Hamdi Özaktan

Soil salinity and abscisic acid (ABA)-related signaling are major constraints affecting chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) productivity by promoting oxidative stress and aldehyde accumulation. Aldehyde dehydrogenases (ALDHs), particularly members of the ALDH7 family, are involved in aldehyde detoxification and redox homeostasis under adverse conditions. However, the molecular characteristics, expression behavior, and structural features of ALDH7A1 in chickpea under salt and ABA treatments remain insufficiently understood. Therefore, this study aimed to provide an integrative characterization of CaALDH7A1 through expression profiling, oxidative stress assays, comparative structural analyses, evolutionary assessment, and molecular docking. Quantitative real-time PCR analyses showed that CaALDH7A1 was induced in both chickpea genotypes under salt and ABA treatments, with a markedly stronger response in the tolerant genotype (Aksu) than in the susceptible genotype (Uzunlu). In Aksu, transcript accumulation peaked at approximately 4.0-fold under 100 mM NaCl, whereas Uzunlu showed a more gradual increase, reaching a maximum of about 2.4-fold under 150 mM NaCl. Overall, salinity was the primary driver of CaALDH7A1 induction, while ABA alone caused comparatively limited variation under non-saline conditions. This transcriptional pattern was accompanied by lower H₂O₂ accumulation and approximately 30-35% lower MDA levels in the tolerant genotype, indicating an association between stronger CaALDH7A1 responsiveness and reduced oxidative damage. Comparative analyses further showed that CaALDH7A1 retains conserved catalytic domains, motifs, and active-site residues across representative orthologs, while molecular docking with MDA and NAD⁺ revealed favorable predicted binding energies and conserved interaction profiles. Together, these findings indicate that CaALDH7A1 is a salt- and ABA-responsive gene in chickpea, with its induction being driven mainly by salinity and more strongly expressed in the tolerant genotype. The association of higher CaALDH7A1 expression with lower H₂O₂ and MDA levels supports a stress-related role for this gene in aldehyde metabolism and redox-associated responses. The integration of expression, physiological, structural, evolutionary, and docking analyses further suggests that CaALDH7A1 is a conserved stress-associated candidate that may contribute to salinity-related adaptation in chickpea.

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of different foliar microbial fertilizer applications on yield and yield components of some cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) cultivars (Akkız-86 and Karagöz-86). The research was conducted in 2022 growing season under Kayseri ecological conditions. When the results of the study were evaluated, average values of plant height varied between 80.294-84.668 cm, number of main branches per plant varied between 1.749-1.919 pieces/plant, first pod height varied between 44.326-50.012 cm, number of pods varied between 8.449-11.056 pieces/plant, number of seeds per pod varied between 4.925-5.591 pieces/plant; the highest value in unit area grain yield was obtained from Imed microbial fertilizer with 232.814 kg/da. It can be said that microbial fertilizers positively affect grain yield in cowpea plants.

Salinity is an important environmental factor that jeopardizes productive agriculture in our world with the increasing human population, significantly limiting the production of food products and negatively affecting the growth and development of plants. In this study, eight chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) genotypes from Türkiye were germinated under salt stress such as sodium chloride (NaCl) and sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) at electrical conductivity levels (4, 8, 12 and 16 dS m-1) over a period of 10 days in order to evaluate seed germination, seedling morphological and mineral responses, and to determine tolerant genotypes, Salinity stress is considered as one of the major constraints in chickpea production, but our study revealed a remarkable diversity among the tested genotypes. Germination rates decreased significantly with increasing salinity levels. While germination rates of different chickpea genotypes were above 85% under control conditions, these rates varied between 21% and 91% at the highest salt treatment of 16 dS m-1 of both salts. Sodium, calcium and sulfur contents showed significant differences among the genotypes. As the salt concentrations increased, the Na/K ratio also increased. As a result, Gürdal, Aras and Katran genotypes were found to be more salt tolerant under NaCl and Na2SO4 treatments. Analysis using stress indices showed that it is an effective method to evaluate the tolerance of chickpea genotypes to salt stress. These findings can be used for future chickpea breeding programs and reclamation of saline areas.

Cowpea plant and other legumes are known as important protein sources, but their effect on mineral content in human nutrition is less known. Legumes are of great importance in developing countries where access to animal protein sources is difficult. Cowpea grains and leaves are a source of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, ß-carotene and vitamins B and C necessary for a healthy diet. This study was conducted to investigate the mineral matter contents of different foliar applications of microbial fertilizer to some cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) cultivars (Akkız 86, Karagöz 86). The research was conducted in the experimental field of Erciyes University Agricultural Research and Application Center in the 2022 growing season. Grains obtained from Akkız 86 and Karagöz 86 cowpea varieties were used as plant material. In the study, the mineral matter contents of cowpea grains were examined and the mean values obtained from the cultivar*bacteria interaction were examined: boron 17.457-14.200 ppm, calcium 1127.27-859.86 ppm, copper 13.963-10. 330 ppm, iron 42.590-25.923 ppm, potassium 8104.8-6150.9 ppm, magnesium 1811.29-1260.25 ppm, manganese 18.493-12.520 ppm, phosphorus 5258.68-3621.19 ppm, sulfur 1091.97-3621.19 ppm and zinc 56.53-36.887 ppm.

Yem bitkileri hayvansal üretimde önemli bir girdi olmakla beraber, toprak yapısını iyileştirmek, ekim nöbetinde kendinden sonra yetiştiriciliği gerçekleştirilecek bitkilerin verim ve kalitesini artırmak gibi etkileriyle bilinmektedir. Organik kaba yem ihtiyacının karşılanabilmesi için öncelikle organik çayır ve meralar, daha sonra ise organik yem bitkileri yetiştiriciliği yapılan alanlar büyük önem taşımaktadır. Bu çalışmada 2014-2023 yıllarına ait organik statüdeki ve geçiş süreci statüsündeki fiğ, korunga, silajlık mısır, yonca ve yulaf bitkilerinin üretim miktarları kullanılarak gelecek 10 yıldaki üretim miktarlarının tahminlemesi gerçekleştirilmiştir. Hesaplanan projeksiyon katsayıları kullanılarak organik statüdeki fiğ, korunga ve yonca bitkilerinin üretim miktarlarında 2033 yılında azalış, yulaf ve silajlık mısır bitkilerinin üretim miktarlarında artış meydana geleceği tahmin edilmiştir. Geçiş süreci statüsündeki korunga ve yonca bitkilerinin üretim miktarlarında 2033 yılında azalış, fiğ, yulaf ve silajlık mısır bitkilerinin üretim miktarlarında 2033 yılında artış meydana geleceği öngörülmüştür.

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) is an annual herbaceous plant in the Fabaceae family. It is an important legume plant with 20-25% protein, 1.3-1.5% fat and 5.1-5.8% fiber, and has an important place in human and animal nutrition. In recent years, the rapid increase in the world population, the zoning of agricultural areas and the excessive use of chemical fertilizers in order to obtain higher yields from the unit area cause deterioration of the soil structure. Different methods have started to be applied to improve soil structure. One of these methods is the use of microbial fertilizers. Microbial fertilizers are an innovative and sustainable approach that improves chemical, physical and microbiological properties of soil and facilitates the uptake of plant nutrients. In this study, it was aimed to determine the effect of different microbial fertilizer applications on the technological characteristics of Akkız 86 and Karagöz 86 cowpea varieties by multivariate analysis methods. The minimum and maximum values obtained in the study are as follows: dry weight 17.98 - 19.29 g, dry volume 18.16 - 20.66 ml, fresh weight 42.15 - 46.53 g, fresh volume 44.16 - 47.83 ml, water absorption capacity 0.24 - 0.27 g/piece, water absorption index 1.33 - 1.66%, hydration coefficient 132.80 - 142. 55%, swelling capacity 0.256 - 0.296 ml/grain, swelling index 2.25 - 2.63%, unit volume weight 0.93 - 0.99 g/ml, cooking time 18.16 - 20.16 min and number of grains dispersed after cooking 0.33 - 2.66. In this study, İmed microbial fertilizer applied to cowpea plant had positive effects on cooking time, water absorption index, swelling index and swelling capacity parameters.

Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) is the oldest cultivated plant in the world, rich in protein, vitamins, minerals and antioxidant compounds. This study aimed to characterize some economically important faba bean cultivars based on agro-morphological, technological, and mineral properties using multivariate analysis methods. The research was carried out for two years in the trial land of Erciyes University Agricultural Research and Application Center located in the central campus of Erciyes University in 2021 and 2022. The trial was conducted using a randomized complete block design with three replications. The spacing was set at 50 cm between rows and 20 cm within rows, with 1 m spacing between plots and blocks, and a plot length of 4 m. The study determined significant positive correlations with plant height trait, wet volume, wet weight, dry weight, water absorption capacity, dry volume, 100-grain weight, and Na content of the grain. Based on the angle and correlation values of the axes in the same region with the Zn axis, Cu, protein ratio, Ca, P, cooking time, and S showed positive correlations, while the number of pods, Mn, and hydration coefficient showed negative correlations. Based on the angle and correlation values from the axes in the same region as the swelling index, water absorption index, Mn, hydration coefficient, the number of pods, Mg, and unite weight showed a positive correlation, while it showed a negative correlation with cooking time. The cluster analysis performed to define the genetic relationship between the varieties determined that 11 varieties were divided into 3 different clusters based on their morphological, technological, and mineral characteristics.

This study examined tissue culture responses and genetic variability among 25 two-row barley genotypes preserved in the Osman Tosun Gene Bank, including both Türkiye landraces and foreign-origin genotypes, with the objective of optimizing genetic resources for barley breeding programs. Key tissue culture parameters – callus induction rate, callus weight, regeneration capacity, and culture efficiency—were evaluated to access how diversity of genotypes influences tissue culture outcomes. Results revealed significant variation across all traits. Genotypes 77 and 1972 achieved the highest callus induction rates (100%), while genotype Zeynelağa exhibited the lowest (57.5%). Genotype 417 showed superior regeneration capacity (81.9%), and culture efficiency was highest in genotypes Standard Cultivar 138 (90.0%) and 1972 (70.0%). Principal Component Analysis (PCA) indicated that the first two principal components accounted for 87.84% of the variance in tissue culture responses, providing valuable insights into genotype relationships and trait performance. Hierarchical clustering analysis revealed four distinct groups, with Cluster 1 displaying the highest mean performance across traits. Collectively, these findings underscore the role of diversity of genotypes in enhancing tissue culture efficiency and plant regeneration. High-performing genotypes, including 77, 1972, 417, and standard cultivar 138, show considerable promise for biotechnological applications and future barley crop improvement initiatives.

Beans are an important source of essential minerals such as iron, zinc, calcium, and magnesium, which play a crucial role in various physiological functions. The mineral contents of beans are vital in ensuring a balanced and healthy diet, as these minerals are involved in bone health, immune system function. Additionally, the technological properties of beans, including cooking time, water absorption capacity, and swelling capacity, are important in determining their culinary applications and consumer acceptance. The cooking quality and number of seeds destructed after cooking of beans significantly influence their palatability and overall consumer satisfaction. Assessing the technological properties of different bean genotypes grown under organic farming conditions allows researchers to identify genotypes with desirable cooking characteristics and texture, leading to improved consumer acceptance and culinary applications. Organic farming practices aim to produce food without the use of synthetic chemicals, promoting environmental sustainability and ensuring the production of high-quality and nutritious crops. In this research, 20 bean genotypes were grown under organic conditions for 2 years. To analyze the complex data obtained from the assessment of mineral contents and technological properties of beans, multivariate analysis techniques(correlations, cluster, scatter plot, biplots etc.) are employed. There was a positive relationship between cooking time and Ca mineral. There was a negative relationship between the coefficient of hydration and water absorption capacity and Zn mineral. Positive correlation between Fe, Mn, Cu, Mg, K, P and S elements was observed. Likewise, examining one of the dry weight, dry volume, wet weight, wet volume, water absorption capacity and swelling index values, which are clustered in the same region and have approximately the same axis length, can save time and consumable. The zinc, sodium, iron, and copper contents in the beans grown under organic conditions were found to be higher than the data reported in the literature.

Edible grain legumes have an important place in human nutrition because they contain 18-36% protein in their grains. In this study, it was aimed to determine the production projection of organic and transitional status edible legumes grown in Turkey based on the data of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. According to the results obtained, the projection coefficient was negative only for cowpea in organic status edible legumes and negative only for beans in transition status edible legumes. The highest projection coefficient was obtained from lentils with a value of 0.37 for organic status edible legumes and from broad beans with a value of 5.37 for transition status edible legumes.