Central Siberian Botanical Garden of the Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, 630090, Novosibirsk, Zolotodolinskaya st., Russia 101.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2018.v20i03.31

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Abstract: The effective methods of rooting and acclimatization in the sphagnum moss of in vitro propagated microshoots of commercially promising plants: Rhododendron ledebourii, Rh. hybridum cv. ‘Cunningham’s White’ and Vaccinium uliginosum cv. ‘Golubaya rossyp’ were developed for the first time. Two methods were studied: 1) rooting in vitro and acclimatization in the substrate and 2) rooting and acclimatization ex vitro in the substrate. Taking into account two factors (rooting of microshoots only in vitro conditions and only from already rooted in vitro regenerants), we have achieved 100% of rooting of bog blueberry cv. ‘Golubaya rossyp’ and 73% of plants adapted to ex vitro conditions. The method of ex vitro rooting in the substrate has been proved as effective for Rh. ledebourii, rooting of it’s shoots reached 80-90% with 87% viable plants. Rh. hybridum cv. ‘Cunningham’s White’ showed the greatest plasticity among the studied species and cultivars on ability to rooting of microshoots. All tested methods gave up to 90-100 % rooted and adapted plants of this cultivar. It was revealed that in vitro rooting microshoots, followed by acclimatization in the substrate was optimal for V. uliginosum cv. ‘Golubaya rossyp’; for Rh. ledebourii – the rooting and acclimatization in the substrate; and for Rh. hybridum cv. ‘Cunningham’s White’ - both methods were effective. From a commercial point of view, the proposed methods decrease the costs of plant production significantly through a reduction in the time and labour needed to obtain well-rooted and acclimatized Ericaceae microplants. Therefore, it could make the micropropagation of commercially promising Ericacea plants in the nursery industry both possible and profitable.

Department of Horticulture and Crop Science, School of Agriculture, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan, 11942.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2018.v20i03.32

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Abstract: Effects of foliar boron (B) application as H₃BO₃ on yield and fruits quality of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L. var. Medjool) were investigated. The experiment was conducted on 15 years old trees during 2017 growing season. Five different B levels (0, 400, 800, 1200 and 1600 ppm) were applied in a solution of 20 liters?tree^-1 at three equal doses in May, June and July. Fruit yield and quality parameters were determined at maturity harvest stage (tamer). The results showed that foliar B significantly affected yield, bunch weight, fruit set, fruit physical characters and fruit quality. Boron application at the rate of 1600 ppm resulted in 27 % increase in fruits yield (67.7 vs. 53.4 kg?tree^-1), 16 % increase in fruit fresh weight and flesh weight (22.0 vs. 18.9 g.fruit^-1), (20.9 vs. 18.0 g fruit^-1), respectively, fruit size (49.97 vs. 45.3 mm) and fruit set (88 % vs. 81 %) compared to control. However, the lower rate of boron (400 ppm) was more effective in enhancing fruit quality indices. Total soluble solid (Brix % 75.0), fruit firmness (5.56 kg?cm^-2), glucose content (43.17 %), fructose content (39.28 %) and fruit antioxidant activity (80 %) were significantly increased as compared to control. On other hand, date syrup pH, fruit density and fruit skin separation were not affected by boron application. Overall, the results presented here recommended the use of foliar rates of boron ranging between 400 to 1600 ppm to enhance fruit yield and quality in Medjool dates.

Laboratory of Forest Genetics and Plant Breeding, Faculty of Forestry and Natural Environment, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece, P.O. Box 238, 52124 Thessaloniki, Greece.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2018.v20i03.33

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Abstract: Almond-leaved tree is one of the most commonly found native forest species in Greece, exhibiting valuable properties and thus suitable for multipurpose silviculture. Several critical factors were studied for the development of a successful micropropagation protocol of Pyrus spinosa juvenile trees. Newly immerged shoots of three-year-old plants, after their surface sterilization, were established on a modified MS nutrient medium (thiamine-HCl 1 mg L^-1, nicotinic acid 1 mg L^-1, pyridoxine-HCl 1 mg L^-1) with 5 ?? ??. Clean explants were transferred in the multiplication stage on a novel medium (Pear Medium 1), by adding 10 ?? ?? especially developed for Pyrus species. Due to poor culture development, the effect of photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) on the improvement of regeneration was studied. The exposure of explants to 10 ?mol m^-2 s^-1 for the first two weeks followed by exposure to 35 ?mol m^-2 s^-1 for another two weeks, was proved essential for the good development of cultures promoting both multiplication and elongation of explants. For further enhancement of shoot regeneration, the use of Pear Medium 1 with five different combinations of growth regulators was tested (BA, IBA). The most beneficial for the development of good quality shoots was 5 ?? ??+0.0246 ?? ??? (4.67±0.40 new shoots per explant, elongation 1.28±0.13 cm). As multiplication was mainly based on axillary branching and the production of new shoots was still relatively low, the orientation of explants (horizontal vs upright position) in relation to the medium was investigated. Regeneration of shoots almost tripled, reaching 13.67 new shoots per explant in the case of horizontal orientation after the removal of the apical part (0.2 cm). The most successful rooting procedure (rooting: 83.33±5.89 %, root no: 6.20±0.49 roots per plantlet, root length: 0.56±0.05 cm) consisted of an initial stage of root induction maintaining microshoots in complete darkness for seven days. The rooting medium was a modified MS (½ NH₄NO₃, ½ KNO₃) supplemented with 24.6 ?? ???. Microshoots were subsequently transferred to a root development stage in the same rooting medium without auxin, exposed to 10 ?mol m^-2 s^-1 for another four weeks. Successful acclimatization (87.5 %) was achieved after six weeks on perlite.

Department of Biotechnology, School of Sciences (Block-1), JAIN (Deemed -to-be University), Bengaluru-560011, Karnataka, India. Division of Floriculture and Medicinal Crops, ICAR - Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru, 560089, Karnataka, India.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2018.v20i03.34

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Abstract: A simpler and more efficient protocol for mass propagation of Anthurium from somatically derived in vitro shoots through suspension culture was developed. Shoot proliferation was obtained with agar-solidified MS medium as well as liquid MS medium, at various concentration of BAP. After 45 days of incubation at 80 rpm, both the media gave best results at 8.8 �M BAP, whereas higher number (29.333�0.342) of shoots was obtained with liquid medium compared to solid medium (7.667�0.342). The matured plantlets were harvested and subjected to acclimatization after 30 days of primary and 60 days of secondary hardening and then they were transferred to field. Survival rate of plants (71.3 %) in liquid medium was higher compared to the ones from solid medium (43.0 %).

College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Texas A&M University – Commerce, P.O. Box 3011, Commerce, TX 75429.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2018.v20i03.35

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Abstract: Zinc is an important micronutrient for both plant and human health, and dietary zinc is insufficient in many areas of the world, caused by a diet dominated by grains and vegetables grown on zinc deficient soils. Celosia argentea L. is an herbaceous annual adapted to difficult soil conditions, low soil nutrient content, and hot weather and is commonly grown as a leafy vegetable in many parts of Africa. This study was conducted to evaluate zinc fertilization of celosia at levels higher than normally recommended, but below toxic levels, to determine the effect on plant performance and dietary value. Celosia was grown in a controlled environment with four zinc fertilizer treatments (0, 50, 100 and 150 mg Zn·kg^-1). Zinc fertilization had minor effects on plant growth, with differences only found in plant height and root fresh weight with both decreasing at fertilization levels above 100 mg Zn·kg^-1. Higher zinc fertilization increased root nitrogen, leaf and root zinc, potassium and magnesium concentrations, though leaf magnesium decreased at the highest zinc fertilizer levels. At 50 mg Zn·kg^-1, zinc fertilization toxicity symptoms were unexpessed thus it can improve plant performance and provide potentially significant dietary benefits to people with limited access to zinc in their diet.

Department of Plant Pathology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore 641 003, India.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2018.v20i03.36

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Abstract: The wood degrading fungi Ganoderma lucidum (Leys) Karst causing Basal Stem Rot (BSR) in coconut plantation is the most destructive disease in Southern India. The control of this soil borne pathogen is particularly complex due to their occurrence in dynamic environment at the interface of the root with the soil. Hence, combinations of biocontrol agents differing in their mode of action especially with endophyte have been explored. The endophytic bacteria Bacillus subtilis EPC 5 from healthy coconut palm root showed high inhibition activity among fifty five isolated strains. Further, talc-based formulation incorporating Pseudomonas fluorescens Pf1 and Trichoderma viride Tv1 were developed and used individually, in combination to manage highly virulent, laccase producing soil borne pathogen. The result indicated that soil application of above mentioned antagonist in combination @ 100 g each enriched with organic substrate for four times per year, significantly reduced the disease severity with high nut yield at two different locations of disease endemic areas.

College of Horticulture, Anantharajupeta, Dr. Y.S.R. Horticultural University, Y.S.R. Kadapa District, A.P. Citrus Research Station, Tirupati, A.P. ARS, Floriculture, Hyderabad, Telangana.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2018.v20i03.37

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Abstract: Fifty nine chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat.) genotypes were evaluated for their performance under southern zone of Andhra Pradesh at HRS Farm, Anantharajupeta, Y.S.R. Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh. Significant differences were observed among the genotypes for all vegetative, flowering and yield traits studied. Genotype Selection-5 (56.50 cm) recorded maximum plant height, and plant spread was maximum in two genotypes Chandini and Violet (51.83 cm). Genotypes Sugandha Yellow and Sugandha White produced maximum (11.67) number of primary branches/plant while least in Yellow Cherub (2.33). Earliest bud appearance was observed in genotype Violet (61.67 days), whereas genotype Meera (113.52 days) was late. The highest number of flowers/spray and spray length was produced by genotype Yellow Star and Selection-2 (41.67 and 44.87 cm), respectively. Flower diameter was maximum in Firtation (10.06 cm), however, number of flowers/plant was highest in HYDC- 7 (287). The weight of single flower and 100 flower weight was maximum in Mother Teresa (4.96 g and 495.50 g). Keeping in view of these characters, genotypes Mother Teresa, Firtation and Chrysanthemum Yellow were found to be highly suitable to grow under Rayalaseema conditions of Andhra Pradesh for loose flower production. Based on hierarchical cluster of the morphological traits, the genotypes were grouped into three. Results of principal component Analysis (PCA) were also in conformity with the results of cluster analysis.

Crop Improvement and Biotechnology, ICAR-Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture, Rehmankhera, Lucknow- 226 101, India. Division of Plant Physiology, CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow- 226 001, India. Department of Botany, University of Lucknow, Lucknow- 226 007, India. College of Bio Sciences, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow- 226 025, India.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2018.v20i03.38

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Abstract: Papaya leaf curl virus (PaLCuV) of geminiviridae family is a major threat to papaya plants in the world. The major visual characteristics of PaLCuV infected plants are downward and inward rolling and curling of leaves in the form of an inverted cup and thickening of veins. Microscopic observation showed that in the healthy papaya leaf, stomata guard cell size was 19-20 µm. However, it increased significantly in infected plant leaves up to 29-30 µm. This observation suggested that stomatal density and guard cell size were changed due to puckered anatomy of leaf. SEM analysis revealed that subsidiary or accessory cells of guard cells were less turgid and the arrangement of starch grains was disturbed as compared to healthy plant leaves. Light microscopic, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analyses of symptomatic leaves showed the puckering leaf lamina due to presence of loosened cells in its tissues and hyper-accumulation of Ca²⁺ ions. High accumulation of Ca²⁺ in PaLCuV infected leaves as compared to healthy leaves which might be the cause of hypertrophy and thickening of veins of infected papaya leaves. Uniform trichomes/hairs/nodular structures were present in midrib of healthy leaf but were missing in infected leaf. The infected midrib showed scantly distributed floret-like structures instead of a smooth trichomes/hairs/nodular structures in midrib of the healthy leaf.

University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot, Karnataka, India.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2018.v20i03.39

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Abstract: Carrot is a sexully propagating, biennial root crop. Flowering related characters and germination parameters have a significant role on the root quality and productivity in the succeeding generations. Larger genetic variation exists in nature for seed and umbel characters due its out crossing behavior. In order to study, the nature of genetic variability, heritability and the association pattern, 48 open pollinated varieties were evaluated in tropical region of Karnataka, India during 2015 for 27 characters including seed, umbel and germination parameters. Both qualitative and quantitative characters were used for the study. The data was subjected to statistical analysis for genetic variability components such as genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV), phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV), heritability in broad sense (h²) genetic advance (GA) and Genetic advance as percent mean (GAM) and Pearson’s correlation. Genetic variability and heritability coupled with genetic advance as percent mean (GAM) were high for number of umbellates per umbel, bolting tendency and umbel weight. Many other characters showed low to moderate genetic variability coupled with moderate heritability and GAM. From the correlation coefficient analysis few characters viz., density of flowers in umbels, number of umbellates/ umbel, umbel shape, bolting tendency showed positive association with seed and umbel yield. Seed length and size of spines on the seeds affects the germination % negatively. Since, the present study involves maximum characters and good number of cultivars with wider genetic background; hence, detailed understanding of the genetic variability and association pattern for these characters in the reproductive phase of carrot would provide useful information for breeders as well as seed scientists.

Department of Dryland Forestry, Wondo Genet College of Forestry and Natural Resource, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia. P.O.Box 128, Shashemene, Ethiopia. Hawassa University, College of Natural and Computational Science, P.O.Box 05, Ethiopia.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2018.v20i03.40

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Abstract: This study was carried out to determine the effects of cutting position (tip, middle and basal) and different concentrations of IBA (IBA) (0, 5, 7.5 and 11g/L) on the rooting and shooting performance of Araucaria heterophylla. Two factorial experiments were conducted. Number of leaf, number of adventitious root and root length produced by cutting materials and the survival rates were measured. These parameters were significantly influenced by the interactive effect of cutting position and hormonal concentration. The interaction between tip cuttings and 11 g/L IBA concentration had higher root number, leaf number and root length as compared other interactions had not rooting and shooting performance on the cutting materials. Vegetative propagation of A. heterophylla through cuttings can be appropriately achieved by treating cuttings with IBA.

Department of Plant Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Ilorin, P. M. B. 1515, Ilorin -240003, Kwara State, Nigeria. C.G. Bhakta Institute of Biotechnology, Uka Tarsadia University, Bardoli, Surat -394 350, Gujarat India.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2018.v20i03.41

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Abstract: This study assessed the genetic diversity of six ornamental ferns in parks and gardens in Nigeria using inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers. Genomic DNA were extracted from the samples and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was performed using seven ISSR markers. The elcetrophoregram showed amplicon size ranged from 100bp-1Kb among the ferns. A total of 87 bands were generated with 71.26 % polymorphism and 28.73 % monomorphic bands. The average number of band per primer was 12.4 and polymorphism range was between 31.23-100 %, the highest polymorphism was obtained with ISSR2. The mean Nei’s genetic diversity was 29 % while the Shannon’s index was 43.5 %. The pair of Adiatum capilus-veneris and Pteris acanthoneura had maximum genetic distance of 0.6592 while A. capilus-veneris and A. furcans are the closest species. At genetic similarity of 78 %, the cluster analysis revealed two major groups. Group-1 comprised of four species, where P. acanthoneura is a distant member, the other three species in the group are closely related. Group-2 on the other hand had two closely related Adiantum species. The study concludes that ISSR markers are effective in the genetic study of the ferns and the genetic diversity information provided could be utilized for selection, improvement and conservation of the ornamental plants.

Division of Crop Improvement, ICAR-Central Plantation Crops Research Institute, Kasaragod, Kerala 621124. Division of Plant Physiology, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi 110 012. ICAR-Directorate of Floricultural Research, Pune 411005. CPCT unit, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi 110 012.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2018.v20i03.42

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Abstract: Vase-life is a key factor for evaluating the post-harvest quality of cut flowers that determines their marketability. Chrysanthemum is one of the top most cut flowers sold in international flower markets. In the present study, trials were conducted to improve the post-harvest life of chrysanthemum cut flowers using preservative solutions such as 5-sulfosalicylic acid (5-SSA) and aluminium sulphate (Al₂(SO₄)₃) alone or in combination with 1.5 % sucrose. Treatments using 5-SSA (100 ppm and 150 ppm) or 200 ppm Al₂(SO₄)₃ along with 1.5 % sucrose showed a significant increase in vase-life, fresh weight of the cut stems, vase solution uptake, membrane stability index of the petals and leaf chlorophyll as compared to other treatments. Among different vase solutions evaluated, T10 (200 ppm Al₂(SO₄)₃ +1.5 % sucrose) gave maximum vase life of22.3 days, followed by T8 (5-SSA 150 ppm + 1.5 % sucrose) and T6 (100 ppm 5-SSA+ 1.5 % sucrose) treatments with 20.85 and 19.85 days respectively as compared to 17.84 days in control. High concentrations of both the chemicals (5-SSA and Al₂(SO₄)₃) without sucrose showed toxicity symptoms.

Department of Soil Sciences, the National Institute of Ornamental Plants (NIOP), HSIR, AREEO, Iran. +989188664220. Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil 56199-11367, Iran.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2018.v20i03.43

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Abstract: Nutrition is the cornerstone of plant production. Here, efforts have been made to study the effect of different nutrient solutions from the Netherlands floriculture companies (S1; Schreurs, S2: Florist, and S3: Research Station for Floriculture and Greenhouse Vegetables(RSFGV) on two gerbera cultivars (‘Stanza’ and ‘Double Dutch’). Total chlorophyll index (SPAD), flower harvest per plant, flower stem height, disk diameter, total carbohydrate, lignin, and cell membrane stability were significantly affected by treatments. The highest number of cut flowers was harvested in RSFGV solution which was about 24% and 50% more than Florist and Schreurs solutions, respectively. Schreurs’s solution showed the best impact on cell membrane stability, total carbohydrate, and lignin production. Flowers stem height, disk diameter, and hemi-cellulose content were significantly increased by RSFGV solution. The cultivar ‘Double Dutch’ showed the highest cell membrane stability, total carbohydrate, hemi-cellulose, lignin, and vase life. Flower stem height was highest in the cultivar ‘Stanza’. The interaction of nutrient solution and cultivar affected the studied parameters significantly, and the highest vase life was obtained in the cultivar ‘Double Dutch’ fertigated with Schreurs solution (11.4 d). Results indicated that Schreurs and RSFGV solutions could be the proper solutions for producing high-quality cut gerberas commercially.

Department of Biotechnology, Shree M and N Virani Science College, Rajkot (India) 360005.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2018.v20i02.19

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Abstract: Effect of various plant extracts during in vitro culture of rose (Rosa hybrida L. cv. bush rose), with the objective of replacing synthetic Plant Growth regulators (PGRs) to reduce the production cost, was studied. Test extracts included sweet lime juice, orange juice, sweet corn extract, tomato fruit extract and coconut water. Significant increase in shoot multiplication (15.41±1.12 shoots/explant), shoot length (3.66±0.08 cm), fresh weight (7.48±0.71 g) and dry weight (1.68±0.075 g) was observed when coconut water (@10 % v/v) was used in the standard MS medium. Addition of tomato fruit extract in the MS medium did not show any noteworthy effect on growth in rose micropropagules. Total chlorophyll and other biomolecules varied with the change in the type and concentration of plant extract. Highest accumulation of biomolecules was recorded on coconut water (@ 10 % v/v) supplemented MS medium followed by sweet corn extract and orange juice. Although tomato fruit extract (@10 % v/v) enhanced the total chlorophyll biosynthesis but at the same time depressed the accumulation of other biomolecules. Treatment of plant extract was given in two different ways; a) incorporation in the medium prior to autoclaving (PrA) and b) post-autoclaving addition of filter sterilized extract (PoA). No significant changes were noted in growth when mode of application was changed. To know the physiological pandemonium in the cells, peroxidase and IAA-oxidase activity was noted. No abnormal changes in the activity of these enzymes were recorded in the propagules grown on different plant extracts. The total cost of synthetic 6-benzylaminopurine (BA) can be reduced upto 98 % by replacing it with natural plant extract.

Graduate School of Agronomy and Horticulture, Bogor Agricultural University, Jl. Meranti, Kampus IPB Darmaga, Bogor 16680, Indonesia. Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Bogor Agricultural University, Jl. Meranti, Kampus IPB Darmaga, Bogor 16680, Indonesia. Center for Tropical Horticulture Studies, Bogor Agricultural University, Bogor 16144, Indonesia.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2018.v20i02.20

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Abstract: Mechanical shoot manipulations through bending and defoliation were applied on mandarin citrus cv. Borneo Prima in order to stimulate flushing and flowering during the rainy season, Oct. 2016-July 2017 in the tropical lowland of Indonesia. Four-year-old citrus trees were treated with bending, defoliation and its combination; and were replicated ten times with single tree as an experimental unit. All manipulated shoots exhibited rapid flushing, particularly of those with defoliation. Unfortunately, no flower was produced on trees treated with defoliation or its combination. Bending stimulated a larger number of flowering and fruiting trees than control. Flower drop was lower in bending, resulted in higher number of fruitset and fruitlets than control. At the generative stage, mandarin showed high C/N ratio due to low nitrogen content, irrespective of treatment. The failure to produce flower on defoliation and its combination could be ascertained by steady C/N ratio. Overall, bending could be applied to improve flowering and support sustainable mandarin production in tropical condition, especially at lowland production fields in Indonesia.