January 2012 | Australian Journal of Crop Science http://www.cropj.com/january2012.html/ en-au Articles All fully accessible but copyrighted http://www.cropj.com/january2012.html Sun, 29 Jan 2012 12:28:59 GMT Suriyan Cha-um, Harminder Pal Singh, Thapanee Samphumphuang, Chalermpol Kirdmanee<br><br>Abstract<br>Calcium (Ca) is a signaling molecule that plays an active role in regulating various mechanisms involved in recognition and response to abiotic stresses in plants. However, not much has been done to evaluate its role in regulating physiological and biochemical process in response to salt-induced stress. Two rice genotypes, Pokkali salt tolerant and IR29 salt susceptible, grown on liquid Murashige and Skoog medium (MS) supplied by 1.98 mM CaCl2 (control) were compared to 2 (3.96 mM), 4 (7.92 mM) and 8 (15.84 mM) folds exogenous CaCl2 pretreatment subsequently exposed to 200 mM NaCl salt stress. Thus, the present investigation evaluated the potential of exogenous calcium chloride (CaCl2) supply in improving the growth performance and photosynthetic ability in salt stressed rice. In IR29 salt susceptible rice, leaf area of salt-stressed seedling was significantly recovered by exogenous application of 7.92 mM CaCl2, which was greater by 1.38-folds over that in 1.98 mM CaCl2 application. Exogenous CaCl2 (7.92 mM) enhanced proline accumulation in both Pokkali (3.26 mol g-1 FW) and IR29 (4.37 mol g-1 FW) genotypes, and reduced relative electrolyte leakage thereby indicating its positive role in membrane stability. Treatment of 7.92 mM CaCl2 significantly enhanced the photosynthetic abilities, including maximum quantum yield of PSII (Fv/Fm), photon yield of PSII (PSII), photochemical quenching (qP) and net photosynthetic rate (Pn), in two genotypes of salt-stressed rice seedlings, especially in salt susceptible IR29 genotypes. The study concludes that an exogenous application of 7.92 CaCl2 significantly enhanced the photosynthetic abilities and overall growth performances in the photoautotrophic growth of salt-stressed rice seedlings. Exogenous calcium in the culture media may absorb by root tissues, transfer to whole plant and function as salt defense mechanisms including calcium signaling in the abscisic acid (ABA) regulation system and calcium sensing in stomatal closure when plant subjected to salt stress.<br><br><br> http://www.cropj.com/january2012.html Sun, 29 Jan 2012 12:27:53 GMT L. C. Ng, M. Sariah, O. Sariam, O. Radziah, M. A. Zainal Abidin<br><br>Abstract <br>The efficacy of Corynebacterium agropyri (UPMP7), Enterobacter gergoviae (UPMP9) and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (UPMS3) in promoting rice seed germination and seedling growth through phosphate solubilization and production of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) was evaluated. In vitro bioassay indicated all the rhizobacteria tested were able to produce IAA and solubilize phosphate through the production of organic acids in NBRIP broth or rice root extract. Rice seed bacterization with E. gergoviae increased seedling vigor index by 50.24% followed by B. amyloliquefaciens (44.32%) and C. agropyri (21.13%). These growth-promoting traits were also demonstrated in rice seedlings (variety M4) grown under greenhouse conditions. Bacterization of rice seeds with B. amyloliquefaciens, E. gergoviae and C. agropyri increased shoot and root lengths, and total dry biomass of seedlings. Bacillus amyloliquefaciens significantly increase shoot and root lengths and dry biomass with values of 45.71, 32.83 and 36.26%, respectively. Rhizobacterial inoculation showed significant increase in total microbial activity (FDA hydrolysis) in rhizosphere soil (4.80-5.42 μg/g/0.5h). IAA production and solubilization of phosphate were significantly correlated with radical length (r = 0.94 and 0.96, respectively). The positive correlations between total microbial activity with root endogenous organic acid (r = 0.97), root (r = 0.94) and shoot (r = 0.97) lengths were also obtained. Hence, rice seed bacterization has the significant effect to enhance total microbial activity, seed germination and seedlings early establishment under aerobic cultivation system.<br> http://www.cropj.com/january2012.html Sun, 29 Jan 2012 12:26:47 GMT Nikitas Karagiannidis, Thomas Thomidis*, Eleni Panou-Filotheou and Christina Karagiannidou <br><br>Abstract<br>The effect of Glomus etunicatum on root colonization, growth, essential oil content and composition and nutrient acquisition of Oreganum vulgare, O. onites, Mentha viridis, M. spicata and M. piperata was investigated. The results showed that inoculated plants had significantly higher shoot and root dry weight, nutrient concentration and total essential oil production compared to non-inoculated plants. The Oreganum species showed significant higher percentages of colonization than Mentha species. Analysis of essential oil by GC and GC/MS showed that the effect of G. etunicatum on the main volatile compounds in leaf essential oils was different on the plant species tested. These results suggest that the use of G. etunicatum may enhance plant growth in low fertility soils, reduce fertilizer inputs and increase aromatic plant production of essential oils, while they indicate that it may be possible to use mycorrhizae to affect the quality of the essential oil produced.<br> http://www.cropj.com/january2012.html Sun, 29 Jan 2012 12:25:12 GMT Dimitrios Bilalis, Anestis Karkanis, Anastasia Pantelia, Sotiria Patsiali, Aristeidis Konstantas, Aspasia Efthimiadou<br><br>Abstract <br>Flax is a weak competitor against weeds. To obtain high yield of flax, good weed management practices must be implemented. Field experiments were conducted during 2009 and 2010 to determine the effects of tillage systems and fertilization on weed flora in organic flax crop (Linum usitatissimum L.). The experiments were laid out in a split-plot design with four replicates having three main plots (conventional tillage: CT, minimum tillage: MT and no-tillage: NT) and three sub-plots (compost, vetch and faba bean as green manure). The total weed densities were significantly different among the tillage systems. In NT plots, the presence of wheat residues clearly reduced weed number. Crop residues mainly affect light interception, temperature and moisture of the soil. Differences in nitrogen availability of the fertilizers had a large effect on weed density and biomass. The lowest weed density was found in compost plots. Moreover, the highest density of competitive weeds (Amaranthus retroflexus, Chenopodium album, Convolvulus arvensis, Cynodon dactylon, Cyperus rotundus, Datura stramonium, Setaria verticillata, Sinapis arvensis and Solanum nigrum) was found under MT and CT systems, while the lowest was found in NT plots. In addition, concerning the density of non-competitive weeds, there were no significant differences among the tillage systems. Moreover, there were no significant differences in the density of non-competitive weeds between the organic fertilization treatments. No-tillage and low nitrogen fertilization appeared to contribute to the suppression of weeds.<br> http://www.cropj.com/january2012.html Sun, 29 Jan 2012 12:24:06 GMT Rachele Tamburino, Vincenzo Guida, Severina Pacifico, Micaela Rocco, Armando Zarelli, Augusto Parente, Antimo Di Maro<br><br>Abstract<br>Lathyrus sativus L., commonly known as grass pea, is an annual plant widely grown as a pulse crop and its dried seeds are harvested and consumed as a human food since ancient times. This plant is also commonly grown for animal feed and as forage. In the Mediterranean marginal areas, several grass pea germplasm of Lathyrus sativus L. are present and, among them the edible seeds of plants grown in Valle Agricola, a little town near Caserta (Italy), are well known for the local cuisine. Since there are no nutritional data available on the Lathyrus sativus grown in Valle Agricola, we have investigated nutritional values and metabolic profile of these seeds. Our results show that these seeds contain high levels of proteins (25.6±0.20 g/100 g) and essential amino acids (7.92 g/100 g). Different unsaturated fatty acids contribute to the total lipids amount (1.67±0.18 g/100 g); among them, the essential PUFA -linolenic, linoleic and -linolenic acids are the most abundant. Ascorbic acid (13.50±0.30 mg/100 g) and glutathione (15.90±0.10 mg/100 g) are also present and, the folic acid content (206.70±8.30 g/100 g) represents 50% of the vitamin RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowance). Total phenolic content (174.91±8.39/100 g), as well as the radical scavenging activity vs. DPPH radical and ABTS radical cation, have been estimated. The content of neurotoxin -ODAP (16.2±0.5 g/Kg), commonly present in seeds of all examined grass pea genotypes and responsible of lathyrism paralysing disease, is quite high.<br> http://www.cropj.com/january2012.html Sun, 29 Jan 2012 12:22:54 GMT Chunwu Yang, Shuangshuang Zheng, Huiling Huang, Zhaoxia Liu, Wei Zheng, Bao liu, Decheng Shi<br><br>Abstract <br>Alkali stress is an important agricultural contaminant and has complex effects on plant metabolism. However, the underlying mechanism of alkali tolerance remains obscure. In the present study, 19 alkali resistant halophyte species growing on alkalinized grassland of northeast China were chosen as test species. The plants were harvested from the grassland, and the contents of inorganic ions, compatible solutes and organic acids (OAs) were determined. Finally, their osmotic adjustment and ion balance strategies to the salt-alkalinized habitats were compared. The 19 halophytes all accumulated betaine and soluble sugars as dominant organic osmolytes in protoplasm, and OAs played key roles not only in osmotic adjustment but also in ion balance. The 19 halophytes had many osmotic adjustment and ion balance strategies in common, but also had a diversity of adaptative strategies to their salt-alkalinized habitats. For example, three species of Chenopodiaceae all showed large accumulations of Na+ and oxalate; however, the role of K+ in osmotic adjustment was small. The five Poaceae halophytes all mainly accumulated K+, and Cl– as their dominant contributor to negative charge (ion balance). <br><br> http://www.cropj.com/january2012.html Sun, 29 Jan 2012 12:22:03 GMT Mehdi Sharifi Tabar, Mahmood Solouki, Masoud Tohidfar, Majid Sadeghizadeh<br><br>Abstract<br>Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) is a member of the CSF family that regulates hematopoietic cell proliferation and differentiation. In this research, Tobacco (Nicotianatabacum L., var. NC-2512) leaf disc explants were transformed with Agrobacterium tumefaciens (LBA4404 strain), harboring the recombinant binary vector pBI121 containing hG-CSF gene and neomycin phosphotransferase (nptII) antibiotic resistant gene. Inoculated tissues (leaf discs) were placed on tobacco co-cultivation medium and then transformed explants were selected on MS medium containing 50 mgl-1 kanamycin and 300 mgl-1 cefotaxime antibiotic combinations. Finally, shoots were transferred to hormone free medium containing 50 mgl-1 kanamycin and 200 mgl-1 cefotaxime antibiotics to induce roots. Polymerase chain reaction using specific primers was employed to confirm the integration of hG-CSF and nptII transgenes in the T0 and T1 plants genome. However, merging of hG-CSF gene into the genome of putative transgenic plants was further verified by Southern blot analysis. In addition, molecular analysis was performed at the mRNA and protein levels. In the first transgenic tobaccos (T1), the mRNA transcripts were analyzed by RT-PCR method which strongly showed presence of hG-GCF transcript. Ultimately western blot analysis of T2 plants approved stable transformation and expression of hG-CSF gene in transgenic plants. The χ2test of T1 plants in greenhouse condition indicated that the inheritance of hG-CSF gene followed Mandelian ratio for single gene segregation (3:1).<br><br> http://www.cropj.com/january2012.html Sun, 29 Jan 2012 12:20:06 GMT Sadegh Balotf, Ali Niazi, Gholamreza Kavoosi, Amin Ramezani<br><br>Abstract<br>Cucurbita pepo L. plants were grown in plastic pots with 2 kg washed sand per pot at three levels of potassium and sodium nitrate supplies to investigate the effects of nitrate supply on nitrate reductase activity and nitrate reductase expression in the leaves of the plants. Results demonstrated that starvation leads to decrease nitrate reductase activity and nitrate reductase expression. Supplementation of sodium and potassium nitrate had stimulatory effects on nitrate reductase activity and nitrate reductase expression in a dose dependent manner. However, potassium nitrate supplementation increased nitrate reductase activity and nitrate reductase expression more than sodium nitrate supplementation. In conclusion, both sodium and potassium nitrate, as inducers, had significant effects on both nitrate reductase activity and nitrate reductase expression in low concentrations. At high nitrate supplies, nitrate reductase activity and nitrate reductase expressions were suppressed probably due to nitrogen metabolite feedback inhibition and toxicity. <br><br> http://www.cropj.com/january2012.html Sun, 29 Jan 2012 12:19:12 GMT Raifa Ahmed Hassanein, Amal Fadl Abdelkader, Heba Ali, AboBakr Ahmed El-Said Amin, and El-Sherbiny Mohammed Rashad<br><br>Abstract<br>Drought is a problem of water deficit in the soil and is the principal cause of the worldwide economic losses. Reduced water availability has seriously affected wheat growth, quality and production. The goal of the present study was analysis of drought stress defense triggers in wheat plants grown in dry sandy lands using methods of grain-priming and/or foliar pretreatments on the pre-anthesis stages. Grain-priming was induced using a low dose of salicylic acid (SA) while foliar pretreatments were performed using Thiourea (Th). We focussed our data description on the findings of headings and the anthesis stages. Morphological, biochemical and yield components data revealed that wheat originated from grain-priming combined with foliar applications had exhibited stronger anti-drought effects. A raised tolerance level was ascertained from the up-regulation of crop production and quality in drought cultivation compared to normally irrigated wheat. We recommend the utilities of natural products in low doses to assess wheat tolerance in drought environments. <br> http://www.cropj.com/january2012.html Sun, 29 Jan 2012 12:18:08 GMT Hadi Bux, Muhammad Ashraf, Fida Husain, Attiq-Ur-Rahman Rattu, Muhammad Fayaz<br><br>Abstract<br>Stripe rust or yellow rust caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici is an important disease of wheat causing considerable yield losses in wheat growing areas worldwide. The pathogen is one of the very important yield limiting factors in Pakistan. Present study was carried out to identify wheat genetic resources for stripe rust resistance to enhance cultivar improvement efforts. Wheat germplasm consisting of 20 Chinese cultivars, 95 synthetic hexaploids and 85 advanced breeding lines were evaluated under field conditions at two hot spot locations (Pirsabak and Islamabad) in Pakistan during 2007-08 and 2008-09 wheat growing seasons. Same germplasm were also evaluated at seedling stage under controlled greenhouse conditions. Seedling testing revealed that synthetic hexaploids have seedling resistance with likely presence of stripe rust resistance genes; Yr3, Yr5, Yr10, Yr15, YrSP and YrCV. Advanced lines and Chinese cultivars showed adult plant resistance under field conditions wherein most of the genotypes were susceptible at seedling stage. Both types of seedling and adult plant resistance identified in wheat germplasm offer promising genetic stocks for accumulating both resistances to acquire durable resistance and long lasting control against stripe rust pathogen in Pakistan.<br> http://www.cropj.com/january2012.html Sun, 29 Jan 2012 12:17:04 GMT Dongyan Zhang, Jinling Zhao, Wenjiang Huang, Dazhou Zhu, Linsheng Huang, <br>Xingang Xu, Zhihong Ma, Jihua Wang<br><br>Abstract<br><br>In situ hyperspectral imaging has great application potential in crop nutrient determination using high spectral and spatial resolution. To detect chlorophyll content of crop components accurately, imaging and non-imaging spectrometers were simultaneously used to record the reflectance spectra of maize leaves from different layers. The peak–valley characteristic parameters were extracted from the change rates and their derived variables from the spectral curve on the blue, green, yellow, and red edge were then calculated to determine chlorophyll content. By analyzing the correlations between the feature parameters and the leaf chlorophyll concentrations, the feasibility of using these parameters was verified. The results reveal that peak–valley characteristic parameters such as RVA1, Kg/Kr, GPA2/RVA2, and Kb are significantly correlated with chlorophyll content, and among them, the regression coefficient (R2) of RVA1 was the highest (R2 = 0.705). Finally, an inverse model (y = 1.282x - 0.143) of chlorophyll content was constructed using RVA1. The R2 value of the validated model of chlorophyll content was 0.640, and the corresponding root mean square error was 0.3039. These results indicate that estimating chlorophyll content is feasible using peak–valley characteristic parameters extracted from hyperspectral imaging data.<br><br> http://www.cropj.com/january2012.html Sun, 29 Jan 2012 12:15:53 GMT J. L. Zhao, D. Y. Zhang, J. H. Luo, S. L. Huang, Y. Y. Dong, and W. J. Huang<br><br>Abstract <br>The objective of this study was to assess the hail damage to corn that occurred on July 14, 2010 in Gannan County, Qiqihar City, China, using two Huan Jing (HJ)-1-B (pre-hailstorm) and HJ-1-A (post-hailstorm) charge-coupled device (CCD) images of China. According to the change characteristics of normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI) of thirty field sampling points of post-hailstorm, a third-order polynomial was built between the NDIV difference (ΔNDVI) and Band 4 of the HJ-1-A CCD image. As a result, the coefficient of determination (R2) of this model reached 91.62%; twenty sampling points were used to validate the model and R2 reached 96.31%. Consequently, 8,575 ha of affected corn were monitored and the seriously affected corn area was 2,302.47 ha. Furthermore, the damage levels (light, moderate and serious) were also specified, the accuracy of which was validated by constructing a confusion matrix based on fifty ground truth points. The overall accuracy and Kappa coefficient (κ) were 86% and 0.7826, respectively. The results show that the degree of severity of injured corn gradually descended from the center to the margins, and the potential yield loss reached about 10,840 tons estimated by the serious damage level. This study suggests that multi-temporal and multispectral imagery of broadband HJ-1 CCD images of China are sufficient to assess hail-damaged areas and specify relative damage levels in corn.<br> http://www.cropj.com/january2012.html Sun, 29 Jan 2012 12:14:41 GMT Jichuan Wang, Shan Gao, Jie Yuan, Fuyu Ma<br><br>Abstract<br>Simulation of dry matter accumulation and the distribution of crop growth is an important means of predicting yield. In this study, a variety of cultivars of the processing tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.), sowing dates and densities were tested. By analyzing the quantitative relationships between growth and physiological development time (PDT) based on a knowledge model, dry matter partitioning index and harvest index (HI), mathematical models were developed to estimate total dry matter accumulation, shoot dry matter partitioning and yield for processing tomatoes. A sowing date factor (SDF) was introduced to regulate partitioning intensity and the genetic features of the cultivars tested were considered. Validation of the results using trial data gained from studies with different cultivars and from sowing experiments showed that total dry matter weight was predicted correctly (RMSE < 1313 kg ha−1, RE < 27.70%). Above ground biomass was predicted with an RMSE < 416 kg ha−1 for stems, < 517 kg ha−1 for leaves and < 545 kg ha−1 for the fruit. Yield, defined as ripe fruit dry matter accumulation, was also accurately predicted (RMSE and RE were 7737 kg ha−1 and 15.51%, respectively). This model can be used to predict different production levels and yield objectives for processing tomatoes planted in arid areas of China. Further improvements to the model are discussed.<br> http://www.cropj.com/january2012.html Sun, 29 Jan 2012 12:14:16 GMT Rattiyaporn Jaidee, Anan Polthanee, and Patcharee Saenjan <br><br>Abstract<br>Experiments were conducted under greenhouse and field conditions to investigate the effects of P application rates and the responses of soybean cultivars to different ground water levels. The results of the greenhouse experiments showed that ground water level recession reduced root dry weight, root length density, shoot growth, yield components, and consequently, the grain yields of KKU74 and SJ5cultivars. Rapid ground water recession affected soybean yield reduction more than slow recession. P application increased both root and shoots growth, and tended to produce higher grain yields than the absence of P application. With P application, KKU74 had a higher grain yield than SJ5. The results of field conditions showed that P application rates had no significant effect on leaf area, LAI, shoot dry weight and the grain yields of the three soybean cultivars. However, KKU74 with P applications at the maximum rate of 58 kg P2O5ha-1 tended to produce the highest grain yields. Under both greenhouse and field conditions, KKU74 with P application had the highest grain yields, shoot growth and root length density (lower than the 75-cm depth from the soil’s surface) with ground water level recession. These results indicate that this cultivar is better adapted to water stress and appropriate to growing after rice in a paddy field without irrigation. However, it is suggested that the ground water level before planting should be higher than 80 cm depth from the soil’s surface.<br> http://www.cropj.com/january2012.html Sun, 29 Jan 2012 12:12:37 GMT Jian Zhou, An-guo Qi, Yi-chuan Zhang, Shu-wen Wan, Pei Qin <br><br>Abstract<br>The biodiesel plant Kosteletzkya virginica has a high tolerance to salt, drought, and waterlogging. To determine the responses of K. virginica seedlings to waterlogging and subsequent recovery, the responses of three-month old plants during 35 d of waterlogging and another 14 d of recovery after drainage were investigated. Significant phenomena, such as adventitious root formation and increased root porosity in K. virginica seedlings after waterlogging, were observed. Serious stomata closure was also very serious. Waterlogging decreased the leaf chlorophyll concentration and weakened the photosynthetic capability of K. virginica. These phenomena were indicated by reduced maximum quantum yield of photosystem II (Fv/Fm), decreased preliminary efficiency of capturing photon (yield), and enhanced non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) in the treated seedlings. However, 14 d after drainage, these impaired characteristics gradually recovered. Statistical analyses indicated that the most significant adaptive mechanism was the generation of adventitious roots, followed by the increased aerenchyma. Stomata closure was the least significant mechanism for the survival of waterlogged K. virginica seedlings.<br> http://www.cropj.com/january2012.html Sun, 29 Jan 2012 12:11:43 GMT Junya Junjittakarn, Viriya Limpinuntana, Krirk Pannengpetch, Supat Isarangkool Na <br>Ayutthaya, Alain Rocheteau, Herve Cochard and Frederic C. Do<br><br>Abstract<br>Latex tapping has a well-known negative effect on the long term radial growth of rubber trees (Hevea Brasiliensis). The additional carbon sink induced by latex yield is considered as the main cause. However the potential contribution of a tapping induced water stress has received little attention. In Northeast Thailand, we applied an exploring approach comparing the diel cycle of girth change between days of rest and days with tapping in conditions of relatively stable evaporative demand and soil water availability. Trees were tapped at dark in the early morning for two consecutive days and rested for one day. Five standard trees were equipped with high accuracy girth bands above the tapping panel. The sampling included one tree with additional measurements, one below the tapping cut and the other at the trunk bottom. Data were recorded at 30 min interval over 14 days at the onset of the dry season in November. Results demonstrated a significant short-term shrinkage within two hours after tapping. However, the nighttime expansion maximum diurnal shrinkage and midnight recovery were not significantly influenced by the tapping cycle. As a result the daily growth was not negatively impacted on tapping days. Finally, in conditions of low average growth, our results refute the hypothesis of a negative impact of tapping on radial growth at a daily scale through a simple dehydration. A substantial loss of turgor was confirmed but trees seem to quickly react and smooth the consequences on nighttime recovery and diurnal shrinkage.<br> http://www.cropj.com/january2012.html Sun, 29 Jan 2012 12:09:43 GMT Dickson Ng’uni, Mulatu Geleta, Per Hofvander, Moneim Fatih, Tomas Bryngelsson<br><br>Abstract<br>Determination of genetic diversity and nutritional value is useful for varietal improvement. Fourteen sorghum accessions, six from Malawi (MW), four each from Tanzania (TZ) and Zambia (ZMB) considered most common and widely grown varieties in those countries were assessed for genetic diversity based on ten SSR loci and grain-Fe, Zn, total protein and starch contents. Sorghum accessions exhibited significant variation for protein, total starch content and grain-Zn (p<0.001) and grain-Fe (p<0.05). Grain-Fe content ranged from 2.8 to 6.3 mg/100g and grain-Zn content ranged 2.3 - 5.5 mg/100g. Grain protein content ranged from 9.7 to 16.3%. TZ4031 from Tanzania was superior in grain-Zn content while MW734 from Malawi was high in grain-Fe and protein contents. Zambian accessions were significantly higher in total starch content. Similarly, Tanzanian accessions were significantly superior in grain-Zn content. Protein content was significantly positive correlated with grain-Zn (r = 0.42). Significant and highly positive correlation (r = 0.49) was revealed between grain-Fe and Zn content. Nei’s gene diversity revealed higher genetic variation within Malawian accessions than in other accessions used in the study. The lowest within accessions genetic diversity was exhibited by Tanzanian accessions. Cluster and principal coordinate analyses revealed similarity between Malawian and Tanzanian accessions. The results suggest presence of genetic diversity for grain-Fe, Zn, protein and starch contents for food purposes and as resource for varietal improvement. MW734, TZ4031 and TZ3966 were identified as a potential resource material for grain-Fe and Zn variety enrichment programme. However, further research is recommended for evaluation of the compositional stability of potential sorghum accessions across various environmental conditions.<br><br><br> http://www.cropj.com/january2012.html Sun, 29 Jan 2012 12:08:37 GMT Weiqi Wang, Liang Li, Shan Huang, Shi Sun, Cunxiang Wu, Tianfu Han, Wensheng Hou <br>Abstract<br>The yield of soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) has been seriously challenged by increased salinization of the land. Continuous efforts are needed to understand the salt tolerance mechanism in soybean using suitable biotechnological tools. Although the suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) method was a powerful technique and has been successful in some cases, it may retain some less effective genes which make screening difficult. In order to enrich the target sequences and improve screening efficiency, a secondary subtraction was implemented. In this study, three SSH cDNA libraries were constructed and 1500 clean EST sequences were obtained from forward SSH libraries for further analysis. Using real-time PCR, the expression of 16 representative candidate genes was examined and their differential expressions in NaCl treated Wenfeng7 (salt-tolerant) and Union (salt-sensitive) was confirmed. Dot blot hybridization analysis showed that the retention of common EST sequences were significantly reduced or eliminated in the SSH3 library. GO (gene ontology) annotation and COG (cluster of orthologous group) functional classification revealed that development-related genes and defense mechanism genes were removed from the SSH3 library and salt-tolerance related EST sequences were further enriched, suggesting that the secondary subtraction is a simple and effective way to enrich response-specific genes and improve screening efficiency. <br> http://www.cropj.com/january2012.html Sun, 29 Jan 2012 12:07:32 GMT Abstract<br>In vitro regeneration of Caralluma fimbriata, an endemic Indian medicinal plant through organogenesis was achieved. The callus was initiated on the cut surface of inter nodal segments in the MS medium supplement with 2, 4 D and NAA (0.5and 1.0 mg/l). Then the callus was transferred into MS medium supplemented with BAP (1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 mg/l) along with auxins (2, 4 D and NAA (0.5 and 1.0 mg/l)). The green compact organogenic calli were observed on MS medium supplemented with 2, 4-D (0.5 mg/l) + (BAP 4.0 mg/l) produced 6.2 shoots/explant. The juvenile shoots were elongated in the MS medium supplemented with GA3 (0.1mg/l) of an average shoot length of 6.55cm was observed. These in vitro raised shoots were rooted (6.0 roots/shoot) in the half strength MS medium supplemented with NAA (0.5mg/l). The rooted shoots were successfully transferred to a cup containing vermi-compost and garden soil (1:1) and acclimatized in plant growth chamber. The regenerated plantlets showed 82% of survival rate in the green house.<br> http://www.cropj.com/january2012.html Sun, 29 Jan 2012 12:06:36 GMT Pietro Marino Gallina, Giovanni Cabassi, Alessandro Maggioni, Alessandro Natalini, Antonio Ferrante<br><br>Abstract <br>Consumer demand is oriented toward onion cultivars with lower pungency, and the pyruvic acid content of onions is highly correlated with their pungency. Therefore, breeding programmes might be based on the pyruvic acid content of the parental bulbs. The present study was performed using 97 onion clones with the aim of correlating the pyruvic acid levels with phenotype traits in the different genotypes used in breeding programmes. The onion bulbs were provided from the breeding company with blind labels, and four bulbs were individually analysed for each clone. A comparison between the spectrophotometric and HPLC determination of pyruvic acid was also carried out and showed an excellent linear regression with an R2 = 0.951. The pyruvic acid was studied in correlation with tunic colours, pungency and precocity, and the highest correlation coefficient was found for red skinned onions. The lowest pyruvate content was found in white onions, with 6.5 µmol g-1 FW, whereas higher values (8.4-8.5 µmol g-1 FW) were observed in yellow and red onions. The chemical analyses were compared with panel taste assessments. The results confirmed that the pungency and pyruvic acid content were positively and significantly correlated (P<0.0001),even when the coefficient resulted in a relatively low value (r = 0.515). The precocity trait was associated with pyruvate content: precocious onions, in particular, showed lower pungency. <br> http://www.cropj.com/january2012.html Sun, 29 Jan 2012 12:05:39 GMT Godishala Vikram, Kairamkonda Madhusudhan, Kagithoju Srikanth, Mangamoori Laxminarasu and Nanna Rama Swamy <br><br>Abstract:<br>An efficient protocol for multiple shoots induction and plant regeneration from cotyledon explants of cultivated tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) cv S-22 is reported. The cotyledon explants were cultured on MS medium supplemented with 0.2-2.0 mg/L Zeatin as a sole growth regulator and also in combination with 0.2/0.5 mg/L IAA. Maximum number of multiple shoots formation was found at 0.2 mg/L IAA with 1.2 mg/L Zeatin. Shoots were transferred to MS medium supplemented with 0.2-1.0 mg/L GA3 and 1.0 mg/L Zeatin for elongation. The medium supplemented with 0.6 mg/L GA3 in combination with 1.0 mg/L Zeatin showed the maximum percentage of enhancement of shoot elongation. For In vitro rooting, elongated microshoots were excised and transferred onto MS medium supplemented with 0.5mg / L IAA, IBA and NAA. Profuse rhizogenesis was observed at 0.5 mg/L IAA compared to NAA / IBA. The regenerated plants were acclimatized in the culture room and maintained in the green house. These plants were found to be normal and similar to the donor plant. Thus, an efficient and reproducible direct regeneration protocol has been developed in cultivated tomato cv S-22 using cotyledon explants which is genotype dependent. This protocol can be used for Agrobacterium tumefaciens mediated genetic transformation in tomato cv S-22.<br> http://www.cropj.com/january2012.html Sun, 29 Jan 2012 12:04:23 GMT M.T. Rakha, E.I. Metwally, S.A. Moustafa, A.A. Etman, Y.H. Dewir<br><br>Abstract<br>Homozygous plants can be obtained in a single generation using doubled haploid technology, which can tremendously facilitate breeding programs. The present study reports on in vitro regeneration and production of double haploid plants through anther and ovule cultures resulting from the hybridization of cultivated species of Cucurbita pepo L. with three other Cucurbita species i.e. C. moschata L., C. ficifolia and C. martinezii L. Among six sucrose-2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) combinations tested, the addition of 90 g l-1 sucrose and 1 mg l-1 2,4-D into the medium was found to be more suitable for callus regeneration from anthers. Anthers from the hybrid C. pepo L. (Queen F1) × C. moschata L. regenerated the highest percentage (40%) of plantlets from callus and highest average number of plantlets per callus (7.5) when the culture medium was supplemented with the aforementioned concentrations of sucrose and 2,4-D. Ovules collected from the hybrid C. pepo L. (MHTC77 F1) × C. moschata L. produced the highest percentage of regenerated plantlets (25.33%), the highest percentage of responded ovules (18.67%) and the highest average number of plantlets per ovule (3.37). Cold pretreatment had negative effects on gynogenesis with the exception of the hybrid C. pepo L. (MHTC77 F1) × C. moschata L. Chromosome counting in the root tips of androgenic plantlets revealed 50% of haploid and (n = x = 20) and 50% of dihaploid plantlets (2n = 2x = 40). The assessment of root tips from gynogenic plantlets resulted in 60% haploid (2n = x = 20) and 40% diploid (2n = 2x = 40) plants. The androgenic strains were evaluated for their vegetative and reproductive traits compared with open local cultivar C. pepo L. (Eskandarani cv.). While the majority of regenerated strains were intermediate between the cultivated species of C. pepo L. and other Cucurbita species, two regenerated strains proved superior to the local cultivar 'Eskandarani' in number of fruits (early and total yield/plot) as well as in total fruit yield per plot. <br> http://www.cropj.com/january2012.html Sun, 29 Jan 2012 12:03:39 GMT Hasan M.F, Mahmud T.M.M, Kadir J, Ding P, Zaidul I.S.M<br><br>Abstract<br>Using non-chemical control methods to re¬duce postharvest decay is becoming increasingly important in both economic and environmental view point. Sodium bicarbonate (SBC) is common food additive recognized as safe substance in food industry. This study had been carried out to look at the ability in both in vitro and in vivo condition of sodium bicarbonate (SBC) to suppress postharvest anthracnose disease of papaya. SBC at various concentrations, 0, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5 and 3% (w/v) was used as treatment against mycelial growth and spore germination of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. After seven days of incubation, mycelial growth was completely inhibited by 3% SBC, which was statistically similar with 2 and 2.5% SBC (99.5% and 96.5% inhibition, respectively). Similar trend was observed with spores germination, where no spores were germinated after 8 h in 3% SBC solution, which was statistically identical with 2 and 2.5% SBC solution. In in vivo test, 2% SBC significantly reduced the disease incidence and severity where anthracnose disease was reduced up to 60% compared to the control. Therefore, 2% SBC can be expected to provide more effective control of anthracnose in papaya during storage. <br> http://www.cropj.com/january2012.html Sun, 29 Jan 2012 12:02:08 GMT Tingting Xie, Peixi Su, Lishan Shan, Jianbin Ma<br><br>Abstract<br>In order to evaluate changes in biomass, sugar content, ethanol yield as well as water use status of sweet sorghum [Sorghum biocolor (L.) Moench] a number of experiments conducted in marginal land arid region of Hexi Corridor in northwestern China, with the average rainfall of 116.8 mm, in three land types including loam land, saline-alkaline land and sandy land. The saline-alkaline land and sandy land possessed low total aboveground dry weights of 22.1 and 26.8 t ha-1 in 2009, respectively. In 2010, total soluble sugar yields for saline-alkaline land and sandy land varied from 11.00 to11.28 t ha-1, which were significantly higher than loam land’s total soluble sugar yield. Similarly, ethanol yield originated from sugar ranged from 6032.57 to 6193.02 L ha-1 for saline-alkaline land and sandy land, respectively, indicating a significant difference in comparison with ethanol yield in loam land. However, irrigation water use efficiency of aboveground biomass in 2009 were 3.93, 3.62 and 2.36 kg m-3 for loam land, saline-alkaline land and sandy land, respectively. The same trend was found in 2010. It is concluded that although loam land produced more biomass yield and irrigation water use efficiency, the higher sugar and ethanol yield of sweet sorghum was acquired in saline-alkaline land and sandy land. Considering the competition of production between food and energy crops, it is pragmatic and meaningful to develop sweet sorghum in saline-alkaline and sandy land. Meanwhile, the soil condition can be improved to adapt different cultivation modes in order to increase biomass yield or water use efficiency in saline-alkaline and sandy lands.<br> http://www.cropj.com/january2012.html Sun, 29 Jan 2012 12:00:46 GMT Abdul Ghaffar, Ehsanullah, Nadeem Akbar, Sultan Habibullah Khan, Khawar Jabran, <br>Rafi Qamar Hashmi, Asif Iqbal, Muhammad Amjad Ali<br><br>Abstract<br><br>Conventional planting methods, poor management practices and imbalanced use of nutrients are the major constraints responsible for low cane and sugar yield of sugarcane. A field trial was conducted during spring 2007-08 and 2008-09 to evaluate the effect of different trench spacing and doses of Zn and Fe on production of sugarcane. The treatments comprised; trench spacing (75, 90 and 120 cm apart) and foliar application of Zn+Fe @ 2.5+5, 5+10 and 7.5+15 Kg ha-1, along with a check. Different trench spacings and levels of Zn and Fe significantly affected the quantitative parameters of sugarcane including number of internodes, cane diameter and stripped cane weight. Higher crop growth rate of 11.87 and 11.74 g m 2 d 1 was recorded in 120 cm spaced trenches and with foliar application of 5.0+10 kg ha-1 of Zn+Fe. Crop planted at 120 cm spaced trenches produced maximum yield of stripped cane 104.6 and 112.8 t ha-1; while application of Zn+Fe @ 5.0+10 kg ha 1 gave stripped cane yield of 106.4 & 110.4 t ha-1 in 2007-2008 and 2008-2009, respectively. Maximum net return of USD 1048 and USD 1511 was obtained from crop grown at 120 cm spaced trenches with foliar application of zinc and iron @ 5+10 kg ha 1 during both the years under study. In conclusion, sugarcane crop can be planted at 120 cm spaced trenches and fertilized with 5+10 kg ha 1 of Zn+Fe for enhanced yield and higher economic returns.<br>