Volume 9 Issue 7 | July 2015
Table of Contents
9(7) 2015

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AUSTRALIA




Australian Journal of Crop Science | July 2015


Volume
9 Number 7  Year 2015
July 2015 | Australian Journal od Crop Science
Gaseous exchanges, growth and foliar anatomy of sugarcane plants grown in a potassium (K) deprived nutrient solution

Valιria Santos Cavalcante*, Renato de Mello Prado, Hilαrio Jϊnior de Almeida, Flαvio Josι Rodrigues Cruz, Durvalina Maria Mathias dos Santos

UNESP - Paulista State University, Department of Soils and Fertilization and Department of Applied Biology. Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane, s/n. 14884-900 - Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil

Abstract
In order to verify the effects of potassium absence on plant gaseous exchanges, growth and leaf anatomy of the sugarcane, an experiment was carried out under greenhouse conditions. The experiment was conducted for 90 days in a greenhouse with nutrient solution, where treatments consisted of the presence (control) and absence of K. Sugarcane plants grown in K-deprived nutrient solutions showed reductions in transpiration (-35%), photosynthesis (-58%), stomatal conductance (-32%), chlorophylls contents a (-25%) and b (-29%), green color index (-76%), plant height (-22%), tiller diameter (-23%), root density (-53%), K accumulation in the shoots (-76%) and roots (-79%), and dry matter mass of the shoots (-22%) and roots (-23%). The total soluble sugars content (26%) and starch content (28%) in the leaves increased, as well as the intercellular concentration of CO2 (40%). Sugarcane in the absence of K showed reduced growth due to the influence of this nutrient on gaseous exchanges and alterations in leaf anatomy, suggesting greater focus should be taken on potassium nutrition, mainly in physiological terms, since there are vast agricultural areas with potassium deficiency around the world.

Pages 577-584 | Full Text PDF
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Review Article

On the climate risks in crop production and management in India: A review

Syed Sheraz Mahdi*, B. S. Dhekale, Suborna Roy Choudhury, Shabir A. Bangroo and Sanjeev Kumar Gupta

Assistant Professor, Department of Agronomy, Bihar Agricultural University (BAU), Sabour-813 210, Bhagalpur, Bihar, India
Research Scholar, BCKV, Mohan Pur- 741 252, West Bengal, India
Subject Matter Specialist (SMS), Farm Science Centre, (J & K), India

Abstract
There is growing evidence that, as a result of global climate change, temperature increase is likely to be 1.8-5.0oC. This would lead to more frequent hot extremes, floods, droughts and cyclones and gradual recession of glaciers in India over the next 20-50 years, which in turn would result in greater instability in food production. Of the total annual crop losses in agriculture, many are due to direct weather and climatic effects such as droughts, flash floods, frost, storms, hail, heat and cold wave. It is estimated that crop production loss in India by 2100 AD could be 10-40% despite the beneficial effects of higher CO2 on crop growth. Dynamic of pests and diseases will be significantly altered. A wide variety of adaptation options like change in planting dates, varieties, crop diversification have been proposed as having the potential to reduce vulnerability of agricultural systems to risks related to climate change. The paper aims to discuss, (i) weather extremes causing the agro-meteorological risks in different parts of country, (ii) their impact on crop production and, (iii) strategies for management of these climatic risks for better crop production.

Pages 585-595 | Full Text PDF
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Decreased potassium fertilization in sugarcane ratoons grown under straw in different soils

Hilαrio Jϊnior de Almeida*, Flαvio Josι R. Cruz, Mαrcio Alexandre Pancelli, Rilner Alves Flores, Ricardo de Lima Vasconcelos, Renato de Mello Prado

UNESP - University of Sγo Paulo State, Soil and Fertilizer Department, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
UNESP - University of Sγo Paulo State, Biology Applied to Agriculture Department, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil

Abstract
The present study sought to evaluate the response of the second sugarcane ratoon cultivated under sugarcane straw resulting from harvest of the first ratoon, in function of potassium doses, in dystrophic Red Yellow Latosol (dRYL) and eutrophic Red Yellow Agirsol (eRYA). The treatments consisted of doses of 32.5, 65.0, 130.0 and 195.0 kg ha-1 of K2O in the form of potassium chloride, and a control treatment, arranged in a randomized block design with five repetitions. We evaluated the biometric variables (height, tiller number and diameter), potassium contents in the soil, leaf and straw, K accumulation in the straw, stalk and shoot, production of straw and stalks, and technological quality. Potassium doses resulted in a productivity increase of about 75 and 22 Mg ha-1 in the dRYL and eRYA, respectively.

Pages 596-604 | Full Text PDF
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Determination of oligosaccharide fraction in a worldwide germplasm collection of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) using high performance liquid chromatography

Elango Dinakaran, Ramadoss Bharathi Raja, Venkatesan Thiruvengadam, Jutti Rajendran Kannan Bapu, John Joel, Sundaram Ganesh Ram*

Department of Pulses, Centre for Plant Breeding and Genetics, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore-641 003, Tamil Nadu, India
Department of Plant Genetic Resources, Centre for Plant Breeding and Genetics, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore-641 003, Tamil Nadu, India
Centre for Plant Breeding and Genetics, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore-641 003, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract
In the present study, a total of 213 chickpea accessions were analysed for seed oligosaccharides (Sucrose, Raffinose, Ciceritol, and Stachyose) through high performance liquid chromatography with the aim of selecting promising accessions with low RFOs and high sucrose. The results showed that the sucrose content ranged from 3.57 mg g-1 to 54.12 mg g-1 with 17 accessions contained more than 35 mg g-1 and 10 accessions had less than 10 mg g-1. The stachyose content ranged from 2.77 mg g-1 to 59.43 mg g-1 with 12 accessions had less than 11 mg g-1. Ciceritol was the main sugar found in all the samples ranged from 4.36 mg g-1 to 90.65 mg g-1. The identified germplasm accessions with unique sugar profiles especially those with low RFO will be valuable in breeding specialty chickpea for improved sugar content.

Pages 605-613 | Full Text PDF
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Agronomic performance of kidney bean and castor bean cultivars in intercropping and monocropping systems under weed competition

Faber de Souza Pereira, Itamar Rosa Teixeira*, Adilson Pelα, Elton Fialho dos Reis, Gisele Carneiro da Silva, Paulo Cιsar Timossi, Alessandro Guerra da Silva

State University of Goiαs, Unity of Ipameri, 75780-000, Ipameri-GO, Brazil
State University of Goiαs, Unity of Anαpolis, 75132-400, Anαpolis-GO, Brazil
Federal University of Goiαs, Department of Agronomy, 74001-270, Goiβnia-GO, Brazil
University of Rio Verde, Department of Agronomy, 75901-970, Rio Verde-GO, Brazil

Abstract
This research aimed to determine weed community influence on kidney bean and castor bean intercropping and monocropping cultivars agronomic traits under soil and climate conditions of the Southeast region of the State of Goiαs, Brazil. Weed infestation during the cropping cycle caused a yield decrease of around 32% and 67% for bean and castor, respectively. Pontal, Pιrola and Estilo kidney bean cultivars, and Guarani and Paraguaηu castor bean cultivars showed potential for intercropping. The use of kidney bean intercropping with castor bean under weed handling was more efficient than monocropping of both, regardless of researched genetic materials. The intercropping system enabled bean and castor yield of around 1.328 Mg ha-1 and 1.827 Mg ha-1, respectively, in areas that were kept free from weed competition, regardless of cultivar.

Pages 614-620 | Full Text PDF
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Genetic variability on leaf morpho-anatomical traits in relation to sterility mosaic disease (SMD) resistance in pigeonpea

Prakash. G. Patil*, Byregowda M, Vimarsha H. S, Keerthi C. M, Pavan. J. Kundur, Shashidhar H. E.

University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bangalore-560 065, India
Indian Institute of Pulses Research, Kanpur-208 024, India

Abstract
Sterility mosaic disease (SMD) is a major biotic constraint in almost all pigeonpea growing areas caused by eriophyid mite transmitted pigeonpea sterility mosaic virus (PPSMV). Identification of easily assayable and simply inherited morphological traits such as leaf anatomical traits would enable increased efficiency of breeding pigeonpea for SMD resistance. A set of 70 pigeonpea accessions were evaluated for 12 leaf structural features such as leaf thickness (LT), upper epidermal thickness (UEP), etc. The accessions were grouped into four clusters, with significant differences in cluster means and variances. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed first three PCs explaining 69.70 % of the total variation and morpho-anatomical traits such as leaf thickness (LT), trichome length on upper (TLUS) and lower (TLLS) surface of leaf were the most important characters for disease incidence. Furthermore, correlation of all the leaf traits in relation to percent incidence (PDI) indicated only TLLS having significant negative correlation (-0.456*) with SMD incidence. While, trichome length also showed higher phenotypic (PCV) and genotypic (GCV) coefficient of variation 34.33 and 34.02, respectively and broad senesce heritability (98.2%) coupled with high genetic advance (69.45).

Pages 621-628 | Full Text PDF | Supplementary Data PDF
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Contributions of three upper leaves of wheat, either healthy or inoculated by Bipolaris sorokiniana, to yield and yield components

Hanane El Wazziki, Brahim El Yousfi, Samira Serghat

Faculty of Sciences Ben M'sik, Bd Driss Harti, BP 7955, 20000 Sidi Othmane, Casablanca, Morocco
Cereal Plant Pathology Laboratory, National Institute of Agronomical Research (INRA),Aridoculture Centre, P.O. Box 589, Settat, Morocco

Abstract
This work studied contribution of three upper leaves of wheat to yield and estimated grain yield losses due to their defoliation, under healthy and inoculated conditions. We developed a methodology to assess the importance of each leaf to the grain yield. Losses and contributions were calculated by dummy regression. Furthermore, defoliating treatment, as a variable, was converted from a categorical to a continuous variable before analyzing its effect by a general linear model. Defoliation effect of two upper leaves on grain yield of 20 wheat varieties was also considered. The results showed that defoliation has similar effect on all varieties. However, durum wheat cultivars were more sensitive than those of bread wheats. In addition, defoliation effect was less than the effect of inoculation. Yield losses were more important when plant lost more than one leaf.

Pages 629-637 | Full Text PDF
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Nutrients optimum range (NOR) based on DRIS method to assess the nutritional status of the first ratoon sugarcane

Franklyn Clawdy Nunes Guimarγes, Ademar Pereira Serra*, Marlene Estevγo Marchetti, Simone Cβndido Ensinas, Pedro Henrique Altomar, Vanessa do Amaral Conrad, Douglas Costa Potrich, Cedrick Brito Chaim Jardim Rosa, Matheus Andrade Martinez, Flαvia Araϊjo Matos

Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados (UFGD), Post Graduation Program in Agronomy - Vegetable Production, City of Dourados, State of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA), City of Campo Grande, State of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil

Abstract
The development of nutrients optimum range (NOR) is quite important for the ratoon sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) to help decision making of fertilizers management. The purpose of this study was to establish NOR from statistical models of relationship between leaf nutrient content (LNC) and DRIS indices. In this study, the nutritional status of the first ratoon sugarcane crop was assessed based on NOR. Based on DRIS norms at the first ratoon sugarcane, it was possible to develop NOR and assess the nutritional status of sugarcane crop.

Pages 638-645 | Full Text PDF
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Identification of stable reference genes for quantitative PCR in jute under different experimental conditions: An essential assessment for gene expression analysis

Ahlan Sabah Ferdous, Md. Tariqul Islam, Salma Sultana Alam, Haseena Khan*

Molecular Biology lab, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh

Abstract
A reputation for accuracy and rapidity has made quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) a popular method for gene expression analysis. However, the precision of qRT-PCR critically relies on stable control genes for data normalization. To obtain consistent data, validation of internal controls is vital. We examined seven candidate genes of jute (ACT, ELF, TUB, UBC, U6, G3PDH, and 18S) under three abiotic (salinity, dehydration, and low temperature) and one biotic (fungal infection) stress conditions. Their stabilities were evaluated using four distinct algorithms (comparative deltaCT, geNorm, NormFinder, and BestKeeper) all integrated in a web-based tool, RefFinder. Our data suggest that ELF and UBC are most homogenously expressed under all three abiotic stress conditions, whereas TUB is most stable under fungal infestation.

Pages 646-655 | Full Text PDF | Supplementary Data PDF | Supplementary Data  xls
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Phenylalanine ammonia lyase isolation and functional analysis of phenylpropanoid pathway under salinity stress in Salvia species

Marzieh Valifard, Sasan Mohsenzadeh*, Ali Niazi, Ali Moghadam

Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Shiraz University, Shiraz 71454, Iran
Institute of Biotechnology, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran

Abstract
In the present study, the nucleic acid sequences of small-subunit ribosomal RNAs (18s rRNA) were isolated from S. mirzayanii and S. macrosiphon and then the genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships of these two species with 29 related Salvia species were investigated. Phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL1) was isolated from these two Salvia species. The phylogenetic and multi-alignment analyses of amino acids sequences of PAL1 revealed that PAL1 from both S. mirzayanii (GenBank accession no. KP336898) and S. macrosiphon (GenBank accession no. KP336899) has high identity with the other Salvia PALs in the GenBank (71%-96%) and has a closer relationship with other angiosperm species. Promoter analysis demonstrated that PAL includes cis-acting elements such as ABRE, ARE, HSE, TCA-elements, TC-rich repeat and GA, CGTCA, TGACG, WUN-motif in the upstream region which respond to stress hormones and might show its vital role in biotic and abiotic stresses.

Pages 656-665 | Full Text PDF
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Analysis of nuclear DNA content and chromosome number for screening genotypes and crosses in Annual Ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.)

Fernanda de Oliveira Bustamante, Laiane Corsini Rocha, Natαlia de Souza Santos, Raphaela Aparecida Duarte Silveira, Renata de Castro Nunes, Andrιa Mittelmann, Vβnia Helena Techio*

Department of Biology, Federal University of  Lavras, Academic Campus, P.O. Box  3037, Zip Code 37200-000, Lavras, Minas Gerais State, Brazil
Researcher at Embrapa Dairy Cattle, Eugκnio do Nascimento Street, 610, Zip Code 36038-330, Juiz de Fora, MG / Embrapa Temperate Climate, Highway BR 392, Km 78, Zip Code 96010-971, Pelotas, RS, Brazil

Abstract

This study determined the nuclear DNA content and chromosome number for screening genotypes and crosses in L. multiflorum from Brazil. Analyses to estimate nuclear DNA content by flow cytometry were performed in young leaves of four parental genotypes and eight offspring resulting from their crosses. To the chromosome counting, the slides were prepared by flame drying technique and Giemsa staining. The genotypes were classified in the following categories: diploid, triploid, and tetraploid with 14, 21 and 28 chromosomes, respectively. The Average content of DNA in diploids ranged from 5.42pg to 5.85pg. A single triploid plant showed 8.30pg. In tetraploids, the average DNA content ranged from 10.21pg to 10.95pg. Thus, the combination of analyses by DNA quantification and chromosome counting prove to be efficient for screening and diagnosing ploidy level of parents and crosses in Lolium.

Pages 666-670 | Full Text PDF
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Physiological potential of the black sesame (Sesamum indicum) seeds in reply to the storage conditions

Daniel A. Cunha, Cristiane F. Lisboa, Itamar R. Teixeira*, Andrι J. Campos, Ivano A. Devilla

Departamento de Engenharia Agrνcola, Universidade Estadual de Goiαs (UEG), Anαpolis, Goiαs, Brazil

Abstract
It was aimed to evaluate the physiological quality of sesame seeds stored in packaging and environments for a year. The completely randomized design in a factorial 3
΄ 2 ΄ 7 with four replications was used. The treatments were constituted of three types of packaging (kraft bag, PET bottle and plastic bag), stored in two storage environments (natural condition of laboratory and freezer at - 4°C and 80% RH), during 360 days, with reviews by physiological quality before storage and the others in a  60-day cycle. The permeable kraft paper packs along with the freezer environment, is inefficient for the conservation of vigor and viability of black sesame seeds during storage, due to allowing the exchange of water vapor of the seed with the environment.

Pages 671-677 | Full Text PDF
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Copper can influences growth, disease control and production in arabica coffee trees

Sebastiγo Vinνcius Batista Brinate*, Lima Deleon Martins, Gustavo Nogueira Guedes Pereira Rosa, Vinνcius Vieira Cunha, Anderson de Jesus Sotero, Josι Francisco Teixeira do Amaral, Waldir Cintra de Jesus Junior, Marcelo Antonio Tomaz

Centro de Ciκncias Agrαrias, Universidade Federal do Espνrito Santo (CCA/UFES), Departamento de Produηγo Vegetal, Post Office Box 16, 29500-000, Alegre, ES, Brazil
Syngenta Proteηγo de Cultivos Ltda, Manhuaηu, Minas Gerais, 36900-000, Brazil

Fertilizantes Heringer S.A. (CEPEC), Manhuaηu, Minas Gerais, 36900-000, Brazil
Centro de Ciκncias Agrαrias, Universidade Federal do Espνrito Santo (CCA/UFES), Departamento de Engenharia Rural, Post Office Box 16, 29500-000, Alegre, ES, Brazi
Centro de Ciκncias Naturais, Universidade Federal de Sγo Carlos, Sγo Carlos, Sγo Paulo, 13.565-905, Brazil

Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of a supply of copper on the development, nutrition, and productivity of coffee trees and on the incidence and severity of rust in arabica coffee trees. The results indicate that Arabica coffee trees supplied with Cu accumulated more Cu in leaf tissues (increase of 81%), experienced a lower intensity of rust (decrease of 23%), were more productive and produced fruit with a larger grain size. The bienniality of coffee plant production caused different levels of vegetative growth, intensities of rust and productivity between the years evaluated.

Pages 678-683 | Full Text PDF
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Nitrate addition improves photosynthesis and flooding tolerance of rubber tree plants

Pollyanna Aparecida de Carvalho*, Jean Marcel Sousa Lira, Luiz Edson Mota de Oliveira, Jullyanna Nair de Carvalho, Dιbora Domiciano, Hilda Beatriz Wencomo Cαrdenas

Fisiologia Vegetal , Departamento de Biologia, Universidade Federal de Lavras, Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brasil
Agrτnoma, Universidade Federal do Vale do Sγo Francisco, Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brasil
EEPF"Indio Hatuey". Universidad de Matanzas "Camilo Cienguegos", Cuba

Abstract
In this study, we evaluate the role of nitrogen (applied in nutrient solution as either 8mM NO3
-or 8mM NH4+) in the metabolism and physiology of rubber trees (Hevea Brasiliensis) subjected to oxygen deficiency. Net photosynthesis, stomatal conductance and transpiration rate in stressed plants significantly decreased (around 50%) at 14 days of the treatment compared to control plants, regardless the nitrogen source. However, in plants treated with nitrate even under stress photosynthesis remained relatively high until the end of the experiment.

Pages 684-689 | Full Text PDF