Genetics in Crop Improvement

The integration of epigenetic and epigenomic data with functional genomics has become a pivotal approach to understanding the complex regulatory mechanisms governing plant development, responses to environmental stress, and overall genome dynamics. Epigenetics involves heritable changes in gene expression that do not alter the underlying DNA sequence, encompassing DNA methylation, histone modifications, and small RNA-mediated processes. Epigenomics, on the other hand, refers to the comprehensive analysis of epigenetic modifications on a genome-wide scale. The elucidation of epigenetic regulatory networks in plants has practical implications for crop improvement, as it enables the identification of epigenetic markers associated with desirable traits and the development of targeted breeding strategies. Additionally, the integration of epigenomic data with functional genomics enhances our ability to predict and manipulate gene expression patterns for desired outcomes in agriculture, conservation, and biotechnology. It is crucial to developing resilient crops and conservation of biodiversity. There are various tools and methods for interpreting and analyzing the data, such as whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS), chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing (ChlP-seq), small RNA sequencing, which is sequencing of RNA that provides insight into gene expression, and Cas9-fusion proteins, which is a CRISPR/Cas9-based epigenomic editing tool. There are also different tools for specific methods for analyzing and studying genetic expression and regulating data. This chapter is based on the study of epigenetic modifications in plants and their impacts on environments, changes in regulatory mechanisms of gene expression, and how their response to environmental stimuli works, and, according to this, finding the improvement in plants at the genetic level.

Genetic erosion in cocoa (Theobroma cacao) and coffee (Coffea arabica, Coffea canephora) poses a significant threat to global food security and the livelihoods of over 30 million smallholder farmers in Africa. This study examines the drivers, impacts, and conservation strategies for genetic erosion in eight African countries (Cameroon,

Natural flowering in pineapple crops can cause significant economic losses to growers, resulting in uneven fruiting, which hinders phytosanitary operations and the scaling of fruit harvest. The objective of this work was to evaluate the tolerance of eight pineapple cultivars to natural flowering induction in Tangara da Serra, Mato Grosso, Brazil. The cultivars BRS-Ajuba, BRS-Imperial, BRS-Vitoria, Gigante-de-Tarauaca, IAC-Fantastico, Jupi, Perola, and Smooth-Cayenne were evaluated. Planting was carried out in May of 2018, in a randomized block design, with five replications and 20 plants per plot. Plant height, D-leaf length, and percentage of induced plants were evaluated. The surveying period of plants naturally induced was between May and September 2019. In this period, the plants were between 12 and 16 months of age, with adequate D-leaf lengths and plant heights for the occurrence of flowering induction. There were days with night-time temperatures below 15 °C; the lowest photoperiod was in June. The cultivars Smooth-Cayenne, BRS-Imperial, and IAC-Fantastico were tolerant to the natural induction, which resulted in uneven fruiting, causing losses to growers.

Fruitlet core rot is one of the major postharvest disease of pineapple (Ananas comosus var. comosus). In the past, control strategies were designed to eliminate symptoms without addressing their causes or mechanisms, thus achieving only moderate success. In this study, (i) we focused on the anatomy of the fruitlets in the resistant "MD-2" and susceptible "Queen" pineapple cultivars; (ii) we identified the key role of the carpel margin in the infection process; (iii) we identified the key role of the sinuous layer of thick-walled cells in the inhibition of Fusarium ananatum colonization; and (iv) we linked the anatomy of the fruitlets with the phenolic content of cell walls. The fruitlet anatomy of the two cultivars was studied using X-ray, fluorescence, and multiphoton microscopy. Sepals and bracts were not perfectly fused with each other, allowing the pathogen to penetrate the fruit even after flowering. In fact, the fungi were found in the blossom cups of both cultivars but only became pathogenic in the flesh of the "Queen" pineapple fruit under natural conditions. The outer layer of the "MD-2" cavity was continuous with thick cell walls composed of ferulic and coumaric acids. The cell walls of the "Queen" blossom cup were less lignified at the extremities, and the outer layer was interspersed with cracks. The carpel margins were fused broadly in the "MD-2" pineapple, in contrast to the "Queen" pineapple. This blemish allows the fungus to penetrate deeper into the susceptible cultivar. In pineapple fruitlets, the hyphae of F. ananatum mainly progressed directly between cell walls into the parenchyma but never reached the vascular region. A layer of thick-walled cells, in the case of the resistant cultivar, stopped the colonization, which were probably the infralocular septal nectaries. Anatomical and histochemical observations coupled with spectral analysis of the hypodermis suggested the role of lignin deposition in the resistance to F. ananatum. The major phenolics bound to the cell walls were coumaric and ferulic acids and were found in higher amounts in the resistant cultivar postinoculation. The combination of fruitlet anatomy and lignification plays a role in the mechanism of host resistance to fruitlet core rot.

The discovery of the CRISPR-Cas genome editing technology has opened up new opportunities for crop improvement through precise genetic modifications. This new technology has shown great promise in improving crop yields, quality, and resilience to biotic and abiotic stresses. This review presents the recent advances in CRISPR-Cas technology, including new tools and techniques for precise genome editing, as well as the challenges associated with off-target effects and unintended consequences. It explores the applications of CRISPR-Cas-based genome editing in different crops, including maize, rice, wheat, and tomato, highlighting the progress achieved in improving important traits such as disease resistance, drought tolerance, and nutrient content. The regulatory concerns around CRISPR-Cas-based genome editing, as well as the ethical considerations associated with this technology are also adressed. Finally, insights into the potential impact of CRISPR-Cas-based genome editing on crop b...

Twenty four and nineteen lines developed for timely and late sown conditions respectively, were evaluated in RBD with 4 replications and two dates of sowing i.e. 2nd week of November (timely sowing) and 1st week of December (late sowing). Moderate GCV was recorded for spike length, grains spike-1, grain yield plant-1, spikelet’s spike-1 and grain yield meter-1 (linear) under timely sown conditions, while higher GCV was recorded by grain yield plant-1 and grain yield meter-1 (linear) under late sown condition. This may be due to different parentage background of the genotypes. The estimates of heritability for all the traits revealed that except for grains spike-1 heritability estimates increased with the delay in sowing time. Economically important traits like grain weight spike-1, 1000 grain weight exhibited high estimates for expected genetic advance accompanied with high heritability estimate can be improved by hybridization followed by selection. The study conclude that, correla...

The increased attention on genomics and the use of model species have greatly expanded the ability to detect and create variation. At least 23 plant species either have their genome sequenced or will soon be sequenced. Utilization of the TILLING technology in wheat has allowed the identification of more variation at the waxy locus than had been detected in the previous 25 years. Site-specific mutagenesis via oligonucleotide mismatches or zinc finger nucleases directed toward specific genes allows changes in a directed manner. The use of RNAi allows expression changes leading to useful variation such as root-knot resistance in Arabidopsis, reduction in cotton seed gossypol, cytoplasmic male sterility in tomato and tobacco, and delayed senescence in wheat. We have produced oat plants with individual maize chromosomes by crossing oat x maize followed by embryo rescue. Oat-maize addition lines (OMAs) are now available for all 10 maize chromosomes in various oat genetic backgrounds. OMAs also have been produced with the maize chromosomes coming from different genetic backgrounds (Seneca 60, B73 and Mo17). Monosomic OMAs have been gamma-irradiated to produce Radiation Hybrid (RH) lines with either a diminutive form of the maize chromosome addition or a translocation of a piece of the maize chromosome with an oat chromosome. Approximately 650 RH lines have been produced and defined by 40 markers for that particular chromosome. The OMA and RH lines are useful for many genetic studies, such as mapping individual sequences (polymorphisms are not required), transposable elements, and members of gene families; chromosome isolation, chromosome pairing, centromere isolation, etc. Also of interest is the evaluation of the materials for the introgression of maize characteristics into oat, such as disease resistance and C4 photosynthesis. All of these technologies expand the boundaries for more directed genomic changes enhancing the options for crop improvement.

Mutation breeding is considered to be economic and efficient in plant improvement, and the use of chemical mutagens such as ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS) can potentially address plant breeding challenges. The aim of this present study is to create variations from existing two genotypes of tomato (Cobra and Roma vf) using a chemical mutagen ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS) in the M3 generation. Variations like increased yield, increase in fruit size and weight, variations in leaf shape, growth habit and fruit colour were conspicuously observed in the two genotypes studied in the M3 generation. In Cobra, variant 3 recorded the highest fruit weight per plant of 1.118kg while 0.318kg was the least and it was recorded by variant 7. Variations in the fruit size are equally observed with some variants producing large fruits while others produce small fruits. Variant 2 had a single fruit weight of about 63g while variant 8 produced small fruit with a single fruit weighing about 27g. There are equally some remarkable variants in Roma vf, variant 2, had a fruit weight of 1.145kg with 56.4g fruits harvested with a single fruit weight of 20.3g. This variant produces lots of many small fruits with a creeping growth habit that makes it behave like an indeterminate variety.

Thermal and physicochemical properties of different bean varieties (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) With the object of evaluating parameters of hardness, water absorption, thermal properties, viscosity, and bean microstructure, 14 varieties of beans grown in Durango State, Mexico, were studied. Higher ash content favored water absorption of the studied varieties, and in turn, the increased water absorption decreased the final hardness of the grains. Dense structures of the seed coat were indicative of lower water absorption, higher hardness and lower viscosity. Thermal properties were partly related to viscosity. Exceptions to these behaviors were P-V and SIN, the hardest and softer varieties, respectively. Additional key words: Hardness, viscosity, thermal properties, microstructure

The F 2 population of the cross IIHR-2373 X Arka Alok's genetic parameters were examined in order to clarify the frequency distribution, genetic variability, heritability, and genetic advancement of tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.). The results of the variability study demonstrated that all of the characteristics assessed in the segregating population had a reasonable degree of arbitrariness. Except for pH, ascorbic acid, number of locules, days to first flowering, and pulp content, which displayed negative skewness and platykurtic distribution, the frequency distribution of the F 2 population demonstrated positive skewness with platykurtic distribution for all traits. Except for the number of fruits per cluster and the days to first flowering, minimal variation was found between the phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) and genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for all characters. This suggests that environmental factors less influenced most traits for their phenotypic expression. Except for fruit diameter, days to first flowering, and quantity of fruits per cluster, all attributes showed strong heritability combined with high genetic advancement as a percent mean, suggesting a substantial opportunity for improvement through selection for most of these traits. To effectively choose a superior genotype of tomato through breeding, a breeding strategy must first investigate genetic diversity in the available germplasm.

Brassica genomes are relatively large and complex due to historic duplication events, the amplification of families of transposable elements, and polyploidisation. The development of second generation DNA sequencing methods is rapidly changing plant genome research and we are applying this technology for the analysis of the Brassica genomes. We have generated genome sequence data for several Brassica species and developed tools for the analysis of this data. These tools can be applied for gene and molecular marker discovery, providing an unprecedented insight into genome structure and variation to support Brassica crop improvement.

The discovery of the CRISPR-Cas genome editing technology has opened up new opportunities for crop improvement through precise genetic modifications. This new technology has shown great promise in improving crop yields, quality, and resilience to biotic and abiotic stresses. This review presents the recent advances in CRISPR-Cas technology, including new tools and techniques for precise genome editing, as well as the challenges associated with off-target effects and unintended consequences. It explores the applications of CRISPR-Cas-based genome editing in different crops, including maize, rice, wheat, and tomato, highlighting the progress achieved in improving important traits such as disease resistance, drought tolerance, and nutrient content. The regulatory concerns around CRISPR-Cas-based genome editing, as well as the ethical considerations associated with this technology are also adressed. Finally, insights into the potential impact of CRISPR-Cas-based genome editing on crop b...

Thirty-seven sunflower hybrids were evaluated for 8 agronomic characters under field conditions to estimate genetic parameters, correlation coefficient, path analysis and principal components analysis. Analysis of variance and mean performance for yield and its components revealed significant differences among all the hybrids for all the characters indicating the diverse nature of hybrids. Days to flower initiation, completion and days to maturity had positive correlation with plant height. Head diameter had negative association with all the traits except 100 seed weight. Seed yield had negative correlation with oil contents that is suggested to break either through conventional or novel breeding techniques to breed high yielding hybrids with maximum oil contents. Positive direct effect was observed with days to maturity, plant height and head diameter, highest being by head diameter. Among 8 characters, 5 days to flower initiation, flower completion, days to maturity, plant height and oil contents contributed for PC 1 , whereas, 100-seed weight contributed to PC 2 with populations possessing low oil contents. On the basis of these results, the best hybrids were grouped together in the upper test half and are suggested for general cultivation. The PCA could help for identification of the best hybrids although seed yield, 100 seed weight and head diameter did not contribute for PC 1 .

Sugarcane, a unique biological system which has evolved over time to suit the changing human needs is now being manipulated as a source of alternate energy and an array of platform chemicals. Sugarcane is a crop with diverse end uses and applications, a wealth of genetic resources and a rich breeding history. The daunting size and extreme complexity of the genome together with high heterozygosity and variable chromosome numbers has long hampered genomic research in sugarcane. Analysis of the transcriptome using long read sequencing has been reported. Normalization of libraries before sequencing has been widely employed in transcriptome analysis. In the complex sugarcane transcriptome, normalization was found to both reveal more rare sequences and result in the loss of many sequence variants. This suggested the need for deep sequencing to capture the diversity of sequences in sugarcane. Recently, a monoploid genome sequence was generated for the cultivar R570. We now report analysis ...

Charcoal rot (Macrophomina phaseolina) covered a wide host range and is responsible for causing losses on more than 500 cultivated and wild plant species. So far in Pakistan it has been reported to cause disease on 67 economic hosts including field crops, pulses, flowers and vegetable. It was first reported in 1982 from sunflower field in Pakistan. The fungus is reported to be soil, seed and stubble borne. Twenty four (24) sunflower genotypes were analyzed under charcoal rot (Macrophomina phaseolina) stress conditions. The accessions were planted in a factorial randomized complete block design with three treatments within three replications. Accessions x treatments interaction are significant (P < 0.05) for oil contents and disease incidence. There are three accessions HBRS-5, G-46 and G-54 found highly susceptible to charcoal rot while HBRS-1, A-12 and A-79 are moderately resistance to charcoal rot among the 24 accessions of sunflower. While the remaining accessions have their r...

The present research programme, Genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance for yield and yield attributes in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), was carried out at Hill Millet Research Station, Waghai, The Dangs, NAU. Rabi season 2021-22. Fifty genotypes of tomato were evaluated in Randomized Block Design with three replications. The analysis of variance revealed highly significant variation among the genotypes for all the characters studied indicating considerable amount of variability among the genotypes. High GCV and PCV were observed for plant height, average fruit weight, total number of fruits per plant, total soluble solids, vitamin c. This indicates the existence of broad genetic base, which would be amenable for further selection. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as per cent of mean was observed for plant height, average fruit weight (g), total number of fruits, yield per plant (kg/ha), total yield (t/ha), TSS and vitamin C content.

Cowpea is a significant grain legume pulse, vegetable, and fodder crop. However, due to biotic and abiotic stresses, yields have been consistently low. Phosphorus (P) deficiency-related yield losses are one of the major abiotic stresses. The objectives therefore were i) to evaluate the mean performance response of selected cowpea traits across genotypes in optimum and P-limiting soil media and ii) to determine the cowpea heritability response of agronomic traits in P-limiting soil. Twenty cowpea genotypes comprising of 12 F1 crosses and eight progenitors were evaluated at the University of Zambia Greenhouse in Lusaka, using a completely randomized design with three replications and two-level sets of phosphorus (i.e. 0 kg P2O5 and 60 kg P2O5). The 60 kg P2O5 level set was used as a control. The results showed that the mean performance across genotypes for all

Seed yield in sunflower is a quantitatively inherited character highly affected by environmental factors. These factors are related among themselves and with yield either favorably or unfavorably. In this study, data collected from eight (8) sunflower hybrids i.e. W-001, W-002, W-003, W-004, W-005, W-006, Hissun-33 and SF-187 were analyzed for correlations between yield and yield contributing factors. Majority of characters showed significantly positive correlations either both at genotypic or phenotypic level, however stem girth showed positive non-significant correlation with seed yield. While number of rows per head, number of achenes per head, head diameter and 100 achene weight considered as variables significantly influencing seed yield in sunflower. Overall, this study identified the potential traits whose genetic improvement could lead to the genetic improvement in overall yield in Sunflower.

Although Ethiopia is considered as the likely origin and center of diversity for okra, characterization and cultivar improvement of okra is very limited yet. Fifty accessions of okra germplasm were collected from four major production regions in Ethiopia and were evaluated under field conditions at Melkassa Agricultural Research Center during main cropping seasons of 2015, with the objective of characterization of the germplasms. The International Plant Genetic Resources Institute descriptor list for okra was used as a guide for data collection. Variations were observed among the different accessions based on their vegetative traits, inflorescence and fruit characteristics. There was a wide variation in plant height among the accessions; flowering and fruiting periods varied considerably among all accessions based on the output of the correlation and cluster analyses. There was a strong positive correlation between total fruit number and yield per plant (r = 0.84); first fruit produ...

2 Abstract: An on-farm research was conducted in 2008 and 2009 cropping seasons at the Linkage Farm of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka to assess the effects of cultivars and NPK fertilizer rates on foliage and sucker production of taro in the plains of Nsukka. The experiment was laid out in a 5 x 6 factorial in randomized complete block design (RCBD) in which factor A forms five taro cultivars comprising Nkpong, Odogolo, Nworoko, Coco- lndia and Nachi,while factor B consists of six rates of NPK 15:15:15 fertilizer thus: 0, 100, 150, 200, 250 and 300 kg/ha. There were 30 treatment combinations with three replicates. Statistical analysis of variance was done on the field data collected using Gestate 7.1 second edition. F-LSD was applied to detect significant differences between two treatment means at 5% probability level. The results showed that Coco India cultivar significantly (P = 0.05) produced the highest number of leaves and suckers per plant across the measuring intervals in ...

Se describe una nueva variedad de frijol, 'Aluyori'. Esta es la primera variedad de tipo alubia grande desarrollada en México. Aluyori es una variedad de ciclo intermedio de hábito de crecimiento determinado tipo I, de grano grande adecuado para el mercado internacional, con más de 50 g en 100 semillas. Aluyori se adapta a condiciones de riego en los estados de Sinaloa y Sonora donde ha mostrado un potencial de rendimiento de 3 t ha-1 y resistencia a enfermedades. Bajo condiciones de riego Aluyori ha resultado superior en rendimiento a las variedades de tipo Azufrado que comandan el mercado en Sinaloa, a Azufrado Higuera en 18% y a Azufrado Regional 87 en 22%, equivalente a 363 y 430 kg ha-1 , respectivamente. Las características culinarias de la variedad Aluyori son similares a las de la principal variedad de grano amarillo, Azufrado Higuera.

An excellent quality Indian spinach line has been developed at BRAC Agricultural Research and Development Centre (BARDC) through selection. This newly developed line is characterized by robust plants with high vigour and good plant uniformity rates. Its slightly pinkish green coloured tender broad succulent vines are fleshy, soft and have relatively less fibre which makes it easy for consumption and tastier than the traditional type of Indian spinach varieties besides its higher vine weight. Its deep green succulent leaves are also thicker, soft and fleshy, have a nice flavour and good taste as well. Moreover, this new variety also performs well in the peak monsoon season excepting its normal season cultivation. The late bolting nature of the newly developed variety provides another advantage of prolonged harvesting. Its rooftop, as well as balcony cultivation, offers more scope as well as benefits than traditional varieties as this new line gives more yield in the limited space like balconies and rooftops of urban areas.

lndia is the second largest producer o/ji-tlits after China. Among the various vegetative methods used to propagate the citrus. budding is by far the most coml/lon l!lethod practiced universal~}' in citriculture. The experiment 11·as laid out in 3x4 factor factorial RBD H'ifh T-budding method on fo11r rnrif'lies i.e. lime, lemon, Kinnow and grapefruit irith I 2 treat111ents in three different tunes of budding i.e. )irst week of 1\'ove111ber, second week of Nove111ber and third ll'eek of Xovel!lber. Maxi11111/ll success of budding (81.67%) H'as recorded with lemon budded during jirst 1reek of November. Mim11111111 days of bud sprouting(l 3.30) .111aximu111 sprout length (8.87crn). sprout girth (9. 09111111). number of leaves (16.97). 1111111ber of branches (2.22) H'as also fo1111d ll'ilh lemon budded during the .first week of November. Ho11·ever. highest net return of Rs.105132 and Benejlt. Cost rat10 of 8.07 per 1000 budded plants 1rrth grapefruit bud...

Background: To determine the optimal water irrigation method combined with covering material for Allium chinense growth and yield on acid sulfate soil. Methods: The field experiment was carried out in a randomized complete block design, which include four treatments, each with four replications. The plot size was 83.3 m 2 (19.6 m in length, 4.25 m in width). Treatments were flooding irrigation combined with rice straw covering (FI-RS), flooding irrigation combined with Eleocharis dulcis covering (FI-ED, control), spray irrigation combined with rice straw covering (SI-RS) and spray irrigation combined with Eleocharis dulcis covering (SI-ED). Result: Experimental results showed that Allium chinense planted on the treatment of SI increased clump height (47.2 cm) and weight of bulb (4.38 g), gave the highest yield of 40.9 t ha-1 and increased up to 25.9% in comparison to planted in conventional method (control). The spray irrigation method was more suitable than the flooding irrigation method for growing Allium chinense. Vitamin C content in bulbs was not changed under different water irrigation methods combined with mulching materials.

Colchicine, a natural alkaloid derived from the autumn crocus plant (Colchicum autumnale), has garnered signi icant attention in recent years due to its potential applications in plant breeding and genetic research. This compound has been widely used to induce chromosomal doubling and alter the ploidy level of plants, leading to the development of new and improved crop varieties. Acha (Digitaria spp) is a cereal grain of increasing agricultural importance in many African regions, known for its nutritional value and adaptability to diverse environmental conditions. This research study aimed to investigate the effects of colchicine treatment on the germination process, plant height, and leaf number of two species of Acha. Understanding the impact of colchicine on these agro-morphologic growth parameters will provide valuable insights into its potential use for enhancing the agronomic traits of Acha and potentially other cereal crops. Germination is a critical stage in the life cycle of plants, and its success greatly in luences overall crop productivity. Colchicine treatment has been reported to in luence germination rates by affecting various physiological processes,

The nutrient elements which are required comparatively in small quantities are called as micro (or) minor nutrients (or) Trace elements. Micronutrients are essentially as important as macronutrient to have better growth, yield and quality in plants. Micronutrients play a prime role in the production of any crop because of it is direct influence on crop physiology. Micronutrients are involved in all metabolic and cellular function. Plants differ in their need for micronutrients such as boron (B), iron (fe), zinc (zn), copper (cu), chloride (cl), Manganese (Mn), Molybdenum(Mo), and Nickel (Ni). Foliar application of nutrients is particularly a useful technique which can be designed to meet plants specific needs for one (or) more micro (or) macro nutrients especially
trace minerals and enable to correct deficiencies, strengthen weak (or) damaged crops, speed up growth and to grow better (Said-Al Ahl and Mahmoud, (2010). The literature pertaining to the effect of micronutrients of zinc, boron, molubdenum, potassium humate and some combinations on flower crops is reviewed here under.

• Plant height, stem girth, leaf area index, yield and dry fruit biomass are affected by fertilizer rate, irrigation regime, genotype and micro-climate of the greenhouse and its interactions. • Plant height, stem girth, leaf area index, yield and dry fruit biomass increased with increased fertilizer rates and irrigation regime. • The combination of 100% fertilizer rate by 100% irrigation regime best supported stem girth and dry fruit biomass under micro-climate 1 and 2. • A strong negative correlation (-0.718) existed between yield and optimum temperature under micro-climate 1 whereas a weak positive correlation (0.231) existed between yield and optimum temperature under microclimate 2. • A positive correlation (0.369 and 0.753 respectively) existed between optimum temperature and rootzone pH under micro-climate 1 and 2.

The present study was carried out to evaluate the effect of nitrogen on growth and yield of chili (Capsicum annuum L.) under rooftop conditions. The single factorial experiments were laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Four levels of nitrogen N0: 0 kg N ha-1, N1: 90 kg N ha-1, N2: 110 kg N ha-1 and N3: 130 kg N ha-1 were used in this experiment. Growth and yield contributing parameters significantly influenced by different doses of nitrogenous fertilizers. The dose of N2 gave the highest plant height (80.97 cm) and most of the morphological parameters increased with increasing nitrogen levels up to N2. The treatment N3 gave the highest fruit length (4.93 cm), yield of fruits plant-1 (165.33 gm), average fruit yield plot-1 (0.66 kg), individual fruit weight (1.97 g) and average fruit yield (5.533 kgha-1). Based on the present results, it can be suggested that use of 130 kg N ha-1 increased plant growth and fruit yield of chili in rooftop garden.

Capsicum sp. is an essential spice which originates from the Solanaceae family of nightshades. The genus is native to Middle and South America and consists of around 30 species. Red pepper is widely cultivated worldwide and is the most popular vegetable in the world, after tomatoes. Pepper plants need a lot of nutrients and require adequate soil fertility maintenance to grow. The growth and development of plants depends on macro- and micronutrients, as well as amino acids. Amino acids have various prominent functions in plants. Such as resistance to stress conditions, root development, aroma-, taste- and color precursors, increase in seed germination, photosynthesis and chlorophyll reinforcement, nitrogen reserve, and much more. A field study was conducted during the period from August 2019 to April 2020 to determine the effect of amino acid application on the optimum yield of pepper (Capsicum chinense). Pepper seedlings were subjected to four levels of amino acid fertilizers (0, 3.75, 6.25- and 8.75-ml l-1). These were assigned randomly into three replicates and arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). The research factor was to compare four different levels of amino acid fertilizers. The collected data were statistically analyzed using a One-way analysis of variance and Post-hoc using the statistics software program SPSS. Plant variables that were observed and or measured were: plant height, stem diameter, number of flowers, number of dropped flowers, fruit length, fruit circumference, single fruit weight, total fruit weight, biomass, root weight and root system. The results showed that growth contributing parameters, including plant height, stem diameter, number of flowers and number of dropped flowers, were not influenced significantly (P<0.05), whereas yield contributing parameters, including fruit length, fruit circumference and single fruit weight, were significantly (P<0.05) influenced by different doses of amino acids. The growth parameters plant height, stem diameter, number of flowers and number of dropped flowers showed an increasing response to all the treatments as the amino acid level increased. This was also the case for the total fruit weight per plot. Based on the obtained results, it can be stated that the application of amino acids (AGASI) increased the fruit yield of pepper. However, it is recommended to further investigate whether the number of times amino acids are administered is relevant to the yield and if the application of amino acids have the same effect on different crops and finally if there is a difference between foliar application and soil application.

Keywords: AGASI, Amino acid, Capsicum, Pepper production

Black pepper is a highly valued spice and an important ingredient in traditional medicine. The increase in black pepper cultivation to improve farmers' income in Nigeria is constrained by poor seedling survival from vine cuttings. Using imported media to reduce mortality is expensive for low-income farmers. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of local growing media (topsoil, sawdust, and fresh rice hull) on the establishment and growth of black pepper vine cuttings in the nursery under screenhouse conditions. A repeated pot experiment was conducted using a randomised completed block design, with 9 treatments and four replicates. The following treatments were used: 100% topsoil (T1), 100% sawdust (T2), 100% rice hull (T3), 50% topsoil+50% sawdust (T4), 50% topsoil+50% rice hull (T5), 75% topsoil+25% sawdust (T6), 25% topsoil+75% sawdust (T7), 75% topsoil+25% rice hull (T8), and 75% rice hull +25% topsoil (T9). Data on sprouting, mortality and growth were evaluated. The results showed that T2 and T4 significantly reduced the number of days to sprouting compared to T1, T5 and T9, while T6, T7 and T8 exhibited a similar behaviour in the two plantings. Vine mortality was significantly higher in T3 compared to the other treatments, except for T5 and T8 in the second planting. With respect to number of leaves and leaf area, T2 and T6 showed significantly higher values at 8 and 12 weeks after planting (WAP), respectively; whereas T1 had significantly higher values at 16 and 20 WAP compared to the other treatments in both plantings. The results indicated that the most appropriate growing media for early transplanting are 100% sawdust and 50% topsoil+50% sawdust, while 100% topsoil is the most suitable for delayed transplanting.

Climate change has imposed greater challenge on cowpea production in the savannah ecology of West Africa sub-region in the recent time, however, development of varieties that combined resilience (stability) and precocity with high seed yield would be a sustainable approach to mitigate this problem. To this end, nine advanced breeding lines were evaluated along with two commercial varieties across three locations in guinea savannah ecology, using a randomized complete block design of three replications. Results obtained for seed yield and yield components indicate that the eleven cowpeas exhibited substantial variability for all plant traits studied and implications discussed. Additive Main Effect and Multiplicative Interaction (AMMI) analysis however revealed that the variations recorded were substantially attributable to genotypic component (70-80%) and less of environment (0.7-7.0%), a measure of phenotypic stability of these cowpea lines. However, seed yield and yield components vary significantly across the three locations, which further emphasize the important role of soil and climatic variables to cowpea production. In this study, two varieties (IT07K-299-6 and IT11K-61-82) consistently combined high seed yield (＞ 2 tons/ha) with precocity across the three locations, and could be multiplied for distribution to farmers as short-term intervention for yield increase. Reduced seed viability of these varieties reflects seed storage challenge in cowpea farming. In addition to significant contributions of some yield components to seed yield, there was evidence of strong association between precocity and high yield, and its implication for cowpea improvement discussed.

Tuberose is one of the important cut flower among the top ten cut flowers. In India, tuberose is commonly known as Gulchari and Galshabbo in Hindi, Rajanigandha in Bengali, Sukandaraji and Nelasanpengi in Telegu, Nilasompangi in Tamil and Sugandharaja in Kannada. Tuberose also uses for table purpose because it has long spike length, long post-harvest life and extremely fragrance due to present of Geraniol, Nerol, Benzyl alcohol, Eugenol, and Methyl anthranilate. Tuberose has around fifteen species under the genus of Polianthes but, twelve species are distributed from Mexico. Among of these flowers nine species have white, one is white tinged with red and two are red colour. Only Polianthes tuberosa L. are growing commercially and all the others are found growing wild. Tuberose is commercially propagated by vegetative methods (Bulb, Bulblet and Division of bulb) but, rarely tuberose propagated by seed, because seed propagated is very difficult. Nowa day's tuberose also propagated by tissue culture to get virus-free planting material production.

The present study was conducted at private Farm at El-Sharqia Governorate, Egypt under supervision of Agronomy Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt. Four cultivars of peanut were used in this work namely NC9, Gregory, Bold, and Runner. This work aimed to study the induction of genetic variation in peanut using Sodium azide (NaN3; Mw=65.01) with two doses (1×10 ) and (3×10) and three doses of Gamma rays (10, 30 and 50kr) to induce mutagenesis. M1 and M2 seeds per dose for each genotype including the control were sown in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications in 2017 and 2018 summer seasons. Analysis of variance showed that there were significant differences between genotypes under sodium azide and gamma rays for most studied traits in M1 and M2 generations. Number of primary branches was significantly affected by sodium azide concentrations, however all genotypes gave low number of primary branches under 0.003M than oth...

Lilium and tuberose are promising geophytic flowers, which have high market demand in global floral markets. A study was conducted to optimize planting densities for cut lilium and tuberose production. Bulbs of Asiatic lily ‘Brunello’ and tuberose ‘Single’ were planted on 7.5 cm, 15.0 cm and 22.5 cm between bulbs while ridge were spaced at 60 cm apart. Lilium bulbs planted at 22.5 cm took 185 d, while tuberose took 101 d to produce flowers as compared to 7.5 cm spacing (173 d and 93 d, respectively). Bulbs of lilium and tuberose planted at 22.5 cm resulted in tallest plants with highest leaf area for both tested species, 69.1 cm and 11.4 cm2 for lilium and 110.6 cm and 30.2 cm2 for tuberose, respectively. Both species had highest number of florets with longer stem/ spike length and stem/spike diameter when planted 22.5 cm apart, while close planting further decrease number of buds/florets and stem/spike length. Similar results were recorded for fresh weight of a stem, while vase lif...

A field experiment was conducted at ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru during kharif and rabi seasons of 2016-17 to study the effect of fertigation, irrigation and mulching on nutrient uptake in African marigold. The results revealed that highest nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium uptake by African marigold in plots treated with irrigation at 1.0 Evapo-replenishment and fertigation with 100% recommended dose of fertilisers (RDF) and polyethylene mulching during both the seasons followed by 0.8 Evapo-replenishment and fertigation with 100% RDF and polyethylene mulching. Similar trend was observed in the uptake of micronutrients (iron, manganese, zinc and copper) as well. There was a decrease in uptake pattern of nutrients in case of rabi than kharif season. Among the treatments, the minimum nutrient uptake was recorded in 0.6 ER and soil application of normal fertilizers @ 100% RDF without Mulching.

This study was undertaken in order to determine the association among yield components and their direct and indirect effects on the seed yield of confectionery sunflower. 36 confectionery sunflower populations originated from different regions of Northwest Iran were characterized using 11 agromorphological traits including: Days to 50% flowering, plant height, stem diameter, head diameter, number of leaves, leaf length, leaf width, petiole length, number of seeds per head, 100-seed weight and seed yield. Phenotypic correlations results show that seed yield per plant was positively and significantly associated with 100-seed weight, head diameter, number of seeds per head, stem diameter and plant height. Path coefficient analysis revealed that number of seed per head, 100-seed weight, and head diameter has positive direct effect on seed yield. Therefore, selection based on these characters would be more effective to improving seed yield in confectionery sunflower in breeding programs....

to study the effect of potash and sulphur levels on growth, yield and quality of onion. Potash was applied @ 40, 60 and 80 kg ha-1 in combination with sulphur @ 0, 20, 40 and 60 kg ha-1 and their twelve treatment combinations were laid out in factorial randomized block design with three replications. Uniform dose of FYM (25 t ha-1) was applied to all the treatments. Data on plant height (cm), leaves plant-1 at 90 DAT, fresh bulb weight (g), bulb diameter (cm), fresh bulb yield (q ha-1) at harvest, S content of bulb (%) after harvest and Physiological Weight Loss (PLW %) after 1, 2 and 3 months of storage were recorded. It was found that application of potash and sulphur with recommended dose of nitrogen and phosphorus gave better results in relation to yield as well as quality characters. The results revealed that application of potash and sulphur with recommended dose of nitrogen and phosphorus (P2S1-100:50:60:20 kg NPKS ha-1) gave better results in relation to yield, quality parameters like physiological weight loss and net return in onion.

to study the effect of potash and sulphur levels on growth, yield and quality of onion. Potash was applied @ 40, 60 and 80 kg ha-1 in combination with sulphur @ 0, 20, 40 and 60 kg ha-1 and their twelve treatment combinations were laid out in factorial randomized block design with three replications. Uniform dose of FYM (25 t ha-1) was applied to all the treatments. Data on plant height (cm), leaves plant-1 at 90 DAT, fresh bulb weight (g), bulb diameter (cm), fresh bulb yield (q ha-1) at harvest, S content of bulb (%) after harvest and Physiological Weight Loss (PLW %) after 1, 2 and 3 months of storage were recorded. It was found that application of potash and sulphur with recommended dose of nitrogen and phosphorus gave better results in relation to yield as well as quality characters. The results revealed that application of potash and sulphur with recommended dose of nitrogen and phosphorus (P2S1-100:50:60:20 kg NPKS ha-1) gave better results in relation to yield, quality parameters like physiological weight loss and net return in onion.

TGX1987-10F) developed at National Cereals Research (NCRI) in collaboration with International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and the result showed wide significant variations in the proximate and mineral contents. TGX1987-62F recorded the highest dry matter content of 98.34% while TGX 923-2E gave the highest moisture content (6.12%). Highest values for Crude ash (5.02%) and crude fibre (6.12%) were recorded for TGX1951-3F. NGB00116 had the significantly highest protein content of 41.92% and an appreciable oil content of 27.65%. Protein content was also high for TGX1987-10F (41.33%) and NG/MR/11/11/060 (41.31%). TGX1989-19F had the highest oil content of 30.45% and energy value (496.37Kcal/g). NGB00113 had the highest carbohydrate content of 52.74%. K. Na, Ca, Mg and P were highest in NG/SA/JAN/09/48 (1.99%), NGB00116 (0.57%), TGX1485-1D (1.60%) TGX1951-3F (0.84%) and NGB00113 (0.85%) respectively. The study provides valuable information on soybean genotypes with very high protein and oil content for recommendation to farmers and other end users and for breeders to select and utilize in soybean quality improvement programmes.

The experiment conducted in green house a (plastic house) in Diwaniya governorate Hamza district for the autumn season (2016-2017) in order to study the effect of breeding methods and nitrogen fertilization on the growth and yield characteristics of tomatoes. The first factor is the method of breeding (breeding on one leg, breeding on two stems, breeding on three stems). The second factor is three levels of nitrogen fertilization (100, 150, 200 N kg E). The results showed that the cultivation methods had no significant effect on plant height, stem girth and fruit size and had a significant effect on root length in the plant. The method of planting on two stems and three stems gave the highest rate of root length (36.67 and 37.56 cm respectively). Recipe of average weight of fruits per plant in the plant where the method of breeding on one leg and three stems gave the highest rate of average weight of fruits, reaching (142.22g) and (142.33g) respectively. The level of nitrogen added ...

The field experiment was carried out during rabi season of 2018-19 and 2019-20 at College farm, COH, VR Gudem, West Godavari Distract of Andhra Pradesh. The data revealed that the highest germination and plant height, No. of branches plant-1 , No. of leaves plant-1 and leaf area plant-1 (at 30, 60 and 80 DAP) and total tuber yield were recorded in November 1 st planting. Respect to spacings, significantly higher growth values were noticed at 75x20 cm except tuber yield. Among NPK levels, application of 160N:80P:200K kg ha-1 was found to be superior in growth parameters as well as total tuber yield. In three way interaction of D2S2F2 and D2S1F2 were recorded the highest growth parameters and total tuber yield respectively. Plant spacing, NPK levels, their all the interaction effects were found to be nonsignificant on germination. Based on results, it may be concluded that D2S1F2 combination may be considered as the best treatment in terms of tuber yield.

In mango an application of paclobutrazol @ 5g a.i. per tree at 15 th July, pruning third order branches 30cm from origin improved growth, yield and quality. In banana desuckering stage (300 mm), bunch cover with white non-woven polypropylene bag, silver-black polyethylene mulch, removal of male bud and feeding of bunch with urea (7.5 g) + sulphate of potash (7.5 g) + cow dung (500 g) + 100ml water and planting two suckers per pit spaced at 1.8X3.6 m improved growth, yield and quality parameters of banana. In guava crop regulation by water stress, light pruning at 20cm + borax 0.2%, 250 gauge black polythene, high density planting at 2X1.5m and branch bending improved growth, yield and quality parameters. In pomegranate 50% RDF through fertigation, pragmen paper bag, 30cm pruning + 30 fruit retain per plant, 100 µ silver polythene mulch improved growth, yield and quality. Citrus responded well to girdling + 2% KNO3, GA3 50 ppm in June + cycocel 1000 ppm in September+ KNO3 2%, black polythene mulch; fertigation with 120% of RDF improved growth, yield and quality. Papaya performed better with 100% RDF (28.29 kg) + plastic mulch + vermiwash + neem seed extract (87.31 MT) improved growth, yield and quality. In ber pruning on 16 th May + keeping 60cm length of branch improved growth, yield and quality of ber.

SummaryAn increasing interest in organically grown vegetables has led to an increasing demand to select cultivars meeting the requirements of the production system. This two-year field study was undertaken to assess the effects of organic and conventional nutrient regimes on onion (Allium cepa L.) yield and several yield contributing characters, as well as to identify the traits that could be important when selecting genotypes attended for different production systems. The trial involved five commercially grown onion cultivars and four nutrient regimes: bacterial fertilizer, fully decomposed farmyard manure, without fertilization (organic) and NPK fertilization (conventional). Onion yield, bulb weight, number of bulbs plot

Background: Induction of mutation plays an important role in the breeding programme among modern methods of plant breeding. Genetic variability is prerequisite for crop improvement and through induced mutation it was found to be very effective for creating variability in the quantitative and qualitative characters. Hence, the present study was aimed to induce genetic variability within short time. In the present investigation positive as well as negative impact on quantitative traits were recorded. Methods: The experiment material comprised of seeds of horsegram [Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc] variety Paiyur 2 which was subjected to ethyl methane sulphonate (02, 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5%), gamma radiation (100, 200, 300 and 400 Gy) and combination treatments. The mutations affecting gross morphological changes in growth and yield characters such as plant habit, flowering, pod morphology, maturity and seed yield were scored as quantitative characters. The micro mutations at population level can be easily detected in the form of increased variations for quantitative traits in the segregation of mutagen treated populations. Micro mutations can alter morpho-physiological characters hence they are of a particular interest to the plant breeders. ANOVA test was performed to determine the significant differences and Duncan's multiple range test (p=0.05) to compare the differences among treatment means. Result: Among the twenty-five treatments studied both the mutagens, gamma radiations and Ethyl Methane Sulphonate proved to be very effective to induce variability in quantitative traits in M 2 and M 3 generations. The results of Duncan's multiple range test analysis revealed that the treatment of mutagens in combinations induced more positive effects as compared to that of using alone. The combined treatments were found positive for improvement of primary branches per plant, no. of pods per plant, pod length, no. of seeds/pod and seed yield per plant in M 2 and M 3 generations whereas the treatment of gamma irradiation imparted its significant role for improvement of plant height, days required for 50% flowering, days to maturity and 1000 seed weight in both M 2 and M 3 generations whereas the treatment with Ethyl Methane Sulphonate is useful for improving no. of pods per plant and no. of seeds/pod in M 2 generation alone.

The study was conducted to determine the viability of producing organic onion under the fully converted area of Ramon Magsaysay Center for Agricultural Resources and Environment Studies (RMC-ARES), Central Luzon State University, Philippines. Specifically, the study aimed to establish the frequency of organic fertilizer and Trichoderma spp. application, employing split application, and determine the yield performance of red onion (bulb type). The research was conducted for two consecutive dry seasons (2014 and 2015). Red Creole variety was used with the following treatments: T1-organic fertilizer alone (8 ton/ha) at planting; T2-organic fertilizer (8 ton/ha) applied twice (at basal and 30 d after transplanting (DAT)); T3-organic fertilizer (8 ton/ha) applied twice (at basal and 30 DAT) + Trichoderma spp. at the rate of 526 kg/ha applied at planting; T4-organic fertilizer at 8 ton/ha rate + Trichoderma spp. at the rate of 526 kg/ha, both applied twice (at planting and 30 DAT); T5-organic fertilizer at 8 ton/ha rate applied twice (at planting and 30 DAT) + Trichoderma spp. at the rate of 526 kg/ha applied thrice (at planting, 30 DAT and during bulb formation). Results of the study showed that application of the recommended rate of organic fertilizer twice (at planting and 30 DAT) + three times application of Trichoderma spp. (at planting, 30 DAT and during bulb formation) consistently produced bigger bulb during the first and second trial of the study, compared to other treatments evaluated. Consequently, higher marketable yield was produced with 15.33 ton/ha during the first trial and 14.50 ton/ha on the second trial.

Plant spacing and nitrogen are the most important factors for increasing tuberose quality and quantity. In this study, field experiment carried out as factorial Randomized Completely Block Design (RCBD) in 3 replications. Different levels of nitrogen (0, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250 kg/ha) of ammonium nitrate was used. Second factor was different plant spaces (10, 15, 20 and 25 cm). Results showed that the 25 cm plant space had a significant effect on flower stalk height, stem diameter, spike length, floret diameter, floret weight, vase life and nutrient uptake. Nitrogen levels affected on stem diameter, spike length and nitrogen uptake. The results show that using 200 kg/ha N can improves growth and yield of tuberose as flower stalk height, stem diameter and bulb weight. Data showed that the maximum quality and quantity of flower obtained in 25 cm plant spacing plus 200 kg/ha N.

A field trial on green onion crops in the autumn of 2020 transpired at a private farm in the District Al-Saniyah, Al-Diwaniyah Governorate, Iraq. The presented study aimed at characterizing green onion (Allium cepa L.) plants with NPK fertilization and foliar application of hornwort extract for growth and yield traits. In this experiment, the first factor comprised three NPK levels (0, 50%, and 100%) of NPK (150:100:150 kg ha-1) recommended fertilizer added to the soil, while the second factor included the foliar application of hornwort extract with two different concentrations (0, 20 ml L-1). The experiment in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with factorial arrangement had three replications. Consequently, the recommended dose of NPK (100%) and spraying hornwort extract at 20 ml L-1 revealed a significant increase in the studied traits, i.e., plant height, length of the longest tubular leaf, number of leaves, fresh weight of tubular leaves, number of bulbs per plant, weight of the bulb, the diameter of the bulb, leaf chlorophyll content, bulb carbohydrate content, leaf carotenoid content, and plant yield. The interactions of both factors also showed a favorable effect on the mentioned traits in green onion.

The field experiment was conducted to study the effect of nutrients and mulching on fruit quality and chlorophyll content of Bell pepper at Horticulture farm, Institute of Agriculture, Visva-Bharati, Sriniketan (West Bengal) during Rabi season 2014-15. The experiment was laid out in Completely Randomized Block Design (CRBD) consisting of nine treatments. The treatment comprising of different combinations of nutrients and mulches i.e. Nitrogen (150Kg ha-1 and 200 Kg ha-1), Phosphorous (80 Kg ha-1 and 120 Kg ha-1) and mulches (Paddy straw and water hyacinth each @ 7t ha-1) with three replications. The statistical analysis indicated that the fruit quality of bell pepper was significantly influenced by different nutrients levels and mulches. The biochemical parameters viz. Highest total soluble solids (7.41 0 Bx), chlorophyll content (63.28 SPAD) and Vitamin-C (197.64 mg/100g) were observed in treatment T8 with 200kg N ha-1 + 120kg ha-1 P₂O₅ + Paddy straw mulch @ 7 t ha-1. Control condition indicated significantly lowest result than all other treatment.

This review article is based on complete articles and abstracts. The nutrition status of any plants plays a vital role in determining its growth, yield and quality of fruits. An optimal fertilization is contributive in obtaining high yield of good quality and high biological value. Both macro and micronutrients are well known to ameliorate plant growth, yield and quality. Application of nutrients especially macronutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium etc. is well known to enhance the crop growth and development for optimum yield and to improve quality of produce. It is evident from literature, that nitrogen and phosphorus affect growth, yield and quality of fruits and vegetables. The available literature on effect of nitrogen and phosphorus application on growth parameters, yield components and quality of capsicum and other fruits or vegetable crops are reviewed and presented below.