SELECTED CONTENTS

Department of Landscape Architecture and Horticulture, Temple University, 580 Meetinghouse Rd., Ambler, PA 19002. Director of Research and Development, Aquatrols Corporation, Paulsboro, NJ 08066.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2016.v18i03.31

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Abstract: Surfactant formulations consisting of proprietary blends containing sulfonic acid ester ethylene oxide/propylene oxide block copolymer blend (ACA3204-R and ACA3204-P); sulfonic acid ester ethylene oxide/propylene oxide block copolymer blend with polyethylene glycol addition (ACA3204-2a), and ethoxylated alkylphenol (ACA160) were tested for wettability of peat-based substrates and for relative phytotoxicity. Substrate incorporation rates used in this study were 116 mL m^-3 (a low recommended rate), 232 ml m^-3 (a moderate recommended rate), and 464 ml m^-3 (a supra-optimal rate). After a third wetting cycle, those substrates incorporated with ACA3204-R, ACA3204-P, or ACA160 at 232 ml m^-3 had higher wettability ratings than the Pro-Mix HP control (Premier Horticulture Inc., Quakertown, PA). There were no differences in shoot dry weight (SDW) or visual root health rating (VRHR) among treatment groups of impatiens (Impatiens walleriana) compared to the control For pansy (Viola × wittrockiana), Pro-Mix-HP control-grown plants had higher SDW (0.8632 g shoot^-1) than ACA3204-R at 464 mL·m^-3 (SDW = 0.6266 g shoot^-1) but SDWs for ACA3204-P, ACA3204-2a and ACA160 were similar to the control at all rates. Compared to the control, pansy VRHRs declined at 464 ml m^-3 for all surfactants except for ACA160. In general, higher rates of surfactant increased mean days to 50% germination (D_X; an inverse measure of germination rate) compared to distilled water control for pansy but this effect was less pronounced for impatiens. There appeared to be a stimulatory seedling effect on mean pansy root length for ACA3204-R and ACA3204-P (rates = 300-1200 ppm) and for ACA3204-2a (rates = 600-1200 ppm). In conclusion, surfactant formulations ACA3204-R, ACA3204-P, ACA3204-2a, and ACA160 were comparatively non-phytotoxic at moderate rates of substrate incorporation (mature plant growth) but laboratory seed germination was affected by low concentrations. ACA3204-R had similar wettability rating to that of ACA160 following the third wetting cycle. Further testing with additional plant species and substrates would aide in evaluating the usefulness of newer horticultural surfactants.

Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic. Silva Tarouca Research Institute for Landscape and Ornamental Gardening, Pr?honice, Czech Republic.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2016.v18i03.32

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Abstract: Water deficit is one of the most adverse factors for plant growth and productivity. The experiments were conducted to investigate the influence of synthetic brassinolide analogue at concentrations 100 nmol.L^-1 , 1 nmol.L^-1 , 0.01 nmol.L^-1 and 0 nmol.L^-1 on lettce seedling grown at two moisture levels (reduced, control). The plants were cultivated in growth chamber under day / night temperature of 20 oC/15 oC. The total quantities of irrigation water during the experiment: reduced - 28 mm; control - 39 mm. The seedlings of two butter head lettuce cultivars (cv. Mars and cv. Marsalus) were sprayed to foliage at juvenile stage of growth. The plant parameters (length, fresh weight of shoots and roots) and dry matter content were measured on 21^st and 28^th day after sowing. Significantly higher values of the average fresh weight and length of aboveground part and roots were measured on 28^th day for the cultivar Marsalus treated with brassinosteroide analogue at concentration 1 nmol.L^-1 in conditions with reduced irrigation. The results showed that treatment of plants in the initial stage of the development with 1 nmol.L^-1 solution can be used to limit the consequences of reduced moisture conditions. Prior to use the most effective concentration should be taken into account which parameter of plant is expected to be changed and also the varying sensitivity of the cultivars to the treatment.

Department of Agril. Biotechnology,College of Agriculture, AICRP Medicinal & Aromatic Plants, Orissa University of Agriculture & Technology, Bhubaneswar- 3, Odisha,

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2016.v18i03.33

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Abstract: Phytochemical and molecular characterization of Piper species was investigated. There was a wide variation of the active compounds present in leaf and fruits of different Piper species/accessions. Among the two active compounds, piperine-1 content was more in P. chaba fruit and Piperine -2 in P. nigrum fruit as compared with other species. Inter Simple Sequence Repeats (ISSR) marker was also used to analyze the genetic variation between the species / accession of Piper species. The phylogenetic analysis generated by ISSR marker was divided into two major groups with 47% similarity. First major group is only one species (i.e. Piper spp. Accession -1) and also morphologically distinct from other seven species. The second groups are divided into two minor groups. Piper betle var. Godi Balunga and Piper betle var. Astarangi Balunga are grouped together with 100 % similarity at genetic level, whereas, Piper betle var. Utkal Sudhama having 97 % similarity with Piper betle var. Godi Balunga and Piper betle var. Astarangi Balunga. Both phytochemical and molecular marker was showed significant variation among and between species/accessions. This study will help for the breeding program in Piper .

Ataturk University, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Agricultural Structures and Irrigation, 25240 Erzurum, Turkey. Yuzuncu Y?l University, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Biosystem Engineering, 65080, Van, Turkey.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2016.v18i03.34

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Abstract: Water stress under reduced irrigation conditions affect plant physiology and hence yield and crop quality. Moreover, high altitude climatic conditions can significantly influence plant physiology. Therefore, a two year field study was conducted to determine the effects of different irrigation quantities on plant growth (leaf number, stem diameter, plant diameter and height), marketable yield, water use and crop quality attributes (mineral content, total phenolics and antioxidant activity) of drip-irrigated lettuce in a semi-arid region with a high altitude. A randomized complete block design was used for testing of different irrigation quantities replicated three times. Different irrigation quantities were adjusted considering 100 (I1), 85 (I2) and 70% (I3) of evaporated water from a Class A pan. Lettuce evapotranspiration was the highest in the I1 treatment (214.1 mm) considering the two year average values. Therefore, the I1 treatment provided the maximum growth and marketable yield (2.17 kg m^-2). Water use efficiency was also the highest in the I1 treatment (10.2 kg m^-3) because the lettuce yield decreased significantly with the decreasing irrigation quantity. However, total phenolic content and antioxidant activity in lettuce leaves were the highest in the I3 treatment. Moreover, I2 and I3 treatments provided higher mineral contents. While the potassium content in leaves was the most abundant among macro minerals (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, and Na), manganese content was the highest among micro minerals (Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn, and B). It could be said that lettuce can be irrigated with less irrigation quantities for obtaining higher mineral contents, total phenolic contents and antioxidant activity. This application can also provide water saving but cannot induce water productivity.

Department of Life Sciences, University of Mumbai, Mumbai, India.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2016.v18i03.35

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Abstract: Many species of Barleria genus are used in folkore medicine and the biological effects of their compounds have been validated. Molecular identification of Barleria would be a valuable tool for its identification. In the present study, partial gene sequences of rbcL and matK were amplified and sequenced for four Barleria species namely B. cristata, B. prattaensis, B. cuspidata and B. prionitis. The divergence patterns of rbcL, matK gene sequences and their 2-locus combinations revealed discrimination from genera to subgenera level. Further, Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers were used to assess genetic relationships between the species. The banding pattern and dendrograms constructed showed divergence in all the four species.

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.2016.v18i03.36

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Abstract: Effect of 0.01M salicylic acid treatment on two rose plant cultivars (?Red Berlin? and ?Red Horizon?) exposed to 0.2M NaCl or 0.35M D-Mannitol iso-osmotic stress (-1,05MPa) was studied. After five days of stress, the salicylic acid treatment strongly increased the proline content in leaves up to 28 times compared to control. It did not affect the soluble sugars content in ?Red Berlin?, but decreased it below the control levels in ?Red Horizon?. The plant response to salicylic acid application varied and was dependent upon the cultivar and the iso-osmotic agent. Thus, the salicylic acid had a beneficial effect on plants under NaCl stress and caused a slight increase in chlorophyll content and a significant increase in the quantum yield of photosystem PII in rose plants under Mannitol stress (Fv/Fm ratio about 0.72). It also increased leaf fresh/dry weight ratio of stressed plants (81% in ?Red Berlin?), while it significantly reduced electrolyte leakage of stressed leaves.

Departement of Agronomy and Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Udayana University, Denpasar, Bali-Indonesia. Departement of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Warmadewa University, Denpasar, Bali-Indonesia.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2016.v18i03.37

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Abstract: The main problem of snake fruit production in Indonesia is high fluctuation of fruit production between different harvesting seasons, due to fruit-set failure in some parts of the year. The objective of this research was to find out the relationship between IAA and sugar content of leaves and flowers in relations to the failure of fruit-set in three flowering seasons of snake fruit (April, July, and October). The study was conducted at the production center of snake fruit in Bali (Karangasem Regency) by using Completely Randomized Design. The results showed that fruit-set in April, July and October was 54.16, 47.00 and 70.10%, respectively. Low fruit-set was found associated with low IAA content both in leaves and flowers. The lowest percentage of fruit-set found in July (47.00%) was related to the lowest IAA content in the leaves (10.06 ng g^-1) and flowers (20.60 ng g^-1). However, the highest percentage of fruit-set in October (70.10%) was correlated to the highest IAA content in the leaves (29.67 ng g^-1) and flowers (52.56 ng g^-1). Low fruit-set was also closely related to the low content of sugar in the leaves. The lowest percentage of fruit-set in July was caused by the lowest total sugar (24.54%) and reducing sugar (6.56%) content in the leaves, whereas the highest percentage of fruit-set on October related to high total sugar (30.58%) and reducing sugar (12.22%) content in the leaves. It can be concluded that failure of fruit-set in snake fruit was associated with low IAA and sugar content in leaves and flowers.

Biology Magister Program, Biology Department, Department Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science, Brawijaya University, Malang, Indonesia. Biology Department, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science, Brawijaya University, Malang, Indonesia.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2016.v18i03.38

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Abstract: The demand for cayenne pepper is constantly increasing with the growth of the food industry, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics use, which needs to be accompanied with efforts to increase the production. One effort that can be done is to improve the quality of fruit by mutation breeding using colchicine mutagen induction. Colchicines are an alkaloid that affects microtubule synthesis, and cause doubling of the chromosomes number (polyploidy). Therefore this research aimed to detect polyploidy in cayenne pepper plants (Capsicum frustescens L.) as a results of mutation induction with colchicine. The seed of three genotypes of local cultivars of cayenne pepper were soaked in colchicine with the concentration of 0.00% (K0), 0.015% (K1) and 0.025% (K2) for 6 hours. Chromosomes were observed in root tip of eight days old seedings using squash technique and stained using acetoorcein. Ploidy analysis showed that genotype III concentration of 0.015% showed 2n lowest percentage at 13%. The concentration of 0.015% on the chili was able to induce triploids at 60%. Besides inducing triploid plants, colchicine was also able to induce polyploidy such as, tetraploid and mixoploid. Colchicine treatment did not significantly affected tetraploid whereaas chromosome mixopolid was significantly affected at the concentration of 0.015%. The results of this study indicated that the treatment of colchicine was able to induce polyploid in cayenne pepper plants. Polyploids found in this study were triploid (2n = 3x = 36), tetraploid (2n = 4x = 48), and mixoploid (2n = 2x = 24, 2n = 3x = 36 and 2n = 4x = 48).

Indonesian Spices and Medicinal Crops Research Institute, Bogor, Indonesia 16111. Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, Bogor Agricultural University, Bogor, Indonesia 16680.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2016.v18i03.39

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Abstract: Ginger production is hindered by lack of high quality seeds due to seed-borne pests and rhizome disease. Therefore, ginger true seed (GTS) is considered as one of the potential alternatives to solve the problem. However, GTS production is constrained because lack of flowering and low pollen viability. This research aimed to improve pollen viability by applying boron and zinc and study its impact on yield. This study was arranged in randomized complete block design with two factors and four replications. The first factor was dosage of boron at 0, 2, 4 kg ha^-1 and zinc at 0, 1, 2 kg ha^-1. Boron and zinc were applied once a week for three weeks started at one week after generative bud appearance. Parameters observed were plant growth (plant height, numbers of tillers, stem diameter and number of leaves) and pollen viability. The dosages of boron and zinc had no significant effect on plant growth parameters. Boron at 2 kg ha^-1 improved pollen viability up to 275% compared to control. Cross pollination using pollen from boron treated plants resulted in delaying flower fall. Existence of flowers had no effect on rhizome formation.

Department of Agronomy and Plant Breeding, Faculty of Agriculture, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2016.v18i03.40

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Abstract: Phosphorus is one of the most important elements for plant nutrition and mycorrhiza has the capability to improve plant yield by increasing nutrient supply to plants. We studied the effect of presence and absence of mycorrhiza on growth and productivity of summer squash under different phosphorus levels (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 kg ha^-1) laid out in factorial randomized complete block design. Results showed that with increasing phosphorus fertilizers, fruit number per plant increased while seed number per fruit decreased. In addition, mycorrhiza inoculation with application of 50 kg ha^-1 phosphorus fertilizer had maximum values for root colonization (54.33%), oil (45%) and linoleic acid (68.25%) percentage. Mycorrhiza symbiosis had a direct relationship with summer squash yield. Mycorrhiza acted as good substitute of phosphorus fertilizers. Therefore, it seems that the low rate of phosphorus fertilizer application leads to improved interaction with mycorrhiza.

Faculty of Agriculture, University of North Sumatra, Indonesia. Palm oil Research Institute of Indonesia, Indonesia.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2016.v18i03.41

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Abstract: Since 2013, Mount Sinabung has erupted and changed soil properties including microorganisms in the soil and affected the production of potatoes in Karo highland in Indonesia. In vitro screening of bacteria from surrounding horticulture land, their ability to dissolve phosphate showed that Burkholderia cepacia was the best bacteria. The aim of this study was to examine the capability of B. cepacia and P fertilizer on Andisol in improving soil P- available and production of potato (Solanum tuberosum L). The research design used was factorial randomized block with two factors. Factor I was the volume of B. cepacia inoculum, consist of 4 treatments; without B. cepacia, 10, 20 and 30 mL B. cepacia inoculum. Factor II was the dosage of SP36, consist of 3 treatments: 50, 75 and 100% from recommended dosage (9.75 g, 6.5 g and 13 g SP36/plant, respectively). The control was potato plant without applying B. cepacia but adding 7.8 g Urea, 10 g KCl and 13 g SP36 (100% suggested P fertilizer) which was applied twice with the same dosage. The results showed that application of B. cepacia application and P fertilizer dosage increased shoot dry weight 50.07-113.73%, soil P available 5.04-35.42%, P-uptake 34.47-163.28% and tuber yield 12.57-50.66% compared with control. The best treatment in increasing potato tuber yield was 20 mL B. cepacia/plant and 9.75 g SP36/plant.

Faculty of Agriculture, University of Buenos Aires, Av. San Mart?n 4453, C1417DSE, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2016.v18i03.42

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Abstract: Demand for fresh vegetables has led to development of postharvest teconologies mainly focused on minimizing the use of chemical additives and look alternatives for food preservation. The use of naturally derived edible coatings emerges as a promising alternative for maintaining quality and safety of horticultural products during storage. The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of Aloe vera gel for edible coating in green beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) to extend postharvest life. Treatments were: immersion 1:1 (50%); 1:3 (25%) with Aloe or distillated water (0:1) for 5 minutes at room temperature. Overall visual quality, weight loss, color, firmness, total soluble solids and at the end of storage period microbiological evaluation and electrolyte leakage were measured over 14 days of refrigerated storage at 5 or 10 ?C. Results were analyzed by Tukey test and non parametric method was used for visual quality. All samples stored at 5 ?C, regardless of Aloe gel dose, had higher visual quality, lowest weight loss and better color retention than those stored at 10 ?C. Electrolyte leakage was higher in non treated product. Soluble content was higher and weight loss lower in treated samples.

Botanic Garden, CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow (U.P.). SSJ Campus (Almora), Kumaun University, Nanital (Uttarakhand).

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2016.v18i03.43

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Abstract: The experiment was carried out during 2012-13 and 2013-14 to estimate the morphological variability of 25 Indian Bougainvillea varieties at Botanic Garden, CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow for 28 morphological traits. The variegated varieties viz., Dr. P.V. Sane, Abhimanyu and Los Banos ?Variegata? showed a unique tertiary leaf blade colour. Out of the 25 varieties, seven varieties had elliptic leaf blade shape while 13 varieties had medium ovate. Nine varieties had variegated leaves and rest were non-variegated. Only three varieties viz., Los Banos ?Variegata?, Los Banos Variegata ?Silver Margin? and Pallavi had multiple bracts and flowers were absent. Bracts colour also had a wide variation from light colour (white) to dark colour (magenta). The results suggest that the characterization data of these varieties can be used as a reference for registration of other new varieties under PPV&FR Act, 2001. This investigation may also be helpful to the researchers with respect to breeding of Bougainvillea varieties for particular traits. Moreover, ornamental plant growers can also get benefited with regards to selection of suitable varieties of their interest.

Department of Soil Science, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana-141004.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2016.v18i03.44

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Abstract: Various nutrient interventions affect onion yield and storage quality. Integrated nutrient management interventions need be evaluated for their effect on yield of rabi onion. Three farmyard manure (FYM) rates (0, 25 and 50 t ha^-1), three nitrogen (N) rates (75,100 and 125 kg N ha^-1), three P rates (30, 50 and 70 kg P2O5 ha^-1) and three K rates (30, 50 and 70 kg K2O ha^-1) were tested on Punjab Naroya cultivar by using Latin Square Design. A control plot was kept with each rate of FYM application. The treatments were replicated over three artificially created fertility strips. Fertilizer N was the most limiting element. Higher FYM rates though can be used to reduce N, P, and K fertilizer rates, but doubling FYM rate from 25 to 50 t ha^-1 did not benefit in general. Bulb yield data indicated that 25 t ha^-1 FYM, 100 kg N ha^-1, 50 kg of P and K ha^-1gave the best results. The results hold significance in view of higher FYM rate recommendation (50 t ha^-1) in certain states.

Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2016.v18i02.20

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Abstract: The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that soil texture would play a minor role in the determination of yield components, fruit composition, and wine sensory attributes of Chardonnay (i.e. the terroir effect), and that vine size, crop size and associated fruit environment would play the major roles. Five Chardonnay vineyards in the Niagara Peninsula of Ontario, Canada were chosen for study. These vineyards were located on sites with heterogeneous soil types to allow study of the impact upon yield, fruit composition and wine sensory attributes of: 1. Soil texture with mesoclimate kept constant; 2. The comparative magnitude of effects of soil texture and vine vigor. Vineyard blocks were delineated using global positioning systems (GPS), and a series of 72 to 162 data vines per site were geo-located within a sampling grid imposed on each vineyard block. Data were collected on soil texture, soil composition, tissue elemental composition, vine performance (yield components and weight of cane prunings), and fruit composition. These variables were mapped using geographical information systems (GIS) software and relationships between them were elucidated. Soil texture and composition were occasionally correlated to yield components and fruit composition but often these relationships were site-specific. Spatial relationships were common between % sand and clay, vine size, yield, berry weight, soluble solids (Brix), and titratable acidity (TA); however, relationships were both vineyard and vintage dependent. Several spatial relationships were apparent as well between vine size, yield, Brix, TA, and various soil/petiole composition variables, including organic matter, soil pH, cation exchange capacity, and soil/petiole N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and B. Spatial relationships between yield, berry weight, berry composition, vine size, and several soil physical variables suggest a likely soil basis to the so-called 'terroir effect'. Vine size, yield, and berry weight were stable temporally within individual vineyards despite differences in annual climatic conditions. Soil texture (% sand) was frequently associated with high vine size, yield, and berry weight. Vine size directly correlated with berry weight. TA was often correlated with vine size. Soil composition had little relationship to petiole composition, fruit composition or yield except in a few specific cases, e.g., between pH and soil K.