Selection of superior accessions of turnip ( Brassica rapa var. rapa L.) based on tuber quality‐related characters

Morphological characterizations of parsnip (Pastinaca sativa L.) to select superior genotypes

Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa L.) is an edible root that has long been used in cooking and preparing baby food and livestock. The present study was performed to evaluate the phenotypic diversity of 69 accessions of this species to select superiors in terms of root quality in Paykan village, Isfahan province, Iran, in the year 2022. There were significant differences among the accessions investigated (ANOVA, p < .01). Coefficient of variation (CV) was more than 20.00% in the majority of measured characters (64 out of 66 characters), indicating high diversity among the accessions. Foliage width (crown) ranged from 10 to 55 cm with an average of 32.32 cm. Root shape was tapering (33), obtriangular (10), narrow oblong (5), wide oblong (5), obovate (13), and fusiform (3). Root length ranged from 81.2 to 294 mm with an average of 166.44 mm. Root diameter at its middle point ranged from 15.58 to 125.12 mm with an average of 51.83 mm. Root weight ranged from 15 to 1200 g with an average of 315.36 g. Inner core (xylem) pigmentation/color was cream yellow (11 accessions), light yellow (12), yellow (42), dark yellow (2), and yellow-light orange (2). In the cluster analysis based on Ward's method, the accessions were divided into two main clusters according to morphological traits. This is despite the fact that parsnip is part of the medicinal plant native and valuable in most farms in tropical cities. Compared with carrots, parsnip plants are more adaptable to different environmental conditions. The accessions studied here showed high phenotypic diversity. Based on ideal values of the important and commercial characters of parsnip, such as root length, root weight, inner core (xylem) pigmentation/color, root shape, flesh color intensity, flesh palatability, and total soluble solids, 14 genotypes, including Parsnip-3, Parsnip-9, Parsnip-24, Parsnip-32, Parsnip-32, Parsnip-48, Parsnip-51, Parsnip-52, Parsnip-58, Parsnip-60, Parsnip-62, Parsnip-65, Parsnip-67, and Parsnip-69, were promising and are recommended for cultivation.

Selection of superior late-blooming almond (Prunus dulcis [Mill.] D.A.Webb) genotypes using morphological characterizations

Almond (Prunus dulcis [Mill.] D.A.Webb) is one of the earliest domesticated trees and the evidence dates back to 3000-2000 BC. In the present study, 198 almond seedling origin trees were studied to select late-flowering genotypes having high kernel quality. Significant variabilities were exhibited among the genotypes investigated based on the recorded traits. Full-blooming date ranged from mid-March to mid-April. The Ward dendrogram clustered the genotypes into two major clusters forming several subclusters. After clustering the genotypes based on the full-blooming dates, 68 late-blooming genotypes were recognized and reanalyzed based on the quantitative characters to select the superior ones. Nut-related characters were as follows: nut length: 22.34-43.05 mm, nut width: 14.07-24.34 mm, nut thickness: 9.21-18.00 mm, nut weight: 1.88-6.62 g, and shell thickness: 2.26-4.59 mm. Kernel-related characters were as follows: kernel length: 16.73-25.91 mm, kernel width: 8.50-13.64 mm, kernel thickness: 3.56-7.37 mm, and kernel weight: 0.35-1.41 g. Kernel weight was positively and significantly associated with nut weight, kernel thickness, kernel length, kernel width, nut length, and branch leaf width. Thus, these key variables are the main traits accounting for kernel weight, and they should be considered together in breeding with aiming at increasing the kernel weight. Based on ideal values of the important and commercial characters of almond, such as fruit yield, nut weight, shell hardness, kernel shape, kernel weight, and kernel taste, 19 late-blooming genotypes were promising and are recommended for cultivation in orchards.

Sustainable Use of Cruciferous Wastes in Nanotechnological Applications

Over the last few years, new nanoparticle preparation methods have emerged by replacing the usual reagents with plant extracts obtained in different conditions. An example of a natural plant extract is those of cruciferous vegetables, to obtain the new bio-nano-coatings. Given the composition of cruciferous extracts and large amounts of wastes produced all over the world, they can be successful substitutes to replace conventional coatings and extend the possibility of “smart coatings“. The present review aims to be a critical discussion regarding the application of cruciferous waste in nanotechnological applications. This review paper can be a starting report for different researchers who intend to use this sustainable approach “from green to nanotechnology” to transpose manufacturing from laboratory to industry. Applying this approach to obtain nanostructures with plant waste highlights the importance of minimizing and re-utilizing residues from primary and secondary processing via chemical and social intervention, in order to contribute to the sustainability needs of the planet and its inhabitants.