Research paper
Ivy Lynn Aoko; Dezzline Ondigo; Agnes Mumo Kavoo; Cornelius Wainaina; Leonard Kiirika
Abstract
We reported a simple colorimetric probe based on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) for detecting Ralstonia solanacearum. The AuNPs were synthesized through reduction with citrate ion and characterized by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron ...
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We reported a simple colorimetric probe based on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) for detecting Ralstonia solanacearum. The AuNPs were synthesized through reduction with citrate ion and characterized by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The freshly synthesized AuNPs were brick red due to an intense surface plasmon absorption band at 520 nm. Upon interaction with synthetic gibberellic acid (GA3), a bathochromic shift occurred in the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak of AuNPs to higher wavelengths. The 'eye-ball' limit of detection was 0.2 ppm. This shift was accompanied by a change in the color of the AuNPs from brick red to purple. Soil samples were collected from the rhizosphere of tomato plants, exhibiting bacterial wilt symptoms and pure cultures of Ralstonia solanacearum isolated using a modified Kelman’s TZC medium. Gibberellins (GA) were extracted from the culture of R. solanacearum using ethyl acetate and characterized using fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). AuNP solution aggregation was induced by GA-mediated R. solanacearum. A color change from brick red to purple was also observed. The results illustrated the use of both SPR wavelength-shift sensing and visual color change to detect molecules of biological relevance.
Research paper
Hui-jun Yan; Hao Zhang; Hong-ying Jian; Xian-qin Qiu; De-dang Feng; Qi-gang Wang; Kai-xue Tang
Abstract
Roses are cultivated as ornamental plants in gardens, cut flowers and potted flowers, but also serviced in the perfume industry. Rose flowers product different volatile compounds including eugenol, being floral attractant for pollinators and used as an important composition of essential oil. Here, the ...
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Roses are cultivated as ornamental plants in gardens, cut flowers and potted flowers, but also serviced in the perfume industry. Rose flowers product different volatile compounds including eugenol, being floral attractant for pollinators and used as an important composition of essential oil. Here, the eugenol synthase gene (RcEGS1) promoter was cloned from R. chinensis 'Old Blush'. The sequences of RcEGS1 promoter were 1776bp, contained the conserved elements, and predicted to be with several cis-regulatory elements involved in secondary metabolism of plants. Yeast one-hybrid library of R. chinensis 'Old Blush' at flower opening was constructed with the three-frame reading. The library capacity was more than 1.12×107CFU. The length of fragments inserted was 1 Kb to 3 Kb, which is fully meeting the demand of selecting the yeast library. The bait yeast vectors with cis-transcription elements MBS-box, G-box and one fragment bait yeast vectors were constructed, respectively. Furthermore, the transcript factors R2R3-type MYB and bHLH3 were screened using the yeast one-hybrid system. The results suggested the two TFs might play an important role in the pathway of volatile biosynthesis in roses.
Research paper
Alisher Botirov; Osamu Arakawa
Abstract
Time of planting is a normal part of any agricultural operation. It has a particularly importance in water-challenged areas where soil moisture is an issue. During the winter months in these areas, there is usually sufficient precipitation to maintain adequate water content levels in freshly planted ...
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Time of planting is a normal part of any agricultural operation. It has a particularly importance in water-challenged areas where soil moisture is an issue. During the winter months in these areas, there is usually sufficient precipitation to maintain adequate water content levels in freshly planted trees. However, during the summer and early autumn, there is very little precipitation. This can adversely affect young trees. In this study, measurements were taken to determine root growth and variations in the upper parts of apple trees that were planted in the winter, compared to those planted in the spring when planting usually takes place. To do so, one-year-old 'Miyabi Fuji', grafted onto Marubakaido (Ma) (Malus prunifolia 'Ringo') and M.9 rootstocks, were examined from January through May. The results showed dramatic changes in root growth from March (average root length less than two cm before March) to May (average root length longer than 10 cm) for both rootstocks. Furthermore, trunk moisture content increased over time (51.8% in January and 56.1% in May on M.9). Although root growth in the young apple trees occurred, it is unknown if root water absorption began before or at the same time of the root growth. Root growth developed favorably because of the soil moisture generated by the winter precipitation. We found satisfactory root growth and tree moisture content changes in the trees used in the study, leading us to recommend winter planting in areas where water resources are limited in the non-winter months.
Research paper
Peter Abraham; Olalekan Oyeleke Banwo; Boniface David Kashina; Mathew Dada Alegbejo
Abstract
This study is aimed to detect weed hosts of Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus (TYLCV) in field-grown tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) in Sudan savanna regions (Gombe, Jigawa and Kano states) of Nigeria during 2017 and 2018 dry and wet seasons. Three farms each from three Local Government Areas (LGAs) of ...
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This study is aimed to detect weed hosts of Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus (TYLCV) in field-grown tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) in Sudan savanna regions (Gombe, Jigawa and Kano states) of Nigeria during 2017 and 2018 dry and wet seasons. Three farms each from three Local Government Areas (LGAs) of each state were surveyed. Ten symptomatic and asymptomatic weed samples within and around each farm (n=1080) were randomly collected and assayed against TYLCV using Triple Antibody Sandwich Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (TAS-ELISA). Based on the obtained results, 14 weed species from 12 families were detected as alternative host of TYLCV in all states surveyed but with variation in distribution. Gombe and Kano states had significantly (p ≤ 0.05) the highest number (7) of TYLCV weed hosts while the lowest number (4) of TYLCV weed hosts was recorded in Jigawa state. Cassia obtusifolia Linn., significantly (p ≤ 0.05) showed the highest TYLCV frequency rating of 12.1%. The study reports for the first time 13 weed species naturally occurring as an alternative host of TYLCV in Nigeria. The detection of these weed hosts of TYLCV will give a better understanding of the virus disease epidemiology for its effective management. Exploring more weed hosts of TYLCV and molecular characterization of the virus in these weeds for the possible evolution of novel strain(s) in the region is recommended.
Research paper
Yaaghoob Hosseini; Hamed Hassanzadeh Khankahdani; Ramezan Rezazadeh
Abstract
‘Siyahoo’ mandarin (Citrus reticulata) is one of the most important high-quality cultivars of citrus. The alternate bearing, especially in old trees, is one of the most important economic problems faced by this cultivar, which adversely affects the fruit quality. This study was carried out ...
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‘Siyahoo’ mandarin (Citrus reticulata) is one of the most important high-quality cultivars of citrus. The alternate bearing, especially in old trees, is one of the most important economic problems faced by this cultivar, which adversely affects the fruit quality. This study was carried out to examine the effects of the timing of nitrogen foliar application (mid-November, mid-December, and mid-January) as urea 0.5% and harvest time (the first time: concordant with the minimum commercial ratio of TSS/TA and the second time: 45 days after the first time) on improving the fruit yield and quality of ‘Siyahoo’ mandarin during five successive years from 2012 to 2017 using 36 trees. The results showed that the second harvest time (conventionally practiced) produced the highest yield compared to the first harvest time (for the lowest TSS/TA ratio). The highest yield was obtained in the second harvest time when nitrogen was sprayed in November. The significant interaction of harvest time and spray timing revealed the lower pH (~3) in the first harvest compared to the second one (~4). Nitrogen spraying in November and January yielded the highest (8-10) and lowest (<8) TSS/TA ratio, respectively. Although, the effect of the timing of nitrogen spraying on the fruit weight was not significant, spraying in January increased the fruit weight by 10% compared to the November spraying. Variations in the fruit diameter followed a similar pattern to variation in the fruit weight, which was due to their correlations. In conclusion, it is recommended to harvest the fruits after second nitrogen application, because the higher fruit yield and quality in terms of sweetness and flavor (TSS/TA ratio) are more acceptable.
Review paper
Farid Md. Hossain; Sharker Md. Numan Numan; Shaheen Akhtar
Abstract
This review is planned to discuss the cultivation technology, nutritional values and health benefits of Dragon fruit. Dragon fruit plant has wide adaptability and grown well in slightly heavy texture soils. Plants are commonly propagated by stem cuttings. Flower buds are emerging after 15-18 months of ...
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This review is planned to discuss the cultivation technology, nutritional values and health benefits of Dragon fruit. Dragon fruit plant has wide adaptability and grown well in slightly heavy texture soils. Plants are commonly propagated by stem cuttings. Flower buds are emerging after 15-18 months of planting and required 28-30 days for blooming. This fruit is popular due to its nutritional value, which is a good source of minerals, glucose, fructose, dietary fiber and vitamins. It strengthens the immune system of the human body and is also used in the treatment of diabetes, heart diseases and in maintaining healthy body weight. The yield and nutritional value of Dragon fruit vary depending on the species, cultivation practices, growing area and harvesting time. Dragon fruit peel has a high potential to be used as a natural dye. Numbers of commercial growers are gradually increasing in different countries due to getting a lucrative price of their product in the markets. At present, little information is available on production aspects of Dragon fruit. Research on different aspects of cultivation and health benefits of this fruit can help to maximize the benefits to worldwide growers and consumers and to expand the market of Dragon fruit.
Research paper
Ebrahim Alami; Mahnaz Karimi; Vida Chalavi
Abstract
Water hyacinth (Eichornia crassipes) is one of the ten most invasive weed species in the world that is spread over most of the tropical and subtropical regions. Due to the environmental and economic concerns associated with spreading of the water hyacinth, control its distribution is important issue. ...
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Water hyacinth (Eichornia crassipes) is one of the ten most invasive weed species in the world that is spread over most of the tropical and subtropical regions. Due to the environmental and economic concerns associated with spreading of the water hyacinth, control its distribution is important issue. Water hyacinth can be used for composting and vermicomposting. In the present study, compost or vermicompost of water hyacinth was used as growing media for growing of lily plants (Longiflorum×Asiatic cv. ‘Nashville’). To do so, an experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with nine treatments and four replications. Treatments included peat moss + perlite (2:1 v/v) as control and 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% of water hyacinth compost or vermicompost substitute for peat moss in control treatment. According to the obtained results, the tallest plants were observed in the control (55.50 cm) and 25% compost (55.25 cm) treatments. No significant difference was observed among 50, 75 and 100% compost and 25% vermicompost treatments. The highest number of open buds (3.50) was seen in 25% vermicompost. Results also showed that using 75% compost and 50% vermicompost increased nitrogen content of the leaf. Highest total phenol with 6.9 mg quer/g FW was recorded in 75% and 100% vermicompost. The maximum vase life (six days) was obtained in flowers grown in 25% vermicompost. In conclusion, water hyacinth compost or lower vermicompost percentages could be a substitute for peat as the growing media for lily plants.
Research paper
Ali Imani; Ghader Amani; Mansoore Shamili; Amir Mousavi; Rezai Hamed; Mousa Rasouli; Pedro José Martínez- García
Abstract
Phenotypic and genetic diversity are mandatory aspects to allow future breeding in fruit trees. This work was aimed to study the genetic diversity and heritability of important phenological traits in several almond genotypes. The seedlings were planted in randomized complete block design with 3 replications ...
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Phenotypic and genetic diversity are mandatory aspects to allow future breeding in fruit trees. This work was aimed to study the genetic diversity and heritability of important phenological traits in several almond genotypes. The seedlings were planted in randomized complete block design with 3 replications (two trees in each replication). Phenological traits including flower size, petal length, petal width, sepal length, sepal width, pistil length, pistil thickness were evaluated. Furthermore, number of stamens, first flowering, 10% flowering, 50% flowering, 90% flowering, date of flowering among 33 selected almond cultivars and genotypes were also evaluated using almond descriptors during 27 February to 29 March 2017. The results showed the existence of genetic variation among the studied cultivars and genotypes. A great phenotypic variation was observed for pistil length, petal width and flowering time. The exact and extended characterizations of all the new materials of almond could provide breeders new opportunities to develop future crosses and to obtain more resistant seedlings that can be better adapted to extreme and changing weather conditions in this area and in other regions of the world.
Research paper
Ali Saebi; Saeid Minaei; Ali Reza Mahdavian; Mohammad-Taghi Ebadi
Abstract
The amount of active compounds of medicinal plants (e.g. essential oil) varies in different plant parts. Thus, it is important to harvest those parts containing the highest levels of active compounds. In the present study the effect of harvest height on quantity and quality of Hyssopus officinalis was ...
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The amount of active compounds of medicinal plants (e.g. essential oil) varies in different plant parts. Thus, it is important to harvest those parts containing the highest levels of active compounds. In the present study the effect of harvest height on quantity and quality of Hyssopus officinalis was investigated based on a randomized complete block design with three replications. Treatments included four harvest heights including 15, 25, 35, and 45 cm (in basipetal order) and the residual stalks. After measuring the essential oil, the component values analyzed by GC and GC/MS. Regarding essential oil content (% v/w), yield and dry matter of different heights, the 15 cm height had the highest amount of essential oil (1.02±0.01%) and the lowest yield (2.17±0.13 g/m2) and dry matter (213.72±15.32 g/m2). On the contrary, the 45 cm height had the lowest amount of essential oil (0.75±0.01%) and the highest yield (5.7±0.57 g/m2) and dry matter (757.52±63.5 g/m2). For all harvest heights, cis-pinocamphone (53.93-44.6%), β-pinene (15.33-12.5%) and trans-pinocamphone (12.2-8.17%) had the highest levels among the compounds of the essential oil. The findings obtained from present study revealed that, if the quality is the matter, the essential oil extracted from the top 15 cm had the highest quality and purity although it was less in quantity.
Research paper
Hamed Ebrahimzadeh; Mahmoud Lotfi; Mohammad Sadat-Hosseini
Abstract
Doubled haploid method via parthenogenesis induction still remained prominent in Cucurbitaceae breeding due to drastic reduction in time and cost of newly released lines. In this study, different doses of Gamma ray (25, 50, 75, 100, and 200 Gy) were used to irradiate pollen grains for induction of parthenogenetic ...
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Doubled haploid method via parthenogenesis induction still remained prominent in Cucurbitaceae breeding due to drastic reduction in time and cost of newly released lines. In this study, different doses of Gamma ray (25, 50, 75, 100, and 200 Gy) were used to irradiate pollen grains for induction of parthenogenetic haploid embryos in oilseed pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo var. ‘Styriaca’). Parthenogenetic embryos at different developmental stages were rescued in vitro and 348 plants were obtained, of which 134 were recognized as haploid by ploidy analysis. The highest rate of haploid plants was obtained from globular (25.3%) and torpedo (23.8% plants) embryos followed by arrow-tip (13.4%), torpedo (10.5%), stick (10.5%), heart (9%), and cotyledonary (7.5%), respectively. All doses, except 200 Gy, were effective for induction of embryos and haploid plants; in a way that the highest number of haploids was obtained by 100 Gy. Our results indicated that parthenogenetic haploid embryos could be efficiently induced in C. pepo if proper Gamma ray dose and developmental stage of embryos are selected.
