Background: In a genetic breeding program, understanding the viability of pollen germination and pollen tube growth is an essential factor for artificial hybridization. Currently, little is known about the influence of sucrose, boric acid concentrations and calcium chloride on pollen viability in alfalfa. This study is valuable for providing information about pollen germination requirements to support further improvement of artificial pollination and breeding programs in alfalfa.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: The single-factor experimental and an orthogonal design method (L16 [4]3) was used to compare the effectiveness of key factors (e.g., concentrations of sucrose, boric acid and calcium chloride) to determine the pollen vigor of Medicago varia Martin. &lsquo;Caoyuan No.1&rsquo;and M. ruthenica L. Trautv. &lsquo;zhilixing&rsquo; and to optimize the culture medium for in vitro pollen germination. Four different varieties were chosen to compare the diurnal variation of pollen vigor.&nbsp; 
 
Result: The four factors that influenced pollen germination in Medicago varia Martin. &lsquo;Caoyuan No.1&rsquo;and M. ruthenica L. Trautv. &lsquo;zhilixing&rsquo; in order of significance are as follows: sucrose &gt; H3BO3 &gt; CaCl2. These variables influenced pollen tube growth in the following order: sucrose &gt; H3BO3 &gt; CaCl2. The optimal culture medium for promoting pollen vigor of Medicago varia Martin.&lsquo;Caoyuan No.1&rsquo; was 10% sucrose, 300 mon/L H3BO3 and 100 mon/L CaCl2; that of M. ruthenica L. Trautv. &lsquo;zhilixing&rsquo; was 10% sucrose, 200 mon/L H3BO3&nbsp; and 50 mon/L CaCl2. Among several species of alfalfa, &lsquo;Caoyuan No.1&rsquo; shows the highest pollen vigor and the daily pollen activity curves of all varieties showed a single peak type.

Influence of Sucrose, Boric Acid and Calcium Chloride on in vitro Pollen Germination and Tube Elongation of Alfalfa

<div>Brinjal is one of the most popular, nutritional and vegetable crops in the world. It plays a vital role in the national economy as a cash crop. Tissue culture techniques used for in-vitro plant regeneration through cotyledon explants of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) with different combinations of plant growth hormones BAP (4.44, 6.66, 8.88, 11.10 and 13.32&micro;M) and IAA (0.57, 1.14 and 1.71&micro;M) used for in-vitro regeneration of brinjal. The cotyledon explants used in this study, the highest callus induction found on BAP 8.88 &micro;M and IAA 1.14 &micro;M. The callus induction occurred after 15days from initiation, shoot induction occurred after 30 days from initiation and shoot elongation was carried out on the same medium, shoot elongation occurred after 45 days from initiation. MS hormone-free medium found best for root regeneration, the elongated shoots were selected and transferred to a test tube containing MS hormone-free rooting medium and the elongated shoots produce roots after 15 days. Then the rooted plantlets were transferred to poly-cup with a pre-sterilized mixture of coco peat for primary hardening under poly-tunnel for 10days. Subsequently, there generated plantlets acclimatized under the greenhouse. Then, hardened plants transferred to the open field for further development. This plant regeneration method can be useful for the production of the disease-free plant.</div>

<div>In-vitro Callus Induction and Regeneration of Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) through Cotyledon</div>

Background: Edible films prepared solely from glucomannan exhibit several limitations, including low mechanical strength, poor resistance to water vapor and the absence of antibacterial properties, which restrict their potential application as edible film materials. This study aims to investigate the influence of arabic gum and citronella oil additions to enhancing the physical characteristics of glucomannan-based edible films. 
 
Methods: The characteristics of the edible film tested include water solubility, water vapor transmission rate, tensile strength, elongation at break, film microstructure and antibacterial activity. 
 
Result: The edible films obtained with varying concentrations of arabic gum and citronella oil exhibited water solubility values ranging from 53.04% to 72.06%, water vapor transmission rates between 0.0015 and 0.0035 g/h&middot;m&sup2;, tensile strength values from 40.83 to 90.56 N/m&sup2; and elongation at break values ranging from 11.11% to 21.11%. This study revealed a decrease in the water vapor transmission rate, tensile strength and elongation of the edible film, along with an increase in water solubility as the concentration of arabic gum was increased. This study also found a decrease in the water solubility, water vapor transmission rate and tensile strength of the glucomannan-based edible film, accompanied by an increase in elongation with the addition of higher concentrations of citronella oil. The antibacterial test results showed that the edible film samples exhibited moderate inhibition against E. coli (inhibition zone diameter of 10.5 mm) and mild inhibition against S. aureus (inhibition zone diameter of 8.23 mm).

Physical and Antioxidant Properties of Porang Glucomannan-based Edible Film with the Addition of Arabic Gum and Citronella Oil

Background: The Achilles tendon (tendo calcaneus communis) is a critical structure for movement, transmitting force from muscle contraction to the skeletal system. Understanding its biomechanical and histological properties is essential for veterinary medicine, biomechanics and tendon injury research. While previous studies have examined Achilles tendon adaptation in various species, limited research has compared the structural and functional differences between right and left tendons. This study aims to analyze and compare the biomechanical properties of right and left Achilles tendons in rabbits, focusing on tensile strength, elongation and stiffness. 
 
Methods: Six adult, healthy male New Zealand rabbits were used in this study. A total of 12 Achilles tendons (both right and left) were dissected and analyzed. Biomechanical testing was performed using a SHIMADZU AG-X 50 kN Autograph device, measuring failure force, elongation and stiffness. Additionally, histological analysis was conducted using Crossman&rsquo;s triple staining technique to examine structural differences between the tendons. 
 
Result: The results indicated that right Achilles tendon exhibited significantly higher tensile strength than left tendon. The mean failure force for right tendons was 408.53 N, while left tendon had a lower mean failure force of 337.45 N. Similarly, right tendon showed greater elongation and stiffness, suggesting higher mechanical resilience. These findings align with previous research on tendon adaptation to mechanical stress and provide insights into functional differences between tendon structures. This study highlights the biomechanical asymmetry of Achilles tendons in rabbits, which may be relevant for tendon rehabilitation strategies and experimental tendon models.

Structural and Functional Evaluation of Achilles Tendons in Rabbits: A Biomechanical Perspective

Background: Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a predominant staple food across the globe, supplying approximately 50% of daily calories in several countries based on its high proteins, starches, fibers, carbohydrates, vitamins and mineral contents. The study aimed to investigate the role and application method of phosphorus fertilizer and its impact on the growth and yield traits of two wheat cultivars (Baghdad and Babel) grown under desert conditions (Triticum aestivum L.). 
&nbsp; 
Methods: A field trial was implemented in the Al-Lehais region, located approximately 125 km west of the Basra Governorate Center, during the 2023-24 and 2024-25 growing seasons. Phosphate fertilizer was applied in three ways: soil application, foliar spray and a combination of soil application and foliar spray. Mono-ammonium phosphate (MAP 62% P2O5) fertilizer was applied at four levels: (0, 30, 60 and 90 kg P/ha for soil application and mixed application with foliar spraying and (0, 10, 20 and 30) kg P/ha for foliar spraying. For soil application, half the fertilizer was applied at planting and the other half was as a foliar spray in two equal doses during the elongation and flowering stages. For foliar spraying, the fertilizer dose was divided into three equal doses applied during the tillering, elongation and flowering stages. The crop growth rate from elongation to full maturity, total plant dry weight, phosphorus uptake at full maturity and fertilizer use efficiency were studied. 
&nbsp; 
Result: The results showed significant differences in the studied traits (crop growth rate, dry weight, amount of phosphorus absorbed, phosphorus utilization efficiency and grain yield) among the application methods. The foliar application method was superior to the other application methods, even though the amount applied by spraying was only one-third of the amount applied by soil application and the combined soil and spray application methods. Increasing phosphorus levels generally improved growth parameters and most measured traits. The Baghdad cultivar exhibited superior performance across all growth parameters and application methods.

Phosphorus Spraying to Enhance Wheat Productivity in Desert Areas (Triticum aestivum L.)

<div>Background: Heart is the principal organ of circulatory system that pumps blood into the blood vessels and performs many vital functions. Studies on its development before birth of utmost important to safeguard the animal from the occurrence and consequences of various developmental anomalies. The ultrastructural details of ventricular architecture of heart especially in pre-natal sheep has not yet been reported. &nbsp;&nbsp; 
 
Methods: The collected foeti of sheep were divided into three age groups viz. early prenatal (up to 50 days), mid prenatal (51-100 days) and late prenatal (101 to 150 days). The samples from ventricles were processed for scanning electron microscopic study and subsequently, the samples were viewed and the photographs were taken in the facility available at Central Instrumentation Facility (CIF), OUAT, Bhubaneswar. The measurements of various parameters of ventricles were also taken at the ultrastructural level. The recorded data were subjected to routine statistical analysis. &nbsp;&nbsp; 
 
Result: It was observed that the endocardium of the ventricles consisted of a simple squamous epithelium. The endothelial cells were elongated in shape and arranged linearly on the surface of ventricles in 33 days prenatal non-descript sheep. The boundaries among the endothelial cells were indistinct in this age group. There was presence of pores among the endothelial cells on the surface of the ventricles. In late prenatal period, the endothelial cells of the ventricles became elongated in shape. The subendocardial layer consisted of connective tissue fibers and conducting purkinje fibers, which were quite predominant in the late prenatal period, i.e. at the age of 120 days of gestation. The endocardial fibers were distinctly coiled around the endothelial cells of the ventricles in this age group. The myocardium comprised of cylindrical and highly branched cardiac muscle fibers with pores all over the surface of the myocardium of the ventricles. Each muscle bundle in the myocardium consisted of muscle fibers extending parallel to each other longitudinally and that these fibers made collateral connections with each other in some regions. The papillary muscles were ridge like structures projecting into the lumen of the ventricles of heart. The chordae tendinae connected the papillary muscles and the bicuspid and tricuspid valves. The endothelial surface of the chordae tendinae consisted of elongated endothelial cells with pores among them. The pores of various sizes were arranged linearly in patches on the endothelial surface of the chordae tendinae of the ventricles especially in the late prenatal period, i.e. at about 105 days of gestation. &nbsp; &nbsp;</div>

<div>Scanning Electron Microscopic Studies on the Ventricular Architecture of Pre-natal Non-descript Sheep</div>

Environmental concerns over disposal of nonrenewable food packaging materials contributed to renewed interest in development of edible coating &amp; films. Meat is one of the most nutrient rich food items and is therefore, highly perishable item due to a considerable microbial load and its autolytic degradation. Edible films and coatings extend the shelf life of foods and others by acting as barriers and also as carriers of substances to inhibit pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms. So, it was proposed to develop edible film as primary packaging material and LDPE film as secondary packaging material for luncheon chicken slices to protect from environmental hazards. The present study revealed 2% carboxy-methyl-cellulose (CMC) best suited for the preparation of edible film on the basis of parameters like elongation ability, film solubility and transparency. As in the cases of 1% and 1.5% levels of carboxy-methyl-cellulose (CMC) film, although they were superior in film solubility and elongation ability, it was difficult to wrap meat products with that due to their poor mechanical property.

Selection of biopolymers to develop a biodegradable and edible&nbsp;film for packaging of luncheon chicken meat slices

Background: Plastic packaging significantly contributes to environmental waste, highlighting the need for biodegradable alternatives like edible films. This study investigates the effect of butterfly pea flower (Clitoria ternatea) extract, recognized for its antioxidant properties, alongside different concentrations of sorbitol as a plasticiser, on the mechanical, chemical andsensory attributes of edible films used for beef sausage coatings. 
 
Methods: The study employed a non-factorial randomized block design to evaluate eight treatment combinations of sorbitol concentrations (10% and 14% v/v) and Butterfly Pea flower extract levels (0, 4%, 6% and8% v/v). The product&rsquo;s chemical and mechanical properties were assessed through tests such as antioxidant activity, moisture content, pH, thickness, elongation and tensile strength. Statistical analysis using ANOVA, Tukey, friedman methods and de garmo index identified significant differences in formulations. 
 
Result: The optimal treatment involved a combination of T2S2 treatment, comprising 4% butterfly pea flower extract and 14% sorbitol. The parameters recorded were as follows: antioxidant activity 148.83 ppm, moisture content 12.47%, thickness 0.178 mm, elongation 34.15%, tensile strength 0.0071 MPa, pH 7.5, color rating 3.56 (neutral), taste 4 (like), texture 3.52 (neutral) andaroma 3.64 (neutral). Thus, the distinct formulation in this study produces a&nbsp; biodegradable film layer rich in antioxidants that has applications in sustainable food packaging.

Characteristics and Application of Edible Film from Durian Seed-corn Starch with Butterfly Pea Flower Extract

<div>Background:&nbsp;Forty two crosses involving seven lines and six testers were studied for economically important yield contributing and quality traits to test the magnitude of genetic components and diversity. Formulation of efficient breeding methodology is possible by targeting the genetic architecture of genotypes. 
 
Methods:&nbsp;The systematic breeding programme involves generating genetic variability besides sorting off the diverse genotypes and utilizing the extreme phenotypes for producing stable varieties. Genetic diversity helps to achieve the greater continuum of genetic variability in segregating populations to reach for ideal selection of progenies. Heritability and genetic advance are other important selection parameters for retrieving better genotype through selection. 
 
Result:&nbsp;Significant differences in analysis of variance were recorded for all the traits. The results signified the greater value of phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) than genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) and environment coefficient of variation (ECV) pertaining to the test traits studied. Among agronomical characters, the GCV and PCV were reported to be in higher estimate for number of productive tillers per plant, number of grains per panicle, single plant yield and among quality characters for gelatinization temperature (GT), length breadth (LB) ratio, gel consistency and amylose content. The present study adverted that among the yield and grain quality characters viz., number of productive tillers, number of grains per panicle, single plant yield, plant height, 1000 grain weight, milling percentage and grain length could be easily inherited to next generation due to high heritability. Whereas breadth elongation ratio and linear elongation ratio are influenced by environmental factors due to their low heritability. Further, the number of productive tillers, number of grains per panicle, single plant yield, plant height, Gel consistency and amylose content exhibited higher PCV, GCV, heritability and genetic advance and hence direct selection can be made for target traits.</div>

Elucidation of Genetic Parameters Controlling Yield and Quality Traits in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Background: Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is a high-quality legume forage. Phosphorus (P) is essential for plant productivity. Approximately half of global arable soils exhibit available-P deficiency, constraining plants growth and yield. This study aimed to explore how hormones mediate the responses of alfalfa to phosphate starvation. 
&nbsp; 
Methods: We studied the morphological and physiological changes alfalfa (Zhongmu No.3) seedlings treated with auxin, ethylene and gibberellin under conditions of phosphate deficiency. 20-day-old alfalfa seedlings were exposed to varying concentrations of hormones in Hoagland solution. Changes in root morphology, photosynthesis, physiological characters and the levels of phosphate starvation induced (PSI) genes expression were monitored. 
&nbsp; 
Result: IAA stimulated lateral-root growth (1.16-fold vs. control), up-regulated the organic phosphate transporter (PHT1-4) and purple acid phosphatase (PAP23) and inhibited primary-root elongation. Ethylene promoted the growth of root hairs and 10 &mu;M aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) increased the elongation of roots and their surface area.1 &mu;M ACC boosted shoot and root acid phosphatase activity and up-regulated 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate oxidase (ACO), whereas 5 &mu;M gibberellin A3 (GA3) promoted stem and leaf growth, increasing stem diameter by 16.10% and leaf area by 36.90%, while elevating sulfoquinovosyl diacylglycerol (SQD2) content and DELLA expression. There was a strong negative correlation (-0.79) between the plant height and root-to-shoot ratio and a positive correlation (0.62) between the number of lateral roots and the activity of acid phosphatase (ACP) in the roots. The most effective concentrations of hormones was 1 &mu;M ACC, which enhanced the plant height, stem diameter, lateral root formation, chlorophyll biosynthesis and nitrogen content and induced the levels of expression of PSI and key genes in hormone signaling. 
&nbsp;

Influence of Sucrose, Boric Acid and Calcium Chloride on in vitro Pollen Germination and Tube Elongation of Alfalfa

In-vitro Callus Induction and Regeneration of Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) through Cotyledon

Physical and Antioxidant Properties of Porang Glucomannan-based Edible Film with the Addition of Arabic Gum and Citronella Oil

Structural and Functional Evaluation of Achilles Tendons in Rabbits: A Biomechanical Perspective

Phosphorus Spraying to Enhance Wheat Productivity in Desert Areas (Triticum aestivum L.)

Scanning Electron Microscopic Studies on the Ventricular Architecture of Pre-natal Non-descript Sheep

Selection of biopolymers to develop a biodegradable and edible film for packaging of luncheon chicken meat slices

Characteristics and Application of Edible Film from Durian Seed-corn Starch with Butterfly Pea Flower Extract

Elucidation of Genetic Parameters Controlling Yield and Quality Traits in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Effect of Exogenous Hormones on the Growth of Alfalfa Seedlings under Phosphate Starvation Stress