The Influence of Parental Heat-Stress Priming on Drought-Tolerant Maize Progenies’ Field Performance

Maize (Zea mays L.) is a staple crop and an industrial crop. Improving its thermotolerance will be a crucial step in ensuring food security. The objective of this research was to assess the influence of the parental growth environment on their progenies in a non-heat stress environment. The progenies evaluated in this field study were obtained from a 2 × 3 × 3 factorial in a completely randomised greenhouse experiment. Two contrasting growth environments, three maize varieties, and three soil amendments were used in the greenhouse study. A randomised complete block design experiment with three replications was used to grow the progenies. The progenies were examined for nineteen morphological attributes. In this study, 69.51% of the yield variation was explained by the first and second principal component axes. Among the studied attributes, grain weight and cob weight explained more variations in the progenies than the other attributes. The interaction of the parental heat-stress and soil amendment conditions elicited different responses from the drought-tolerant maize progenies. Based on the differences in their yield attributes, the progenies were grouped as poor yielders (Cluster IV), good yielders (Cluster I) and high yielders (Clusters II and III). The parental growth environment influenced the progenies’ field performance in a non-heat-stress environment. Further evaluation of the progenies under a heat-stress environment and molecular analyses are required to establish that a transgenerational effect has occurred.

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Evaluation of saline-alkali and drought tolerance in maize varieties

Bangladesh Journal of Botany ◽

10.3329/bjb.v48i4.49053 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 48 (4) ◽

pp. 1047-1063

Author(s):

Huili Zhang ◽

Chuang Yuan ◽

Guillian Mao ◽

Xue Gao ◽

Liu Zhu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cluster Analysis ◽

Drought Stress ◽

Drought Tolerance ◽

Growth And Development ◽

Stress Condition ◽

Stress Factors ◽

Alkali Stress ◽

Yield Attributes ◽

Drought Tolerant ◽

Maize Varieties

Saline-alkali and drought stresses are one of the abiotic stress factors that limit the normal growth and development of plants. In this work, various agronomic indexes including growth physiology and yield attributes were studied under saline-alkali and drought stress treatments. It was found that the limit of plant growth and development caused by drought stress is much higher than that of saline-alkali stress (p < 0.01). Based on the comprehensive evaluation value (D value), under saline-alkali stress condition, 36 maize varieties could be divided into four groups by cluster analysis (CA): High saline-alkali tolerance (3 varieties), medium saline-alkali tolerant(10 varieties), saline-alkali sensitive (19 varieties), high saline-alkali sensitive (4 varieties). In drought stress condition, 36 maize varieties could be divided into five groups by cluster analysis (CA): High drought-tolerance (2 varieties), medium drought-tolerant (14 varieties), low drought-tolerant (15 varieties), drought-sensitive (4 varieties), high drought-sensitive (1 variety). Therefore, this study provides a comprehensive screening of maize varieties under saline-alkali and drought stresses.

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Lipid Peroxidation and Chlorophyll Fluorescence of Photosystem II Performance during Drought and Heat Stress is Associated with the Antioxidant Capacities of C3 Sunflower and C4 Maize Varieties

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms21144846 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 21 (14) ◽

pp. 4846

Author(s):

Dilek Killi ◽

Antonio Raschi ◽

Filippo Bussotti

Keyword(s):

Lipid Peroxidation ◽

Antioxidant Activity ◽

Heat Stress ◽

Chlorophyll Fluorescence ◽

Photosystem Ii ◽

Membrane Damage ◽

Drought Tolerant ◽

Maize Varieties ◽

Catalase Peroxidase ◽

Drought And Heat Stress

Agricultural production is predicted to be adversely affected by an increase in drought and heatwaves. Drought and heat damage cellular membranes, such as the thylakoid membranes where photosystem II occurs (PSII). We investigated the chlorophyll fluorescence (ChlF) of PSII, photosynthetic pigments, membrane damage, and the activity of protective antioxidants in drought-tolerant and -sensitive varieties of C3 sunflower and C4 maize grown at 20/25 and 30/35 °C. Drought-tolerant varieties retained PSII electron transport at lower levels of water availability at both temperatures. Drought and heat stress, in combination and isolation, had a more pronounced effect on the ChlF of the C3 species. For phenotyping, the maximum fluorescence was the most effective ChlF measure in characterizing varietal variation in the response of both species to drought and heat. The drought-tolerant sunflower and maize showed lower lipid peroxidation under drought and heat stress. The greater retention of PSII function in the drought-tolerant sunflower and maize at higher temperatures was associated with an increase in the activities of antioxidants (glutathione reductase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase, and ascorbate peroxidase), whereas antioxidant activity declined in the drought-sensitive varieties. Antioxidant activity should play a key role in the development of drought- and heat-tolerant crops for future food security.

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Evaluation of Drought Tolerant Top Cross and Three-Way Cross Maize Hybrids for Grain Yield and Related Traits in Three Agro-Ecological Zones of Southwest Nigeria

Notulae Scientia Biologicae ◽

10.15835/nsb11310338 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (3) ◽

pp. 414-421

Author(s):

Lawrence FAYEUN ◽

Sayo SESAY

Keyword(s):

Grain Yield ◽

Block Design ◽

Maize Hybrids ◽

Ecological Zones ◽

Drought Tolerant ◽

Maize Varieties ◽

Different Types ◽

Southwest Nigeria ◽

Hybrid Maize ◽

Agro Ecological Zones

Superiority of hybrid maize cannot be overemphasized. Different types of hybrids are developed by plant breeders to improve productivity and multi-locational evaluation of these hybrids prior to release is necessary to select the best. The objectives of this study were to identify maize hybrids with superior agronomic potentials and compare the performance of top-cross and three-way cross hybrid maize varieties for grain yield and related traits under rain-fed condition in three different locations (Abeokuta, Ibadan and Akure) of Southwest Nigeria. The study consisted of ten hybrids each of top-cross and three-way cross hybrid varieties, tested with two checks. At each location, the experiment was laid out in randomised complete block design with three replications. The results showed that effects of locations, genotypes and genotype x location interactions were highly significant (p<0.01) for all the traits evaluated. Significant differences were also revealed between the top-cross and three-way cross hybrids for all the traits evaluated except days to 50% tasseling, ear diameter and 100-grain weight. The top-cross hybrids were superior over the three-way cross hybrids for grain yield by 5.25%. The hybrids ‘M0926-7’, ‘M0926-8’, ‘M1026-11’, ‘M1026-3’, ‘M1226-2’ (top-cross hybrids), ‘M1124-24’, ‘M1124-27’, ‘M1124-31’, ‘M1227-6’ and ‘M1227-7’ (three-way cross hybrids) showed highest stable yields across the three locations. Hybrids ‘M0926-7’ (top-cross hybrid) and ‘M1124-24’ (three-way cross hybrid) that expressed early flowering with higher grain yield are recommended for drought stress prone areas because of their abilities to tolerate drought through escape.

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Genotypic Variability in Some Morpho-Physiological Traits in Different Environments and Their Relationship with Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) Root Yield

International Journal of Agronomy ◽

10.1155/2020/5871351 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2020 ◽

pp. 1-19

Author(s):

Joseph Adjebeng-Danquah ◽

Isaac Kwadwo Asante ◽

Joseph Manu-Aduening ◽

Richard Yaw Agyare ◽

Vernon Edward Gracen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Block Design ◽

Principal Component ◽

Mosaic Disease ◽

Physiological Traits ◽

Cassava Mosaic Disease ◽

Environment Interaction ◽

Gge Biplot ◽

Root Yield ◽

Manihot Esculenta Crantz ◽

Drought Tolerant

Cassava root yield under diverse environments is influenced by morpho-physiological traits that are in turn influenced by genotype, environment, and genotype × environment interaction (GEI). Most GEI analyses in cassava have been limited to root yield with less emphasis on stability of other yield-related traits. This study was carried out to assess the effect of GEI on some morpho-physiological traits in cassava and key traits that are useful for selection in different environments. The study utilized 20 cassava genotypes evaluated in six environments, namely, Fumesua 2013 and 2014, Nyankpala 2013 and 2014 (irrigation), and Nyankpala 2013 and 2014 (no irrigation). The genotypes were arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications and assessed for a number of morpho-physiological traits, root yield and yield components. The data were subjected to analysis of variance using SAS statistical package. Subsequently, the GGE biplot was used to carry out genotype × environment, genotype × trait, and environment × trait interaction analyses to determine the specificity of genotypic performance and traits linked to particular environments. The results indicated significant (P<0.05) GEI effect on all traits except leaf temperature. The genotype × trait biplot analysis revealed closely related traits and those associated with root yield and genotypes that show weakness in these traits. Both environment × trait biplot and principal component analyses identified traits with higher discriminatory power among genotypes in various environments particularly in the dry environments. These can be used as secondary traits to select drought-tolerant genotypes. From this study, the GGE biplot was useful in identifying traits associated with specific genotypes in different environments to aid in selection. Moderate broad-sense heritability estimates werefound for storage root yield, harvest index, plant height, ratio of storage rootlength to girth, and cassava mosaic disease score indicating that progresscan be made through selection for these traits.

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Environmental impact and genetic expressions of new drought tolerant maize genotypes in derived savannah agro-ecology

Notulae Scientia Biologicae ◽

10.15835/nsb13110691 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (1) ◽

pp. 10691

Author(s):

Paul INYANG ◽

Chikezie O. ENE ◽

Ankrumah EMMANUEL ◽

Uchechukwu P. CHUKWUDI ◽

Ugochukwu N. IKEOGU

Keyword(s):

Food Security ◽

Block Design ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

International Institute ◽

Improvement Program ◽

Yield Data ◽

Drought Tolerant ◽

Maize Genotypes ◽

Maize Varieties ◽

Sub Saharan

Reduced water resources in sub-Saharan Africa will not only pose threat to the livelihood of poor resource farmers, but also food security in the region. Drought tolerant (DT) maize varieties hold promise to reducing poor resourced farmers’ vulnerability and improve food security in sub-Saharan Africa. Ten maize genotypes obtained from the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), were evaluated in 2015 and 2016 using a randomized complete block design experiment with three replications to estimate their genetic variability and predict their genetic advances in the derived savannah agro-ecology. Growth, phenological and yield data were collected from 10 middle row plants. Genetic advance, genotypic, phenotypic and environmental coefficients of variations and their variances were estimated. Principal component and hierarchical cluster analyses were also performed. The dendrogram showed that at 80% dissimilarity point, the genotypes were grouped into clusters A, B and C in both years. The first two principal components explained 91.8% and 93.3% of the total variation in 2015 and 2016, respectively. Number of grains cob-1, plant height and number of days to physiological maturity were consistent in explaining the variations observed in the maize population. Heritability estimates in broad sense ranged from 1.35% for number of leaves to 87.43% for grain yield per hectare. The genetic parameters studied showed significant variations among the growth, phenological and yield data collected that warrants selection and maize improvement program using the DT maize inbred lines in derived savannah agro-ecology.

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Performance and character contributions to variability in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) genotypes

Acta Horticulturae et Regiotecturae ◽

10.2478/ahr-2021-0034 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 24 (2) ◽

pp. 127-133

Author(s):

Emmanuel Ohiosinmuan Idehen ◽

Oluwafunmibi Eunice Ola

Keyword(s):

Plant Height ◽

Block Design ◽

Field Performance ◽

Principal Component ◽

Single Linkage ◽

Single Linkage Cluster ◽

High Heritability ◽

Linkage Cluster ◽

Number Of Branches ◽

Plant Plant

Abstract Okra is an important vegetable crop, but its optimal production is constrained by a myriad of problems including pests, poor agronomic practices, and improper varietal identification among others. A study was carried out to determine the field performance and contribution of agronomic characters to overall variation in eighteen okra genotypes over two locations, Teaching and Research Farms of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria and Rehoboth Farms Limited, Moniya, Ibadan, Nigeria. The experiments were laid down in a randomized complete block design with three replicates and data were collected on number of days to emergence, number of days to 50% flowering, number of branches per plant, pod length, pod width, number of pods per plant, plant height, pod weight, number of seeds per pod, number of ridges per pod, 100 seed weight, seed, and pod yield. The data were subjected to analysis of variance, heritability in the broad sense, principal component analysis as well as the single linkage cluster analysis. Results revealed significant (p <0.05) variation in the genotypes and high heritability estimates for most of the characters. Number of branches per plant, plant height, number of pods per plant accounted for the highest contributor to variations in the accessions while clustering analysis revealed genotypes; NGB00303, NGB00342 and NGB00346 were distant from all genotypes making them useful materials for hybridization studies.

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Heat Stress Effect on the Grain Yield of Three Drought-Tolerant Maize Varieties under Varying Growth Conditions

Plants ◽

10.3390/plants10081532 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (8) ◽

pp. 1532

Author(s):

Uchechukwu Paschal Chukwudi ◽

Funso Raphael Kutu ◽

Sydney Mavengahama

Keyword(s):

Heat Stress ◽

Grain Yield ◽

Maize Yield ◽

Growth Conditions ◽

Grain Weight ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Stress Effect ◽

Grain Number ◽

Drought Tolerant ◽

Maize Varieties

A rise in global temperature will reduce maize yield, particularly in Africa, where maize is a staple food. Therefore, improving maize yield under heat stress will promote food security in the region. The objective of this study was to assess the influence of heat stress on the grain yield of drought-tolerant maize varieties under varied growth conditions. The experimental design used was a 2 × 3 × 3 × 2 factorial fitted into a completely randomized design with four replications. The factors were heat stress, maize variety, soil amendment, and soil type. The results showed a better yield from sandy clay loam over loamy sand soil. Varieties WE5323 and ZM1523 amended with poultry manure gave the best yield under the non-heat and heat-stressed environments, respectively. Heat stress reduced the cob weight, grain weight, grain number, and stover dry weight by 64, 73, 69, and 23%, respectively. Grain number, grain weight, and cob weight were the most informative yield attributes in this study and should be considered in a maize selection program. The ranking for the maize varieties was WE5323 > ZM1523 > WE3128. Drought-tolerant maize varieties can be useful in heat stress mitigation. This information is useful for the simulation of maize yields for heat stress-prone areas in Sub-Saharan Africa.

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The variability of grain yield, seed morphometric and vigour traits of early maturing hybrid maize

Journal of Agricultural Sciences Belgrade ◽

10.2298/jas2102105o ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 66 (2) ◽

pp. 105-119

Author(s):

Dotun Ogunniyan ◽

Johnson Adetumbi ◽

Julius Olasoji ◽

Solomon Makinde

Keyword(s):

Grain Yield ◽

Block Design ◽

Correlation Coefficients ◽

Principal Component ◽

Morphometric Traits ◽

Seed Vigour ◽

Maize Varieties ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Early Maturing ◽

Hybrid Maize

Breeding for yield and quality requires the assessment of the seed metrics and vigour traits. This study, therefore, assessed the variability and inter-dependence of grain yield (GY), seed morphometric and vigour traits in hybrid maize. Seeds of 75 early maturing hybrid maize varieties were evaluated for morphometric traits and quality in four replicates. A field trial laid out in a randomised complete block design with three replicates was also conducted in Ibadan, Nigeria, to determine the grain yield of the hybrids. Data collected on the GY, seed dimension and quality were subjected to analysis of variance. The least significant difference was used to separate means. Relationships among the GY, seed morphometric and vigour traits were determined using correlation coefficients, while principal component (PC) analysis was performed for variability among the hybrids. Significant differences (P<0.001) were found in the GY, seed dimension and vigour traits. Four of the nine highest yielding hybrids had ECT higher than 30.0 ?sg-1 cm-1. The GY correlated with seed diameter (SDT) (0.40**), seed width (SWD) (0.36**), seed length (SLG) (0.35**), seed area (SAR) (0.30**) and seed vigour (SVI) (0.30**). The SAG correlated with SDT, SLG, seed thickness (STH) and SAR. All the seed vigour traits correlated with one another. The PC I explained GY, SDT, SWD, SLG, SAR and SVI, indicating their importance in GY improvement. Seed angle, length and diameter were versatile in maize varietal selection. Identified high yielding hybrids with seed morphometric and vigour qualities can be explored by seed companies as innovation in the seed production business.

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Field Performance of Improved Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) Varieties under Rainfed Condition of Bangladesh

Asian Journal of Advances in Agricultural Research ◽

10.9734/ajaar/2021/v17i130186 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 16-24

Author(s):

Md. Sarwar Jahan ◽

S. M. Abdullah-Al-Mamun

Keyword(s):

Harvest Index ◽

Block Design ◽

Field Performance ◽

Sesamum Indicum ◽

Yield Attributes ◽

Rainfed Condition ◽

Yield Parameters ◽

Research Findings ◽

Biological Yield ◽

Almost All

In Bangladesh, sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) production is attributed to low yield of the local cultivars with an indeterminate growth habit, uneven ripening of capsules, seed shattering, susceptibility to waterlogging and lack of adequate research findings. A field experiment was conducted in the Dr. Purnendu Gain Field Laboratory, Agrotechnology Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna to study the yield performance of some improved sesame varieties under rainfed conditions of Bangladesh. Six varieties of sesame viz. T6, Batiaghata local Til, Bina Til-1, BARI Til-2, BARI Til-3 and BARI Til-4 were evaluated in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Data were collected on various yield parameters during harvest. Almost all the yield attributes were found higher in BARI Til-4 and Batiaghata Local Til except capsule length (BINA Til-1 possessed the longest capsules). These two varieties were recorded extra branches per plant (7.07 and 6.93), more number of capsules per plant (89.15 and 84.60), higher number of seeds per capsule (84.79 and 80.20) and higher harvest index (25.46 and 24.49%). The values mentioned in the parentheses did not differ significantly. As expected from the results, BARI Til-4 and Batiaghata Local Til produced statistically similar seed yields on unit area basis (1.29 and 1.13 t ha-1). Seed yield (g plant-1 as well as t ha-1) was well correlated with dry matter (g plant-1), biological yield (t ha-1) and harvest index (%) as revealed by simple regression analyses. Based on the findings of the study, the variety BARI Til-4 and Batiaghata Local Til may be recommended for cultivation in Khulna region under rainfed condition as it showed better performance in terms of yield parameters.

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Comparative Effects of Two Manure Types and Their Combinations on Growth and Yield of Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus (Thunb) Matsum and Nakai) in Nsukka, Southeast Nigeria

Asian Journal of Advances in Agricultural Research ◽

10.9734/ajaar/2021/v17i230193 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 30-41

Author(s):

I. N. Ezeh ◽

U. N. Ukwu ◽

D. A. Uzoigwe

Keyword(s):

Citrullus Lanatus ◽

Block Design ◽

Poultry Manure ◽

Principal Component ◽

Fruit Yield ◽

Growth And Yield ◽

Pig Manure ◽

Yield Attributes ◽

Significant Difference ◽

High Level

Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus (Thunb) Matsum and Nakai) is a high value fruit vegetable that has gained significant importance in Nigeria following the high level of satisfaction derived from its consumption, and the growing awareness of its nutritional and health benefits. However, its production has been limited to northern Nigeria with resultant increase in price of the crop. This study therefore assessed the growth and fruit yield of watermelon as influenced by pig and poultry manure rates during the 2020 late planting season (September to December). The experiment was a 3 × 3 factorial in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Three levels of pig (Pg) and poultry (Pt) manures at 0, 5, and 10 t/ha constitutes the factors A and B, respectively. Data were collected on growth and yield attributes, and were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) at p≤0.05, and principal component analysis (PCA) using GenStat discovery 10.3 edition. Correlation analysis was done using IBM SPSS (version 23) [1]. The results showed significant difference (p<0.05) for sole application of varying levels of pig and poultry manures as well as their combinations. For sole application of pig manure, Pg5 gave significantly higher fruit yield (129.2 t/ha) compared to Pg10, and Pg0 (86.8 and 43.8 t/ha, respectively) while Pt10 (109.1 t/ha) outperformed Pt5 and Pt0 (92.1 and 58.5 t/ha, respectively) for sole application of poultry manure. Combination of Pg5 + Pt10 gave the best result for fruit yield (174.4 t/ha) and is thus recommended for watermelon production in Nsukka.

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