Dry Fruit Yield Research Articles

Evaluation of hot pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) genotypes for their reaction to wilt complex disease and yield performance in Jabi Tehena district, northwestern Ethiopia

Hot pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) production and productivity is highly hampered by biotic and abiotic factors in Ethiopia. Among biotic factors, wilt complex disease is the major production constraint both in the study area in particular and wherever hot pepper is grown in general. Field experiments were carried out during the 2020 and the 2021 main-rainy growing seasons to evaluate the reaction of 14 hot pepper genotypes to the wilt complex disease and their agronomic performance. Analysis of variance revealed differences among genotypes in disease reaction, growth and yield performance. The local check had the highest disease incidence (58.04%), severity (56.33%), area under the disease progression curve (1471.67% days), and faster disease progression rate (0.0157 units per day) as compared to the rest of the genotypes. The results categorize eight hot pepper genotypes as susceptible (Bako Local, local check, Marko Fana, Melka Awaze, Melka Dear, Melka Oli, Melka Shote and Melka Zala) and six hot pepper varieties as moderately susceptible (Chala, Deme, Dinisire, Kume, Oda Haro and Revival). There were no hot pepper genotypes categorized under the resistant reaction class to the wilt complex disease. Melka Zala produced the highest number of fruits per plant (133.80), marketable dry fruit yield (2.13 t ha−1) and total dry fruit yield (2.30 t ha−1). Out of the evaluated genotypes, the varieties Melka Zala, Melka Dera and Melka Oli were superior in their yield performance. Providing those high-yielding hot pepper varieties in the study area may serve as a short-term solution for sustainable production and productivity of the crop.

Genetic variability, diversity, and character association for dry fruit yield and quality in chili

ABSTRACT Despite the high nutritional value and extensive consumer preference for chili, productivity levels in India are significantly low. An experiment was carried out to study the variability, genetic diversity, and character association in 30 genotypes. Analysis of variance showed significant differences among genotypes for all the traits under study. A high magnitude of genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation, coupled with heritability and genetic advance, was observed for all the traits, except days to first flowering, days to first fruit set, and days to final harvest. Diversity analysis showed that the maximum intercluster distance was observed between clusters IX and XII. Results of correlation and path coefficient analysis indicated that number of fruits per plants, fruit length, fruit weight, green fruit yield per plant, number of seeds per fruit, days to first flowering, and days to final harvest were positively correlated with dry fruit yield. It is concluded that improvement in fruit yield in chili pepper could be achieved by selecting genotypes from clusters IX and XII as parents for hybridization, and traits as components that have positive effect on yield.

Evaluation of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Varieties under Different Salt Stress Levels

Tomato is a crop of immense economic importance worldwide and salinity is one of the major abiotic factors limiting its production and productivity in Ethiopia. The study was conducted to assess growth, physiological activities and yield responses of two tomato varieties to six different salinity levels. Evaluation of the varieties for salt tolerance was carried out in greenhouse in 2018/19. Each treatment was replicated three times and arranged in Randomized Complete Block Design in factorial arrangement. Most of the traits showed significant decrease (P<0.0001) as salinity level increased from lower to higher concentration. The highest shoot fresh weight (163.13g/plant), shoot dry matter (32.8g/plant) and leaf area (26.93cm2) were recorded for the control treatment and the highest root fresh weight (12.27g/plant), root dry weight (5.53g/plant) and fruit yield (22.71 tone/ha) were recorded at 1dSm-1for variety Melka Shola, while the lowest shoot fresh weight (79.9g/plant), shoot dry matter (22.67g/plant), leaf area(17.63 cm2), root fresh weight (6.12g/plant) and root dry weight (3.8g/plant) were recorded at 5 dSm-1 for variety ARP tomato-d2. The lowest yield (16.73 tone/ha) was recorded at 5 dSm-1 for variety ARP tomato-d2. The highest and the lowest values of photosynthetic rate (0.82 µmolCo2m-2s-1 and (0.47 µmolCo2m-2s-1 respectively) were obtained from the control treatment and the highest salinity level for variety Melka Shola, whereas, corresponding values of (0.84µmolCo2m-2s-1 and 0.56 µmolCo2m-2s-1 were recorded for variety ARP tomato-d2. Results of laboratory analysis showed that, sodium and Na/K significantly increased with increased salinity level. However, potassium, Sulfur and phosphorus showed significant decrease with increasing salinity level. Melka Shola was found to be more salt tolerant as compared to ARP tomato-d2. Since the present experiment was conducted for one season and under controlled condition, it deserves further evaluation and verification under field condition in salt affected areas and the effect of salinity on tomato quality also deserves further investigation.

Mitigation of drought stress in chili plants (Capsicum annuum L.) using mango fruit waste biochar, fulvic acid and cobalt

Drought stress can have negative impacts on crop productivity. It triggers the accumulation of reactive oxygen species, which causes oxidative stress. Limited water and nutrient uptake under drought stress also decreases plant growth. Using cobalt and fulvic acid with biochar in such scenarios can effectively promote plant growth. Cobalt (Co) is a component of various enzymes and co-enzymes. It can increase the concentration of flavonoids, total phenols, antioxidant enzymes (peroxidase, catalase, and polyphenol oxidase) and proline. Fulvic acid (FA), a constituent of soil organic matter, increases the accessibility of nutrients to plants. Biochar (BC) can enhance soil moisture retention, nutrient uptake, and plant productivity during drought stress. That’s why the current study explored the influence of Co, FA and BC on chili plants under drought stress. This study involved 8 treatments, i.e., control, 4 g/L fulvic acid (4FA), 20 mg/L cobalt sulfate (20CoSO4), 4FA + 20CoSO4, 0.50%MFWBC (0.50 MFWBC), 4FA + 0.50MFWBC, 20CoSO4 + 0.50MFWBC, 4FA + 20CoSO4 + 0.50MFWBC. Results showed that 4 g/L FA + 20CoSO4 with 0.50MFWBC caused an increase in chili plant height (23.29%), plant dry weight (28.85%), fruit length (20.17%), fruit girth (21.41%) and fruit yield (25.13%) compared to control. The effectiveness of 4 g/L FA + 20CoSO4 with 0.50MFWBC was also confirmed by a significant increase in total chlorophyll contents, as well as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) in leaves over control. In conclusion4g/L, FA + 20CoSO4 with 0.50MFWBC can potentially improve the growth of chili cultivated in drought stress. It is suggested that 4 g/L FA + 20CoSO4 with 0.50MFWBC be used to alleviate drought stress in chili plants.

Optimizing chili production in drought stress: combining Zn-quantum dot biochar and proline for improved growth and yield

The reduction in crop productivity due to drought stress, is a major concern in agriculture. Drought stress usually disrupts photosynthesis by triggering oxidative stress and generating reactive oxygen species (ROS). The use of zinc-quantum dot biochar (ZQDB) and proline (Pro) can be effective techniques to overcome this issue. Biochar has the potential to improve the water use efficiency while proline can play an imperative role in minimization of adverse impacts of ROS Proline, functioning as an osmotic protector, efficiently mitigates the adverse effects of heavy metals on plants by maintaining cellular structure, scavenging free radicals, and ensuring the stability of cellular integrity. That’s why current study explored the impact of ZQDB and proline on chili growth under drought stress. Four treatments, i.e., control, 0.4%ZQDB, 0.1 mM Pro, and 0.4%ZQDB + Pro, were applied in 4 replications following the complete randomized design. Results exhibited that 0.4%ZQDB + Pro caused an increases in chili plant dry weight (29.28%), plant height (28.12%), fruit length (29.20%), fruit girth (59.81%), and fruit yield (55.78%) over control under drought stress. A significant increment in chlorophyll a (18.97%), chlorophyll b (49.02%), and total chlorophyll (26.67%), compared to control under drought stress, confirmed the effectiveness of 0.4%ZQDB + Pro. Furthermore, improvement in leaves N, P, and K concentration over control validated the efficacy of 0.4%ZQDB + Pro against drought stress. In conclusion, 0.4%ZQDB + Pro can mitigate drought stress in chili. More investigations are suggested to declare 0.4%ZQDB + Pro as promising amendment for mitigation of drought stress in other crops as well under changing climatic situations.

Genetic variation and association among quantitative and qualitative traits to design breeding strategy in red ripe chili (Capsicum annuum L.) under North-Western Himalayas

An attempt was made to determine the degree of genetic variability, the association between different characters, direct and indirect effects of component traits on red ripe fruit yield of chili based on the evaluation of thirty-two genotypes during the summer-rainy season 2020. The analysis of variance revealed that the genotypes differed significantly among themselves for all the traits. Based on mean performance, nine genotypes significantly out yielded standard check ‘Him Palam Mirch-2’ for red ripe fruit yield while only three genotypes viz., ‘DPCH-32-11’ (96.16 g) followed by ‘DPCH-40-2’ (87.32 g) and ‘DPCH-38-121’ (75.75 g) recorded significantly highest dry fruit yield compared to ‘Him Palam Mirch-2’. High phenotypic, genotypic coefficient of variation, and high heritability coupled with high genetic advance were recorded for dry fruit yield per plant, marketable red ripe fruits per plant, and red ripe fruit yield per plant indicating that these traits have a strong potential for effective selection. Red ripe fruit yield per plant had a positive association with dry fruit yield per plant, percent marketable red fruits per plant, marketable red fruits per plant, total red fruits per plant, average red fruit weight, average dry fruit weight, number of seeds per fruit and fruit length, thereby emphasizing a special focus on these traits for the improvement of yield. Path analysis further confirmed to focus on these traits to achieve genetic gain and yield advantage in red ripe chili.

Evaluation of a newly formulated organic fertilizer on growth and yield of curry chilli (<em>Capsicum Frutescens</em> L.)

A study was conducted to formulate a low-cost organic fertilizer using different nutrient sources and to assess the potential use of the formulated organic fertilizer (FOF) on the growth and yield of Curry Chilli (Capsicum frutescens L.). The organic fertilizer was formulated based on the nutrient content of dry powders of Spirulina (Sp), Azolla (Az) Palmyrah leaf (Pl), Coconut leaf (Cl) and Banana pseudostem (Bp). A pot experiment was conducted to find the response of different fertilizer combinations: 100% inorganic (T2-NPK-0.9,1.01,0.58 g/pot), 50% inorganic (T3), 100% organic (cattle manure-T4-135g/pot), 50% organic (cattle manure - T5), 50% inorganic + 67.5 g FOF (T6) and 50% organic + 67.5 g FOF (T7) and a control (no fertilizer - T1) on growth and yield of Curry Chilli. Plant height, biomass yield, fruit yield at first picking and plant nutrient uptake were recorded. The nutrient contents of organic sources namely, potassium (19.56 ppm), phosphorous (6.17 ppm), nitrogen (115.03 ppm) and carbon (832.50 ppm), were significantly higher in Bp, Bp, Sp and Pl, respectively, than other sources. Treatment T7 (50% organic + FOF) recorded the highest values in height (51.63 cm), nitrogen (2.0 g/plant), phosphorous (1.77 g/plant), and potassium (44.5 g/plant) uptake, dry biomass yield (42.30 g/plant) and fruit yield at first picking (40 g/plant). However, significant differences (P<0.05) were observed only in dry biomass yield and NPK uptake between T7 and T2. Considering height, biomass yield, fruit yield and nutrient uptake substituting 50% organic or inorganic fertilizer with FOF, the performance of Curry Chilli was either equal to or higher than 100% organic or inorganic treatments. Results, therefore, indicate that FOF has potential as an organic fertilizer.

Assessment of Growth, Yield, and Nutrient Uptake of Mediterranean Tomato Landraces in Response to Salinity Stress.

Salinity is a major stress factor that compromises vegetable production in semi-arid climates such as the Mediterranean. The accumulation of salts in the soil can be attributed to limited water availability, which can be exacerbated by changes in rainfall patterns and rising temperatures. These factors can alter soil moisture levels and evaporation rates, ultimately leading to an increase in soil salinity, and, concomitantly, the extent to which crop yield is affected by salinity stress is considered cultivar-dependent. In contrast to tomato hybrids, tomato landraces often exhibit greater genetic diversity and resilience to environmental stresses, constituting valuable resources for breeding programs seeking to introduce new tolerance mechanisms. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated the effects of mild salinity stress on the growth, yield, and nutritional status of sixteen Mediterranean tomato landraces of all size types that had been pre-selected as salinity tolerant in previous screening trials. The experiment was carried out in the greenhouse facilities of the Laboratory of Vegetable Production at the Agricultural University of Athens. To induce salinity stress, plants were grown hydroponically and irrigated with a nutrient solution containing NaCl at a concentration that could maintain the NaCl level in the root zone at 30 mM, while the non-salt-treated plants were irrigated with a nutrient solution containing 0.5 mM NaCl. Various plant growth parameters, including dry matter content and fruit yield (measured by the number and weight of fruits per plant), were evaluated to assess the impact of salinity stress. In addition, the nutritional status of the plants was assessed by determining the concentrations of macro- and micronutrients in the leaves, roots, and fruit of the plants. The key results of this study reveal that cherry-type tomato landraces exhibit the highest tolerance to salinity stress, as the landraces 'Cherry-INRAE (1)', 'Cherry-INRAE (3)', and 'Cherry-INRAE (4)' did not experience a decrease in yield when exposed to salinity stress. However, larger landraces such as 'de Ramellet' also exhibit mechanisms conferring tolerance to salinity, as their yield was not compromised by the stress applied. The identified tolerant and resistant varieties could potentially be used in breeding programs to develop new varieties and hybrids that are better adapted to salinity-affected environments. The identification and utilization of tomato varieties that are adapted to salinity stress is an important strategy for promoting agriculture sustainability, particularly in semi-arid regions where salinity stress is a major challenge.

Genotypes performance and genetic variability studies in Hot Pepper (Capsicum annum L.)

Pepper (Capsicum sp.) is one of the most widely used food worldwide. To assess the magnitude and extent of genetic variability among some chili accessions and varieties, and their contributions to yield, a field experiment was conducted using 30 genotypes during the off-season period from November 2016 to May 2017 under irrigation. The experiment was conducted using an RCBD design with three replicates. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed highly significant differences for all traits tested, except for fruit girth, pedicel length, and plant height. Primary branch per plant, dry fruit yield per plot, fruit length, stem width, and number of fruits per plant all had high GCV(genotype coefficient of variation) and PCV(phenotypic coefficient variation) values among the yield components, along with high heritability and genetic advance as a percentage of the mean. For all traits, the phenotypic coefficient of variation was higher than the genotypic coefficient of variation, indicating an environmental influence on these traits. High heritability, along with high genetic advance as a percentage of mean, was observed for primary branch per plant, stem width, fruit length, number of fruits per plant, and dry fruit yield per plot, implying the potential for crop improvement in chilli through selection.

Investigating the Correlation and Principal Component of Quantitative Traits in Mixed Cropping of Okra and Cucumber

Aims: With the aim of Choosing the most appropriate treatment and investigating the relationships between the traits and investigating the correlation and principal component analysis (PCA) of the morphological and physiological traits, an experiment was conducted in the form of a randomized complete block design (RCBD) in 3 replications on mixed cropping of okra and 3 varieties of cucumber in greenhouse.
 Study Design: In order to conduct the experiment, a randomized complete block design was used (RCBD) in three replications.
 Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted in Damavand region of Iran in 2019-2020.
 Methodology: This experiment was conducted in a metal frame greenhouse where the average temperature of the greenhouse was 25°C and the relative humidity was 40%. During the harvest season, 3 cucumber plants and one okra plant were randomly sampled and recorded, and the numerical value of each trait was recorded based on the average of 3 random plants.
 Results: The results obtained from the correlation coefficients indicated that the trait of dry fruit yield has a positive and significant correlation with the traits of fruit weight and fresh fruit yield. Also, in examining the correlation graph between the traits, dry fruit yield and wet fruit yield traits had positive correlations with chlorophyll a, number of fruits, total chlorophyll and plant height traits. Based on the main components, 4 components accounted for more than 55% of the total variance of the data, respectively, 16% related to the first component, 14% related to the second component, 11% related to the third component, and 10% related to the fourth component. Graphical analysis was used on the data obtained from the experiment. Based on the ranking diagram of treatments in terms of traits, A1B2 (Baker x Mito) and A1B1 (Baker x NEGIN ) treatments were selected as suitable treatments.
 Conclusion: Comparison of the treatments with the okra single cropping treatment showed that doing mixed cropping of okra: cucumber can have a great effect on increasing the level of desirability in various traits in the target crop.

Effect of Optimum Levels of Fertilizer on Growth, Yield and Quality of Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) cv Pant C 1

A field study was conducted in the Village Sabli of district Tehri Garhwal to know the effect of optimum levels of fertilizer on growth, yield and quality of Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) cv Pant C 1. To assess the effect of fertilizers on yield and yield parameters randomize block design (RBD) in field and completely randomized design (CRBD) in laboratory were used with 20 treatment combinations. In this study two levels of nitrogen (40 and 80 kg N ha-1), one level of phosphorus (35 kg P2O5 ha-1), two levels of potassium (35 and 60 kg K2O ha-1) and two levels of farmyard manure (20 and 25 tonns ha-1) were taken. Among all treatment combinations, fertilizer dose of NPK and farmyard manure 80:35:35 kg and 25 t ha-1 (T9 treatment) was found most suitable for cultivation of chilli. A significant increase in yield and yield parameters were recorded like number of fruits plant-1, length of the fruit, 100 fruit weight, fruit yield kg plot-1, fruit yield q ha-1 and dry fruit yield q ha-1. The result found promising when 80 kg nitrogen, 35 kg phosphorus, 35 kg potassium and 25 tonns farmyard manure ha-1 respectively were used and was found significantly superior over other treatments. A significant effect of treatment on mean daily germination, highest value of relative growth index was recorded for T9 treatment. The T7 treatment had registered maximum mean germination time. The various treatments had significant effect on T50 and highest T50 value was observed in T7 treatment. On the basis of above study it can be suggested that fertilizer ratio of N:P:K (80:35:35) with 25 t ha-1 of FYM give good yield and plant growth.

Physiological, growth, yield, and quality responses of hot pepper due to shade level

ABSTRACT High temperatures, high relative humidity, and frequent rainfall limit productivity and quality of red chili pepper (Capsicum annuum L) with 30,000 to 50,000 Scoville units. Growers in greenhouses use shading screens to limit incidence radiation in order to avoid the issue of too high temperatures and high radiation. A pot experiment was conducted to assess growth, physiology, yield, and quality responses of three pepper varieties under four shade levels. The combined effects of shade level and pepper variety affected days to 50% flowering, days to breaker stage, plant height, node number, internode length, branch number, relative growth rate, leaf number, leaf area, transpiration rate, photosynthesis rate, stomatal conductance, leaf temperature, fruit length, fruit weight per plant, total soluble solids, marketable fruit yield, cull fruit yield, total fresh fruit yield, and total dry fruit yield. Shade levels from 25% to 50% positively affected chlorophyll fluorescence, chlorophyll content, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, fruit yield, and quality parameters; above this shade level, these parameters were negatively affected in all pepper varieties. Light and shade influenced growth, physiology, yield, and quality of hot peppers. The hot pepper variety Mareko Fana, grown under 25% shade, improved its productivity and pod quality.

Influence of Watering Regimes on Physiological Traits, Growth, Yield, and Capsaicin Content of Chilies

Water stress is a major limiting factor affecting the physiological processes, growth, and productivity of crop plants, including chili. This study evaluated chili plants' responses regarding physiological traits, growth, yield, and capsaicin content under different irrigation levels. The experimental design was a 2x4 factorial in CBD. A pot experiment was conducted on two species of chilies: Capsicum annuum ‘Super-Hot 2’ and ‘Huay-Siiton’ and C. frutescent ‘Prik-Kee-Nu-Suan.’ The plants were irrigated at four watering regimes such as 100%, 80%, 60%, and 40% of maximum water holding capacity (MWHC) after the anthesis through fruit development. Midday leaf water potential (LWPmd) was ranked between -1.30 MPa in 100% MWHC to -2.11 MPa in 40% MWHC indicating the level of water stress. The 40% MWHC caused a drastic decrease in LWPmd and reduced the maximum quantum yield of PSII (Fv/Fm) and growth rate in canopy width. Observed leaf greenness was maximized at 60% MWHC. The irrigation regimes also affected the yield of chili, especially the 60% and 40% MWHC, with a reduced number of fruits/plant, fruit fresh and dry weights, and fruit sizes. In the case of 40% MWHC, the dry yield was too low, and it was impossible to analyze the capsaicin content. The reduced irrigation (80% and 60% MWHC) did not significantly induce the capsaicin content or pungency of the studied chili cultivars. Thus the capsaicin yield of studied chili cultivars was reduced considerably by severe reduction of dry fruit yield under restricted water.

How to Efficiently Produce the Selenium-Enriched Cucumber Fruit with High Yield and Qualities via Hydroponic Cultivation? The Balance between Selenium Supply and CO2 Fertilization

Hydroponic-producing selenium (Se)-biofortified vegetables in a greenhouse is a convenient and effective way to provide Se-enriched food and overcome hidden hunger. CO2 fertilization is commonly implemented to increase vegetable yield in greenhouse production. However, this application accompanies decreased mineral concentrations in the edible parts. Here we investigated the effects of [CO2] and Se supply on the growth, gas exchange, and cucumber fruit quality. A hydroponic experiment with two CO2 concentrations ([CO2]) (C1: 410, and C2: 1200 μmol mol−1) and four Se supply levels (Se0: 0, Se1: 0.125, Se2: 0.250, and Se3: 0.500 mg Se L−1) was carried out. A low level of Se supply (Se1: 0.125 mg Se L−1) protected the photosynthetic pigments and stimulated the stomatal opening, especially under [CO2] fertilization. It leads to a higher net photosynthesis rate (Pn) and transpiration rate (Tr) than other Se treatments. The most significant changes in dry weight, fruit yield, and soluble sugar concentration were also obtained in Se1 under CO2 fertilization due to the enhanced CO2 fixation. Meanwhile, the Se concentration in fruit was 0.63 mg kg−1 FW in C2Se1, with the highest Se accumulation and use efficiency. According to the recommended dietary allowance of 55 μg Se day−1 for adults, an intake of 87 g of cucumber grown in C2Se1 is sufficient. Because of the improved Tr and better root structure in Se1, the uptake of mineral nutrients through mass flow and interception was well maintained under CO2 fertilization. So, the concentrations of N, P, K, Ca, and Mn in cucumber fruits were not significantly decreased by elevated [CO2] in Se1. However, the concentrations of soluble proteins, S, Mg, Fe, and Zn in cucumber fruits in C2Se1 were lower than those in C1Se1, which was mainly attributed to the dilution effects under CO2 fertilization. Therefore, a selenite supply of 0.125 mg Se L−1 was found to be the optimal dosage for producing Se-enriched cucumber fruits with high yield and better qualities under CO2 fertilization (1200 μmol mol−1).

Evaluation of Chilli Varieties for Growth, Yield and Thrips Incidence in Central Telangana Zone

Aim: To know the performance of chilli varieties for growth, yield and its attributing characters, incidence of thrips and leaf curl index at Central Telangana Zone of Telangana state. Study Design: Ten (10) treatments in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three (3) replications. Place and Duration of Study: Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS), Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University, Warangal, Central Telangana Zone of Telangana state. Experiment was conducted in the Kharif season in 2019-20 and 2020-21. Methodology: Ten chilli varieties namely Surajmukhi, Muchia, LCA-616, Bullet, Bor, Byadgi Kaddi, LCA-625, LCA-960, LCA-620, and Teja were sown in raised bed nursery and transplanted in the main field by following all the recommended package of practices. Observations were made on five randomly selected tagged plants from each variety and replicated for evaluation of characters like plant height, canopy spread, number of branches per plant, number of leaves per plant, chlorophyll content, fruit length, fruit width, ripe fruit colour, fruit shape at pedicel attachment, fruit position, fresh fruit weight, dry fruit weight, number of fruits per plant, dry fruit yield, mean thrips population and upward leaf curl index. Results: Out of ten chilli varieties, the dry chilli yield was found to be significantly higher in Teja (26.13 q/a) and on par results were noticed in Surajmukhi (25.12 q/a), whereas lowest dry chilli yield was observed in variety Bor (4.47 q/a). Thrips incidence and leaf curl index was found to be significantly lowest in Muchia. The trend indicates that the higher yield depends on the average fruit weight and number of fruits per plant. Conclusion: Among the ten chilli varieties under study, Teja and Surajmukhi yielded more dry chilli. Whereas the variety Muchia has shown lowest incidence of thrips and leaf curl index. Hence, these varieties have scope for future crop improvement programme.

Subsurface aeration alters the fungal composition of rhizosphere soil and tomato plant performance in Northwest China

Rhizosphere hypoxia constrains plant growth, and numerous studies have shown that root zone aeration accelerates plant photosynthesis and growth and increases crop yields. Nevertheless, the mechanism by which soil microorganisms are involved in this process is not clear. The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of aeration and irrigation depth on the composition and structure of rhizosphere soil fungal communities and tomato plant performance. The amount of aeration assayed was equal to 0 (CK), 0.5 (V1), 1 (V2), and 1.5 (V3) times the porosity of the soil. The two depths of subsurface drip irrigation used were 15 (D15) and 40 cm (D40). The results demonstrated that soil aeration not only increased tomato plant performance but also influenced fungal diversity and composition. Compared to the no-aeration treatment, the V3 soil aeration treatment increased the total dry weight and fruit yield by 39.9% and 65.6%, respectively. The results also showed that the abundance of the phylum Ascomycota and the family Lasiosphaeriaceae increased with increasing soil aeration, whereas those of members of the phylum Zygomycota and the order Capnodiales decreased with increasing soil aeration. Moreover, the variation in subsurface irrigation depth altered the rhizosphere soil fungal community. In general, the results of this study demonstrate that root zone aeration can ameliorate hypoxic conditions in Lou soils and is beneficial to soil fungal communities and tomato plant performance. Keywords: tomato, soil aeration, rhizosphere soil fungal community, plant performance DOI: 10.25165/j.ijabe.20231601.6368 Citation: Li Y, Zhang M Z, Cao X S, Wang J W, Zhang Z X, Niu Q W. Subsurface aeration alters the fungal composition of rhizosphere soil and tomato plant performance in Northwest China. Int J Agric & Biol Eng, 2023; 16(1): 172–183.

Effect of Silicon Nanoparticles on Tomato Plants Exposed to Two Forms of Inorganic Arsenic

In the environment arsenic (As) can be found mainly as arsenite (AsIII) and arsenate (AsV), which are highly toxic and threaten food security. Currently, there is great attention on the effects of silicon dioxide nanoparticles (SiO2 NPs) on plant development, and their ability to restrict As uptake. The results show that the two forms of As negatively impacted aerial dry biomass and fruit yield. Silicon content is lower in roots than in leaves. It is observed that AsIII is the form that accumulates the most in the root; in addition, the SiO2 NPs reduce the translocation of AsV. The data show that AsIII induced a negative effect on the uptake of Ca, P, Mg, and Cu, while SiO2 NPs enhances the accumulation of Fe and Zn when exposed to AsIII. The two forms of As do not impact chlorophyll content but increases when interacting with SiO2 NPs. Antioxidant enzymes APX, CAT, and SOD are higher in roots than in leaves. Phenols, flavonoids, and glutathione increased when SiO2 NPs interacted with AsIII in roots. H2O2 increases in roots and leaves by exposure to AsV and AsIII, and its interactions with SiO2 NPs, while in the fruit, H2O2 production decreases. As for the total antioxidant capacity ABTS is observed to increase by AsIII + SiO2 NPs only in roots. The bioactive compounds of the tomato fruits are modified by the treatments and the addition of SiO2 NPs alone increase in lycopene content. Therefore, our results reveal the negative impacts of AsIII, and that SiO2 NPs can at least partially mitigate As toxicity and reduce AsV translocation in tomatoes.

Effects of Digested Pig Slurry on Photosynthesis, Carbohydrate Metabolism and Yield of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

Soilless cultivation of vegetables is widely used in production. It is also well accepted that digested slurry is frequently applied as a fertilizer in agricultural production. However, the effect of digested pig slurry on yield and quality of tomato soilless cultivation, as well as the yield and quality influenced by plant carbohydrate metabolism, remain unexplored. Here, the dual inputs of fertilizers (digested pig slurry (D) and mineral fertilizer (M)) and soilless substrates (peat substrate (P) and cinder substrate(C)) consisted of four treatments. The dry biomass and fruit yields, photosynthetic parameters, carbohydrate contents and metabolism enzymes in leaves and fruits were recorded during the experimental period. The highest fruit yields were obtained in DP and MP treatments. Although DP treatment significantly increased the fresh weight of single fruits by 18.0% compared to MP treatment, it reduced the number of ripe fruits. The photosynthetic efficiency and carbohydrate contents (sucrose, glucose and fructose) in leaves were generally higher in DP treatment compared to other treatments, as well as the activities of sucrose phosphate synthase and AGPase in leaves. The soluble sugar contents of fruits in DP and DC treatments were enhanced by 12.3% and 37.0%, respectively, compared to MP and MC treatments. Moreover, the current results showed that DP treatment significantly increased the activity of acid invertase in fruit by 36.3%, 31.3%, and 42.2%, respectively, compared to MP, DC, and MC treatments, and decreased the activity of AGPase by 24.2%, 16.0%, and 36.4%, respectively. The current results have demonstrated that DP treatment had better yield and quality, owing to digested pig slurry increasing the photosynthetic efficiency and source strength, and regulated the activities of carbohydrate metabolism enzymes.

Local CO2 Application within Strawberry Plant Canopy Increased Dry Matter Production and Fruit Yield in Summer and Autumn Culture

ABSTRACT June-bearing strawberry cultivars have been widely grown in Japan. Since they are harvested in winter and spring, little produce is available in summer and autumn. To achieve stable year-round supply, we need to expand the production area of ever-bearing cultivars. Here, we examined whether it is possible to increase dry matter (DM) production and fruit yield by increasing the CO2 concentration within the plant canopy through local application to promote photosynthesis in summer and autumn protected culture. We investigated the CO2 concentration in the plant canopy, DM production characteristics, yield characteristics, fruit quality, projected leaf area, cumulative light interception, and light use efficiency. We confirmed that the CO2 concentration within the plant canopy could be increased in summer and autumn (Control; 398 ppm, CO2; 1280 ppm), significantly increasing DM production and total yield (Control; 349 g, CO2; 447.5 g). We consider that local application of CO2 increased the projected leaf area and thus cumulative light interception. This method may help to increase fruit yield in summer and autumn protected culture.

Evaluation of compost prepared from Prosopis and Alhagi plants as a medium and fertilizer for seedlings, growth and yield of tomato

For clean a agriculture and a safe environment, this study was conducted, which included the preparation of a compost from Prosopis fracta and Alhagi maurorum plants, and evaluation Its as a medium for tomato seedlings production comparing it with peat moss, and as an organic fertilizer in comparison with a number of organic fertilizers - poultry wastes, cow with sheep wastes and spent mushroom compost residues, the results showed the superiority of the prepared compost over the peat moss in the speed and percentage of germination, plant height, and dry vegetative weight of tomato seedlings with a percentage increase of these traits amounted to 27.27%, 8.13%, 52.46% and 33.20%, respectively.. The results of evaluating compost as an organic fertilizer showed that the two treatments of poultry and compost were superior to mushroom residues, the mixture of cow and sheep manure in chlorophyll content, dry vegetative weight and fruit yield, as the chlorophyll content reached 52, 51, 48 and 50 SPAD, the dry vegetable weight of 776, 761, 633 and 643 g plant-1, the total yield of fruits 11.6, 11.1, 6.6 and 8.3 kg plant-1. The results of chlorophyll, dry vegetative weight of plants and total fruit yield of the combination of organic fertilizers - poultry wastes, compost, mushroom residues, and mixture of cow and sheep wastes- with 1/2 amount of chemical fertilizer NPK amount of 66 , 64, 57, 63 SPAD, 1125, 1123, 1076 and 1081 gm plant-1, 15.8, 15.7, 14.9 and 15.3 kg plant-1 respectively.