Complete Block Research Articles

Changes in root and nutrient uptake of chickpea affected by organic fertilizers and inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and Rhizobium

AbstractAlthough humans have studied biological nitrogen (N) fixation for nearly two centuries, our understanding of how legumes–microbiome interactions impact agroecosystem function is still evolving. To understand the effects of organic fertilizers and dual inoculation with Rhizobium and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on root activity, N fixation and nutrient uptake of chickpea (Cicer arietinum), a two‐year greenhouse study was conducted in 2020–2021 at the research station of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran. The experiment design was a randomized complete blocks in the factorial arrangement with three replications. The first factor consisted of two seedbeds including S1 (field soil) and S2 (soil + humic acid + 40 ton ha−1 cattle manure). The second factor included inoculation with Rhizobium alone, mycorrhiza alone, both Rhizobium and mycorrhiza and non‐inoculated treatment. The results showed that the application of organic fertilizers increased the number of nodules, nodule weight, AMF colonization, leaf N content, leaf P content, root volume, root biomass and N uptake of chickpea, significantly. Also, the effect of seed inoculation was significant on all studied parameters where the highest root biomass (2 g), root volume (3.6 cm3) and leaf phosphorus (0.54%) were obtained in co‐inoculated treatments. There was no significant difference between the effect of single inoculation of Rhizobium and dual inoculation of mycorrhiza and Rhizobium on nodule number, nodule weight, leaf N and N uptake of chickpea. Generally, rhizobia and AMF can benefit nutrient uptake and root activity of chickpea, potentially leading to higher crop production.

Effect of Growth Stage-based Water Stress on Yield and Water Use Efficiency of Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicon L.) in Semi-arid Regions of Tigray, Ethiopia

Water availability is a major concern in regions with limited water resources. Implementation of best irrigation water management methods can maximize crop yields and irrigation water use efficiency. An experiment was conducted in Laelay Koraro district, Tigray, Ethiopia for two consecutive years (2018 and 2019 off seasons) to investigate the effect of growth stage-based deficit irrigation on tomato yield, yield characteristics and water usage efficiency. The experiment used a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The treatments were three irrigation levels (100%, 50%, and 25% of crop irrigation requirement) and four FAO-defined tomato growth stages (initial, developmental, mid, and late seasons). Data on agronomic parameters and irrigation water were collected and analyzed statistically. The results revealed that reducing irrigation amount by up to 75% during the development growth stage significantly decreased marketable yield by up to 66.5%. However, the highest water use efficiency (9.2kgm-3) was achieved by reducing irrigation amount by 75% at the end-growth stage of tomato. Treatments with the lowest water use efficiency (3.5kgm-3) were those receiving 75% less irrigation amount than the full requirement during the development growth stage. Irrigation deficit up to 75% of the full requirement during tomato development stages greatly affect marketable yield and water use efficiency. Therefore, the tomato crop is highly susceptible to water stress when receiving more than a 50% reduction in full irrigation requirement during its developmental growth stage.

Evaluation of meadow fescue grass cultivars seeded with alfalfa in New York state

AbstractAlfalfa–grass mixtures sown in the northeastern United States provide high‐quality dairy forage, and meadow fescue (Festuca pratensis Huds.) may improve the quality of these mixtures. Our objectives were to evaluate competitiveness and nutritive value of nine meadow fescue (MF) cultivars in New York State at spring harvest. Three farms, two in central New York State and one in northern New York state, were used. Conventional alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) was sown (15 lb acre−1) to nine MF cultivars (three tetraploid and six diploid) and one tall fescue Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) ‘Darbysh’ cultivar in a randomized complete block design with four field replicates at each field site at three seeding rates (1, 2, and 3 lb acre−1). Grass proportion in mixtures was estimated visually. Grass samples were collected shortly before first harvest and analyzed for neutral detergent fiber, neutral detergent fiber digestibility (NDFD), acid detergent fiber, in vitro digestibility, and crude protein. Most meadow fescue cultivars maintained a grass proportion between 20%–45% across farms and growing seasons when seeded at 1lb acre−1. Seeding rates above 1lb acre−1 resulted in grass proportions above the recommended 20–30% grass proportion rate. Drought in early 2022 resulted in an average drop in grass percentage of 16.9% units for meadow fescue in mixtures, compared to 2021. Nutritive value of cultivars varied among farms and over growing seasons. Meadow fescue cultivars averaged 2.7% units higher NDFD than tall fescue, and cultivars with consistently high NDFD were Hidden Valley, SW Revansch, SW Minto, and Schwetra. Tetraploid cultivars averaged 4.0% units lower NDF compared to diploid cultivars, which is very advantageous for grass in alfalfa–grass mixtures.

An Optimized Assessment Pathway for Remote Patients: The Vancouver Facilitated Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation Program

BackgroundNovel pathways are needed to accommodate the increasing demand for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and ensure equitable access. A single Vancouver Facilitated TAVI program (VFTP) based at St. Paul's and Vancouver General Hospitals was established to streamline the assessment of remote patients with severe aortic stenosis using virtual technologies. MethodsRemote patients with severe aortic stenosis who expressed difficulties traveling to complete their pre-TAVI workup were included and received prospective follow-up. Clinical and echocardiographic parameters were reported per the Valve Academic Research Consortium 3. ResultsBetween December 2020 and March 2023, a total of 56 remote patients were included in the VFTP. The mean patient age was 79.7 ± 9.1 years. A total of 55 patients (98%) passed the screening for candidacy; 45 patients (80%) were found suitable for transfemoral TAVI, 5 patients (9%) were directed toward surgical aortic valve replacement; 3 (5%) underwent alternative-access TAVI; and 2 patients (4%) were assigned to a watchful waiting strategy. No inpatient mortality, stroke, or major bleeding occurred in the transfemoral TAVI group, and the median hospital stay was 1 day (interquartile range, 1-2 days; range, 1-24 days). Two patients had an access-closure failure requiring surgical intervention; 1 patient had tamponade; and 4 patients had complete heart block requiring permanent pacemaker implantation. No hospital readmission had occurred at 30 days. ConclusionsA simplified assessment pathway to assess TAVI candidacy using virtual technologies is safe and feasible. The VFTP potentially can increase access to TAVI and reduce inequity in TAVI care.

Application of AMMI and GGE biplot for genotype by environment interaction and yield stability analysis in potato genotypes grown in Dawuro zone, Ethiopia

The performance of most crop genotypes is greatly influenced by the interactions between genotype and environment. Providing information on well-adapted and high-yielding potato genotypes in a given environment is paramount for small-holder farmers to enhance their productivity. The study aimed to understand GEI effect on tuber yield, and identify and select widely or specifically adapted high-yielding potato genotypes for production. Eleven genotypes were evaluated using a randomized complete block design with three replications. The results of the AMMI analysis of variance showed that tuber yield significantly (p ≤ 0.05) influenced genotype-environment interaction. This reveals that genotypes exhibit varying mean performance in tuber yield across different environments. The sum squared results showed that genotype (62.40 %) and environment (26.73 %) were the main contributors to tuber yield variation, while the genotype-environment interaction effect (10.87 %) contributed least to then tuber yield total variation. The AMMI, GGE biplot, and GSI analysis revealed Gudanie and Gorebella as superior genotypes in tuber yield, demonstrating high mean performance across tested environments. Thus, Gudanie and Gorebella have been chosen as the most broadly adaptable genotypes for production in all potato-growing agroecologies in the Dawuro zone. The GGE and AMMI biplot provided the genotype-by-environment interaction association among environments and genotypes.

Aveir VR, retrievable leadless pacing in the young.

Successful implantations of the Aveir VR, have been effectively demonstrated in adults; however, there remain limited reports supporting safe and feasible implantation of the Aveir VR in the young population. Retrospective, observational study of Aveir VR implantation of young patients (≦21 years old) at UC Davis Medical Center from November 2022 to January 2024 via the internal jugular or femoral vein implantation approaches. Indications for pacing, patient demographics, pacing thresholds and longevity were reported at the time of implantation and last follow-up. A total of 10 patients received the Aveir VR with a median age of years (IQR 12.5-17) and median weight of 50.8kg (IQR 44.6-60.9) kg. The majority were male (80%). Aveir VR leadless pacemaker occurred via internal jugular venous (90%) or femoral venous (10%) approaches. Indications for placement were intermittent complete heart block (60%) and sinus pauses (40%). Adequate impedance, sensing and thresholds were maintained from implantation to a median follow-up of 9 months. Predicted pacemaker longevity at follow-up median was 23.8 years. There were no complications in any of the 10 patients. Aveir VR implantation via the internal jugular and femoral veins is feasible in the young patient population with stable pacing parameters at follow-up.

Interactive effects of mycorrhizal, Azospirillum and nitrogen+phosphorus with limited irrigation on yield and morpho-physiological traits of evening primrose (Oenothera biennis L.) in arid and semi-arid regions

Evening primrose (Oenothera biennis L.) is a valuable medicinal plant known for its oil, which is rich in gamma-linolenic acid. However, the productivity and quality of evening primrose can be significantly affected by drought stress, a common challenge in arid and semi-arid regions. Water deficit stress not only limits plant growth and development but also affects physiological and biochemical processes. To mitigate the adverse effects of drought, the use of chemical and biological fertilizers has been explored. Mycorrhizal fungi and Azospirillum are known for their ability to enhance plant resilience to abiotic stresses, including drought, by improving nutrient uptake and promoting plant growth. Nitrogen and phosphorus (N+P) are essential nutrients that play crucial roles in plant metabolism and stress tolerance. This study aimed to assess the impact of mycorrhizal fungi, Azospirillum, and N+P on evening primrose under drought conditions. One experiment was conducted in two locations, Tehran (semi-arid) and Varamin (arid) in 2014 and 2015, using a greenhouse for growing plants and through field transplantation. Using a split factorial design within a randomized complete block layout, three irrigation regimes (50 %, 40 %, and 30 % of field capacity) constituted the main plots, while the subplots included three chemical fertilizer treatments (none, 50 %, and 100 % of N+P) and four biological fertilizer treatments (non-inoculated and inoculated with mycorrhizal fungi and Azospirillum) in factorial combinations. The study revealed that drought, both moderate and severe, resulted in reduced plant height, shoot dry weight, leaf area index, seed yield, harvest index, phosphorus content, relative water content, and oil yield. Notably, the highest water use efficiency occurred under moderate water deficit stress. Severe water deficit stress, however, led to the highest root dry weight, root ratio to shoot dry weight, and catalase activity. The application of chemical and biological fertilizers alleviated the negative effects of water deficit stress on plant growth and yield. Evening primrose water use efficiency increased under moderate water deficit stress, particularly when coupled with the application of chemical (N+P) and biological (mycorrhizal fungi and Azospirillum) fertilizers. The study emphasized the positive impact of mycorrhizal and Azospirillum inoculation on enhancing evening primrose growth under water deficit stress.

Comparative Study Effect of Different Urea Fertilizers and Tomato Pomace Composts on the Performance and Quality Traits of Processing Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.).

Processing tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) is regarded amongst the most dominant horticultural crops globally. Yet, due to its elevated water and fertilization needs, its environmental footprint is significantly high. The recent efforts to reduce the footprint of agriculture have rekindled the search for optimized fertilization regimes in tomato. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of different urea fertilizers and tomato pomace-based composts on the performance and quality traits of processing tomato. A two-year field experiment was conducted in the Larissa region, Central Greece, during 2018-2019. The experiment was set up in a randomized complete block design (RCBD), with five treatments: control, urea (Urea), urea with nitrification and urease inhibitors (Urea + NI + UI), processing tomato pomace with farmyard manure (TP + FM), and processing tomato pomace with compost from plant residues (TP + CM). Measurements included soil total nitrogen (STN), soil organic matter (SOM), root length density (RLD), arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi (AMF) colonization, dry weight per plant, fruit yield (number per plant, total yield, weight, diameter), fruit firmness, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), lycopene content and yield, and fruit surface color (L*, a*, b*, CI). Overall, the best results in soil properties and quality traits were reported in the organic fertilization treatments (STN, SOM, AMF, TSS, TA, lycopene content, L*, a*, b*) and the differences among TP + FM and TP + CM were insignificant in their majority. On the contrary, fruit yield and its components were significantly improved in Urea + NI + UI.

The Effect of Different Nitrogen Doses on Growth Attributes of Some Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) Cultivars Grown as Second Crop

Objective: The current study investigated the impact of different N doses on growth traits of some sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) cultivars grown as second crop. Materials and Methods: The experiment was conducted according to randomized complete block design with split-plot arrangements and three replications. Three sunflower cultivars (‘Bosfora’, ‘P64LE119’, and ‘LG5582’) and four N doses (0, 50, 100, 150, 200 kg ha-1 pure N) were included in the study and data relating to different growth traits were recorded. Results: The results revealed that individual effects of cultivars and N doses exerted significant impacts on the studied growth traits, whereas their interactive effects were significant for some of the studied parameters. The earliest emergence duration was recorded under 150 and 200 kg ha-1 N. Similarly, the earliest head formation, flowering initiation and seed filling duration were recorded for ‘Bosfora’ cultivar with 200 kg ha-1 N. Conclusion: The earliest physiological maturity was recorded for ‘P64LE119’ cultivar, whereas the widest head diameter and the highest head weight was noted for ‘LG5582’ cultivar under 200 kg ha-1 N application. Overall, ‘Bosfora’ cultivar under 200 kg ha-1 N application performed better for head formation, flowering initiation, and seed filling duration, whereas cultivar ‘LG5582’ under 200 kg ha-1 N application performed better for head diameter and head weight.It is recommended that cultivars ‘Bosfora’ and ‘LG5582’ should be provided 200 kg ha-1 N for better growth in southeastern Anatolia.

Effects of sodium nitroprusside foliar application on the growth characteristics and nutrient elements in some grapevine cultivars and rootstocks under salt stress conditions

Grape is a staple crop in many parts of Iran which has shown moderate sensitivity to salinity stress. Water and soil salinity is one of the major environmental stresses that strongly affect the production of agricultural products, including grapes. To overcome the harmful effects of salinity, different methods and materials are used, one of which is the use of nitric oxide. In order to explore the impact of nitric oxide on the mitigation of the negative effects of salinity stress on four grape cultivars and rootstocks (‘Bidaneh Sefid’ (Sultana) and ‘Yaghouti’ cultivars, and 140Ru and 1103 P rootstocks), a pot experiment was performed in a factorial based on a randomized complete block design with three replications. Plants were subjected to three sodium chloride (NaCl) levels of 0 (control), 25, and 50 mM and three levels of sodium nitroprusside (SNP) of 0 (control), 0.5, and 1 mM. Results indicated that increasing SNP concentration caused an increase in growth indices such as leaf area, shoot and root length, fresh and dry weights of leaves, shoots, and roots, and leaf relative water content (RWC). Furthermore, salinity decreased the concentrations of potassium (K+), calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+), and iron (Fe2+) in leaves, while increased the amount of sodium (Na+) and chlorine (Clˉ) as well as the electrolyte leakage (EL). In addition, SNP at 0.5 and 1 mM could increase the growth efficiency and RWC as well as the elements such as K+ and Mg2+ while decreased the absorption of Na+ and Clˉ as well as the EL in plants under salinity. According to the obtained results, SNP at both concentrations (0.5 and 1 mM) had a pronounced effect on reducing the negative effect of salinity in the evaluated grape rootstocks and cultivars. In general, the positive effects of SNP on ‘Yaghouti’ and ‘Bidaneh Sefid’ cultivars were higher than those on 140Ru and 1103 P rootstocks.

First-In-Human Demonstration of High Frequency Electrical Motor Nerve Block: Case Report.

This feasibility study tested the capability of high frequency stimulation (HFS) to block muscle contractions elicited by electrical stimulation of the same nerve proximally. During a tendon lengthening surgery in the forearm, the anterior interosseous nerve (AIN) was exposed. A specialized nerve cuff electrode was placed around the nerve, and a stimulating probe held on the nerve 1 cm proximal to the cuff electrode delivered pulses of current causing the pronator quadratus muscle to contract. Through the cuff electrode, 20 kHz HFS was delivered to the nerve for 10 seconds during proximal stimulation. HFS amplitudes between 5 and 10 mA peak-to-peak were tested to determine which produced complete and partial block of the electrically induced contractions. The minimum HFS amplitude that produced complete block was 8 mA, with lower amplitudes producing partial block. In all trials, muscle contractions resumed immediately after HFS was turned off. This demonstration of high frequency electrical nerve block is a milestone in the road to clinical implementation of HFS mediated motor block for spasticity.

Mechanical mitral valve endurance in children under 2 years

BackgroundThe management of mitral valve disease in young children is challenging. Mechanical mitral valves could provide long-term durability; however, the need for anticoagulation increases the risk profile of mechanical valves. We report our experience in mechanical mitral valve replacement (MVR) in children under 2 years of age and evaluate factors affecting the outcomes.The study included all patients younger than 2 years who underwent mechanical MVR between 2000 and 2023. The study outcomes were mitral valve reoperation, bleeding, valve-related thrombosis, and survival.ResultsTwenty-three patients were included, with a mean age of 10.2 ± 5.9 months. The mitral valve sizes ranged from 16 to 25 mm, and 6 (26%) were placed in the supra-annular position. Complete heart block occurred in seven patients (30%), and operative mortality occurred in three patients (13%). Postoperative warfarin was used in 17 patients (74%). After discharge, bleeding occurred in five patients (22%), four were managed conservatively, and one had intracranial hemorrhage treated with craniotomy. Nine patients (39%) had valve-related thrombosis; two underwent reoperation, while seven were treated with alteplase in 26 patients. Valve-related thrombosis was more common in patients with supra-annular valves (p < 0.001) and in those who were not on warfarin (p < 0.001). A total of seven patients (30%) underwent redo MVR, and redo was more common in young patients (p = 0.029) and in patients with supra-annular valves (p < 0.001). Survival of the whole cohort was 73% at 5 years. Among the annular position group, 5-year survival was 88%, while among the supra-annular position group, survival was 50% after 3 months and 25% after 14 months (p = 0.009).ConclusionsMechanical MVR in children younger than 2 years is associated with high complication rates, including thrombosis and bleeding. The supra-annular valve position appears to be a risk factor for thrombosis and reoperation. Anticoagulation with warfarin remains challenging. However, further studies evaluating alternative options are needed.Graphical

Integrated Management of Stem and Root Rot of Cowpea Caused by Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi.) Goid. using Fungicides, Bioagents and Organic Manures

Background: Cowpea crop is affected by various biotic and abiotic stresses which are responsible for its poor quality and low yield resulting in severe economic losses. Among the root diseases, stem and root rot caused by Macrophomina phaseolina is an important disease causing the yield losses ranging from 50-55 per cent. So, there is a need to formulate suitable management practices against root rot. Methods: Field experiment was laid-out in a randomized complete block design with three replications at Main Agricultural Research Station, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad during rabi 2021-22 and 2022-23 to determine the efficacy of economically viable and effective fungicides, bioagents and organic manures against stem and root rot of cowpea. The per cent disease incidence and yield per hectare were taken into consideration for statistical analysis. Result: In laboratory experiments, it was found that, the seed dressing fungicides mancozeb 50% + carbendazim 25% WP and carboxin 37.5% + thiram 37.5% DS were the most effective against M. phaseolina. Similarly, among the bioagents tested, T. harzianum was the most effective followed by T. Viride and P. fluorescens. A two-years evaluation of nine integrated treatment modules for rabi seasons revealed that, seed treatment with carboxin 37.5% + thiram 37.5 % WS resulted in the lowest disease incidence and the highest grain yield, 100 seed weight and B:C ratio. Cowpea stem and root rot incidence was increased with soil temperature and decreased with soil moisture.

Comparison of leaf and root nutrients concentration in twenty olive cultivars grown on a calcareous soil

Comparing the absorption and translocation efficiency of the nutrients in olive cultivars can lead to the selection of cultivars with higher efficiency. This research was conducted with the aim of comparing the uptake and translocation capacity in 20 olive cultivars (12 domestic and 8 foreign) in a commercial orchard on calcareous soil in a randomized complete block design. Except for copper (Cu), leaf concentration of other elements was within the optimal range. In ʻAmphesis,ʼ high translocation (5.28%) and in ʻAmigdalolia,’ high uptake capacity (12.6) caused an increase in leaf phosphorus (P). Leaf K in all cultivars was higher than the deficiency limit (0.77%). In none of the cultivars, leaf sodium (Na) concentration was higher than the toxicity limit (0.2%), it accumulated in the root of ʻZard-Aliabadʼ and ʻShengeh,ʼ and reduced in their leaf. Leaf iron (Fe) concentration of all cultivars was in the sufficient range (>63 mg kg−1) and the highest was in ʻGorgan-Aʼ and ʻZardʼ and the lowest in ʻKazeroon,ʼ ʻArbequinaʼ and ʻMission.ʼ Although the leaf Cu in ʻAmphesisʼ (4.32 mg kg−1) and ʻArbequinaʼ (4.03 mg kg−1) was above the sufficient limit, in the rest of the cultivars it was below this critical limit. The highest leaf manganese (Mn) concentration (61.35 mg kg−1) and the highest Mn translocation percentage (84.59) were in ʻFeshomi.ʼ Among these cultivars, ʻAmphesisʼ was higher than others in terms of P, potassium (K), Cu and zinc (Zn) leaf concentrations and ʻAmigdalolia in terms of P, K and Zn, and in most cases the reason for this is the higher translocation efficiency.

Productivity, nutrient uptake and nitrogen economy of wheat (Triticum aestivum) in a conservation agriculture-based cotton (Gossypium herbaceum)–wheat system

Conservation agriculture (CA) practices like zero-till and residue retention along with nitrogen management is vital for improving degraded soil health and optimizing the yield potential of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) crop. Present study was carried out during winter (rabi) seasons of 2021–22 and 2022–23 at ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi for optimizing wheat productivity in a conservation agriculture-based cotton (Gossypium herbaceum L.)-wheat system. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications consisting of combination of 3 different crop establishment methods, viz. permanent broad bed (PBB), permanent narrow bed (PNB) and zero-till flatbed (ZTFB) with residue (R) and without residue along with 2 doses of nitrogen (75N, 100N) and conventional tillage (CT). The CA-based practices showed overall superior response in terms of growth, yield and nutrients uptake of wheat than CT. Among them, the PBBR100N resulted in significantly higher plant height, leaf area index, dry-matter accumulation, crop growth rate, and relative growth rate compared to PNB, PBB, ZTFB and CT. This treatment led to significantly higher grain (16.2–19.4%) and straw (9.6–11.6%) yields than CT. The net returns and benefit cost ratio (23.4% and 27.9%) were also higher than that in CT. Again, in this treatment, N uptake by wheat crop was higher by 85%, P uptake by 53.1%, and K uptake by 40.1%, and available soil N, P and K by 16.1, 25.3 and 43.7%, respectively than CT. Therefore, the study suggests that the adoption of CA-based practices with broad bed in Indo-Gangetic Plains will not only enhance the productivity of wheat but also result in improved soil health by restoring soil fertility.

Foliar application of agrochemicals enhance growth, productivity, quality and biochemical traits of soybean

Flower drop, senescence of flowers and inadequate pod filling pose significant challenges in soybean cultivation as rapid nutrient extraction from leaves during the reproductive stage accelerates leaf aging. The present study assessed the effect of foliar application of agrochemicals on growth, productivity, quality and biochemical traits of soybean at two locations during kharif (rainy) season of 2021 and 2022. The experiment comprised of ten treatments of foliar application of agrochemicals [absolute control, water spray, potassium nitrate (KNO3) 1.5%, NPK (19:19:19) 1.5%, boron 0.3%, ammonium molybdate (AM) 0.5%, thiourea 750 parts per million (ppm), urea 2.0%, muriate of potash (MOP) 0.5% and salicylic acid (SA) 100 ppm] at flower and pod initiation stages along with the recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) in a randomized complete block design replicated thrice. Results revealed that foliar application of boron 0.3%, urea 2.0% and MOP 0.5% at Ludhiana and MOP 0.5%, potassium nitrate 1.5% and urea 2.0% at Ballowal Saunkhri increased growth (plant height and dry matter accumulation), yield attributes (number of pods plant−1, number of filled pods plant−1 and 100-seed weight) and seed yield. These agrochemicals showed positive effects on the biochemical parameters with increased levels of proline and total phenol content as well as improvements in total soluble sugars, starch and protein content. The findings suggest that foliar application of agrochemicals (boron 0.3%, urea 2.0%, MOP 0.5% and potassium nitrate 1.5%) along with RDF can improve soybean growth and seed yield by mitigating the nutrient stress at reproductive stages.

Towards organic farming in roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) cultivation- feasibility of changing its nutrition management from chemical to bio-organic

The high dependence on chemical fertilizers in the farming systems especially in the arid regions has become a serious challenge that threatens the stability and sustainability of crop production. Therefore, determining alternative nutrition systems based on the organic and biological sources is a critical issue of crops management. The objective of this study is to assess the response of the roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) to chemical, organic and biological nutrient systems. A two-year field experiment was conducted with a split-plot based on randomized complete blocks design with three replications. The main plots consisted of control (CL), vermicompost (VP), poultry manure (PM), and chemical fertilizer (NPK) (CF), while the sub-plots involved control (AM0), application of Glomus mosseae (AM1), and Rhizophagus intraradices arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM2). The results showed that PM and CF treatments led to the highest increase in fresh calyx yield (58.6%) compared to the control. While PM treatment showed the highest increase in dry calyx yield (23.9%) and seed yield (32.0%). AM inoculation resulted in a 27.3, 26.8, and 22.3% increase in mentioned traits, respectively compared to the control. PM treatment showed the highest values of dry calyx and seed water productivity (13.5 and 15.5 kg m−3, respectively). Also, AM2 treatment showed the highest values for these indices (13.5 and 14.5 kg m−3, respectively). The highest increase in calyx ascorbic acid (20.1%) was obtained from PM treatment, while the highest value of calyx anthocyanin content (0.307 and 0.292 µmol g−1) in the first and the second year was found in PM and CF treatment, respectively. VC treatment resulted in the highest increase in seed oil content (12.8%), while the highest increase in seed protein content (22.8%) belonged to the CF treatment. The average improvements in the calyx ascorbic acid, calyx anthocyanin content, seed oil content, and seed protein content due to AM inoculation were 11.2, 5.0, 9.2, and 7.8%, respectively. According to our findings, the use of mycorrhiza (especially Rhizophagus intraradices) in combination with poultry manure is recommended to achieve proper economic yields and improve water productivity and quality indices of the roselle in order to replace the chemical fertilizers in the cultivation of this plant in the study area.

Effect of Biological Products on Yield, Production Economics and Soil Nutrient Status of Transplanted kharif Rice (Oryza sativa L.) in Gangetic Alluvial Soil of West Bengal, India

Field experiment was conducted during kharif season of 2017 and 2018 at Instructional Farm under Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, West Bengal in sandy loam soil to study the growth and yield of transplanted kharif rice variety Satabdi (cv. IET 4786) as influenced by biological products. The experiment was laid down in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with seven treatment combinations replicated thrice. Results revealed that RDF + soil applied Bolt GR @ 10 kg/ha produced higher growth attributes and yield of tested rice cultivar. The same treatment registered significantly higher total N and K uptake in tested cultivar; while the highest P uptake was recorded with RDF + Seed treatment with JumpStart2.0 @ 0.83 ml/kg seed. The treatment RDF + soil applied Azospirillum @ 2 kg/ha brought about significant positive changes of available N content in post-harvest soil over control situation (only RDF). However, significantly higher available P content was estimated in plots with RDF + soil applied PSB @ 2 kg/ha. Application of bio-products failed to exert any significant influence on residual soil K. The crop receiving RDF + soil applied Bolt GR @ 10 kg/ha gave highest gross return, net return and B:C ratio. Hence, application of RDF (60-30-30 kg N, P2O5 and K2O/ha) along with Bolt GR @ 10 kg/ha or Azospirillum @ 2 kg/ha may be recommended to achieve higher grain yield of tested cultivar Satabdi (cv. IET 4786).

Investigating the crucial role of salicylic acid and harvest time on the yield and essential oil composition in sage (Salvia officinalis L.)

This research was carried out to determine the effects of different harvest time (HT) and salicylic acid application (SAA) on agronomic and quality characteristics of sage. The experiment was carried out in a randomized complete block design in split plots with HTs (pre-flowering and 50% flowering periods) in the main plots and SAAs in the subplots (Control, 1, 2, and 4 mM). Plant height, fresh herb yield, dry herb yield, fresh leaf yield, dry leaf yield, leaf ratio, essential oil (EO) content, EO yield, and EO composition were examined. In total or mean results, the HT was statistically significant on plant height, fresh and dry herb yield, leaf ratio in both years. The SAA was statistically significant on fresh and dry herb yield and leaf ratio only in the second year. Among the 24 components identified, alpha thujone was the main component. This component was followed by camphor, 13-epimanool, veridiflorol, 1.8-cineol. According to the principal component analysis (PCA), in 2021, 1 mM SAAs applied at the 50% flowering period in the first cutting and at the pre-flowering period in the second cutting showed different properties regarding EO composition. In 2022, 4 mM SAAs applied at the 50% flowering period in the first and second cuttings showed different properties regarding EO composition. The study found that delaying the HT led to significant increases in plant height, fresh and dry herb yields. Additionally, the SAA increased the herb yield and decreased the leaf ratio, particularly in the second year.

Effect of Phenological Basis Deficit Irrigation on Yield and Water Use Efficiency of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicon L.)

The availability of water is a major concern in regions with limited water resources. In such regions, the focus of irrigation management shifted from producing per unit area to producing per unit of water consumed, water productivity. An experiment was carried out, for two consecutive years( 2020 and 2021) at the research farm of Shire-Maitsebri Agricultural Research Center, Tselemty district, Tigray, Ethiopia to exmine the response of tomato to deficit irrigation at various growth stages. A randomized complete block design with three replications was used. Combination of three irrigation regimes (100%, 50%, and 25% of full irrigation requirement) and four FAO-defined tomato growth stages (initial, developmental, mid, and late seasons) were considered to form a total of nine treatments. Data on agronomy and irrigation water were collected and analyzed statistically. The results revealed that reducing irrigation amount up to 75% during the development growth stage significantly decreased marketable yield by 66.5%. However, the highest water use efficiency (9.2 kg/m3) was achieved by reducing irrigation amount by 75% during the end-growth stage of tomatoes. Treatments with the lowest water use efficiency (3.5 kg/m3) were those receiving 75% less irrigation amount than the full requirement during the development growth stage. Reducing irrigation to less than 75% of the full requirement during tomato development stages can greatly impact marketable yield and water use efficiency. Therefore, the tomato crop is highly susceptible to water stress when receiving more than 50% of the full irrigation requirement during its developmental growth stage.