Australian Journal of Crop Science   AJCS

Rooting responses of black pepper (Piper nigrum cv. Bragantina) as affected by chemical, physical and microbiological properties of substrates and auxin

Robson Rangel Freire, Edilson Romais Schmildt, José Carlos Lopes, Kristhiano Chagas, Helder Ivo Pandolfi Marques, Joel Cardoso Filho, João Paulo Bestete de Oliveira, Wagner Campos Otoni, Rodrigo Sobreira Alexandre*

Municipal Secretary of the Environment Victoria. Vitória-ES, Brazil
Federal University of Espírito Santo, Department of Agricultural and Biological Sciences, Brazil
Federal University of Espírito Santo, Department of Plant Production, Brazil
Federal University of Viçosa, Department of Plant Biology, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
Federal Institute of Espírito Santo, Campus Ibatiba, Brazil
Federal University of Espírito Santo, Department of Forest and Wood Sciences, Brazil

Abstract
The quality of the root system in stem cuttings of Piper nigrum is highly associated with the induction of adventitious roots by means of auxins and type of substrates. The objective of this study was to evaluate the rooting of P. nigrum cv. Bragantina cuttings treated or not with indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) in different substrates. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design following a factorial 2 x 11 scheme (IBA – 0 and 4000 mg kg-1 in talc and 11 substrates), with four repetitions of 16 cuttings each. The auxin increased rooting and improved the quality of the root system. The substrates evaluated presented diverse physical, chemical and microbiological characteristics, interfering significantly in the rooting responses. Substrates (d) - soil + limestone + single superphosphate + potassium chloride + chicken manure and (i) - soil + coffee straw + limestone + single superphosphate are the ones recommended for rooting of pepper cv. Bragantina.

Pages 126-133 | Read More| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.17.11.02.p13
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Nutritional composition of immature pods in selected cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] genotypes in South Africa

Abe Shegro Gerrano*, Willem Sternberg Jansen van Rensburg, Patrick Olusanmi Adebola

Agricultural Research Council - Roodeplaat Vegetable and Ornamental Plants Institute, Private Bag X293, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice), C/o Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI) Suakoko, Bong County, PMB 3929, Monrovia, Liberia

Abstract
Information on genetic variability among genotypes is useful in crop improvement programmes. The study was carried out to determine the variability of nutritional composition in the immature pods of selected cowpea genotypes for use in breeding for nutritional qualities. A total of 11 mineral elements (K+, Ca2+, P3-, Mg2+, Na+, Fe2+, Mn2+, B3+, Al3+, Zn2+, Cu+) and total protein content were determined for the green immature pods of 22 cowpea genotypes collected from Nigeria and South Africa. The univariate analysis revealed significant differences among the genotypes for the traits evaluated. Genotype ITOOK-1060 has the highest value of Mg (4262.00 mg kg-1), Na (329.33 mg kg-1), B (14.31 mg kg-1), Al (78.61 mg kg-1), Zn (56.25 mg kg-1) and Cu (9.00 mg kg-1). TVU-14196 has the highest values for Fe (97.78 mg kg-1) and Mn (44.75 mg kg-1) while 98K-5301 has the highest values for K (24078.00 mg kg-1), Ca (8677.70 mg kg-1), P (5375.30 mg kg-1) and protein (28.54%). The multivariate analysis showed wide genetic variability among the genotypes which could be exploited in selecting suitable parents when breeding for nutritional qualities. High heritability estimates were also observed in most of the traits evaluated indicating potential genetic gain when breeding for these traits. The present study revealed the genetic potential of the genotypes studied and their importance for use in the breeding programme aimed towards combating nutritional deficiencies and food insecurity in South Africa.

Pages 134-141 | Read More| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.17.11.02.p72
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Breeding strategies to improve sorghum quality

Alina M. Mofokeng, Hussein Shimelis, Mark Laing

Agricultural Research Council, Grain Crops Institute, Private Bag X 1251, Potchefstroom, 2520, Republic of South Africa
African Centre for Crop Improvement, School of Agriculture, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Private Bag X 01, Scottsville, 3209

Abstract
Sorghum is an important grain crop grown for human consumption worldwide. The crop is classified into various races with the wild and cultivated sorghums included. The cultivated sorghums have a great phenotypic diversity which breeders can exploit for further improvement. The exploitation of the genetic diversity requires effective characterization of the genetic pool. The genotypes can be characterized using morphological, molecular markers, and analysis of nutritional quality traits. Characterization is performed with the purpose of sourcing new genes for crop improvement to combat hunger and malnutrition in arid and semi-arid regions of the world. Attempts were made to improve sorghum protein quality through mutation and genetic engineering but information on the use of classical breeding methods to improve sorghum protein quality and the combining ability of parental lines for improved protein quality is still limited. The effects of gene action on sorghum for yield and protein quality are essential for researchers and plant breeders for their breeding programmes aiming to develop hybrids and for further genetic improvement. Moreover, outcomes of nutritional quality studies are of paramount importance to scientists in various research disciplines. This article reviews the characterisation, combining ability and efforts for improving sorghum protein quality.

Pages 142-148 | Read More| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.17.11.02.p127
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Soil physical attributes and productivity of sugarcane under different cropping systems in the savannah goiano

Regina Maria Quintão Lana, Luis Augusto da Silva Domingues, José Luiz Rodrigues Torres*, Jose Geraldo Mageste, Emmerson Rodrigues de Moraes

Soils and Nutrition of Plants, Institute of Agricultural Sciences at the Federal University of Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
Phytotechny, Federal Institute of Mining Triangle – Uberlandia, MG, Brazil
Crop Production, Federal Institute of Mining Triangle – Uberaba, MG, Brazil
Forestry Science, Institute of Agricultural Sciences at the Federal University of Uberlandia, MG, Brazil
Graduate Program in Agronomy, Institute of Agricultural Sciences at the Federal University of Uberlandia, MG, Brazil

Abstract
The cultivation systems of sugarcane can cause changes to the soil’s physical properties and root development, which in turn, can affect the productivity of the crop. The main objective of this study was to evaluate different soil management systems and their influence on the physical attributes of soil, plant root system development and the productivity of plant cane in re-established area. The experimental design was randomized blocks in 6 x 3 factorial scheme with 4 repetitions. The soil treatments were: T1 = Desiccation + moldboard plowing + light harrow (DPH); T2 = Subsoiler + light harrow (SH); T3 = Desiccation + no-tillage (DNT); T4 = Desiccation + subsoiler (DS); T5 = stubble thrasher + subsoiler (StS) and T6 = stubble thrasher + mid harrow + moldboard plow + light harrow (StHPH), each evaluated at three depths (0.0-0.20; 0.20-0.40 and 0.40-0.60 m). The effects of these treatments were evaluated by analyzing physical properties of soil, root development of the plants and productivity of the crop. All evaluated tillage systems improved penetration resistance, but only to the depth of 0.20 m. The best rates of root development occurred with the T1 treatment. Root development was significantly lower with higher penetration resistance values in all evaluated systems. Sugarcane productivity was significantly higher in systems with greater soil disturbance.

Pages 149-155 | Read More| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.17.11.02.p182
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Bioactivity of aqueous extracts of Anadenanthera macrocarpa to Meloidogyne incognita in cotton crop

Wéverson Lima Fonseca, Fernandes Antonio de Almeida*, Maria Lúcia Tiburtino Leite, Ana Paola Pieta Rambo, Fabiano André Petter, Augusto Matias de Oliveira, Rezanio Martins Carvalho, Francisco de Alcântara Neto, Francisco Fernandes Pereira, Antonio Francisco Mendonça Júnior

Department of Agriculture, Federal University of Piauí, 64900-000, Bom Jesus, Piauí, Brazil
Unidade Academic Agricultural Sciences, Federal University of Campina Grande, 58840-000, Pombal, Paraíba, Brazil
Department of Plant Science, Federal University of Mato Grosso, 78557-267, Sinop, Mato Grosso, Brazil

Abstract
The black angico (Anadenanthera macrocarpa) contains some phenolic compounds, such as flavonoids and tannins, which are considered as secondary metabolites with antimicrobial properties and can be used in the nematodes management. The experimental design was completely randomized in a factorial (2 x 5) + 1 (leaf and bark x concentrations (20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 g L-1) + control water-only), with five replications. The cotton seedlings were inoculated with suspension of 4,400 juveniles and eggs of M. incognita. The extracts were applied on soil in a total of 100 mL per pot, in four installments of 25 mL each, in intervals of 15 days. After 60 days of the extracts application, agronomic parameters and parasitism characteristics were evaluated. Plant height and fresh mass of aerial part presented considerable gain with application of leaf extracts. All extracts, regardless of concentration, showed independent suppressive effect to M. incognita. The black angico extracts presented potential capacity to control gall nematodes by the presence of metabolite compounds that affect the plants protection. These results reinforce the need of further studies regarding the isolation of chemical compounds with nematicide action.

Pages 156-161 | Read More| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.17.11.02.p203
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Physiological quality of soybean seeds coming from cultivation with application of biostimulant

Amanda Ribeiro Peres*, Claudinei Kappes, José Roberto Portugal, Marco Eustáquio de Sá, Flávia Constantino Meirelles

São Paulo State University (UNESP), Department of Plant Health, Rural Engineering and Soil, Ilha Solteira, State of São Paulo, Brazil
Foundation of the Support to the Agricultural Research of Mato Grosso (MT FOUNDATION), Rondonópolis, State of Mato Grosso, Brazil
São Paulo State University (UNESP), Department of Plant Science, Food Technology and Social Economy, Ilha Solteira, State of São Paulo, Brazil

Abstract
Several studies have proved the efficiency of the application of biostimulant to increase soybean yield. However, little is known about the influence of these products on the seeds quality coming from cultivation with its application. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the physiological quality of soybean seeds cultivated with the periods and doses of biostimulant application. The study was performed in two phases. The first phase was carried out in field condition, at the Experimental Station of MT Foundation during the 2012/13 crop. The experimental design was a randomized block with four replications and nine treatments arranged in an incomplete factorial scheme 2x4+1, i.e. two periods of foliar application (V5 and R2) and four doses of biostimulant (250, 500, 750 and 1000 mL ha-1) and one control treatment (without application of product). The second phase of the study was performed in the Seed Analysis Laboratory. In the cold test, the treatments with application of biostimulant in V5 with 750 mL ha-1 and in the R2 with 250, 500 and 1,000 mL ha-1 presented higher percentage of normal seedlings than the control. The fresh biomass and accelerated aging also presented positive results. However, most of tests did not affect seed physiological quality. It was concluded that the foliar application of biostimulant with doses of 0, 250, 500, 750 and 1,000 mL ha-1 in V5 and R2 on soybean plants does not influence the quality of the seeds produced.

Pages 162-168 | Read More| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.17.11.02.p207
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Physical attributes and limiting water range as soil quality indicators after mechanical harvesting of sugarcane

Oswaldo Julio Vischi Filho, Zigomar Menezes de Souza, Gustavo Soares de Souza, Reginaldo Barbosa da Silva, José Luiz Rodrigues Torres*, Márcio Emanuel de Lima, Rose Luiza Moraes Tavares

The State University of Campinas, Department of Water and Soil, Avenida Cândido Rondon, 501, Cidade Universitária Zeferino Vaz, Barão Geraldo, CEP 13083 875 Campinas, SP, Brasil
INCAPER/CRDR-SC/FEBN, Rod, ES-483, km 2.5 – 29323-000 – Cachoeiro de Itapemirim, ES – Brazil
Paulista State University Júlio de Mesquita Filho, Department of Soils, Campus de Registro, Avenida Nelson Brihi Badur, no 430, Vila Tupy, CEP 11900‑000 Registro, SP, Brazil
Federal Institute of Triângulo Mineiro (IFTM) Campus Uberaba, Professor, Doctor of Plant Production, Rua João Batista Ribeiro, 4000, CEP 39064-790, Brazil
Department of Agriculture and Supply of the State of São Paulo, Coordinator of Agricultural Defense, Avenida Brasil, no 2.340, CEP 13070‑178 Campinas, SP, Brazil

Abstract
Monitoring soil physical quality in areas cultivated with sugarcane has become a key management practice of this crop. It is due to the in-field traffic of heavy machines, implements, high mass harvesters and transhipments in the area have caused changes in soil structure and promoted the fall of the crop yield.. This study evaluated physical attributes of soil and the least limiting water range to assess the effects caused by wheel traffic in areas with mechanized harvest of sugarcane. The design was completely randomized in a factorial 2 x 2 x 4, which were evaluated two areas of mechanical harvesting: 1 - Six years (T1); 2 - Eighteen years of cultivation (T2); Two sampling sites: 1 - Canteiro; 2 - Planting line; Four layers of soil sampled (0.00 to 0.10, 0.10-0.20, 0.20-0.30 and 0.30-0.40 m) with 4 repetitions. We evaluated bulk density (BD), mechanical resistance to penetration (RP), water content in the soil (WCS), macroporosity (Ma), microporosity (Mi), total porosity (TP), water retention curve, the least limiting water range (LLWR) and soil organic carbon (SOC). We observed that the area with mechanical harvest system after three crop cycles produced a high load-bearing capacity and high SOC. The same area also demonstrated high Ma and LLWR, and low BD and RP levels in the rows. The LLWR levels were high as well in the area with one cane cycle but decreased as the number of harvest cycles increased. In the areas with one and three cycles the critical bulk density (CBD) ranged between 1.40-1.50 Mg m-3 and 1.24-1.28 Mg m-3 respectively, while the LLWR was zero (LLWR = 0) with the limiting RP between 2.0 and 3.5 Mpa. The physical attributes are changed by heavy machinery traffic in the cane fields, but the effects of these changes are minimized when several crop cycles are conducted in the same area.

Pages 169-176 | Read More| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.17.11.02.p215
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Meteorological, light and grass characteristics under trees in a Silvopasture in the Brazilian cerrado

Rodrigo Martins Alves de Mendonca, Ângela Maria Quintão Lana, Regina Maria Quintão Lana, José Pires de Lemos Filho, Greg Toth, Tânia Dayana do Carmo*

Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Department of Animal Production, Veterinary School, PO Box 567, Av Antonio Carlos 6627 ZIP 30123-970 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Department of Agriculture, Av. Amazonas, s/n. Bloco 4C, Sala 102, Campus Umuarama, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Biological Science Institute, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, CP. 567, 30123-970, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
University of Florida, School of Forest Resources & Conservation, Gainesville, FL, USA

Abstract
Meteorological data and light information were collected during a one-year period between 2011 and 2012, under a silvopastoral system (SPS) and an open pasture (OP). The SPS was composed of adult native trees Pterodon emarginatus with a density of 156 trees per hectare and 30-year-old Urochloa brizantha (signal grass) pasture. There were seasonal variations in photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) in both systems: SPS and OP and in leaf area index (LAI) on the SPS. A resource incongruity was verified in the different seasons; whereas there was humidity and heat during summer, the amount of light transmitted under the trees was diminished by the increase in LAI and nebulosity (cloud cover). When there was more sunlight passing through the trees and there was less cloud cover, less humidity was observed and the temperature restricted the growth of tropical grass. Shade tolerance must not be the only criterion by which to choose pasture species to be integrated with trees in SPS. The grass dry matter (DM) yield was 65% less in the SPS than in the OP, with amounts of 97.4 and 149.8 g m-2, respectively. This reduction in yield was similar to the reduction in PAR under the trees, 69%.

Pages 177-183 | Read More| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.17.11.02.p224
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Effects of foliar nickel (Ni) application on mineral nutrition status, urease activity and physiological quality of soybean seeds

Jéssica Pigatto de Queiroz Barcelos, Christian Rones Wruck de Souza Osório, Aguinaldo José Freitas Leal, Charline Zaratin Alves, Elcio Ferreira Santos, Heitor Pontes Gestal Reis, André Rodrigues dos Reis*

UNESP–Universidade Estadual Paulista, Ilha Solteira, SP, Brasil
UFMS–Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Chapadão do Sul, MS, Brasil
UFTM–Universidade Federal do Triangulo Mineiro, Iturama, MG, Brasil
USP–Universidade de São Paulo, Piracicaba, SP, Brasil
UNESP–Universidade Estadual Paulista, Tupã, SP, Brasil

Abstract
Nickel (Ni) at low concentrations is an essential micronutrient for higher plants. Nickel is a cofactor of the enzyme urease and plays a critical role in the germination of seeds. This study aims to evaluate the effect of foliar Ni application on mineral nutrition status, urease activity and the physiological quality of soybean seeds. The study was conducted using different levels of Ni (0, 10, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 g ha-1) were applied in the presence or absence (0 or 75 g i.a. ha-1) of the fungicide pyraclostrobin. Leaf nitrogen concentrations showed a linear increase in response to Ni application irrespective of pyraclostrobin application. Foliar sulfur concentrations inversely proportional to Ni application in the absence of pyroclostrobin, but were proportional to Ni application when pyroclostrobin was also applied. Nickel application showed no effects on foliar concentrations of other macronutrients (P, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+). Nickel concentrations in the leaves and seeds were proportional to nickel applications levels. There was a highly significant correlation between foliar Ni concentrations in the leaves and seed Ni levels (r = 0.99), indicating extensive translocation of Ni from leaf to seed. Urease activity increased proportionally up to 20 g ha-1, with peak activity between 20 and 40 g ha-1 of Ni. Urease activity correlated highly with seed yield (r = 0.88) and pod number (r = 0.84). Seed germination and emergence rate increased proportionally with Ni application. However, when Ni was combined with pyraclostrobin, the germination percentage displayed a parabolic curve with an increase of germination up to 40 g ha-1 of Ni. The electrical conductivity for a maximum was between 40 and 60 g ha-1 of Ni. Nickel treatments had no significant effect on seedling length or seedling dry weight. Foliar application of Ni up to 20 g ha-1 in the presence or absence of pyraclostrobin was beneficial to soybean plants based on seed yield, mineral nutrition status and physiological quality of soybean seeds.

Pages 184-192 | Read More| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.17.11.02.p240
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Establishing diagnosis and recommendation integrated system (DRIS) for industrial use of tomato

Joicy Miranda Vitória Peixoto*, Atalita Francis Cardoso, Regina Maria Quintão Lana, Abadia dos Reis Nascimento

Agrarian Science Institute, Post-Graduate Program in Agronomy, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia – UFU. St. Amazonas n/n, Umuarama Campus. Build 2E. ZIP Uberlândia, stateof Minas Gerais, Brasil
Universidade Federal de Goiás – UFG, Campus Samambaia - Rodovia Goiânia/Nova Veneza, Km 0 - CEP 74001-970,Goiânia, GO, Brasil

Abstract
This study aimed to establish DRIS norms for industry tomato plants cultivated in Goiânia city (Goiás State, Brazil). The soil was prepared by one plowing and one disk harrow leveling. Chemical analysis of nutrients were done the fourth leaf from the apex of the stems of plants. The diagnostic leaves were collected at 64 days after transplant. The levels of NH4+, H2PO4-, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, SO42-, H3BO3-, Cu2+, Fe2+, Mn2+ and Zn2+ present in the leaves were evaluated in 25 genotypes of industrial tomato. Two levels of tomato yield were used for establishing a database with all binary relationships among all nutrients studied up to 48 t ha-1 of tomato fruits. The averages for each concentration of nutrient were calculated and they were used in each genotype. The nutrutional content of each nutrient and the nutrient balance index (IBN) of each production level were calculated. The industrial tomato genotypes differ in nutrient absorption efficiency. The deficiency order to high yield group plants (> 48 t ha-1) was P > N > Mn > Ca > K > B > Zn > Cu > N > Mg > S The deficiency order to low yield group plants (< 48 t ha-1) was S > Fe > Cu > Zn > K > N > P > Mn > Mg > Ca > B. The CVR 1 inbred lines, CVR 3, CVR 4, CVR 5, CVR 21 and CVR 22 are productive and efficient in the absorption of N, P and K.

Pages 193-198 | Read More| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.17.11.02.p249
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Effect of ABA on colour of berries, anthocyanin accumulation and total phenolic compounds of ‘Rubi’ table grape (Vitis vinifera)

Francisco José Domingues Neto*, Marco Antonio Tecchio, Adilson Pimentel Junior, Bruna Thais Ferracioli Vedoato, Giuseppina Pace Pereira Lima, Sergio Ruffo Roberto

Department of Horticulture, São Paulo State University “Júlio de Mesquita Filho”, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences (FCA), José Barbosa de Barros, nº 1.780, ZIP: 18.610-307, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, São Paulo State University “Júlio de Mesquita Filho”, Institute of Biosciences (IBB), Dr. Antônio Celso Wagner Zanin, s/n, ZIP: 18.618-689, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
Department of Agronomy, Londrina State University, Celso Garcia Cid Road, km 380, ZIP 86.057-970, Londrina, PR, Brazil

Abstract
The color of the berry grapes is due to existence of anthocyanins and their accumulation seems to be regulated, at least in part, by abscisic acid. Therefore, exogenous applications of this regulator may increase the anthocyanins concentration in the grapes skin. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of abscisic acid on the color of berries and in the anthocyanin accumulation and total phenolic compounds of ‘Rubi’ grapes. The ‘Rubi’ grape (Vitis vinifera) variety was studied in the sixth year of production. The experimental design was randomized blocks, with 4 treatments and 6 replications. The treatments consisted of isomer concentrations of (S)-cis-abscisic acid (S-ABA), as follow: Control (0 mg L -1); 400 mg L-1 de S- ABA at the beginning of the maturation (BM); 400 mg L-1 at BM + 200 mg L-1 at 25 DAFA (25 days after the first application) and 400 mg L-1 in BM + 400 mg L-1 at 25 DAFA. The berry bunches were sprayed in the morning, using costal sprayer providing full and uniform coverage. The colorimetric characteristics were determined with colorimeter obtaining the following variables: luminosity, saturation, hue angle and color index. The fresh mass, length and width of bunch (berries and stems), number of berries per bunch, soluble solids, titratable acidity, soluble solids/acidity ratio, pH, reducing sugars, anthocyanins, and phenolic compounds were evaluated. The abscisic acid (S-ABA) promoted the physical characteristics of the bunch and berries slightly with no effect on the stems. However, it triggered significant increase in soluble solids content and in the soluble solids/acidity ratio. It also increased the anthocyanin and total phenolic compounds, especially when applied twice, regardless of the concentration, in addition to improve color attributes. It is recommended the application of 400 mg L-1 at BM + 200 mg L-1 at 25 DAFA can be useful to increase anthocyanin and total phenolic and to improve color attributes.

Pages 199-205 | Read More| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.17.11.02.p269
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Genetic diversity of gac [Momordica cochinchinensis (Lour.) Spreng] accessions collected from Mekong delta of Vietnam revealed by RAPD markers

Pham Duc Toan*, Vo Thi Thuy Hue, Huynh Van Biet, Bui Minh Tri, Bui Cach Tuyen

Research Institute for Biotechnology and Environment, Nong Lam University, Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam
Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources – Nong Lam University, Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam

Abstract
Gac (Momordica cochinchinensis (Lour.) Spreng) (2n = 28) belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family. It is indigenous throughout in Vietnam as well as in South East Asia. To estimate the genetic diversity, 20 gac accessions collected in Mekong river delta were analyzed using 10 RAPD primers. Total of 126 fragments were obtained from ten RAPD primers, with 114 polymorphic fragments, and average of 11.4 fragments per primer. The high level of polymorphism (90.4%) was found across 20 gac accessions. The highest Nei’s gene diversity value among gac accessions was H = 0.40, and the lowest was H = 0.29 with a mean of 0.36. The highest Shannon diversity index value among gac accessions was H' = 0.58 and the lowest was H' = 0.46 with an average of 0.53. Cluster analysis for genetic relationship between accessions displayed that 20 gac accessions grouped into four main clusters which genetic distance coefficient ranged from 0.29 to 0.64 and with an average of 0.54. There were defined groups according to their locations. According to these results, RAPD technique can be useful tool in genetic diversity evaluation of gac. The information achieved could also be useful for gac breeding program, cultivar differentiation and conservation.

Pages 206-211 | Read More| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.17.11.02.p276
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Genotype by environment interaction on yield stability of desi type chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) at major chickpea producing areas of Ethiopia

Assefa Funga, Megersa Tadesse, Million Eshete, Asnake Fikre, Lijalem Korbu, Nigussie Girma, Dagnachew Bekele, Ridwan Mohamed, Zewdie Bishaw, Ganga Rao NVPR, Moses Siambi, Emmanuel Monyo, Pooran Gaur, Chris Ojiewo*

Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, Debre-Zeit Agricultural Research Center, Ethiopia
Research Methods Program, Department of Horticulture, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya
ICARDA-Sub Saharan Africa Program, Ethiopia
ICRISAT - Eastern and Southern African Program, Nairobi, Kenya
ICRISAT - South Asian Program, Patancheru, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
ICRISAT - Global Program on Genetic Gains, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Abstract
This study was conducted to determine the interaction between chickpea genotypes with the environment (GxE) on the yield stability and adaptability of desi type chickpea genotypes (Cicer arietinum L.). Seventeen chickpea genotypes were evaluated for two cropping years (2012/2013 – 2013/2014) at four locations i.e., eight environments (locations x years combination). Chickpea grain yield was significantly (p<0.01) affected by genotypes, the environments and GxE interaction, indicating that the varieties and the test environments were diverse. GxE was further partitioned by principal component axes. The first two principal components cumulatively explained 53.1% of the total variation, of which 32.7% and 20.4% were contributed by IPCA1 and IPCA2, respectively. This implies that the interaction of 17 chickpea genotypes with eight environments was predicted by the first two principal components. AMMI 1 biplot analysis showed five adaptive categories of genotypes based on similarities in their performance across environments. The AMMI 2 biplot generated using genotypes and environmental scores for the first two IPCAs revealed positioning of the five genotype groups (GC) into four sectors of the biplot. Among them, two genotypes in GC 5 (G5 and G11) exhibited high yields across environments, low IPCA1 scores, low AMMI stability value (ASV) and yield stability index (YSI). G5 was released as a new variety, ‘Dimtu’ and registered in the Official Varieties Catalogue of Ethiopia, 2016.

Pages 212-219 | Read More| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.17.11.02.p297
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Stimulation affecting latex physiology and yield under low frequency tapping of rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) clone RRIM 600 in southern Thailand

Thongchai Sainoi*, Sayan Sdoodee, Regis Lacote, Eric Gohet, Pisamai Chantuma

Department of Plant Science, Faculty of Natural Resources, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, 90112, Thailand
CIRAD-UPR Tree Crop-Based Systems, HRPP, Research and Development Building 3rd floor, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
CIRAD-UPR Tree Crop-Based Systems, TA-B/34, Montpellier F-34000, France
Chachoengsao Rubber Research Center, RRIT-DOA, Sanam Chai Ket, 24160, Thailand

Abstract
Tapping and ethylene stimulation induces the dynamic change of latex cell metabolism. Those changes under the implement of low frequency tapping systems with ethylene stimulation were investigated during the both periods (low yield and the high yield) of the year of production. The experiment was established at Thepa Research Station, Songkhla province by using 9-year-old rubber trees (clone RRIM 600). An experiment was arranged as One Tree Plot design, there were five treatments following T1: S/3 d1 2d/3, T2: S/2 d2, T3: S/2 d3 ET 2.5% Pa1(1) 8/y (m), T4: S/3 d2 ET 2.5% Pa1(1) 4/y (m) and T5: S/3 d3 ET 2.5% Pa1(1) 12/y (m). There were three replicates in each treatment. It was found that ethylene stimulation affected the responses of initial flow rate (IFR), plugging index (PI), average latex yield (AY) and sucrose content (Suc). There was a significant difference among the treatments in the both periods. After ethylene stimulation, IFR of the T3 and T5 were superior in the low yield period and showed inferior in the high yield period compared with the T1. PI rapidly decreased in the ethylene application treatments in the both periods. AY of the T3 was the highest in the low yield period and AY of the ethylene stimulation treatments was higher than non-stimulated treatments in the high yield period. Suc of the T3 only increased on the first tapping day after stimulation in the both periods. Expression to the ethylene stimulation in the low yield period was higher than the high yield period. It was remarkable that the stimulation was effectively expressed during a full canopy stage. With the positive impact of stimulation on latex physiological parameters, latex yield under low frequency tapping could be compensated by ethylene application.

Pages 220-227 | Read More| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.17.11.02.p305
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Evaluation of pre-harvest foliar calcium applications on ‘Fuji’ apple fruit quality during cold storage

Ensieh Ghorbani, Davood Bakhshi*, Esmaeil Fallahi, Babak Rabiei

Department of Horticultural Science, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran
Research and Extension Center, University of Idaho, Parma, Idaho, 83660, USA
Department of Plant Breeding, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran

Abstract
In this study, calcium chloride (CaCl2) and two organic calcium compounds including Calcicat® and Folical® and water (as control) were applied at four different spray programs (All-season, Early, Mid and Late season spray) at the Abhar region in Iran during 2012 and compared. 6-year-old 'Standard Fuji' trees grafted on ‘MM106’ rootstock were used in this study. All spray programs involved 6 biweekly sprays. Fruits harvested at commercial maturity stage and stored at commercial cold storage at 0ºC and RH 95%. Overall, all treated fruits received Late season CaCl2 had higher Ca content, lower K/Ca and (K+Mg)/Ca ratios, and fruits treated with Folical Mid season had lower Ca, higher K/Ca and (K+Mg)/Ca ratios. Yield efficiency (No. of fruits per cm2 trunk cross-sectional area (TCSA)) and fresh fruit weight was affected by preharvest treatments. Ca application resulted in reduced yield efficiency. SSC, TA and flesh firmness were affected by Ca application and spray programs at harvest and during 3 and 6 months storage. Control fruits in All-season spray program had highest content of SSC and fruits received CaCl2 Early had lowest SSC at harvest. Folical All-season resulted in fruits with higher acidity than its control. Fruits treated with Calcicat Early had lower acidity. During 3 and 6 months cold storage, SSC increased and TA decreased. During 6 months storage, Calcicat All-season had higher SSC. Fruits received early season CaCl2 had more acidity than other treatments. All-season spray of Calcicat resulted in fruits with higher firmness than other treatments. The flesh firmness during 3 and 6 months storage decreased. According to the obtained data this reduction had not specific trend among treatments.

Pages 228-233 | Read More| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.17.11.02.p5853
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Physical and chemical characteristics and productivity of persimmons (Diospyros kaki L.) cultivated in the Brazilian savannah

Lucas Marquezan Nascimento, Lismaíra Gonçalves Caixeta Garcia, Toshio Ogata, Daniel Cardoso Brandão, Carlos de Melo e Silva-Neto*, Alexsander Seleguini

School of Agronomy, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
EMATER, Anápolis, Goiás, Brazil
Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Goiás, City of Goiás, Goiás, Brazil

Abstract
The Brazilian production of persimmon expanded in recent years, mainly due to the high productivity of the culture. The persimmon fruit is originally from subtropical climate. However, new cultivation areas in tropical regions seem promising, especially altitude regions in the Brazilian savannah. In this context, the objective of this study was to assess production, productivity and fruit quality components of three cultivars of persimmon cultivated in tropical regions. The persimmon cultivars Pomelo, Guiombo and Rama Forte were evaluated in regards to the physical and chemical characteristics of fruits and productivity in two harvest seasons (190 days after pruning and 220 days after pruning). Fruits were obtained from twelve-year-old trees cultivated at the Rural Experimental Station of Anápolis - GO, planted at a spacing of 7 m x 5 m and grafted on common persimmon (Diospyros kaki L.) trees. The cultivars showed reliable levels of productivity, especially Pomelo and Giombo. The cultivar Giombo was the most productive in the region with an average yield of 545 fruits per plant. However, the Giombo fruit had reduced mass (127 g), and were smaller compared to the other evaluated cultivars. Pomelo fruits have higher average fresh mass (224 g), even without standing out with maximum yield. The highest yields were obtained for Giombo and Pomelo cultivars (13.25 and 19.27 ton/ha, respectively). Harvest time influences fruit parameters. The fruit harvested 190 days after pruning exhibited higher SS contents and lower acidity when compared with the other fruit harvested 220 days after pruning, regardless of the cultivar. The fruits on the plant darken over time. The Pomelo cultivar tended to yellowing with the reduction of soluble solids. Rama Forte and Giombo tended to reddening with increasing SS. The fruits of the Giombo cultivar had a higher SS/TA ratio, thus demonstrating that they are tastier compared to the other cultivars. The cultivars Giombo and Pomelo should be prioritized when choosing, based on plant production, without worrying about shape and fruit color characteristics.

Pages 234-240 | Read More| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.17.11.02.p247

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