australian journal of crop science   AJCS


Identification of economically important diseases and insect pests of prioritized aromatic and medicinal plants in Ethiopia

Mihiret Mekonnen*, Begashaw Manahlie

Wondo Genet Agricultural Research Center, EIAR, P.O.Box, 198, Shashemene, Ethiopia
Hawassa University Wondo Genet College of Forestry and Natural Resources, P.O. Box 128, Shashemene, Ethiopia


Abstract

Aromatic and medicinal plants occupy an important place in the socio-cultural, spiritual and health care aspects in Ethiopia. Their use for cosmetic, medicinal, coloring and aromatic purposes has a long tradition. However, diseases and insect pests are major limiting factors for the cultivation and production of these plants in many agro-ecologies of the country. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify diseases and insect pests of prioritized Aromatic and medicinal plants in different agro-ecologies of Ethiopia. The study was conducted at six locations from 2012 to 2015. Infected parts of prioritized AMPs were randomly collected from Wondo genet, Holata, Debrezeith, Qoqa, Alage and Hawassa for laboratory evaluations. Tissue segments of each plant were agitated in 10% sodium hypochlorite for 2 minutes and then rinsed three to four times in sterile distilled water. Five pieces of each plant tissues were cultured on PDA media with five replications and then incubated at room temperature for 7 to 10 days. Vegetative hyphae and shape of conidia of pure cultures of each fungal colony were identified under microscope. The identified fungi were described and grouped into different fungal genera. Similarly, samples were randomly collected from insect infested plants from each study location for laboratory inspection. Specimens of unidentified insects were kept in vials containing ethanol for identification. All specimens were classified into their respective orders, families, genera and species. Generally, the result raveled that Fusarium spp., Phoma spp., Rust and Powdery mildew were the major identified fungal diseases and aphid is a common insect pest recorded.

Pages 768-776 | Read More| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.17.11.07.pne311
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Detection of consensus genomic regions associated with root architecture of bread wheat on groups 2 and 3 chromosomes using QTL meta–analysis

Hadi Darzi-Ramandi, Vahid Shariati J, Elahe Tavakol*, Hamid Najafi-Zarini, Sayedeh Saba Bilgrami, Khadijeh Razavi

Department of Plant Breeding and Biotechnology, Sari University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (SANRU), Sari, Iran
Department of Plant Molecular Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran
Department of Crop Production and Plant Breeding, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
Department of Plant Breeding and Biotechnology, University of Zabol, Zabol, Iran


Abstract

Root architecture is an important bread wheat phenomenon that highly influences its production and adaptation to environmental stress, in particular drought stress. Several QTL studies have been conducted to ascertain chromosomal regions associated with root morphology resulted in identification of various loci depend on evaluated population types and experimental conditions. In order to identify the most consistent and reliable QTLs involved in various root morphological traits in bread wheat, a meta-QTL (MQTL) analysis was performed using 106 QTLs derived from 12 different populations under both normal and drought stress conditions. Among them, 125 QTLs related to root traits were successfully projected on to the reference map and further meta-analysis was focused on chromosomes of homeologous group 2 and 3 with highest assigned QTLs. Consequently, a total of seven MQTLs were identified on chromosomes 2A, 2B, 3A and 3B derived from 2 to 17 initial QTLs with a confidence interval (CI) of 5.3–6.6 to 39.5–55.0 cM. Three MQTLs located on 2A, 3A and 3B derived from 7 to 17 QTLs related to different root morphological traits pointed out the most important chromosomal regions. A reduction in the average 95% confidence interval from 20.8 cM to 6.4 cM was observed when comparing the individual QTL to the MQTL. Further analysis on investigation of candidate genes located in these genomic regions resulted in identification of some genes mainly associated with lignin catabolic process, potassium transporters and leucine-rich repeats receptor-like kinases (LRR-RLKs). These results provided fundamental information of most important genomic regions and possible candidate genes related to root morphology in bread wheat.

Pages 777-785 | Read More| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.17.11.07.pne312
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Rates and split top-dress applications of N fertilizer in the production of sweet potato in tropical soil

Carla Verônica Corrêa*, Aline Mendes de Sousa Gouveia, Natália de Brito Lima Lanna, Bruno Novaes Menezes Martins, Ana Emília Barbosa Tavares, Veridiana Zocoler Mendonça, Antonio Ismael Inácio Cardoso, Regina Marta Evangelista

Department of Horticulture, Botucatu School of Agronomy (FCA), Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo state, Brasil

Abstract

There are some studies about plant nutrition and split topdress application of fertilizer to influence nutrients and production of sweet potatoes. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of nitrogen doses in the presence or absence of split topdress application on production of sweet potato. A field experiment was conducted at São Manuel Experimental Farm. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with seven treatments (2×3+1 factorial design) and five repetitions. Treatments consisted of three doses of N topdressing (30, 60 and 90 kg Nha-1), two application time (30 and 50 days after shoots sprouting) and a control (without N topdressing). The analysis evaluated roots fresh and dry matter, number of roots, roots length and diameter, roots productivity and the capacity of roots to extract macronutrients. A higher production was observed with multiple application of N fertilizer with 1146.3 g of root per plant. On the other hand, the single application produced an average of 926.7g per plant. A quadratic adjust was obtained with an average of 1209.2 g at 69.2 kg N ha-1 from the single application. However, the yield per hectare did not show any statistical significance in the presence (47.8 t ha-1) or absence (40.1 t ha-1) of split application. The average yield in single application was 52.5 t ha-1 at 75.0 kg N ha-1. On the other hand, the split application produced 54.7 t ha-1 at the highest estimated dose of 85.0 kg N ha-1. The N topdressing reached a statistical significant difference in most of the analysed features. Moreover, the best results obtained from N doses ranging from 60 to 70 kg ha-1.

Pages 786-791 | Read More| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.17.11.07.pne332
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Leaf gas exchange and biomass partitioning in Jatropha curcas L. young plants subjected to flooding and drought stresses

Tessio Araújo de Santana*, Leandro Dias da Silva, Priscila Souza de Oliveira, Carolina Santos Benjamin, Elmo Pereira Ramos, José Olimpio de Souza Júnior, Fábio Pinto Gomes

State University of Santa Cruz, Department of Biological Sciences, Ilhéus, Ba 45662900, Brazil
Federal University of Espírito Santo, Department of Plant Production, Alegre, Es 2950000, Brazil
Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Departamento de Fitotecnia, Viçosa, 36570000, Brazil


Abstract

With the purpose of assessing the physiological responses of J. curcas young plants to drought and flooding, plants were subjected to three watering regimes: Control, drought and flooding. In the same period, five plants were submitted to drought (irrigation suspension), five to flooding and five were maintained near the field capacity (control). Measurements of leaf gas exchange, chlorophyll content, biomass of each organ (leaf, stem and root), biomass ratios, as well as the root:shoot ratio were made. When compared to control, drought and flooding treatments led to significant reductions (P≤.05) of gas exchange rates at 14 and 7 days after imposition treatments (DAIT), respectively. At the 16th DAIT, significant reductions of leaf, root, stem and total biomass were observed, which resulted in changes of biomass partitioning of each organ. Significant reduction of leaf dry biomass (LDB) was observed in water deficit plants. Moreover, no significant effects of water deficit were observed in root dry biomass. Such response has led to a higher root:shoot ratio, suggesting an improved ability for water and nutrients uptake. In turn, flooding has induced a significant decrease in the dry biomass of all organs. Stem dry biomass ratio of flooded plants (0.67 g g-1) was significantly higher than that of control plants (0.41 g g-1), which, was seemingly due to leaf senescence and root system rotting of flooded plants. Altogether, present results reinforce the susceptibility of the studied genotype of J. curcas to flooding, as well as highlight some characteristics of drought tolerance in this species.

Pages 792-798 | Read More| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.17.11.07.pne354
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Precision agriculture applied to soybean: Part III-Spatial and temporal variability of yield

Eduardo Leonel Bottega*, Daniel Marçal de Queiroz, Francisco de Assis de Carvalho Pinto, Domingos Sárvio Magalhães Valente, Cristiano Márcio Alves de Souza

Federal University of Santa Maria, Cachoeira do Sul city, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil
Federal University of Viçosa, Agricultural Engineering Department, Viçosa city, Minas Gerais State, Brazil
Federal University of Grande Dourados, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Dourados City, Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil


Abstract

The Brazilian Savannah is an important production center of grains despite the presence of low fertility soils. In this agricultural scenario, the delineation of management zones for the application of lime and fertilizer seems to be promising for a high potential for success and may result in the reduction in production cost with an increase in the yield. The objective of this work was to evaluate the spatial and temporal variations in soybean yield in the Brazilian Savannah involving the delineation of management zones based on the apparent soil electrical conductivity (ECa). In an agricultural field in the Brazilian Savannah, 160 sampling points were taken as the references for the mapping of soybean yield in the crop seasons of 2011/2012, 2012/2013, and 2013/2014. In 2012/2013 and 2013/2014, the soil fertility was managed according to the classes set on the basis of measurement of ECa in 2012. The fertilizers were prescribed on the basis of soil sampling in each class. The class management resulted in an increase in the yield of each area. Over the three years of study, 1.2% of the area reported an unstable yield (with a coefficient of variation greater than 30). This low inconsistency may be attributed to the prediction error (the difference between predicted yield values and actual values) in non-sampled sites. The regulation of soil fertility using the management zones based on the apparent soil electrical conductivity is likely to reduce the spatial variability of the yield in the study area.

Pages 799-805 | Read More| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.17.11.07.pne383
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Arsenic, cadmium, lead and chromium concentrations in irrigated and rain-fed rice and their dietary intake implications

M. Jahiruddin, Y. Xie, A. Ozaki, MR. Islam, TV. Nguyen, K. Kurosawa

Department of Soil Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh. Bangladesh
Graduate School of Social & Cultural Studies, Kyushu University, Japan
Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Kyushu University, Japan
Graduate School of Social and Cultural Studies, Kyushu University, Japan


Abstract

Absorption of heavy metals and contaminants through a rice-based diet may have serious consequences for human health. The present study determined the levels of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb) and chromium (Cr) in 71 irrigated and rain-fed rice and assessed dietary (rice) exposure to the heavy metals. The concentration in rice grains were generally higher in the irrigated season which may be related to the use of contaminated irrigation water: As 0.153 ± 0.112 and 0.140 ± 0.080 mg kg-1, Cd 0.073 ± 0.069 and 0.038 ± 0.032 mg kg-1, Pb 0.264 ± 0.125 and 0.147 ± 0.077 mg kg-1 and Cr 1.208 ± 0.913 and 0.986 ± 0.796 mg kg-1 in irrigated and rain-fed rice, respectively. Elevated concentration of grain As was recorded for rice samples that were collected from the locations with As-contaminated groundwater used for irrigation. For Cd, Pb and Cr, relatively higher concentration was noted for the areas which could be linked to industrial effluent contamination. Daily intake of As and heavy metals from rice is estimated as 18.6-214 µg for As, 2.6-119 µg for Cd, 25.0-241 µg for Pb and 59.0-1846 µg for Cr, based on 400g daily rice consumption for 60 kg Bangladeshi adult people. The rice component of the diet alone may contribute up to 46%, 57%, 50% and 60% of the Maximum Tolerable Daily Intake (MTDI) for As, Cd, Pb and Cr, respectively, making it a more important factor in the dietary intake for these elements than other food stuffs and drinking water. Hence, heavy metals accumulation in rice grains is a big concern in south Asia where people’s daily meal largely contains rice or rice based products.

Pages 806-812 | Read More| Supplementary Data| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.17.11.07.pne408
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2-deoxyglucose selection system for Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of Solanum lycopersicon and Nicotiana tabacum plants

Abang Masli Dayang Izawati, Mat Yunus Abdul Masani*, Ghulam Kadir Ahmad Parveez, Ismail Ismanizan

Advanced Biotechnology and Breeding Centre, Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB), No. 6, Persiaran Institusi, Bandar Baru Bangi, 43000 Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia
Institute of System Biology (INBIOSIS), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Malaysia


Abstract

An alternative marker to antibiotic and herbicide genes, 2-deoxyglucose-6-phosphate phosphatase (DOGR1) gene was used to produce transgenic tomato (Solanum lycopersicon) and tobacco plants (Nicotiana tabacum) via Agrobacterium-mediated transformation approach. A binary vector, pBIDOG with T-DNA cassette consists of CaMV35S-DOGR1-nos was mobilized into Agrobacterium tumefaciens LBA4404 via electroporation and subsequently transformed into tomato and tobacco tissues. Selection of transformants of both plants was carried out by using 600 mg/l 2-deoxyglucose (2-DOG) as selection agent. 2-DOG resistant calli were regenerated into shoots and PCR analysis revealed that 75% and 71% of putative transgenic tomato and tobacco shoots were positive for DOGR1 gene, respectively. Southern blot analysis was carried out to confirm the integration of transgene. The expected ~1.5 kb band was obtained to prove the integration of DOGR1 gene into the plant genome. Transgenic tomato and tobacco plants were successfully regenerated without any phenotypic changes when compared to wild-type plants. Therefore, this alternative selection system can be applied to other plant transformation systems to produce transgenic plants free from antibiotic and herbicide genes, especially for important economic crops. More importantly, this selection system does not lead to any extent hazard to human and animal that subsequently will improve public acceptance of future genetically modified products.

Pages 813-820 | Read More| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.17.11.07.pne425
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Physiological responses to intense water deficit in two genotypes of crambe (Crambe abyssinica Hochst.)

Rodrigo Fantin Alves Martins, André Felipe Costa Souza, Carlos Pitol, Antelmo Ralph Falqueto

Departamento de Ciências Agrárias e Biológicas, Centro Universitário Norte do Espírito Santo, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, BR 101 Norte, Km. 60, Bairro Litorâneo, CEP 29932-540, São Mateus, Espírito Santo, Brazil
Fundação Ms Para Pesquisa e Difusão de Tecnologias Agropecuárias, Estrada da Usina Velha, km 02 - Zona Rural, 79150000 - Maracaju, MS, Brasil - Caixa-postal: 105


Abstract

Drought stress is a major environmental factor limiting growth and agricultural productivity. The objective of this study was to compare photosynthetic responses to intense water deficit and the recovery capacity in crambe plants (Crambe abyssinica Hochst. cultivar FMS Brilhante and lineage FMS CR1101 using chlorophyll a fluorescence analyses. Plants were submitted to water deficit for seven days followed by rehydration. Chlorophyll a fluorescence measurements were performed using a Handy-PEA fluorometer. Under drought stress, there was a reduction of the leaf relative water content (RWC) and stomatal conductance (gs), with full recovery after three days of rehydration to BRS Brilhante cultivar. Both genotypes showed decreased flux of electrons transport from the absorption to the reduction of the intersystem acceptors. FMS Brilhante cultivar showed better energetic connectivity (L-band) between photosystem II (PSII) units and lower inactivation of the oxygen-evolving complex (K-band), evidencing advantages of the cultivar compared to FMS CR1101 lineage. Finally, the recovery of photosynthetic activity observed in FMS CR1101 lineage during rehydration was due the phenomena related to the electron flow around the PSI.

Pages 821-827 | Read More| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.17.11.07.pne469
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Effects of explant, media and growth regulators on in vitro regeneration and antioxidant activity of Juniperus phoenicea

Ezz Al-Dein Al-Ramamneh*, Nidal Daradkeh, Taha Rababah, Daniel Pacurar, Maisa Al-Qudah

Department of Agricultural Sciences, AL-Shouback University College, Al-Balqa Applied University, Maan, Jordan
Biotechnology Department, Tissue culture Laboratory, National Center for Agricultural Research and Extension, Baq'a, Jordan
Department of Nutrition and Food Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
SweTree Technologies AB, P.O Box 4095, SE-904 03 Umeå, Sweden
Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Science, Al-Balqa Applied University, Al-Salt, Jordan


Abstract

Juniperus phoenicea is an ornamental shrub that is also used to flavor food and to supply medicines and timber. Its micropropagation is of industrial concern and can occur by axillary shoot multiplication. Microcuttings of J. phoenicia were established in vitro on Murashige and Skoog (MS) and Rugini Olive (OM) media in glass tubes (25 mm x 150 mm). Factors studied were explant length (0.5 or 1.5 cm) and orientation (horizontal or vertical), media strength (OM, ½OM, MS, ½MS) and the following growth regulators: the anti-auxin 2,3,5-triiodobenzoic acid (TIBA), the cytokinins 6-benzyladenine (BA) and thidiazuron (TDZ), and the growth retardant daminozide (DM). Microcuttings placed vertically on the surface of OM, ½OM and ½MS media without hormones exhibited axillary bud differentiation, but they were swollen and turned brown one month later when placed horizontally on the medium surface. The number of shoots, averaged across OM, ½OM and ½MS media, was significantly higher from longer (1.5 cm) than shorter (0.5 cm) microcuttings (4.11 versus 1.57 shoots microcutting-1) after 60 days of culture. TIBA or DM at 0.1 mg l-1 included in OM medium enhanced leaf differentiation, callus induction and formation of adventitious shoots over three months from 0.5 cm long microcuttings taken from in vitro shoots. The formation of adventitious shoots was sporadic and occurred at a rate of 1 shoot microcutting -1 in the presence of 0.1 mg l-1 DM. OM supplemented with 0.1 mg l-1 TIBA resulted in significantly the highest leaf differentiation (55 leaves microcutting-1), with a rooting rate of 40%. Contents of phenols, flavonoids and antioxidants were compared for cuttings from young seedlings, callus, in vitro shoots, and seeds. Antioxidant activity was significantly the highest for shoots grown on hormone-free OM medium and callus maintained on OM medium containing 0.1 mg l-1 2,4-D (94.7 and 94.3% inhibition of DPPH free radicals, respectively). Thus, different routes for in vitro regeneration of J. phoenicea can be of potential use for many biotechnological, pharmaceutical and food industry applications.

Pages 828-837 | Read More| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.17.11.07.pne479

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Effect of canopy position on growth, quality and quantity of Syzygium samarangense (wax apple var. jambu madu) fruits

Mohammad Moneruzzaman Khandaker*, Natasha Qistina Amran, Siti Zuriani Ismail

School of Agricultural Science and Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioresources and Food Industry, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Besut Campus, 22000 Besut, Terengganu, Malaysia

Abstract

This study represents the first report of the effects of tree canopy position on growth, quality and quantity of Syzygium samarangense (wax apple) fruit var. Jambu Madu under tropical condition. A total of five wax apple trees with same height and approximately same number of branches were selected for this study. Each wax apple tree was divided into five different canopy positions by differentiate upper, middle, lower, inner and outer and all of these canopy positions were used as treatments. From the observation, outer canopy position had significant effect on fruit number, fruit size, fruit weight, chlorophyll content and leaves stomatal conductance of wax apple trees. The total soluble solids (TSS) content and percentages of peel color cover were also higher in outer canopy fruits. Based on the findings of the experiment, it was concluded that outer canopy position retain the more number of fruits with better quality compared to other canopy position of the tree.

Pages 838-843 | Read More| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.17.11.07.pne485
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Physiological and biochemical metabolism in Jatoba plants (Hymenaea courbaril L.) affected by water stress and flooding

Kerolém P. S. Cardoso*, Juscelino G. Palheta, Josilene do C. M. de Sousa, Vitor R. Nascimento, Glauco A. dos S. Nogueira, Liliane C. Machado, Jéssica T. da S. Martins, Thays C. Costa, Waldemar V. Andrade Júnior, Cândido F. de Oliveira Neto, Benedito G. dos Santos Filho

Institute of Agrarian Sciences, Laboratory of Biodiversity Studies of Upper Plants in Federal Rural University of Amazonia, Pará, Brazil

Abstract

The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design in three water conditions at greenhouse with treatments as: control, water stress (water deficiency) and flooding (with a blade of water about 5 cm above the ground), and 15 repetitions. The analysis of variance was done and the 5% level of significance of the Tukey’s test accomplished to assess the biochemical and physiological parameters of Hymenaea courbaril L. The variables were: water potential, nitrate reductase activity, concentration of nitrate, ammonium free, proline, glycine betaine, free protein, free amino acids, glutamine synthetase activity, alcohol dehydrogenase activity and lactate dehydrogenase and contents of chlorophyll a, b, and total carotene. There was a reduction of the enzyme reductase activity of nitrate and glutamine synthetase due to the water deficit and flooding. Moreover, the lack of water in leaf tissue caused an increase in proline, glycine betaine and free amino acids, trying to promote osmotic adjustment. An increase of variation and reduced ammonium, protein, chlorophyll a, b, and carotenoid was also observed. These substances were significantly reduced by the lack of water and also excess water. Thus, the water deficit and flooding promoted a drastic change in behavior and physiological biochemistry of Jatoba plants. The results of this study show that the flooding and water deficiency for 30 days are sufficient to promote changes in biochemical behavior in the Jatobá plants. Thus, these results indicate that the Hymenaea courbaril L. plants are less susceptible to flooding than to the water deficiency.

Pages 844-852 | Read More| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.17.11.07.pne498
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Enhanced tolerance to salinity stress and ABA is regulated by Oryza sativa STRESS ASSOCIATED PROTEIN 8 (OsSAP8)

Nur Farhana Roslan, Nor Syafiqah Abd Rashid , Intan Elya Suka, Nadiatul Ain Nabila Ahmad Taufik, Nur Syahirah Abdullah, Mohd Bajuri Asruri, Bernadette Toni, Noor Liyana Sukiran, Zamri Zainal, Nurulhikma Md Isa*

School of Biosciences & Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
Institute of Systems Biology (INBIOSIS), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia


Abstract

Increased tolerance to multiple abiotic stresses in plants is a key target for food security. OsSAP8 is a member of the stress-associated protein (SAP) gene family in rice and is characterized by the presence of two zinc finger domains, A20 and AN1. In this research, we aim to understand the regulatory mechanism of OsSAP8 in response to multiple stresses for rice survival. We used the Arabidopsis transformation system to understand the gene’s function. Two Arabidopsis lines were used; OsSAP8 overexpression line and Arabidopsis atsap2 knockout loss-of-function mutation in comparison to wild type Columbia-0 (Col-0). The protein sequence of Arabidopsis atsap2 has been shown to be highly identical to the OsSAP8. An atsap2 knockout showed a sensitive phenotype to high concentration of NaCl and PEG with reduced germination percentage. OsSAP8 overexpression showed a tolerance phenotype to 150 mM NaCl and 20% PEG compared to atsap2. OsSAP8 also showed an insensitive germination phenotype to high concentration of ABA compared to Col-0 and atsap2. The insensitive phenotype of OsSAP8 on the high concentration of ABA (12 µM) and the sensitive phenotype of its orthologue atsap2 in Arabidopsis suggests that OsSAP8 may have a role in part through ABA signaling as a putative transcriptional regulator for ABA during stress response.

Pages 853-860 | Read More| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.17.11.07.pne505
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The use of "manipueira" wastewater derived from cassava processing as organic fertilizer in sunflower cultivation

Mara Suyane Marques Dantas, Mario Monteiro Rolim, Edna Maria Bonfim-Silva* , Elvira Maria Regis Pedrosa, Ênio Farias França e Silva, Gerônimo Ferreira da Silva

Department of Agricultural Engineering, University Federal Rural of Pernambuco, 52171-900, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
Institute of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Avenue of the Students n.5055, 78735-901, Rondonópolis, Mato Grosso, Brazil


Abstract

The use of manipueria (the organic wastewater from the cassava flour manufacturing process) is a promising management strategy in agriculture because it is a rich nutrient source for plants. Thus, this study aimed at evaluating the use of manipueria as a fertilizer for sunflower cultivation. The field experiment was carried out in a randomized complete block design with 6 treatments (doses of cassava: 0, 8.5, 17, 34, 68 and 136 m3 ha-1) and four replications, using the sunflower cultivar Helio 250. The experiment was collected at 90 days after sowing. We evaluated the shoot fresh and dry mass, achenes and oil yield, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content in leaves, stem, chapter and achenes. Data were initially submitted to analysis of variance at 5% significance level and then to regression analysis. The manipueira wastewater application significant increased fresh and dry mass accumulations in shoot, content of nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in plant, as well grain and oil yields. The dose of 136 m3 ha-1 resulted in the highest fresh and dry mass production in shoot and greater macronutrient accumulation supplying enough nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium to the plant, confirming the potential as an organic fertilizer. The 4562.52 and 1965.19 kg ha-1 in achene and oil, respectively, obtained with the use of manipueira wastewater, yields are above the sunflower national and international average production.

Pages 861-867 | Read More| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.17.11.07.pne508
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Mechanisms of resistance to metribuzin in new resistant biotype of jungle rice (Echinochloa colona) in sugarcane fields of hot semi-arid climates

Majid Nabipour*, Seyed Reza Ahmadpour, Musa Mesgarbashi, Hamid Rajabi-Memari, Masume Farzane

Agronomy and Plant Breeding Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Iran

Abstract

The practice of monoculture and the use of one-mode-action herbicides for more than 10-year period can cause development of resistant jungle rice [(Echinochloa colona (L.)] to photosystem II inhibitors. Jungle rice is one of the most troublesome weeds in the sugarcane fields of Iran. Laboratory and greenhouse testing was carried out from 2013 to 2016 to investigate the development and determine the origin of metribuzin-resistant jungle rice biotypes in the sugarcane fields of Khuzestan province. Five populations of jungle rice (1 susceptible and 4 suspected resistant) were collected and assayed. The suspected populations were first screened using discriminating concentrations of mertibuzin. To determine the resistance factor for R-biotypes, bioassay trials were conducted in a greenhouse. Then, PCR sequencing markers used in the laboratory and PCR products were subjected to pair-end sequencing by Eurofins Scientific to determine the molecular base of resistance in the R-biotypes. The results of seedling bioassays showed that four biotypes were resistant to metribuzin. The weed control efficiency of metribuzin for the R4, R2, R3 and R1 biotypes were 12.38%, 27.24%, 59.29% and 75.21%, respectively. The resistance factor for the R4 and R2 biotypes were 58.51 and 30.23 respectively; ranking these as resistant biotypes. Gene sequencing studies found an effective mutation at position 232 of the psbA gene that resulted in amino acid substitution from Serine to Glycine at residue 264 in the D1 protein in R-biotypes versus S-biotypes. These results show that target site resistance to metribuzin is rapidly developing in sugarcane fields in northern Khuzestan province. This could stem from the spread of resistant biotype seeds through irrigation water from the Karun Agro-industry fields (first reported sites of resistance) or by herbicide selection pressure.

Pages 868-873 | Read More| Supplementary Data| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.17.11.07.pne513
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Induction of different types of callus in Jatropha curcas L. hybrid accession at in vitro condition

Alexandre Bosco de Oliveira*, Wagner A. Vendrame, Luciana Cardoso Nogueira Londe, Massy Sanaey

Federal University of Ceará, Department of Crop Science, Center of Agricultural Sciences, Av. Mister Hull, 2977, Fortaleza, CE, 60356-001, Brazil
University of Florida, Tropical Research and Education Center, 18905 SW 280th St. Homestead, FL, 33031, USA
Agricultural Research Company of Minas Gerais State, Brazil, Rodovia MGT 122, m 155. Campo Experimental do Gorutuba, Nova Porteirinha, MG, 39.525-000, Brazil


Abstract

Micropropagation protocols depend on several factors, particularly on the types, combinations, and levels of plant growth regulators used in the culture media. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of 6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP) and Naphtalen-3-acetic acid (NAA) concentrations on callus induction of Jatropha curcas L. explants. The plant material used was a jatropha hybrid accession developed through intraspecific crosses between Costa Rica and Mexico genetic resources (TREC 49 x TREC 33 accession codes). Callus cultures were initiated from hypocotyl explants isolated from 15-days-old seedlings, on Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal medium supplemented with 0; 2 or 4 mg L-1 BAP and 0; 1 or 2 mg L-1 NAA in different combinations. Better-quality callus formation was obtained in medium supplemented with BAP 2 mg L-1 and NAA 1 mg L-1. This combination of plant growth regulators resulted in higher amount of white colored and friable calli, which are more likely to differentiate in bud shoots and roots, depending upon the plant growth regulations added to the media. Our results suggest that BAP (2 mg L-1) and NAA (1 mg L-1) combined can be used for in vitro callogenesis of J. curcas hybrid accession and that it can be adapted to a large-scale in vitro mass production system or to support biotechnological protocols.

Pages 874-879 | Read More| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.17.11.07.pne526
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Effect of different rates of inorganic fertilizer on physiology, growth and yield of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) cultivated on BRIS soil of Terengganu, Malaysia

Mohammad Moneruzzaman Khandaker*, Fadhilah Nor M, Tahir Dalorima, Mohammad Hailmi Sajili and Nashriyah Mat

School of Agriculture Science & Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioresources and Food Industry, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA), Besut Campus, 22200 Besut, Terengganu, Malaysia

Abstract

This study was designed to observe the effects of different application rates of inorganic fertilizers on growth, yield and quality of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) under BRIS soil condition. The field experiment was conducted during July, 2014 to April, 2015 at the teaching and research farm of University Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA), Besut Campus, Terengganu. Performance of okra variety Singa 979 was assessed by application of NPK at different rates (0 kg ha-1 (control), 150 kg ha-1, 170 kg ha-1, 190 kg ha-1 and 210 kg ha-1. The treatments were fitted in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) replicated thrice. Data collected for growth and yields performances included plant height, number of leaf/plant, leaf area, number of branch/plant, chlorophyll content, photosynthesis rate, transpiration rate, internal CO2, stomatal conductance, number of flower/plant, number of pod/plant, weight of pod, number of seed/pod and total soluble solid (TSS) of the pods. Based on the results obtained from this experiment, application of NPK at the rates of 190 kg ha-1 and 210 kg ha-1 shows the highest growth and yield performance. It is followed by application of 170 kg ha-1 and 150 kg NPK/ha-1 in decreasing manner. No application of NPK shows the lowest growth and yield response. The significance of this research was to study the minimum rate of NPK on the effect on okra ground around the sea shore of Terengganu or in BRIS soil

Pages 880-887 | Read More| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.17.11.07.pne552
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Enzymatic activity, gas exchange and production of soybean co-inoculated with Bradyrhizobium japonicum and Azospirillum brasilense

Lucas Guilherme Bulegon*, Vandeir Francisco Guimarães, Jeferson Klein, Andre Gustavo Battistus, Adriano Mitio Inagaki, Luiz Claudio Offemann, Aline Kelly Pomini de Souza

Agricultural Sciences Center, Parana Western State University–UNIOESTE, Pernambuco Street, 1777, Box 91, Zip Code: 85960-000, Marechal Cândido Rondon - PR, Brazil
Professor, Doutor, UNOPAR Av. Rocha Pombo - Pacaembu, Zip Code: 85816-540, Cascavel - PR, Brazil


Abstract

Soybean occupies a prominent place in the national scenario, and the search for new technologies is continuous. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the co-inoculation, through seeds, from diazotrophs bacteria of genus Bradyrhizobium japonicum and Azospirillum brasilense, and its effects against the nodulation, enzyme activity, gas exchange, and soybean production. The experiment was conducted in completely randomized design, with seven treatments and four replications. Seven treatments were constituted in the control (no nitrogen fertilization and seed inoculation); application of N mineral; seed inoculation with B. japonicum and A. brasilense AbV5+AbV6 and AbV5+AbV6+AbV7 strains and their co-inoculations. The evaluations were performed in V4 and R4 stages, with particular biometric characteristics of shoots and roots, the gas exchange indices of the leaves and the activity of peroxidase and phenylalanine ammonia lyase enzymes. Also in the R9 stage were determined components of production and production per plant culture. The results indicate that, when combining two species of bacteria through seeds have limitation in nodulation. The A. brasilense, strains AbV5+AbV6+AbV7, inoculated through seed promotes increase in nodulation from the natural soil population; it still raises the activity of plant defense enzymes in V4 stage, however, reduces the photosynthetic rate per foliar unit. Nitrogen fertilization, seed inoculation with B. japonicum, A. brasilense (AbV5+AbV6+AbV7) and A. brasilense (AbV5+AbV6+AbV7) + B. japonicum, provide the highest yields per plant. It has been observed even though the dry mass of root and aerial part have a direct influence on plant production, and a negative relation between stomatal conductance and the number of nodules in the growing season, and that photosynthesis does not influence the plant's production, just its production factors.

Pages 888-896 | Read More| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.17.11.07.pne575
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Emergence, morpho-physiology and flowering of colored-fiber cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) submitted to different nitrogen levels and saline water stress irrigation

Geovani Soares de Lima*, Adaan Sudario Dias, Hans Raj Gheyi, Lauriane Almeida dos Anjos Soares, Reginaldo Gomes Nobre, Francisco Vanies da Silva Sá, Emanoela Pereira de Paiva

Federal University of Campina Grande, Academic Unit of Agricultural Engineering, Campina Grande, 58.109-970, Paraíba, Brazil
Federal University of Recôncavo of Bahia, Nucleus of Soil and Water Engineering, Cruz das Almas, 44.380-000, Bahia, Brazil
Federal University of Campina Grande, Academic Unit of Agricultural Science, Pombal, 58.840-000, Paraíba, Brazil
Federal Rural University of the Semi-Arid, Postgraduate program in plant science, Mossoró, 59.625-900, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
Fellow of CNPq Research Productivity, level 1A, Brazil
Fellow of CNPq Research Productivity, level 2, Brazil


Abstract

The decrease in the availability of water resources, especially in semi-arid regions, increases every day the need for solutions to supply this deficit water demand. Under low supply of good-quality water, the generation of technologies and research that allow the use of saline waters is currently an essential activity. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of different saline levels of the irrigation water and nitrogen (N) fertilization doses on the emergence, morpho-physiology and flowering of colored-fiber cotton, cv. ‘BRS Rubi’, in an experiment conducted in lysimeters under greenhouse conditions in a Eutrophic Neolithic soil of a sandy-loam texture, in the municipality of Campina Grande-PB, Brazil. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design and the treatments consisted of five levels of irrigation water salinity with the following electrical conductivities - ECw (5.1, 6.1, 7.1, 8.1 and 9.1 dS m-1), combined with five N doses - ND (65; 100; 135; 170; 205 mg of N kg-1 of soil), distributed in a 5 x 5 factorial scheme with three replicates. The effects of the treatments were evaluated, through variables: emergence percentage, emergence speed index, gas exchanges, stomatal conductance , transpiration, CO2 assimilation rate, internal CO2 concentration, instantaneous carboxylation efficiency, instantaneous water use efficiency, stem diameter, plant height, leaf area, number of days for flower bud opening and flower abortion rate. Germination, gas exchanges and growth of the cotton cv. ‘BRS Rubi’ are negatively affected by irrigation water salinity from 5.1 dS m-1 on-wards. Irrigation using water with ECw higher than 5.1 dS m-1 prolonged the period of opening of flower buds and promoted increase in flower abortion rate and internal CO2 concentration. Increasing doses of N led to increment in cotton stomatal conductance and the highest value was obtained at the dose of 205 mg of N kg-1 of soil; irrigation water salinity levels and N fertilization doses acted as independent factors for the studied variables of the cotton crop.

Pages 897-905 | Read More| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.17.11.07.pne587
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Chemical constitution and allelopathic effects of Curcuma zedoaria essential oil on lettuce achenes and tomato seeds

Sheila Castro De Melo, Leidi Elaine Cardoso De Sá, Hérika Line Marko de Oliveira, Jéssica Rezende Trettel, Paulo Sérgio da Silva, José Eduardo Gonçalves, Zilda Cristiani Gazim, Hélida Mara Magalhães

Paranaense University, Umuarama, Mascarenhas de Moraes Square,4282,87502-210 Umuarama, Paraná, Brazil
Faculty of Pharmacy, Paranaense University, Mascarenhas de Moraes Square, 4282, 87502-210 Umuarama, Paraná, Brazil
Postgraduate Programs in Biotechnology Applied to Agriculture. Paranaense University, Mascarenhas de Moraes Square, 4282, 87502-210 Umuarama, Paraná, Brazil
Program in Health Promotion, UniCesumar, Av. Guerdner, 1610, Jd. Aclimação, Maringá, PR, Brazil
Cesumar Institute of Science, Technology and Innovation - ICETI, Av. Guerdner, 1610, Jd. Aclimação, Maringá, PR, Brazil


Abstract

The contamination of food, water, and soils by herbicides, as well as the growing resistance of weeds to these products, has increased demands for alternative methods of weed control that have less impact on the environment and human health. Curcuma zedoaria (zedoary), a species of the Zingiberaceae family, is a promising plant for alternative weed control as it produces an essential oil with herbicidal action. We evaluated the chemical composition of C. zedoaria essential oil and its allelopathic effects on the vigor and germination of lettuce achenes and tomato seeds. The essential oil was extracted from the plant rhizome by hydrodistillation and subjected to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to identify its component chemical compounds. Bioassays to evaluate allelopathic potential were performed in gerbox-type containers maintained in a refrigerated biochemical oxygen demand incubator at 25°C. The treatments consisted of five essential oil concentrations (0.00, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, and 1.00%) and two bioindicators (lettuce and tomato). C. zedoaria essential oil comprises monoterpene hydrocarbons (4.63%), oxygenated monoterpenes (25.88%), sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (21.95%), and oxygenated sesquiterpenes (47.54%). The major compounds encountered were 1.8-cineole (15.75%) and epi-curzerenone (18.20%). We believe that the isolated effect of these compounds or the synergism between them may have influenced the observed results. Germination was inhibited in both bioindicator species, but the percentage inhibition was greater in lettuce achenes. Germination rates decreased in lettuce and tomato with increasing concentrations of essential oil, and bioindicator growth was slowed. The root system was more heavily damaged than the hypocotyl, especially in tomato compared to lettuce. These preliminary results indicate that C. zedoaria essential oil has allelopathic effects on seed germination and seedling growth and thus shows potential for weed control.

Pages 906-916 | Read More| doi: 10.21475/ajcs.17.11.07.pne562


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