Volume 21, No. 2 (June, 2020)

1. Elena N. Pakina* and Hasan N. Hasanov [Nitrogen concentration in raw plant material of previous crops in winter wheat (Triticum aestivum) rotation in the Western Caspian strip]. Res. on Crops 21 (2) : 203-209 (2020). Peoples Friendship University of Russia Miklyho-Maklaya st., 6, Moscow, 117198, Russia *(e-mail : pakina_en@pfur.ru)

ABSTRACT

Nitrogen management is a challenging task and several methods individually and in combination are in use to manage, nevertheless, nitrogen use efficiency has not been ameliorated to a level as predicted by the researchers while developing nitrogen management tools and methods. The experiments were carried out from 2012 to 2014 on meadow-chestnut heavy loamy soil at “Bikesha” farm in Tarumovsky district of the Republic of Dagestan, Russia to study the influence of previous crops which include winter wheat for green manure and fodder production, row crops and alfalfa on the winter wheat. Six treatments used in the experiment were winter wheat-three years without rotation, winter wheat-two years without rotation + natural phytocenosis for green fertilizer, winter wheat-two years without rotation + natural phytocenosis for fodder production, corn for grain, sunflower for seeds and alfalfa for hay. Nitrogen concentration in the phytomass during harvesting of precursors was determined before ploughing and mowing the natural phytocenosis for fodder production. The results showed that the maximum content of plant material in soil (25.82 t/ha), the highest nitrogen concentration (2.18 to 3.32 %) and higher productivity of winter wheat (4.67 t/ha) were demonstrated when the previous crop was alfalfa and natural phytocenosis. These findings can be used to design crop rotations enriched with the main food crop of up to 80 to 100% without compromising crop yields and soil fertility in small farms, which have a small set of crops, as well as insufficient material and technical resources.

2. Mariia Pukalchik*, Kamila Kydralieva, Olga Yakimenko and Vera Terekhova [Effect of organic substances on wheat (Triticum spp.) productivity and soil enzyme functional stability under drought stress conditions]. Res. on Crops 21 (2) : 210-214 (2020). Skolkovo University of Science and Technology CDISE, Moscow 121205, Russia *(e-mail : m.pukalchik@skoltech.ru)

ABSTRACT

Application of organic inputs for arable soil is a common way to improve crop production. However, the interactions between organic amendments and drought are not fully known. The present study was conducted at Skolkovo University of Science and Technology, Moscow to compare the effect of three different organic-based supplements viz., humic acid, biochar and fulvic acid on the soil enzyme functional stability and short-term wheat growth effects. Soil samples under same amount of organic carbon content were studied on wheat in greenhouse condition under three levels of water deficit irrigation: (1) control – no water deficit irrigation (70% of soil water holding capacity, WHC); (2) mild drought stress 50% WHC; (3) high drought stress (30% WHC). The response of the enzyme activities related to the C, N, and P cycles were analyzed after 1, 7, 14 and 28 days of incubation. The stress response of enzyme activities under drought conditions was noted to be constant and organic amendments removed it even in high drought stress. For wheat plants, stress due to limited water availability was successfully eliminated by organic amendments to an extent of mild drought levels.

3. V. D. NGUYEN AND D. H. TRAN* [Effect of humic acid organic fertilizer on growth and yield of sticky maize (Zea mays) in Central Vietnam]. Res. on Crops 21 (2) : 215-218 (2020). University of Agriculture and Forestry Hue University, 102 Phung Hung Street, Hue City, Vietnam *(e-mail : tdanghoa@hueuni.edu.vn)

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of application of humic acid organic fertilizer (Hop Tri Super Humic – 95.0%) on the growth and yield of sticky maize plants. Field experiment was conducted in spring summer season of 2019 in Central Vietnam. Four different doses of the fertilizer (0, 2, 4. 6 kg/ha) were applied to the soil. Growing time, plant height, ear length, number of leaves per plant, ear leaf area, ear size, yield and its components were investigated. The results indicated that application of Hop Tri Super Humic fertilizer had a positive effect on all the mentioned parameters across the fertilizer levels. The highest yield of 6.95 t/ha was obtained under 4 kg humic acid organic fertilizer treatment. Based on this outcome, use of Hop Tri Super Humic organic fertilizer @ 4 kg/ha was found an optimal dose as a nutrient supplement for obtaining higher growth and yield of sticky maize grown in Central Vietnam.

4. M. RAJASEKAR* AND N. K. PRABHAKARAN [Influence of moisture stress management techniques on the root growth and yield stability of maize (Zea mays)]. Res. on Crops 21 (2) : 219-225 (2020). Department of Agronomy Agricultural College & Research Institute Kudumiyanmalai, Pudukottai-622 104, Tamil Nadu, India *(e-mail : rajasekartnau@gmail.com)

ABSTRACT

Moisture stress management practices under drought constrain situation are of foremost priority to reduce yield loss. In this regard, field experiment was conducted at Agricultural Research Station, Bhavanisagar, Tamil Nadu, India during rabi 2017 and 2018 to study the influence of different moisture stress management practices on the root growth, yield attributes and yield of maize. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three replications comprised of four irrigation regimes as main factor based on irrigation water to cumulative pan evaporation ratio (IW/CPE) of 1.0 (I1.0), 0.8 (I0.8), 0.6 (I0.6) and 0.4 (I0.4) and four moisture stress management treatments viz., foliar application of pink pigmented facultative methylotrophs 1% (FPPFM), Brassinolide 0.1 ppm (FBr), Silicic acid 0.2% (FSl) and control (FC) as a sub factor. Study revealed that irrigation scheduling at IW/CPE 0.4 produced significantly higher root length (54.7 cm), root volume (124.1 cc m-3) while root dry weight (1618 kg/ha) was comparable with IW/CPE 0.6 (1584 kg/ha). Among the foliar application PPFM @ 1% recorded significantly higher root length (53.4 cm), root volume (115.2 cc m-3) with root dry weight (1577 kg/ha) comparable with foliar application of silicic acid @ 0.2% (1525 kg/ha). IW/CPE 1.0 with foliar application of PPFM @ 1% recorded significantly higher and comparable seed weight per cob, Number of seeds per cob and grain yield with other moisture stress management treatments in IW/CPE 1.0 and 0.8. At IW/CPE 0.6, foliar application of PPFM @ 1% on 25 and 45 DAS (FPPFM) produced moderately and higher comparable seed weight per cob, number of seeds per cob and grain yield with all moisture stress management practices at IW/CPE 0.8. Results from the study indicated that under normal water availability situation, irrigating at IW/CPE 0.8 was sufficient to produce higher yield. While under water stress condition IW/CPE 0.6 with foliar application of PPFM @ 1% was found to enhance root growth and thereby supplement optimum yield.

5. K. Sathiya*, Syed Abul Hassan Hussainy and P. Sridhar1 [Effect of land configuration and mulching on the growth, yield and economics of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea)]. Res. on Crops 21 (2) : 226-230 (2020). Oilseeds Research Station Tamil Nadu Agricultural University Tindivanam-604001, Tamil Nadu, India *(e-mail : sathiyak21@rediffmail.com)

ABSTRACT

Groundnut sown under conventional land configuration has reached maximum output and an alternated practice along with suitable mulch is required to boost the yield under rainfed conditions. In this regard, a field experiment was conducted at Oilseeds Research Station, Tindivanam during kharif season of 2015 to 2017 to study the effect of land configuration and mulching on the productivity of kharif groundnut. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three replications. The treatments imposed in the main plot were different land configuration practices viz., flatbed method, broad bed and furrow (1m width and 50 cm furrow), ridges and furrows (90 cm width), raised bed and furrow ( 60 cm width and 30 cm furrow) and in the subplot, various mulching practices viz., Control (No mulch), Organic mulch (Paddy straw @ 5 t/ha) and Plastic mulch were assigned. Results indicated that groundnut sown under raised bed and furrow (60 cm width and 30 cm furrow) system with polythene mulching resulted significantly higher in plant growth (plant height, number of branches/plant), yield attributes (pods/plant, shelling percentage), total biomass production and recorded a pod yield of 2481 kg/ha. Based on the economics, groundnut sown under raised bed and furrow along with polythene mulching realized a higher benefit: cost ratio of 2.25 over the other treatment combinations thereby can be considered as a reliable practice for increasing the productivity of groundnut under rainfed situations.

6. Gritz N. Vladimirovna* and Dichensky A. Vladimirovich [Impact of agricultural landscape conditions on botanical composition of legume-bluegrass mixtures: An analytical system of monitoring the state of agrocenoses]. Res. on Crops 21 (2) : 231-236 (2020). Department of Technosphere Safety Institute of Agriculture, RUDN University, 117198, Moscow, Russia *(e-mail : ngritz@gmail.com)

ABSTRACT

Sustainability of agricultural landscape is affected by agricultural developments as well as various forms of urbanisation. The most important criterion for the rational distribution of cultivated crops in land use is the compliance of their biological requirements with the soil and environmental conditions of the habitat. Based on this, a study was conducted in the Upper Volga regions for adaptive reactions of legume-bluegrass mixtures on agricultural landscape terrain regions. Regression of the botanical composition of legume-bluegrass grass stands with agricultural landscape conditions showed changes depending on the exposure of the slope, and the strength of the influence of agroecological factors scrutinized. According to the assessment, agroecological factors revealed the formation of a stable agrocenosis of perennial herbs. Since individual agricultural landscapes differ in the nature of the distribution of matter and energy, the developed general recommendations for the cultivation of perennial grasses require adaptation to the soil and climatic features of specific regions. From the data analysis, the identified patterns can be used in developing digital models for intensive crop production in different soil and climatic zones.

7. FATIMA DUKSI*, VIKTOR VANDYSHEV, KAVHIZA NYASHA JOHN, ABDELAZIZ NOREZZINE, RAMADAN MUSSA AND KUCHER DIMTRY [Study on physical characteristics of Ceratonia siliqua pods using specific biochemical markers]. Res. on Crops 21 (2) : 237-242 (2020). Department of AgroBiotechnology Institute of Agriculture, RUDN University, 117198 Moscow, Russia *(e-mail : f.duksi@gmail.com)

ABSTRACT

Two samples of carob (Ceratonia siliqua) pods were assessed for the morphological and physiological characteristics in the Mediterranean region. Ceratonia siliqua is considered as a versatile plant with edible pods and as a raw material in pharmaceuticals and cosmetic industries, thus, accentuating its commercial value. The risk of genetic erosion has rendered an urgency to study and describe the actual consistency of carob pods. Therefore, this experiment was conducted on carob collected from two regions, Aleppo in Syria and Crete in Greece. Pods from every sample were analyzed for physical characteristics like length, width, thickness, number of seeds per pod, seed weight and pulp weight. Specific biochemical markers were determined for the methanol extract of carob pods from the two samples of seeds. In the findings we noticed a clear difference between the two samples in most physical traits except number of seeds per pod. There was no significant difference in the specific biochemical markers between the two samples of carob cultivars. The knowledge of morphological and physiological characters is of great importance for the industries and conservation purposes, thus in-depth studies in this area are imperative.

8. GINS EKATERINA*, KOROLEVA ALINA, TUMANYAN ANTONINA, SMUROVA NATALIA, PLATONOVA SVETLANA AND KEZIMANA PARFAIT [Impact of biologically active substances on seed germination and seedling growth of amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus)]. Res. on Crops 21 (2) : 243-247 (2020). Department of Agrobiotechnology Institute of Agriculture, RUDN University of Russia, Moscow, 117198, Russia *(e-mail : anirr@bk.ru)

ABSTRACT

Amaranth is a neglected pseudocereal with quick growing nature and multipurpose in use. Plant growth promoting properties of succinic acid have been proved with fungicidal effects against mold growth on seeds, which makes it highly effective in ameliorating the sowing quality of amaranth seeds after long time storage. Moreover, succinic acid significantly effects seedlings growth and development, and stimulates the accumulation of total antioxidants and ascorbic acid in the leaves. This study was conducted during 2019 at Department of AgroBiotechnology, RUDN University, Moscow to analyze the effect of the treatments “Amir” and fertilizer “Lignohumate” on seed germination and seedlings growth compared to the control (water treatment) and succinic acid. These experimental treatments indicated various efficacy, selectively affecting several indicators depending on the sowing quality of the seeds. However, significantly positive effect of the phyto-preparations “Amir” on the total content of antioxidants in the leaves of amaranth seedlings. Succinic acid had a favorable impact on the accumulation of antioxidants in both the samples. Succinic acid and Lignohumate had similar efficacy on the accumulation of ascorbic acid in the leaves of both samples. Overall, pre-seeding treatment with Amir on the weaker sample 8 (poor germinating capacity and susceptible to mold damage) showed a significant enhancement in the amount of ascorbic acid.

9. Romanov Dmitry* and Shirnin Sergey [Geographical distribution and ecotope features of goutweed (Aegopodium podagraria)]. Res. on Crops 21 (2) : 248-252 (2020). All-Russia Research Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology Moscow, 127550, Russia *(e-mail : akabos1987@gmail.com)

ABSTRACT

Goutweed is a unique plant with multiple economically valuable features of an edible, excellent honey plant with medicinal properties and high feed value. It has a long history of use in medicine with all parts of the plant containing anti-rheumatic, diuretic, sedative and wound healing effects. An expedition was embarked to collect goutweed species in various regions across Russia. A unique collection consisting of 82 individual plants of goutweed from 48 different places was assembled. A total of 24 regions of the Russian Federation were examined, the route length was about 24000 km. This article presents the analysis of ecotopes and reveals the features of the development of goutweed based on the growing conditions. Throughout the expedition route, goutweed occurred mainly in deciduous forests and mixed forests (hardwoods). At the collection points, the most frequent woody plant (White birch), shrub (Hazel, Brittle buckthorn, Honeysuckle, etc.), herbaceous plant (Raspberry, Dioica nettle, yellow thistle, etc.) were found. Goutweed is a mesophyte, with discovery points mainly plains as the root system of goutweed is less adapted to steep territories with climate ranging between sharply continental to moderately continental under drought free conditions. In the laboratory conditions, plants from the southern regions continued the vegetative growth under shortening of daylight hours, therefore, under greenhouse conditions artificial lighting can be provided. Moreover, plants from the southern regions have more biomass, larger rhizomes, stems and leaves if grown in natural conditions, while the greenhouse plant phenotype remained practically the same. This will expedite the transition to environmentally friendly, sustainable agriculture, as a result of reduced application rates of chemical and biological protection products for plants, leading to the production of safe and high-quality food.

10. Alaa Dabbagh* [Study on plants and their ecological characteristics in the sand pit regions of Moscow]. Res. on Crops 21 (2) : 253-256 (2020). Department of Geoecology Faculty of Ecology, RUDN University, 117198, Moscow, Russia *(e-mail : alaa_dabbagh@hotmail.com)

ABSTRACT

Industrial activity of human being, with each passing year, leaves an ever-growing danger on the environment worldwide. The extraction of mineral soil and non-metallic materials from sand pits has caused serious damage to the environment. Damage was embodied by soil cover destruction which occur at mining sites followed by processing of minerals and the most effective way of reclaiming disturbed land is by biological reclamation. To implement biological reclamation, a comprehensive study of sand pits ecological plants’ characteristics was studied on the Northern and Southern exposure slopes of sand pits in Moscow Region. Geobotanical descriptions on experimental sites of 5 x 5 m², made according to standard methods. About 127 species of higher vascular plants from 29 plant families were found on the surveyed sand pits, three of which have the most representation (Compositae, Gramineae and Fabaceae). Among the plants in the spectrum of life forms, the overwhelming majority are hemicryptophytes. In the spectrum of life forms, perennial herbaceous polycarpic were dominant. Ecological analysis of sand pits plants showed that the plants, mainly, belong to the meadow ecological-cenotic group, notwithstanding the proportion of forest species.

11. Minh Phuoc Nguyen* [Study on factors affecting pomegranate (Punica granatum) wine fermentation]. Res. on Crops 21 (2) : 257-262 (2020). Faculty of Biotechnology Ho Chi Minh City Open University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam *(e-mail : minh.np@ou.edu.vn)

ABSTRACT

Pomegranate fruit has attracted a great attention owing to its phytochemical constituents and its juice fermented as a mild alcoholic drink with availabe bioactive compounds. Therefore, this study was conducted during 2019 at Labone Scientific Co. Ltd, Vietnam with an aim to examine various variables such as the pectinase concentration and treatment duration for juice extraction, the yeast ratio inculation for wine fermentation and the secondary fermentation as aging quality of wine. Pomegranate extract was treated with pectinase enzyme at a concentration of 0.15, 0.20, 0.25 and 0.30% under different duration of 15, 30, 45 and 60 minutes and inoculated with Saccharomyces cerevisiae solution of 0.05, 0.10, 0.15 and 0.20%. The pomegranate wine was preserved at 14oC in dark bottle for different durations of 2, 4, 6, 8 weeks for secondary fermentation. Results indicated that 0.25% pectinase for 45 minutes was sufficient for juice extraction, 0.15% Sacchromyces cerevisiae solution for the main fermentation at 30±2oC and 6 weeks of aging in dark bottle at 14oC was appropriate to achieve a mild pomegranate wine. Fermentation by Saccharomyces cerevisiae and aging of wine resulted in changes of native substances into secondary metabolites influencing the sensory attributes of pomegranate wine.

12. Nwaedh Mahdi Hanoon Nwaedh*, Eugeniy A. Abizov, Aleksey Kovalenko, Douaa Ayman shaaban and Mufaro Muvingi [Study on morphological and anatomical components of some Iraqi date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.)]. Res. on Crops 21 (2) : 263-267 (2020). Department of Expert Examination in Drug Testing and Narcoanalysis Faculty of Technology of Organic Substances and Chemical Pharmaceutical Compounds Russian University of Chemical Technology DI. Mendeleev Miusskaya Square, 9. Moscow, 125047. Russia *(e-mail : mahdihanoonnwaedh@gmail.com)

ABSTRACT

A study was conducted during 2019 on three selected varieties (Zahidi, Halawi and Sayer) of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) chosen from healthy trees based on their ripeness, freshness, uniformity, absence of diseases, cost effective and better market availability. This study was primarily performed to identify the morphological and anatomical properties of these selected varieties at the stage of fruit maturity. The results indicated significant differences in weight, length, size, weight of the flesh part and diameter of fruit. Halawi was superior to other varieties in length and weight of the fleshy part of the fruit. Moreover, the variety Halawi exceeded in seed weight (1.09g) over Zahidi (0.95g) and Sayer (0.85g). There were significant differences in the chemical properties of the extracted crude oil, moisture, ash, protein and carbohydrates. Higher protein content was recorded for the cultivar Zahidi, followed by Halawi and Sayer. In terms of oil content, the cultivar Sayer (8.50 %) can be considered the best variety over Zahidi (8.17%) and Halawi (8.13%).

13. N. A. NOOR CAMELLIA*, A. K. ABDUL MUHAIMIN AND M. A. MOHD SHUKRI [Desiccation and cryopreservation of key lime (Citrus × aurantiifolia) seed and zygotic embryonic axes]. Res. on Crops 21 (2) : 268-275 (2020). MyGeneBank Complex Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI) Headquarters, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia *(e-mail : camellia@mardi.gov.my)

ABSTRACT

The experiments were performed in the laboratories of the Mygenebank Complex in Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI) Serdang. Key lime (Citrus × aurantiifolia) Swingle germplasm planted in the field genebank suffers a huge loss due to witches-broom disease of Mexican lime (WBDL) associated with Candidatus Phytoplasma aurantifolia which has developed a need for a much simple and efficient method for the long-term conservation of this species. This study is aimed at observing 2 factors, namely the effect of desiccation on the survival of seed and excised embryonic axes after cryopreservation, and the effect of exposure time to plant vitrification solution 2 (PVS2) on the survival of cryopreserved embryonic axes. Citrus × aurantiifolia seeds can be desiccated below 10% MC as they survived with germination percentage ranged from 35% to 60% after cryopreservation and 50% to 90% without cryopreservation (control). The highest survival percentages of cryopreserved seeds were obtained (60%) after 3 and 4 days of desiccation, corresponding to seed moisture contents of 6% and 7.9%, respectively. For cryopreservation-dehydration of excised embryonic axes survival was observed in embryonic axes treated for 1 to 3 hours, presenting 60% to 67% survival while for cryopreservation-vitrification survival was only 10% to 13% after treated with PVS2 for 10-30 min. No embryonic axes survived with 0-hour desiccation or 0-minute exposure to PVS2 after cryopreservation. Comparing both cryopreservation methods used for excised embryonic axes, cryopreservation-dehydration indicated higher survival for Citrus species. However, refinement of the technique is needed before it can be used for this species.

14. FARIHAH ZAKARIA AND HUCK YWIH CH’NG* [Assessment of soil carbon accumulation during different growth stages of banana after land conversion from a secondary forest]. Res. on Crops 21 (2) : 276-283 (2020). Faculty of Agro Based Industry Universiti Malaysia Kelantan Jeli Campus Locked Bag No. 100, 17600 Jeli, Kelantan, Malaysia *(e-mail : huckywih@umk.edu.my)

ABSTRACT

Soil carbon (C) is the critical component in climate change mitigation and in improving land productivity. Banana plantation has a high potential to restore lost C pools due to its agronomic management practices which do not involve devastating activities such as burning of biomass and removal of plant residues. The understanding of C storage and its accumulation in a time series (during the growth of banana) after land conversion from a secondary forest is crucial to address climate change mitigation efforts and provide essential information on types of crops, site preference to improve the strategies and effective technique responsible for future soil C rehabilitation efforts. Hence, the objective of this study was to determine the soil C accumulation during different growth stages of banana cultivation after the land conversion from a secondary forest in Sungai Rual, Jeli Kelantan, Malaysia in the year 2018. Soil samples were consecutively collected from the five main growth stages of banana (sucker growth stage, inflorescence stage, flowering stage, bunch development stage, and maturation and sucker development stage). Ten soil samples were taken at each stage using a soil auger at depths of 0-20 and 20-40 cm to analyze for soil texture, pH, total C, soil organic matter, total N, and C/N ratio. The soil textures in the secondary forest and banana farm were sandy clay loam and sandy loam, respectively. Different growth stages of banana exerted a significant effect on the soil pH. However, total N of secondary forest and different growth stages of banana at two different soil depths were insignificant which could be attributed to the characteristics of the soil textures. This study overall did not show any significant statistical difference in the amount of soil organic matter and soil total C accumulated in all the five banana growth stages as they were still in the process of recovering the soil C content. This information can help to understand the trend and soil C storage capacity, and C accumulation process of the banana cultivation site after being converted from a secondary forest. Further, this finding of this study also facilitates the understanding on the role of the agricultural land as a C sink and source.

15. Minh Phuoc Nguyen* [Effectiveness of alginate and chitosan coating on storage stability of moon watermelon (Citrullus lanatus)]. Res. on Crops 21 (2) : 284-290 (2020). Faculty of Biotechnology Ho Chi Minh City Open University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam *(e-mail : minh.np@ou.edu.vn)

ABSTRACT

During the traditional Lunar new year festival or TET in Vietnam, harvest moon watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) has been in great demand as a reverence to decorate on the ancestor altar. Owing to high water content and thin dark green rind, its shelf-life is quite short under normal environment. Therefore, this research was conducted during 2019 at Labone Scientific Co. Ltd, Vietnam on the effectiveness of alginate and chitosan coating on the storage stability of watermelon. The harvest moon watermelons were pre-treated with alginate (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5%), chitosan (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5%), a combination of alginate : chitosan (0.5 : 1.5, 1.0 : 1.0 and 1.5 : 0.5 %) and preserved under ambient temperature for 15 days. Weight loss (%), firmness (N), total soluble solid (oBrix), beta-caroten (mg/100g) were the main attributes to be monitored within 15 days at 3 day-interval. Water melon coated by alginate : chitosan (1.0 : 1.0 %) revealed the smallest change in weight loss, highest retention of firmness and increased total soluble solids and beta-carotene contents. From these findings, the shelf-life of harvest moon watermelon could be extended up to 15 days without any deterioration by the use of alginate and chitosan both at 1.0% concentration.

16. ALEKSEY V. MILYOKHIN, ALEKSEY L. BAKUNOV*, NADEZHDA N. DMITRIEVA, SERGEY L. RUBTSOV AND SERGEY N. SHEVCHENKO [Development rate of meristem potato plants (Solanum tuberosum) in vitro under the influence of biologically active product nano silicon]. Res. on Crops 21 (2) : 291-295 (2020). Samara Scientific Research Agriculture Institute named after N. M. Tulaykov – Branch of Federal State Budgetary Institution of Science Samara Federal Research Scientific Center of Russian Academy of Sciences 446254, 41 K. Marksa str. Bezenchuk vil., Samarskaya oblast, Russian Federation *(e-mail : ale171758@gmail.com)

ABSTRACT

Healthy seed-potato production is possible through certified mini tubers from complete healthy meristem micro plants in a medium which contains all micro and macro nutrients. Addition of nano silicon a biological activity booster, can provoke the growth, development and productivity of plants at specific concentrations. Based on this, a research was carried out during 2020 at the Laboratory of Agricultural Plant Biotechnology of Samara Scientific Research Agricultural Institute, Samara, Russia to study the influence of modifications in Murashige and Skoog medium by adding the biologically active nano silicon product in two concentrations of 1.5 and 3.0 ml/L on the growth and development of potato meristem micro plants of Rainbow and Grand varieties. Forty micro-plants of each variety were grown in a meristem culture with a 16-hour photoperiod for 30 days. The lighting source was fluorescent lamps with the wavelength from 440 nm to 670 nm and illuminance of 5000 lux. The temperature in the growing room was maintained at 22ºC during daytime under lighting and 18ºC at nighttime. The relative humidity in growing room was 75-80%. There were two cycles of cultivation for each variety. At the close of each growing cycle, the morphological characteristics that show the growth intensity and development of regenerants (the plant length and the number of internodes) were measured. The growth and development of potato regenerants was influenced by modification in Murashige and Skoog medium with the addition of 1.5 ml/L concentration of the biologically active nano silicon. A significant increase was recorded in the length of potato meristem micro plants of both Rainbow and Grand varieties, as well as a significant increase in the number of micro plant internodes of the mid-ripening potato variety Grand.

17. Minh Phuoc Nguyen* [Effect of pre-treatment of peracetic acid on the physico-chemical characteristics and antioxidant properties of eggplant (Solanum melongena)]. Res. on Crops 21 (2) : 296-300 (2020). Faculty of Biotechnology Ho Chi Minh City Open University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam *(e-mail : minh.np@ou.edu.vn)

ABSTRACT

Biodeterioration of eggplant reduces the shelf-life adversely disrupting local distribution thereby causing economic losses. In this regard, a study was conducted during 2019 at Labone Scientific Co. Ltd, Vietnam to identify a proper pre-treatment to maintain physico-chemical attributes and antioxidant properties during post harvest handling. Eggplants were pre-treated with peracetic acid (PAA) @ 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 ppm, and stored under 12oC for 28 days in an average relative humidity of 85%. Weight loss (%), firmness (N), total soluble solid (oBrix), total phenolic (mg GAE/100g), antioxidant activity or FRAP (µmol TE/100g) were the key parameters to be observed till 28 days at an interval of 7 days. Eggplants treated with 60ppm PAA revealed smaller changes in weight loss, firmness, meanwhile maintained the higher total phenolic content and antioxidant attribute. Thus, pre-treatment with PAA had a positive effect on shelf-life of eggplant during post-harvest preservation. Therefore, studies should be taken up on the effect of PAA on the other tropical fruits and vegetables.

18. Antonina Tumanyan*, Keegoui Gertrude, Zaitseva Nadezhda and Maryam Bayat [Impact of agrochemicals on the productivity of various tomato cultivars]. Res. on Crops 21 (2) : 301-305 (2020). Department of AgroBiotechnology Institute of Agriculture, RUDN University, 117198 Moscow, Russia *(e-mail : aftum@mail.ru)

ABSTRACT

Abiotic stress such as drought is a key environmental factor that affect morphology, phenology and plant biochemistry thereby significantly decreases productivity. In this regard, the present study was conducted evaluate the influence of various agrochemicals on the productivity of tomato cultivars in drip irrigation system under dry climatic conditions. The field experiment was conducted during 2018-19 at Caspian Agricultural Federal Scientific Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Astrakhan region, Russia. The findings revealed that various agrochemicals had different effects on the productivity of all the tomato hybrids. The tomato hybrids ‘Cobra 26 F1’ and ‘Heinz 3402 F1’ produced significantly higher yields of 130.4 and 126.5 t/ha, respectively with Aminovite compared to other agrochemical treatments. The tomato hybrid ‘Sister F1’ produced significantly higher yield (106.45 t/ha) with agro-chemical SpeedFol Amino Calmag SL compared to other treatments of Agricola (103.30 t/ha), Aminofol NPK (98.90 t/ha), Aminovite (93.65 t/ha) and control (90.70 t/ha). The tomato variety ‘Rio Grande’ did not respond to agrochemicals and yields were significantly reduced from 66.30 t/ha under control to 56.65, 55.50, 41.25 and 35.20 t/ha with the application of SpeedFol Amino Calmag SL, Agricola, Amonovite and Aminofol NPK, respectively. Hence, nutrient program has a significant role in determining the tomato productivity.

19. SE JI JANG AND YONG IN KUK* [Evaluation on the performance of red pepper (Capsicum annuum) and tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) under various fermented liquid fertilizers]. Res. on Crops 21 (2) : 306-314 (2020). Department of Oriental Medicine Resources Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Republic of Korea *(e-mail : yikuk@sunchon.ac.kr)

ABSTRACT

Farm-made liquid fertilizers are used in organic agriculture, however crop growth promotion and mineral nutrion levels in liquid fertilizers can vary drastically depending on manufacturing methods. Therefore, laboratory research was conducted during 2018 at Sunchon National University, Korea to determine certain manufacturing methods to produce the best fermented liquid fertilizers for red pepper and tomato seedlings. All extracts had acidic pH levels except for fish II and bone + fish meal I extracts. During storage, bone + fish I-V and tomato I-IV experienced almost no change in pH whereas all other extracts experienced a reduction in pH. Although extraction EC values varied during storage, most EC values were not high and could therefore be used for extracts. Overall, extracts used in this study were far more effective growth promotors of red pepper plants than tomato plants and shoot fresh weight with increase at a greater rate than plant height in response to fertilizers. Most extracts produced using onion, fish, and bone + fish meal had red pepper shoot fresh weight growth promotion levels of 59 to 128%. The most effective growth promoting extracts were onion extracts IV and V which produced 182 and 202% higher shoot fresh weight of red pepper, respectively. In all extracts, there was greater variation in micro-element than macro-elemnet levels. Macro and micro-element levels were higher in fish and sesame oil cake extracts than in onion, tomato, red pepper leaf, and bone + fish extracts. Generally, macro-elements such N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and Na in fish extracts were higher than in bone + fish, tomato, onion, red pepper leaf, and sesame oil cake extracts. Micro-elements such as Zn, Fe, Mn, and Mo in fish extracts were also higher than in bone + fish, tomato, onion, red pepper leaf, and sesame oil cake extracts. Despite having greater levels of either micro or macro-nutrients, some extracts had far lower levels of growth promotion. Crop growth promotion in extracts varied depending on materials, material combination, and material amounts. Thus, farm-made liquid fertilizers, though effective, need to use a standardized manufacturing method in order to produce the most effective and consistant growth promoting liquid fertilizers.

20. SE JI JANG AND YONG IN KUK* [Crop growth promotion and mineral nutrient levels in various extracts of onion (Allium cepa) and tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum)]. Res. on Crops 21 (2) : 315-326 (2020). Department of Oriental Medicine Resources Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Republic of Korea *(e-mail : yikuk@sunchon.ac.kr)

ABSTRACT

Onion waste of tremendous amount is produced during cultivation, after harvest, and during storage is mostly incinerated, neglected, and discarded which can rather be used as crop fertilizers with other agricultural by-products to improve both the yield and quality of crops. This study was conducted under greenhouse conditions during 2019 at Sunchon National University, South Korea to evaluate red pepper and tomato plants with liquid fertilizers made from onion and tomato by-products using fermentation, water and boiled water extraction methods. The shoots fresh weight of red pepper was 9-19, 11-31 and 34-57% greater than the control after being treated with the onion and tomato extracts using fermentation, water and boiled water extraction methods, respectively. The shoots fresh weight of tomato was 11-13, 29-54 and 36-39% greater than the control after treatments of the aforementioned fertilizers, respectively. Furthermore, the fruit number of red pepper increased by 26-156% in the tomato and onion fermentation and boiled water extracts compared to the control. The number of tomato fruits increased by 68-133% after being fertilized with the tomato and onion fermentation and boiled water extracts. Generally, the shoot fresh weight of red pepper and tomato increased with increasing tomato and onion extract concentrations at 0.1, 0.5, 1 and 3%. Generally, the fermentation extracts were less effective on the shoot fresh weight, fruit number, and fruit weight of the tomato and red pepper than the water and boiled water extracts. Growth promotion of red pepper and tomato were generally more effective with twice application than that under once application. On the other hand, the growth promotion of red pepper and tomato were not consistent between the drenching application and foliar application. Generally, macro-elements, such as N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and Na, in the tomato fermentation, water, and boiled water extracts were lower than in the tomato meal. In addition, the macro-elements in tomato water and boiled water extracts were higher than tomato fermentation extracts. On the other hand, tomato and onion fermentation extract levels of micro-elements such as Zn, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, and B were higher than both tomato and onion meals. These results suggest that extraction methods in the liquid fertilizers can result in different mineral nutrition which ultimately affect crop growth promotion levels.

21. IVANOVA MARIA*, GINS MURAT, ROMANOVA ELENA, MARIA MARCELA CHOLOKINGA CHANALUISA, KATILE LIUBOV, MOSKALEV EVGENIY AND MEISAM ZARGAR [Efficacy of newer horticultural fleece “TM AGROTEKS” on the productivity of perennial wall-rocket (Diplotaxis tenuifolia)]. Res. on Crops 21 (2) : 327-332 (2020). Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution “Federal Scientific Vegetable Center”, Moscow Region, 143080, Russia *(e-mail : anirr@bk.ru)

ABSTRACT

Implementation of new agricultural practices or improvement of farming technologies in the modern agricultural systems need to be economic with potential use under different field conditions. Field experiment was conducted during 2019 at the Federal Scientific Vegetable Center to evaluate the usefulness of non-woven covering material “TM AGROTEKS” on perennial wall-rocket (Diplotaxis tenuifolia) in the Moscow region. Results showed higher economic efficiency of using covering materials as they protect the crops against the damage caused by crucifer flea beetles. Moreover, the agrotextile TM AGROTEKS material allowed penetration of sunlight, air and moisture thus eliminating the time and labour consuming task of opening the covering material for ventilation. Overall, usage of nonwoven white agrotextile (B30) is good to maximize yield and the red-yellow (KZH40) material for enriching with antioxidant.

22. Mohammed Zedan Khalaf Al-Mharib*, Firas M. Jawad Al-Saadi and Ahmed Hashim Almashhadany [Studies on growth and yield indicators for kohlrabi (Brassica oleracea) plant treated with mineral fertilizers and root enhancers]. Res. on Crops 21 (2) : 333-338 (2020). Department of Horticulture and Landscape Gardening College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, University of Baghdad, Iraq *(e-mail : plantbreeding666@yahoo.com)

ABSTRACT

An experiment was conducted at the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Gardening, College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, University of Baghdad, Iraq during the autumn season of 2017. The objectives of this research were to study the effects of different mineral fertilizers and root enhancers on the growth and yield of kohlrabi plants. The effects of five fertilizer treatments viz., Control – 25% of recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF); RDF (100 kg N/ha, 120 kg P2O5/ha and 120 kg K2O/ha; 25% RDF with adding of high nitrogen (FAN) NPK fertilizer (30:10:10); 25% RDF with adding of high phosphorus (FAP) NPK fertilizer (13:40:13) and 25% RDF with adding of high potassium (FAK) NPK fertilizer (15:5:30) and three root enhancer treatments viz., Control (No root enhancer); Inicium @ 1 ml/L and Disper @ 1 ml/L. The experiment was laid out in factorial experiment with randomized complete blocks design (RCBD), with three replications. The results showed that 25% RDF with FAN treatment of fertilizers excelled significantly better compared to other treatments for the vegetative growth traits represented by plant height (68.57 cm), number of leaves/plant (19.53), leaf area/plant (906.50 cm2) and dry weight/plant (236.60 g). The root enhancer inicium @ 1 ml/L produced significantly higher plant height, number of leaves/plant, leaf area/plant and dry weight/plant amounting to 67.18 cm, 18.60, 854.90 cm2 and 226.14 g, respectively compared to control where no root enhancer was applied. The interaction of 25% RDF with FAK x Inicium @ 1ml/L gave significantly higher stem diameter (10.21 cm), stem weight (465.70 g) and stem yield (27.32 t/ha) of the kohlrabi plant compared to other treatments.

23. VALENTINA GINS*, YURY FOTEV, ALEXEY BAIKOV, YANA MIZRUKHINA, ANVAR GADZHIKURBANOV AND YASER REBOUH [Survey of antioxidants and photosynthetic pigments in the newly introduced crops of Russia : Benincasa hispida, Vigna unguiculata, Cucumis metuliferus and Momordica charantia]. Res. on Crops 21 (2) : 339-343 (2020). 1Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution Federal Scientific Vegetable Center, Moscow Region, 143080, Russia *(e-mail : anirr@bk.ru)

ABSTRACT

Introduction of new vegetable crops and extending newer assortments are important tasks of breeding programs to provide food to the growing population. Introduced crops have shown adaptability to the growing conditions but, also need to be rich in low-molecular metabolites with antioxidant activity. Hence, the goal of this study was to investigate the content of pigments and antioxidants. Several varieties of Benincasa hispida, Vigna unguiculata, Cucumis metuliferus and Momordica charantia were cultivated during 2018 under glasshouse conditions at Central Siberian Botanical Garden, Novosibirsk region and simultaneously under field and glasshouse conditions in the Federal Scientific Vegetable Center, Moscow region. Results showed that Momordica charantia had a high content of photosynthetic pigments with antioxidant activity and total antioxidant status, particularly grown under field condition. Samples of Cucumis metuliferus also showed a high total antioxidant and chlorophyll content. Thus, due to their high content in antioxidants and other metabolites, these introduced vegetables should be considered among the main crops to develop functional foods.

24. OLEG ALEXANDROV* [Study of the upstream ricin gene sequences in different castor (Ricinus communis) varieties as a preliminary step in CRISPR/Cas9 editing]. Res. on Crops 21 (2) : 344-348 (2020). 1Laboratory of Plant Cell Engineering All-Russia Russia Research Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology Timiryazevskaya 42, Moscow 127550, Russia *(e-mail : olegsandrov@gmail.com)

ABSTRACT

Castor bean (Ricinus communis L.) plants contain toxic compounds that limit the use of this crop as a feed. In this study, the main toxin addressed is ricin. The problem of the ricin detoxification is solved by different approaches, but the used treatments often degrade feed quality. CRISPR/Cas9 editing of the ricin gene may be a perspective approach to produce ricin-free plants. The upstream ricin gene region was sequenced and analyzed with nine different Ricinus communis varieties. The region consists of a part with transcription regulatory elements and a signal peptide coding part. Single nucleotide polymorphic sites were found in both parts of the region. These were mutations of various types: deletions/inserts, transitions and transversion. In the coding part, transitions were found only. Two silent and one missense mutation has been detected. In the article, a ratio of transition and transversion, as well as a possible role of the described mutations in the studied region structure and function are discussed. The optimal target sequence for CRISPR/Cas9 editing of ricin gene was considered.

25. Aiganym T. Zhumabek, Aizhan O. Rakhimzhanova, Sara S. Bekkuzhina, Yerlan M. Ramankulov and Shuga A. Manabayeva* [Somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration from upland switchgrass cultivars]. Res. on Crops 21 (2) : 349-354 (2020). 1Plant Genetic Engineering Laboratory National Center for Biotechnology (NCB) 13/5, Qorghalzhyn Hwy., Nur-Sultan 010000, Kazakhstan *(e-mail : manabayeva@biocenter.kz)

ABSTRACT

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) is one of the high biomass crops for alternative fuels and forage. In this study, the somatic embryogenesis and shoot regeneration ability of upland switchgrass cultivars Pathfinder, Forestburg, Trailblazer, and Shawnee were investigated. Friable type II calli were induced from the mature sterile seeds on callus induction medium based on Murashige and Skoog (MS) salts and Gamborg B5 vitamins supplemented with 300 mg/l casein hydrolysate, 500 mg/l L-proline, 3 mg/l 2,4 dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and 0, 2 mg/l 6-benzylaminopurine. The greatest number of plantlets was obtained on auxin free MS medium with 2 mg/l 6-benzylaminopurine, 1 mg/l kinetin and 1 mg/l gibberellic acid. The present results demonstrate an efficient tissue culture system for upland switchgrass cultivars that can be used for the production of transgenic plants.

26. Allo A. Dido*, B. J. K. Singh, M. S. R. Krishna, Kassahun Tesfaye and Dawit Degefu [Variability analysis for qualitative characters in Ethiopian barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) landraces]. Res. on Crops 21 (2) : 355-363 (2020). Ethiopian Biotechnology Institute P. O. Box 32853, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia *(e-mail : alloaman2010@gmail.com)

ABSTRACT

Five hundred eighty five Ethiopian barley landraces were studied for their phenotypic diversity for certain qualitative characters in respect to region and altitude of origin using augmented design consisting of six blocks. Data collected on qualitative characters were subjected to multivariate analyses. The diversity was estimated by using the Shannon-Weaver diversity index (H’) for each of the characters to examine overall genetic divergence between accessions on the basis of ecogeographical zones and altitudinal ranges. Phenotypic diversity index was very high for rachilla hair length, spike length, grain color and kernel row number and low diversity index for kernel cover/caryopsis. Rachilla hair length, spike length, spike density, kernel row and grain color from qualitative traits were the most characters which contributed variance among accessions. High diversity index among characters obtained at Gojam, Gonder, Wellega, Wello and Shewa and diversity index increased with altitude between 2000 and 2500 AMSL and decreases at altitude beyond 2500 AMSL. Based on the characters considered and populations evaluated, the marked diversity observed among the barley landraces could be utilized in future crop improvement for various traits. The information generated complements the robust barley breeding program of competitive, stable and climate-resilient varieties for barley farming communities in different agro-ecologies of Ethiopia.

27. Yousef Naserzadeh*, Niloufar Mahmoudi, Elena Pakina and Meisam Zargar [Molecular identification and primer design for spotted wing drosophila (Drosophila suzukii)]. Res. on Crops 21 (2) : 364-369 (2020). Department of Agrobiotechnology Institute of Agriculture, RUDN University, Moscow, 117198, Russia *(e-mail : unaserzadeh@gmail.com)

ABSTRACT

Spotted wing drosophila (Drosophila suzukii) belonging to the family Drosophilidae is a harmful insect pest in Russian Federation. At times, it may be specific to classify using adults and larva or nymph samples. The method of molecular diagnosis for D. suzukii has been developed from another non-quarantine species Drosophila sp. using the mitochondrial DNA cytochrome oxidase I region of 709-bp. DNA samples with LCO1490 and HCO2198 primers amplified by Drosophila spp. collections in laboratory samples from Mexico, Egypt and Turkey were compared to other GenBank Drosophila taxa sequences. Based on DNA sequence polymorphisms, the findings of the polymerase chain reaction (cPCR) have shown that these primers (12. dsuz.F/R) classify the exact region of the gene as well as the specific Drosophila suzukii primer. This DNA collection is appropriate for regular use by diagnostic and research organizations as safety measure in quarantine and further reduce the spread of this pest.

28. Maryam Ghadamkheir*, Papaskiri Timur Valikovich, Maryam Bayat and Marina Lyashko [Effect of nitrogen and phosphorus application on Take-all fungal disease of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)]. Res. on Crops 21 (2) : 370-374 (2020). Department of Economics and Organization of Agricultural Production Institute of Land Management, State University of Land Use Planning Moscow, 105064, Russia *(e-mail : m.ghadamkheir@yandex.ru)

ABSTRACT

A pot study was conducted to evaluate the effect of urea, ammonium sulfate, calcium nitrate and superphosphate on shoot dry weight of the infected wheat plants by Take-all disease. The experimental soil contained adequate amounts of nitrogen and zinc, but was poor in availability of iron, copper and mild phosphorus. The ammonium sulfate exhibited higher effect on Take-all disease suppression compared to other nitrogenous fertilizers which decreased the infected roots from 90 to 40%. Also, ammonium sulfate inhibited the symptoms to progress even in its lower doses which significantly improved the plant growth. The urea and calcium nitrate slightly decreased the appearance of disease but they didn’t improve plant growth. The superphosphate fertilizer reduced infected roots up to 50% in wheat. Suppression of disease symptom had linear correlation with quantity of applied phosphate. Furthermore, superphosphate fertilizer increased plant dry weight by two-folds. From this study, it is evident that proper plant nutrition management through ammonium sulphate and superphosphate fertilizers on need basis not only improved factors of plant growth, but also suppressed Take-all severity in infected plants of wheat.

29. Maryam Ghadamkheir*, Papaskiri Timur Valikovich, Elchin Orujov, Vvedenskiy Valentin and Yunlong Peng [Control of Take-all disease of wheat caused by Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici through micronutrients (Zn, Fe and Cu)]. Res. on Crops 21 (2) : 375-379 (2020). Department of Economics and Organization of Agricultural Production Institute of Land Management, State University of Land Use Planning Moscow, 105064, Russia *(e-mail : m.ghadamkheir@yandex.ru)

ABSTRACT

Take-all caused by the soil-born fungi Gaeumannomyces graminis (Sacc) Arx & Olivier is an important crown and root rot diseases of wheat throughout the world. Biological control and plant nutrition management are two effective methods for the control of this disease. In this study, effect of plant nutrition was investigated on improvement of wheat growth and suppression of the Take-all disease. For this purpose, the effect of iron sulfate, copper sulfate and zinc sulfate on Take-all disease of wheat was studies on the basis of infected roots and production of shoot dry weight. The obtained results revealed that the experimental soil was slightly alkaline. The soil contained adequate amounts of nitrogen and zinc, but was poor in availability of iron, cupper and mild deficit in phosphorus. In order to investigate the effect of the nutrients on growth and severity of the disease, four levels (0, 2.5, 5.0 and 10 mg/kg soil) of micronutrients were used. Iron had greatest effect on suppression of Take-all disease among applied micronutrients. The infected roots decreased from 89 to 53% and abolished symptoms on wheat crown up to nine times with the application if iron. In addition, iron increased the dry weight of aerial parts of wheat from 0.78 to 1.3 g per plant. The effects of zinc and copper fertilizers on disease suppression on wheat was less than that of iron with decreased infected roots to 57 and 64%, respectively. Overall, increase in the amount of iron sulfate decreased the severity of the disease and enhanced biomass of aerial parts in infected wheat plants.

30. Onaebi, C. N*, Ugwuja, F. N., Okoro, A. C., Amujiri, A. N. and Ivoke, M. U. [Mycoflora associated with post-harvest rot of onion (Allium cepa) and garlic (Allium sativum) bulbs]. Res. on Crops 21 (2) : 380-389 (2020). Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria *(e-mail : chiemeka.onaebi@unn.edu.ng)

ABSTRACT

Food losses and waste caused by mycoflora, develops on crops between harvesting and consumption. Reducing postharvest waste, especially in developing countries can be a sustainable solution to increase food availability and improve farmers livelihoods. Based on this, study was conducted during harvest to storage season of at Advance Plant Pathology Laboratory, Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, to assess the mycoflora associated with post-harvest rot of onion and garlic. The two Allium species with signs of rot were collected from three different local markets in Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria. A total of seven mycoflora were isolated from the diseased onion bulbs while ten mycoflora were isolated from the diseased garlic bulbs. The fungal species isolated from onion bulbs were Aspergillus niger, A. flavus, A. fumigatus, A. terreus, Fusarium oxysporum, Penicillium citrinum and Rhizopus stolonifer while fungal species isolated from garlic bulbs were A. flavus, A. fumigatus, A. japonicus, A. niger, Botrytis allii, Fusarium oxysporum, Galactomyces candidum, Mucor racemosus, Penicillium citrinum and Rhizopus stolonifer. All the isolates in onion bulbs were present in garlic bulbs except A. terreus. Aspergillus niger had the highest frequency of occurrence of 33.78 and 32.79 % in both onion and garlic, respectively. The least frequency of occurrence of 0.66 % (A. terreus) and 1.09 % (G. candidum) were also observed for onion and garlic. The pathogenicity test indicated that all the isolated fungi were pathogenic to their respective hosts. A. flavus with rot diameter of 38.67 mm and R. stolonifer with rot diameter of 35.00 mm were more pathogenic to onion and garlic bulbs respectively and significantly different from all the other isolates at P < 0.001. A. flavus was more severe on the 6th day of incubation of onion bulb while R. stolonifer was more severe on the 5th day of incubation of garlic bulb. This research has shown that mycoflora associated with the rot of onion and garlic bulbs could lead to their post-harvest losses, this should necessitate pre and post harvest strategies in order to mitigate the effects of these pathogens.

31. R. Sridevi*, V. Manonmani and A. Vijayakumar [Effect of seed priming in proso millet (Panicum miliaceum) and barnyard millet (Echinochloa frumentacea) under field conditions]. Res. on Crops 21 (2) : 390-395 (2020). Department of Seed Science and Technology Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore-641 003, Tamil Nadu, India *(e-mail : agrirose.28@gmail.com)

ABSTRACT

A field experiment was conducted during Kharif, 2016 at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore to study the growth and yield parameters influenced by seed priming. The proso millet and barnyard millet seeds were imposed with priming treatments and evaluated under field conditions. The results of the field experiment revealed that among the priming treatments Pseudomonas fluorescens 20% recorded significantly higher growth parameters such as field emergence, plant height, chlorophyll content, net assimilation rate, dry matter efficiency, earliness in days to booting, days to first flowering and days to 50 per cent flowering. The yield parameters like panicle weight/plant, panicle to seed recovery percentage, seed yield/plant, seed yield/plot and 1000 seed weight was higher with Pseudomonas fluorescens 20% primed seeds compared to other treatments. Thus, the present study indicates that seed priming with Pseudomonas fluorescens 20% have the potential in enhancing growth and yield parameters in proso millet and barnyard millet.

32. Minh Phuoc Nguyen* [Study on feasibility of tea production from celery (Apium graveolens)]. Res. on Crops 21 (2) : 396-401 (2020). Faculty of Biotechnology Ho Chi Minh City Open University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam *(e-mail : minh.np@ou.edu.vn)

ABSTRACT

Celery is a rich source of vitamins, carotene, protein, cellulose along with some secondary metabolites used for medicinal purposes. It contains a significant amount of essential oils and is recognized as a healthy plant and a spice. The present study was conducted during 2019 in Labone Scientific Co. Ltd, Vietnam on the effect of blanching time and temperature, CaCl2 concentration in blanching; leaf size and temperature in drying, and storage condition to flavonoid (mg/100g) content in the herbal tea. Raw celery leaves were blanched in water solution with 0.3% CaCl2 at different temperature and time (100oC for 5 secs, 95oC for 10 secs, 90oC for 15 secs and 85oC for 20 secs) with different CaCl2 concentration (0.25, 0.30, 0.35, 0.40 and 0.45%) and dried at different size (1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 and 3.0 cm) by hot-air at 55oC until 8.5% moisture was attained. From this, sample of 2.0 cm size was hot-air dried at different temperature (45, 50, 55, 60 and 65oC) until 8.5% moisture was attained. The results indicated that blanching at 95oC, 10 secs with 0.4% CaCl2, heat pump drying at 50oC in dimension of 2.0cm, storage at 4oC in Polyester (PET)/Aluminium (AL)/Polyethylene (PE) under vacuum conditions could maintain the saponin content in herbal tea for 12 weeks without any decomposition.

33. Arshad Yaseen* and Mária Takácsné Hájos [Study on moringa tree (Moringa oleifera Lam.) leaf extract in organic vegetable production : A review]. Res. on Crops 21 (2) : 402-414 (2020). Horticulture Department Faculty of the Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management University of Debrecen, H-4032, Boszormenyi Street 138, Debrecen, Hungary *(e-mail : arshad.yaseen@agr.unideb.hu)

ABSTRACT

Moringa oleifera is the most nutritious tree that has ever been found. Almost all parts of the plant can be used as an eco-friendly nutrient supplement and natural biopesticide to improve crop growth and yields. Based in this fact this review article aims to focus on the possible role of Moringa oleifera as an alternative source of the environmentally friendly product in organic vegetable production. It is evident that the plant is rich in antioxidants, antibiotics, nutrients, including vitamins and minerals, protein, and carotenoids. Due to the presence of high concentration of different hormones mainly zeatin, it can be used to improve the yield of many types of crops by 10-45 per cent apart from the lowest cost of production. Many research papers demonstrate the benefits of the tree in different aspects like livestock production, medicine, manufacturing, water purification, source of nutrients in poor nations, and food technology.

34. Elhashash Arafa* and Lev Shestakov [Overview of Tachinid parasitoids classification (Tachinidae, Diptera)]. Res. on Crops 21 (2) : 415-423 (2020). Agrarian and Technological Institute RUDN University, Miklukho-Maklaya Str., 8/2, 117198 Moscow, Russia *(e-mail : Arafa.elhashash@yahoo.com)

ABSTRACT

The track of the higher classification of the Tachinidae (Diptera) is showed in the last few decades. Particularly, when the classification of the family was improved and focused on the investigations that employed molecular data in the analyses. This paper deals on study of the family in phylogenetic and taxonomic directions. Whereas, some taxa in the past was a problem where to place in a satisfied and accurate position within the family. When employment with molecular data, it was appropriate resolution to explore the relationships of the parasitoid family, and many questionable higher taxa were resolved. Nevertheless, certain taxa need to be studied in more depth aided by new approaches, because the molecular studies on Tachinidae until now are insufficient.

35. NOWAR MOHAMED* [Effect of antioxidants in promoting plant growth under climate change conditions]. Res. on Crops 21 (2) : 424-434 (2020). Agrarian Technological Institute Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia, Moscow, 117198 Russia *(e-mail : mnowar2000@gmail.com)

ABSTRACT

Climatic changes significantly affect the growth of agricultural crops, either directly or indirectly and consequently leads to reduction in their productivity. Environmental stresses caused by climate change including temperature stress, intense light, ultraviolet radiation (UV), salt stress, cold/heat treatments, drought stress and herbicides have shown to increase the reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the reactive nitrogen species (RNS) production, which cause severe damage to plant cells. The impact of climate change has become more acute on plant production; therefore, we need to focus on what we can do to mitigate the damage from climate change and give plants some ability to withstand environmental conditions that are not appropriate for their normal growth. In this concern, antioxidants have synergistic effects on growth and productivity of many species of plant. Antioxidant compounds consist of non-enzymatic and enzymatic antioxidants which work together to detoxify ROS. Antioxidants are the natural and safety compounds which inhibit oxidation that can produce free radicals. Foliar application with antioxidants helps agricultural crops to resist environmental stresses and restore their capacity, thus obtaining the highest possible yield.

36. Nina G. Gavrilova* and Tatyana S. Denisova1 [Smallholder crop production in Nigeria: Pitfalls and paths to innovation]. Res. on Crops 21 (2) : 435-440 (2020). Institute for African Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences Moscow, Russia *(e-mail : ninagavrilova1976@gmail.com)

ABSTRACT

Crop production in Nigeria is the main food supplier in the country despite the fact that the industry’s output has been increasing, it is still lagging behind the demand from the country’s rapidly growing population. Thus, national agricultural producers are unable to supply the population with food. This paper identifies a number of factors in the development of the industry that are responsible for the inability of Nigeria to provide itself food with required demand. The most significant factors are the lack of financing for farmers and insufficient access to the information on agricultural innovations. However, the proliferation of information through mobile phones in the country may facilitate the information to the farming sector rapidly but, on the condition that they are connected to a single network, which would integrate and streamline all relevant information on markets, products and services.

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