Phenotypic variation among six Nigerian cowpea genotypes was established on the basis of quantitative and qualitative characters. Except for leaf area and harvest index, quantitative characters showed significant differences. Stem and pod color and leaf and seed color showed variation among genotypes. Seed size had the least variation. Quantitative and qualitative characters were useful for assessing morphological variability and discriminating cowpea accessions.
A total of 53 Cucumis cultivars and 43 Mukia accessions were verified through genetic diversity analysis based on inter simple sequence repeat markers. The amplification of Cucumis and Mukia DNA by using 20 ISSR primers produced 246 bands and 245 polymorphic bands. Mukia javanica (Miq.) C. Jeffrey (0.101) showed the highest diversity, whereas Mukia maderaspatana L. (0.037) showed the lowest diversity. Principal component analysis grouped Cucumis and Mukia accessions into four groups.
FITMAWATI, DESTI, E. JULIANTARI, D. NOVELA, and H. KAPLI
SUMMARY
Nibung (Oncosperma tigillarium [Jack] Ridl.) has a stronger wood quality and is resistant to tidal deformations. For centuries, the local people are traditionally using nibung for different purposes. However, its utilization is higher than its cultivation, causing a decrease in supply every year. Taxonomic data based on molecular markers are urgently needed in the nibung germplasm. We need to study their molecular characters to provide basic data for genetic diversity and conservation study purposes. The present study aims to analyze the phylogenetic relationship of seven accessions of nibung in Riau, Sumatra, Indonesia, based on molecular characters and to clarify the relationship among closely related infra-specific categories. The seven accessions of nibung were grouped by types of habitats i.e., lowland and highland areas. Accessions collected from the highland areas (Bukit Suligi) were very different from those collected from the lowland areas based on their genetic and evolutionary data. Based on Neighbor-Joining (NJ) analysis, it is estimated that the accession O. tigillarium from Bukit Suligi was more advanced than another accession. The present study has been able to compare more primitive and advanced accessions based on genetic distance. The studies also confirmed that the more advanced species are highly capable to survive in their in situ environment. Such type of genetic variability is very important for breeding and conservation studies and can be used in future generations of palm.
M. SAJID, M.A.B. SADDIQUE, M.H.N. TAHIR, A. MATLOOB, Z. ALI, F. AHMAD, Q. SHAKIL, Z.U. NISA, and M. KIFAYAT
SUMMARY
The ideal temperature range for the optimal growth and development of cotton is 25 °C–32 °C and high temperature adversely affects the metabolic activities of plant cells. This study was aimed to screen heat-tolerant cotton genotypes based on physiological and molecular parameters. Experiments were carried out during 2019–2020 at the MNS-University of Agriculture, Multan, Pakistan. The research comprised two parts. In the first experiment, 30 cotton genotypes were sown in a completely randomized design with three replications under laboratory conditions for the determination of cell membrane thermostability. Principal component analysis was performed, and four genotypes, i.e., two heat-tolerant (‘CRIS-5A’ and ‘VH-338’) and two heat-sensitive (‘FH-242’ and ‘VH-281’) genotypes, were selected. In the second experiment, the screened cotton genotypes were sown in pots in a factorial complete randomized design with three replications and two treatments (normal and heat treatment). Heat stress was applied at the seedling stage, and eight leaf samples (one from each experimental unit) were collected. Two genes were used for molecular analysis and were amplified in all eight cDNA samples. Molecular analysis indicated the presence of HSP70 and HSP26 genes in the cotton genotypes, and the expression of these genes was measured by using ImageJ software. The gene expression level of HSP70 was very high (16.41%) in ‘VH-281’, which is a heat-sensitive genotype under heat stress. The sensitive genotype ‘FH-242’ exhibited the highest gene expression level of HSP26 (20.32%) under normal conditions. A similar sequence of HSP70 gene of Agave sisalana was amplified for the first time in cotton. It is a good indicator for screening heat tolerant cotton genotypes at the molecular level.
S.H.A. AL-HADEDY, S.A. BASHEER, M.S. IDREES, and K.A.Y. Al-TAEE
Citation: Al-Hadedy SHA, Basheer SA, Idrees MS, Al-Taee KAY (2024). Sulfuric acid and hot water treatment effects on the seed germination and growth traits of Sesbania punicea L.. SABRAO J. Breed. Genet. 56(1): 444-452 http://doi.org/10.54910/sabrao2024.56.1.40.
Summary
Like many species within the Fabaceae family, Sesbania punicea L. seeds experience seed coat dormancy, affecting their germination from a hard shell coating the seed, preventing water absorption and gaseous exchange into the seeds. The presented research sought to overcome the outer dormancy phase in Sesbania punicea seeds by treating them with two concentrations of sulfuric acid (50% and 98% H2SO4) for periods of 0, 10, and 15 minutes and soaking in hot water (without, with) for 24 hours. The results revealed that seed pretreatment of immersion in sulfuric acid at a 98% concentration was significantly superior to the 50% and showed the highest mean values for the studied parameters, germination percentage, seedling height, stem diameter, leaves per seedling, and shoots dry weight at 78.33%, 61.61 cm, 5.79 mm, 31.27 leaves/seedling, and 7.32 g, respectively. In the same line, the immersion in sulfuric acid for 15 minutes was superior compared with 10 minutes, providing the highest values for the same traits at 87.04%, 64.08 cm, 6.16 mm, 32.08 leaves/seedling, and 8.12 g, respectively. The hot water treatment was notably dominant to the one without soaking and exhibited the maximum values for the above traits (78.55%, 59.83 cm, 5.94 mm, 31.05 leaves/seedlings, and 7.32 g, respectively). The interaction effects of three factors (immersion in 98% sulfuric acid for 15 minutes and soaking in hot water) excelled other treatments for the traits, i.e., germination rate (99.30%), seedling height (71.00 cm), main stem diameter (7.28 mm), leaves/seedling (36.66), and shoot’s dry weight (11.42 g). The most remarkable achievement was that chemical scarification using sulfuric acid and hot water, either individually or in combination, proved effective in breaking the seed dormancy of Sesbania punicea.
For better germination and early growth of Sesbania punicea L. seedlings, the combination of seed immersion in 98% sulfuric acid for 15 minutes and soaking in hot water for 24 hours proved recommendable since it leads to an increase in the germination percentage from 36.9% to 99.3%, enhancing the growth parameters.
Citation: Mahdi MAHS, Al-Shamerry MMG, Taha AH, Alwan MH, Al-Khaykanee AH, Khashan AAA (2024). Micronutrients and planting time effects on maize growth, fertility, and yield-related traits under heat stress conditions. SABRAO J. Breed. Genet. 56(1): 433-443. http://doi.org/10.54910/sabrao2024.56.1.39.
Summary
The recent study pursued determining the ideal quantity of micronutrients and planting time to enhance maize (Zea mays L.) pollen fertility and production under heat-stress conditions. The study set up a maize experiment in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with split-plot arrangement and three replications, carried out in the crop season 2020 at the Babylon Muradia Research Center, Iraq. The trials comprised two factors: first, planting times placed in main plots, i.e., June 25 (A1), July 10 (A2), and July 25 (A3), and the second included foliar applications of a composition of six microelements (iron, manganese, zinc, boron, copper, and molybdenum) with four concentrations, i.e., 0 (C0), 20 (C1), 30 (C2), and 40 (C3) g L-1. The results indicated that maize planting at later dates, specifically between July 10 and 25, resulted in the maximum levels of moisture, pollen vitality, and fertility percentage, which led to an increase in yield components and grain output. The findings also demonstrated that foliar application of micronutrients effectively creates a conducive environment for developing pollen grains. The micronutrient concentration of 40 g L-1 gave the optimal moisture and vitality of the pollen grains, leading to the highest quantity of grains per row and, ultimately, maximizing the maize yield. The July 10 planting date proved the ideal time for seeding maize because it contributed to reducing temperatures’ effects and increasing productivity. In addition, foliar application of micronutrients (40 g L-1) creates an optimal environment for pollen grains, improving grain composition and yield. With the pollen grain’s better vitality, the favorable situation improves pollination and fertilization, eventually increasing the maize yield.
Maize (Zea mays L.) planting time between July 10 and 25, along with foliar application of micronutrients (40 g L-1), optimized and promoted pollen grains’ moisture, growth, vitality, and fertility percentage, which eventually boosted the yield traits’ components and grain yield.
A.S. AL-YASSSIRY, H.K.A. ALJENABY, I.H. AL-MASOODY, and N. AL-IBRAHEMI
Citation: Al-Yasssiry AS, Aljenaby HKA, Al-Masoody IH, Al-Ibrahemi N (2024). Biofertilizers effects on the active compounds of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.). SABRAO J. Breed. Genet. 56(1): 425-432. http://doi.org/10.54910/sabrao2024.56.1.38.
Summary
The progressive study aimed to determine the effects of biofertilizers (Azotobacter and Pseudomonas) on active chemical compounds of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.), carried out in 2023 at the Afghan City, Kerbala, Iraq. The experiment set out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with a factorial arrangement and three replications. The study comprised two factors: the first was Azotobacter (control, 50, 100, 150 g/bacteria), and the second factor was Pseudomonas (control, 50, 100, 150 g/bacteria). Both biofertilizers attained mixing with seeds before planting. Results revealed significant differences among the various concentrations of Azotobacter and Pseudomonas and their interactions. Azotobacter and Pseudomonas treatment with same dilution (150 g bacteria-1) provided the highest mean values for active chemical compounds in the essential oil, i.e., camphor (3.70 and 4.56 mg g-1), linalool (24.83 and 24.90 mg g-1), pinene (1.09 and 1.38 mg g-1), myrcene (13.64 and 12.84 mg g-1), and limonene (18.16 and 17.76 mg g-1), respectively.
Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.), Pseudomonas, Azotobacter, active compounds
Biofertilizers (Azotobacter and Pseudomonas) and their interactions enunciated considerable differences for active chemical compounds. Azotobacter and Pseudomonas with same concentration (150 g/bacteria) produced the highest mean values in the essential of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) for camphor (3.70 and 4.56 mg g-1), linalool (24.83 and 24.90 mg g-1), pinene (1.09 and 1.38 mg g-1), myrcene (13.64 and 12.84 mg g-1), and limonene (18.16 and 17.76 mg g-1), respectively.
Citation: Hamza Sh.M (2024). Kinetin effects on the physiological traits of spearmint (Mentha spicata L.) using foliar and seed soaking approaches under salinity stress conditions. SABRAO J. Breed. Genet. 56(1): 412-424. http://doi.org/10.54910/sabrao2024.56.1.37.
Summary
Spearmint (Mentha spicata L.) has several known names, such as garden mint, common mint, lamb mint, and mackerel mint. Salinity is considerably one of the most vital causes negatively affecting plant life, reducing productivity. Kinetin, a cytokinin-like synthetic plant hormone, can promote plant growth against salinity. The potential research sought to study seeds soaking and foliar application of kinetin to mitigate harmful salinity effects, which cause chemo-physiological variations in spearmint due to increased salinity in the irrigation water. In the experiment, two salt concentrations (2.3 dS m-1 and 6.2 dS m-1) helped develop the salinity environment, with kinetin (5 mg/L) used for seeds’ soaking for four hours and as an exogenous treatment by foliar spraying of the spearmint seedlings. The results revealed an increased electron leakage percentage (ELP) related to a rise in salinity elements (Na+ and Cl–) at 6.2 dS m-1 in both groups with reducing K+ levels. Likewise, a reduction was prominent in salinity elements with an enhancement in K+ level with foliar application than the seeds soaked with kinetin. Increased proline content, H2O2, MDA, and an increase in antioxidant activity of CAT and SOD were evident in salinity treatment, which declined by treating with kinetin (5 mg L-1) foliar application. The results proved that kinetin foliar spraying is the best in supporting Mentha spicata L. plant versus kinetin seeds soaking against the adverse effects of salinity.
Using kinetin with foliar spray was superior to soaking seeds with it to promote Mentha spicata L. plants for reducing salt elements Na+, Cl–, MDA, ELP, and proline content with increased K+ content and antioxidant active.
Citation: Hussein HT, Radhi IM, Hasan MM (2024). Role of abscisic acid and potassium in broad bean growth under water stress conditions. SABRAO J. Breed. Genet. 56(1): 399-411. http://doi.org/10.54910/sabrao2024.56.1.36.
Summary
The experiment happened at Al-Mussaib Technical College, Al-Furat Al-Awsat Technical University, to know the effect of ABA acid and potassium on the growth of broad bean (Vicia faba L) plants under water stress conditions (0 and 1000 mg k-1) while the third factor was an ABA acid at the concentration of 0.2 mM. The results were as follows: All studied traits decreased under conditions of water stress (plant height, leaf number, leaf area, total soluble carbohydrates [TSC], activity of superoxide dismutase [SOD], and catalase of broad beans) with recorded values of 41 cm, 5.67 leaf plant-1, 60.57 cm2, 11.82 (mg g-1 DW), 155.01 units mg-1 protein min-1, and 138.59 mg-1 protein min-1, respectively. The obtained triple interaction treatment was also at 25 ds m-1 + 1000 mg l-1 + 0 ABA, giving the highest values for all studied traits. ABA and potassium apart and together boosted proline, TSC, SOD, and CAT, raising plant height, leaf number, and area. The combined treatment improved plant growth and antioxidant systems, reducing the suppressive effect of water deprivation. ABA and potassium-treated plants showed greater TSC.
The results revealed applying ABA, potassium, and their interaction improved all growth traits by increasing proline content, total soluble carbohydrates, CAT, and SOD. The findings of this study indicated that ABA and potassium together assisted the plant in regaining the altered physiological features caused by water stress.
Citation: Marhoon IA (2024). Nanofertilizer impact on growth, seed yield, and essential oil of black cumin (Nigella sativa L.). SABRAO J. Breed. Genet. 56(1): 392-398. http://doi.org/10.54910/sabrao2024.56.1.35.
Summary
The present-day study investigated the effect of different nanofertilizer concentrations on growth and seed yield-related traits and the percentage of essential oil in the seeds of the black cumin (Nigella sativa L.), carried out during the crop season of 2019–2020 at the University of Al-Qadisiyah, Al-Diwaniyah, Iraq. The experiment was in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The nanofertilizer at a 20 mg/L concentration has a significant impact on the black cumin (N. sativa L.) plants and improved the growth, seed yield, and biochemical traits, i.e., plant height (40.38 cm), 1000-seed weight (3.48 g), seed yield per plant (5.55 g), seed essential oil (0.42%), percentage of mineral elements (Nitrogen-5.48%, potassium-1.02%, and zinc-4.00%), and biochemical compounds in the leaves (carbohydrates-4.34%, protein-6.00%, and peroxidase-0.95) compared with the least values for the said traits in the control treatments, i.e., 33.92 cm, 1.65 g, 3.77 g, 0.13%, 3.02%, 0.28%, 2.23%, 2.76%, 4.05%, and 0.23, respectively. However, nanofertilizer levels had nonsignificant effects on the number of branches, leaves, and capsules per plant and the percentage of phosphorus and abscisic acid. Therefore, nanotechnology has established itself as a multidisciplinary and pioneering problem-solving technology in agricultural and allied sciences.
Black cumin (N. sativa L.), nanofertilizer, growth and seed-yield traits, essential oil, macro-elements, carbohydrates, abscisic acid (ABA), proteins
The nanofertilizer (20 mg/L) has significantly impacted the black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) plants and improved the growth and yield-related traits, percentage of mineral elements, and biochemical traits in the leaves.