Medicinal plants utilization as traditional medicines has undergone transfer from generation to generation by the ancestors. The following study aimed to collect information on traditional medicinal plants for maternity care by the Madurese tribe in Mekar Sari Village, Kubu Raya Regency, Indonesia. This research used a descriptive qualitative method with interviews, observation, and documentation to obtain information. Plant samples collection used a purposive sampling technique and informants based on specific criteria with a local traditional healer who uses medicinal plants for maternity care. The study recorded 13 different plant species of medicinal plants belonging to six plant families utilized for maternity care and better health. The medicinal plants, particularly of the family Zingiberaceae, commonly served for healing maternity care wounds, colostrum production, increasing body stamina, and improving appetite. The Madurese community in Mekar Sari Village still utilizes traditional medicines obtained from different plants for maternity care treatment. The application of medicinal plants for maternity care by the community also needs preservation as local knowledge.

Keywords: Medicinal plants, traditional medicine, Madurese tribe, maternity care

Key findings: The relevant research aimed to collect the information about medicinal plants used by the community of Mekar Sari Village, Kubu Raya Regency, Indonesia. The traditional medicines obtained through boiling various parts of the medicinal plants are beneficial for maternity care treatment and better health.

Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium L.) is an economically important ornamental crop whose improvement increasingly relies on mutation breeding and efficient in vitro propagation. The successful mutant propagation highly comes from influences of plant growth regulators, particularly benzyl amino purine (BAP), which plays a key role in shoot induction. This study aimed to determine the response of 15 M1 chrysanthemum mutants to different BAP concentrations in shoot proliferation under in vitro conditions. The experiment used a split-plot design, with BAP concentrations (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 ppm) as main plots and 15 M1 mutants as subplots. Observed parameters included plantlet height, internode length, and the number of roots, internodes, leaves, and shoots. Data analysis used ANOVA (analysis of variance), correlation, and orthogonal polynomial regression. Flow cytometry (BD Accuri C6+) evaluated ploidy status. Results identified the number of shoots as the primary trait, with significant genotype × BAP interaction. The M4m mutant treated with 1.0 ppm BAP produced the highest average number of shoots, indicating superior responsiveness. Supporting traits also positively correlated with shoot proliferation. Ploidy analysis revealed chromosome doubling in several mutants, particularly m2p. Overall, 1.0 ppm BAP emerged as recommended for efficient in vitro propagation of chrysanthemum M1 mutants, with M4m as the most responsive genotype.

Keywords: Chrysanthemum (C. morifolium L.), mutants, BAP, plantlet height, internode length, number of shoots and leaves

Key findings: The chrysanthemum (C. morifolium L.) mutant plants in interaction with BAP concentrations produced the highest number of shoots in in vitro mutant propagation. Based on the results, the BAP concentrations were great recommendations for better propagation of chrysanthemum M1 mutant plants.

The conducted study occurred on 24 interspecific citrus hybrids derived from pummelo (female parent) crosses with tangerine and sweet orange (male parents). The hybrids obtained assessments for 26 qualitative and 15 quantitative traits related to tree, leaf, fruit, and seed characteristics. Among the parental genotypes, Mosambi and Tangerine exhibited polyembryony, while pummelo was monoembryonic. Most of the hybrids (95.83%) were monoembryonic, except SCSH 9-14. Among different parents, PS-13 had the heaviest fruit (619.28 g) and Tangerine had the lightest (111.85 g). Fruit weight of hybrids ranged from 108.72 g (SCSH 2-3) to 1047.42 g (SCSH 3-10). Though a large variation emerged among the hybrids for different traits, including leaf, tree, seed, and fruit characters, SCSH 7-8 and SCSH 13-6 were appropriate for fruit weight, as well as fewer seeds than better parents. Principal component analysis identified five traits—leaf lamina length, width, their ratio, pulp thickness, and fruit axis diameter—explaining 56.10% of the total variation. High heritability and genetic advance achieved recordings for fruit weight, fruit length, pulp thickness, leaf lamina dimensions, and seed count. These traits are promising for selection in citrus breeding programs targeting improved fruit quality and yield potential.

Keywords: Interspecific citrus hybrids, heritability, qualitative traits, quantitative traits, PCA

Key findings: Peel color mainly transferred from pummelo, and traits like fruit weight, fruit length, pulp thickness, leaf lamina dimensions, and seed count demonstrated high heritability.

The Prune dwarf virus (PDV), belonging to the family Bromoviridae, represents a significant pathogen affecting sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) production globally. This study aimed to genetically identify PDV in Uzbekistan and determine its influence on sweet cherry fruit’s biochemical composition. Leaf and fruit samples collected from symptomatic cherry trees occurred in the Piskent and Chirchik districts, Tashkent Region. Molecular identification employed the use of reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) with coat protein gene-specific primers. Biochemical analysis of water-soluble vitamins and flavonoids proceeded by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). RT-PCR successfully detected PDV in infected samples, amplifying a 381 bp specific fragment. Chlorosis, leaf deformation, and fruit shrinkage were predominant symptoms. HPLC analysis revealed substantial reductions in biologically active compounds: vitamin B2 decreased by 64%, vitamin B12 by 57%, rutin by 82.3%, and gallic acid by 47%. Overall, water-soluble vitamins and flavonoids declined by 64%, respectively. These results demonstrate that PDV severely compromises sweet cherry fruits’ nutritional quality and antioxidant properties. The findings underscore the necessity for implementation of virus diagnostic measures and certification of virus-free planting material to sustain cherry production in Uzbekistan.

Keywords: Sweet cherries (P. avium L.), Prune dwarf virus, vitamins, flavonoid, productivity, biologically active substances, Ilarvirus, Bromoviridae

Key findings: The diagnostic results showed a considerable spread of prune dwarf virus (PDV) symptoms in the sweet cherry (P. avium L.) fruit fields of Uzbekistan. The specific prune dwarf virus (PDV) serum was successful in obtaining and identifying it by molecular-genetic methods

Lahat Regency, South Sumatra, Indonesia, is home to diverse Durio populations, including the durian Kebau, which has received acclaim as a superior local cultivar. However, molecular data on this cultivar remain limited. This study aimed to assess the genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships of durian Kebau compared with other Indonesian durian cultivars using the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region analysis. The analyzed ITS sequences totaled 13, comprising newly generated sequences from Kebau and sequences retrieved from the NCBI database, including accessions of Durio zibethinus and Durio sp. Kura-Kura from West Kalimantan. Conducting multiple sequence alignment used ClustalW, with genetic diversity parameters calculated using DnaSP. A haplotype network construction resulted in using PopART, while phylogenetic relationships inferred utilized the maximum likelihood (ML) and neighbor-joining (NJ) methods implemented in MEGA X with 1,000 bootstrap replicates. The analysis revealed high genetic diversity, with pairwise distances ranging from 0.000 to 0.227, yielding 11 distinct haplotypes and 49 parsimony-informative sites. Phylogenetic trees showed the durian Kebau exhibited a close genetic relationship with the D. zibethinus cultivar Monthong and clustered with durians from West Kalimantan. These findings highlight the genetic richness of local durian germplasm and provide data for breeding programs and genetic resource conservation.

Keywords: Durian germplasm, internal transcribed spacer (ITS), genetic diversity, genetic relationship, quantitative traits

Key findings: The study revealed the highest genetic diversity in Indonesian durian germplasm. The research also established that durian Kebau a showed considerable genetic relationship with Durio zibethinus and durian Kura-Kura.

Mungbean (Vigna radiata) is a nutritionally rich leguminous crop widely consumed in both its whole and processed forms. Seed coat color affects consumer preference and nutritional value. The objective of this study sought to investigate the genetic inheritance of seed coat color and anthocyanin content in mungbean. Qualitative and quantitative genetic analyses for the traits succeeded in using parental and populations derived from crosses between Kamphaeng Saen 2 (KPS2; green seed) × Jessore (yellow seed) and KPS2 × LD2016-002 (black seed). The χ² analysis showed seed coat color behaves as a simple Mendelian trait, with yellow being recessive to green and black dominant over green. The generation mean analysis suggested the primary influences for anthocyanin concentration in the green × yellow cross come from a single major gene, while the green × black cross involves additional genes. Estimates of the number of effective factors in both crosses also pointed to the presence of a major gene with a strong effect. However, the continuous distribution of anthocyanin content in segregating populations in both crosses indicates the trait is quantitative in nature, implying the involvement of multiple genes aside from the major gene primarily controlling pigment accumulation. These findings are useful for breeding for mungbean seed quality.

Keywords: Mungbean, seed coat color, anthocyanin, generation mean analysis, genetic inheritance

Key findings: Chi-square analysis indicated the yellow seed coat color is recessive to green and has the control from a single gene, whereas the black seed coat color is dominant over green and also has a single gene governing it. Generation mean analysis of the green × yellow cross demonstrated monogenic control of anthocyanin content, while analysis of the green × black cross suggested the involvement of two or more genes in controlling this trait.

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) has become a major global food crop. Considerable population growth, food demand, and crop quality have encouraged the use of efficient technology to identify the high-yielding genotypes. The following study aimed to estimate the variances among the quantitative traits and the correlation among measured traits, as well as to identify the high-yielding potato genotypes using the multi-traits genotype-ideotype distance index (MGIDI). Ten potato genotypes generated through gamma-ray mutation from four cultivars and two commercial check cultivars underwent evaluation at Pangalengan, West Java, Indonesia, using a randomized complete block design. The results showed potato genotypes displayed significant differences for most traits, except economic tuber weight and leaf width. Tuber weight per plot revealed a significant positive correlation with tubers per plot, tubers per plant, economic tuber weight, stem diameter, tuber diameter, and economic amount of tubers. The MGIDI analysis successfully identified the two leading potato genotypes (G7 and G11) with a selection accuracy of 89.4% and heritability ranging from 23.8% to 92.7%. The MGIDI proved to be effective in selecting superior genotypes based on several quantitative traits, providing insight for future potato breeding programs.

Keywords: Potato (S. tuberosum L.), mutant genotypes, morphological and yield traits, MGIDI, multi-traits, PCA, selection accuracy, heritability

Key findings: Potato (S. tuberosum L.) mutant genotypes showed significant differences for most traits. The selection of two high-yielding potato clones was successful through the MGIDI analysis.

This study aimed to assess the grain quality and yield-related traits of 14 durum wheat (Triticum durum L.) cultivars and advanced lines and their trait relationships, carried out from 2019 to 2021 at the Scientific Research Institute of Rainfed Agriculture, Jizzakh Region, Uzbekistan. Key quality parameters determined under laboratory conditions included thousand kernel weight (TKW), hectoliter weight (HLW), kernel vitreousness (KV), grain protein content (GPC), gluten content (GC), and gluten deformation index (GDI). Likewise, an analysis of their correlation with grain yield proceeded. Over a three-year period and based on the results, the advanced lines 2012/7 and 2012/77 exhibited superior grain quality and relatively stable yield performance. Cultivars Kristella, Kurant, and Agat Donsk were outstanding in nutritional and processing quality due to high values in kernel vitreousness, grain protein content, and gluten content. These promising genotypes were favorable for further use in breeding programs. The negative and weak association was evident between grain quality traits and grain yield, indicating the need for genetic balance while considering high quality and productivity in selection.

Keywords: Durum wheat (T. durum L.), cultivars, advanced lines, grain quality, yield performance, traits correlation

Key findings: Over a three-year period, the durum wheat (T. durum L.) cultivar Mikki-3 and advanced lines 2012/7 and 2012/77 showed a significant yield advantage over the check cultivar Makuz-3. Cultivars Kristella, Kurant, and Agat Donsk emerged superior in nutritional and processing quality. The weak correlation between grain quality and yield suggested a balanced breeding approach is necessary to improve both types of traits collectively.

Pepina (Plukenetia corniculata Sm.) is a climbing woody plant belonging to the family Euphorbiaceae. However, for the said species, the DNA-related studies remain limited, particularly using DNA barcoding techniques. The following study aimed to characterize and verify the pepina from Riau using four DNA barcodes. The total DNA extraction took place, followed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), electrophoresis, sequencing, and data analysis. The results revealed Pepina from Riau exhibited 100% similarity to the species P. corniculata based on matK and ITS sequences. However, based on the rbcLb and trnL-trnL-trnF IGS sequences, the similarity values of pepina from Riau with the species P. volubilis were 99.64% and 95.22%, respectively. The ITS and trnL-trnL-trnF IGS displayed the highest levels of substitution mutations and indels compared with the protein-coding DNA barcodes (matK and rbcLb). The most informative DNA barcode was trnL-trnL-trnF IGS, with 3.42% variable nucleotide sites. In summary, the pepina from Riau showed an identity as P. corniculata based on the matK and ITS sequences. Meanwhile, the rbcLb and trnL-trnL-trnF IGS sequences obtained in this study are the first released reports and can enrich the DNA barcode sequences of this species in the public GenBank database. Moreover, molecular identification of pepina can be successful using single-locus barcodes (trnL-trnL-trnF IGS and ITS or matK), as well as combinations of these loci.

Keywords: Pepina (P. corniculata), species, DNA barcode, ITS, matK, rbcLb, trnL-trnL-trnF intergenic spacer, similarity

Key findings: The identity of Pepina (P. corniculata) can attain reliable confirmation using molecular DNA barcoding, either through single-locus or multi-locus approaches. Accurate taxonomic identification is essential to support both conservation strategies and sustainable utilization efforts.

Drought stress is a major constraint in maize (Zea mays L.) production that significantly affects grain yield. Maize hybrids with broad adaptation and environment-specific potential related to water stress will ensure sustainable maize production. The presented study aimed to evaluate the grain yield performance of eight hybrids and two commercial check cultivars of maize under irrigated and drought-stress conditions and the correlation among tolerance indices and identify the stable and high-yielding hybrids. The study was conducted in four different environments, with two each under irrigated and drought-stress conditions, using a randomized complete block design with three replications. Maize genotypes, environments, and genotype-by-environment interactions (GEI) significantly (P < 0.01) affected grain yield. Hybrids experienced a 42.4% yield reduction under drought compared with irrigated conditions. The tolerance indices mean productivity (MP), harmonic mean (HM), geometric mean productivity (GMP), stress tolerance index (STI), yield index (YI), and modified stress tolerance index (K1STI and K2STI) showed significant correlations with grain yield under both environments. Based on the tolerance indices, the drought-tolerant hybrids that included G05 (R0641), G03 (R0211), and G08 (R0020) performed better. GGE biplot analysis identified two mega-environments, where the G06 emerged superior under irrigated conditions and G03 under drought stress, while G05 was stable under both environments.

Keywords: Maize (Z. mays L.), drought stress, genotype-by-environment interaction, hybrid selection, multi-environment trial, tolerance indices

Key findings: Drought stress significantly reduced the grain yield of maize (Z. mays L.) and can worsen with increased drought intensity, highlighting the critical need for drought-tolerant hybrids in tropical agriculture. Tolerance indices and GGE biplot can explain the strengths and weaknesses in identifying the drought-tolerant maize hybrids.