Australian Journal of Crop Science   AJCS

Issue DOI: 10.21475/ajcs.2016.10.07

Measurement of biological antioxidant activity of seven food-grade sorghum hybrids grown in a Mediterranean environment

Paola Pontieri*, Fabio Del Giudice, Martin D. Dimitrov, Margarita G. Pesheva, Pencho V. Venkov, Antimo Di Maro, Severina Pacifico, Priyadarshini Gadgil, Thomas J. Herald, Mitchell R. Tuinstra, Graziano Pizzolante, Roberta Romano, Pietro Alifano, Luigi Del Giudice

Istituto di Bioscienze e BioRisorse-UOS Portici-CNR c/o Dipartimento di Biologia, Sezione di Igiene, Napoli 80134, Italy
Bioteam Laboratory, via Girolamo Santacroce, Napoli 80129, Italy
Department of Genetics, Faculty of Biology, Sofia University St. “Kliment Ohridski”, Dragan Tzankov str, Sofia 1407, Bulgaria
Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Seconda Università di Napoli, Caserta 81100, Italy
USDA-ARS, CGAHR, Manhattan, KS 66502, USA
Purdue University, Department of Agronomy, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche e Ambientali, Università del Salento, Lecce 73100, Italy

Summary
In this study, we measured the antioxidant capacity of seven white food-grade sorghum hybrids grown in Southern Italy using the Ty1antiROS cell-based test and the chemical 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazolin-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) assays. Samples were also analyzed for phenolic contents. Ty1antiROS test showed that all hybrids possessed antioxidant activity and were effective in scavenging the ABTS•+ target species but they exerted a weak DPPH• antiradical effect.

Pages 904-910 | DOI: 10.21475/ajcs.2016.10.07.pne18    Read More 

............................................................................................................................................................................................

Exploring ion homeostasis and mechanism of salinity tolerance in primary tritipyrum lines (Wheat × Thinopyrum bessarabicum) in the presence of salinity

Maryam Kamyab, Mohammad Kafi*, Hossein Shahsavand, Morteza Goldani, Farhad Shokouhifar

Department of Agronomy and Crop Breeding, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran
Department of Agronomy and Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Iran
Research Institute for Plant Sciences, Ferdowsi University, Mashhad, Iran

Summary
In order to determine the salinity tolerance mechanisms of this new cereal, an experiment was conducted using hydroponic technique. Ten tritipyrum lines and two wheat cultivars were tested under three levels of salinity (50, 100 and 200mM NaCl). The effect of salinity stress on Na+ and K+ concentration of leaf, shoot and root, proline and chlorophyll content were measured at 50% ear emergence and their grain yield plant-1 was evaluated at physiological maturity. Leaf Na+ concentration in tritipyrum lines increased with increasing salinity while K+ concentration did not show any especial pattern.

Pages 911-919 | DOI: 10.21475/ajcs.2016.10.07.p6714    Read More 

............................................................................................................................................................................................

Photosynthetic pigments and carbohydrates in young Brazil nut (Bertholletia excelsa H.B.K.) plants exposed to moderate and severe water deficiency

Paula Francyneth Nascimento Silva, Carla Leticia Figueredo de Carvalho Souza, Jose Rodrigo Mendes e Chagas, Gabriel Mascarenhas Maciel, Douglas José Marques, Allan Klynger da Silva Lobato*, Milton Hélio Lima da Silva, Tiago Rodrigues Ferreira, Maria Antonia Machado Barbosa, Rita de Oliveira Braga, Thalison Bruno Campos Correa, Gustavo Antonio Ruffeil Alves, Denes de Souza Barros, João Ricado Sena5

Núcleo de Pesquisa Vegetal Básica e Aplicada, Universidade Federal Rural da Amazônia. Paragominas, Pará, Brazil
Instituto de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Monte Carmelo, Brazil
Setor de Olericultura e Experimentação, Universidade José do Rosário Vellano (UNIFENAS), Alfenas, Brazil
Coordenação de Botânica, Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi, Belém, Pará, Brazil
Secretaria de Estado de Meio Ambiente, Belém, Pará, Brazil

Summary
This study aimed to evaluate the photosynthetic pigments and carbon compounds in young Bertholletia excelsa H.B.K. plants (18-month-old) subjected to 6 and 12 consecutive days without irrigation, to simulate moderate and severe water deficiency. This study will also answer the contribution of the carbohydrates related to osmotic adjustment.

Pages 920-925 | DOI: 10.21475/ajcs.2016.10.07.p7105   Read More 
............................................................................................................................................................................................

Temperature-based solar radiation models for use in simulated soybean potential yield

Valdiney José da Silva*, Cláudio Ricardo da Silva, Javier Almorox, José Alves Júnior

Institute of Agricultural Sciences, ICIAG, Federal University of Uberlandia – UFU, MG, Brazil
School of Agricultural Engineers, Department of Soil Science and Climatology, Polytechnic University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
School of Agronomy, EA, Federal University of Goias – UFG, GO, Brazil

Summary
Solar radiation is the main meteorological element required for crop yield simulation. However, it is not widely measured as air temperature and rainfall. This study evaluated some temperature-based solar radiation models for estimation of daily solar radiation (Rs), and how the estimates may affect soybean yield potential. The evaluated models were Annandale (AN), Hargreaves (HA), Modified Hargreaves (HA-1), Hunt (HU), Bristow and Campbell (BC), Chen (CH), Donatelli and Campbell (DC) and De Jong and Stewart (JS).

Pages 926-932 | DOI: 10.21475/ajcs.2016.10.07.p7301   Read More 

............................................................................................................................................................................................

Tuber yield prognosis model and agronomic nitrogen use efficiency of potato cultivars

Paulo Cezar Rezende Fontes, Heder Braun*, Marcelo Cleón de Castro Silva, Fabrício Silva Coelho, Paulo Roberto Cecon, Fábio Luiz Partelli

Federal University of Viçosa, Department of Plant Sciences, Viçosa, Minas Gerais State, Brazil
Maranhão State University, Agroecology Graduate Program, São Luís, Maranhão State, Brazil
Federal University of Viçosa, Department of Statistics, Viçosa, Minas Gerais State, Brazil
Federal University of Espírito Santo, University Center of North Espírito Santo, Department Plant and Biology Science, São Mateus, Espírito Santo State, Brazil

Summary
Adjusting nitrogen (N) fertilization rates to crop requirements optimizes N efficiency and reduces environmental pollution. In accordance with such precision agriculture, methods facilitating rapid and simple real-time crop yield prognostication are desirable. The aims of this study are to establish a prognostic model for tuber yield; early characterization of a properly N-nourished plant and to determine the N use efficiency by the Asterix and Atlantic potato cultivars.

Pages 933-939 | DOI: 10.21475/ajcs.2016.10.07.p7404   Read More 
..............................................................................................................................................................................................

Genetic diversity of the germplasm active bank of Capsicum of UNEMAT based on components resistant to the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides

Álan Chrisleyr Maracahipes, Kenia Kelli Coelho Gomes Viscovini, Eduarda da Silva Annunciatto, Leonarda Grillo Neves, Milson evaldo Serafim, Petterson Batist da Luz, Kelly Lana Araújo

Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética e Melhoramento de plantas. Universidade do Estado de Mato Grosso (UNEMAT), Brazil
Agronomy department, Universidade Do Estado de Mato Grosso, Brazil
Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia de Mato Grosso, Campus Cáceres, Brazil
Agronomy department, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética e Melhoramento de plantas, Universidade Do Estado de Mato Grosso, Brazil

Summary
Peppers and chilies belong to the Solanaceae family and to the genus Capsicum. The production of this vegetable is increasing in Brazil. However, there are several phytosanitary problems that are causing heavy losses to the culture, among them anthracnose. The objective of this study was to evaluate the genetic diversity of the Capsicum Germplasm Active Bank (GAB) of the UNEMAT based on components resistant to the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. 88 accessions of Capsicum spp., belonging to the Germplasm Active Bank of UNEMAT, were evaluated for reaction to the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides.

Pages 940-948 | DOI: 10.21475/ajcs.2016.10.07.p7437   Read More 
............................................................................................................................................................................................

Application of digital images for nitrogen status diagnosis in three Vigna unguiculata cultivars

Márcia Masson Mendes dos Santos, Ester de Paiva Alves, Benjamim Valentim da Silva, Fabrício de Oliveira Reis, Fábio Luiz Partelli, Paulo Roberto Cecon, Heder Braun*

Maranhão State University, Agroecology Graduate Program, São Luís, Maranhão State, Brazil
Federal University of Espírito Santo, University Center of North Espírito Santo, Department Plant and Biology Science, São Mateus, Espírito Santo State, Brazil
Federal University of Viçosa, Departament of Estatistics, Campus Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais State, Brazil

Summary
The SPAD chlorophyll meter is widely used to indirectly monitor the nitrogen (N) status of various crops, which is important to ensure proper management of N fertilizers. Here, we propose that the freely available digital foliar analysis software AFSoft may be used to monitor N status with the same effectiveness as the SPAD meter. To verify the usefulness of AFSoft, we employed both SPAD meter readings and AFSoft note to estimate relative chlorophyll content in cowpea beans exposed to different N fertilization rates.

Pages 949-955 | DOI: 10.21475/ajcs.2016.10.07.p7442   Read More 
............................................................................................................................................................................................

Combining ability analysis of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) genotypes for cassava mosaic disease in Zambia

Patrick Chiza Chikoti*, Paul Shanahan, Rob Melis

Zambia Agriculture Research Institute, Mount Makulu Research Station, Private bag 7 Chilanga, Zambia
University of KwaZulu-Natal, African Centre for Crop improvement, P/Bag X01, Scottsville, South Africa

Summary
Despite the importance of cassava as a staple crop in Luapula province and other regions of Zambia, there is a lack of information on the resistance to diseases and associated combining ability of the locally cultivated cassava cultivars. Therefore, this study was carried out in 2010/2011 to: identify progeny with resistance to cassava mosaic disease (CMD); evaluate the performance of F1 progeny for agronomic traits and determine general combining ability and specific combining ability for resistance to CMD. A total of 809 genotypes comprising of parents and progeny were developed through controlled crossing and evaluated using α-lattice design.

Pages 956-963 | DOI: 10.21475/ajcs.2016.10.07.p7616   Read More 
............................................................................................................................................................................................

A direct organogenesis protocol from shoot segments of Solanum tuberosum cv. Monalisa

Nádia Alves Campos, Glacy Jaqueline da Silva, Márcia Fabiana Barbosa de Paula, Thaís Barros Rodrigues, Leonardo Augusto Zebral Rodrigues, Luciano Vilela Paiva

Biosystems Department, KULeuven, Leuven, Belgium
Molecular Biology Department, Paranaense University, Umuarama, Brazil
Genetics and Biotechnology Department, Santa Cruz State University, Ilheus, Brazil
Nuclear Energy Center in Agriculture, São Paulo University, Piracicaba, Brazil
Chemistry Department, Lavras Federal University, Lavras, Brazil

Summary
Transgenic technology is an excellent alternative for improvement of crop production and disease free crops such as potato, which is one of the most important crops worldwide. One of the first steps to apply the transgenic technique is the establishment of an efficient plant regeneration protocol. This is a limiting step in this kind of study, since most protocols are species-specific and some of them do not adequately respond to in vitro culture or present low regeneration rates. The objective of this study was to stablish an efficient regeneration protocol of Solanum tuberosum cv. Monalisa from internodes explants. This work is important since most in vitro protocols are based on shoots.

Pages 964-968 | DOI: 10.21475/ajcs.2016.10.07.p7623   Read More 
............................................................................................................................................................................................

Influence of salicylic acid (SA) and ascorbic acid (ASA) on in vitro propagation and salt tolerance of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) cv. ‘Nersy’

Ahmed Madi Waheed AL-Mayahi

Department of Plant Tissue Culture, Date Palm Research Centre, University of Basra, Basra, Iraq

Summary
This study was carried out to investigate the antioxidant effects of salicylic acid (SA) and ascorbic acid (ASA) under two stress levels (75 and 150 mM NaCl) on growth and some biochemical constituents of date palm cv. Nersy cultured in vitro. Micro-propagated shoots of cv. Nersy at length 2.5-3 cm was excised from the proliferation medium and were separately cultured on MS medium. The data indicated that maximum growth and chlorophyll content of shoots was observed after 75 days of culturing in the medium supplemented with 50 mgl-1 salicylic acid and 100 mgl-1 ascorbic acid in both stress and non-stress conditions.

Pages 969-976 | DOI: 10.21475/ajcs.2016.10.07.p7640   Read More 
............................................................................................................................................................................................

The challenge of finding high grain yield and pre-harvest sprouting tolerant genotypes in Brazilian wheat germplasm

Rafael Nornberg*, Henrique de Souza Luche, José Antonio Gonzalez da Silva, Cristiano Mathias Zimmer, Francieli Fatima Cima, Mateus Olivo and Antonio Costa de Oliveira

Eliseu Maciel School of Agronomy, Plant Genomics and Breeding Center, Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel), Gomes Carneiro Street 01, 96010-900, RS, Pelotas, Brazil
School of Agronomy, Department of Agrarian Studies, Regional University of Northwest of Rio Grande do Sul State (UNIJUÍ), Comércio Street 300, 98700-000, RS, Ijuí, Brazil

Summary
Pre-harvest sprouting (PHS) harms the quality of wheat by converting starch into sugar and decreasing the flour quality. Therefore, improving wheat genotypes for PHS is critical for Brazilian wheat breeding programs. The goals of this study were to evaluate the combining ability and heterosis of Brazilian wheat genotypes, aiming to increase genetic gains and to identify promising combinations capable of generating superior genotypes for grain yield and pre-harvest sprouting tolerance. The work was conducted in 2011 in Capão do Leão, RS, Brazil, under an experimental design of randomized blocks with three repetitions. tolerance.

Pages 977-984 | DOI: 10.21475/ajcs.2016.10.07.p7641   Read More 
............................................................................................................................................................................................

Effects of surface application of gypsum in corn intercropped with jack bean (Canavalia eusiformis) with different soil penetration resistance

Edleusa Pereira Seidel*, William dos Reis, Marcos Cesar Mottin*

Department of Agricultural Sciences, State University of West Paraná, UNIOESTE, Marechal C. Rondon, PR, Brazil

Summary
This study aimed to evaluate production components, yield of maize intercropped with jack bean and soil resistance to penetration using different doses of gypsum. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design in split plots with four replications and was carried out during season 2013/2014. The main plots were maize intercropped with jack beans and maize sown alone, and the subplots were six doses of gypsum (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 t ha-¹).

Pages 985-989 | DOI: 10.21475/ajcs.2016.10.07.p7661   Read More 
............................................................................................................................................................................................

Study of genetic diversity and differentiation of argan tree population (Argania spinosa L.) using AFLP markers

Ouafae Pakhrou, Leila Medraoui, Chaimaa Yatrib, Mohammed Alami, Saad Ibn Souda-kouraichi, Abdelhamid El mousadik, Abderrahim Ferradous, Fouad Msanda, Cherkaoui El modafar, Abdelkarim Filali-maltouf*, and Bouchra Belkadi

Laboratory of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Mohammed Vth 8 University, Rabat, Morocco
Laboratory of Microbial Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences and Technics, Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, Morocco
Laboratory of Biotechnologies and Valuation of Natural Resources, Ibn-Zohr University, Faculty of Science, Agadir, Morocco
High Commission for Water Forests and Desertification Control (HCEFLCD), Forestry Research Center (FRC), Marrakech, Morocco
Laboratory of Biotechnology, for the Agro-ressources Valorization and the Protection, Faculty of Sciences and Technics, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakech, Morocco

Summary
The argan tree (Argania spinosa L. Skeels, Sapotaceae) is a genetic resource endemic in Morocco. Genetic diversity within and among 13 populations (130 genotypes) of argan tree was studied using AFLP markers. Having checked twenty combinations of labeled primers for regular genomes (500-6000 Mb) (EcoRI+3/ MseI+3 selective bases) and for small genome (50-500 Mb) (EcoRI+2/MseI+3 selective bases), we selected four combinations specific for regular genome able to produce a relatively high polymorphism and a low error rate (0.12 %).

Pages 990-999 | DOI: 10.21475/ajcs.2016.10.07.p7680   Read More 
............................................................................................................................................................................................

Study of morpho-agronomic diversity and oil content in desert gourd (Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad.)

Kiran Menon*, Neeru Sood, Nanduri Kameswara Rao

Department of Biotechnology, Birla Institute of Technology & Science- Pilani, Dubai Campus, Dubai International Academic City, UAE
International Center for Biosaline Agriculture, Dubai, UAE

Summary
Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad., also known as desert gourd, is a xerophytic perennial creeper. In a field trial conducted on sandy soil and under arid conditions in the United Emirates (UAE), 27 germplasm accessions were studied for their potential as feedstock for biodiesel production. All accessions were evaluated for two qualitative and eleven quantitative morpho-agronomic traits over a period of one year (November 2013- December 2014) in a field trial laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. Analysis of the data revealed high variability among the accessions, with seed yields ranging between 12 and 374 grams per plant and seed oil content from 7.8 to 43.8% of seed weight.

Pages 1000-1006 | DOI: 10.21475/ajcs.2016.10.07.p7686   Read More Supplementary Data 
............................................................................................................................................................................................

Geotextiles influence on the formation of soil wet bulbs and the production of drip-irrigated lettuce

Priscilla Lacerda, Paulo Márcio Fernandes Viana*, Gisele Carneiro da Silva, Itamar Rosa Teixeira

State University of Goiás, Unity of Anápolis, 75132-400, Anápolis-GO, Brazil

Summary
The influence of nonwoven geotextiles on the formation of wet bulbs and on the vegetative development of cv. Vanda lettuce was evaluated. The study was conducted in a greenhouse using a complete randomized block design with five repetitions. Treatments consisted of a control and three geotextiles grammages: N26.1, N30.1 and N40.1. To evaluate soil wet bulbs, 16 tensiometers were used.

Pages 1007-1014 | 10.21475/ajcs.2016.10.07.p7691   Read More 
............................................................................................................................................................................................

Occurrence of Pseudomonas syringae pv. garcae in coffee seeds 

Leônidas Leoni Belan, Edson Ampélio Pozza*, Marcelo Loran de Oliveira Freitas, Melina Korres Raimundi, Ricardo Magela de Souza, José da Cruz Machado

Federal University of Lavras, Department of Plant Pathology, Laboratory of Epidemiology and Plant Disease Management, Lavras - MG, 37200-000, Brazil

Summary
Given the damage and losses caused by bacterial blight of coffee (Pseudomonas syringae pv. garcae) (PSG) in coffee (Coffea arabica) seedling nurseries and lack of knowledge of the origin of the initial inoculum, the goal of this study was to determine whether coffee seeds can spread bacterial inoculum. Seeds from plants with symptoms of bacterial blight of coffee were immersed in sterilized saline solution, and the crude extract obtained was inoculated in leaves of coffee seedlings. Leaves of plants inoculated with seed extract from symptomatic plants had symptoms of bacterial blight similar to those on leaves inoculated with reference isolate PSG.

Pages 1015-1021 | DOI: 10.21475/ajcs.2016.10.07.p7693   Read More 
............................................................................................................................................................................................

Morphological and biochemical impact of different decontamination agents on date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) procallus

Mohammed H. Abass*, Sabeh D. Al-Utbi, Esraa A. H. Al-Samir

Date Palm Research Centre, Basra University, Basra, Iraq
Biology Department, Sciences College, Basra University, Basra, Iraq

Summary
This study was conducted to evaluate the phytotoxic effects of different antibiotics and fungicides on the procallus of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.). The fungicides Switch® and Beltanol and the antibiotics chloramphenicol and gentamycin were used in this study. Results confirmed the lethal effects of Switch®, gentamycin, and chloramphenicol (at 100 mg/l in dicamba treatment) on date palm tissues. The treated shoot tips did not develop into procallus, and their growth was completely inhibited. Beltanol treatments significantly decreased the biochemical parameters of the procallus treated with 2, 4-D and dicamba. In the Beltanol-treated tissues, the initial period of callus induction was prolonged from 63.33 and 69.66 days to 97.66 and 117.66 days.

Pages 1022-1029 | DOI: 10.21475/ajcs.2016.10.07.p7706   Read More 
............................................................................................................................................................................................

Foliar-applied ɑ-tocopherol enhances salt-tolerance in onion plants by improving antioxidant defence system

Wael M. Semida, Taia A. Abd El-Mageed, Saad M. Howladar, Mostafa M. Rady*

Horticulture Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Fayoum University, 63514 Fayoum, Egypt
Soil and Water Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Fayoum University, 63514 Fayoum, Egypt
Biology Department, Faculty of Sciences, Albaha University, Albaha, Saudi Arabia
Botany Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Fayoum University, 63514 Fayoum, Egypt

Summary
ɑ-Tocopherol (ɑTOC) is a vitamin and antioxidant compound that plays a crucial role in amelioration of biotic and abiotic stresses. It has been found that it improves salt-tolerance in some plant species. Two field experiments were conducted in 2013/14 and 2014/15 to evaluate the potential effects of foliar applications with 0.5 and 1.0 mM ɑTOC on growth, yield, plant water relations, osmoprotectants and the activity of antioxidant system of two onion varieties (i.e., Giza 20 and Giza Red) “classified as salt-sensitive” under saline soil condition (ECe = 7.94 - 8.81 dS m-1). Exogenous application of ɑTOC significantly improved salt stress tolerance in onion plants by reducing the endogenous H2O2 and lipid peroxidation, and increasing enzymatic (i.e., superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, and glutathione reductase) and non-enzymatic (i.e., ascorbic acid and glutathione) antioxidant activity.

Pages 1030-1039 | DOI: 10.21475/ajcs.2016.10.07.p7712   Read More 
............................................................................................................................................................................................

Specific demands to the traction of cutting discs and furrow openers for the no-tillage system

Tiago Rodrigo Francetto*, Airton dos Santos Alonço, Dauto Pivetta Carpes, Otávio Dias da Costa Machado, Rafael Sobroza Becker, Catize Brandelero

Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Post graduation Program in Agricultural Engineering, City of Santa Maria, State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Instituto Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (IFRS), City of Bento Gonçalves, State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Summary
The objective of this study was to identify the specific demands to the traction considering the work depth and the soil area mobilized by different associations between crop residue coulter discs and fertilizer furrow openers of crop planters, for the no-tillage system, subject to the ground speed. This experiment was conducted in a farm in the city of Santa Maria (Brazil – Rio Grande do Sul), in a soil classified as Red Ultisol with sandy loam texture. The experiment consisted of 24 combinations of treatments, in a factorial design of 2x3x4. The treatments were obtained by the interaction of furrowers (hoe furrow opener and double-disc opener) with three arrangements in relation to the cutting discs (without disc, smooth and offset fluted coulter) and speeds (1.11, 1.67, 2.22 and 2.78 m s-1).

Pages 1040-1046 | DOI: 10.21475/ajcs.2016.10.07.p7732   Read More 

............................................................................................................................................................................................

How are germination performance and seedling establishment under abiotic stress improved by seed priming? A review

Alexandre Bosco de Oliveira*, Enéas Gomes-Filho

Federal University of Ceará, Department of Crop Science, Center of Agricultural Sciences, Av. Mister Hull, 2977, zip code 60356-001, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
Federal University of Ceará, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, National Institute of Science and Technology in Salinity (INCTSal), post office box 6039, zip code 60455-970, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil

Summary
Seed priming, also called osmoconditioning, is one of the most promising treatments for reducing the time needed between sowing and seedling emergence. In addition, this treatment has also been associated with increases in seed tolerance to adverse conditions during seed germination and seedling establishment. Thus, this review examines the major changes seen in abiotically stressed plants as a result of seed priming treatments, in particular physiological and biochemical changes promoted by seed priming.

Pages 1047-1051 | DOI: 10.21475/ajcs.2016.10.07.p7740   Read More 

............................................................................................................................................................................................

Productive, qualitative and seed image analysis traits of guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L. Taub.)

Fabio Gresta, Carmelo Santonoceto, Giuseppe Ceravolo, Cristina Formantici, Oscar Grillo*, Concetta Ravalli, Gianfranco Venora

Dipartimento di Agraria, Università Mediterranea di Reggio Calabria, Loc. Feo di Vito, 89122 – Reggio Calabria, Italy
Laboratory of Biotechnology Lamberti spa, Via Piave 18, 21041 Albizzate (VA), Italy
Stazione Sperimentale di Granicoltura per la Sicilia, Via Sirio 1, 95041 Borgo Santo Pietro, Fraz. Caltagirone, Italy

Summary
Due to the high content of galactomannans extractable from the endosperm, guar or cluster bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub), is always more frequently cultivated as a grain crop. Guar galactomannans are a source of hydrocolloid able to form a thick solution even in cold water in low concentrations. For this reason, in the last few years the demand for guar gum has greatly increased both for the food and the oil industry. Guar seed accessions identification is quite difficult, since American and Indian varieties and unlabelled genotypes show similar phenotypic seed traits, but very different agronomic value. Eight guar accessions with different origins have been cultivated in a Mediterranean environment and grain yield and galactomannans enzymatic determination have been carried out. The data of 137 morpho-colorimetric quantitative variables were measured, on each seed, by image analysis techniques and analysed applying a stepwise Linear Discriminant Analysis.

Pages 1052-1060 | DOI: 10.21475/ajcs.2016.10.07.p7810   Read More Supplementary Data   
............................................................................................................................................................................................

Synergistic effects of seed inoculation with Azospirillum brasilense and nitrogen sources on double cropped maize production in tropical savanna of Brazil

Flávio Hiroshi Kaneko*, Michelle Traete Sabundjian, João Paulo Ferreira, Douglas de Castilho Gitti, Vagner Nascimento, Aguinaldo José Freitas Leal, Salatiér Buzetti, André Rodrigues dos Reis, Orivaldo Arf

Federal Institute of Mato Grosso do Sul (IFMS), Rodovia MS 473, km 23, 79750-000, Nova Andradina-MS, Brazil
São Paulo State University (UNESP), Avenida Brasil, 56, centro, 15385-000, Ilha Solteira-SP, Brazil
Agricultural Research Supporting Foundation of Mato Grosso do Sul (MS Foundation), PO Box 137, 79150-000, Maracaju-MS, Brazil
Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS), PO Box 112, 79560-000, Chapadão do Sul-MS, Brazil
5São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rua Domingos da Costa Lopes, 780, 17602-496, Tupã-SP, Brazil

Summary
Nitrogen (N) fertilization on maize crops has been going through modifications due to the use of technologies such as biological N fixation and modified fertilizers. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of seed inoculation with Azospirillum brasilense (with and without inoculation), N sources (urea and polymer coated urea) and side-dressed N levels (0; 45; 90; 135 and 180 kg ha-1), on double cropped maize in two regions of Brazilian savanna (Chapadão do Sul and Selvíria, State of Mato Grosso do Sul).

Pages 1061-1068 | DOI: 10.21475/ajcs.2016.10.07.p7895   Read More Supplementary data