Days After Planting Research Articles

Uptake of Fungicide Fluopyram from Soil by Scallions during Greenhouse Cultivation.

Unintentional pesticide contamination in rotational crops, often caused by soil contamination from pesticide use in the preceding crops, is a major concern in a positive list system. The residue and dissipation pattern of fluopyram in soil and scallions were investigated to evaluate the uptake of fluopyram from the soil by scallions. In addition, the management concentration in soil (MCsoil) was calculated based on bioconcentration factors (BCFs) and the maximum residue limit (0.2 mg/kg) in leaf-and-stem vegetables. In a field experiment, plots in two different trials, A and B, were treated with 0.06 g fluopyram/m2 and maintained for 30 days according to OECD guidelines. Scallion seedlings were cultivated for 48 days. Soil samples were taken at three different time points: DAP (Days after planting) 0, 34, and 48. Scallion samples were collected at five different time points: DAP 20, 27, 34, 41, and 48. The initial amounts of fluopyram in soil at DAP 0 were 0.94 ± 0.03 and 0.96 ± 0.04 mg/kg in trials A and B, respectively. The half-life of fluopyram in the soil was 87-231 days. Fluopyram uptake by the roots increased over time, but fluopyram residue in the scallions decreased due to the dilution effect caused by an increase in plant weight. The residues in the scallions at DAP 48 were 0.22 ± 0.01 and 0.15 ± 0.01 mg/kg in trials A and B, respectively. The BCFs of scallions for fluopyram were 0.21-0.24 (trial A) and 0.14-0.18 (trial B). The MCsoil was proposed as 0.8 mg/kg, and may be utilized as a safe management guideline for precautionary practices to cultivate safe rotational crops.

Analysis of the Changes in Morphological Traits of Sorghum in Legume-Sorghum Intercropping Patterns in Western Kenya

Cereal-legumes intercropping is among the most effective agronomic strategies to boot biomass production, contribute to soil nitrogen through fixation which benefits soil productivity and sustainability. The main objective of this study was to analyze the changes in morphological traits of sorghum in legume-sorghum intercropping patterns. The experiment was conducted at KALRO Kibos station, Kisumu during long and short rainy 2020 seasons. The experimental design was randomized complete block design (RCBD) with eleven treatments replicated thrice. Data was collected on growth and yield parameters of sorghum, cowpea and soybean. Sorghum morphological traits measured were plant height, number of leaves and number of tillers, while yield data was measured on grain yield and yield components. In addition, data on competition indices was also determined using land equivalent ratio (LER) and area time equivalent ratio (ATER). Data collected was compiled and tabulated for statistical analysis using Microsoft excel software. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was carried out using R software version 4.2.2. Where means were significant, Tukey’s test ad hoc method was used separate treatment means at 95% probability level. The results showed that sorghum morphological traits differed significantly (P<0.001) in the two seasons as influenced by intercropping. The greatest plant height was recorded in sorghum in alternate holes with soybean across the four months, while the highest plant height of 226.3 cm and 219.70 cm was recorded in seasons one and two respectively in 120 Days after planting (DAP). Similar results were recorded in sorghum number of leaves and tillers. Yield data showed that means of number of harvested heads, weight of harvested heads, and grain weight were statistically significant at p<0.001. Sorghum in alternate rows with soybean registered the maximum number of harvested heads: 21.33 and 19.67 seasons one and two respectively. Similar results were obtained .....

GROWTH AND PRODUCTION OF SORGHUM (SORGHUM BICOLOR L.) TO BOKASHI APPLICATION IN DRYLAND OF SOUTH SUMATRA

The aims of this study were to find out how the growth and yield of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) responds to the application of bokashi fertilizer and got the best dose of bokashi fertilizer for growth and yield of sorghum. This study was designed using a Randomized Block Design (RBD) experimental method.
 Giving of bokashi fertilizer with various dosages in sorghum plants can give a good response to the growth and production of sorghum plants. Giving of bokashi fertilizer with a dosage of 15 tons/ha or equivalent to 6.48 kg/plot (P3) resulted better plant growth than other treatments, with an average plant height of 204.94 cm at the age of 56 days after planting (DAP), the number of tillers flat average 5.50 tillers at the age of 28 DAP, fastest flowering age was 55.75 DAP, average wet biomass 1710.25 g/plant, fresh weight cobs in average of 129.06 g/plant, average yield was 1892,50 g/plot, average of weight of 1000 seeds was 12.63 g. Giving of bokashi fertilizer with a dosage of 17.5 tons/ha or equivalent to 7.56 kg/plot (P4) resulted the number of leaves in average of 17.69 at the age of 56 DAP and panicle length average of 40.06 cm. Giving of bokashi fertilizer with a dosage of 10 tons/ha or equivalent to 4.32 kg/plot (P1) resulted the number of panicle branches in average of 46.75 branches.

Analysis of the Changes in Morphological Traits of Sorghum in Legume-Sorghum Intercropping Patterns in Western Kenya

Cereal-legumes intercropping is among the most effective agronomic strategies to boot biomass production, contribute to soil nitrogen through fixation which benefits soil productivity and sustainability. The main objective of this study was to analyze the changes in morphological traits of sorghum in legume-sorghum intercropping patterns. The experiment was conducted at KALRO Kibos station, Kisumu during long and short rainy 2020 seasons. The experimental design was randomized complete block design (RCBD) with eleven treatments replicated thrice. Data was collected on growth and yield parameters of sorghum, cowpea and soybean. Sorghum morphological traits measured were plant height, number of leaves and number of tillers, while yield data was measured on grain yield and yield components. In addition, data on competition indices was also determined using land equivalent ratio (LER) and area time equivalent ratio (ATER). Data collected was compiled and tabulated for statistical analysis using Microsoft excel software. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was carried out using R software version 4.2.2. Where means were significant, Tukey’s test ad hoc method was used separate treatment means at 95% probability level. The results showed that sorghum morphological traits differed significantly (P<0.001) in the two seasons as influenced by intercropping. The greatest plant height was recorded in sorghum in alternate holes with soybean across the four months, while the highest plant height of 226.3 cm and 219.70 cm was recorded in seasons one and two respectively in 120 Days after planting (DAP). Similar results were recorded in sorghum number of leaves and tillers. Yield data showed that means of number of harvested heads, weight of harvested heads, and grain weight were statistically significant at p<0.001. Sorghum in alternate rows with soybean registered the maximum number of harvested heads: 21.33 and 19.67 seasons one and two respectively. Similar results were obtained in ..

The effectiveness of biosilica and liquid organic fertilizer application on growth and yields of lowland rice

The study aimed to investigate the response of superior rice variety (Inpari 33) to the combined fertilization of inorganic fertilizers with organic and biosilica fertilizers to its growth and productivity. Field activities carried out in rice fields at Sidowaluyo Village, Sidomulyo District, South Lampung Regency, Indonesia. The experiment was arranged in a Randomized Block Design with four replications with the treatments were: A. Control (without liquid biosilica or organic fertilizer application); B. Liquid biosilica sprayed on the plants at 21 and 42 days after planting (DAP), 2 l/ha/application; C. Liquid biosilica applied at 21 and 42 DAP, 4 l/ha/application; D. Liquid organic fertilizer applied at 40 and 47 DAP, 1 l/ha/application; and E. Liquid organic fertilizer applied at 40 and 47 DAP, 2 l/ha/application. Results showed that organic liquid fertilizer application at 40 and 47 DAP 2 l/ha/dose increases the number of panicles, grains, rice yields, and straw weight. The application of liquid organic fertilizer increased rice yields by 9.9 % (from 7.10 to 7.88 tons/ha) and rice straw weight by 13.23% (from 11.15 to 12.85 tons/ha) compared to the control. However, the application of biosilica could not increase rice yields or straw weight.

Improving the quality of media and Robusta coffee seedlings with mycorrhizal (AMF) and rock phosphate

The quality of the nursery media is very important to producing healthy and good Robusta coffee seeds. This study aims to improve the quality of media and Robusta coffee seedlings by the application of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and rock-phosphate (RP). The AMF as the first factor consisted of four levels, namely 0, 5, 10, and 15 g/polybag, while the second factor RP consisted of four levels, namely 0, 1.25, 2.50, and 3.75 g/polybag. Each treatment was repeated three times and the whole treatments were arranged according to a completely factorial randomized block design. The seedling in a nursery was planted in the polybag and placed in a screen house with 20% shade. Each polybag is contained 10 kg of Podzolic soil (Ultisols) which was collected in Keumala sub-district, Pidie, Aceh. Before being transferred to polybags, seedlings were planted on Rockwall media. After 90 days after planting (DAP), the soil was dismantled for analysis. Indicators of soil quality from the media nursery analyzed included pH, organic C, available P, and exchangeable K. The parameters of seedling growth measured were plant height, number of leaves, and mycorrhizal colonization percentage at 90 DAP. The results of the experiment showed that there was an interaction effect between mycorrhizae (AMF) and RP application. The application of AMF and RP can improve the quality of Robusta coffee seedling media, indicated by the significant effect on soil pH H2O, available P, and the number of leaves. The best combination application was generally obtained from AMF 15 g/polybag and RP 2.50 g/polybag treatment.

Dry matter accumulation and macronutrient uptake in sugarcane varieties

The increase of the area cultivated with sugarcane has demanded information about the culture, mainly in relation to its nutritional needs. There are few studies that report the nutrient uptake in sugarcane, in addition, there are no reports of studies focused on the different periods of sugarcane growth and development. In view of the above, the objective of this research was to determine the macronutrient uptake and dry matter production in the shoots of two sugarcane varieties. The experiment was carried out in Vicentina, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, during the 2017/2018 harvest, using two varieties of sugarcane (RB92579 and SP832847). The experimental design was in randomized blocks with two sugarcane varieties, nine collecting times (90, 120, 150, 180, 210, 240, 270, 300 and 330 days after planting (DAP) and 4 replications. Samples were collected from the shoots of 10 plants, which were divided into leaves, sheaths and stalks, then dried and weighed, and finally the samples were submitted to laboratory analysis to determine the nutrient concentrations in each organ. The accumulation of macronutrients in the shoots of both varieties followed the order: K > N > Ca > S>Mg > P. The export by the stalk followed the order K > N > Ca > S > P > Mg for RB92579 and K > N > Ca = P > S > Mg for SP832847. Maximum accumulation of nutrients and the maximum dry matter production occurred in the interval between 240 and 300 DAP. The variety SP832847 accumulated higher amounts of nutrients and dry matter in relation to RB92579, as well as the time required for the maximum accumulation was shorter.

EFFECTS OF PLANTING POSITION AND Azospirillum brasilense APPLICATION ON THE SPROUT AND AGRONOMIC TRAITS OF CASSAVA (Manihot esculenta Crantz)

The present work aimed to evaluate the effect of the seedling position and Azospirillum brasilense application on the initial development of cassava. The assay was conduced following a completely randomized experimental design, with factorial arrangement (planting positions [horizontal (HP) and vertical (PV)] and the A. brasilense [with (+Azos) and without (-Azos)]). The sprouting percentage (SP) was evaluated from 11 to 35 days after planting (DAP). After 30 DAP, the following variables were evaluated: sprouts number (SN), sprouts height (SH), number of leaflets (NL), length of leaflets (LL), and vegetative vigor (VV). Cassava plants positioning significantly influenced the initial growth. PV promotes a greater sprouting, 63% in 17 DAP, over the PH which was only 3% of the visible shoots during the same period. Here we show for the first time that PV promoted the highest values ​​combined with -Azos in the variables SH (an increase of 17%) and VV (an increase of 61%). The PH, in combination with +Azos, stimulated the NL in 20%. The sub-division into three VV groups allowed identify the existence of differences among the treatments which were not seen in an independent ANOVA being VV an important variable for the initial growth evaluation in cassava.

Analysis of the Performance of Liquid Fertilization in Cucumber Cultivation

Liquid fertilization can be applied to cucumber plants, including using electric sprayers, electric sprayers and air blowers, and using the mist blower. The three sprayer units are capable of producing fine granules (droplets) that can enter the stomata of cucumbers. This study aims to compare the results of spraying performance using the three methods of liquid fertilization in cucumber cultivation. The research method used is indoor testing in the Sprayer Laboratory to determine the value of the performance parameters of each method of liquid fertilization and outdoor testing to apply liquid fertilizer droplets to cucumbers and determine their effect on the growth and production of cucumbers. The results showed that the first fastest appearance of the flower and the first fruit was in the treatment using electric sprayers and air blowers at 24.6 days after planting (DAP) and 31.5 DAP. This treatment also produces cucumbers with the largest diameter, length, and weight of the fruit of 2.97 cm, 26.10 cm, and 298.28 grams. The accuracy of the dose of liquid fertilization application using an electric sprayer and air blower is 63.41%, an electric sprayer of 59.56%, and the mist blower of 29.90%. Keywords: Air blower, Droplet, Electric sprayer, Mist blower, Sprayer

Optimization of TDZ Hormone on the Formation of Somatic Embryogenesis in Dendrobium Orchids (D.50TH Stage Beauty X D. Bobby Mesina)

The Dendrobium variety orchid is a plant that has rare potential and growth. This requires large amounts of seeds that can be propagated in vitro. This study aims to determine the effect of TDZ on the direct induction of somatic embryogenesis. The study was conducted using a completely randomized design (CRD) with one factor, namely media consisting of basal Murashige and Skoog (MS) media with growth regulator TDZ. Each treatment out of a total of seven treatments was repeated four times. The research was carried out from March 2022 to August 2022. The results showed that leaf explants (clonal) could only be induced in 2 treatments (1 mg/L and 1.5 mg/L) out of 28 experimental media treatment units. The earliest callus appeared in the 1 mg/L treatment with a growth time of 90 days after planting (DAP) and the earliest PLB appeared in the 1.5 mg/L treatment with a growing time of 45 days after planting (DAP), the percentage of explant growth that became PLB with 1.5 mg/L treatment resulted in a percentage of 20 % and the percentage of callus growth at 1 mg/L yields a percentage of 20%.

Effects of Different Irrigation Regimes and Genotypes on Yield Contributing Parameters of Potato (Solanum Tuberosum L.) Under Chhattisgarh, India

The field experiment was conducted at the Horticultural Research Farm, College of Agriculture, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India during Rabi 2018-19 in Split plot Design with four level of irrigation regimes and four potato genotypes. The irrigation treatments were allotted in the main plot while, potato genotypes allotted in the sub-plots. At 75 days after planting (DAP) and 90 days after planting (DAP), the various yield contributing parameters were affected significantly by the different irrigation regimes except the plant emergence and number of shoots/plant. The number of shoots/plant, number of total leaves/plant, fresh weight of tubers/plant (g), total number of tuber/plant and harvest index (%) were significantly affected by the different irrigation regimes and potato genotypes. The plant with irrigation at 25 mm cumulative pan evaporation (CPE) produced the maximum plant height, number of shoots/plant, number of total leaves/plant, number of tubers/plant, fresh weight/plant and harvest index at 75 DAP and 90 DAP, respectively. The potato genotype AICRP-P-38 gave the highest fresh weight of tuber/ plant, number of tubers/plant and harvest index at 75 DAP and 90 DAP, respectively. Bangladesh J. Bot. 52(1): 211-216, 2023 (March)

Field Emergence Test in Relation to Laboratory Seed Quality Tests of Sweet Corn Seed

High quality seeds of sweet corn will lead to high productivity. The quality of seeds can be known through germination testing. The field emergence test is one of seed quality testing with approach to a new method of quality testing in the field. The aims to study seed testing with the approach of field emergence method and finds out its relationship with the germination and vigor tests. This research used randomized complete block design (RCBD) with seven replications on each variety. Field emergence test was carried out by observing the number of open leaves and plant height while laboratory seed quality tests were assessed using standard germination test and accelerated ageing (AA) vigor test. The result showed that the field emergence test observed at 14 days after planting (DAP) gave a clear distinction of normal and abnormal plants, with a criteria normal plant had a criterion 3-4 open leaves and 16.9 ± 2.9 cm in plant height while abnormal had less than 3 leaves and short plant height. Field emergence percentage was calculated by the number of normal plants. There was a correlation at each time of observation of field emergence with germination and vigor tests result.

Seedling emergence and growth response of spinach to soil amended with different spent oyster mushroom substrates

Soil health is one of the most important factors that influence plant productivity. Incorporation of soil into plant residues that are high in organic matter has been reported to improve soil’s physical and chemical properties which enhance plant growth and development. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the effect of soils amended with different spent oyster mushroom substrates on seedling emergence and growth of spinach (Spinacia oleracea). The respective soil samples were amended with different Spent Mushroom Substrates (SMS) at ratio 60:40 (soil/substrate). Treatments were: T1= U. panicoides + soil, T2= Z. mays + soil, T3= D. stramonium + soil, T4= Substrate mix [60% soil: U. panicoides (13.33%), Z. mays (13.33%) and D. stramonium (13.33%)] and T5= un-amended soil (100%). The respective treatments were filled into 25cm diameter pots and arranged in a Complete Randomized Design (CRD) in a temperature-controlled glasshouse. In each respective pot, three S. oleracea seeds were planted at a depth of 2cm and watered 3 times a week. S. oleracea growth response was determined by assessing the following variables: emergence rate, plant height, number of leaves/plant and chlorophyll content over a period of 12 weeks. Total dry biomass was assessed at harvest by oven drying the plants at 60ºC for 72 hrs. On the first assessment, seedlings raised in Z. mays SMS had significantly higher emergence percentage than seedlings raised in D. stramonium, Substrate mix, U. panicoides SMS (p<0.05). Seedlings raised in Z. mays SMS attained 100% emergence 7 days after planting (DAP), and un-amended soils had 91.75% 9 DAP. Seedlings raised in Z. mays and D. stramonium SMS had significantly higher plant height than seedlings raised in U. panicoides SMS and un-amended soils (p<0.05). Seedlings raised in Z. mays SMS attained 26.27cm height compared to U. panicoides SMS and un-amended soils which attained 12.67cm and 14cm height, respectively. Findings of this study revealed that Z. mays and D. stramonium SMS amended soils have inherent properties that positively influenced the seedling emergence, establishment, and growth of S. oleracea. This would, therefore, have influence on the leaves which are the main agronomic yield of the crop. Key words: Spent mushroom substrates (SMS), Oyster mushroom, Spinacia oleracea, Urochloa panicoides, Datura stramonium, Zea mays, Seedling emergence, Germination

Exogenous IBA stimulated adventitious root formation of Zanthoxylum beecheyanum K. Koch stem cutting: Histo-physiological and phytohormonal investigation

Poor rooting performance of Chinese pepper (Zanthoxylum beecheyanum K. Koch) shrub is a restriction for its commercial production. This investigation was carried out to assess the effectiveness of the exogenous application of indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) on adventitious root (AR) formation and some morpho-physiological, biochemical, and histological alterations associated with rhizogenesis events. IBA, at 1500 or 2000 mg kg-1, gave comparable effects for improving the performance of rooting architecture compared to the control treatment. The AR primordia of Z. beecheyanum originated from two distinct developmental pathways: (i) direct genesis from cells in the cambial zone and nearby tissues, and (ii) indirect genesis from cells in callus tissues. Rooting process involved four phases: (i) induction at 0–10 days after planting (DAP), (ii) initiation at 10–15 DAP, (iii) formation of the root primordia (Rp) at 15–20 DAP, and (iv) root extension at 20–30 DAP. Cuttings' inductive phase correlated temporarily with intensive cell divisions, high levels of endogenous indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and gibberellins (GA3). However, IBA application led to a pronounced increase in soluble sugars and phenolic content. The initiation phase was accompanied by a histological appearance of meristemoids. This phase was also stimulated by the subsequent generation of low IAA and high GA3 contents. In the development of Rp and root extension phases, prominent Rp formation in the cambium and complete differentiation with vascular tissues continued with that of the stem cuttings. In essence, the current study provides insights into the morphological, histo-physiological, and phytohormonal alterations in stem cuttings.

Combined Metabolome and Transcriptome Analysis Elucidates Sugar Accumulation in Wucai (Brassica campestris L.).

Wucai (Brassica campestris L.) is a leafy vegetable that originated in China, its soluble sugars accumulate significantly to improve taste quality during maturation, and it is widely accepted by consumers. In this study, we investigated the soluble sugar content at different developmental stages. Two periods including 34 days after planting (DAP) and 46 DAP, which represent the period prior to and after sugar accumulation, respectively, were selected for metabolomic and transcriptomic profiling. Differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) were mainly enriched in the pentose phosphate pathway, galactose metabolism, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, starch and sucrose metabolism, and fructose and mannose metabolism. By orthogonal projection to latent structures-discriminant s-plot (OPLS-DA S-plot) and MetaboAnalyst analyses, D-galactose and β-D-glucose were identified as the major components of sugar accumulation in wucai. Combined with the transcriptome, the pathway of sugar accumulation and the interact network between 26 DEGs and the two sugars were mapped. CWINV4, CEL1, BGLU16, and BraA03g023380.3C had positive correlations with the accumulation of sugar accumulation in wucai. The lower expression of BraA06g003260.3C, BraA08g002960.3C, BraA05g019040.3C, and BraA05g027230.3C promoted sugar accumulation during the ripening of wucai. These findings provide insights into the mechanisms underlying sugar accumulation during commodity maturity, providing a basis for the breeding of sugar-rich wucai cultivars.

Differential levels of soybean resistance to the whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) under controlled and uncontrolled environments are associated with plant age, damage intensity, and trichome density

Whiteflies are a severe threat to soybean production in the tropics. This study aimed to evaluate the soybean resistance level of the whitefly Bemisia tabaci in controlled and uncontrolled environments that is associated with plant age, damage intensity, and trichome density. The research was conducted under two conditions: non-sprayed (NS) and sprayed (SP). This study used 50 soybean genotypes arranged in a randomized block design with three replicates. The whitefly population was derived from natural infestations. The results showed that the highest wild population of B. tabaci occurred at 40 days after planting (DAP), i.e., 126.08 adults/plant in the NS environment and 22.57 adults/plant in the SP environment. The peak damage intensity occurred at 50 DAP, 20.71% in the NS environment, and 17.15% in the SP environment. In the NS environment, there were six resistant genotypes (including the resistant control G100H), 25 moderate, and 19 susceptible genotypes. In the SP environment, 19 genotypes were resistant, 22 genotypes were moderate, and nine genotypes were susceptible, respectively. Six soybean genotypes showed consistent resistance to B. tabaci in NS and SP environments. The low density of leaf trichomes in soybean may influence the high resistance to B. tabaci. The resistant genotypes identified in this study could be utilized in breeding programs for B. tabaci resistance.

Potential of roots and shoots of Napier grass for arresting soil erosion and runoff of mollisols soils of Himalayas

In this study, a soil filled Hydraulic Tilting Flume (HTF) was used as a test plot under simulated rainfall conditions. This flume was filled with mollisols soils (sandy loam in texture) collected from tarai region of Himalayas. The effects of root and shoot characteristics of Napier grass in terms of leaf area index (LAI), shoot length (SL), number of leaves (NL), number of tillers (NT), shoot biomass (SB), root density (RD), root length (RL), root biomass (RB), and total biomass (TB) were investigated on runoff and sediment outflow at 90, 120 and 150 days after planting (DAP). Four simulated rainfall intensities namely 4.0, 6.5, 8.3 and 9.4 cm/h over three land slopes of 1, 2 and 3% were selected. Runoff samples collected from whole plant plot and only root plot were analyzed for runoff and sediment outflow. Findings revealed that Napier grasses were very effective to reduce runoff and sediment outflow and its efficacy increased with the extended growth stages. The reduction in runoff and sediment outflow at 90, 120 and 150 DAP was obtained as 56% and 85%, 68% and 90%, and 74% and 96%, respectively, as compared to bare plot conditions. It was observed that the comparative contribution of shoots in runoff rate reduction was higher than the roots. On the contrary, the root part of the plant showed more contribution in sediment rate reduction as compared to the shoot part. Step wise regression was attempted for the selection of effective input parameters to establish authentic runoff and sediment outflow models. Power form of multiple non-linear regression (MNLR) showed very satisfactory results for predicting runoff and sediment outflow with coefficient of determination (R2) as 97.4% and 99.0%, respectively, root mean square error (RMSE) as 38.8 cc/m2/min and 0.126 g/m2/min, respectively, and coefficient of efficiency (CE) as 93.9% and 96.7%, respectively, during testing period.

Assessment of Method and Application Schedule of Fertilizer N and K on Growth and Productivity of Summer Planted Sugarcane Crop (Saccharum officinarum L.) under Wide Spacing

Present investigation was carried out at Regional Research Station, Uchani (Karnal) of CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, India during 2020-21 to assess the effect of method and schedule of fertilizer application on growth, yield attributes and cane yield of summer planted sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) crop under wide spacing (120 cm). The experiment was arranged in split plot design with two methods of fertilizer application (B1-broadcasting and B2- band placement) as main plot treatments and four sub plot treatments which include application of recommended dose of N and K fertilizer (RDF) in different number of splits at different no. of days after planting (DAP) i.e. T1 (five splits), T2 (six splits), T3 (seven splits) and T4 (three splits). Results concluded that majority of growth parameters, yield attributes and cane yield were significantly affected by both main and sub plot treatments at different stages of crop growth period. Treatment B2 registered significantly higher tiller population (110.59 and102.68 000 ha-1 at 60 and 120 DAP respectively), plant height (91.16, 141.18, 400.12 and 412.13 cm at 60, 120, 180 and 240 DAP respectively), no. of millable canes (NMC) (100.79 and 96.58 000 ha-1 in mid-September and at harvesting respectively) cane length (234.64 cm at harvesting) and cane yield (93.16 t ha-1)compared to B1. Among sub plot treatments, T1 outperformed all the other treatments in terms of growth, yield attributes and cane yield. Treatment T1 registered maximum plant height (150.43, 411.0 and 427.45 cm at 120, 180 and 240 DAP respectively), tiller population (104.72 000 ha-1 at 120 DAP), NMC (102.06 and 95.20 000 ha-1 in mid-September and at harvesting respectively) and cane yield (94.83 t ha-1). Germination percentage, cane girth, no. of internodes per cane and length of internodes was not significantly affected either by main or sub plot treatments.

Nicotiana protein kinase 1 (NPK1) in sugarcane: effects on plant development and productivity in Oxisol

Losses in sugarcane crops due to water deficiencies have been increasing in Brazil and worldwide. NPK1 (Nicotiana protein kinase1) is naturally found in tobacco plants and provides tolerance to cold, heat, and salt stress, with positive results in corn, tobacco, and Arabidopsis. This study aimed to evaluate the development and productivity of transgenic sugarcane with the insertion of the tobacco NPK1 gene. Sugarcane plants cv. RB855536 were genetically transformed with the insertion of the NPK1 gene by biolistic (transgenic event obtained by biolistic) and agrobacteria (transgenic event obtained by Agrobacterium infection). These transgenic sugarcane plants were evaluated in relation to the control (non-genetically transformed sugarcane plants). The growth and productivity of the plants were evaluated in a greenhouse, at four periods: 60, 120, 180, and 270 days after planting (DAP). The measurements recorded included the average number, length, and diameter of the stems, number of green leaves, leaf area, and leaf area index. The fresh stalk mass was evaluated at 270 DAP. The insertion of the gene NPK1 significantly contributed to sugarcane development. There was a significant difference improvement on tillering across all the evaluated periods. At the end of the cycle, plants transformed using the Agrobacterium maintained a higher number of tillers, with 68 % more tillers than the other plants (control and biolistic). The fresh stalk mass was 48 % higher in productivity (than the control and biolistic). Transgenic sugarcane did not show any delay or decrease in growth compared to the conventional non-transformed sugarcane. Therefore, the results suggest that the insertion of the NPK1 gene into sugarcane is a promising alternative for increasing crop productivity

Effects of rice husk biochar (RHB) with combined inoculation of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) on growth of maize (Zea mays)

For optimal plant growth and productivity, agricultural activity is dependent on soil quality and nutrient availability. Soil amendment such as rice husk biochar (RHB), which abundantly found in Malaysia, are capable of improving soil fertility due to its longevity and other benefits to soil biota, including beneficial soil fungi and bacteria such as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB). AMF are well-known for their capacity to improve plant nutrient uptake, particularly P, which is essential for plant growth. Similarly, PSB, which is a beneficial bacteria, are able to solubilize phosphate into soluble form thus enhance the P availability for plant. However, the combination effect of AMF and PSB in the presence of RHB is not known. Thus, in order to assess the effects of AMF and PSB in the presence of RHB on soil properties and maize growth, a pot experiment was done. Randomized completely block design (RCBD) arrangement was applied to the following treatments: T1 (control), T2 (RHB), T3 (AMF), T4 (PSB), T5 (+RHB, +AMF), T6 (+AMF, +PSB), T7 (+RHB, +PSB) and T8 (+RHB, +AMF, +PSB). About 10 t/ha RHB was added to the soils for treatments T2, T5, T7, and T8. Ten grams of AMF inoculum and double application of PSB were applied to their respective treatments. Plant growth and soils sampling were done at 45 days after planting (DAP). Results showed that T7 gave 137% root biomass and 123% P uptake higher than control. Our findings were in line with our hypothesis (application of RHB, AMF or PSB or their combination would improve maize growth compared to control, in which T8 gave highest root volume and 150% higher than control. The results suggested that there were positive and synergistic effects of beneficial soil microorganisms (AMF or/and PSB) either with or without RHB. Thus, these combined inoculations and RHB application could be used in biofertilizer formulations to increase the maize growth and yield in sustainable agriculture system.