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Department of Biochemistry, Department of Horticulture, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar-263 145, Uttarakhand, India.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2008.v10i01.15

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Abstract: Picrorhiza kurroa Royle ex Benth (Kutki) has traditionally been used to treat disorders of the liver and upper respiratory tract, fever, and to treat dyspepsia, chronic diarrhoea and scorpion sting in Ayurveda medicine owing to the presence of active principles in root and rhizomes. The plant is self-regenerating but unregulated over-harvesting has caused it to be threatened to near extinction. The current research describes a protocol of micro propagation of this important medicinal plant from establishment to hardening in field conditions. Multiple shoots were induced in apical and axillary meristems derived from mature explants on Murashige and Skoogs (1962) medium supplemented with 0.25 mg L^-1 6-benzylaminopurine (BA), 0.25 mg L^-1 kinetin (KN), 0.5 mg L^-1 ascorbic acid and 3% (w/v) sucrose. Optimal rooting (86.6%) and growth of microshoots were observed on a medium containing 0.25 mg L^-1 indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) with 2 % (w/v) sucrose. Micropropagated plantlets were acclimatized and successfully grown in soil.

Ingeis-Conicet Pabellon Ingeis. Ciudad Universitaria (1428), Buenos Aires, Argentina, Facultad de Agronomia, UBA, Av. San Martin 4453 (1417), Buenos Aires, Argentina.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2008.v10i01.17

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Abstract: The effect of conventional fertilization was compared with a vermicompost that was mixed with substrate for sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) in a greenhouse experiment. The study was conducted in a completely randomized block design with 4 replications. Eight treatments were compared: a control treatment of a substrate mixture (T0: with no vermicompost added), five treatments with increasing percentages of vermicompost added to the substrate mixture (H1 to H5), and two treatments using two application rates of a chemical fertilizer (F1 and F2). Both fertilizer and vermicompost presented very low levels of heavy metals, which assured agronomical suitability. Vermicompost from SS-MSW (Source-Separated Municipal Solid Waste) and slaughterhouse sludge, presented significant value as soil conditioner and biofertilizer and produced increased levels of C and N (P<0.05). The phosphorus addition by vermicompost was high, with a decrease of zinc absorption by plants and potential contamination risk. Mixtures including more than 50% of the vermicompost and the highest rate of fertilizer showed statistically significant differences for dry weight, leaf length, plant survival and P-Zn antagonism (P<0.05).

Horticultural Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Kagawa University, Miki, Kagawa 761-0795, Japan.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2008.v10i01.02

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Abstract: Delayed flowering of chrysanthemum under high temperature conditions is a serious obstacle for all year round cut chrysanthemum flower production in southern temperate and subtropical zones. To clarify the causes of flowering delay in spray chrysanthemum, two different genotypes of spray chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflorum (Ramat.) Kitam. syn. Chrysanthemum morifolium) were grown under high-temperature conditions: summer-to-autumn flowering type (SA type, high temperature tolerant) and autumn flowering type (A type, high temperature sensitive). Their flower-bud initiation and development were subsequently compared. Results clarify that two independent events caused by high temperatures occur in the shoot apex of spray chrysanthemum under short-day conditions. First, high temperatures slowed floral development in inflorescence, thereby increasing the number of florets in both SA and A chrysanthemum genotypes. Secondly, high temperatures slowed the developmental speed of inflorescence after the budding stage, and the time to reach the bud break stage was prolonged, thereby delaying flowering, especially in A chrysanthemum genotypes.

Rafnajan's Payam Nor University; Department of Horticultural Science, University of Tehran; Pistachio Research Institute, Rafsanjan-Iran.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2008.v10i01.18

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Abstract: Effects of different chilling periods were evaluated on growth and development of floral buds of male seedling trees (Pistacia.vera L.) for chilling requirements of male genotypes helpful in predicting overlapping of flowering with female trees and escape from spring cold damage. The chilling requirement and responses of male genotypes to chilling treatment were determined by applying eight levels of chilling to shoots (i.e. 600-1300 h) at 3?1 ^oC. Based on the effect of chilling hours on bud break on four male pistachio genotypes were grouped to early (P₁ and P₆) and late flowering (P₇ and P₁₀) types. Percentage and rate of bud break, duration of flowering, growth and development of bud (length and width) were evaluated. The results indicated that genotypes had different chilling requirement. Among the male pistachio genotypes, the adequate chilling hours (bud break >80%) for P₁, P₆, P₇ and P₁₀ genotypes were 800, 700, 1100, and 1300 hours, respectively. P₁ and P₆ had low chilling requirement (700 hours) for 50% bud break compared to P₇ and P₁₀ (900 and 800 hours). Increased chilling led to decreased heat unit requirements for sprouting, resulting in greater overall growth and development. Chilling was a determining factor in floral bud break for all the genotypes, increasing chilling also produced greater bud break percentages. All genotypes required fewer heat units for bud break as chilling increased. Increasing the chilling hours also increased the length and width of flower buds and reduced duration of flowering.

Department of Applied Biological Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Kagawa University, 2393 Ikenobe, Miki-Cho, Kagawa 761-0795, Japan, Kagawa Prefectural Agricultural Experiment Station, Busshouzan, Takamatsu, Kagawa 761-8078, Japan. Kagawa University, 239

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2007.v09i02.22

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Abstract: As a cool weather crop, lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) is very sensitive to the changes in temperature during growth. This study investigated the textural, compositional and some biochemical changes in the outer and inner leaf tissues of two crisphead lettuce cultivars ('Bittsu' and 'Cisco') harvested in different seasons. The result demonstrated that in colder months, the crispiness of lettuce leaves reduced significantly and higher amount of sugars, organic acids and ammonia were accumulated. In general, between the two cultivars, 'Bittsu' contained higher amount of sugars and organic acids, while 'Cisco' contained higher amount of ammonia. However, inner leaf tissues contained higher amount of ammonia than outer leaf tissues in both cultivars. The level of fructose was found to be higher than glucose and sucrose in all cases while malic acid was the main component in organic acid fraction. The activities of ammonia-assimilating enzymes such as glutamine synthetase (GS; EC 6.3.1.2) and asparagine synthetase (AS; EC 6.3.5.4) either decreased or nearly remain constant depending on the tissue types during the colder months. Outer leaf portion showed higher GS activity than inner leaf tissues. However, both of aminating and deaminating activity of glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH, EC 1.4.1.2) decreased in the outer leaves whereas deamination activity slightly increased in the inner leaf tissues during warmer harvest months.

Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Kafr El-Sheikh University, Kafr El-Sheikh 33516, Egypt

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2007.v09i02.23

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Abstract: This study was conducted during two successive seasons (2005 and 2006); in the experimental farm of Faculty of Agriculture, Kafr El Sheikh University; with the aim to investigate the influence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculation and irrigation intervals on growth of grapevine nurslings cv. Ruby King. Two mix mycorrhizal fungi including Glomus fasiculatum and Glomus mosseae were used for inoculation. The AMF inoculated and non-AMF nurslings were irrigated at 3, 6 and 9 days interval. The results showed that a combined treatment of AMF inoculation and irrigation at 3 days intervals recorded the highest values in terms of length of main root, total root length, root volume, root dry weight (%), top/root ratio, number of fine roots (< 2 mm), number of small roots (2-5 mm), number of leaves and leaf area per nursling. These results are of practical importance, as they highlight the potential of using mycorrhizal fungi inoculation for root development and growth improvement in grapevine nurslings and hence increases its adaptability upon transfer from the nursery to the open field.

Biotech Institute, GlonetBU, Doosan Corporation, Yongin 449-795, Korea; AKConsulting, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2007.v09i02.24

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Abstract: The effect of foliar applications of lysophosphatidylethanolamine (LPE) on 'Thompson Seedless' (Vitis vinifera L.) was evaluated to determine the suitability of this plant amendment aid as a management tool in table grape production. LPE at 10 mg L^-1 was sprayed on vines at two different stages of berry growth and development. Treatments were: 1) 4 weeks after fruit set; 2) 6 weeks after fruit set; and 3) 4 and 6 weeks after fruit set. Soluble solids content (SSC) of berries at all harvest dates was significantly higher for vines treated with LPE compared to the control. Titratable acidity (TA) gradually decreased during ripening, and by the third harvest, TA of berries from vines treated with LPE was lower than that of control. All the treatments resulted in higher fruit firmness when compared to control. However, there were no significant differences in firmness of berries from vines given LPE treatment at different stages of growth. LPE treatment increased berry size, although no significant difference in size between single and sequential applications of LPE was observed. These results indicate that LPE may play a role in plant hormone-associated regulation of berry growth and development.

Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2007.v09i02.25

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Abstract: Experiments were conducted to determine the effects of Thidiazuron (TDZ) applied at preharvest stage under glasshouse conditions on Dianthus caryophyllus 'Lunetta'. Thidiazuron at 0, 1, 10, 100, and 1000 uM was applied as a foliar spray arranged in completely randomized design. Time to flowering was recorded, and relative stem length, total nitrogen and tissue water content were measured at harvest. Postharvest vase life, relative fresh weight changes, and solution uptake were also measured. TDZ treatments decreased relative stem length compared to the control (0 uM). TDZ treatment tended to decrease total nitrogen and water content of tissues slightly, but not significantly (P > 0.05). TDZ at 100 uM significantly increased the vase life of cut carnation flowers compared to the control. TDZ treated flowers tended to maintain higher relative fresh weight, with positive differences for the 100 uM TDZ treatment being apparent at day 5, 7 and 9 of vase life. Solution uptake was higher in TDZ treated flowers.

King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Post Box 6086, Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2007.v09i02.26

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Abstract: With the increasing number of turfgrass cultivars, development and use of reliable identification methods is becoming important. Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers along with morphological markers proved useful for cultivar identification. Seven turfgrass cultivars encompassing four bermudagrass and three zoysiagrasses were grown under uniform greenhouse conditions and their key diagnostic features were described. Bulk samples of leaves were collected from each cultivar and subjected to RAPD analysis using standard protocols. Out of the 35 Operon primers used, 20 detected polymorphism among the cultivars. 'Nagissa' and 'Miyako' zoysiagrasses showed close genetic relationship as compared to the rest of the cultivars. They had the highest value in the similarity matrix for Nei and Li's coefficient (0.802) while one variant of Miyako clustered with Bermuda-1. Tifgreen Bermuda and Bermuda-2 also clustered together while 'Tifway' stood apart. Analysis of the morphological data showed that the variant of ' Miyako' belonged to the Zoysia genus but its genetic affinity with Bermudagrass needs to be explained. Within and between species, the cultivars having similar leaf-texture showed a tendency to cluster together.

Department of Plant Pathology, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswa Vidyalaya, Mohanpur, Nadia-741252, West Bengal, AICRP on Tuber Crops, Directorate of Research, BCKV, Kalyani, West Bengal. India.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2007.v09i02.27

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Abstract: The natural occurrence of sweet potato virus disease (SPVD) in 26 Indian sweet potato cultivars was evaluated at Horticultural Experimental Field of the B.C.K.V. University, West Bengal during 2004-2005 seasons based on the possible symptoms and serology. The leaves from virus suspected plants were indexed for viruses by nitrocellulose membrane enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (NCM-ELISA) and coat protein study. Disease incidence was highest in Pol-4-9 during 2004 (12.87%) and 2005 (25.19%). Results were confirmed in several seropositive plants with higher incidence and diversity of viruses. Sweet potato feathery mottle virus (SPFMV), sweet potato cauliflower mosaic like virus (SPCaLV), Sweet potato mild speck virus (SPMSV) and C-6 virus were detected serologically in single or mixed infections in many leaf samples of the cultivars. The frequency of C-6 virus was very high (73.07%) followed by SPCaLV (34.61%), SPFMV (26.92%) and SPMSV (23.07%). Attempt was made to characterize the virus coat protein of the partially purified virus from the leaves with most frequently observed symptoms. Protein analysis by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed a major protein band of 65 kDa, and 38 kDa which were assumed to be the viral coat proteins of associated virus. Minor protein bands of 24 kDa were also observed. The viral protein degraded upon storage at 4?C over time to yield a protein band of 22 kDa.

Namik Kemal University, Horticulture Department, Agricultural Faculty, Tekirdag/Turkey.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2007.v09i02.28

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Abstract: Muskule grape variety which has table and late maturing attributes, was used for this study. Storage of table grapes requires stringent control of gray mold, which is caused by Botrytis cinerea Pers. In spite of the fact that the use of sulfur dioxide (SO₂) in controlling gray mould is common practice, it has some advantages and disadvantages. Thus, physical, natural organic elicitors and biological methods have been used for delaying decays. In this study, UV-C (0.25kJ m^-2), salicylic acid (1, 2, 3mM) and Na₂S₂O₅ (0.4g powdered sodium metabisulfate pads) treatments were used to reduce quality losses during the cold storage of Muskule grape. Treated clusters were placed into polyethylene container and packaged with polyethylene bags having 10.5 a thicknesses and stored at 0?1 ^oC and 90?5% relative humidity throughout 100 day. At the end of 100 day, weight loss (%), soluble solids content (%), titratable acidity (g 100 mL^-1), pH of fruit juice, sensory evaluation, view of cluster skeleton and decay rate (%) were determined at 20 days interval. SA (3mM) + UV-C combined treatment and SA (3mM) treatment were found to be effective depending on examined criterion.

Alata Horticultural Research Institute, Erdemli, Mersin, Turkey-33740;Department of Horticulture, University of Cukurova, Adana, Turkey-0'330.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2007.v09i02.29

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Abstract: Molecular markers are the most widely used tools in cultivar and species identification. The objective of this study was to characterize some Turkish and European cultivars and new apricot cultivars derived by hybridization between Turkish and European apricot cultivars using RAPD markers. Five new, two local cultivars, and four promising hybrids from Turkey, and 13 cultivars from Europe, North America, South Africa were characterized. Sixty RAPD primers produced 57 polymorphic and 79 monomorphic markers, totaling 136. All the 136 markers were used to construct a dendogram based on UPGMA. All cultivars were distinguished from each other with the similarity value ranging from 0.90 to 0.96. Known hybrids were grouped between or close to either one of parental genotypes. This study may imply narrow genetic diversity among the most widely grown apricot cultivars in the world.

Department of crop Production, College of Agronomy, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria, Department of Agronomy, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria; Cooperative Exten?sion Centre, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benu

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2007.v09i02.30

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Abstract: Gender roles in telfairia leaf production were investigated in Makurdi using a survey based questionnaire administered to 50 farmers to identify gender-disaggregated roles in telfairia production. The survey showed that women have major role as producers and marketers of telfairia leaves. Women and girls provided 80.0% of labour requirements for hole digging, sowing, irrigation, weeding, harvesting and marketing. The men cleared land and dug holes while girls and boys in primary and secondary schools assisted in weeding and hole digging. The results also revealed that a typical telfairia farm using N10,650.00 (US$84.5 at N126/dollar) worth of seeds produced 16.5 t/ha of leaves valued at N212,400.00 (US$1,685.7) with 85.0% profit. Seed accounted for 60.7% of total cost of production, while irrigation cost was 20.3%. A minimum take-off fund of N210,572 (US$1671.2) was needed to give revenue of N386,000 (US$2920.6) and a gain of 83% per hectare. Total fruit equivalent of fruits/shoots produced 2,056 fruits and the price of fruit equivalent of fruits/ shoots produced N514,000 (US$4079.4) with a gain of 144%. Two major constraints to leaf production were high cost of quality seeds (36.1% of respondents) and water pumps (13.9% of respondents). Women participation in telfairia vegetable production, marketing and utilization in Makurdi can provide a means of livelihood and appreciable income for women in rural and urban areas, which is capable of sustaining the running of the home and enhancing the living standards of women.

Division of Plant Physiology, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110 012, India.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2007.v09i02.31

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Abstract: Two contrasting varieties of tomato (Solanum lycopersicon L.) fruits i.e. 'Pusa Gaurav' (slow ripening type) and 'Pusa Ruby' (fast ripening type) were examined for Ca, P, K, Zn, Cu and Mn contents in the fruit's pericarp portion. Fruits were examined either at different ripening stages during their maturation on the plant itself or at different intervals during storage when harvested at green mature stage. Ca was found to be higher in 'Pusa Ruby'. 'Pusa Gaurav', on the other hand, showed higher content of P, Zn, Cu, Mn but low K in comparison to 'Pusa Ruby'. The roles of these minerals were explained towards their stabilizing effect on plasma membrane and cell wall along with their involvement in the antioxidative system and thereby determining the rate of ripening.

Department of Horticulture, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, College of Horticulture, Pune -411 005,Depart-ment of Plant Pathology, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri -413 722. India.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2007.v09i02.32

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Abstract: Okra germplasm, consisting of 85 accessions, which included cultivars, related species and their inter specific hybrids was screened for two seasons, while their amphidiploids, backcrosses and F₃ generations were screened for one season for powdery mildew resistance (Erysiphe cichoracearum DC) under severe field epiphytotic conditions. Only the wild species A. caillei-2 and A. moschatus-1 were found immune while two biotypes of A. tetraphyllus, A. manihot spp. manihot, A. manihot spp. tetraphyllus, A. manihot (L.) Medikus and A. angulosus were found highly resistant to powdery mildew in both seasons. A. tuberculatus-1, A. caillei-1, A. ficulneus and cultivars of A. esculentus were susceptible. Reaction of inter specific hybrids, backcrosses and amphidiploids revealed that the resistance in A. caillei-2, A. angulosus and A. manihot spp. tetraphyllus were partially dominant. Further, it was observed that in F₃ generations, only the lines of A. caillei -2 inter specific hybrid derivatives (lines derived from hybrids having A. caillei-2 as one parent) were found highly resistant to powdery mildew.