Agro-morphological variation in “Jhinuwa” rice landraces (Oryza sativa L.) of Nepal

Jhinuwa is an aromatic rice (Oryza sativa L.) landrace from the Pokhara Valley of Nepal. A total of 210 accessions comprising seven types of Jhinuwa rice landraces were randomly collected from the rice fields to evaluate inter- and intra-population variability based on agro-morphological traits. The experiment was conducted in factorial randomized complete block design with three replicates in 2005. The first six principal components (PCs) accounted for 76.6 % variation for agro-morphological traits. Major traits that accounted for the variation by six PCs includes days to heading, days to maturity, total grain panicle^?1, fertile grain panicle^?1, culm length, panicle length, milling recovery, head rice recovery, aroma, 1,000 grain weight, sterile grain panicle^?1, grain sterility %, and leaf characteristics. Both principal coordinate analysis and cluster analyses revealed four phenotypic groups, two of which represent Bayarni, Jhinuwa, and Biramphul while the other two account for Tunde and Pakho Tunde. Tunde, Pakho Tunde, Kalo Bayarni, and Seto Bayarni showed higher intra- as well as inter-population variation compared to other populations. The phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation, broad sense heritability (h ²B) and genetic advance (GA) as a percent of the mean assessed for 210 accessions revealed high h ²B and GA estimates for leaf width, leaf length breadth ratio, ligule length, sterile grain panicle^?1, grain sterility % and 1,000 grain weight. The current study demonstrates that improvement in Jhinuwa rice landrace is possible by selecting superior accessions from existing natural populations while selection should be focussed to market traits with higher h ²B and GA estimates.     

Effect of 22-Year-L​ong Conjunctive Use of Organic and Chemical Sources of Nutrients on Crop Yield,Soil Properties,and Nutrient Balance in Post-Monsoon Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) in Peninsular Vertisols of India

A long-term field experiment was conducted in Vertisols of Solapur (Maharashtra, India) to assess the effect of the integrated use of nutrients on yield, soil properties, and nutrient balance in post-monsoon sorghum. The highest crop yield (1.19 Mg ha^?1) and available nutrients (308, 14.9, and 814 kg ha^?1 nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), respectively) were recorded in the treatment of 25 kg N sorghum crop residue (CR) + 25 kg N Leucaena clippings (LCs), 25 kg N (CR) + 25 kg N (urea), 25 kg N farmyard manure + 25 kg N (urea), and 25 kg N (CR) + 25 kg N (LC), respectively. Most of the nutrients were depleted except K and Ca. The response ratio for N (16 kg kg^?1) and partial factor productivity (33 kg kg^?1) were considerably higher in the 25 kg N (CR) + 25 kg N (LC) treatment. Conjunctive use of organic ?and chemical fertilizers helped in reducing the nutrient losses and improved their use efficiency and yield sustainability.     

Absorption and biological activity of phytochemical-rich extracts from açai (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) pulp and oil in vitro

Polyphenolic extracts from various fruits and vegetables have been shown to exert growth inhibitory effects in cell culture studies. Whereas individual polyphenolic compounds have been extensively evaluated, understanding of the biological activity of polyphenolic extracts from natural sources is limited and critical to the understanding of their potential effects on the human body. This study investigated the absorption and antiproliferative effects of phytochemical extracts from acai pulp and a polyphenolic-enriched acai oil obtained from the fruit pulp of the acai berry ( Euterpe oleracea Mart.). Chemical composition, antioxidant properties, and polyphenolic absorption of phytochemical fractions in a Caco-2 monolayer were determined, along with their cytotoxicity in HT-29 human colon adenocarcinoma cells. Standardized extracts were characterized by their predominance of hydroxybenzoic acids, monomeric flavan-3-ols, and procyanidin dimers and trimers. Polyphenolic mixtures (0-12 microg of gallic acid equiv/mL) from both acai pulp and acai oil extracts inhibited cell proliferation by up to 90.7%, which was accompanied by an increase of up to 2.1-fold in reactive oxygen species. Absorption experiments using a Caco-2 intestinal cell monolayer demonstrated that phenolic acids such as p-hydroxybenzoic, vanillic, syringic, and ferulic acids, in the presence of DMSO, were readily transported from the apical to the basolateral side along with monomeric flavanols such as (+)-catechin and (-)-epicatechin. Results from this study provide further evidence for the bioactive properties of acai polyphenolics and offer new insight on their composition and cellular absorption.     

Effect of 13 Years Long Minimum Tillage Cum Conjunctive Nutrient Management Practices on Soil Fertility and Nitrogen Chemical Fractions under Sorghum (Sorghum bicolour (L.) Moench)–Mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) System in Semi-Arid Tropical Alfisol (SAT) in Southern India

A long-term experiment was conducted at the Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture for 13 years to evaluate the effect of low tillage cum cheaper conjunctive nutrient management practices in terms of productivity, soil fertility, and nitrogen chemical pools of soil under sorghum–mung bean system in Alfisol soils. The results of the study clearly revealed that sorghum and mung bean grain yield as influenced by low tillage and conjunctive nutrient management practices varied from 764 to 1792 and 603 to 1008 kg ha^?1 with an average yield of 1458 and 805 kg ha^?1 over a period of 13 years, respectively. Of the tillage practices, conventional tillage (CT) maintained 11.0% higher yields (1534 kg ha^?1) over the minimum tillage (MT) (1382 kg ha^?1) practice. Among the conjunctive nutrient management treatments, the application of 2 t Gliricidia loppings + 20 kg nitrogen (N) through urea to sorghum crop recorded significantly highest grain yield of 1712 kg ha^?1 followed by application of 4 t compost + 20 kg N through urea (1650 kg ha^?1) as well as 40 kg N through urea alone (1594 kg ha^?1). Similar to sorghum, in case of mung bean also, CT exhibited a significant influence on mung bean grain yields (888 kg ha^?1) which was 6.7% higher compared to MT (832 kg ha^?1). Among all the conjunctive nutrient management treatments, 2 t compost + 10 kg N through urea and 2 t compost + 1 t Gliricidia loppings performed significantly well and recorded similar mung bean grain yields of 960 kg ha^?1 followed by 1 t Gliricidia loppings + 10 kg N through urea (930 kg ha^?1). The soil nitrogen chemical fractions (SNCFs) were also found to be significantly influenced by tillage and conjunctive nutrient management treatments. Further, a significant correlation of SNCF with total soil nitrogen was observed. In the correlation study, it was also observed that N fraction dynamically played an important role in enhancing the availability pool of N in soil and significantly influenced the yield of sorghum grain and mung bean.     

“Kukkavaminta” [Arivela viscosa (L.) Raf. (Cleomaceae)]: a less-known “seasoning spice” from West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh,India

Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution - During survey and study of local useful plants in the West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh a less-known species, Arivela...     

Assessing a suitable extractant and critical limits of nickel in soil and plant for predicting the response of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) to nickel grown in Inceptisols

ABSTRACT

Nickel (Ni) is an essential element for plants. Abundant information exists on Ni toxicity in soil–plant system but not much is available on its critical level of deficiency (CLD) in soils and plants. Five chemical extractants were evaluated to find a suitable extractant for Ni in Inceptisol. Twenty-one soils having low to high levels of Ni were used to grow barley (Hordeum vulgare L). The amount of Ni extracted was correlated with Ni concentration and uptake by barley. The diethylene triamine penta acetic acid-calcium chloride (0.005 M DTPA-CaC1₂) was identified as the most promising soil extractant for Ni. The CLD of Ni for 0.005 M DTPA-CaC1₂ in soil was 0.22 mg kg^?1 whereas in barley plant it was 2.14 mg kg^?1. Application of 7.5 mg kg^?1 Ni in soil caused a significant increase in Ni concentration in the shoot of barley in all the soils irrespective of the initial Ni status.     

Absorption of flavonols derived from sea buckthorn (Hippophaë rhamnoides L.) and their effect on emerging risk factors for cardiovascular disease in humans

Sea buckthorn (Hippopha? rhamnoides L.) is a rich source of flavonols, especially isorhamnetin. Most prospective cohort studies have indicated some degree of inverse association between flavonoid intake and coronary heart disease. Animal and human studies suggest that sea buckthorn flavonoids may scavenge free radicals, lower blood viscosity, and enhance cardiac function. The effects of flavonol aglycones derived from sea buckthorn on the risk factors of cardiovascular disease as well as their absorption were studied in humans. The flavonols, ingested with oatmeal porridge, did not have a significant effect on the levels of oxidized low-density lipoprotein, C-reactive protein, and homocysteine, on the plasma antioxidant potential, or on the paraoxonase activity. Flavonols at two dosages in oatmeal porridge were rapidly absorbed, and a relatively small amount of sea buckthorn oil added to the porridge seemed to have increased the bioavailability of sea buckthorn flavonols consumed at the higher dose.     

Resistance of Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) ecotypes from Polish Gene Bank to melting out (Drechslera poae) under field conditions in 1998–2000

Seed samples of 32 ecotypes obtained from individual plants and 2 old cultivars of Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) were used in this study. They were selected from 1452 accessions from Polish Gene Bank, Plant Breeding and Acclimatization Institute - IHAR Radzików based on preliminary tests conducted in greenhouse and growing chamber. All of tested ecotypes were collected during 1979–1981 in Poland by expeditions organised by Polish Gene Bank, IHAR Radzików. Additionally nine cultivars and breeding lines were used as a controls: Limousine, Gol, Conni, BA 130, Barvictor, Bartitia, Parade, Chaupy, RAH 1474. Accessions used as control were chosen based on the results obtained in different trials conducted in Poland, Germany, France, The Netherlands and Great Britain.All these 43 accessions of Kentucky bluegrass were tested for leaf spot and melting out resistance under field conditions during 3 years (1998–2000). These tests were conducted in three treatments: with inoculation by Drechslera poae (Baudys) Shoemaker, with natural infection of this fungus and with application of fungicide Tilt 250 EC. Based on results obtained during spring assessment of the disease severity it was possible to observe the effect of inoculation by D. poae. Resistance of inoculated and grown with natural infection ecotypes, cultivars and breeding lines was scored in average for 5.92 and 7.73, respectively. It was not possible to find significant differences in resistance during fall disease assessment. The repeatability of scores obtained during three years of the experiment was statistically significant. Additionally, results obtained for inoculated genotypes under field conditions significantly correlate with the results obtained during study conducted under greenhouse and growing chamber conditions. Nine ecotypes in the treatment with inoculation by D. poae were scored higher than 6.5 (on the level of the control cultivars: Conni, Gol, and Limousine). The value of newly identified sources of resistance to leaf spot and melting out in Kentucky bluegrass breeding programs was discussed.     

Identification and relationships of accessions grown in the grapevine (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Vitis vinifera</Emphasis> L.) Germplasm Bank of Castilla y Léon (Spain) and the varieties authorized in the VQPRD areas of the region by SSR-marker analysis

A total of sixty-five accessions from the Spanish region of Castilla y León including those authorized in the VQPRD areas were characterized for six SSR loci. All the samples but one unknown were identified by comparison to other databases. Thirty synonymous samples and three cases of homonymy were found out, confirming in most cases ampelographic expectations. Five unique genotypes belonging to local varieties in risk of extinction were detected. Several parameters were calculated to assess the usefulness of the chosen loci in this work. A dendrogram representing the genetic similarities among the accessions was constructed using the neighbor-joining method to investigate possible parentage relationships in the sample, and to explain them from an historical and cultural point of view.     

Chemical Changes and Heavy Metal Partitioning in an Oxisol Cultivated with Maize (Zea mays, L.) after 5 Years Disposal of a Domestic and an Industrial Sewage Sludge

The need for solutions to minimize the negative environmental impacts of anthropogenic activities Fhas increased. Sewage sludge is composed of predominantly organic matter and can be used to improve soil characteristics, such as fertility. Therefore, its application in agriculture is an adequate alternative for its final disposal. However, there is a lack of information on its long-term effects on soil changes in tropical areas. Thus, the objectives of this study were to determine (i) the effect of sewage sludge application on heavy metal build-up in soil and maize grains and leaves, and (ii) the effects of soil amendment with sewage sludge on the chemical properties of a Brazilian oxisol. Besides the increasing levels of Zn, Cu, Ni, and Cr, amending soil with sewage sludge also alters the distribution of these metals by increasing the mobile Phases, which correlated significantly with the increase in metal extraction with two single extractants, Mehlich 1 and DTPA (Diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid). The levels of Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu in maize grains and leaves increased with the type and rate of sewage sludge application. Nevertheless, metal build-up in soil and plants was within the allowed limits. Significant differences were also found in soil characteristics like humic fractionation with the applied sewage doses. The data obtained does not indicate any expressive drawbacks in the use of sewage sludge as a soil amendment, as the heavy metal concentrations observed are unlikely to cause any environmental or health problems, even overestimated loadings, and are in accordance with the Brazilian regulations on farming land biosolid disposal.     

‘Kalhar’ [Blumea lacera (Burm.f.) DC. Asteraceae]: a wild species used in preparation of traditional cuisine “Umbadiyu” in Dungri (Valsad), South Gujarat,India

Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution - A plant species locally called ‘Kalhar’ [Blumea lacera (Burm.f.) DC.] was identified for plant genetic resources value during exploration and...     

A less-known vegetable melon landrace “Arya” (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Cucumis melo</Emphasis> L.) from Rajasthan and Haryana,India: morphological,biochemical and taxonomic study

A less-known landrace of vegetable melon locally called “Arya” (Cucumis melo L.) known for drought tolerant trait was collected from two districts of Rajasthan and Haryana, India. Study was undertaken for preliminary morphological evaluation, biochemical and organoleptic test. A comparative study with snake melon was presented with field identification traits along with cultural practices and economic uses. The work aims at facilitating germplasm collection, detailed evaluation and systematic study on this valuable material with the prospects of crop diversification and value addition.     

Characterization of “Mais delle Fiorine” (Zea mays L.) and nutritional,morphometric and genetic comparison with other maize landraces of Lombardy region (Northern Italy)

Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution - The loss of agrobiodiversity is a topic of global impact. On a local scale, Lombardy, in the Alpine macro-Region, has lost more than 78% of its plant...     

Nitrification and denitrification in an acidic soil of tea (Camellia sinensis L.) field estimated by δ15N values of leached nitrogen from the soil columns treated with ammonium nitrate in the presence or absence of a nitrification inhibitor and with slow-release fertilizers

Forty-two-day-old wheat (Triticum aestivum L. var. Asakazekomugi) plants were treated with complete, K-free (—K), Ca-limited (—Ca), and Mg-free (—Mg) nutrient solutions for 10 days using 2 mM NH₄NO₃ as the nitrogen source, which was replaced with 4 mM ¹⁵ NH₄C1 or Na¹⁵NO₃ for the subsequent 2 days to investigate the absorption, translocation, and assimilation of inorganic nitrogen in relation to the mineral supply. In another experiment plants were grown on NO₃ ^?, NH₄ ⁺, NH₄N0₃, and K-free and Ca-limited NH₄N0₃ nutrient solutions for 10 days, and then in the latter three treatments the nitrogen source was replaced with NO₃ ^? and half of the —K plants received K for 6 days to examine the changes in the nitrate reductase activity (NRA).

Wheat plants absorbed NH₄ ^?N and NO₃-N at a similar rate. Influence of K on the absorption of N0₃-N was stronger than that on the absorption of NH₄-N in wheat plants. The supply of K to the —K plants increased the absorption of NO₃-N, while the absorption of NH₄-N still remained at a lower rate in spite of the addition of K. A limited supply of Ca and lack of Mg in nutrient media slightly affected the absorption of NH₄-N. The influence of K was stronger on the translocation of nitrogen from roots to shoots, while Ca and Mg had little effect. When K was supplied again to the —K plants the translocation of NO₃,-N was more accelerated than that of NH₄-N. Incorporation of NH₄-N into protein was higher than that of NO₃-N in all the tissues; root, stem, and leaf. Assimilation of NH₄-N and NO₃-N decreased by the —K and —Mg treatments.

Leaf NRA of wheat plants decreased in the —K and —Ca plants. Higher leaf NRA was found when K was given again to the —K plants than when the plants were continuously grown in K-free media. Replacement of NO₃ ^? with NH₄ ⁺ as the nitrogen source caused a decline of leaf NRA, while the supply of both NH₄ ^?N and NO₃-N slightly affected the leaf NRA.     

Assessment of genetic variability in the endangered <Emphasis Type="Italic">Citrus macroptera</Emphasis> Mont. (“hatkora”) from Mizoram,north-east India

Assessment of genetic variability in the available germplasm is the prerequisite for development of improved genotypes through planned breeding programmes. In view of this, 39 “hatkora” (Citrus macroptera Mont.) genotypes collected from different locations of Mizoram, India were evaluated for physico-chemical characteristics during 2013–2015. The study reveals that there was significant variation among the collections in these particular traits. Individual fruit weight ranged from 277.78 to 617.69 g; fruit diameter 9.32–12.52 cm; fruit length 7.74–10.19 cm, fruit volume 238.33–583.33 cc; pulp weight 153.75–320.94 g; pulp:peel ratio 1.50–3.24 and seed number 9.33–23.6. Similarly, the chemical parameters also varied significantly among different germplasms. The juice content varied from 13.45 to 32.53 %, ascorbic acid 34.81–73.64 mg/100 mL, TSS 6.15–9.10 %, acidity 5.03–8.75 %, total sugars 5.16–7.97 % and sugar:acid ratio 0.75–1.52. From the analysis of genetic parameters, it could be concluded that characters like fruit weight, fruit length, fruit diameter, fruit volume, pulp weight, pulp–peel ratio, juice, Total soluble solids (TSS), acidity, ascorbic acid, total sugars, and sugar–acid ratio could be used as selection criteria for development of effective and productive plant types in “hatkora”. Wide range of variation in physico-chemical parameters of “hatkora” fruits indicated the great scope of individual plant selection based on these characters for future genetic improvement programme.     

“Tum-thang” (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Crotalaria tetragona</Emphasis> Roxb. ex Andr.): a little known wild edible species in the north-eastern hill region of India

Crotalaria tetragona Roxb. ex Andr., locally known as “Tum-thang” was collected from Mizoram state of north-eastern hill region of India during 2008. Its flowers were being sold by the tribal communities in local markets. The buds and flowers are cooked as vegetables and used in garnishing of local food preparations especially in non-vegetarian recipes. This species is reported here as little known Edible type in Indian region and may be considered as a multi-purpose species with potential. Edible uses of some of the Crotalaria species in different regions of world have also been included in the present communication.