Complete Block Research Articles

Effect of irrigation systems on the growth parameters of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) cultivars in N’Djamena city, Chad

The study was conducted during the winters of 2021 and 2022 at the research farm of the Higher Teachers Training School of N’Djamena, Chad. The aim of the present investigation is to evaluate the growth and productivity traits of four cultivars of cowpea plant (white, black, red, and versicolor) in response to two different irrigation periods (3 and 6 days). The experiment is a factorial with four cowpea cultivars (White, Black , Red and versicolor) in the main plot in a Randomize Complete Block Design (RCBD) and irrigation intervals (3 and 6 days) as the subplot with three replications. Our data demonstrated that the black variety was much superior in leaf surface area (15942.37 cm2), wet weight (343.75 g), dry weight (96 g), number of pods (71.50), weight of pods (137.50 g), number of seeds (475), and total productivity was 2.47 tons/ha. On the other hand, the versicolor variety was superior in the plant height (197 cm), number of leaves (138.75), pod length (15.50 cm), number of seeds in the pod (8.25), while the white variety had the highest average weight for 100 seeds (26.30 g). The same results also, indicated that the irrigation rate for three days was better than that for six days in terms of plant height (162.75 cm), number of leaves (108.37), leaf surface area (12553.72 cm2), wet weight (309.37 g), dry weight (73.25 g), pod length (14.50 cm), weight of seeds per pod (72 g), number of seeds per plant (241.50) and the productivity was 1.29 tons/ha. Finally, the study suggests planting the black and versicolor varieties in N'Djamena city during winter season in order to get the maximum yield by surface irrigation every three days.

A new approach for evaluating maize transgressive segregants and their three-way cross potential in the S4 convergent breeding population

The development of transgressive segregant (TS) selection on convergent breeding populations of S4 maize is a concept that is rarely applied. However, the development of TS is necessary to accelerate maize breeding pipelines. Therefore, the objectives of this study were (1) to develop the concept of TS selection and (2) to select S4 TS maize to be developed as hybrid cross parents. The study was carried out using two experiments. The first experiment was designed with an augmented design of 6 replications for control genotypes. This design is just one factor focused on maize genotypes. However, it was divided into two sets: non-replicated of 32 TS lines and replicated of four check hybrid varieties. The second experiment focused on validation using a three-way cross. The experiment used a randomized complete block design with three replications. Based on the resulting study, the combination of ratio analysis, path analysis, best linear unbiased prediction, relative fitness, and selection indices is an objective approach to assessing the genetic potential of the S4 TS. The selection index formed was 0.53 ear weight + 0.24-grain yield percentage + yield. The index selection resulted in 11 S4 TS lines being further evaluated for their hybrid potential, with the TS line CB2.23.1 being the best. However, these TSs are expected to focus on identifying and combining ability through diallel crosses in the future. Furthermore, the three-way cross hybrid lines assessment also revealed SG 3.35.12 × JH37 F1 and CB 2.23.1 × JH37 F1 to be promising hybrid lines.

Impact of adding dexmedetomidine to various lidocaine concentrations in the interscalene brachial plexus block for upper limb surgery

Background. The interscalene brachial plexus block is widely used in orthopedic surgery for procedures on the proximal upper limb. However, the main concern remains the systemic toxicity of local anesthetics due to the use of their high concentrations. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of adding dexmedetomidine to lidocaine solutions of different concentrations in the interscalene brachial plexus block by examining the onset time and duration of motor block and analgesia. Materials and methods. The study included 75 patients who underwent elective upper limb surgery under interscalene brachial plexus block. They were divided into three groups (n = 25 each): control group I (L1%), group II (Dex L1%), and group III (Dex L0.5%). In group I, the brachial plexus block was performed using a 1% lidocaine solution with the addition of 50 mcg of epinephrine (1 : 400,000). In group II, 50 mcg of dexmedetomidine was added to the same solution, while group III (Dex L0.5%) used a 0.5% lidocaine solution combined with 50 mcg of dexmedetomidine. The duration of analgesia, motor function of the upper limb, hemodynamic changes, and side effects were assessed. Results. Preoperatively, the time of complete motor block onset (Me [25 %; 75 %]) in groups L1% and Dex L1% was 12.5 [10.0; 15.0] minutes, which was slightly shorter than in group Dex L0.5% (15.0 [15.0; 20.0] minutes; p = 0.06). The duration of complete motor block was longest in the Dex L1% group (330 [270; 440] minutes) compared to the Dex L0.5% group (305 [235; 348] minutes; p = 0.25) and the L1% group (185 [180; 255] minutes; p < 0.002). The duration of analgesia in the Dex L1% group (460 [330; 480] minutes) was significantly longer than in the Dex L0.5% group (305 [248; 425] minutes; p = 0.35) and the L1% group (270 [210; 333] minutes; p = 0.018), with no statistically significant difference between Dex L0.5% and L1% groups (p = 0.29). The heart rate was significantly reduced at the start and the end of surgery compared to baseline in the Dex L1% and Dex L0.5% groups. Systolic blood pressure was significantly reduced in all groups at all stages compared to baseline. Conclusions. The addition of dexmedetomidine prolongs both motor block and analgesia after interscalene brachial plexus block and allows the lidocaine concentration to be reduced to 0.5 % without compromising efficacy.

Influence of Plant Spacing and NPK Fertilizers on Growth and Yield of Broccoli

An experiment was conducted at the Horticulture Farm, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh. The study aimed to investigate how plant spacing and NPK fertilizers influence the growth and yield of broccoli. The experiment used a randomized complete block design with three replications. The treatments included three plant spacings: S1 (60 cm × 50 cm), S2 (60 cm × 40 cm), and S3 (50 cm × 50 cm), and four doses of NPK fertilizer: F0 (N0P0K0 kg/ha), F1 (N100P75K75 kg/ha), F2 (N200P150K150 kg/ha), and F3 (N300P225K225 kg/ha). The results showed that plant spacing, NPK fertilizer, and their interaction significantly affected the growth and yield of broccoli. The highest yield per plant (331.42 g), yield per plot (8.29 kg), yield per hectare (13.81 t) at harvest were found in the spacing S2 (60 cm x 40 cm) and highest yield per plant (344.78 g), yield per plot (7.95 kg), yield per hectare (13.25 t) was recorded when F2 (N200P150K150 kg/ha) are used. The treatment combination S2F3 (60 cm × 40 cm with N300P225K225 kg/ha) resulted in the highest plant height (63.27 cm), crown spread (70.20 cm), number of leaves (17), and length of the largest leaves (50.57 cm). For curd initiation, the treatment combination S2F2 (60 cm × 40 cm with N200P150K150 kg/ha) required 54.33 days, with a primary curd weight of 0.48 kg and a curd diameter of 15.12 cm. Additionally, S2F2 resulted in a stem diameter of 4.02 cm, stem length of 26.73 cm, number of secondary curds (8.06), weight of secondary curds (78.99 g), fresh weight of leaves (401.49 g), yield per plant (365 g), and yield per plot (9.13 kg). The highest broccoli curd yield of 13.25 t/ha was obtained from the application of N200P150K150 fertilizer, while the lowest yield of 9.36 t/ha was recorded with no NPK fertilizer. The yield of broccoli curd increased with decreasing plant spacing, with the highest yield of 13.81 t/ha from S2 (60 cm × 40 cm) and the lowest yield of 9.75 t/ha from S1 (60 cm × 50 cm) spacing. The best treatment combination was S2F2, resulting in a yield of 15.21 t/ha.

Effect of Weed Management Practices on Citrus Growth and Cost of Production at Young Mandarin Orchard in Palpa, Nepal

ABSTRACT Although citrus cultivation has a comparative advantage in subtropical climates, meeting the increasing demand is challenging, primarily due to weed pressure contributing 25–33% yield loss. Henceforth, to assess the efficiency of weed management methods, enhance plant growth, and analyze economic treatment costs, research was conducted in a three-year-old mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco.) orchard at Citrus Development Center, Tansen, Palpa, in 2022. The experiment was designed in a single factorial randomized complete block design with five treatments: plastic mulch, organic mulch, herbicide, hand weeding, and a control. Fourteen weed species were identified, and the highest weed density was of sedges (45%). Results of the study showed that plastic mulch was an efficient method providing lower average weed diversity (1.7); weed density in all days after treatment (DAT) (0.5, 0.6, 1.9, 6.6, and 1.1 m−2); and weed dry weight at 15, 30, and 45 DAT (0.1, 0.3, and 0.4 gm−2). Plastic mulch observed with higher weed control efficiency (93.9, 87.1, 93.1, 91.8, and 93.4%) and weed control index (89.6%, 85.8%, 93.8%, 90.8%, and 96.35%) in all DAT. Whereas, the weed persistence index was lower in herbicide-treated plots at 30 (0.73), 45 (0.44), and 75 (0.24) DAT. Herbicide-treated plots showed the highest increment in crop growth parameters of plant height (33.7%) and plant canopy cover volume (180.8%) and were also the most economical with the lower annual treatment cost (NPR 210 thousand/ha). The superior plant growth, higher weed control, and lower cost proved herbicide treatment as an effective weed control method. However, plastic mulch, with outcomes resembling herbicide, can be a sustainable approach for weed control.

Influences of Enterobacter asburiae, Vermicompost Rates and Irrigation Water Types on the Soil Fertility, Peanut Yield and Quality

The effects of vermicompost (VC) application combined with Enterobacter asburiae inoculation and river water irrigation significantly improved soil fertility in order to promote growth, yield and quality, and reduce arsenic uptake by peanuts, which were grown on As-contaminated soils and irrigation water. This research was conducted in Phuochung, Anphu town, Angiang province, Vietnam. The field research was performed in a 2x2x2 factorial randomized complete block design with four replications. Treatments were designed in three factors such as factor (A): VC (0.0 and 10.0 t/ha application); factor (B): E. asburiae, (inoculation and non-inoculation); and factor (C): irrigation water (river and deep well water), respectively. The results showed that applying 10t VC per ha combined with E. asburiae inoculation and non-As-contaminated water irrigation increased soil chemical properties, agronomic indicators, yield components, yield, and quality, and reduced As accumulation in peanut stems and seeds compared to control (non VC application, non E. asburiae inoculation, and deep well water irrigation). Moreover, the three factors, VC, E. asburiae inoculation and type of irrigation water, showed strong interaction among the agronomic traits, yield components, and yield of peanuts.

The Effect of Dietary Propylene Glycol on the Fatty Acid Composition of Three Fat Depots in Male Akkaraman Lambs.

This study tested the effects of propylene glycol (PG) on the fatty acid composition of Akkaraman lambs in three different anatomical depot locations (ADLs). Twenty-four lambs were assigned to a randomized complete block design comprising three groups of 8 animals as follows: Con, 1.5%, body weight (BW)0.75 (PG1.5) and 3% BW0.75 supplemental PG. The animals were slaughtered 90 days after the commencement of feeding. Tail, perirenal and back fat were collected, and their fatty acid compositions were analysed. PG was associated with lower levels of capric acid (C10:0) and lauric acid (C12:0), and higher levels of arachidic acid (C20:0), D-ɣ-linolenic acid (C20:3n6), behenic acid (C22:0), docosadienoic acid (C22:2n6), tyricosylic acid (C23:0) and eicosapentaenoic acid (C20:5n3; p<0.05, p<0.01 and p<0.001). The ADLs differed for all fatty acids except C12:0 and C14:0 (myristic acid). Perirenal fat had the highest SFA levels, while n6/n3 was higher in tail fat than in fat from the other ADLs (p<0.001). The high correlation of ∆9 C16 and ∆9 C18 index values with other sum and index values indicates that desaturation enzyme activity was elevated in the lambs' depot fats (p<0.05, p<0.01 and p<0.001). This suggests that perirenal fats have less favourable fatty acid compositions than the other ADLs.

Rhizobium Inoculants Mitigate Corn Herbicide Residual Effects on Soybean Germination

Corn residual herbicides offer a practical approach to comprehensive weed management throughout the growing season. However, the use of residual pre-emergence herbicides can have a negative impact on crops grown in succession or within a rotation. A study was carried out to determine the effect of the residual activity of selected corn herbicides on soybeans. The objective of the study was to evaluate the impact of these herbicides on the germination of inoculated soybean seeds. Experiments were conducted in greenhouse conditions to check the carryover effect on soybean germination. Treatment combinations of two pre-herbicides and two inoculants were applied: atrazine (2241 g ai ha−1), mesotrione (105 g ai ha−1), and Bradyrhizobium japonicum, Bradyrhizobium japonicum + Bacillus subtilis, respectively. A randomized complete block design evaluated six treatment combinations, including the control. All treatments, except uninoculated treatments, presented efficacy in reducing the carryover effects of corn residual herbicides on the germination of soybeans. An increase in final germination percentage was observed with Bradyrhizobium japonicum + Bacillus subtilis co-inoculation plus atrazine (24% increase) and Bradyrhizobium japonicum plus mesotrione treatment combinations (19% increase). Inoculating soybean seeds with rhizobium bacteria can reduce the carryover effects on the germination of soybean seeds grown in soil applied with atrazine and mesotrione.

Regulatory Effects of S-Abscisic Acid and Soil Conditioner on the Yield and Quality of Hybrid Rice Under Salt Stress

Salt stress significantly reduces rice yield and deteriorates rice quality. The present study was conducted to explore the regulatory effects of sole and combined application of S-abscisic acid (S-ABA) and soil conditioner on rice under high salt stress. The experimental treatments comprised 0.1% S-ABA alone (T1), the application of soil conditioner (T2), the combined application of both S-ABA and halotolerant microorganism soil conditioner (T3), and a control without any regulatory substance (CK). The treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design in triplicate. To simulate high salinity stress, a 0.6% saltwater solution (by mixing natural seawater with freshwater) was used for irrigation. The results showed that T3 alleviated the phytotoxic effects of high salt stress and substantially improved rice yield. Furthermore, the numbers of effective panicles, grains per panicle, and 1000-grain weight under T3 treatment were 13.3–14.5%, 8.9–14.1%, and 4.9–5.5% higher than CK owing to improvement in dry matter accumulation, SPAD values, leaf area index, antioxidant enzyme activity, and reduced malondialdehyde and sodium ion content in rice. Moreover, the T3 treatment increased the output, output rate, and conversion rate of stem sheath matter after the heading stage; improved the milling yield, starch paste viscosity, starch stickiness, and gelatinization enthalpy; and reduced rice chalkiness. In addition, the T3 treatment also increased the amylose contents and decreased the total protein contents, thereby improving the taste of the rice. Overall, the results indicated that the application of exogenous S-ABA and soil conditioner is an effective strategy to alleviate the severity of salt stress in rice.

Assessment of the phenotypic and physicochemical traits of nine Iranian endemic fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.)

Considering the significance of fenugreek as a valuable medicinal and food plant, assessing the genetic diversity of different populations of this species is essential for optimizing performance and adaptability to environmental conditions. This study aims to investigate genetic diversity and identify important phenotypic traits in various Iranian fenugreek accessions (“Mashhad”, “Tehran”, “Yazd”, “Shiraz”, “Birjand”, “Isfahan”, “Kerman”, “Kalat”, “Neyshabur”), an experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replications and nine treatments (accessions) in Iran. The results showed that the highest seed yield was observed in “Kalat” (120.73 g/m2) and the lowest seed yield was observed in “Neyshabur” (29.28 g/m2) accessions. Also, “Isfahan” had the highest number of branches (10.8/plant), and the highest 1000-seed weight (29.6 g) was recorded in “Shiraz”. It was also found that the number of days to the appearance of the first flower and the arrival of the last pod was the least in the “Yazd” (50 and 85 days) and the highest in the “Kerman” (87.67 and 170 days), respectively. It was also found that the highest content of soluble sugar (0.32%) belonged to the “Mashhad” and the highest amount of total chlorophyll (2.36 mg/gfw) belonged to the “Isfahan” accessions. “Birjand” had the highest antioxidant activity (55.64%). The highest abundance of bluish spots was also seen in the “Kalat” accession. The results of this study showed a considerable diversity between the studied accessions. The most suitable accession for harvesting seeds was “Kalat” and the “Isfahan” accession was the most appropriate for harvesting herbal yield. The results of this study provide a valuable foundation for future research aimed at identifying specific genotypes with superior traits, such as higher yield or stress resistance. Future studies can build upon these findings by focusing on selecting and breeding elite fenugreek lines for use in crop improvement programs.

Effect of Spatial Arrangement on Grain and Fruit Yield of Component Crops in Maize/Okra Intercrop in Kilifi County, Kenya

Maize production in Kilifi County, Kenya has been on the decline due to limitations of poor soils, unpredictable rainfall and its cultivation in small parcels of land. Okra is one of the high value crops intercropped with maize in the County. The area under okra cultivation has been on the rise due to increased demand, good export market, nutritional and medicinal value. Intercropping has considerable benefits of maximizing productivity. In Kilifi County, intercropping maize and okra is done in various mixtures, with inconsistence in plant density. Field studies were undertaken in two seasons: short rains (October 2020 - January 2021) and long rains (April - July 2021), at Industrial Crops Research Institute (ICRI) farm, Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) - Mtwapa in Kilifi, Kenya. The objective was to evaluate the effect of spatial arrangement on grain and fruit yield of maize and okra respectively in maize/okra intercropping system. There were four treatments consisting of sole maize, sole okra, maize/okra intercrop in alternating rows of 1:2, and maize/okra intercrop in 2:2 spatial arrangement, replicated three times in a randomized complete block design (RCBD). Maize yield data measured included: number of cobs per plant, cob diameter, cob length, cob weight, number of grains per cob, 1000 grain weight, and total grain yield. Okra yield parameters included number of fruits per plant, fruit diameter, fruit weight, fruit length and fruit yield (t/ha). Results showed that the number of okra fruits per plant, fruit weight and fruit length were significantly affected (P ≤ 0.05) by spatial arrangement. However, spatial arrangement did not significantly (P ≤ 0.05) affect the number of cobs per plant, cob length, cob diameter, cob weight, number of grains per cob, 1000 grain weight and total maize grain yield. Moreover, okra fruit diameter, and total okra yield were not significantly (P ≤ 0.05) affected by spatial arrangement. This study recommends that farmers in Kilifi County can combine maize and okra as intercrop in the ratio 1:2 and 2:2. Intercropping maize and okra can enable them get their staple food of maize, and have okra vegetable to meet their dietary requirements, and increase land utilization.

Evaluation of sour-type pomegranate germplasm for field performance, fruit yield and anardana quality attributes

Thirty-one sour-type pomegranate genotypes have been evaluated for growth, fruit yield, physico-chemical attributes and anardana quality in randomized complete block design under hot arid climate. Germplasm CIAH PG-1 had highest fruit number/plant 46.92 as well as fruit yield 12.40kg/plant, followed by Gul-e-Shah R. Pink (42.74 fruit number/plant and 10.98kg/plant) and Tujetis EC-104347 (42.75 fruit number/plant and 9.96kg/plant). The highest fruit weight 263.84g was also recorded in CIAH PG-1. The highest aril content (67.71%) was observed in CIAH PG-1 which was statistically at par with Khog and Bedana Seedless. The highest juice acidity was recorded in Tujetis EC-104347 (3.57%), statistically alike CIAH PG-1 (3.50%). The lowest dehydration ratio was observed in CIAH PG-A-3 (2.23), comparable to CIAH PG-A-5 (2.31). Maximum anardana recovery was reported in CIAH PG-1 (2.23kg/plant) which was followed by Tujetis EC-104347 (1.93kg/plant) and Gul-e-Shah Rose Pink (1.82kg/plant). The anardana acidity ranged from 4.63 to 7.99% and the promising germplasms with more than 7% acidity were AHPG H-2, Tujetis EC-104347, CIAH PG-1, Khog, Gul-e-Shah, IC-318712 and Tabest. Based on nine points hedonic scale, CIAH PG-1 received the highest overall acceptable sensory score of 8.67, followed by Tujetis EC-104347 and Gul-e-Shah R. Pink at 8.37 and 8.23 respectively. In conclusion, CIAH PG-1 demonstrated exceptional performance across various matrices, including field performance, anardana recovery, quality and sensory attributes, which establishes it asthe superior choice for quality anardana production. Tujetis EC-104347 and Gul-e-Shah R. Pink also observed suitable option for processing applications and valuable contributors to future breeding programs.

Assessment of Crop Genetic Diversity Utilizing Multivariate Analysis in Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] Genotypes

Background: Understanding genetic variability parameters, correlation analysis and employing multivariate techniques such as principal component analysis and diversity analysis are crucial for designing effective breeding programs and conserving germplasm in pigeonpea. Morphological studies, when combined with multivariate analysis, offer valuable insights into genetic diversity, aiding in the selection of diverse parental lines and identifying promising segregants in hybridization programs. Methods: The study utilized 155 diverse genotypes of pigeon pea, planted in a randomized complete block design with three replications during the kharif seasons of 2022-23 and 2023-24. Character association analysis, multivariate analysis like PCA and diversity assessment were utilized. Result: Principal component analysis was employed to assess variability, where the first two principal components explained 35.63% of the total variability, with traits such as DFF, DM, NSB and NPP contributing significantly to variance. Morphological genetic diversity was assessed using Mahalanobis D2 statistics and hierarchical clustering. Morphological diversity assessment grouped the 155 pigeon pea genotypes into 9 clusters, with cluster I being the largest (88 genotypes). Hierarchical clustering identified 6 distinct clusters, with cluster-I housing the highest number of genotypes (43). Interestingly, the study revealed non-consistent connections between morphological diversity assessments and the geographical origin of genotypes. Based on genetic D2 values, genotypes in clusters VI and VII, followed by clusters VI and VIII, were found to be the most genetically distant, suggesting their potential use in hybridization programs to create diverse progenies. Selecting desirable genotypes from different clusters based on their performance could lead to the development of superior recombinants through hybridization.

Economics of Cropping Sequences Diversified with Specialty Crops in the Semi-Arid Canadian Prairies

The agronomic and environmental benefits of diversified cropping systems have been well documented in the Canadian prairies. However, little is known about the profitability of diversified rotations with oilseeds, cereals, legumes, and specialty crops. This study consisted of two 5-year (2018-2022) experiments carried out at four sites in Saskatchewan and Alberta. Treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replicates. Net return (NR) was defined as total revenue minus total costs. Results showed diversified sequences with Oriental mustard, red lentil, yellow field pea and yellow mustard had higher NR than continuous wheat and wheat with chemical fallow sequences. Moreover, sequences diversified with quinoa, yellow mustard, field pea and wheat showed high NR across all sites. Wheat after chemical fallow in the wheat with chemical fallow sequence (wheat-wheat-chemical fallow-wheat-wheat) had high NR; however, this did not compensate for the loss of NR in the chemical fallow phase, resulting in the lowest NR. The inclusion of industrial, oriental, and yellow mustard in sequences with wheat and field pea decreased nitrogen cost by 30% compared to a continuous wheat sequence, concluding that such sequences not only improved NRs but also showed a significant reduction in nitrogen requirement costs.

Influence of different priming treatments on germination potential and seedling establishment of four important hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) cultivars

Medicinal hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is gaining popularity due to its natural products with potential therapeutic properties, and its cultivation has recently been initiated in developing countries such as Turkey, Iran, India, and Pakistan. The crop is primarily grown using feminized seeds or popular varieties to achieve higher cannabidiol (CBD) yields, with seeds costing approximately $5–10 each. However, limited knowledge exists on hemp seed germination under different seed priming techniques and variations in seedling growth parameters such as root and shoot lengths, as well as the influence of in vitro germination and growth in soil and cocopeat media. This study hypothesizes that various seed priming methods could significantly enhance hemp seed germination and different growth media may distinctly impact seedling growth of the tested cultivars. To test this, the study evaluated four cultivars/chemovars (viz., Fedora-17, Finola, CBD Pink Kush, and a local variety, Gulistan) under five seed priming treatments: indole butyric acid (IBA), moringa leaf extract, KNO3, hydro-priming, and a control (no priming). A randomized complete block design (RCBD) was used, and experimental data (in triplicate) were analyzed through analysis of variance (ANOVA) using a time-to-event approach. The findings revealed that IBA significantly (p < 0.05) improved seed germination rates, with CBD Pink Kush achieving the highest germination response (83%) among the tested cultivars. Furthermore, cocopeat demonstrated superior performance as a seedling growth medium across all cultivars, indicating its potential for hemp cultivation practices. This pioneering study provides a baseline for understanding hemp seed germination and seedling growth under different priming and growth media conditions, offering valuable insights for future research aimed at industrial and medicinal hemp production.

Comparative analysis of growth, yield and nutrient content in six rice varieties under slightly saline conditions in southwest coastal Bangladesh

ABSTRACT Considering the threats of climate change to rice production in Bangladesh, one of the most climate-vulnerable countries, initiatives to boost rice production and improve grain nutrition are crucial. To identify the best rice variety, a field experiment was conducted with a Randomised Complete Block Design in slightly saline soil from December 2019 to April 2020. Six rice varieties (Black rice, Violet rice, BRRI dhan47, BRRI dhan28, BRRI dhan67 and Hybrid Hera dhan-6) were tested to evaluate growth, yield and nutrient content. Black rice was the tallest one; however, it produced the lowest tillers, leaves and shoots dry weight. Conversely, Hybrid Heradhan-6 was one of the shortest varieties and produced the highest tiller number and shoot dry weight. Hybrid Hera dhan-6 also yielded a higher grain yield, biological yield and harvest index and Black rice did the opposite. There was a negative linear relationship of plant height with tiller number and shoot dry weight and tiller number and biological yield served as the major contributors to the grain yield. Hybrid Hera dhan-6 also extracted the maximum amount of P and K. Therefore, Hybrid Hera dhan-6 was the best rice variety in terms of growth, yield and nutrient uptake.

Characterization, Identification, and Biosafety Evaluation of Multifaceted Traits of Plant Growth-Promoting Endophytes for Ameliorating Productivity of Forage Sorghum.

Endophytes are bacteria that inhabit host plants for most of their life cycle without causing harm. In the study, 15 endophytic bacteria were isolated from 30 forage Sorghum plants and assessed for various plant growth-promoting (PGP) traits, such as phosphate solubilization, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) deaminase activity, ammonia production, siderophore production, gibberellic acid production, Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) production, and zinc solubilization. One isolate, JJG_Zn, demonstrated multiple PGP activities and was identified as Enterobacter sp. through 16S rRNA sequencing. Considering the concept of 'One health,' a comprehensive biosafety analysis for any plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGP bacteria) is essential, thus, Enterobacter sp. (JJG_Zn), along with two other standard cultures, Burkholderia seminalis and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, were evaluated for biosafety tests-including sheep blood agar assay, E.coli sensitivity assay, and pathogenicity tests on albino mice. The results indicated that all three PGP bacteria were potentially innocuous and compatible with each other. Furthermore, the field experiments were conducted at Punjab Agricultural University, Regional Research Station, Bathinda, and School of Organic Farming, IFS, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana during Kharif 2022 employing a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with nine treatment combinations. The treatments included liquid bacterial inoculants (LBIs) of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Burkholderia seminalis, and Enterobacter sp. (JJG_Zn) applied in combination with 100% and 75% of the recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), with each treatment replicated thrice. The treatment T9 (75% RDF + dual inoculation with B. seminalis and S. maltophilia) resulted in the highest productivity, showing a 10.23% increase in pooled green fodder yield (GFY) compared to the control. The treatment T8 (75% RDF + Enterobacter sp. (JJG_Zn)) showed a 5.14% increase in productivity over the control. Thus, liquid bacterial inoculants (LBIs) present a promising approach to enhance the productivity of forage Sorghum.

Comparative Productivity and Profitability of Banana Intercropping with Vegetables

Productivity and profitability of vegetables intercropping in banana-based cropping system was analyzed in farmer’s field of MLT site, Madhupur, Tangail in two consecutive years during 2020-21 and 2021-22 to find out a suitable intercrop combination of vegetables with banana for higher productivity and profitability. There were three intercrop-based treatments i.e., Banana + Potato, Banana +Cabbage+ Potato and Banana + Cauliflower + Potato along with Sole banana. Banana (Amrit Sagar), Cabbage (Parel), Cauliflower (Thirty-three) and Potato (Granola) were used as test materials. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with six dispersed replications. The unit plot size was 400 m2. The results revealed that all the intercrops’ treatments produced higher banana equivalent yield over the sole banana. However, among the intercrop combinations, Banana + Cauliflower + Potato provided the highest equivalent yield (101.89 tha-1 followed by Banana + cabbage + potato. Sole banana produced the lowest equivalent yield in both the cropping seasons. Higher gross margin (Tk.6,66,898 ha-1) was also obtained from Banana + cauliflower + Potato treatment as well as higher BCR (3.79) than other intercrop treatments. So, the farmers of Madhupur Tracts (AEZ-28) and similar areas of Bangladesh could be suggested to cultivated cauliflower and potato as intercrop with banana instead of sole banana. SAARC J. Agric., 22(2): 43-53 (2024)

Recent Advancement and Future Prospects of Plasma Technology for the Quality and Quantity Enhancement of Agricultural Production

An intercrop-based experiment was conducted for two consecutive years, 2020-21 to 2021-22, at a farmer’s field of MLT site, Madhupur, Tangail, to find a suitable intercrop combination of vegetables with bananas for higher productivity and profitability. There were three intercrop-based treatments, i.e., Banana + Potato, Banana +Cabbage+ Potato, and Banana + Cauliflower + Potato, along with Sole banana. A variety of bananas (Amrit Sagar), Cabbage (Parel), Cauliflower (Thirty-three), ranola) were used as Potatoes (G test material. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with six dispersed replications. The unit plot size was 400 m2. The results revealed that all the intercrops’ treatments produced a higher banana equivalent yield than the sole banana. However, among the intercrop combinations, Banana + Cauliflower + Potato provided the highest equivalent yield (101.89 tha-1 followed by Banana + cabbage + potato, which was 70.42 and 69.52 % higher than the sole crop. Sole banana cultivation produced the lowest banana yield (60.49 t ha-1). The higher gross margin (Tk.666898 ha-1) was also obtained from the Banana + cauliflower + Potato treatment and higher BCR (3.79) than other intercrop treatments.

Mitral isthmus line: anatomical aspects relevant to linear catheter ablation

Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is a common cardiac arrhythmia for which Pulmonary Vein (PV) isolation remains a mainstay treatment. Several linear ablation lines have been suggested to improve the efficacy of PV isolation. The mitral isthmus line/region lies between the left inferior PV and mitral valve annulus within the left atrium and used for targeting non-PV triggers during AF. Unfavorable anatomy along this line leads to incomplete ablation and recurrence of AF. The aim of this study is to provide anatomical data of mitral isthmus region and its implications for linear catheter ablation procedure. Total fifty formalin-fixed cadaveric hearts were examined. The mitral isthmus line was evaluated for its length, shape and presence of any structures. The mitral isthmus line length was not uniform with ranges between 21.05-34.62 mm (mean- 28.55 ± 3.12 mm). In 40% of studied hearts, a high amount of anatomic heterogeneity was present in this region, with undesirable structures like crevices (28%) and diverticula (12%). These structures had thinner walls compared to the surrounding atrial wall. The mitral isthmus line had concave shape in majority of cases (98%). This study concludes that a high amount of anatomical variability and barriers are present in along the mitral isthmus line. This could make it difficult to achieve complete block during ablation with pertaining risks of complications. Individualized strategy for ablation after studying the local anatomy is suggested to improve procedural outcomes.