Background: The study aimed to evaluate the effects of silicic acid on the biochemical characteristics of various okra varieties, including GAO 5, Pusa Sawani, AOL 1022 and Arka Anamika, during the Kharif season at Anand Agricultural University. The experiment was conducted using a factorial randomized block design (FRBD) with three replications. Silicic acid was applied as a foliar treatment at different intervals (15, 30 and 45 days after germination) to examine its impact on moisture content, total phenols, mucilage, antioxidant activities, chlorophyll, carotenoids and flavonoids. 
 
Methods: Demonstrated that the GAO 5 variety consistently outperformed others in all measured biochemical traits. The early-stage application of silicic acid (T2) significantly enhanced moisture content, total phenols and antioxidant activities. Specifically, GAO 5 exhibited the highest moisture content (92.13%), phenol content (0.79%) and antioxidant activity (0.88%). Additionally, silicic acid application improved chlorophyll levels, with GAO 5 showing the highest content (1.98 mg/g) and flavonoid accumulation, particularly in the early vegetative stage. 
 
Result: The study also noted that the interaction between varieties and treatments was significant for most traits, indicating variability in the response to silicic acid. The findings suggest that silicic acid, especially when applied early, can significantly enhance the nutritional quality and antioxidant properties of okra. This highlights the potential of silicic acid as a valuable foliar treatment to improve okra&rsquo;s biochemical composition, contributing to increased agricultural productivity and better crop quality.

Impact of Silicic Acid on the Biochemical Properties of Okra Varieties

Background: Okra production is constrained by whiteflies and flea beetles attack and the associated respective Okra yellow vein mosaic virus [OYMV] and Okra mosaic virus [OMV] diseases. The predominant control of pests and diseases using synthetic agrochemicals poses health and environmental risks. 
 
Methods: The efficacy of leaf extracts from Neem, Jathropha and Lemon grass as safer biopesticides in the control of whitefly and flea beetle populations was evaluated by insect count. The incidence and severity of OMV and OYVMV in the three okra varieties, F1 Kirene, F1 Sahari and Asuntem, were also assessed and confirmed by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). 
 
Result: Neem extract significantly (p&lt;0.05) reduced the mean incidence (21.84%) of the viral diseases than Lemon grass extract (25.28%), Jathropha extract (25.44%) and the Control (28.89%). In vitro confirmation using ELISA revealed that majority (86.67%) of the treatment combinations showed single infection of OMV while 13.33% was mixed-infection of OMV and OYVMV. In terms of yield levels, Neem extract treatment (144.81 kg/ha) yielded significantly higher than Jathropha extract (139.06 kg/ha), Lemon grass extract (115.75 kg/ha) and the Control (94.02 kg/ha).

Evaluation of the Efficacy of Three Plant Crude Extracts for the Management of Major Insect Vectors on Different Okra Varieties in Ghana

Background: Silicon (Si) is recognized as a multifunctional element that enhances plant tolerance and improves resistance against insect pests and diseases. Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.), commonly known as lady&rsquo;s finger or gumbo, is highly susceptible to several pests, particularly the root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita), a major pathogen affecting crops of the Malvaceae family. Understanding the molecular defense mechanisms involved in silicon-mediated resistance is essential for improving crop protection strategies. 
 
Methods: Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was employed to analyze gene expression patterns in okra under nematode stress and silicon treatment. Reference genes were used for endogenous normalization to ensure accurate relative quantification of target genes. The expression levels of defense-related genes-PAL (Phenylalanine ammonia-lyase), CAD (Cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase) and CHS (Chalcone synthase)-as well as silicon transporter genes Lsi1 and Lsi2, were evaluated under disease and treatment conditions. 
 
Result: Gene expression analysis revealed significant upregulation of PAL, CAD and CHS under nematode-infected conditions, indicating activation of plant defense responses. In contrast, Lsi1 and Lsi2 showed increased expression following silicic acid treatment. The results demonstrate that silicon amendment induces a primed defense response in okra roots, enhancing resistance against root-knot nematodes. Silicon-induced resistance was strongly associated with the activation of key defense-related genes during nematode infection. 
&nbsp;

qRT-PCR Analysis of Silicon-induced Defense Genes in Okra Varieties under Root-knot Nematode Stress

<div>Background: Maize (Zea mays L.) is the most important staple food in the lowland of North Shewa, Ethiopia. However, the crop is less researched in this area. Thus, the objective of this study was to assess the performance of improved open pollinated variety maize with the participation of farmers&rsquo; using their selection criteria for cultivation in the lowland areas of North Shewa. 
 
Methods: Fourteen open pollinated maize varieties including local were evaluated in the lowland of Eastern Amhara at Eferatana Gedim district, Yimlo research station in 2016 and 2017 main cropping season. The experiment was conducted in randomized complete block design (RCBD) in three replications. Five agronomic and yield traits were collected in both cropping years. In addition, maize small holder farmers were participated to evaluate and score varieties using the matrix ranking method based on the farmers&rsquo; selection attributes. 
 
Result: The combined analysis of variance across years showed that highly significant (p&lt;0.01) difference for days to anthesis, grain yield. The highest grain yield was obtained from Melkassa-4 (5243 kg/ha) and Melkasa-2 (5115 kg/ha) while the lowest yield was recorded from Rare-1 (3294 kg/ha). The overall yielding ability of Melkasa-4 was higher as compared with the tested varieties. In addition, this variety was highly appreciated by maize farmers in both cropping years. Based on farmer&rsquo;s selection and yield potential, therefore, Melkassa-4 has recommended for the lowlands of North Shewa and similar agro ecologies in Ethiopia. Support is needed to scale-up and deliver such improved variety through involving farmers in the selection and dissemination of varieties that are adapted to their needs, as it incurred income, good in crop rotation and animal feed.</div>

Participatory Variety Selection of Maize (Zea mays L.) Varieties in the Low Lands of Eastern Amhara, Ethiopia

Background: Varieties identification is essential for protecting seeds sold to farmers from counterfeiting. Currently, the grow-out test (GOT) is used for varieties identification. This test is constrained by its long assessment, environmental dependency and subjective nature. Alternative test/tests are needed. This study aimed to determine the utility of microsatellite markers as a complement to GOT in varieties identification. 
&nbsp; 
Methods: In this study, six varieties of commercial maize hybrids released in Tanzania, herein coded as H1, H2, H3, H5, H6 and H9, were selected as candidates. For morphological evaluation, a field experiment was laid out in a complete randomized block design, followed by the collection of phenotypic data. The qualitative data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA in SPSS v.20 software, while qualitative data were summarized in a frequency distribution table. On the other hand, by conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR), seven microsatellite markers were used to fingerprint the varieties. The PCR results were manually scored and transferred to GenAIEX v.6.5 and DARwin v.6. software for genetic distance and clustering analysis, respectively. 
&nbsp; 
Result: Quantitative data showed significant variation in all the tested varieties at p&lt;0.05, whereas 15 qualitative traits out of 21 showed phenotypic variations among the tested varieties. Furthermore, two microsatellite markers, namely phi080 and umc1071, out of the seven markers used in this study, proved useful in the fast and timely identification of two varieties (H1 and H2) out of six varieties. Nei&rsquo;s genetic distance ranged from zero to four; the highest measure of genetic distance was observed in H1, followed by H2 and the least measure was observed in both of the four varieties. Neighbor Joining clustered the varieties into three different populations that distinguished each of H1 and H2 from the rest of the four varieties. This study shows that microsatellite markers are a promising complement to GOT in varietal identification.

Assessment of Microsatellite Markers for Varieties Identification: A Case of Six Varieties of Maize Hybrids Sold in Tanzania

<div style="text-align: justify;">Foliar epidermal features of thirty accessions of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) &nbsp;were studied with the aim of using these features to identify them in the vegetative stage during hybridization experiments. Quantitative and qualitative micromorphological characters, distribution of both glandular and eglandular foliar trichomes in thirty accessions of okra were characterized. An indumentum of variable &nbsp;density and texture formed &nbsp;of wide variety of glandular and eglandular trichomes on both surfaces of leaves. Among the thirty accessions of &nbsp;okra studied, both glandular &nbsp;and eglandular foliar trichomes showed considerable diversity in their qualitative and quantitative micro morphological characters. Diversity of these epidermal appendages is separated into eight main types. Eglandular conical type trichomes were the most abundant on both leaf surfaces of all the accessions examined. Accessions like &nbsp;Pusasawani and &nbsp;IC-117251 could be demarked due to the occurance of stellate trichomes. Forked type was delimited to accessions like Arkaanamika, IC-99746, IC-111514 &nbsp;and &nbsp;IC-111517. These variations in morphology and distribution of the foliar trichomes emerged as an important tool to identify the diverse accessions of okra during breeding programme.</div>

Study on diversity of foliar trichomes in thirty accessions of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench.)

<div>Background: Light is one of the environmental factors that greatly affect the growth and yield of crops in general, including soybean plants. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of shade on yield and yield components of soybean varieties. 
 
Methods: The research method was a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The first factor was the kind of variety which consisted of two levels, i.e., Dena I and Anjasmara. The second factor was the level of shading, which consisted of four levels, i.e., 0, 10-20, 20-30 and 30-40%. 
 
Result: The results showed that shade decreased the number of filled pods, dry pod weight per plant, 100 seeds weight and seed yield ha-1. As the shade increases, the lower the yield and component of soybean yields increases. The decrease in seed yield ha-1 of Dena I variety at 10-20, 20-30 and 30-40% shade was 22, 14 and 50%, respectively, while the Anjasmara variety was 9, 49 and 59%. Shade decreases yields and yield components of Dena I and Anjasmara varieties. In the higher level of shade, the yield reduction will increase.</div>

Soybean Varieties Respond to the Shade of Teak Trees

<div>Background:&nbsp;Indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers causes&rsquo; harmful impact on soil, environment and human being, hence demand of organic food products has shot up recently. Organic farming aims to optimization of crop productivity rather than its maximization through renewal and strengthening of ecological processes and functions of whole ecosystem. Limited varieties information is available on long term performance of pulse crop varieties under organic cultivation system so far. Therefore, this experiment was conducted to investigate the growth and yield performance of green gram varieties under organic production system. 
 
Methods: Eight varieties of green gram were studied under organic production system. Experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications. The recommended dose of nutrients for green gram is 15:40:00 kg ha-1 and manures were applied on nitrogen equivalent basis through organic sources. The observations on growth and yield parameters of green gram were recorded at the time of harvesting. Soil and plant samples were collected at time of harvest and analyzed for available nutrients in soil and nutrient content in seed samples. 
 
Result: The maximum plant height at harvest (62.47cm), number of primary branches per plant (5.18), number of pods per plant (27.27), number of seeds per pod (11.27) with highest seed yield (809.80 kg ha-1) exhibited by variety MUM-2 followed by RMG-975 (802.47 kg ha-1) and lowest seed yield (617.80 kg ha-1) was found in the variety MSG-118. MUM-2 variety recorded highest plant nutrient status as compared to other varieties. Among eight varieties of green gram MUM-2 and RMG-975 found better for organic farming in terms of growth, seed yield and quality aspects.</div>

Performance of Green Gram Varieties under Organic Production System

<div>Background: Okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench.] is a nutrient-rich vegetable crop widely grown in the tropics and sub-tropics mainly for its edible pods. The haploid technique has been used in plant breeding for the improvements of plants and to develop new varieties in relatively a short time. Hence, we have optimized several factors such as plant growth regulators (PGR), sucrose concentration, cold treatment, type of media and culture conditions for callus induction from the anther and ovary of okra (557&nbsp; F1 hybrid). 
 
Methods: The flower buds of different sizes were collected to determine various stages of development and then subjected to cold pre-treatments. The explants were then cultured on various combinations of PGRs i.e., naphthyloxy acetic (NOA), Indole acetic acid (IAA), 2, 4-Dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2, 4-D), Benzyl amino purine (BAP), isopentenyl adenine 2iP, Kinetin (KIN) and Thidiazuron (TDZ). 
&nbsp;</div>

<div>Result: The optimum developmental stage of microspore for callus initiation was achieved from flower buds of okra and its size was about 11 mm long. Flower buds that emerged one week after the flowering showed significantly higher percentage of callus induction. The optimum stage for ovary and ovule culture were one or two days prior to anthesis and the flower buds stage was 35&plusmn;1mm. In conclusion, our study investigated the effect of several factors that affects callus induction in okra and optimized cultured conditions for future haploid development for okra.</div>

Factors Affecting Callus Induction from Anther and Ovary of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.)

<div>Background: Pulses are wonderful gift of the nature to agriculture. They provide nutrition to human beings and animals as food and feed respectively. Among the pulses, chickpea is an important rabi season crop with high acceptability and wider use in nutritional food basket. A field experiment was carried out on medium black calcareous soil at Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh, Gujarat during rabi season 2017-18 under saurastra condition to evaluate agronomic biofortification of zinc in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) varieties through seed, soil and foliar application. 
 
Methods: The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design with three replications. The treatment combinations comprised two varieties viz., GG 1 (V1) and GJG 3 (V2) and six zinc fortification treatments viz., control, seed treatment ZnSO4 @ 3 g kg-1 seed, 0.5% ZnSO4 foliar spray, seed treatment ZnSO4 @ 3g kg-1 seed + 0.5% ZnSO4 foliar spray, soil application ZnSO4 @ 25 kg ha-1 and soil application ZnSO4 @ 25 kg ha-1 + 0.5% ZnSO4 foliar spray. The chickpea was grown with standard package of practices. 
 
Result: The results revealed that a significant improvement in 100-seed weight, seed yield, stover yield and biological yield were observed with chickpea variety GJG 3 over GG 1. Significantly higher numbers of pods per plant (45.83) was recorded with variety GG 1. Significantly, chickpea variety GJG 3 was found superior in zinc content and uptake in seed and stover. Under agronomic strategy, zinc fortification through soil application ZnSO4 @ 25 kg ha-1 + 0.5% ZnSO4 foliar spray at flowering and pod filling stages significantly improved yield attribute and yield viz., pods per plant (55.17), seed yield (2288 kg ha-1) and stover yield (3553 kg&nbsp; ha-1) and quality parameters viz., protein content in seed (22.89%) and protein yield (523 kg ha-1), zinc content and uptake in seed and stover (45.98 and 37.51 ppm and 104.87 and 133.35 g ha-1, respectively) over all other zinc biofortification treatments.</div>