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Procedures of separation of virus particles from a plant material are multistage. Furthermore often they are difficult in terms of methodology and require use of expensive, highly specialist equipment and yield of separation is often low. The antigen obtained is often degraded and contains admixtures of other proteins. Therefore, generation of high quality and specificity antibodies based on such antigen is very difficult and quality of the antibodies has impact on reliability, sensitivity and unambiguity of results of immunodiagnostic tests (e.g. ELISA) that are currently conventionally used to detect vegetable viruses. In this study three conventionallyperformed methods of separation of potato virus Y (PVY) were compared and a method of separation based on membrane chromatography, as an alternative separation technique, has been presented. It has been demonstrated that in proper process conditions good quality virus preparation can be obtained.

Quality seed nuts are germane to propagation of the cashew plant. Seed nut fraction and genotypes have been identified to influence seed quality of crop plant. Unexpectedly, seed size effect has not been well documented in Brazilian and local biotypes of cashew grown in Nigeria. An experiment was initiated to investigate the effect of three nut sizes and two biotypes of cashew on seed quality (physical and physiological) traits. Seed nut were collected from three cashew plants of the same age of each of the biotypes and were allowed to stay for 60 days after collection. The experiment was carried out in a factorial arrangement laid out in a completely randomized design with three replicates using two factors (nut size and biotypes) in 2011 cropping season in both laboratory and screen house tests. Data were collected on physical characters such as seed length, seed width, 100 seed weight and seed imbibition rate while physiological characters were seed germination and early vigour traits. Data obtained were analysed statistically using Tukey HSD test at 5% probability level. The result revealed that some of the characters were significantly different from one another. Seed nut fraction and biotype had considerable effect on seed length, seed width, seed imbibition rate and 100 seed weight. The two factors (nut size and biotype) interaction had profound effect on seed width only. On seed physiological quality, biotype effect was significant on seedling fresh and dry weights and seedling growth rate whereas seed nut size had considerable effect on seed germination, seedling vigour index, seedling fresh weight and seedling growth rate. The interaction effect of nut size and biotype recorded significant effect on the above four characters. Brazilian biotype had superior physical characters (seed length, width and weight) but with low imbibitions rate while medium and large nut sizes gave the highest seed germination and seedling vigour. Also, medium and large nuts had the highest seedling fresh weight whereas the highest seedling growth rate was recorded with small size seed. However, large, medium and small nut sizes of local biotype had the highest imbibition rate, whereas small, medium and large nut size of Brazilian biotype gave the highest 100 seed weight. On seedling emergence, large nuts of local biotype recorded the highest seedling emergence and seedling vigour index. Medium nuts of the two biotypes of cashew are recommended for cashew seed multiplication. Further research on physiology of cashew nut sizes during storage and osmo and hydro priming treatment effect are necessary and therefore advocated.

The aim of the research was to investigate the chilling sensitivity of cucumber seedlings and to alleviate its negative effects by short-term shock temperature applied during seeds imbibition, before radicle protrusion. The chilling sensitivity was investigated depending on initial root length (1, 3, 5 and 7 mm) and duration of chilling exposure (0, 1, 3, 7, 14, 21 days) at 0˘C and was evaluated by measurements of roots and hypocotyls growth, electrolyte leakage and dehydrogenases activity. To assess whether short-term shock temperature applied before radicle protrusion can increase chilling tolerance in cucumber seedlings the seeds were imbibed at 25°C for 16 h, exposed to temperatures of 0; 2,5; 5; 35; 40, 45°C for 0; 0,5; 1; 2; 4 h. The obtained results indicated that cucumber seedlings sensitivity depended on duration of chilling exposure and initial root length during which the seedlings were subjected to these conditions. Chilling sensitivity were manifested by drop in the roots and hypocotyls elongation, reduction in dehydrogenases activity and membrane integrity expressed by electrolyte leakage. Seedlings with 1 mm roots was relatively tolerant to 3 days of chilling at 0°C. Their chilling sensitivity increased as roots elongated. Seedling with 3, 5, 7 mm of roots subjected to chilling suffered a subsequent 71, 75 and 81% of growth inhibition, respectively. The presented results showed that a short-term of low (0; 2,5 or 5°C) or high (35; 40 or 45°C) temperature treatments applied before radicle protrusion i.e. after 16 h of seeds imbibition significantly counteracted the negative effects of chilling on seedlings. The best results expressed by increased length and the number of roots were obtained when imbibed seeds were exposed to 45°C for 2 and 4 h. The increased chilling tolerance of cucumber seedlings induced as early as at the stage of seed imbibition, before radicle protrusion indicates on the possibility of application of this method in practice. The positive response of such treatment on cucumber chilling tolerance are discussed.

Genus Rosa L. is one of most critical taxa within European flora. Majority works is devoted to phylogeny, taxonomy and nomenclature of roses. Investigations of morphology and ecology of roses are still relatively few in number. The aim of this study was to evaluate seed mass and seed yield of six rose species (Rosa cinnamomea, R. spinosissima, R. rugosa, R. rubiginosa, R. glauca and R. canina) from populations in Central Russia (Republic of Mordovia). As a result of the study, it was revealed that Rosa rugosa has maximal number of seeds per rosehip among all investigated roses. Roses from section Caninae are characterized by large number of achenes per rosehip too. In contrast, among all investigated species, Rosa cinnamomea have most minimal seed yield. Origin of Rosa spinosissima population in Ruzaevka district (Republic of Mordovia, Central Russia) was proposed as uncertain according to number of seeds per rosehip. At first time, the seed mass of Rosa cinnamomea, R. glauca and R. rubiginosa was revealed.

The duration of dormancy varies significantly among cultivars, but even short dormancy can limit usage of potato microtubers for seed production. The aim of the research was to test efficacy of dormancy breaking by treatment with an aqueous solution of ethyl alcohol, saccharose, gibberellic acid and kinetin (ethanol treatment) in comparison to treatment with aqueous solution of thiourea, daminozide and gibberellic acid (standard treatment). Prolonging the period of microtuber production at the in vitro stage significantly favored the shortening of the dormancy and facilitated its breaking. While the standard treatment had the strongest effect, the ethanol treatment was slightly less efficient. The statistically significant differences were only observed during the first 13 days after the microtuber treatment. After that time, efficacy of ethanol and standard treatments was similar to control treatment with water. The investigated treatments had no effect on the natural decrease of ABA level in microtubers.

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate ageing-induced genetic changes and to establish physiological thresholds for loss of genetic integrity during ageing or storage of rice seeds. In the first experiment, seeds of 10 varieties of rice were subjected to artificial ageing in chambers conditioned to 55°C and 72±2% RH for 72 hours. In the second experiment, seeds of 4 varieties of rice stored in the NACGRAB gene bank, Nigeria in 2011 at 5± 4°C were compared with seeds of the same accessions freshly harvested in 2013. Data were collected on seed germination and seedling length to estimate the seed vigour index. Genetic changes during the ageing were evaluated by SSR markers using a Direct™ PCR kit. Genetic distance indices were computed using PAST™ software and percentage genetic integrity was estimated from the genetic distance matrices. At 72 hours of artificial ageing, seed germination percentage declined to 54.2% and vigour index 0.8 coinciding with the lowest estimate of genetic integrity of 99.5%. The decline in percentage genetic integrity during the artificial ageing indicated a systematic ageing-induced genetic alteration. SSR primer RM178 revealed variations that suggest losses of alleles in the course of ageing for 2 accessions at between 24 hours in WITA4 and 48 to 51 hours in CG14. In the gene bank storage trial, germination of seeds after one and two years of storage was above 80% and there were no significant differences among the accessions. SSR profiles for all the accessions were also similar. The result partly corroborates the artificial ageing data. This implies that seed viability benchmark of 54% is recommended for regeneration of stored rice seeds in order to maintain optimum genetic integrity during storage.

Six parents and their 15 F2 diallel progenies, totally 21 genotypes, were evaluated for genetic parameters of quantitative characteristics. The traits of interest were growing degree days (GDDs) from sowing to the flowering (DDF), to end of flowering (DDE), flowering period (DFP), to maturity (DDM) and seed yield (SY). Significant mean squares of general combining ability (GCA) was exhibited for DDF, DDE, DFP, DDM and seed yield indicating significant differences of GCA effects of parents for these traits. Significant mean squares of specific combining ability (SCA) for all the traits exhibited the importance of non additive genetic effects for the traits. Significant ratio of MS(GCA)/MS(SCA) and high narrow sense heritability estimates for DDF, DDE, DDM indicating the prime importance of additive genetic effects for controlling these traits. DFP was also less heritable than the other phonological traits, so the efficiency of selection for this trait will be low. All of the combinations with significant negative SCA effects for DDM had at least one parent with significant negative GCA effect for this trait. PF7045/91 with significant positive GCA effect of SY, was best combiner for improving SY. Significant positive correlation between DDM and each of two traits including DDF and DDE, indicating these traits can be used as indirect selection criteria for improving DDM.

This study analysed the effects of different treatments on breaking dormancy and germination of bitter vetch (Vicia ervilia L.) freshly harvested seeds for seeding immediately. Partial scarified seeds (30 seconds with sandpaper) were subjected to different treatments including: GA3 (250, 500 and 750 ppm), KNO3 (0.1, 0.2 and 0.3% w/v), cold stratification (2, 4 and 6 days), sulfuric acid (25, 50 and 75 seconds), hot water (90°C; for 2.5 and 5 minutes), hydropriming via seed soaking in distilled water (4 and 8 hours) and mechanical scarification. Among the mentioned treatments, cold stratification for 6 days had a best effect on germination related parameters final germination percentage, mean germination time and vigour index than the other periods. In contrast to scarification with acid and hot water, mechanical scarification improved germination parameters but this effect was lower than the cold stratification. The results suggest that bitter vetch seed has both physical and physiological dormancy.

In order to approach optimal micropropagation of Hypericum perforatum, it will be necessary to optimize shoot proliferation stage in in vitro culture. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of different concentrations of B group vitamins; Thiamine HCl, Pyridoxine HCl, Nicotinic acid (control and 100 fold of MS) and Sucrose (30 and 40 g.l-1) on shoot proliferation. For this purpose, Stems with one node were taken from in vitro shoots and cultured on MS medium. All cultures kept at 16h light/8h photoperiod and 25 ±2 oC in growth chamber. Results showed that the highest number of shoots and leaves were achieved when ex-plants cultured in media containing 40 g.l-1 sucrose with 100 fold of MS vitamins. The highest shoots and leaf length were obtained with medium supplemented with 30 g.l-1 sucrose. Nicotinic acid concentrations had an important role in length of the leaves. The highest number of nodes achieved in the media containing 40 g.l-1 sucrose with both concentrations of Nicotinic acid. After two month growing plantlets, light (LGN) and dark glands number (DGN) were counted. Maximum number of LGN was observed in the media containing 30 g.l-1 sucrose with 100 fold of Thiamine and Pyridoxine. However, The Highest number of DGN achieved in the media containing 40 g.l-1 sucrose with 100 fold of Thiamine or Pyridoxine. Increasing of sucrose and vitamins concentrations were efficiently improved in vitro proliferation and some morphological attributes without negative side effects. Therefore, use of high levels of sucrose and vitamins were useful on micro-propagation of Hypericum perforatum.

The aim of this study is investigation the applicability of SSR and ISSR markers in evaluating the genetic relationships in twenty accessions of Aegilops and Triticum species with D genome in different ploidy levels. Totally, 119 bands and 46 alleles were detected using ten primers for ISSR and SSR markers, respectively. Polymorphism Information Content values for all primers ranged from 0.345 to 0.375 with an average of 0.367 for SSR, and varied from 0.29 to 0.44 with the average 0.37 for ISSR marker. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed that 81% (ISSR) and 84% (SSR) of variability was partitioned among individuals within populations. Comparing the genetic diversity of Aegilops and Triticum accessions, based on genetic parameters, shows that genetic variation of Ae. crassa and Ae. tauschii species are higher than other species, especially in terms of Nei’s gene diversity. Cluster analysis, based on both markers, separated total accessions in three groups. However, classification based on SSR marker data was not conformed to classification according to ISSR marker data. Principal co-ordinate analysis (PCoA) for SSR and ISSR data showed that, the first two components clarified 53.48% and 49.91% of the total variation, respectively. This analysis (PCoA), also, indicated consistent patterns of genetic relationships for ISSR data sets, however, the grouping of accessions was not completely accorded to their own geographical origins. Consequently, a high level of genetic diversity was revealed from the accessions sampled from different eco-geographical regions of Iran.

The use of genetic potential of forgotten plants such as grasspea and arugula is an appropriate strategy for increasing of plants tolerance to environmental stresses. Therefore, in this laboratory study the effects of different levels of osmotic (0, -2, -4, -6, -8, -10, -12 and -14 bar caused by PEG) and salinity (0, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300 and 350 mmol induced by NaCl) stresses were evaluated on germination indices of grasspea and arugula in four separate experiments. Arugula showed a suitable tolerance to osmotic stress, so that its germination percentage and rate at treatment of -10 bar were similar to control. Arugula had 79% germination at osmotic level of -14 bar, but its germination rate at this level was 60% lower than control. In addition, its radicle length until -8 bar and radicle dry weight up to -14 bar were higher than control treatment. However, all levels of salinity stress particularly treatments of more than 100-150 mmol decreased the germination indices of arugula. Germination percentage of arugula in 150 and 200 mmol treatments was 22 and 56% lower than control treatment, respectively. Grasspea had partially suitable tolerance to osmotic stress until -6 bar, but then intensified the reducing trends of its germination indices and finally reached to zero at -14 bar treatment. Moreover, salinity stress especially treatments of higher than 100 mmol decreased all germination indices of grasspea. Overall, arugula was a more tolerant plant especially to osmotic stress; therefore this forgotten plant can be used in agronomic and breeding programs in areas affected by drought stress

We investigated the effects of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and culture medium on embryo swelling and germination of Calanthe discolor Lindl., and established a method for determining the swelling and protocorm formation of C. discolor seeds via in vitro examination of immature seeds. Treatment of immature seeds with NaOCl greatly enhanced the extent of embryo swelling and protocorm formation of immature zygote embryos compared to seeds without NaOCl treatment. The effects of the culture media were also evaluated with regard to embryo swelling and protocorm formation of in vitro cultured seeds with and without NaOCl treatment. Additionally, the effects of white fluorescent light and red and blue LED lights on seedling growth in in vitro culture were examined. The most suitable condition for seedling growth after 12 weeks of culture was the red LED light with POM medium. These results show effective asymbiotic germination and growth of C. discolor.

Early sowing in cotton is important for obtaining a high and qualiy yield. Since cotton prefers high temperatures to have a good stand establisment, this work is important to determine better performing genotypes or to promote germination and emergence at low temperatures (

Assessment of genetic diversity using molecular markers is one of the primary and important steps in breeding programs. In this study, genetic diversity of 52 barley lines evaluated using 68 SSR primer pairs and 47 primer pairs produced clear and polymorphic banding pattern. In general, 153 polymorphic alleles de-tected. The number of observed polymorphic alleles varied from 2 to 9, with an average of 3.26 alleles per locus. Polymorphic Information Content (PIC) ranged from 0.07 to 0.81, with an average of 0.45. In this research, SSR markers differentiated the studied lines efficiently. Using cluster analysis, studied barley lines divided into two groups. Genetic diversity was relatively corresponding with geographical origins, because the lines related to a country somewhat diverged from each other. Two-rowed Iranian and Chinese barleys classified in one subgroup. Also, most six-rowed barleys classified in one subgroup. Association mapping analysis was used to identify candidate genes for drought escape in barley lines and 16 informative markers were identified after which confirmation in other tests could be suitable for marker assisted breeding drought escape.

Late Embryogenesis abundant protein has a crucial role as the cold-acclimation process in the wheat. These proteins encoded by TaWdhn13 gene. This gene is transcriptionally activated and produces the accumu-lated proteins and metabolites and protection cell structure from freezing damage. The objectives of this study were to isolate the genomic DNA (g-DNA) sequence of TaWdhn13, to analyze structure, conserved domains of the gene, and to found a basis for association analysis of the functional sites associated with computational analysis. We here report on the functional assignment to TaWdhn13 gene by computational analysis. The Three-Dimensional (3D) model of LEA protein drawing by using the phyre 2 server. For identify the con-served domain and motif of these gene sequence we used the Conserved Domain Database and DNA Motif Searching Database, however, the conserved domains and motif has been recognized. The results showed TaWdhn13 conserved domain incudes: Dehydrin superfamily. Also, motifs structure for this gene includes: 2FE2S_FER_1 Motif, INTEGRIN_BETA Motif, VWFC_1 Motif, EGF_1 Motif and DEFENSIN Motif. Our results reveal that group 2 LEA proteins are most likely to function within the cell nucleus. The analysis of protein property showed that the protein had no trans-membrane domains. The isoelectric point of the protein was 3.41, which was charged with 5.34 negative electrons when pH value of the buffer was 7.0.

The South-Western highlands of Ethiopia are considered to be the centre of origin and diversity of the arabica coffee, Coffea arabica. More than 80 accessions of arabica coffee collected from Ethiopia are avail-able in Indian gene bank. However, the genetic diversity of these accessions is not studied in detail. In the present study, genetic diversity analysis of 48 accessions collected from eight provinces of Ethiopia was car-ried out using Sequence-related amplified Polymorphism (SRAP) marker. Among the thirty two SRAP primer combinations tested, 14 primer pairs were polymorphic and generated 203 distinct fragments. The number of fragments ranged from 7 to 21 with a mean of 14.5 fragments per primer combination. Of the total 203 ampli-fied fragments, 182 (89.65%) were polymorphic and the percent of polymorphism ranged from 53.84% to a maximum of 100% using different primers. The average resolving power (Rp) and average polymorphism information content (PIC) of the 14 SRAP primer combinations was 14.31 and 0.648 respectively. A total of 13 rare alleles were obtained from SRAP assays, of which six rare alleles were obtained from the accessions collected from Shoa province. The UPGMA clustering algorithm from SRAP analysis grouped the 48 coffee accessions into two major clusters. The accessions collected from particular province clustered together which could be attributed to the substantial gene flow between adjacent population and the influence of geographical origin on genetic diver-sity. The study demonstrated the existence of substantial genetic variation in Ethiopian germplasm which could be utilized in coffee germplasm conservation and improvement program.

In rabi season 2012, six diversed maize inbred lines were crossed in all possible combinations without reciprocals by using a half diallel mating design to obtain 15 single cross. Inbred parents and their F1 single crosses with a check were evaluated in rabi season 2013 to evaluate the role of general and specific combin-ing ability and heterosis for some quantitative traits. Significant general combining ability variances was observed only for cob height and specific combining ability variances were observed for plant height, cob height, cob length, cob girth, number of kernels per cob, cob weight and hundred grain weight. The GCA/SCA ratio was less than unity for all studied traits except shelling percentage; this means that these traits are pre-dominantly controlled by non-additive gene action. Based on GCA estimates, it could be concluded that the best combiners were ML01, ML05 and ML29 inbred lines for most of the studied traits. This result indi-cated that these inbred lines could be considered as good combiners for improving these traits. Significant positive SCA effects were found for all studied traits except number of kernels per row and shelling percent-age. Based on SCA effects, it could be concluded that the crosses ML01×ML02, ML02×ML05, ML02×ML29 and ML05×ML15 could be exploited by the maize breeders to increase maize yield. Three F1 hybrids such as ML02×ML15, ML02×ML29 and ML05×ML15 proved to be the outstanding hybrids to immediate further steps for commercial cultivation. In a conclusive decision the F1 hybrid, ML02×ML29 was the best combina-tion as evaluated through combining ability and standard heterosis.

A laboratory experiment was conducted to determine if separation of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] seeds by size might be effective in germinability of aged and primed seeds and subsequent seedling vigour. A known soybean seed lot was separated into four size classes using round-hole screens. The seed lots were deteriorated by rapid aging and invigorated by hydro- and halo-priming. These pre-treated seeds were planted in rolled paper towels and the results were evaluated according to ISTA rules. The small soybean seeds had higher speed of germination than the other size classes. The seedlings produced from large and medium seeds were longer and heavier than those from other size classes. Our results indicated that the large seeds had less sensitivity to short-term aging condition owing to the number of normal seedlings, while the deterioration more increased the germination time of large and medium seeds, compared to small ones. The alleviatory effects of halo-priming on deterioration of seeds are greater compared with hydro-priming. Although there are some debates, the present data further indicate that larger soybean seeds are susceptible to aging condition.

Given the importance to tomato production under heat stress conditions in hot climates of Pakistan, the objective of this research work was to study the influence of temperature and application of physical and chemical mutagens on tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.,) CV. “Rio grande” Seeds were treated with chemical mutagen (Ethyl Methane Sulphonate) and physical mutagen (Gamma radiation) . Plants were grown in open field conditions under day/night temperatures regimes at the experimental area of Department of Horticulture, faculty of crop and food sciences, PMAS-AAUR. The experiment was set twenty treatments and four replications in Complete Randomize Block Design. It is observed that by increasing dose of mutagens shows lethal effect and morphological parameters reduced significantly. But lower doses of EMS and Gamma radiation improve thermotolerance capacity significantly. Plants were investigated for different morphological parameters i.e Plant height, no. of leaves, leaf area, relative water contents of leaves, chlorophyll contents, cell viability (TCC Assay) and pollen germination. Among gamma rays 5Kr were the only dose which survived and bear fruits. Among EMS 4mM, 8 mM, 16mM performed better under heat stress conditions than other treatments.

Reduction in seed vigor is a consequence of seed aging which may influence field performance of crops. Thus, a field study was conducted as RCB design with 6 replicates to evaluate the effects of seed vigor on maize (cv. Ksc 301) growth and yield. A sub-sample of maize seeds was kept as control and two other sub-samples were artificially aged for 9 and 12 days. So, three seed lots (V1, V2 and V3), with different vigor were provided and sown in the field. Mean emergence time significantly increased, but mean emergence percentage decreased as seed vigor increased. The lowest leaf area index (LAI), dry matter accumulation (DMA) and crop growth rate (CGR) were obtained for plants from the lowest vigor seed lot (V3). At the later stages of growth, the highest relative growth rate (RGR) was recorded for V1 plants, followed by V2 and V3 plants. Poor stand establishment and growth of plants from V2 and V3 seed lots led to yield loss by 23.7 % and 41.5 %, respectively. These results showed that production and cultivation of high vigor seeds are necessary to ensure satisfactory field performance of maize.

Multivariate statistical analysis, through their ability to extract hidden relationship between various traits, has a wide application in breeding programs. Having physiological concept on the multivariate analysis, factor analysis was used to extract differential relationships between different components involving in assimilate partitioning in sesame under regular irrigation regime and limited irrigation. The analysis revealed that under regular irrigation regime, the stored and/or currently produced assimilates are allocated to the filling seeds. However, incidence of water shortage in the beginning of flowering time make shifts in assimilate partitioning from formation of new seeds or capsules to the not-matured pre-formed seeds, which results in seeds with more nutrient storage. This indicates the requirement for change in breeding strategies under sub-optimal condition. The possible common language between factor concept in multivariate analysis, QTLs in genetics, and transcription factors in molecular biology is indicated.

Temperature is the most critical factor determining success or failure of plant establishment. Seed germination response of five medicinal species include three seed-propagated perennial species, Cichorium intybus, cynara scolymus and Echinacea purpurea and vegetative-reproduction perennial species, Achillea millefolium and annual species, Matricaria aurea were assessed at constant temperatures. The seeds were exposed to constant temperatures of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 and 45°C under total darkness. Germination percentage of all the species were significantly affected by various temperatures (p ≤ 0.001). A. millefolium did not germinate at 5-10 and 35-45°C, but showed noticeable germination percentage (73.3-100%) at temperatures ranged from 15-30° C. The highest total germination percentage was observed within the range of 15-35 °C for other species. Also, we calculated cardinal temperatures (the minimum, optimum and maximum temperature) for seed germination of species. The highest value for minimum temperature was 10.07ºC in A. millefolium followed by C. scolymus and M. aurea (5ºC) while the lowest was for E. purpurea and C. intybus (2.68 and 2.90ºC respectively). The lowest value for optimum temperature was detected in A. millefolium (22.72ºC) and M. aurea (23.88°C) while the maximum values were observed in E. purpurea and C. intybus (30.40ºC and 29.90ºC respectively). Based on results of present study we concluded that species with both vegetative and seed-propagated reproduction forms like A. millefolium had smaller temperature range rather those with just one way of reproduction (seed production).

In this study dormancy breaking of a hard-coated plant seed, Medicago scutellata, was investigated. The ultrasonic waves effect on the seed germination percentage, germination rate, radicle length and stalk length growth was assessed. Six treatments of waves exposure periods including 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 minutes were tested under laboratorial conditions. Statistical analyses were done at probability level of 0.01. Results revealed that the ultrasonic waves have a significantly positive effect on the seed dormancy breaking, but there was no linear correlation between the increasing times of exposure with any of the growth features. The best treatment for germination percentage and germination rate was the 7-minute one and the 3-minute one was the best for radicle length growth. Treatments of 3, 5 and 7 minutes had the same effect on stalk length growth and were better than all other treatments. The 9-minute treatment had a negative effect, even lessening the growth of all of the assessed features in comparison with the control treatment.

This study was carried out with the objective to estimate the genotypic variability and other yield related traits of Ethiopian mustard in North West Ethiopia. A total of 36 genotypes of Ethiopian mustard were considered for this study. Analysis of variance was computed to contrast the variability within the collected genotypes based on yield and other yield related traits. The results revealed highly significant values(p

Combining ability estimates are important genetic attributes to maize breeders in anticipating improvement via hybridization and selection. To determine the combining ability for yield and yield associated traits, 8 diverse corn inbred lines were used in a half diallel mating design. Twenty eight F1 progenies along with their parents were planted in randomized complete block design with four replications in two locations during two years. Combined analysis of variance showed significant mean squares of general combining ability (GCA) and specific combing ability (SCA) for Days to silking emergence (DS), plant height (PH), 1000-kernel weight (KW), number of kernels in ear row (KR), number of rows in ear( NR ) , ear diameter (ED), cob diameter (CD), kernel yield (KY) indicating that the importance of both additive and non additive genetic effects for these traits. However, high narrow-sense heritability estimates, low degree of dominance and the ratio of estimates of GCA to SCA effects for DS , NR and CD indicated that additive genetic effect was more important for these traits. Most of the crosses with significant SCA effects for KY had at least one parent with significant GCA effects for the same traits. Significant positive correlations were detected between KY and other yield components including KW, KR, NR and ED, therefore these traits can be used as indirect selection criteria for KY improvement. The crosses MO17 × Line8, MO17 × Line 10 and MO17 × Line 12, Line 8 × Line 10 and Line 8 × Line 21 with high values of KY were considered as good cross combinations for improving the trait.

Increasing the number of flowers and pods set, as well as reducing the intensity of their abortion, is of crucial importance for the yielding of leguminous plants. This study examined the effects of the type of soil used and mineral fertilization applied on the generative development of the traditional and self-completing (restricted branching) cultivars of white lupin (Lupinus albus L.), yellow lupin (L. luteus L.) and narrow-lafed lupin (L. angustifolius L.) cultivated under controlled phytotron conditions. Experiments carried out under such conditions allow for the elimination of variable environmental factors affecting the course of plant ontogenesis in field cultivation, and enable unambiguous interpretation of the biochemical and molecular influence of a selected factor on the physiological process studied. For the first time, the influence of different cultivation factors on generative development of traditional and self-completing (restricted branching) cultivars of lupins under phytotrone was examined. The research results presented here indicate that each of the selected lupin cultivars has its own characteristic cultivation conditions that are optimal for its generative development. The largest number of flowers were formed by the traditional cultivars of L. luteus and L. angustifolius, as well as the self-completing (restricted branching) cultivars of L. luteus and L. albus grown in class IIIa soil material. The lowest flower abortion rate was observed in L. albus grown in class V soil material, in L. luteus grown in class IIIa soil material, and in L. angustifolius grown in class IVa soil material. Regardless of the cultivation conditions applied, in all of the lupin cultivars examined the first pods to be set were characterized by the lowest abortion rate. The results obtained allowed for the development of lupin phytotron cultivation models for the purposes of research on generative development control.

Asafoetida is a medicinal plant belonging to the Apiaceae family. Gum obtained from the lower part of the stem and roots of this plant has many industrial and pharmaceutical applications. This plant is subject to extinction in its natural habitats due to over-utilization. Understanding the biology of seed germination can help to restore such degradation by implementing agricultural development programs. The present study is an attempt to determine the germination responses to two temperature regimes (constant and fluctuating) during the course of the study. The experiment was planned based on a factorial-completely randomized design with two factors (constant and fluctuating temperature regimes) at 3 levels each (15, 20 and 25°C) with 4 replications. The results showed that the characteristics of germination in asafoetida were significantly improved under the fluctuating temperature as compared with the constant regime. It showed a mean germination time of 1.88 days for the fluctuating regime, while it was 4.88 days for the constant regime. The same results were found on germination rates in favor of fluctuating (0.62 per day) in comparison with constant regime (0.33 per day). Under the fluctuating regime, the lowest level of imposed temperature (daily application of 10 and 20 degree during the first and the second 12 hours, respectively) was the best for seed germination in this experiment.

Investigation of native accessions of spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) would be aid in the development of new genetically improved varieties, so in this research 121 spinach landraces, collected from the various spinach growing areas of Iran, were evaluated to determine their diversity using several agro-morphological traits. High coefficients of variation (CV) were recorded in fresh yield, leaf area and dry yield. Using principal component (PC) analysis, the first three PCs with eigenvalues more than 0.9 contributed 80.56% of the variability among accessions. The first PC was related to leaf yield performance (fresh and dry yields, leaf numbers at flowering and lateral branches) while the PC2 was related to leaf characteristic (leaf width, petiole length, petiole diameter and leaf area). The third PC was related to seed characteristic (seed yield and 1000-seed weight) and was named as seed property component. The 121 spinach landraces were grouped into six clusters using cluster analysis. Each cluster had some specific characteristics of its own and the clusters I and II were clearly separated from clusters III and V and also from clusters IV and VI. The studied accessions are an important resource for the generation of a core collection of spinach in the world. The results of present research will support tasks of conservation and utilization of landraces in spinach breeding programs.

The experimental material was made up by the plant organs of Brassica napus L. from a pot experiment during one vegetation period. There was investigated the effect of relatively high concentration of zinc, copper, lead and cadmium in soil on the rapeseed yield, the content of protein and oil in seeds. The impact of metals was defined based on the content of selected fatty acids in oil extracted from seeds. The highest contents of zinc and copper were found in leaves, lead – in roots and cadmium – in stems. The biological concentration factor values were respectively calculated for all the rapeseed organs. For Cu and Pb the values of biological concentration factor were low and very low for all the plant organs. The doses of Zn (300 mg × kg-1, 600 mg × kg-1) and Cu (80 mg × kg-1, 160 mg × kg-1) applied in the pot experiment resulted in the translocation of metals from the roots to the leaves. The doses of lead (400 mg × kg-1, 1600 mg × kg-1) did not trigger any translocation of that metal from the roots to the above-ground rapeseed plant parts, however, after the application of the cadmium doses (2 mg × kg-1, 6 mg × kg-1), there was recorded a clear translocation of Cd to the rapeseed stems and the leaves. A relatively high content of zinc, copper, lead and cadmium in soil had a significant effect neither on the yield parameters and nor on the qualitative characters of the rapeseed seed. Neither did they affect the content of protein, fat and fatty acids in seed-extracted oil. The results of the pot experiment suggest that spring rapeseed is suitable for the phytoremediation of moderately heavy-metal-contaminated soils.

Various chemical tests are being used to reveal chemical differences among the seeds or seedlings of different cultivars. Study to characterize and identify 24 tomato cultivars based on chemical test chemicals viz., Standard phenol test, Modified phenol test, NaOH test, KOH test and Seedling growth response to added chemicals reveled that, most of the cultivars studied were distinct from other cultivars. No single chemical test could distinguish all the varieties. However, distinguishable chemical characteristics were used to develop the keys for identification of each and every cultivar and all the cultivars were distinguished based on these identification key.

To study the relationship between seed yield and its components 5 varieties and 18 different genotypes of Cicer arietinum were evaluated. This study was carried out under dryland farming during 2007 in research farm of Razi university. Path analysis showed that in the first level of yield, the highest direct effect was related to biological yield and the highest indirect effect was related to seed number per plant due to biological yield. In second level of yield due to the seed number per plant double seed pod number had the highest direct effect and the highest indirect effect was related to hundreds seed weight due to double the seed pod number. In second level of yield due to biological yield, the highest direct effect was related to high plant and the highest indirect effect was related to high plant due to second branch number. In the third level of yield due to a hundred seed weight, the highest direct effect was related to pod diameter and the highest indirect effect was related to pod length due to pod diameter. Factor analysis showed that 5 factors explained 81.65 percent of the variance. Cluster analysis based on ward method were arranged genotypes in 3 clusters.

To avoid the risk of very low seed production, the estimation of the pollen fertility is the reliable tool. In the present study nine hybrid rose genotypes were evaluated for their pollen viability and fertility status in vitro. The strength of contribution of each cultivar as a male parent was evaluated in the field. Successful crossing %age was correlated with the pollen germination %age and pollen tube length of each male parent cultivars in controlled conditions. Pollen vigor parameters indicated great variations in pollen quality, quantity, and viability and germination % ages. On average basis the performance of the cultivar Angel Face and Handel was better with respect to both number of anther per flower and number of pollens per anther. Pollen size (L: D) was almost same in all cultivars hence no significant differences were observed. Comparison of means of viability %age revealed that maximum number of viable pollens in term of viability %age were possessed by cultivar Handel (70%) followed by ‘Gruss an Teplitz’ (64%). The minimum viability of pollens was exhibited by the Cultivar ‘Autumn Sunset’ having pollen viability of 35%. A strong correlation among pollen germination %age and pollen tube length (r = 0.77) and pollen germination %age and pollen viability %age (r = 0.731) was exhibited. Pollen germination is also strongly correlated with pollen size (r =0.738) The comparison of various fertility parameters in vitro and in vivo revealed that cultivar “Handel” showing its maximum pollen viability in vitro performed well to get more crossing success in the field.

The effects of water potential on germination were studied in 18 wild populations of three yarrow species (Achillea tenuifolia, A. vermicularis and A. filipendulina) from different bioclimatic zones in Iran. Water potential between 0 and -0.6 MPa were obtained using polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG-6000) solutions. The study of water stress on germination showed that, regardless of the species and the populations, the lowering of the water potential reduced the capacity for germination and early seeding growth. These results indicated a strong genetic potential for drought tolerance during germination within each species. These differences in germination ability of wild populations of each species might be attributed to intraspecific variations resulting from the effects of natural selection and genetic pool background.

The investigation was performed during the period 2007-2009 in the second experimental field of institute of Forage Crops, Pleven. Were studies follow varieties: Kristal, Picardi, Amitie, Druzba, Kerpo, Usatii 90, Rezonator, Harkovskii atalon. Thevariety Pleven 4 was used as a standard. According to the obtained experimental data the varietiescould be classified to different groups on earliness. Early are Picardi, Amitie and Harkovskii atalonn with earliness coefficient 1.00, mid – early is Kerpo 1.38 – 1.57 and late varieties Kristal, Druzba, Pleven 4, Usatii 90, Rezonator. Harkovskii atalon is characterized with high lodging resistance only 28.61% from plants are lodging susceptible and it could be including in the future hybridization as donor of essential characters. With highest seed yield are Harkovskii atalonn (207.17 kg × da-1 ), Kerpo (206.08 kg × da-1) and Usatii 90 (203.33 kg × da-1) what opportunity to be included in breeding programs for high yield varieties.

In order to evaluate promising lines in terms of grain yield and water-soluble carbohydrates remobilization, an experiment with fifteen promising lines and two checks was carried out under full irrigation and terminal water stress conditions at Miyandoab Agricultural Research and Natural Resources Station. Mobilized dry matter content and remobilization percentage from shoot to grain under water deficit (177mg) (11.2%) were greater than those under well watering condition. The lowest (110 mg) and the highest (260mg) mobilized dry matter to grain were obtained for C-79-18 and C-83-15 lines, respectively. Water deficit reduced grain yield of barley genotypes by 200-1600 kg/ha, and mean grain yield reduction was 800 kg/ha. Line 14 with 5.880 and 5.300t/ha grain yield in favorable and water stress conditions was superior to the other lines. Under water deficit condition, line 14 had greater grain yield by2 0% and 38% than the Bahman and Makouee cultivars, respectively. The results showed that greater grain yield in tolerant lines under water deficit was due to remobilization of unstructured carbohydrates from shoot to grain. Thus, it seems that selection of lines with higher translocated dry matter and contribution of pre-anthesis assimilate in grain filling under water stress, the suitable way for achieving genotypes with high grain yield under water stress condition.

In order to study genetic diversity and some physiological features related to chilling stress using molecular markers, an experiment was conducted at University of Mohaghegh Ardabili. Treatments were set in a factorial experiment based on randomized complete block design with 3 replications and 3 stress levels (25, 15 and 5°C) between 20 cotton genotypes. The results showed that chilling stress influenced on some physiological features such as the activity of catalase, proline content, soluble carbohydrates and proteins. Cluster analysis carried out using WARD method in physiological features showed that genotypes located in three groups in the acclimation level and after acclimation, respectively. Nazilli, Ciakra, Avangard and B-557 were in the better group in studied levels. Also based on the results Avangard, Chegurava, Tashkand and Shirpan 603 were the most tolerant genotypes. In the ISSR marker analysis using of 12 primers produced 96 polymorphic bands. The mean of PIC, MI and EMR were 0.283, 1.065 and 3 respectively, for all primers. Some of markers had promising results that confirmed ISSR markers as powerful tool in any marker assisted program for plant breeders

Increased seed germination and seedling growth in soils infected with damping-off pathogen, Pythium ultimum, especially under saline conditions, are importantgoals in safflower breeding programs. Seeds of four safflower varieties were cultured on germination media moistened with solutions of NaCl containing 105 zoospores of the pathogen per ml. NaCl concentrations were adjusted to produce salinities 0, -10, -14 and -18 bar. Analysis of variance indicated that the interactive effects of salinity, cultivar and pathogen significantly altered seed germination and seedling dry weight. In the absence of P. ultimum, increasing salinity significantly reduced seedling dry weight, but in pathogen-inoculated media, different values were observed. In the absence of salinity, the germination rate of inoculated seeds was 16.3% lower than that of non-inoculated seeds, whereas in a saline bed, the pathogen increased seed germination about 3.1 %. This finding clearly indicates that sodium chloride can reduce the pathogenesis of P. ultimumon safflower seedlings. The results showed that the presence of NaCl in the environment prevented rotting effects of the pathogen on seedsbut intensified the mortality effect on seedlings. The simultaneous effects of salinity and pathogen reduced the usual adverse effects of either factor when applied separately. Thus, depending on amount of NaCl and/or Pythium infection present, different varieties are recommended to achieve an acceptable establishment and production.

The seed coat (testa) structure of twenty-three cultivated (Sesamum indicum L.) and six wild sesame (S. occidentale Regel & Heer., S. mulayanum Nair, S. prostratum Retz., S. radiatum Schumach. & Thonn., S. angustifolium (Oliv.) Engl. and S. schinzianum Asch) germplasm was analyzed from digital and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images with dedicated software using the descriptors for computer based seed image analysis to understand the diversity of seed morphometric traits, which later on can be extended to screen and evaluate improved genotypes of sesame. Seeds of wild sesame species could conveniently be distinguished from cultivated varieties based on shape and architectural analysis. Results indicated discrete ‘cut off’ values to identify definite shape and contour of seed for a desirable sesame genotype along with the conventional practice of selecting lighter colored testa.