2^nd International Conference on Plant Science & Physiology June 26-27, 2017 Bangkok, Thailand

Biography:

Rajeev Taggar has been associated with biotechnology in the seed industry for about 20 years. As a Scientist in-charge of molecular breeding activities, he worked with Bayer CropScience, India, Krishidhan Seeds, India, ICRISAT, India and Green World Genetics Sdn Bhd, Malaysia (Presently working). Working closely with a team of crop breeders, he established molecular breeding laboratories and molecular breeding programmes for his employer organizations.  He got professional training in plant biotechnological techniques from Germany on a DSE-sponsored course, from the central research facility of Nunhems Zaden, the Netherlands and from the John Innes Centre (U.K.). 

Abstract:

The indigenous seed industry in most developing countries comprises of small and medium scale seed industry. This is supplemented by satellite research laboratories and sales & marketing units of the large trans-national companies. From the angle of application of plant biotechnology, some of the factors playing a decisive role for the indigenous small and medium scale seed industry include quick delivery of results, readily available technologies, minimal risk in investment, proven technologies and minimal financial resources. The large scale trans-national seed companies on the other hand have the investment potential for capital-intensive research and novel research with distant returns. The academia in both, the developing and the developed countries tend to be driven more by novel research having publication potential rather than by application value. Such a situation presents the indigenous small and medium scale seed industry in the developing nations with a unique challenge of having to do with a technical work force who have a gap in training and application and to deliver with limited capital resources. This talk will cover an overview of plant biotechnology. An attempt will be made to present the actual seed industry situation in the developing countries. Plant biotechnology will be sectioned into various areas of application, of which the small and medium scale seed industry is one. The areas of strength and weakness will be discussed. With the advent of low cost sequencers, the molecular-breeding scenario is likely to change at all levels. A paradigm shift in challenges from infrastructure to analytics is expected. Discovery research versus applied research will be discussed. The clarity shed on the applications of plant biotechnology in developing countries should be a handy tool for the aspiring plant biotech professionals, seed industry in the developing countries and for the governmental policy makers.

Biography:

A K M Golam Sarwar, a Professor of Plant Systematics at the Bangladesh Agricultural University, has his expertise in Bio-resources and Production Science (major in Pollen Morphology and Ericaceae Systematics). Four discoveries in angiosperm palynology and another one in seed physiology of rice. Recipient of “Young Researcher Award 2009” of Palynological Society of Japan. Graduate student adv isory committee Chair/Member: MS 5 (ongoing), 17 (Completed) and PhD 5 (ongoing). Now, Dr Sarwar is leading huge conservation activities on ethno-medicinal plant biodiversity of Bangladesh as the Curator, Botanical Garden, the 2^nd largest of this type in Bangladesh, of Bangladesh Agricultural University. His current research interests are on Ethno-botany, Plant Morphology, Biodiversity and Conservation related issues, and Bio-energy crops.

Abstract:

Statement of the Problem: Ethno-Medicinal plant genetic resources are one of the most important elements of biodiversity which support life system on earth. Over 50% of prescription drugs are derived from chemicals those first identified in plants.  Bangladesh, as a part of the ancient Indian subcontinent, has a long history on use of plants in the traditional medicine as Ayurvedic, Unani and Tibetan System of Medicine. Although occupies relatively small geographical area, She is rich in both floral and faunal diversities. Bangladesh is also rich in ethnic minority population and people of more than 27 ethnic minorities groups live in Bangladesh. The flowering plants diversity in Bangladesh varies from 3,813 to 5,700 species. More than 750 species have been prescribed for the treatment of different diseases in traditional medicine. The Botanic Gardens Conservation International identified 400 medicinal plants at risk of world-wide extinction from over-collection and deforestation, threatening the discovery of future cures for disease. On contrary, an estimated 80% of people, the majority of these people in developing countries, worldwide rely on traditional, largely herbal, medicine to meet their primary healthcare needs. On this back ground, the Botanical garden of Bangladesh Agricultural University has initiated programmes on ex situ conservation of plants with ethno-medicinal importance along with other conservation activities from its inception in 1963.Findings & Conclusion: The Botanical garden has harbored a large collection of ethno-medicinal plants; more than 350 species have been conserved, and the number is ever increasing. Among these, 23 species are threatened in Bangladesh territory; however, many of them are rare in the wild. The important uses of collected medicinal plants have also been described. As the population density is increasing in an alarming rate, proper attention should be given to conserve the ethno-medicinal plant resources of Bangladesh for the welfare of human being and animal health.

Biography:

Yusuf Leonard Henuk is a Professor in the Faculty of Agriculture at University of Sumatera Utara (USU), Medan, North Sumatera, Indonesia. He received a Bachelor’s degree (S1: ‘Sarjana’) from the the University of Nusa Cendana in Kupang-Indonesia from 1980-1984. He obtained Master in Rural Science (M.Rur.Sc.) from the University of New England in from 1991 – 1995 and continued Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) from the University of Queensland both in Australia from 1998 – 200. Prof. Henuk was a prolific writer and has published many articles in either national or international journal within the field of agriculture and mainly animal sciences. He also participated in many national in Indonesia and international seminars.

Abstract:

Many crops that supply carbohydrates grow well in Indonesia, including cereals (rice, maize, sorghum, foxtailmillet), tubers (cassava, sweetpotato, potato, arrowroot, canna), and tree crops (sago, breadfruit, banana). The variety of staple foods consumed by  Indonesians  was diverse. During the period 2004 –2013ˏ the four main staple crops in Indonesia were rice (53.5% of diet), cassava (22.2% of diet), maize (18.9% of diet), and potatoes (4.99% of diet). In 2012, for exampleˏIndonesian rice consumption was about 130kg/person/year, higher than the average world level of 60kg/person/year. Over the last ten years, except for DKI Jakarta, all provinces increased cereal production from 2004 – 2013. The largest increases were in Kepulauan Riau (11.43%) and Gorontalo (10.51%). Exports of major food commodities are concentrated  in few countries. For maize dan rice, in particular, the  global export market is largely dominated by top five exporters on globally trade grainsˏ i.e. The United  States, Argentinaˏ Brazilˏ Franceˏ China and Thailandˏ Vietnamˏ Indiaˏ The United Statesˏ Pakistanˏ respectively.  Indonesia has achieved the MDG hunger target, by reducing the proportion of undernourished people from 19.7%  of the population in 1990–92 to 8.7%  in 2012–2014. The poultry industry consumes approximately 83%  of Indonesia’s animal feed. Aquaculture consumes 11%  and the remaining 6% is consumed by cattle and swine.  On average, livestock feed is composed of corn (50%), soybean meal (15-20%), corn gluten meal (3%), CPO (2%), fish meal (5%), rice bran (15%), wheat pollard (8%), and premix (0.6%). Indonesian feed millers are heavily reliant on imported feed ingredients from the top five exporters on globally trade grains above. Beef alone accounted for about 19% with 2.50kg/capita/year of Indonesia’s total meat consumption compared to broiler  of 55% with 3.751kg/capita/year, native chickens of 11% with 0.528kg/capita/year, pork of 8% with 0.156kg/capita/year, goat of 7% with 0.111kg/capita/year, and others species 1% with its total per capita meat consumption from livestock in Indonesia is still lower compared to many countries and they generally increases with higher income. Rank and score of global food index of Indonesia from 2012 to 2015 as follows:  64ˏ 66ˏ 72ˏ 74 and 46.8ˏ45.6ˏ 46.5ˏ 46.7 respectively. Indonesia is in  “Moderate Environment” in 2016 with overall rank 13/23 in Asia and Pacific by income level with overall score of 50.6/100.

Biography:

Academic degrees: B.Sc.(Agri,), M.Sc.(Agri), Ph.D.(Biology), DIC (Bryophyte Physiology) London University. At present position is working as a Professor & Head (Crop Physiology), Assam, Agricultural University, India Hobby: Travelling, Reading, Playing with kids and cooking at home Challenges: Meeting Deadlines, Fighting with Destiny etc.

Abstract:

The aim of the investigation was to study the impacts of some abiotic factors on the responses of wheat crop (variety: Ankur Omkar) to oxidised (NaNO₂) and reduced (NH₄Cl) aerosols in field situation. Natural light was reduced to ≈50% using standard hessian cloth, and physiological drought was induced by spraying PEG-6000 @5000ppm (≈0.05bar). Substratum types were natural acid soil with FYM @5 t/ha (pH 5.03), acid-mineral soil (natural acid soil with FYM @10 t/ha, pH between 5.92) and acid-mineral soil mixed with FYM @10 t/ha added with lime @ 0.5t/ha (pH 6.46).There were positive effects of the aerosols on wheat crop under normal light condition, and low light suppressed the nitrogen assimilation and physiological performance of wheat. During the physiological drought condition, the aerosols showed negative impacts on wheat crop. The reduced aerosol acted as an acidifying agent, which was deleterious to the crop. Soil amended with higher dose (10t/ha) of FYM further exerted negative influence to the crop. Acid soil amended with lime (supply of Ca²⁺) ameliorates the negative impacts of the aerosols on yield attributes of wheat crop.

Statement of the Problem: Atmospheric wet and dry depositions of Nitrogen are important processes in the redistribution of nitrogen throughout the environment. Nitrogen oxides (NO₂, NO but not N₂O) reacting with intercellular water get converted into HNO₂ and HNO₃, which then dissociate to form nitrate, nitrite and protons. Higher concentration (<10 µll^-1) of oxides of nitrogen alter the physiological processes including net photosynthesis, dark respiration, root:shoot ratios in plants and yields. Cellular plasmolysis is caused by the lipid breakdown in membrane. Acidification of the ecosystem may also result from the deposition of gaseous NH3 and particulate NH4+ (collectively NHy). Plants fed with Ammonia at high concentration (>1mM) suffer from its toxicity.

Biography:

Najla Mezghani is an Assistant  Professor in the National Gene Bank of Tunisia. She has her expertise in plant biotechnology and genetics.  She is working in the field of plant genetic resources and she is particularly responsible of the ‘Vegetable, condiment and ornamental genetic resources conservation and evaluation’ program. 

Abstract:

Statement of the problem: Daucus carota L. is a morphologically diverse species found throughout the Mediterranean regions and in many continents worldwide. Among Mediterranean regions, Tunisia is considered a center of biodiversity for Daucus and many other crops because of the diverse ecosystems and climatic conditions. Although some floristic treatments have been published in the past few decades, many of Daucus species are without an adequate description. The purpose of the present study is to analyze the patterns of phenotypic diversity in a Tunisian Daucus collection in order to elucidate the interrelationship between the conserved accessions and to verify the suitability of morphological characterization for species and subspecies identification in our collection. Plant material and methodology: A total of 120 Daucus accessions including cultivated carrot (D. carota subsp. sativus) and wild relatives from different geographic and bioclimatic regions in Tunisia were surveyed and characterized morphologically using 30 qualitative parameters related to vegetative and reproductive parts of the plant.  Quantification of variability for each character was investigated using the standardized Shannon–Weaver diversity index (H’). Diversity was established by multiple correspondence analysis and cluster analysis. Findings: The estimated H’ index ranged from monomorphic for umbel type and position of involucral bracts on primary umbel to highly polymorphic for other traits. The highest (0.99) and the lowest (0.24) H’ values were recorded for flowering pattern within plants and foliage coverage traits respectively. Multivariate analysis and cluster analysis permitted the subdivision of the Daucus collection into 9 distinct groups supporting traditional taxonomic treatments with a distinction of cultivated carrot from the closely related wild species. Conclusion: Morphological data provide considerable information that is useful to distinguish species and subspecies in the difficult Daucus genus. Our results serve as a basis for verification and possible reidentification of Daucus accessions in Tunisia and elsewhere. 

Biography:

Abstract:

In India, from ancient times, different parts of medicinal plants have been used to cure specific diseases and are a major source of many potent and powerful drugs. Of late, natural phytochemicals have gained a lot of attention as they have shown tremendous promise in promoting human health. Diabetes mellitus which is one of the common diseases the world over, has been defined as a group of metabolic disorders distinguished mainly by hyperglycemia induced by impaired insulin secretion, insulin resistance or both entities in varying proportions. Around 90-95% of patients (285 million) suffer with type 2 diabetes (T2D) or non insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. This number might exceed 435 million in 2030 due to life style changes.  Despite availability of known antidiabetic drugs in the market, diabetes and its associated complications continue to pose a formidable challenge. In addition to oral agents and insulin therapy, phytotherapy is an alternative that provides a range of natural resources with hypoglycemic effects and has been effectively employed as an antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic remedy. This presentation will enhance further research on the potential use of medicinal plants having antidiabetic potential including hypoglycemic activity, insulin mimetic activity and antioxidant activity. The study will be invaluable to stakeholders in the fields of ethno-pharmacology, natural product chemistry and drug discovery research.

Biography:

Nilesh Nirmal has his expertise in evaluation of plant based food additive as replacement to synthetic additives. He has extensive experience in phytochemical analyses, various antioxidant assay, antimicrobial assay, anti-denaturation assay, antimelanotic assay. He also has interest in enzyme purification, characterization and its application. He introduced the low cost simple one step preparation of brazilin rich compound through column chromatography (Nirmal and Panichayupakaranant, 2014). This technique reduces the extensive financial burden of purification industry. He had developed natural plant based additives for inhibition of blackening in prawn (shrimp). This approach led to the green plant based additives which ultimately help food industries as well as consumer acceptance and well-being. 

Abstract:

Statement of the Problem: Davidson’s plum (Davidsonia pruriens and Davidsonia jerseyana) is one of the Australian native fruits originated from the North Queensland. The present study was conducted to evaluate and compare the biochemical and functional characteristics of Davidsonia pruriens (DP) and Davidsonia jerseyana (DJ) fruit tea. Moreover, sensory analyses of fruit teas were also conducted to examine the consumer acceptance. Methodology: Dried fruits sheets were brewed with boiled water (2g / 250ml) for 5 min and extract collected. Samples were subjected to biochemical analyses. The phenolic compounds in the samples were assessed by using UHPLC system (Thermo Scientific, Waltham, MA) coupled with MS. Chromatographic separation was carried out with mobile phase A (H20 containing 0.1% formic acid) and mobile phase B (acetonitrile containing 0.1% formic acid). Organic acid in the samples were analyzed using a binary HPLC pump with photodiode array detector. The antioxidant capacity of samples was determined by using DPPH radical scavenging activity. Sensory evaluation of samples was conducted by using 9-point hedonic scale. Findings: Total phenolic content in DP and DJ was 10.37 and 11.32 mg GAE/g of dry sheet, respectively. UPHLC analysis of DP and DJ indicated gallic acid was the major phenolic compound with DJ having significantly higher level (P<0.05). Organic acid analysis showed the presence of only mallic acid in both samples. Antioxidant activities of DP and DJ were comparable (P>0.05). Flavor and taste score was higher for DJ compared to DP (P<0.05). However, overall acceptance score for both samples was not significantly different. Conclusion & Significance:   DJ contained high level of gallic acid as well as mallic acid as compared to DP, which affect the taste of the DP fruit tea. However, likeness score for Davidsonia plum fruit showed promising results for Davidsonia pruriens and Davidsonia jerseyana as a fruit tea.

Biography:

Roohaida Othman received her PhD in Biochemistry from University of Southampton, and joined Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia as a lecturer immediately after in 1995. Her research interest is focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the biosynthesis of commercially important metabolites in plants and algae. Her research group has employed tools of molecular biology, biochemistry and physiology as well as genomics and transgenics technology platforms to study the enzymes involved in these pathways. They have also developed protocols for higher plant and algae RNA extraction methods and overexpression of recombinant proteins in bacterial systems. She has been Editor-in-Chief for the Journal of Tropical Plant Physiology since 2010 and has been reviewer for several journals including International Journal of Food Properties.

Abstract:

An accurate view of any biological event or process requires a comprehensive and quantitative understanding of the complex interactions in biological systems. This systems biology approach involves interdisciplinary research to develop the computational reconstruction of these systems which will be useful in predicting function and behavior in a system. Different types of large datasets such as  transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics have been integrated through advanced computer science and computational analyses to enable rapid and accurate quantification of the components of the experimental system in a single experiment. Systems biology in plant research has gained considerable attention over the past decade even though not as extensive as for human and animal studies. Nevertheless, most of the systems biology research in plant has been mainly focused on the model plant, Arabidopsis thaliana, due to the vast information already obtained regarding this plant. Many crops and plants including those found in the tropics have been studied using the systems biology approach, at least at the level of identification of components through generation of more than one types of large omic datasets. Some examples of these advanced plant systems biology research as well as the basic studies on component identification of tropical plants will be reviewed in this paper. The ultimate aim of this paper is to encourage the botanical research community to utilize this approach in their respective research field which might provide a holistic answer to their specific scientific questions.

Biography:

Abstract:

Biography:

N Nagaraju graduated in University of Agricultural Sciences Bengaluru and expertise in Plant Virology. He worked as an Extension Pathologist between 1998-2010 and expertise in diagnosis, identification of plant disease and recommending suitable management practices. He is serving in UAS, Bengaluru since 20 years and worked on different plant viruses viz., Papaya ring spot virus (PRSV), Pepper veinal mottle virus (PVMV), Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CMV), Tomato leaf curl virus (ToLCV), Tomato spotted wilt virus (ToSPO) and other Gemini viruses. He developed integrated management practices for the important viruses for sustainable agriculture and were included in University Package of Practice. He is presently working on use of bio-molecules for inducing defense in crop plant against Plant Viruses.

Abstract:

Synthetic chemical based pesticides are extensively being used in agriculture to manage plant diseases particularly plant viruses transmitting through insect vectors. Since non availability of viricides as such. However the vector management through pesticides is the only means of chemical control.  However, continuous use of pesticides for the management of vectors of plant viruses cause severe and long term environmental pollution and are even carcinogenic to humans and animals. Furthermore, insect vectors become resistant to many of these chemicals resulted in resurgence of pests. Management of viral pathogens by using organic products viz., plant extracts, seaweed extracts etc., has gained importance. Antiviral effect of seaweed extracts viz., Euchema spinosum J. Agardh, Kappaphycus alvarezii doty-1, Kappaphycus alvarezii doty-2 and Halymenia durvillae Bory saint-vincent at 10ml L^-1, 4ml L^-1, 6ml L^-1 and 10ml L^-1 respectively including commercial products viz., Vacciplant and Jingo were tested for their optimum dose under field condition against Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CMV) was determined based on ELISA values of CMV infected gherkin samples during kharif and rabi 2016. Seaweed extracts Kappaphycus alvarezii-1 (4ml L^-1) sprayed gherkin plants recorded less mean PDI of 16.65 and 16.06 with an increased mean yield (13.33 t ha^-1) followed by Halymenia durvillae (10ml L^-1) with mean PDI (18.34 and 18.98) and mean yield (12.17 t ha^-1) compared to control with mean PDI (31.77 and 31.96) and mean yield (8.74 t ha^-1) respectively. The active principle present in these two seaweed extracts are mainly polysaccharides viz., kappa-carrageenan and sulphated galactan respectively. Hypothetically, polysaccharides might have helped in triggering defense by inducing plant hormones/signaling molecules viz., salicylic acid, Jasmonic acid or ethylene by inducing ISR.

Biography:

Abstract:

Biography:

Bahman Amiri Larijani is rice agronomist and has his expertise in ecological and phenological simulation of growth, development and yield of rice crop.  His favorites are the ideal type of plant and yield and yield component analysis based on morphology, physiology and phenology of rice plant in relation with environment and field condition. 

Abstract:

Many higher plants, including rice, are composed of successive stem segments called phytomer. The phytomer concept has long been recognized among grass scientists. Each phytomer consists of an internode of the stem with one leaf, one tiller bud and several adventitious (nodal) roots. The coordinated development of stem, tiller bud, and adventitious roots in each phytomer corresponds to the phyllochronic time in rice. The phytomer concept has provided a sound botanical basis for understanding plant development, canopy architecture, and the dynamic nature of plant canopies in the field. The number of phytomers per axis decreased with branching order and rank. An analysis of plant dynamics showed synchronous emergence of the leaves on the main stem and on the tillers up to flowering. Axillary bud development into tillers depended on their topological location and plant developmental stage. Conclusions the timing and frequency of flowering tillers complied with rules of priority depending on their order, rank and emergence time. The tiller phyllochron differs from the main stem (MS) phyllochron during both the vegetative and reproductive phases. But leaf emergence on the MS and tiller development are nevertheless closely linked and result in synchrony between leaf emergence rates on the MS and tillers. Moreover, the final number of leaves on a rice tiller at a given position is strongly dependent on the MS leaf number. The probability of tillers reaching heading depended on their topological position and emergence time. There is synchronous appearance of tillers and leaves on the MS throughout plant development until flowering, and a relation between emergence time and tiller flowering. I found the idea of planting special ranked phytomer (internode) for faster heading and reduce the length of the growing period in rice.

Biography:

Kaustubha Nand Bhatt is a Professor at G. B. Pant Social Science Institute, Allahabad Central University, Allahabad. He is an environmental economist and has worked on several developmental issues. He has authored, edited and co-edited several books including  System of Rice Intensification, Agrarian Change and Small Farmers: Super Markets, Viability and Food Policy,  Child Labour in India: Empirical Evidence from Glass and Bidi Industries,  Consumers, Consumerism and Consumer Protection: Indian Context,  Disaster Risk Management Programme in Uttar Pradesh: Learning from Some Case Studies, Population, Environment and Health: Emerging Concerns,  Social Development, Uttarakhand: Ecology, Economy and Society and has published in various journals. 

Abstract:

Statement of the Problem: System of Rice (also Root or Crop) Intensification (SRI/SCI)) is a promising resource conserving method of crop cultivation grounded in the physical and biological sciences.  The method is now producing agricultural ecosystems that could engage various stakeholders in a participatory manner to increase yield, resource use efficiencies and income. This paper analyzes the experiences of the farming communities in practicing SRI/SCI from different parts of India as an alternative method of sustainable agriculture.

Methodology and Theoretical Orientation: Based on secondary data sources, the paper explores the outcomes of the SRI/SCI for enhancing productivity and environmental sustainability. The post War modern agricultural practices led to both biotic and abiotic stress sacrificing ecological security and biodiversity for maximizing output.  SRI is a shift from input centric to farm and farmer centric method. The method is a process driven approach and a return to learning by doing. 

Findings: The SRI, perhaps, is not new to India. In the 1920s farmers in Tamil Nadu practiced single seeding planting and obtained a yield of 6 tonnes per hectare, when the average yield then was 1.5 tonnes per hectare. Presently almost a million farmers are practicing SRI in India in more than 350 districts. It became part of the National Food Security Mission in 2007. A farmer from the ‘backward’ region of Bihar in India has claimed a yield of 22.4 t/ha of rice using SRI method in 2016. Many farmers across the country are learning the practices of SRI from one another. The core practices of SRI have been applied to sugarcane, wheat, ragi, mustard and vegetable production with success. Conclusion: We are indeed poised for a fine blending of farmers’ knowledge and experiences and the present practices for agro ecological crop management in the future.

Biography:

He has been involved in Coffee Production both organic and conventional for the last 7 years in the Western Ghats of Palni hills. At present, a Doctoral course student in the Department of Botany, Saraswathi Narayanan College (Autonomous) Perungudi, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India. Recently, He won the second prize in International Conference. He has served as a Manager in two Coffee Estates and modernized the estates. His interest and commitment to ecology and plant science began in 1990. As a under graduate he published his first Biotechnology paper on Plant Regeneration through somatic embryogenesis from mature leaf explants of Eryngium Foetidum, a condiment in plant cell, Tissue and Organ Culture 56: 131-137, 1999, Netherlands. Earlier he also has served as a Principal and Correspondent of St. Joseph’s Industrial School an ISO9000-2000 certified Institution, Ooty for five years. As a Philanthropist and Quality manager he has qualified himself in MBA Personnel Management and diploma in Magnetic therapy and Acupressure 

Abstract:

Three consecutive years’ experiments were conducted at the organic coffee fields of Loyola Estate, Sirumalai near Dindigul District of Tamil Nadu, South India during 2013, 14 and 15 to evaluate bioefficiency of plant oils and leaf, garlic extracts against berry borers in the chosen organic coffee field. Among these plant oils tested, spot application of Neem and pongamia seed oils along with emulsifier was found to be very effective in the initial stage causing 90 to 94 percent reduction in borer population over control after three rounds of spraying in the final year. The overall borer population was found to be 90 percent reduced in the coffee plants sprayed with mixture of Neem with pongamia oil 3 percent and 2 percent of garlic extract even at the later stage of borer attack. This was followed by strict regulation of shade as per integrated pest management techniques. The percentage of damaged green fruits in the first year were 36 percent followed by 22 percent in the second year and 14 percent in the third year in treated plants against control 100%. Further, the mean grade index recorded at the time of harvest was also very low which statistically different from chemically treated plants. The other plant oil formulation viz., Pongamia and Iluppai were less effective and the leaf extract. Ipomea, Jatropha, Neem, Acorus and Chilli were not effective.

Biography:

Abstract:

Biography:

Ali Akbar Ehsanpour has more than 25 years experience in evaluation of antioxidant systems in plants under in vitro stresses such as nano silver, salt and drought. Now he has focused on nano particle toxicity in plants and he is concerned on toxicity of nano particle for human health. 

Abstract:

Under in vitro conditions, we examined the effects ofsilver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and silver (Ag) ions on potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) in terms of silver accumulation, production of reactive oxygen species (ROS),oxidative stress responses, and antioxidative defense systems. At all concentrations (except at 2 mg.L^-1), the amount of Ag in the shoots and roots of Ag ion-treated plantletswas significantly higher than in plantlets treated with AgNPs. In both treatments, total ROS and superoxide anionswere  increased at concentrations greaterthan 2 mg.L^-1. Damage caused by oxidative stress, such as ion leakage and cell death, was significantly higher in plantlets treated with AgNPs than those treated with Ag ions. Significant increases in the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, and glutathione reductase (GR),werefound in both AgNP-treated, and Ag ion-treated plantlets compared to the control. However, in AgNP-treated plantlets, GR activity was significantly decreased at 20 mg.L^-1. A significant reduction in glutathione (GSH), ascorbate (ASA), and the ratios of GSH to oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and ASA to oxidized ascorbate (DHA) were observed in plantlets treated with both AgNPs and Ag ions at concentrations higher than 2 mg.L^-1. Moreover, a greater decrease in GSH and ASA contents was seen in plantlets treated with AgNPs compared to those treated with Ag ions. The present study indicates that both AgNPs and Ag ion treatments impose oxidative stress on potato plantlets under in vitro conditions. Furthermore, based on plantlets’ responses to oxidative damage, the observed alteration in the activities of radical scavenging enzymes and the depletion of GSH and ASA, AgNPs seem to have higher toxicity than the equivalent mass of Ag ions. 

Biography:

In the last 10 years, my research focus has been the desert truffle Terfezia boudieri that forms mycorrhizal association with its host plant Helianthemum sessiliflorum. I am studying the fungus at several levels including physiology, ecology and molecular biology. I participate in a comprehensive project to sequence the entire genomes of 23 fungi including our two desert truffle species, in the frame of The European Community Sequencing Program entitled "Exploring the Genome Diversity of Mycorrhizal Fungi to Understand the Evolution and Functioning of Symbiosis in Woody Shrubs and Trees"

Abstract:

The ectomycorrhizal (ECM) desert truffle Terfezia boudieri Chatin produces edible fruit bodies and forms symbiosis with its host plant Helianthemum sessiliflorum (Cistaceae) in the Negev desert of Israel. The symbiosis is vital for both partners' survival under desert conditions. Diurnal measurements revealed that mycorrhizal (M) plants had higher rates of photosynthesis (35%), transpiration (18%), and night respiration (49%) than non-mycorrhizal (NM) plants. Consequently, M plants exhibited higher biomass accumulation, higher shoot-to-root ratios, and improved water use efficiency compared to NM plants. Total chlorophyll content was higher in M plants, and the ratio between chlorophyll a to chlorophyll b was altered in M plants. Calculation of the photosynthetic activation energy indicated lower energy requirements for CO₂ assimilation in M plants than in NM plants (48.62 kJ mol^-1 and 61.56 kJ mol^-1, respectively). Continuous measurements provided a complete picture of the daily physiological differences brought on by the ectomycorrhizal relationships. To secure a successful encounter, in the course of evolution, both partners have responded by evolving special signals exchange that facilitates recognition. Study of pre mycorrhizal signal exchange revealed previously unrecognized root-fungus interaction mediated by the fungal auxin. The secreted fungal auxin induced negative taproot gravitropism, attenuated taproot growth rate and inhibited initial host development. Auxin also induced expression of Arabidopsis carriers AUX1 and PIN1, both involved in the gravitropic response. Exogenous application of auxin fully mimicked that one induced by the ectomycorrhizal fungus. Co-cultivation of Arabidopsis auxin receptor mutants tir1-1, tir1-1 afb2-3, tir1-1 afb1-3 afb2-3 and tir1-1 afb2-3 afb3-4 with Terfezia confirmed that auxin is the signaling molecule, which induces the root phenotype. In a model proposed here, the fungal auxin induces horizontal root development, coordinates growth rates between partners, and lateral root induction that increases the availability of accessible sites for colonization at the soil plane of fungal spore abundance. 

Biography:

Rizwana Maqbool is serving as a wheat geneticist and breeder in the department of plant breeding and genetics, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. Her doctoral research was composed of both basic and applied objectives to achieve a balanced expertise in the field of crop sciences from Washington State University, Pullman, USA. Her scientific background is very diverse, with training in genetics, genomics, molecular biology, plant breeding, bioinformatics, and microscopy. Her research is based on the identification and characterization of tiller gene in wheat. She mapped and cloned an important gene regulating tiller and spikelet number of wheat for the first time. This gene will play an important role in the development of climate resilient wheat particularly focusing heat and drought aspects. 

Abstract:

Tiller number is one of the important agronomic traits in cereals such as rice, wheat and barley that directly correlates with yield, but is highly regulated by environmental and endogenous factors. Tillers in wheat are considered to be the axillary branches arising from the crown giving plant shoot architecture. Various genes are known to suppress lateral branching including lateral suppressor (LS) of tomato, MOC1 of rice, and LAS of Arabidopsis. Mutants in these orthologous genes showed suppression of lateral branches. Furthermore, these mutations turned out to be in the conserved GRAS domain. However, the molecular mechanism regulating tillering in wheat has been poorly understood. The main objective of this study is to identify and characterize a gene responsible for number of tillers in wheat. So far, rice MOC1 is the only cloned and characterized gene among cereals controlling tillering. Thus, we selected rice gene as the query sequence to identify its ortholog in wheat. Detailed bioinformatic and sequence analyses identified a gene in wheat showing high sequence similarity with MOC1. All three homoeologous copies of the candidate gene have been cloned and mapped. The gene showed similar expression pattern as that of MOC1 in different developmental tissues. Transient as well as stable silencing of the TaMOC1 resulted in reduced tiller number in wheat suggesting its role in tillering. Microscopic analysis of the silenced plants showed the absence of bud formation in the axial of leaf, directly implicating the role of the gene in tiller bud initiation. The research will focus towards the sustainable agriculture in this era of diminishing available resources.

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Biography:

Young Ho Yoon is Senior Researcher on National Institute of Crop Science, Rural Development Administration(RDA) in South Korea.  He has been devoted the the study of development of buckwheat variety and post-harvesting of miscellaneous grain crop such as sorghum, millet and buckwheat. He has contributed a wealth of information concerning functionality  through his research of tatary(bitter) buckwheat. Recently, he has interested in the stable production of upland farming and the promotion of agricultural mechanization. He is acting in assistant administrator position of ‘mechanization in upland farming and value added agriculture’ project at RDA.

Abstract:

Grain sorghum(Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) has been widely consumed as a traditional foods such as steamed kernels with rice and beverages in korea. In this study, effects of separation of seeds by size and grain moisture content on milling recovery and quality were investigated. Previous study reported that dehulling and milling of sorghum seeds after seed size screening affects milling recovery ratio and quality. The first experiment of this study focused on difference of ratio of the milled grains, intact grains(true whole grain after milling) and whiteness among 4 sorghum cultivars after grain sorghum were milled by polishing machine for the same amount of time (2 minutes and 30 seconds). Greater size of seeds had greater ratio of the milled grains and whole intact grains, whereas sorghum grains with no size screening of grain and smaller sizes than 3.5 mm had the smallest ratio of the milled grains and intact grains. When seeds with greater sizes than 4.0 mm were milled, the ratio of intact grains was ranged between 77.4 and 85.0 depending on cultivars. This result was 4.5% greater than ones from no size screening of grain. The whiteness of seeds that were milled under the same conditions had the greater values from seed sizes greater than 4 mm than ones from no screening throughout the all cultivars. This experiment resulted in that smaller seeds needed a longer milling time in order to achieve the same whiteness level as bigger seeds. The other experiment in this study investigated effects of the moisture content in  grain sorghum by hot air drying on milling recovery rate and quality. Previous study reported that seeds were milled after drying for a certain time since moisture content in grain were ranged between 14.3 and 27.6% on 45 days after heading by cultivar. In result, as seeds had smaller than 16% of moisture content, they tended to have greater whiteness levels, but smaller milled head grain recovery rates. The future research will focus on method for drying and optimal moisture content in grain sorghum to prevent seed decay and higher milling recovery and quality.

Biography:

Dr Anna Kot has her expertise in environmental microbiology. Primary she has focused her study on waste management, especially organic waste from food industry and its impact on soil microbial activity, functional and genetic diversity. Her study proving that utilization of that kind of waste can be safe for the environment and beneficial for agriculture and land reclamation. Recently she has expanded her interest of plant pathology. As a member of research team supervised by Dr Adam KuzdraliÅ„ski, she takes part in designing assay based on molecular biology for detection of the most common wheat pathogens. Results can let to a better diagnosis of fungal diseases and optimal fungicides application 

Abstract:

The species Puccinia triticina (Pt) and Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst) are devastating cereal pathogens that cause brown/leaf and yellow/stripe rust diseases, respectively. Both fungi are an obligate parasites capable of producing infectious urediniospores as long as infected leaf tissue remains alive. They are responsible for significant yield losses of common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) that may have ranged from 10% to 70% depending on susceptibility of the cultivar, initial infection rate, development and duration of disease. The early detection of fungal pathogens can lead to preventive measures and minimize economic losses through i.e. fungicidal control. The molecular methods are the most reliable for monitoring of disease development and early pathogens detection (Fig 1). Multiplex PCR has the potential to target and differentiate more than one species at the same time.

In the present study, we develop a conventional PCR assays for the simultaneous species-specific detection of Pt and Pst. The Multiplex PCR assay targets the second largest subunits of the RNA polymerase II (rpb2) for Pt and beta-tubulin 1 (tub1) genes for Pst. The specificities of the PCR primers were verified using naturally infected plant materials with visual symptoms of rust diseases and diseases caused by other whet pathogens (Blumeria graminis, Drechslera tritici-repentis and Septoria tritici). The primer sets LidPs9/10 and LidPr1/2 produced a single DNA fragments of lengths 240 and 144 bp, respectively. No cross-reactions were observed with tested fungal pathogens and healthy plant tissues. The detection limit of singular primer sets was reached at 1 pg for Pt and 50 pg for Pts. The assay shows 100% effectiveness in rust fungi detection that make them promising tools for determining the proper schedule for plant protection. 

Biography:

Jinwoo has completed the master’s degree from Pusan National University. He is an active member of National Institute of Crop Science (NICS). Currently, he is working as a researcher in Crop Production Technology Research Division of NICS and studying laborsaving cultivation of soybean and peanut. He joined the Institute in 2012 and currently looking for his scientific carrier. He is interested in ripening and senescence physiology. He is always eager to participate in the National and International conference and looking forward to meeting scientific personnel

Abstract:

This study investigated the effect of diquat dibromide, a crop desiccation agent, spraying on the senescence and abscission of soybean leaves. Green Stem Syndrome (GSS) is a phenomenon that delays the senescence of leaves and stems in soybean (Glycine max L.). Because of GSS, a problem often arises when we harvest soybean with a combine. It tangles like a gum and causes the machine overloading. GSS can be caused by genetic or environmental factors. These effects have a negative impact on the production of soybean pods. When the number of pods, occurrence of GSS increase. To reduce this phenomenon, diquat dibromide is commonly used in many countries including the United States. This agricultural desiccation was registered for rice, barley and potato in South Korea. Daewonkong, a late maturity soybean cultivar, was sown on June 20th in 2016, with inter row spacing of 70 × 40 cm. During R5 reproductive growth stage (beginning seed), 50% of the pods were eliminated to induce GSS in maturity. The treatment concentration was a half(5㎖/â„“), standard(10㎖/â„“) and double(20㎖/â„“) of diquat dibromide 10 days before harvest. The leaves discolored on the 3rd day after spraying and leaf abscission appeared on 5th day. After 10 days, the leaves were almost eliminated. Chemical residues in soybean seed were not detected in case of half and standard but were detected in double. The investigation concludes that diquat dibromide is effective and useful on the senescence and abscission of soybean leaves for mechanical harvest. Further studies on the spraying concentration are required

Biography:

Ali Akbar Ehsanpour has more than 25 years experience in evaluation of antioxidant systems in plants under in vitro stresses such as nano silver, salt and drought. Now he has focused on nano particle toxicity in plants and he is concerned on toxicity of nano particle for human health. 

Abstract:

Under in vitro conditions, we examined the effects ofsilver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and silver (Ag) ions on potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) in terms of silver accumulation, production of reactive oxygen species (ROS),oxidative stress responses, and antioxidative defense systems. At all concentrations (except at 2 mg.L^-1), the amount of Ag in the shoots and roots of Ag ion-treated plantletswas significantly higher than in plantlets treated with AgNPs. In both treatments, total ROS and superoxide anionswere  increased at concentrations greaterthan 2 mg.L^-1. Damage caused by oxidative stress, such as ion leakage and cell death, was significantly higher in plantlets treated with AgNPs than those treated with Ag ions. Significant increases in the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, and glutathione reductase (GR),werefound in both AgNP-treated, and Ag ion-treated plantlets compared to the control. However, in AgNP-treated plantlets, GR activity was significantly decreased at 20 mg.L^-1. A significant reduction in glutathione (GSH), ascorbate (ASA), and the ratios of GSH to oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and ASA to oxidized ascorbate (DHA) were observed in plantlets treated with both AgNPs and Ag ions at concentrations higher than 2 mg.L^-1. Moreover, a greater decrease in GSH and ASA contents was seen in plantlets treated with AgNPs compared to those treated with Ag ions. The present study indicates that both AgNPs and Ag ion treatments impose oxidative stress on potato plantlets under in vitro conditions. Furthermore, based on plantlets’ responses to oxidative damage, the observed alteration in the activities of radical scavenging enzymes and the depletion of GSH and ASA, AgNPs seem to have higher toxicity than the equivalent mass of Ag ions. 

Biography:

Yong Hoon Lee worked as a research scientist at Rural Development Administration (RDA) of Republic of Korea. During his stay in RDA, he studied for management of plant disease especially by focusing on biological control. In 2009, he moved into Chonbuk National University and his lab studies on the interaction between plants and pathogen (P. cichorii), interaction between plants and rhizosphere microbiome (PGPR), and interaction between plants and environment (light) by focusing on genomic and physiolocal responses between the factors

Abstract:

Bacterial leaf blight (BLB) causes severe yield losses in temperate and tropical rice-growing regions. To reduce the occurrence of BLB, disease resistant rice cultivars are developed by introducing resistant genes. In this study, near-isogenic rice genotypes, IRBB21and IR24, which are resistant and susceptible to BLB, respectively were challenge inoculated with Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) races, K1, K2, and K3 by scissor clip method. IR24 was susceptible to all the inoculated Xoo races (S interaction), but IRBB21was highly resistant to K2 and K3 (R interaction), and moderately resistant to K1 race (MR interaction). The influence on photosynthesis in the various combinations was measured using Chlorophyll Fluorometer. The Fv/Fm was significantly decreased in leaves of S and MR interaction. However, there was no drastic fluctuation in the leaves of R interaction. The effective PSII quantum yield (ΦPSII) value decreased severely in S interaction, but slightly in R interaction at 2 days after inoculation (dai) before symptoms were developed. ΦPSII value in S interaction significantly decreased till 7 dai, while an increase was observed in R interaction. To better understand the difference in response of R and S interactions, we investigated the expression levels of defense-related genes. The expression of OsPR1a, OsPR1b, and OsPR10a significantly increased in S interaction at 2 dai and then downregulated at 5 dai. The expression of the genes in R interaction increased significantly from 2 to 5 dai. Furthermore, we obtained hyperspectral images from the Xoo inoculated rice leaves and analyzed by principal component analysis. The difference in the images between resistant and susceptible variety was observed from 2 dai, which would help us to screen resistant crops in early stage of infection. The underlying proteomic and metabolomic differences need to be further explored.

Biography:

Mansour Shariati has more than 23 years experience in plant physiology and physiology and biotechnology of unicellular green alga Dunaliella.

Abstract:

Heat shock proteins (HSPs) have vital roles in plant adaptation to biotic and abiotic stresses. These chaperon molecules expressed in almost all kinds of stresses in plants and are well known to be contributed in facilitating protein refolding, preventing protein dysfunctions and eventually reestablishing of cellular homeostasis under severe condition. Genome wide analysis revealed that HSPs are classified into 5 families based on their molecular weights and evolutionary conservation including HSP100 (Clp), HSP90, HSP70 (DnaK), HSP60 (GroEL) and small heat shock proteins (sHSPs). In this study, we used VIGS (virus induced gene silencing) to investigate the role of HSPs during stress in Nicotiana benthamiana.  For this aim, we cloned the gene fragments of smHSP, HSP70 and HSP90 from Capparis spinosa L. plant into the tobacco rattle virus vector, pTRV2 to heterologously suppress the corresponding endogenes of N. benthamiana. Silenced plants were exposed to salt stress (100 mM NaCl) for 21 days and Chl a fluorescence induction kinetics was analysed by using the OJIP-test, various parameters like F_V/F_O (Oxygen evolving complex activity), F_V/F_M (The maximal PSII photochemistry efficiency), φP_O (Maximum quantum yield for primary photochemistry), ψ_O (Probability that an electron moves further than QA), φE_O (Quantum yield for electron transport), DI_O/RC (Dissipation per active reaction center), φP_O /(1- φP_O) (The efficiency of light reaction), ψ_O /(1- ψ_O) (The efficiency of biochemical reaction) and PI_ABS (Performance index). Compare to smHSP and HSP90, silencing of HSP70 was found to have stronger negative effect especially after salinity on some parameters related to the donor site of electron in PSII [Fv/Fo, and φP_O /(1- φP_O) and, the parameters dependent on the acceptor site of the electron such as φE_O,  ψ_O and ψ_O /( ψ_O). It was also represented that simultaneous silencing of the HSP70 gene and salinity treatment resulted in a significant decrease PI_ABS and DIo/RC. So these results reflecting among the HSPs tested in the present study, HSP70 silencing cause severe injuries in photosynthetic machinery especially after salt stress.

Biography:

Jongsoon Ryu has completed the doctor’s degree from Chungnam National University, Korea. He is an active member of National Institute of Crop Science (NICS). At present, he is working as a researcher in Crop Production Technology Research Division of NICS, Miryang, Korea and studying labor saving cultivation of red bean, sorghum and millet. He joined the Institute in 2007 and heading for new scientific carrier. He is interested in Improvement the cultivation method for enhancing functional materials in grains. He is always eager to participate in the national and international conferences. .He is also looking forward to meeting scientific personnel.

Abstract:

Generally, it is advantageous for machine harvesting using combine that crops have upright type. Upright type adzuki beans are those varieties that were developed for machine harvesting and it has high processing efficiency. And, it is urgent improve of existing cultivation method for high-reliability production in new plant type crops. In the existing research, the planting spacing of the upright type of adzuki beans and the contrast varieties are as follows; Chungju : 70 × 20 cm, Arari : h 70 × 15 cm, and Hongen : 70 × 10 cm. Based on previous studies, here in study, we tried to find the proper sowing time for stable production of upright type red beans and contrast varieties. The sowing time was investigated at 5 levels in 2015, and 6 levels in 2016 (including additional tests). The investigation was based on the growth characteristics and yield components. The results showed that late sowing time had significant negative effects the tested varieties of red bean, relative to stem length, stem thickness, pod no. per plant, seed no. per plant. However, the lodging was decreased and increased during in one hundred seed weight. The sowing time showed a sensitive reaction to the change of weather in the cultivation environment. The highest yield quantity was found in case of sown on June 25 in each variety. Looking at these results, cultivation of adzuki bean at southern region in South Korea is basically based on the optimum sowing time, which can be from 20^th June to 30^th June as of June 25^th for stable production of beans.

Biography:

Abstract:

Biography:

Koo Ka Loo is working as a scientific researcher at Biotechnology & Breeding Department, Sime Darby Plantation R&D Centre, Malaysia. The study is about Virescens Colour Change and Oil Accumulation in Correlation with Ripeness in Oil Palm Fruits. 

Abstract:

The oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) is the most efficient oil producing crop in the world. Two exocarp colours of fruits, virescens and nigrescens are found in the crop. The commercial nigrescens fruits are deep violet to black at the apex and pale greenish yellow at the base, without significant colour change throughout fruit development. Hence, ripeness is determined based on the number of loose fruits observed. Virescens fruits that exhibit significant colour change from green to orange on maturity, are proposed to provide better ripeness clarity. The causal gene for exocarp colour in oil palm fruit was reported and the markers are now available for breeding selection. However, the correlation between virescens colour change and oil accumulation in the fruits still remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the correlations between virescens colour change, oil accumulation and loose fruits occurrence in fruit bunches. Five full-sib dura palms were studied, where 28 fruitlets were randomly sampled at 98, 112, 119, 126, 133, 140 and 147 days after anthesis (DAA) from each bunch. Three replicate bunches were collected from each palm. Fruit exocarp colour was recorded in the field and total oil content was isolated using hexane extraction. Overall, the findings indicated the virescens colour change from light green to light yellow-orange ranged from 126 to 143 DAA, and followed by dark orange from 136 to 148 DAA. The first loose fruit varied between individual palms, but was consistent within bunches on a palm. Oil accumulation in oil palm fruits increased exponentially from 112 to 133 DAA and reached plateaued after 140 DAA. These findings indicated virescens colour change coincides with current harvesting practice, but both methods do not harvest at maximum oil.

Biography:

Dr. N. Nagaraju graduated in University of Agricultural Sciences Bengaluru and expertise in plant virology. He worked as an Extension Pathologist during 1998-2010 and expertise in diagnosis, identification of plant disease and recommending suitable management practices. He is serving in UAS, Bengaluru since 20 years and worked on different plant viruses viz., Papaya ring spot virus (PRSV), Pepper veinal mottle virus (PVMV), Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CMV), Tomato leaf curl virus (ToLCV), Tomato spotted wilt virus (ToSPO) and other Gemini viruses. He developed integrated management practices for the important viruses for sustainable agriculture and were included in University Package of Practice. He is presently working on use of bio-molecules for inducing defense in crop plant against plant viruses.

Abstract:

Papaya cultivation is worldwide ravaged by Papaya ringspot virus (PRSV) disease. Surveys conducted in Southern Karnataka during 2012-2014 revealed the maximum PRSV incidence in Bangalore Rural (77.53%) followed by Bangalore Urban (68.89%), Kolar (65.00%) and Chikkaballapura (52.78%) districts. Monitoring of the population of different aphid species during August-2013 to July-2014 using yellow sticky traps revealed the occurrence of eight aphid species. Of which, three species viz., Aphis gossypii (66.04%), A. craccivora (26.80%) and Myzus persicae (2.12%) were regularly trapped throughout the year. Transmission studies proved that, M. persicae (53.33%) was more efficient vector in transmitting PRSV followed by A. gossypii (46.66%) and A. craccivora (26.66%). The aphid population was peak when rainfall was below 8.00 mm with temperature range of 17-35⁰C, relative humidity of 30-90% and with wind speed of 3-5km/hr. Based on the symptoms on differential var. Red lady, the PRSV isolates viz., BRD-1, BRH-1, BUH-1 were considered as severe, while MMD-1 and MML-1 as mild isolates. Partial characterization of isolate BUH-1 by CP gene showed highest homology of 98% with South Indian and 87-92% with Asian isolates. Among the defence inducing molecules Salicylic Acid@ 0.002%, Silicic Acid@ 0.2% and Boric Acid@ 0.2% found effective in reducing the disease under field and glasshouse condition. In PRSVdisease management studies, growing papaya as intercrop with African Tall maize (1:1) and Grand Naine banana (2:1) as live barriers found effective recording 60-90% disease control with maximum yield in varieties Arka Surya (15.78 kg and 14.34 kg/plant) and Red lady (33.28 and 30.37 kg/plant) with C-B ratio of 1:9.2 and 1:6.5 in Red lady and with 1:3 and 1:1 in Surya respectively. Growing papaya with silver reflective mulch recorded as next most profitable treatment with C:B ratio of 1:1.9 and1:6.2 by controlling 90 and 100% disease in Arka Surya and Red Lady respectively.

Biography:

Young Ho Yoon is Senior Researcher on National Institute of Crop Science, Rural Development Administration(RDA) in South Korea.  He has been devoted the the study of development of buckwheat variety and post-harvesting of miscellaneous grain crop such as sorghum, millet and buckwheat. He has contributed a wealth of information concerning functionality  through his research of tatary(bitter) buckwheat. Recently, he has interested in the stable production of upland farming and the promotion of agricultural mechanization. He is acting in assistant administrator position of ‘mechanization in upland farming and value added agriculture’ project at RDA.

Abstract:

Grain sorghum(Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) has been widely consumed as a traditional foods such as steamed kernels with rice and beverages in korea. In this study, effects of separation of seeds by size and grain moisture content on milling recovery and quality were investigated. Previous study reported that dehulling and milling of sorghum seeds after seed size screening affects milling recovery ratio and quality. The first experiment of this study focused on difference of ratio of the milled grains, intact grains(true whole grain after milling) and whiteness among 4 sorghum cultivars after grain sorghum were milled by polishing machine for the same amount of time (2 minutes and 30 seconds). Greater size of seeds had greater ratio of the milled grains and whole intact grains, whereas sorghum grains with no size screening of grain and smaller sizes than 3.5 mm had the smallest ratio of the milled grains and intact grains. When seeds with greater sizes than 4.0 mm were milled, the ratio of intact grains was ranged between 77.4 and 85.0 depending on cultivars. This result was 4.5% greater than ones from no size screening of grain. The whiteness of seeds that were milled under the same conditions had the greater values from seed sizes greater than 4 mm than ones from no screening throughout the all cultivars. This experiment resulted in that smaller seeds needed a longer milling time in order to achieve the same whiteness level as bigger seeds. The other experiment in this study investigated effects of the moisture content in  grain sorghum by hot air drying on milling recovery rate and quality. Previous study reported that seeds were milled after drying for a certain time since moisture content in grain were ranged between 14.3 and 27.6% on 45 days after heading by cultivar. In result, as seeds had smaller than 16% of moisture content, they tended to have greater whiteness levels, but smaller milled head grain recovery rates. The future research will focus on method for drying and optimal moisture content in grain sorghum to prevent seed decay and higher milling recovery and quality.

Biography:

Dr Anna Kot has her expertise in environmental microbiology. Primary she has focused her study on waste management, especially organic waste from food industry and its impact on soil microbial activity, functional and genetic diversity. Her study proving that utilization of that kind of waste can be safe for the environment and beneficial for agriculture and land reclamation. Recently she has expanded her interest of plant pathology. As a member of research team supervised by Dr Adam KuzdraliÅ„ski, she takes part in designing assay based on molecular biology for detection of the most common wheat pathogens. Results can let to a better diagnosis of fungal diseases and optimal fungicides application 

Abstract:

The species Puccinia triticina (Pt) and Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst) are devastating cereal pathogens that cause brown/leaf and yellow/stripe rust diseases, respectively. Both fungi are an obligate parasites capable of producing infectious urediniospores as long as infected leaf tissue remains alive. They are responsible for significant yield losses of common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) that may have ranged from 10% to 70% depending on susceptibility of the cultivar, initial infection rate, development and duration of disease. The early detection of fungal pathogens can lead to preventive measures and minimize economic losses through i.e. fungicidal control. The molecular methods are the most reliable for monitoring of disease development and early pathogens detection (Fig 1). Multiplex PCR has the potential to target and differentiate more than one species at the same time.

In the present study, we develop a conventional PCR assays for the simultaneous species-specific detection of Pt and Pst. The Multiplex PCR assay targets the second largest subunits of the RNA polymerase II (rpb2) for Pt and beta-tubulin 1 (tub1) genes for Pst. The specificities of the PCR primers were verified using naturally infected plant materials with visual symptoms of rust diseases and diseases caused by other whet pathogens (Blumeria graminis, Drechslera tritici-repentis and Septoria tritici). The primer sets LidPs9/10 and LidPr1/2 produced a single DNA fragments of lengths 240 and 144 bp, respectively. No cross-reactions were observed with tested fungal pathogens and healthy plant tissues. The detection limit of singular primer sets was reached at 1 pg for Pt and 50 pg for Pts. The assay shows 100% effectiveness in rust fungi detection that make them promising tools for determining the proper schedule for plant protection. 

Biography:

Jinwoo has completed the master’s degree from Pusan National University. He is an active member of National Institute of Crop Science (NICS). Currently, he is working as a researcher in Crop Production Technology Research Division of NICS and studying laborsaving cultivation of soybean and peanut. He joined the Institute in 2012 and currently looking for his scientific carrier. He is interested in ripening and senescence physiology. He is always eager to participate in the National and International conference and looking forward to meeting scientific personnel

Abstract:

This study investigated the effect of diquat dibromide, a crop desiccation agent, spraying on the senescence and abscission of soybean leaves. Green Stem Syndrome (GSS) is a phenomenon that delays the senescence of leaves and stems in soybean (Glycine max L.). Because of GSS, a problem often arises when we harvest soybean with a combine. It tangles like a gum and causes the machine overloading. GSS can be caused by genetic or environmental factors. These effects have a negative impact on the production of soybean pods. When the number of pods, occurrence of GSS increase. To reduce this phenomenon, diquat dibromide is commonly used in many countries including the United States. This agricultural desiccation was registered for rice, barley and potato in South Korea.

Daewonkong, a late maturity soybean cultivar, was sown on June 20th in 2016, with inter row spacing of 70 × 40 cm. During R5 reproductive growth stage (beginning seed), 50% of the pods were eliminated to induce GSS in maturity. The treatment concentration was a half(5㎖/â„“), standard(10㎖/â„“) and double(20㎖/â„“) of diquat dibromide 10 days before harvest. The leaves discolored on the 3rd day after spraying and leaf abscission appeared on 5th day. After 10 days, the leaves were almost eliminated. Chemical residues in soybean seed were not detected in case of half and standard but were detected in double. The investigation concludes that diquat dibromide is effective and useful on the senescence and abscission of soybean leaves for mechanical harvest. Further studies on the spraying concentration are required

Biography:

Ali Akbar Ehsanpour has more than 25 years experience in evaluation of antioxidant systems in plants under in vitro stresses such as nano silver, salt and drought. Now he has focused on nano particle toxicity in plants and he is concerned on toxicity of nano particle for human health. 

Abstract:

Under in vitro conditions, we examined the effects ofsilver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and silver (Ag) ions on potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) in terms of silver accumulation, production of reactive oxygen species (ROS),oxidative stress responses, and antioxidative defense systems. At all concentrations (except at 2 mg.L^-1), the amount of Ag in the shoots and roots of Ag ion-treated plantletswas significantly higher than in plantlets treated with AgNPs. In both treatments, total ROS and superoxide anionswere  increased at concentrations greaterthan 2 mg.L^-1. Damage caused by oxidative stress, such as ion leakage and cell death, was significantly higher in plantlets treated with AgNPs than those treated with Ag ions. Significant increases in the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, and glutathione reductase (GR),werefound in both AgNP-treated, and Ag ion-treated plantlets compared to the control. However, in AgNP-treated plantlets, GR activity was significantly decreased at 20 mg.L^-1. A significant reduction in glutathione (GSH), ascorbate (ASA), and the ratios of GSH to oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and ASA to oxidized ascorbate (DHA) were observed in plantlets treated with both AgNPs and Ag ions at concentrations higher than 2 mg.L^-1. Moreover, a greater decrease in GSH and ASA contents was seen in plantlets treated with AgNPs compared to those treated with Ag ions. The present study indicates that both AgNPs and Ag ion treatments impose oxidative stress on potato plantlets under in vitro conditions. Furthermore, based on plantlets’ responses to oxidative damage, the observed alteration in the activities of radical scavenging enzymes and the depletion of GSH and ASA, AgNPs seem to have higher toxicity than the equivalent mass of Ag ions. 

Biography:

Yong Hoon Lee worked as a research scientist at Rural Development Administration (RDA) of Republic of Korea. During his stay in RDA, he studied for management of plant disease especially by focusing on biological control. In 2009, he moved into Chonbuk National University and his lab studies on the interaction between plants and pathogen (P. cichorii), interaction between plants and rhizosphere microbiome (PGPR), and interaction between plants and environment (light) by focusing on genomic and physiolocal responses between the factors

Abstract:

Bacterial leaf blight (BLB) causes severe yield losses in temperate and tropical rice-growing regions. To reduce the occurrence of BLB, disease resistant rice cultivars are developed by introducing resistant genes. In this study, near-isogenic rice genotypes, IRBB21and IR24, which are resistant and susceptible to BLB, respectively were challenge inoculated with Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) races, K1, K2, and K3 by scissor clip method. IR24 was susceptible to all the inoculated Xoo races (S interaction), but IRBB21was highly resistant to K2 and K3 (R interaction), and moderately resistant to K1 race (MR interaction). The influence on photosynthesis in the various combinations was measured using Chlorophyll Fluorometer. The Fv/Fm was significantly decreased in leaves of S and MR interaction. However, there was no drastic fluctuation in the leaves of R interaction. The effective PSII quantum yield (ΦPSII) value decreased severely in S interaction, but slightly in R interaction at 2 days after inoculation (dai) before symptoms were developed. ΦPSII value in S interaction significantly decreased till 7 dai, while an increase was observed in R interaction. To better understand the difference in response of R and S interactions, we investigated the expression levels of defense-related genes. The expression of OsPR1a, OsPR1b, and OsPR10a significantly increased in S interaction at 2 dai and then downregulated at 5 dai. The expression of the genes in R interaction increased significantly from 2 to 5 dai. Furthermore, we obtained hyperspectral images from the Xoo inoculated rice leaves and analyzed by principal component analysis. The difference in the images between resistant and susceptible variety was observed from 2 dai, which would help us to screen resistant crops in early stage of infection. The underlying proteomic and metabolomic differences need to be further explored.

Biography:

Mansour Shariati has more than 23 years experience in plant physiology and physiology and biotechnology of unicellular green alga Dunaliella.

Abstract:

Heat shock proteins (HSPs) have vital roles in plant adaptation to biotic and abiotic stresses. These chaperon molecules expressed in almost all kinds of stresses in plants and are well known to be contributed in facilitating protein refolding, preventing protein dysfunctions and eventually reestablishing of cellular homeostasis under severe condition. Genome wide analysis revealed that HSPs are classified into 5 families based on their molecular weights and evolutionary conservation including HSP100 (Clp), HSP90, HSP70 (DnaK), HSP60 (GroEL) and small heat shock proteins (sHSPs). In this study, we used VIGS (virus induced gene silencing) to investigate the role of HSPs during stress in Nicotiana benthamiana.  For this aim, we cloned the gene fragments of smHSP, HSP70 and HSP90 from Capparis spinosa L. plant into the tobacco rattle virus vector, pTRV2 to heterologously suppress the corresponding endogenes of N. benthamiana. Silenced plants were exposed to salt stress (100 mM NaCl) for 21 days and Chl a fluorescence induction kinetics was analysed by using the OJIP-test, various parameters like F_V/F_O (Oxygen evolving complex activity), F_V/F_M (The maximal PSII photochemistry efficiency), φP_O (Maximum quantum yield for primary photochemistry), ψ_O (Probability that an electron moves further than QA), φE_O (Quantum yield for electron transport), DI_O/RC (Dissipation per active reaction center), φP_O /(1- φP_O) (The efficiency of light reaction), ψ_O /(1- ψ_O) (The efficiency of biochemical reaction) and PI_ABS (Performance index). Compare to smHSP and HSP90, silencing of HSP70 was found to have stronger negative effect especially after salinity on some parameters related to the donor site of electron in PSII [Fv/Fo, and φP_O /(1- φP_O) and, the parameters dependent on the acceptor site of the electron such as φE_O,  ψ_O and ψ_O /( ψ_O). It was also represented that simultaneous silencing of the HSP70 gene and salinity treatment resulted in a significant decrease PI_ABS and DIo/RC. So these results reflecting among the HSPs tested in the present study, HSP70 silencing cause severe injuries in photosynthetic machinery especially after salt stress.

Biography:

Jongsoo Ryu has completed the doctor’s degree from Chungnam National University, Korea. He is an active member of National Institute of Crop Science (NICS). At present, he is working as a researcher in Crop Production Technology Research Division of NICS, Miryang, Korea and studying labor saving cultivation of red bean, sorghum and millet. He joined the Institute in 2007 and heading for new scientific carrier. He is interested in Improvement the cultivation method for enhancing functional materials in grains. He is always eager to participate in the national and international conferences. .He is also looking forward to meeting scientific personnel.

Abstract:

Generally, it is advantageous for machine harvesting using combine that crops have upright type. Upright type adzuki beans are those varieties that were developed for machine harvesting and it has high processing efficiency. And, it is urgent improve of existing cultivation method for high-reliability production in new plant type crops. In the existing research, the planting spacing of the upright type of adzuki beans and the contrast varieties are as follows; Chungju : 70 × 20 cm, Arari : h 70 × 15 cm, and Hongen : 70 × 10 cm. Based on previous studies, here in study, we tried to find the proper sowing time for stable production of upright type red beans and contrast varieties. The sowing time was investigated at 5 levels in 2015, and 6 levels in 2016 (including additional tests). The investigation was based on the growth characteristics and yield components. The results showed that late sowing time had significant negative effects the tested varieties of red bean, relative to stem length, stem thickness, pod no. per plant, seed no. per plant. However, the lodging was decreased and increased during in one hundred seed weight. The sowing time showed a sensitive reaction to the change of weather in the cultivation environment. The highest yield quantity was found in case of sown on June 25 in each variety. Looking at these results, cultivation of adzuki bean at southern region in South Korea is basically based on the optimum sowing time, which can be from 20^th June to 30^th June as of June 25^th for stable production of beans.

Biography:

Koo Ka Loo obtained her bachelor’s degree in Genetics and Molecular Biology in University Malaya, Malaysia.  Her research interests covering transcriptomics and genomics in oil palm. She has experience in oil palm research for 4 years. Currently her work focused on marker assisted breeding in oil palm.

Abstract:

The oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) is the most efficient oil producing crop in the world. Two exocarp colours of fruits, virescens and nigrescens are found in the crop. The commercial nigrescens fruits are deep violet to black at the apex and pale greenish yellow at the base, without significant colour change throughout fruit development. Hence, ripeness is determined based on the number of loose fruits observed. Virescens fruits that exhibit significant colour change from green to orange on maturity, are proposed to provide better ripeness clarity. The causal gene for exocarp colour in oil palm fruit was reported and the markers are now available for breeding selection. However, the correlation between virescens colour change and oil accumulation in the fruits still remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the correlations between virescens colour change, oil accumulation and loose fruits occurrence in fruit bunches. Five full-sib dura palms were studied, where 28 fruitlets were randomly sampled at 98, 112, 119, 126, 133, 140 and 147 days after anthesis (DAA) from each bunch. Three replicate bunches were collected from each palm. Fruit exocarp colour was recorded in the field and total oil content was isolated using hexane extraction. Overall, the findings indicated the virescens colour change from light green to light yellow-orange ranged from 126 to 143 DAA, and followed by dark orange from 136 to 148 DAA. The first loose fruit varied between individual palms, but was consistent within bunches on a palm. Oil accumulation in oil palm fruits increased exponentially from 112 to 133 DAA and reached plateaued after 140 DAA. These findings indicated virescens colour change coincides with current harvesting practice, but both methods do not harvest at maximum oil.

Biography:

Abstract: