Tidal swamplands represent one of Indonesia's most extensive yet underutilized agricultural resources, covering approximately 20.1 million hectares. These marginal lands possess significant potential for horticultural crop production, particularly for high-value crops such as shallots (Allium cepa L. Aggregatum). However, inherent challenges including soil acidity, aluminum toxicity, nutrient deficiency, and periodic waterlogging severely limit crop productivity. This study investigated the effectiveness of peat-derived humic acid amelioration on shallot cultivation in tidal swampland conditions of Riau Province, Indonesia. A split-plot field experiment evaluated three high-yielding varieties (Tajuk, Bima, and Manjung) and five humic acid application rates (0, 0.08, 0.16, 0.24, and 0.32 g plant⁻¹) in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Initial soil analysis revealed highly acidic conditions with pH 4.20 and elevated aluminum concentration of 5.36 cmol(+) kg⁻¹. Results demonstrated that the Bima variety consistently outperformed other varieties, achieving maximum plant height of 36.42 cm and total plant weight of 4.57 g. Humic acid application at 0.32 g plant⁻¹ produced optimal results, generating maximum fresh weight productivity of 10.5 tons hectare⁻¹, representing a 275% increase over control treatments (2.8 tons hectare⁻¹). Significant interactions between varietal selection and humic acid application demonstrated synergistic effects in overcoming soil constraints, indicating that integrated management strategies combining appropriate varietal selection with targeted soil amelioration offer a viable sustainable approach for improving shallot cultivation in marginal tidal swampland environments.
Maize cultivation, which depends on the productive technologies of the cultivars, is heavily dependent on liming and fertilization. Potassium (K) is crucial in soil management, but presents challenges due to its dynamics, high costs and dependence on imports in tropical soils. Remineralizers are ground natural rocks rich in essential minerals and nutrients that improve soil fertility. They can be used as regional alternatives to reduce dependence on imported chemical fertilizers, promoting more sustainable and locally sourced agricultural practices. They can improve physical characteristics, such as water retention, and chemical characteristics, such as nutrient supply, thereby enhancing the water relations in maize. This study analyzed the use of the "Completo" remineralizer in a Dystrophic Haplic Cambisol (CXbd) soil (medium-clayey texture) and a Red Dystrophic Oxisol (LVd) (clayey soil), with different K levels (0, 75, and 150 kg K2O ha-1) and two remineralizer concentrations (4 and 20 Mg ha-1), in a 2x3x2 factorial scheme. The following parameters were evaluated: soil matric potential, soil moisture, water volume, dry matter of the aerial part, photosynthetic rate, transpiration, stomatal conductance, water use efficiency, and xylem water potential. The results showed that the concentration of 4 Mg ha-1 of the "Completo" remineralizer improved water storage, dry matter content, gas exchange, and xylem water potential in maize plants. The concentration of 20 Mg ha-1 was more efficient in CXbd, increasing water use efficiency by 23% and photosynthetic rate by 29%. Each concentration performed better depending on the soil type. We suggest that further research should be conducted to assess the effects of this remineralizer on maize cultivation, due to the complexity of soil-plant-environment interactions.
Centrosema pubescens is a tropical forage legume valued for its adaptability, protein content, and potential to improve livestock nutrition in low-input systems. However, limited information is available on how organic fertilization and harvest timing affect its productivity and nutritive value. This study evaluated the effects of goat manure fertilization and harvest age on growth traits, forage yield, and nutrient composition of C. pubescens. A randomized 2 × 2 factorial design was applied with two manure doses (0 and 300 g plant⁻¹) and two harvest ages (10 and 12 weeks). Measured variables included soil nutrients, plant morphology, chemical composition, and forage production. Manure dose significantly influenced most growth traits and soil properties, but had no effect on forage yield or chemical composition (p>0.05). Harvest age affected most variables, except dry matter, ether extract, and phosphorus content (p>0.05). A significant dose × age interaction was detected : plants fertilized with 300 g plant⁻¹ and harvested at 12 weeks had the greatest leaf number, plant height, stem diameter, branch number, crude protein, and organic matter content. Overall, the combination of 300 g plant⁻¹ goat manure with a 12-week harvest interval improved soil nutrient status, growth performance, and forage nutritive value of C. pubescens. These findings suggest that integrating organic fertilization with appropriate harvest management can enhance the agronomic and nutritional potential of this forage legume in tropical systems.
This work sought to evaluate the antioxidant, antifungal and antibacterial potential of ethanolic extracts obtained from inferior quality coffee beans. Extracts were prepared from green and roasted coffee beans using the solid-liquid reflux extraction technique. The antioxidant potential was evaluated by the DPPH radical-scavenging method. The antifungal activity was evaluated by analyzing the mycelial growth of the fungi Aspergillus westerdijkiae and Aspergillus carbonarius, and the effect of the extracts on the fungi was visualized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The antibacterial potential against Salmonella enterica Choleraesuis and Listeria monocytogenes was evaluated by microdilution, and the effects were observed by SEM. The green coffee extract was the most efficient in inhibiting DPPH radicals and more efficient in inhibiting mycelial growth. A. carbonarius was more sensitive to the extracts than A. westerdijkiae, being completely inhibited by 20000 ppm of the green coffee extract. Neither of the coffee extracts exhibited bactericidal activity, and no bacteriostatic effect was observed for the roasted coffee extract. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of green coffee extract for L. monocytogenes and S. Choleraesuis was 5000 ppm. Therefore, the ethanolic extract of green coffee had a great potential as a by-product of the industry.
This study investigates the effect of controlled lactofermentation using Pediococcus acidilactici, a potential probiotic strain, on Picralima nitida seeds and Moringa oleifera leaves, two edible plants traditionally used to manage diabetes in Côte d'Ivoire. The study aims to demonstrate how controlled lactofermentation using Pediococcus acidilactici can enhance the bioactive properties and antidiabetic potential activity of these neglected plants. The results revealed that fermentation improved phytochemical contents of these wild fruits and vegetables. Fermented Picralima nitida seeds contained over five times more polyphenols than unfermented seeds (0.82 ± 0.01 mg/ml vs. 0.14 ± 0.01 mg/ml), while fermented Moringa oleifera leaves contained 0.92 ± 0.00 mg/ml. DPPH radical inhibition increased by 42.1% in Picralima nitida seeds and by 5% in Moringa oleifera leaves after fermentation. Anti-inflammatory activity increased by 61.1% in fermented Picralima nitida seeds and by 25.5% in Moringa oleifera leaves. These results encourage the use of fermented foods in diabetes treatment, which could lead to new products being developed for this condition.
This research investigated the potential of Tithonia diversifolia as a sustainable nitrogen source for chili (Capsicum annuum L.) production in lime-amended Ultisol using ¹⁵N isotope tracing technology. A factorial pot experiment was conducted with two factors: lime application (0 and 2 ton ha⁻¹) and nitrogen substitution levels (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% replacement of synthetic N fertilizer with fresh Tithonia biomass). A pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the potential of Tithonia diversifolia green manure as a partial substitute for synthetic nitrogen fertilizer in chili (Capsicum annuum L.) production on acidic Ultisol soil. The study employed a factorial design with varying N substitution levels (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) and lime treatments (with and without lime application). Tithonia biomass was incorporated into the soil and incubated for 21 days before chili transplantation. Soil chemical properties, plant growth parameters, yield components, nutrient uptake, and ¹⁵N isotope analysis were measured throughout the 12-week growing period. The Ultisol soil exhibited typical constraints with pH 5.27, high Al saturation (36.85%), and low fertility status. Results demonstrated that Tithonia application significantly improved soil chemical properties by reducing exchangeable Al from 2.00 to 0.53 cmol kg⁻¹ and Al saturation from 36.85% to 7.48% without lime treatment. Soil organic carbon increased linearly with Tithonia application, reaching 2.47% at the highest substitution level with lime. Lime application enhanced soil pH and further reduced Al toxicity, creating synergistic effects with Tithonia amendments. Optimal chili performance was achieved with 25-30% N substitution, producing maximum straw dry mass (74.95 g pot⁻¹), fruit fresh weight (397.53 g pot⁻¹), and nutrient uptake efficiency. The ¹⁵N isotope analysis revealed that Tithonia contributed 1.78% to 28.40% of total plant nitrogen uptake, with higher substitution levels showing increased N contribution but reduced overall plant performance. Complete substitution (100%) significantly reduced plant growth and yield, indicating incomplete nutrient mineralization within the 21-day incubation period. The study concludes that Tithonia diversifolia can effectively substitute up to 50% of synthetic nitrogen fertilizer in chili production systems while maintaining optimal growth and yield parameters. This integrated approach offers a sustainable solution for reducing synthetic fertilizer dependency in tropical agriculture, particularly in acidic soils where lime application enhances the effectiveness of organic amendments
Efficient nitrogen (N) management is critical for optimizing leafy vegetable production under contrasting soil conditions. A greenhouse experiment was conducted at Mahasarakham University, Thailand, to evaluate the growth, yield, and N use efficiency of Chinese kale (Brassica oleracea var. alboglabra) grown in loamy sand and clay soils under four N rates applied as urea (46% N): 0, 0.32, 0.64, and 0.96 g pot-1. Growth and yield responses differed between soil textures; clay supported greater overall biomass accumulation, whereas loamy sand produced higher shoot fresh weight, reflecting differences in soil fertility and nutrient availability. Increasing urea rates enhanced chlorophyll (SPAD) content and biomass, with the highest values recorded at 0.96 g pot-1. Pearson’s correlation analysis showed strong positive associations among biomass traits (r > 0.90***), moderate correlations with chlorophyll content, and weak or nonsignificant correlations for leaf number. Principal component analysis indicated that biomass-related traits dominated PC1 (61.9%), while leaf number contributed mainly to PC2 (14.1%), effectively separating samples by soil texture. Nitrogen use efficiency was optimized at 0.32 g pot-1 in loamy sand and at 0.96 g pot-1 in clay, underscoring the need for soil-specific nutrient management. Overall, the results identify biomass traits as reliable indicators of yield potential and highlight the value of targeted N management for improving Chinese kale production in tropical soils.
The study aimed to evaluate the influence of pruning timing on the phenology, productivity, and quality of grapes and wine of red wine grape cv. Merlot cultivar during the 2022/2023 growing cycle. The treatments involved four pruning seasons: late May (autumn), June, July and August in winter, using a block design with three replications. Were evaluated phenology (beginning and end of budbreak, flowering, and ripening), budburst percentage, productivity, grape and wine quality. The number of clusters per plant, cluster weight and size, productivity per plant and per hectare were assessed. The important analyses such as pH, total acidity, and soluble solids (°Brix) were also included. Wine analyses evaluated pH, alcohol, total acidity, color, and sensory attributes. Early pruning did not affect plant phenology. Late pruning decreased and reduced budburst, as well as shortened the duration of phenological cycles, without advancing harvest time. Early pruning increased productivity without influencing grape and wine composition. Plants pruned in May and July were more productive, producing 9300 and 9900 kg of grapes per hectare. Late pruning in August reduced productivity (7143 kg). Winter pruning can be brought forward or extended without significantly altering the quality of the grape and wine, considering treatments with early pruning in May and late pruning in August.
Product marking is very important as it provides information about the product through the agricultural value chain without the information being missing or tampered with. Therefore, it is necessary to use technologies that would permanently mark agricultural products, and one such technology is laser marking. This technology is being explored and used in other parts of the world, such as Europe, Australia, and the United States, intensively in the agriculture sector. However, in Africa, it has been used in only a few countries such as South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria. There is a need to encourage, educate, and sensitize people on the beneficial effects of its use, such as high precision of work, permanent marking, high resistance to external effects like heat and abrasion, low power consumption, and being environmentally friendly. Therefore, this paper seeks to review the trends of laser marking of agricultural products in Africa and also provide recommendations on its use, especially in Ghana.
Phytochemicals, that include both primary and secondary metabolites (SMs) of the plants, are of great interest in a variety of sectors, such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Recently, it has been recognized that SMs could be used as a basis to develop biopesticides. Lime and orange peels were collected and dried at room temperature from Guerrero, México. They were ground until obtaining a fine powder in a blender and then the extraction of the compounds was conducted. Characterization of plant extracts was done through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The outstanding compounds in the extracts were d-limonene and citric acid. d-Limonene stood out as one of the predominant ones with a concentration of 95.66 %. The ethanolic extracts presented a higher number of compounds than aqueous extracts. This study represents a significant advance in the characterization and comprehension of orange and lime peel extracts, providing a solid base for future studies and practical applications in various scientific and commercial fields.
Land clearing through oil palm expansion potentially leads to several negative effects on farmland soil condition such as the deterioration of ammonium and nitrate. The native farmers in Bangka Islands, Indonesia, considerably cultivate black potatoes and groundnuts to elevate soil nutrient on the cleared land. Many studies have examined the ability of groundnuts to enhance soil quality through their specific association with diazotrophic bacteria, while there is still limited information about black potatoes. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to isolate and identify nitrogen-fixing bacteria associated with black potato and groundnut cultivated in this tropical farmed-land. In this study, a total 44 isolates were obtained using N-free and yeast extract mannitol agar medium. The isolates, BK1043 and BK1042, and AT1043 were able to produce ammonia and showed negative results in hemolysis, hypersensitivity, and antagonistic test. Based on nifH gene detection and acetylene reduction assay, BK1043 and AT1043 were recognized as diazotrophic bacteria. Furthermore all 3 isolates were able to produce indole acetic acid and hydrogen cyanide except BK1043. Identification of 16S rRNA gene showed that BK1043, BK1042, and AT1043 are belonged to Paenibacillus alginolyticus, Burkholderia cepacia, and Arthrobacter enclensis, respectively. This is the first study to report diazotrophic bacteria that are harbored in black potato rhizosphere.
Thailand still burns sugarcane because there are no cultivars with natural leaf shedding for mechanized harvesting. This study used multivariate characterization to identify mechanization-supporting defoliation traits in 28 field-grown sugarcane genotypes in Phitsanulok Province between 2020-2022. Defoliation force (DF), self-defoliation rate (SDR), stem and sheath morphology, sheath detachment ease, and cane surface cleanliness were measured. The study found significant genotypic variation (P ≤ 0.001) and diverse phenotypes. Principal component analysis reduced 13 quantitative traits to four components that explained 70.1% of variance, with DF and SDR as important, inversely related indicators of mechanization readiness. Using hierarchical clustering, genotypes were classified as favorable (CSB08-101, KK07-599, UT12), resistant (CSB07-184, LK92-11), or intermediate (KK3). Sheath morphology traits (LSW, LST, ASR) were found to have a canonical correlation with defoliation ease, and MANOVA confirmed strong genotype effects (η² > 0.90). Correlation networks confirmed SDR, DF, and qualitative indices as valid selection markers. This study presents the first integrated multivariate framework for assessing defoliation in Thai sugarcane germplasm, emphasizing SDR, DF, and sheath architecture as useful indices for breeding cultivars that are compatible with sustainable, mechanized harvesting systems.
Cotton, the "white gold", is one of the most important crops in the world. In Mozambique, cotton is a cash and foreign exchange crop and is regularly on the list of agricultural exports. Cotton cultivation in the country is performed mainly by small-scale farmers, who face many challenges, characterized by low yields (< 500 kg. ha-1), due to the use of seeds from unimproved varieties that are poorly adapted to local cultivation conditions and the systematic use of recycled and noncertified seeds. Research has introduced new varieties in addition to the genotypes developed in the country. The objective of this study was to evaluate the adaptability and stability of 2 cotton varieties and 2 inbred lines for cottonseed and fiber yield. The trials were conducted under rainfed conditions in three consecutive seasons, 2021, 2022 and 2023, in Namialo, Namapa, Montepuez, and Ribáuè and two seasons, 2001 and 2023, in Cuamba, resulting in a total of 14 environments. The treatments, consisting of 9 cotton varieties/genotypes, were established in an RCBD with 4 replications. Individual and combined ANOVA for seed cotton and fiber yields was carried out, and adaptability and stability were applied via the GGE methodology. There was a significant genotype-by-environment interaction. The PL-164/2 genotype was the most stable, with greater predictability, followed by Flash and MP2020. The MP2020 genotype presented greater fiber maturity, whereas PL-164/2 presented a standard fiber length in relation to the minimum required length. PL-164/2, Flash and MP2020 are recommended for registration and release for production in the country.
This study aimed to evaluate the bioactivity of ethanolic leaf extracts and hexanic seed extracts from Annona hypoglauca Mart. against Aphis craccivora Koch, as well as to characterize their chemical composition. The chemical constituents were identified by gas chromatography using a flame ionization detector and a mass spectrometer. Toxicity, repellency, and translaminar action were assessed on nymphs and adults of the cowpea aphid. The ethanolic leaf extract was mainly composed of terpenoids, including β-sitosterol (23.69%), phytol (12.11%), neophytadiene (9.45%), and elemol (9.75%). In contrast, the hexanic seed extract was predominantly composed of fatty acids, such as oleic (50.50%), palmitic (24.90%), and stearic (9.00%) acids. Both extracts exhibited toxicity to A. craccivora nymphs, with the hexanic seed extract showing higher potency, requiring lower concentrations to achieve similar effects (LC₅₀ = 3.8 mg·mL⁻¹; LC₉₀ = 59.63 mg·mL⁻¹). The LC₅₀ values of 14.80 mg·mL⁻¹ for the ethanolic leaf extract and 3.80 mg·mL⁻¹ for the hexanic seed extract caused significant toxicity in adults of A. craccivora, in addition to inducing repellency and translaminar activity.
Sweet grain sorghum is exploited in Burkina Faso through the consumption of fresh grains early at the doughy stage. To identify, valorise and conserve the genetic diversity of this agricultural resource, SNPs markers are essential tools. The aim of the present study is to assess the genetic diversity of sweet grain sorghum expressed in a linear DNA sequence, and to identify SNPs. To this effect, 50 sweet grain sorghum genotypes were sequenced using DArTseq genotyping platform. The results identified 4610 polymorphic loci with a major allele frequency ≤ 95%. The SNPs identified are made up of 55.23% transitions and 44.77% transversions with an average polymorphism information content of 0.26. The expected heterozygosity value He of 0.18 shows moderate genetic diversity in sweet sorghum in Burkina Faso. The results of the PCoA and AMOVA analyses revealed that genetic diversity is more closely linked to botanical race than to the area of origin of the genotypes. In addition, analysis of the population structure identified two homogeneous subpopulations and one admixture subpopulation. Subpopulation 1 contains 13 genotypes of the Caudatum-Guinea race, sub-population 2 contains 32 genotypes of the Caudatum race and the admixture sub-population contains 5 genotypes that could belong to the Guinea-Bicolor race. Genetic differentiation index was higher between subpopulation 2 and the admixture subpopulation (Fst = 0.26) and lower (Fst = 0.13) between subpopulations 1 and 2. The results of this study revealed the first SNP linkage map that can be used to identify QTLs for a marker-assisted breeding program in sweet grain sorghum.
This research investigated the effects of electromagnetic fields on the structure and starch content of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) roots, varieties Kasetsart 50 and Rayong 72. The internal root structure of both unstimulated (control) and stimulated (treated) roots was examined using microscopy, and the quantity of starch accumulation in these roots was measured. The objective was to study the impact of electromagnetic fields on the internal structure and starch accumulation in cassava roots. Microscopic examination of root internal structures revealed the presence of druse crystals and exarch protoxylem in both cassava varieties. The storage roots exhibited food storage in various layers, with parenchyma displaying large intercellular spaces. As the roots aged, sclerenchyma accumulated starch grains. Stimulation of roots with electromagnetic fields increased the formation of storage parenchyma and starch grains, consistent with reports of fibrous roots developing into storage roots. This observation was made in the treated plants, as opposed to the control (unstimulated) plants. The mechanism of action of electromagnetic fields is hypothesized to involve alterations in ion dynamics and molecular movement within plant cells, potentially accelerating various chemical reactions. The results provide fundamental information on the effects of electromagnetic fields on cassava roots, which will be beneficial for developing technologies to enhance cassava yield and quality.
Understanding genotypic differences of drought response and related, morphological and physiological traits in major crops such as durum wheat is paramount for meaningful crop improvement. Durum wheat remains a critical staple food in marginal land due to its exceptional adaptation to climatic stresses. Nonetheless, its production is threatened and limited due to increasing unpredictable changes in climatic elements such as rainfall and severe drought. In this study, we aimed to identify agronomic, morphological, and physiological traits, and stress tolerance indices most suitable to characterize the drought response of durum wheat genotypes sourced from Ethiopia. For this, we conducted a drought experiment with 15 genotypes of durum wheat. Drought and well-watered treatments were set based on field capacity (FC) of the soil. We found that drought significantly affected plant height, spike length, number of grains per spike, leaf area per plant, biomass and grain yield. Variability in grain yield, plant height, and number of grains per spike across different moisture regimes were observed, but the response patterns remained the same across genotypes, particularly under drought stress. Strong correlations were observed between yield under drought stress and stress tolerance indices. Principal component analysis showed that 65% of the total variation was explained by the first two principal components (PCs) under drought stress. Thus, traits included in the first PC, particularly traits with higher vector loading scores (spike length, number of grains per spike, grain yield and harvest index) and stress tolerance indices are pertinent in screening durum wheat genotypes under drought stress.
Fine flavor cocoa generates substantial revenue and provides livelihood for millions of people in both Latin America and Africa. Cultivars of fine flavor cocoa were recently introduced into Ghana for breeding purposes. These cultivars were evaluated in two sets of experiments. Experiment 1. involved field evaluation of 30 clones for vigor, precocity, survival potential and heritability of the agronomic traits. Experiment 2. involved evaluation of the 30 clones for tolerance to the cocoa swollen shoot virus disease (CSSD) upon inoculation with the New Juabeng strain of Togo B virus. Results of experiment 1 showed significant (p<0.05) variability among the clones for vigor, precocity and percentage survival. Top five stable and precocious clones identified included CRG9006, SCA9, T63/967, GEBP565AF and PA107. Broad-sense heritability estimate ranged from 0.16 for percentage survival to 0.72 for pod number. Pod number had significant and positive correlation (p<0.01, r=0.40) with stem diameter increment. Similarly, flower intensity correlated positively with pod number (p<0.01, r=0.43). In the second experiment, the results showed significant differences in the levels of tolerance to CSSD among the 30 clones inoculated. The tolerance score ranged from 1.63 (SCA6) to -1.52 (PA188). Further observations suggested the importance of genetic factors in the management of the disease. Five outstanding clones identified as tolerant to the cocoa swollen shoot virus disease included PA188, MAN15/60, ICS1, CRG9006 and MAN15-2. It is important that most productive and CSSD tolerant clones identified are considered for future germplasm enhancement.
Salinity stress is a significant limiting factor in shallot (Allium ascalonicum L.) production, affecting ion homeostasis and plant growth. This study aimed to evaluate the role of salicylic acid (SA) in enhancing salt tolerance in shallots grown from true shallot seeds (TSS) under medium saline conditions maintained at ± 5.8 dS/m. A factorial experiment was conducted using a randomized block design with four SA concentrations (0, 1, 1.5, and 2 mM) and three transplanting ages (28, 35, and 42 days after sowing). Saline conditions were induced by applying 2,922 ppm NaCl (equivalent to 5.8 dS/m) to the growing medium every five days, starting at 10 days after planting (DAP). SA was administered by spraying it onto the leaves at 14, 17, 20, and 23 DAP. The results of the study show that the SA application significantly influences Na⁺ and K⁺ uptake of shallot plants grown in saline conditions of 5.8dS/m, reducing Na⁺ accumulation while increasing K⁺ content in plant tissues. The Na⁺/K⁺ selective absorption index (SAI) also decreased below 1.0 in the 1–1.5 mM SA treatments, indicating improved ionic balance and stress tolerance. The 1.5 mM SA concentration resulted in the highest bulb dry weight (12.07 g), stover dry weight (25.92 g), and bulb number per plant (3.89). Moreover, it produced the highest proportion of Grade 1 bulbs (78.17%) as per the Indonesian National Standard (SNI 3159:2013). Early transplanting at 28 DAS further improved yield parameters. These findings suggest that moderate SA application, particularly at 1.5 mM, can mitigate salinity stress and enhance productivity in shallot cultivation by improving ion regulation and physiological performance.
The pomegranate cultivar Bhagwa (Punica granatum L. cv. Bhagwa) is the most popular commercial cultivar in India. Traditional propagation methods are beset with many difficulties that restrict their large-scale multiplication. Thus, the current study was carried out to establish a reliable protocol for genotype-specific in vitro propagation of pomegranate cultivar Bhagwa from the leaf explants via indirect somatic embryogenesis and organogenesis. The leaf explants were cultured in Murashige and Skoog (MS) or Woody Plant Medium (WPM) supplemented with various concentrations and combinations of 6-Benzylaminopurine (BA) and 1-Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) for callus induction(BA (0,1,2,3,4,5 mgl-1) and NAA (0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.6 mgl-1)). 100% callus induction was observed in MS medium supplemented with 1mgl-1BA and 0.2 mgl-1 NAA. The best callus growth was observed on MS medium supplemented with 1 mgl-1BA and 1 mgl-1NAA combination after 30 days. MS media containing 5 mg l-1BA with 0.4 mg l-1 NAA produced the highest number of shoots (4 per explant). Among the treatments tested, shoot proliferation was highest on Woody Plant Medium (WPM) supplemented with 5 mg l-1 Kinetin (KT) and on an average produced seven shoots. The excellent root growth (3.9 cm mean length) and rooting per cent (91.1%) were obtained on WPM medium comprising 0.2 mg l-1Indole-3- butyric acid (IBA). Eighty percent of the rooted plantlets were hardened and established in the soil.
