100-seed Weight Research Articles

Construction of a high-density genetic map for yardlong bean and identification of ANT1 as a regulator of anthocyanin biosynthesis.

Because its long, tender pods supply essential proteins, vitamins, and fibers to humans, yardlong bean (Vigna unguiculata ssp. sesquipedalis) is a commonly consumed vegetable, especially in Southeast Asia. To provide insights into the genetic bases of key agricultural traits in yardlong bean, we here created a high-density bin-map with 2084 bin markers using 514 227 SNPs from a recombinant-inbred line (RIL) population. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping was carried out to identify loci associated with anthocyanin content (ANT), vitamin E content (VE), total soluble protein content (TSP), pod length (PL), hundred-seed weight (HSW), seed length and width (SL and SW, respectively), and seed coat color (SCC). In total, 20 related QTLs were isolated, explaining 7.58-56.03% of the phenotypic variation. Of these, five major QTLs (qANT5, qTSP11, qVE7, qPL3, and qSCC9) were detected in 2020, 2021, and the combined environment, explaining 11.96-56.03% of the phenotypic variation. VuANT1 was identified as a causal gene for the QTL qANT5, which regulated anthocyanin content; VuANT1 was highly expressed in immature purple pods but barely detectable in white pods. VuANT1 overexpression in tobacco leaves and yardlong bean hairy roots resulted in purple coloration as a result of anthocyanin accumulation. These findings suggested that VuANT1 was a key regulator of anthocyanin accumulation in yardlong bean. Our results lay a firm foundation for target agricultural trait improvement and clarification of the genetic mechanisms underlying agricultural traits in yardlong bean.

Effect of phosphorus fertilization on nodulation, growth, yield and quality of soybean varieties

Phosphorus is a very important nutritional element that affects soybean growth and nodule nitrogen fixation. The objective of the study was to assess the effect of phosphorus on the growth, yield and quality of different soybean varieties. In this regard, five different doses of phosphorus viz., control (no phosphorus), 50% of the recommended dose (RD) (18 kg ha-1), 100% of RD (36 kg ha-1), 150% of RD (54 kg ha-1) and 200% of RD (72 kg ha-1) were applied on eight distinct soybean varieties namely Shohag, BARI Soybean-5, BARI Soybean-6, PB-1, Binasoybean-1, Binasoybean-2, Binasoybean-3 and Binasoybean-4. The experiment was set up using a randomized complete block design with three replications, Soybean varieties showed variability in terms of plant stature, number of branches plant-1 and number of nodules plant-1. Application of 100% of RD of phosphorus gave maximum plant height, number of branches plant-1 and nodules plant-1 at 45, 60 and 75 DATs. In the case of variety, Binasoybean-1 showed the maximum number of pods plant-1, 100-seed weight, and seed yield. Application of 100% RD of phosphorus exhibited maximum number of branches plant-1, pod length, pods plant-1, seeds pod-1, seed yield, protein and oil contents. Considering the interaction effect, Binasoybean-1 responded well to the application of 100% of RD of phosphorus and gave the maximum seed yield with the highest protein content. Finally, it may be concluded that Binasoybean-1 with the application of 100% RD of phosphorus would be recommended to get desirable yield and quality of soybean.

Сравнительная характеристика сои коллекции ВИР в условиях Нижнего Поволжья

The evaluation of soybean varieties of the world collection of the N.I. Vavilov VIR was carried out according to economically valuable characteristics in the conditions of the Lower Volga region. The most precocious samples were identified by the duration of the vegetation period and interphase periods. Soybean cultivars with the highest height, the maximum weight of seeds per plant, the weight of 1000 seeds and high biochemical qualities of seeds were noted. Genotypes with an optimal combination of the studied traits for further use in various areas of breeding work are identified. Keywords: SOY, VIR COLLECTION, PRECOCITY, WEIGHT OF 1000 SEEDS, SEED QUALITY

Zn-quantum dot biochar regulates antioxidants and nutrient uptake to improve rapeseed growth and yield in drought stress

Drought stress is one of the major abiotic factors that cause a significant decline in the crop's productivity. It can disturb photosynthesis by inducing oxidative stress by producing reactive oxygen species. Recently, the use of quantum has gained the attention of scientists due to its potential positive impacts on plants under stress conditions. That's why a current study was conducted to explore the impact of Zn-quantum dot biochar (QDB) on rapeseed growth under drought stress. There were four levels of QDB, i.e., control (no QDB), 0.2 %, 0.4 %, and 0.8 %, applied on a w/w basis in soil under normal irrigation and drought stress. Results showed that 0.8 %QDB performed significantly better in improving seedling's emergence, plant height, number of branches/plants, number of pods/plants, pod length, seed weight/plant, 1000 seeds weight, and total biomass of rapeseed under normal irrigation and drought stress. At 0.2 %, 0.4 %, and 0.8 % QDB levels, the photosynthetic rate was 9.19 %, 11.78 %, and 13.46 % higher than the control under drought stress. Compared to the control, the transpiration rate increased by 61.40 % with 0.2 % QDB, 123.46 % with 0.4 % QDB, and 199.71 % with 0.8 % QDB. The percentage increase in stomatal conductance ranged from 44 % for 0.2 % QDB to 129 % for 0.8 % QDB under drought stress. In conclusion, 0.8 %QDB can potentially reduce drought stress and improve the leaf water contents and nutrient uptake in rapeseed.

Изменение количества и массы 1000 семян по годам, их влияние на урожайность семян сортов подсолнечника

The variability of economically useful traits (1000 seeds weight and seed number per head) in varieties of the Saratov breeding was studied in 2010–2019. The correlation between traits the seed number and yield, the 1000 seeds weight and yield was determined. A strong correlation between the seed number and yield was revealed in varieties Saratovskiy 20 and Saratovskiy 82. The correlation between the 1000 seeds weight and the sunflower yield was weaker than in the previous traits. A strong correlation was noted only in the variety Saratovsky 20. A negative correlation was found between the 1000 seeds weight and the seed number per head in all studied varieties. For the first time on sunflower, an analysis of the yield increase by the Professor V.A. Ilyin’s method was used to distinguish the influence of each factor (seed number per square meter and 1000 seeds weight) on yield of nine varieties, depending on the year conditions for ten years. The varieties Saratovsky 85 and Saratovsky 86 had the maximum yield increase due to the seed number. A variety Slastena had the highest yield increase (due to both studied traits) on average over the years of observation.

Studies on Correlation and Path Analysis of Yield and its Contributing Traits in Sesame (Sesamum indicum)

The purpose of the present investigation was to examine the relationships between seed yield and yield-attributing characters in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) as well as evaluating their direct and indirect effects. Results indicated that number of capsules per plant (0.806) and 1000-seed weight (0.657) showed positive correlation with seed yield per plant . Path coefficient analysis indicated that number of capsules per plant (0.806) and 1000 seed weight (0.111) exhibited positive direct effect on seed yield. Positive indirect effect was observed through number of branches per plant via number of capsules per plant (0.657). Number of capsules per plant exhibited positive indirect effect via 1000 seed weight (0.111). Since, it showed strong correlation and direct effect on seed yield per plant, selecting for this trait may leads to improvement of seed yield per plant. Present study revealed that the traits viz., number of capsules per plant and 1000 seed weight association was highly desirable as the improvement in any of the yield components results into overall increase in seed yield. Selection among genotypes based on this analyses can be made for further improvement in seed yield per plant and its contributing characters.

Yield potency assessment and characters association of promising lines of mustard (Brassica rapa L.) in southern region of Bangladesh

Mustard (<em>Brassica spp</em>.) is a major oilseed crop and the world’s third-largest source of vegetable oil. During the rabi season of 2022–2023, the experiment was carried out at the Regional Agricultural Research Station, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Barishal, to evaluate the performance of 12 genotypes of <em>Brassica rapa</em> L., including the check variety BARI Sarisha-14. The experiment was conducted under a randomized complete block design (RCBD) design with three replications. Analysis of variance demonstrated highly significant (p ≤ 0.01) differences for the traits viz., plant height, no. of primary branches, no. of secondary branches, and no. of seeds per siliqua, whereas no. of siliqua per plant, 1000 seed weight, and yield kg per hectare had a significant difference at p ≤ 0.05. Among the examined accessions, the unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) cluster analysis identified four different clusters. Cluster II (28.91%) with only one accession had the highest average yield, followed by Cluster I (26.25%) and Cluster IV (22.68%) with the best agronomic features. Furthermore, we observed 1.6% and 11.93% greater (+) mean yield compared to the grand mean yield (1502.33 kg ha<sup>−1</sup>) for cluster I and cluster II, respectively. Correlation analysis examines the positive and highly significant association among the yield and its related traits. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed a total proportion of variation of 54.86% for PC1 and 16.89% for PC2. The genotypes BC-100614(8)–7 gave a 7.20% higher yield than the check variety. Considering the statistical results, maturity period, yield, and yield contributing characters of <em>Brassica rapa </em>L. genotypes BC-100614(8)-7 (1681 kg ha<sup>−1</sup>), BC-100614(8)-1 (1594 kg ha<sup>−1</sup>) and BC-100614(7)-3 (1565 kg ha<sup>−1</sup>) were noted as promising lines among the evaluated genotypes and suggested for future breeding programs.

Transplanted seedling age and watering effects on the field performance of Senegalia macrostachya (Rchb. ex DC.) Kyal. & Boatwr., a high-valued indigenous fruit tree species in Burkina Faso

Senegalia macrostachya, ex-Acacia macrostachya is a multiple-use species providing many benefits to populations in arid and semi-arid regions. Despite its importance, limited research has been undertaken on its silviculture, growth, and productivity in plantations or in the wild. In this paper, we widely deployed the Generalized Additive Models for Location, Scale and Shape to identify factors controlling the temporal variability in S macrostachya annual pod and seed production. Data (survival rate, basal diameter, total height of each individual tree, and weight of pods and seeds produced) were collected from a factorial experiment testing different nursery production periods and the field performance of S. macrostachya under well-watered and water-stressed conditions. Long-term climate data were analyzed and the Standardized Precipitation–Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) was calculated. Results showed that seedling survival and both height and radial growth were significantly influenced by seedling age at outplanting, watering, and climate aridity. The watered seedlings had the highest survival rate and grew taller than the non-watered seedlings. The watered seedlings also had the largest basal diameters, along with the highest pod and seed weights. There was temporal variation in S. macrostachya pod and seed production over time, indicating a cyclic production, depending mainly on climate factors. Seedling age at outplanting, early watering of outplanted seedlings, and climate aridity significantly influence not only seedling survival and growth parameters but also determine the levels of pod and seed production of S. macrostachya. Our results provide field-based evidence of the performance of this important species in the production of pods and seeds. The results also highlight the potential for domestication of S. macrostachya including use in plantations to help restore degraded rural landscapes in arid and semi-arid regions.

The effect of sowing dates and seeding rates on productivity of wintering peas in the southern part of the Rostov region

The current paper has presented the study results on the effect of sowing dates and seeding rates on productivity of wintering peas. Field trials were carried out during 2019–2021. The objects of research were the wintering pea variety ‘Fokus’, ‘Faeton’ and ‘Zimus’. The purpose of the study was to estimate the effect of sowing dates and seeding rates on productivity of wintering peas in the conditions of the southern part of the Rostov region. Sowing dates and seeding rates have influenced the elements of the yield structure and grain productivity of wintering peas. The weight of seeds per plant of the variety ‘Fokus’ ranged from 2.53 to 4.02 g; for the variety ‘Faeton’ it was 2.31–2.67 g, and 2.62–4.49 g for the variety ‘Zimus’. 1000-seed weight was in the range of 125.6–154.1 g for the variety ‘Fokus’, 130.1–157.6 g for the variety ‘Faeton’, 146.2–155.9 g for the variety ‘Zimus’. The maximum productivity of the variety ‘Fokus’ was established at a seeding rate of 1.4 million germ. seeds per ha, in the second and third terms of sowing it was 2.24 and 2.23 t/ha, respectively. In the first sowing period, the maximum productivity was established at a seeding rate of 1.8 million germ. seeds per ha. In the first sowing period the variety ‘Faeton’ demonstrated the maximum productivity (1.97 t/ha) at a seeding rate of 1.2 million germ. seeds per ha; in the second sowing period the yield was 1.93 t/haat a seeding rate of 1.4 million germ. seeds per ha; in the third sowing period the largest productivity (1.81 t/ha) was established at a seeding rate of 1.2 million germ. seeds per ha. The variety ‘Zimus’ gave the maximum productivity of 1.86 t/ha at a seeding rate of 1.4 million germ. seeds per ha in the first sowing period, 2.18 t/ha in the second sowing period, 1.96 t/ha in the third sowing period.

Effect of leaf clipping on growth and yield of blackgram (Vigna mungo L.)

An experiment was conducted at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University farm, Dhaka to investigate the effect of variety and leaf clipping on the growth and yield of blackgram (Vigna mungo L.) from March to June-2019. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design with three replications. The treatments were Blackgram variety (3); V1: BARI Mash-1, V2: BARI Mash-2 and V3: BARI Mash-3, and leaf clipping (4); C0: No leaf clipping (control), C1: Clipping of 1st basal leaf, C2: Clipping of 2nd basal leaves and C3: Clipping of total apical leaves having no inflorescence. Growth, yield and yield contributing characteristics were compared under different treatments. Results indicated that variety and leaf clipping significantly affected most of the growth and yield contributing characteristics of blackgram. In the case of variety, mthe aximum value of the yield and yield contributing characteristics such as pod−1 length (8.99 cm), pods plant−1 (14.00), number of seeds pod−1 (9.78), 1000 seeds weight (48.58 g), and seed yield (1381.70 kg ha−1), were observed in var. BARI Mash-3. In the case of leaf clipping, maximum pod length (8.44 cm), pods plant−1 (15.18), seeds pod (9.32), 1000- seeds weight (48.33 g), seed yield (1306.7 kg ha−1), was recorded in Clipping of 1st basal leaf treatment. The blackgram var. BARI Mash-3 and clipping of 1st basal leaf was found superior in producing maximum pod length (9.32 cm), number of pods plant−1 (16.87), number of seeds pod−1 (10.80), 1000- seeds weight (51.67 g), and seed yield (1456.70 kg ha−1). So, var. BARI Mash-3 and clipping of 1st basal leaf may improve the growth and yield of blackgram.
 Bangladesh Agron. J. 2023, 26(1): 9-17

Stability Analysis for Seed Yield and Related Traits of Oat (Avena sativa L.) under Varied Conditions of North-Western Himalayas

This study was undertaken to determine the stability of oat genotypes for seed yield under different environmental conditions prevalent in north- western Himalayas. One hundred and twenty-one genotypes including five checks were evaluated in simple lattice design for three years (Rabi 2015-16 to 2017-18). The stability was estimated using Eberhart and Russell model for six traits viz., days to 50% flowering, days to 75% maturity, biological yield per plant, harvest index (%), 1000-seed weight (g) and seed yield per plant (g). The pooled analysis of variance showed that genotypes behaved differently for all the traits over the environments. The most stable performing genotypes identified were S8-217, UPO-119, Oats-17 and Oats-8655, respectively. However, the best performing and stable genotypes for seed yield were JPO-24 and Oat- 79. Thus, the genotypes identified as stable and well adapted over test environments could be exploited as valuable gene pool in further breeding programme, for developing stable genotypes with high yield potential or could be tested in multi-locational trials to release as a cultivar.

Resource availability and herbivory alter defence-growth-reproduction trade-offs in a masting Mediterranean pine

Pairwise trade-offs among the main dimensions of life history of plants, namely growth, reproduction and defence, have been hypothesized and repeatedly tested. Experimental evidences, however, are far from conclusive, probably as a consequence of different methodological approaches, but also of an underlying multivariate complexity that is not considered in pairwise analyses. We carried out two long-term field experiments with 81 ramets clonally replicated from 6 genotypes of maritime pine (Pinus pinaster) to assess the allocation to growth, reproduction and defence in response to increased resource availability (fertilization and control treatments) and simulated herbivory (low intensity mechanical wounding, high intensity mechanical wounding, needle clipping, jasmonate application and control treatments). Fertilization increased tree growth and N and P concentration, and altered the production of resin and polyphenolics in complex ways, contingent on time and tissue. A natural event of infestation by Pissodes castaneus was more intense on fertilized trees. Fertilization increased both reproductive effort and output in terms of quantity (number of seeds) but not quality (dry weight of seeds). Needle clipping and methyl-jasmonate, but not mechanical wounding, increased the concentration of needle resin and phenols shortly after treatment, while concentrations in the phloem remain unaltered. Damage by P. castaneus did not differ across induction treatments. Generally, needle clipping had the strongest effect on reproductive variables, and mechanical wounding the mildest, with a high variability on intensity and direction of effects. Needle clipping decreased tree growth, while the rest of herbivory treatments did increase it. Complex interactions among life-history dimensions arose, showing that pairwise approaches are too simplistic for unravelling these complexities. This three-way relationship imposes new environmental and physiological constraints to the evolution and maintenance of reproductive strategies.

Influences of Different Sowing Dates on Growth and Yield of Linum usitatissimum L. at Sheringal, Dir Upper, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

The present experiment was conducted to examine the influence of the seeds sowing date on parameters like height of plant, number of the fruiting branches per flax plant, number of capsules, quantity of seeds per flax plant, weight (g) of (1000) seed of the Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) at the Sheringal, Dir Upper, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Experiment was designed in randomized complete block, consisting of three partitions. The sowing times of the plots were kept (1st February, 15th February and 1st March). The characters studied were the number of branches bearing fruit per plant, number of capsules per flax plant, seed number per capsule, plant height, and 1000 seeds weight. The data revealed that, sowing time has an important impact on height of the plant, numbers of capsules per plant and on the quantity of seeds in each pod. Mean comparison indicated that sum of the main fruiting branches of plant, number of capsule per plant, seeds number per pod in flax, plant height (cm), and 1000 flaxseeds weight were at the highest level observed in second sowing date (15th February). It was also noted that sowing date executed a positive change on all traits. The results showed that the yield of 1st February, 15th February and 1st March for number of seeds/capsule were 6.07, 6.20 and 5.18; likewise the parameter of 1000 seeds weight 7.31 g, 8.26 g and 6.03 g. It was concluded that early sowing period had a positive effect on all the parameters studied.

Influence of Intercropping Green Gram with Two Paddy Varieties on Growth, Yield and its Components to Increase Economic Returns

A field experiment was conducted at the Faculty of Agriculture, Eastern University, Sri Lanka to investigate the effects of intercropping green gram on the growth and yield parameters of two varieties of paddy; Suwandel (traditional variety) and At 307 (improved variety) during the period of July to November 2022. The experiment was laid out in a 2 x 2 Factorial Randomized Complete Block Design with four treatments as monocropping Suwandel (T1), intercropping Suwandel with green gram (T2), monocropping At 307 (T3) and intercropping At 307 with green gram (T4), that were replicated five times. Significant differences in leaf area, shoot dry weight, 1000 seeds weight and grain yield were observed in the paddy-green gram intercropping system compared to the monocropping of paddy. Significant synergistic responses were also observed among the treatments, where the leaf area and shoot dry weight were the highest in Suwandel + green gram intercropping system and the 1000 seeds weight was the highest in At 307-green gram intercropping system. However, the cost-benefit analysis revealed that the net profit received from Suwandel + green gram intercropping system was 36.6% higher than the At 307-green gram intercropping system. Therefore, it was evident from the present study that the Suwandel + green gram intercropping system is an environmentally friendly sustainable approach to grow paddy without synthetic fertilizers.

Agro-Morphological Variability of Wild Vigna Species Collected in Senegal

The domesticated Vigna species still need some of the beneficial characters that exist in the wild Vigna species, despite the improvements obtained so far. This study was carried out to enhance our understanding of the Senegalese wild Vigna diversity by exploring the agro-morphological characteristics of some accessions using 22 traits. The phenotyping was carried out in a shaded house for two consecutive rainy seasons (2021 and 2022) using the alpha-lattice experimental design with 55 accessions. Multiple correspondence analysis was carried out based on the qualitative traits, which showed considerable variability for the wild species (Vigna unguiculata var. spontanea, Vigna racemosa, Vigna radiata and the unidentified accession). The quantitative traits were subjected to statistical analysis using descriptive statistics and ANOVA. Our results revealed that ninety-five percent (95%) pod maturity ranged from 74.2 to 125.8 days in accession 3 of V. unguiculata and in accession 92 (V. racemosa), respectively. In addition, accession 14 of V. radiata recorded the highest weight for 100 seeds with a value of 4.8 g, while accession 18 of V. unguiculata had the lowest (1.48 g). The ANOVA showed significant differences for the accessions during each season (p ≤ 0.05). Seasonal effects (accession × season) were observed for some quantitative traits, such as the terminal leaflet length and width, time to 50% flowering and 95% pod maturity, pod length and 100-seed weight. Principal component analysis showed that reproductive traits, such as the time to 50% flowering, number of locules per pod, pod length, pod width and 100-seed weight, were the major traits that accounted for the variations among the wild Vigna accessions. The genetic relationship based on qualitative and quantitative traits showed three clusters among the wild Vigna accessions. Indeed, the diversity observed in this study could be used to select parents for breeding to improve the cultivated species of Vigna.

Correlation Coefficient Analysis for Seed Yield and its Component Traits in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum, Fabaceae)

The present investigation was carried out at Chamelty Agriculture Farm of M.S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Bajhol, Solan, Himachal Pradesh (H.P.) to examine the quantitative traits of chickpea germplasm and their relationship to seed yield. Seed yield per plant exhibited positive and highly significant correlations with biological yield per plant, harvest index, number of seeds per pod and number of pods per plant. The positive non- significant correlations of seed yield per plant were found with plant height (cm), primary branches per plant, 100-seed weight (g), days to 50 per cent flowering, days to flower initiation and days to maturity. These characters emerged as most important factors in influencing seed yield in chickpea.

Estimation of Correlation Coefficient and Path Analysis in Field Pea (Pisum sativum L.)

The present study was conducted during the rabi season of 2021-22 at Crop Cafeteria farm of Shoolini University, Solan (H.P.). The experiment consisted of 245 genotypes of pea with three check varieties viz., PB-89, PP and Arkel. The present investigation was carried out in order to find yield and its contributing traits in pea germplasm. As per correlation analysis and path analysis, the results indicated that seed yield/plant (g) exhibited positive and high significant correlations with 100-seed weight (g), biological yield/plant (g), harvest index (%) and number of pods/plant. Path analysis identified biological yield per plant (g) and harvest index (%) as important direct components for seed yield per plant. High yielding genotypes are- SHP 21, SHP73, JCR/JV-29, JCR/JV-39, IC 107452, 6363/P-3342, IC-629738, P-2236, P-2380, SHP 19, SHP17, SHP 51.

Impact of Terminal Heat and Combined Heat-Drought Stress on Plant Growth, Yield, Grain Size, and Nutritional Quality in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Chickpea is the third most consumed pulse and provides a kit of essential nutrients for an exponential population. High temperatures and drought stress are two major abiotic stresses that cause serious effects on chickpea growth and development. The comprehension of abiotic stresses’ impact on chickpea productivity and nutritional quality will permit the selection of promising genotypes. The current study aimed to assess the impact of heat and drought stresses on plant growth, grain yield and its components, grain size, and nutritional quality in chickpea. For this purpose, 43 international chickpea genotypes were evaluated under normal, heat, and combined heat-drought stress conditions. The findings revealed a significant decrease of over 50% in plant height, biological yield, and seed yield under both stress conditions. Grain size and hundred-seed weight were the most heritable traits under normal, heat, and combined heat-drought stress. Proteins were accumulated under both stresses, evolving from 20.26% for normal conditions to 22.19% for heat stress and to 21.94% for combined heat-drought stress. For minerals, significant variation between treatments was observed for Mn, Mg, and Na. Our results also showed a significant impact of genotype and genotype-environment interaction factors only on K content. Using selection indices, 22 genotypes were identified as highly tolerant to the combined heat-drought stress, while eleven genotypes were heat-tolerant. Mineral profile analysis according to the contrasting tolerance clusters revealed decreased potassium content in susceptible genotypes, indicating genetic potential in the studied chickpea collection, ensuring tolerance to both stresses while maintaining good grain quality.

Leaf Pruning Increased Seed Yield and Leaf Production of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp)

The leaves and pods of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) have potential uses as vegetables. This research aimed to assess the impact on cowpea growth and seed yield through different pruning times, methods, intensities, and their interactions. Conducted at the Cikabayan Experimental Field, IPB University, between April and August 2022, the study employed a randomized complete block design with three factors and three replications. The first factor, pruning time (5 and 7 weeks after planting, WAP), represented vegetative and generative phases. The second factor involved pruning methods (leaf and shoot), while the third focused on pruning intensity (0, 10, 30, and 50% of leaf numbers). This resulted in 16 treatment combinations, replicated three times, yielding 48 experimental plots. Measured variables included pruned leaf count, pruned leaf weight, total leaf count, plant fresh and dry weights, cowpea plant C/N ratio analysis, pod wet and dry weights, pod count, pod length, seeds per pod count, 100-seed weight, dry seed weight per plant, dry seed weight per plot, and cowpea seed productivity. Results highlighted significant effects of pruning time, method, and intensity on leaf count, shoot fresh and dry weights, and C/N ratio of cowpea plants after two weeks of pruning. However, the treatments did not significantly influence cowpea seed yield. Pruning cowpea leaves led to an average pruned leaf weight of 30 g per plant, offering a nutritious vegetable source without compromising cowpea seed yield. These leaves commanded a market price of approximately Rp. 6000 per kg, transforming them into a valuable economic asset when utilized as vegetables, thus contributing to the sale of nutritious food.

Pengaruh Dekanter Solid dan Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) Terhadap Pertumbuhan dan Hasil Kedelai (Glycine max (L.) Merrill)

Soybean (Glycine max (L) Merrill) is an important food crop because of its nutritional content, especially its high protein content. Increasing need is not balanced with increase in production. One of causal factors is low level of soil fertility. This research aimed to study the interaction effect of solid decanter dosage with PGPR concentration on the growth and yield of soybean plants. The experimentwas arranged in a randomized block design with factorial pattern consisted of 2 factors, namely solid decanter and PGPR. Solid decanter (K) comprisedtwo dose levels, namely: k1 = 10 ton.ha-1 solid decanter, and k2 = 15 ton.ha-1 solid decanter, while PGPR (P) comprised 3 concentration levels, namely: p0 = without PGPR (0%), p1 = PGPR 30%, p2 = PGPR 50%. Variables observed were plant height, number of branches, number of pods per plant, number of filled pods per plant, weight of seeds per plant, weight of 100 seeds and yield of plants. Data from the observations were statistically analyzed using analysis of variance (Anova). If the results of the analysis of variance showed significance, analysis was continued with mean comparison using LSD test at the α = 5% level. Results showed that there were interaction effect found on number of filled pods and the weight of 100 seeds. Meanwhile, there were no interaction effect foundonplant height, number of branches, number of pods per plant, seed weight per plant and yield. Thus, it was concluded that the provision of solid decanters of 10 ton.ha-1 to 15 ton.ha-1 and PGPR up to a concentration of 50% were not able to increase soybean crop yields.