Documenting the application of the Myanmar Climate-Smart Agriculture Strategy

This paper documents the testimonials of those who implemented the Myanmar Climate-Smart Agriculture Strategy (MCSAS) and accounts of those who experienced its application on the ground. Success stories and challenges in implementing MCSAS were documented. Based on the stakeholder interviews conducted, MCSAS is proven to be a valuable document in guiding the implementation of context-specific climate actions in Myanmar. Nineteen government and NGO programs, four policy documents, and an estimate of one billion USD investments were influenced by MCSAS. Following the MCSAS, the National Climate-Smart Agriculture Center of Yezin Agricultural University was established in 2018. Several projects focusing on farmers, particularly the Climate-Smart Village in the Dry Zone and the Farmer Field School in the Delta Zone, were also studied to understand the depth of the influence of MCSAS. In these cases, climate-smart practices adopted have helped farmers coped with climate change and increased their household incomes. Nevertheless, suggestions were made to further improve the Strategy with more specific actions that could be implemented and the funding options that implementers could pursue. The Strategy also needs to be integrated into the current programs of the government and its contents translated in the local language in a format that local people can understand

Development of Double Haploid Lines from F1 Cross of Yar-8 x Thee Htat Yin Genotypes through Anther Culture

Anther culture has become a powerful technique for the rapid production of double haploid lines in crop breeding program. The objectives of this experiment were to examine the callusing and green plant regeneration ability of parents (Yar -8 and Thee Htat Yin) and their F1, and to develop the double haploid lines from the cross of Yar-8 and Thee Htat Yin genotypes. Nitsch and Nitsch (N6) medium with 2 mg.L-12, 4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and 0.5 mg.L-1 kinetin was used for callus induction and Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium with 1 mg.L-1 Naphthalene acetic acid, 1 mg.L-1 Indole 3-acetic acid, 1 mg.L-1 Indole 3-butric acid, and 2 mg.L-1 kinetin was used for green plant regeneration. Callus induction was successfully observed in both parents and their F1. Plant regeneration from regenerated callus was dependent on the genotypes. Only Yar-8 and F1 progenies produced green plants as well as albino plants. Out of total 14 plants, 10 plants were double haploid (DH) plants. These double haploid lines (DH) could be done further evaluation to develop improved rice lines in Myanmar

GENETIC VARIATION AND TRAIT RELATIONSHIP UNDER DIFFERENT GROWING SEASONS IN EGGPLANT (SOLANUM SPP.) GENOTYPES

Abstract Germplasm collection was started from May to November, 2015. And total forty two eggplant germplasm were collected from in and around the country having wider range of geographical conditions. The experiments were started from May, 2016 to April, 2017 (Monsoon & Post-monsoon seasons) at Department of Agricultural Research (DAR), Horticulture Research Section Field, Yezin, Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar. The experiments were laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. All of the collected genotypes were distributed around the collected regions and states. Mandalay Region and Kachin State (each 6 genotypes) represented more of the genotypes than other states and regions. The PCV and GCV were comparatively high (during both seasons) for fruit weight, days to first flowering, plant height, fruit length, petiole length, fruit breadth, leaf width, and leaf length. For both seasons, very high heritability estimates were obtained for days to first flowering, fruit weight, fruit length, fruit breadth, plant height, leaf length and leaf width. The traits like fruit weight, days to first flowering and plant height and their positively correlation traits were emphasized on future breeding program. The existence of a significant negative correlation between days to first flowering and fruit hardness with leaf traits and fruit length suggests the existence of a physiological limit among these traits. The genetic components of the correlations were more important than the environmental, as the phenotype is a reflection of the genotype. The fruit weight, days to first flowering and plant height in the yield component with greatest importance in genetic improvement in eggplant

Collection, Characterization and Evaluation of Eggplant (Solanum spp.) Germplasm in Myanmar

In Myanmar, the specific attempt in collection and identification of eggplant germplasm was rarely found. To identify the morpho-physiological diversity of 40 germplasm, the experiment was conducted at Horticulture Section, Department of Agricultural Research (DAR), Yezin from May to October, 2016. Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications was used. Morpho-physiological divergence among 40 eggplant germplasm was estimated using cluster and principal component analysis (PCA). The germplams were grouped into four clusters. No clear association was observed between geographic origin and genetic diversity. Cluster I included 25 germplsm and scattered into this cluster, and which were early in days to first harvest. Cluster IV included only one germplasm and larger fruit size. The maximum inter-cluster distance was observed between cluster I and IV followed by that cluster I and II, suggesting a large distance between these clusters or groups of germplasm. From these findings, the germplasm of the cluster I and IV had the maximum common gene complexes and the magnitude of heterosis largely depended on the degree of genetic diversity in the germplasm. Populations with high scores for the first eigenvectors are leaf width, leaf length, fruit length, corolla color and fruit length/breadth ratio were the most important contributors towards diversity of the germplasm in PC1. The second eigenvector was mostly connected with scores of days to first harvest, fruit weight, fruit breadth and 100 seeds weight were the second most important contributors among the 31 traits for 40 germplasm. The first PC explained 17.071 % of variability and the second PC explained 13.532 %, totally 30.603% of the total variability among 40 germplasm based on 31 traits. Finally, the eggplant germplasm were separately isolated from the others and they were away from centroid. These results showed their uniqueness and divergence of the germplasm in respect to the measured 31 traits. Thus, discrimination of eggplant germplasm based on multiple traits by cluster analysis provided the insight of varietal evolution and adaptation

Variation and Segregation in F2 Population of Hot Pepper (Capsicum annuum)

The experiment was carried out to investigate variations in quantitative traits and segregation pattern for some qualitative traits of selected F2 hot pepper. The seeds were collected from 23 F1 hot pepper plants grown at Yezin Agricultural University Farm. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block design (RCBD) with two replications. Leaf length, leaf width, filament length, corolla length, fruit width, thousand seed weight and number of seeds per pod showed important contributors towards total variation among the genotypes. Variability study on these seven traits highlighted that phenotypic component was the major contributor to total variance. Low and medium heritability values and higher phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) suggested that all the above phenotypic traits interacted with the environment rather than genetic variation. Segregation patterns of 21 qualitative traits indicated similar characters for angled stem, erect flower, white corolla and corolla spot, rotate corolla, white filament, elongate fruit, obtuseness of fruit at pedicel attachment and absence of neck at the base of fruit. Segregation distortions observed in some traits: nodal anthocyanin, branching habit, leaf shape, mature fruit color suggested that they are polygenic traits. Calyx margin and fruit bearing characters followed the Mendelian ratio (3:1), highlighting the monogenic recessive nature of the gene. Anther color expressed independent assortment with complete dominance (9:3:3:1). Plant growth habit, stigma exsertion, fruit surface, leaf color and male sterility resulted as modified F2 dihybrid ratios indicating the involvement of two genes controlling each trait. From the breeding point of view, variation in quantitative traits, on which environmental factors have a profound effect, may hinder the progress in selection for progeny containing favorable genes. However, variation in qualitative traits as a result of segregation in F2 progeny might be useful for selection of desirable quality in next generation

Androgenesis of Selected Indica Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Genotypes and F1 Hybrids

This experiment was carried out to evaluate the callusing ability and green plant regeneration of selected indica rice genotypes and F1 progenies after crossing . Shwe Man-1, Sin Akari-3, Sin Thwe Latt, Thee Htat Yin and Yar-8 genotypes were selected as parental lines based on callusing ability. Five crosses were obtained by crossing the selected genotypes. Anthers of selected indica rice genotypes and F1 hybrids were cultured in N6 medium supplemented with 2.0 mg•L-1 2,4-Dichloro phenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 0.5 mg•L-1 kinetin for callus induction. Calli were transferred onto MS medium supplemented with 1 mg.L-1 Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA), 1 mg.L-1 Indole 3-acetic acid (IAA), 1 mg.L-1 6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP) and 2.0 mg•L-1 kinetin. All tested genotypes showed callus formation except one cross (Sin Thwe Latt x Sin Akari-3) that showed no response on anther culture. The callus induction percentage of response genotypes was 0.1-2.6 %. Green plant formation was 6.3-37.0 %. Among parents, Yar-8 and Shwe Man-1 gave the highest response on callus induction and green plant formation. Cross of Yar-8 x Thee Htat Yin increased callusing and green plant formation. The anther-derived plants of these three genotypes were haploid and double haploids. Therefore, these genotypes have the potential in double haploid production through anther culture in rice breeding program

Molecular Characterization of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Genotypes From Yangon Region in Myanmar using SSR Markers

Rice (Oryza sativa) is one of the most important stable crops, consumed daily more than half of the world population. In Asia, Myanmar is center of rice genetic diversity as there are numerous rice varieties under diverse agro-ecological zones. In order to estimate genetic diversity of rice (Oryza sativa L.) germplasm in Yangon region of Myanmar, 102 genotypes from different parts of region were analyzed by 12 microsatellite (SSR) markers. In SSR characterization, the mean value of Polymorphic information content (PIC) was found 0.69 for all accessions. The maximum and minimum Polymorphic information content (PIC) values were found to be 0.79 and 0.21 for the primers RM229 and RM201 respectively.The total number of alleles was 91 and the average number of alleles per locus was 7.58. Average gene diversity was 0.72 indicating high genetic diversity among the genotypes. Phylogenetic cluster analysis of SSR data based on UPGMA and Nei's genetic distance divided into eight groups. These results reflect the high genetic differentiation existing in rice germplasm. The results from molecular data will improve in the part of rice varieties improvement programme. This study will support the information for breeders in rice breeding programme

Influence of Temperature and Relative Humidity on Pollen Germination and Spikelet Sterility in Improved Rice Varieties

Global warming is expected to increase the occurrence of heat induced spikelet sterility (HISS) in rice. However, there are few field-scale studies that could aid in predicting the potential risks to rice yield and developing countermeasures against yield losses. Therefore, this study was carried out to iden-tify the effect of high temperature on pollen fertility and spikelet sterility in improved rice genotypes and to assess the heat tolerance genotypes among the improved rice varieties during 2016 summer rice sea-son with twelve improved rice varieties in the field of Department of Plant Breeding, Physiology and Ecology with Randomized Complete Block design. The tested varieties were sown three different times to ensure engaged with high temperature stress at flowering time. The microclimate, pollination and spikelet sterility were examined. During observation periods the maximum air temperature was more than 35 °C, at that time the relative humidity was reduced (19-32 %) with high wind speeds (2–4 m s-1). Under such condition, there was supported microclimate for stable pollination even the temperature more than 35 °C. The average duration of high temperature above 35 °C was around 8 hours. Similarly the average nighttime temperature (7:00 pm – 7:00 am) was ranged 27-32 °C. Among tested genotypes, Thu Kha Yin, Shwe Thwe Yin, Zi Yar 9 and Shwe Ma Naw had higher seed set percentage (around 58-75 %). The results revealed that these four genotypes were promising genotypes for future breeding pro-gram related to heat toleranc

Combating Salinity Stress with Foliar Application of Sodium Antagonistic Essential Minerals on Yield and Yield Attributes of Cotton

The aim in this study was to investigate the appropriate level of foliar application on yield attributes of three tested cotton varieties (Ngwegyi-6, Shwetaung-8 and RAKA-666) for combating salinity stress. The common effect of salinity on plant growth is similar to water stress. Two field experiments were conducted in saline soil at Lungyaw Farm during pre-monsoon seasons, 2015 and 2016. Factorial ar-rangement in randomized complete block design was used with three replications. Five treatments as non spray (control), water spray, 500 mg L–1 KCl, 500 mg L–1 NH4NO3 and spray mixture (500 mg L–1 KCl + 500 mg L–1 NH4NO3 for 2015 and 250 mg L–1 KCl + 250 mg L–1 NH4NO3 for 2016) were used. Mineral foliar sprays clearly increased number of symbodial branches per plant, bolls per plant and seed cotton yield per plant than non spray treatment, whereas 500 mg L–1 NH4NO3 was more effective than other sprays in 2015. Number of sympodial branches per plant, bolls per plant, boll weight and seed cotton yield per plant were increased with 250 mg L–1 KCl + 250 mg L–1 NH4NO3 in 2016. Number of monopo-dial branches per plant was not significant among foliar sprays in both seasons. In 2015, the yield in-creased was obtained from 500 mg L–1 NH4NO3 and it was from 250 mg L–1 KCl + 250 mg L–1 NH4NO3 in 2016. However, the highest and satisfactory yield increased was resulted from 250 mg L–1 KCl + 250 mg L–1 NH4NO3. RAKA-666 generally produced highest seed cotton yield in both seasons. Mineral foli-ar 500 mg L–1 NH4NO3 in 2015 and the spray mixture in 2016 gave highest harvest index values. Amon