Average Plant Height Research Articles

Barren to green in a single application: Revitalizing brownfield soil with simulated root exudates

Barren, metal-contaminated soils lack plants and root exudate inputs, exhibit low microbial abundance and functioning, and often require soil revitalization to revegetate. While the effects of simulated root exudates (SRE) have been investigated in uncontaminated, vegetated soils, their potential for remediating post-industrial barren, contaminated soils has not been examined or leveraged. We asked whether priming brownfield soils with a laboratory-prepared SRE solution stimulates native soil microbial metabolism and functioning and how long the effects last. Moreover, we compared a cost-effective single SRE addition to repeated SRE additions. We collected soils from a metal-contaminated, abandoned industrial rail yard (barren and vegetated sites) and a vegetated agricultural reference site, established microcosms, and treated the soils with either a single or repeated SRE addition/s. By day 30, SRE-enriched barren, brownfield soils showed significantly higher soil respiration rates than the untreated control soils. Phosphatase activities were significantly higher even 210 days after a single SRE addition. Plants were introduced 282 days after the single SRE addition. The average shoot height (16 ± 0.3 cm) and total plant biomass (0.5 ± 0.02 g) of plants grown in single addition SRE enriched barren soil were significantly higher than the controls (9 ± 0.9 cm and 0.3 ± 0.02 g, respectively). The increased soil microbial functioning and productivity indicate that a single SRE application holds promise as a field-ready technology to revitalize barren, poorly functioning brownfield soils. SRE application may also be a pragmatic and innovative approach to enable successful phytoremediation and re-greening of industrial barrens.

Evaluation of different spring rice genotypes for seedling stage growth at Tulsipur, Dang, Nepal

Rice is the fundamental staple crop of Nepal. For food security, the production rate of main season rice is insufficient; nevertheless, spring rice can be a possibility. Spring rice is short duration crop as compared to the main season crop as, it can be best utilized through its cultivation. An experiment on spring rice (Oryza sativa) was performed to examine ten different elite rice genotypes in irrigated seedling stage at Campus of Live Sciences, Tulsipur, Dang from April to May 2023 with an objective to assess the response of different genotypes of seedling stage under controlled environment condition and to compare seedling stage growth and development of different spring rice variety The study was conducted with three replications on a completely randomized design (CRD). Data on the seedlings' growth was gathered at intervals of ten days. The outcome showed that there were statistical differences in morphological features between various genotypes. In comparison to other plants, IR09R270 had the highest average plant height (12.9 cm), IR17A106 had the greatest amount of leaves (2.44), IR09R270 had the greatest length of leaves (6.59 cm), Svin080 had the widest leaves (0.18 cm), IR112208B-B-RGA-BRGA had the longest shoots length (16.46 cm), and IR112208B-B-RGA-BRGA had the longest roots length (9.30 cm). The sample with the highest percentage of germination (85.65%) was IR112208B-B-RGA-BRGA. The majority of genotypes were found to have heritability more than 60%, indicating a greater contribution from genetic factors than environmental conditions. It was discovered that the phenotypic coefficient of variance (PCV) was marginally larger than the genotypic coefficient of variance (GCV), suggesting that the environment had little effect on how characters are expressed. The study's conclusions demonstrated that the rice genotypes IR09R270 and IR112208B-B-RGA-BRGA were preferable to other elite genotypes found in the Terai region. In conclusion under irrigated conditions, rice genotypes IR09R270 and IR112208B-B-RGA-BRGA performed well.

Optimizing fertilization depth to promote yield performance and economic benefit in maize for hybrid seed production

Fertilization depth adjustment is a well-known strategy for increasing crop yields. However, the precise mechanism associated with this strategy remains unclear, particularly regarding increased nutrient absorption and utilization, and maize seed production. Thus, we examined the effects of different nitrogen fertilization depths [0 cm (L0), 5 cm (L5), 15 cm (L15), and 25 cm (L25)] on maize crop growth, nutrient uptake and distribution, fertilizer use efficiency, grain yield, and economic benefits in a field study conducted for two years (2021–2022) in Hexi Oasis Irrigation Area, northwest China. The optimal nitrogen fertilization depth was crucial for enhancing growth, dry matter production, and the grain yield. In particular, compared with L15 and L5, L25 significantly (P < 0.05) increased the average plant height by 5.00 % and 10.36 %, respectively, and dry matter accumulation by 2.65 % and 3.39 %. Furthermore, compared with L5 and L15, the total nutrient uptake was 19.17 % (P < 0.05) and 7.11 % higher under L25, respectively, and the average grain nutrient uptake was 23.33 % higher (P < 0.05). Moreover, L25 significantly increased the N, P, and K fertilizer utilization efficiency compared with L5 and L15, and the highest dry matter to grain translocation occurred under L25. Structural equation modeling confirmed that deep nitrogen fertilization promoted growth, dry matter translocation to grain, and the uptake and distribution of nutrients in maize plants to significantly improve the fertilizer use efficiency and yield. These findings are important for guiding fertilization management practices to increase maize seed production in regions with similar climate conditions.

Improving growth and productivity of shallot (Allium ascalonicum L.) applied using organic and inorganic fertilizer

Objective: This research aims to identify and examine organic and inorganic fertilizer on the growth and productivity of shallots. Materials and Methods: This study was carried out under field conditions in the research and application fields of Faculty of Agriculture, Hasanuddin University. The main plot is the liquid organic fertilizer (LOF) consisting of control, 10 mL/L, and 20 mL/L. The subplots, namely the zwavelzure ammonium (ZA) fertilizer, consist of control, 50 kg/ha, 100 kg/ha, and 150 kg/ha. Results: Based on the research conducted, it can be seen that the interaction between the application of LOF (20 mL/L) and ZA fertilizer (150 kg/ha) recorded the highest average fresh bulb weight (145.60 g). Applying LOF (20 mL/L) can increase the average plant height (23.50 cm at 21 days after planting (DAP)), number of leaves (25.60 at 35 DAP), the number of bulbs (10.93), bulb diameter (2.77 cm), production per hectare (21.91 t), and chlorophyll index (20.48) of shallot plants. On the other hand, ZA fertilizer (150 kg/ha) influences plant height (44.03 cm at 42 DAP), number of leaves (26.67), production per hectare (20.96 t), and chlorophyll index (20.64) of shallot plants. Conclusion: The application of organic and inorganic fertilizers has a significant influence on the growth and production of shallot plants, both in interaction and individually.

Understanding the Regular Biological Mechanism of Susceptibility of Tomato Plants to Low Incidences of Blossom-End Rot

Blossom-end rot (BER) is a physiological disorder caused by calcium deficiency, often paired with moisture stress and irregular traditional watering practices. To understand the biological mechanism affecting the incidence of BER, different tomato genotypes were cultivated in sandy soil and were traditionally irrigated. Nine tomato genotypes were investigated to assess their susceptibility to BER, and the incidence rate varied from 7.1% in “Voskhod” to 57.6% in “Majnat” genotypes. This study also comprehensively analyzed various physiological and biochemical parameters to elucidate their correlation with BER incidence in tomato plants. Our findings revealed a range of parameters positively correlated with BER incidence, including the relative water content of roots, the number of fruits per plant, vitamin C content, and potassium content. Parameters related to fruit quality, such as titratable acidity, peroxidase content, and firmness degree, also showed positive correlations with BER incidence. Conversely, parameters such as total yield per hectare, chlorophyll content, average plant height, and calcium content demonstrated strong negative correlations with BER incidence, suggesting potential protective effects against this disorder. This study highlights that genotypes with higher marketable yields, such as ‘Voskhod’ (65 tons/ha), showed lower BER incidence, underscoring the importance of selecting the appropriate genotype in improving yield and reducing blossom-end rot in tomato fields. Conversely, cultivars with high BER sensitivity, such as ‘Chelnok’ (26.3 tons/ha), require specially designed cultivation management to avoid production declines.

Effect of spraying with different concentrations of the growth regulator paclobutrazol on the yield characteristics of three varieties of oat crop Avena sativa L.

The experiment was conducted at the Research Station of the College of Agriculture, University of Basrah,located north of Basrah city, during the winter season of 2022-2023, in a loamy soil. The study aimed toinvestigate the response of three varieties of oats (Avena sativa L.) to foliar spraying with differentconcentrations of the growth regulator paclobutrazol. The study included three oat varieties (Ganzania,Shafa, and CarlIoup) under the influence of spraying three concentrations of paclobutrazol (25, 50, and100 mg/L) and a control treatment. The interaction between the two factors was also studied. Thespraying was carried out in two stages, the first at the beginning of branching, and the second after threeweeks from the first spray.The experiment was arranged using a randomized complete block design(RCBD) with three replicates. The results showed the superiority of the paclobutrazol treatment (50 mg.l-1), which recorded the highest averages for most of the studied yield characteristics, as the lowestaverage number of panicles m-2was recorded at 458.05 dalia - and the highest average number of grainsper dalia was 55.45 grains g-1, and the highest average weight was recorded. 1000 grains amounted to37.33 g, while the Ganzania variety was superior in terms of the number of days and the number ofgrains in of panicl and 1000 grains amounted to 458.05 and amounted to 55.45 grains in of panicl-1 and 34.93 g and its components, protein content in grains, and chlorophyll in leaves were studied. Theresults showed the superiority of the paclobutrazol treatment (50 mg/L), which recorded the highestmeans for most of the studied growth traits. It had the lowest average plant height, reaching 70.75 cm. Italso recorded the highest average chlorophyll content, reaching 143.90 mg/100 g, and the highest averagefor the number of tillers, reaching 488.97 tillers/m². Additionally, it recorded the highest average for stemdiameter, reaching 4.49 mm.

Improving the quality of organic fertilizer by utilizing local microorganisms (LMO) of cassava tapai

Local Micro Organism Solution (LMO Solution) is a fermentation solution made from various locally available resources, both plants and animals. The LMO solution contains micro and macronutrients and bacteria that have the potential to decompose organic matter in the soil, stimulate plant growth, and act as a pest and plant disease control agent. It is easy to obtain and makes it possible to increase farmers’ desire to process agricultural waste. This research aims to determine the quality of organic fertilizer from livestock manure by utilizing local microorganisms (LMO) in cassava. This research was carried out from March 2023 to December 2023. The research was carried out at the Soil Laboratory of Hasanuddin University and the Greenhouse of the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, West Sulawesi University. The experimental design used in this planting test was a Completely Randomized Design (CRD), consisting of four LMO dose treatments, with each treatment carried out three times. The results of the research showed that the planting media provided by LMO tapai cassava had a significant effect on increasing the availability of the nutrients Nitrogen (N) and Phosphorus (P). The treatment regimen involving a dose of 240 ml (M3) showed the highest average values ​​for nutrient content, specifically 0.25% for Nitrogen (N) and 13.75 ppm for Phosphorus (P2O5). Providing cassava tapai LMO in the planting medium had a significant effect on the average height of spinach plants at the observation time of 10 day after planting (DAT) and the average leaf weight. The M3 treatment showed the highest average value of plant height at 10 DAT of 7.17 cm and leaf weight of 0.73 g.

Growth Evaluation of Selfcrossed Progenies BC1F2 Experiencing Submerged and Non-submerged at BC1F1 and its Parents

A non-tidal swamp is an option to increase the rice harvested land and production, however, its utilization still depends on the natural condition so the plants are vulnerable to submergence and drought stress. Developing dual-tolerant varieties is the right choice for developing rice cultivation in non-tidal swamps. Inpara 8 has the SUB1 gene which is tolerant to submergence stress and Inpago 5 is tolerant to drought stress. The study aimed to evaluate the growth of BC1F2 from Inpara 8 and Inpago 5 that experienced submerged stress and its parents (Inpago 5 and Inpara 8). The research was carried out at the greenhouse of Agriculture Faculty, Sriwijaya University on July 2021 – January 2022. Inpago 5 has the highest average plant height ( 145.81 cm ), the highest number of tillers (4.73), the most productive tillers (3.87), and the highest total grain in the clump (720.87 grains), the weight of the clump grain (15.86 g) and the lowest percent of empty grain (33.47 %). The donor parent Inpara 8 had the highest average total grain per panicle (192.08), and the highest dry weight (20.69 g). BC1F2 Submerged had the highest average 1000 grain weight (25.26 g) and the fastest harvest age (114.50 DAP). The BC1F2 selfcross progeny which had experienced submergence stress and was not in the BC1F1 phase had almost the same characteristics as its two parents as indicated by the results of the observed parameters which generally did not show any significant differences.

Nutritional quality of kabuli and desi chickpea in Argentina: Effects of environment

AbstractThe environment to which a crop is exposed during the growing season has a significant impact on seed composition. The objectives of this study were to (1) estimate the contribution of genotype (G), environment (E), and their interaction (G × E) to the agronomic features and seed quality of chickpea and (2) identify climatic variables that significantly affect chickpea nutritional composition. A total of 10 pre‐commercial and commercial cultivars of Cicer arietinum L. were evaluated in 15 environments in Argentina. Average plant height ranged between 44.7 and 55.2 cm, 100‐seed weight was 38 and 27 g, and grain yield was 750 and 1500 kg ha−1 for kabuli and desi chickpea, respectively. The results obtained from the variance component analysis showed statistically significant (p &lt; 0.05) contributions of the effects of G, E, and G × E interaction on the nutritional quality of chickpea seeds. Protein, carbohydrates, and mineral content were mostly affected by E, whereas oil content was G‐dependent. Only tocopherols were affected by G × E interaction. The total phenotypic variance is mostly composed of environmental effects captured during the seed filling period. High mean daily air temperature had a negative effect on carbohydrates and increased protein and mineral content. The fatty acid profile and gamma tocopherol contents were affected by accumulated precipitation and evapotranspiration. Air humidity was negatively correlated with protein content and iodine value. Results from this research are useful for breeders to broaden the genetic background of chickpea genotypes and for farmers to identify climatic conditions that impact grain quality.

The influence of the nutrient composition medium on the intensity micropropagation in vitro Fragaria × Ananassa duch.

Strawberry is one of the most economically significant crops in the world berry growing. In the course of research, the influence of the mineral composition of nutrient media on the growth and development of strawberry plants at the stage of micro-propagation proper was studied for further optimization of the technology of microclonal reproduction. The purpose of the work is to select the optimal nutrient medium for micropropagation of strawberry in vitro in the production system of healthy planting material. The research was carried out in the laboratory of biotechnology of the Russian research Institute of Fruit Grop Breeding according to generally accepted methods. The objects were important commercial varieties of garden strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) of foreign breeding: Alba (NF 311), Darselect, Kimberly, Clery, Syria (NF 137), Florence. Variants of the nutrient media formulations used: Lee and de Fossard, Gamborg and Eveleigh (B5), Knop, Murashige-Skoog with the addition of 0.8 mg/ l cytokinin 6-BAP. Optimal recipes of the nutrient medium that promote intensive proliferation and root formation in plants have been determined. For the cultivation of the studied strawberry varieties at the stage of actual micro-propagation with a high degree of regeneration, the optimal nutrient medium is the MS medium. On the nutrient Knop’s medium, the micro-plants on the second passage acquired a reddish color, not characteristic of the studied varieties. The maximum values of plant height were noted in the control variant with MS nutrient medium in the varieties Darselect (9.1 mm) and Kimberly (8.6 mm). In all other variants of the studied nutrient media, the average height of plants did not exceed 7.7 mm. Media according to the LF and B5 recipe can be used to obtain microplants suitable for planting in ex vitro conditions, excluding the rooting stage, to accelerate the production of healthy planting material. A different reaction of strawberry varieties to the mineral composition of nutrient media has been established.

Cloning a novel reduced-height (Rht) gene TaOSCA1.4 from a QTL in wheat.

Reducing plant height (PH) is one of the core contents of the "Green Revolution", which began in the 1960s in wheat. A number of 27 reduced-height (Rht) genes have been identified and a great number of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for PH have been mapped on all 21 chromosomes. Nonetheless, only several genes regulated PH have been cloned. In this study, we found the interval of QTL QPh-1B included an EST-SSR marker swes1079. According to the sequence of swes1079, we cloned the TaOSCA1.4 gene. We developed a CAPS marker to analyze the variation across a natural population. The result showed that the PH was significantly different between the two haplotypes of TaOSCA1.4-1B under most of the 12 environments and the average values of irrigation and rainfed conditions. This result further demonstrated that TaOSCA1.4 was associated with PH. Then, we validated the TaOSCA1.4 via RNAi technology. The average PHs of the wild-type (WT), RNAi lines 1 (Ri-1) and 2 (Ri-2) were 94.6, 83.6 and 79.2 cm, respectively, with significant differences between the WT and Ri-1 and Ri-2. This result indicated that the TaOSCA1.4 gene controls PH. TaOSCA1.4 is a constitutively expressed gene and its protein localizes to the cell membrane. TaOSCA1.4 gene is a member of the OSCA gene family, which regulates intracellular Ca2+ concentration. We hypothesized that knock down mutants of TaOSCA1.4 gene reduced regulatory ability of Ca2+, thus reducing the PH. Furthermore, the cell lengths of the knock down mutants are not significantly different than that of WT. We speculate that TaOSCA1.4 gene is not directly associated with gibberellin (GA), which should be a novel mechanism for a wheat Rht gene.

The Effect of Providing Sugarcane Bagasse Compost (Saccharum Sp.) on the Growth of Tomato Plants (Solanum Lycopersicum) in Polybags

This research aims to make bagasse compost an alternative organic material to improve soil properties, making it ideal for the growth of tomato plants. The nutrient content in bagasse compost is N 1.18%, P 1.23%, K 1.90%, C 30.92%, and the C/N ratio is 26.2. The results of the descriptive analysis showed that after four weeks of watering and fertilizing with bagasse compost, the average height of the tomato plants was 45.5 cm, the length of the longest leaf was 5.7 cm, the width of the widest leaf was 3.3 cm, and the number of leaves was 80 pieces. on the plant, the root length was 23 cm, and the wet and dry weight of the plant was 38.35 and 22.81 grams respectively. Based on statistical data analysis, it can be seen that the growth of tomato plants is not affected by the use of bagasse compost. It can be seen that of the seven variables observed, only one variable, namely the widest leaf width, has an influence.

Wood Distillate Mitigates Ozone-Induced Visible and Photosynthetic Plant Damage: Evidence from Ozone-Sensitive Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) BelW3

The use of wood distillate (WD) is emerging as a valuable strategy for protecting horticultural crops from the oxidizing effects of ozone (O3). To fully understand its effectiveness, extensive testing on different plant species is needed. As a viable interim measure, an assessment of WD efficacy in model plants can be made until species-specific results become available. The aim of this study is to evaluate the ability of WD derived from forest wood, including chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) wood, to protect the ozone-sensitive tobacco plant (Nicotiana tabacum L.) BelW3 from the oxidizing effects of O3, using the ozone-resistant tobacco plant BelB as a benchmark. The protective effect was evaluated during treatment applications and three weeks after these were completed. Ten BelW3 and five BelB plants were grown just outside Parma from June to October 2023, a period when average maximum O3 concentrations were at least 120 ppb. Starting from July, five BelW3 plants were sprayed weekly with WD at 0.2% for two months. Morphometric and photosynthetic measurements were then taken after six and 11 weeks from the beginning of treatments and three weeks after the end to assess protection persistence (if any). BelW3 showed a significant effect of O3 compared to BelB plants for both morphometric and photosynthetic measurements, exhibiting increased necrotic areas on the leaf blade, reduced number of viable leaves, reduced average plant height, together with reduced chlorophyll content and impaired photosynthetic system functionality. BelW3 plants also showed a significant decrease in the efficiency of parameters related to PSII and PSI when compared to BelB. Wood distillate application, however, successfully mitigated O3 effects on BelW3, as revealed by morphometric and photosynthetic values, which were in line with those observed in BelB. Notably, WD protective effect persisted 3 weeks after treatment cessation, highlighting the short-term protective capacity of the distillate against the oxidative action of O3.

Respon Pertumbuhan Bibit Pepaya (Carica papaya L.) Pada Tanah Alluvial Di Polibag Akibat Pupuk Kandang Ayam Dan NPK Pak Tani

This research used a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Consists of 2 factors, namely: The first factor by administering Chicken Manure with code (k) consists of 3 levels of treatment, namely k1= Chicken Manure 40 grams/polybag, k2= Chicken Manure 50 grams/polybag, and k3= Chicken Manure 60 grams/polybag. The second factor, Pak Tani's NPK with code (n) consists of 3 treatment levels, namely n1= Pak Tani's NPK 1 gram/polybag, N2= Pak Tani's NPK 2 grams/polybag, and N3= Pak Tani's NPK 3 grams/polybag. Thus there are 9 combinations k1n1, k1n2, k1n3, k2n1, k2n2, k2n3, k3n1, k3n2, k3n3. Each treatment was repeated 3 times and in each repetition there were 3 plant samples, so the total number of plants was 3 x 3 x 3 x 3 = 81 plants. The results of the research show that the influence of the interaction of Chicken Manure and NPK Pak Tani, both interaction and treatment, each individually has no significant effect on all variables observed in papaya seeds, namely: plant height, number of leaves, stem diameter, and plant dry weight. The k3n2 treatment produced the highest average plant height of 46.67 cm, and produced the highest average plant dry weight of 15.22 grams. The k3n3 treatment combination produced the highest average number of leaves of 8.44. The k3n1 treatment combination produced the highest average stem diameter of 1.88 cm.

The Effect of Moringa Leaf (Moringa oleifera L.) Liquid Organic Fertilizer with Different Concentrations on the Growth of Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

One of the efforts to increase the production of chickpea plants to meet market needs is to optimally utilize the waste of Moringa leaves by converting Moringa leaves into liquid organic fertilizer so that it is easier and more practical to apply and easily absorbed by plants. Liquid organic fertilizer plays a role in improving the physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil, which can increase the production of upright bean plants. This study aims to determine the effect of liquid organic fertilizer (POC) of Moringa leaves with different concentrations and to determine the most effective concentration of liquid organic fertilizer (POC) on the growth of green beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). The method used is an experimental method with a completely randomized design (CRD). The treatment consisted of a concentration of 16% chicken manure (as a control), POC concentrations of 60%, 65%, 70%, 75% and 80%. The results showed that there was an effect of different concentrations of liquid organic fertilizer (POC) from Moringa oleifera L. on the growth of plant height, number of leaves and wet weight in bean plants (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). The most effective concentration of liquid organic fertilizer (POC) from Moringa leaves is at a concentration of 80% with an average plant height of 41.2 cm, an average number of leaves of 15.25 leaves and an average wet weight of 3.98 grams. number of leaves and fresh weight on chickpea plants (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). The most effective concentration of liquid organic fertilizer (POC) from Moringa leaves is at a concentration of 80% with an average plant height of 41.2 cm, an average number of leaves of 15.25 leaves and an average wet weight of 3.98 grams. number of leaves and fresh weight on chickpea plants (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). The most effective concentration of liquid organic fertilizer (POC) from Moringa leaves is at a concentration of 80% with an average plant height of 41.2 cm, an average number of leaves of 15.25 leaves and an average wet weight of 3.98 grams.

Rowth of Betung Bamboo (Dendrocalamus asper) and Food Crop Production Under Agroforestry Bamboo Systems

One of the main species in community forests is betung bamboo (Dendrocalamus asper). Optimizing land use under bamboo can be achieved by cultivating food crops. This research aimed to determine the growth of betung bamboo and the production of food crops. The experimental design used a split plot design with four cultivation patterns as the main plots: agroforestry bamboo pattern i.e. agroforestry bamboo + rice (P1), agroforestry bamboo + rice + cassava (P2), agroforestry bamboo + rice + taro (P3), and mixed food crops (rice + cassava + taro) (P4), while the subplots were rice varieties: rindang 2 (V1), protani (V2), and unsoed (V3). The observed parameters were bamboo growth, soil fertility, and food crop production. The results showed that seven-year-old betung bamboo had an average of 6.01 mature stems per clump, an average plant height of 7.23 m, and a stem diameter of 7.12 cm. The numbers of young stems and shoots per clump was 1.45 and 3.71. The highest betung bamboo growth was in the agroforestry pattern (length: 8,49 m, diameter: 7.17 cm, thickness: 1.95, total weight: 21.31 kg). The highest rice yield was observed in the P2V1 treatment (4.17 kg). The highest cassava tuber yield per plant was observed in P4 (2.12 kg). The taro tuber yield was relatively higher in the agroforestry pattern with a distance of &gt;1 m from the bamboo clump (0.52 kg plant-1). The land equivalent ratio (LER) and area time equivalent ratio (ATER) of bamboo and food crop agroforestry have a value above 1, so it is more efficient in land.

Improved disease tolerance, higher seed yield and shape in dark red kidney bean: Registration of ‘ND Redbarn’

Abstract‘ND Redbarn’ (PVP. no. 202300271; Reg. no. CV‐357, PI 703021) is a new dark red kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivar developed by the Dry Edible Bean Breeding Program at North Dakota State University and released in 2023 by the North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station. Compared to other market classes, kidney beans usually command higher prices. However, kidney beans are less productive than other market classes. Minnesota is the largest dark red kidney bean producer in the United States, accounting for ∼90% of the total production in 2022. ND Redbarn was released based on its good adaptation to this region, higher seed yield, large seed size, and desirable seed shape characteristics. Between 2012 and 2021, ND Redbarn was tested across 16 environments in Minnesota, where seed yield was significantly higher than commercial checks ‘Montcalm’, ‘Red Hawk’, and ‘Talon’ (14%, 27%, and 9%, respectively) and comparable with ‘Dynasty’. ND Redbarn is resistant to Bean common mosaic virus and has intermediate resistance to common bacterial blight. ND Redbarn exhibits higher field tolerance to the root rot fungal complex infection compared to Montcalm, Red Hawk, and Talon, and is similar to Dynasty. ND Redbarn has shown higher levels of tolerance to white mold than Montcalm and Red Hawk. Under Minnesota environments, ND Redbarn shows an average plant height of 51 cm, has a 100‐seed weight of 50.4 g, and matures in approximately 99 days. The canning quality for Redbarn is within acceptable commercial ranges.

Floral Initiation, Organogenesis, and Flowering of Mature Paphiopedilum Clair de Lune ‘Edgard Van Belle’ Award of Merit/American Orchid Society Plants Derived from Divisions

Paphiopedilum Clair de Lune ‘Edgard Van Belle’, an excellent Maudiae-type hybrid that has been propagated by artificial division for a long time. We studied its flower bud initiation, development of floral organs, and flowering habits with a view to providing information for flowering control and efficient commercial production. According to our research, the flower bud initiation phase of this cultivar begins in February every year, and 80% of the plants completed sepal primordium differentiation in March, The flower bud differentiation lasts for 6 to 7 months, until flowering in August. Within 1 to 3 months after flower bud differentiation, all tested plants differentiated lateral buds. After 5 to 6 months, the new, aboveground vegetative shoots reached their maximum growth, with an average plant height of 20 cm, five leaves, and a shoot dry weight of more than 3 g. From February to April of the following year, a new cycle of flower development and vegetative growth began. In addition, this cultivar was notably sensitivity to high ambient temperature during the late phase of flower development, with a flower bud drop rate as high as 33.3% under average day/night temperatures of 29.0/26.5 °C.

Experimental Study of Vegetative Properties in Zeolite–Biochar-Improved Ecological Revetment Substrates

The vegetation of the ecological substrate plays a crucial role in restoring shoreline ecology. This study focused on using zeolite and biochar as substrate modifiers, specifically utilizing the Cynodon dactylon from Central China for vegetation. A pot vegetation experiment was carried out to compare the effects of different ratios of zeolite and biochar. The vegetation indices, including germination index, plant height, and coverage rate, were analyzed and discussed. The results revealed that zeolite primarily influenced the germination index of Cynodon dactylon, while biochar had a more significant impact on germination percentage, germination energy, plant height, and coverage rate. This study discovered that the seed germination effect of the improved substrate initially increased with zeolite content and then decreased. The average germination percentage was 63.96%. Conversely, it decreased with an increase in biochar content, resulting in an average germination percentage of 55.45%. Zeolite and biochar caused a decrease and increase in substrate pH by −0.11 and 0.4 on average, respectively. The germination of each substrate showed a negative correlation with pH. Additionally, the average coverage and plant height decreased with an increase in biochar content. However, the inclusion of 6% zeolite led to an increase in coverage and plant height. Specifically, the average plant height increased by 3.92 cm and the coverage by 7.48%. Our research identified the optimal ratio of zeolite and biochar as 6% zeolite and 0% biochar, showcasing good overall vegetative properties. These findings offer insights for further understanding the vegetative effects of zeolite–biochar-modified substrates and optimizing substrate schemes for ecological vegetation projects.

Producing liquid organic fertilizer (LOF) by combining rice straw waste with local microorganisms (MOL) to enhance the growth of rice plants

Rice straw is a byproduct of rice harvesting that is often underutilized or discarded, contributing to agricultural waste. Finding effective ways to utilize rice straw could reduce waste and potentially enhance agricultural productivity. This study investigates the impact of rice straw and Local Microorganisms (MOL) on rice plant growth through liquid organic fertilizer (LOF). Employing a 2 x 2 factorial randomized regular two-level factorial design with three replications and blocks, the study assessed the impact of varying levels of rice straw (50 grams and 100 grams) and MOL application (200 mL and 400 mL) on rice plant height over a 7-day period. Results indicate that the combination of 50 grams of rice straw and 200 mL of MOL yielded the highest average plant height of 4.91 cm. Notably, MOL (B) exerted the most substantial influence on plant height, with the interaction between rice straw (A) and MOL also contributing, albeit to a lesser degree. Optimization analysis identified the optimal combination of 50 grams of rice straw and 266 mL of MOL for maximizing rice plant growth, underscoring the potential of integrating these elements into agricultural practices. This approach not only mitigates agricultural waste but also reduces dependence on chemical fertilizers, aligning with principles of sustainable agriculture. Moreover, the study robust experimental design and statistical analysis using Design Expert Version 13 validate the reliability and applicability of these findings in agricultural settings.