Horticultural Science

Introduction
Esca of grapevine (Vitis vinifera) is an important complex disease in almost all areas, where grapevines are grown. The symptoms of this disease may affect the trunk, branches, shoots (brown wood-streaking and white rot of trunk), leaves (light green or chlorotic, irregular areas between the veins or along the leaf margin, which gradually spread from the basal to the distal parts of the shoot) and fruit (tiny brown spots and sometimes wilt of berries). Toxins are secondary metabolites, which are important virulence factors of phytopathogenic fungi. Phaeoacremonium aleophilum (Pal), Phaeomoniella chlamydospora (Pch), and Fomitiporia mediterranea (Fme) produced two pentaketides (scytalone and isosclerone), and the α-glucan named pullulan. Several evidences indicated that at least some of these metabolites may induce the characteristic symptoms of diseases. The main objective of this research was to establish a clear efficient and cheap method using callus and extracted toxic metabolites in order to select susceptible, tolerant, or resistant commercial grapevine cultivars to the esca disease.

Materials and Methods
Esca-associated fungi were obtained from the Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Khorasan Razavi province, Iran. Five mL of a suspension of three mentioned fungi (10-day-old) in 50 ml sterile water were added to 1 L flask containing 150 mL Czapek Dox medium amended with 0.1% yeast and 0.1% malt extract. They were incubated at 25°C for 28 days in the dark. The mycelia were removed by filtration using Filter membranes, nitrocellulose 0.22 μm. The toxic secondary metabolites were extracted from this suspension. Briefly, the culture filtrates from each fungus (2 L per strain) were treated with equal volumes of cold ethanol-acetone and incubated in an ice batch for 4 to 6 hours. The resulting precipitates were extracted by centrifugation at 3000 rpm for 10 seconds. Recrystallization was done by dissolving the polymer in hot water and adding the same volume of ethanol to it, and the formed precipitate was filtered through a Whatman filter, dried at 40°C and weighed. The toxic metabolite obtained from liquid cultures of each fungal species was assayed on detached leaves of 5 grapevine commercial cultivars of Khorasan Razavi province, including Torkaman8(TU8), Kolahdari(KOL), Torkaman6(TU6), Fakhri Shahrood(FSH), and Keshmeshi-Quchan(KQU). The leaves with their petioles were immersed in a 3 mL solution until complete absorption, which usually took a few hours, and then were transferred to distilled water. Callus of the five grapevine cultivars, micro propagated shoot cultures were cultivated on modified MS media containing 15, 30, and 45% toxic metabolites. The grown callus was inoculated with different concentrations of toxic metabolites,  then dry weight of callus and vital cells were measured visually, as well as spectrophotometrically, by using Triphenyl Tetrazolium Chloride (TTC).

Results and Discussion
The Pal, Pch, and Fme fungi were all able to produce toxic secondary metabolites, but an isolate of the Pal fungus obtained from Memlejeh (a village in the Central District of Bojnord County, North Khorasan Province, Iran.) produced a large amount of pullulan. The symptoms produced on the detached leaves that absorbed a toxic solution were quite similar to those observed on the leaves of the same cultivars naturally infected by the same fungal species. Differences between cultivars in symptom severity were also observed under experimental conditions. The results showed that reduction of the callus dry weight in TU8 grapevine cultivar was the lowest (26%) compared to the other cultivars tested, followed by KOL (31%) and TU6 (40%) cultivars. The KQU and FSH cultivars showed the highest reduction in callus dry weight (48% and 44%, respectively). The effect of pullulan produced by three important esca-associated fungi indicated that the toxin produced by the Fme fungus had the least effect and the Pal fungus showed the greatest effect in reducing dry weight of the callus. Dry weight of the callus in 15% concentration of the toxic metabolite showed the least decrease and maximum decrease of the callus weight was obtained in 45% concentration. Among the cultivars tested, the callus cells of Torkaman 8 had the highest optical density, which means the number of living cells was more than other cultivars. The KQU cultivar with minimal live callus cells showed more sensitivity to the metabolite. Toxin of the Fme fungus had the least and that of the Pal fungus had the most effect on the callus cells. The percentage of survival rate in the inoculated callus cells of Torkaman 8 compared to the KQU cultivar at 45% concentration of the extract was about 50.36% and the survival rate in the KQU cultivar was about 15.51%. Also, the obtained results showed that the grapevine cultivar TU8 was comparatively more tolerant than other cultivars tested. On the other hand, the FSH and KQU cultivars were susceptible to secondary metabolite of the mentioned fungi.

Conclusions
Occurrence of the esca diseases is increasing in grapevine all over the world, whereas efficient therapeutic strategies are lacking. The use of toxic metabolites of esca-associated fungi and tissue culture of the host plants under in vitro conditions could be cheap,easy, and helpful assays for controlling the disease via selection, improvement, and reproduction of the tolerant genotypes. According to the reaction of grapevine cultivars to the secondary metaboilte of esca-associated fungi, it can be concluded that the TU8 grapevine cultivar is less sensitive than the KQU grapevine cultivar against the esca disease.

This study was conducted to investigate the resistance of 4 wild eggplant species (Solanum aethiopium group Aculeatum, S. incanum, S. macrocarpon, S. linnaeanum), 3 cultivated eggplant varieties ('Anamur F1' , 'Pala' , 'Yamula'), 1 eggplant rootstock (Köksal F 1 ) and 34 interspecific hybrids to Verticillium dahliae Kleb. and Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. melongenae. Disease resistance of eggplant genotypes was determined by the pathogenicity test. The disease severity values varied between 0-80% for Verticillium and between 0-100% for Fusarium. Among the 42 genotypes, 18 genotypes were found to be moderately resistant and 1 genotype was found to be highly resistant to Verticillium. At the same time, 2 of the 42 genotypes were found to be moderately resistant and 22 of the 42 genotypes were found to be highly resistant to Fusarium. All hybrids with S. integrifollium, Solanum aethiopicum group Gilo as father were found to be highly resistant to Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. melongenae. Solanum linnaeanum did not exhibit any disease symptoms and was found to be highly resistant to both disease agents. Present interspecific hybrid eggplant genotypes with known resistance to Verticillium and Fusarium wilt are expected to have significant contributions in developing new eggplant rootstocks and hybrid eggplant cultivars in the future.

Shallot is an important traditional crop used for seasoning of various national cuisines. However, productivity of shallot is low partly due to lack of improved varieties that are adapted to diverse agro-ecologies of Ethiopia. It has been difficult to improve the genetic base of local shallot germplasm due to its vegetative propagation nature. However, some plants within the germplasm were found bolting and producing seeds providing the opportunity for broader genetic base. Therefore, the present study was initiated to characterize and classify some segregating genotypes so as to use them for future breeding program. The study was undertaken at Debre Zeit Agricultural Research Center. It comprised of sixty genotypes generated through natural out-crossing and three released varieties (Minjar, Huruta and DZSHT-005/-02/90 DZSHT-005/02) used as controls. The experiment was laid-out in augmented design with three blocks. Twenty bulbs of each genotype were planted on a ridge comprising two rows. The three control varieties were also planted in the same way but replicated at in each block. Data on yield and yield components, percent bolting and number of flowerstalks/plant were collected. Analysis of variance, cluster and principal component analyses were also undertaken on data recorded. The results of the study showed that the genotypes significantly differed in yield/plant, number of bolting plants and number of flowerstalks/plant. However, they did not differ in bulb diameter, bulb height and downy mildew severity. Eight genoytypes had better yield/plant than all the three controls. Cluster analysis grouped the genotypes into seven clusters. Clusters I through VII comprised of 1(1.6%), 2(3.2%), 14 (22.2%), 10(15.9%), 5(7.9%), 22(34.9%) and 9(14.3%) genotypes, repectively. The genotypes within Clusters I through VI had atleast 87.5%, 85.2%, 85.0%, 85.8%, 82.9% and 84.1% similarity, respectively. Cluster III had the second highest mean for yield/plant, bulb diameter and number of bulb splits/plant. On the other hand, Cluster VII had the highest mean for yield/plant, bulb height and doweny mildew severity. It had also high inter cluster distances with other clusters. The principal componenet analysis identified seven components, five of which contributed to 83.1% of the variation. Generally, the eight genotyes with better yield were recommended for further variety trials under different environments while maintaining the other genotypes as a source of for variation future for breeding activities.

The vase life of Lisianthus (Eustoma grandiflorum L.) cut flowers is relatively short because of some post-harvest problems. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of ascorbic acid (AsA) in extending the vase life of Lisianthus cut flowers. Ascorbic acid is a natural acid and an antioxidant compound which stabilize cell membrane and proteins. Continuous treatment of ascorbic acid at 0, 50, 100 and 200 mg l-1 was administered to Lisianthus flowers. The longest vase life of cut flowers (15.50 days) was observed in flowers treated with 200 mg l-1 of ascorbic acid. This treatment increased cut vase life seven days longer that the control treatment. The maximum solution uptake (4.133 ml g-1 F.W.) was calculated in 200 mg l-1 ascorbic acid. The highest dry matter (21.55%) and loss of fresh weight (9.761 g) were obtained in 200 mg l-1 ascorbic acid, too. The results of this study showed that ascorbic acid (vitamin C), as a natural antioxidant, plays an important role ...

Cut gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii) flowers are sensitive to microbial contamination and have short vase life. The effect of salicylic acid, citric acid and ascorbic acid (50, 100 and 200 mg l-1) was evaluated on vase life of gerbera flowers. Changes in vase life, water absorption, and bacterial population in stem and vase solution, also biochemical characteristics such as protein concentration, lipid peroxidation level and enzymes activity such as superoxide dismutase and peroxidase were measured and compared with the control. Results showed that the maximum vase life (11.31 and 11.21 days) was achieved in 100 mg l-1 of both citric acid and salicylic acid, respectively. The vase life of control cut flowers was 5.80 days. Most solution uptake (0.907 ml g-1 F.W) was obtained in 100 mg l-1 of citric acid, too. The least bacterial colonies in stem end (151.00) and vase solution (66.33) was obtained in 100 mg l-1 citric acid. Differences between the content of bacterial colonies in vase sol...

The research was carried out in order to assess the effects of nine cultivars in factorial combination with an open field or greenhouse growing on yield, quality indicators, antioxidants and elemental composition of leek in Moscow region. Greenhouse management resulted in higher yield compared to open field cultivation, due to higher mean pseudo-stem weight, and cultivar Giraffe gave the highest production. Pseudo-stem dry matter was better affected by greenhouse cultivation, whereas the content of monosaccharides, total sugars, nitrates, ascorbic acid, and polyphenols was enhanced by open field growing. The cultivars Vesta and Summer breeze showed the highest dry matter and total sugar content, whereas Goliath had the highest antioxidant, selenium, and potassium concentration. Among the mineral elements, K and Mg in pseudo-stems were better affected by greenhouse conditions, whereas Ca attained a higher concentration under open field growing. The antioxidant system of A porrum was ...

As part of a research project 13 cultivars were planted in 2005 at 11 sites on 9 farms in 5 different Austrian regions. The aim was to find new cultivars tolerant to soil-borne pathogens and leaf/fruit diseases, with high yield, winter hardness and good fruit quality, to serve as alternative to the highly susceptible cultivar 'Elsanta', regarding soil-borne diseases. Plant vigour and infestation with Verticillium dahliae and leaf diseases were evaluated in 2005 und 2006 at 7 sites and in 2007 at 3 sites. In addition, following parameters were assessed on 2 organically managed sites in 2006 and 2007: marketable yield, percentage of different categories of unmarketable fruits and incidence of the blossom weevil. In 2006 fruit characteristics and consumer acceptance were studied. 'Elsanta' showed the highest infestation with V. dahliae whereas 'Salsa', 'Daroyal' and 'Alice' were most tolerant. 'Dora', 'Eva', 'Queen Elisa' and 'Daroyal' recorded significantly higher losses by the blossom weevil than 'Alice'. 'Alba' and 'Divine' were the earliest cultivars in ripening time. Highest marketable yield per plant had the late ripening cultivars, particularly 'Salsa' and 'Sonata'.

Oxygen free radicals play an important role in the development of different disorders like inflammatory-immune injury, carcinogenesis, hepatic toxicity and artherosclerosis. The antioxydant role of a wide spectrum of natural products has been established. Flavonoids and other phenolic compounds (proanthocyanidins, rosmarinic acid, hydroxicinnamic derivatives, catechines, etc.) of plant origin have been reported as scavengers and inhibitors of lipid peroxidation. We have studied the antioxidant activity as well as content and composition of natural phenolics in a series of medicinal plants with phytotherapeutical significance. Thus we determined the total phenol contents and studied the composition of flavonoids, polyphenols, phenolic acids of different vegetative and reproductive organs of medicinal plants: Anthriscus cerefolium (L.) Hoffm., Petroselinum crispum L., Cichorium intybus L., Helichrysum arenarium D.C.„cempervivum tectorum L., Taravacum officinale Web. Characteristic con...

Phenolic content of apples from an integrated and organic apple tree orchard was analysed at the Institute of Horticulture of Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry in 2012–2013. Apples of ‘Lodel’ and ‘Aldas’ cultivars on rootstock B.396 in 8–9th leaf were tested. Nitrogen and potassium fertilizers were applied annually at the rates of 50 kg/ha N and 66.4 kg/ha K in an integrated fruit orchard. A mixture of perennial grasses with 25% of white clover was sown in interrows in the second year after tree establishment in the organic production system. Every two years sward in alternate interrows was tilled for natural organic matter mineralization. Fertilizers were not used in the organic apple orchard. Organic apples of both cultivars had a higher content of procyanidins B1 and B2, phloridzin, chlorogenic acid, (+)-catechin, and (–)-epicatechin. Organic ‘Aldas’ apples also contained more hyperoside, avicularin and quercitrin than non-organic apples. On average, the tot...

Groundnut is an important oilseed-food-feed-fodder crop grown largely under rainfed conditions mainly for livelihood. The crop annually incurs losses amounting to ~ Rs. 238 crores due to biotic stresses from insect-pests and diseases. Management of insect-pests and diseases are seldom uniform across the groundnut growing regions of India, due to diversity in cultivation, edaphic and weather factors. ICAR-Directorate of Groundnut Research, Junagadh, Gujarat connects several research stations of State Agricultural Universities spread across India through All India Coordinated Research Project on Groundnut (AICRP-G). This project acts as a platform for groundnut scientists to interact, exchange ideas, identify and validate suitable technologies for insect-pest and disease management. Insect-pests of national signicance are tobacco caterpillar, gram pod borer, leaf miner, thrips, leafhoppers, white grubs and bruchids which occur throughout groundnut growing regions. Some insect-pests have regional signicance like, aphids in Telangana, Maharashtra and Odisha; red-headed hairy caterpillar in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka; and termites in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Odisha. Likewise, diseases of groundnut with national signicance are leaf spots, rust, Alternaria leaf blight, stem rot, collar rot, dry root rot, aa-root and menace of aatoxin. Some diseases have regional signicance which includes peanut stem necrosis (Andhra Pradesh), peanut bud necrosis (Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka) and peanut clump (Rajasthan). In general, Kharif groundnut faces threats from insects like, tobacco caterpillar, leaf miner, thrips, white grubs and termites; and diseases like, stem rot, leaf spots, rust and PSND/PBND while, Rabi-summer groundnut cultivation is affected by insects like, leafhoppers, aphids and thrips; and Alternaria leaf blight disease. Looking into their severity, seasonality, spread and signicance, several crop protection technologies were formulated in the form of trials and validated at respective AICRP-G centres to identify their rationale and best performance for states. In this bulletin, sincere effort has been made to aggregate such crop protection technologies recommended in the Annual Groundnut Meetings during the last decade (2010-2020). These technologies include management strategies and IPM modules for the effective management of insect-pests and diseases. Stakeholders like, farmers, extension workers, scientists and policy makers will be benetted from this compilation. We congratulate the team Crop Protection (AICRP-G) for their achievements and acknowledge their contribution in generating technologies included in this bulletin.

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on the quality of 'Red Delicious' and 'Golden Delicious' apples. Freshly harvested fruits were wiped clean and (25 μm thick) with varying number of perforations and stored in cardboard boxes at ambient temperature. 'Golden Delicious' showed higher incidence of bitter pit as compared to 'Red Delicious' apples. MAP proved effective in controlling the bitter pit disorder and in maintenance of quality. The least incidence of bitter pit in 'Golden Delicious' was recorded with T 4 (30 x 2 mm perforation) and T 3 (20 x 2 mm) treatment in 'Red Delicious' apples. However, MAP retained more freshness in 'Golden Delicious' than in 'Red Delicious'.

Effect of the foliar boron (B) application on nutrient uptake and fruit quality of tart cherry (Prunus cerasus L.) was investigated from 2008 to 2009 on mature four favourite Hungarian tart cherry cultivars like 'Oblacsinszka', 'Érdi bôtermô', 'Újfehértói fürtös' and 'Petri'. Tart cherry trees grown in Eastern Hungary (Újfehértó) on an acidic sandy soil with low B content. Trees were treated with B by foliar application (0.5% B) at full bloom and untreated with B served as a control. B sprays strongly affected on B content of inflorescences. However, B sprays had no consistent effect on summer leaf B status. In our experiment stronger year effect was observed at leaf B status than flower B status. The effectiveness of early spring boron applications are limited and mostly affected the flower B status only. Moreover, treatments had inconsistent effect on studied fruit inner parameters. Monosaccharides, vitamin C and organic acid contents of sour cherry were stronger affected by cultivars than applied treatments.

Eggplants are non-climacteric fruits which were seen growing wild in the forest of India and is currently described as one of the ten world's healthiest food. The objective focused on the review of general description, health and usefulness of eggplant. Eggplants grow into 98 different species with different shapes and colours. They reduce the risk of cancer, cardio vascular diseases, pre-menstrual syndrome, amenorrhea, ante natal anaemia and cholesterol. They also soak injurious chemicals, enables weight loss and manages diabetes. Finally, the leaves, stem, fruit and roots of eggplant are used for food, fuel, curer of diseases, rituals and for decoration

An experiment was conducted to identify promising varieties of onion suited for cultivation under low hill conditions of Himachal Pradesh. Ten varieties were evaluated at Research Farm of the Institute of Biotechnology and Environmental Science, Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Neri, Hamirpur, for two consecutive seasons (2010-2011 and 2011-2012). The farm is located at an altitude of 620m above mean sea level, with average mean maximum and minimum temperatures of 31.3 0 C and 12.4 0 C, respectively, and is a representative site of the low hill region of Himachal Pradesh. Standard package of practices was followed for raising the crop as recommended by the University. Observations were recorded on various horticultural traits, viz., plant height, number of leaves per plant, days to harvest, neck thickness, bulb diameter, bulb weight, TSS, and total yield. In addition, all the varieties were screened for resistance against purple blotch disease. Maximum days to harvest (129.33 days) were seen in the variety Holland Louis, while, variety Agrifound Rose showed minimum number of days (109). Varieties Palam Lohit, Nasik Red, N-53 and Agrifound Dark Red recorded significantly higher bulb yield (275.00, 240.67, 239.25 and 232.37 q/ha, respectively) than the other varieties evaluated. None of the varieties was able to resist the disease totally; however, 'Agrifound Dark Red' was moderately resistant, exhibiting just 13.78% disease incidence. Varieties Palam Lohit, Nasik Red and Agrifound Dark Red had medium bulb size and higher yield. These can be advocated for commercial cultivation under low hill conditions of Himachal Pradesh.

This paper presents the important features of indigenous wild cherry genotypes suitable for processing. The research took place between 2017–2020, having ten Romanian wild cherry genotypes as study material. The harvesting maturity was recorded in the first decade of June for the early cultivar (G10) and decades two and three of June for the other studied genotypes, all of them with a middle season maturation. The number of days between the end of the flowering and the maturation was between 54 days (G10) and 66 days (G9). The average weight of the fruit and the equatorial diameter varied between 2.1 g and 13.80 mm for G4, respectively, and 5.5 g and 21.35 mm for G10. The proportion (%) between the pulp and waste (stone and peduncle) was measured as 81.95% pulp (G4) and 93.64% pulp (G10). The values of the soluble dry substance content were between 13.1–24.0 °Brix, the titratable acidity was between 0.48–1.16 mg malic acid/100 mL juice and the total content of the polyphenols was be...

Scented rose species are very important in the genus Rosa due to their use in highly-prized essential oil production and as garden roses. The fragrance of the rose flower (attar) captured by extraction is one of the most valuable flavor and fragrance products. A comprehensive study of the papers published in the field of in vitro culture and biotechnology of these species, particularly Damask rose, was performed. Then, in separate sections, the articles related to media preparation for callus culture, shoot regeneration and multiplication, rooting, and cell suspension culture were reviewed. In this paper, the stages of the in vitro culture of scented roses, including establishment, multiplication, in vitro rooting, acclimatization, and genetic variability are also considered. Subsequently, investigations on methods of in vitro culture of scented roses by callus, pollen, anther, cell suspension, and protoplast culture are described. Finally, technological improvements for micropropag...

The cultivated plant climate association in agricultural yields is getting expanded consideration with regards to changing climatic conditions. Abiotic stressors can lead to morpho-anatomical, physiological, and biochemical alterations in harvests, resulting in a significant loss of profit. A comprehension of ecological elements and their communication with physiological cycles is critical for improving agricultural practices. Drought stress is among the main natural factor affecting plant development, growth, and yield measures. Assessing the impact of environmental change and atmospheric variability on tomato crop output will require a thorough understanding of this stress element. The physiology, development, improvement, yield, and quality of the tomato crop are all affected by dry season stress. This mini-review essay presents the most prominent features about the effects of drought stress on tomato crop plant physiology and production, with specific highlighting for the complex relationship between drought stress, and nutrients uptake.

The cultivated plant climate association in agricultural yields is getting expanded consideration with regards to changing climatic conditions. Abiotic stressors can lead to morpho-anatomical, physiological, and biochemical alterations in harvests, resulting in a significant loss of profit. A comprehension of ecological elements and their communication with physiological cycles is critical for improving agricultural practices. Drought stress is among the main natural factor affecting plant development, growth, and yield measures. Assessing the impact of environmental change and atmospheric variability on tomato crop output will require a thorough understanding of this stress element. The physiology, development, improvement, yield, and quality of the tomato crop are all affected by dry season stress. This mini-review essay presents the most prominent features about the effects of drought stress on tomato crop plant physiology and production, with specific highlighting for the comple...

Limitations in access to electricity in rural areas and substantial cost of supplemental lightning necessitate breeding as response to low light conditions. Seven inbred lines of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) and their F1 hybrids, including reciprocals, developed through a 7×7 full diallel cross were evaluated under two different levels of light. Mean square for light (L) effect was significant for total yield, average fruit weight and days to first flower. Variation attributable to Genotypes and genotype × light (G×L) interaction had significant effect on all studied traits except days to ripening for which G×L interaction was not significant. Diallel analysis across two environments indicated that general (GCA), specific (SCA) and reciprocal combining ability (REC) were significant for all characters implying importance of additive and nonadditive gene action along with cytoplasmic effects on genetic expression of yield, yield components and earliness. Ratio of SCA variance to SCA variance and estimates of narrow sense heritability (h 2 n.s ) demonstrated higher weight of additive effects in inheritance of yield, fruit number and days to ripening, while indicating predominance of non-additive effects for fruit weight and early flowering. Interactions GCA×L and SCA×L were significant for almost all studied features. A particular genotype could not be recommended for all traits, but variation among genotypes in response to ambient light was promising for feasibility of plant breeding for non-optimal light intensity and duration.

In India, agriculture plays a critical role, employing a massive 65 per cent of the workforce and contributing significantly (26%) to the gross domestic product (GDP). However, water scarcity poses a major challenge. To
address this, an intelligent irrigation system was developed to optimize water usage and prevent overwatering. This system calculates the Soil Moisture Content (SMC) and delivers watering based on each plant’s specific needs. For the research purpose, three commonly grown leafy vegetables were chosen: fenugreek, spinach, and dill. All three are popular and healthy, widely cultivated across India. This selection offers a range of water requirements. Fenugreek, an important crop in arid regions like Rajasthan and Maharashtra, has moderate to high water needs. Spinach, a global vegetable rich in nutrients, also requires moderate watering, but suffers greatly under drought stress, a major challenge for its growth. Leafy greens, like spinach, are particularly susceptible to water stress, making precise irrigation crucial. Dill, another economical crop, likely has its own specific watering needs, further contributing to the comprehensiveness of the system’s evaluation. By studying these plants with varying water demands and drought tolerance, valuable insights were gained into how the system could benefit a diverse range of crops in different water situations. The results were promising, demonstrating the system’s ability to effectively monitor water needs and promote healthy plant growth. This innovation offers a sustainable solution for Indian agriculture, ensuring efficient water use while maximizing crop yield.
Key words: Agriculture, irrigation, microcontroller, soil moisture content, soil moisture sensor.

Fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis Hook F.) is popular as food and feed around the world. Sixteen treatments were developed from factorial combinations of three factors: cultivar (ugu elu and ugu ala), growing medium (garden soil (GS) and white sand (WS)), and soil amendment source (poultry manure, NPK, supergro and no amendment). A pot experiment was conducted to investigate the agromorphological and nutritional traits of fluted pumpkin obtained from the treatments. Fresh leaves were analyzed for crude protein, crude fibre, crude lipid, total ash, phytate and nitrate concentrations. Data were subjected to analysis of variance and principal component analysis. Mean plots were used to explain the effects of the three factors and profiling was done using the GYT biplot. There were significant (p≤0.05/0.01) mean squares for measured traits, suggesting the possibility of selection among the treatments. Plants in GS consistently out-performed those in WS for shoot weight, leaf length...

Light spectrum is one of the environmental cues that influence plant growth and development. Light is a stimulating factor for induction of somatic embryos during tissue culture practices. To accelerate the direct embryogenesis, six different light spectra including: white (W), red (R), blue (B), green (G), red + blue (R+B) and red + far red (R+FR) together with dark condition (D), in combination with thidiazuron (TDZ) in four concentrations (0, 0.5, 1.5 and 3 mg L-1) were used. Inter-simple sequence repeat was used for identification and genetic stability analysis of somatic regenerated plantlets. Intact protocorm explants showed higher potential for direct somatic embryogenesis (DSE) than the other explants. The rate of DSE was highly dependent on the concentration of TDZ and its interaction with light spectra. R and R + FR spectra with 3 mg L-1 TDZ on intact protocorms and R+FR with 3 mg L-1 TDZ were efficient treatments to induce DSE without somaclonal variation. G light spectru...

Taxol® (paclitaxel), an important anticancer agent, is found in many species of yew. As the need for Taxol increases, sustainable sources must be found for this drug. Plants often respond to stress with increased production of terpenoid compounds such as Taxol and related taxanes or hormones such as abscisic acid (ABA). To determine whether water stress would enhance the production and recovery of Taxol from stem clippings, 100 young Taxu×media `Hicksii' shrubs were grown for sustainable production of Taxol from stem clippings for two seasons in the dry climate of the Malheur Experiment Station in Ontario, Ore. Shrubs were grown under minimal, moderate, or severe water stress, and the relationships between taxane content and 1) soil and plant water potentials, 2) percentage of stomatal closure, and 3) ABA content were examined. Severely water-stressed shrubs produced significantly more taxanes and ABA than did the less stressed shrubs. Chemical names used: Taxol; 10-deacetyl bac...

Artificial light source is one of the most important factors for high quality and quantity vegetable production in a plant factory. Aiming to investigate the role of light spectra on growth, chlorophyll fluorescence, photosynthesis and stomata parameters in lettuce plants grown in a plant factory, a factorial experiment was conducted based on a completely randomized design with two lettuce cultivars (Lollo Rossa and Lollo Bionda) and four spectra LED illumination red (656 nm), red/blue (3:1) (656 nm), blue (450 nm) and white (449 nm). The results showed that the combination of red and blue LED light had the greatest effect on stomatal conductance (gs), number of stomata, length and width of stomata in both lettuce cultivars. On the other hand, the maximum substomatal CO2 concentration (Ci) was observed in both lettuce cultivars when they were treated with red LED light. The results also showed that the maximum CO2 assimilation rate (PN) was observed in Rossa variety under white LED and in Bionda cultivar under blue LED light. Contrary to the results related to some of photosynthetic parameters, the highest values of vegetative traits (plant height, dry and fresh mass of shoots and roots, leaf number and leaf area) of plants were observed in the treatment of red and blue light combination. It is concluded that plant growth, chlorophyll fluorescence characteristics, photosynthetic and stomatal properties can be affected by different spectra and cultivars of lettuce, so that the choice of proper lighting is a fundamental requirement for the cultivation of this plant.

Hardy kiwifruit (Actinidia arguta) is a relatively new crop, and new cultivars suitable for commercial production are still needed. This paper outlines the results of research on the morphological and biological features of 'Bingo', a new cultivar of hardy kiwifruit obtained in the breeding programme conducted at Warsaw University of Life Sciences (WULS), Poland. The research was conducted in 2008 and 2009. 'Bingo' is a F1 hybrid between A. purpurea 'Purpurna Sadova' and A. arguta. Its fruit is dominated by the characteristics of A. arguta. The fruits of 'Bingo' are elliptical and laterally flattened, with an average weight of 8.1 g (max. 14.4 g). Ripe fruit have a smooth yellow-green skin with a strong rose-red blush. Fruiting potential (88.2 fruit/1m of fruiting arm) is lower than that of 'Ananasnaya' but greater than that of 'Jumbo'. Ripe fruit of 'Bingo' is rich in vitamin C, has pleasant sensory characteristics and good consumer acceptance. The plants can be successfully cultivated in central Poland's climate.

Genetical alterations and phytosanitary status promote the variability and modify the appearance of vine. Old vine varieties in old vineyards are highly variable and well adapted to selection. Clonal selektion is based on a visual performance: valuable individuals (clones) are picked out according to visible symptoms or characters. The genetical stability of clones is proved by testing the vegetatively propagated progenies on the basis of morphological and molekular (SSR, AFLP, SMPL, RAPD) markes. Authors take great care of the visual phytosanitary selection as part of the clonal selection being the oreliminary step to develop pathogen-free propagation stocks. In Serbia (Vojvodina) the selection breeding has been carried on for several decades resulted in comparative clone trials with home and imported clones of Welsch Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot gris, White Riesling. Among the clones of home selection SK.54 Welsch Riesling clone is the most valuable. Its clearing from pathogene is ...

Citrus orchards in northeastern Brazil are mostly rainfed and com prised basically of 'Pera CNPMF D6' sweet orange budded on 'Rangpur' lime, for the drought tolerance and productivity imparted by this rootstock. Therefore, the selection of new varieties is needed to broaden the genetic basis of citrus cultivated in this region. Accordingly, this study compared vegetative, productive, and fruit quality traits of eight sweet orange scions grafted on 'Rangpur' lime over eleven years under the tropical rainfed conditions of north eastern Brazil. 'Kona' trees excelled in yield performance associated with bulk canopy, precocity, sweet fruit with intermediate acidity, and high vitamin C contents in spite of proneness to alternate yields and low ratio (maturity index). 'Valencia Montemorelos' and 'Rubi' trees, in turn, had high yield perfor mances coupled with intermediate canopies, sweet fruit, intermediate acidity ('Rubi') and vitamin C contents, low propensity for yield fluctuation ('Valencia Montemorelos'), and high precocity ('Rubi'), albeit low ratio. Overall, our results emphasize 'Kona,' 'Valencia Montemorelos,' and 'Rubi' as superior sweet orange varieties for diversification of tropical rainfed orchards for their outstanding yield performance and good fruit quality.

The objective of this study was to examine the effects of NaCl on the morphology of Ficus carica cv. 'Bursa Siyahı' seedlings. For the salt stress tolerance, seeds of Ficus carica L. cv 'Bursa Siyahı' were germinated in vitro conditions and obtained seedlings were cultured in Murashige and Skoog culture medium without NaCl (as control) and with different NaCl concentrations. It was observed that plant viability were decreased with increasing NaCl concentration in the medium At the end of six weeks, plants were evaluated for the parameters of fresh weight (FW), shoot length (SL), leaf number (LN), root number (RN) and root length (RL). Plants in medium with 40 mM NaCl gave the maximum growth, salt stress effect was found to be increased in relative to the salt concentrations. Article History Received : 20.03.2017 Accepted : 23.08.2017

To evaluate the effect of salicylic acid (SA) on seed germination of black bean plant under saline conditions, seeds were primed with salicylic acid (0, 2, 10, and 20 mM) and germinated under salt stress (0, 50, and 100 mM NaCl). The measured parameters included the percentage and rate of seed germination, seedling length and dry weight, malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide levels, and activity of catalase, ascorbate peroxidase and guaiacol peroxidase in the seedlings. Results showed the values of germination indices decreased with increasing the level of salt stress. However, SA priming (10 mM) alleviated the harmful effects of salt stress in black bean. SA increased seed germination percentage by 72% and 45% at 50 and 100 mM NaCl respectively, compared to the control condition. Germination rate augmented by 33% (at 50 mM NaCl) and 60% (at 100 mM NaCl) by SA priming compared to the seeds exposed to salt stress alone. Seedlings dry weight (+ 51% at 50 mM and + 34% at 100 mM) and le...

The relationships between rooting potential with endogenous phenolic compounds, nitrogen and soluble carbohydrates of cuttings for five olive cultivars (‘Rowghani’, ‘Dusti’, ‘Tokhmekabki’, ‘Konservalia’ and ‘Amigdalolia’) were investigated. Extracts of the leaves and the base of the cuttings were used for analysis of biochemical compounds. Results showed that there were significant differences in rooting potential among olive cultivars. There was no correlation between leaves and stems nitrogen contents and rooting ability of the cuttings. Moreover, leaf and stem soluble sugars, leaf total phenolics, stem caffeic acid, narengin and chlorogenic acid contents of the leaf and stem, did not affect the rooting potential of the cuttings. However, leaf catechin, stem total phenolics and vanillic acid had positive effects on rooting potential of the cuttings. There was a negative correlation between rooting percentage of the cuttings and leaf gallic acid and narengine contents.

In order to investigate the effect of palm leaf biochar on some characteristics of Cucumis melo L. under drought stress, a split plot experiment was conducted in a completely randomized block design with three replications for two consecutive years. The main plot was irrigation level (60, 85, and 100% water requirement) and subplot was biochar in four levels (0, 0.18, 0.24, and 0.36 kg/m2). Results showed that treatment of 0.24 kg/m2 biochar and 100% water requirement increased the characteristics of water use efficiency as 88%, shoot fresh weight as 77%, shoot dry weight as 32%, root fresh weight as 100%, root dry weight as 84%, root length as 54%, and average fruit weight 84% compared to treatment without biochar and 60% water requirement. The highest level of leaf N, Mn and K, shoot length, leaf area, leaf number, fruit diameter and fruit flesh thickness in the treatment of 0.36 kg/m2 biochar and 100% water requirement were higher 58%, 48%, 65%, 18%, 50%, 95%, 43% and 55%, than t...

The effects of short-and long-term salinity condition were investigated on silicon-treated and control plants of Kentucky bluegrass (KBG) (Poa pratensis L.) in a greenhouse study. Salt stress solely affected visual quality at ≥15 dS m -1 concentrations while Si application increased salt tolerance of KBG after 45 days. In long-term salinity stress, Si had no effect on salt tolerance of KBG at ≥15 dS m -1 concentration. Si increased morphological parameters including height and number of shoots, and physiological parameters including relative water content (RWC) and chlorophyll content of leaves. In addition, fresh and dry weights of roots and shoots in response to high salt concentrations declined, but showed an increase with Si treatment. Proline content and electrolyte leakage (EL) increased under high salinity levels. In response to the Si treatment, Na concentration in the shoots significantly decreased at the 5 dS m -1 salinity level. With increasing salinity levels, the concentration of K in roots and shoots decreased while the amount of K in both Si-treated roots and shoots reduced. Overall, Si alleviative effects were more pronounced in 45 days after turfgrasses being salinity treated.

Landscape groundcover plants are a diverse group of trailing or spreading species that naturally form continuous soil coverage.Ground cover plants that were used in this study consisted of vegetative propagules of: Vinca minor L. ٬Variegatum’, Vinca minor L. ٬Green’, Oxalis brasiliensis G. Lodd, Trifolium repens L., Phyla nodiflora L. and Frankenia thymifolia Desf. The aim of this study was to compare some physiological and biochemical responses of each species used under seasonal changes in Shiraz climatic conditions. Several factors including chlorophyll and relative water content (RWC), electrolyte leakage (EL), proline content, soluble sugars and starch levels and antioxidant enzyme activities of these ground covers were investigated. Results showed that chlorophyll and RWC content were decreased in all ground cover plants during summer time. Furthermore, considerable seasonal variations in antioxidant enzyme activities were detected in all of the studied plants. The highest act...

The paper analyses preferences and motivations of Italian consumers of flowers and ornamental plants, both conventional and organic. The results helped to outline their profile. Purchases are still done in the traditional places (flower shops for cut flowers and plant nurseries for potted plants), however positive trend is found for potted plants purchases at large distribution chains. Some differences came out as to purchase motivations: cut flowers are mainly bought in special occasions whereas potted plants purchases are linked to personal use. The results confirm a positive relationship between the purchase of flowers and plants and the age of the interviewees, besides showing that women are interested on purchases. The information we obtained is relevant not only for the sector’s operators in order to define effective managerial strategies, but also for the policy maker to address new market and consumption policies.

Apple is the most important fruit in Hungary, despite of that, it is a paradox that during the last years, apple growing was the mostunsuccessful enterprise among the prosperous ones in the country. The real cause of regression was unequivocally the low price, which couldbe obtained and the inadequate structure of apple varieties. A heavy problem is still the overweight of the quality doomed to supplying theprocessing industry instead to the fresh consumption. In order to improve the conditions, we aimed the economic analysis of the five year longperiod, 2005-2009, to trace the changes involving values and costs of production, income and all conditions combined with this activity. Thedata presented in the paper are means of a heterogeneous population of values, which cannot be utilised for immediate use in management,but they may reveal the challenges and tendencies of that branch in economics.

Angin I., Aslantas R., Kose M., Karakurt H., Ozkan G., 2012. Changes in chemical properties of soil and sour cherry as a result of sewage sludge application. Hort. Sci. (Prague), 39: 61-66. This study, aimed at assessment of the effects of different sewage sludge application rates on heavy metal accumulation in the soil and in sour cherry leaves was carried out in the years 2005-2007. The rates applied were 0.0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10.0 and 12.5 kg of dry matter per tree. Eighteen uniform one-year-old Kütahya sour cherry trees on Prunus mahaleb rootstock were used. Sewage sludge not only improved soil chemical properties but also resulted in an increase of nutrient content in cherry leaves. Sewage sludge application increased heavy metal content of soils. However, this increase did not exceed the critical values and was not reflected in the leaf contents of heavy metals. The most effective application rate was 7.5 kg per tree. Studies should be continued to evaluate the effects of sewage sludge on vegetative and generative growth, yield and fruit quality parameters.

Cadmium is one of the heavy metals which is entered to water resources through different ways such as industrial, home and agricultural wastewaters or as a result of unhygienic withdrawal of urban and industrial wastes. Surveys in some regions around pollutant resources show that surface waters or underground waters is contaminated to cadmium in "0.1 to 1" mg/lit [1]. Activated carbon with nano pores is a green technology for separation of poisonous material in environment. The aim of this research is to determine the level of cadmium absorption by activated carbon of almond-shell in concentration of "20 ", "50" and "100" per part million (ppm) and different insolubility times from "15 to 120" min. Experiments for determining isotherms were assigned discontinuous in different concentrations and different amounts of biological activated carbon (from "0.1 gr to 0.3" gr) and the cadmium with desired PH. Measurement of cadmium ...

The objective of our studies was to evaluate growth, development and yielding of tomato in greenhouse, which transplants were grown under various combinations of light-emitting diodes illumination. Tomato transplants were grown in phytotron chambers. System of five high-power solid-state lighting modules with the main 447, 638, 669 and 731 nm LEDs were used in the experiments. Supplemental LEDs of different wavelength were used in particular modules: L1-without additional LEDs, L2-380 nm, L3-520 nm, L4-595 nm, L5-622 nm. The similar photon flux density (PFD) in all modules was maintained by regulating PFD of 638 nm LEDs. Tomato seedlings were transplanted to peat substratum and grown in greenhouses. It was established that significant effect of illumination using different LEDs combination on growth and development of tomato hybrid 'Raissa' F 1 transplants remained about one month after moving tomato to greenhouses. After-effect on photosynthesis pigments system of tomatoes in greenhouses lasted two weeks. Neither of light-emitting diodes combination had significant effect on early tomato yield. Yellow light, supplemental for the main LEDs combination, used for transplant illumination, decreased total tomato yield.

Plant propagation originated  from the mature tissues is the most desirable method in producing clonal plants, however microbial contamination usually is the main concern during regeneration processes. Moreover, commercial production of plants using clonal propagation is considered as high throughput method due to the   removal of seasonal barriers, lower cost of production with higher yield when compared to the conventional propagation methods. In this research the regulatory roles of 2-iso-pentenyl adenine (2iP) and Zeatin (Z) along with two temperature regimes, 22 and 28 °C, on mature explants of Picea abies (L.) H. Karst was evaluated for adventitious shoot regeneration. Norway spruce micro-cuttings considerably  benefited from Ridomil and Benomyl treatments for fungal decontamination in explants taken in spring or fall. The highest percentage of regenerated explants (68.75%) as well as the highest  numbers of adventitious shoots per explant were obtained in MS media supplemente...

In the course of research aimed at the development of non-sticky, easy-to-use alternative trap designs for the capture of selected beetle pests, a newly designed "hat" trap, codenamed CSALOMON® KLP+, was compared with conventional trap designs. In the case of the western corn rootworm (WCR) Diabrotica v. virgifera (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae) the new KLP+ traps baited with pheromonal or floral baits were equally sensitive as the former PAL or PALs sticky "cloak" designs, but the KLP+ traps catch capacity and selectivity was much higher. When baited with the floral WCR bait, the KLP+ trap proved to be more sensitive in capturing female \VCR, than the former sticky PALs trap design. In capturing cabbage flea beetles (Phyllotreta spp., Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae), the new KLP+ trap design baited with allyl isothiocyanate performed better than the previously used VARL+ funnel traps in all respects studied. In conclusion, the new KLP+ trap design, baited with the respec...

One of the most difficult challenge in the everyday practice to describe the canopy growing of fruit trees in an orchard. Thephotosynthetic activity is the basic of the primer production of plants. The measurement of leaf area and determination of thephotosynthetic activity could be occurred with some elaborated methods between experimental conditions. In this article we present such anintegrated methodology, which is ideal to determine the geometric and spectral characteristic of fruit trees between field conditions.We havecarried out laser scanning technology to investigate the geometric-topological characteristics and parallel the active infra-red sensor to collectspectral data about an apple orchard. The surveys were worked out in an intensive apple orchard with drip irrigation system, protected by hailnet in Study and Regional Research Farm of the University of Debrecen near Pallag. This study shows the filtering and interpretation methodsof created data. The produced high accu...

Citrus Greening Disease (CGD) was critically reviewed with respect to its history, origin, symptomatology, host range, pathogenic association, identification and detection, transmission and management. It is evident that the citrus disease has emerged as a potential serious threat to citrus production in all the citrus growing countries of the world including Pakistan. It is has been proved that in Pakistan the greening disease is the major cause of citrus decline; hence it is necessary to formulate definite planning and strategies.

HORTSCI Apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) is one of the most widely cultivated stone fruit trees. It is a difficult species to grow in many areas because different climatic conditions have a strong influence on fruit productivity (Quamme et al. 1982). Apricot is well known for its inflexibility to adapt to various climatic conditions. By prolonging the dormancy in some of the early flowering varieties, it might be possible to reduce apricot's susceptibility to injury in unsuitable environments, as well as make their annual

This study evaluated the yield performance of the tomato hybrids 'DS0060', 'Thaise' and 'Trucker' in the open field and environments protected by agricultural film (F) and polycarbonate panels (P) during the Amazonian summer. In the protected environment, the crops produced significantly higher yields than in the open field. 'Thaise' has high thermotolerance and is adapt able to a wide temperature range, making it the bestperforming hybrid in environment F. Highest yields were found for 'Thaise' in environment F or P (86.2 and 92.5 t ha 1) together with 'DS0060' and 'Trucker' in environment F (75.3 and 88.2 t ha 1), demonstrating the high yield potential in the interim growing season (January to April). In the open field, the fruit color was paler, fruit flesh firmer and ripening index lower. In environment F, the fruits con tained highest levels of soluble solids, lycopene and βcarotene. 'Thaise' con tained higher concentrations of these two compounds. Under environment P, the yield of the evaluated tomato hybrids increased considerably, indicating it as a promising possibility for tomato cultivation in tropical regions. 'Thaíse' stood out with high yield and good quality traits, when grown in an F or P envi ronment. These results prove the viability of tomato production as interim crop in tropical regions, under high rainfall and heat, as well as the difference pro tected environments make for tomato cultivation, in particular the choice of the most suitable cover material for the crop, to ensure high yields coupled with desirable quality properties.

Four plum cultivars commonly grown in Romania, ‘Angeleno’, ‘Anna Späth’, ‘Silvia’ and ‘Stanley’, were analyzed with regard to several parameters, including water content, juice pH, phenolic compounds (total and some major classes), carotenoids, ascorbic acid and soluble sugars. Among the four studied cultivars, ‘Silvia’ ranked the highest in terms of total phenolic content (82,345 mg/kg DW), flavonoids (43,171 mg/kg) and anthocyanins (1991 mg/kg). Hydroxybenzoic acids were found to be an important phenolic component; up to 33,971 mg/kg was found in ‘Angeleno’. The hydroxycinnamic acid content was highest in ‘Stanley’, and stilbenes were most prevalent in ‘Anna Späth’. Tannins were found in significant amounts only in fruit peel and were only present in some of the cultivars. Carotenoids were mostly present in the epicarp, with the maximum amount identified in ‘Anna Späth’ (313 mg/kg). The main compounds were β-carotene (of which the highest amount was identified in ‘Silvia’), lutein (with the highest amount found in ‘Silvia’) and lycopene (with the highest amount detected in ‘Stanley’). ‘Silvia’ also contained the highest amounts of ascorbic acid (7895 mg/kg in pulp and 12,229 mg/kg in peel). The highest soluble sugar content was found in the pulp of ‘Stanley’ (142,120 mg/kg), while ‘Anna Späth’ contained the lowest amount of soluble sugar. ‘Stanley’ also had less acidic pulp juice. Among the four cultivars, ‘Silvia’ ranked the highest in most classes of bioactive compounds, including total phenolic compounds, flavonoids, anthocyanins, tannins (peel only), β-carotene, lutein and ascorbic acid.

Yellow mutant is an important material for studying chlorophyll biosynthesis, degradation and the genetics and development of chloroplasts. The chlorophyll biosynthesis and degradation pathways of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) mutant ym (Yellow mutant) and control ZS4 (Zhongshu 4) were studied. Photosynthetic parameters and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters of the variety ym and ZS4 were measured. The results showed that ym was more sensitive than the variety ZS4, while the variety ym has more tolerant to low light. The chloroplasts in ym exhibited onset of degradation compared with ZS4 under the transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The lack of chlorophyll-protecting material or the chloroplast grana degradation causes the leaf fade.