Pitcher plants (Nepenthes sp.) have significant genetic diversity, necessitating their identification in Indonesia. Lampung Province provides suitable habitat for pitcher plants, specifically in the areas of Kebun Raya Liwa, West Lampung Regency, and Balik Bukit District, Indonesia. The specific species of pitcher plants in Kebun Raya Liwa have not reached identification. Therefore, this research aimed to identify the pitcher plants in the regions. Based on the study findings, 13 accessions of pitcher plants exhibited varied morphological characteristics, with the stem length, leaf shape, leaf length, pitcher shape, and pitcher color identified as the most influential traits. The study successfully classified these 13 accessions into three species: N. reinwardtiana, N. mirabilis, and N. gracilis.

Keywords: Pitcher plant (Nepenthes sp.), genetic resources, diversity, characterization, morphological traits, Lampung

Key findings: The 13 pitcher plant (Nepenthes sp.) accessions expressed considerable genetic variations based on morphological traits. In the identification of all the pitcher plant accessions, three types of species emerged, namely, N. reinwardtiana, N. mirabilis, and N. gracilis.

The following research aimed to determine the tolerance of four local Gorontalo rice (Oryza sativa L.) genotypes to drought through the PEG-6000 induction method, conducted in 2024 at the Laboratory of Seed Science and Technology, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia. This research continued in a completely randomized design with two factors. The first factor comprised the six rice genotypes, including two national genotypes (Ciherang and Situ Bagendit), in comparison with four local Gorontalo genotypes (Ponda, Pulo Kuku, Pulo Merah, and Temo). The second factor was PEG concentrations in three levels, i.e., 0 g L^-1 (control), 12.5 g L^-1, and 25 g L^-1. The PEG-6000 utilization as a selection agent for drought-tolerant rice proved to have a significant effect on the germination process and seedling growth. Four local Gorontalo rice genotypes notably showed no resistance to drought stress, whereas the drought-tolerant indices of the four rice genotypes (Ponda, Pulo Kuku, Pulo Merah, and Temo) scored more than 1.00, being classified as sensitive genotypes. Therefore, the planting of these four local rice genotypes must include abundant water management to optimize their growth and production.

Keywords: Gorontalo rice (O. sativa L.), local rice, germination, PEG-6000, drought tolerance indices

Key findings: Four local Gorontalo rice (O. sativa L.) genotypes were distinct in having no resistance to drought stress, and the drought tolerance indices were more than 1.00 for the genotypes Ponda, Pulo Kuku, Pulo Merah, and Temo, classified as sensitive genotypes.

Indonesia and the Southeast Asian region have become the center of diversity for cultivated bananas and their wild relatives. Bananas with the highest diversity, both wild and cultivated, serve as a gene pool for banana breeding. The following study examined a sterile wild banana (Musa acuminata var. microcarpa Becc.) Nasution, accession LIPI-464, originating from Kalimantan, Indonesia. The said accession produces female flowers with no seeds. Observing the chromosome during metaphase I of meiosis of the pollen mother cells revealed abnormal chromosome configurations, such as univalent and trivalent, which suggested chromosomal translocation. The chromosomal translocation also reduces fertility. Despite showing high pollen viability using a staining test, pollination experiments showed seedless fruits, which confirmed the sterility of the accession. In this study, pollens with incomplete dissolved callose walls were evident, along with genetic abnormality in the degradation of callose walls during pollen development. This wild banana accession serves as a valuable resource for understanding the mechanism of sterility in bananas and the impact of chromosomal translocation on seed production, requiring considerations in future breeding programs on bananas.

Keywords: Musa acuminata var. microcarpa Becc., wild Musa diversity, sterility, meiosis, chromosome segregation, chromosomal abnormalities, seedless fruits

Key findings: This study is a new report on the wild sterile banana (Musa acuminata) with all its characteristics and will shed light on the evolution of the banana from fertile to sterile seedless banana.

Indonesia is the leading global producer of Uncaria gambir (W. Hunter) Roxb., with West Sumatra having the largest plantation. The assessment of haplotype diversity is crucial for the production and quality of gambir in West Sumatra, Indonesia. The following study utilized ITS markers to ascertain the haplotype diversity in 28 accessions of U. gambir and one wild gambir species (U. homomalla) from four populations in main plantation areas located in West Sumatra, Indonesia. The research isolated, amplified, and sequenced the DNA. The assessment of genetic differentiation utilized various bioinformatics tools, including BioEdit for sequence alignment, DnaSP for detecting polymorphisms and analyzing haplotype diversity, and MEGA 11. The analysis of 28 accessions of U. gambir and one wild gambir species (U. homomalla) among four examined populations, identified seven distinct haplotypes (H1–H7). Haplotype diversity emerged to be moderate among all the groups (Hd = 0.633). The population of Taratak Tempatih demonstrated the greatest haplotype variety (Hd = 0.90), while the population of Simpang Kapuak exhibited the lowest diversity (Hd = 0), while all populations possessed the identical haplotype (H1). The genetic identity of Udang, Riau Besar, Riau Kecil, and Cubadak accessions will support seedling selection and breeding programs.

Keywords: Uncaria gambir (W. Hunter) Roxb., landraces, genetic uniformity, haplotype diversity, ITS, phylogenetic relationship

Key findings: The presented study identified seven distinct haplotypes in U. gambir (W. Hunter) Roxb., demonstrating the highest genetic diversity, using ITS markers. The highest haplotype diversity indicates low genetic uniformity, affecting gambir production and quality. This genetic diversity is crucial for the conservation of gambir landraces in West Sumatra, Indonesia.

Verticillium wilt (Verticillium dahliae Kleb.) is a fungal disease that causes significant losses both in fiber yield and its quality traits in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). Therefore, the following study aimed to determine the effect of verticillium wilt’s (VW) impact on lint production and fiber quality of nine upland cotton genotypes grown with Verticillium dahliae-infested and non-infested plants under greenhouse conditions. Based on disease ranking results, the lint yield and fiber quality parameters were significantly (P < 0.05) higher for the cultivars Bayraktar and Livzara than the genotype Alekberi under fungal pathogen (V. dahliae) infestation. Fiber quality traits bore considerable effects from VW infected plants as compared to healthy (H) plants. Fiber length decreased from 29.10 (H) to 26.0 (VW) in the cultivar Alekberi and 29.05 (H) to 26.4 (VW) with cultivar Ganja-110, however, was unchanged in the cultivars Livzara and Barakat. For micronaire, a slight increase emerged in some VW infected cultivars versus their healthy counterparts. For disease severity ranking based on intensity of vascular stem discoloration, the cultivars Livzara, Barakat, Ganja-114, and Bayraktar proved resistant to VW. The selection of cotton cultivars tolerant to V. dahliae infection with economically important traits needs further exploration.

Keywords: Upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), cultivars, verticillium wilt, lint production, fiber quality traits, disease ranking, fiber yield and quality losses

Key findings: Verticillium wilt disease considerably affects the fiber quality traits in upland cotton. A slight decrease in fiber uniformity, increase in micronaire, and nonsignificant differences for fiber elongation were notable in the diseased plants compared to healthy ones.

Traditional plant breeding practices have predominantly relied on phenotypic observations, limiting molecular data availability. Furthermore, previous research on salak species has mainly focused on Salak Pondoh and Salak Gading, leaving Salak Sidimpuan understudied at the molecular level. The presented study sought to examine the genetic diversity of Salak Sidimpuan (Salacca sumatrana Becc.) using phenotypic and molecular approaches in South Tapanuli Regency, Indonesia. Nine samples collected from three major salak-producing districts in Padangsidimpuan—East Angkola, West Angkola, and South Angkola with different altitudes—entailed analysis. The RAPD analysis revealed a polymorphism percentage ranging from 60% to 91%, averaging 81.4%. The primer OPA-13 exhibited the highest polymorphism (91%) with 11 DNA bands, whereas the primer OPA-9 showed the lowest polymorphism (60%) with five DNA bands. The identified genetic characters totaled 38, comprising 32 polymorphic and two monomorphic characteristics. The following findings provide valuable insights into the genetic diversity of Salak Sidimpuan, offering a molecular basis for breeding strategies and conservation for the future.

Keywords: Salak Sidimpuan (S. sumatrana Becc.), molecular markers, polymorphism, genetic diversity, phenotypic analysis

Key findings: This study provides information on phenotype and genetic diversity in Salak Sidimpuan (S. sumatrana) plants based on DNA banding patterns using the RAPD method. The genetic diversity indicators based on DNA bands support the diversity at the morphological level of the Salak Sidimpuan.

Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the most widely grown cereal crops worldwide, with around 20% of its grains used for food purposes, 15%–20% for technical purposes, and 60% for feed. In the Akmola Region of Kazakhstan, maize used for silage is preferable in the milky-wax ripeness phase of the grain. The following study aimed to evaluate early-maturing and high-yielding maize hybrids’ average over 2020–2021 and 2021–2022 for cultivation in the hill-plain zone of Akmola Region, Kazakhstan. Three early-ripening maize hybrids, Budan-237-MV, KizURAKS-150-SV, and Tselinny-160-SV, obtained evaluation, with the Sary-Arka-150-ASV (St.) serving as the standard, grown with the recommended agricultural technology. For the vegetation period, maize hybrids KizURAKS-150-SV and Sary-Arka-150-ASV (standard) grains reached wax ripeness in 113 days. The highest grains per cob resulted in the hybrids KizURAKS-150-SV (237 grains cob^-1) and Sary-Arka-150-ASV (240 grains cob^-1). The heaviest grain weight per cob was evident in hybrids Tselinny-160-SV (131 g) and Sary-Arka-150-ASV (128 g). The grain yield, as managed by the genotype by environment interactions, had the hybrid Tselinny-160-SV with the highest grain yield (4.4 t/ha). Therefore, the early-maturing maize hybrids KizURAKS-150-SV, Sary-Arka-150-ASV, Tselinny-160-SV, and Budan-237-MV emerged as the most suitable for cultivation in Northern Kazakhstan for forage purposes.

Keywords: Maize (Z. mays L.), early-maturing hybrids, environmental factors, growth and development, cob traits, yield-related traits, grain yield

Key findings: In the comparative assessment of maize (Z. mays L.) hybrids for early maturity and grain yield in the hill-plain zone of the Akmola Region, the hybrid KizURAKS-150-SV occurred with 113 days and 3.3 t/ha, and the most productive hybrid with an extended vegetation period was the Tselinny-160-SV (4.4 t/ha^-1 and 121 days).

This research aimed to study the most productive F1 hybrids of kale cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. Sabellica) through various cultivation methods under field and greenhouse conditions for the possible development of a green conveyor for year-round provision with fresh vitamins. Six selected hybrids of kale cabbage from the field during 2020–2021 sustained evaluation in the greenhouse using the nutrient film technique (NFT) technology and aquaponics. The recording of data included the growth and phenological parameters and yield. The three kale cabbage F1 hybrids stood out for productivity and quality indicators under field and greenhouse conditions. The kale F1 hybrids Dwarf Green Curled, Scarlet, and Nero di Toscana emerged with the highest yield indicators under field conditions. The hybrids Nero di Toscana, Scarlet, and Dwarf Green Curled had maximum yield increases of 195.3%, 461.58%, and 198.1%, respectively, with NFT technology compared with aquaponics. Overall, the kale F1 hybrid Dwarf Green Curled was remarkable, with the best results on productivity in long-term cultivation (from 1.5 to two months) under field and greenhouse conditions.

Keywords: kale cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. Sabellica), hybrids, growth and phenological traits, productivity, hydroponics, aquaponics

Key findings: The kale cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. Sabellica) hybrids showed better results both under field and greenhouse conditions. The three kale F1 hybrids, viz., Dwarf Green Curled, Scarlet, and Nero di Toscana, emerged as highly recommended for cultivation under field and greenhouse conditions using the NFT technology.

Phenotypic variation is essential for the development of shallots (Allium ascalonicum L.) in the selection process. This study aimed to evaluate phenotypic variation and chromosome doubling effectiveness at different colchicine concentrations in the Rubaru shallot cultivar. The experiment tested five colchicine concentrations (0, 500, 750, 1000, and 1250 ppm) with a 12-hour bulb immersion, using a completely randomized design (CRD) with six replications. The descriptive analysis of data used means, maximum and minimum, standard deviation, and coefficient of variation tests. Higher colchicine concentrations induced greater variation; however, they also reduced the survival rate. The results showed a colchicine concentration of 1000 ppm effectively increased phenotypic variation and chromosome doubling in shallot bulbs. This concentration caused the highest variation in the number of leaves, tillers, and bulbs; bulb weight; and total bulbs’ weight. Additionally, tetraploidy was evident in the 1000 ppm treatment. This study can be beneficial as a reference for future breeding research to improve the Rubaru shallot cultivars.

Keywords: Bulbs, chromosome numbers, crossing, improvement potential, phenotyping evaluation, polyploidy induction, selection, tetraploid

Key findings: Research on using colchicine to increase phenotypic variation in Rubaru shallots is limited. This study demonstrated a concentration of 1000 ppm enhanced variation in several traits. Such information can serve as a foundation for future breeding efforts to improve the Rubaru shallot cultivar.

In investigating the effect of adding different sources of organic waste fertilizers on soil structure, the selection of two locations in Wasit Province, Iraq, with different soils succeeded. The first location had sandy loam, and the second had clay. The soil distribution in plastic pots ensued, with three sources of organic waste added (cow, sheep, and poultry). The application of five amounts of each source included 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 t/ha with three replicates. The study confirmed the characteristics of the weighted rate and the stability of the soil groups. After completing the experiment, the study found that sheep waste was the most effective source in the stability of the soil groups. It has recorded 05.28% when treating the control at 0 t/ha, while it became 54.48% at the level of 20 t/ha. Moreover, the weight was 37.0 mm in the control treatment; it became 95.0 mm at the level of 20 t/ha. The lower effect was the waste from cows, while the waste of poultry had fewer effects in both trials.

Keywords: Organic waste, fertilizers, soil structure, cows, sheep, and poultry wastes

Key findings: Given the heterotic effects, the hybrids had better mean performance for the evaluated traits than their parental lines and testers. The parental genotypes, IR58025A, BRRI1A lines, and the BUdhan2R tester emerged as appropriate for hybridization. IR58025A × BUdhan2R and BRRI1A × BUdhan2R were also the best crosses due to higher grain yield, heterosis, and combining abilities. These parents and hybrid combinations could proceed to be deployed in an aromatic rice hybridization program.