Nutritional Characterization of a Traditional Cultivar of Tomato Grown Under Organic Conditions—cv. “Malacara”

The loss of genetic diversity due to the replacement of local tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) varieties by improved cultivars has been mitigated in many cases by the good work of organic farmers in maintaining local agricultural biodiversity. In parallel to these initiatives, in recent years, consumers have developed an increasing awareness of both food-related health, environmental issues, and food demand to recover the flavors of the past. In the case of tomatoes, these attributes (nutritional, organoleptic, social, and environmental) are closely related to organic production using local varieties. “Malacara” tomato is an example of a local variety. Coming from Sierra de Cádiz, it is a varietal type called “Cuelga” (“for hanging,” because the tomato trusses are hung from beams in the farmhouses). Cultivated and harvested in the open air during the summer months, these tomatoes are commercialized and consumed in the winter. Historically, this variety has enabled the fresh consumption of tomatoes during the winter, without the need to force cultivation. It is highly appreciated in the local cuisine and is the basis for sauces figuring in typical dishes. Its characteristic traits are small, pallid fruits, and long shelf life. The main objective of this work has been to typify two Malacara tomato cultivars (red and yellow color) grown under organic farming conditions, through the characterization of morphological, nutritional, and volatile parameters. The main differences are due to morphological parameters (fruit weight and color of the exocarp and endocarp). Other characteristics such as the content of ash, fiber, moisture, the concentration of iron, magnesium, and calcium, and content of lycopene are different between both cultivars. This study provides information on the nutritional and aromatic composition of two Malacara tomato cultivars, differentiated by their color and grown under organic farming conditions. The results add value to the native horticultural heritage and can aid in the selection of tomato varieties suitable for a sustainable production system and to produce tomatoes with high nutritional value and rich in aroma.

Development of an Efficient In vitro Regeneration Protocol for Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat)

An efficient and rapid in vitro regeneration protocol was developed for chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat) using two local varieties of Bangladesh namely, BARI Chrysanthemum-2 (BARI Chry-2) and local yellow (Y). MS medium supplemented with nine different concentrations and combinations of BAP and IAA was employed to optimize regeneration protocol using young in vitro derived leaf explants. Direct organogenesis was observed from the leaf explants on MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/l BAP and 2.0 mg/l IAA (T6) for both the varieties. This treatment (T6) induced shoot buds directly on the adaxial surface of the leaf providing the highest regeneration percentage (90% for BARI Chry-2 and 94.73% for Y), the highest number of shoot/explant (7.6 for BARI Chry-2 and 8.6 for Y) and maximum length of the shoot after six weeks (3 cm for BARI Chry-2 and 2.9 cm for Y) of culture. Explants with initially regenerated shoots were subculture on hormone free MS medium for shoot elongation after 4 weeks of their inoculation. During elongation of shoots, 90-95% of the regenerated shoots produced roots spontaneously in hormone free MS medium within 7-8 weeks of their inoculation. Rooted plantlets were transplanted to the field following hardening where 100% plantlets were survived and produced flower without any variation. Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 31(2): 161-171, 2021 (December)

​Impact of Cluster Front Line Demonstrations on Productivity and Economics of Lentil (Lens culinaris L.), Chickpea (Cicer aeritinum L.) and Field Pea (Pisum sativum L.) in Old Alluvial Zone of Malda, West Bengal, India

Background: There are significant gaps in yields of pulses among potential, demonstration and farmers’ plots in West Bengal. This is mostly due to adoption of traditional local varieties and poor cultivation practices. Methods: The yield, technology and extension gaps were studied on improved varieties of lentil, chickpea and field pea during rabi seasons of 2017/18-2020/21 in 80 hectare area of Malda, West Bengal with 205 farmers. Result: The highest and lowest magnitude of technology index (TI) was observed in field pea var. IPFD-10-12 (44.5%) during 2018/19 and in lentil var. KL-320 (30.1%) during 2020/21. Among lentil varieties, the highest benefit cost ratio was obtained from KL-320 (2.87) whereas in case of chickpea, it was obtained from NBEG-49 (2.90). For field pea var. IPFD-10-12 the benefit cost ratio was 2.70. Maximum and minimum extension yield gaps were observed in field pea var. IPFD-10-12 (451 kg ha-1) during 2018/19 and in lentil var. IPL-406 (145 kg ha-1) during 2018/19. Overall assessment reflects lentil var. KL-320, chickpea variety NBEG-49 and field pea variety IPFD-10-12 have good potentiality and most suitable for this region. So, it is hypothesized that improved farm technology has enormous potential to scale up pulse productivity through cluster front line demonstration (CFLD).

Genetic polymorphism of local Abkhazian grape cultivars

Local grape cultivars from different countries of the world are an important part of the gene pool of this culture. Of particular interest are the genotypes of the most ancient regions of viticulture. The territories of the subtropical zone of Georgia and the central part of Abkhazia belong to one of the centers of origin of the cultural grapevine. The purpose of the work was to genotype native Abkhazian grape cultivars, to study their genetic diversity based on DNA profiling data and to compare them with the genotypes of local varieties of other viticultural regions. Samples of plants were taken on the territory of the Republic of Abkhazia in private farmsteads and in the collection of the agricultural firm “Vina i Vody Abkhazii“ (“Wines and Waters of Abkhazia”). The genotyping of the Abkhazian cultivars Avasirhva, Agbizh, Azhapsh, Azhizhkvakva, Azhikvaca, Atvizh, Atyrkuazh, Achkykazh, Kachich was carried out using 14 DNA markers, 9 of which are standard microsatellite markers recommended for the identification of grape varieties. To improve our knowledge about the sizes of the identified alleles, we used the DNA of grape cultivars with a known allelic composition at the analyzed loci. Statistical analysis of the data showed that the observed heterozygosity for the analyzed loci exceeded expected values, which indicates a genetic polymorphism of the studied sample of varieties. Evaluation of genetic similarity within the analyzed group based on the results of genotyping at 14 loci showed that the cultivars Kachich and Azhapsh differed from the other Abkhazian varieties. The obtained DNA profiles of the Abkhazian cultivars were checked for compliance with DNA-fingerprints of grape varieties in the Vitis International Variety Catalogue. The Georgian varieties Azhizhkvakva and Tsitska turned out to be synonyms according to DNA profiles, two varieties from the Database (Italian Albana bianca and Georgian Ojaleshi) have differences in DNA-fingerprints from the varieties Atyrkuazh and Azhikvatsa only in one allele, respectively. When comparing the identified Abkhazian grape genotypes, their difference from the sample of Dagestan, Don, Greek, Turkish, Italian, Spanish, and French varieties and genetic similarity with the genotypes of Georgian grapes were shown.

The role of some chemical transactions in the germination of seeds of some salt-stressed pepper genotypes: دور بعض المعاملات الكيميائية في إنبات بذور بعض طرز الفليفلة الخاضعة للإجهاد الملحي

This research was carried out at Sweida Research Center/ General commission for Scientific Agricultural Research/ Syria during 2020. Seven pepper genotypes were used; five local varieties (10496, 10743, Aleppo pepper, thick sweet pepper and deer horn pepper) and two lines (129 and 110). This research aimed to determining the effect of seed priming treatments in enhancing the tolerance of pepper to salt stress during germination stage. Seeds were divided into four groups, the first group was treated with distilled water, the second with NaCl (50 mM), the third with poly ethylene glycol 6000 (PEG) (16.7 mM) and the fourth with sorbitol (250mM). Seeds were exposed after drying to several NaCl levels (0, 2, 4, 6 gl-1), in addition to untreated control for each genotype. Germination percentage, vigor and speed indicators were recorded. The research was conducted according to a completely random design, and data were analyzed by two way ANOVA at 0.01 significant level. In this research, studied genotypes showed different behavior according to the treatments and salinity levels. The results indicated that the treatments of PEG and sorbitol were superior for the studied indicators in most genotypes, especially at the low levels of salinity. In addition, the salinity and water treatments for most genotypes did not cause an increase in the values ​​of the studied indicators. Depending on these results, it is advisable to treat pepper seeds before sowing with sorbitol or PEG when the salinity level is low.

Peeling Affects the Nutritional Properties of Carrot Genotypes

Peeling may result in changes in carrot’s nutritional properties; therefore, the present study focused on its effect on the retention of principal nutrients (minerals, sugars, organic acids) and antioxidants (carotenoids and phenols) in the peeled roots of two landraces (‘Carota a punta lunga’—CPL and ‘Carota a punta tonda’—CPT) and a hybrid cultivar (‘Presto’) grown in the area of the “Salterns of Margherita di Savoia” area (Puglia region). The peel had a higher concentration of cations (+92%), organic acids (+103%), carotenoids (+42%), and phenolic acids (seven times) than root flesh. For each chemical class, the most abundant components were K, malic acid, ß-carotene, and chlorogenic acid, respectively. The two landraces stand out for the accumulation of the phenolic acids and ß-carotene, whereas the peel of ‘Presto’ was distinguished by the concentration of Ca and ascorbic and pyruvic acids. The root flesh had a greater accumulation of simple sugars, nitrate (mainly in CPL), oxalic acid, and in particular in the flesh of ‘Presto’, of Na and Cl. For local varieties, peel removal seems to impact the nutritional and antioxidative properties of carrots more consistently compared to the advanced cultivar, since it represents on average 21% and 59% of the total carotenoids and phenols, respectively, of the intact roots.

Morphological and Genetic Characterization of Local Maize Accessions from Emilia Romagna Region, Italy

Italian maize germplasm is particularly rich in local materials and each region is characterized by the presence of peculiar local varieties deriving from centuries of adaptation, selection and cultivation. While the introduction of hybrids, during the 1950s, led to the disappearing of many of these varieties, some have been maintained in cultivation by farmers, frequently in marginal areas, as a kind of family heritage. Local varieties were identified throughout field surveys carried out in recent years. The discovery of a traditional popcorn variety over the most common flint and semi-flint materials used for production of polenta was interesting. Since these varieties have never been adequately described and reported in scientific literature, this study was aimed to solve this lack of knowledge on recently discovered local maize populations. Characterization represents the first step of a process focused on the preservation and possible exploitation of important genetic resources. Traditional materials are a useful reservoir of genes for adaptation to local conditions and climate changes. Adequate breeding programs can use such germplasm for developing new and more resilient varieties. These local materials have been characterized at the morphological level highlighting plant, ear and kernel differences. Genetic characterization, carried out on 455 individuals by the use of 10 SSR markers, revealed 62 different alleles ranging from four for markers phi127, phi076 and phi084 to nine for marker p-bnlg176. The landraces are well distinguishable at genetic level since 40% of genetic variability is present among accessions. Five landraces are characterized by the presence of private alleles and heterozygosity levels are generally good. These findings support the possibility to correctly preserve local materials through in situ conservation. Phylogenetic analysis evidenced the presence of varietal clusters, the clearest one formed by three red-pigmented accessions. STRUCTURE analysis revealed that five landraces have a well-defined genetic attribution while the remaining two (EMR04-Mais Rosso di Rasora and EMR10-Mais del Principe di Scavolino) are both constituted by two different backgrounds.

Assessment of the level of allelic polymorphism of SSR markers and genetic distances of some grape varieties of the South of Russia of different ecological-geographical groups

Представлены результаты оценки генетического разнообразия 24 местных сортов юга России, поддерживаемых на ампелографической коллекции ФГБУН «ВННИИВиВ «Магарач». ДНК-типирование сортов и оценка аллельного разнообразия выполнено с использованием 9 ядерных (nSSR) и 3 хлоропластных (cpSSR) микросателлитных локусов. Уровень полиморфизма nSSR локусов составил 100 %. Всего было идентифицировано 73 аллеля, в среднем 9.1 аллеля /локус. Минимальное количество аллелей идентифицировано в локусах ssrVrZAG64 и ssrZag83. Наибольшее количество аллелей выявлено в локусе ssrVvUCH29 (13 аллелей), диапазон размера которых составил 203 п.н. - 309 п.н. В результате анализа полиморфизма сpSSR-локусов идентифицировано 4 хлоротипа: А, В, С, D. Наиболее распростанен в группе изученных сортов хлоротип D (58 %). В статье обсуждается происхождение сортов на основе анализа их гаплотипов. По результатами анализа аллельного полиморфизма nSSR-локусов рассчитана матрица генетических дистанций, значения которой находились в диапазоне 0,33-0,94, построена дендрограмма, отражающая взаимоотношения между образцами. По степени генетического сходства выделились 3 основных кластера, в которых наблюдалась дифференциация или тенденция к дифференциации по эколого-географическим группам. The assessment results of genetic diversity of 24 local varieties of the South of Russia, maintained in the ampelographic collection of the FSBSI Institute Magarach are presented. DNA typing of cultivars and assessment of allelic diversity was performed using 9 nuclear (nSSR) and 3 chloroplast (cpSSR) microsatellite loci. The level of polymorphism of nSSR loci was 100%. A total of 73 alleles were identified with an average of 9.1 alleles per locus. The minimal number of alleles was observed in the ssrVrZAG64 and ssrZag83 loci. The biggest number of alleles was found in the ssrVvUCH29 locus (13 alleles), the size range of which was 203 bp-309 bp. As a result of polymorphism analysis of cpSSR loci, 4 chlorotypes were identified: A, B, C, D. Chlorotype D is the most widespread in the group of the studied cultivars (58%). The article discusses the origin of varieties based on the analysis of their haplotypes. Based on the results of the analysis of allelic polymorphism of nSSR loci, a matrix of genetic distances was calculated, the values of which were in the range of 0.33-0.94, and a dendrogram, reflecting the relationship between the samples, was constructed. According to the degree of genetic similarity, 3 main clusters were distinguished, in which differentiation or a tendency towards differentiation by ecological-geographical groups was observed.

PERBEDAAN KADAR ANTOSIANIN UBI UNGU SEGAR DAN TEPUNG UBI UNGU VARIETAS LOKAL DAN ANTIN 3 PADA BEBERAPA ALAT PENGERINGAN

Background: Purple sweet potato is one of the local Asian food ingredients known as "people's food". Purple sweet potato is rich in anthocyanins which function as antioxidants and immunonutrients. In addition to being widely used as food or traditional snacks, purple sweet potato can be used as a functional food ingredient rich in anthocyanins. For example, purple sweet potato flour can be used as an essential ingredient for processed foods.Objectives: To analyze differences in anthocyanin levels in fresh purple sweet potato local varieties of Gunung Kawi and Antin 3 and purple sweet potato flour with different drying tools.Methods: This research consist of two research stages. The first phase analyzes differences in anthocyanin content in fresh purple sweet potatoes local varieties of Gunung Kawi and Antin 3 with a RAL research design (Completely Randomized Design) 3 repetitions. Then, the second stage of the research used a one-shot case study with 3 treatment groups: drying with an electric oven, cabinet dryer, and food dehydrator. Anthocyanin levels were tested using the UV-Vis spectrophotometry method. Differences in fresh purple sweet potato anthocyanins were analyzed using an independent t-test. Meanwhile, the different anthocyanin levels of purple sweet potato flour were analyzed using one-way ANOVA.Results: The first stage of the study showed that the anthocyanin content of fresh purple sweet potato Antin 3 was seven times higher than that of Gunung Kawi (53.94±25.6 v.s 7.59±2.4 mg/100 g) with p=0.036. The second stage of the study, showed no statistically significant difference in anthocyanin levels (p = 0.066) in 3 different drying equipment.Conclusion: Antin 3 purple sweet potato variety is purple sweet potato with the highest anthocyanin content. The purple sweet potato flour was dried with 3 different drying tools, resulting in anthocyanin levels that were not significantly different.Keywords: Anthocyanin; Gunung Kawi local purple sweet potato; Antin 3 purple sweet potato; Purple sweet potato flour; Drying equipment

Study on some features of water exchange of local varieties of hard wheat

This article discusses the main physiological indicators of water exchange in winter wheat varieties Makus-3, Istiklal and Istiklal-20. There were revealed indicators of daily and residual water deficit of leaves, as well as the water potential of leaves.As you are aware, drought resistance of plants depends on a number of factors. In particular, it is largely determined by the biological characteristics of plants.In this regard, the identification of the features of the physiological processes of the water regime and the associated metabolic processes that determine the resistance to drought in various varieties and hybrids of wheat is of great interest not only in scientific but also in practical terms, because the research results can be used to develop recommendations for selection of source forms for breeding work. We have studied a number of indicators of the water regime of local varieties of winter wheat -Istiklal, Istiklal-20 and Makus-3. The research was carried out on plants grown under the conditions of vegetation and field experiments in the phases of booting, earing, flowering and waxy ripeness.