bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Somatic Embryos in Catharanthus roseus: A Scanning Electron Microscopic Study
Authors: ASLAM Junaid , MUJIB Abdul , SHARMA Mahendra Prasad
Published: July 2019

Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don is an important medicinal plant as it contains several anti-cancerous compounds, like vinblastine and vincristine. Plant tissue culture technology (organogenesis and embryogenesis) has currently been used in fast mass propagating raw materials for secondary metabolite synthesis. In this present communication, scanning electron microscopic (SEM) study of somatic embryos was conducted and discussed. The embryogenic callus was first induced from hypocotyls of in vitro germinated seeds on which somatic embryos, differentiated in numbers, particularly on 2,4-D (1.0 mg/L) Murashige and Skoog (MS) was medium. To understand more about the regeneration method and in vitro formed embryos SEM was performed. The SEM study revealed normal somatic embryo origin and development from globular to heart-, torpedo- and then into cotyledonary-stage of embryos. At early stage, the embryos were clustered together in a callus mass and could not easily be detached from the parental tissue. The embryos were often long cylindrical structure with or without typical notch at the tip. Secondary embryos were also formed on primary embryo structure. The advanced cotyledonary embryos showed prominent roots and shoot axis, which germinated into plantlets. The morphology, structure and other details of somatic embryos at various stages were presented.
Exploitation of Diversity for Morphological Traits in Lilium tsingtauense under Different Habitats
Authors: LIM KiByung , YOUNIS Adnan , TAEK PARK Jong , JUNG HWANG Yoon
Published: July 2019

In this study naturally growing morphological variation of Lilium tsingtauense (Korean wheel lily), from southern Chung San Island to northern Mount Seorak, was investigated in 16 habitats around the country. Morphological analysis revealed that this species had its own unique characteristics in different habitats. Flowers with luster are in actinomorphic form, with shades of orange, each plant having an average of 2.4 flowers that blossom upward. The shape of flower petals was from oval to oblong. The width of the petals, which determines the shape of the flower, significantly varied among regions. Flower petals showed purple spots and its occurrence greatly varied among plants from almost none to 300 spots per flower. In addition, when the number of spots increased, the flower color was more vivid. Leaves were typically one-tiered verticillate and most of the leaves were long, oval and some were lanceolate. Young leaves showed definitive patterns that faded during growth. Starting from the verticillate leaves, stems below the leaves were smooth, although 81% of all stems, above the verticillate leaves, showed rough micro-protrusions. Bulb shapes were long and vertically elliptical. The ramentum was light yellow in color and the base was darker, with the color fading toward the upper region of the plant. The shape of the ramentum was long, with a pointy end, and its adhesiveness was weak. This study offers basic fundamental information for the effective exploitation and recognition of L. tsingtauense resources as a potential cut flower and potting plant in floral trade worldwide.
The Qualitative Differences for Photosynthetic Content of Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Populations  in Kosovo
Authors: ALIU Sali Ali , RUSINOVCI Imer , FETAHU Shukri , GASHI Bekim
Published: July 2019

Genetic diversity analysis of common bean populations is useful for breeding programs, as it helps to select genetic material to be used for further crossings. Twenty (20) common bean populations were analyzed using qualitative traits, chlorophyll “a” (Chl ‘a’), chlorophyll “b” (Chl ‘b’), total chlorophyll “a+b” (Total Chl) and carotenoides. The design of the experiment was conducted with leaves of common bean collected from different regions of Kosovo. The experiment was completely randomly with four repetitions. Pigments were extracted by grinding 80-100 mg freshly sampled leaves in 80% (v/v) acetone/water containing MgCO3, at room temperature, preserved in the dark for 24 hours. Concentration of chlorophyll and carotenoid content was measured by spectrophotometer using absorbance recorded at 663 nm, 644 nm and 452.3 nm for maximum absorption of Chl ‘a’, Chl ‘b’, and carotenoids respectively. According to our data the differences between populations for Chl ‘a’, and Chl ‘b’ was significantly higher at level of probability LSDp=0.01. The average values for Chl ‘a’, was 1.67 mg.g-1, while for Chl‘b’was 0.74 mg.g-1. In addition, the results for carotenoids content between populations were with high differences.
Screening of Fe-Deficiency Tolerance in Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) Through Hydroponic Culture
Authors: RAHMAN Motiar , ISLAM Mohammad S. , KABIR Ahmad Humayan , HAIDER Syed A. , PAUL Nishit K.
Published: July 2019

Screening for Fe deficiency tolerance in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) Bangladeshi genotypes (‘BARI-1’, ‘Local variety’, ‘Orca Onamica’, and ‘Prince’) were studied based on different morphological and physiological parameters. Number of leaves, shoot height and weight were significantly reduced in ‘Orca Onamica’ and ‘Prince’, whereas ‘BARI-1’ and ‘Local variety’ did not show prominent decrease in the aforesaid growth parameters under Fe deficiency. Again, ‘Orca Onamica’ and ‘Prince’ showed significantly decreased root length and root biomass under Fe deficiency. In contrast, these parameters were unchangeable in ‘BARI’-1 and ‘Local variety’ in Fe shortage compared to controls. Furthermore, Fe deficiency caused severe decrease in chlorophyll (a and b) and Fe concentrations in leaves of ‘Orca Onamica’ and ‘Prince’ grown on hydroponic culture. In contrast, chlorophyll (a and b) and Fe concentrations were not significantly decreased in ‘BARI-1’ and ‘Local variety’ due to Fe deficiency. Based on these findings, tolerance to Fe deficiency in these okra cultivars can be categorized as: tolerant (‘BARI-1’ and ‘Local’), and sensitive (‘Orca Onamica’ and ‘Prince’). The ranking can be applied in plant breeding program and may have great advantage over conventional methods. This study also demonstrates the effectiveness of hydroponic culture as an efficient method to screen Fe-efficient crop plants.
Effects of Hydro and Hormonal Seed Priming on Seed Germination of Milk Thistle under Saline Stress Condition
Authors: NASIRI Yousef , FEYZI Parisa , JAVANMARD Abdollah
Published: July 2019

Salinity is an abiotic stress which has harmful effects on germination of many plants. Therefore, high germination rate and vigorous early growth under salty soils is preferred. Seed priming is a way to increase salt tolerance of plants. An experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of seed priming on germination of milk thistle under salinity condition. The treatments were 4 levels of seed priming (no priming, distilled water as hydro priming and 0.5 and 1.0 mM salicylic acid) and 5 levels of salinity (0, 40 and 80 mM NaCl and 40 and 80 mM CaCl2). The experiment arranged as a factorial in a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications. Results showed that salinity decreased germination percentage and germination rate to about 16 and 32% in 80 mM CaCl2 level compared to control, respectively. The highest mean germination time (5.7 day) were belonged to 80 mM CaCl2. Radicle and plumule length significantly decreased by 80 mM NaCl and 40 and 80 mM CaCl2. The lowest seedling weight and seed stamina observed in 80 mM CaCl2. 0.5 mM salicylic acid improved all traits except mean germination time as compared to control.  Salicylic acid (0.5 mM) improved radicle length under 0, 40 and 80 mM NaCl salinity levels as well as increased plumule length at the 0 and 40 mM NaCl salinity conditions.
RAPD and ISSR Methods Used for Fingerprinting of Selected Accessions of Viburnum
Authors: KRUPA-MAŁKIEWICZ Marcelina , Smolik Miłosz , BARNIAK Anna , SMOLIK Beata
Published: July 2019

Randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers were used to investigate genetic variability within thirteen Viburnum species (Viburnum × hillieri; V. dilatatum; Viburnum × carlcephalum; V. opulus; V. hupehense; Viburnum× bodnantense; Viburnum × burkwoodii; V. sieboldii; Viburnum × globosum ‘Jermyns Globe’; V. alnifolium (lantanoides); V. plicatum ‘Sterile’; V. plicatum f. tomentosum and V. plicatum ‘Watanabe’) of wide geographical distribution, collected in the Dendrological Garden in Przelewice (the north-west part of Poland). Twenty-three RAPD and fourteen ISSR primers generated a total of 690 and 418 reproducible bands, respectively, and 39% (RAPD) and 55.5% (ISSR) of them were polymorphic for the two marker systems, which suggest high genetic variability within Viburnum genus. However, high numbers of genotype-specific bands, i.e. 60.9% (RAPD) and 44.5% (ISSR), were seen in Viburnum. Genetic similarity assessed within Viburnum species with the RAPD and ISSR analyses ranged from 6 to 42% and from 6 to 31%, respectively. Both RAPD and ISSR-based dendrograms clustered in five main groups. The Mantel test between two Nei’s similarity matrices gave correlation coefficient r=0.305*, showing low correlation between RAPD- and ISSR- based matrices. Thus, both marker systems were equally important for the genetic diversity analysis in Viburnum genus.
Codon Usage Bias Prefers AT Bases in Coding Sequences Among the Essential Genes of Haemophilus influenzae
Authors: SUPRIYO Chakraborty , PROSENJIT Paul , MAZUMDER Tarikul Huda
Published: July 2019

The base composition at three different codon positions in relation to codon usagebias and gene expressivity was studied in a sample of twenty five essential genes from Haemophilus influenzae. ENC, CBI and Fop were used to quantify the variation in codon usage bias for the cds. CAI is used to estimate the level of gene expression of the cds selected in the present study. To find out the relationship between the extent of codon bias and nucleotide composition the values of A, T, G, C and GC they were compared with the A3, T3, G3, C3 and GC3 values, respectively. The results showed relatively weak codon usage bias among the coding sequences (cds) of Haemophilus influenzae. This in turn, implies that the essential genes prefer to use a set of restricted codons. However, the base compositional analysis of essential genes in Haemophilus influenzae revealed preference of AT to GC bases within their coding sequences and this preference might affect gene expression as indicated by the relatively high CAI values ofthe coding sequences.
Genetic Diversity Analysis of Elops machnata (Forskal) Populations in South East and West Coasts of India Using RAPD Markers
Authors: RAMANADEVI Vellaichamy , THANGARAJ Muthusamy
Published: July 2019

The Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique was used to study the genetic diversity of four Elops machnata populations in South India. Elops machnata is considered as a least concern species (LC), categorized by the International Union for Conservation and Nature (IUCN). The population trends are currently stable in Indian Ocean, Eastern Africa, but are unknown throughout the rest of its expansive range, especially in Indian estuaries. Among the ten RAPD primers tested, eight primers got amplified and gave scorable bands. In total, 119 scorable bands were observed in all populations. The overall observed and effective number of alleles was found to be 2.000 ± 0.000 and 1.5307 ± 0.2503 respectively for the entire population. The overall polymorphic loci were 61.00% and the overall gene flow among the four populations was predicted to 0.1032. The genetic distance and geographic distance between the four populations showed a positive correlation. The highest genetic similarity (0.6824) was found between Parangipettai and Muthupettai population, which reflected the geographical relationship between them. Tow main clusters were obtained based on UPGMA dendrogram. This study proves that RAPD analysis has the ability to discriminate E. machnata populations in South Indian coastal waters.
Sporozoite Infection Rate and Identification of the Infective and Refractory Species of Anopheles gambiae (Giles) Complex
Authors: OBEMBE Music Temitope , AWOPETU Idowu J.
Published: July 2019

The ability of Anopheles gambiae complex mosquitoes to transmit Plasmodium infection is known to be variable within sibling species of the complex with strains that cannot transmit the parasite. High sporozoite infection rate recorded showed that A. gambiae mosquitoes are potent malaria vectors in southwestern Nigeria. The aim of this study was to identify the infective and refractory strains of A. gambiae mosquitoes and to determine the sporozoite infection rate in this area. The infective strains were A. gambiae (sensu stricto) and A. arabiensis, while the refractory strains were A. gambiae (sensu stricto). However, ovarian polytene chromosome banding patterns could not be used to distinguish between the infective and refractory strains of A. gambiae (sensu stricto). This study showed that the refractory strains of Anopheles gambiae complex are present, but in low frequencies, in southwestern Nigeria, and that the sibling species of Anopheles gambiae (A. gambiae s.s. and A. arabiensis) are potent malaria vectors.
Evaluation of Broadleaf Weeds Control with Selectivity of Post-Emergence Herbicides in Sugar Beet (Beta vulgaris L.)
Authors: CHITBAND Ali Asghar , GHORBANI Reza , RASHED MOHASSEL Mohammad Hassan , ABBASPOOR Majid , ABBASI Rahmat
Published: July 2019

The reduction of herbicide applications is a main research priority in recent years. In order to study the effect of individual post-emergence application of sugar beet broad-leaf herbicides at four to six true-leaf stage of weeds, experiments were conducted during 2013. Treatments included untreated control and several rates of desmedipham + phenmedipham + ethofumesate, chloridazon and clopyralid on Portulaca oleracea, Solanum nigrum, Amaranthus retroflexus and Chenopodium album. A completely randomized layout with three replications was used for each herbicide. Three weeks after spraying (WAS), plants were harvested and measured their dry weight. These herbicides were more effective to control Portulaca oleracea than other weeds, thereupon minimum dose required for a satisfactory efficacy of 90% reduction of Portulaca oleracea aboveground dry matter (ED90) were 299.22, 1138.31 and 129.44 g a.i ha-1 of desmedipham + phenmedipham + ethofumesate, chloridazon and clopyralid, respectively. Solanum nigrum was more affected by clopyralid application (132.40 g a.i ha-1), and did not make significant difference in Portulaca oleracea. Chloridazon had lower effect for control of Chenopodium album due to existence of powdery covering on abaxial side of the leaves. Biomass ED50 or ED90, based on log-logistic dose–response curves, for Chenopodium album was considerably higher than other species. These results showed that tank mixtures with other herbicides may be required for satisfactory weed control and reduction in applied herbicides doses.
Number of Microorganisms in the Soil Cultivated with Legume-Grass Mixtures Supplied with Phytohormones and Nitrogen
Authors: SOSNOWSKI Jacek , JANKOWSKI Kazimierz , VIDICAN Roxana , WIŚNIEWSKA-KADŻAJAN Beata , MALINOWSKA Elżbieta , KACZOREK Anna
Published: July 2019

The study concerned the number of microorganisms colonizing the humus layer and under plough soil from the cultivation of perennial ryegrass mixtures with red clover, which were fed by biostimulant based on the phytohormones  and different doses of nitrogen. Nitrogen was applied at four levels-control (no nitrogen), 50, 100 and 150 kg N∙ha-1, biostimulant in two combinations - with and without preparation. Soil material to assess the size of individual groups of microorganisms was collected from each experimental plot in autumn 2010 from the humus (0-20 cm) and under plough layers (20-40 cm). The analysis of soil samples for a total number of bacteria, actinomycetes and fungi was conducted at the Department of Agricultural Microbiology IUNG-PIB in Pulawy. Results of studies have shown that more colonies of bacteria, actinomycetes and fungi were colonized the humus horizon. Biostimulant application in this cultivation led to a decrease of the total number of colonies of the all soil microorganisms groups but improved the ratio of bacteria to fungi. Increasing doses of mineral nitrogen by the limiting of the bacteria number and intensive development of soil fungi, helped to narrow the B/F ratio.
Phytochemistry and Biological Properties of Burnet Weed (Sanguisorba spp.): A Review
Authors: KARKANIS Anestis , VELLIOS Evangelos , THOMAIDIS Thomas , BILALIS Dimitrios , EFTHIMIADOU Aspasia , TRAVLOS Ilias
Published: July 2019

Great burnet (Sanguisorba officinalis L.) and small burnet (Sansguisorba minor Scop.) are edible, perennial weeds widely distributed in the world. These are the most widespread Sanguisorba species. The bioactive components of Sanguisorba plants include phenolics (phenolic acids, flavonoids and neolignans) and terpenoids. Large potential exists to use burnets as medicinal plants. Sanguisorba species are known to show anticancer properties, antioxidative, antimicrobial and antiviral activities. Also, Sanguisorba extracts show anti-Alzheimer and anti-inflammatory properties. Small burnet extracts could also be a useful alternative to synthetic fungicides for crop production. This review focuses on biological activities of Sanguisorba extracts and emphasizing their potential applications in pharmaceutical areas.
Influence of Modified Atmosphere Packaging on Storability and Postharvest Quality of Cornelian Cherry (Cornus mas L.) Fruits
Authors: MOHEBBI Sheida , MOSTOFI Younes , ZAMANI Zabihallah , NAJAFI Farzaneh
Published: July 2019

Cornelian cherries were stored in two types of polymeric films (low density polyethylene and polypropylene) and three gas combinations 5%O2 + 20%CO2 + 75%N2, 60%O2 + 20%CO2 + 20%N2 and Air) at 1 °C and 90-95% relative humidity for 35 days. Unpackaged cornelian cherries were used as a control. Samples were taken initially and at intervals of 7-days during storage, when quality parameters were measured. Results showed that modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) allowed the stored fruits to retain their weight and visual quality throughout the experiment, regardless of the gas combinations used, while by the end of the storage period the unpackaged fruit lost over 30% of their weight and consequently visual quality. Overall, packaging in 60%O2 + 20%CO2 polypropylene (PP) and air low density polyethylene (LDPE) could retard soluble solid contents, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid, anthocyanin index decrease and pH increase during the storage time. Additionally, such packaging could lead to better surface color preservation than that of fruits kept in open containers. Furthermore, packaging in air low density polyethylene and 60%O2 + 20%CO2 low density polyethylene could delay total phenolics accumulation and increase peroxidase activity to levels higher than those in the control. During the maintenance period, no symptoms of decay were observed.
Heterogeneity of Soil and Vegetation in the Urban Habitats of New Industrial Cities in the Desert Landscape of Egypt
Authors: EL-GHANI Monier Abd , BORNKAMM Reinhard , EL-SAWAF Nadia , TURKY Hamdiya
Published: July 2019

The relationship between vegetation and soil supporting the habitats in 4 new industrial cities were assessed. Five main habitats were distinguished from inner city toward outskirts: lawns, home gardens, public gardens, waste lands and desert outskirts. After application of Twinspan, 26 vegetation groups were identified in the 5 recognized habitats, demonstrating that some groups are chatracteristic of a certain city, e.g. Asphodelus aestivus - Deverra tortuosa - Thymelaea hirsuta group was confined to the desert habitat of Burg El-Arab city; Thymelaea hirsuta - Linaria albifrons and Atriplex halimus - Atriplex lindleyi subsp. inflata - Suaeda vermiculata - Typha domingensis groups were found in the waste lands of Burg El-Arab city; Conyza bonariensis - Cynodon dactylon - Sonchus oleraceus group in the home garden habitat of 10th Ranadan city; Cynodon dactylon group in the lawns of Burg El-Arab city; Bassia indica - Plantago major group in the public gardens of Burg El-Arab city; Oxalis corniculata - Plantago lagopus group in the public gardens of 10th Ramadan city; Sonchus oleraceus - Cynodon dactylon and Dactyloctenium aegyptium - Leptochloa fusca - Phragmites australis groups in the public gardens of 6th October city. Silt, clay, organic matter, carbonates and carbon contents showed significant diffrences among the 5 habitats.
Androgenesis Induced in Nicotiana alata and the Effect of Gamma Irradiation
Authors: EL-FIKI Ayman , EL-METABTEB Gamal , SAYED Abdel-Hadi , ADLY Mohamed
Published: July 2019

Nicotiana alata anthers cultured on different modified media based on MS, MT and N were used to obtain haploid plants through direct and indirect ways. The haploid plants resulting on MS medium ranged from 52% - 80%, on MT medium ranged from 32% - 52% and on N medium ranged from 28% - 44%. Accordingly, the best medium used for haploid induction was MS supplemented with 0.2 mgl-l NAA + 0.5 mgl-l KIN. On the other hand, MS medium supplemented with 0.4 mgl-l NAA + 0.5 mgl-l KIN or 1.0 mgl-l BAP + 0.5 mgl-l NAA were the best mediums for callus induction and plant regeneration, respectively. Morphologically, the leaf size, stem highest and diameter, flower size and diameter, anther length and number were about 67% of the diploid plants growth. Irradiated anthers with doses of 0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 Gy caused reducing the number of haploid plants with increasing gamma radiation dose. For the haploid plants irradiated with same doses, the mortality percentage of bud survival was increasing with increasing gamma radiation dose. The irradiated callus with doses of 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 Gy was affected negatively on growth rate and morphology. Proline content in irradiated plantlets increased with increasing gamma radiation dose. As well, total soluble protein content was increased with gamma irradiation up to 10 Gy. However, the higher doses caused a severe decrease of total soluble proteins. The production of proline and total soluble proteins in haploid plants were 48.6% and 69.5%, respectively comparing with diploid plants.
Consumer Perception Concerning Apple Fruit Quality, Depending on Cultivars and Hedonic Scale of Evaluation - a Case Study
Authors: DAN Cătălina , ȘERBAN Corina , SESTRAŞ Adriana F. , MILITARU Mădălina , MORARIU Paula , SESTRAŞ Radu E.
Published: July 2019

The objective of this study was to analyse fruit quality through consumers’ perceptions and their preferences revealed by two panel questionnaires. Among the most common apple cultivars on the Romanian markets, were chosen the ones existing simultaneously and continuously (over two-years, during January-March): ‘Golden Delicious’, ‘Braeburn’, ‘Granny Smith’, ‘Red Delicious’, ‘Jonagold’, ‘Jonathan’, ‘Florina’, ‘Idared’. The consumers’ panel for sensory evaluation was represented by students, who completed two types of questionnaires. Both questionnaires refer to foremost traits for dessert apple, such as fruit appearance (size, shape, color) and intrinsic peculiarities (pulp consistency, juiciness, taste, flavor). First questionnaire comprised different scales for the traits (1-3, 1-5 or 1-15), while the second one consisted of the hedonic scale (1-9) for all traits. For commercial appearance of the fruits were highlighted ‘Idared’, ‘Granny Smith’, ‘Braeburn’ and especially ‘Jonagold’. ‘Braeburn’ was distinct by the highest quality taste (average grade 13.9 on the scoring taste scale 1-15) and also for fruit flavor. ‘Granny Smith’, a commercially attractive-looking fruit, received only an average of 6.2 for taste and 2.6 for flavor. ‘Granny Smith’ presented the largest value for the coefficients of variation for taste, this variety being preferred less by female than male tasters. Inconsistency of the market, prices and foreign assortment on Romanian market was illustrated by the lack of statistical correlations between commercial fruit quality and price. The study could provide useful background information for apples breeders, farmers and marketing fruits strategy. The use of different scales for panel evaluation, dependent on the relevance of traits, might be a proper solution for reducing bias. In this case, the 1-15 large scale for apple taste compared with lower ones for other traits assured a more appropriate image of the tasters’ preferences.
The Response of Several Plum Cultivars to Natural Infection with Monilinia laxa, Polystigma rubrum and Stigmina carpophila
Authors: MITRE jr. Ioana , TRIPON Andreea , MITRE Ioana , MITRE Viorel
Published: July 2019

The response to the attack of Monilinia laxa, Polystigma rubrum and Stigmina carpophila in natural conditions of infection of 13 plum cultivars were evaluated during three years, in a commercial orchard located in North-western of Romania. The studied cultivars were: ‘Topfirst’, ‘Nectarina rosie’, ‘Tuleu timpuriu’, ‘Hangata’, ‘Toptaste’, ‘Tuleu gras’, ‘Vinete de Italia’, ‘Stanley’, ‘Vinete romanesti’, ‘Tophit’, ‘Jojo’,‘Anna Späth’, ‘Topend’. The highest degree of flower attack by Monilinia laxa was recorded for ‘Stanley’, while the lowest attacks were registered on ‘Topend’, ‘Jojo’, ‘Tophit’ and ‘Nectarina rosie’. The best response regarding the attack on fruits proved to be with ‘Topend’, ‘Jojo’, ‘Tophit’ and ‘Topfirst’. These cultivars registered small values of attack degree (0.7-3.3%). The cultivars with the lowest attack degree of red staining caused by Polystigma rubrum were ‘Top End’, ‘Jojo’, ‘Tophit’, ‘Toptaste’, ‘Nectarina rosie’ and ‘Topfirst’. A high degree of attack was calculated on ‘Anna Späth’, ‘Vinete romanesti’, ‘Vinete de Italia’ and ‘Tuleu timpuriu’. These cultivars prove to be very sensitive to the red staining disease in natural conditions of infections. Cultivars ‘Top End’, ‘Jojo’, ‘Tophit’, ‘Toptaste’, ‘Nectarina rosie’ and ‘Topfirst’ were slightly attacked by Stigmina carpophila (5.3-7.3% attack degree). The low infections levels recommend the mentioned cultivars as possible genitors in plum breeding programs, for creating new genotypes with good response to diseases attack.
Antioxidant Enzymes and Physiological Responses of Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) to Iron Application, under Water Deficit Condition
Authors: AMIRKHIZ Kayvan Fathi , DEHAGHI Majid Amini , HESHMATI Siavash
Published: July 2019

The effect of soil and foliar iron (Fe) application on the activity of some antioxidant enzymes and plant metabolites of Carthamus tinctorius L. (IL111), under water stress conditions was tested. The results showed that under drought stress conditions, the activity of ascorbate peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, polyphenol oxidase and catalase enzymes increased with soil application of Fe. In contrast, the activity of peroxidase enzyme under drought conditions increased with foliar application of Fe treatments. In general, leaf total soluble proteins, proline and malondialdehyde amounts were affected by interaction effects of drought stress and Fe. The results showed that leaf total soluble proteins had a positive reaction to soil and foliar applications of Fe. The result of this interaction effects showed that soil application of Fe is able to decrease malondialdehyde amount under water stress conditions. In addition, it was indicated that soil application of Fe in drought stress conditions lead to increasing proline. In conclusion, soil and foliar application of Fe during drought stress may counteract negative effects of such stress and enhance safflower tolerance to drought by increasing some antioxidant enzymes and plant metabolites (organic compounds such as proline and soluble proteins).
Molecular Characterization of Fusarium oxysporum G30 Isolated from Vegetable Wastes in Imphal, Northeast India
Authors: SHARMA Gehamanjuri Laimayum , ATHOKPAM Pinokiyo , THONGATABAM Bijaya Devi
Published: July 2019

A new strain of Fusarium oxysporum (Schl.) emend. Synder & Hansen, viz. Fusarium oxysporum G30, is reported from seven different decomposing vegetable wastes and a mixture of the same in equal proportions, in Imphal, Northeast India. This strain was isolated by surface sterilization technique, followed by re-culturing till pure culture was obtained. The pure culture was characterised morphologically based on the colony features: colour, texture, colony diameter; conidial features: macro and microconidial shape, size, septation, presence of chlamydospores and foot-shaped basal cells. The strain was also identified at molecular level by partial sequencing using universal primers, ITS4 and ITS5. The ITS data reveals that isolated culture (F. oxysporum G30) match the existing isolates in Gen Bank (Gen Bank accession No. GQ497156.1) by 99% and it has got a code segment particular to this strain. This strain showed ubiquitous nature with mean percent frequency of occurrence ranging from 39.5 to 68% at various stages of decomposition of the selected vegetable wastes.
Ethnobotanical Knowledge Studied in Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary, Telangana, India
Authors: SAIDULU Pendem , SUTHARI Sateesh , KANDAGATLA Ramesh , AJMEERA Ragan , VATSAVAYA Raju S.
Published: July 2019

A survey was conducted in 31 fringe villages of Pocharam wildlife sanctuary, Telangana, India, during 2010 to 2012, in order to explore and document the ethnobotanical knowledge of Yerukulas and Lambadis communities. There was revealed the use of 173 Angiosperm species. The pattern of the plant use as per habitat (terrestrial/aquatic), habit (growth form), plant part (organ) and taxonomic category (families), nativity and occurrence (wild/cultivated) were established. Dicots contribute more than Monocots to the medicinal and ethnobotanical use. This might be due to the species strength in the region. When the plant use-data were analyzed, trees contributed with 68 uses, followed by herbs (51), climbers (32) and shrubs (22). Perhaps this was a reflection of the floristic composition and the prevailing Phanero-therophytic climate. Out of the 173 plant taxa that were noted as being utilized by the ethnic people in the sanctuary, the greatest number (154; 89.1%) were indigenous and wild. The introduced species were the crops under cultivation and planted. Although the local people use plants for various purposes, they largely serve medicinal scopes (83.24%) and for subsistence (21.96%).
Present or Absent? About a Threatened Fern, Asplenium adulterinum Milde, in South-Eastern Carpathians (Romania)
Authors: BARTÓK Attila , IRIMIA Irina
Published: July 2019

Asplenium adulterinum Milde is one of the rarest and most threatened representatives of the Aspleniaceae family in the Carpathians. Botanical literature mentioned the ladder spleenwort in many localities in South-Eastern Carpathians in the past, but during the last decades the species has not been collected and deposited in public herbaria by any botanist. All existing herbarium material in Romanian herbaria (including Asplenium trichomanes and A. trichomanes-ramosum) was revised and all available information from botanical literature was critically compiled in order to clarify the distribution of Asplenium adulterinum in the South-Eastern Carpathians. After almost 80 years since the first mention of the species in the Carpathians, this paper reports the recent identification of Asplenium adulterinum in three new locations in South-Eastern Carpathians (Ţesna Valley, Vânturătoarea Waterfall and Şugăului Gorges).
Asymbiotic Germination of Phalaenopsis cv. ‘Dublin’ Seeds in Relation to Pollination Months and Nutrient Media
Authors: BALILASHAKI Khosro , NADERI Roohangiz , GANTAIT Saikat , VAHEDI Maryam
Published: July 2019

Orchids are one of the most popular flowers in the world and Phalaenopsis genus shares maximum sales in global floral industry among them. Successful pollination, followed by capsule formation and in vitro seed germination, is a powerful tool for mass propagation of orchids. In the present study, flowers of Phalaenopsis cv. ‘Dublin’ were self-pollinated artificially during the months of November, December, January, February, March and April. The influence of pollination month over capsule formation was assessed and it was observed that pollination during December resulted as maximum with 86% capsule formation, followed by 72% during January. However, only 40% successful capsule formation occurred following pollination during April. Seeds from mature capsules developed through artificial pollination in different months were cultured on three different culture media (modified Chen, ½Murashige Skoog and Vacin-Went medium) for in vitro germination. A maximum of 97% germination of seeds (collected from capsules developed through pollination in January) was recorded on modified Chen medium. Nevertheless, the earliest initiation of germination occurred around 12 days of culture when seeds were harvested from capsules (derived through pollination in December) and inoculated on modified Chen medium. The plantlets developed following germination were rooted on ½MS supplemented with 2.5 g/l activated charcoal. Subsequently, well-rooted plantlets were acclimatized on potting mixture that contained cocopeat, charcoal, industrial cartridge and the bites of yonolit (1:1:2:4; v/v) with a very high rate of success. A seed culture protocol that crops a bulk number of seedlings in a short time span is advantageous and the present report eventually provides such simple yet proficient method that can be further tested.
Bioaccumulation Potentials of Momordica charantia L. Medicinal Plant Grown in Lead Polluted Soil under Organic Fertilizer Amendment
Authors: OSENI Ojo Michael , DADA Omotola Esther , ADELUSI Adekunle Ajayi
Published: July 2019

This study investigated bioaccumulation factors and translocation factors of lead (Pb) by M. charantia so as to ascertain the bioaccumulation potentials of this medicinal plant. The elemental deposition of Pb were also assessed in order to compare the concentration of Pb present in plant tissues with the maximum permissible limits of 10 ppm recommended by WHO (1998, 2007). The experiment was a factorial combination of one heavy metal (Pb) at five levels of concentrations (0, 200, 400, 800 and 1,000 ppm) in a completely randomized design, replicated three times, with one medicinal plant species and two levels (0 and 9.4 g) of organic fertilizer (OBD- Plus). The seedlings were transplanted from nursery to experimental pots at the rate of one seedling per pot and grown for 10 weeks, after which the plants were harvested and dried for the analysis of Pb concentration both in soil and plant tissues using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). The highest bioaccumulation factor for roots was 0.42 under fertilizer amendment, whereas the highest bioaccumulation factor for shoots was 0.26 under the same treatment. The highest transfer factor of M. charantia was 0.6. The results showed that M. charantia is a good phytostabilizer of Pb component. The highest lead deposition in the roots, which was 40% higher than in the shoots concentration, was above the safe limit; therefore this might pose health risks to human if consumed as herbal medicine.
Effect of Super Absorbent Polymer and Irrigation Deficit on Water Use Efficiency, Growth and Yield of Cotton
Authors: FALLAHI Hamid-Reza , TAHERPOUR KALANTARI Reza , AGHHAVANI-SHAJARI Mahsa , SOLTANZADEH Mohammad-Ghasem
Published: July 2019

Sustainable use of water resources in agriculture is a necessity for many arid countries. In order to investigate the effect of water deficit, irrigation after 120 (control), 155 (moderate water stress) and 190 mm (sever water stress) pan evaporation and super absorbent polymer rates (SAP) (0, 30, 60 and 90 kg ha-1) on growth, yield and water use efficiency of cotton, an experiment was conducted as split plot based on a randomized complete block design with three replications. Moreover, the effect of water quality (distilled water and solutions of 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1 and 1.25% NaCl) was investigated on water holding capacity by SAP. Results revealed that moderate water stress (irrigation intervals of aprox. 15 days) along with 60 kg ha-1 SAP application was the best treatment in terms of growth and yield indices of cotton. The results for plant height, plant dry weight, boll number per plant and fiber yield in this treatment were 16, 28, 42 and 10% higher than control treatment, respectively. Water deficit and SAP application improved the water use efficiency (WUE) of cotton. The amount of WUE in moderate water stress treatment along with consumption of 60 or 90 kg ha-1 SAP was 26% higher than for control treatment. In addition, water holding capacity by SAP in distilled water treatment was 7 times higher than in the case of 1.25% NaCl solution. The overall results showed that irrigation deficit and SAP application are two appropriate strategies for crop production in areas affected by drought stress, especially if low saline water sources are used.
Oxidative Stability and Physico-chemical Properties of Meat from Broilers Fed with Dietary Neem Leaf Powder, Spirulina and their Combination
Authors: KILLI Ravi , KAITHEPALLI Bharavi , PENTELA Ravi Kumar , BANDI Eswar Rao , BOBBA Vamsi Krishna , CHITTURI Satish Kumar S.V.
Published: July 2019

This 6 week study was conducted to evaluate the antioxidant potential, maintaining quality and sensory properties of broiler meat from birds fed on dietary neem leaf powder (NLP). A total of 90 Vencobb broiler chicks were randomly allotted to 6 groups of 15 birds in each. Dietary treatments consisted of normal diet (control Group I), feed containing terramycin-200 (TM-200*) at the concentration of 0.05% (Group II), feed containing NLP of 0.2% (Group III), feed containing NLP of 0.2% and spirulina of 1% (Group IV), feed containing TM-200 at 0.05% and spirulina of 1% (Group V) and feed containing spirulina of 1% (Group VI). At the end of the experiment liver, kidney and muscle samples were collected to evaluate the tissue peroxidation (TBARS and protein carbonyls) and antioxidant markers (SOD). Physico-chemical quality determinants of both fresh and preserved meat viz. extract release volume (ERV), water holding capacity (WHC) and pH were also studied. TBARS protein carbonyls indicated a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in all the treated groups when compared to control. Superoxide dismutase levels were found to be significantly increased in all the treated groups, in all the tissues collected. Compared to control group, favorable physico-chemical quality determinants were recorded in all the treated groups. The sensory attributes did not show significant (P < 0.05) differences for color, flavor, juiciness, tenderness and overall acceptability. This study indicates enhanced stress tolerance levels, improved meat quality with unaffected consumer acceptance levels of the meat observed in the study, from broilers fed with neem and spirulina either alone or in combinationsș this points out that neem at 0.2% level can be used in poultry diets instead of antibiotic growth promoters (AGP).
Status of Isoetes coromandeliana L.f. and Equisetum debile Roxb. ex Voucher in Gujarat State, Western India
Authors: PATEL Suresh K. , KACHHIYAPATEL Ronak N. , SINGH Anirudh P. , Rajput Kishore S.
Published: July 2019

Occurrence of Isoetes coromandeliana L.f. in natural ponds of Harni, Savali and Tuwa (India) is known since 1956 by earlier workers. Equisetum debile Roxb. ex Voucher was also reported in 1962 growing as wild at Savali. Available literature indicates that I. coromandeliana falls under the category of ‘near threatened’ in Asian continents and as an ‘endangered species’ at national (India) level. In the current field work study, the authors could not locate the investigated species from the locations earlier documented by researchers. Few saplings of I. coromandeliana were observed at Talod and Vaktapur near Gandhinagar, a new location for the species. In contrast, E. debile appeared to be lost in wild from Gujarat. Their extinction from earlier reported locations is associated with anthropogenic pressure and thus legal action for their protection is needed. The present paper suggests further survey and habitat based studies and recommends conservation and management action plans based upon the ecology of the habitat.
Non-timber Forest Products, Their Vulnerability and Conservation in a Designated UNESCO Heritage Site of Arunanchal Pradesh, India
Authors: JHA Kaushalendra Kumar
Published: July 2019

The Apatani, non-nomadic tribe, have evolved an ecologically sustainable system of rural forestry in Ziro Valley, a proposed heritage site of UNESCO. They have been using non-timber forest products (NTFPs) grown in homestead and nearby forests for a very long period. The present study was aimed at identification of priority NTFPs and uses, their availability status and availability trend, conservation need, and sustainability interventions. Qualitative methods of research like, exploratory survey, questionnaire survey, focus group discussion, semi-structured interview of key informants, etc. were employed for data collection. The Apatani used 112 priority NTFPs for food supplement, herbal medicine, house building material and other purposes. However, on the basis of ecological importance such NTFPs were categorized as very low, low, moderate, high, and very high vulnerable species. Twenty vulnerable species like Antiitari ayi (Actinidia callosa), Biiling (Choerospondias axillaris), Henchi (Rubus niveus), Jojuru ayi (Coccinia grandis), Ngiilyang Khiiko (Centella asiatica) etc. should be conserved and seventeen not vulnerable species at this stage like, Padii hamang (Cardamine hirsute), Sankhe (Quercus griffithii), Bije (Phyllostachys manii), Hiigu hamang (Oenanthe javanica), Kiira (Quercus dealbata ), etc. could be commercialized. However, a balance needed to be struck between commercialization and conservation by adopting a comprehensive policy based on scientific and traditional Apatani knowledge for harvesting and regeneration of NTFPs. Homegardening or community farming is recommended for sustainable supply of commercially important species to be domasticated.
Host Vascular Plants for Pests in the Hydrographical Basin of the Otăsău River, Romania
Authors: MITREA Ion , FOTA Nicolae Cristian
Published: July 2019

This study was carried out to investigate vascular host plant distribution in the hydrographical basin of the Otăsău River (Vâlcea County, in the Central Southern part of Romania). In order to determine the existing species in this area, fresh and dry material were collected. Specie identification was made based on a repetitive observation of the plants. A taxonomical aid was used to identify the species and classify them into different categories. In this research 368 taxa were investigated and registered as host vascular plants for pests from the studied area. The geoelement analysis shows that Eurasian, European, Central European, Cosmopolite and Circumpolar elements are predominant. Concerning the bioform spectrum the most representative components of the herbaceous layer are hemicryptophytes with 127 taxa. The study reveals that the studied area presents a high floristic diversity of the vascular plants (about 10% of the Romanian flora).
Effects of Chemical and Biological Fertilizers on Some Morpho-Physiological Traits of Purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) and Dragon’s Head (Lallemantia iberica Fisch. & C.A. Mey) Cultivated under Intercropping System
Authors: GHAMARI Hossein , SHAFAGH KOLVANAGH Jalil , SABAGHPOUR Seyyed Hossein , DABBAGH MOHAMMADI NASSAB Adel
Published: July 2019

Declining land productivity associated with decreasing soil organic carbon (SOC) and nitrogen (N) are significant issues in monoculture crop production. In addition, continuous use of inorganic fertilizer often leads to unsustainability in crop production and creating environmental pollution. Considering the importance of purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) and dragon’s head (Lallemantia iberica Fisch. & C.A. Mey) in human nutrition, a field study was carried out to assess the effects of chemical and biological fertilizers on purslane-dragon’s head intercropping. The factorial experiment was set on the basis of randomized complete block design with three replications. The first factor was an additive intercropping system including monocropping of purslane (P), monocropping of dragon’s head (D), intercropping of 100% purslane + 25% dragon’s head (PD25), intercropping of 100% purslane + 50% dragon’s head (PD50), intercropping of 100% purslane + 75% dragon’s head (PD75); the second factor was nutrient treatments including application of 50% inorganic N fertilizer (urea) + nitroxin (F1), inorganic N fertilizer (urea) (F2), nitroxin (F3) and no fertilizer (F4). For purslane crop, the highest amount of relative chlorophyll (SPAD) belonged to PD75 + F1 treatment. Intercropping increased stem height of both crop plants. The data obtained hereby clearly showed that the total yield of the purslane-dragon’s head intercropping treatments was higher than any of the monocropping treatments. PD50 + F1 had the highest amount of land equivalent ratio (LER). Therefore, intercropping of 100% purslane + 50% dragon’s head and application of 50% urea + nitroxin might be recommended for higher yield and economic return.
Corrigendum to “Influence of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field on Plant Growth, Nutrient Absorption and Yield of Durum Wheat” [Notulae Scientia Biologicae, 2015, 7(4):505-509]
Authors: KATSENIOS Nikolaos , KAVVADIAS Victor , THEOCHAROPOULOS Sideris , BILALIS Dimitrios , IOANNOU Zaharias , PAPADOPOULOS Antonios , LIAKOPOULOU Nektaria
Published: July 2019

Corrigendum to the article: “Influence of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field on Plant Growth, Nutrient Absorption and Yield of Durum Wheat”, Notulae Scientia Biologicae 7(4):505-509, 2015. In the printed version of this article, a figure (page 508, Fig. 5) that was published in Acta Agriculturae Scandinavica Section B 62(1):94-99 (2012) was accidentally used. The figure was replaced with an original one (Fig. 5 PAPIMI device).
Application of Chondroitin Sulfate on Organogenesis of Two Cymbidium spp. under Different Sources of Lights
Authors: NAHAR Syeda Jabun , HAQUE Syed M. , KAZUHIKO Shimasaki
Published: July 2019

The aim of this study was to present chondroitin sulfate as a plant growth regulator and to give an overview about light effects on PLBs (protocorm like bodies) culture of Cymbidium dayanum and Cymbidium finlaysonianum cultured in vitro. Chondroitin sulfate is a sulfated glycosaminoglycan (GAG) composed of a chain of alternating sugars N-acetylgalactosamine and glucuronic acid. It is widely used as a material for food ingredients, cosmetics and medicine. PLBs were cultured on modified MS medium containing different concentration of chondroitin sulfate (0, 0.1, 1 and 10 mg/l), under four sources of lights: conventional white fluorescent tube, red LED, green LED and blue LED. In C. dayanum, 100% PLBs formation rate was observed at 0.1 mg/l chondroitin sulfate with modified MS medium under green LED and 1 mg/l chondroitin sulfate under blue LED; the maximum shoots and roots formation were observed under green LEDs (93% and 80% respectively) when media contained 0.1 mg/l chondroitin sulfate. In C. finlaysonianum, every concentrations of chondroitin sulfate enhanced the growth rate of PLBs when compared to control treatment, under all four sources of lights. The highest values were recorded with 0.1 mg/l chondroitin sulfate which induced 100% PLBs formation under blue LED, while 10 mg/l chondroitin sulfate had induced 100% PLBs formation under green LED. The highest percentage of shoots (73%) was initiated in the medium containing 10 mg/l chondroitin sulfate under green LED. Plant development was strongly influenced by the light quality and plant growth regulator functions as chemical messengers for intercellular communication of plant. The results demonstrated that low concentrations of chondroitin sulfate could promote PLBs, shoots and roots formation of Cymbidium spp. under green and blue LED.