Pineapple (Ananas comosus L.) is an edible fruit and the most economically important tropical plant of the family Bromeliaceae. Genetic diversity analysis can better support in pineapple advanced breeding that ultimately leads to improved quality of pineapple. The following study aimed to analyze the genetic diversity of five pineapple accessions originating from the Nusantara Pineapple Garden, Kudus, Indonesia, i.e., Blitar, Indralaya, Jambi, Riau Siak, and Madu Subang. The study collected plant samples from each accession, consisting of pineapple fruit crowns. The DNA isolated from each sample underwent amplification by the PCR using eight RAPD primers, viz., OPA-02, OPA-07, OPA-14, OPA-15, OPB-10, OPB-15, OPC-05, and OPD-01. The results showed the lowest genetic diversity among the five pineapple accessions, with variations in the number of amplified bands and DNA fragment size. Primer OPA 15 (900 bp) was the choice used to evaluate genetic variability in Ananas comosus between the smooth cayenne and queen types. Two clusters’ identification resulted from the UPGMA analysis. Cluster 1, comprising four pineapple accessions, Blitar, Indralaya, Riau Siak, and Jambi, indicated the highest genetic similarity. However, the pineapple accession Madu Subang, placed in cluster 2, showed the lowest genetic similarity with other pineapple accessions.

Keywords: Pineapple (A. comosus L.), bromeliaceae, accessions, genetic diversity, RAPD primers, DNA, genetic similarity

Key findings: Genetic diversity assessment among five pineapple (A. comosus L.) accessions using RAPD primers revealed significant variability. Specifically, the primers OPA-15, OPB-10, OPB-15, and OPC-05 effectively distinguished the Madu Subang pineapple from other studied cultivars.

Genetic stability assessment of garlic (Allium sativum L.) regenerants is essential when true-to-type plants are the desired final product. In the following study, shoot tip explants totaling 23 genotypes, comprising 22 local garlic genotypes and one accession imported from China, underwent in vitro culturing as mother plantlets and sub-cultured ones. Genetic stability assessment among the individuals of identical genotypes between the mother plantlets and their first subculture used two different molecular markers—simple sequence repeat (SSR) and inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR). SSR and ISSR markers’ analysis revealed a high degree of genetic monomorphism among individuals within the identical genotypes. The highest genetic stability, as indicated by identical genetic similarity coefficient values of 0.49 and 0.61 for SSR and ISSR markers, respectively, was evident among the mother plantlets and the first subculture. The individuals with identical genotypes, such as Eban NTT, Lokal Jawa, and Tes, appeared to be different, presumably due to genetic variations detected by SSR and ISSR markers. The SSR and ISSR markers together allowed the detection of higher polymorphism than either the set or the molecular markers alone. This successful clonal genetic stability assessment of micropropagated local garlic using SSR and ISSR markers demonstrates its potential for further applications.

Keywords: Garlic (A. sativum L.), plantlets, genetic stability, genetic similarity, in vitro, ISSR and SSR, polymorphism

Key findings: In in vitro propagated garlic (A. sativum L.) plantlets, the genetic stability assessment was effective with the SSR and ISSR markers, which paved the way for further application. Required further studies could elucidate the factors contributing to genetic variations in in vitro propagation.

The upland rice (Oryza sativa L.) genotypes are crucial genetic resources for climate resilience and productivity under challenging conditions grown in rainfed environments. This study aimed to characterize the local upland rice cultivars from Bungo Regency, Jambi Province, Indonesia, focusing on morphological and agronomic traits to support conservation and breeding. Field exploration was successful through sampling across six subdistricts to capture the genotype and environmental variations. In assessing key traits, a field experiment with 25 upland rice cultivars continued in a randomized block design. Data analysis included variance assessment, post-hoc testing via Tukey’s HSD (honestly significant difference), and cluster analysis using the Euclidean distance, visualized through a dendrogram. The results revealed significant phenotypic variability among the upland rice cultivars for culm, leaf, tiller, panicle, and grain traits. Cluster analysis identified six distinct genetic groups, indicating a broad genetic base and unique adaptive traits among cultivars. Some cultivars exhibited high genetic similarity, while others showed distinct genetic divergence, suggesting potential for targeted breeding and conservation efforts. This diversity emphasizes the adaptive evolution of rice cultivars to local environmental conditions and their breeding values. The study underscores the importance of conserving genetic resources to support climate-resilient breeding and food security.

Keywords: Upland rice (O. sativa L.), genetic diversity, genetic resources, climate resilience, morphological traits, cluster analysis, genetic relationship

Key findings: Significant phenotypic variability among the upland rice (O. sativa L.) cultivars for culm, leaf, tiller, panicle, and grain traits showed considerable diversity. Six distinct genetic clusters highlighted the unique genetic relationship and potential adaptive strategies.

Nibung (Oncosperma tigillarium [Jack.] Ridl.) is a valuable palm species, widely used in construction and as a food and source of bioactive compounds in pharmaceutical industries. This significant nibung germplasm in the provincial mascot of Riau is facing threats from land conversion and urbanization. For its conservation strategies, it is essential to understand its profile about population, habitat, and important traits. This study aimed to characterize the population of nibung and its secondary metabolites linked to environmental conditions. In a comparison between coastal and non-coastal populations of nibung, the study revealed considerable environmental effects on its growth. Results showed that nibung from non-coastal locations (grown in sandy clay and clay loam soils) showed larger size but smaller clumps, while coastal samples (grown in silty clay soil) grew shorter, with larger clumps. The phosphate, linked to higher flavonoid contents, was abundant in non-coastal areas, and potassium negatively affected the stem size. These findings could play a crucial role in the nibung’s genetic potential, development, and cultivation and help in conservation strategies, especially in Riau, Indonesia.

Keywords: Nibung (O. tigillarium), population, habitat, secondary metabolites, phytochemical properties, conservation strategies

Key findings: The soil and microclimate affect the population, habitat, and secondary metabolites of nibung (O. tigillarium). Nibung grown in non-coastal areas were notable with smaller clumps, larger stems, and higher flavonoid co

The following research on citrus (Citrus aurantium L.) rootstocks transpired in 2020 at the Citrus Production Nursery of the Directorate of Horticulture and Forestry, Al-Hindiyya District, Iraq. The study aimed to explore the effect of foliar application of amino acids on citrus rootstocks and their various characteristics. The experiment was factorial in a randomized complete block design with two factors and three replications. The first factor included four citrus rootstocks (Citrus aurantium, Troyer citrange, Volkameriana, and Swingle citrumelo), while the second factor included four amino acid treatments, i.e., control, arginine (250 mg L^-1), tryptophan (150 mg L^-1), and arginine (250 mg L^-1) + tryptophan (150 mg L^-1), symbolized as A1, A2, A3, and A4, respectively. Results showed the citrus rootstock Swingle citrumelo emerged superior in seedling height, stem diameter, number of leaves, and contents of carbohydrate, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, with average values of 123.75 cm, 1.13 cm, 96.88 leaves seedling^-1, 13.86%, 1.55%, 0.46%, and 1.51%, respectively. Amino acids’ foliar application had a significant effect, with the treatment A4 (arginine 250 mg L^-1 + tryptophan 150 mg L^-1) excelling in the seedling height and diameter, the number of leaves, and contents of chlorophyll, carbohydrates, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Corresponding average values were 110.55 cm, 1.23 cm, 104.23 leaves seedling^-1, 136.98 mg 100 g^-1, 14.41%, 1.60%, 0.52%, and 1.58%.

Keywords: Citrus aurantium L., rootstocks, amino acids, vegetative growth, biochemical traits, qualitative and yield traits

Key findings: The presented study revealed the citrus (Citrus aurantium L.) rootstock Swingle citrumelo had the best vegetative growth and biochemical properties, while the rootstock Volkameriana had the highest chlorophyll content. The combined foliar application of the amino acids (arginine 250 mg L^-1 + tryptophan 150 mg L^-1) showed the best performance in vegetative growth and biochemical properties.

The study on potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) took place during the cropping season of 2019–2020 at the Babil Governorate, Abu Gharq Region, Iraq. This study aimed to determine the response of five potato cultivars, Burren (control), Everest, Arizona, Argos, and Evora, to foliar application of Loenergy Plus Nano-nutrient solution with three concentrations (0, 1.5, and 2.5 m^l-1) and three replicates. The results showed the Loenergy Plus Nano-nutrient solution’s spraying significantly affected the potato cultivars’ vegetative and yield characteristics, especially when used at a concentration of 2.5 ml L^-1. It resulted in the highest average values compared with the lower concentration and the control (distilled water). The potato Argos cultivar expressed the maximum values in vegetative traits among the studied potatoes. The research showed the different potato cultivars behaved differently to the same factor in the Iraqi environmental conditions.

Keywords: Potato (S. tuberosum L.), solanaceae, nano-materials, foliar application, tuber

Key findings: Foliar spraying of Loenergy Plus Nano-nutrient solution (2.5 ml L^-1) resulted in increased potato (S. tuberosum L.) growth and yield regardless of the cultivar type. Some potato cultivars showed suitability to grow in Iraqi environmental conditions much better than the Burren cultivar as the most commonly cultivated variety in local farms.

The aim of this study sought to determine the effect of Azotobacter and nitrogen fertilizer on the growth, yield, and accumulation of capsaicin content in fruits of two chili pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) hybrids. Carried out in the crop season of 2022–2023 at the University of Kerbala, District Husseiniya, Iraq, the experiment was in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with a split-plot arrangement and three replicates. The study included two factors: the first factor was two chili pepper hybrids, i.e., Barbarian and Hyffa, and the second factor was eight fertilizer combinations (control, Azotobacter, urea [150 mg L⁻¹], urea [300 mg L⁻¹], urea [450 mg L⁻¹], Azotobacter + urea [150 mg L⁻¹], Azotobacter + urea [300 mg L⁻¹], and Azotobacter + urea [450 mg L⁻¹]). Results showed the Barbarian hybrid gave the highest total yield (18.12 t ha^-1) and capsaicin content in fruits (742.41 mg kg^-1) compared with the Hyffa hybrid. The fertilizer combination Azotobacter + urea (450 mg L⁻¹) also excelled other treatments in plant height (71.47 cm), the number of branches (9.50 branches plant^-1), stem diameter (2.37 cm), total yield (29.06 t ha^-1), and capsaicin content in chili fruits (820.20 mg kg^-1).

Keywords: Chili pepper (C. annuum L.), cultivars, Azotobacter, nitrogen fertilizer, growth and yield traits, capsaicin content

Key findings: In chili peppers (C. annuum L.), the hybrid Barbarian gave the maximum values in total yield and capsaicin content in fruits compared with the hybrid Hyffa. The fertilizer combination Azotobacter + urea (450 mg L⁻¹) showed the highest values for plant height, the number of main branches, stem diameter, total yield, and capsaicin content in fruits.

The following research assessed the effect of the biostimulant isabion and zinc on the productivity and quality parameters of two cabbage (Brassica oleracea L.) hybrids. The experiment, carried out in the autumn of 2023–2024, transpired at the University of Kerbala, District Al-Husseiniyah, Kerbala Governorate, Iraq. The experiment, laid out in a randomized complete block design, had a split-plot arrangement with three replications. The main plots comprised two cabbage hybrids: Zeina F1 (red cabbage) and Wight Moon (green cabbage). Meanwhile, the subplots included eight fertilizer combinations with different ratios. Results showed hybrid green cabbage was superior in head weight, marketable yield, total yield, and protein percentage in leaves, with average values of 1,087.34 g head^-1, 31.32 t ha^-1, 38.72 t ha^-1, and 12.44%, respectively. As for fertilizer treatments, evidently, the fertilizer combination Isabion (9 L ha^-1) + zinc (1 g L^-1) excelled in head weight, marketable yield, total yield, total dissolved solids, ascorbic acid, and protein content in leaves. Their average values are 1,252.43 g head^-1, 36.07 t ha^-1, 42.93 t ha^-1, 4.48%, 69.04 mg 100 mg^-1, and 17.26%, respectively. The interaction between both factors was also significant for all the cabbage traits under study.

Keywords: Cabbage (B. oleracea L.), biostimulant Isabion, zinc, growth and yield traits, ascorbic acid, protein content

Key findings: Results revealed hybrid green cabbage (B. oleracea L.) was leading in head weight, marketable yield, total yield, protein content, and ascorbic acid in the leaves. As for fertilizer treatments, the fertilizer combination of Isabion (9 L ha^-1) + zinc (1 g L^-1) also excelled in all the cabbage traits.

The use of silicon is an option for reducing the adverse effects of water deficit conditions. The recent study took place at the Agricultural Research and Experiment Station of the Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt (30°02′ N and 31°13′ E, with an altitude of 30 m) in two seasons of 2019 and 2020. The study’s chief objective aimed to investigate the effect of water deficit at flowering on maize and its relation to silicon spraying. The study included two water treatments: non-stress (NS) and water stress (WS); three silicon treatments: (0, 3, and 6 mM L^-1); and five single-cross hybrids. A split-split plot under the concentration of 6 mM L^-1. The most interesting observation in the study showed the noteworthy increase in oil yield/ha for all studied hybrids, ranging from 13.33% (SC-3444) to 29.41% (SC-3433). It resulted from the application of the concentration of 6 mM L^-1. The hybrids SC-30N11, SC-3433, and SC-3444 proved the best hybrids, displaying tolerance to water.

Keywords: Maize (Zea mays L.), water stress, silicon, yield, carbohydrate, protein, oil, stress-tolerance index

Key findings: The water deficit condition at the flowering stage caused a significant reduction in yield and its components in maize. The silicon treatment 6 mM L^-1 concentration notably enhanced the grain and oil yields and carbohydrates.

This research aimed to determine the effects of different levels of marine seaweed extract on growth and yield traits of Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) cultivars (eggplant, red, white, and striped) and their six half diallel hybrids. The experiment layout was in a randomized complete block design with a factorial arrangement and three replications. The first factor included four cultivars and their semi-reciprocal hybrids, while the second factor comprised the foliar application of marine seaweed extract with three concentrations (0, 10, and 20 ml L^-1). The results showed the roselle cultivar eggplant surpassed all other cultivars and provided the highest values for the traits, i.e., plant height, leaf area, dry weight of nuts, nuts per plant, and seeds of nut (160.03 cm, 635.50 cm², 402.77 g plant^-1, 172.44 nuts plant^-1, and 28.69 seeds nut^-1, respectively). The marine seaweed extract with the strongest concentration (20 ml L^-1) also displayed better performance for the above traits (176.02 cm, 615.58 cm², 361.22 g plant^-1, 176.74 nuts plant^-1, and 25.80 seeds nut^-1, respectively).

Keywords: Roselle (H. sabdariffa L.), cultivars, seaweed extract, growth and yield traits

Key findings: The Roselle (H. sabdariffa L.) cultivar eggplant excelled all other cultivars for growth and yield traits. The marine seaweed with the strongest concentration (20 ml L^-1) also provided better performance for growth and yield traits in Roselle.