SELECTED CONTENTS

Horticulture Science Department, Agriculture Faculty, Shahrood University of Technology, P.O. Box 3619995161, Shahrood, Iran. Horticultural Sciences Department University of Florida Gainesville FL 32611 U.S.A. Agricultural Biotechnology Department, Agriculture Faculty, Shahrood University of Technology, P.O. Box 3619995161, Shahrood, Iran.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2018.v20i01.09

 Free Full-text PDF | Show Abstract

Abstract: We tested the effects of bud scale removal and different application rates of gibberellin (GA₃) on bud break of dormant vegetative buds of two apricot cultivars. The shoot explants of "Jafari" and "Rajabali" cultivars were collected from one-year-old dormant branches and cultured in woody plant medium (WPM), supplemented with 2 mg L^-1 of benzyl amino purine (BAP), 0.04 mg L^-1 3-bndolebutyric acid (IBA). Treatments included three different concentrations of GA₃ (4, 6, and 8 mg L^-1), and removed and unremoved scale bud forms. The results indicated that none of the unremoved scale buds sprouted even when GA₃ treatments were used (P?0.01). The average of bud sprouting in removed scales buds was 62.77%. The maximum bud sprouting (72.5%) occurred in treatment with 8 mg L^-1 of GA₃ and removed scale buds. There was a significant difference between two apricot cultivars on vegetative dormant bud break percentage when scale removal of buds was done. The removed scale bud of "Jafari" and "Rajabali" cultivars sprouted 55.22% and 70.33%, respectively. This study showed that the scales are probably containing inhibitory substances such as abscisic acid and by removing them, bud break will occur. Also, this method provides the possibility of in vitro culturing of apricot trees in non-growing seasons (winter).

Division of Crop Improvement and Biotechnology, Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture, Lucknow, India.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2018.v20i01.10

 Free Full-text PDF | Show Abstract

Abstract: Mango (Mangifera indica L.) encompasses of diverse varieties for different traits owing to their evolution by open pollination and natural selection processes over several generations. Phylogenetic relatedness and confirmation of hybridity of out-crossed progenies in mango are the pre-requisites for improving the precision of selection in trait based breeding. In this context, two chloroplast genes namely trnL and trnF genes localized within the chloroplast LSC region were used for sequence characterization of 8 mango varieties/hybrids to affirm hybridity and trace their inheritance. Sequence annotation and analysis revealed that both these genes were able to discriminate the 8 varieties. The hybridity of Arunika, a progeny generated from a cross between Amrapali and Vanraj, was also confirmed. Sequence level variations in the hybrids in comparison with the parents indicated that the inheritance of chloroplast genes is not strictly maternal but could be even paternal or biparental in nature. Thus, chloroplast genes which were usually thought to be markers for plant species discrimination could also apparently be used as genetic markers for hybridity confirmation at the population level.

Nam?k Kemal University, Agricultural Faculty, Biosystem Engineering Department, 59030-Tekirdag, Turkey.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2018.v20i01.11

 Free Full-text PDF | Show Abstract

Abstract: The experiment was conducted during the growing season 2014 and 2015 to evaluate the water use and vegetative growth parameters of walnut trees under different amount of irrigation water. The irrigation water was applied based on a ratio of Class A pan evaporation as 50, 75 and 100 % through drip irrigation. In the first year of the study in all treatments water was applied 8 times amounting between 58.30 and 116.59 mm irrigation water. In the second year, irrigation was applied 15 times and 95.26 and 190.47 mm of irrigation water was applied. Results revealed that the seasonal evapotranspiration in the treatments during the measurement period varied from 264.41 and 304.77 mm in 2014 and from 346.49 and 418.76 mm in 2015 depending on the irrigation treatment. The effects of different irrigation practices on the vegetative growth parameters of walnut trees were also studied. The study revealed that the amount of irrigation water applied to the walnut trees had no significant effect on vegetative growth parameters.

Defence Institute of High Altitude Research, Defence Research & Development Organization, C/o 56 APO, Leh-Ladakh (Jammu & Kashmir) India-194 101. DIHAR, DRDO, C/o 56 APO, Leh-Ladakh (Jammu & Kashmir) India-194101.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2018.v20i01.12

 Free Full-text PDF | Show Abstract

Abstract: The present investigation was carried out to study the effect of two different planting materials (set and seedling) and genotypes on bulb yield, its quality and vegetative growth. The experimental material comprised of two planting material and ten genotypes. The experiments were conducted at High Altitude Research, Defence Research and Development Organization, Leh during 2013 and 2014 in Randomized Block Design with five replications. There was significant effect of planting material and genotypes on all the studied parameters. Wall Brown genotype showed highest plant survival, chlorophyll content, days to maturity, polar diameter, equatorial diameter, average bulb weight and bulb yield when grown through set among all the genotypes. The highest plant height and number of leaves, leaf area, were obtained in the genotype Brown Spanish. The highest TSS and dry matter were observed in the genotype Red Cereole. The lowest double/deformed bulbs and neck thickness was observed in the genotypes Lock Roy and Red Cereole. The results indicated that all the genotypes under set planting performed better than seedling ones.

Department of Horticultural Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran-Iran.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2018.v20i01.13

 Free Full-text PDF | Show Abstract

Abstract: Production of healthy, vigorous seedlings is necessary for optimum growth and high yields in field and greenhouse production of peppers. Pepper (Capsicum annuum) is a warm season crop and applying cooler temperatures during seedling growth may have some benefits, but it can reduce plant growth. In present study, effects of foliar application of synthetic and organic fertilizers were evaluated on growth and quality of chili pepper seedlings under greenhouse conditions with cool temperature of 15±3ºC. Treatments were foliar application of fertilizers in a 0.2 % concentration of: 1) N20:P10:K20, 2) Biomin (an organic aminochelate fertilizer), 3) Humifolin (a humic acid based fertilizer), 4) Biomin+Humifolin, 5) a synthetic macro-micro mixture, 6) soil application of NPK (600 mg.kg^-1 of the N20:P10:K20 formulation) and 7) a no fertilizer control. Fertilizer treatments improved seedling overall growth except for plant height and stem diameter. Most growth and quality traits were best improved by foliar application of organic Biomin aminochelate followed by Humifolin fertilizer. Higher values for leaf area, leaf number, chlorophyll index, root and shoot biomass, and leaf concentration of soluble sugars, N, K, Ca and Zn, were attributed to foliar application of Biomin aminochelate and Humifolin. The mixture of Biomin+Humifolin had reduced values of those parameters indicating possible negative interaction when these two organic fertilizers are mixed. So, under cool temperature foliar feeding of organic fertilizers (aminochelate) can effectively improve nutrients status and transplant’s quality of pepper.

Precision Farming Development Centre, Department of Soil and Water Conservation Engineering, Agricultural Engineering College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore - 641 003, Tamil Nadu, India.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2018.v20i01.14

 Free Full-text PDF | Show Abstract

Abstract: A study was conducted to assess the effect of drip fertigation and plastic mulching on tomato at Precision Farming Development Centre farm, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with 9 treatments and 3 replications. The treatments consisted of 3 mulching levels of black plastic mulch of 50 micron thickness, 25 micron thickness and no mulch, and 3 fertilizer levels of 80, 100 and 120 % of Recommended Dose of Fertilizers (RDF). The results of the study showed that the different levels of drip irrigation and plastic mulching significantly influenced the plant growth parameters of tomato. Among the various treatments, black plastic mulch of 25 micron thickness and drip fertigation with 120 % RDF (240:300:300 kg of NPK/ ha) recorded maximum plant height (112 cm), earlier flowering, and fruit set and highest yield (67.41 t/ha). The highest net income and benefit cost ratio of Rs. 4,18,911/ ha and 3.66, respectively was also recorded in the black plastic mulch of 25 micron thickness along with fertigation @ 120 % RDF compared to other treatments.

Department of Horticulture, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, Maharashtra, India. Department of Horticulture, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth,, Rahuri, Maharashtra, India. State Level Biotechnology Centre, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth,, Rahuri, Maharashtra, India.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2018.v20i01.15

 Free Full-text PDF | Show Abstract

Abstract: In the present study, molecular characterization of pomegranate cultivar ‘Bhagwa’ and ‘Bhagwa’ like genotypes available in Maharashtra of India was undertaken along with two other cultivars, Phule Arakta and Mridula to assess their authenticity and diversity. All the 14 ISSR primers used were found polymorphic producing a total of 171 reproducible amplicons with an average of 12.5 amplicons per primer, out of which 144 amplicons (90.28 %) were polymorphic. The similarity coefficient between the genotypes varied from 0.00 to 0.94. Maximum similarity coefficient (0.94) was observed among four different genotypic combinations and high similarity coefficient (? 0.90) was observed among 18 different genotype combinations indicating that these genotypes are least divergent from each other. The UPGMA based cluster analysis using dice similarity coefficient grouped 19 pomegranate genotypes into two major clusters. The closely related genotypes of ‘Bhagwa’ cultivar of pomegranate could be clearly differentiated from cultivars Phule Arakta and Mridula.

Laboratory of Floriculture, Laboratory of Biology of Horticultural Plants, School of Agriculture, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2017.v19i03.32

 Free Full-text PDF | Show Abstract

Abstract: In the light of the global financial crisis, inexpensive and easily applicable cultivation techniques are a necessity for the grower in order to maintain his profit, while old cultivation techniques resulting in low productivity and yield are gradually eliminated. In the present paper the bending cultivation system of greenhouse cut roses is described, with its two key modifications: the ‘arching’ and the ‘high rack’ practice. The advantages of this system, that can improve the quality of flower shoots and increase production of cut roses, are described along with the commercial and physiological characteristics of the cut flower shoots and the overall physiology of the rose plant. The impact of shoot bending on the sink-source relationship in rose plants is also assessed. Moreover, the cultivation technique of partially removing the first compound leaf below the harvest cut is described and according to this treatment, an early harvest up to 7-10 days (15-20%) can be achieved. Finally, the effect of the pruning height on the quality and yield is discussed. The above mentioned cultivation techniques can be very easily applied with minimum cost, especially in cases when harvest programming for high-demand seasons is important.

Division of Biotechnology, ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Hesaraghatta Lake Post, Bengaluru 560 089, India. Department of Biotechnology, Centre for Post Graduate Studies, Jain University, Jayanagar, Bengaluru 560 011, India. Division of Fruit Crops, ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Hesaraghatta Lake Post, Bengaluru 560 089, India.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2017.v19i03.33

Faculty of Agriculture and Life Science, Hirosaki University, 3 Bunkyo, Hirosaki, Aomori, 036-8561, Japan. Professor Emeritus, Hirosaki University, Hirosaki, Aomori, Japan. Agriculture Research Institute, Aomori Prefectural Industrial Technology Research Center, 82-9 Tanaka, Kuroishi, Aomori, 036-0522, Japan.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2017.v19i03.34

 Free Full-text PDF | Show Abstract

Abstract: A commercial heat pump was utilized to cool strawberry plants using a heat exchanger well at 10 m of soil depth. Two lines of strawberry were planted to grow fully on a high bench of 20 m length. The cooling treatment was conducted through a water tube connected to the chiller tank of the heat pump. A single water tube was buried under the soil surface. Two kinds of set-up for the water tube on the soil surface were designed to cool the strawberry crown. Compared with that of the control, the temperature of crown and soil was effectively lowered by the two treatments. Regardless of the setup of the water tube, the temperature of soil and crown did not differ between the two treatments. Considering the high water temperature of the heat exchanger tank of the heat pump system, the length of the heat exchange well was insufficient for the extraction of sufficient geothermal energy in this experiment. However, the converted heat pump and facile establishment of wells achieved cooling of the 4 benches effectively and at a reasonable cost.

Faculty of Agriculture, University of Sumatra Utara, Indonesia.

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

 Free Full-text PDF | Show Abstract

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

 Free Full-text PDF | Show Abstract

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

 Free Full-text PDF | Show Abstract

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

 Free Full-text PDF | Show Abstract

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

 Free Full-text PDF | Show Abstract

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.