Different Stages Of Plant Growth Research Articles

High-Throughput Field Screening of Cassava Brown Streak Disease Resistance for Efficient and Cost-Saving Breeding Selection

Cassava brown streak disease (CBSD) remains the most severe threat to cassava production in the Great Lakes region and Southern Africa. Screening for virus resistance by subjecting cassava to high virus pressure in the epidemic zone (hotspots) is a common but lengthy process because of unpredictable and erratic virus infections requiring multiple seasons for disease evaluation. This study investigated the feasibility of graft-infections to provide a highly controlled infection process that is robust and reproducible to select and eliminate susceptible cassava at the early stages and to predict the resistance of adapted and economically valuable varieties. To achieve this, a collection of cassava germplasm from the Democratic Republic of Congo and a different set of breeding trials comprising two seed nurseries and one preliminary yield trial were established. The cassava varieties OBAMA and NAROCASS 1 infected with CBSD were planted one month after establishment of the main trials in a 50 m2 plot to serve as the source of the infection and to provide scions to graft approximately 1 ha. Grafted plants were inspected for virus symptoms and additionally tested by RT-qPCR for sensitive detection of the viruses. The incidence and severity of CBSD and cassava mosaic disease (CMD) symptoms were scored at different stages of plant growth and fresh root yield determined at harvesting. The results from the field experiments proved that graft-infection with infected plants showed rapid symptom development in susceptible cassava plants allowing instant exclusion of those lines from the next breeding cycle. High heritability, with values ranging from 0.63 to 0.97, was further recorded for leaf and root symptoms, respectively. Indeed, only a few cassava progenies were selected while clones DSC260 and two species of M. glaziovii (Glaziovii20210005 and Glaziovii20210006) showed resistance to CBSD. Taken together, grafting scions from infected cassava is a highly efficient and cost-effective method to infect cassava with CBSD even under rugged field conditions. It replaces an erratic infection process with a controlled method to ensure precise screening and selection for virus resistance. The clones identified as resistant could serve as elite donors for introgression, facilitating the transfer of resistance to CBSD.

Genome-Wide Identification and In Silico Analysis of Annexins in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.).

Annexins are a ubiquitous, evolutionarily conserved group of Ca2+-dependent phospholipid-binding proteins. They are a family of less numerous and more varied proteins that form a unique monophyletic group. They play an important role in various abiotic and biotic stress responses through Ca2+-mediated signaling. Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is one of the most widely grown legume crops in the world. In recent years, intensive research has been carried out to identify and elucidate genes and molecular pathways that control stress responses in plants. The availability of the chickpea genome has hastened the functional genomics of chickpea. In the current study, we attempted Genome-wide identification and in silico analysis of Annexins in chickpea. Thirteen annexin sequences have been identified in the chickpea genome. Four conserved annexin domains were found in ten annexin members, while three annexins CaAnn5, CaAnn12, and CaAnn13, showed three, two, and one conserved domain, respectively. The gene structure analysis showed the presence of multiple exons in all thirteen annexins. Most Annexin genes are composed of 3-5 introns. Their chromosomal locations showed that out of thirteen genes, ten could be mapped on four chromosomes. Three genes were placed on the scaffold regions. The promoter sequence analysis of all thirteen annexins showed the presence of various elements related to growth and development and response to different phytohormones and abiotic stress. The gene expression data of different annexins in various tissues like leaf, shoot, root, flower bud, and young pod showed their differential expression. Analysis of expression data of roots in drought stress showed their differential expression with the different stages of plant growth. Overall, the current findings show the possible role of CaAnns in different stages of plant growth and development in normal and stressful conditions. Moreover, these findings will be helpful in the further characterization of CaAnn genes and their promoters.

The effect of artificial mycorrhization on the growth and development of plants in a vegetation experiment

Nowadays, numerous commercially available biological preparations based on arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are suggested for practical use in agriculture. The potential benefits of inoculating soils with AM fingi for crop production have been shown in many studies. However, the level of the universality of such preparations, i.e. the effectiveness of artificial mycorrhization using one particular fungi species for different agricultural plants, still remains unclear. The aim of present study was to assess the possibility and effectiveness of artificial mycorrhization of tomatoes and wheat under in a vegetation experiment. The effects of adding preparation Mycoplant, which contains propagules of endomycorrhizal fungi, to the soil on seed germination, plant morphometric parameters, and the concentration of chlorophyll in wheat and tomato leaves were assessed. Seeds of wheat lines isogenic for Vrn genes of the Myronivska 808 variety and two varieties of tomatoes - the early-ripening Kremenchutsky rannij variety and the late-ripening Ace variety were used in the experiment. The use of Mycoplant stimulated the germination of wheat seeds: the wheat plants sprouted earlier and moved through the consequent stages of development earlier than in control. However, an opposite effect took place on the germination of tomato seeds. The treatment with Mycoplant caused an overall tendency to increase of morphometric parameters in wheat isogenic lines Vrn-A1a and Vrn-D1a at different stages of plant growth and development; that correlated with the formation of surface mycorrhiza on the roots. The positive effect of artificial mycorrhization on the photosynthesis was established only for the isogenic line Vrn-D1a, and only at the stage of grain filling. In tomatoes the formation of arbuscular mycorrhiza due to Mycoplant treatment was observed, but no positive effect on the morphometric parameters or chlorophyll concentration in leaves was detected. The maximum frequency of occurrence of mycorrhiza was found in tomatoes of the Kremenchugskii rannijy variety, and the maximum intensity of mycorrhizal formation was found in experimental series of the late-ripening Ace variety.

Research on the Mechanisms of Phytohormone Signaling in Regulating Root Development.

Phytohormones are organic compounds produced in trace amounts within plants that regulate their physiological processes. Their physiological effects are highly complex and diverse. They influence processes ranging from cell division, elongation, and differentiation to plant germination and rooting. Therefore, phytohormones play a crucial regulatory role in plant growth and development. Recently, various studies have highlighted the role of PHs, such as auxin, cytokinin (CK), and abscisic acid (ABA), and newer classes of PHs, such as brassinosteroid (BR) and peptide hormone, in the plant responses toward environmental stresses. These hormones not only have distinct roles at different stages of plant growth but also interact to promote or inhibit each other, thus effectively regulating plant development. Roots are the primary organs for water and mineral absorption in plants. During seed germination, the radicle breaks through the seed coat and grows downward to form the primary root. This occurs because the root needs to quickly penetrate the soil to absorb water and nutrients, providing essential support for the plant's subsequent growth. Root development is a highly complex and precisely regulated process influenced by various signals. Changes in root architecture can affect the plant's ability to absorb nutrients and water, which in turn impacts crop yield. Thus, studying the regulation of root development is of great significance. Numerous studies have reported on the role of phytohormones, particularly auxins, in root regulation. This paper reviews recent studies on the regulation of root development by various phytohormones, both individually and in combination, providing a reference for researchers in this field and offering perspectives on future research directions for improving crop yields.

Responses of Growth, Enzyme Activity, and Flower Bud Differentiation of Pepper Seedlings to Nitrogen Concentration at Different Growth Stages

The concentration of nitrogen fertilizer is matched with the nutrient requirements in different growth stages of plants, which coordinates their vegetative and reproductive growth. In this study, the influences of nitrogen concentration before and after initiation of flower bud differentiation (first and second stage, respectively) on pepper seedling quality were studied. The chlorophyll a content, sucrose synthase activity, and sucrose phosphate synthase activity of pepper seedlings grown under moderate nitrogen (15 mmol L−1) in the first stage combined with high nitrogen (25.61 mmol L−1) in the second stage were 15.7%, 39.3%, and 34.6% higher than those of the same nitrogen concentration (15 mmol L−1) in the first and second stages treatment, respectively. The regression model also showed that the values of flower bud diameter, shoot fresh weight, root fresh weight, and glutamine synthetase activity of pepper were high under the condition of moderate nitrogen in the first stage and higher nitrogen in the second stage. In addition, the results of comprehensive evaluation showed that moderate nitrogen (15 mmol L−1) in the first stage and high nitrogen (25.61 mmol L−1) in the second stage treatment ranked first, which improved carbon and nitrogen metabolism, increased biomass accumulation, and promoted the flower bud differentiation and flowering of pepper seedlings.

Identification of Rust Resistance Genes in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Using Molecular Markers and Host–Pathogen Interaction Tests

ABSTRACTThe leaf rust (Puccinia triticina f. sp. tritici), stripe rust (Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici), and stem rust (Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici) are major fungal constraints affecting wheat production worldwide. Identifying and deploying wheat varieties with diverse resistance are the best ways to manage all the rusts. Therefore, a continuous search goes on to identify diverse germplasm with effective rust resistance that expresses at different stages of plant growth (seedling and adult plant). A set of 22 rust resistant wheat genotypes and 4 checks (controls), viz., Avocet‐Yr10, Avocet ‐Yr15, Agra Local, and respective positive checks were studied for characterising rust resistance genes using host–pathogen interactions complemented by molecular markers. Among 22 elite genotypes, 05 genotypes amplified 191 bp fragment with marker PSY1E1, confirmed the presence of gene Lr19/Sr25. These genotypes also expressed resistance to most virulent leaf rust pathotypes, 77‐5 and 77‐9 in host–pathogen interaction test (HPI). Seven genotypes showed the presence of Lr34/Yr18/Sr57/Pm38/Ltn1 in homozygous state, whereas G4 showed its presence in heterozygous condition. Among 22 genotypes, 16 genotypes possessed Yr10. Five genotypes (22.7%) exhibited two gene combinations, Lr19/Sr25, and Yr10 as revealed through the detection of 191 bp fragment with marker PSY1E1 and 260 bp fragment with co‐dominantly inherited microsatellite marker Xpsp3000, respectively. All five genotypes (G2, G3, G8, G9, and G18) also expressed brown glumes controlled by the gene Rg1 tightly linked to Yr10 on the 1BS chromosome. Broad spectrum rust resistance present in these lines in good agronomic backgrounds could be used as potent genetic donors for diverse and durable rust resistance breeding programmes in wheat.

Microbial inoculants as a means of improving soil and crop yields

The article presented the results of studies of the influence of microbial inoculants Rhizobium japonicum and Azospirillum brasilense on the growth and development of soybean (Glycine max) at the initial stages of its development. The study was conducted on three experimental plots: a control plot without treatment, a plot with Rhizobium japonicum inoculum and a plot with Azospirillum brasilense inoculum. The main indicators were evaluated: plant height, number of leaves, root system development and total biomass at different stages of plant growth, as well as laboratory analysis of nitrogen content in plant tissues. The results of the study showed that the inoculants had a significant impact on all measured parameters compared to the control plot. In particular, the plants in the plot with Rhizobium japonicum showed 50% higher growth and development of the root system, which was confirmed by the formation of root nodules responsible for nitrogen fixation. Azospirillum brasilense also improved plant growth and root system development, but its effect was less pronounced compared to Rhizobium japonicum. Nitrogen content analysis showed that plants in the Rhizobium japonicum plot had 45% higher tissue nitrogen content compared to the control plot, indicating effective nitrogen fixation. In plants treated with Azospirillum brasilense, the nitrogen content was also 25% higher, but without nodule formation, the effect was less pronounced. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of microbial inoculants in improving plant growth and development in the early stages of vegetation, to investigate their effect on root system productivity, nitrogen uptake and total plant biomass, and to determine the optimal conditions for maximising the impact of inoculants in agricultural conditions. The results emphasised the importance of using microbial inoculants to increase soybean productivity and resistance in the early stages of its development. The application of Rhizobium japonicum provided a greater increase in biomass, root system and nitrogen assimilation, which makes this inoculant more effective than Azospirillum brasilense

In vivo profiling of phytocannabinoids in Cannabis spp. varieties via SPME-LC-MS analysis

In vivo profiling of phytocannabinoids in Cannabis spp. varieties via SPME-LC-MS analysis

ALTERATIONS IN THE NUCLEIC ACID AND PROTEIN CONTENT IN SORGHUM BICOLOR PLANTS UNDER ZINC EXCESS

Trace metals like zinc are natural components of the environment but, elevated and potentially toxic levels sometimes occur. The use of zinc fertilizers and pesticides is a common agricultural practice, which over the years lead to elevated levels of zinc in the soil.In the present investigation seven-day old Sorghum bicolor plants were treated with five different concentrations of zinc solution and sampling was done at different stages of plant growth to estimate the nucleic acid and protein content. The results revealed a significant reduction in DNA, RNA and proteins in the plants growing at higher concentrations of zinc treatment as compared to control. Toxic levels of heavy metal ions induce several cellular stress responses and damages different cellular components such as membranes, proteins and DNA.

Role of organic and inorganic amendments on physiological attributes of germinating pea seedlings under arsenic stress

There are scarce data regarding the effects of soil amendments on biophysicochemical responses of plants at the early stages of growth/germination. This study critically compares the effects of ethylene-diamine-tetra-acetic-acid (EDTA) and calcium (Ca) on biophysicochemical responses of germinating pea seedlings under varied arsenic levels (As, 25, 125, 250 µM). Arsenic alone enhanced hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) level in pea roots (176%) and shoot (89%), which significantly reduced seed germination percentage, pigment contents, and growth parameters. Presence of EDTA and Ca in growth culture minimized the toxic effects of As on pea seedlings, EDTA being more pertinent than Ca. Both the amendments decreased H2O2 levels in pea tissues (16% in shoot and 13% in roots by EDTA, and 7% by Ca in shoot), and maintained seed germination, pigment contents, and growth parameters of peas close to those of the control treatment. The effects of all As-treatments were more pronounced in the pea roots than in the shoot. The presence of organic and inorganic amendments can play a useful role in alleviating As toxicity at the early stages of pea growth. The scarcity of data demands comparing plant biophysicochemical responses at different stages of plant growth (germinating vs mature) in future studies.

Effect of Epigenomics on different stresses of Horticultural crops

Horticultural Crops are affected by many environmental stresses including both biotic as well as abiotic. However, eventually, these are facing major challenges to enhance the productivity of field crops due to changes in environmental conditions. In order to cope with the fickle environments, plants are innately evolved with intricate gene signalling cascades and stress avoidance mechanisms. Epigenetic modifications are one such regulation which influences the plant stress responses under adverse environments. These epigenetic changes include the potential DNA methylation, histone modification and small RNAs coupled with the regulation of gene expression without altering the DNA sequences which eventually enhances the tolerance adoptive responses to the adverse environments. The epigenetic modifications in the genome develop a stress memory in plants which further enables them to better combat with extreme stress conditions. In this review, we attempted to recapitulate the recent progress and emphasize how the changes of DNA methylation, histone modification, and small non-coding RNA regulation alters in different growth stages of plants in response to major abiotic stresses such as salinity, drought, cold and heat. We also discuss the importance and prospects of epigenomics towards the possible improvement of plant responses to abiotic stresses for Climate resilient agriculture.

Studies on Sensitivity of Safflower Varieties Grown in Marathwada Region by Water Culture Technique.

Safflower is one of the important rabi oilseed crop grown in Marathwada region which play a vital role in agriculture economy. Various safflower varieties are affected by several diseases like viruses, bacteria, fungi and nematodes at different growth stages of plants. Out of these, fungi like Fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp.carthami is common in in Marathwada region 0fMaharashtra. The fungus grown in vascular tissues and few surrounding cells causing block of vascular system resulting into the browning of tissue, hypersensitive expressions, drooping of leaves, wilting of plant followed by death of plants. Therefo represent study was undertaken to study the sensitivity of some safflower varieties against fusarium wilt grown in Marathwada by water culture technique.

Mycoflora of strawberry plants

Goal. To identify fungi associated with the tissues of strawberry plants and evaluate the frequency of their isolation at different stages of plant growth.
 Methods. The research was conducted in the Right Bank Forest Steppe of Ukraine (Cherkasy Region) in 2021—2023, cv. ‘Clery’. Plant samples were taken in the phases of rosette formation (April), budding-flowering (May), fruit ripening (June) and in the post-harvest period (July-August). The analysis was carried out in laboratory conditions using macroscopic and biological methods.
 Results. During the research period, fungi belonging to 27 genera were isolated from strawberry tissues. In general, they can be divided into three groups: pathogens of leaves, which is the most numerous, berries, roots and crown. Representatives of the genera Alternaria, which were isolated from 57—100% of samples, and Fusarium (40—88%) occurred most often. Less often, but also during the entire growing season, Penicillium spp. (36—69%), Podosphaera aphanis (11—80%), Botrytis cinerea (27—67%), Paraphomopsis obscurans (24—77%) were isolated. Among the leaf diseases powdery mildew was recorded during all growing season, with a maximum in the fruit ripening phase. White leaf spot was observed starting from the budding-flowering phase, and leaf scorch was found from the fruit ripening phase. Gray rot was the most common fruit disease. The root system was more often affected by Fusarium spp.
 Conclusions. The obtained results demonstrate that during the entire growing season fungi of the genera Alternaria, Fusarium, Penicillium, as well as Podosphaera aphanis, Botrytis cinerea and Paraphomopsis obscurans were most often isolated from strawberry tissues. R.grevilleana was isolated starting from the budding-flowering phase, and D. earlianum from the fruit ripening phase. Species from the genera Podosphaera, Ramularia, Diplocarpon, Colletotrichum, Pestalotiopsis, Verticillium, Sclerotinia, Gnomoniopsis, Rhizoctonia, Coniella, Rhizopus, Septoria, Cylindrocarpon require constant control of their spread. Under favorable conditions for their development, they can cause damage to plants and a significant lack of harvest. The seasonal monitoring of fungi on strawberry provides a means for establishing the optimal periods for their control and developing effective disease protection system.

Design and research of digital twin system for multi-environmental variable mapping in plant factory

Design and research of digital twin system for multi-environmental variable mapping in plant factory

Impact of Iodine Biofortification on Tomato Bioaccessibility through Cooking, Soaking and Simulated Digestion

Background: Even though iodine is not an essential micronutrient for the plant, it is very much needed for a person's mental and physical development. Due to the presence of negative charge on iodine it is highly susceptible to leaching. Further iodine is also highly prone to volatilization loss due to biochemical and physiochemical properties of soil leading to iodine deficiency. Agronomic biofortification of iodine is one of the ways to address iodine deficiency globally. Numerous studies have focused on the process by which plants absorb iodine from the soil, but there is still paucity of knowledge on stability of biofortified iodine in fruits. Methods: In our work, we assessed iodine bioavailability (Cooking, soaking and digestion) in tomato fruit from different sources of chitosan and potassium iodate alone and combinations using main and residual crop trials. The field experiment was carried out in Thondamuthur block of Viraliyur village at Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu in 2021. Potassium iodate and chitosan were applied in the form of soil, foliar, and chitosan iodate complex at different stages of plant growth. Results: The results suggested that combination and potassium iodate and chitosan complex has increased the iodine stability in fruits of main crop and also retained the iodine in residual crop. As electrostatic interaction between chitosan and iodate prevents volatilization and gradually stabilizes the bioavailability of iodine in fruits. Our findings offer more details on iodine mobility and behaviour in fruits when it is used alone and combination with chitosan at different rates.

Controlling root zone temperature improves plant growth and pigments in hydroponic lettuce.

Air and root zone temperatures are important environmental factors affecting plant growth and yield. Numerous studies have demonstrated that air temperature strongly affects plant growth and development. Despite the extensive literature on air temperature, comprehensive studies on the effects of root zone temperature (RZT) on plant growth, elemental composition, and pigments are limited. In this study, we carefully observed the effects of RZT in red leaf lettuce to understand its effect on lettuce growth and pigment content. Lettuce (Lactuca sativa, red leaf cultivar 'Red Fire') was grown hydroponically in a plant factory with artificial light under three RZT treatments (15, 25, or 35 °C) for 13 days. We investigated the comprehensive effects of RZT on the production of red leaf lettuce by metabolome and ionome analyses. The 25 °C RZT treatment achieved maximum shoot and root dry weight. The 35 °C RZT decreased plant growth but significantly increased pigment contents (e.g. anthocyanins, carotenoids). In addition, a RZT heating treatment during plant cultivation that changed from 25 to 35 °C RZT for 8 days before harvest significantly increased shoot dry weight compared with the 35 °C RZT and significantly increased pigments compared with the 25 °C RZT. The 15 °C RZT resulted in significantly less pigment content relative to the 35 °C RZT. The 15 °C RZT also resulted in shoot and root dry weights greater than the 35 °C RZT but less than the 25 °C RZT. This study demonstrated that plant growth and pigments can be enhanced by adjusting RZT during different stages of plant growth to attain enhanced pigment contents while minimizing yield loss. This suggests that controlling RZT could be a viable method to improve lettuce quality via enhancement of pigment content quality while maintaining acceptable yields.

Effect of different levels of organic fertilizer on growth, yield and economic benefits of radish (Raphanus sativus L.)

An experiment was carried out at A-to-Z Agro Farm Bagatipara, Natore, Bangladesh from October to December 2020, to study the growth, yield and economic benefits of radish (Raphanus sativus L, V: Rocky 45) as influenced by different levels of organic fertilizer (Kazi organic fertilizer). The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) comprising four treatments with three replications. The treatment combinations were T0 (no organic fertilizer), T1 (organic fertilizer 5 t ha-1), T2 (organic fertilizer 10 t ha-1), T3 (organic fertilizer 15 t ha-1), respectively. Data were recorded from different stages of plant growth on plant height at different days after sowing, number of leaves per plant, leaf length, leaf breadth, root length, root diameter, fresh weight of root per plant, gross yield and marketable yield. All the recorded parameters were statistically significant among the treatments. The tallest plant (40.92 cm) was recorded from T3 (organic fertilizer 15 t ha-1), whereas the shortest plant height plant (25.84 cm) was obtained from the control T0 (no organic fertilizer). Highest number of leaves (16.56), leaf length (33.02 cm), leaf breadth ((8.74 cm), root length (19.33 cm), root diameter (3.50 cm), fresh weight of root per plant (129.89 g), gross yield (36.37 t ha-1), marketable yield (36.37 t ha-1) and also the highest benefit cost ratio (2.67) was found in treatment T3 (organic fertilizer 15 t ha-1) whereas lowest data recorded from control T0 (no organic fertilizer). Results conclude that application of organic fertilizer 15 t ha-1 for radish cultivation gave better growth, yield and economic benefits.

Sand Burial, Rather than Salinity or Drought, Is the Main Stress That Limits the Germination Ability of Sophora alopecuroides L. Seed in the Desert Steppe of Yanchi, Ningxia, China.

Global change and environmental pollution have reawakened ecologists to the great threat of multi-stress interactions to different growth stages of plants. Sophora alopecuroides L., a dune plant, has been widely studied for its medicinal components and strong salinity tolerance. S. alopecuroides seeds, obtained from the desert steppe of Yanchi, Ningxia, China, were used to analyze the effects of sand burial, salinity, drought, and their interactions on seed germination (germination percentage, germination energy, and germination index). The results showed that sand burial and salinity stress had significant effects on the seed germination ability of S. alopecuroides, and drought stress had no significant effect, but the interaction of the three stresses had a significant effect. Under different drought-stress treatments, the interaction of no sand burial and a certain degree of salinity stress significantly improved the germination ability of S. alopecuroides, and the overall intensity of the effects of the three stresses showed that sand burial > salinity > drought. Considering the germination percentage, germination energy, and germination index of S. alopecuroides under various stress interactions, the treatment of no sand burial × 1% soil saline-alkali content × 18-20% soil water content was adopted to maximize the germination ability of S. alopecuroides. In the desert steppe area of Yanchi, Ningxia, sand burial stress was still the most limiting factor for seed germination of S. alopecuroides, and soil saline-alkali content should be increased moderately, and soil moisture should be ensured to obtain the best germination ability.

Impact of Introduced Tomato Cultivars and Chemical Fungicides on the Occurrence and Intensity of Late Blight in Western Cameroon

Late blight, caused by Phytophthora infestans, is the main constraint to tomato production and exportation in Cameroon. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of chemical and tomato varieties in the control of tomato Late blight in the field for the improvement of tomato production in the west region of Cameroon. Seedlings of 7 tomato varieties produced in the nursery were transplanted into pits each containing 100 g of fowl droppings and 30 g of the nematicide Carbofuran 5%. From the 21st day after transplanting, the different fungicides were applied every four days. Data were collected on the incidence, severity of the disease at different stages of plant growth and development and on yields. The results showed that the AVTO1219 and AVTO1311 varieties were less sensitive to Late blight. The control plants of AVTO1219 variety showed incidences of 7.7, 11.7 and 16.7% and severities of 1.7, 14.9 and 17.2% in the vegetative, flowering and fruiting phases respectively. Control plants of CLN1462A, CLN1464A, CLN1464B, RIOGRANDE 2 and RIOGRANDE + varieties showed incidence of 100% from the flowering phase. Control plants of varieties AVTO1213 (17.29 t ha-1) and AVTO1311 (11.33 t ha-1) produced the highest yields. Bonsoin was the more effective fungicide and AVTO1311 was the more effective variety to manage disease. However, the combination of Bonsoin with the AVTO1219 and AVTO1311 varieties was most effective in controlling late blight of tomatoes in the field. These results suggest that to improve tomato production, Late blight resistant varieties should be used and effective fungicides applied as treatments.

Woody Plant Diversity of Tropical Dry Deciduous Forest of Ranchi, Jharkhand

The study was conducted to determine the composition and diversity of three different growth stages of plant in tropical dry deciduous forest in Horhap under Mahilong Range, Ranchi during the year 2018- 2019. The entire area was divided into two sites based upon the physiographic factors. The simple random sampling procedure was followed with quadrates of 10×10 m2 for trees and saplings and 2×2 m2 quadrates for seedlings were taken. A total of 1430–1810 stems ha-1 in trees, 1080–1240 stems ha-1 in saplings and 45500–56500 stems ha-1 in seedlings were encountered. The total basal area was varied between 35.97 to 48.01 m2 ha-1 for trees, 4.67 to 5.42 m2 ha-1 for saplings and 3.78– 3.88 m2 ha-1 for seedlings. Shorea robusta showed highest value of IVI in tree sapling and seedling layers. Shannon index ranged from 2.43–2.97 for trees, 3.07–3.08 for saplings and 2.21–2.26 for seedlings. The concentration of dominance was 0.24–0.33 for trees, 0.19–0.21 for saplings and 0.37–0.4 for seedlings. Equitability ranged from 0.92–0.99 for trees, 1.0 for saplings and 0.84–0.86 for seedlings. Species richness ranged from 1.79–2.53 for trees, 2.11–2.43 for saplings and 1.19–1.21 for seedlings. However there is a need for ideal silvicultural operations and scientific approach-based management practice to retain the diversity ultimately a healthy forest ecosystem.