Opeyemi T. Osundare, Benjamin O. Akinyele, Alexander C. Odiyi, Olaniyi A. Oyatomi, Rajneesh Paliwal, Michael T. Abberton

Increasing effort in the selection of genotypes with superior and desired traits is important for crop improvement, to achieve food and nutritional security in the increasing world population. Hence, this study evaluated the morphological diversity of some Nigerian accessions of Bamabara groundnut. Field experiments were conducted in Nigeria for three years in two locations to assess phenotypic variation of Bambara groundnut accessions based on morphological traits in 2017. Randomized complete block design (RCBD) was used in the evaluation of the selected accessions for three years. Twenty-eight quantitative and ten qualitative traits were observed and subjected to statistical analysis using SAS, version 9.4 software. Twenty-three out of the twenty-eight quantitative morphological traits showed significant differences. TVSu-589 and TVSu-670 had the highest plant height, TVSu-572, TVSu-271 and TVSu-336 had the highest 100-seed weight. Qualitative traits analysis also showed variation. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed PC1 constituting 23.36% and PC2 constituting 15.76% of total variation, while the first eight PCs with eigen values ≥ 1 revealed 77.28% of the total variation. Cluster analysis grouped the selection into four groups. Based on yield data in this study, accessions TVSu-594, TVSu-350, TVSu-336, TVSu-1242, TVSu-129, TVSu-14, TVSu-179, TVSu-2100, TVSu-261, and TVSu-589 were the best for yield and are recommended for further evaluation to improve yield. This study showed that wide range of diversity exists in Bambara groundnut of Nigerian origin that could be useful for further utilization of genetic resources and improvement.

Md. Rahimullah Miah, Md Mehedi Hasan, Jorin Tasnim Parisha, Md Sher-E Alam, Alexander K. Sayok, Ahi Sarok, Mohammad Belal Uddin

In Bangladesh, biodiversity loss is a national problem, linked to the high biological productivity of parks, wildlife sanctuaries, wetlands, home forests and marine biodiversity. National Park Information (NPI) is the state centre for biodiversity conservation. Everyone exploits biodiversity but no one can conserve it effectively due to lack of systematic principles and tools. This study seeks to increase the cognitive factors of the policy towards the growth of national parks for the conservation of biodiversity in Bangladesh. It represents an analysis and review of the legal aspects to improve conservation activities in and around the National Park’s current distribution, policy tools and area. Research data is collected through field surveys, literature reviews, observations, interviews and stakeholder participation. Studies have shown that existing NPs are spread in 27.13% of administrative district areas, but 72.87% of the districts in Bangladesh have no NPs which will adversely affect the conservation of biodiversity in the future. The study focuses on NPI growth between 2010 and 2020. The study further found that Lawachara National Park is in better condition than other NPs in Sylhet division. Furthermore, the study recommends that policy-making decisions on sustainable biodiversity conservation in NPs in Bangladesh should integrate national growth with the economic, social, institutional, environmental and legal domains. It concludes by highlighting conceptual changes for integrated biodiversity research in national parks.

Charly Emmanuel Mam, Eddy Leonard Mangaptche Ngonkeu, Gabriel Mahbou Somo Toukam, Fanche Aminatou Mongoue, Mmala Patrick Tsimi, Honore Tekeu, Arielle Wada, Bolomigui Boyomo, Julie Doriane Kamko, Arlette Foko, Adrienne Ngo Ngom, Jeanne Sidonie Minda

Increased temperature and degradation of soil fertility are the principal constraints affecting wheat production in Cameroon. As such, this study aimed to determine the potential of native Arbuscular Mycorrhiza (AM) fungi in yield performance and variability of wheat genotypes cultivated in contrasted conditions of the bimodal humid forest zone of Cameroon. For this, 34 wheat genotypes were sown following an incomplete alpha-lattice design. The genotypes were evaluated on the basis of their yield potential (grain weight) and their affinity to mycorrhiza symbiosis. The efficiency of the occurred mycorrhiza was verified on two wheat genotypes and compared to the standard chemical fertilization used and a control test. Wheat grain weight, shoot dry mass, number of leaf, shoot length and leaf area were collected for this purpose. Biplot analysis revealed positive significant correlations (r=0.83 P<0.01; r=0.77, P<0.01) between the grain weight of wheat genotypes and mycorrhiza parameters (percentage of AM colonization and number of AM spores respectively) in Mbankolo (high altitude) and positive significant correlations (r=0.56, P<0.01; r=0.57, P<0.01) between the same parameters in Nkolbisson (low altitude). The grain weight and mycorrhiza parameters explained 90.1% and 71.3% of variance among all the wheat genotypes in high and low altitudes respectively. The following genotypes SST015, SST087, SST866 and SST88 in high altitude and the following genotypes Nd643-5, Kenya2, Babax8 and SST895 in low altitude were identified to have the highest mycorrhiza symbiotic affinity and yield performances. The mycorrhiza spores isolation and morphological identification revealed the presence of three species in wheat rhizosphere in both study sites: Scutellospora sp, Gigaspora sp, and Septoglomus sp. The species Scutellospora sp, was identified to be present and dominant in both study sites. These latter were observed to have a high growth and yield enhancing ability on wheat varieties compared to the conventional chemical method of fertilization hence could be use as efficient bio-fertilizer. Nonetheless, it will be necessary to perform molecular phylogeny to identify each AM specie in order to individually evaluate their efficiency on wheat growth and yield. Also, the targeted wheat genotypes can be used to promote large scale production in both sites and vulgarize to local farmers. Additionally, the determination of the mechanism underpinning their symbiotic preferences will be essential in targeting the genes implicated to be used for breeding purposes.

Galicia Domínguez Raquel Susana, Galicia Domínguez José Alfredo, Ortiz González Sandra, Aguirre Espíndola Gabriel Gerardo, Aldeco Pérez Mariana

Background and objective: Starch is the main reserve polysaccharide for most vegetables, and the main source of calories for humanity since it is very abundant in nature. The present study aimed to evaluate, obtain and characterize the native and modified taro starch and suggest possible applications in the food industry in the region. Materials and methods: The triphosphate (STPP) was used with a starch sample, adding hydrochloric acid, distilled water, on the other hand, in a second sample trimetaphostafo (STMP) was used, adding distilled water and hydrochloric acid, they were placed in the reactor at 65 degrees centigrade for 3 hours with pH of 11. Subsequently the pH is lowered to 6.5. Washing with distilled water 7 times while stirring in a centrifuge, the distilled water is decanted and the residue is transferred to a Petri dish, putting it in a drying oven overnight. Afterwards, the sample is ground, sifted, and stored in a three-layer bag, labeling it for later analysis. Results: Crosslinked starch 50:50 and 90:1 is obtained, with the qualities of granules with a humidity of 7%, with protein of 4.7%. Conclusion: The product obtained has the ability to retain more moisture, reflected in the degree of gelatinization, with this some food processes benefit, allowing the resulting product to have greater stability.

Emine Sema Cetin, Selda Daler, Serpil Kizilay

The stress situation occurs when plants encounter conditions that are unsuitable for them. Abiotic factors are the most common stressors. In abiotic stresses, imbalances in the nutrient intake by plants have an important share. This situation, which is observed when the intake of some elements is restricted, or conversely, the solubility of some of them increases and becomes toxic, can cause yield and quality losses, and in extreme cases, the death of plants. It is common for high-lime soils to have high pH, thus, nutrient intake problems. This situation brings with it many negatives. Chlorosis is observed in this type of soil, the string intervals of young leaves are yellowing and root development becomes limited. Applications used in soil neutralization, such as leonardite, humic acid, and micronized sulfur, are applications that cannot give results in a short time. It is therefore of great importance that the plant endures in these environments. Today there is a focus on genetic engineering for this purpose. But these methods are expensive, requiring know-how. So finding natural, easy-to-use, practical, and harmless alternatives to human health is at the forefront. Plants are known to synthesize certain hormonal compounds that act as signaling molecules under stress, and therefore some growth regulators are used to provide stress resistance. These signals include jasmonic acids. Jasmonic acid, or its methyl ester, jasmonates, are compounds considered plant hormones, with a multifaceted effect being stimulating, inhibitory, and protective. This research also investigated the effects of exogenous methyl jasmonate applications in three American vine rootstocks (5 BB, 41 B, and 1103 P) that differ in lime sensitivities in lime-containing environments. Cuttings were planted in to polyethylene pots prepared by adding equal volumes of sterile pearlite and turf and placed in the greenhouse for the growing period. They are systematically irrigated with ½MS solution. After two months following planting, rooting, and leafing of the cuttings, calcium oxide (0, 10, 25, and 40% CaO) was applied to root regions. MeJA (150, 300, and 450 ppm) in spray form, was applied to all leaves. A two-month period of improvement was followed after the MeJA application, the trial was terminated. Physical (shoot weight, shoot length, the average number of leaves per shoot, level of damage, rooting rate) and biochemical (chlorophyll amount, degree of membrane injurity, proline amount, total phenolic and mineral compound content) parameters were conducted to measure the level of stress in plants. Data obtained from the study reveal that MeJA has the potential to be used to counter stress caused by lime in American grapevine rootstocks.

Ramahaimananjato Malaza, Zafilaza Armand, Landy Soambola Amelie

Adansonia suarezensis is an endemic plant of Diego Suarez. This plant has medicinal and cosmetic properties. In our research, we analyzed the phytochemicals, microbial activities and minerals in the leaves. The ash content of the leaves used is 21.32g / 100g. Phytochemical analysis shows the significant amount of alkaloids, tannins and polyphenols in the leaves. Mineral analysis proves that Adansonia suarezensis leaf is rich in Calcium (5.29g / 100g) and potassium (2.08g / 100g). The antimicrobial test shows that Adansonia suarezensis has significant activity in the development of bacteria such as Pseudomonas, Echerchia coli, and Streptococus pneumoniae with inhibiting halos 15, 14 and 14 mm in diameter. But it reacts with other bacteria such as Salmonella enterdis with halo 12mm and Candida albicans 11mm. So the leaves of Adansonia suarezensis are very effective natural bactericides in the medicinal field.

Kwaya Vawanje Bitrus, Nkechinyere O. Nweze, Solomon Peter Wante, Barka Peter Mshelmbula, Tahir Ahmad Abdulqadir

There is a growing awareness of the potential health benefit of coconut oil. To that effect, there is also an increase in the amount of production of coconut oil wastewater effluents from the coconut oil producing industries. The shortfall in the pond or canal water condition during the dry season in Nigeria has pushed many local farmers to look for an alternative to use as irrigation water. In this study, different concentrations (0, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100%) of industrial coconut oil effluents were used to study the morphological characteristics of Corchorus olitorius. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse and arranged in a completely randomized block design. The result obtained was subjected to analysis of variance and the least significant difference test (LSD) at p < 0.05 was measured. The results of the study showed a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in the morphology characteristics and development of the plant. Seedlings irrigated with 0% (Control) had a higher plant height, stem girth, leaf area, leaf dry weight, root fresh weight and root dry weight but were not significantly different at 20% industrial coconut oil effluent treatment. The 80 and 100% industrial coconut oil effluents treated seedlings could not survive beyond 8 weeks of irrigation. Suggesting that higher concentrations of industrial coconut oil effluents have adverse effects on the survival of the Corchorus olitorius plant. A relative decreased in the morphological characteristics observed in plants under a lower concentration of industrial coconut oil effluents, suggest the possibility of less concentrations of toxic compounds present.

Mai Nhat Linh, Le Vinh Thuc, Jun-Ichi Sakagami, Susan Orgill, Tran Huu Van, Nguyen Quoc Khuong, Pham Phuoc Nhan

Intermittent or persistent waterlogging is a challenge for crop selection and rotation on rice growing soils. The pot experiment was carried out in a randomized complete block design including five treatments and eight replications in the controlled nethouse. The five treatments are five sesame varieties (VTH, DTH, M6 and LV which are commonly planted in Mekong River Delta and ADB1 is a sesame variety from Institute of Agricultural Science for South Viet Nam). This research evaluated these sesame varieties for their resistance to waterlogging. All the sesame varieties at flowering stage were flooded with 5 centimeters of river water ponded above the soil surface. There was a significant (P<0.05) impact of waterlogging on all plant growth parameters, including: plant height, number of leaves per plant, number of flowers per plant, number of pods per fruit, root length, total biomass and the amount of oxygen content exchanged through the leaf (photosynthetic rate). The sesame variety ADB1 had significantly (P<0.05) and consistently higher values for all plant growth parameters as well as establishment of adventitious roots. Therefore, it is recommended that ADB1 is selected and cultivated where waterlogging may occur.

E. T. Akinyode, O. J. Ariyo, A. R. Popoola, M. A. Ayo-Vaughan, A. A. Famogbiele, O. A. K. Olomide, O. C. Akinleye, N. O. Nafiu

Yield stability of twelve selected tomato genotypes was estimated in this study using the Additive Main Effect and Multiplicative Interaction (AMMI) and Genotype main effect and Genotype x Environment Interaction (GGE) biplot analyses. The objectives of the study were to evaluate the yield of selected tomato genotypes over successive years and under varying climatic conditions and to identify tomato genotypes with high stability and adaptability for yield across the test environments. The genotypes were evaluated at National Horticultural Research Institute, Ibadan, Nigeria during the wet and dry seasons of the years 2016, 2017 and 2018 creating a four year-season environments. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. A plot size of 2.5 m x 0.6 m was used. Data were collected on plant height, number of leaves per plant, number of branches per plant, number of fruits per plant, fruit weight per plant and unit fruit weight. Analysis of variance showed that there was significant difference for environments, genotypes and genotype by environment interaction, an indication of variation in the performance of the genotypes across environments. Significant AMMI and GGE biplot analyses indicated that the genotypes evaluated were not consistent in performance across seasons and years. Based on stability statistics, stable tomato genotypes with high yield can be bred for in future breeding programmes. The NHSL23 ranked highest in yield and is considered as the best candidate for production across environments. The most stable genotype was NHSL21 while NHSL26 was the most adaptable genotype across the four environments.

Molalign Assefa

Tef is one of the most important staple food crops cultivated throughout the country. Twenty (20) Tef varieties (including local check) were brought from Debre Zeit Agricultural Research center and planted in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications at Wulbareg and Dalocha woreda for two consecutive years. The study used Plots size 2mx2m with 1.5m, 1m distances b/n blocks and plots, respectively. The result of analysis revealed significant differences among genotypes in biomass and grain yield. Based on days to maturity, Tsedey (76 days) was found to be the earliest maturing variety with relatively higher grain yield while Ziquala (96 days) was late matured than all other varieties. Quncho and Kora performed best and high yielder in good rainfall spreading season (rain fall distribution within a year suitable land preparation and tef growth) while Tsedey performed better in low rainfall spreading season.