, which characterizes response of the cultivar to changes in cultivation conditions. To characterize the parameter of stability, the standard deviation from the regression line 2d. was calculated. All calculations were carried out according to S.A. Eberhart, W.A. Russell as presented by V.Z. Pakudin.

The relevance of the search for alternative plant raw materials to enrich the diets of population throughout the world, including in the Russian Federation, is explained by global mass year-round insufficiency of biologically active nutrients in food. This work is aimed at identifying the most promising food plant species from the list, proposed on basis of long-term observations by staff of Tsytsin Main Moscow Botanical Garden of Russian Academy of Sciences (MBG RAS), by bachelors, studying in direction 06.03.01 (Biology) at Moscow State University of Food Production. The research materials (2016-2018) are fruits of hawthorns, rosehips, quince, eleutherococcuses, medlar, mahonia, spindle tree, yews, sumacs, oaks, red-fruited honeysuckles and needles of coniferous plants. Research results indicate the value of studied raw materials as a whole and its advantages in compared species within the genus of plants. Some recommendations for practical usage were made. The following things have been proposed: separation of fruit pulp and seeds before drying of fruits of Crataegus submollis and more preferable C. punctata; wide plantation cultivation of rosehips Rosa amblyotis and R. oxyodon; non-waste separate application of pericarp and seeds of Cydonia oblonga, Mespilus germanica and Mahonia aquifolium; medicinal use of fruits of Eleutherococcus sessiliflorus , and more preferable E. senticosus ; further study of cones of Taxus baccata and T. media; as a spice there is usage of fruits of Rhus typhina ; obtaining unique oils from fruit pulp of Lonicera glehnii, L . ferdinandii, L. maackii and arils of Euonymus europaeus; usage of acorns of Quercus robur, Q. rubra and needles of Picea abies, Pinus sylvestris in feed production. Thus, possibilities of intensifying plant resource usage in the food industry and agriculture were discovered, primarily due to fruits of native introduced species. It is necessary to continue search and further study of the most promising species - sources of alternative plant raw materials.

Spring oats are one of the most important crops among grain crops, and they are well adapted to the conditions of Western Siberia. To realize qualitative and quantitative characteristics of yield and increase productivity, new varieties should be characterized by responsiveness to changing environmental factors (adaptability) with sufficient potential productivity and ability to realize it even in the stressful conditions of this region. The aim of the research was to determine adaptive properties of spring oat cultivars developed in Omsk Agrarian Scientific Center. The experiments were carried out on the experimental fields of the Omsk Agrarian Scientific Center, located in the southern forest-steppe zone of Western Siberia, in 2011-2019. The st following adaptability parameters were calculated: stress tolerance Kst (according to A.V. Bykov), homeostaticity Hom (V.V. Khangildin), breeding value of cultivar Sc (according to N.A. Orlyansky), genotypic effect Ɛi (B.P. Guriev), coefficient of variation V and coefficient of uniformity B (B.A. Dospekhov), resilience of stability index У (R.A. Udachin and P.A. Golovchenko), rate of reaction of varieties to the environmental conditions Re (V.V. Novokhatin), equivalent plasticity Wi (C. Wricke). Using a significant number of indicators to obtain a final assessment of adaptability, a ranking of cultivars was carried out. Among hulled oat cultivars, Orion (control), Irtysh 13 and Irtysh 21 had increased adaptability (the sum of the ranks was 23, 35 and 36, respectively). In naked oat cultivars, Progress was more stable (the sum of the ranks was 79). These cultivars are recommended for cultivation in conditions of the southern forest-steppe of Western Siberia.

The article provides a predictive assessment of longevity of Ulmus pumila L. stands in the Astrakhan Zavolzhye. The effi and expediency of renewable logging for rejuvenation and increasing the longevity of plantings in the semi-desert were confi The classifi of ecotopes of the Astrakhan Zavolzhye on suitability for cultivation of protective and shadow elm plantings on pasture lands was developed and presented. In the Caspian region, Ulmus pumila became widespread in forest reclamation of semi-desert lands in the 1950s. Since then, till the beginning of the 1990s, Bogdinskaya research agroforestry experimental station laid on the sandy massifs about 1 thousand hectares of Ulmus pumila L. plantings, which currently amounts to 1824 %. The long-term practice of using protective shade Ulmus pumila umbrellas has shown their signifi ecological effect on functioning pastures. The aim of the research was to develop an improved technology for creating long-lived protective shade stands of Ulmus pumila on degraded pastures of the Astrakhan Zavolzhye. The research was carried out using generally accepted methods of stand forest taxation by A.P. Anuchin (1961), 1. Bitvinskas (1974) and A.S. Manaenkov (2001). Soil conditions were studied by drilling sounding to 3 m depth. The results of the research revealed that the longevity of wood species in the dry-steppe zone was determined mainly by two factors: productive moisture in the soil and salinity level. The most favorable growing conditions for Ulmus pumila were unsalted (to a depth of at least 3 m) brown sandy soils, sandy loam soils, dark-colored swale soils with periodic redistributed accumulation of moisture. In arid conditions of the Astrakhan Zavolzhye in island plantations (group of trees, umbrellas, 0.51 ha parts of forest area) and optimal growing conditions without logging and reforestation, Ulmus pumila lives up to 6070 years.

Field experiments were carried out on chestnut soils of Piedmont Dagestan in 2018-2020. Hybrids of grain corn treated with different growth stimulants were the object of еру research. The experiments showed that the harvesting ripeness of hybrids ROSS 299 MV and Mashuk 355 MV occurred 2...5 days earlier after treatment with growth stimulants compared to the control. The growth stimulants used in the experiment did not have a significant effect on seed germination rate. Among the studied hybrids, the highest seed germination were observed in Mashuk 355 MV hybrid. The highest values of leaf area and net productivity of crops were in hybrid Mashuk 355 MB. Plants treated with growth regulators had higher leaf surface by 4.4% and 5.5%; 6.0 % and 8.4%, respectively. Approximately the same dynamics was recorded for photosynthesis net productivity and accumulation of dry matter. Mashuk 355 MV hybrid showed the best yield, which was 30.5; 31.5 and 32.5% higher respectively, compared to the standard. Productivity of corn hybrids treated with growth regulators increased significantly. The highest data were observed on plants treated with Megamiks N10 growth regulator, which were higher than the control data by 30.0 and 32.5%, respectively. Aminokat 30% growth regulator increased corn productivity by 23.7 and 24.7%, respectively. Sufficiently high indicators of yield structure were 10 recorded in Mashuk 355 MV hybrid in the variant with the Megamiks N10 growth stimulator.

Purpose: This paper provides an in-depth critical review and analysis of recent research undertaken to optimize quality during harvesting, postharvest handling, processing and utilization of breadnut (Artocarpus camansi Blanco). Findings: This treatise provided a comprehensive review on the significance of breadnut as an ideal staple and famine food due to its abundance, processing options, high percentage of complex carbohydrates, unique flavor and culinary qualities. Market potential for this fruit across the globe and its projection to multiply is reviewed as related to increasing demand for fiber rich fruits, utilization in ethnic cuisine and in traditional medicine. The fruit is highly perishable with a shelf life of not more than 2-3 days under ambient conditions. Breadnut rapidly transforms when harvested mature green after 2-3 days to a soft texture and the outer skin of the milky white seeds change to a brown, brittle, tough netlike rind while the flesh changes from a white colour to a light yellow colour. The combined effects of rapid softening and high susceptibility to chilling injury contribute immensely to its short shelf life. Limitations: There were no significant limitations as the literature was available and access to communicate with authors were easily facilitated by the internet. Directions for future research:This istheonly review which collated the findings on postharvest physiology and utilization of breadnut. This information will be useful for tree breeding programs, in order to popularize breadnut as a commercial crop and promote food security at the household and community levels.

Purpose: Micropropagation of GF677 rootstock, the most widely clonal rootstock used in peach orchards, is an important method for large-scale production of disease-free plants. In this research, effects of media, plant growth regulators and carbohydrates in order to optimize the efficient micropropagation protocol of GF677 rootstock has been investigated. Research method: In vitro shoots were multiplicated on MS, WPM and DKW media supplemented with 0, 0.5, 1, 2 mg L-1 BA. Proliferated shoots were rooted on MS, WPM and DKW media containing 0, 0.5, 1, 2 mg L-1 IBA. In another experiment, the effect of carbohydrate type was investigated. Findings: High shoot number and node number as well as shoot fresh weight were achieved with shoot tips when cultured on MS medium supplemented with 1 or 2 mg L-1 BA. The highest percentage of rooted shoots was obtained on MS or WPM media supplemented with 1 or 2 mg L-1 IBA. Maximum root number was regenerated on WPM medium containing 1 mg L-1 IBA. Sorbitol was found to be more effective carbon source on shoot multiplication than sucrose, while the highest average of root number and root length were observed in the medium containing sorbitol and sucrose medium, respectively. Survival rate during the acclimatization in the greenhouse was 67%. Limitations: Plant acclimatization needs to be studied for commercial production. Originality/Value: This protocol has proven useful for micropropagation of GF677 rootstock.

Purpose: An experiment was conducted to determine a suitable thickness of polypropylene bag as a package and appropriate storage temperature that will enhance an extended shelf life and quality of oyster mushroom. Research method: The experiment consisted of eight treatments under two factors (temperature and thickness of polypropylene bag). Treatments: T1p 0= ambient temperature without wrapping (Control), T1p 1= ambient temperature & 50 µ PP bag, T1p 2= ambient temperature & 75 µ PP bag, T1p 3= ambient temperature & 100 µ PP bag, T2p 0= 3°C temperature without wrapping, T2p 1= 3°C temperature & 50 µ PP bag, T2p 2= 3°C temperature & 75 µ PP bag, T2p 3= 3°C temperature & 100 µ PP bag. The experiment was laid out in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications. Findings: Highest moisture contents (90.80%) and shelf life (15 days) were observed in low temperature and wrapped in 75µ polypropylene bag (T2p 2). Highest dry matter content (82.92%) and highest weight loss (30.3%) were observed in ambient temperature and unwrapped condition (T1p 0) whereas lowest moisture contents (9.20%), lowest dry matter content (17.08%), lowest protein content(7.79%), and lowest shelf life (1.66) were observed in ambient temperature and unwrapped condition (T1p 0).Limitations: No limitations to report.Originality/Value: Combination of PP bags of proper thickness and low temperature can help in decreasing moisture loss and disease incidence which increase shelf life and maintain nutritional quality of oyster mushroom.

Purpose: The oxidation of pericarp is the main one that affects the quality and acceptance of rambutan by consumers, thus, this study aimed to evaluate the isolated and combined effect of hot water and citric acid on the postharvest quality of pericarp and pulp of rambutan stored under refrigeration. Research method: Ripe fruits were immersed in a solution with hot water (45°C in 1 and 3 minutes), citric acid (1 and 3%), and in combinations between them. After the treatments, the loss of mass, soluble solids, titratable acidity, pH, vitamin C content, and browning of the pericarp and pulp was evaluated every three days during 12 days of cold storage (10°C). Findings: The combined effect of hot water for 3 minutes with 3% citric acid resulted in better quality fruits (less mass loss, less degradation of soluble solids, organic acids, and vitamin C), in addition to delaying the development of browning pericarp and pulp until the sixth day of storage. Limitations: Investigations of oxidizing enzymes were absent (equipment) to support the study results. Originality/Value: Studies involving accessible and low-cost technologies that limit physiological damage after harvest (browning of the pericarp) and preserve the quality of the rambutan are recommended. Thus, the pretreatment of rambutan with hot water for 3 minutes associated with 3% citric acid is indicated to preserve the quality of the fruit during refrigerated storage (10°C) for 12 days.

Purpose: Chitin is a structural, long_chain polysaccharide of N-acetylglucosamine subunits with beta 1,4 glycosylated bonds and the second post-cellulose polysaccharide in nature. Chitinases enzymes are capable of degrading chitin, plays essential roles in the decomposition of chitinous wastes, can be used as a biological fungicide against phytopathogenic fungi. Research method: Fusarium isolates were recovered from soil, the spore of phytopathogenic fungi, and cereal tissues in different areas of Birjand plain during 2013-2017. A chitinase enzyme activity assay was performed using the Lugol''''s solution staining method and genomic replication by DECH degenerate primers. Findings: Eighty-three isolates of Fusarium presenting the chitinolytic activity were recovered from soil, cereal plant tissues from different areas of the Birjand plain in Iran. Some isolates were also recovered from barley loose smut and barberry rust spores. Chitinase enzyme activity was detected in Fusarium solani, F. proliferatum, F. avenaceum, F. fujikuroi, F. acuminatum, F. semitectum, F. culmorum, F. equiseti, F. nygamai, F. diversisporum, F. oxysporum and F. longipes by chitinase bioassay method and/or DECH primers for chitinase. Limitations: There were no limitations to report.Originality/Value: Based on the molecular data, the secreted chitinases belonged to chitinse1 or endochitinase-42 kDa, members of GH family 18. This is the first report of chitinases from Fusarium species in Iran.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effect of different tillage methods on the emergence of okra. Research method: The study was carried out at the teaching and research farm of the Federal University, Wukari, Taraba State in July 2018. Tillage treatments in the study were no-tillage, disc plowing, and disc plowing followed by disc harrowing, arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design, replicated three times. Each plot was (4.0 m × 3.0 m) with a 1.5 m gaps between the plots/replicates and blocks. Findings: The results indicated that the tillage methods had no significant (P ≤ 0.05) effects on the emergence of okra seeds. The maximum values of the number of emerged seeds (52 seeds), percentage emergence (92.86%), emergence rate (16.30%.day-1) and seed vigor index (40.08 seeds.day-1) were obtained in the plowing and harrowing method. In comparison, the minimum values of the number of emerged seeds (45 seeds), percentage emergence (80.36%), emergence rate (16.13%.day-1) and seed vigor index (32.77 seeds.day-1) were obtained in the no-tillage method. The plowing and harrowing approach had the lowest values of mean seed emergence time (6.13days) and seedling mortality rate (5.77%) while the no-tillage process had the highest amounts of mean seed emergence time (6.20days) and seedling mortality rate (13.33%). Limitations: There were no limitations to the report.Originality/Value: The results suggest the plowing and harrowing method may be utilized as a more appropriate and profitable tillage method in improving soil physical properties and seed emergence of okra.

Purpose: The purposes of this research were to assess important traits and heterosis and to introduce superior hybrids of Iris germanica.Research method: 28 hybrids and seven parents of Iris rhizomatous were evaluated. The experiment was carried out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications at the Ornamental Plants Research Center (OPRC) from 2014 to 2018. Findings: Hybrid of oprc37 (cross of V5×V4) had a higher positive of heterosis in flower size, leaf width, and hybrid of oprc25 (V8×V6) in the inner tepal length and outer tepal width in superior parents compared to their parents. The highest heterosis was observed for the traits of peduncle length, peduncle diameter and crown diameter, respectively, in some hybrids of oprc20 (V2×V4) and oprc16 (V2×V5). Hybrids of oprc42 and oprc43 of the cross between I. spuria and I. germanica (V7×V2) in the most traits in superior parents and self-parents had higher positive of heterosis. It can be expected that these selected F1 (oprc37, oprc25, oprc20 and oprc16) to able introduced as a variety of commercial, developed on the market ornamental plants.Limitations: No limitations were found. Originality/Value: Inter-varietal hybridization is an effective way to contribute to the phenotypic variation of Iris flowers, to produce new plant materials for breeding purposes and to release new cultivars.

Sixty one country bean genotypes collected from the coastal region of Bangladesh and were evaluated for the genetic divergence of yield and yield traits. Research method: Divergence analysis was performed by Mahalanobis D2 statistics using Genstat 4.2 program. Findings: The results of the univariate analysis revealed that country bean genotypes differed significantly for 12 yield and related characters. Multivariate analysis grouped 61 genotypes into eight clusters. Cluster II and IV comprised the minimum number (2) of genotypes followed by V (4). Cluster VII contained the maximum number (16) of genotypes and sub-divided into five subgroups. The highest inter-genotypic distance was observed between the genotype CB-32, and CB-109 (2.238), and the lowest inter-genotypic distance between the genotypes CB-016 and CB-017 (0.252). The inter-cluster distance (D2) was maximum between cluster I and V (22.15) followed by the distance between cluster IV and V (19.21). The highest intra-cluster distance (1.17) was observed in cluster V revealed the maximum heterogeneity, while the least variation (0.60) was noticed in cluster VI signifying the closeness of the genotypes. Data suggested that the pod length, pod width, and individual pod weight were major characters that contribute mostly towards genetic divergence. Both PC1-PC2 and PC1-PC3 biplot graphs clearly indicated that pod yield per plant had strong positive correlation with raceme per plant, pods per raceme, pods per plant, pod length and hundred seed weight. Limitations: There was no significant limitation to the report. Originality/Value: The genotypes from cluster I and V could be selected for future hybridization program.

Purpose: Insect-insecticide interaction, as a dynamic system, increases our knowledge to improve chemical application. Although modes of action in the most insecticides is obvious (direct action) but the other targets which may be affected after treatment are not determined (indirect action). In this study digestive enzymes were considered as potential targets for insecticides. Research method: Some of (three sample) adults that were exposed to the different insecticide concentrations were selected for in vivo analysis. In this part, internal organs (midgut) were homogenates and enzyme activity was determined. On the other hand, in the in vitro assays, nontoxic adults were selected and after dissection of the guts, incubated to the different insecticide manually. Fifty microliters enzyme solution with 450 μl toxic solutions incubated 30 min in the room temperature before enzyme assay. Findings: Twenty hours after exposure to the insecticides, gut of adults were dissected and used for in vivo experiment. Our data showed that there was a significant difference in the enzyme activity among different concentrations of chlorpyriphos. The highest and lowest level of enzyme inhibitory was occurred in the 2000 and 0 ppm (control). There was no significant difference between control (0 ppm) and 300 ppm. Data in the in vitro experiment showed that enzyme activity was reduced in the toxic concentrations. Trend of enzyme inhibiting that occurred with chlorpyriphos was regular as the highest and lowest inhibiting were observed in the maximum (99.2 %) and minimum concentrations (7.4 %), respectively. Limitations: There is a problem in which how to correlate in vivo and in vitro results to practical toxicology. Originality/Value: Using of new insecticides with new and widespread mode of action can be recommended against postharvest pest in the practical entomology.

Purpose: The leaves of Telfairia occidentalis is affected by the various methods of drying and storage employed after harvest. This research work is therefore designed to determining the best drying method for the preservation of Telfairia occidentalis using the mineral and proximate constituents as indices. Research method: The cleaned, fresh leaves were then divided into three portions. The first portion was sundried, the second portion was air-dried and the third portion was oven-dried. Each sample was analyzed for proximate composition and mineral content. Findings: The results of the various analysis generally showed that the oven-dried samples have the highest mineral content followed by sun-dried and then the air-dried. The ash content was most top (12.78%) in the oven-dried example, sample followed by air-dried, sun-dried, and then fresh samples while the moisture content was most top (82.62%) in the clean examplefollowed by sun-dried, air-dried and oven-dried with 11.40, 9.18%, and 6.33% moisture respectively. The carbohydrate content was most top (32.62%) in the sun-dried sample followed by air-dried, oven-dried and then fresh ones with 30.10, 29.58, and 4.44% respectively. The protein content was highest (32.69%) in the oven-dried samplefollowed by air-dried, clean, and then sun-dried examples with 30.16, 5.92, and 2.70%, respectively. The fat content was highest (7.50%) in the air-dried and oven-dried examples followed by sun-dried, and the fresh ones with 6.85 and 1.85%, respectively. The fiber content was most top (11.16%) in the oven-dried example followed by air-dried, sun-dried, and the fresh ones with 10.69, 9.16, and 2.94% respectively. Limitations: The proximate and mineral compositions of the leaves were investigated after drying and storage. Originality/Value: The results showed that the oven-dried samples in most cases, have the highest proximate and mineral composition. So, oven-drying is the most nutritionally viable method in the preservation and storage of Telfairia occidentalis.

To address the need for information on biochar effects on crop growth and nitrogen (N), a greenhouse study was conducted with carrot, lettuce, soybean, and sweet corn using sandy loam (Coxville series) and loamy sand (Norfolk series) soils and a variety of biochars. Biochar was produced from pine chips (PC), poultry litter (PL), swine solids (SS), switchgrass (SG), and two blends of PC plus PL (50/50% [55] and 80/20% [82], wt/wt), with each feedstock pyrolyzed at 350, 500, or 700 ˚C. The results confirmed that biochar can increase crop growth; however, the responses varied with crop, soil, and feedstock and to a lesser extent with pyrolysis temperature. In general, lettuce had large increases in shoot and root dry weights vs. no‐biochar controls with many biochars, primarily the SS and 55 blend and to a lesser extent with 82 followed by PL, and then PC and SG, especially when grown in the Coxville soil. Biochar had more limited effects on carrot, sweet corn, and soybean weights. Some biochars decreased crop growth (e.g., PL at 700 ˚C) for soybean shoot and pod dry weights with the Norfolk soil. Shoot N concentrations decreased with SS, 55, and 82 for carrot, lettuce, and sweet corn with the Norfolk soil but tended to increase for soybean. Shoot N uptake increased or decreased depending on biochar feedstock and temperature, crop, and soil. These results confirm that biochar can increase crop growth and affect shoot N, which is essential for crop growth.

The aim of this study was to identify the effect of exposing broiler breeders eggs to magnetic field before hatching on hatchability and productive performance of progeny. In this research, 300 fertile eggs produced by breeders of Ross 308 were used. they were divided into four Treatments (Seventy-five eggs for each) The Eggs were treated as follows: T1 Control not exposed to magnetic field, T2 eggs exposed to magnetic field 1800 Gauss for 30 minutes, T3 eggs exposed to magnetic field 1800 Gauss for 60 minutes, T4 eggs exposed to magnetic field 1800 Gauss for 90 minutes. After hatching chicks reared under normal condition in semi opened house until 42 days of age. Statistical data analysis revealed that exposure of the eggs to the magnetic field for 30 minutes induces a substantial increase (p ≤ 0.05) in the percentage of hatchability, live body weight, total weight gain, dressing percentage, output index, W.B.C., R.B.C., P.C.V., hemoglobin and blood glucose, also, a decline in mortality of fetuses and variation in feed conversion between treatments.

Vespula germanica ( German wasp) is considered a dangerous pest that attacks bees and orchards, and its sting harmful to humans , found in much of the Northern Hemisphere, Khalaf was recorded in Iraq in 1958, it was limited to registration within the Iraqi insects fauna only, and no any biological or environmental studies in Iraq. Therefore, study aimed for understanding of some aspects of the insect. During three years, 2018-2019- and 2020, field survey in different fields in Duhok, Iraqi Kurdistan, collected 27 nests to investigate several colony characteristics. Our study showed the size of mature nests is correlated to number of individuals produced. observed that the German hornet builds its nests in different places as on trees and shrubs, on roofs of houses , buildings, animal pens, poultry fields, and near water sources. Queen begins to appear at beginning of May, workers at beginning of July, as for the males and virgins, they appeared in October. And all members cast die in winter except newly fertilized queens remain, who hibernate to next season. Showed the activity of workers increases with the progression of the hours of the day and that their highest activity is during the hour (9-11) in the morning, at rate 100 wasps/hour. seasonal activity starts from May to November, and highest activity recording during July, August, and September. The highest average of sealed brood area 3.11inch during July , highest average number of hexagonal eyes 91 eyes/nest in October.

A field experiment was carried out during the winter agricultural season 2019-2020 at two location (Al-Hamdaniya, Talkef) to study the effect of nitrogen fertilizer, its application dates, and polymer gel on the growth traits of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L), cultivar Talafar (3), and the RCBD was used. According to the split plots system and with three replications, the experiment included two factors, the first factor, levels of nitrogen fertilizer and its addition times, which are five levels :{ (zero as control treatment), (40 kg N /h: 1/2 when planting +1/2 beginning of Tillars), (40 kg N /h: 1/3 when planting +2/3 beginning of Tillars), (80 kgN /h: 1/2 when planting +1/2 beginning of Tillars) , (80 kg N /h : 1/3 when planting +2/3 beginning of Tillars)} and the second factor polymer gel in four levels (0, 80, 160 and 240 kg /h) occupied coefficients The nitrogen fertilizer and the application of the main plots in the main plots experiment. The polymer gel levels occupied the sub plots. The results indicate that the levels of nitrogen fertilizer and the dates of its addition achieved a significant increase in most of the growth traits and for both locations, and the levels of polymer gel led to a significant increase in most of the growth traits, two study location, and The significant interaction response got all the growth traits except for the number of days until the beginning of flowering for the AL-Hamdaniya location and C.G.R for the Talkef location.

The pandemic placed extraordinary demands on agricultural producers and created unexpected challenges for southern Missouri farmers, and pushed the University of Missouri Extension (MUE) to implement new and innovative approaches to help farmers persevere through the crisis. In surveys and reports, farmers have indicated several changes caused by the pandemic that impact their businesses, such as increase in local food demand, reduction in on-farm labor, and limitations on hosting on-farm visits with customers. The MUE StrikeForce project team, a U.S. Department of Agriculture strategic initiative, continued to serve farmers by developing alternative educational opportunities that incorporated social distancing and other preventative actions, and were of immediate use to farmers in a crisis. Several of the educational approaches, including video conferencing, online teaching, digital recordings, video repositories, social media communications, pick up and drop off locations, and the use of multiple online viewing platforms such as Zoom recordings have proven to be effective in helping farmers sustain their businesses and have substantially increased access to programming across the state. The convenience of accessing education and learning opportunities online also appealed to more participants. Overall, online educational delivery was positively received by producers, demonstrating the efficacy of digital learning when paired with offline resources and support from the StrikeForce project team. After the pandemic ends, MUE will continue to implement these approaches. Nevertheless, the traditional Extension approach of one-on-one consulting and farm visits cannot be completely replaced by online educational programming. The pandemic has highlighted inequities faced by many rural Missouri farmers that lack dependable internet or cell phone network access, and had no access to StrikeForce programming when face-to-face visits were paused.

The mitochondrial cyt b gene plays a serious role in investigating untruthful meat species. This study aimed to authenticate the species of poultry products (Escallop, Nugget, Steak, and Sausage) depending on cyt b gene by using universal cyt b primer. DNA was isolated, and then a band of 359 bp of a mitochondrial cytochrome b gene was produced during the PCR amplification. The PCR products were exposed to Hinf1 and Rsa I restriction enzymes. The restricted fragments produced by the restriction fragment length polymorphism technique (RFLP), were run by agarose gel electrophoresis. Results showed that all products had a similar band except sausage product does not follow the rule and showed mislabeling product by the REs, Two bands were yielded by HinfI RE for all products (114 and 245) bp with the differentiated sausage among other products based on the fake product (63 and 296) bp, while digestion by Rsa I produced three bands for escallop, nugget, and steak, (63, 100, 196), but only two bands for sausage was generated (148 and 211). As result, the study offered that analyzing meat products to detect the origin species via a PCR-RFLP technique by using these restriction enzymes can give reliable results. In short susage is considered as a frau product because the results showed different bands as compaired with poultry meat.

The Cass Clay Food Partners is a network of professionals, stakeholders, and residents serving Cass County, North Dakota, and Clay County, Minnesota, in creating a healthier, more just local food system. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Cass Clay Food Partners quickly implemented a multipronged response that leveraged three critical assets of our network: (1) our unique structure, (2) our nuanced understanding of the social ties across overlapping networks, and (3) our ability to quickly pivot our work to address community needs. In this paper, we describe how our network re­sponded to both the challenges and opportunities presented to our food system by the COVID-19 crisis. We also provide tools and recommendations for other food policy and food network practitioners.

Over the last few decades, waterlogging stress has increasingly threatened global cotton production. Waterlogging results in reduced soil oxygen, impairing the growth and development of this valuable crop and often resulting in severe yield loss or crop failure. However, as cotton has an indeterminate growth habit, it is able to adapt to waterlogging stress by activating three mechanisms: the escape, quiescence, and self-regulating compensation mechanisms. The escape mechanism includes accelerated growth, formation of adventitious roots, and production of aerenchyma. The quiescence mechanism involves reduced biomass accumulation and energy dissipation via physiological, biochemical, and molecular events. The self-regulation compensation mechanism allows plants to exploit their indeterminate growth habit and compensatory growth ability by accelerating growth and development following relief from waterlogging stress. We review how the growth and development of cotton is impaired by waterlogging, focusing on the three strategies associated with tolerance and adaptation to the stress. We discuss agronomic measures and prospects for mitigating the adverse effects of waterlogging stress.

New indica and japonica hybrid rice cultivars, such as the Yongyou series, provide farmers with very high yield potential. However, information on their canopy light capture and solar radiation use efficiency in the late season is limited. Field experiments were performed to compare the radiation-use parameters of four rice types: indica rice (IR), inbred japonica rice (IJR), hybrid japonica rice (HJR), and hybrid indica/japonica rice (HIJR), from 2016 to 2018 during the late season in Hangzhou, China. The grain yield, aboveground biomass, intercepted solar radiation (SI), and radiation-use efficiency (RUE) of the HIJR were on average respectively 13.4%–53.4%, 14.3%–30.6%, 7.6%–21.4%, and 8.2%–14.9% higher than those of the HJR, IJR, and IR. The leaf area index (LAI) of the HIJR was 18.2%–57.0% greater than that of the IJR and HJR at four growth stages, resulting in respectively 17.8%–38.5% and 10.7%–42.8% greater canopy light interception rates (LIR) and amount of intercepted solar radiation during the vegetative stage. The prolonged grain-filling stage also led to respectively 33.9%–52.6% and 30.5%–51.4% increases in amounts of incident and intercepted radiation for the HIJR relative to the IR during grain filling. These results indicate that the SI superiority of the HIJR was caused by canopy closure as rapid as that of the IR during the vegetative stage (greater LAI and canopy LIR during the growing season) and a grain-filling stage as long as that of the HJR. For grain-filling stage, differences in leaf Pn between HIJR, IR, and IJR were not significant, suggesting that the greater RUE of the HIJR (12.7%–52.8% higher) than that of the other rice types resulted from improved canopy architecture after flowering (FL). Principal components analysis (PCA) revealed that the superiority of the HIJR in terms of solar radiation use resulted from the greater canopy light capture capability of IR and the prolonged growth period (especially during grain filling) of japonica rice in the late growing season.

Fusarium ear rot (FER) is a destructive maize fungal disease worldwide. In this study, three tropical maize populations consisting of 874 inbred lines were used to perform genome-wide association study (GWAS) and genomic prediction (GP) analyses of FER resistance. Broad phenotypic variation and high heritability for FER were observed, although it was highly influenced by large genotype-by-environment interactions. In the 874 inbred lines, GWAS with general linear model (GLM) identified 3034 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) significantly associated with FER resistance at the P-value threshold of 1 × 10−5, the average phenotypic variation explained (PVE) by these associations was 3% with a range from 2.33% to 6.92%, and 49 of these associations had PVE values greater than 5%. The GWAS analysis with mixed linear model (MLM) identified 19 significantly associated SNPs at the P-value threshold of 1 × 10−4, the average PVE of these associations was 1.60% with a range from 1.39% to 2.04%. Within each of the three populations, the number of significantly associated SNPs identified by GLM and MLM ranged from 25 to 41, and from 5 to 22, respectively. Overlapping SNP associations across populations were rare. A few stable genomic regions conferring FER resistance were identified, which located in bins 3.04/05, 7.02/04, 9.00/01, 9.04, 9.06/07, and 10.03/04. The genomic regions in bins 9.00/01 and 9.04 are new. GP produced moderate accuracies with genome-wide markers, and relatively high accuracies with SNP associations detected from GWAS. Moderate prediction accuracies were observed when the training and validation sets were closely related. These results implied that FER resistance in maize is controlled by minor QTL with small effects, and highly influenced by the genetic background of the populations studied. Genomic selection (GS) by incorporating SNP associations detected from GWAS is a promising tool for improving FER resistance in maize.

Carbon isotope composition (δ13C) of a plant organ is an inherent signature reflecting its physiological property, and thus is used as an integrative index in crop breeding. It is also a non-intrusive method for quantifying the relative contribution of different source organs to grain filling in cereals. Using the samples collected from two-year field and pot experiments with two nitrogen (N) fertilization treatments, we investigated the temporal and spatial variations of δ13C in source organs of leaf, sheath, internode, and bracts, and in sink organ grain. Constitutive nature of δ13C was uncovered, with an order of leaf (−27.84‰) < grain (−27.82‰) < sheath (−27.24‰) < bracts (−26.81‰) < internode (−25.67‰). For different positions of individual organs within the plant, δ13C of the leaf and sheath presented a diminishing trend from the top (flag leaf and its sheath) to the bottom (the last leaf in reverse order and its sheath). No obvious pattern was found for the internode. For temporal variations, δ13C of the leaf and sheath had a peak (the most negative) at 10 days after anthesis (DAA), whereas that of the bracts showed a marked increase at the time point of anthesis, implying a transformation from sink to source organ. By comparing the δ13C in its natural abundance in the water-soluble fractions of the sheath, internode, and bracts with the δ13C in mature grains, the relative contribution of these organs to grain filling was assessed. With reference to the leaf, the internode accounted for as high as 32.64% and 42.56% at 10 DAA and 20 DAA, respectively. Meanwhile, bracts presented a larger contribution than the internode, with superior bracts being higher than inferior bracts. In addition, N topdressing reduced the contribution of the internode and bracts. Our findings clearly proved the actual significance of non-foliar organs of the internode and bracts for rice yield formation, thus extending our basic knowledge of source and sink relations.

Magnesium (Mg) affects various critical physiological and biochemical processes in higher plants, and its deficiency impedes plant growth and development. Although potassium (K)-induced Mg deficiency in agricultural production is widespread, the specific relationship of K with Mg and especially its competitive nature is poorly understood. This review summarizes current knowledge on the interactions between K and Mg with respect to their root uptake, root-to-shoot translocation and distribution in plants. Their synergistic effects on certain physiological functions are also described. The antagonistic effect of K on Mg is stronger than that of Mg on K in root absorption and transport within plants, indicating that the balanced use of K and Mg fertilizers is necessary for sustaining high plant-available Mg and alleviating K-induced Mg deficiency, especially in plant species with high K demand or in high-available-K soil. The relationship between Mg and K in plant tissues may be antagonistic or synergistic depending on plant species, cell type, leaf age, source- and sink organs. There are synergistic effects of K and Mg on photosynthesis, carbohydrate transport and allocation, nitrogen metabolism, and turgor regulation. Definition of optimal K/Mg ratios for soils and plant tissues is desirable for maintaining proper nutritional status in plants, leading to a physiological state supporting crop production. Future research should concentrate on identifying the physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying the interactions between K and Mg in a given physiological function.

Endosperm as the storage organ of starch and protein in cereal crops largely determines grain yield and quality. Despite the fact that several pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) proteins required for endosperm development have been identified in rice, the molecular mechanisms of many P-type PPR proteins in endosperm development remains unclear. Here, we isolated a rice floury endosperm mutant ppr5 that developed small starch grains and an abnormal aleurone layer, accompanied by decreased starch, protein, and amylose contents. Map-based cloning combined with a complementation test demonstrated that PPR5 encodes a P-type PPR protein that is localized to the mitochondria. The mutation in PPR5 caused reduced splicing efficiency of mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase 4 (nad4) gene intron 3 and reduced complex I assembly and activity. Loss of PPR5 function greatly up-regulated expression of alternative oxidases (AOXs), reduced ATP production, and affected mitochondrial morphology. We demonstrate that PPR5, as a P-type PPR protein, is required for mitochondrial function and endosperm development by controlling the cis-splicing of mitochondrial nad4 intron 3.

Agricultural waste is a major environmental challenge, especially in developing countries. Lignocellulose biomass is a low-cost bioresource with great potential for bioethanol and bioproducts production. However, the high costs of the enzymic treatment restrict agricultural mass utilization. MixAlco process applied methane-inhibited route to convert environmental waste into carboxylate salts under non-sterile anaerobic fermentation conditions. In this study, the lime-treated agricultural residue of white sorghum biomass (80%) supplemented by chicken manure (20%) was fermented under anaerobic conditions in a stirred-tank bioreactor. The fermentation process resulted in an acid concentration of 21.03 g/L at a conversion rate of 54.4 % for the initial volatile solids. The fermentation products constituted mainly of acetic acid, followed by propanoic acid and ethanol. The current research indicates that the MixAlco biotechnology that uses mixed agricultural wastes as a fermentation material provides an economical substitute to chemicals and physical processing methods.

Lipo-polysaccharides are important substances that consist of LipidA, Core and O-antigen, and are formed in several metabolic pathways that include nine enzymes encoded by special genes called Custer genes. These carbohydrates are characterized by many physical properties, including viscosity. It's viscosity of polysaccharides viscosity ranges from 0.0020 to 0.0033 seconds/cm2,Optical rotation,right-side dextrorotatory and levorotatory.Lipo-polysaccharides have a prominent role in many fields. In the agricultural, they contribute to the formation of root nodules on leguminous plants of great importance in nitrogen fixation processes.In addition to it's role in the processes of creation and differentiation of callus leguminous plants, such as clover, alfalfa, and non-leguminous plants, such as tobacco.As for the medical and pharmaceutical fields, it haveclear importance in the immune response processes through its presence as one of the important antigens present on the surface of bacterial cells.In addition to its role in the adhesion process leading to the formation of bacterial colonies and as barriers that prevent the penetration of anti-bacterial agents into the bacterial cell.

Soybean cyst nematode (SCN, Heterodera glycines Ichinohe) is one of the most economically destructive pathogens. The soybean line Zhongpin03-5373 (ZP), which combines resistance genes from several donors, is highly resistant to SCN race 3 (SCN3). In our previous study, two QTL (rhg1 and GmSNAP11) were identified in a population of recombinant inbred lines derived from a cross between ZP and the susceptible parent Zhonghuang 13. The two QTL explained around one-third of the resistance, suggesting the presence of further QTL contributing to SCN resistance. In the present study, we used an improved version of the genetic map comprising the previously applied 1062 molecular markers and 47 newly developed InDel (insertion-deletion) markers. The improved map revealed a novel locus contributing to SCN3 resistance: qSCN3-1, flanked by InDel marker InDel1-7 and SNP marker Map-0047, explained 4.55% of the phenotypic variance for resistance to SCN3 and was not involved in digenic epistatic interaction with rhg1 and GmSNAP11. Haplotypes of Map-0047_CAPS (a CAPS marker developed for Map-0047) and InDel1-7 were significantly associated with SCN3 resistance in a panel of 209 resistant and susceptible accessions. Using further allele-combination analysis for three functional markers representing three cloned resistance genes (rhg1, Rhg4, and GmSNAP11) and two markers flanking qSCN3-1, we found that adding the resistance allele of qSCN3-1 greatly increased soybean resistance to SCN, even in diverse genetic backgrounds. The qSCN3-1 locus will be useful for marker-assisted polygene pyramid breeding and should be targeted for the future identification of candidate genes.

Reserve starch of cereal crop accounts for about 70% of grain endosperm and acts as an important human carbohydrate resource worldwide. Wheat reserve starch is synthesized by enzymatic machinery in endosperm cells. To identify genes involved in starch biosynthesis, we constructed 30 RNA-Seq libraries of 10 endosperm-development periods and performed expression and localization analyses. Of 166 endosperm-expressed homologs of starch biosynthesis-related genes, 74 showed expression correlated with reserve starch accumulation, including 26 with expected subcellular distribution and higher expression than their isoforms. The key proteins SUS3, UGP1, cAGPase, and Bt1-3 formed the main metabolic pathway and contributed the major substrates for starch processing in amyloplasts. Important isoforms, key pathway proteins, and the main carbon flux toward starch formation in the reserve starch biosynthesis pathway were identified. Based on a co-expression analysis, a library of 425 transcription factors was produced to screen for common regulators. TaMYB44 had features of transcription factors and bound to TaSUT1, TaSSIIIa, TaBEIIa, TaISA1, and TaBEIIb promoters in yeast, suggesting that the gene is a pathway regulator. This study sheds light on understanding the mechanism of reserve starch biosynthesis and will be helpful for increasing starch content in wheat endosperm via biotechnological strategies.

As the main byproduct of cotton fiber, the cotton seed yields about 1.6 times that of fiber, with its oil rich in unsaturated fatty acids, mainly linoleic acid. It is desirable for breeders to increase the oil content of cottonseed without affecting the yield and quality of cotton fiber. In this study, a seed-specific promoter- (alpha-globulin gene promoter-) driven GhDGAT1 overexpression vector (PαGlob-GhDGAT1) was constructed and used to transform an upland cotton line YZ1 (Gossypium hirsutum). Overexpression of the cotton gene GhDGAT1 in cotton seeds increased its total oil content from 4.7% to 13.9% in different transgenic lines and different generations. With the increase of oil content, the composition and contents of the main fatty acids in cotton seed also changed, as reflected by the contents of the main saturated fatty acids and unsaturated oleic acid. GhDGAT1 could be used to increase oil content and improve oil composition in cottonseed.

Mepiquat chloride (MC) priming alleviates the effects of salt stress during seed germination in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), but the mechanisms underlying its effects are unknown. We found that MC priming increases salt tolerance, as evidenced by marked increases in seed vigor and germination rates, and alleviated salt toxicity by reducing Cl− accumulation in germinating seeds. Consistently, electrophysiological experiments revealed that the seeds with MC priming displayed superior Cl− exclusion ability in the root apex. These beneficial effects of MC priming were abolished by the abscisic acid (ABA)-synthesis blocker fluridone under salt stress. MC priming induced an early response to acclimatization and stress, as indicated by rapidly increasing ABA content during initial exposure to salt stress. Transcriptome analyses revealed that MC priming induced an array of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in germinating seeds. The most noticeable changes in germinating seeds were MC priming-induced increases in the expression of DEGs encoding components of ABA biosynthesis, ABA catabolism, and ABA signaling pathways under salt stress. MC priming also increased the expression of some DEGs encoding Cl− ion transporters (e.g. CCC, SLAC1/SLAH1/SLAH3, CLC, and ALMT9) in germinating seeds. These results indicate that MC priming-induced ABA contributes to Cl− homeostasis in tissues and acts as a positive regulator of salt tolerance via regulation of Cl− transporters (particularly CCC and SLAC1/SLAH1/SLAH3). Taken together, these findings shed light on the molecular mechanism underlying MC-mediated tolerance to salt stress during seed germination.

Gray leaf spot (GLS) caused by Cercospora zeae-maydis and C. zeina is an extremely devastating leaf disease that limits maize production annually. The use of GLS-resistant maize hybrids is the most cost-effective approach for reducing losses. Resistance to GLS is quantitatively inherited in maize (Zea mays L.) and further sources of resistance remain to be analyzed. Here, we detected qRgls1.06, a major quantitative trait locus for GLS resistance in bin 1.06 that explained approximately 55% of the phenotype variance. Fine mapping over 2 consecutive years localized qRgls1.06 to a 2.38-Mb region. Homozygous qRgls1.06WGR/WGR plants in DZ01 background displayed higher GLS resistance and 100-grain weight than DZ01 plants. The GLS responses of several susceptible elite inbred lines were improved by the introduction of qRgls1.06 by marker-assisted backcrossing. Our findings extend the understanding of the genetic basis of resistance to GLS and provide a set of resistant germplasm for genetic improvement of resistance to GLS in maize.

Rind color in melon is one of the major fruit attributes at harvest and postharvest during the storage period. Since commercially available chromameter results are expressed as the average values of few chosen points, these results may be inaccurate when representing the whole surface color of a large fruit such as melon. This research aimed to develop a portable and low-cost chromameter system to measure the color parameters of melon rind in CIELAB color space at harvest and calculate color changes after cold storage period using image analysis method. For this purpose, an imaging box with appropriate hardware was designed. A mobile phone was used to acquire the images. The utilized camera was standardized with a standard color chart. The obtained images were processed using ImageJ processing software. To evaluate the proposed system, the rind color parameters of 36 different melon genotypes were recorded using both the developed system and a standard chromameter device. A multivariate linear regression (MLR) correlation for each color component was extracted. The coefficients of determination (R2) for the regression models were 93.1%, 99.5%, and 99.9% for L, a, and b, respectively. After adjusting the image results according to the obtained models, Mann–Whitney test showed no significant differences in any of the color parameters (L, a, or b) between the developed system and the values recorded by the chromameter. The developed chromameter system has also shown a convenient ability to measure rind color changes even without data adjustment. Therefore, this system can be considered a valid alternative color measurement device, especially in postharvest research.

Background Drought is one of the most important environmental stresses that can adversely influence soil properties, plant growth, and productivity of agricultural crops including eggplant as an important vegetable crop. In recent years, the use of agricultural wastes has been reported as a beneficial and sustainable measure in soil water retention and fertility enhancement. In this study, the effect of date palm and pistachio biochar, vermicompost and a combination of biochar and vermicompost was evaluated on eggplant growth, yield and water use efficiency under deficit irrigation. Materials and methods The experiment was done in a split-split plot based on randomized complete block design with three replications and under open field conditions. The main plot was deficit irrigation in three levels of 100, 75 and 50% of plant water requirement (PWR), and the sub-plots were vermicompost in two levels of 0, 1500 g m−2, and biochar in three levels of 0, 500 g m−2 of the pistachio biochar and 500 g m−2 of the date palm biochar. Results The results showed that soil amendment with vermicompost and pistachio biochar and 100% PWR showed the best plant growth and performance. The early crop yield was highest under pistachio biochar and 50% PWR, while the total plant yield was highest under combined application of vermicompost and pistachio biochar at 100% PWR. The plant water use efficiency was maximum under mixed application of vermicompost and pistachio biochar at 50% PWR. Application of both pistachio biochar and vermicompost at 100% PWR resulted in the highest leaf concentrations of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, iron and manganese. The highest levels of physiologically important stress metabolites, including malondialdehyde, guaiacol peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase enzymes were found in treatments without amendments or only with vermicompost and 50% PWR. Conclusion The results indicate that under normal and particularly water deficit conditions, vermicompost and biochar increased eggplant vegetative growth, yield and water use efficiency.

Flowering time is an indicator of adaptation in maize and a key trait for selection in breeding. The genetic basis of flowering time in maize, especially in response to plant density, remains unclear. The objective of this study was to identify maize quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with flowering time-related traits that are stably expressed under several plant densities and show additive effects that vary with plant density. Three hundred recombinant inbred lines (RIL) derived from a cross between Ye 478 and Qi 319, together with their parents, were planted at three plant densities (90,000, 120,000, and 150,000 plants ha−1) in four environments. The five traits investigated were days to tasseling (DTT), days to silking (DTS), days to pollen shed (DTP), interval between anthesis and silking (ASI), and interval between tasseling and anthesis (TAI). A high-resolution bin map was used for QTL mapping. In the RIL population, the DTT, DTS, and DTP values increased with plant density, whereas the ASI and TAI values showed negligible response to plant density. A total of 72 QTL were identified for flowering time-related traits, including 15 stably expressed across environments. Maize flowering time under different densities seems to be regulated by complex pathways rather than by several major genes or an independent pathway. The effects of some stable QTL, especially qDTT8-1 and qDTT10-4, varied with plant density. Fine mapping and cloning of these QTL will shed light on the mechanism of flowering time and assist in breeding early-maturing maize inbred lines and hybrids.

Dominant early heading (DEH) in rice (Oryza sativa L.) is of interest in both breeding and genetics. The genetic mechanisms underlying DEH have remained largely unclear. We have developed a near-isogenic DEH line without yield drag named DEH_229 by sister-line backcross (BC) breeding with MH63, a restorer, as the genetic background. We conducted a pilot genetic investigation under both short-day (SD) and long-day (LD) conditions. The DEH line harbored only 1.06% variation in the genome sequence relative to MH63. The variants were distributed throughout the genome. Using QTL mapping by sequencing (QTL-seq) on an F2 population derived from a cross of MH63 × DEH_229, 57 loci were detected under the SD condition. Joint mapping employing a genome-wide association study with accessions from the 3000 rice genome sequencing project (3K-RG), reduced the number of QTL by 43.9%. Using Rice Functional Genomics & Breeding (RFGB) database, the number of SNP cluster regions within the QTL regions reduced by 27.3%. Further comparison of the genome variation between DEH_229 and MH63 in addition to gene annotation information revealed a new DEH allele of DTH3 with multiple variable sites as a possible major factor underlying the early-heading phenotype of DEH_229. An InDel marker, ZMEH_1, was designed based on the variation between DEH_229 and MH63 within this region. It accounted for 86.0% of heading date variation under both SD and LD conditions in 109 randomly chosen progeny derived from extreme lines of the MH63 × DEH_229 population. This study reveals the genetic complexity of DEH in the near-isogenic line and may provide useful material and marker information for plant molecular breeding.

An experiment was in the green net canopy Department of Horticulture and Landscape College of Agriculture and Forestry / University of Mosul from May 2019 to October 2019, to investigate the effect of Trichoderma harzianum T-22 application and three growing media (soil, 1:3 soil: peatmoss, 1:1 soil: peatmoss) and three pruning training method (1, 4, 6 branches) and their interaction on the vegetative and flowering growth of Lantana camara. Results showed that T. harzianum application, the growing medium, pruning training method and their interaction had significant effects on the vegetative and flowering growth of plant. The highest average of plant height, stem diameter, leaves number, chlorophyll content and flowering date gives in T. harzianum which increases plant height which was 52.31 cm, stem diameter 8.06 cm, leaves number 164.65, chlorophyll content 25.98 SPAD and flowering date 85.84 day. Results have shown that pruning training Lantana plants on six branchesgave the highest average for plant height 52.29 cm, chlorophyll content 38.69 SPAD and flowering date 79.25 day. Growing medium 1:1 soil:peat moss gives the highest average for plant height 51.97 cm, stem diameter 8.28 cm, chlorophyll content 26.29 SPAD and flowering date 93.33 day.

Weeds and weedy rice plague commercial rice fields in many countries. Developing herbicide-tolerance rice is the most efficient strategy to control weed proliferation. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing, which generates small InDels and nucleotide substitutions at and around target sites using error-prone non-homologous end joining DNA repairing, has been widely adopted for generation of novel crop germplasm with a wide range of genetic variation in important agronomic traits. We created a novel herbicide-tolerance allele in rice by targeting the acetolactate synthase (OsALS) gene using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing. The novel allele (G628W) arose from a G-to-T transversion at position 1882 of OsALS and conferred a high level of herbicide tolerance. Transgene-free progeny carrying homozygous G628W allele were identified and showed agronomic performance similar to that of wild-type plants, suggesting that the G628W allele is a valuable resource for developing elite rice varieties with strong herbicide tolerance. To promote use of the G628W allele and to accelerate introgression and/or pyramiding of the G628W allele with other elite alleles, we developed a DNA marker for the G628W allele that accurately and robustly distinguished homozygous from heterozygous segregants. Our result further demonstrates the feasibility of CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing in creating novel genetic variation for crop breeding.

Fiber length is one of the most important quality parameters of cotton fibers. Transcriptomic analyses of developing cotton fibers have identified genes preferentially expressing in fiber elongation stage, but few have been functionally characterized. Here, on the basis of confirmation of the preferential expression profile of GhAlaRP (Gh_A09G1166 and Gh_D09G1172), an alanine rich protein gene, in the rapid elongating fibers, we investigated the role of GhAlaRP in fiber development by generating transgenic cottons with an increased or decreased expression level of GhAlaRP. Our results showed that the fiber length was consistently significantly shorter in both the GhAlaRP-RNAi lines and the alarp mutant generated by genome editing than in the control YZ-1. GhAlaRP was localized on plasma membrane, nucleus and endoplasmic reticulum. The yeast two-hybrid assay and bimolecular fluorescence complementation assay showed that GhAlaRP co-expresses and interacts with GhAnnexin (Gh_D11G2184) and GhEXPA (Gh_A10G2323) that are involved in fiber elongation. Down-regulation of GhAlaRP co-suppressed the expression levels of GhAnnexin and GhEXPA. These results suggest a role of GhAlaRP in regulation of cotton fiber elongation, which could be achieved by regulating the functions of GhAnnexin and GhEXPA.

The study was conducted to investigate the influence of natural antioxidants extracted from tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) peel extract (TPE) and sumac (Rhus coriaria) extract (SE) on the quality of lamb meat stored for (6) months at freeze-storage (– 18 °C). Treated samples (TS) with these extracts showed a significant values (p

Background Spodoptera litura (Fab.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a serious agricultural pest that infests many commercially important crops of Southeast Asian countries. Indiscriminate use of chemical pesticides has led to various health hazards as well as insecticide resistance. Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) provide an important alternative as biological control agents. Metarhizium rileyi is an EPF with a specific host range for lepidopteran pests. The present study aimed to identify virulent M. rileyi isolate against S. litura larvae and analyse their extracellular cuticle-degrading enzyme activities. Results Three M. rileyi isolates viz M. rileyi NIPHM, M. rileyi MTCC 4254 and M. rileyi MTCC 10395 formulations were evaluated at different concentrations against 2nd instar larvae of S. litura. A maximum percent mortality of 63.33% was recorded in M. rileyi NIPHM (12 g/l), followed by M. rileyi MTCC 4254 (58.33%) at the same concentration, 10 days post-treatment. Maximum means of chitinase, protease and lipase activities (0.44, 1.58 and 2.95 U/ml, respectively) were recorded in the case of M. rileyi NIPHM. Correlation analysis was positive between enzyme activity and larval mortality. Conclusions Metarhizium rileyi NIPHM recorded the highest enzymatic activity and exhibited the maximum mortality rate against 2nd instar larvae of S. litura, suggesting the possible role of these enzymes in the pathogenicity of the fungus. Further knowledge in this regard may help in the development of enzyme-based screening methods for selecting virulent fungal isolates for the eco-friendly management of crop pests.

Heterosis is a well-known phenomenon widely applied in agriculture. Recent studies have suggested that differential gene and protein expression between hybrids and their parents play important roles in heterosis. Alternative splicing (AS) is an essential posttranscriptional mechanism that can greatly affect the transcriptome and proteome diversity in plants. However, genome-wide AS divergence in hybrids compared to their parents and its potential contribution to heterosis have not been comprehensively investigated. We report the direct profiling of the AS landscape using RNA sequencing data from immature ears of the maize hybrid ZD808 and its parents NG5 and CL11. Our results revealed a large number of significant differential AS (DAS) events in ZD808 relative to its parents, which can be further classified into parental-dominant and novel DAS patterns. Parental-dominant, especially NG5-dominant, events were prevalent in the hybrid, accounting for 42% of all analyzed DAS events. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that the NG5-dominant AS events were involved mainly in regulating the expression of genes associated with carbon/nitrogen metabolism and cell division processes and contributed greatly to maize ear heterosis. Among ZD808, CL11, and NG5, 32.5% of DAS contained or lacked binding sites of at least one annotated maize microRNA (miRNA) and may be involved in miRNA-mediated posttranscriptional regulation. Cis regulation was the predominant contributor to AS variation and participates in many important biological processes associated with immature ear development. This study provides a comprehensive view of genome-wide alternative splicing variation in a maize hybrid.

Early seedling vigor (ESV) is a major breeding target in rice, especially under direct seeding. To identify quantitative trait locus (QTL) affecting ESV, a recombinant inbred line population derived from a cross between 02428 and YZX, two cultivars differing in vigor during early seedling growth, was used for QTL analysis. Nine traits associated with ESV were examined using a high-density map. Of 16 additive loci identified, three were detected in two generations and thus considered stable. Four epistatic interactions were detected, one of which was repeated in two generations. Further analysis of the pyramiding effect of the three stable QTL showed that the phenotypic value could be effectively improved with an increasing number of QTL. These results were combined with results from our previous QTL analysis of the germination index. The lines G58 and G182 combined all the favourable alleles of all three stable QTL for ESV and three QTL for germination speed. These two lines showed rapid germination and strong ESV. A total of 37 candidate differentially expressed genes were obtained from the regions of the three stable QTL by analysis of the dynamic transcriptomic expression profile during the seedling growth period of the two parents. The QTL are targets for ESV breeding and the candidate genes await functional validation. This study provides a theoretical basis and a genetic resource for the breeding of direct-seeded rice.

Seed dormancy of cultivated rice was largely weakened during the progress of domestication. Correct timing and uniformity of seed germination are important for rapid seedling establishment and high-yield production. In the present study, we found that the heading-date gene Ghd7 acted as a negative regulator of germination. A mutant of ghd7 showed low sensitivity to exogenous ABA treatment during seed germination. Further investigation revealed reduced accumulation of ABA in mature ghd7 seeds as a consequence of dampened expression of OsNCED genes. Moreover, elevated GA3 level was detected in seeds of ghd7 mutant during imbibition course, which was attributed to the induction of genes responsible for the synthesis pathways of bioactive GAs. Thus, Ghd7 inhibits seed germination by increasing the ABA/GA3 ratio. Besides revealing pleiotropic effects of Ghd7, our results indicate its role in linking seed germination to growth-phase transition in rice, which would enrich the theoretical basis for future breeding practices.