Effect of planting date on severity of frogeye leaf spot and grain yield of soybeans

The influence of soybean (Glycine max) planting date on seasonal epidemics of frogeye leaf spot caused by Cercospora sojina and on grain yield, was evaluated during the 1991 and 1992 cropping seasons. Two susceptible (Samsoy 1 and TGx 849-313D) and one resistant (TGx 996-26E) soybean cultivars were used in field trials at Zonkwa, in the southern Kaduna state of Nigeria. Four field plantings were made at 14-day intervals from late May to mid0July. For each planting date, half the plots received foliar applications of benomyl at R₁ and R₃ growth stages, and the other half was untreated. Frogeye disease severity ratings were taken for all plots at R₄ to R₅ growth stages, and grain yield for each plot was measured at harvest. There was a significant (p < 0.05) increase in disease severity between the first and third plantings on the two susceptible cultivars in 1991, and on TGx 849-313D only in 1992. Corresponding yield reductions for the two susceptible cultivars averaged 13 and 31% for the treated and untreated plots, respectively, with each 2-week delay beyond the first planting date in 1991, and 5 and 6%, respectively, in 1992. There was no significant difference in disease among all treatments on the resistant cultivar, TGx 996-26E. Under Nigerian conditions, an increase in frogeye leaf spot severity can be expected with delayed planting of soybean after 1 June, and this can result in a corresponding loss of crop yield.     

Incidence and severity of powdery scab on potatoes in Pennsylvania

Studies were conducted in Potter Co., Pennsylvania to investigate the effect of powdery scab (Spongospora subterranea) on five potato cultivars (Norchip, Rosa, Kennebec, Katahdin, and Monona) at two planting dates. Soil temperature was within the range of 15–18 C and soil moisture was within 15–19% based on dry weight throughout the season. The effect of planting date was significant at each disease assessment, except for the severity on the fourth assessment. By the end of the season, incidence of scab was 66% or more for all cultivars. Rosa, Kennebec and Katahdin had a greater scab incidence over both planting dates and a greater severity at the first planting date than Monona and Norchip.     

Effect of planting date,fungicide timing and cultivar susceptibility on severity of narrow brown leaf spot and yield of rice

Narrow brown leaf spot (NBLS) of rice (Oryza sativa L.) is caused by Cercospora janseana (Racib). O. Const. (Synonyms: Cercospora oryzae Miyake, Passalora janseana Racib. U.). Experimental studies were conducted at Rice Research Station, Louisiana State University, and Agricultural Center, Crowley, to manage NBLS by fungicide application of propiconazole at different growth stages of rice cultivars having different susceptibility levels to NBLS in different planting dates. Results of these studies revealed that April (early) had less NBLS severity as compared to May (late) planting. Very susceptible cultivars, CL131 and Cheniere, had the highest and resistant cultivars, Della and Presidio, had the lowest NBLS severity at both the planting dates. Propiconazole application significantly reduced the NBLS severity in comparison to untreated. Fungicide application at panicle initiation was the most effective time to manage NBLS on the very susceptible and susceptible cultivars at both planting dates. NBLS on moderately susceptible cultivars was best managed by applying fungicide either at panicle initiation or early boot stage in early planting but panicle initiation was the best time to apply fungicide in late planting. Resistant cultivars did not need fungicide in April planting but did need in May planting. Rice yield was determined to be higher in April than May planting. Fungicide application at early boot stage protected the yield by 9.4% in April planting and 34.2% when applied at panicle initiation in May. Susceptible cultivar, Cheniere, exhibited the greatest yield and resistant cultivars had lowest yield in both the planting dates regardless of its susceptibility level to NBLS. Yield of very susceptible to susceptible cultivars was reduced in late planting but no effect was observed on yield of moderately susceptible and resistant cultivars.     

Disease development and PR-protein activity in wheat (Triticum aestivum) seedlings treated with plant extracts prior to leaf rust (Puccinia triticina) infection

The potential to control leaf rust (Puccinia triticina; pathotype UVPt9) in vivo in susceptible (Thatcher) and resistant (Thatcher/Lr15) near-isogenic wheat (Triticum aestivum) lines by foliar applications of crude plant leaf extracts from Tulbaghia violacea and Agapanthus africanus, as well as a commercially available natural product, ComCat^®, and a Lupinus albus seed suspension (SS) was investigated. In vitro activities of the PR-proteins, β-1,3-glucanase, chitinase and peroxidase were quantified in these two wheat lines under both non-infected and infected conditions. Although foliar application of the different plant extracts accelerated the activities of all three enzymes in resistant infected wheat plants, it was only the A. africanus extract that increased the in vitro activities of the three apoplastic pathogenesis-related proteins significantly in both susceptible and resistant wheat cultivars, whether uninfected or infected. The latter resulted in the reduction of pustule and necrotic lesion formation in the susceptible and resistant wheat lines, respectively. Foliar treatment of wheat seedlings with either ComCat^® or SS had no effect on pustule and necrotic lesion formation. The A. africanus crude extract also had a significant in vitro inhibitory effect on both leaf rust spore germination and subsequent germ tube development.     

The effect of the incidence of cassava anthracnose disease (CAD) on the performance and yield of cassava cultivars

The objective of this work was to assess the effect of the incidence of cassava anthracnose disease (CAD) on the performance and yield of cassava cultivars planted in Owerri, Imo state. Eighteen cultivars were planted in a randomized complete block design and replicated three times over a period of 3 years. Cultivars TMS 30211, TMS 30001, 98/0510 and TMS 4(2)1425 were regarded as resistant due to the possession of more than three desirable characteristics such as the least size of cankers and absence of cankers in the first and second trials (2003/04 and 2004/05) respectively, lowest severity score and highest weight of healthy fresh tuber and stems. They are recommended for use as parent materials for breeding for resistance to CAD. Cultivar Akwakwuru had the largest size of cankers on whole plant, highest fresh weight of infected tubers and stems which led to low yield and less planting materials. It is regarded as susceptible and may lead to spread of CAD. The correlation of weight of infected fresh tubers on size of canker on whole plant, young stem and maturing stem were positively and highly significantly correlated (r = 0.645, r = 0.470, r = 0.583 and r = 0.622, respectively).     

Biocontrol of bacterial wilt of potato with an avirulent strain ofpseudomonas solanacearum: interactions with root-knot nematodes

Field tests for biological control of bacterial wilt of potatoes, caused byPseudomonas solanacearum, were conducted in Florida in 1984 and 1985. Potato seedpieces of tolerant (Ontario) and susceptible (Pungo and/or Atlantic) cultivars were immersed in a suspension of the avirulent, non-bacteriocinogenic strain ofP. solanacearum, B82, prior to planting in naturally-infested soil. Relatively low populations ofP solanacearum (2 to 4 log cfu/g soil) and root-knot nematodes (0 to 33 larvae ofMeloidogyne incognita/100 cm³ soil) were present in the soil before planting. In 1984, there was approximately a 50% reduction in incidence of bacterial wilt and brown rot in B82-treated plants of cultivar Atlantic, as compared with controls. With cultivar Ontario, on the other hand, disease incidence was very low and differences between treatments were not significant. In 1985, the incidence of bacterial wilt was low in all plots. Treatment with strain B82 reduced incidence of tuber brown rot in all cultivars, but differences between treatments were not significant at P = 0.05. There was a significant correlation, however, between incidence of wilt and root-knot nematode populations in the soil. Therefore, the possibility that control of bacterial wilt in 1984 was indirect,i e, via an effect of B82 treatment on root infection byM incognita, was examined. Greenhouse tests were conducted to determine the potential effect of seedpiece treatment with strain B82 on nematode infection of cultivars Atlantic and Ontario. In two out of three trials, the B82 treatment significantly reduced incidence of root knot. These results suggest that interactions of the biocontrol agent with root-knot nematodes may determine the effectiveness of a treatment designed for bacterial wilt control in the field.     

Yield and quality losses caused by common rust (Puccinia sorghi Schw.) in sweet corn (Zea mays) hybrids

Yield and quality of fresh ears were measured in field plots of selected hybrids of sweet corn (Zea mays L.) that were affected by rust (Puccinia sorghi Schw.) or were nearly rust-free (mancozeb-sprayed). In 1978, 28 hybrids were tested. Losses in total yield ranged from zero in the more resistant entries to nearly 50% in more susceptible entries. In 1979, three cultivars were planted. Yield losses of these cultivars were similar in ranking order to those in 1978, although the loss was greater in late-planted plots because of the greater final severity of the disease. Losses in total yield in late-planted sweet corn were 18%, 26% and 49% for cv. Sugarloaf (most resistant), cv. Jubilee (intermediate) and cv. Style Pak (most susceptible), respectively.     

Potassium phosphate induces tolerance against the Russian wheat aphid (Diuraphis noxia,Homoptera: Aphididae) in wheat

Diuraphis noxia Kurdjumov is an aphid pest that hampers the global production of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Infestation of wheat by D. noxia reduces crop yield and sometimes leads to the death of susceptible cultivars. To date resistant cultivars have been used to control infestations. However, the development of resistance-breaking aphid biotypes is complicating this management strategy. This study aimed to ascertain the effect that 25 mM potassium phosphate (K₃PO₄) treatment has on inducing resistance in wheat against D. noxia. The effects of potassium phosphate on induced resistance against D. noxia were determined using gene regulation and enzymatic levels of lipoxygenase (EC 1.13.11) and phenylalanine ammonia lyase (EC 4.3.1.24). The results indicated that the treatment of both susceptible (Scheepers) and resistant (Tugela DN) wheat cultivars with potassium phosphate induces genes differentially. A phenotypic study showed delayed development and less severity of symptoms with decreased numbers of aphids feeding on plants treated with potassium phosphate in comparison with untreated plants for both resistant and susceptible cultivars. The results from the gene expression and enzyme activity studies indicated that both of the induced systemic resistance-linked genes were similarly regulated after potassium phosphate treatment. The data strongly support treatment of wheat with potassium phosphate to induce tolerance against D. noxia.     

Response of Potato Genotypes to Bacterial Wilt Caused by Ralstonia Solanacearum (Smith)(Yabuuchi et al.) In the Tropical Highlands

Potato varietal resistance to bacterial wilt disease caused by Ralstonia solanacearum Yabuuchi et al., (Microbiology and Immunology 39:897–904, 1995) is the best management of the disease. Because the causal pathogen exhibits strong host-pathogen-environment interaction, screening the potential parents for resistance under the target growing environmental conditions is the first important step for effective resistance breeding. The objective of this study was to determine the response to bacterial wilt of selected potato genotypes currently grown by farmers in Kenya and candidate clones from the International Potato Center to identify parents that can be used in the local breeding program to develop resistant cultivars. A study was carried out at Kabete, Kenya for three consecutive seasons between November 2011 and February 2013. Thirty six potato genotypes were planted on an inoculated field at the Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI), Kabete using alpha lattice experimental design with three replications. Data collected were days from planting to onset of wilting (DTOW), bacterial wilt incidence (BWI), total tuber weight (ton ha^?1) (TTW), total tuber numbers/hectare (TTN), proportion of ware sized tubers (PWTTW), proportion of symptomatic tubers based on weight (PSTTW), proportion of symptomatic tubers based on tuber numbers (PSTTN) and latent infection (LI) of the tubers. Almost, all the potato genotypes evaluated in this study were susceptible to bacerial wilt. Ranking of genotypes based on resistance differed among the three seasons. On average, the three most resistant genotypes were Kenya Karibu, Kenya Sifa and Ingabire. The study identified eight potato genotypes (Meru, Ingabire, Kenya Karibu, Sherekea, Kihoro, Tigoni, Bishop Gitonga and Cangi) to be used as promising parents for subsequent crosses. The chosen genotypes are prolific in pollen production and popularly grown by Kenyan farmers.     

Effect of planting date and inoculum level on incidence and severity of powdery scab on potato

Summary Powdery scab incidence and severity was examined on six potato cultivars planted at two different dates in a naturally infested field. There were two sub-plots; one where seed was exposed prior to planting to spores ofSpongospora subterranea from scabby peels, which were then added to the furrow at planting, and another where seed was exposed only to natural inoculum within the field. The later planting data reduced incidence and severity, but there were no differences between sub-plots. All cultivars became infected, but ‘Rosa’ was the most susceptible and ‘Katahdin’ the most resistant. Contribution No. 1720, Department of Plant Pathology, The Pennsylvania Agricultural Experiment Station. Authorized for publication September 22, 1988 as Journal Series Paper No. 8007.     

Susceptibility of stem and root tissues of tobacco cultivars carrying or not the Ph gene to Pythium stem rot, caused by Pythium aphanidermatum

In North Carolina (NC), USA, Pythium stem rot on tobacco is caused by Pythium aphanidermatum. During the past 10 years, Pythium stem rot incidence has been reported more frequently in tobacco fields than before. Since 1997, tobacco flue-cured cultivars carrying the Ph gene that confers immunity to race 0 of Phytophthora parasitica var. nicotianae (Ppn) have also been deployed in NC. It has been questioned whether the introduction of cultivars carrying this resistance gene contributes to the increased incidence of Pythium stem rot. We used a strain of P. aphanidermatum expressing the β-glucuronidase (GUS) reporter gene to investigate the susceptibility of stem and root tissues of four flue-cured tobacco cultivars to Pythium stem rot. Cultivars NC71 (carries the Ph gene) and RJR15 (no Ph gene, but highly resistant to Ppn) were less susceptible (P < 0.05) to P. aphanidermatum than K326 and K346 cultivars that do not carry the Ph gene. Furthermore, different parts of the plant demonstrated significant differences (P < 0.0001) to P. aphanidermatum infection although the significance depended on the cultivar. That is, in K326 and NC71 the highest percent infection was in the adventitious roots, followed by the stems and lastly the true roots, whereas in K346 and RJR15 the highest percent infection was in the adventitious roots, then the true roots and last in the stems. These results do not support the hypothesis that cultivars carrying the Ph gene may be more susceptible to Pythium stem rot than cultivars without the gene. It is likely that other reasons such as the reduction or absence of mefenoxam application in fields where cultivars carrying the Ph gene are planted or reduction in competition for infection cites with Ppn have contributed to the increase of Pythium stem rot incidence in tobacco fields in NC.     

Effect of plant age on potato leafhopper infestation of resistant and susceptible potato clones

The effect of age of resistant potato clones,Solarium tuberosum gp.tuberosum, on infestation by potato leafhopper,Empoasca fabae (Harris), was investigated by varying the date of planting in a naturally infested fieldtest Significant differences (P < .05) in infestation levels were found among clones and among dates of planting. The responses of resistant and susceptible clones to infestation differed with date of planting. But lower levels of infestation occurred on all clones in the first 2–3 weeks of leafhopper migration on the early plantings, indicating that plant age in potatoes is a factor in host preference of potato leafhopper     

Castor yield in response to planting date at four locations in the south-central United States

Oilseed crops have potential use in the production of biodiesel. Currently, most oil going into the production of biodiesel is derived from soybean (Gylcine max L.) grown in the central U.S. Inability of the southeastern states to compete with central U.S. soybean production has lead to the search for alternative oilseeds. The high oil content and unique properties of castor (Ricinus communis L.) give it potential for use as biodiesel. However, there is limited information on potential yields, adaptation, and planting dates of adaptation of modern castor cultivars. This study was designed to determine potential yields and ideal planting dates of castor at various locations in Mississippi and Tennessee. A single castor cultivar was sequentially planted at 14 day intervals, at four locations, ranging from Memphis, TN south to Poplarville, MS. Annual planting occurred from 1 April to 1 July at all locations, except the 1 April planting date was excluded from the two northern locations. Mean yield ranged from 89 to 1954 kg ha^?1. Northern most locations and earliest plantings resulted in the greatest yields. Precocious flowering of castor immediately after 1 April planting at Shubuta, MS was associated with a lower yield. This flowering event was also observed at Poplarville, but did not significantly affect yield. The yield reductions due to southern planting coupled with precocious flowering at the southern locations seem to indicate a limited zone of adaptation for castor.     

Penthiopyrad applied in close proximity to Rhizoctonia solani provided effective disease control in sugar beet

Rhizoctonia solani Kühn is an important pathogen of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) that can cause damping-off and crown and root rot. Commercial cultivars which are highly resistant to the pathogen are not as high yielding as susceptible cultivars under low or absent disease pressure. These resistant cultivars often do not have resistance to other common pathogens such as Aphanomyces cochlioides, Cercospora beticola, and Fusarium oxysporum. Fungicides, such as azoxystrobin which belongs to the quinone outside inhibitors (QoI) class, are necessary for controlling Rhizoctonia solani, but there are concerns about the buildup of fungicide-resistant strains in the targeted pathogen population. There is a need to find effective fungicides from different chemical groups so they can be rotated with the current widely-used azoxystrobin to manage R. solani. The objective of this greenhouse study was to evaluate the efficacy of penthiopyrad, a succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor (SDHI), in managing R. solani on sugar beet using three different application methodologies. Penthiopyrad effectively controlled R. solani on sugar beet when applied at 210, 280, 420, or 550 g a.i./ha in-furrow at planting and as a soil drench at the 4-leaf stage. However, foliar application of penthiopyrad failed to provide disease control. These trials indicated that penthiopyrad needs to be in close proximity or direct contact with R. solani in the soil to provide effective control. Penthiopyrad has the potential to be used as an effective alternate partner with azoxystrobin for controlling R. solani and to help in mitigating the development of fungicide resistant isolates of R. solani.     

Effects of an insect–nematode–fungus pest complex on grain yield and composition of specialty low linolenic acid soybean

Linolenic acid is a precursor to components in plant defense responses to pests and pathogens. Soybean cultivars with altered seed linolenic acid contents have been developed for improved oil qualities, specifically reduced fatty acid content with increased stability. We examined how three common soybean pests, the soybean cyst nematode (SCN, Heterodera glycines), brown stem rot (BSR) caused by Cadophora gregata and the soybean aphid (SBA; Aphis glycines), affect yield and seed linolenic acid percentage of low linolenic acid cultivars. In a micro-plot field experiment, soybean cultivars with varying concentrations of linolenic acid in the seed (ultra-low or low) and resistance to SCN (susceptible or resistant) were grown at a central Iowa research farm. Plots were kept free of pests (control) or artificially infested with a single pest (SCN, BSR or SBA) or the combination of all three pests (multiple pest). The use of resistant cultivars (SCN and BSR) or an insecticide at an economic threshold (SBA) was analyzed to determine the efficacy of current management recommendations for low linolenic acid soybean production. Seed was collected at the end of the season to measure yield and grain composition. All three pests alone or in combination were capable of reducing yield, but only the three pests in combination were capable of affecting seed linolenic acid percentages, increasing linolenic acid percentages by 11.7% in SCN-susceptible cultivars. For all three pests, current management recommendations (resistant cultivars or economic thresholds) provided protection of both yield and grain composition, indicating no changes in management are necessary for altered linolenic acid soybean cultivars.     

Evaluation of resistance to root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) in okra cultivars

The root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita, is one of the major limiting factors affecting plant growth and yield causing an estimated $100 billion loss per year worldwide. Synthetic pesticides, though instantaneously effective, are usually prohibitively expensive, not readily available, may cause hazards to both man and livestock, and inflict injury to the environment. Notable among the alternatives to nematicides is the use of resistant cultivars which are inexpensive and eco-friendly. In the present studies, twelve okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L) cultivars were evaluated for their resistance against M. incognita under field conditions. Ten-day old okra plants of test cultivars were inoculated with 3000 freshly hatched second stage juveniles of M. incognita. The nematode caused reductions in various growth parameters of all the cultivars to varying levels over their respective controls. None of the cultivars was found completely resistant. The cultivar ‘Sharmeeli’ was highly susceptible as >100 galls were recorded on the roots. Sharmeeli also showed maximum reductions in growth among the cultivars evaluated. The cultivars Anmol and Sindha were susceptible with 71–100 galls. The cultivars Sabz Pari, Super Star, PMS-55 and PMS Beauty were moderately susceptible with 31–70 galls and comparatively less reductions in growth. Cultivars Sanam, Dikshah, Arka Anamika, Ikra-1 and Ikra-2 with 11–30 galls were rated as moderately resistant and showed less damage by the nematode as compared to susceptible cultivars and their planting could provide a useful tool to control root-knot nematodes.     

Response of selected cucumber cultivars to Meloidogyne incognita

Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) are one of the most destructive pathogens of vegetables. The cultivars resistant to root-knot nematodes have comparatively better crop yield than susceptible varieties and can be employed as a component of integrated nematode management. In the present study, 15 cultivars of cucumber (Cucumis sativus) were tested for their response to Meloidogyne incognita by inoculating with 3000 2nd stage juveniles of the nematode. All cultivars varied significantly in causing reductions in growth parameters over their controls. Likewise, all cultivars behaved differently regarding formation of galls and egg masses and reproductive factor. It was found that none of the tested cultivars was found immune or highly resistant. Long Green was the only cultivar which was found resistant against M. incognita as it showed minimum galls (8.2) and reductions in growth parameters. On the other hand, cultivars Mehran, Mirage, Thamin-II, and Royal Sluis were highly susceptible as evident by maximum galls (>100) on their roots and reductions in growth parameters. Similarly, the cultivars Green Wonder, Cucumber Citriolo and Poinsett were moderately susceptible (31–70 galls) while Babylon, Cobra and Falcon-560 (71–100 galls) were susceptible and reductions in growth parameters of these cultivars were less than those in highly susceptible cultivars. Four cultivars, Marketmore, Dynasty, Pioneer-II, and Summer Green, were rated as moderately resistant (11–30 galls) as these cultivars showed less damage by the nematode than moderately susceptible, susceptible and highly susceptible cultivars.     

江苏淮南麦区主栽小麦品种耐迟播特性研究

为了解小麦品种间耐迟播性的差异,以扬麦16、扬麦18、扬麦20、镇麦9号、宁麦14和镇麦168等6个淮南麦区主栽小麦品种为材料,研究了不同播期（11月8日、11月15日、11月22日和11月29日）下小麦品种的产量、生育特性及抗逆性特点。结果表明,随播期的推迟,6个小麦品种产量均呈下降趋势,其中扬麦18和镇麦9号四个播期的产量均在4 500 kg·hm^-2以上,表现出较好的丰产性和耐迟播性;扬麦18对赤霉病的抗性最强,但生育期长（190~206 d）,成熟期最晚推迟至6月6日,且田间出现倒伏现象。综合来看,本试验条件下,淮南麦区小麦适播期为11月8日至11月15日,11月22日是最晚临界期。镇麦9号综合农艺性状较好,适宜淮南麦区晚播种植。     

Assessment of levels of resistance of cotton cultivars to isolates of Xanthomonas malvacearum (E.F. Smith) Dowson in Nigeria

Nine cotton cultivars were assessed for resistance to bacterial blight by inoculation of the mid-veins of leaves of seedlings at the four- to six-leaf stage with six isolates of Xanthomonas malvacearum (E.F. Sm.) Dowson, obtained from the three cotton-growing zones of northern Nigeria. The length of lesions 15 days after inoculation formed the basis of assessment. REBA B-50 and RASA (76)101 were highly resistant, while RSA(68)27 and BJA-592 were classified as resistant. The moderately resistant group consisted of Arkansas 52-21, Samaru 77 and Samaru 72. Samaru 71 was less susceptible than Samaru 26J, the susceptible control. There were also differences in virulence amongst the six isolates of X. malvacearum used in the test, suggesting the possible presence of races of the pathogen.     

Pod Dehiscence in Soybean : Assessing Methods and Varietal Difference

Abstract

The varietal difference of pod dehiscence in 25 soybean cultivars consisting of 16 Japanese and 9 Thai cultivars was examined at 3, 5, 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35 days after placing in a desiccator (desiccator method) and 2, 4 and 7 hrs after placing in an oven at 60ºC (oven-dried method). The cultivars examined were divided into susceptible and resistant groups according to the degree of pod dehiscence. Most of the Japanese cultivars (excepting Suzuotome) and NS1 were susceptible while most of the Thai cultivars (excepting NS1) and Suzuotome were resistant to dehiscence. The degrees of pod dehiscence measured by the desiccator and oven-dried methods were nearly the same, and the moisture content of the pods not dehisced was always higher than that of the dehisced pod. The effect of ambient humidity on pod dehiscence was examined in five soybean cultivars SJ5, Shirotae, Tamahomare, CM60 and Fukuyutaka. When the pods were exposed to 15 or 25% relative humidity (RH), the pods of susceptible cultivars, Shirotae, Tamahomare and Fukuyutaka, started to dehisce at 24 hrs after the start of the treatment, but those of resistant cultivars, SJ5 and CM60, did not dehisce for 72 hrs. None of the cultivars dehisced under 50 and 60% RH. These results revealed that placing the pods in the desiccator for 14 days (desiccator method) or exposing the pods to 60ºC for 7 hrs in an oven (oven-dried method) were useful methods for checking the degree of dehiscence.