Challenges and Perspectives for Integrating Quinoa into the Agri-Food System.

Quinoa is a highly nutritious and abiotic stress-tolerant crop that can be used to ensure food security for the rapidly growing world population under changing climate conditions. Various experiments, based on morphology, phenology, physiology, and yield-related attributes, are being conducted across the globe to check its adoptability under stressful environmental conditions. High weed infestation, early stand establishment, photoperiod sensitivity, loss of seed viability after harvest, and heat stress during its reproductive stage are major constraints to its cultivation. The presence of saponin on its outer surface is also a significant restriction to its local consumption. Scientists are using modern breeding programs, such as participatory approaches, to understand and define breeding goals to promote quinoa adaptation under marginalized conditions. Despite its rich nutritional value, there is still a need to create awareness among people and industries about its nutritional profile and potential for revenue generation. In the future, the breeding of the sweet and larger-grain quinoa varietals will be an option for avoiding the cleaning of saponins, but with the risk of having more pests in the field. There is also a need to focus on mechanized farming systems for the cultivation, harvesting, and processing of quinoa to facilitate and expand its cultivation and consumption across the globe, considering its high genetic diversity.

Hermetic storage of okra seed maintains seed longevity under changing environment.

Okra seed is vulnerable to loss of germination and vigor in variable storage conditions. High seed moisture contents (SMC) accelerate seed deterioration during storage thus keeping low seed moisture contents by storing seed in hermetic bags may help to retain seed longevity. Okra seed was equilibrated to four initial moisture levels including 8,10, 12 and 14% SMC. Seed was then packed and stored in traditional storage bags (Paper, cloth, polypropylene and jute bag) and hermetic Super Bag for 12 months under ambient conditions. Seed stored in hermetic Super Bag at 8 and 10% moisture contents maintained higher germination due to low seed moisture contents. Moreover, activities of α-amylases and total soluble sugars were higher while electrical conductivity of seed leachates, malondialdehyde (MDA) and reducing sugar contents were less in the seeds stored in hermetic Super Bag at 8 and 10% SMC as compared to seed stored in traditional storage bags. Hermetic storage at 14% moisture negatively influenced the seed quality. Moisture adsorption isotherms of okra seeds were developed at constant temperature of 25°C and varying levels of relative humidity from 60 to 90%. Moisture isotherms indicated no significant increase in seed moisture contents at 60 and 70% relative humidity (RH) in hermetic bags whereas a minor increase in seed moisture at 80 and 90% RH has been observed for the seeds incubated in hermetic bags. SMC significantly increased in traditional storage bags particularly in jute bag at high RH. In conclusion, storage in hermetic bags, maintain low seed moisture and high seed quality. Okra seed storage in hermetic bags at 8 and 10% SMC maintains seed longevity under ambient storage conditions.

Genetic Analyses of Seed Longevity in Capsicum annuum L. in Cold Storage Conditions.

Seed longevity is the most important trait in the genebank management system. No seed can remain infinitely viable. There are 1241 accessions of Capsicum annuum L. available at the German Federal ex situ genebank at IPK Gatersleben. C. annuum (Capsicum) is the most economically important species of the genus Capsicum. So far, there is no report that has addressed the genetic basis of seed longevity in Capsicum. Here, we convened a total of 1152 Capsicum accessions that were deposited in Gatersleben over forty years (from 1976 to 2017) and assessed their longevity by analyzing the standard germination percentage after 5-40 years of storage at -15/-18 °C. These data were used to determine the genetic causes of seed longevity, along with 23,462 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers covering all of the 12 Capsicum chromosomes. Using the association-mapping approach, we identified a total of 224 marker trait associations (MTAs) (34, 25, 31, 35, 39, 7, 21 and 32 MTAs after 5-, 10-, 15-, 20-, 25-, 30-, 35- and 40-year storage intervals) on all the Capsicum chromosomes. Several candidate genes were identified using the blast analysis of SNPs, and these candidate genes are discussed.

Quantifying the germination response of Parthenium hysterophorus at various temperatures and water potentials by using population-based threshold model.

Predicting the germination behavior of parthenium weed against different conditions of temperature and osmotic stress is helpful for studying the growth and development history of parthenium in different ecological contexts. Sustainable weed control strategies based on population-based threshold (PBT) models are profitable tools for crop planting date, herbicide application, and tillage operation time. To predict the emergence of parthenium by using thermal time (TT), hydrotime (HT), and hydrothermal time (HTT) analyses, seeds were exposed to varying constant temperatures (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40°C) and water potentials (- 0.25, - 0.5, - 0.75, and - 1.0 MPa) under a controlled environment. Parthenium seeds showed better responses in terms of higher germination percentage and lower germination time at 20 and 25°C. The use of the germination modeling approach proposed the base temperature (7.2°C), optimum temperature (20°C), and ceiling temperature (42.8°C) for this weed. Moreover, germination behavior was also studied at different water potentials under different temperature regimes (10, 20, and 30°C). The HTT model predicted higher germination percentages (82.8 and 54.8%) of parthenium seeds at water potentials from 0 to -0.25 MPa, respectively, under a temperature of 20°C, and also identified a base water potential (Ψb(50) of - 0.54 MPa for germination. In conclusion, the use of the HTT modeling approach is helpful for predicting the emergence response of parthenium in a changing climate and ultimately supportive in time scheduling of parthenium weed management in cropping systems.

Trends and Limits for Quinoa Production and Promotion in Pakistan.

Quinoa is known as a super food due to its extraordinary nutritional qualities and has the potential to ensure future global food and nutritional security. As a model plant with halophytic behavior, quinoa has potential to meet the challenges of climate change and salinization due to its capabilities for survival in harsh climatic conditions. The quinoa crop has received worldwide attention due to its adoption and production expanded in countries out of the native Andean region. Quinoa was introduced to Pakistan in 2009 and it is still a new crop in Pakistan. The first quinoa variety was registered in 2019, then afterward, its cultivation started on a larger scale. Weed pressure, terminal heat stress, stem lodging, bold grain size, and an unstructured market are the major challenges in the production and promotion of the crop. The potential of superior features of quinoa has not been fully explored and utilized. Hence, there is a need to acquire more diverse quinoa germplasm and to establish a strong breeding program to develop new lines with higher productivity and improved crop features for the Pakistan market. Mechanized production, processing practices, and a structured market are needed for further scaling of quinoa production in Pakistan. To achieve these objectives, there is a dire need to create an enabling environment for quinoa production and promotion through the involvement of policymakers, research institutions, farmers associations, and the private sector.

Genetic Aspects and Molecular Causes of Seed Longevity in Plants-A Review.

Seed longevity is the most important trait related to the management of gene banks because it governs the regeneration cycle of seeds. Thus, seed longevity is a quantitative trait. Prior to the discovery of molecular markers, classical genetic studies have been performed to identify the genetic determinants of this trait. Post-2000 saw the use of DNA-based molecular markers and modern biotechnological tools, including RNA sequence (RNA-seq) analysis, to understand the genetic factors determining seed longevity. This review summarizes the most important and relevant genetic studies performed in Arabidopsis (24 reports), rice (25 reports), barley (4 reports), wheat (9 reports), maize (8 reports), soybean (10 reports), tobacco (2 reports), lettuce (1 report) and tomato (3 reports), in chronological order, after discussing some classical studies. The major genes identified and their probable roles, where available, are debated in each case. We conclude by providing information about many different collections of various crops available worldwide for advanced research on seed longevity. Finally, the use of new emerging technologies, including RNA-seq, in seed longevity research is emphasized by providing relevant examples.

Radiological risk assessment in sediment of Namal Lake, Mianwali, Pakistan.

This study is concentrated on the radiological risk assessment of sixteen surface sediment samples recovered from Namal Lake, District Mianwali, Punjab, Pakistan. The activity of 137Cs, 40 K, 226Ra, 228Ra, and 232Th was carried out with the help of a high purity germanium detector (HPGe) in the sediment, varied in the ranges of > 0.02-3.73 ± 1.31, 98.32 ± 21.45-341.02 ± 58.67, 18.34 ± 2.16-34.23 ± 4.34, 1.62 ± .30-2.34 ± .52, and 0.14 ± 0.10-2.34 ± 0.59 Bq kg-1 with average values 0.74 ± 0.29, 237.26 ± 37.97, 25.06 ± 4.74, 1.97 ± 0.39, and 1.73 ± 0.33 Bq kg-1, respectively. The measured concentrations in the current study have been compared with other earlier studies in the world. The data was also used for determining the other useful parameters like radium equivalent activity, absorbed dose rate, annual effective dose rate, and external and internal hazards index to assess the radiological risk assessment for the environment around the study area. The ERICA Tool software was also applied for radiological risk assessment for lake fish due to the radioactivity present in the lake sediments. It was concluded from the results of ERICA tool that the risk quotient in this study is less than one indicating that no toxic effects of radioactivity for Namal Lake fish.

Alleviation of temperature stress in maize by integration of foliar applied growth promoting substances and sowing dates.

Temperature is a key factor influencing plant growth and productivity, but its sudden rise can cause severe consequences on crop performances. Early sowing and application of growth promoting agents as a foliar spray can be a sustainable approach to cope with high temperature stress at grain filling stage of cereal crops. Therefore, a test was designed to explore the potential of different growth helping agents including sorghum water extract (SWE, 10 ml L-1), moringa leaf extract (MLE, 3%), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2, 2 µM), salicylic acid (SA, 50 mg L-1) and ascorbic acid (ASA, 50 mg L-1) as foliar agents at different sowing dates (early and optimum) to cope with temperature stress in maize. The results stated that foliar application of growth promoting substances successfully persuaded high temperature tolerance at reproductive phase of maize in early and optimum sowings when compared to control. However, SWE + ASA, MLE + H2O2 and SWE + ASA + SA + H2O2 were the best combinations for improving growth, development, and physiological variables under both sowing dates even under suboptimal temperature. All foliar applications significantly increased maize grain and biological yields while maximum was observed in SWE + ASA followed by SWE + ASA + SA + H2O2 or MLE + H2O2 that were statistically at par with ASA + SA + H2O2 but plants without spray or distilled water application did not improve grain and biological yields. Overall, the foliar applications of growth promoting substances enable the plant to enhance its growth, development, morphology, yield and biochemical variables.

Quinoa Phenotyping Methodologies: An International Consensus.

Quinoa is a crop originating in the Andes but grown more widely and with the genetic potential for significant further expansion. Due to the phenotypic plasticity of quinoa, varieties need to be assessed across years and multiple locations. To improve comparability among field trials across the globe and to facilitate collaborations, components of the trials need to be kept consistent, including the type and methods of data collected. Here, an internationally open-access framework for phenotyping a wide range of quinoa features is proposed to facilitate the systematic agronomic, physiological and genetic characterization of quinoa for crop adaptation and improvement. Mature plant phenotyping is a central aspect of this paper, including detailed descriptions and the provision of phenotyping cards to facilitate consistency in data collection. High-throughput methods for multi-temporal phenotyping based on remote sensing technologies are described. Tools for higher-throughput post-harvest phenotyping of seeds are presented. A guideline for approaching quinoa field trials including the collection of environmental data and designing layouts with statistical robustness is suggested. To move towards developing resources for quinoa in line with major cereal crops, a database was created. The Quinoa Germinate Platform will serve as a central repository of data for quinoa researchers globally.

Magnetic Field Treatments Improves Sunflower Yield by Inducing Physiological and Biochemical Modulations in Seeds.

Magnetic seed enhancement has been practicing as a promising tool to improve germination and seedling growth of low vigor seeds stored under suboptimal conditions, but there is still ambiguity regarding the prospects for magnetism in oilseeds. Present study elucidates the potential of magnetic seed stimulation to improve sunflower germination, growth and yield. Germination and emergence tests were performed to optimize the strength of the magnetic field to sunflower seed enhancement. The seeds were directly exposed to magnetic field strengths of 50, 100 and 150 millitesla (mT) for 5, 10 and 15 min (min) and then standard germination tests were performed. Secondly, the emergence potential of untreated seeds was compared with seed exposed to hydropriming, priming with 3% moringa leaf extract (MLE), priming with magnetically treated water (MTW) for 10 min and priming with 3% MLE solution prepared in magnetically treated water (MTW + MLE). Germination, emergence, seedling growth and seed biochemical properties were used to select the best treatment for field evaluation. The results of the study revealed that magnetic seed treatment with 100 mT for 10 min and seed priming with 3% MLE solution in magnetically treated water (MTW + MLE) significantly improved emergence, crop growth rate and sunflower yield.

Alleviation of Copper-Induced Stress in Pea (Pisum sativum L.) through Foliar Application of Gibberellic Acid.

Copper (Cu) is an essential metal for plants. However, its excess in soil can adversely affect plant metabolism. The current study evaluated the effects of gibberellic acid (GA3) foliar applications on the performance of pea plants grown either in Cu-contaminated (Cu+) and non-contaminated (Cu-) soil. GA3 was sprayed (0, 10, 50, and 100 mg·L-1) on 15-days-old plants. The results showed that the increasing concentration of GA3 buffered the phytotoxic effects of Cu and enhanced plant growth, photosynthesis, and leaf chlorophyll content. Foliar-sprayed GA3 up to 100 mg·L-1 alleviated the oxidative stress, as inferred from the lower concentrations of MDA and H2O2 (33.3 µmol·g-1 and 182 µmol·g-1, respectively), and boosted the activity of superoxide dismutase (64.4 U·g-1·FW), peroxidase (122.7 U·g-1·FW), and catalase (226.3 U·g-1·FW). Interestingly, GA3 promoted Cu accumulation in different plant parts when compared to untreated plants, likely due to increased photosynthetic and transpiration rates. Overall, foliar application of GA3 promoted phytoextraction of Cu and alleviated the oxidative stress in pea plants grown in Cu+ soil.

Preserving wheat grain quality and preventing aflatoxin accumulation during storage without pesticides using dry chain technology.

Storage of wheat in conventional packaging materials is not safe as seeds gain moisture from surrounding air of high relative humidity which promotes growth of fungal and insect pests and loss of quality during storage. Implementing the dry chain, initial drying to low moisture content followed by storage in hermetic bags to maintain low moisture may prevent these losses without using fumigants or chemicals. Different levels of initial moisture contents (SMC), i.e., 8, 10, 12, and 14% and packaging materials, including hermetic super bags along with paper, woven polypropylene (PP), jute, and cloth bags were used as two factors for this experiment. After 4 months of storage, small variation in SMC of seed was observed in super bags while SMC increased significantly in conventional packaging materials. Higher storage losses (≈9%), grain quality losses and aflatoxin B1, B2, G1, and G2 contamination (1-2 ppb) in conventional packaging materials were linked to high seed moisture contents. Storage in hermetic bags at 8 and 10% SMC ideally preserved seed quality. In conclusion, hermetic storage of wheat at low seed moisture maintains a dry chain and prevents aflatoxin contamination and grain quality losses and offers an organic approach to avoid contamination of food grains.

Climate smart Dry Chain Technology for safe storage of quinoa seeds.

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) is a climate resilient crop having superior nutritional profile compared to other cereal grains and may help to ensure future food security. Commercial cultivation of quinoa is dependent upon availability of quality seed. Adoption of Dry Chain Technology: drying before storage and maintaining seed dryness through hermetic packaging, may prevent quinoa seed deterioration. Quinoa seeds were dried to 8, 10, 12 and 14% initial seed moisture content (SMC) and stored in conventional (Paper, polypropylene, cloth and jute) and hermetic Super Bags for 6, 12 and 18 months. Seed stored in Super Bag at 8% initial SMC maintained low seed moisture and higher germination. Total soluble sugars and α-amylase activity were higher while EC, reducing sugars and MDA contents were low for the seeds stored in hermetic bag at 8% initial SMC. Seed stored in traditional packaging materials irrespective of initial seed moisture contents, gained moisture due to ambient high relative humidity which resulted in seed deterioration as indicated by increased reducing sugars, MDA contents and seed leachates conductivity and reduced vigor, viability, soluble sugars. The Dry Chain Technology preserves seed quality by maintaining low seed moisture and reducing deteriorative physiological and biochemical changes in the quinoa seed.

Transcription Factors in Plant Stress Responses: Challenges and Potential for Sugarcane Improvement.

Increasing vulnerability of crops to a wide range of abiotic and biotic stresses can have a marked influence on the growth and yield of major crops, especially sugarcane (Saccharum spp.). In response to various stresses, plants have evolved a variety of complex defense systems of signal perception and transduction networks. Transcription factors (TFs) that are activated by different pathways of signal transduction and can directly or indirectly combine with cis-acting elements to modulate the transcription efficiency of target genes, which play key regulators for crop genetic improvement. Over the past decade, significant progresses have been made in deciphering the role of plant TFs as key regulators of environmental responses in particular important cereal crops; however, a limited amount of studies have focused on sugarcane. This review summarizes the potential functions of major TF families, such as WRKY, NAC, MYB and AP2/ERF, in regulating gene expression in the response of plants to abiotic and biotic stresses, which provides important clues for the engineering of stress-tolerant cultivars in sugarcane.

Moisture adsorption isotherms and quality of seeds stored in conventional packaging materials and hermetic Super Bag.

Seed moisture content (SMC) is an important attribute to seed quality. Maintaining seed dryness throughout supply chain (The Dry Chain) prevents seed germination and quality losses. Ambient relative humidity (RH) and temperature affect seed moisture and thereof seed moisture isotherm. Present study was conducted to compare the moisture adsorption isotherms of wheat, maize, cotton and quinoa seeds packed in hermetic Super Bag and traditional packaging materials including paper, polypropylene (PP), jute and cloth bags. Seeds were incubated at 60, 70, 80 and 90% static RH. Nearly straight line moisture isotherms for all crop seeds were obtained in Super Bag. Seed moisture contents increased in traditional packaging materials with increasing RH. At higher level of RH, moisture contents increased slightly (1-2%) in Super Bag, whereas this increase was much higher in traditional packaging materials (≈9% higher than original SMC at 90% RH). In second study, seeds were dried to 8 and 14% initial seed moisture contents using zeolite drying beads and were stored in hermetic and conventional packaging materials for a period of 18 months. For all crop seeds, germination was severely affected in all packaging materials both at 8 and 14% initial SMC except storage in Super Bag at 8% SMC. Wheat seed stored in Super Bag at 8% SMC almost maintained initial germination while germination of cotton, maize and quinoa seeds declined 7%, 14% and 30% respectively in Super Bag at 8% SMC. Seed storage in Super Bag can help to prevent the significant increase in seed moisture at higher RH as is evident from moisture isotherm study, thus helps to preserve quality of maize, wheat, cotton and quinoa seeds by maintaining The Dry Chain throughout the storage period.

Gibberellins application timing modulates growth, physiology, and quality characteristics of two onion (Allium cepa L.) cultivars.

Lack of scientific literature exists regarding the effects of gibberellic acid (GA3) application timings on various phenological and physiological aspects of seed crop of locally available onion cultivars. Therefore, current study was planned in Vegetable Research Area, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad to optimize the growth stage for GA3 application on seed production in two local onion cultivars (Phulkara and Dark Red) during 2013 and 2014. Application timings of gibberellins at 100 mg/L of H2O were as (G1) control (no spray), (G2) foliar application at 2-3 leaf stage, (G3) foliar application at 6-7 leaf stage, and (G4) foliar application at the time of flowering. Data on average of both years showed that tallest plants (66.15 cm) and maximum number of leaves per plant (84.56) were noted in cv. Phulkara when GA3 was applied at 2-3 leaf stage. Minimum number of days to initiate flowering (47.92) and maximum number of umbels per plant (15.45) were noted with GA3 application at 6-7 leaf stage in Phulkara and Dark Red, respectively. The highest seed yield per umbel (2.94 g) was recorded in cv. Dark Red when GA3 sprayed at 6-7 leaf stage, while GA3 application at the time of flowering in the cv. Phulkara produced seeds with highest seedling vigor index (586.79). Overall, it appears that seed yield and quality characters were promoted by the application of GA3 at different growth stages and could be valuable for seed production of onion.

Growth promoting potential of fresh and stored Moringa oleifera leaf extracts in improving seedling vigor, growth and productivity of wheat crop.

Wheat is staple food of region, as it contributes 60% of daily caloric intake, but its delayed sowing reduces yield due to short life span. Moringa leaf extract (MLE) is considered to improve growth and development of field crops. Study comprised of two experiments. First experiment, freshly extracted MLE and in combination with growth-promoting substances were stored at two temperature regimes. Chemical analysis, after 1, 2, and 3 months' storage period, showed that phenolics and ascorbic acid concentrations decreased with increasing storage period. Fresh extracts improved speed and spread of emergence and seedling vigor. Effectiveness of MLE in terms of phenolics and ascorbate concentrations was highest up to 1 month which decreased with prolonged storage. Growth enhancing potential of MLE also reduced with increasing storage duration. Under field conditions, the bio-efficacy of these fresh and stored MLE was compared when applied as foliar spray at tillering and booting stages of wheat. Foliar applied fresh MLE was the most effective in improving growth parameters. Fresh MLE enhanced biochemical and yield attributes in late sown wheat. This growth-promoting potential of MLE decreased with storage time. Application of fresh MLE helped to achieve higher economic yield.

Physiological Strategies to Improve the Performance of Spring Maize (Zea mays L.) Planted under Early and Optimum Sowing Conditions.

Low temperature at stand establishment and high temperature at reproductive stage are involved in reduction of grain yield of spring maize. A field study was therefore conducted to evaluate different physiological strategies for improving performance of spring maize under temperature extremes. Seed priming and foliar spray with 3% moringa leaf extract (MLE) and 100 mg L-1 kinetin solution alone or in all possible combinations with each other at three growth stages (knee height, tasseling and grain filling stage) and hydropriming was compared with control. Seed priming plus foliar spray of MLE and kinetin significantly improved stand establishment especially under early sown crop as indicated by reduced mean emergence time (MET), improved emergence index (EI) and final emergence percentage (FEP). Similarly increased chlorophyll contents, crop growth rate, leaf area index, photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, relative water content and decreased membrane permeability were recorded in both early and optimum sowing conditions in MLE priming plus foliar spray treatment. All these improvements were harvested in the form of increased yield and harvest index compared with control treatment. Overall crop sown at optimum time performed best but exogenous application of MLE through seed priming and foliar spray maximally improved the performance of early sown maize crop which is attributed more likely due to improved stand establishment, chlorophyll and phenolic contents, increased leaf area duration and grain filling period. It can be concluded that seed priming with MLE along with its foliar spray could increase production of maize under temperature extremes.

HVP10 encoding V-PPase is a prime candidate for the barley HvNax3 sodium exclusion gene: evidence from fine mapping and expression analysis.

In cereals, a common salinity tolerance mechanism is to limit accumulation of Na(+) in the shoot. In a cross between the barley variety Barque-73 (Hordeum vulgare ssp. vulgare) and the accession CPI-71284 of wild barley (H. vulgare ssp. spontaneum), the HvNax3 locus on chromosome 7H was found to determine a ~10-25 % difference in leaf Na(+) accumulation in seedlings grown in saline hydroponics, with the beneficial exclusion trait originating from the wild parent. The Na(+) exclusion allele was also associated with a 13-21 % increase in shoot fresh weight. The HvNax3 locus was delimited to a 0.4 cM genetic interval, where it cosegregated with the HVP10 gene for vacuolar H(+)-pyrophosphatase (V-PPase). Sequencing revealed that the mapping parents encoded identical HVP10 proteins, but salinity-induced mRNA expression of HVP10 was higher in CPI-71284 than in Barque-73, in both roots and shoots. By contrast, the expression of several other genes predicted by comparative mapping to be located in the HvNax3 interval was similar in the two parent lines. Previous work demonstrated roles for V-PPase in ion transport and salinity tolerance. We therefore considered transcription levels of HVP10 to be a possible basis for variation in shoot Na(+) accumulation and biomass production controlled by the HvNax3 locus under saline conditions. Potential mechanisms linking HVP10 expression patterns to the observed phenotypes are discussed.