Bulb Weight Research Articles

Effect of Neem Cake, Neem Oil and Plant Extracts on Purple Blotch of Onion (Allium cepa L.) Caused by Alternaria porri (Ellis) Cif.

The present study was conducted to evaluate the Effect of neem cake, plant extracts and neem oil on purple blotch of onion (Allium cepa L.) caused by Alternaria porri (Ellis) Cif. Six different treatments were tested in a randomized block design with 3 replications at the Central Research Field, Department of Plant Pathology, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj during Rabi season of 2023. The results should that the minimum per cent disease intensity was recorded in T1Neem cake + Neem oil (31.72), T5 Neem cake + Eucalyptus leaf extract (37.40). bulb weight of onion (71.13g), bulb diameter (7.13cm), bulb yield per plot (2.106kg), yield (105.317 q/ha) and benefit cost ratio (1: 4.42) were found in T1Neem cake + Neem oil (31.72) when compared to untreated check and other treatments.

Azolla Liquid Fertilizer (Azolla pinnata) And Chicken Manure Fertilizer on the Growth and Yield of Shallots

This study aims to see the effect of giving Azolla liquid organic fertilizer and chicken manure on the growth and yield of shallots. The research method used a factorial Randomized Block Design (RAK) consisting of 2 factors with 16 combinations and 3 blocks. The first factor is the provision of azolla liquid organic fertilizer consisting of 4 levels, namely 0 ml / l water / m2, 200 ml / l water / m2, 400 ml / l water / m2, 600 ml / l water / m2. The second factor is the provision of chicken manure consisting of 4 levels, namely 0 kg / m2, 0.5 kg / m2, 1.0 kg / m2 and 1.5 kg / m2. The provision of azolla liquid organic fertilizer has a significant effect on the parameters of the number of tillers, the number / plant, the wet weight of bulbs / plant, the dry weight of bulbs / plant. The provision of azolla liquid organic fertilizer 600 ml / liter of water / m2 gave the best effect on all observation parameters. The provision of chicken manure gave a significant effect on the parameters of plant height, number of leaves, number of shoots, number of bulbs/ plant, wet weight of bulbs/plant, dry weight of bulbs/plant. The dose of chicken manure of 1.5 kg/m2 showed the best effect for all observation parameters. The interaction between the provision of liquid organic fertilizer azolla and chicken manure did not differ significantly in all treatments. Keywords: Azolla, Chicken Manure, Red Onion

Variability of Physical Parameters of Different Cultivar in Jackfruit

Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.) is an important and indigenous fruit crop of India therefore present investigation was carried out with the aim to evaluate performance different jackfruit cultivars in vidharbha region at Department of Horticulture, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola during 2016-17. Experiment was carried out in Randomized Block Design with thirteen different genotypes of jackfruits viz., AKJF-1 (Akot jackfruit -1), AKJF-2 (Akot jackfruit -2), AKJF-3 (Akot jackfruit -3), AKJF-4 (Akot jackfruit -4) AKJF-5 (Akot jackfruit -5), AKLJF-6 (Akola jackfruit -6), GDJF-7 (Gadchiroli jackfruit -7), GDJF-8 (Gadchiroli jackfruit -8), GDJF-9 (Gadchiroli jackfruit -9), GDJF-10 (Gadchiroli jackfruit -10), GDJF-11 (Gadchiroli jackfruit -11), GDJF-12 (Gadchiroli jackfruit -12) and GDJF-13(Gadchiroli jackfruit -13) which were replicated thrice. The results revealed that, maximum rag weight per fruit (1.86 kg), highest bulb weight (30.3 g), highest weight of flake (22.2 g) and highest seed weight (10.71g) as observed in the fruits of genotype GDJF-12 whereas maximum seeds weight per fruit (0.81 kg) and number of bulbs per fruit. (159.33) was found in the genotype GDJF-13.

Influence of Plant Density and Fungicides on Downy Mildew (<i>Peronospora Destructor</i>) and Bulb Yield of Onion in Ethiopia

Onion is a popular vegetable crop, which has been produced for its daily uses and economic benefits. Downey mildew caused by the fungus <i>Peronospora</i> <i>destructor</i> is among the most important yield-reducing factor in onion production. The effect of three different levels of plant population and fungicide frequency with two different fungicides was studied on downy mildew severity and yield of onion. Nineteen treatment of this Experiment included two fungicides mancozeb + metalaxyl and copper hydrox-ide, three different spraying interval with (10 days, 15 days and 21 days) and three level of plant population (0.71, 0.95 and 1.2 million plants/ha). The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with three replications for two year at Fogera and for one year at Dera districts of South Gondar zone Ethiopia. Data on disease severity, bulb yield, bulb number and bulb size were recorded during the time of harvest. The price of bulb yield was assessed from the local market and the total price of the yield obtained from each treatment was computed on hectare basis. Input costs like seed, fungicides and labor were converted into hectare basis according to their frequencies used. Fungicides cost was estimated based on the price of the local market. Cost of the labor was in Birr per man-days; cost of spray and spray equipment to spray per hectare were also calculated. Based on the obtained data from the above mentioned parameters economic analysis was performed. The lowest disease severity was recorded in treatment were lowest level of plant population (0.71 million plant/hectare) spraying with fungicide mancozeb + metalaxyl within 15days interval. In this treatment bulb yield and bulb weight were the highest. The economic evaluation showed that the highest net benefit with acceptable marginal rate of return was obtained from T3 (0.71million plants/ha spraying with fungicide mancozeb + metalaxyl within 15days interval).

EFFECT OF CHITOSAN WITH DIFFERENT MOLECULAR WEIGHT ON THE GROWTH AND BULB YIELD OF ORIENTAL LILY ‘MONA LISA’

The potential of biodegradable and environmentally friendly substances that exhibit biostimulatory effects on plant growth and yield is now being exploited in horticultural production. This study evaluated the effect of chitosan on the growth, flowering, and yield of bulb of oriental lily ‘Mona Lisa’. Three types of chitosan differing in molecular weight (MW) were used: commercial chitosan (CCh, MW = 50,000–190,000 g/mol) and two forms of depolymerised chitosan (DCh 48, with a MW of ~48,000 g/mol, and DCh 154, with a MW of ~154,500 g/mol). The plants were watered twice with an aqueous solution of chitosan at a concentration of 2 g/l, with 100 ml of solution per pot. The control was plants watered with distilled water. Chitosan had a biostimulatory effect on the growth of lily plants. CCh increased the relative chlorophyll content of leaves (+11.3%), the fresh bulb weight (+11.0%), the bulb diameter (+12.3%) and the number of bulblets (+44.9%) compared with the control plants. DCh 154 significantly increased the fresh aboveground weight of plants (+31.3%), the fresh weight of leaves (+29.0%) and their number (+16.8%), the fresh weight of bulb (+12.3%) and their diameter (+11.0%), and the fresh weight of bulblet (+21.9%). DCh 48 increased the bulb diameter (+12.1%) and the number of bulblets (+45.4%), but decreased the length (-8.6%) and width of tepals (-6.8%) of the lily flowers. Finally, DCh 154 was the most effective in lily production. Using depolymerised chitosan as a biostimulant may contribute to developing new methods to produce high-quality lily plants.

Vegetative reproduction and yield of bear garlic (<i>Allium ursinum</i> L.) in field cultivation

Bear garlic (<i>Allium ursinum</i> L.) and its value for human health have been known for centuries. Its leaves, flowers, and bulbs contain many health-promoting compounds, and can be essential raw materials for the production of food and dietary supplements of natural origin. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the possibility of growing bear garlic in field conditions that differed significantly from those required by this plant, using unconventional treatments: catch crops (phacelia), shade plant (turnip rape), and biopreparations (Bio-Algeen S90 and Kelpak SL). The plowing of phacelia biomass had a beneficial effect on the number of <i>A. ursinum</i> progeny bulbs, the unit weight of bulbs and their yield per unit area, and the leaf yield not only in the first year of cultivation but also in the follow-up. Winter turnip rape applied as a shade crop caused a slight increase in the unit weight of bulbs and their yield in the first and second years of cultivation and in the number of progeny bulbs in the second and third years of cultivation. The cultivation of <i>A. ursinum</i> with turnip rape increased the percentage of garlic root weight and leaf yield. There was a positive effect of the applied biopreparations on the studied traits of <i>A. ursinum</i> bulb yield and leaf yield and on the formation of progeny bulbs in relation to the control object. The analysis of the interaction of the factors of the experiment showed that the combination with the application of the phacelia catch crop and the simultaneous cultivation of the shade crop had the most favorable effect on <i>A. ursinum</i> progeny bulb formation, bulb unit weight, root system development, and leaf yield. In all years of the study, the worst effect was obtained in the control object, i.e., in the cultivation without the catch crop, rapeseed, and application of biopreparations.

Impact of Organic Manures and Liquid Formulations on Garlic Growth, Yield and Quality in Uttarakhand, India

The field study was carried out to VCSG, UUHF, Pauri Garhwal in 2022-2023 to investigate the integrated effect of organic manures and organic liquid formulations on the growth and yield of garlic. The main objective of this study was to determine the benefits of using organic manures and liquid formulations over conventional farming because the abundant use of nitrogenous fertilizers causes excessive vegetative growth at the expense of bulb formation. Among fourteen different treatment combinations that consist of various combinations of organic manures (FYM and Vermicompost) and organic liquid formulations (Panchgavya and Jeevamrit) treatment T3 i.e., FYM (10t/ha) + Panchgavya (2%) emerged as the best treatment concerning growth and yield of garlic. The findings showed that the maximum plant height (69.080 cm), number of leaves (8.400), leaf length (47.880 cm) and breadth (3.207 cm), and leaf area index (1.023) at all the 30 days intervals after sowing of garlic has been observed with the application of Treatment T3. The fundamental reason for the increased growth might be due to growth-promoting substances like auxins and gibberellins in panchgavya and high nitrogen and phosphorus in FYM. Concerning yield and quality attributes, the bulb diameter (5.657 cm), fresh weight of bulb (64.643 cm), length of the bulb (5.853 cm), number of cloves per bulb (12.200), bulb yield (120.833 q), total chlorophyll content (2.127 mg/g) and ascorbic acid content (15.333 mg/100g) was obtained maximum with the application of same treatment T3 i.e., FYM (10t/ha) + Panchgavya (2%) with yield increases up to 30% compared to control. However, the harvest index percent was found to be maximum (89.243 %) in treatment T13 i.e., Vermicompost (5t/ha) + Jeevamrit (6%). These findings suggest that organic farming practices can effectively enhance garlic production, offering a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers. Moreover, this study provides practical insights for farmers and contributes to the growing body of research on sustainable agriculture.

RESPON PRODUKSI TANAMAN BAWANG MERAH (Allium ascalonicum L.) TERHADAP BOKASHI KOTORAN SAPI DAN PUPUK ROCK FOSFAT PADA MEDIA GAMBUT

The development of shallot cultivation in Riau needs to be done by optimizing peatlands. However, problems such as low pH and low nutrient availability need to be addressed. The use of cow manure bokashi can increase the availability of soil nutrients and the addition of P fertilizer from rock phosphate is expected to increase the availability of P in peat soil. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of cow manure bokashi and rock phosphate fertilizer in increasing the production of shallot plants in peat media. This research was carried out at the UIR Experimental Garden, Pekanbaru, from September to December 2022. The materials used in this study were Brebes shallot seedlings, cow manure bokashi, rock phosphate, urea, KCl. The tools used in the research included hoes, tape measure, cutter knife, analytical scales, camera and stationery. The research method used a Factorial Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The first factor was the dose of cow manure bokashi with 4 treatment levels: without cow manure bokashi, 40, 80 and 120 g/polybag Bokashi cow manure. The second factor was the dose of rock phosphate fertilizer with 4 treatment levels: 0, 0.8 g/polybag, 1.6, 2.4 g/polybag. Each experimental unit was repeated 3 times. Observational data were analyzed statistically and further tested for HSD the 5% level. Application of cow manure bokashi with rock phosphate can increase shallot production. Application of cow manure bokashi 80 g/polybag with rock phosphate dose of 2.4 g/polybag increased the wet and dry shallot bulb weight.

Optimizing nutrient sources for quality bulb and bulblet production in LA hybrid lilium: A study in the North Indian plains.

LA hybrid lilium cv. ‘Masai’ bulbs were grown over two consecutive growth seasons in a net house to enhance the yield of high-quality bulbs and bulblets, utilizing both organic and inorganic nutrients. The experiment tested five levels of organic manure (FYM) (0, 10, 15, 20, and 25 t ha-1) and inorganic fertilizers (0, 40+30+25, 80+60+50, 120+90+75, and 160+120+100 N+P2O5+K2O kg ha-1). It assessed both individual and combined effects of nutrient sources, concluding that their combined application was most beneficial. Treatment T24, comprising 25 t FYM with 160 kg N, 120 kg P2O5, and 100 kg K2O ha-1, proved to be the most effective. The study revealed that treatment T24 resulted in the largest bulb circumference, the highest number of bulblets per plant, the greatest bulblet circumference, and the highest fresh and dry weights of both bulbs and bulblets per plant. It also led to the best relative growth rate (RGR) of the bulb, as well as the most efficient partitioning rates at both the flowering and harvest stages. Treatment T23 notably influenced the fresh and dry weights of the bulblets. The data suggest that T24 produces bulbs and bulblets of superior quality compared to other treatments, making it a viable choice for the commercial cultivation of quality LA hybrid lilium bulbs and bulblets in the plains of India.

Molecular characterization and validation of zinc solubilization potential of bacteria isolated from onion (Allium cepa L.) rhizosphere

Zinc (Zn) is essential for optimal plant growth and nutrition, while zinc-solubilizing bacteria (ZSB) enhance plant accessibility to zinc by converting its insoluble forms into usable ones. The primary objective of this research was to isolate and identify Zn-solubilizing strains from the onion rhizosphere and evaluate their ability to solubilize different insoluble Zn compounds, including ZnO, ZnCO3, and Zn3(PO4)2. Of the nineteen bacterial isolates retrieved, fifteen demonstrated the ability to solubilize inorganic Zn compounds based on plate assay techniques. The Zn-solubilizing bacterial strains, selected for their qualitative properties, underwent quantitative testing in broth culture using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) and Field Emission-Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (FE-SEM-EDS). Seven bacterial isolates with a high capacity to solubilize Zn were identified based on 16S rRNA gene amplification and sequence analysis. These isolates were affiliated with Pantoea eucrina, Pantoea dispersa, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus velezensis, and Pseudomonas fluorescens. Notably, this study is the first to report the potential of Pantoea eucrina as a ZSB. The strain Pantoea eucrina ZSC9 exhibited the maximum Zn solubilization index (8.85) and the highest soluble Zn content (624 mg L−1) among the three insoluble Zn compounds, with ZnO being the most effectively solubilized on the 10th day of incubation in ZnO-enriched basal medium. All bacterial isolates were more effective at solubilizing ZnO than ZnCO3 and Zn3(PO4)2, and this solubilization led to a significant drop in the pH of the broth. Pantoea eucrina ZSC9 showed the maximum pH reduction (3.82) in a ZnO-supplemented medium, indicating a negative correlation between broth pH and Zn solubilization. Seven selected ZSB strains were assessed for their potential to enhance onion growth under pot house conditions. The results showed that inoculating onion seedlings with these ZSB strains significantly improved their growth. Among the strains tested, ZSC9, ZSC10, and ZSC17 were the most effective, enhancing growth attributes such as plant height, bulb diameter, fresh and dry weight of bulbs, Zn uptake by the plant, and overall bulb yield compared to other strains. These findings suggest that these ZSB isolates have great potential as biofertilizers to enhance plant growth and development.

Enhancing chromium resistance and bulb quality in onion (Allium cepa L.) through copper nanoparticles and possible health risk

Chromium (Cr) is a toxic metal in soil–plant system, hence causing possible health risks prominently in the areas with forgoing industrial activities. Copper nanoparticles (Cu NPs) have been reported as an excellent adsorbent for pollutants. Therefore, this study investigates how copper nanoparticles enhance onion growth while decreasing chromium uptake in onion plants. Additionally, it examines the potential health risks of consuming onion plants with elevated chromium levels. The results demonstrated that the addition of CuNPs at 15 mg kg−1 significantly improved the plant height (48%), leaf length (37%), fresh weight of root (61%), root dry weight (70%), fresh weight of bulb (52%), bulb dry weight (59%), leaves fresh weight (52%) and dry weight of leaves (59%), leaf area (72%), number of onion leaves per plant (60%), Chl. a (42%), chl. b (36%), carotenoids (40%), total chlorophyll (40%), chlorophyll contents SPAD value (56%), relative water contents (35%), membrane stability index (16%), total sugars (25%), crude protein (21%), ascorbic acid (19%) and ash contents (64%) at 10 mg kg−1 Cr. Whereas, maximum decline of Cr by 46% in roots, 68% in leaves and 92% in bulb was found with application of 15 mg kg−1 of Cu NPs in onion plants under 10 mg kg−1 Cr toxicity. The health risk assessment parameters of onion plants showed minimum values 0.0028 for average daily intake (ADI), 0.001911 for Non-cancer risk (NCR), and 0.001433 for cancer risk (CR) in plants treated with Cu NPs at 15 mg kg−1 concentration grown in soil spiked with 10 mg kg−1 chromium. It is concluded that Cu NPs at 15 mg kg−1 concentration improved growth of plants in control as well as Cr contaminated soil. Therefore, use of Cu NPs at 15 mg kg−1 concentration is recommended for improving growth of plants under normal and metal contaminated soils.

Application of Trichoderma Isolate consortium in organic fertilizer for controlling shallot twisted disease

The aim of the research was to determine the effect of applying a consortium of Trichoderma spp. isolates to a type of organic fertilizer that is effective in controlling twisted disease and on the growth and yield of shallot plants. The study utilized a completely randomized design (CRD) consisting of eight treatments with four replications. The treatments examined werea= as follows: P0 = control, P1 = 5 tons per ha of chicken manure fertilizer, P2 = 5 tons per ha of chicken manure fertilizer and consortium of two Trichoderma spp. isolates, P3 = 5 tons per ha of chicken manure fertilizer and consortium of three Trichoderma spp. isolates, P4 = 5 tons per ha of chicken manure fertilizer, 20 tons per ha trichocompost, and a consortium of two Trichoderma spp. isolates, P5 = 5 tons per ha of chicken manure fertilizer, 20 tons per ha trichocompost, and consortium of three Trichoderma spp. isolates, P6 = 20 tons per ha of trichocompost and a consortium of two Trichoderma spp. isolates, and P7 = 20 tons per ha of trichocompost and a consortium of three Trichoderma spp. isolates. The results showed that the twisted disease incidence in treatment P4 was the lowest (14.52%) at 8 weeks after planting. The plant height was of 39.10 cm, with 29.8 leaves per clump at 7 WAP, and the dried bulb weight was 112.4 g per clump. In conclusion, the application of chicken manure fertilizer at a dose of 5 ton per ha, combined with 20 tons per ha of trichocompost and a consortium of two Trichoderma spp. isolates, could control twisted disease in shallot.

Crop geometry and nutrient (N-P-K-S) management for kharif onion bulb (Allium cepa) crop

The experiment was conducted during rainy (kharif) seasons of 2020 and 2021 at College of Agriculture (Agriculture University, Jodhpur, Rajasthan), Sumerpur, Pali, Rajasthan to find out the optimal quantity of N-P-K-S nutrients and appropriate crop geometry to maximize the productivity and bulb quality of onion (Allium cepa L.). The experiment was conducted in split-plot design (SPD) by means of 3 levels of N-P-K-S nutrients in main plots and 5 crop geometries under sub-plot, replicated thrice. Widest crop geometry (15 cm × 15 cm) with highest level of nutrients (140 N-80 P-80 K-40 S) resulted in highest tallness of plant (97.8 cm), maximum leaves (19/plant), root length (9.9 cm), number of roots/plant (139.8), average bulb weight (133.9 g) and harvest index (51.2). Saleable bulbs (43.6 t/ ha), total income (6753.8 USD), net income (5462.6 USD) and Benefit: cost (B:C) ratio (4.23) was the highest in 10 cm × 10 cm geometry with highest level of N-P-K-S nutrients. Maximum biological production (125.8 t/ha), bulb production (61.8 t/ha) was observed at closest geometry (7.5 cm × 7.5 cm) with highest level of N-P-K-S nutrients. It was confirmed by experimentation, that the onion seedling should be transplanted at 10 cm × 10 cm geometry with 140 N-80 P-80 K-40 S kg/ha nutrients in medium fertile sandy loam soil in arid agro-climatic condition for maximum saleable good quality onion bulbs production.

Varietal Response to Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on Bulb Yield, Storability, and Production Economics of Onion (Allium cepa L.)

The field experiment was conducted in the Rabi season of 2021-22 in the research farm of the Regional Research Center, Raiya (Jhajjar) of Maharana Pratap Horticultural University, Karnal, Haryana to examine the impact of organic manures and inorganic fertilizers on the growth, bulb yield and self-life of two indigenous onion varieties was examined. The treatment combinations comprised seven treatments along with one control that was arranged in a randomized block design (factorial) with four replications and two varieties namely Hisar Onion-2 and Hisar Onion-4. The results of the study showed that bulb yield-related parameters such as average fresh weight of bulbs (82.39 g), yield per plot (26.74 kg), and yield per hectare (29.71 t) were recorded maximum in the treatment T6. However, the better storage life of bulbs was estimated in treatment control which was at par with treatment T3 i.e., physiological loss in weight (20.23%), sprouting (3.14%), and rotting (11.43%) were observed minimum after 120 days of storage period. Hisar onion-4 was found superior in all the bulb yield and shelf-life parameters in comparison to Hisar Onion-2. Treatment consisting of 50% recommended dose of NPK + 50% RDN supplied through Vermi-compost recorded maximum net return (Rs.1, 97,942) and benefit-cost ratio (2.25). Therefore, it can be inferred that the combined use of organic manures and inorganic fertilizers contributes to the improved shelf life of onion bulbs and enhances the long-term production potential of the soil.

Performance of High TSS Onion Varieties in Telangana

Field experiments were conducted at Vegetable Research Station, Hyderabad, India during rabi seasons (October–March) of 2019–20, 2020–21 and 2021–22 to study the performance of high TSS varieties of onion in initial evaluation trial, advanced varietal trial-I and advanced varietal trial-II as part of All India Network Research Project on Onion and Garlic. The entries tested were DOGR-HT-1, DOGR-HT-2, DOGR-HT-3, DOGR-HT-4, Agrifound White, PKV White and Bhima Shweta. The predominant colour of all the entries was white and the predominant shape of the bulbs was oval. High amount of uniformity in bulb size was reported by Bhima Shweta and PKV white, while the rest of the entries DOGR-HT-1, 2, 3, 4 and Agrifound White reported average uniformity in bulb size. Among the seven entries tested DOGR-HT-2 reported the highest TSS value (17.77 °Brix) followed by DOGR-HT-3 (15.30 °Brix) and the least TSS value was reported by DOGR-HT-1. Maximum mean bulb weight (100.73 g), marketable yield (49.03 tha-1) and total yield (50.48 t ha-1) was reported by Bhima Shweta and it was followed by PKV White (100.26 g, 48.99 t ha-1 and 50.28 t ha-1). The least average bulb yield (84.31 g), marketable yield (41.09 t ha-1) and total yield (42.34 t ha-1) was reported by DOGR-HT-2 but was at par with DOGR-HT-3 and DOGR-HT-4. Minimum incidence of thrips and purple blotch were noticed in DOGR-HT-4.

Plant Characteristics and Bulb Yield of Onion as influenced by Farmyard Manure and Potassium Application Under Maize-based Cropping System at Dailekh

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of different levels of farm yard manure (FYM) (0, 10 and 20 t/ha) and potassium (K2O) fertilization (0, 30, 60 and 90 kg/ha) on plant characteristics and bulb yield of onion cv. ‘Red Creole’ at Horticulture Research Station (HRS), Dailekh during two consecutive years (2019 and 2020). Experiments were laid out in factorial randomized complete block design with three replications. The combined analysis revealed that FYM significantly affected on plant height, number of leaves/plant, leaf length, bulb diameter, bulb weight and bulb yield. But the significant effect of K2O was observed on plant height, number of leaves/plant, leaf length, bulb weight and bulb yield. The highest bulb yield (37.4 t/ha) was recorded at the treatment of 10 t/ha FYM, whereas K2O fertilization at 90 kg/ha produced the highest (39.9 t/ha) bulb yield. The combined application of 10 t/ha FYM and 30 kg/ha K2O produced the highest (41.7 t/ha) bulb yield and found the best treatment combination from the benefit cost ratio analysis. Therefore, the combination of 10 t/ha FYM with 30 kg/ha K2O can be recommended to apply at the soils having medium organic matter and high K2O content to get the highest bulb yield at maize-based cropping system of upland condition in Dailekh.

The effectiveness of Liliaceae phyllospheric Actinomycetes as biocontrol agent of purple blotch disease (Alternaria porri Ell. Cif) on shallot

Purple blotch, caused by Alternaria porri, affects leaves and tubers, leading to reduced yields. Traditionally, synthetic chemical fungicides were heavily relied upon for control. As an alternative, biocontrol agents like actinomycetes have gained attention. Some actinomycetes can suppress plant pathogens by producing antifungal compounds. This research aimed to investigate the efficacy of phyllosphere actinomycetes from Liliaceae plants as biocontrol agents against purple blotch disease on shallots in the greenhouse. Conducted at the IPB University Plant Bacteriology and Mycology Laboratory and the greenhouse at Bogor Agricultural Development Polytechnic, West Java, the research involved several stages, including pathogen identification, preparation of actinomyces inoculum and A. porri, and application of actinomycetes biocontrol agents to shallots in the greenhouse. A. porri isolates were obtained from shallot production centers in the Brebes area, Central Java. The use of the actinomycetes from the phyllosphere effectively suppressed purple blotch disease, with the lowest area under the disease development curve (AUDPC) recorded at 635.9% for the CFS28 isolate. Lower AUDPC values indicated slower disease progression. Actinomycetes biocontrol agents showed promising efficacy, with the CFS28 isolate achieving the highest efficacy percentage of 78.37%. Additionally, plant growth was significantly enhanced by actinomycete application, with tuber sizes ranging from 1.44 to 2.06 g, fresh weights from 17.63 to 24.72 g, and dry weights of shallot bulbs from 5.43 to 17.96 g. The incubation period for A. porri could be extended by actinomycetes, ranging from 5.43 to 8.5 days for purple blotch symptoms to manifest on shallots. The use of Actinomyces phyllosphere biocontrol agents holds promise for disease control on other plants’ leaves, contributing to environmentally friendly and sustainable agricultural practices.

The effectiveness of Liliaceae phyllospheric Actinomycetes as biocontrol agent of purple blotch disease (Alternaria porri Ell. Cif) on shallot

Purple blotch, caused by Alternaria porri, affects leaves and tubers, leading to reduced yields. Traditionally, synthetic chemical fungicides were heavily relied upon for control. As an alternative, biocontrol agents like actinomycetes have gained attention. Some actinomycetes can suppress plant pathogens by producing antifungal compounds. This research aimed to investigate the efficacy of phyllosphere actinomycetes from Liliaceae plants as biocontrol agents against purple blotch disease on shallots in the greenhouse. Conducted at the IPB University Plant Bacteriology and Mycology Laboratory and the greenhouse at Bogor Agricultural Development Polytechnic, West Java, the research involved several stages, including pathogen identification, preparation of actinomyces inoculum and A. porri, and application of actinomycetes biocontrol agents to shallots in the greenhouse. A. porri isolates were obtained from shallot production centers in the Brebes area, Central Java. The use of the actinomycetes from the phyllosphere effectively suppressed purple blotch disease, with the lowest area under the disease development curve (AUDPC) recorded at 635.9% for the CFS28 isolate. Lower AUDPC values indicated slower disease progression. Actinomycetes biocontrol agents showed promising efficacy, with the CFS28 isolate achieving the highest efficacy percentage of 78.37%. Additionally, plant growth was significantly enhanced by actinomycete application, with tuber sizes ranging from 1.44 to 2.06 g, fresh weights from 17.63 to 24.72 g, and dry weights of shallot bulbs from 5.43 to 17.96 g. The incubation period for A. porri could be extended by actinomycetes, ranging from 5.43 to 8.5 days for purple blotch symptoms to manifest on shallots. The use of Actinomyces phyllosphere biocontrol agents holds promise for disease control on other plants’ leaves, contributing to environmentally friendly and sustainable agricultural practices.

Effect of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) on growth and yield of shallots on saline soils

Soil salinity is a limiting factor in agricultural productivity. One of the biological approaches to mitigate the impact of salt stress on plants is inoculating plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) to the plant roots. This study aimed to investigate the eff of PGPR dosage on the growth and yield of shallots at various salinity levels. This study was carried out in the experimental field of Poncokusumo, Malang. The treatments tested consisted of two factors. The first factor was soil salinity level, consisting of four levels: no salinity, NaCl 50 mM, NaCl 100 mM, and NaCl 150 mM. The second factor was PGPR concentration, consisting of four levels: no PGPR, PGPR 10 mL/L, PGPR 20 mL/L, and PGPR 30 mL/L. The sixteen treatment combinations were arranged in a randomized block design with three replications. The data obtained were subjected to the analysis of variance (ANOVA) at a significance level limit of 5%, followed by the Honestly Significant Difference (HSD) test at a 5% significance level for any significant differences. The results showed that the application of 30 mL/L of PGPR reduced EC of the soil and improved plant height, plant dry weight, leaf area, bulb diameter, bulb weight, and the number of bulbs per plant by 33%, 47.3%, 81%, 13%, 34.2%, 98.5%, and 31%, respectively, compared to the treatment without PGPR application under NaCl 150 mM salinity. The application of PGPR at 20 and 30 mL/L dosages significantly increased chlorophyll, flavonoid, and proline indices at NaCl at 100 mM and 150 mM salinity levels compared to the treatment without PGPR.

Impacts of Calcium Cyanamide Application as a Nitrogen Source on Growth, Yield, Quality, and Storage Durability of Short-day Onion

Rapid leaching of soluble nitrogen (N) sources in soil poses a significant challenge in agricultural practices. Therefore, gaining a comprehensive understanding of crop responses to slow-release N application rates has become crucial to contributing valuable insights to optimize N management strategies in agriculture. A field study was conducted to investigate the influence of preplant calcium cyanamide fertilizer on the growth, yield, quality, and shelf life of short-day onion. Six levels of calcium cyanamide (CaCN2, 19.8% N), 0, 90, 120, 200, 400, and 600 kg⋅ha−1 CaCN2, which are equivalent to 0, 17.82, 23.76, 39.6, 79.2, and 118.8 kg⋅ha−1 N, respectively, replicated four times were broadcasted and incorporated into the top 5 to 10 cm of soil. Using 400 kg⋅ha−1 of CaCN2 yielded noteworthy improvements in various parameters of onion growth, such as plant height, leaf count, bulb weight per plant, bulb diameter, bulb length, and overall plant weight, as indicated by the study results. The application of different levels of CaCN2 as an N source exerted a significant influence on these growth factors. Moreover, the study revealed a direct correlation between CaCN2 application levels and the storage life of onions. Specifically, the findings demonstrated that the application of 400 kg⋅ha−1 CaCN2 resulted in enhanced yield and overall onion plant growth. However, the application of 600 kg⋅ha−1 CaCN2 increased the incidences of bulb weight loss, rots, and sprouting during the 8-week storage period at room temperature. These findings provide valuable insights for onion investors and farmers in the region and offer practical recommendations for optimizing fertilizer use and storage practices to improve onion production and minimize postharvest losses.