Damhuri   Sitti Wirdhana Ahmad   Lili Darlian   Deki Zulkarnain   and La Ode Muh. Munadi   

Plant species scattered in various parts of the world have their benefits and properties as traditional medicinal ingredients by several tribes in Indonesia, one of which is the Muna tribe in Muna Regency. This research specifically examines the morphological characteristics of wild plants as traditional medicinal ingredients for the Muna people in Watopute District using a qualitative descriptive method consisting of surveys and interviews by selecting informants by Snowball Sampling. The survey results were then analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. The research identified as many as 43 wild plants used as traditional medicine consisting of 22 orders and 24 families, 5 species from the Monocotyledoneae class, and 38 species from the Dicotyledoneae class. The most widely used medicinal plant family was Asteraceae, with 7 species. The most widely used plant organs were leaves, with 28 species (28%), and the habitus of medicinal plants found was herbs (30%) with morphological observations in the form of roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruit, and its parts and shape. The research concluded that most Muna people use raw materials from plants as traditional medicines to treat diseases.

Okoye Rosemary   Chinechendo Eze   and Aliyu Galadima   

This research identifies the fungi that contribute to the degradation of sweet potatoes at Tudun Wada Market in Gusau, Zamfara State. Thirty-six sweet potato samples, along with six additional tubers for pathogenicity testing, were collected from various market points. Standard microbiological techniques were applied to isolate, screen, and identify fungi linked to spoilage. Percentage occurrence and pathogenicity tests were conducted to ascertain the prevalence and assess the impact on tuber weight loss. Physiological changes during storage, such as softening, drying, discoloration, and an offensive odor, were recorded. Fungal counts ranged from 2.5±1.0 cfu/ml to 4.±1.5 cfu/ml, with Yan Dankali exhibiting the lowest count and Yan Kayan Koli the highest. Identified fungal genera included Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Botryodiplodia theobromoae, Fusarium oxysporium, Rhizopus stolonifer, and Penicillium species. Aspergillus niger occurred higher, while Botryodiplodia theobromoae had the least occurrence. Pathogenicity tests aid in determining the fungi's role in sweet potato spoilage, penetrating tubers through injuries, and thriving in storage conditions. Starch breakdown by these microorganisms precipitated sweet potato deterioration. Although specific management practices for potato diseases are underdeveloped, adopting healthy planting materials and sanitation measures could mitigate fungal diseases in sweet potatoes propagated through vine cuttings.

László Sándor Koncz   Miklós Maitz   Borbála Reichhardt   Márta Ladányi   László Palkovics   Gergő Kovács   János Ágoston   Géza Nagy   and Marietta Petróczy   

In some apricot growing areas in Europe, Asia and Africa, 'Ca. Phytoplasma prunorum' - the agent of European Stone Fruit Yellows (ESFY) - can cause significant economic losses in the stone fruit orchards. In the present study, 'Ca. Phytoplasma prunorum' infection of three apricot cultivars was evaluated by molecular methods in Hungary. We found the pathogen to be prevalent in the studied orchard (54%). We investigated the sensitivity of the apricot cultivars to ESFY. Trees were classified into disease categories based on the symptoms, and the number of dead trees was counted separately. From these data, the disease severity index and tree destruction index were calculated, and statistical comparisons of disease incidence were performed. Damage to ESFY can be reduced by using less susceptible cultivars because chemical plant protection is only effective against the vectors. The presence and infection of phytoplasma were mostly tolerated by the cultivar 'Zebra'. The 'Flavorcot' cultivar was moderately affected by ESFY, but the 'Sweetcot' cultivar was very susceptible. 'Ca. Phytoplasma prunorum' causes significant tree mortality; 44% of the trees molecularly confirmed to be infected had died by the end of the study. 'Zebra' had the lowest tree mortality (15%), while 'Sweetcot' had the highest (65.8%). Examination of the grafts planted as replacements showed that 3.3% of the plants were infected. The spread of diseased material can represent new sources of infection in orchards.

Sarika Sharma   and Shachi Singh   

Withania somnifera L. Dunal, a member of Solanaceae family, is a wonder medicinal plant having diverse groups of phytochemicals related to medicinal properties. Withanolides, steroidal lactones are active components of this plant. However, phenolics and flavonoids have been noticed in various tissues. Although it's a rich source of active compound, variation does exist in chemical composition within varieties. Therefore, the present experiment was conducted to unveil this difference in some commercially available varieties of Ashwagandha. Varieties of W. somnifera, Pushti, Poshita, Pratap, Chetak, NIMTLI-118 and NIMTLI-101 were collected and analysed using different solvent extracts of roots, leaves and seeds. Total phenolics, total flavonoids, antioxidant (DPPH assay) and antibacterial activities (agar well diffusion method) were measured. Estimation of total phenolic and flavonoid was highest in roots of Poshita (11.15 mg/g GAE and 3.05 mg/g RE, respectively), in the leaves of Chetak (5.66 mg/g GAE and 7.92 mg/g RE, respectively) and the seeds of NIMTLI-101 variety (7.65 mg/g GAE and 7.34 mg/g RE, respectively). The antioxidant activity was found maximum in NIMTLI118 (66.92%), Chetak (28.84%) and NIMTLI101 (36.53%) in roots, leaves and seeds respectively. Antibacterial activities against B. subtilis and S. aureus subsp. aureus were found maximum in leaves of Pushti variety (2.30cm and 2.60cm zone of inhibition respectively). It could be concluded that, the results of the present study can be used for effective selection of best variety to be utilized for the commercial, industrial and medicinal purposes.

Motasin Hossain   Mofazzal Hossain   Mohammad S. Monjil   and K. M. G. Dastogeer   

The leaf curl disease of papaya caused by Begomovirus reduces papaya production significantly in Bangladesh and elsewhere. Papaya growers spray chemical insecticide indiscriminately to combat this disease due to the unavailability of appropriate resistant cultivars or effective alternative control approaches. To reduce chemical use, finding suitable eco-friendly methods of leaf curl management is paramount. We evaluated the efficacy of three microbial biocontrol agents, viz. Trichoderma harzianum, Bacillus cereus (Bc), and Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki (Btk) to control the leaf curl disease in papaya as well as to improve the growth of papaya. The effect was compared with a chemical insecticide named 'Duel' (Chlorpyrifos 50% + Cypermethrin 5%). Two papaya cultivars, Red Queen and Red Top, were used in this study. Suspension of these bio-agents and solution of the chemical were applied as foliar sprays at 15, 45, 75, and 105 days after transplanting. None of these treatments influenced plant vegetative growth, and size of plants. Among the bioagents, T. harzianum was highly effective in reducing the incidence (15%), and severity (10%) of papaya leaf curl in both cultivars, especially at the mid to later disease stage, i. e. 75-105 DAT, which was found to be more effective than the chemical spray (5% incidence, 3% severity). Again, the Btk but not the Bc treatment showed some effects in reducing the diseases (30% incidence, 10% severity). Intriguingly, T. harzianum treated plants produced a higher number of flowers and fruits in both papaya cultivars. In summary, two microbial biocontrol agents (T. harzianum and Btk) showed promising results in suppressing papaya leaf curl, which could be utilized in papaya orchards to fend off this menace as an effective eco-friendly alternative to harmful chemical pesticides.

P. Packiaraj   R. Ramar   M. Premkumar   K. Suresh   and S. Gopala Krishnan   

The floristic checklists of particular regions serve as the primary sources for botanical information. The variations in floristic compositions in different endogenous environments reflect the existence of various ecological conditions that promote both inter and intra-specific variation, rendering floristic composition a significant floristic marker. So the current study is representing a qualitative assessment of the Angiosperm flora in the Thirukudder hills in Thiruparankundram, Madurai District, Tamil Nadu. During this floral exploration, a total of 264 species from 59 families and 202 genera were documented. Among these, 103 species under 78 genera and 28 families from Polypetalae group, 69 genera, 88 species and 17 families from Gamopetalae, 40 species, 27 genera, and 7 families from Monochlamydeae, and 33 species, 28 genera, and 7 families of Monocotyledons were recorded. Herbs emerged as the most frequently observed plant growth forms, followed by shrubs, trees, and climbers. The research site preserves a wide variety of plants, especially a greater proportion of native flora. Furthermore, weeds such as Acanthospermum hispidum, Blainvillea acmella, Chromolaena odorata, Parthenium hysterophorus, Synedrella nodiflora, Pentanema indicum, Lantana camara, Mimosa pudica, and Ludwigia octovalvis prevailed. Our findings indicate that a considerable number of different species exist in the studied area, along with a few alien species that have spread rapidly. Therefore, more research is required and strategies for safeguarding rare plants must be developed. If not, there is a chance that particular plant species may vanish. It is a matter of great concern for the researchers and environmentalists to conserve nature and indigenous knowledge of local inhabitants for human welfare.

Kauther Sir El-Khatim Ali   H. M. Daffalla   Magdoleen G. Osman   and A. M. A. Musa   

Acacia nubica is a well-adapted shrub to harsh conditions that provides valued socioeconomic and environmental advantages. In vitro culture of A. nubica is critical not only for investigating factors affecting cultivation conditions but also for producing juvenile tissue as a potential explants for various in vitro techniques. This research was aimed to study A. nubica seed germination and seedling growth in vitro in response to varied levels of sodium hypochlorite, sucrose, and Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium. The synchrony, percentage, and rate of germination of A. nubica seed were investigated. The shoot, root, and number of nodes were measured to gauge seedling development. Sodium hypochlorite at 10% resulted in the highest percentage of germination, whereas 5% resulted in a faster and more uniform emergence. Sucrose has various effects on seed emergence and germination depending on the concentrations; 30 g/L elicited the highest germination, while 10 g/L improved seed emergence rate with higher uniformity. Although ¼-MS medium produced the highest seed germination, 0-MS strength recorded faster and more synchronized germination. The development of A. nubica seedlings was influenced by sucrose concentrations and MS medium strengths. Sucrose at 20 g/L produced the maximum shoot length and vigor index, 30 g/L produced the maximum number of nodes, and 50 g/L produced the maximum root length and root/shoot ratio. Full MS medium supplemented with 30 g/L was shown to be the most effective in improving all assessed growth parameters. This is the first successful report on the seed germination and seedling growth of A. nubica in vitro.

Hamza Benyahya   Hicham Mohti   Lhoussaine El Rhaffari   and Abdelhamid Zaid   

Plants constitute a major resource used for subsistence by people. Ethnobotany plays an important role in preserving plant diversity and in understanding and interpreting the knowledge that allows plants to be used effectively and sustainably to meet people's needs. Indeed, medicinal plants are a therapeutic resource that is frequently mobilized by populations for the treatment of various diseases in physiotherapy. In this study, based on 394 questionnaire forms, a series of ethnobotanical surveys were conducted in 2018. The surveys focused on the main medicinal plants used and their uses in traditional herbal medicine. Quantitative ethnobotanical indices were used to assess the importance of plants in traditional medicine and the relationships between populations and the natural systems that surround and support them. The analysis of the results allowed the inventory of 84 species and 44 families, the most represented in the region being the Lamiaceae, Asteraceae and Apiaceae. The species shown to be most used by the local population were: Origanum compactum, Dysphania ambrosioides and Lavandula angustifolia. In particular, the local population was found to make use of the plants to treat dermatological, metabolic, respiratory, rheumatological, urological, cardiovascular, nervous system, nephrological and ENT diseases. Moreover, plant foliage was the most used part and the majority of the remedies are prepared as infusion and decoction. This study reveals that the population of the prefecture of Meknes has a thorough knowledge of medicinal plants and uses them traditionally for the treatment of a variety of diseases.

Aziagba Bibian Okwuchukwu   Ilodibia Chinyere Veronica   Obodoekwe Sandra Ogechukwu   and Ikegbunam Nchedochukwu Clara   

Study was carried out on the morphology of Amaranthus hybridus and Amaranthus spinosus. This is to find out the form and structure of the two species of Amaranthus under study and also to discover the areas of the walls of the two species where the walls are thinner or softer. The vegetative study was done in the field and in the laboratory by visual observation on the quantitative characters and analysed using a statistical test to compare the means of the two samples (T.test). A. hybridus has small fine hairs, robust, longitudinally rigid and greenish colour as it is commonly called, while A. spinosus has smooth stem, cylindrical and are mostly reddish in colour with spikes attached above the base of the petiole. The result of the pollen analysis of the two species showed no significant statistical difference in the sizes of the apertures in the pollen, though A. hybridus has a greater number than A. spinosus. The overall analysis showed there was no significant difference existing in the morphology of the two species. The slight difference existing in the morphology likewise palynology signifies their separation into different species while the similarities justify their placement under the genus Amaranthus.

Gül Aras Çinar   and Zeki Alagöz   

In this study, "Limonium gmelinii", which can be valuable as a halophyte that can be used for the improvement of arid and salty areas and for bringing them into agriculture, was researched. The experiment was carried out as 1 plant x 1 soil x 3 subjects (NaCl, Na₂SO₄, B) x 4 doses x 5 replications, in a greenhouse environment. In NaCl and Na₂SO₄ treatments, Na values increased in the plant compared to the soil, and increased up to 10500 ppm. In NaCl treatments, Cl accumulation was higher in the plant than in the soil, and increased to 33700 ppm. In Na₂SO₄ treatments, SO₄ values in the plant were higher than in the soil and increased up to 59300 ppm. In the Na₂SO₄ treatments, there was a noticeable accumulation of salt on the leaves. In B treatments, while there was no significant increase in soil B values, there was an increase in the plant and then a decrease was observed. It is thought that the plant removes and tolerates B toxicity by removing high boron concentration with its salt sacs and salt glands. With the study, it was determined that Limonium gmelinii eliminated the toxicity in the soil by incorporating different doses of these substances applied to the soil.

Syamkumar T. S.   and S. Geethalakshmi   

Wetlands are places where the soil is always moist. Plants that are found in areas that are always wet are called wetland plants. Sphaeranthus indicus, Eclipta alba and Scoparia dulcis all are wetland plants. The background of this study is to understand the different types of phytochemicals present in these three wetland plants and micropropagation methods using different types of explants. The bioactive constituents contained in these three wetland plants and micropropagation methods using various types of explants were learned from the previous articles. Phytochemicals such as sesquiterpene lactones, eudesmanolides, and flavonoids have been isolated from the plant Sphaeranthus indicus. Eclipta alba has yielded a diverse set of chemical compounds, including coumestans, alkaloids, thiopenes, saponins, quinines, flavonoids, polyacetylenes, triterpenes and their glycosides. The main bioactive compounds contained in the plant Scoparia dulcis are flavonoids, polyphenols, tannins and terpenoids. Micropropagation using different types of explants has been done very successfully for these three wetland plants. Phytochemicals mainly contained in these plants are alkaloids, terpenoids, steroids, flavonoids, coumestan. Explants used for micropropagation are leaf, shoot tip, nodal segments, apical buds, axillary buds and seeds. The main conclusion of this study is that all these plants have many medicinal properties that are yet to be discovered. All of which should be exposed to the latest technologies available in the field. However, the extent to which plant tissue culture can be used in these plants is also a possibility that should be considered.

Gül Aras Çınar   and Zeki Alagöz   

Ensuring the continuity of species that can grow naturally and increasing their availability without causing an economic burden in soils with salinity and boron toxicity has become an increasingly important worldwide issue. For this purpose, the effects of the Limonium gmelinii treated with NaCl, Na₂SO₄ to be grown on saline and boron toxicity areas with their respective plant and salt content, soil reaction and exchangeable Ca, Mg, K and N contents were investigated. The effect of the treatments on the increase of EC content in soil and plant was found to be significant. It also had an effect on the increase in the pH value of the soil. The effect of the decrease in the exchangeable Mg content in the soil and the increase in the Mg content in the plant was found to be significant. Moreover, while its effect on the decrease in Ca content in the soil was significant, it did not affect the Ca content in the plant. Its effect on the decrease in K content in the soil was found to be significant, but it did not affect the K content in the plant. Furthermore, the effect of treatments on N content in soil was found to be significant. It was observed that Limonium gmelinii can be grown in areas with NaCl, Na₂SO₄ and B toxicity without significant damage. Economic income can be obtained by determining the different post-harvest uses of the Limonium gmelinii plant, which is tolerant to such problem areas. Dried flowers can be used for decoration. In addition to the economic income to be obtained by growing it on unused and idle lands due to salinity and B toxicity problems, it can also offer a beautiful landscape with its green leaves and blue flowers in summer and winter seasons.

Chittaranjan Naskar   Sobhan Kumar Mukherjee   and Madhushri Das Datta   

The present study deals with the observation, identification and documentation of medicinal uses of wild plants by the inhabitants of villages in the blocks of South 24 Parganas district, West Bengal. The various medicinal plants are used by the local communities of the study area to treat a variety of health-related challenges and heal different pains and ailments. The study is therefore, undertaken from April 2017 to October 2019, to gather the knowledge and create a record related to important and unexplored wild medicinal plants used by the local population. Data were collected by interviewing local inhabitants or knowledgeable persons and medicine men with the help of a semi-structured and open-ended questionnaire. It provides a comprehensive account of 64 wild medicinal plant species with their botanical name, family, vernacular name(s), parts used and uses. The plant species belonging to 60 different genera and 34 different families were enlisted and found to be used in effective therapies. Among the identified plant species, most belong to the dicotyledonous families. It is observed that out of the surveyed species, 53%, 31%, 11%, 3% and 2% are herbs, trees, shrubs, climbers, and creepers, respectively. The study showed that the area is rich in curative flora. The plants and their parts are used in the treatment of numerous diseases like bronchitis, cut, wound, asthma, jaundice, headache, fever, ear and skin diseases, snake bites, dog bites, vomiting, stomach problems, etc. In this study, 8 species of the family Fabaceae were recorded and it is reported to be the most dominant one. It was found that many diseases are cured by multiple plants, e.g., asthma can be cured by Vachellia nilotica, Boerhaavia diffusa, Calotropis procera, Datura metel, Ficus religiosa, Solanum torvum; burns/boils can be cured by V. nilotica, C. gigantea, F. benghalensis. Sometimes, a single plant is used for curing multiple diseases e.g., B. diffusa can cure abscess, anemia, asthma, cough and cold. Bioassay of all these preparations should be approved for further scientific validation. In West Bengal, the uses of all wild plant taxa have not yet been recorded. The study recommends growing these plants under organized agriculture, as crops, for large scale production, utilization in daily meals in the form of various delicacies and creating awareness meant for conservation and hence, ensuring food and health security for the local growing population.

Sibani Borah   and Anil Bora   

Herbal medicine is currently experiencing a revival in the world, along with other complementary therapies such as traditional Chinese Medicines, Osteopathy and 51��Ƶopathy. Many of the pharmaceuticals currently available to physicians have a long history of use as herbal remedies, including opium, aspirin, digitalis, and quinine. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 80% of the world's population presently uses herbal medicine for some aspect of primary health care. Herbal medicine is a major component in all traditional medicine systems, and a common element in Ayurvedic, homeopathic, naturopathic, traditional Chinese medicine, and Native American medicine. The district of Lakhimpur, Assam, situated at the far east corner of North East India is a region of rich biodiversity. Because of its location at the foothills of Arunachal Pradesh, an environment with heavy rainfall and high humidity, conducive for a significant floristic diversity prevails in this region. The native people of this region, the greater Assamese community, therefore depends to a large extent on the varied plant species for food and medicine besides other uses. An attempt has been made to explore and enumerate the potential ethno-medicinal plants used by the people of Lakhimpur district, Assam. The survey was conducted in some remote areas of the district occupied by Deori communities specially restricted to Narayanpur sub-division and a total of 58 medicinal plants comprising of 39 families were recorded. The ethonomedicobotanical exploration is carried out by concerning of the people who are related with making traditional medicine that orally prescribed. Different parts of these plants are used by the local inhabitants for the cure of some common ailments occurring in the areas. The data includes the list of such medicinal plants along with their local names, families, parts used, the method of treatment and the disease cured.

Ekwealor K. U.   Egboka T. P.   Anukwuorji C. A.   and Obika I. E.   

The application of different rates of organic manure (cow dung) on the growth of Solanum lycopersicum L. grown for six weeks in polyethene bags was carried out in this study. The treatments were done in triplicates which include 30kg of soil uniformly mixed with 5kg, 10kg, 15kg, and 20kg of cow dung manure and control without (cow dung) manure. Each treatment was replicated three times. The data collected were analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance and mean separation by Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT). Solanum lycopersicum with the rate of 20kg/ha increased the percentage germination (2.66±2.8), height of plant from (7.66±1.040) in week 1 to (63.26±7.166) in week 6, leaf area from (2.14±1.540) in week 1 to (71.04±7.005) in week 6, stem girth from (1.60±0.264) in week 1 to (4.23±0.251) in week 6 and the number of branches from (3.00±1.000) in week 1 to (14.33±4.041) in week 6 respectively. The control (0kg/ha) gave the lowest in percentage germination (0.60±0.100%), in height, from (5.06±0.702) in week 1 to (14.50±3.968) in week 6, leaf area from (0.87±0.280) in week 1 to (7.18±4.447) in week 6, in stem girth from (0.50±0.100) in week 1 to (2.43±0.251) in week 6 and lowest in number of branches from (0.00±0.00) in week 1 to (6.00±1.000) in week 6 respectively. Thus, this study alluded that cow dung can be used to enhance the growth, productivity and yield of tomato in low nutrient soil in the rate of 20kg/ha which showed a significant increase in growth and yield of tomato.

Mitali Srivastava   Prashant K Dhakad   and Birendra Srivastava   

Moringa oleifera is an old plant known for its different restorative properties referenced in Ayurveda. It has a place with the Moringaceae family. It is ordinarily named as Sainjana in Hindi and Drumstick or Horseradish tree in English. It belongs to tropical and subtropical regions. It is found in India, Philippines, South Asia, Indonesia, Central America, Africa, and Caribbean. Generally, Moringa oleifera has been utilized or its different restorative properties, for example, as wound healing, anti-diabetic, pain relief, anti-inflammatory, cancer prevention. All aspects of this plant contain a significant therapeutic component. Numerous basic supplements have been found in Moringa oleifera for example nutrients, minerals, amino acids, omega 3 and 6 unsaturated fats, antioxidants and β-carotene. It is a high wellspring of nutrients and minerals, leaves and pods contain bottomless measure of manganese, different minerals, for example, K, Cu, Na, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cl, P, and so forth are additionally present in Moringa oleifera. Different parts of Moringa oleifera possess a great wellspring of glucosinolates, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, polyunsaturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids and others. Different definitions are accessible in the market of Moringa oleifera, for example, seed oil, dried leaves powder, paste, tablet are accessible there for different uses. The present review focuses on the biological sources, phytoconstituents, toxicological studies, multipurpose uses and possible pharmacological activities carried out on Moringa oleifera.

Md. Ferdaus Ahmed   Md. Jahedur Rahman   Md. Nazrul Islam   Md. Jafar Ullah   and Nirod Chandra Sarker   

Sterilization of uncomposted substrate is necessary to avoid contamination and promote mycelium growth for getting maximum yield of mushroom. Spawning method is also important for evenly growth of mycelium in the substrate. Therefore, the present experiment was carried out to investigate the impact of substrate sterilization technique and spawning method on yield and yield attributes of C. indica. Seven different treatments such as Steam treatment of substrate and spawning in 3 layers (T₁), Steam treatment of substrate and spawning thoroughly (T₂), Autoclaving of substrate and top spawning (T₃), Autoclaving of substrate and spawning in 3 layers (T₄), Autoclaving of substrate and spawning thoroughly (T₅), Hot water treatment of substrate and spawning in 3 layers (T₆) and Hot water treatment of substrate and spawning thoroughly (T₇) were used in this experiment. Mycelium colonization, substrate contamination, days to total harvest, yield and biological efficiency was significantly affected by substrate sterilization technique and spawning method. Faster mycelium colonization, no substrate contamination, highest yield and biological efficiency was recorded in substrate treated with hot water and inoculated in three layers (T₆). Result revealed that hot water treatment in combination with three layer spawning of rice straw substrate was the best substrate sterilization technique & spawning method for milky white mushroom cultivation.

Okeke Philomena N   Ilodibia Chinyere V   Ngene Anita C   and Iroka Finian C Aziagba Bibian O   

Anatomical, mineral and nutritional studies were carried out on various parts of Solanum nigrum and Solanum melongena using standard techniques. Analysis of variance was employed for data analysis. Anatomical studies showed that the two species have similar features in the transverse sections of their leaves and stem but have dissimilar features in the transverse sections of their roots. The mineral result revealed varying quantities of the minerals in the various parts of the two species. The highest mineral composition in S. melongena was selenium (1030.0± 10.0) which was found in the root, while potassium (2.75±1.59) which was found in the stem was the least. The highest mineral composition in S. nigrum was calcium (873.33±16.67) which was found in the leaves, while potassium was the least (2.26± 0.55) found in the root. Vitamin studied showed varying quantities of the vitamins in the various parts of the two species. The highest vitamin was vitamin A in the root of both species when compared to the other parts. The implication is that the two species are closely related and this justified their placement in the same genus Solanum while the slight difference between them supports their separation into different species. The result also indicated that the various part of the two species contained adequate amount of vitamins and minerals for human consumption.

N. F. Okeke   C. V. Ilodibia   and B. E. Okoli   

A comparative morphological study on Amaranthus spinosus, Celosia argentea and Gomphrena celosioides was evaluated and compared to determine their taxonomic morphological characters that delimit them as members of the family Amaranthaceae. This was done by use of hand lens and visual observations of the plants parts. Results showed similarities in their possession of simple leaves, small flowers, inflorescence as spike, being herbaceous with woody base, having pentamerous perianths and stamens, exstipulate and presence of pinkish pigment in any of the plant parts, while they differed in the possession of spines by Amaranthus spinosus and trichomes by Gomphrena celosioides. Information from this study is valuable for taxonomic characterisation and identification of the plant species in the family Amaranthaceae. Their possession of pinkish pigment in any of the parts shows that they can be a source of vitamin A since lycopene responsible for that pinkish character has the same structure as carotene.

Sharmin Sultana   and Md. Lokman Hossain   

Background: Mimosa pudica belongs to the family of Mimosoideae. Traditional Chinese medicinal practitioners have long revered the bark, leaves and flowers of Mimosa for its potent health benefits. Limited modern scientific research has been conducted on the qualities of this plant. As part of our ongoing research of traditional medicinal plant, this study evaluated the anxiolytic and antibacterial activity of methanol extract of Mimosa pudica (MEMP) leaves. Method: The effect of MEMP on central nervous system (CNS) for anxiolytic activity was determined by mice light-dark box test, Elevated plus maze test and Hole board test. Disc diffusion assay was used to determine the antibacterial activity of MEMP. Result: Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of reducing sugar, tannin, glycoside, alkaloids and flavonoids. The present study demonstrated that MEMP showed significant anxiolytic (p<0.05) effect at the doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight in Light-dark box test, Elevated plus maze test. The movement of mice after administration of MEMP at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight decreased significantly in hole-board test, which indicated the high possibility of having anxiolytic activity. The MEMP showed dose-dependent antibacterial activity against the experimental bacterial strains namely Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus agalactiae, Escherichia coli, and Shigella flexineri. Conclusion: The present study indicates that the MEMP extract possesses anxiolytic and antibacterial activity in a dose-dependent manner. Hence, the present work rationalizes the traditional uses of this plant. So, the plant may be further subjected to chemical investigation to isolate and purify the bioactive compound(s) responsible for its pharmacological activity.

N. Benbrahim   R. Mentag   Youssef Elghzaoui   Zine Abidine Triqui   Said Gmouh   Noreddine ES-Safi   Jamila Halim   F. Gaboun   and Mona Taghouti   

Phenotypic diversity, biochemical components and pungency strength were assessed for eighteen spicy pepper accessions from Maleh valley in Morocco. Six plant samples were randomly collected in farmers' field across three target localities during 2015 growing season. Eight fruits from each sampled plant were characterized using eight phenotypic qualitative traits and biochemical components. Results revealed a wider genetic variability within accessions (52%) than among accessions (43%) and among sites (5%), leading to a substantial genetic differentiation among accessions (PhiPR=0.453***) and within accessions (PhiPT=0.477***) and a strong seed exchange network. The greater part of trait frequency was accounted for fruit shape (SWI=0.132), texture of fruit surface (SWI=0.270), fruit attitude (SWI=0.260), pericarp sinuation (SWI=0.119) and for fruit color (SWI=0.246) and brightness (SWI =0.218). Biochemical components analysis revealed that spicy fruits of Maleh valley are identified as having high nutritional value; carbohydrates (53.2mg/g FW), total phenolic compounds (73.3mgGAE/100g), and total lipids (1.27mg/g DM) were composed mainly of unsaturated fatty acid (87%) and a high ratio of ω6/ω3 (5.6). Furthermore, Capsaicinoids concentration (2.16mg/gDM) varied among accessions from 1.67 to 2.82 while the ratio of capsaicin/dihydrocapsaicin (1.83) was similar in all accessions. Fruit spicy was categorized into highly pungent group (27550.5 - 44780.7 SHU) according to Scoville organoleptic test.

Hem. C. Joshi   Om Prakash   M. K. Nautiyal   B. S. Mahapatra   and S. K. Guru   

India contributes about one-third of the world acreage under rice. Rice is available in over 5000 varieties, of which Basmati rice occupies a prime position on account of its extra long superfine slender grains, pleasant, exquisite aroma, fine cooking quality, sweet taste, soft texture, length-wise elongation with least breadth-wise swelling on cooking and tenderness of cooked rice. The present work was undertaken to compare the effect of an organic and inorganic method of cultivation on the quality of rice. The results revealed higher hardness, true density and percent porosity in inorganic grains of rice. Inorganic rice had better milling quality but cooking quality was found better of organic rice as evident from higher elongation ratio and swelling rate. Organically grown foods were found to be tastier in comparison to inorganic foods as organic samples scored higher for all the parameters of sensory. Moisture content was found higher in inorganic rice. The quantity of protein was less, but the quality was better in organic crops as measured by in-vitro protein digestibility. No definite trend was seen for effect of inorganic and organic mode of cultivation on total ash, crude fiber and carbohydrate content on rice crops. Iron was found to be significantly higher in organic rice (1.32 mg/100 g); phosphorus was significantly higher in inorganic rice (112.80 mg/100 g). No significant difference was observed in manganese, cobalt, zink and copper content of the produced from an organic and inorganic mode of cultivation.

Bonani Bhattacharjee Tithi   Mrityunjoy Biswas   Palash Mandal   MNH Miah    and AP Chowdhury  

Nitrogen (N) fertilization mostly determines the productivity of a crop. The supply of N can be ensured in both inorganic and organic means. Slowly released organic N can be combined with inorganic N to minimize the detrimental effect of chemical fertilizers to environment as well as to ensure the sustainable production. To observe the response of baby corn in integration of organic and inorganic N field experiments were conducted in N deficit soil in consecutive winter and summer. There were five nutrient levels as treatment in the experiment. The treatments used in the winter season were T₁=N 0 kg + CD 15 t ha^-1, T₂=N 60 kg + CD 15 t ha^-1, T₃= N 90 kg + CD 10 t ha^-1, T₄= N 120 kg + CD 5 t ha^-1 and T₅= N 150 kg + CD 0 t ha^-1 while in the summer season T₁=N 30 kg + CD 15 t ha^-1 varied and others remained same as in the winter season. The lowest cob yield without husk was found where minimum inorganic N was combined with organic N in both seasons. Plant received only N from inorganic source represented highest cob yield. Statistically similar yield was also obtained from one combination of inorganic and organic N (120 kg N + 5 ton CD ha^-1), where the rate of inorganic N was 20% lower than that of sole inorganic N source. Between seasons, significantly positive yield response was recorded in winter irrespective of nutrient levels. Therefore, one fifth of inorganic N application can be minimized in terms of integrated N management from organic and inorganic sources without affecting potential yield of baby corn.

Mona Habib Ali   Yassin Mohmed Ibrahim Dagash   and Sami Ali Mohamed Hamid   

The experiment was conducted during summer seasons (2014), in Demonstration Farm of the Collage of Agricultural Studies at Shambat, Sudan University of Science and Technology, in order to study the effect of phosphorus fertilizer on growth and productivity of five cultivars of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. (Moench)., and also to evaluate phosphorus use efficiency. The experiment was arranged in split plot trial with addition of phosphorus as main plot (with and without) and five sorghum cultivars (Butana, Tabat, Arfagadamak, Wad Ahmed, Tetron) as the sub-plot with four replications. Plant height(cm), number Leaves, Leaf area(cm²), Stem diameter plant fresh weight(kg), plant dry weight(kg), length of panicle(cm), weight of seeds panicle(g), weight of 100 seeds(g), number of panicle, yied/t/ha and phosphorus use efficiency, were measured. The results revealed that phosphorus affected yield and growth characters. Arfagadamak cultivar revealed the best use, therefore the highest productivity (12.75 tan/h), and Wadahmed showed the lowest use of phosphorus and therefore the lowest productivity (9.45 tan/h).

Md. Abdullahil Baque   Most. Faijunnahar   Md. Ahsan Habib   and Mahmuda Motmainna   

Pre-sowing seed treated with Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) believed to be a potential priming agent to increase the germination, seedling growth and water relation behavior of crop plants under salt stress condition. With this view, a lab investigation was carried out to find out the effect of PEG on the germination, seedling growth and water relation behavior of wheat under different salt levels. Seeds of ESWYT 5, ESWYT 6 wheat genotypes and BARI Gom 28 were pre-soaked in 10%PEG solutions for 9 h and allowed to grow under 5 levels of salt concentrations viz.,0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 dSm^-1.Findings of the research work showed that seed priming with 10% PEG solution for 9 h had significant effect on germination, seedling growth and water relation behavior of wheat genotypes under salt stress condition. Among three wheat genotypes, ESWYT 5 performed the best regarding germination, seedling growth and water relation behavior where wheat genotypes ESWYT-6 performed moderately and BARI Gom 28 showed poor performance. With increasing the salinity level the decreasing of germination, seedling growth and water relation behavior was normal phenomena but in this experiment, priming helped to reduce the magnitude of reduction. These results suggest that seed priming had significant effect to trigger the germination, seedling growth and water relation behavior of wheat genotypes under salt stress condition.

Muhammad Saiful Abedin   Md. Ashraful Hoque   Md. Atiqur Rahman Khokon   and Ismail Hossain   

A field experiment was conducted to investigate the efficacy of Trichocompost utilizing Trichoderma as biological agent. Three doses of Trichocompost viz. 500g/m², 750g/m², 1000g/m² were applied including untreated control treatment. All the yield parameters were significantly higher when they were applied in different doses of Trichocompost. However, growth parameters did not show significant variation although luxuriant and lavish growth was noticed. Best performances were recorded by applying Trichocompost application @1000g/m². Economic analysis of the treatments indicates that Trichocompost is profitable for farmers. Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR) was maximum (2.26) in Trichocompost treated plot @1000g/m². It can be revealed that Trichocompost can be applied in the field for better tomato production.

Maryam Kolahi   Mohammad Reza Tabandeh   Majd A   Parisa Jonoubi   and Mahmoud Hashemitabar   

Cell-wall lignification is among the new features that appeared as early plants began to adapt to land, possibly aiding in the development of more complex bodies. Saccharum officinarum L., a typical C4 plant with unique structure and anatomy, is one of the most important energy crops in the world with a very high yield of biomass. We analyzed lignification in the anatomy of leaf, sheath and stem, in sugarcane seedlings at four distinct stages of growth: germination stage, tillering stage, ground growth stage and maturation stage. Kranz anatomy with well-developed bundle sheath associated with Kranz mesophyll was observed but Kranz system was absent in large vascular bundles. Lignification of tissues and cells in sheath during early developmental stages is expected confirmed because during this stage, when stem tissue is absent in sugarcane, may be critical for the expansion of lignification and development of the stem and increasing the mechanical rigidity of the young plant. The lignified tissues and the intensity of lignification increased during later stages of development, especially in the stem. The most lignified tissues of the stem can be observed during the maturation stage and a little before it, which provides the stem with mechanical strength. These differentiation features may be linked to stem development, while the relevant changes in metabolites may be related to sucrose accumulation.

M. U. Shirazi   M. T. Rajput   M. A. Khan   and R. U. Ansari   

To observe the mitigating effects of nitrogen and potassium under salinity on Brassica juncea (cv. Agati sarheen), N and K was supplemented at different stages of growth. The studies were conducted under control condition (gravel culture). Salinity (12 dS/m) was imposed by NaCl salt after three weeks of germination through irrigation (1/4^th Hoagland solution). Nitrogen and Potassium was applied exogenously in the form of KNO₃ @ (T1. 30mM and T2 60mM) at vegetative and flowering stage. There was decrease in growth and yield under salinity. However; the relative reduction in plant height, slique length, grain wt/ 5 slique and grain yield/ 15 plants was comparatively low due foliar application of N and K as compared to non applicated plants. The overall accumulation of organic solutes (proline and glycine betaine) was significantly high under salinity. The response of N and K application was almost nil in case of proline accumulation. On the other hand application of KNO₃ @ 30mM showed increased accumulation of glycine betaine. The uptake of Na under salinity was less in plant having KNO₃ application @ 30mM (T1). Potassium content under saline condition was high in KNO₃ @ 60mM (i.e. T2 treatment), resulting in high K/Na ratio. The application of KNO3 also found to increase in nitrogen content in brassica. It is therefore concluded that better performance of brassica genotype under salinity might be due to low Na uptake and high K/ Na ratio especially under T1 treatment (i.e KNO₃ @ 30mM).

Most. Faijunnahar   Abdullahil Baque   Md. Ahsan Habib   and H. M. M. Tariq Hossain   

Pre-sowing seed treated with Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) assumed to be a potential priming agent to increase the germination, seedling growth and water relation behavior of grain. With this view, a lab investigation was carried out to find out the effect of various PEG concentrations on the germination, seedling growth and water relation behavior of wheat. Seeds of ESWYT-5, ESWYT -6 and ESWYT-7 wheat genotypes and BARI Gom 28 were pre-soaked in water with 0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% PEG solutions. Results of the study revealed that seed priming enhanced germination, seedling growth and water relation behavior of wheat genotypes. Among four wheat genotypes, ESWYT-5 performed the best regarding germination, seedling growth and water relation behavior where wheat genotypes ESWYT-6 and BARI Gom 28 performed moderately and ESWYT-7 showed consistently poor performance. All the characters showed the best results when wheat seeds treated with 10% PEG solution compared to nonprime and hydro primed seeds and the value decreased gradually with increasing PEG concentration. These results suggest that seed priming had significant effect to boost the germination, seedling growth and water relation behavior of wheat genotypes.

Muhaiminur Rashid   Ismail Hossain   Kamrul Hassan   and Fuad Mondal   

The experiment was conducted at Laboratory of Plant Pathology, Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Mymensingh and Seed Pathology Centre, BAU, Mymensingh during 2010 to 2014 to investigate the effect of storing containers on moisture content, germination percentage, seedling vigor, apparently healthy of seeds and infection of rice stored seeds. The rice seed samples of cv. BR14, BRRI dhan28, BRRI dhan29 and Guti were collected from 36 farmers belonging to the individual villages at Ishwarganj Upazila under Mymensingh District. Four types of storing containers were used by farmers own selves following traditional practices. Storing containers were gunny bag lined with polythene, bamboo bin lined with polythene, gunny bag and earthen pot locally called motka. The highest percentage of moisture content was in gunny bag (14.32%) and the lowest in gunny bag lined with polythene(12.59%) similarly best germination was in gunny bag lined with polythene (78.04%) and worst in motka (65.16%) consequently maximum vigor index was shown in gunny bag lined with polythene (1756) and minimum in motka (1458). The experiment also found the highest percentage of apparently healthy seeds in gunny bag lined polythene (55.01%) and lowest in motka (46.42%).Sequentially maximum seed borne fungi infection occurred in gunny bag (28.98%) and minimum infection in bamboo bin lined with polythene (22.70%). The result of the experiment evidently proved that polythene sheet was the key indication to protect the quality of seeds. On the other hand, the earthen pot or motka was the worst material to deteriorate the quality of seeds during storing time.

Md. Lutful Kabir   Mohammad Tuhin Ali   and Md. Enamul Haque   

The fractionated crude extracts and two isolated pure compounds TC-1(Phytol) and TC-2(Stigmasterol) from stem bark of Terminalia chebula were screened for their antibacterial and antifungal activities and cytotoxicity against brine shrimp nauplii. Petroleum ether, ethyl acetate (EtOAc) and methanol (MeOH) extracts and the compounds isolated from EtOAC fractions were studied for their antimicrobial activities. Cytotoxic activities were conducted only with crude extract. Both EtOAc and petroleum ether extract showed promising and moderate antimicrobial activities against most of the gram positive and gram negative bacteria whereas the MeOH extract did not show any antimicrobial activities. The isolated pure compounds TC-1 & TC-2 exhibited activities against most of the bacterial strains. The cytotoxicity towards brine shrimp nauplii of the crude extract was studied. The LC₅₀ values of plant crude extract is found to be 5.623413µg/mL.

Angelina T. Gonzales   

A preliminary survey, collection and identification of weeds in rice and vegetable production areas in Rosario, La Union, Philippines were done to identify most common and prevalent weeds associated with rice and vegetable. Fields surveys were done according to the quantitative survey method using 1.0m x 1.0m size quadrat with 20 samples from each field. Weeds present in each field were identified and the data were used to calculate frequency and relative dominance values for each species. A total of 45 species of weeds were collected and identified. Dominant weeds in vegetable and rice production during wet season were Digitaria sp., F. littoralis, A. conyzoides, C. pubescens and D. aegyptum. However, dominant weeds in rice production area were: Digitaria sp. and Dactyloctenium aegyptium; while Chloris sp. and Fimbristylis littoralis Gaudich, Centrosema pubescens Benth and Cyperus killingia and Cyperus rotundus L. and Dactyloctenium aegyptium at vegetable area. Based on the survey annuals were more dominant than perennial. More survey work is needed on a regular basis to identify possible problematic weed and weed population shifts and direct research toward new or improved control measures.

Nuha Mohamed Elamin Ahmed   and Mawahib Elsaied   

Agriculture is playing a very important role in the Sudan economy of the country as more than 70 per cent of the population is engaged directly or indirectly in this activity. Sudan earns 45 per cent of its GDP from Agriculture. The current paper presents evolution of statistical activities and setting up of its institution is taken up since 1903. The objectives of the survey were: To estimate the average yield per feddan and consequently estimate the total production of sorghum; to estimate the harvested area depending on response from the selected farmers by identifying planted and harvested area; and also the same sample or a sub sample can be used to collect information on cost of production and marketing of agricultural products. The survey design used was stratified two stage random sample with uniform sampling fraction (proportionate allocation). For collection of data the agriculture sector in the country was divided into "Irrigated" and "Rainfed" sectors. Rainfedsector was further divided into "mechanized" and "traditional" sectors for the purposes of sampling designs. The country prepares Balance Sheet Cereal of and has a methodology for assessment of Food and Nutrition Security. The paper also outlined the existing Market Information System for Crop and Livestock.

Asiko Grace   Oketch Jane   Mochorwa Jared   Nzano Patricia   Momanyi Dinah   Okecha Teresa   Okinyi Blaise   Koech Christine   Yego Ruth   and Palla David   

Bees play a vital role in strawberry pollination, for fruit quality and increased productivity. Greenhouse experiments were conducted at the National Beekeeping Institute, in collaboration with EU-AU Sponsored ICIPE Bee Health Project. Using honeybee pollinators increased super quality fruits (84% total). Harvested industry fruits were absent in the open field plants, outside the greenhouse, with multi-pollinators. These, however, greatly reduced in the harvested fruits, inside the greenhouse (4.3% total), with the honeybee as the sole pollinator, demonstrating the superiority of the latter in enhancing strawberry productivity through pollination.

Abid Hussain   Muhammad Rizwan-ul-Haq   and Ahmed Mohammed AlJabr   

Rhynchophorus ferrugineus, commonly referred to as red palm weevil (RPW), is an invasive Indian sub-continent pest that infests date palms in the Arabian peninsula and dates-growing countries. In an effort to manage red palm weevil infestations, exotic isolates of entomopathogenic fungi, especially Metarhizium anisopliae were procured from different sources for possible use against red palm weevil larvae. In this study, we evaluated the virulence attributes including the viability and relative hydrophobicity of the spores of M. anisopliae isolates 8453, 7234 and 406; and their impact on the host susceptibility, growth and antioxidant defense. Results indicated that isolate 8453 had 20.64% higher relative hydrophobicity compared with the least virulent isolate 406 that showed the highest LT₅₀ value (10.90 days). The feeding performance experiment revealed significant differences in ECI and ECD indexes. The most virulent isolate 8453 (LT₅₀ = 7.55 days) established in the current study tremendously declined ECI (26.15%) and ECD (39.84%) indexes compared to control treatment larvae. However, the least virulent isolate 406 (LT₅₀ = 10.90 days) could only reduce 7.38% and 12.06% of ECI and ECD indexes, respectively. Furthermore, the virulent isolate 8453 established in the current study successful imparted 100% larval mortality compared with other tested isolates of M. anisopliae. Host antioxidant defense from hemolymph, gut and fat was explored after 24 h of infection by qRT-PCR. The quantification of catalase and peroxidase genes revealed significant differences in their expressions. Overall, the least virulent isolate (406) failed to induce the expression of catalase and peroxidase. However, isolate 8453 greatly induced the expression of studied antioxidant genes. These results indicated that M. anisopliae isolate 8453 seems to be a promising bio-control agent against the infestations of red palm weevils.

Y.S.M. Asanka Indunil Kumari   and A. Vengadaramana   

The objective of this study was to evaluate the response to exogenous application of different chemical elicitors on the stimulation of defense enzymes such as chitinase, peroxidase, phenylalanine ammonialyase (PAL) and polyphenoloxidase (PPO) in tomato and chilli plants leaves tissues. Chemical elicitors are compounds, which activate chemical defense systems in plants. Various biosynthetic pathways are activated by chemical elicitors in plants depending on the elicitors used. Two times exogenous application of 200 ppm of salicylic acid (SA), ascorbic acid (AA), jasmonic acid (JA) and H₂O₂ and ethanol (1 mL of 95% ethanol in 1 L distilled water) induced the four defense enzymes production in chilli and tomato plants leaves tissues and significantly reduced viral disease incidence in chilli plants compared to control. SA at 200 ppm enhanced significantly chitinase, peroxidase, PAL and PPO enzymes in leaves tissues of tomato plants. Tomato plants treated with chemical elicitors and control did not show any disease symptoms.

Manish Kapoor   

Air quality management involves the determination of the relative contribution of current or future source emissions at receptor sites to ground level pollutant concentrations coupled with implementation of effective management plan to reduce emission level. From the last few decades, urban air pollution has become an inevitable issue for its possible consequences on public health. In order to manage the ambient air quality, there are several methodologies with each having some specific advantages and constrains. Improvement of ambient air quality involves the basic approaches like emission reduction at source level, conversion of pollutants to a less damaging compounds and sequestration of pollutants. However, in order to manage the air quality, application of ornamental plants may be considered a well alternative approach. Although, it may not be imperative to consider plants as a sole alternative for urban ambient air quality management, but certainly it may useful to manage air quality for a small confined area, especially in case of indoor air. This paper reviews the possible application of ornamental plants, which may be trees, shrubs or herbs for its possible applications to regulate air quality. Some selective plant species has also been recommended based on its air pollution tolerance index.

Kamrul Hassan   Mahfuza Pervin   Fuad Mondal   and Mukta Mala   

Enhancement of natural enemies through habitat management developed sustainable pest management systems. Landscape composition; especially complex and permanent habitat mainly woody vegetation increased the abundance of natural enemies of crop pest. Alternatively, temporary vegetation like horticultural systems decreased the abundance of natural enemies as for monocropping. The rate of parasitism is higher in diverse ecosystems than in non-diverse ecosystems due to the availability of food source, provision of nectar and sugar, as well as alternative hosts. The intensification of agricultural practices disturbed the diversity of ecosystem and ultimately reduced the abundance of natural enemies and consequently diminished the efficacy of biological control of pests in a particular ecosystem. Moreover, plant characteristics especially in long blooming period, larger floral area, maximum flower height, narrow and deepest corolla and higher number of open flower increase the accessibility of nectar or pollen for natural enemies. As a result, the fecundity and longevity of predator and parasitoid are increased. Manipulation of food sources for natural enemies especially honey dew and artificial food spray like sucrose with the supplement of protein helps to enhance the activities of natural enemies, predators and parasitoids. For example, the widely applicable shelter habitats such as beetle banks are suitable over wintering sites for predatory beetles especially for Carabidae, Staphylinidae and spiders. Increase of non-crop habitats for instance, field margins, fallow land, hedgerows etc. might improve the shelters for natural enemies. Apart from the plants in that habitat under attack from herbivore, they make responses towards natural enemies by producing Herbivore Induced Plant Volatiles (HIPVs) known as indirect plant defense. The habitat with abundant natural enemies makes such continuous support for plant by means of plant indirect defense. In a nutshell, habitat management not only conserves biological control but also provides other indirect services like increasing biodiversity, photosynthesis, the activity of soil biota, and reduced soil erosion. Besides, it can also ultimately maximize the yield and profitability of crops for the farmers and stabilize the sustainable pest management system.

Md. Mohidul Hasan   Nazia Binta Islam   Shamima Naznin   Md. Mobinul Islam   and Kishowar-E-Mustarin   

Trichoderma based BAU-biofungicide, chemical Carbendazim and a synthetic plant growth promoting (PGP) hormone have been used to study their effect on Cercospora leaf spot of Indian spinach. Number of leaf, number of infected leaf, disease incidence, disease severity, area under disease progress curve (AUDPC), plant height and plant weight were measured and significant variations was found against different treatment combinations. Among the treatment combinations, seed treating with Carbendazim followed by foliar spray with Carbendazim, seed coating with BAU bio-fungicide followed by foliar spray with Carbendazim, only foliar spray with Carbendazim and only spray of PGP hormone significantly reduced disease incidence and severity with increasing of plant height and weight. Interestingly, foliar application of PGP hormone reduces disease incidence and severity by 58.38% and 63.8% in both the variety of Indian spinach, respectively over control, whereas; in both the variety disease incidence and severity is reduced by seed treatment with Carbendazim followed by foliar spray with Carbendazim 69.72% & 77.63%; seed treatment with BAU bio-fungicide followed by foliar spray with Carbendazim 63.73% & 69.49%; foliar spray with Carbendazim 55.68% & 58.19%, respectively. Foliar application of PGP hormone along with the reducing of disease incidence and severity, also increases the leaf number by 68.62%, plant height by 54.64% and plant weight by 65.69% over control. AUDPC showed that, local variety of Indian spinach is more susceptible to Cercospora leaf spot than BARI spinach 1.

Nontuthuko R. Ntuli   Rufaro M. Madakadze   and Alpheus M. Zobolo   

Ethnobotanical knowledge on local Cucurbita landraces was documented in three district municipalities of northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Seven distinct landraces of C. argyrosperma, C. maxima and C. pepo were identified by local (isiZulu) names as iNhlwathi emhlophe, iNhlwathi emnyama, iPhuzi, isiPhama, iThanga, uMpampini oluhlaza and uMpampini ophuzi. The majority had leaves with silvery-white mottling in axils of leaf veins, but isiPhama and uMpampini oluhlaza had uniformly green leaves. INhlwathi emhlophe and iNhlwathi emnyama had the largest fruits and isiPhama had the smallest. Landrace iNhlwathi emnyama maintained its green fruit colour at maturity, while iPhuzi changed to uniform yellow/orange fruit colour before maturity. The isiPhama, uMpampini oluhlaza and uMpampini ophuzi had sparse to moderate stem branching habit and the sweetest, less watery fruits of them all. Seed colour ranged from cream to white. This study was the first attempt to record the genetic-related diversity on types of Cucurbita landraces that are grown in South Africa. It also recorded the presence of C. argyrosperma for the first time in this country.

Md. Mehedi Hasan   Md. Abdullah Al Bari   and Mohammad Anwar Hossain   

The experiment was conducted at the experimental farm of the department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Bangladesh agricultural university, Mymensingh, Bangladesh, with 30 different tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) genotypes to study the genetic variability and characters association for yield and yield-contributing traits along with quality traits. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Analysis of variances showed high degree of variation existed among the genotypes of the studied traits. Yield contributing traits showed higher phenotypic co-efficient of variation as compared to their corresponding genotypic co-efficient of variation indicating considerable environmental influences on them. Individual fruit weight showed high heritability (99.71) with high genetic advance (85.4) followed by fruits per plant (99.65 & 81.26) suggested a good scope for the improvement of these characters through selection. High heritability but low genetic advance showed in number of primary branches (75.87 & 3.67), fruit cluster per plant (99.49 & 6.12), fruit diameter (98.83 & 5.59), total soluble solid (80.51 & 1.85) and ascorbic acid content (90.75 & 9.52) indicated limited scope for the improvement of these traits through selection. Correlation coefficient analysis showed that yield per plant had significant positive correlations with individual fruit weight (0.609***) and number of fruit cluster per plants (0.396*) whereas significant negative correlation was observed with number of primary branches per plant (-0.421*). Path co-efficient analysis revealed that the maximum positive direct contribution towards yield was through individual fruit weight (0.704) whereas plant height (-0.038) showed negative direct contribution towards yield. Individual fruit weight and number of fruit cluster per plant could be crucial for improving tomato yield.

Hegab, M. M.   Gabr, M. A.   Al-Wakeel, S. A. M.   and Hamed, B. A.   

A greenhouse pot experiment was conducted to investigate the possible allelopathic effect of Eucalyptus rostrata leaf residue on some metabolic activities associated with growth of 10, 20 and 30 – day – old corn plants. The lower level of Eucalyptus treatment (0.5 %, w/w) induced a stimulatory effect on the growth of shoot and root of corn plants. The positive effect was more obvious in shoot than in root growth. Inversely, high levels of incorporated Eucalyptus leaf residue (1 and 2 %, w/w) reduced all growth parameters of both shoot and root relative to the respective control, and this reduction was concentration dependent. The total phenolic aglycone content of mature Eucalyptus leaf was 16.89 mg g^-1 dry weight present as water-soluble secondary metabolites. Qualitative and quantitative HPLC analysis of Eucalyptus rostrata leaves revealed the presence of nine phenolic compounds. The p-coumaric acid was the most dominant compound, while catechol and chlorogenic acid were detected in lesser amounts. A trace amount of salicylic acid, vanillin, coumarin, as well as caffeic, cinnamic and ferulic acids were also detected. The total phenolic content of corn shoot increased with the lower concentration of Eucalyptus residue and decreased with higher treatments. The lowest level of Eucalyptus residue (0.5%, w/w) increased the contents of photosynthetic pigments, particularly chlorophyll "a" content, which was correlated with increase in the total carbohydrate production. Similarly, the total nitrogen and total phosphorus, as well as nucleic acids were markedly higher than the control treatment. Negative pattern of changes in the contents of photosynthetic pigments, carbohydrate, nitrogen, phosphorus, phenolic compounds and nucleic acids, was observed in corn plant treated with high rates of Eucalyptus leaf residue (1 and 2%, w/w) as compared with their respective controls. These negative effects were concentration dependent.

Marta Marina Jiménez Águila   Digna Velázquez Viera   and Lourdes Sordo Olivera   

In 1987 the 'Necropolis Christopher Columbus' National Monument was declared assisting to the exceptional character of its historical and artistic values. Located in roadway of Zapata and street 12 in the municipality Plaza, Havana, occupies 56 ha with 222 square, 24, 5 Km of streets and avenues and 35000m² of green areas. From 1990, authorities, historians, restorers and forest investigators take charge of veil, to study and to disclose their patrimonial values to maintain and to conserve the architectural beauty of monuments, gardeners and the tree-lined of the cemetery, harmonizing the specific functions of the place. The objective of the work is to evaluate the existent vegetation and to propose species to rehabilitate the patrimonial area for the duty of preserving the memory cultural citizen. The inventory, diagnosis and evaluation of the arboreal vegetation and shrubs of studied area allowed recommending species to rehabilitate the green spaces in the main artery and the sections NE, NW, SE, SW, without affecting the monuments, streets, and sidewalks. The results show up in charts, pictures, designs, outlines and arboreal cover of 2142 physical (trees and bushes) individuals was observed; prevailing the species Ficus sp.; Calophyllum antillanum Britt; Roystonea regia H.B.K. OF. Cook; Juniperus lucayana Britt. It was indicated as managing of theses spaces, particularly and generally way concluded with suggestions will contribute to elevate the cultural level and actors' management and technicians in the integral classification of the place and to enlarge the interrelation among historical institutions - cultural and environmentalists for the rehabilitation and conservation of the urban specialized landscape.

Ogunbanjo O.R.   Awotoye O.O.   Jayeoba F.M.   and Jeminiwa S.M.   

The global consumption of conventional feed resources is presently close to production, therefore the need to search for alternative cum additional feed ingredients become imperative. Cucurbitaceae are flowering plants that occur in the tropical and sub-tropical vegetation, primarily in rainforest, vine thickets and sparsely vegetated rocky outcrops. This study explored the nutritional potential of the seeds of six selected Cucurbitaceae species: Cucurbita pepo, Cucumeropsis manii, Luffa cylindrica, Lagenaria scicereria, Adenopus breviflorus and Citrullus lanatus as feed resource. Pods of the six Cucurbitaceae species were from major markets across various parts of Oyo State, Nigeria. Results from the proximate analysis of the seeds revealed that there were significant (p<0.05) differences among the samples in all the parameters (moisture content, crude fibre, ash, protein, carbohydrate and fat) considered. Lagenaria sicereria recorded the highest values in crude protein, fat and ash content of 27.80%, 48.75% and 4.25% respectively while it had the least percentage moisture content (7.30%). Percentage carbohydrate content was highest in Luffa cylindrica (22.20%). Cucurbitaceae species could serve as an alternative feed stuff in animal nutrition when supplemented with other materials.

S. M. A. Haque   I. Hossain   and M. A. Rahman   

Line sowing method had less cost of seed production and more BCR than top cutting method. In case of line sowing, for seed production maximum BCR 1.30 was observed with BAU- Biofungicide treated seeds and lowest BCR 1.16 under control treatment. For fibre production, highest BCR 2.71 was observed with BAU- Biofungicide treated seeds and lowest BCR 1.29 was under control treatment. In case of top cutting, highest BCR 1.13 was recorded under BAU- Biofungicide treated cuttings and lowest 1.02 was under control treatment. So, line sowing method was found most suitable compared to top cutting method for production of quality healthy jute seeds with maximum BCR.

Dani Sarsekova   

A small area of forestation and an acute shortage of timber are reasons to seek ways to improve productivity and the rational use of forests in the territory of Kazakhstan. A deficit in timber can be compensated, to some extent, by planting stands of fast-growing plantation species, including top and hybrid Populus spp, which are commonly referred to as "poplar". There is an increased interest in poplar, globally, due to its organic traits and the economic value it provides, including: rapid growth and ability to produce wood that is technically suitable for cutting within 20 years of planting; a source of suitable timber for use in most industries; the ability to grow in soils that are not generally suitable for agricultural use; a potential source of timber for widespread use in screening, landscape and recreational plantings; the ability of most popular species and hybrids to asexually propagate. There has been extensive planting of poplar trees in Kazakhstan, especially in the south and south-east. Poplar trees have been planted in populated areas, along roads and in forest stands. However, these plantings are unsuitable as a source of timber for commercial or ornamental purposes. Hence, there is a need to establish plantations of poplar for timber supply in Kazakhstan. The most common types of poplar in this country are the deltoid, Algerian, and Bolle, which were used in the extensive greenery planting of southeastern Kazakhstan. The main factors ensuring high productivity of poplar plantations are the soil conditions of fertility, good aeration and adequate moisture. Results of this study indicate that the greatest height increase occurs in these trees between the age of 5 and 10 years, and for trunk diameter, between the age of 4 and 9 years. After this age, the growth rate gradual declines, with a sharp drop in the rate noticeable between years 14 and 16. Additionally, results of this study show the high productivity of poplar plantations, in plot sizes 2.5 to 3 m by 1.5 to 2 m, with 2000 – 3000 trees per hectare. This compares with the production of timber mass from stands of 5000 – 7000 trunks per hectare, which leads to rapid growth of trees in height, but an earlier growth reduction in diameter.

K. Szabo   V. Lovas   and Zs. Eros-Honti   

Owing to the increasing environmental pollution and disturbances, afforestation of our cities has become an outlined objective by today. So as to elaborate liveable environments, the most important mission of breeders, gardeners and landscape architectures is to find such plant species and cultivars, which can tolerate urban conditions. Earlier, certain tree species later special cultivars of them were found to tolerate these environments, yet nowadays no such species or cultivars can be found that fulfil all requirements of urban afforestation. In this study, we examine the possibility of the application of artificial mycorrhizae with such purposes with a presumably appropriate species, Acer buergerianum (trident maple). Although Acer species are planted in parks rather than into tree lines, Acer buergerianum is one of the most popular trees in alleys of Eastern Asian cities. It is also included in the Urban Green Project 2021, while in Hungary it is only found as a solitaire species, mainly in botanical gardens. Owing to its good tolerance and high decorative value, it may play a potential role in future Hungarian urban afforestation. In our study, the effect of mycorrhizal products available in Hungary and different inoculation methods were tested on 120 trident maple specimens. Level of mycorrhization and phenological features indicating the growth intensity (thickness and height of the new shoots) were evaluated during the vegetative period.

Sophia Barinova   and Roman Romanov   

First study of new locality the Ein Qinia high mountain pool with charophyte algae in the Golan Heights region of Israel has been implemented for revealing of algal diversity and ecological assessment of the water object environment by chemistry and bio-indication methods. Altogether forty two species of algae including one of them macro-algae Chara gymnophylla A.Braun were revealed. Chara, Spirogyra and Oedogonium with attached diatoms and greens were found in massive growth in the studied pool. Bio-indication and chemical variables characterize the pool environment as fresh, low alkaline, with low organic polluted waters, Class II-III of water quality. Water inhabit by forty two taxa of algae and cyanobacteria from five taxonomic divisions. Community prefers eutrophic state of water and photosynthetic type of nutrition. Species composition change from Spirogyra-dominated in 2008-2009 to Oedogonium-dominated in 2012. Index Saprobity S fluctuated between 0.86 and 1.71 whereas Index WESI was very high, always above the 1.0 that reflect high self-purification capacity of the pool ecosystem. We can recommend the Ein Qinia pool for monitoring of natural aquatic object in the Golan Heights as reference site, and Chara gymnophylla as climatic indicator of sunlight intensity.

Laurette Ngo Nkot   Henri Fankem   Souleymanou Adamou   Albert Ngakou   Dieudonne Nwaga   and Francois- Xavier Etoa   

Improving biological nitrogen fixation through legume nodulating bacteria (LNB) inoculation requires knowledge on the abundance and effectiveness of indigenous population in the ferralsols. The Most Probable Number method (MPN) was used to determine the naturally occurring LNB population in 64 representative soils of four sites in the humid forest zone of Cameroon. Nodulation Macroptilium atropurpureum was examined under tubes experiment in four location sites: Bertoua, Ebolowa, Bokito and Yaounde, and within each of the locations, in four land use systems (LUSs) of different levels of disturbance: mixed farm; fallows; cocoa plantation and forest. The LNB population size varied from 0.78 to 5.25 log units of soil depending on the land use. The most disturbed LUSs (farms and fallows) exhibiting the highest number of LNB on average. Undisturbed ones (cocoa plantation and forest) showed the lowest number of LNB. The percentage of the need for inoculation was more frequent in the forests (94%) and plantations (75 %). It is low in the in the fallows (25%) and the farms (44 %). In total 60 % of the soils analysed need inoculation. These results are important for future investigations on alternative inoculant strains for improving legume production in Cameroon.

Genene Bekele Tura   and P. Ramachandra Reddy   

The Magada forest is one of the National Forest Priority Areas (NFPAs), which is located in the southern part of the country in the Borana Zone of Oromia National Regional State. It lies approximately between longitudes 380 15' E and 380 20' E and latitude 50 27 N and 50 32' N (EMA, 1987) in between Bule-Hora and Dugda Dawa districts. The objective of this work was to provide a list of plant species found in the forest and to recommend solutions for management and conservation problems. The vegetation compositions of the Magada forest were described based on the vegetation data collected between February 2013 and October 2013. Releves of 30 m x 30 m were taken for the woody species and 2 m x 2 m for field layers. A total of 66 releves were analyzed at altitude between 1750 and 2100 m a.s.l. Data on the species list was collected. A total of 197 species of vascular plants belonging to 64 families were identified. Out of these [100 (50.8 %)] are woody species and [97 (49.2 %)] are non-woody species (field layers). 84.3 % of the families are dicots while 12.5 % are monocots and gymnosperms and pteridophytes comprise 1.6 % each. Asteraceae is the largest family with [18 (9.1%)] followed by Acanthaceae [16 (8.1%)], Lamiaceae and Rubiaceae each with [14 (7.1%)] and Fabaceae [13 (6.6%)] species. The vegetation of the Magada forest is disturbed through grazing and browsing by domestic livestock, cultivation and other human uses. This further retard regeneration processes of the trees and shrubs. Pressure on the resources from human population could intensify and impose more rapid and more degenerative changes. Recognizing these issues as possible future scenario underlines the need for management intervention to increase quality of regeneration being recruited and accelerate the growth of the young plants already present.

Evelyn A. Armstrong   

Drawing on the multidisciplinary literature of visual culture, ecological theory, ecofeminism, and environmental philosophy, I trace developments in environmental art to join in the ethico-aesthetic. This tradition calls for reflective thought on the value of subjective perception and distinctive lived experiences. It also calls for respect for sentiment, imagination, and creative expression. To a greater degree, regardless of how bleak things appear, the ethico-aesthetic paradigm calls for getting involved in practical activities that have a future. In relation to art, my inquiry follows a range of cultural activities that support ideas about reuniting humanity with the beauty of the natural world. Through practical engagements, environmental artistic practices also support conservation and the protection of endangered ecological systems. Informed by the art cannon of unity and beauty, my focus is to exemplify artistic practices that ascribe value to nature for the sake of nature. From this line of thought, my presentation conveys the theme of hope for a good outcome for Planet Earth.

Philip T. Seaton   Hugh W. Pritchard   and Timothy R. Marks   

Dry seeds of many orchid species, when stored at low temperatures, are capable of maintaining high levels of viability for many years, supporting orchid seed banking as a valuable part of emerging integrated conservation strategies. The Orchid Seed Science and Sustainable Use (OSSSU) network has already stored over 300+ species across 26 countries around the world. Its future ambition to store seeds representing a minimum of one thousand species in the next five years, and to expand the network to include more institutes and countries, provides an example of what can be achieved by a small dedicated group, willing to share their technical expertise and to develop a deeper understanding of the underlying science. Recent work indicates that it may also be possible to store orchid pollen of some species for a minimum of six years under similar conditions to those used for orchid seeds, thereby facilitating pollen exchange between collections. OSSSU partners in a number of countries have already demonstrated that raising plants from stored seeds can be used successfully in reintroduction projects.

Carrie Waterman   Zil Patel   Su Kim   Amanda Rivera   Laura Pontiggia   Mary H. Grace   and Robert Smith   

Leaves of Anogeissus leiocarpus Guill. & Perr. have been traditionally used as an African botanical treatment for parasitic worm infections in both humans and livestock. This current study documents the presence of punicalagin isomers (α & β) and its galloyl ester, 1-O-galloyl-punicalagin as major components in the leaf extract of A. leiocarpus. Identification was performed using HPLC and LC-ion trap-top of flight-mass spectrometry (LC-IT-TOF-MS). The activity of punicalagin was assessed with Caenorhabditis elegans using 24 and 48 hour motility assays. Punicalagin exhibited activity against C.elegans with a 24 hour LD₅₀ of 1.69 mM and a 48 hour LD₅₀ of 0.98 mM. The concentration of punicalagin in the leaf extract accounted for 47.5 µg mg^-1, while the concentration of 1-O-galloyl-punicalagin was 24.5 µg mg^-1, quantified as punicalagin equivalent. This level of punicalagin alone was not sufficient to account for the activity seen in the leaf aqueous extract of A. leiocarpus, indicating that other compounds present in the extract such as 1-O-galloyl-punicalagin and gallic acid may have also contributed to the activity. However, the level of punicalagin in the leaf aqueous extract of A. leiocarpus was demonstrated at concentrations comparable to those found in A. leiocarpus treatment regimens for ruminant parasites.

M. Sharaf Uddin   M. M. Rahman   M. M. Hossain   and M. A. Khaleque Mian   

Combining ability in eighteen eggplant genotypes were studied at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University (BSMRAU), Gazipur, Bangladesh during March 2007 to September 2009. Eggplant genotypes were evaluated for different quantitative characters. Highly significant variances due to general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) for all the studied characters indicated the importance of both additive and non-additive gene actions. The predominance of additive gene action was found for most of the studied characters. Considering GCA effects, the parents P₁, P₂ and P₆ were the good general combiner for number of fruits per plant and yield per plant; P₃, P₅ and P₈ for fruit weight; P₄ for fruit length and P₃ and P₈ for fruit breadth and P₁, P₆, P₂ and P₇ for yield per plant. Considering SCA effects, the crosses P₅ x P₇ were important for fruit length, fruit weight, number of fruits and yield per plant; P₅ x P₈ for fruit breadth, fruit weight, and yield per plant; P₁ x P₆ and P₂ x P₇ for fruit breadth, number of fruit and yield per plant; P₁ x P₆, P₂ x P₇, P₄ x P₇ and P₅ x P₇ for number of fruits and yield per plant.

Gatahi Dennis Maina   Wanyika Harrison   Gohole Linnet   and Evans Ligare Chimoita   

Flea beetle is an important pest accounting for 25 % foliage damage in spider plant. The reported damage manifested as 'shot holes' is variable among the spider plant morphotypes. The study aimed at determining the damage inflicted on three main morphotypes in relation to metabolites. Three spider plant morphotypes were propagated inside a screen house on a completely randomised design (CRD) and flea beetles introduced on the seventh week of growth to determine the damage caused and assessed using the Bailey scoring scale (0-3, 4-7 and > 7 holes/leaf). Data on damage was log transformed and analysed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). The means were separated using protected least significant difference (LSD0.05). Quantitative determination of primary and secondary metabolites was done on the foliage taken before infestation. Proximate and Kjedahl methods were used to determine carbohydrates and proteins respectively. Determination of the secondary metabolites and vitamins was done using chromatography. The purple stemmed morphotype was most damaged (8.6, p≤0.05), green stemmed morphotype least damaged (2.7, p≤0.05), while the purple-green morphotype was moderately damaged (7.6, p≤0.05). There was a significant difference of metabolites among the morphotypes. Purple stemmed had highest carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins and glucosinolates but least terpenoids while green stemmed morphotype had the least primary metabolites and glucosinolates but highest terpenoids. The purple stemmed morphotype was most susceptible and green stemmed morphotype was least susceptible. The inflicted damage was largely metabolomically influenced and that primary metabolites and glucosinolates levels were antagonistic to the terpenoids levels in the morphotypes. It can be recommended that, plant breeders use the green stemmed morphotype to improve resistance of the more nutritious but flea beetle susceptible purple stemmed morphotype in order to increase yield and maintain the nutritional potential. Also farmers can grow green stemmed morphotype in flea beetle infested fields.

K M Mesbaul Alam   R. Ahmed, C. Rashid   M. S. Uddin   and M. A. M. Chowdhury   

Five different popular marketed brands of tea produced in Bangladesh viz; Tetley-Premium, Lipton-Taaza, Finlay-Premium, HRC-Clevedon, Ispahani-Blender's choice were studied before expiry dates to evaluate their status of qualitative parameters viz; Caffeine, Total Polyphenol Content (TPC), Theaflavin (TF), Thearubigin (TR), Highly Polymerized Substances (HPS), Total Liquor Colour (TLC), Briskness Index (BI) and Colour Index (CI). All the studied parameters were found to have been varied with brands. The values of caffeine and TPC were found to be varied from 2.65% (Finlay-Premium) to 3.28% (Tetley-Premium) and 24.58% (Lipton-Taaza) to 12.76% (Tetley-Premium) respectively. Similarly, the estimated values of TF, TR and TLC were detected to be maximum in Lipton-Taaza tea but maximum HPS was in Finlay-Premium tea whereas minimum TF and TLC was in Tetley-Premium tea and minimum TR and HPS was in HRC-Clevedon tea. In contrast, BI and Cl were found to be the highest in Ispahani-Blender's choice and HRC-Clevedon tea respectively and the lowest in Tetley-Premium tea. The present study concludes that the Lipton-Taaza tea is superior over the other brands in respect to qualitative status and all the studied brands may, therefore, be ranked as: Lipton-Taaza > Finlay-Premium > Ispahani-Blender's choice > HRC-Clevedon > Tetley-premium.

Francis Augustin Do Rego   Ibou Diop   Oumar Sadio   Marie Claire Da Sylva   Codjo Emile Agbangba   Omar Touré   Aboubacry Kane   Marc Neyra   Ibrahima Ndoye   and Tatiana Krasova Wade   

The response of cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (Walp. (L.)] to inoculation with symbiotic microorganisms (arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus and rhizobium) was investigated on cultivated vertisoils (known locally as Dek) and arenosoils (known locally as Dior) in three geographic sites in Senegal. On the basis of soil physico-chemical characteristics, of most probable number (MPN) of indigenous rhizobia and of yields, a hierarchical analysis showed that the sites were grouped in three clusters. Some soils initially considered as Dek were grouped with Dior, so that all of Dior soils were grouped in the same cluster. No significant increasing in shoot biomass or yield was observed when cowpea was inoculated with fungi alone, whatever soil type. However, a significant or noticeable improvement in cowpea seeds production was obtained by rhizobium inoculation. It appeared that cowpea response to inoculation depended on geographical site and were often observed in sandy arenosoils (Dior type) or in loamy sand vertisoils (Dek type) with at least 15mgkg^-1 of available phosphorus level.

S. M. Faisal   M. S. Haque   and K. M. Nasiruddin   

To study genetic transformation for abiotic stress resistance in cucumber (var. Shital), leaf, nodal and internodal calli were subjected to Agrobacterium tumefaciens mediated transformation using LBA4404 strain containing CIPK sense gene. Transformation ability was examined by histochemical assay of GUS reporter gene in survived calli. Conspicuous GUS positive (blue colour) region were detected in callus tissue. There were 3 factors in this investigation. Factor A consisted of three types of explants viz. leaf, nodal and internodal callus, factor B consisted of two durations of inoculation time viz. 3 and 5 min and factor C consisted of two co-cultivation periods viz. 24 and 48 hours. The highest GUS positive transgenic callus obtained from leaf explants (3.30) and internodal explants gave the lowest number (1.79) of GUS positive transformants. Inoculation time is an important factor in transformation experiment mediated by A. tumefaciens. Transformation ability was increased with increase of inoculation time. Percentage of survived callus was higher (53.68 %) when the calli were immersed for 5 min in bacterial suspension. Both number and percentage of GUS positive callus were higher (3.17 and 52.87 %, respectively) when they were kept in bacterial suspension for higher time (5 min) and lower (2.15 and 35.88 %, respectively) when calli were soaked in bacterial suspension for minimum time (3 min).

Misbah Iqbal Qamar   Yasir Iftikhar   Zafar Iqbal   Mustansar Mubeen   and Ata-ul-Haq   

Ten varieties / lines of potato germplasm were screened out against PVX to find the resistant source. Out of 10, four varieties were susceptible, three moderately susceptible and three were moderately resistant. DAS-ELISA detected the PVX in leaves samples of different Potato varieties. Mechanical transmission produced the local lesion and insect transmission through aphid (Myzus Persicae) was failed due to unknown reasons.

Leroy Moripi   and Mex Peki   

Trees in natural forests are scattered across and along altitudinal gradients. The mode of dispersion varies within a natural forest and is influenced by natural translocation phenomena of biotic and abiotic factors acting on the environment. It is understood that dispersion in a natural forest can be in random, uniformed or clumped and assumed to be in random at a certain degree. This study was carried out in Busama forest area in a permanent sampling plot to describe the distribution pattern of trees within the forest area with Myristica spp. used because of its dominance within the forest. The index of dispersion technique was used to assess and analyze the distribution patterns of Myristica spp. where quadrat sizes are increased from 1m² to 2,500m² using Microsoft EXCEL to generate subplots within the PSP and f – test was used to test the significance of the departure or closeness of the distribution to randomness at F_0.01 ≥ 1.36 (at 1% level of significance). It was found that as the quadrat size increase the distribution pattern of Myristica spp. becomes random and also the population density increases but it is predicted that it will become random but in clumps (F_0.01 ≥ 1.36), as the quadrat size increased to about 200m^² and above, there is a significant departure from the randomness of closeness. However, the distribution pattern of Myristica species in this case is general and can be applied to other tree species in other locales.

D. K. Patel   

Trees are largest life form of the plants. There is a rich diversity of the plants over the world out of them trees registered for their maximum diversity in variable environmental condition. These are erect, branched, long lived plants that are important not only for soil conservation, environmental purification but also useful for their Medicinal and aromatic value for human beings. An herbal garden developed for ex-situ conservation of the Medicinal and aromatic plants in which 23 tree species of medicinally valuable plants belonging to 15 different families were introduced for their ex-situ conservation. Mostly tree species introduced from various places of Chhattisgarh are performing to propagate by their seeds and some also propagated by using other plant parts like Root buds, Stem cutting etc. Each plants having a certain medicinal properties so need for proper care and for their conservation. Tree species of Medicinal and aromatic plants are remarkable for their efficient values for human beings and also important for providing shade to the small herbaceous, shrub nature plants during high temperature range in summer season. These trees were planted in Herbal Garden to achieve the above goals.

Genene Bekele   and P. Ramachandra Reddy   

Medicinal plants are the integral part of the variety of cultures in Ethiopia and have been used over many centuries. Hence, the aim of this study is to document the medicinal plants in the natural vegetation and home gardens in Abaya district, Borana Zone, Oromia National Regional State, Ethiopia. Forty eight traditional healers were selected to collect data on management of medicinal plants using semi-structured interview, group discussion, and field observation. The distribution of plant species in the study areas was surveyed. Forty three plant species were documented as having medicinal value: [21 (48.8%)] were Shrubs, [13 (30.3%)] herbs, and [9 (20.9%)] trees. The root [17 (39.5%)] was the most commonly used plant part followed by leaf [13 (30.2%)], fruits [7 (16.3%)] and stem [6 (14.0%)]. Agricultural expansion (24.4%) in the area was found to be the main threat for medicinal plants followed by fire wood collection (18.8%). Peoples' culture and spiritual beliefs somehow helped in the conservation of medicinal plants. Traditional healers still depend largely on naturally growing plant species and the important medicinal plants are under threat. The documented medicinal plants can serve as a basis for further studies on phytochemical and pharmacological studies.

Vengadaramana, A.   and D. M. De Costa   

Leaf Twister disease (LTD) is a major disease of onion (Allium ascalonicum L.) cultivated in Sri Lanka. The present study was aimed to determine molecular and pathogenic variations among the causal agents of onion leaf twister disease. The pathogens causing the LTD have been identified as Colletotrichum and Fusarium spp. Pathogenic variations of the fungal isolates, in terms of pathogenicity and virulence were determined in vivo by inoculation assays using red onion (variety Vethalan). LTD-infected plants were collected from farmer fields of four locations of Batticaloa district, Sri Lanka. Possible causal organism/s of LTD were isolated from three different parts of the infected plants, namely leaves, pseudostem and bulb. Morphologically-different six isolates of Colletotrichum and seven Fusarium isolates were obtained by isolations. Virulence of the Colletotrichum and Fusarium varied significantly among the isolates in terms of rapidity and extent of disease spread. Variety Vethalan was not completely resistant to any isolate of the two fungal genera tested. Genomic DNA of 13 isolates was extracted from each purified isolate using a modified CTAB method. PCR amplification was done with ITS1 and ITS4 primers to amplify the 5.8S-ITS subunit of the Colletotrichum isolates. The ITS2-rDNA subunit of Fusarium isolates was amplified by ITS-Fu1f and ITS-Fu1r primers. As expected 590 bp and 466 bp PCR products were resulted in by all Colletotrichum and Fusarium isolates, respectively. Colletotrichum isolates showed two polymorphic groups based on PCR-RFLP by RsaI, Hae III and Msp I. Fusarium isolates showed no polymorphism based on PCR-RFLP by Rsa I, Hae III and Msp I. Findings of the present study revealed that molecular and pathogenic variations exist among different isolates of Colletotrichum and pathogenic variations only exist among Fusarium isolates infecting red onion in Batticaloa district of Sri Lanka.

G. M. Narasimha Rao   and Reshmi Chatterjee   

The effect of Seaweed Liquid Fertilizer (SLF) of Gracilaria textorii and Hypnea musciformis on seed germination, growth and yield parameters such as number of leaves, weight of fruits in crop plants such as Brinjal, Tomato and Chilly were examined. The Seaweed Liquid Fertilizer was found to be effective in increasing the growth and yield in low doses (1:4 and 1:6 conc.) than the control, 1:2 and higher concentrations of seaweed Liquid fertilizer.

Dagash Y. M. I.   Syed Ahmed I. M. M.   and Khalil N. A   

A field experiments were conducted at the College of Agricultural Studies, Sudan University of Science and Technology at Shambat, Khartoum, during winter season in 07/2008 and 08/2009, to investigate the effect of nitrogen fertilization, sowing methods and sowing dates on yield and yield attributes of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), local variety (Wadi Elneel). Nitrogen fertilizer was applied in the form of urea at the rate of 0, 40, 80 and 120 kg N/ha. Four sowing methods viz. planting on flat, mastaba, ridge and ridge with line were tested. Three sowing dates namely; early November, mid November and early December were chosen and applied. The results of the study showed that nitrogen application displayed significant effect on plant height, total dry matter, 1000-seed weight and grain yield in both seasons but nitrogen fertilizer had no significant effect on harvest index for season 08/2009. Generally , planting on ridge and ridge with line achieved higher 1000-seed weight and grain yield for both seasons. Harvest index was superior for season 07/2008, whereas plant height and total dry matter had higher values for season 08/2009. Generally, crop sown at mid November produced higher grain yield, total dry matter and tallest plant for season 07/2008. Also higher plant height and harvest index were recorded for season 08/2009. The early sown (early November) obtained greater 1000-seed weight and harvest index for season 07/2008 and higher amount of 1000-seed weight and total dry matter for season 08/2009. The late sown (early December) produced higher grain yield for season 08/2009. It can be concluded neglecting the differences between the two seasons for yield and their components that Wheat can be grown at early and mid November on ridge and ridge with line with 120 kgN/ha fertilizer.

S. A. Shakoor   M. A. Bhat   S. H. Mir   and A. S. Soodan   

Grasses are known to accumulate amorphous silica (SiO₂.nH₂O) within and between cells as silica bodies of characteristic shapes. The position and type of the host cells are the characters that seem to control their shape and size. The present study was carried out to assess and utilize the diagnostic potential of phytolith types in the identification of grass taxa at sub-familial, tribal, generic and specific levels. Clearing solution method was employed for locating the position of phytoliths within and between cells. Dry and wet ashing methods were subsequently employed for their isolation. Scanning Electron Microscopy was performed to study the ultra-structural features of phytoliths. Micromorphometric measurements of phytoliths were carried out with the help of image analysis software (Image J 1.46r). The study has brought out diagnostic potential of phytolith types for characterization of grasses of Punjab plains. For example, hat shaped phytoliths were identified as the diagnostic marker type for Digitaria ciliaris (Retz.) Koeler. However, full taxonomic potential of phytolith types for characterization of taxa can be realized only after further analysis of their physical properties and chemical architecture.

Vipan Guleria   and Amol Vashisht   

The experiment was conducted to promote the rooting in different sized shoot cuttings under protected conditions. Plant characters such as callus formation, rooting percent, No. of leaves and shoot length were studied. The cuttings of all diameters under study recorded the callus formation of 70 to 93.25 percent. The diameter classes <20mm registered callusing only and failed to root however, all other diameter classes registered the rooting and the highest rooting percent was found to be 80 percent in cuttings having diameter ranging from 30-40 mm. The rooting response significantly varied with the diameter classes. However, diameter class with diameter >40mm recorded the maximum number of leaves and root length. Correlation coefficient among all the characters was positive. Overall, the cuttings having initial diameter of 30-40 mm were found to be the best of raising clonal planting stock.

Blessing M. Onyegeme-Okerenta   and Uzoma A. Okafor   

There is renewed interest in the search for plants with anti-microbial activity leading to various plants being investigated for their potential efficacy. Ethanol leaf extract of Millettia aboensis and reference drug (commercial Geniclox 500) were tested in vitro against four clinical isolates, namely, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus for antibacterial activity. The ethanol leaf extract of M. aboensis inhibited the growth of K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa, and S. aureus but did not inhibit the growth of E. coli while the reference drug inhibited the growth of all the isolates. The Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against susceptible organisms for the ethanol extracts was 12.5mg/ml for K. pneumoniae and P. aeruginosa and 50 mg/ml for S. aureus. The MIC of the reference antibiotics was 12.5 mg/ml for E. coli, P. aeruginosa and K. pneumoniae and a higher concentration of the reference antibiotics (200 mg/ml) was needed to inhibit S. aureus when compared to E. coli, K. pneumoniae and P. aeruginosa. The equivalent-point inhibitory kinetic (I_keq) for both the reference drug and solvent extract of Millettia aboensis against P. aeruginosa and K. pneumoniae were 125 and 83.33 mg/ml respectively. There is need to harness the efficacious potentials of plants in view of isolating and identification of active principles present in plant extracts which could possibly be exploited for pharmaceutical use.

Rasheda Aslam   Muneeb Munawar   and Abdus Salam   

Line × tester analysis is one of breeding strategy to evaluate combining ability effects of genotypes and also to provide information regarding genetic mechanisms controlling certain traits. Three elite wheat lines were used as female parents viz. 9436, 9444 and 9452 and three wheat varieties viz. SH-2002, Sehar 2006 and Lasani 2008 as male parents to produce 9 F1 crosses. Parent line 9452 and tester SH-2002 were found good general combiner for yield and its components which are important in grain yield improvement. 9436 × SH-2002, 9444× SH-2002, 9452 ×Sehar 2006 and 9452 × Lasani 2008 were more promising hybrids for grain yield components. The combining ability studies indicate the existence of both additive and non-additive gene effects in genetic material. Thus selection should be practiced either for hybrid breeding or pure line wheat varieties after achieving desired homozygosity in succeeding generations(F₅-F₆).

Tamzida Shamim Ashrafee   MM Rahman   Anindita Chakraborty   and Shamsul H. Prodhan   

The present study is based on the in vitro production of callus, its long period maintenance and antibacterial potentiality. Callus induction and formation occurred by full strength MS media in combination with various concentration (0.5mg/l, 1.0mg/l, 1.5mg/l, 2.0mg/l) of 2, 4-D effective in combination with constant concentration of BA (2.5mg/l) and NAA (0.5mg/ml). The leaf calli were sub cultured and transferred to MS media with various hormonal combinations which were different from callus induction media. Internodes were also subjected to induce callus and callus formation resulted from MS media in combination with Kinetin (0.5mg/l, 1.0mg/l, and 1.5mg/l), BA (1.0mg/ml, 2.5mg/ml), NAA (1.0mg/l, 1.5mg/l, 2.0mg/l and 2.5mg/l) without adding 2, 4 D and another combination of 0.5mg/l 2, 4 D and 2.5 mg/l BA as well as 0.5mg/l NAA . The sustainability rate of total leaf callus for four month was 83.33% and that for inter node callus was 56.65%. Ten strains of Aeromonas and Pseudomonas were used to antibacterial screening. The crude methanolic extract showed antibacterial activity against four strains of Aeromonas (E14, Cok2/2, Cok2/3, Cok2/4) and one strain of Pseudomonas (P2F4). Ethanolic extract absorbed filter paper discs showed very low efficiency of inhibition to two strains of Aeromonas E17, Cok2/4 and one strain of Pseudomonas P2F4. Crude callus extract was effective against the growth of three strains of Aeromonas (E14, E17 and Cok2/4). It prohibited the growth of Pseudomonas Cla1b10 (avg. 10.71mm). This result implies the potentiality of presence of active compounds or secondary metabolites that have the antibacterial features in Red sandalwood callus.

Jameson Lindberg   Fizal Nabbie   Josh Milliot   Robert Smith   M Cristina Tettamanzi   and Bela Peethambaran   

The phenylpropanoid biosynthetic pathways have been targeted for bio-engineering as compounds produced by this pathway are known for anti-oxidant, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergenic, vasodilatory activities as well as response to various stresses in plants. Our interest is to study how drought stress influences biosynthesis of flavonoids and lignin monomers in this pathway and the roles of candidate regulatory enzymes such as 14-3-3 proteins in regulation of these compounds. Our laboratory has identified an isoform (14-3-3 λ) that demonstrates a role in drought stress tolerance and also affects the biosynthesis of flavonoids and lignins. To determine the role of the 14-3-3 λ in the phenylpropanoid pathway, we used a reverse genetics approach, in which the amounts of secondary metabolites produced in a 14-3-3 λ knockout mutant were compared to the wild-type Arabidopsis thaliana (Columbia-0) under normal and drought stress conditions. Using LC-MS, our analyses show that the quantity of sinapoyl derivatives varied significantly between the drought treated 14-3-3 knockouts and the drought treated wild-types. There were significant changes in a sinapoyl derivative and no change in the flavonol glycosides in drought or hydrated samples of the mutants or the wildtype. Gene expression results revealed significant changes under drought conditions in two enzymes involved in lignin biosynthesis: phenyl alanine lyase (PAL) and Caffeoyl Coenzyme A 3-O-methyltransferase 1 (COMT). The metabolite profile and gene expression data indicate that 14-3-3λ is affected genes in the lignin biosynthesis and flavonoid biosynthesis pathways.

Aftab Nawaz   Safina Naz   Waqas Ahmad   Jamil Shafi   C.M. Ayyub   Muhammad Atiq   Muhammad Mohsin Raza   Mubasher Ali   and Suhail Asad   

Aim of our work was to compare the performance of the tomato varieties under tunnel conditions and evaluate the yield and fruit quality for both fresh consumption, processing. The experiment was laid out according to completely randomized design. The research consisted of two year (2010-2012) experiments. Both were conducted under tunnel conditions. Data was taken after 30, 60 and 90 days of planting. During the first year experiment V1 gives the maximum plant height after 30 (33.525 cm), 60 (70.20 cm) and 90 (96.537 cm) days of planting while during second year V2 gives the maximum plant height after 30 (50.850 cm), 60 (89.102 cm), and 90 (113.01 cm) day of planting. V4 gives the maximum number of leaves after 30 (66.337), 60 (96.755) and 90 (126.33) after planting during first year while V4 gives the maximum number of leaves after 30 (86.420), 60 (106.95) and 90 (135.09). During first V3 takes maximum time in first flower (39.50 days) and first fruit (78.98 days) initiation wile during second year V5 was taken maximum time (23.08 days, 44.08) in flower and fruit initiation. During first year V4 (11.57) while during second year V4 (12.75) gives maximum flowers per branch. V1 gives maximum fruits per bunch and fruit diameter, while mortality was recoded maximum in V2 during both years. During first year maximum fresh fruit weight, dry fruit weight, total fresh plant weight, total dry plant weight was recodes in V1 while during second year V2 gives maximum fresh fruit weight and total fresh plant weight. Yield per plant was maximum in V1 during first year while during second year V2gives maximum yield per plant.

L. Buntsevich   and N. Sergeyeva   

The features of the morphogenetic development and mode of mineral nutrition of a dwarf apple-tree were investigated against application of foliar nutrition with aqueous solutions of complex mineral fertilizers in the conditions of the south of Russia.

A.G. Klykov  A.V. Kuznetsova  and L.M. Moiseyenko  

The article presents monitoring results of spreading and harmfulness of Rhinoncus sibiricus in Primorsky krai. There was evaluated efficiency of chemical and biological preparations for Rhinoncus sibiricus control. The most biological efficiency under the treatment of chemical preparations was 93,5%, -biological preparations -92,9%. Maximum yield was achieved under the treatment of Kinmix 1,42 t/ha and Phytoverm 1,35 t/ha. It was defined that in the conditions of the region the optimal sowing term for buckwheat is period from June 20 till July 1. The best predecessor is perennial grasses that maintain the most yield and decrease damage Rhinoncus sibiricus of the plants.

M. A. Hoque   I. Hamim   M. R. Haque   M.A. Ali   and M. Ashrafuzzaman   

An experiment was carried out to test the efficacy of four fungicides in controlling foot and root rot of lentil under field condition. The test fungicides were Rovral (0.2%), Secure 600wg (0.2%), Bavistin 70wp (0.2%), Captan 50wp (0.2%). BARI masur-1 has been used for this experiment. Tested fungicides significantly decreased incidence of foot and root rot of lentil and increased yield. Among the fungicides highest performance was found with Secure 600wg (0.2%) in controlling the incidence of foot and root rot.

Ivan Tsvetkov   Teodora Dzhambazova   Violeta Kondakova   and Rossitza Batchvarova   

Somatic embryogenesis being one of the in vitro techniques that produce high regeneration rates, serves for high frequency propagation, gene transfer and germplasm storage. The aim of this work is to study the possibilities for in vitro long-term storage of grapevine genetic resources via repetitive somatic embryogenesis. Thirteen years after induction from leaves explants embryogenic cultures of Bulgarian grapevine variety “Velika” are still propagating via repetitive somatic embryogenesis in frame of clusters keeping their embryogenic and morphogenic competence. Plantlents regeneration from cotyledonary stage somatic embryos showed a normal phenotype compared with shoot-tip propagated controls. The genetic fidelity of regenerated plants was assessed by DNA analysis using Inter Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) markers. The amplified loci showed no differences between mother and regenerated plants, confirming the genetic authenticity of in vitro stored and propagated plants.

Khawaja Shafique Ahmad   and Sadaf Habib   

Investigation and documentation of the status of medicinal plants and associated knowledge was conducted in village Dawarian, Neelum valley AJ&K. A total of 59 plant species were used for furteen (14) different categories of diseases. The medicinal plants were economically used in treating a certain ailments, such as skin diseases (10spp., 14.49%) followed by headache & fever, cough & flu (8spp., 11.59% each), stomach problems & asthma (7spp., 10.14% each), jaundice & dysentery (5spp., 7.25% each), bronchitis (4spp., 5.80%), diabetics, rheumatic pain, bone fracture & wound healing (3spp., 4.35%), ulcer (2spp., 5.10% each) and dandruff (1spp., 1.45% ). The highest value of Informant consensus factor (ICF) is 0.71 for diabetics and lowest value is for bronchitis 0.21% whereas, Berberis lycium and Ajuga bracteosa has the highest fidelity level (FL: 100%) being used to cure diabetic patients. Direct Matrix Ranking (DMR) results showed that Juglan regia stands first in being the most multipurpose medicinal plant, followed by Morus alba whereas, Aconitum heterophyllum was found most threatened plant in the study area. Timber mafia/export was the leading threat followed by construction, fuel, grazing and urbanization respectively. Medicinal flora such as, Berberis lyceum, Ajuga bracteosa, Aconitum heterophyllum, Bistorta amplexicaule, Saussurea lapa and Jurinea dolomiaea are on the edge of extinction due to over exploitation.

Anatoly I. Bozhkov   Natalia G. Menzyanova   Marina K. Kovaleva   and Nikolai I. Pyatak   

In this work we investigated the annual dynamics of the biomass accumulation of microalgae Dunaliella viridis, its content of nucleic acids, proteins, and triacylglycerols at accumulative cultivation while maintaining the culture at "ideal constant conditions throughout the year in order to eliminate the high variability of these parameters, which occur in conventional culture conditions. The cultivation of D. viridis in constant conditions throughout the year had not eliminated the rhythmic nature of the biomass accumulation and pronounced variability of its composition. The variability has flicker noise structure with a period of about 4 months. This variability was not related with the seasons of the year, but in some cases coincided well with the dynamics of solar activity, in particular with the change of the corpuscular and electromagnetic radiation. Several types of interactions between biological indicators and solar activity were revealed: direct, inverse and U-shaped one. It was hypothesized the variably dominant factors explaining the diversity of responses to solar activity, which is based on a hierarchical organization of water-molecular structured network of cell.

Kalyan Chakraborti   and Dilip Kumar Misra   

Mango (Mangifera indica L.) the king of fruit is succumb to attack of many pathogens causing various diseases. The crop is vulnerable at all of its growth stages starting from seedling to fruit maturity even at post harvest stage during storage, transit and marketing. Among several diseases affecting the crop, powdery mildew, anthracnose and malformation cause economic losses. As the host resistance is compatible with other methods of control, therefore, this verdict may guide the orchardists to develop an integrated disease management programme. Keeping this in view, a survey was carried out in Gangetic West Bengal during the year 2004 to 2006, and screened twenty varieties of mango of three to five years bearing plant for tolerance against floral malformation. Susceptibility rating was done using 0 to 5 scale and the host-taxa were classified to their response to the pathogen. It was found that among the taxa, Mallika was recorded to be the most susceptible against floral malformation and Kishan Bhog was the least. The order of susceptibility of mango varieties to floral malformation in descending order was Mallika, Kesar, Suvarnrekha, Dashehari, Alphonso, Chousa, Neelum, Bangalora, Mulgoa, Vanraj, Himsagar, Fazli, Fernandin, Langra, Baneshan, Mankurad, Bombay Green, Zardalu, Bombai and Kishan Bhog.

Ivan Tsvetkov   and Teodora Dzhambazova   

The aim of this study is to determine the effects of some organic substrates on growth characteristics and yield of local Bulgarian grapevine variety “Mavrud”. In parallel, organic and conventionally cultivated experimental plants were used. Concerning growth behavior indexes, in generous, the plants cultivated by conventional agriculture methods showed similar results to organic agriculture variants in all observed parameters compared with the non- treated controls. New organic substrate Kompovet B4® appeared to be the most convenient, confirming the results from the first and from the second year of the experiments. That could be an encouragement for including this substrate in the further grapevine organic farming technologies. Regarding the excellent quality of planting material as well as the novel forced greenhouse plant production methods- the first berry clusters were formed at the second year, instead of the third one (usually, the grapevines start harvesting on third year after cultivation). First obtained fruits in organic farming experimental field have a typical variety cluster form and raisin shape.

Ayoub Zeyada Elhag   and Mohamed Osman Gafar   

This study is conducted in the nursery of Department of Horticulture, College of Agricultural studies, Sudan University of Science and Technology, Sudan, to investigate sodium chloride ( NaCl) tolerance of Jatropha (Jatropha curcas L.) transplants from seeds and stem cuttings . Also to determine which of them would be more suitable for utilization of salt affected soils. Two months old transplants from seeds and six months old transplants from stem cuttings were grown at three different NaCl concentrations (0.2, 0.4, and 0.8% w/w of a clay soil with7.5 pH), in addition to a control without NaCl (0.0%). The soil solution had 1.8 (control), 8, 12 and 16 dSm^-1 E.c. Tap water was used for irrigation every other day. The experimental units were in completely randomized design with four replications. The main stem height and number of leaves were recorded at the beginning of the experiments and the transplants growth was evaluated after 30 and 60 days from planting. The results showed that the stem height of seed raised transplants was reduced significantly by increased NaCl concentration. The reduction was 46% at 0.2% NaCl (4dSm^-1) compared to control, both after 30 and 60 days. However, there was no great reduction with further increase in NaCl concentration. The same was obtained for the number of leaves and fresh and dry weight. The stem cuttings transplants were less affected by increased NaCl concentration. It could be concluded that young Jatropha plants (older than two months) may be considered as NaCl tolerant. Stem cuttings transplants are highly tolerant than seed raised transplants and would be suitable for the utilization of NaCl affected soils.

Manikandan Appu   and Sathiyabama Muthukrishnan   

Induction of defense related proteins, such as chitinase, protease inhibitor, peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase was studied in finger millet plants treated with salicylic acid. Treated plants showed changes in the isoform pattern with new isoformsof chitinase,protease inhibitor, peroxidase, and polyphenol oxidase. Salicylic acid (SA) treatment stimulates flowering and grain set. Induction of defense related proteins in salicylic acid treated finger millet plants may play a role in disease resistance.

Muhammad Tanvir   Ghulam Murtaza   Khawaja Shafique Ahmad   and Muhammad Salman   

The study showed the floral diversity and variation in the structure of vegetation in District Bagh, AJ&K. A total of 200 plants belong to 65 families and 170 genera were documented from seven localities. The most species richest site was found Mahmood Galli with 101 species (dicots 55, monocots 35, pteridophytes 10 and gymnosperm 1) followed by Toliper 100 spp. (dicots 55, monocots 31, pteridophytes 13 and gymnosperms 1), Lasdana, 85 spp. (dicots 47, monocots 35, pteridophytes 6 and gymnosperms 2), Plungi 81spp. (dicots 51, monocots13, pteridophytes 16 and gymnosperm 1), Khurshidabad, 74 spp. (dicots 34, monocots 21, pteridophytes 19), Kahutta, 70 spp. (dicots 36, monocots 15, pteridophytes 19 ) and Kiran 46 Spp. dicots 34, gymnosperm 3). Among pteridophytes, Polystichum squarrosum had highest distribution percentage 85.71 % while Lepisorus clathratus and Pyrrosia mollis have least percentage distribution 4.28 %. Among gymnosperms, Pinus wallichiana had highest distribution percentage 57.14 % while Cedrus deodara and Pinus roxburgii have least distribution percentage 14.28. Aristida abnormis had highest distribution percentage with 71.42 % while Zizania aquatica and Themeda anathera have least distribution percentage with 14.28 %. In dicots, Amaranthus viridis, Amaranthus spinosus and Cucumis sativus had highest distribution percentage with 85.71 % and Oxalis corniculata, Quercus incana and Fragaria nubicola had least frequency with 14.28 %. Species diversity was high in the tree layer in the middle part of the altitudinal gradient. It decreases both towards upper and lower altitude, which was due to deforestation, human interaction, encroachment pressure, low number of species and soil erosion.

Ahmed M. Yossif   and Yassin M. Ibrahim   

A field experiment was conducted during (2009/2010) season in Demonstration Farm of the Faculty of Agricultural Studies, Sudan University of Science and Technology at Shambat, Sudan. The objective was to study the effect of fertilizers (urea, farmyard and chicken manure) on nutritive value of Rhodes grass. The fertilizer treatments used in this study were urea [U (100KgN/ha)], farmyard manure [FYM (5ton/ha)], chicken manure [CHM (3ton/ha)], combinations between them (U+FYM, U+CHM, FYM+CHM, and U+FTM+CHM) with 8 cuts (Two monthes firstly and monthly after that to 8^th cut). The experiment was arranged in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replicates. The results revealed that all proximate analysis parameters were not significantly affected by fertilizers.

Md. Saiful Islam   Md. Azizul Haque   Kazi Shahanara Ahmed   Md. Fuad Mondal    and Chandra Kanta Dash   

The biological activity of four spices powder namely black pepper (Piper nigrum L.), black cumin (Nigella sativa L.), methi (Trigonella foenum-graecum) and garlic (Allium sativum L.) was assessed on the basis of adult mortality, oviposition performance, adult emergence of pulse beetle Callosobruchus chinensis L, and seed damage and consequent weight loss of gram (Cicer arietinum) caused by this insect at 0.25 g, 0.50 g and 1.00 g powder/kg gram seeds. All the tested spices powder showed significant effect on the above parameters. The highest adult mortality was recorded when gram seeds were treated with black pepper powder at 1.00 g/kg. whereas methi showed the least effect on adult mortality. Spices powder used in the experiment effectively controlled adult emergence by inhibiting oviposition and growth and development of life stages of pulse beetle. In all the treatments lowest number of adult emergence was obtained from gram seeds treated with black pepper at 1.00 g/kg seeds. The highest weight loss was observed in control treated seeds followed by methi powder at 0.25 g/kg gram seeds. Black pepper treated seeds showed the lowest seed weight loss followed by black cumin, garlic and methi. From this present study the toxicity of the spices powder were found in the order black pepper > black cumin > garlic > methi.

Ali Imran   Jamil Shafi   Nadeem Akbar   Waqas Ahmad   Mubasher Ali   and Sohail Tariq   

A field experiment was carried out to determine the effect of tillage on growth and yield of two wheat cultivars sown after rice at the Agronomic Research Area, University of Agriculture, and Faisalabad during the winter season 2012-13. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with split plot arrangement having three replications with a net plot size of 3.0 m × 7.0 m. The experiment comprised of two wheat cultivars with four tillage treatments viz. Zero tillage, reduced tillage (only one cultivation+hand drilling), conventional method (3 cultivation followed by planking +hand drilling) and deep ploughing (one deep ploughing with chisel plough and one cultivation followed by planking+hand drilling). Maximum grain yield was obtained in Zero tillage treatment in both cultivars as compared to all other three tillage treatments. Similarly, the spike length number of tillers, number of grains spike_-1, 1000- grain weight, biological yield, and harvest index were the highest in Zero tillage. Zero tillage in wheat performed well in the entire crop data parameters and showed effectively high yield in wheat.

Zining Wang   

‘Quinta’ and ‘Glacier’ are two important winter type canola cultivars from Europe. ‘Quinta’ has two independent blackleg resistance gene loci, Rlm1 and Rlm4; ‘Glacier’ has two other genes, Rlm2 and Rlm3. This study focuses on mapping the resistance genes Rlm1 and Rlm3 using high throughput SRAP (sequence related amplified polymorphism) markers and SNPs. The F₂ and F₃ populations were constructed with crosses of ‘Westar’ × ‘Quinta’ and ‘Westar’ × ‘Glacier’. The populations were screened with the corresponding isolates. The phenotype segregation in the populations supported that a single dominant resistance gene controls the resistance in ‘Quinta’ and “Glacier” separately. The closest SRAP marker was identified for the resistance gene in ‘Quinta’ by using 256 pairs of primers and screening 2,500 polymorphic loci. B342 is 1.5 cM to Rlm1 and 6.8 cM to Rlm3. SNP80870 developed from the N7 orthologous region in Arabidopsis was 3 cM to Rlm3. A population for stacking the three resistance genes (Rlm1, Rlm3 and LepR3) was constructed. Marker screening and disease inoculation were both used for the selection of lines with the three resistance genes.

Ekta Prakash   and D.K.Gupta   

Plant extracts of species of the family Euphorbiaceae used by traditional healers for the treatment of ulcers, cancers, tumors, warts and other diseases. were tested in vitro for their potential anti-proliferative activity. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the in-vitro anti- cancer effects of ethanolic extract of three plant species namely Ricinus communis Linn, Euphorbia helioscopia, Jatropha curcas of the family Euphorbiaceae by SRB assay against seven human cancer cell lines. Colon cancer cell line (Colon HT-29, SW-20, SiHa, Colon 502717), Liver cancer cell line (Hep-2), Breast cancer cell line (T-47D), Cervix cancer cell line OVCAR-5, Prostrate cancer cell line (PC-3) and Lungs (AF-49). The SRB assay was done in replicates to test cytotoxic activity of the three above mentioned plants against seven human cancer cell lines. The activity was evaluated at 100 µg/ml concentration of test material. Jatropa curcas showed 47% activity against SiHa. The ethanolic fraction of seed part of Ricinus communis showed 41% activity against Colon 502713 while stem part exhibited maximum activity against SiHa (47%). The ethanolic extract of Euphorbia helioscopia inhibited the growth of three cancer cell lines viz Hep-2, T-47D and PC-5.Hep-2 showed 27% activity.

Tahir Mehmood Waqas Ahmad Khawaja Shafique Ahmad Jamil Shafi Muhammad Asif Shehzad and Muhammad Aqeel Sarwar 

This research project was conducted to investigate the comparative effect of different potting media with different compositions on growth and flowering of Antirrhinum majus L. ‘Floral Shower’. The data for both morphological and physiological parameters analyzed statistically showed significant effect of media combinations over control values. Each treatment was consisted of 10 plants and was replicated thrice. Agricultural and municipal wastes are good, cheap potting media components for the production of flowering plants. An economical and high-quality production of ‘Floral shower’ can be attained by using most suitable media. The results regarding growth and flowering parameters showed significant increase in Leaf Mould potting media. The media containing Farm Yard Manure alone and in combination with silt with its higher pH, showed least results for these parameters. On the other hand, plants grown in Farm Yard Manure comprising media provide minimum results for all the characteristics except for media nitrogen content which were statistically similar to control. Peat moss containing growing substrate also showed positive results for plants vegetative and reproductive growth. However, Farm Yard Manure was seen to prove less effective for better plant growth due to its less contribution for the availability of nutrients. Availability of Phosphorus contents in soil has positive relationship with growth and flowering indices. Maximum Phosphorus content was found when Farm Yard Manure and Leaf Mould were used alone in combination with silt + topsoil. Thus, it is suggested that Leaf Mould can be recommended as a standard potting media for Antirrhinum majus L. growth.

Jacob Thomas Teena Elizabeth Alex and Riya J. Thomas 

During the exploration of foliicolous fungi in the Pathanamthitta district of Western Ghats region of Kerala state, Hymenodictyon obovatum Wallich. (Rubiaceae) was found infected with black mildew fungus. Critical microscopic examination of the fungus revealed that it is hitherto undescribed species of the genus Meliola Fr. and hence the report.

Azza Migdam Elsheikh Hussien Mohamed Daffalla and Mutasim Mohamed Khalfala 

Ornamental industry has applied immensely in vitro propagation approach for large-scale plant multiplication at very high rates of elite superior varieties. As a result, hundreds of plant tissue culture laboratories have come up worldwide. Dieffenbachia species are popular foliage potted plants used in interiorescapes of homes, offices, and malls throughout the world. Most of Dieffenbachia species are now propagated by tissue culture for better utilize of species and expedite plant improvement. This review paper summarizes valuable literature on in vitro techniques including type of explants used, media optimized, ways of propagation and improvement through 45 years of research on Dieffenbachia spp. Which were provide basis for future studies such as genetic transformation for breeding aims, develop new cultivars, develop disease-resistant plants and overcome the environmental obstacles. There is a need for more application of the plant tissue culture techniques on Dieffenbachia to investigate the responses of different cultivars and explants to variable culture media.

Ahmed M. Yossif and Yassin M. Ibrahim 

A field experiment was conducted during (2009/2010) season in Demonstration Farm of the Faculty of Agricultural Studies, Sudan University of Science and Technology at Shambat, Sudan. The objective was to study the effect of fertilizers (urea, farmyard and chicken manure) on growth and yield of Rhodes grass. The fertilizer treatments used in this study were urea [U (100KgN/ha)], farmyard manure [FYM (5ton/ha)], chicken manure [ CHM (3ton/ha)], combinations between them (U+FYM, U+CHM, FYM+CHM, and U+FTM+CHM) with 8 cuts (Two months for the first cut and monthly after that to 8^th cut). The experiment was laied out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replicates. The results revealed that growth parameters were not significantly affected by fertilizers except plant population but yield parameters were significantly affected by fertilizers.

R Saha M A U Saieed and M A K Chowdhury 

Humic acid (HA) and poultry manure (PM) were applied on T. aman rice cv. BRRI dhan39 to observe their effects on rice. Three levels of humic acid viz. 0, 3 and 6 L ha^-1 and three levels of poultry manure viz. 0, 3 and 6 t ha-1 were applied along with recommended doses of N, P, K and S fertilizers from urea, TSP, MoP and gypsum, respectively following Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Parameters used in the experiment were plant height, effective tillers hill^-1, panicle length, no. of grains panicle^-1, 1000-grain weight, grain and straw yields. The application of different treatments showed positive trend in all the parameters of BRRI dhan39. The highest grain yield (4.07 t ha^-1) was recorded by the application of 6 L ha^-1 humic acid along with 3 t ha^-1 poultry manure which was identical with the application of 6 L ha^-1 humic acid along with 6 t ha^-1 poultry manure but was different from other treatment combinations.

C. K. Dash K. Hassan M.E.A. Pramanik M. H. Rashid and A. R. Choudhury 

Several management approaches against red ant of potato Dorylus orientalis (Westwood) were studied at farmer’s field near Hill Agricultural Research Station, Khagrachari during 2008-09 and 2009-10 cropping seasons to find out the most effective management technique. Dursban 20 EC and Sevin 85 WP reduced red ant damage significantly. From both the season (2008-09 and 2009-10), three times application of Dursban 20 EC @ 5ml/lit of water around the root zone starting from 45 days after sowing of potato tuber at 10 days interval gave the lowest tuber infestation (17.28% and 10.68%) with (62.77% and 56.60%) infestation reduction over control closely followed by 3 times application of Sevin 85 WP @ 3 gm/lit of water (20.14% and 13.73%) with (85.77 % and 81.71%) infestation reduction over control. Both the season the highest infestation (46.41% and 75.06%) was recorded from the control treatment.

Mansur Ahmed Mehbub Hossain Kamrul Hassan and Chandra Kanta Dash 

Thirty six rice seed samples of varieties BR6, Pajam and Joya were collected from Parshuram upazila, Feni district of Bangladesh and nine seed-borne fungi were detected from these seed samples. The identified fungi were Fusarium oxysporum, F. moniliforme, Bipolaris oryzae, Alternaria padwickii, Curvularia lunata, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Penicillium sp. and Nigrospora oryzae. Five different plants extracts viz. garlic, allamanda, neem, chirata and bishkatali with two dilutions (1:1 & 1:2) were tested for seed treatment. Garlic extract (1:1) dilution found best for three varieties which successfully reduced seed-borne infection and also increased seed germination up to 68.39% over control. Neem (1:1) and chirata (1:1) extracts also increased seed germination up to 66.09% and 67.81%, respectively. Based on the present study, it may be concluded that among the five plant extracts with two dilutions (1:1 & 1:2), garlic (1:1) is most effective in controlling seed-borne fungal flora of rice followed by neem (1:1) and chirata (1:1) extract.

Sedov E. N. 

The results of many-year investigation of some features of apple ontogenesis in connection with breeding and propagation of new cultivars are briefly given. On the ground of 60-year work on apple breeding the author of this paper have attempted to retrace the changes in breeding goals and methods and record the most urgent trends in breeding at present and the nearest future. The contemporary and rapidly increasing demands for new cultivars are noted. The topical character of the development of the cultivars with improved biochemical fruit composition, high resistance and immunity to scab and powdery mildew and also varieties with complex resistance to the cardinal diseases and pests is shown. On the ground of the wide experimental material the author shows the prospects of the development of triploid cultivars which are notable for more regular fruit-bearing, high fruit marketability and higher autogamy. The development of triploid and scab immune apple cultivars is of particular interest. The urgency of columnar apple creation for super intensive orchards is noted. The experience in the hybrid pool establishing for the purpose of selecting highly winter hardy intercalary stocks of different vigour is presented. The prospects of the development of true-rooted apple trees and also autogamous cultivars with the use of apetalous plants are noted.

G. A. Sedysheva  and N. G. Gorbacheva 

The comparative analysis of meiosis in a process of microsporogenesis in a number of new tetraploid apple forms is given. The suitability of these apple forms for the application in breeding on a polyploidy level as donors of diploid gametes have been determined. Forms 25-37-47 (SR0523, 2x X Antonovka ploskaya, 4x) and 30-47-88 (Liberty, 2x X 13-6-106, 4x) are especially valuable as initial forms for breeding, since they give a sufficient amount of the fertile pollen and carry genes of immunity to scab: Form 25-37-47 carries gene V_m and Form 30-47-88 carries gene V_f that is very important for the development of new adaptive and high-qualitative triploid apple cultivars.

Smiullah    Farooq Ahmed Khan Usman Ijaz and Abdullah   

Ten genotypes of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) viz. COJ-84, CPF-235, COL-54, SPSG-26, COJ-64, SPF-232, CPF-237, S-97-US-297, KATHA and No-61 were evaluated for twelve characters and analyzed for genotypic and phenotypic correlation. Analysis of variance indicated highly significant differences exist for all the traits. Among the traits leaf area, number of tillers, cane thickness, and cane yield had the positive and significant correlation with brix value at both genotypic and phenotypic levels. Cane height had negative but non-significant correlation with brix value at genotypic and phenotypic level. Similarly cane weight had positive correlation both at genotypic and phenotypic level with cane height, number of tillers per plant and brix value. The study of path analysis for yield related traits depicted that cane height, cane thickness, leaf area, internodal length and brix value had the direct negative effects on yield.

Mansur Ahmed Mehbub Hossain Kamrul Hassan and Chandra Kanta Dash 

The experiment was carried out at the Seed Pathology Centre (SPC) and MS Laboratory of the Department of Plant Pathology, Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Mymensingh during the period of August, 2008 to October, 2009 to detect the fungi associate with the seed samples and to record the germination of seed samples of Parshuram upazila of Feni district. Three rice varieties are collected for the studies were BR6, Pajam and Joya (Local) from Parshuram upazila of Feni district to determine the seed health and quality. For determining the seed health and quality, Dry inspection and blotter tests were performed. Apparently healthy seeds (61.50-78.00%), spotted seeds (6.15-12.90%), discoloured seeds (4.80-14.25%), deformed seeds (2.00-7.25%), varietal mixtures (2.20-9.80%) and chaffy grains (0.95-6.50%) were found among the three rice varieties. The germination of rice seeds of the variety BR6 was 54.67%, while the varieties joya and Pajam showed 58.00% germination respectively. Nine seed-borne fungi were detected from these seed samples. The identified fungi were Fusarium oxysporum, F. moniliforme, Bipolaris oryzae, Alternaria padwickii, Curvularia lunata, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Penicillium sp. and Nigrospora oryzae. Seeds of rice variety Joya and Pajam carried the lower infection of all the seed-borne fungi than the variety BR6.

Sandeep Kumar Dharminder Kumar Ramesh Kumar KS Thakur and Balbir Singh Dogra 

Thirty diverse genotypes of cucumber collected from different indigenous sources were planted in randomized complete block design, during rainy season of 2009 and were assessed to know the nature and magnitude of variability and genetic divergence for different horticultural traits. The genotype LC-1 gave maximum mean value for fruit weight and yield per plot. High phenotypic coefficient of variability (PCV), genotypic coefficient of variability (GCV) and heritability estimates coupled with high genetic gain were observed for seed vigour index-I and yield per plot, indicated the existence of wide range of variations and offers better scope for improvement through selection. The genotypes were grouped into 4 clusters and the highest (6.168) inter cluster distance was recorded between cluster-II and III. The diverse genotypes characterized by maximum inter cluster distance will differ in phenotypic performance and therefore, selection of divergent parents should be based on these cluster distances to obtain favourable hybrids and transgressive segregants in cucumber.

Usman Ijaz Smiullah   and Muhammad Kashif 

To understand the genetics of drought tolerance, two promising elite lines V-04189 and V-03138 were crossed to develop F₁, F₂ and back cross generations (BC₁ and BC₂). Six generations (P₁, P₂, F₁, F₂, BC₁ and BC₂) were raised with no recommended irrigations. Analysis of variance showed presence of sufficient genetic variability among six generations. Hybrid vigor was observed in most of the cases except flag leaf area. Generation means analysis revealed two parameter model [md] provided the best fit for relative water contents and excised leaf water loss which shows the presence of additive genetic effect is prominent with simple inheritance The remaining traits exhibited higher parameter models and indicating complex inheritance. Generation means analysis indicating the presence of additive genetic affects that can be fixed in early segregating generations.

Jack Dekker 

The nature of weeds is a complex adaptive, soil-seed communication system. The nature of weedy Setaria life history is an adaptable, changeable system in which complex behaviors emerge when self-similar plant components self-organize into functional traits possessing biological information about spatial structure and temporal behavior. Setaria life history behavior is a Markov chain of irreversible and reversible processes regulated by morpho-physiological traits acting through environment-plant communication systems (environment-plant-seed, soil-seed). Heritable functional traits are the physical reservoirs of information guiding life history development, emergent behavior. The consequence of structural self-similarity and behavioral self-organization has been the evolution of a complex adaptive seed-soil communication system. Weedy Setaria life history is represented in algorithmic form as FoxPatch, a model to forecast seed behavior. Weedy Setaria seed life history behaviors are controlled by environmental information (signals) flowing from the soil to the seed embryo. The specific signal to which Setaria is tuned affecting seed behavior in the soil is the amount of oxygen and heat (T, thermal) in soil water over time, oxy-hydro-thermal time (O₂-H₂O-T-Time). The Shannon environmental-biological communication system between the soil and the Setaria seed contains the five elements (E) and components:E1, information source, soil; E2, transmitter, soil particle contact with seed surface water films; E3, channel, continuous soil particle-seed surface water films; E4, receiver, living seed interior from the transfer aleurone cell layer (TACL) membrane to aleurone layer to embryo; E5, destination, embryo. The signal is soil O₂-H₂O-T-Time; the message is O₂-H₂O-T stimulating embryo respiration. The Setaria soil-seed communication system seed behavior can be also expressed as operations (processes) computed by seed algorithms. Information is physical: memory resides in several locations in the Setaria seed. Memory is expressed in the long-term by responsiveness to O₂-H₂O-heat messages as determined by the morpho-physiological soil-seed communication system (hull, TACL membrane, scavenger protein). The message is remembered: plants pass on a range of heteromorphic seeds appropriate to continuing, successful local adaptation.

Muhammad Muzaffar Raza Muneeb Munawar Ghazanfar Hammad Rasheda Aslam Sajida  Habib and Amir  Latif 

Five cotton cultivars (NIAB-884, Bt-101, CRIS-310, MS-39 and UCD-581) were crossed in a complete diallel design to investigate the inheritance pattern of some metric plant traits. Genetic differences were found significant (b>0.01) for all traits under study. Adequacy test showed that all the characters were fully adequate for genetic analysis. Additive component of genotypic variance (D) was significant and predominant for Plant height, number of sympodial branches, boll weight, seed cotton yield, lint percentage, staple length, fibre strength and fibre fineness, while over dominance effects (H1 and H2) mainly contributed for no. bolls per plant. Partial dominance was involved for plant height, no. of sympodial branches, boll weight, and yield of seed cotton, lint percentage, staple length and fibre strength. The value of H2/4H1 demonstrated asymmetrical and unequal distribution of dominant genes in the parents for all the traits.