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Faculty of Agriculture, University of Sumatra Utara, Indonesia.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2017.v19i03.35

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Abstract: Andisol is a land formed by volcanic ash and has a problem in the availability of phosphate (P), as a result the use of P fertilizer becomes ineffective. Andisol affected by the eruption of Mount. Sinabung has pH 4.83 which can affect the availability of P in the soil. The purpose of this research was to determine the effect of Microbial Phosphate Solubilization application and SP36 (fertilizer) dose to the efficiency of P fertilizing and growth of mustard (Brassica juncea L.) in Andisol land affected by the eruption of Mount. Sinabung. This research used factorial randomized block design with 2 factors and 3 replications. The first factor was Microbial Phosphate Solubilization i.e. without application (M0), 30 mL Burkholderia cepacia (M1), 30 mL Talaromyces pinophilus (M2). The second factor was SP 36 with five levels i.e. P0 = 0%, P1 = 25% = 50% P3, P4 = 75%, and P5 = 100% of the recommended dose (0g, 0.325g, 0.65g, 0.975g and 1.3 g). The measured parameters were soil pH, P-total, P-available, P uptake, plant height, shoot dry weight. The research results showed that Talaromyces pinophilus with SP36 25% of the recommended dose improved the efficiency of P fertilizing and the growth of mustard in Andisol affected by the eruption of Mount. Sinabung.

Department of Crop Science and Production, Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Private Bag 0027, Gaborone, Botswana.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2017.v19i03.36

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Abstract: This study was carried out at Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN) formerly Botswana College of Agriculture (BCA) under an 80% net shade to investigate the effect of growing media comprising cocopeat, hygromix and germination mix on growth and development of sweet pepper (Capsicum annum L.) seedlings. The experiment was set up in a completely randomized design (CRD) with each treatment (growing medium) replicated four times. Growth parameters measured were; seedling emergence, plant height, leaf number and area, and seedling biomasses (both fresh and dry). Seedling emergence from hygromix and germination mix was significantly (P<0.05) higher than cocopeat in the first 15 days whereas a non-significant (P?0.05) treatment response was observed from day 16 to 20 across treatments. Plant height, leaf number and area, and seedling biomasses were significantly (P<0.01) higher in hygromix and germination mix as compared to cocopeat with hygromix revealing superior performance than germination mix. Hygromix and germination mix can be used to propagate sweet pepper because they enhanced seedling emergence, growth and development. Seedlings emerged in cocopeat, but the seedlings remained stunted suggesting that the medium needs further investigation on how it can sustain seedling growth and development.

Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería, Campus La Rábida, Universidad de Huelva, 21071, Huelva, Spain. Horticulture Dept., 202 Kottman Hall, Ohio State University, Columbus OH, 43210, USA. C-MASC, 422B Kottman Hall, Ohio State University, Columbus OH, 43210, USA. IRNAS-CSIC, Avenida Reina Mercedes, 10, 41012, Sevilla, Spain.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2017.v19i03.37

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Abstract: Vermicompost is a product derived from the accelerated biological degradation of organic wastes by earthworms and microorganisms. Biochar is a by-product of the C-negative pyrolysis technology for bio-energy production from organic materials. Containerized plant production in floriculture primarily utilizes substrates such as peat moss. Environmental concerns about draining peat bogs have enhanced interests in research on complementary products that can be added to peat. A comparative greenhouse study was conducted to assess the suitability of biochar (B) and vermicompost (V) as partial substitutes for peat-based growing media for ornamental plant production. Different blends of B at a volume fraction of 0, 4, 8, 12 % and V at 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 % were compared to a baseline peat substrate (S) as control in the cultivation of geranium (Pelargonium peltatum) and petunia (Petunia hybrida). Substrates were characterized for physical and chemical properties, plant growth, and flower production. Mixtures with low-medium V levels (10 -30%) and high B level (8-12 %) in Petunia and Pelargonium induced more growth and flower production than that of the control. The results obtained with different B and V associations are of interest to those who want to reduce peat consumption for the production of ornamental plants in containers and to reduce carbon footprint of this commercially productive sector.

Department of Horticulture, UAS, GKVK, Bengaluru - 560 065. Department of Botany, Karnataka University Dharwad – 580 003. Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, UAS, Raichur- 584 102.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2017.v19i03.38

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Abstract: Chilli, an important vegetable crop in India, is sensitive to environmental variations and climate change. An investigation was carried out to assess the stability of 25 test hybrids along with three commercial checks across different locations. The results of the study indicated that pooled analysis of variance showed the presence of significant genetic variability among the hybrids for all the characters studied. Variance due to hybrid × environment interaction was non-significant for all the characters except green fruit yield plant^-1. Considering all the stability parameters, CMS10A x Byadgikaddi for fruit weight and fruit width, CMS10A × Gouribidanur for green fruit yield plant^-1, CMS10A x LCA 206 for red fruit yield plant^-1 and CMS8A x Byadgidabbi for number of fruits were exhibited below average stability and these were specifically adopted to unfavorable locations. The test Hybrids, CMS6A × Tiwari for the character average fruit weight, CMS9A × LCA 206 for the character fruit width were well adopted to all environments. CMS10A × Gouribidanur proved to be the best yielding genotype among 25 test hybrids, having higher yield level than the check and were also stable for most of the characters as evident from their non-significant s²di values.

Molecular Biomedicine Laboratory, PG Department of Studies and Research in Biotechnology, Sahyadri Science College, Kuvempu University, Shimoga - 577203, Karnataka, India. Department of Postgraduate Studies and Research in Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Jnana Sahyadri, Kuvempu University, Shimoga 577451, Karnataka, India. Academic Staff College, University of Mysore, Manasagangotri, Mysore-570006.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2017.v19i03.39

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Abstract: Cruciferous vegetables have drawn a great deal of attention in cancer research because of their potential protective properties. In the present study, four vegetables viz., cabbage, cauliflower, kohlrabi and radish were procured and processed for cold extraction procedure using 70% ethanol. The extracts were subjected to the qualitative phytochemical analysis, quantitative estimation of glucosinolates content and in vitro antiproliferative activity by MTT assay on MCF7, DL and NIH-3T3 cell lines. The results of qualitative phytochemical analysis showed the presence of several bioactive compounds viz., polyphenols, flavonoids, terpenoids, steroids, glycosides and alkaloids. Quantitative estimation of glucosinolates in terms of potassium thiocyanate equivalence/5 mg of extract revealed that the cabbage has highest content of glucosinolate (122.6 µg) followed by cauliflower (109 µg), kohlrabi (101.6 µg) and radish (60.2 µg). The four cruciferous vegetables registered notable cell proliferation inhibition at different concentrations (50, 100, 200, 400 and 800 µg/mL) in a dose dependent manner against three different cell lines. The results of antiproliferative activity was expressed in terms of IC_50. Among the four vegetables, cabbage showed considerable cytotoxicity and cell proliferation inhibition with an IC₅₀ value of 192.5, 189.7, 589.7 µg/mL followed by cauliflower (378.7, 398.9, 597.9 µg/mL), kohlrabi (389.5, 396.9, 619.7 µg/ml) and radish (415.4, 423.3, 703.6 µg/ml) in three different cell lines MCF7, DL and NIH-3T3, respectively.. The present study underlines the epidemiological surveys that cruciferous vegetables possess anticancer effects might be due to the presence of glucosinolates augmented with other phytochemicals.

Dr. Y.S.R.H.U., Peddapuram - 533 437, A.P., India. Dr. Y.S.R.H.U., V.R. Gudem - 534 101, A.P.. HRS, Dr. Y.S.R.H.U., Lam Farm, Guntur - 522 034, A.P., India. ANGRAU, Guntur - 522 034, A.P., India. Department of Statistics, COH, Dr. Y.S.R.H.U., V.R. Gudem - 534 101 (A. P.), India.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2017.v19i03.40

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Abstract: Fifty four F₁ hybrids were developed in chilli using Line x Tester mating design with nine lines and six testers at Horticultural Research Station, Lam farm, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh during kharif. Estimates of combining ability effects were calculated for seven biochemical traits. The analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the parents, crosses and parents vs. hybrids for all the traits studied indicating that the existence of wide variability among the material studied. All the characters exhibited low gca to sca ratio indicated predominance of non-additive gene action in inheritance of all traits studied and improvement can be made through heterosis breeding. Among the parents, the lines LCA 504, LCA 446, LCA 466, LCA 654 and LCA 355 and the testers G4, LCA 678, LCA 453 and LCA 705-2 were found to be good general combiners and among the 54 hybrids, the hybrids LCA 504 x LCA 678, LCA 615 x G4, LCA 655 x LCA 315, LCA 355 x LCA 678, LCA 504 x G4, LCA 504 x LCA 453 and LCA 607 x LCA 703-2 were found to be promising hybrids as they exhibited significant gca and sca effects in desirable direction for most of the quality traits. The resulted promising hybrids may be further tested over locations or seasons and recommended for commercial release and identified good general combiners could be utilized in future chilli breeding programmes.

Frontier Agriculture, SOYL Precision Crop Production Division, Newbury, United Kingdom. College of Agriculture Sciences and Food, King Faisal University, Saudi Arabia.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2017.v19i03.41

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Abstract: To control plant height of obligate long day plants, two trials were conducted, that is the use of plant growth retardants (A-Rest, Bonzi, and Cycocel), excluding control and exposure of plants to light for specific time (2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks). Results indicated that plant height was significantly reduced by all plant growth retardants. Similarly, plants transferred to a short day (SD) light chamber for 2 weeks produced more or less similar plant height when compared to plant growth retardants. The study suggested that for taller plants production the duration can be prolonged up to 8 weeks. The use of light to control plant height is non-toxic and eco-friendlyObligate long day, herbaceous annuals, plant height control, plant growth regulators, light

ICAR- Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Hesaraghatta Lake Post, Bengaluru-560089, Karnataka, India.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2017.v19i03.42

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Abstract: In India, South American tomato moth, Tuta absoluta has been recorded infesting plants of solanaceae family in 2014. Larvae of T. absoluta were observed feeding on French beans, Phaseolus vulgaris during October 2016 in Bengaluru, India. Olfactometer bioassays revealed T. absoluta preferred P. vulgaris leaves when tomato leaves are significantly damaged by the pest. In choice test, with healthy tomato leaf versus healthy bean leaf, all larvae significantly preferred tomato leaf (P<0.0001). However when T. absoluta larvae and adults were offered with damaged tomato leaf and healthy bean leaf, the female adult and larvae significantly preferred bean leaf (P<0.02 and 0.04, respectively). This study revealed that T. absoluta is expanding its host range in India. With the expansion of T. absoluta damage to other than solanaceae, there is a need for constant monitoring of the pest in other crops also, particularly from Fabaceae family.

Mahyco Research Centre, Maharashtra Hybrid Seeds Company Private Limited, Dawalwadi, Jalna- Aurangabad Road, Jalna 431203, Maharashtra.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2017.v19i02.18

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Abstract: A study was conducted to augment a viable protocol for the development of double haploid system in cauliflower, using in-house genotypes, by anther culture. A total of 13,680 anthers were cultured on different media combinations across nine genotypes. Genotype-to-(segregating) genotype variations in anther culture to plant regeneration were observed, chiefly, segregating genotype-9, had highest frequency of regeneration (26.43%) whereas, segregating genotype-2, had the lowest frequency (0.2%). Two segregating genotypes remained unresponsive. Anther cultured on modified media showed highest embryogenic callus induction potential as compared to other media compositions. Regeneration media, RM1 and RM2, showed good differentiation and regeneration potential. In total, 711 haploid / double haploid plants were developed across seven genotypes, with an average regeneration efficiency of 7.6%. This simple protocol reported here, can be used for DH line development in cauliflower, through anther culture, resulting in embryogenic callus induction and plant regeneration. Further, protocol developed and discussed in the paper, will help to exploit DH technology in cauliflower for rapid inbred line development, and to speed-up cauliflower breeding for faster cultivar and better hybrid development.

Central Laboratory for Date Palm Research and Development, Agriculture Research Center, Giza, Egypt. Date Palm Research Center of Excellence, King Faisal University, Saudi Arabia.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2017.v19i02.19

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Abstract: The objective of the research study was to determine the effect of different concentrations of silver nanoparticles (1, 5, 10 and 20 mg L^-1) alone and in combination with commonly used disinfectants (80% sodium hypochlorite and 0.2% mercuric chloride) on in vitro grown explants of date palm cv. Barhee. Seventeen treatment combinations were made to study the survival, contamination and mortality percentage of in vitro grown date palm explants. The laboratory experiment was laid out on completely randomized design with three replicates in each treatment. The findings revealed that application of 5 mg L^-1 silver nanoparticles alone and in combination with 80% sodium hypochlorite and 0.2% mercuric chloride statistically behaved alike. However, maximum survival of explants (88.89%) and zero percent mortality was observed when 5 mg L^-1 silver nanoparticles was used alone. Higher concentrations of silver nanoparticles (10 and 20 mg L^-1) when combined with sodium hypochlorite and mercuric chloride had a detrimental effect and caused highest explant mortality. Application of sodium hypochlorite and mercuric chloride showed 33.33% contamination and 11.11% explant mortality. It is therefore, concluded to use 5 mg L^-1 silver nanoparticles alone for explant sterilization of date palm cv. Barhee, which is non-hazardous and environment friendly.

Department of Crop Science and Production, Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Gaborone, Botswana.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2017.v19i02.20

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Abstract: Growth and development response of parsley (Petroselinum crispum) to four application rates of organic fertilizers (treatments) was investigated in a field experiment at the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (formerly Botswana College of Agriculture) from November 2014 to March 2015. The experiment was laid out in a complete randomised block design (RCBD) with each of the four treatments; 0, 5, 7.5 and 10 kg m^-2 replicated three times. Data on growth and development parameters viz., plant height, number of leaves, leaf area and plant canopy (spread) was recorded at weekly intervals whereas, stem diameter (thickness), and shoots fresh and dry weights were recorded at the termination of the experiment. In general, significant statistical differences (P<0.05) were revealed for plant height, leaf area, number of leaves, stem thickness, canopy diameter and shoots fresh and dry weights. Application rates of organic fertilizers of 10 kg m^-2 significantly enhanced the performance of the growth and development parameters of parsley with highest application rate revealing numerical superiority. Based on the findings, highest application rate of organic fertilizer is recommended to small scale farmers because its constituents are readily available and in abundance locally.

Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19717, USA.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2017.v19i02.21

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Abstract: Two initial studies were conducted to determine the potential for greenhouse production of Scotch bonnet pepper (Capsicum chinense Jacq.). When these peppers are grown outdoors in Jamaica, fruit yield declines over time owing to increasing infections with several aphid-vectored viral pathogens. Production of Scotch bonnet peppers in greenhouses with insect-excluding screens covering the side- and end-walls would render the plants virus-free and would extend the harvest season which is limited by damaging rainfall during the wet season. We found in Delaware, USA (39.68° N) that fruit yields from greenhouse-grown plants were far greater than those expected from field-grown plants in Jamaica. Greater fruit number and weight of marketable fruits per plant were achieved from non-pruned plants compared to those from plants pruned to either of two Dutch V systems [plants pruned to two main stems and subsequent laterals pruned to one (V1) or to three (V3) nodes]. These differences were less pronounced when fruit yield was expressed on a per m^-2 basis since pruned plants were closer together (1.8 plans m^-2) than non-pruned plants (1.1 plants m^-2). Low-K fertilizer (21N-2.2P-16.6K) compared to high-K fertilizer (15N-2.2P-20.8K) resulted in a 75% early-season and an 8% full-season increase in marketable fruit fresh weight·m^-2 in non-pruned plants.

Horticulture Crops Research Department, Fars Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, Shiraz, Iran.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2017.v19i02.22

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Abstract: Present study was carried out to evaluate impact of micronutrients application (manganese, iron and zinc) with different methods (foliar or soil application) on quality parameters of ‘Belidi’ olive in Fars province. Chelated iron sequestrene 138, zinc and manganese sulfates were soil applied once a year and iron, zinc and manganese sulfate were foliar applied on plants, three times a year, alone or in combination. Results indicated that fertilizer application method did not have significant impact on tree productivity and fruit quality parameters in bearing or non-bearing years and alternate bearing in ‘Belidi’ olive trees was not correlated significantly with manganese, iron and zinc deficiency. It seems that foliar application of micronutrients fertilizers in regions with alkaline soils is a better strategy for improvement of olive production.

Suranaree University of Technology, 111 University Avenue, Muang District, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand. School of Crop Production Technology, Suranaree University of Technology, 111 University Avenue, Muang District, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2017.v19i02.23

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Abstract: In vitro chemical mutagenesis of Dendrobium ‘Earsakul’ protocorm-like bodies (PLBs) followed by in vitro selection with Phytophthora palmivora culture filtrate (CF) generated several putative mutants potentially resistant to black rot. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the black rot resistance levels of these putative mutants, to estimate the genetic variability among them and non-mutagenized controls using inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) analysis, and to identify candidate markers with significant associations to black rot resistance. When 3 non-mutagenized control lines and 8 putative mutants, derived from ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS) or sodium azide (NaN₃) induced mutation, followed by in vitro selection were evaluated for black rot resistance using detached leaf assay with a virulent isolate NK-53-9, it was found that all controls were susceptible to black rot, but the resistance levels of putative mutants varied. Four of eight putative mutants were moderately resistant or resistant to the disease, suggesting their usefulness in the breeding program. ISSR analysis of these controls and putative mutants with 7 ISSR primers yielded 7 to 29 reproducible bands per primer, ranging in size from 170 to 2100 bp. A total of 114 amplified ISSR fragments were obtained, 53 of which were polymorphic (46.5%). All controls have the same DNA patterns, while all 8 putative mutants showed altered genetic profiles compared to controls and were identified as mutants. The mutant SUT13E18-A appears to have distinct genetic profile compared to others as well as high level of resistance to black rot. Moreover, five ISSR markers significantly associated with black rot resistance were identified. These results suggest that ISSR analysis is efficient for mutant identification and characterization, and in vitro chemical mutagenesis followed by in vitro selection with P. palmivora CF provides a useful tool for future improvement of black rot resistant Dendrobium.

Department of Plant Pathology, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur, Nadia, 741252, West Bengal, India.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2017.v19i02.24

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Abstract: Betelvine (Piper betle L.) is a perennial dioecious creeper-belonging to the family Piperaceae usually grown under artificially erected structurals known as baroj that provides high moist and humid conditions favouring several diseases that in turn are major deterrents to good harvest. Betelvine suffers from many root and aerial diseases of which leaf rot caused by Phytophthora parasitica (Dastur) and leaf spot caused by Colletotrichum capsici Syd. (Butler and Bisby) are most important and are included in these studies for assessment. The extent of losses may vary from 20-40% for leaf rot and 10-20% for leaf spot, leading to almost total crop failure (Dasgupta and Sen, 1999). As the betel leaf is directly chewed immediately after harvest, it is not feasible to apply any pesticides that may cause toxic hazards to human being. An experiment was conducted for two consecutive years to study the effect of different crop canopy by maintaining three different plant to plant spacing (viz., 11.1, 9.53 and 8.3 cm.) on leaf yield, disease incidence and keeping quality (days to 50% rotting) of betelvine. With the above plant to plant spacing and standard row to row spacing (60cm), the plant population was maintained as 1.50, 1.75 and 2.00 lakh ha^-1. The results revealed that when crop canopy was increased by reducing the plant to plant spacing from 11.1 cm to 8.3 cm there were significant increases in both the diseases under investigation (rot disease 19.76 to 22.30%; leaf spot disease 22.68 to 25.42%). Significant increase in yield (26.29 to 33.63 lakh ha^-1year ^-1), decrease in fresh weight of 100 leaves (460.85 to 432.35g) and decrease in keeping quality of leaves (13.14 days to 10.28 days) were recorded when crop canopy was increased by reduction in plant to plant spacing from 11.1 cm to 8.3 cm. From these results it can be concluded that shifts in microclimate resulting from increase in canopy by reducing the plant spacing aggravated the spread and infection of disease.