Agronomic Parameters Research Articles

Impact of Fruit Order on Cucurbits Yield Components: A Case of Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standl

Lagenaria siceraria is a trendy plant in Ivory Coast for its seeds. However, production of this plant remains relatively low. One of the underlying reasons for poor yields is poor control of crop techniques. This study is part of the improvement of L. siceraria production. It was conducted on the experimental farm of Nangui Abrogoua University in Abidjan. The study focused on the effect of fruit order on agronomic parameters related to fruits and seeds. To this end, a series of experiments was conducted. Fruits formed on the same plant were classified into three groups: J0 for the first generation, J8 for the second and J15 for the third generation. The results obtained indicate that for all agronomic parameters, the weight of the fruit (PoFr), the volume of the fruit (VoFr), the volume of the seed lodge (VLGr), the number of seeds per fruit (NoGr), the weight of 100 seeds (P100), the highest values are obtained for fruits of the first generation of fruit (J0). Thus, the fruits that appear first have a better agronomic quality. Farmers should use seeds from first-generation fruits for planting.

Design and experiment of a deviation information detection mechanism for sugar beet harvesters based on agricultural machinery and agronomy integration

To address large geometric shape differences, poor ridge distribution straightness and the uncertain spatial distribution of beet roots during the harvesting period, as well as damage caused by the inaccurate row correction detection mechanisms of combine harvesters, this study conducts a design analysis and performance tests of deviation information detection mechanisms based on the integration of agricultural machinery and agronomy. The agronomic process of mechanized sugar beet production was analyzed, the geometric dimensions of root tubers under typical planting patterns of typical varieties in main sugar beet production areas were measured, and a three-dimensional geometric model of beet root tubers was established. A device for measuring ridge shape and root tuber distribution was designed, and agronomic parameters during the harvesting period, such as plant spacing, ridge height, unearthed height, and deviation distance of beet root tubers, were measured and analyzed. A spatial model of ridge shape and beet root tuber growth distribution on the ridge during harvesting was established. The overall structure of the deviation information detection mechanism was analyzed and designed, and the structural forms and key parameters of key mechanisms, such as left‒right swing detection and up‒down floating profiling, were designed on the basis of agronomic parameter analysis. Using the missed detection rate as the evaluation index, field performance tests of the deviation information detection mechanism were conducted. The results revealed that when the average forward speed of the harvester was 0.84 m/s, the average missed detection rate of the deviation information detection mechanism was 0.56%. This method has high adaptability and detection accuracy and achieves a high level of integration for agricultural machinery (detection spatial region of the detection mechanism) and agronomy (beet root distribution spatial region). This study provides a technical basis and methodological reference for improving the quality and efficiency of automatic row correction combined with harvesting operations for crops such as sugar beets.

Effect of planting densities by the practice of twin rows on the agronomic and technological parameters of sugar cane in rainfed cultivation

With the aim of improving sugar cane productivity under rainfed conditions, a study of the effect of planting densities using paired rows on sugar cane yield parameters was carried out at the CNRA Ferkéssédougou station in northern Côte d'Ivoire. The experimental design used was a Fischer block, comprising three repetitions of six treatments, designated T1 to T6. The results revealed that treatments T1 and T2 improved cane yields, reaching 149±18.04 and 157±44.55 t/ha, respectively. Similarly, an increase in the number of usable stems per hectare of 207,726 ± 13144.44 and 216,468 ± 70412.15 was noted for treatments T1 and T2 respectively. Furthermore, the T6 treatment improved the technological parameters (Brix (22.4 ± 0.86 %); Fibre content (16.8 ± 0.11 %); Pol (19.4 ± 0.81 %) ; Purity of juice (86.7 ± 1.09 %) ; Saccharin content (14.9 ± 0.62 %); Extractable sugar (10.5 ± 0.52 %)). The study also identified three promising planting densities for village cane :1.1m and 1.3m row spacing at 0.4m and 1.3m row spacing at 0.5m. In conclusion, the cultural practice of density in twin rows in sugar cane plantations in rainfed conditions allows an increase in agronomic and technological parameters. This cultivation practice could contribute to an increase in yield or even a substantial increase in sugar production.

Phenotypic characterization of different seed coat color of cowpea cultivars, Vigna unguiculata (L). Walp. in West-Central Côte d'Ivoire

Cowpea is a widely consumed legume in sub-Saharan Africa. Several cowpea cultivars based on seed coat color are widely observed. Consumers' choice of cultivar varies from one region to another. However, the lack of improved varieties and the limited availability of information on the productive potential of these cultivars is one of the constraints on the development of cowpea production. Thus, red, white, black and brown seed coat widely consumed were evaluated in the field over two consecutive years, 2022 and 2023 on a plot following a randomized complete block design with four replications. Morphological and agronomic parameters showed that there were two groups of cultivars with interesting agronomic characteristics. The first group composed of the black, brown and red cultivars had a relatively short reproductive time, averaging 66 days. These cultivars are considered early. The number of fruits of these cultivars was also high, with an average of 12 fruits per plant. The second group, consisting exclusively of the white seed coat cultivar produced high biomass and plant length. It had also twice the pod and seed weight of the other cultivars. It would be possible to develop hybrids in the future, seeking, for example, to improve the seed weight of the red cultivar with a short reproductive cycle by crossing with the white seed coat cultivar, with a view to creating an early variety with a high yield.

Inoculation of Arthrobacter sp. improves the growth of Acanthocalycium sp. and the fruits nutraceutical quality and the flowers longevity

Research objective: The aim of this work is on the inoculation in the growing medium of Arthrobacter sp. and its effects on the growth, flower quality and longevity of cactus plants. To this end, the study of biometric parameters, i.e. plants and flowers (height, weight, number and duration), as well as root growth (weight), and the presence of disease were quantified as measures of plant productivity and compared with those obtained from non-inoculated plants. The use of alginate microspheres as a means of bacterial inoculation was also considered. Materials and Methods: Seedlings of Acanthocalycium (2 years old) Ferrarii, A. Glaucum and A. Violaceum were immediately planted in pots after purchase, in substrate containing (sand 20%, pumice 20% and peat 60%; pH 7; electrical conductivity 0.7 dS/m; total porosity 80% (v/v). A randomised complete block design was applied for the experiments: the pots were randomly divided into two series, one series was inoculated with the bacteria and the other non-inoculated was used as a control. Each month, plant growth was assessed according to (1) plant height, (2) vegetative and root weight, (3) number of flowers per plant (4) flower duration. In addition, the occurrence of possible diseases, in particular Fusarium sp. and Verticillium sp., was assessed. Total flavonoids, total phenols and antioxidant activity were also analysed. Results and Discussion: The experiment showed that the use of Arthrobacter sp. can indeed significantly improve the vegetative and root growth of Acanthocalycium sp. cacti. In addition, there was a significant improvement in the number and floral longevity as well as in the phenol, flavonoid and antioxidant content of the fruits of the inoculated plants compared to the untreated control. The experiment also showed that mortality due to the pathogens Fusarium sp. and Verticillium sp. was significantly reduced in the treated plant. In agreement with these authors, we found that PGPB treatments increased agronomic parameters and improved Fusarium and Verticillium resistance. In general, the application of biostimulants can increase the synthesis of bioactive compounds in plants by increasing resistance to phytopathologies. Inoculation with Arthrobacter sp. led to a significant reduction in the number of dead plants with respect to the diseases analysed. As a result of the stimulating action demonstrated in Acanthocalycium, bioproducts suitable for nutraceutical purposes may be developed in the future. Therefore, new microbe-assisted technologies can help plants to resist stress conditions, improving their tolerance and productivity. Conclusions: Due to its ‘multifunctionality’, the genus Acanthocalycium is considered as one of the species of the future, for ornamental use and medicinal aspects, and new results may help reveal its potential in the context of the bio-economy and circular economy. As natural resources and cultural practices are crucial in defining the quality of flowers when destined for food/nutraceutical applications, the inoculation of Acanthocalycium with Arthrobacter sp. can be envisaged to provide better plant growth under conditions of environmental stress, or as a soil fertiliser, but also to improve the synthesis of natural products used for therapeutic applications.

Improving nutritional values and yield in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivars via foliar application of zinc and iron fertilizers

AbstractDeveloping countries struggle to achieve food security due to a lack of superior crop cultivars, limited inputs, and environmental degradation. One way to deal with these issues is to biofortify with zinc‐ (Zn) and iron (Fe)‐containing fertilizers to improve nutrient content and productivity. Thus, this study aims to assess the effect of foliar application of Zn and Fe fertilizers on various bean cultivars. Three cultivars (SAB‐632, DAB‐197, and BZ‐2) combined with nine Zn‐ and Fe‐containing fertilizers (T1 = 0, T2 = 0+1.5%, T3 = 0+3%, T4 = 0.5%+0, T5 = 0.5%+1.5%, T6 = 0.5%+3%, T7 = 1%+0, T8 = 1%+1.5%, and T9 = 1%+3%) were used as experimental treatments. The study utilized a split‐plot design with a factorial arrangement and three replications, with cultivars on the main plot and fertilizer treatments on the sub‐plots. The result revealed that T8 with the cultivar SAB‐632 had a significantly higher (17.2%) grain Zn concentration than the control. The cultivar SAB‐632 exhibited significantly higher Zn and Fe accumulations. Grain Zn and Fe accumulation were significantly enhanced by the foliar application of treatments, either individually or combined. T6 showed the highest accumulation of Zn and Fe, followed by T9. These values were increased by 33.4% and 29.2%, respectively, due to T6 compared to the control treatment. Additionally, applying these treatments to the leaves improved most agronomic parameters. Therefore, using foliar Zn + Fe fertilizers in bean cultivation can increase essential nutrient contents in grains and improve productivity, ensuring food security and nutrition for small‐scale farmers.

Application of different phosphatic fertilizers influences the different phosphorus fractions and morphophysiological traits of wheat in saline sodic soil

Nutrient constraints in salt-affected soils are one of the limiting factors for crop production. We investigated phosphorus (P) availability to wheat crop and its correlations with different fractions of P in salt-affected soils in response to various phosphatic fertilizer’s application. Three different types of soils having electrical conductivity of soil extract (ECe) < 4 dS m−1 and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) < 13.2 (mmol L−1)1/2, ECe 8 dS m−1 SAR 20 (mmol L−1)1/2 and ECe 12 dS m−1 and SAR 30 (mmol L−1)1/2 were used for this experiment. Different P fertilizers viz. control, diammonium phosphate (DAP), single super phosphate (SSP) and nitrophos (NP) were applied on these soils. The doses of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium were remained same for all the treatments. The P fractions, agronomic parameters and P-availability to plants were determined. Results indicated increase in shoot dry weight (61%) and photosynthetic rate (9%) in SSP treated soil at EC 8 dS m−1 and SAR 20 (mmol L)1/2. The total P (7.6%) in soil and respiration rate (1.9%) in plant was recorded maximum in DAP treated soil at EC 8 dS m−1 and SAR 20 (mmol L)1/2, and membrane stability index (44%) in plant shoot, extractable P (23%) in soil and P concentration (22%) in shoot were recorded maximum in SSP treated soil at EC 12 dS m−1 and SAR 30 (mmol L)1/2. It was concluded that SSP fertilizer perform better in salt-affected soil for growth and yield of wheat compared to other phosphatic fertilizers.

Design and Testing of an Electric Side-Mounted Cabbage Harvester

To address the limitations of current cabbage harvesters in China, which are often designed for a single variety and lack adaptability to different cabbage varieties, we developed an electric side-mounted cabbage harvester suitable for field operations in the Jiangsu region of China. This design is informed by the statistical analysis of the physical and agronomic parameters of major cabbage varieties. The harvester consists of key components, including an extraction device, a leaf-stripping device, a clamping and conveying device, and a root-cutting device. Powered by a 120 Ah direct current (DC) power source, it is capable of performing cabbage extraction, feeding, clamping, conveying, root cutting, and boxing in a single operation for three hours. Through theoretical analysis of the key components, specific parameters were determined, and field tests were conducted to verify the design. The results of the field experiments indicate that all components of the cabbage harvester operated effectively. Optimal performance was observed when the extraction roller speed was set between 100 and 110 RPM, the conveyor belt speed at 60 RPM, and the cutter speed between 160 and 220 RPM, resulting in a low cabbage harvest loss rate. The harvest loss rates from the three experiments were 11.3%, 13.3%, and 12%, respectively, which meets the mechanical harvesting requirements for cabbage.

Agronomic performance and nutritive value of Urochloa species, Desho and Rhodes grass grown in sub-humid central Ethiopia

Improved forage grasses with high quality and biomass are a crucial additional feed source for cereal-livestock farming in Ethiopia. This study compared the performance of 4 Urochloa species [U. brizantha (DZF-13379), U. humidicola (DZF-9222), U. decumbens ‘Basilisk’ (DZF-10871) and U. mutica (DZF-483)] with other 2 commonly used grasses, Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana ‘Massaba’) and Desho grass (Pennisetum glaucifolium local variety Kindu kosha), over 3 years during the main rainy season in Bishoftu in a sub-humid area of Ethiopia. The experiment was conducted using a completely randomized block design. There was significant variation among species for agronomic parameters. The species × year interaction was significant for dry matter yield, plant height, and plot cover but not significant for leaf-to-stem ratio. Nutritional value [ash, acid detergent fiber (ADF), crude protein (CP) and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD)] was significantly different among species with no differences for neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent lignin (ADL). All species showed potential as alternative ruminant feeds with U. mutica and U. brizantha the highest yielding in the sub-humid environment.

Evaluation of the Effect of Funneliformis mosseae Inoculation on Agronomic Parameters of Maize (Zea mays L.) under a Substrate Subjected to Gold Mining

Aim: Evaluate, in a greenhouse, the effect of the AMF, Funneliformis mosseae, on the agronomic performance of maize grown on soil degraded by gold mining. Study Design: Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with six replications. Place and Duration of Study: University of Lomé, between September 2022 and January 2023. Methodology: The experiment utilized four treatment levels - pure mineral fertilizers (To), pure AMF (Funneliformis mosseae) (T1), the combination of AMF and mineral fertilizers (T2) and a control (Co) – employing a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with six replications. A pot of 5 liters capacity having received 5 kg of soil substrat (washed gold-bearing soil or soil taken under natural vegetation) composed the experimental unit. The experimental data were collected and analyzed. Results: gold-bearing soils are sandy and poor in organic and mineral compounds compared to soils under natural vegetation. The mycorrhization parameters do not take soil type into account. On average, 73.62 % of plants in simple inoculation were mycorrhized where as 33.43 % of plants were mycorrhized in inoculation with a synthetic fertilizer (NPK+Urea) at 60 days after sowing. The respective mycorrhization intensities corresponding to these mycorrhization rates are 41.43 and 45.67 % for the same period. The inoculation with AMF affect positively the growth, development and the productivity of maize compared to the control. Conclusion: Results suggest that Funneliformis mosseae can be used as a biofertilizer on gold mining soils in Togo for sustainable maize production.

ASSESSMENT OF WHEAT GENOTYPES FOR THEIR LOW NITROGEN USE EFFICIENCY UNDER SEMI-ARID CONDITIONS OF PUNJAB, PAKISTAN

Nitrogen is one of the most important and critical macronutrients needed by plants for their optimal growth and development. The current experimental study was designed to examine the response of wheat variety Akbar-2019 under different nitrogen levels keeping the levels of phosphorus and potassium constant. The study was conducted in Chak No. 169/7.R Fort Abbas, District Bahawalnagar under the supervision of the Department of Soil Fertility (Field) during the crop year 2022-23. The experimental material was comprised of a wheat variety Akbar-2019 and five different treatments of nitrogen consisted of (i) N = 160 kg ha-1 (ii) N = 145 kg ha-1 (iii) N = 131 kg ha-1 (iv) N = 117 kg ha-1 and (v) N = 103 kg ha-1. The experiment was laid out under a randomized complete block design with three replications and 170 m² net plot size par treatment per replication. The results revealed the presence of highly significant variations among nitrogen treatments in wheat variety based on the agronomic and morpho-physiological parameters including flag leaf area, thousand-grain weight, grains per spike, relative water contents, stomatal conductance, net photosynthetic rate, biological yield and gain yield. Furthermore, the results also unveiled that treatments with higher nitrogen dosage produce better results for almost all the study parameters including grain yield. These results were also confirmed through correlation coefficient analysis and bar graph graphical representation based on mean data, where correlation coefficient analysis showed a strong positive correlation of grain yield with studied plant traits except biological yield for which the correlation was positive but non-significant. The results suggest that nitrogen in higher amounts up to a certain level is necessary for obtaining maximum output from wheat crops under semi-arid conditions.

Chlorine Dioxide: Antiviral That Reduces the Spread of ToBRFV in Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Plants.

Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV), being a mechanically transmitted disease, is usually difficult to control; therefore, an effective alternative to reduce transmission and replication in the crop is by spraying with chlorine dioxide (ClO2) during routine crop management. In this research, the efficacy of chlorine dioxide (ClO2) for ToBRFV management in a greenhouse and open field was determined. The phytotoxicity of ClO2 and its effective concentration against ToBRFV in Nicotiana longiflora plants were evaluated. Subsequently, the effect of ClO2 on ToBRFV was evaluated in tomato plants grown in an open field. Finally, the effectiveness of ClO2 on plants inoculated with ToBRFV under greenhouse conditions was evaluated and the number of necrotic local lesions (NLLs) was quantified. The results revealed that ClO2 at 760 mg L-1 did not show phytotoxicity and reduced the number of NLLs in N. longiflora plants. It also decreased ToBRFV transmission and replication in field- and greenhouse-grown tomato plants, improving agronomic parameters. ClO2 reduced replication in plants inoculated with different amounts of ToBRFV inoculum in a greenhouse. N. longiflora leaves expressed lower numbers of NLLs when inoculated with ClO2-treated tomato plant extracts. Finally, the results demonstrate that ClO2 represents an effective management alternative when used by direct application to plants. To our knowledge, this is the first study where the use of an antiviral compound is carried out under field and greenhouse conditions.

An overview of different chemical fertilizers’ applications on the agronomic performance (growth and yield) and quality parameters of rice (Oryza sativa) crop

An overview of different chemical fertilizers’ applications on the agronomic performance (growth and yield) and quality parameters of rice (Oryza sativa) crop

Machine learning and multiple linear regression models can predict ascorbic acid and polyphenol contents, and antioxidant activity in strawberries.

Strawberry is a rich source of antioxidants, including ascorbic acid (ASA) and polyphenols, which have numerous health benefits. Antioxidant content and activity are often determined manually using laboratory equipment, which is destructive and time-consuming. This study constructs a prediction model for antioxidant compounds utilizing machine learning (ML) and multiple linear regression based on environmental, plant growth and agronomic fruit quality-related parameters as well as antioxidant levels. These were studied in three farms at two-week intervals during two years of cultivation. During the ML model screening, artificial neural network (ANN)-boosted models displayed a moderate coefficient of determination (R2) at 0.68-0.78 and relative root mean square error (RRMSE) at 3.8-4.8% in polyphenols and total ASA levels, as well as a high R2 of 0.96 and low RRMSE at <3.0% in antioxidant activity. Additionally, we developed variable selection models regarding the antioxidant activity, and variables two and five (environmental parameters and leaf length, respectively) with high accuracy were selected. The linear regression analysis between the actual and predicted data of antioxidants in the ANN-boosted models revealed high fitness with all parameters in almost all training, validation and test sets. Furthermore, environmental parameters are essential in developing such reliable models. We conclude that ANN-boosted, stepwise and double-Lasso regression models can predict antioxidant compounds with enhanced accuracy, and the relevant parameters can be easily acquired on-site without the need for any specific equipment. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Prediction of Soil Temperature in Wheat Field Using Machine Learning Models

ABSTRACT Wheat is a very vital cereal crop in the development of a nation’s economy and agricultural sector. A crucial element that profoundly affects the growth and productivity of wheat is the soil temperature. As an insulating layer, straw mulch controls the soil temperature. Field measurement of the soil temperature is time-consuming and costly; therefore, the present study investigates the applicability of random forest (RF), support vector machine (SVM) and generalized regression neural network (GRNN) models for estimating soil temperature in wheat fields covered with straw mulch using meteorological, soil cover and agronomical parameters. A field study was conducted on the wheat cultivar with two soil cover treatments for measuring the soil temperature at three depths (5, 50 and 80 cm). Soil plant analysis development value; soil cover and depth; daily meteorological data such as average air temperature, average relative humidity, sunshine hours and vapor pressure were used as inputs for machine learning models in training and testing. Statistical performance indicators showed applicability of three models with a root mean square error (RMSE) ranging from 0.245–0.595°C, 0.867–0.886°C and 0.557–0.812°C, Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) ranging from 0.917–0.987, 0.823–0.836 and 0.804–0.935 and Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) ranging from 0.949–0.991, 0.887–0.897 and 0.881–0.957 for the RF, SVM and GRNN, respectively. Results indicated better performance of the RF model for predicting the soil temperature at different depths in the case of both crop and soil cover conditions. Also, the uncertainty analysis indicated the better performance of RF with R-factor and P-factor value of 0.40 and 0.84, respectively.

Agronomic responses and economic returns from wheat–canola rotation under Humalite and urea applications

AbstractHumalite is a humic acid‐rich biostimulant known for its ability to improve plant agronomic parameters and increase crop nitrogen use. Limited field research exists on Humalite effect, its application rate, and its interaction with urea, especially at reduced rates on grain agronomic parameters. Therefore, a field study was conducted from 2021 to 2023 at three Alberta sites—Battle River Research Group (BRRG), Gateway Research Organization (GRO), and St. Albert Research Station (St. Albert), in a split‐plot design with four replications, three urea levels (i.e., recommended, half‐recommend, and zero urea) combined with five Humalite rates (0, 56 (or 112), 224, 448, and 896 kg ha−1). In 2021, the highest wheat yields were observed at half urea rates plus 224 kg ha−1 at BRRG (35% yield increase), GRO (8.4% yield increase), and St. Albert (33.5% yield increase). In 2022, canola yields were unaffected by Humalite application rates. In 2023, wheat yields from half‐recommended and recommended urea rates plots outperformed zero urea plots across all sites, regardless of Humalite rates. The highest wheat grain protein content values were observed at 224–448 kg ha−1 of Humalite plus half‐recommended or recommended urea rate. Depending on the site, the highest net revenue resulted from half urea rates plus Humalite at application rates between 112 and 448 kg ha−1 in wheat, that is, optimal Humalite rate for increased profitability. Therefore, the incorporation of biostimulants such as Humalite can reduce urea use and contribute to the sustainability of wheat cropping systems.

Wood biochar induced metal tolerance in Maize (Zea mays L.) plants under heavy metal stress

Due to metal toxicity, widespread industrialization has negatively impacted crop yield and soil quality. The current study was aimed to prepare and characterize biochar made from wood shavings of Pinus roxburghii and to determine the plant growth promoting and heavy metal detoxification of cadmium (Cd) and chromium (Cr) contaminated soil. FTIR SEM coupled with EDX characterization of biochar was performed; Cd and Cr were used at a rate of 20 mg/kg. Biochar was used at the rate of 50 mg/kg for various treatments. The completely randomized design (CRD) was used for the experiment and three replicates of each treatment were made. Various agronomic and enzymatic parameters were determined. The results indicated that all growth and enzymatic parameters were enhanced by the prepared biochar treatments. The most prominent results were observed in treatment T5 (in which shoot length, root length, peroxidase dismutase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD) catalyzes (CAT), and chlorophyll a and b increased by 28%, 23%, 40%, 41%, 42%, and 27%, respectively, compared to the control). This study demonstrated that biochar is a sustainable and cost-effective approach for the remediation of heavy metals, and plays a role in plant growth promotion. Farmers may benefit from the current findings, as prepared biochar is easier to deliver and more affordable than chemical fertilizers. Future research could clarify how to use biochar optimally, applying the minimum amount necessary while maximizing its benefits and increasing yield.

Morphological Evaluation of Locally Available Cultivated Taro (Colocasia esculenta) Cultivars for Growth and Yield Attributes in Kokrajhar, Assam, India

Taro probably is one of the world’s oldest crop and important crop species in the district but its cultivation and consumption still lie within the less privileged farmers in Kokrajhar district of Assam, India. It is cultivated for its tubers, tender leaves and inflorescence. It is also observed that several morphological types are found in upland and hilly slopes of the district, but their identification and morphological studies are not very clear, and their agronomic potentiality further needs to be analysed. Under such situations, a study has been taken to evaluate all the local varieties namely Pehle, Abor, Daomasar, Deraduma and Tharun gubwi in terms of yield and other agronomic parameters for proper documentation of genetic diversity and differentiation in the district. The trial was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The study was conducted in Debitola and Kachugaon blocks of Kokrajhar district. The results indicated significant differences for all the characteristics studied. ‘Tharun gubwi’ recorded highest value for plant height (134.4cm), leaf size (2244.0 cm2), corm breadth (8.10cm), average corm weight (2036.00g) and average yield (2248.33g/plant). Petiole length was recorded highest in Cv. Deraduma (95.23 cm). Cv. Daomasar was recorded with maximum plant spread of 144.5 cm and numbers of side shoots (5.67 nos.). Highest corm length (20.23cm), cormel length (13.24cm) and cormel weight (98.25g) was recorded maximum in Cv. Abor. Results revealed that all these local cultivars have good agronomic importance therefore, various developmental programmes are need to be undertaken for popularizing it to every corner of the state and country

Effects of Native Rhizobia on Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] Production and Soil Properties in Daloa, Center-West of Côte d’Ivoire

The field experiment study was conducted at the experimental station of Jean Lorougnon Guede University in Daloa to evaluate the potential effects of native rhizobia strains on soybean production and soils properties. The experiment was layout in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The treatments include seven native strains, one exotic strain (Bradyrhizobium japonicum IRAT FA3), one synthetic fertilizer NPK 12-22-22 formulation and one negative control (no fertilizer, no inoculation). Agronomic parameters (plant height, plant dry biomass, nodule number plant-1, pod number plant-1, pod weight plant-1, seed yield ha-1) and soil parameters (pH, total nitrogen, orgnanic carbon, organic matter and available phosphorus) were measured. Results showed that all tested native rhizobia enhanced nodules number, plant growth and soybean yield as compared to negative control. Among these native rhizobia, RSC119 and RSC504 induced more nodules than the introduced strain B. japonicum IRAT FA3. RSC119, RSC309 and RSC508 produced more pods and seed yield than the introduced strain B. japonicum IRAT FA3 and the synthetic fertilizer NPK 12-22-22. RSC508 induced the highest pods number plant-1 (102 pods) and seed yield (4.2 t.ha-1). Moreover, these local bacteria had positive effects on soil properties following the soybean’s harvest. Among these bacteria, RSC119 enhanced mostly total nitrogen, organic matter and available phosphorus, then RSC508 significantly reduced soil acidity. This study therefore suggests that local rhizobia are effectiveness and could be use as inoculum to improve soybean productivity and soil properties restoration.

Determination of cutting frequency for optimum herbage yield and nutritive value of Desho grass (Pennisetum glaucifolium) in western Oromia, Ethiopia

The experiment aimed to determine the optimal cutting frequency for desho grass to maximize dry matter yield and forage quality. Three cutting intervals (30, 45, and 60 days) were tested in a randomized complete block design with four replications. The agronomic parameters, dry matter yield, and chemical composition of the grass were collected and analyzed via standard procedures. The cutting frequency significantly affected the agronomic parameters and chemical composition but did not affect the DM yield. The tallest plants and most leaves were observed at 60-day intervals, while the tiller density was greater at 30 days. A relatively high DM yield (8.64 t/ha) was obtained by cutting desho grass at 30-day intervals, which was comparable to the results of the other treatments. The crude protein content decreased with increasing intervals, whereas the ADF content increased. Overall, cutting desho grass at 30–45 days optimized both the DM yield and nutritional value in the study areas.