Analysis of varietal diversity, decorativeness and peculiarities of growth and development of cultivars Dahlia cultorum Thorsrud & Reisaeter in the collection of the biostationary of Bila Tserkva NAU

Aim. In order to identify promising cultivars of Dahlia cultorum for use in landscaping in Kyiv region, the analysis of the system of qualitative and quantitative indicators of cultivars of dahlias, the peculiarities of their growth and development in the absence of irrigation is conducted. Methods. To analyze the diversity of Dahlia cultorum cultivars at the biostationary of Bila Tserkva NAU, the classification developed by the American Society of Dahlia (ADS classification) was used. The cultivar assortment of dahlias was studied according to the descriptions of the catalog of the company “SontseSad”, which transferred 108 cultivars of Dahlia cultorum to Bila Tserkva NAU biostationary in 2014. Phenological rhythms of growth and development of dahlias were studied according to the methods of B. K. Shybniev, H. D. Yurkevych, and D. S. Holod. The increment of dahlias was measured during the period of active growth, the size of the flower — during the period of its full opening with the help of a measuring ruler on 5 specimens of each cultivar every decade. Results. Based on the analysis of the varietal composition of Dahlia cultorum collection of dahlia cultivars of Bila Tserkva NAU biostationary, it was found that the largest number of 36% belongs to the cultivar group of decorative dahlias, 12% — to cactus, 7% — to spherical and 1% to pompoms and anemones. The mixed cultivar of dahlias is 43.4%, among them the most numerous group of dahlias with dissected leaves “Deer antlers” — 48%, “Karma” — 19%, pot — 12%, French collection — 21%. According to the color spectrum, the collection is dominated by dahlias of red color — 29%, pink — 19%, yellow and orange — 16% each, violet — 12%, white color — 6%. Two-color cultivars amount to only 2%. Observations show that in May–June, due to the long and dry period and the lack of artificial irrigation, all cultivars of dahlias at Bila Tserkva NAU biostationary were marked by very slow growth. As of July 15, the height of dahlia bushes averaged 30–50 cm, which was significantly less than the size presented in the catalog of the magazine “SontseSad”. Conclusions. The collection of dahlias at Bila Tserkva NAU biostationary includes 108 cultivars belonging to seven main cultivar groups, including 11 cultivars from the new French collection. Early in the first decade of July, the cultivars ‘Islande’, ‘Maki’, ‘Sir Alf Ramsay’, ‘Mingus Alex’, ‘Glorie van Heemstede’ begin to bloom. Latest of all, in August, cultivars ‘Babylon Rose’, ‘Amanda’, ‘Aitara Bronwyn’, ’Karma Gold’, ‘Gallery Rembrandt’, ‘Lilac Time’, and ‘Star Spectacle’ began flowering. It is established that the period from the appearance of the bud to the opening of the flower in dahlia cultivars lasts 25-30 days. The first buds appeared in early July, but their peduncles were very short and such flowers were not suitable for cutting. In fact, the blooming central flower itself was 5-10 cm lower than the second-order buds around it, and therefore had a limited view from the inflorescence, which led to a loss of decorativeness in the cultivars ‘Romance’, ‘Candlelight’, and “Karma Bon Bini”. The duration of flowering of one dahlia flower in different cultivars ranged from 5 to 17 days. The longest period of blooming of one flower is 14-17 days in ‘Autumn Fairy’, ‘Nagano’, ‘Idylle’, ‘Babylon Brons’, ‘Duet’ cultivars. The shortest blooming period of one flower is 5-7 days for ‘Ellen Huston’, ‘Champs Elysees’, ‘ThykiYori No Shisha’, ‘Aspen’ cultivars. Due to the high air temperature and the long rainless period, the peak of flowering of dahlias in the conditions of Bila Tserkva NAU biostationary was at the beginning of September.

The Survival of Pear Dormant Buds at Ultra-Low Temperatures

Currently, there is a varietal diversity decline in pear orchards of the Czech Republic. Thus, the safe storage of their gene pool collections is becoming increasingly important. Therefore, the ultra-low temperature survival after two-step cryopreservation treatment of dormant buds was tested for a safe and rapid way to conserve pear germplasm in a broader range of varieties. The following varieties crucial for cultivation in the Czech Republic were tested; ‘Amfora’, ‘Beurré Hardy’, ‘Bosc’, ‘Clapp’s Favourite’, ‘Conference’, ‘Dicolor’, ‘Erika’, ‘Lucas’, ‘Williams’ and ‘Williams Red’. In 2011 and 2012, dormant pear buds were dehydrated to 40.1% and 36.0% water content, respectively, before cryopreservation. The average regeneration of the dormant pear buds after cryopreservation by the two-step cryoprotocol in 2011 and 2012 was 54.3% and 16.1%, respectively. The mentioned cryopreservation procedure is suitable for the safe storage of dormant buds in most tested pear varieties.

Smallholder Farmer Engagement in Citizen Science for Varietal Diversification Enhances Adaptive Capacity and Productivity in Bihar, India

There is evidence that in many situations the use of a diverse set of two or more crop varieties in the field has benefits for production. The benefits of varietal diversification include lower crop disease incidence, higher productivity, and lower yield variability. Targeted interventions could increase varietal diversity where smallholder farmers lack the knowledge and access to seeds needed to diversify their varieties. Innovations based on crowdsourced citizen science make it possible to involve a large number of households in farmer participatory varietal selection. This study analyses varietal diversification in Bihar, India, focusing on the effects of the largest citizen science-based intervention to date, involving 25,000 farmers and 47,000 plots * seasons. The study examines if an increase in the varietal diversity of major staple crops, namely wheat and rice, under real farming conditions contributed to: (1) crop productivity and (2) the ability of households to recover from agricultural production shocks. We used the Rural Household Multi-Indicator Survey (RHoMIS) as a survey tool for rapid characterization of households and the sustainable rural livelihoods framework to understand the potential multiple interactions that are activated within the system by the intervention. We found that an increase in varietal diversification produced livelihood benefits in terms of crop productivity and the ability of households to recover from the occurrence agricultural shocks. Finally, outcomes highlight the effectiveness of development programmes aimed at strengthening rural livelihoods through participatory approaches and use of local crop varietal diversity.

Varietal Threat Index for Monitoring Crop Diversity on Farms in Five Agro-Ecological Regions in India

Our knowledge about the status of agrobiodiversity on farms is still very limited. While several studies to assess the crop genetic diversity on farms have been undertaken, there are no systematic documentation and monitoring practices for varietal diversity in space and time. Achievement of the agrobiodiversity Aichi Target 13, established under the Biodiversity Strategy Plan 2011–2020, have failed due to the lack of existing data on varietal diversity at country, regional and global levels. Here, we propose a method for calculating the Varietal Threat Index using the four-cell analysis (FCA) participatory methodology at different geographical scales to monitor changes in the varietal diversity on farms and to compare between areas. We tested the method with datasets collected from the UN-Environment GEF project implemented in India, in which data on crop and varietal diversity were collected across seven states in India, covering five agroecological regions. Results showed that landraces are still commonly grown in the study sites, especially in the central and western regions, and that more than 50% of landraces are considered threatened, suggesting that conservation interventions are required to prevent large-scale genetic erosion. A long-term monitoring framework for varietal diversity in India is proposed.

On Farm Varietal Diversity and Prevalence of Aspergillus Contamination of Groundnut (Arachis Hypogaea L.) in Major Production Areas of Oromia Region, Ethiopia

Background: Groundnut is one of the most valuable cash crops and food sources in low lands of Ethiopia. In spite of its food and economic importance, very few studies have been conducted yet on the factors that influence groundnut production including aflatoxigenic fungi in different socio-ecological conditions. Therefore, this study aimed at i) assessing groundnut varietal diversity ii) to determine the existing use values and management practices iii) to isolate and determine the prevalence of Aspergillus species associated with groundnut seed.Methods: Field data were collected using structured and semi-structured interviews from 144 general informants and 24 key-informants. 88 groundnut seed samples were collected from farmers’ fields for Aspergillus species isolation. Diversity of groundnut was analyzed using the Shannon diversity index. Frequency of Aspergillus contamination was determined using plate counting methods.Results: In the study areas, six varieties were grown with varying distribution. Shannon diversity indices ranged from 0.20 to 1.27 in warm sub-humid lowland and warm moist lowland agro-ecological zones, respectively. Of the four varieties observed in East Hararghe, oldhale was the most commonly grown variety (66% of groundnut growers), whereas farmers interviewed in East Wellega zone grow bure variety (87% of growers), due to greater drought tolerance and higher yields relative to other varieties. Results of the fungal species analysis showed infestation of groundnut seeds by A.niger, A. flavus, A. prasaticus and A. ochraceous. Of the four Aspergillus species, A. niger and A. flavus were the most prevalent, with frequency ranging from 17.8 to 37.5% and 14.4 to 32.5%, respectively. However, when we compare infection rates among varieties, we did not find statistically significant differences in the infection rates of different varieties collected from similar agroecology of the study area.Conclusion: Different varieties of groundnut were grown with varying distribution based on the farmers’ preference criteria in different socio-ecological zones of the study areas. Although these varieties vary in terms of morphological features and disease resistance, there is not sufficient evidence to conclude they are differentially resistant to Aspergillus infection. Therefore, further breeding for more varieties using farmer selection criteria in mind and research identify field management measures against Aspergillus will further increase groundnut production and hence income for resource poor farmers

Ethnobotanical study of pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata Duchesne) landraces in Benin

Background Pumpkin, Cucurbita moschata Duchesne, is important food resource due to their nutritional composition. Despite their food advantages, they still remain underutilized crops in Africa and particularly in Benin. No documented information is available on the knowledge of producers on the use, conservation and commercialization of Cucurbita moschata. The objectives of this study are to (i) collect various accessions of pumpkin on the basis of local taxonomic criteria in Benin; (ii) collect information on uses of pumpkin in Benin. To this end, an investigation was carried out in the departments of Couffo (Dogbo, Djakotomey, Klouékanme and Aplahoué) and Borgou (Parakou and N’dali). Methods One hundred twenty (120) farmers grouped into 06 different ethnic groups (Adja, Bariba, Bialy, Fon, Gourmantché and Zarma) were interviewed. Six pumpkin landraces were identified in 19 villages surveyed through systematic census of farmers supported by the snowball technique. Results Varietal diversity on a municipal level varied from two to four. Pumpkin was mainly cultivated by men and about 15% were cultivated in cultural association with maize, cassava, cowpea and groundnut. The harvested fruits were used for consumption, commercial, therapeutic and occult purposes. However, about 48% of producers have abandoned its production mainly due to production and marketing constraints. This abandonment could induce a risk of genetic erosion of this species. Thus, the conservation and an enhancement of the genetic resources of this species is essential. Conclusions This study made it possible to establish farmers’ knowledge on the utilization and production of pumpkin landraces, and identify the varietal diversity of Benin landraces of pumpkin.

On Farm Varietal Diversity and Prevalence of Aspergillus Contamination of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) in Major Production Areas of Oromia Region, Ethiopia

Background: Groundnut is one of the most valuable cash crops and food sources in low lands of Ethiopia. In spite of its food and economic importance, very few studies have been conducted yet on the factors that influence groundnut production includingaflatoxigenic fungi in different socio-ecological conditions. Therefore, this study aimed ati) assessing groundnut varietal diversity ii) to determine the existing use values and management practices iii) to isolate and determine the prevalence of Aspergillus species associated with groundnut seed.Methods: Field data were collected using structured and semi-structured interviews from 144 general informants and 24 key-informants. 88 groundnut seed samples were collected from farmers’ fields for Aspergillus species isolation. Diversity of groundnut was analyzed using the Shannon diversity index. Frequency of Aspergillus contamination was determined using plate counting methods.Results: In the study areas,six varieties were grown with varying distribution. Shannon diversity indices ranged from 0.20 to 1.27in warm sub-humid lowland and warm moist lowland agro-ecological zones, respectively. Of the four varieties observed in East Hararghe, oldhale was the most commonly grown variety (66% of groundnut growers), whereas farmers interviewed in East Wellega zone grow bure variety (87% of growers), due to greater drought tolerance and higher yields relative to other varieties. Results of the fungal species analysis showed infestation of groundnut seeds by A.niger, A. flavus, A. prasaticus and A. ochraceous. Of the four Aspergillus species, A. nigerand A. flavus were the most prevalent, with frequency ranging from 17.8 to 37.5% and 14.4 to 32.5%, respectively.However, when we compareinfection rates among varieties, we did not find statistically significant differences in the infection rates of different varieties collected from similar agroecology of the study area.Conclusion: Different varieties of groundnut weregrown with varying distribution based on the farmers’ preference criteria in different socio-ecological zones of the study areas. Although these varieties vary in terms of morphological features and disease resistance, there is not sufficient evidence to conclude they are differentially resistant to Aspergillus infection. Therefore, further breeding for more varieties using farmer selection criteria in mind and research identify field management measures against Aspergillus will further increase groundnut production and hence income for resource poor farmers

Prospects for the introduction of ornamental plants of the genus Sage (Salvia L.) to the Forest-Steppe of Ukraine

Purpose. Analysis of species and varietal diversity of the genus Salvia L. cultivated flora of the world, including Ukraine; prognostic assessment and determination of the directions of ornamental representatives of the genus introduction to the conditions of the Forest-steppe of Ukraine. Methods. Analysis and synthesis, comparison and generalization of information data, introduction forecast. Results. The modern assortment of the genus Salvia is presented in quantitative, taxonomic, arealogical and ecological-cenotic terms. Belonging of the species of the genus to 6 main centers of origin of cultivated plants was determined, and a significant diversity of life forms (nanophanerophytes, microphanerophytes, hamephites, hemicryptophytes, theophytes), naturally formed under the influence of factors determined by different geographical and ecological-phytocenotic conditions of plant growth was reflected. Species assortment of the genus Salvia from the collection fund of the M. M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine was analyzed in comparison with the collections of other Ukrainian botanical gardens. The list of decorative species of the collection, found in the natural flora of Ukraine, was given. Three groups of species have been identified by origin, what determines the conditions for plant cultivation in the Forest-Steppe of Ukraine. In terms of taxonomic structure, introduced sage species belong to eight (according to Bentham, 1833) out of twelve sections, which represent biomorphological diversity and confirm the high introduction potential of these plants. The species and interspecific hybrids most fully used in breeding work and represented by a significant varietal diversity were distinguished, as well as the sage assortment of the collection of ornamental plants of the NBG was presented. Conclusions. It has been revealed that the species and varietal diversity of the genus Salvia of the world cultivated flora has a significant introduction potential for the Forest-Steppe zone of Ukraine. It was determined that the main base for the introduction of the ornamental species of the genus Salvia in Ukraine is the collection of the M. M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. The main directions of further introduction and breeding work with representatives of the genus Salvia in the Forest-Steppe conditions of Ukraine were highlighted.

Faba Bean Variety Mixture Can Modulate Faba Bean–Wheat Intercrop Performance Under Water Limitation

Commercial legume varieties vary in terms of their drought tolerance when grown as sole crops, though relatively little is known about how legume variety selection affects cereal–legume intercrop performance under drought conditions. This study aims to test the hypothesis that positive rhizosphere interactions in faba bean–wheat intercrops will confer a “buffering capacity” on faba bean and wheat performance under water stress and that this effect will (i) depend on faba bean varietal selection and (ii) be enhanced with increasing faba bean varietal diversity. In a greenhouse experiment, three commercial faba bean (Vicia faba L.) varieties [Gloria (G), Alexia (A), Julia (J)] were grown in sole crop or intercropped with spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under well-watered or water-stress conditions. Under intercropping, either one, two, or all three faba bean varieties were grown together with wheat to test the effect of intraspecific diversity on a cereal–legume intercrop performance. Consistent with the proposed hypothesis, we found that, under well-watered and water-stress conditions, wheat and faba bean shoot biomass production and nitrogen (N) acquisition improved with intercropping and that faba bean variety and variety mixture strongly modulated the intercropping effect. Interestingly, in both well-watered and water-stress conditions, wheat dry biomass and N accumulation were greatest in intercrops containing Gloria, while nodule number, nodule weight, and N accumulation in faba bean were greatest for intercrops containing Alexia and Julia (AJ). The effect of varietal diversity was inconsistent. Intercrops with two faba bean varieties tended to have positive or neutral effects on measured wheat and faba bean variables. However, overall performance under intercropping was generally reduced when all three faba bean varieties were planted with wheat. The effect of faba bean species diversity can buffer faba bean–wheat intercrop performance against water stress, and intercropping tended to have positive or neutral effects on the measured wheat and faba bean variables, notably with two-varietal faba bean mixtures.