Responses of cotton jassid (Amrasca biguttula) to synthetic insecticides recommended in Tanzania

Sucking insect pests pose a major threat to cotton productivity by damaging foliage and reducing yield. This study aimed to assess the population trends of Thrips tabaci, Amrasca biguttula, and Bemisia tabaci on different cotton varieties under field conditions, and to evaluate the influence of weather factors to identify resistant varieties for integrated pest management (IPM). Four cotton varieties i.e., Koonj, Bakhtawar, Sindh-1, and Sami were sown during the kharif season using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Weekly pest observations were recorded by randomly selecting ten plants per variety and examining five leaves per plant (top, middle, and bottom). Data on weather parameters were collected from the Meteorological Institute, Agriculture Research Center, Tandojam. Results revealed significant differences in pest populations among the varieties. The population of all pests increased gradually, peaking in mid-July, followed by a decline toward early August. T. tabaci populations peaked between late June and mid-July, with the highest infestation observed on Koonj (12.06±0.21) and Bakhtawar (12.00±0.45), while Sindh-1 maintained consistently lower populations. A sharp decline in thrips density was recorded after mid-July across all varieties, with Sindh-1 showing the lowest final count (0.16 ± 0.68), indicating its potential resistance. A similar trend was observed for A. biguttula and B. tabaci, where Koonj and Bakhtawar recorded higher infestations (3.15±0.35, 3.05±0.30) (4.90±0.51, 5.00±0.53), and Sindh-1 showed comparatively lower pest population (1.00±0.07, 1.30±0.19). overall, Koonj and Bakhtawar recorded the highest pest densities, while Sindh-1 consistently showed the lowest populations of all three sucking pests, indicating its relative tolerance. Sami maintained intermediate pest densities across all species. Correlation analysis revealed that temperature had a significant positive relationship with pest abundance, especially for B. tabaci (r = 0.715, P < 0.001), followed by T. tabaci (r = 0.5, P < 0.001) and A. biguttula (r = 0.348, P < 0.001). This indicates that higher temperatures favoured an increase in pest populations. Relative humidity was negatively correlated with pest populations. Wind velocity had no significant effect. These findings highlight the importance of varietal resistance and climatic factors in pest population dynamics and support the inclusion of resistant varieties like Sindh-1 in integrated pest management (IPM) programs.

Soybeans, a legume widely consumed in Indonesia, exhibit a comparatively low production rate. Therefore, initiatives to augment soybean production are essential, one of which is the utilization of biochar. Biochar has been extensively studied as a soil amendment that improves soil fertility and promotes plant growth. This study aimed to evaluate the physiological responses of soybean varieties to different types of biochar. The experiment used a factor randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The factor was three soybean varieties (Dena 1, Demas 1, and Gepak Kuning) and three biochar treatments (control, palm fibre, and rice hull). Data were analysed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at a 5% significance level. Results indicated that rice hull biochar improved net assimilation and relative growth rates by 1.95% and 1.59%, respectively, between the third and fifth weeks after planting. It also increased total dry weight by 1.37% and leaf area index by 1.72% compared to untreated plants. Among the varieties tested, Dena 1 yielded the highest total dry weight (1.41%) and leaf area index (1.53%), highlighting a promising synergy between this variety and rice hull biochar. These findings demonstrate that biochar type and soybean variety interact to determine physiological responses, suggesting that appropriate combinations may improve soybean productivity and resilience under field conditions.

Background: Fish entrails, which have minimal commercial value, can be processed into organic fertilizer to enhance soil fertility, improve crop yield and reduce CO‚ emissions associated with chemical fertilizers. Similarly, kakawate (Gliricidia sepium), a nutrient-rich shrub commonly used as fencing material in the Philippines, can serve as an additional organic fertilizer source. The study evaluated the impact of Gliricidia sepium extract (GSE) and fish entrails suspension (FES), applied at different frequencies, on rice growth and yield and ROI. Methods: The field experiment was conducted from February to July 2024 using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Treatments were: T0 - no fertilizer (control); T1 - 120-90-90 N, P2O5, K2O inorganic fertilizer (643 kg complete fertilizer + 66 kg urea ha-1); T2 - 4 L ha-1 GSE + FES applied weekly; T3 - 4 L ha-1 GSE + FES applied every three days; and T4 - 4 L ha-1 GSE + FES applied daily. Data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and means were compared using Duncan’s multiple range test (DMRT). Result: Soil pH, OM, Available P and exchangeable K, improved under daily applications of GSE and FES compared with inorganic fertilizer and the control. The highest leaf area index (LAI) was recorded under inorganic fertilizer, although daily and three-day organic applications produced comparable values. The number of productive tillers per hill and percent of filled spikelets per panicle, weight of field spikelets per panicle and grain yield under daily organic fertilizer application were statistically similar to those under inorganic fertilizer. Grain yield was lowest in the control (4.42 t ha-1) and highest with inorganic fertilizer (7.25 t ha-1). Weekly and three-day organic applications yielded 5.00 t ha-1, while daily application produced 6.25 t ha-1, statistically comparable to inorganic fertilizer. These findings indicate that daily GSE and FES application is a viable organic alternative for sustainable rice production, although weekly application was more economically favorable due to lower labor and input costs.

The research aims to study the change of morphology root characters of eight hybrid oil palms under iron toxicity (Fe). Field experiment done in arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) two factors and three blocks as replications. The first factor was Fe concentration. It consists of two levels which are concentration 0µ.g-1 and concentration 600 µg.g-1 Fe. The second factor is the hybrid of oil palms which consists of eight hybrid oil palms as Yangambi, Avros, Langkat, PPKS 239, Simalungun, PPKS 718, PPKS 540 and Dumpy. Fe was applied by pouring FeSO4 solvent for 600 µg.g-1 500 ml.-1plant.-1day-1 on two months of plants after transplanting in the main nursery. Data were collected on root morphology and plant dry weight The data were analysis of variance (ANOVA) at 5% significanly, followed by Duncan's multiple range test (DMRT). The relationships by among variables were determined by correlation analysis. The results showed that Fe concentration 600 µg.g-1 inhibits relatively root growth rate, narrows surface area, reduces the diameter, and shrinks root volume of all hybrid oil palms tested. The slowing relatively root growth rate, narrowing of root surface area and root diameter also root volume shrinkage due to Fe stress. It was also shown that the dry weight of plants was inhibit by existing of Fe toxicity.

This experiment was carried out at student’s experimental field, Kabba College of Agriculture, Horticultural Section to investigate the response of tomato variety (Roma F) yield to different mulch materials and staking. A split plot experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications to randomize the staking levels and mulch materials in the main and sub-plots, respectively. The experiment comprised of two staking levels, i.e. stick staking (SST) and no- stick staking (NST) and six mulch materials, i.e. black polyethylene, white polyethylene, maize straw, palm fronts, grasses and no mulch. The parameters taken on soil physical and chemical properties are soil moisture content (%), soil temperature (O C), soil pH, total nitrogen, available phosphorus and soil organic matter. Growth and yield parameters taken are as follows: average plant height, number of leaves, and number of fruits, stem girth, number of fruit per plant, fruit length, fruit diameter and yield per land area. Weeds were identified and their dry weights were measured. Data were collected from ten randomly selected plants in each plot. The data were statistically analyzed using GENSTAT. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to find out the significance of variation among the treatments while the significant difference between mean treatments were separated using Duncan’s multiple range test (DMRT) at 5% level of probability. The result obtained from this study indicated that mulch materials and stick staking affect significantly growth parameters of tomato, yield per plant and yield per land area. The result also, indicated that plot mulch with black polythene performance best in terms of growth and yield and also improved soil physical properties better than either white polythene or organic mulch in the study area. It is therefore recommended that black polyethylene should be used as mulch materials for tomato production. However, better and stable fruit yield of tomato could be obtained with the practice of mulching in combination with staking. It is recommended that mulching should be carried out together with staking for higher fruit yield and black polyethylene should be use as mulch material in the study area.

Moringa is a fast-growing, deciduous tree that can reach a height of 10–12 m and is not traditionally pollarded in agriculture production. A field experiment was conducted between May 2023 and Jun 2024 in MARDI, Serdang to determine the effect of pollarding at different levels of pruning heights on vegetative growth and yield of Moringa. The trial was laid down in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications and five plants per plot and the data was analyzed using ANOVA in SAS (SAS 9.4) software. Differences between means were compared using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at P≤0.05. Five months after being cultivated on field condition, trees were pruned pollarding at four levels: 30, 60, 90 cm and control (unpruned). Subsequently, the growth performance was evaluated by collecting data on plant height, diameter of the main stem, length of the secondary branch, number of budbursts, diameter of the secondary branch and leave area. Meanwhile, the yield components were recorded based on the fresh weight and dry weight of the leaves. Results showed that different levels of pruning heights significantly affected overall dependent variables. Unpruned trees produced an optimal response for all dependent variables, but it is not suggested due to the trees growing erratically, challenging to harvest, and having an uneven canopy structure. Meanwhile, for the yield components' pruning at 60 and 90 cm from the ground level was comparable and did not differ significantly from unpruned trees. Therefore, pruning at 60 cm was suggested as an architecture pruning technique for moringa production cultivated on mineral soil under tropical climates. Pollarding can be a way to improve the productivity of agricultural produce, but further evaluation of yield trends must be conducted to ensure the consistency of production.

Field experiment was carried out to determinethe effects of nitrogen and intra-row spacing on the growth and yield of kenafat Bauchi state college of Agriculture during the 2018 and 2019 rainy seasons.The treatments consisted of four nitrogen levels (0kg/ha, 56kg/ha, 112kg/ha and 168kg/ha) and three intra row spacing (10, 20 and 30). These were factorially combined to give twelve (12) treatment combinations and laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) replicated three (3) times. Data were collected at bi-weekly interval on plant height, number of leaves, freshr and dry fiber yield. All data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) was used to separate the means. The result of the experiment revealed a significant (P≤0.01) difference among the treatments used throughout the study period. The result indicated that, Application of nitrogen at the rate of 56 kg/ha significantly (P ≤0.01) produced taller plants than all other levels of nitrogen. On intra-row spacing the use 30cm had taller plants than all other treatments studied and were at par with 20cm at 6, 8, and 12 WAS. The result further revealed that, narrow-intra-row spacing (10cm × 50cm) resulted in a decrease in plant height at the beginning of the growing season, but had a significant (P≤0.00) influence at 8 and 10 weeks after sowing. The result also revealed that, wider spacing (30 × 50cm) increases plant height, stem girth, leaf area and consequently the stem and total dry fiber yield per plant. Based on the result of this study, application of nitrogen fertilizer at the rate of 56 kg/ha to kenaf spaced at 30 x 50 cm promote better growth and fiber yield in both the seasons under observation and can be adopted by farmers in the study area.

Field experiment was conducted to study the effect of foliar nitrogen fertilizer and time of application on the growth and yield of sorghum at Student’s Demonstration Farm of the Bauchi State Collage of Agriculture, during the rainy season of 2018 and 2019. The treatments consisted of four rates of foliar nitrogen fertilizer (0, 1, 2 and 3 L/ha) and three times of application (once, twice and thrice). These were factorially combined to give 12 treatment combination and laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Data were collected on plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, 1000 grain weight and grain yield. Data collected during the experiment were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) was adopted in separating the means. Results of the experiment indicated that, growing of sorghum using foliar nitrogen fertilizer with different times of application had significant (P≤0.05) effect on all the characters measured. It was further revealed that, application of foliar nitrogen fertilizer at rate of 1, 2 and 3 L/ha significantly (P≤0.05) influenced the growth and yield of sorghum better than the control. The result further revealed that, application of liquid nitrogen fertilizer twice and thrice significantly (P≤0.05) promoted growth and yield of sorghum and proved to be better than applying once. Based on the result of this study, growing sorghum with the application of foliar nitrogen fertilizer at the rates of 1 to 2 L/ha two to three times promoted the growth and yield of sorghum and can be adopted by farmers in the study area for improved sorghum production.

Field experiment was conducted during 2019 rainy season at the Experimental/Seed Multiplication Farm of National Cereals Research Institute (NCRI), Rice Research sub-station, Gwadangaji, Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State (latitude 12º 11’; longitude 12º 4’). The treatments consist of factorial combination of two level of Topstar spectrum 600 and 400 ml ha-1, two level of Cranstan spectrum 1250 and 800 ml ha-1; (pre-emergence and post-emergence herbicide), hoe weeding and a weedy check. The treatments were laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) and were replicated three times. Data were taken and subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and means were separated using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT). Result obtained revealed that, Topstar at the rate of 600 ml haˉ¹ produced significantly higher number of productive tillers, panicle length, 1000 grain weight and grain yield. Topstar show highest weed control than all other treatments. Weed cover score and weed dry weight significantly responded to weed control treatments. The result also shows that weedy check consistently recorded the highest value for weed cover and weed dry weight which was followed by plot treated with Cranstan at 800 ml haˉ¹. Topstar at 600 ml haˉ¹ is found to be the best pre-emergence spectrum in weed management in rice field.

Cotton production nationally is low due to various constraints, including pests. Two main pests commonly found in cotton plantation in rain fed fields are cotton leafhopper (Amrasca biguttula) and cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera). The study aimed to evaluate four packages of integrated pest management (IPM) techniques to control cotton leafhopper and cotton bollworm in rain fed fields. The experiment was conducted in farmers’ fields at Asembagus, East Java, between January and July 2012. Four packages of IPM evaluated were cotton varieties, i.e. Kanesia 10 or Kanesia 13, and seed treatment with synthetic insecticide (imidacloprid) before sowing or spraying molasses (10 ml L-1 water) as food for natural enemies. The cotton plants were intercropped with groundnut and sprayed with neem seed extract (NSE) at the action threshold level for pest control. These packages were compared among themselves and also with the methods usually used by farmers, i.e. planting cotton variety Kanesia 8 intercropped with groundnut and pest control using synthetic chemical insecticides. Twenty five plants were sampled randomly per plot and measured for their growth, leafhopper and bollworm populations, as well as cotton seed yield per plot. Observations were made weekly, starting at 30 days after planting (DAP) until 120 DAP. The results showed that the use of Kanesia 10 or Kanesia 13 intercropped with groundnut and spraying molasses to conserve natural enemies was the best pest management practice and superior to farmers’ practices. Conserving natural enemies is not only profitable (saving production cost of IDR1,150,000 to IDR1,500,000 ha-1 season-1), but also safe for the environment (no need to spray chemical insecticides).

Cotton production nationally is low due to various constraints, including pests. Two main pests commonly found in cotton plantation in rain fed fields are cotton leafhopper (Amrasca biguttula) and cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera). The study aimed to evaluate four packages of integrated pest management (IPM) techniques to control cotton leafhopper and cotton bollworm in rain fed fields. The experiment was conducted in farmers’ fields at Asembagus, East Java, between January and July 2012. Four packages of IPM evaluated were cotton varieties, i.e. Kanesia 10 or Kanesia 13, and seed treatment with synthetic insecticide (imidacloprid) before sowing or spraying molasses (10 ml L-1 water) as food for natural enemies. The cotton plants were intercropped with groundnut and sprayed with neem seed extract (NSE) at the action threshold level for pest control. These packages were compared among themselves and also with the methods usually used by farmers, i.e. planting cotton variety Kanesia 8 intercropped with groundnut and pest control using synthetic chemical insecticides. Twenty five plants were sampled randomly per plot and measured for their growth, leafhopper and bollworm populations, as well as cotton seed yield per plot. Observations were made weekly, starting at 30 days after planting (DAP) until 120 DAP. The results showed that the use of Kanesia 10 or Kanesia 13 intercropped with groundnut and spraying molasses to conserve natural enemies was the best pest management practice and superior to farmers’ practices. Conserving natural enemies is not only profitable (saving production cost of IDR1,150,000 to IDR1,500,000 ha-1 season-1), but also safe for the environment (no need to spray chemical insecticides).

Black rice (Oryza sativa L. indica) is a local variety that contains anthocyanin so the grains have a dense purple color approaching black. Black rice has 74.81% carbohydrates as a major component so that can be applied to flake form as a practicable breakfast menu. However, that application can reduce anthocyanin in black rice. Therefore, it leads the idea to use L-FC12 solution as edible coating in black rice. This research aims to determine the effect of L-FC12 concentration and storage time on the physicochemical properties of black rice flake. Design research is Nested RCBD (Randomized Completely Block Design) with double factor consisting of the L-FC12 solution concentrations (0%, 20%, 40%, 60% and 80%) and the storage time (0, 20 and 40 days) as the nested factor with three replications. Parameters observed include color, rehydration, water content and anthocyanin. Data are to be analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) at α = 5%. If the result of ANOVA shows significant effect prevails, Duncan's Multiple Range Test shall be done at α = 5% to show the difference among treatments. The best treatment is determined by additive weighting and non-dimensional scaling. Differences in L-FC12 concentration cause equal effects on water content (8,04 % - 10,69 %) and anthocyanin content (97,494 mg/g –292,482 mg/g), opposite effect on rehydration (59,00 % – 127,33 %), but no effects on lightness, redness and yellowness black rice flake. While the storage time cause equal effect on water content and lightness, cause opposite effect on anthocyanin content and rehydration. Storage time cause the fluctuations of redness and yellowness.

Waterponding for Increasing Soil Water on Arid Rangelands

Influence of higher levels of NPK fertilizers on growth, yield, and profitability of three potato varieties in Surma, Bajhang, Nepal

Introduction Bean is one of the most important legumes worldwide for direct human consumption and is a rich source of protein and carbohydrates. Bean is weak to compete with weed because of the retard growth at the early stages. Therefore, weed control at this time plays an important role to gain high priduction. Yield crop depends on weed number, and size after germination. Weed control depends on integration of prevalent methods application along with desirable agronomical operations. Selection of the best sowing method, plant density and application of chemical weed control methods plus weeding can effectively control weeds. It is shown that weed dry weight decreased in wet sowing method as compared with dry sowing. Using higher plant density increased the yield bean by 16% as compared to ordinary density. Application of Trifloralin at the rate of 2 lit/ha controlled weeds in bean field without any reduction for yield bean. This study tries to find the effects of irrigation before and after sowing and integrated management on yield, yield components and weed control of Chiti bean. Materials and Methods Field experiment was carried out as factorial split plot based on complete randomized block design with four replicates during 2011 at Shazand city in Markazi province, Iran (34˚ 3' N latitude; 49˚ 48' E longitude; altitude of 2010 m above sea level). The factors were two sowing methods (wet and dry sowing), three levels of plant density (12.5, 17 and 25 plant/m2) and three levels of methods of weed control (weed infest, twice hand weeding, and Trifloralin plus once hand weeding). Seeds of KS2189 genotype were sown by hand at rows spaced at 40 cm. Trifloralin was applied as soil-mixed pre-planting treatment at the rate of 2 lit/ha. The first and second weeding were done at 30 and 40 day after sowing, respectively. Sampling weeds were done 60 day after sowing. Agronomic traits were measured based on the mean of 15 plants/plot. At harvest, plants were removed from 3 m2 of the middle of each plot and the grain and biological yield were measured. The data were subjected to the analysis of variance using SAS. Means were compared using Duncan's Multiple Range test at P=0.05 level of significance. Results and Discussion Results showed that decreasing the plant density significantly increased the number of pods per plant. Application of Trifloralin plus once hand weeding caused to increase the number of pods per plant by 62% as compared to control. The interactive effect of sowing method and weed control treatment showed that the number of pods per plant was higher in weed control treatments than weed infest treatment for both wet and dry sowing. The maximum number of grains per pod was observed for plant density of 17 plant/m2. Wet sowing increased grain yield by 14% as compared to dry sowing. Previous studies showed that wet sowing can increase grain yield by 18%. It seems that high moisture content of soil make higher possibility of emergence and seedling establishment in wet sowing treatment that dry sowing. The shoot growth increased by increasing of photosynthesis and thus increased final grain yield. The maximum grain yield (4667.3 kg/ha) was observed in plots which were wet sown as method, in plant density of 17 plant/m2 and applied Trifloralin plus once hand weeding. In both sowing method, with decreasing of plant density weed density and biomass increased. The minimum of weed density (37.80 plants/m2) and buimass (96.96 g/m2) was obtained from wet sowing method and plant density of 25 plant/m2. Results showed that in both sowing method, the minimum weed density and biomass was obtained from application of Trifloralin plus once hand weeding. Comparison among treatment means showed that the maximum of weed biomass (711.92 g/m2) and total number (239.2 plants/m2) was obtained in dry sowing condition with plant density of 12.5 plant/m2 and weed infest treatment. Conclusions In general, the best integrated treatment to more suppression of weeds and to obtain optimum grain yield of chiti bean is using plant density of 17 plant/m2 on wet condition and applying of Trifloralin plus once hand weeding.