Consecutive Winter Seasons Research Articles

Growth, Yield and Quality Attributes of Determinate Tomato Genotypes in Parwanipur, Bara of Nepal

With the aim of identifying suitable open pollinated determinate tomato genotypes, investigation was carried out at Directorate of Agricultural Research (DoAR), Parwanipur in two consecutive winter seasons of 2020/21 and 2021/22. Experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 16 treatments and replicated thrice. Crop geometry was maintained 75×60 cm and fertilizers and manure was applied at the rate of 200:150:120 kg N: P2O5:K2O kg + 20 tons FYM per hectare. Analysis of results showed significant variation in yield and yield attributing characters among genotypes. The maximum plant height (75.67 cm) was recorded on genotypes AVTO 0301.The genotypes AVTO 1716 and AVTO 0301 showed significantly earlier to 50% flowering (45 days) while AVTO 1711 recorded shortest days to first harvest (81 days). The highest plant vigour (5 scales) showed by AVTO 1712, AVTO 0302 and Pusa Ruby check variety. The maximum fruit diameter (7.52 cm), length (6.54 cm) and fruit weight (49.9 g) recorded on genotype AVTO 1711. The highest number of fruits/ plant (56.7) and marketable yield (58.08 t ha-1) was recorded in AVTO 1610 and AVTO 1711 respectively. The genotype AVTO 1712 showed the highest firmness (1.92 kg cm-2) and Vitamin C (59.36 mg/ 100 g). The maximum pericarp thickness of fruits (7.43 mm) obtained on AVTO 1610. The genotype Pusa Ruby showed the maximum total soluble solid (5.6 Obrix) and Titratable acid 0.75 %. Similarly, the highest colorimetric value of a* (12.62) was recorded on Pusa Ruby and the highest value of b* (19.37) was found on AVTO 1713 while the highest value of L* (30.56) was observed on AVTO 171. Considering the overall performance, genotypes AVTO 1711, AVTO 1702 and AVTO 1712 were performed better in terms of the highest yield and other horticultural traits.

Molecular epidemiology of avian influenza viruses and avian coronaviruses in environmental samples from migratory bird inhabitants in Bangladesh.

Migratory birds are a natural reservoir for major respiratory viruses such as the avian influenza virus (AIV) and the avian coronavirus (AvCoV). Transmission of these viruses from migratory birds to domestic birds increases the prevalence of those diseases that cause severe economic and public health concerns in Bangladesh. The study focused on active surveillance of major respiratory viral pathogens in migratory birds, molecular identification of the viruses, and their phylogenetic origin. To conduct this study, 850 environmental samples (830 fecal samples, 10 soil samples, and 10 water samples) were collected during three consecutive winter seasons from three divisions (Dhaka, Sylhet, and Mymensingh) and pooled according to the year of collection and locations, resulting in a total of 184 tested samples. Using gene-specific primers and probes in TaqMan-and SYBR Green-based RT-qPCR assays, the samples were screened for AIV and AvCoV, respectively. Out of the 184 pooled samples, 37 were found to be positive for these respiratory pathogens. Furthermore, out of the 37 (20.11%) positive respiratory pathogens, 11.96% were AIV (n = 22) and 8.15% were AvCoV (n = 15). For the first time in Bangladesh, AIV H4N2, H4N6, and AvCoVs have been found in fecal samples from migratory birds through surveillance. Phylogenetic analyses of the HA and NA genes of AIV and the polymerase gene (Orf 1) of AvCoV revealed that these strains share a close phylogenetic relationship with the isolates from wild birds in Europe and Asia. The Bangladeshi strains with Eurasian ancestry might pose a significant threat to migratory birds flying through the Asian flyways. They might also be a potential source of virus introduction and spread to poultry raised on land. These findings emphasize the significance of ongoing AIV and AvCoV surveillance in migratory birds in Bangladesh.

Measurement report: Source attribution and estimation of black carbon levels in an urban hotspot of the central Po Valley – an integrated approach combining high-resolution dispersion modelling and micro-aethalometers

Abstract. Understanding black carbon (BC) levels and its sources in urban environments is of paramount importance due to the far-reaching health, climate, and air quality implications. While several recent studies have assessed BC concentrations at specific fixed urban locations, there is a notable lack of knowledge in the existing literature on spatially resolved data alongside source estimation methods. This study aims to fill this gap by conducting a comprehensive investigation of BC levels and sources in Modena (Po Valley, Italy), which serves as a representative example of a medium-sized urban area in Europe. Using a combination of multi-wavelength micro-aethalometer measurements and a hybrid Eulerian–Lagrangian modelling system, we studied two consecutive winter seasons (February–March 2020 and December 2020–January 2021). Leveraging the multi-wavelength absorption analyser (MWAA) model, we differentiate sources (fossil fuel combustion, FF, and biomass burning, BB) and components (BC vs. brown carbon, BrC) from micro-aethalometer measurements. The analysis reveals consistent, minimal diurnal variability in BrC absorption, in contrast to FF-related sources that exhibit distinctive diurnal peaks during rush hours, while BB sources show less diurnal variation. The city itself contributes significantly to BC concentrations (52 ± 16 %), with BB and FF playing a prominent role (35 ± 15 % and 9 ± 4 %, respectively). Long-distance transport also influences BC concentrations, especially in the case of BB and FF emissions, with 28 ± 1 % and 15 ± 2 %, respectively. When analysing the traffic-related concentrations, Euro 4 diesel passenger cars considerably contribute to the exhaust emissions. These results provide valuable insights for policy makers and urban planners to manage BC levels in medium-sized urban areas, taking into account local and long-distance sources.

Overwintering potential of the Mediterranean fruit fly (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Austria.

The Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly), Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), one of the most important invasive pests of fresh fruits and vegetables from the coastal Mediterranean habitats, is expanding its current geographic distribution to cooler more temperate areas of Europe. Every year since 2010 the fly is detected in the area of Vienna, Austria. However, whether it can establish permanent populations is not known. In this current paper, the capacity of C. capitata to overwinter in Vienna, Austria (48.1° northern latitude) was studied over 2 consecutive winter seasons (2020-2022). Overwintering trials with different life stages (larva, pupa, and adult) of C. capitata were performed in the open field and in the protected environment of a basement without a heating system. Control flies were kept under constant conditions in a climate chamber (25 °C, 60% RH, 14:10 L:D). Our data showed that no life stage of the Mediterranean fruit fly was able to survive the Austrian winter in the open field. However, in the protected environment C. capitata outlived the winter months in all studied life stages at least in small numbers and several surviving females were able to lay eggs at the time of the following fruiting season. Implications of these findings for the ongoing geographic range expansion of the pest in temperate European countries are discussed.

Effectiveness of annual influenza campaigns and vaccination in reducing influenza burden in nursing homes of Canton Vaud in Switzerland

BackgroundInfluenza infections pose significant risks for nursing home (NH) residents. Our aim was to evaluate the impact of the cantonal influenza campaign, and influenza vaccination coverage of residents and healthcare workers (HCWs) on influenza burden in NHs in a context of enhanced infection prevention and control measures (IPC) during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.MethodsWe extracted data from epidemic reports provided by our unit to NHs over two consecutive winter seasons (2021-22 and 2022-23) and used linear regression to assess the impact of resident and HCW vaccination coverage, and participation in the campaign, on residents’ cumulative influenza incidence and mortality.ResultsThirty-six NHs reported 155 influenza cases and 21 deaths during the two winter seasons corresponding to 6.2% of infected residents and a case fatality ratio of 13.5%. Median vaccination coverage was 83% for residents, 25.8% for HCWs, while 87% of NHs participated in the campaign. Resident vaccination was significantly associated with a decrease in odds of death (odds ratio (OR) 0.96, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.93–0.99). There was no significant effect of HCW vaccination coverage on resident infections and deaths. Campaign participation was associated with decreased odds of infection and death among residents (OR: 0.17, 95% CI: 0.06–0.47 and OR: 0.06, 95% CI: 0.02–0.17 respectively).ConclusionOur analysis suggests that in a context of reinforced IPC measures, influenza still represents a significant burden for NH residents. The most effective measures in decreasing resident influenza burden in NHs was participation in the cantonal influenza vaccination campaign and resident vaccination.

Synergistic Effects of Microbial Gibberellic Acid and Vitamins on Onion (Allium cepa L.) Yield, and Quality in Low-Fertility Soil

Onion is one of the most popular vegetables that play a major role in boosting immunity against diseases. As a result of the successive population increase, many farmers resort to excessive use of chemical plant growth enhancers to increase the crop's productivity, which causes many health and environmental problems and reduces the sustainability of the soil. Microbial phytohormones and vitamins are safe, eco-friendly, and effective natural solutions to increase the crop's productivity and maintain the soil health at the same time. To our knowledge, until know there is no information about the roles of microbial gibberellic acid (GA3), and vitamins on the growth and quality traits of onions. Two field experiments were conducted during two consecutive winter seasons in a sandy calcareous soil farm. Two treatments were in the main plot (without and with microbial GA3), and six were in the sub-plot (control, chemical thiamine, ascorbic acid, riboflavin, and microbial ascorbic acid and riboflavin). Plant growth parameters including plant height, fresh weight, leaf number, bulb diameter, and neck diameter were recorded. Onion yield and their quality traits of sugar content, protein, antioxidants, vitamin C, phenols, flavonoids, and NPK were measured. The major findings revealed that plants treated with applications of microbial GA3 or vitamin treatments significantly improved the onion yield, phenotypic, physiological, and biochemical characteristics in both seasons. In the majority of the measured parameters, the microbial ascorbic acid treatment outperformed the other vitamin treatments. The combination of foliar microbial GA3 spray and vitamins, especially microbial ascorbic acid, and microbial riboflavin, produced the high onion yield, growth and quality traits of plant height, number of leaves, fresh weights, bulb diameter, sugar content, vitamin C, total antioxidants, total phenols, and flavonoids during both seasons. The application of microbial GA3 in combination with microbial vitamins as foliar spraying are promising eco-friendly, cheap, plant bio-stimulators that could be used safely in the field, especially under low-fertility soil, for good growth, yield, and high-quality onions.

Irrigation regime with organic and bio-fertilizers for faba bean production grown on sand clay loam soil

Water scarcity is a major challenge for faba bean production, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. This study investigated the effect of deficit irrigation and organic or bio-fertilization on faba bean yield and water use efficiency (WUE). The experiment was conducted in two consecutive winter seasons in Egypt, and the average results of the two seasons were presented because there were no significant differences between the two seasons. The experimental design was split-plot with three replicates in each season. The main plots were assigned to the amounts of irrigation water [3330 m3 ha−1 (I1), 2830 m3 ha−1 (I2), and 2330 m3 ha−1 (I3)] and the subplots were devoted to the fertilization treatments [control, humic acid (HA), fulvic acid (FA), and effective micro-organisms (EM)]. The results showed that the plant height and branch numbers were increased by 139.95 and 242.03%, respectively, for HA at irrigation treatment of I2 over the control. Adding HA increased chlorophyll and protein contents by 209.04 and 295.46%, respectively, over the control at irrigation regime of I2. Adding HA significantly increased pods number, pods weight per plant, and total green yield by 380.21, 314.51, and 420.28%, respectively, over the control. The WUE value was 4.51 kg m−3 by adding HA under deficit irrigation I2 compared to irrigation I3 (2.64 kg m−3) while the WUE value was 4.58 kg m−3 at normal irrigation (I1). Overall, the application of organic or bio-fertilizers, especially humic acid, could mitigate the negative effects of deficit irrigation and improve faba bean yield and WUE.

Syndromic testing for respiratory pathogens but not National Early Warning Score can be used to identify viral cause in hospitalised adults with lower respiratory tract infections

Background Community-acquired lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) is a common reason for hospitalisation. Antibiotics are frequently used while diagnostic microbiological methods are underutilised in the acute setting. Objectives We aimed to investigate the relative proportion of viral and bacterial infections in this patient group and explore methods for proper targeting of antimicrobial therapy. Methods We collected nasopharyngeal samples prospectively from adults hospitalised with LRTIs during three consecutive winter seasons (2016–2019). Syndromic nasopharyngeal testing was performed using a multiplex PCR panel including 16 viruses and four bacteria. Medical records were reviewed for clinical data. Results Out of 220 included patients, a viral pathogen was detected in 74 (34%), a bacterial pathogen in 63 (39%), both viral and bacterial pathogens in 49 (22%), while the aetiology remained unknown in 34 (15%) cases. The proportion of infections with an identified pathogen increased from 38% to 85% when syndromic testing was added to standard-of-care testing. Viral infections were associated with a low CRP level and absence of pulmonary infiltrates. A high National Early Warning Score did not predict bacterial infections. Conclusions Syndromic testing by a multiplex PCR panel identified a viral infection or viral/bacterial coinfection in a majority of hospitalised adult patients with community-acquired LRTIs.

Evaluation of Lake Fragmentation and Its Effect on Wintering Waterbirds in Poyang Lake, China

This study was designed to determine the fragmentation of sub-lakes in winter and its effects on wintering waterbirds in Poyang Lake. Poyang Lake becomes fragmented in winter, which forms many seasonal sub-lakes every year, and have different environmental characteristics. These sub-lakes significantly impact winter bird habitats and result in susceptibility to various changes, because birds have different distribution responses. A total of 24 sub-lakes were surveyed from one to five vantage points using point count methods in each sub-lake with binoculars, monocular, and a spotting scope for four consecutive winter seasons. The multi-site dissimilarity Sorensen index measures overlapped between two populations, and the R software “iNEXT” package was used to evaluate the sample coverage test of the study area. We observed 58 wintering waterbird species belonging to 9 orders and 15 families from 2016 to 2020. Spearman correlation analysis showed that the species richness of wintering waterbirds was significantly positively correlated with the sub-lake areas and associated with the richness of habitat type. The WNODF analyses were considerably correlated for sites of waterbirds, mainly with the abundance of forage and conservation of habitat form. The outcomes of this study showed that Maying Lake has the highest local beta diversity, whereas Dacha Lake has the lowest local beta diversity contribution (0.007). This study’s findings demonstrate Poyang Lake’s role in waterbird the habitat suitability of waterbirds, especially for foraging and conservation.

Irrigation and nitrogen fertigation on quality and minerals parameters of garlic (Allium sativum) cultivar Solan Selection

Improving bulb yield, minerals and quality is a major challenge in garlic bulb production. In this study, the effects of irrigation and nitrogen fertilization on the quality and mineral content of garlic cultivar Solan Selection were investigated. The research was conducted over two consecutive winter seasons in 2016-17 and 2017-18, utilizing 12 different treatment combinations in a Factorial Randomized Block Design with three replications. The results indicated that increased nitrogen input led to a significant improvement in total soluble solid (TSS) and dry matter yield, resulting in higher garlic bulb yields. Similarly, an increased irrigation schedule also improved TSS and dry matter yield in garlic bulbs. Furthermore, the interaction between irrigation schedule and nitrogen fertigation had a positive impact on TSS and dry matter yield across cropping seasons. Combining increased nitrogen input and irrigation further enhanced TSS and dry matter yield, although there was no significant improvement in dry matter content and mineral (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and S) contents in garlic bulbs. The study also revealed a strong positive correlation between nitrogen input and irrigation schedule concerning quality and mineral contents. These findings suggest that adopting high nitrogen input practices (100% of RDN) with increased irrigation (IW/CPE=1.2) can enhance garlic cultivar Solan Selection's dry matter yield, quality, and mineral content

Relative yield, competition, land use and economic performance of chickpea-based intercropping systems

Background: Chickpea is the third-most important food legume in the world. Chickpea is less remunerative than raya, linseed and fenugreek. Hence there is a gradual shift in cropping patterns from sole chickpea to its intercropping with raya, linseed and fenugreek. Intercropping offers potential advantages over sole cropping. Since information on the relative yield, competition, land use and economics of chickpea intercropping with raya, linseed and fenugreek is lacking, hence the present experiment was undertaken. Methods: A field experiment was performed at CCSHAU, Hisar, during two consecutive winter seasons, i.e., 2020-21 and 2021-22, following a randomized block design comprising nineteen treatments, replicating thrice. The study was aimed to evaluate the chickpea-based intercropping in row replacement system with fenugreek, linseed and raya as an intercrop with row ratio of 4:4, 5:3, 6:2, 3:5 and 2:6 for chickpea + intercrop along with their sole crop. Result: Chickpea + fenugreek (6:2) intercropping was found utmost efficient and suitable, having significantly higher LER (1.20), CEY (2396 kg/ha), LUE (119.3), ATER (1.18), A (0.53), RCC (4.18), MAI (18838), SPI (2208), IAI (34.6), net return (Rs. 96,170/ha) and benefit cost ratio (3.79).

Effect of Irrigation Intervals, Irrigation Method and Different Nitrogen Fertilizer Rates on Wheat Performance and Water use Efficiency in Northern State of Sudan

Most soils under arid conditions have extremely low quality due to poor physical conditions, low organic matter and water retention capacity, soil fertility and consequently both low water and fertilizer use efficiencies. The present study was planned to investigate the effects of irrigation interval (II), irrigation methods (IM) and nitrogen fertilizer rates (NF) on wheat performance (yield and its components) and water use efficiency. The experiment was conducted at National Institute of Desert Studies Research Farm for two consecutive winter seasons of (2020/21) and (2021/22) in a sandy soil of North Sudan. The experiment design was complete randomized block in factorial arrangement with four replications. Factor (A) was irrigation methods with two types (furrow and basin), factor (B) was irrigation interval with three rates (7, 10, 13 days) and factor (c) was assigned to nitrogen with three rates (43, 86 and 129 Kg/fed). The results showed that irrigation methods had not significant p (≤.05) effect on wheat yield and its components and water use efficiency, irrigation interval affected significantly p (≤.05) on plant height, biomass, spike per meter square, grain yield and water use efficiency in both seasons Nitrogen fertilizer were effective highly significant p (≤.05) in improving biomass p (≤.05) and significantly p (≤.05) effect on plant height, number of spike per meter square, grain yield and water use efficiency in both seasons. Both irrigation interval and nitrogen fertilizer rates were not significant p (≤.05) effect on plant per meter. Maximum yield and high water use efficiency were obtained when irrigated every 7 days and added nitrogen fertilizer in rate of 129 Kg per fedan.

Fluctuations of ice in a lake due to the impact of the North Atlantic Oscillation (1960/61–2009/10) – a case study of Łebsko Lake

The paper represents an attempt to understand the impacts produced by the North Atlantic Oscillation on the ice cover regime of the largest coastal lake in Poland situated in the northern part of the country. The purpose of the study was to estimate the impact of the North Atlantic Oscillation on selected ice cover parameters. The study also attempts to examine other factors that may affect its significant impact on observed changes in the climate. Water temperature data are used to assess temperature conditions in aqueous ecosystems as well as determine the heat absorption capacity of these systems. This allows one to then determine cooling rates in the event of ice cover formation. The data analysis provided in the paper focuses on selected characteristics of ice cover conditions (i.e. dependent variables) including the number of days with ice and maximum ice thickness in relation to NAO index changes (i.e. independent variables) for the reference period 1960/61–2009/10. In addition, the paper divides the studied period into 10-year subperiods in order to capture the weakest and strongest phases of NAO and assess the extent to which they affect the duration of ice cover. A large increase in the mean air temperature (1.8°C) occurred in the years 1960–2010. Trendline analysis indicates that the number of days with ice cover declined by about 60 days and the maximum thickness of ice cover decreased by about 10 cm. Oceanographic research employs satellite image data in order to accurately assess human impact. Therefore, ice cover forecasts generated for consecutive winter seasons may become an important tool in this type of assessment.

Response of Cauliflower (Brassica oleracae var botrytis L.) to Soil Application with Olive Mill Wastewater, Vinasse and Potassium Humate and its Reflection on Growth, Curds Yield, Dry Seed Yield and Enzyme Activity

A field experiment was achieved over two consecutive winter seasons of 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 at Qaha Research Farm, Qaliobia Governorate, Horticulture Research Institute, Agriculture Research Center (ARC), Egypt. The study aimed to assess the positive impacts of using of Olive Mill Wastewater (OMW), vinasse and potassium humate at varying application rates (0, 50 and 100%) of each as soil application on plant growth, curds yield parameters, dry seed yield and its components, quality and seeds chemical composition of cauliflower Amshiry cv. The physical and chemical characteristics of the soil were evaluated, including enzymatic activity in the soil rhizosphere, specifically oxidoreductase enzymes such as catalase and peroxidase. The experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with seven treatments and three replicates. The obtained results demonstrated that applying 50% 0f vinasse followed by 50% of potassium humate led to enhanced plant growth, increased total curd yield, improved dry seed yield and its components, and positively impacted the physical and chemical properties of the investigated soil. The addition of 50% vinasse or 50% K- humate yielded the most favorable outcomes compared to other treatments or the control and at the same time save and reduce mineral fertilizer recommendation of cauliflower by 50 %. The most successful treatment, involving 50% vinasse application, resulted in a 34.7% and 31.6% increase in total curd yield (ton/ fed.) and a 28.7% and 30.6% increase in dry seed yield (kg/fed) over the control for the two experimental seasons, respectively.

Generation Mean Analysis, Heterosis, and Genetic Diversity in Five Egyptian Faba Beans and Their Hybrids

The faba bean (Vicia faba L.) is a major legume crop; thus, it is important to apply various biometrical techniques to develop the most efficient breeding procedures to face biotic and abiotic stressors. During the four consecutive winter seasons of 2017–2021, five populations of five faba bean hybrids were studied at Sakha agricultural research station in Egypt. Five basic generations, including two parents (P1 and P2) and the first, second, and third generations, were studied. This analysis found significant variations between generations in all attributes studied in all crosses (P1, P2, F1, F2, and F3). Sakha 4 was the earliest parent (138 days) based on the maturity date, whereas Giza 40 had the most significant number of pods and seeds per plant (25.68–78.94), and Giza 716 had the tallest plant height (124.00 cm). Giza 843 and Sakha 4 had the highest seed yield per plant values (62.84 g and 61.77 g). The data demonstrated highly substantial heterosis in the favorable direction over mid and better parents for all features, except for the number of branches in Cross 3 (Giza 40 × Giza 843) over mid and better parents and a maturity date in Cross 1 over mid parents. Contrarily, opposite-direction dominance and dominance × dominance effects increased narrow-sense heredity. Broad-sense heritability values for all examined characteristics were high in all crosses, ranging from 90.24% to 97.67%. In both Crosses 5 (Giza 716 × Qahera 4) and 3, genetic advance through selection ranged from 1.73% at the maturity date to 95.12% for seed yield per plant. Cross 3 (Giza 40 × Giza 843) had the greatest number of branches, pods, and seeds per plant. In conclusion, this study advances our understanding of employing faba beans in breeding programs.

Effects of glacier retreat upon glacier-groundwater coupling and biogeochemistry in Central Svalbard

The hydrology and biogeochemistry of perennial groundwater springs emerging in the forefields of retreating Svalbard glaciers are considered through a single-site, multi-year study at Foxfonna, and a multi-site spatial sampling programme during consecutive winter seasons. We show that such springs are commonplace in the forefields of retreating Svalbard glaciers, including even cold-based glaciers underlain by permafrost. The groundwaters all contain geogenic methane and are generally anoxic, but reveal a range of different redox environments linked to sulfide oxidation, denitrification and sulfate reduction. The principal source waters for these springs seems to be snow and firn meltwaters entering bergschrund crevasses at high elevation glacier margins. At Foxfonna, the glacier’s strongly negative mass balance and transition to cold-based thermal conditions have resulted in reduced groundwater discharge into the proglacial river due to lower rates of recharge (less dilution). Throughout these changes, sulfide oxidation coupled to Na-Silicate weathering has remained a dominant reaction, driving a three-fold increase in electrical conductivity since 2010. The period has also been characterised by the complete loss of NO3– since summer 2018, as well as short-lived changes in the Oxidation-Reduction Potential and methane concentration. Therefore, climate-driven glacial retreat influences both the quantity and quality of groundwaters entering downstream drainage systems, which exist in spite of cold-based glaciers and permafrost being prevalent in this part of the Arctic.

Assessment of the Effects of Different Nitrogen Fertilizers on Growth and Yield of Wheat (Triticum Aestivum L.) In El Multaga Area - Northern State of Sudan

A field experiment was executed during two consecutive winter seasons of the years 2020/21 and 2021/22, at the research farm of the National Institute of Desert Studies – University of Gezira, new Hamdab scheme - Northern State of Sudan to assess the effect of Urea (N46%), NPK (20-10-10) and di ammonium phosphate (DAP) (18-46) fertilizers on growth and yield of wheat. The treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates. Consisted control (untreated plots), N (Urea 100 Kg fed-1), NPK (100 Kg fed-1) and di ammonium phosphate (DAP) 100Kg fed-1. Results indicated that there were no significant (P≤0.05) differences in the numbers of plant per meter square, but there are significant (P≤0.05) differences in plant height (cm), /spike length (Cm), thousand seed weight (g), biological yield, straw yield and harvest index in both seasons and highly significant (P≤0.01) differences in grain yield) ton/ ha) in both seasons compared to the control. The best type of evaluated fertilizer which gave the highest values of growth, yield and yield components of wheat for both seasons in high terrace soil of Northern State of Sudan was N(Urea) followed by NPK and DAP.

Crop Water Productivity and Crop Coefficients of Lentil (Lens Culinaris M.) Under Different Irrigation Regimes

This study was conducted for two consecutive winter seasons (2014/15 and 2015/16) at Hudeiba Research Station Farm to determine the effects of deficit irrigation imposed at different developmental stages and throughout the growing season on water use and water productivity of lentil (L. culinaris M.) and to derive the crop coefficient. Lentil Aribo cultivar wasgrown under six irrigation treatments in which one-irrigation was skipped at some of the growth stages, i.e. vegetative (W3), flowering (W4), pod setting (W5) and ripening stage (W6) and irrigation without skipping with intervalsof 10 days (full irrigation) (W1) and irrigation every 15 days (W2) (moderate water stress throughout the growing season). The experimental and/or high cost of irrigation water conditions, if only one irrigation is to be saved, the vegetative and ripening stages could be a safe option. design was randomized complete block design with three replications. Theaverage estimated values of crop coefficients during the initial, mid -season and late -season stages were 0.28, 1.06 and 0.48, respectively. The results revealed that the highest grain yield was recorded in full irrigation (1003 kgha-1) and significantly (p < 0.001) decreased by 13, 28 and 31% when deficit irrigation was applied throughout the growing season, at flowering and at pod setting stages, respectively. The highest and lowest values of crop waterproductivity resulted from deficit irrigation imposed at vegetative stage and at flowering stages, respectively. The most sensitive stages of lentil to water deficit were the flowering and pod setting. Therefore, under water shortage

Critical Sowing Date for Crop Choice among Winter Forage Cereals in Khartoum (Sudan)

An experiment was conducted for two consecutive winterseasons (2004/05 and 2005/2006) at Shambat Research Farm, KhartoumState (Sudan) to study the performance of three winter sown forage cerealcultivars at five sowing dates. The objective of the study was to enable thefarmers to choose the most suitable forage crop for each sowing date inKhartoum State. The treatments comprised three cultivars, viz. a localvariety of barley (Hordeum vulgare), referred to as ‘Baladi’, a localvariety of maize (Zea mays) referred to as ‘Higeri’ and sorghum(Sorghum bicolor) cultivar ‘Abu Sabeen’, sown at five sowing dates viz. 1and 15 December, 1 and 15 January and 1 February in each season. Asplit-plot design with three replicates was used to execute the experiment.The sowing dates were assigned to the main plots and the cultivars to thesubplots. At harvest, data were collected on the number of culms/m 2 ,number of days to harvest, plant height and the forage dry matter yield.The results indicated that the dry matter yields of barley were the highestin each of the first three sowing dates, whereas those of sorghum were thehighest in the last two sowing dates. The dry matter yield of maize wascomparable to that of sorghum during the first three sowing dates but wasmarkedly lower during the last two sowing dates. Hence, 15 of Januarycould be considered as a critical sowing date for the crop choice betweenbarley and sorghum in Khartoum State.

Enhancing Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis, L.) Growth and Volatile Oil Constituents Grown under Soil Salinity Stress by Some Amino Acids

The current study was carried out during the two consecutive winter seasons of 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 at the Experimental Farm of Ash-Shoubak University College, Jordan, as a pot experiment. This experiment was planned to evaluate the impact of various soil salinity levels (1.17, 3.34, 6.51, and 9.68 ds/m) and amino acid types (control, L-tryptophan acid at 100 ppm, glutamine acid at 200 ppm, and L-tryptophan acid + glutamine acid) as well as their combinations on growth, salt resistance index, and some of the chemical constituents of rosemary plants. The obtained results indicated that plant height and the total herb dry weight of rosemary, the salt resistance index (SRI), and the total chlorophyll in leaves were discernably reduced with increasing soil salinity levels compared with the control. However, salinity enhanced leaf proline content. Each amino acid or its mixture improved plant growth, chlorophyll content, and SRI parameters. The SRI percentage of R. officinalis enhanced to more than 100% under a soil salinity level of 1.17 ds/m, combined with amino acids at any type, when compared with the other combination treatments. Furthermore, GC/MS showed that the identified compounds ranged from 98.39% to 99.18% and the unidentified compounds from 0.82% to 1.61% from the volatile oil of rosemary plants. The major constituents of volatile oil samples were camphor (34.95% to 40.21%), D-verbenone (13.74% to 15.23%), and α-pinene (13.21% to 16.73%).