Genetic variation among biofortified and late blight tolerant potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) (mini tuber) production in Bangladesh

Biofortified potato could contribute a major role in food security for millions of people. It could help to alleviate worldwide micronutrient malnutrition. An experiment was carried out during 2019-2020 growing season with 49 accessions following randomized complete block design with three replications in order to evaluate and classify agro-morphological traits in Breeder seed production centre (BSPC), Debiganj, Panchagarh. Eight quantitative characters i.e. germination percent, foliage coverage, stem number per hill, plant height, plant vigor, tuber number per plant, tuber weight per plant, yield per plant were measured. Principal components (PC) analysis showed three components explained 72.16 % of the total variation among traits. The first PC assigned 35.22 % and the second PC assigned 58.47 % of total variation between traits. The first PC was more related to yield per plant and weight of tuber. Forty-nine germplasm was placed on three cluster based on cluster analysis using a hierarchical classification (HCA). All accessions were discriminated and high morphological variation was observed. Thus, the outcomes of principal component analysis used in the study have revealed the high level of genetic variation and the traits contributing to the variation were identified. CIP403, CIP404, CIP405, CIP413 and CIP445 accessions identified as superior based on cluster relationship and PCA bi-plot.

Efficiency of selection of self-fertile sunflower biotypes in production of foundation and breeder seeds

The researches were conducted on fields of OOO NPO “Triumph”, the Matveevo-Kurgansky district of Rostov region and V.S. Pustovoit All-Russian Research Institute of Oil Crops, Krasnodar in 2017–2020. The purpose of the research was to develop methodology of selection of self-fertile sunflower genotypes in foundation and breeder seed production. Our work resulted in development of improved population Dobrynya plus. Middle self-fertility of this population at self-pollination was 13.7% vs. 5.2% of the initial variety (increased by 2.6 times), a ratio of the most valuable genotypes with amount of fully formed seeds more than 150 seeds per a plant increased from 13.5 to 26.4% (by 1.9 times). At the open flowering and free insect pollination, population Dobrynya plus does not differ by its economically valuable traits from the initial variety. But at the close flowering, without insects pollination, yield of the population Dobrynya plus was 0.93 t per ha vs. 0.52 t per ha of the initial variety (increase by 1.8 times). At selection of elite seeds from sunflower varietal populations for seed growing, the most perspective are the biotypes with high level of self-fertility which traits are held stable in the different environments. Improvement of sunflower variety by 11 self-fertility does not lead to decreasing of its yield qualities by the main economically valuable traits. The obtained experimental data prove a prospectivity of researches directed on improvement of sunflower variety populations by self-fertility at production of foundation and breeder seeds and possibility to reach successful results.

Governments and Farmers' Preference toward True Shallot Seed Institution Model in Indonesia

Management of True Seed of Shallot (TSS) production is an important part of supporting Indonesia shallot seed availability. It should involve various parties such as governments, privates, and shallot farmers to guarantee TSS quality and quantity of TSS. The study aims to identify governments' and farmers' preferences toward TSS institutional model in Indonesia. The study was undertaken in East Java from March to August 2016. Twenty-eight respondents from around East Java were purposively selected. Four options of the institution model of shallot seed were offered. The data was analyzed using the Analytical Hierarchy Process. The result showed that the preferred institution model for TSS by the respondents was the first option. In the model, Indonesian Vegetables Research Institute provided the high quality of shallot bulb seed and produced TSS for Breeder Seed. Meanwhile, other Indonesian government seed bodies/private generated bulb seed for Breeder Seed. Then, the University/Assessment Institute of Agricultural Technology/private produced TSS and bulb seed for Foundation Seed.Furthermore, selected shallot breeders produced TSS and bulb seed for Stock Seed and Extension Seed. The model could solve shallot seed quality and quantity problems' as it engaged the competent institutions. Therefore, the model could be recommended for TSS production nationally.

Improvement of Genetic Purity of Breeder Seed by Introducing Line Cultivation Method for Myanmar’s Major Rice Cultivars

Aims: Since the genetic purity of rice seed significantly affects paddy yield and quality, many rice production countries have been attempting to improve seed quality. This study aimed to demonstrate the effectiveness of breeder seed production using line cultivation to ensure traceability of ancestral information by line and individual selection, to improve the genetic purity of breeder seed in Myanmar that has been degraded due to pedigree mixtures. Study Design: Observational and analytic study design was used to evaluate the effect of the introduction of line cultivation method in practical activities of breeder seed production in Myanmar under the project for improvement of seed purity of breeder seed. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Agricultural Research at Yezin, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation, Myanmar, from June 2012 to December 2016. Methodology: Using nine major rice cultivars in Myanmar, the line cultivation method was evaluated through measurement of the standard deviation and the variance component ratio in heading date, culm length, panicle length, and panicle number from 2012 to 2016. DNA polymorphism analysis by simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers was also conducted using breeder seed of the Sinthukha variety multiplied in 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016 for the evaluation. Results: Standard deviations of heading date, culm length, panicle length and panicle number in 2016 were significantly decreased compared to the first year of the introduction of the line cultivation method. Average heading duration among sister lines of all varieties was reduced from 8.25 days in 2013 to 5.25 days in 2016, and the uniformity of heading time among sister lines was improved. The variance component ratio of each trait in 2016 was the highest since 2013. The analysis of breeder seed by SSR markers revealed that the DNA polymorphism ratio of Sinthukha seed in 2016 was lower than that of 2013. This demonstrated that Sinthukha seed in 2016 had improved genetic purity. Consequently, it is considered that other cultivars multiplied by the line cultivation method have improved their genetic purity as well. Conclusion: Line cultivation is an effective method to improve genetic purity and maintain genetic stability of the breeder seed in Myanmar’s rice cultivars. Genetically pure breeder seed would improve quality of downstream seed such as certified seed. Consequently, it is expected that productivity and quality of rice will be improved thus income of farmers will increase.

Assessing area, production and return with rice varieties of NRRI, Cuttack

The ICAR-National Rice Research Institute (NRRI), Cuttack in Odisha develops varieties and agro-technologies for enhancing and sustaining rice production. The Institute so far has released 133 high-yielding varieties of rice for various ecosystems. Some of the varieties have been very popular among the farmers and even became ruling varieties in some states. However, there are no reports on the area covered by NRRI varieties and its impact on incremental gain in farm income. In the present study, area covered by NRRI varieties in the country during 2017-18 was estimated based on the amount of quality seeds provided to the farmers through various ways: breeder seed indent to the DAC; breeder seed and truthfully-labeled seed supplied by the NRRI farm; participatory seed production by NRRI; seed distributed in various programmes and projects of the Institute; front-line demonstrations and on-farm testing; seed of NRRI varieties supplied by the private entrepreneurs and disseminated from farmers to farmers etc. A validation exercise was conducted to cross-check the estimated areas under NRRI varieties. The analysis showed that currently NRRI varieties cover about 8.0 million ha (Mha) i.e., 18% of rice area of the country. West Bengal has the largest area of 2.26 Mha, followed by Odisha with 2.18 Mha. Total production of rice with NRRI varieties is 27.80 million tons (Mt) with the value of Rs.48,643 crores per annum. Further, incremental production and income with NRRI varieties considering 5% more than the existing popular varieties is estimated to be 1.39 Mt and Rs.2,432 crores per annum, respectively. Over the years, indents of breeder seed (BS) of NRRI varieties have increased considerably indicating growing popularities of NRRI varieties among the farmers in different states.

Assessing area, production and return with rice varieties of NRRI, Cuttack

The ICAR-National Rice Research Institute (NRRI), Cuttack in Odisha develops varieties and agro-technologies for enhancing and sustaining rice production. The Institute so far has released 133 high-yielding varieties of rice for various ecosystems. Some of the varieties have been very popular among the farmers and even became ruling varieties in some states. However, there are no reports on the area covered by NRRI varieties and its impact on incremental gain in farm income. In the present study, area covered by NRRI varieties in the country during 2017-18 was estimated based on the amount of quality seeds provided to the farmers through various ways: breeder seed indent to the DAC; breeder seed and truthfully-labeled seed supplied by the NRRI farm; participatory seed production by NRRI; seed distributed in various programmes and projects of the Institute; front-line demonstrations and on-farm testing; seed of NRRI varieties supplied by the private entrepreneurs and disseminated from farmers to farmers etc. A validation exercise was conducted to cross-check the estimated areas under NRRI varieties. The analysis showed that currently NRRI varieties cover about 8.0 million ha (Mha) i.e., 18% of rice area of the country. West Bengal has the largest area of 2.26 Mha, followed by Odisha with 2.18 Mha. Total production of rice with NRRI varieties is 27.80 million tons (Mt) with the value of Rs.48,643 crores per annum. Further, incremental production and income with NRRI varieties considering 5% more than the existing popular varieties is estimated to be 1.39 Mt and Rs.2,432 crores per annum, respectively. Over the years, indents of breeder seed (BS) of NRRI varieties have increased considerably indicating growing popularities of NRRI varieties among the farmers in different states.

Penentuan Pilihan Model Kelembagaan untuk Pengembangan Perbenihan Bawang Merah Melalui True Shallot Seed di Jawa Timur (Choice Determination of Institutional model for Seed Development of Shallot through True Shallot Seed System in East Java)

<p>Penggunaan biji true shallot seed (TSS) telah diperkenalkan sebagai salah satu alternatif penyediaan benih bawang merah yang sehat dan berkualitas tinggi yang tersedia dalam jumlah yang cukup bagi petani sepanjang tahun. Penggunaan TSS diharapkan dapat mengatasi persoalan kuantitas dan kualitas bawang merah konsumsi serta perbenihan bawang merah di Indonesia. Pembentukan kelembagaan yang tepat perlu dibangun sejalan dengan pengembangan TSS. Pembentukan kelembagaan yang baik dan kuat dapat menghasilkan teknologi inovatif yang tepat dan menjamin ketersediaan benih TSS dalam jangka panjang. Tujuan penelitian yaitu mengetahui model pilihan kelembagaan stakeholder (pemangku kepentingan) untuk mendukung pengembangan sistem perbenihan TSS bawang merah di Jawa Timur. Survei dilaksanakan pada bulan Maret hingga Agustus 2016 di Jawa Timur melalui interview kepada 35 responden. Analisis data dilakukan menggunakan konsep Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) dengan program statistik Super Decisions. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa opsi kelembagaan yang dipilih oleh responden untuk pengembangan perbenihan bawang merah TSS di Jawa Timur adalah opsi 1. Di opsi 1, Balitsa dan BPTP berperan memproduksi TSS kelas jenis Benih Penjenis (BS) dari umbi varietas bawang merah unggul dan memberikan delegasi legalitas/lisensi kepada BBI/BBU/BBH/SWASTA untuk memproduksi/memperbanyak Benih Umbi kelas benih BS. Berikutnya, Perguruan Tinggi (PT)/BPTP/SWASTA menghasilkan TSS dan umbi benih untuk kelas Benih Dasar (BD). Selanjutnya penangkar terpilih memproduksi TSS dan umbi benih kelas Benih Pokok (BP) dan Benih Sebar (BR). Benih Sebar ditanam oleh petani untuk memproduksi umbi bawang merah konsumsi. Produksi TSS-BP, benih umbi BP, TSS-BR, dan benih umbi BR diawasi dan didampingi oleh BPTP.</p><p><strong>Keywords</strong></p><p>Analisis hirarkhi proses (AHP); Benih botani bawang merah; Model kelembagaan; Perbenihan bawang merah</p><p><strong>Abstract</strong></p><p>The use of true shallot seed (TSS) has been promoted as an alternative method to obtain healthy and high quality shallot seed that supposed to be adequately available for farmers along the year. The use of TSS is expected to be able of solving quantity and quality problems of shallot table consumption and shallot seed in Indonesia. A functioning institutional setting should be established in line with the development of TSS. The establisment of good and strong institutional could generate innovative appropriate technologies and ensure the availability of TSS in a long term. The objective of this study was to investigate the stakeholders’ choice of some institutional models to support the development of TSS shallot seed system in East Java. A survey was conducted from March to August 2016 to collect data by interviewing 35 respondents. Data were analysed by employing the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) concept and using Super Decisions statistical program. Results indicates that an institutional setting selected by respondents to support the development of TSS shallot seed system in East Java is described in the first option. The first option suggests that Indonesian Vegetables Research Institute (IVEGRI) and Assessment Institute for Agricultural Technology (AIAT) have the role of producing TSS for Breeder Seed class (BS) from high quality shallot bulbs and providing legality delegation or license to BBI/BBU/BBH (Indonesian government seed institutions)/Private in producing/multiplying seed bulbs of BS class. Afterward, the University/AIAT/Private will produce TSS and seed bulbs for Foundation Seed class (FS). Furthermore, selected shallot seed growers will produce TSS and seed bulbs for Stock Seed class (SS) and Extension Seed class (ES). The ES will be used by farmers to produce shallot bulbs for table consumption. Production of FS-TSS, FS-seed bulbs, ES-TSS, and ES-seed bulbs will be monitored and supervised by AIAT.</p>

AAC Glenview sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifoila subsp. viciifolia)

AAC Glenview sainfoin, tested as LRC 4342, was developed by the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) Lethbridge Research and Development Centre, Lethbridge, Alberta. This cultivar was derived from parental clones selected for improved forage yield in mixed stands with alfalfa under grazing and regrowth after grazing. When grown under irrigated and rainfed conditions in western Canada, Glenview out yielded Nova (check) by 21% in pure stands over 37 location–years and 19% in mixed stands with alfalfa over 17 location–years. This cultivar flowers and matures about 8 d earlier than Nova and has slightly larger seed than Nova (24.7 g 1000 seeds−1 vs 20 g 1000 seeds−1). It can be grown for hay and pasture in pure stands but Glenview is well suited for mixed sainfoin–alfalfa stands. Breeder seed for the cultivar will be produced by AAFC and the multiplication and distribution rights were awarded to Monarch Feeders Ltd., Monarch, AB, Canada.

Effect of seed coating, storage periods and storage containers on soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) seed quality under ambient conditions

Soybean seed is classified as “poor storer” as it loses viability under warm and humid conditions and is invaded by storage fungi. The seed of soybean variety PS 1347, obtained from Breeder Seed Production Centre, G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar was used for storage study. Root length (cm), shoot length (cm), seedling fresh weight (g) and seedling dry weight (g) decreases with the increase in seed storage periods. Out of all chemical treatments, Flowable thiram @ 2.4 ml/kg (T2) and Polymer + vitavax 200 @ 2g/kg seed (T5) were found effective to maintain Seedling root length, shoot length, seedling fresh weight and seedling dry weight by producing vigorous seedlings. Seeds stored in cloth bags exhibited higher seed infection than in seed stored in polythene bags, irrespective of seed treatment and period of storage. Treatment T4 (Vitavax 200 @ 2 g/kg seed)and T5(Polymer + vitavax 200 @ 2 g/kg seed) exhibited minimum percent seed infection of Aspergillus flavus. Cloth bag was not found safe for longer storage of soybean seeds under ambient storage at Pantnagar.