Randomized Complete Block Research Articles

APPLICABILITY OF FLY ASH, INTERMEDIATE MATERIAL, AND ZEOLITE FOR IMPROVING SOIL FERTILITY AND YIELD OF TWO IRANIAN RICE CULTIVARS GROWN IN CADMIUM-CONTAMINATED SOIL

Cadmium (Cd) as a highly toxic heavy metal can cause seriously harmful to human health. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of fly ash, intermediate materials, and zeolite on the yield performance of two cultivars of Iranian rice (Anbarbo and Champa) and the remediation of Cd-contaminated soil. The experiment was carried out in two crop years, 2019-2020 and 2020-2021, in both forms of field and pot cultivation. The research treatments included fly ash, intermediate materials, zeolite, and genotype. Plant variables were analyzed by a split-plot method as a randomized complete block design, and soil variables were analyzed by a random complete block method. Results showed that intermediate material was significantly associated with dry weight, biomass, root Cd content, stem Cd content, seed Cd content, and rice yield (p<0.01). Genotype also significantly affected dry weight, biomass, root Cd content, and rice yield (p<0.01), and the Champa variety had the highest yield. The field and pot experiment results showed that the intermediate material was significantly associated with the highest amount of dry weight and the lowest amount of root, stem, and seed Cd content. Fly ash significantly increased soil pH, cation exchange capacity, phosphorus, and reduced soil Cd content (p<0.01). However, the highest amount of available soil potassium was observed in the zeolite treatment. The impact of zeolite on contaminated soil needs further exploration. In conclusion, this study suggested that one of the beneficial strategies to improve rice yield and the fertility of contaminated soils is using waste materials such as fly ash and its derivatives.

Evaluation on the efficacy of different chemical fungicides against rice blast (Pyricularia oryzae) under field condition at Siraha, Nepal

Rice blast (Pyricularia oryzae) is a serious disease which hampers production of rice. The field research was conducted in PMAMP, PIU, Siraha Dhangadimai-10, Kuduwa to evaluate the efficacy of various chemicals against rice blast. The experiment was carried out in Completely Randomized Block Design (RCBD) with 7 treatments (6 chemicals and 1 control) and each treatment was replicated 3 times. Chemicals namely Hexaconazole5%(SC), Carbendazim12%+ Mancozeb 63%(WP), Azoxystrobin 18.2 % + Difenoconazole 11.4% (SC), Thiophonate-Methyl 70%wp, Kasugamycin 2% Wp and Floxystrobin+tubuconazole were used for this experiment. Azoxystrobin18.2 % + Difenoconazole 11.4 % (SC) was recorded as the best chemical followed by Carbendazim12%+Mancozeb 63%WP to control rice blast. The highest disease severity was seen at the control plot. The highest yield was observed in plot with Azoxystrobin+Difenconazole (5.16mt/ha) followed by Carbendazim12%+ Mancozeb 63%WP(5.12mt/ha).

The role of silicon and salt stress in some vegetative traits and mineral content of mint plant Mentha piperita L.

The experiment was carried out during agricultural season 2021, to study the effect of adding two types of silicon on the vegetative growth characteristics and mineral content of mint plant grown under the salt stress. The experiment was designed using Randomized Complete Block Design RCBD as a factorial experiment with two factors and three replicates, each replicate contains 9 experimental units, each unit consists 3 pots. The first factor included adding two types of silicon oxide as well as the comparison (S0 control, S1 nano-silicon, and S2 normal silicon); the second factor is salt stress included adding pure NaCl in three concentrations, (N0 0 g L-1, N1 0.45 g L-1and N2 1.45 g L-1). The results of study showed that there are significant differences caused by the experiment factors in number of lateral branches, number of leaves, and total leaf area, as the treatment S2N2 outperformed significantly with highest value of branches number, leaves number, and total leaves area which were 8.60 branches plant-1, 286.80 leaves plant-1, 1211.5 cm2 plant-1 respectively compared with control S0N0 which gave the lowest values; 7.10 branches plant-1, 182.90 leaves plant-1, 643.3 cm2 plant-1 for the same traits. S2N0 treatment was significantly superior in mineral content of NPK in leaves and gave the highest percentages of N 3.30%, P 0.5550%, K 1.96% compared with S0N2 treatment with the lowest percentages of N 2.90%, P 0.4283%, K 1.81%.

Magnetic Field Exposure Effect on Water Properties and its Effect on Pumpkin(Cucurbita moschata Duchesne) and Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus Moench) Seedling Growth Performance

This study aims to understand the effect of magnetic field on water properties and plants growth performance. Magnetic water is produced when water is passed through a magnetic field which alters the state of water macromolecules. The changes to physico-chemical properties of magnetized water affect the biological properties of organisms. This experiment was conducted at a greenhouse in the Institute Sustainable Agrotechnology (INSAT) experimental farm, Universiti Malaysia Perlis, Padang Besar, Perlis, Malaysia. It carried out according to Randomize Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replications. The magnetic field was applied on water to evaluate through three different intensities; 0.10, 0.15, and 0.20 Tesla, in addition to control treatment (without magnetic) for seedling growth of pumpkin (CV. Labu Loceng) and okra (CV. Bendi Alabama). The morphological study of water and study of seedling height, stem diameter, leaf numbers, seedling weight and dry weight of seedling are researched. The magnetic water at 0.20 Tesla had significantly increases in the leaf number per seedling 6.000 leaf seedling-1 and dry seedling weight 0.5700 g of pumpkin. Meanwhile, the magnetic water at 0.20 Tesla increased significantly in seedling height, stem diameter, leaf number per seedling, seedling weight and dry seedling weight of okra reached to 13.750 cm, 2.677 mm, 5.500 leaf seedling-1, 1.7800 g and 0.3369 g, respectively compared to control.

Effect of Different Types of Plant Media Composition on Growth And Physiology of Tomato

The study aims to determine the effect of several planting media on the growth and physiology of tomato plant seedlings except for soil. This research was conducted from March to May 2021 at the Greenhouse and Laboratory of Agronomy and Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Jenderal Sudirman University, Purwokerto. The research method was the Completely Randomized Block Design (CRBD) with one factor and three replicated designs. The data obtained were analyzed using the F test with a 5% level, followed by Duncan's Multiple Range Test (DMRT) with a 5% level. The result shows that the planting medium of husk ash and compost (1:1) gave the best effect on average several observation parameters on plant height 25.17 cm, number of leaves 25 strands, leaf area 12.75 cm2, fresh crown weight 6.55 g, dry crown weight 1.32 g, root length 17.92 cm, fresh root weight 0.86 g, dry root weight 0.286 cm. While, the average relative growth rate of 0.341 g/day, and the net assimilation rate was 0.036 g/cm2/day. Other results showed that the composition of the planting media which includes a combination of sand, cocopeat, burnt husks, husk ash, and compost has an influence on the growth and physiology of seedlings but does not increase the chlorophyll content and greenness of the leaves of tomato plant seeds.

Phenotypic Correlation and Path Coefficient and Relative Importance Studies in Okra Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench.

The experiment was undertaken to study correlation and path coefficient and relatively importance to yield and its components traits in Okra. The experimental material consisted of six generations (P1, P2, F1, F2, BC1 and BC2) through two crosses, which were evaluated in Completely Randomized Block Design (RCBD) with three replications at the Agriculture Scientific Center in Latakia during the summer of 2020. The result of phenotypic correlation revealed that yield per plant had positively significant correlation with fruit diameter (0.53), positively highly significant correlation with fruit weight (0.65), and negatively highly significant correlation with days for first flowering and days to 50% flowering (-0.56, -0.63), respectively in the first hybrid (Lathkani 6× Lathkani 10). In the second hybrid (Lathkani 7× Lathkani 9), yield per plant has exhibited positively and highly significant correlation with numbers of fruit per plant, numbers of flowers per plant, fruit length, fruit diameter and fruit weight (0.95, 0.96, 0.76, 0.65, 0.64), respectively. The high positively direct effect on yield per plant was contributed by fruit weight followed by days to 50% flowering in the first hybrid. Numbers of fruits per plant had desirably direct effect on yield per plant in the second hybrid. Hence, direct selection based on these traits would result in simultaneous improvement of previously mentioned traits and yield in Okra.

The Growth of Breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis Forst) Root Cuttings on Various Media of Organic Matter and Concentrations of 2,4 Dichlorophenoxy Acetic Acid

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of organic matter in the planting medium and a concentration of 2.4 D on the growth of breadfruit root cuttings. This experiment was carried out in the form of a factorial experiment consisting of two factors using a Completely Randomized Block Design (CRBD) with 2 treatment factors. The first treatment was utilizing media of organic materials; filter cake, sawdust and rice husk. The second treatment was adding a concentration of 2.4 D: 1.0; 1.5 ; and 2.0 mL.L-1 water. The experimental results showed that breadfruit root cuttings in the filter media were better for shoot height, number of leaves, leaf area and root volume compared to sawdust and rice husk media. A low concentration of 2.4 D (1.0 mL.L-1 water) showed better growth of shoot height and number of leaves than higher concentrations. The interaction of filter cake media and low concentration of 2.4 D (1.0 mL.L-1 water) had a significant effect on the sprouting rate of breadfruit root cuttings. The study therefore concluded that the interaction of filter cake media with the addition of 2.4 D concentration showed that the increase in auxin concentration was inversely proportional to the rate of sprouting rate produced by breadfruit seeds and became the best treatment combination on the parameter of sprouting rate.

Effects of Potassium Application on Yield, Protein and Oil Content of Selected Soybean Varieties in Trans Nzoia County, Kenya

There is low soybean production due to poor agronomic techniques, such as sub-optimal application of fertilizer among other factors. There are limited studies on the effects of potassium fertilizer application which is crucial in productivity, quality, and drought resistance. A study was conducted at the Kenya Agricultural Livestock and Research Organization, Kitale demonstration farm to determine the effects of potassium fertilizer application on the yield and quality of soybean varieties. A 3 x 4 factorial experiment was laid down in Randomised Complete Block Design and replicated three times. The study had two factors, that is three soybean varieties (DPSB19, Gazelle and SB24) and four levels of potassium (0 [control], 22.5, 45, and 67.5 kg K2O ha-1) applied as sulphate of potash fertilizer (50% K2O) at planting, making a total of 12 treatments. Data collected included number of pods per plant, number of seeds per plant, weight of seed per plant and 1000-seed weight, grain yield, protein and oil content. Data collected was subjected to analysis of variance using Statistical Analysis System version 9.3 and significantly different means separated using Least Significance Difference at α = 0.05. Application of potassium at the rate of 67.5 kg K2O ha-1 resulted to higher number of pods per plant and number of seeds per plant at 78.97 and 243.40, and 44.47 and 141.20 in the varieties DPSB19 and Gazelle, while in SB24 higher recording of 51.23 and 162.40 was observed with 22.5 kg K2­O ha-1. The higher 1000-seed weight was recorded in 22.5 kg K2O ha-1 in DPSB19 and Gazelle varieties, while for SB24 it was recorded in 67.5 kg K2O ha-1. The highest grain yield recorded was 9156.45 kg per ha, in DPSB19 in 22.5 kg K2O ha-1, 4517. 67.5 kg per ha in Gazelle variety in 67.5 kg K2O ha-1 and 6432.78 kg per ha in SB24 variety in 22.5 kg K2O ha-1. The higher percentage oil content was observed in 45 K2O kg ha-1 in DPSB19 (28.48%) and SB24 (23.38%) varieties, and in 22.5 kg K2O ha-1 in Gazelle (19.38%) variety and the higher percentage protein content was recorded in 45 K2O kg ha-1 in DPSB19 (42.99%) and Gazelle (40.56%), and in 45 K2O kg ha-1 in SB24 (48.87%). These findings show that soybean farmers should apply potassium fertilizer for appropriate growth, increased yield, protein and oil content in different soybean varieties. It is recommended that application of potassium at 67.5 kg K2O ha-1 be done for better soybean growth, yield and protein content and application of potassium at 45 kg K2O ha-1 is done for high oil content.

Single and co-inoculum of endophytic bacteria promote growth and yield of Jerusalem artichoke through upregulation of plant genes under drought stress.

Helianthus tuberosus L. (Jerusalem artichoke) produce inulin, a type of fructan, which possesses several biotechnology applications, e.g., sugar syrup, prebiotics, fiber in diabetic food, enabling blood sugar and cholesterol reduction. Drought reduces inulin accumulation in the tubers of Jerusalem artichoke as the plants protect themselves from this stress by induction of stress gene responses, effecting growth reduction. Endophytic bacteria are promising candidates to promote plant growth and yield particularly under abiotic stress. Therefore, three endophytic bacteria with plant growth promoting properties were examined for their ability to improve Jerusalem artichoke growth and yield under both well-watered and drought conditions when inoculated individually or in combinations in pot experiments with 2 factorial random complete block design. The interactions of the endophytic bacteria and plant host determined the differential gene expression in response to drought as revealed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Single inoculum of the endophytic bacteria increased the height, weight, root traits, and harvest index of Jerusalem artichoke compared to co-inocula under both well-watered and drought conditions. However, the co-inocula of Rossellomorea aquimaris strain 3.13 and Bacillus velezensis strain 5.18 proved to be a synergistic combination leading to high inulin accumulation; while the co-inocula of B. velezensis strain 5.18 and Micrococcus luteus strain 4.43 were not beneficial when used in combination. The genes, dehydrin like protein and ethylene responsive element binding factor, were upregulated in the plants inoculated with single inoculum and co-inocula of all endophytic bacteria during drought stress. Moreover, the gene expression of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) amido synthetase were up-regulated in Jerusalem artichoke inoculated with M. luteus strain 4.43 during drought stress. The fructan:fructan 1-fructosyltransferase (1-FFT) was also stimulated by the endophytic bacteria particularly in drought condition; the results of this study could explain the relationship between endophytic bacteria and plant host for growth and yield promotion under well-watered and drought conditions.

Effect of plant population density of black maize on plant growth, baby-corn yield, and biomass

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of black maize plant population density on plant growth, baby-corn yield, and biomass. The research was carried out from September to November 2021 on the plot of the Merang Mushroom Center and Integrated Farming of Lestari Makmur, Kepuhan Hamlet, Argorejo, Sedayu, Bantul, Yogyakarta with vertisol soil type and an altitude of 87.5 meters above sea level. The plant population density implemented in the number of plants per hole, namely 1, 2, 3, and 4 plants per hole, was tested using Completely Randomized Block Design with 3 replications. Each experimental unit measuring 3m × 3.5m with a plant spacing of 75cm × 25cm. Maintenance of experimental plants following the standard recommendations for corn cultivation. Cow manure 15 tons ha−1 was sown before planting, while NPK fertilizer of 300 kg ha was given 2 times on 2 and 4 weeks after planting, by making a whole, put fertilizer in, then covered with soil again. Detasseling was done before the tassels bloom. Baby corn was harvested up to maximum of 6 days after the ears appear. Biomass was harvested by cutting the plant stand after all baby-corn had been harvested. The observed variables were plant height (cm), number of leaves (strands), stem diameter (mm), days to tasseling (days after planting), fresh and dry weight of plant (g), weight and diameter of ears, baby corn yield ha−1, and biomass yield ha−1. Data collected were analized by analysis of variance and DMRT at α= 5%. The results showed that the population density of black maize had an effect on stem diameter, plant fresh weight, baby-corn yield, and biomass yield per hectare. The largest stem diameter at a population density of 1 plant/hole. The yield of baby-corn per hectare was highest at a density of 3 or 4 plants per hole, and the highest biomass yield per hectare was at a density of 4 plants per hole. The weight, length, and diameter of baby-corn did not differ at various population densities.

Pengaruh Rorak Terhadap Serangan Hama Pada Tanaman Kopi Robusta (Coffea Robusta L.)

Robusta coffee (Coffea robusta L.) is one of the plantation commodities that has a very high economic value among other crops and coffee plays a very important role for the country's source of income. The Wonosalam area, Jombang Regency, has many types of coffee and the types of coffee in the Wonosalam plantations are very complete, ranging from Arabica, Robusta, and Excelsa. All three types thrive together, in one expanse. The various types of coffee bring distinct advantages for coffee farmers. One of the coffee plants that influence coffee production is the application of coffee cultivation techniques, for example by making dead-end trench, for the decomposition process. In this study, we will examine the effect of dead-end trench on pest attacks on coffee plants, in order to produce quality productivity. This research was carried out in the Wonosalam sub-district, Jombang Regency. This research was carried out directly in the field using a Completely Randomized Block Design (RAKL). The effect of using dead-end trench on pest attacks on Robusta coffee is not much different from the treatment without using dead-end trench, this is caused by several factors, including the influence of ambient temperature, humidity, wind speed and light intensity. Â

INFLUENCE OF SHOOT MANAGEMENT ON GROWTH AND YIELD ATTRIBUTES OF BELL PEPPER IN PROTECTED CONDITION

A research was carried out to study the effect of shoot management on growth, yield, and quality attributes of bell pepper in protected condition at Kirtipur, Kathmandu, from March to October 2021. The experiment was laid out in a Factorial Randomized Complete Block Design with two popular varieties (6008 F1 and Minerva F1) and five levels of shoot management (unpruned, one stem, two stems, three stems, and four stems) with four replications. Observations were recorded on growth, yield, and quality parameters. The response of bell pepper varieties with different levels of shoot management did not differ significantly, however, varieties and shoot management factors differed within factor significantly in selected variables. Minerva F1 was taller with higher number of leaves as compared to 6008 F1. Among different shoot management practices, plants with a single stem recorded a significantly higher plant height (70.28 cm) at 120 DAT. Average fruit length varied with level of shoots, and the performance of two varieties was not found to be significant. Average fruit weight had been influenced by both the varieties and no. of shoots. Average fruit weight (107.78 g) was also significantly higher in 6008 F1 than that of Minerva F1 (94.24 g). Minerva F1 had higher (3.92°Brix) TSS and vitamin C content in comparison with 6008 F1. Fruits from a single stem plant had maximum vitamin C content (112.26 mg/100g and 128.87 mg/100g at 1st and 5th harvest, respectively). Yield per plant was significantly higher in 6008 F1 (3.20 kg) than Minerva F1 (2.76 kg). The highest yield per plant recorded on four stem shoot management (3.44 kg) whereas, lowest yield per plant was from unpruned plants (2.56 kg). Increasing shoot no. from single stem to four stems increased the yield by 34.37%. 6008 F1 recorded a higher yield per plant than Minerva F1. Minerva F1 produced the higher BC-ratio 7.43 than 6008 F1 (2.27). Four stem shoot management produced the highest BC-ratio in both Minerva F1 (8.81) and 6008 F1 (2.55). Considering the economic and desirable attributes, the yellow cultivar Minerva F1 proved to be better in achieving a higher gross return, profit and other quality parameter.

Effect of Nitrogen Doses in Boro Rice Grown with Variable Levels of Floating Duckweed

An experiment was carried out at the Agronomy Research Farm of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka during the period from November 2018 to June 2019 to study the nitrogen requirement of boro rice grown with floating duckweed. The experiment was laid out in a Factorial Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. The treatments were duckweed: viz. D0 = Control (0 g duckweeds m-2), D1 = 200 g duckweeds m-2, D2 = 400 g duckweeds m-2 and D3 = 600 g duckweeds m-2) and nitrogen treatment: N1 = 45 kg N ha-1, N2 = 90 kg N ha-1 and N3 = 180 kg N ha-1). Different doses of duckweeds showed significant influence on most of the parameters of which D2 (400 g duckweeds m-2) treatment the best performance on growth and yield parameters of rice. Among different doses of nitrogen, N2 (90 kg N ha-1) gave the best results on growth and yield parameters of rice. In case of combined effect, D2N2 showed the highest number of tillers hill-1 (16.40), dry weight hill-1 (48.97 g), number of effective tillers hill-1 (14.73) and number of grains panicle-1 (189.50). This treatment combination also showed the highest number of filled grains panicle-1 (183.90), panicle length (25.83 cm), 1000 -grain weight (25.13 g), seed yield (7.24 t ha-1), straw yield (8.47 t ha-1), biological yield (15.71 t ha-1) and harvest index (46.09%). On the other hand, D0N3 gave the least results on these parameters. Findings revealed that application of 400 g duckweeds m-2 with 90 kg N ha-1 showed the superiority over other treatment combinations to produce higher grain yield of boro rice.
 Bangladesh Agron. J. 2022, 25(2): 109-117

Effect of Different Types of Medium and Fertilizer on Acclimatization of Vanda tricolor

Vanda tricolor is an orchid endemic to Mount Merapi whose existence is threatened by the eruption of Mount Merapi which can occur at any time and the community has taken it directly from nature. Several attempts have been made to preserve the Vanda tricolor orchid, one of which is through in vitro culture. In vitro culture studies of Vanda tricolor have been carried out and large numbers of shoots have been obtained through multiplication and then raised by subculture. Plantlets obtained must be acclimatized to adapt and be returned to their original habitat. Growing medium and fertilizer application are important factors in the acclimatization process. This study aims to determine the best type of medium and fertilizer for acclimatization of Vanda tricolor orchids. This research was conducted using an experimental method in the preparation of a Factorial Completely Randomized Block Design. The first factor is the type of medium, namely coconut husk, moss and coconut husk + moss, the second factor is the type of fertilizer, namely without fertilizer, foliar fertilizer and liquid organic fertilizer. From the two treatment factors, 9 treatment combinations were obtained. Each treatment was repeated 3 times and each replication consisted of 3 samples. The results showed that there was a mutual influence between the type of medium and fertilizer. The coconut husk + moss is the best medium for acclimatization of Vanda tricolor orchids. Meanwhile, foliar fertilizer and liquid organic fertilizer compared to without fertilization, can increase the growth of Vanda tricolor orchids during acclimatization.

Determining Balanced Mixture Ratio of Palm Bagasse Compost to Improve Growth and Yield of Soybean

Soybean productivity in Indonesia was greatly affected by low soil fertility due to the excessive use of chemical fertilizers. Applying organic fertilizer or compost such as palm bagasse could be a potential source of organic matter to improve soil fertility and crop productivity. An effective compost should be rich in fiber and high C/N ratio. Therefore, compost is recommended to be mixed with other low C/N ratio materials to accelerate the composting and increase N content. This study was aimed to determine the mixture ratio of palm bagasse compost (PBC) with other materials, such as Azolla, Gliricidia leaves, tofu dreg waste. This study was conducted in Completely Randomized Block Design with two factors. The first factor was type of mixing ingredients such as Azolla, Gliricidia leaves, tofu dreg waste. The second factor was the dose (%) of PBC in combination with Urea (%), namely 0, 25, 50, 75, 100%. Each treatment was repeated in blocks. Results showed that the mixture of PBC with all organic N sources was promising to substitute Urea. Moreover, application of 100% PBC exhibited the highest soybean yield, suggesting that PBC could provide sufficient nutrients for soybean growth. This present study emphasized the potential of soybean production optimization with low dependence on chemical fertilizers, thus highlighting the potency of more sustainable soybean cultivation using organic fertilizer.

Enhancing the maize growth and production by applying the phosphorus and potassium nutrients in inceptisol of Langkat Regency

Inceptisol is one of the soil types covering the Langkat Regency. Unfortunately, the soil has low chemical fertility and is characterized by a small part of macronutrients. To support the maize growth in inceptisol, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are the primary required nutrients. Hence, applying inorganic fertilizer is one of the strategies to solve this issue. This study was conducted at Sei Bingai District, Langkat Regency, from July to November 2021. This study aims to analyze the effect of phosphorus and potassium on the maize growth and production of inceptisol. This study was arranged by Non-Factorial Randomize Complete Block Design with seven treatments and four replications. These treatments are consist of: PK 0 (control), PK 1 (standard fertilization), PK 2 (50 % PK plus dose + 75 % standard fertilization), PK 3 (100 % PK plus dose + 75 % standard fertilization), PK 4 (150 % PK plus dose + 75% standard fertilization), PK 5 (100 % PK plus dose + 50 % standard fertilization), PK 6 (150 % PK plus dose + 50 % standard fertilization). The results show that the PK 5 and PK 6 treatments contribute to the highest maize production by 9.300 kg/ha and the highest Relative Agronomy Effectiveness (RAE) value, 147 %. Fertilization dose of 10 kg ha−1 PK Plus + 50 % standard fertilization is recommended for corn cultivation and is very economically feasible.

G×E analysis to Identify the Stable High-yielding Rice Lines among a Set of Selected Germplasm Panel

Rice lines need to be grown and evaluated for yield under different agro-ecological locations to identify stable and high-yielding lines for deployment in breeding programs. With this aim, a set of rice germplasm was evaluated for G×E in four different environments (E1-Dadesuguru-Wet 2020, E2-ICAR–IIRR-Dry 2019, E3-ICAR–IIRR-Wet 2020, E4-ICAR–IIRR-Dry 2020). The experimental trial was laid out in a randomized complete block (RCB) design with three replications at each location for 118 rice lines. Data on yield per plant was analyzed using the Additive Main Effect and Multiplicative Interaction (AMMI) and Genotype, and Genotype × Environment Interaction (GGE) models. The combined analysis of variance (ANOVA) manifested significant variations for tested genotypes, locations, years, genotype × year, and genotype × location interactions revealing the influence of environmental factors on yield traits. All four environments showed discrimination power, whereas E2 and E3 were found as the representative environment as they fall near the Average-Environment axis (AEA). The AMMI biplot PC1 contributed 79.20% variability and PC2 contributed 15.18% variability. From the GGE biplot analysis, the rice lines Phouren, JBB-631-1, and JBB-1325 were found to be the best and most stable. The rice lines Phouren, PUP-229, and TI-112 were stable in the first sub-group Dhadesugur-Wet 2020 (E1). The rice lines Langphou, and NPK-45 were stable in the second sub-group ICAR-IIRR-Wet 2020 (E3). Environment ICAR-IIRR-Dry 2019 (E2) was the third subgroup and the rice lines Moirangphou-Yenthik and TI-3 topped for the same. The ICAR IIRR-Dry 2020 (E4) environment formed the fourth subgroup where Phouren-Amubi, TI-128 and JBB-1325 topped the season. In conclusion, this study revealed that G × E interactions are significant for yield variation, and its AMMI and biplots analysis are efficient tools for visualizing the response of genotypes to different locations.

Study on Synbiotic Beverages Based on Local Seeds and Oyster Mushrooms with the Addition of Lactobacillus casei

Beverages are one of the most accessible liquid foods, can provide nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, organic acids and other bioactive substances for the body. To meet this need, the development of synbiotic drinks made from local grains is urgently needed. Synbiotic drink which is a combination of grain-based probiotics and prebiotics also has advantages for consumption for people with lactose intolerance as a substitute for dairy milk. This study was aimed to evaluate the effect of Lactobacillus casei with various concentration on synbiotic drinks based on local grains and cereals and oyster mushroom. Another aim from this study was to find out the best treatment for the characteristics according to SNI 7552:2018. In this study, 6 levels formulation of L. casei concentration (0%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%) were used. The experiment was non-factorial and arranged in Completely Randomized Block Design with 4 replications. The data homogeneity was tested using the Bartletts test and data additivity was tested with the Tukey test. The data were then analyzed for variance and further processed using Least Significant Difference test (LSD) at 5% level. The results showed synbiotic drink with 4% of L. casei found to be the best treatment which had a total LAB of 9.83 log CFU/mL, 0.76% lactic acid, 3.52 pH with a color score of 3.53 (rather like), a aroma score of 3.32 (neutral), a taste score of 2.34 (neutral) and an overall acceptance score of 2.83 (neutral). Keywords: Lactic acid bacteria, L. casei, Prebiotics, Probiotics, Synbiotics

Performance of Promising Potato Genotypes in Red Ant (Dorylus orientalis) Management

This experiment was carried out to identify appropriate potato genotypes for red ant management and increase the tuber yield of potato during 2020 and 2021 years. Eight different promising potato genotypes [1. PRP-056267.9 2. PRP-85861.11 3. CIP-394311.112 4. PRP-136368.1 5. PRP-22627.1 6. PRP-296668.1 7. Janakdev (standard check) and 8. Ilam local (Bite)] received from National Potato Research Program (NPRP), Khumaltar, Lalitpur, Nepal were included in the study. Experiment was conducted in previously red ant infected potato field in Completely Randomized Block Design with three replications. The experimental plot size was 5.4 m2 (3m x 1.8m) where planting tubers was done at 60 cm row to row and 25 cm plants to plant spacing. Fertilizers of NPK were applied at the rate of 100:100:60 kg /ha and 20 t/ha compost. Well sprouted tubers with weight 30-40 g were planted during the second week of February. Harvesting was done during the last week of July. Data on yield attributing traits, late blight disease, and number of red ant damaged tubers, red ant infested yield and healthy tuber yield were recorded. The standard check potato variety Janakdev (1.00 red ant score, 2.32 – 2.36 % red ant incidence percentage and 0.66 – 0. 71 t/ha red ant infected tuber yield ), PRP-056267.9 (1.00 red ant score, 4.51 – 5.10 % red ant incidence percentage and 0.56 – 0. 67 t/ha red ant infected tuber yield ) and PRP-85861.11 (1.00 red ant score, 4.55 – 5.47 % red ant incidence percentage and 0.76 – 0. 86 t/ha red ant infected tuber yield ) were found tolerant to red ant infestation and produced the highest tuber yield (27.74 t/ha – 28.62 t /ha by Janakdev variety followed by 21.79 - 22.26 t/ha by PRP-056267.9 and 21.09 - 21.05 t/ha by PRP-85861.11 potato genotypes). Therefore, planting of Janakdev variety as well as PRP-056267.9 and PRP-85861.11 potato genotypes is appropriate for higher potato tuber yield and lower down red ant incidence at Jaubari area.

Application of Amendment and Irrigation toward Soil Moisture and Corn Productivity in Alfisols Jumantono, Indonesia

The use of amendments and irrigation will improve soil characteristics, increase land productivity, and corn crops. This research aims to find out the best type of amendment and irrigation volume to get optimal moisture for corn in Alfisol. The study was conducted at Jumantono, Karanganyar District, Central Java, Indonesia. The design of the study used a Factorial Complete Randomized Block Design (RCBD) with 2 treatment factors. The design of this study on the first treatment factor giving amendments with cow manure 5 tons/ha, biochar rice husk 5 tons/ha, zeolite 5 tons/ha and control, as well as the treatment factor of irrigation volume 50% x ETc, 100% x ETc, and 150% x ETc. The ETc value is obtained from the daily evapotranspiration value of corn. The results show that amendment and irrigation treatment could increase soil moisture content and soil organic matter. The addition of a single factor of irrigation affects the soil porosity, soil pH, soil moisture and soil organic matter. Corn crop productivity has also increased due to the provision of appropriate and efficient irrigation.