Clonal Propagation of Walnuts (Juglans spp.): A Review on Evolution from Traditional Techniques to Application of Biotechnology

Walnuts (Juglans sp.) are allogamous species. Seed-derived plants are not always superior to the selected parent. Clonal propagation of selected stock plants is an essential requirement for the clonal fidelity of the descendants and to maintain their genetic structure. Selection of the desired plant is realized only after reaching maturity, and characterizing and evaluating the performance of adult trees require a long time. Clonal propagation methods ensure proper transmission of characters to descendants and can be used effectively in breeding programs. The commercialization of a cultivar or rootstock depends on the success of vegetative propagation. Walnuts, like other tree species, are recalcitrant to conventional vegetative propagation methods and even non-conventional in vitro culture (micropropagation). Elucidation of factors determining the success of cloning of desired plants would contribute to understanding current limitations for most genotypes of Juglans. We outline the role of grafting and cuttings and stool layering, as well as in vitro culture on walnut multiplication. These techniques are, in practice, entirely different; nevertheless, they are affected by common factors. The incompatibility of stock-scion and the reduced ability of stem cuttings to root are the main bottlenecks for grafting and cutting, respectively. Genotype, age, and physiological status, reinvigoration or rejuvenation-treatment of donor plant, period of harvesting and processing of explants critically affect the results of methods followed. The in vitro culture technology is the most suitable for walnut cloning. This also has constraints that affect commercial propagation of most desired genotypes. We describe comprehensive results and synthesis in this review on the asexual reproduction of walnuts, providing a better comprehension of the limiting factors and the ways to overcome them, with direct implications on commercial propagation and the releasing of outstanding genotypes

Use Pattern of Personal Care Products: A Cross-Sectional National Survey: IRANCUP 2019: Use Pattern of Personal Care Products

Personal care products are amongst the most consistently used goods in every population. To evaluate the market trends of these products in Iran, this study considers their use frequency, use prevalence, cross-sectional perceptions of retail brand loyalty, purchase location preferences, and sources, be them domestic or foreign. Usage patterns of 125 types of personal care products  were collected in over 2021 households in 8 cities of Iran by means of a checklist fill out. The strength of the study were the separation of data by socio-demographic factors such as gender, education level, economic status, occupational status, and level of religiosity. Daily shampoo, bath soap, toothpaste, and face and hand moisturizer were the most frequent products used while the use of face and eye care products was less prevalent. The most repeatedly use-pattern was once-daily for sunscreens, moisturizers, lightnings, deodorants, toothpastes, mouth-washes, eye-care, anti-acne, and anti-chap products. Men and women with a higher economic status were more likely to use eye moisturizer, intense anti-acne-peeling, nourishing antiaging, cream soap, and body lotion/oil. Moreover, in all products studied, respondents prefer domestic over foreign ones except in deodorants and anti-perspirants. In addition, 42% and 29.8% of respondents prefer to purchase their personal care products from pharmacies and beauty shops, respectively. Given the immense popularity of such products, their impact on community health an  consumers’ preferences, results of this study can have far-reaching implications for manufacturing companies and health authorities in terms of developing strategies and regulations to optimize the use pattern of these products