Dry Matter Partitioning Research Articles

Effect of Customized Fertilizer Application on Physiological Aspects of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

It is predicted that India will required around 32 million tons of pulses to feed around 1.68 billion people by 2030. Therefore, improved technologies must be needed to increasing production. And increase in physiological efficiency of crop is important to improve the productivity and production of crop. Hence, the experiment entitled "Effect of customized fertilizer application on physiological aspects of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)" was carried out at Department of Plant Physiology, AB & MAP, College of Agriculture, IGKV, Raipur (Chhattisgarh) during rabi 2020-21. The experiment consists of five treatments with replicated four times in RBDS design and Indira chana 1 variety of chickpea used as a test crop. The study highlighted that that the T5 CFG 3 (NPKSZnMo 5.5:4.6:4.5:8.3:1.4:0.034 %) based on recommendation (125%) was found effective to minimize the phenophase like 50% flowering, physiological maturity significantly. Higher chlorophyll value was observed in T5 CFG 3 (NPKSZnMo 5.5:4.6:4.5:8.3:1.4:0.034 %) based on recommendation (125%) and Maximum Fv/Fm (chlorophyll florescence) was observed in T4 CFG 2 (NPKSZnMo 5.5:4.6:4.5:8.3:1.4:0.034%) based on recommendation (75%). T3 CFG 1 (NPKSZn Mo5.5: 4.6:4.5:8.3:1.4:0.034%) based on recommendation (100%) was also observed effectively increased dry matter partitioning towards the economic sink and maximize Crop growth rate, Relative growth rate, economic (seed) yield, biological yield and harvesting index. Thus, it is proved that in comparison with the recommended doses of fertilizers application of CFGA has enhanced the plant yield.

Strawberry growth and dry matter partitioning due to fertigation systems

Strawberry cultivation possesses unique features, including the need for high-quality seedlings adapted to the cultivation environment and proper fertigation management. These elements influence plant growth and production. This study evaluated the growth and dry matter partitioning of strawberry plants of the cultivar "Albion" at different seedling ages (0, 14, 28... 196 DAT) using two fertigation methods: open-loop and closed-loop systems. Fifteen evaluations occurred throughout the cultivation cycle, spanning from planting to 196 days after transplanting (DAT), with the study replicated over two consecutive years. We evaluated dry matter partitioning among roots, stems, leaves, senescent leaves, flowers, commercial fruits, and non-commercial fruits. We also measured root volume and length, besides counts of leaves, flowers, and both commercial and non-commercial fruits. Despite no significant differences between fertigation systems for most variables, the closed-loop system shows promise, contingent on proper nutrient solution management. The partitioning analysis revealed that fruits, followed by leaves, were the primary consumers of photoassimilates.

Effect of magnetic and electric treatments on growth, yield and seedling parameters of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

The objective of this work was to investigate the impact of electric current and magnetic field to the growth, yield, and seedling characteristics of chickpea by examining the response of chickpea to magnetic and electric treatments of varying intensities and durations. The ICC 30-70 seeds were obtained from the Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding and subjected to treatments involving AC magnetic flux intensities ranging from 75 mT to 125 mT for 3 and 5 minutes in the magnetic field, as well as AC electric current ranging from 75 mA to 125 mA for 30, 60, and 90 seconds treatments, separated by equal rest periods. Throughout the study, statistically significant differences were found in field emergence (84.30%), leaf area (8.62cm2), plant height (35.60cm), biological yield (10.70gm), number of pods per plant (30), and total yield per plot (118.67gm). Within the seedling parameters, all treated seeds exhibited the highest germination percentage compared to the control. Additionally, there was a favorable impact on seedling length (27.85cm), fresh weight (0.74gm), dry weight (0.30gm), and vigour indices I (2683) and II (28.71) following the seed treatment. The present study leads to the conclusion that the magnetic and electric treatments shown superior performance when compared to the control. Throughout the investigation, it was noted that the application of magnetic and electric treatments positively influenced the vegetative growth of plants. Furthermore, the dry matter partitioning showed a substantial rise in seeds treated with electric current, leading to a higher yield-per plot.

Effect of Photoperiod on Dry Matter Accumulation and Partitioning in Potato

To explore the effect of the photoperiod on the accumulation and distribution of dry matter in potato, a pot experiment was carried out in 2021 and 2022 with two varieties (Atlantic and Hezuo 88). The varieties were used as the main plot, and light treatments (short-day and long-day) were used as the subplot. The results showed that extended hours of light delayed tuber formation in Hezuo 88, however, the effect was not obvious for the Atlantic. Comprehensive analyses were carried out using the potato developmental process, dynamic equation fitting of the tuber and whole-plant dry matter accumulation, and the dry matter accumulation and distribution rate of each organ of the two varieties under two photoperiods. The two photoperiods had different effects on the parameters of rapid tuber and whole-plant dry matter accumulation: the starting point of the period of the rapid dry matter accumulation (t1), the duration period of the rapid dry matter accumulation (Δt), and the average growth rate of the period of the rapid dry matter accumulation (Vmean). According to comprehensive analysis, tuber dry matter accumulation in Atlantic was the highest under the short-day condition, while Hezuo 88 showed the lowest tuber dry matter accumulation under the long-day condition and was the latest to enter the rapid tuber dry matter accumulation period. The whole-plant dry matter accumulation in Atlantic was the highest under the long-day condition and lowest in Hezuo 88; meanwhile, Hezuo 88 was the latest to enter the rapid whole-plant dry matter accumulation period. In terms of the dry matter accumulation and dry matter partitioning ratio of various organs, Hezuo 88 had the lowest mean tuber dry matter accumulation and partitioning ratio under the long-day condition but the highest mean stem, leaf, root, underground stem, and stolon dry matter partitioning ratio. On the contrary, Atlantic had the highest mean tuber dry matter accumulation and portioning ratio under the short-day condition but the lowest mean stem, leaf, root, underground stem, and stolon dry matter partitioning ratio. It was concluded that different varieties of potato respond differently to the photoperiod. In the case of Hezuo 88, prolonging the photoperiod affected the dynamics and distribution of dry matter accumulation; increased the stem, leaf, root, and underground stem dry matter partitioning ratio; and decreased the tuber dry matter partitioning ratio, which resulted in a decrease in tuber dry matter accumulation and consequently delayed the emergence of the equilibrium period between the aboveground and underground dry matter.

The role of red and white light in optimizing growth and accumulation of plant specialized metabolites at two light intensities in medical cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.).

The cultivation of medical cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.) is expanding in controlled environments, driven by evolving governmental regulations for healthcare supply. Increasing inflorescence weight and plant specialized metabolite (PSM) concentrations is critical, alongside maintaining product consistency. Medical cannabis is grown under different spectra and photosynthetic photon flux densities (PPFD), the interaction between spectrum and PPFD on inflorescence weight and PSM attracts attention by both industrialists and scientists. Plants were grown in climate-controlled rooms without solar light, where four spectra were applied: two low-white spectra (7B-20G-73R/Narrow and 6B-19G-75R/2Peaks), and two high-white (15B-42G-43R/Narrow and 17B-40G-43R/Broad) spectra. The low-white spectra differed in red wavelength peaks (100% 660 nm, versus 50:50% of 640:660 nm), the high-white spectra differed in spectrum broadness. All four spectra were applied at 600 and 1200 μmol m-2 s-1. Irrespective of PPFD, white light with a dual red peak of 640 and 660 nm (6B-19G-75R/2Peaks) increased inflorescence weight, compared to white light with a single red peak of 660 nm (7B-20G-73R/Narrow) (tested at P = 0.1); this was associated with higher total plant dry matter production and a more open plant architecture, which likely enhanced light capture. At high PPFD, increasing white fraction and spectrum broadness (17B-40G-43R/Broad) produced similar inflorescence weights compared to white light with a dual red peak of 640 and 660 nm (6B-19G-75R/2Peaks). This was caused by an increase of both plant dry matter production and dry matter partitioning to the inflorescences. No spectrum or PPFD effects on cannabinoid concentrations were observed, although at high PPFD white light with a dual red peak of 640 and 660 nm (6B-19G-75R/2Peaks) increased terpenoid concentrations compared to the other spectra. At low PPFD, the combination of white light with 640 and 660 nm increased photosynthetic efficiency compared with white light with a single red peak of 660nm, indicating potential benefits in light use efficiency and promoting plant dry matter production. These results indicate that the interaction between spectrum and PPFD influences plant dry matter production. Dividing the light energy in the red waveband over both 640 and 660 nm equally shows potential in enhancing photosynthesis and plant dry matter production.

Development and validation of an oil palm model for a wide range of planting densities and soil textures in Malaysian growing conditions

A semi-mechanistic oil palm growth and yield model called Sawit.jl was developed to account for a wide range of planting densities and soil textures under Malaysia's climate conditions. The model comprises components related to meteorology, photosynthesis, energy balance, soil water content, and crop growth. The model simulates instantaneous meteorological properties using daily weather data, calculates simultaneous evaporation from crop and soil with the Shuttleworth-Wallace model, determines soil water content through Darcy's law, and adapts a biochemical C3 model for photosynthesis. The model is also parameterized using updated measurements from the newer tenera oil palm, including temperature-dependent Rubisco kinetics, specific leaf area, and the partitioning of nutrients and dry matter between various tree parts. Sawit.jl was validated using historical field measurement data from seven Malaysian oil palm sites, encompassing palm ages spanning 1–23 years. These seven sites differed in soil type (Inceptisols and Ultisols), planting density (82–299 palms ha−1), soil texture (27–59 % clay and 7–67 % sand), and rainfall (1800–2800 mm yr−1). The model showed overall good accuracy in simulating oil palm parameters (except for trunk weight) across diverse conditions, with model agreement metrics ranging from 6 to 27 % for model absolute errors, −22 to +17 % for model bias, and 0.38 to 0.98 for the Kling-Gupta Efficiency index. The model also predicted the response of oil palm yield to abrupt rainfall changes, such as those during El Niño and La Niña events, while accounting for how soil texture, rainfall, and other meteorological factors influence water deficits and crop photosynthesis. However, model accuracy varied by site, planting density, and oil palm parameter. Model accuracy can be increased by more accurately representing the oil palm microclimate, incorporating fruiting activity, and refining the dry matter partitioning mechanism for the trunk.

Evaluation of Blackgram (Vigna mungo L.) Genotypes for Dry Matter Partitioning, Reproductive Efficiency and Yield under High Temperature Stress

Background: In the present climate change scenario, the rising temperatures are imposing severe threat to blackgram production leading to marked reduction in yield potential.The reduction in the yield potential is mainly due to reproductive failures caused by heat stress. Keeping this in view, the present study was carried out to find out the reasons behind reproductive failures and identify the genotypes that yield better under heat stress. Methods: Thirty blackgram genotypes selected from temperature induction response technique were evaluated for reproductive efficiency under natural high temperature conditions. Field experiment was conducted at Agricultural College Farm, Acharya N.G Ranga Agricultural University, Agricultural College, Bapatla. Dry matter partitioning, reproductive efficiency and yield traits were recorded at flowering and the data were analyzed statistically and pooled. Result: Genetic variability was observed among the blackgram genotypes with respect to dry matter partitioning, reproductive efficiency and yield traits under high temperature stress conditions. Among the 30 genotypes tested for thermotolerance, the genotypes TBG-129, PU-1804 and LBG-1015 were found to withstand high temperature stress at reproductive stage by possessing higher dry matter, number of flowers per plant, pollen viability, pollen germination percentage, pollen load on stigma, stigma receptivity, flower to pod setting percentage and higher yield. Correlation analysis revealed a strong positive association of total dry matter and all the reproductive efficiency characteristics with seed yield under heat stress conditions. The PCA results revealed considerable variability among the traits accounting for 86.6% of total variability. The genotypes TBG-129, PU-1804 and LBG-1015 can be potentially used as donors in the breeding programmes for the development of heat tolerant genotypes.

Root traits and biomass production of drought‐resistant and drought‐sensitive arabica coffee varieties growing under contrasting watering regimes

AbstractDrought is a major factor affecting coffee production, and different genotypes exhibit varying degrees of resistance to drought stress. We examined root traits and biomasses of drought‐resistant (74110, Angafa, Bultum, Chala, and Gawe) and drought‐sensitive (75227, Koti, Melko CH2, Menasibu, and Mokah) Coffea arabica varieties at seedling stage under contrasting watering regimes (water stressed and well watered) for 30 days followed by 15 days of recovery to identify the association between drought resistance and root traits and dry matter partitioning, and the impact of drought stress on growth performance of arabica coffee varieties. We used a split‐plot design with three blocks, where watering regime was the whole‐plot factor and variety was the subplot factor. During water‐stress and recovery periods, the interaction effect between watering regime and variety significantly affected root traits and dry matter partitioning, while the watering‐regime main effect affected biomass. We observed a higher (1) tap root diameter (0.34 cm), lateral root number (80.7), and root volume (4.7 cm−3) for 74110; (2) lateral root number (79.3), specific root length (24.8 cm g−1), and root‐mass ratio (0.41 g g−1) for Bultum; and (3) root length density (3.3–5.2 cm cm−3), root angle (42.6°–47.8°), root‐mass ratio (0.40–0.42 g g−1), and root‐shoot ratio (0.67–0.72 g g−1) for Angafa, Chala, and Gawe under water‐stressed condition. During both study periods, biomasses were much lower under water‐stressed than under well‐watered condition. The findings show the association between drought resistance and root traits and dry matter partitioning, and the impact of drought stress on growth performance of young arabica coffee.

Post-anthesis dry matter and nitrogen accumulation, partitioning, and translocation in maize under different nitrate-ammonium ratios in Northwestern China.

An appropriate supply of ammonium (NH4+) in addition to nitrate (NO3-) can greatly improve plant growth and promote maize productivity. However, knowledge gaps exist regarding the mechanisms by which different nitrogen (N) fertilizer sources affect the enzymatic activity of nitrogen metabolism and non-structural carbohydrates during the post-anthesis period. A field experiment across 3-year was carried out to explore the effects of four nitrateammonium ratio (NO3-/NH4+ = 1:0 (N1), 1:1 (N2), 1:3 (N3), and 3:1 (N4)) on postanthesis dry matter (DM) and N accumulation, partitioning, transportation, and grain yield in maize. NO3-/NH4+ ratio with 3:1 improved the enzymatic activity of N metabolism and non-structural carbohydrate accumulation, which strongly promoted the transfer of DM and N in vegetative organs to reproductive organs and improved the pre-anthesis DM and nitrogen translocation efficiency. The enzymatic activities of nitrate reductase, nitrite reductase, glutamine synthetase, glutamine oxoglutarate aminotransferase, and non-structural carbohydrate accumulation under N4 treatment were increased by 9.30%-32.82%, 13.19%-37.94%, 4.11%-16.00%, 11.19%-30.82%, and 14.89%-31.71% compared with the other treatments. Mixed NO3--N and NH4+-N increased the total DM accumulation at the anthesis and maturity stages, simultaneously decreasing the DM partitioning of stem, increasing total DM, DM translocation efficiency (DMtE), and contribution of pre-anthesis assimilates to the grain (CAPG) in 2015 and 2017, promoting the transfer of DM from stem to grain. Furthermore, the grain yield increased by 3.31%-9.94% (2015), 68.6%-26.30% (2016), and 8.292%-36.08% (2017) under the N4 treatment compared to the N1, N2, and N3 treatments. The study showed that a NO3-/NH4+ ratio of 3:1 is recommended for high-yield and sustainable maize management strategies in Northwestern China.

Evaluation of two advanced generation boro rice mutants based on morpho-physiological criteria

Experiments were performed at farmers’ fields of five locations viz., Mymensingh, Sherpur, Jamalpur, Natore and Naogaon districts with two promising Boro rice mutants, RM-16(N)-8, RM-16(N)-10 and a check, BRRI dhan58 to evaluate some morpho-physiological features and its impact on grain yield. The experiment was setup in RCB design with three replications. Results revealed that high yielding genotypes, in general, showed superiority in morpho-physiological characters (leaf area, leaf area index, total dry mass production, absolute growth rate, relative growth rate, chlorophyll, total sugar and soluble protein content in leaves and harvest index) than the low yielding one. Results further indicated that genotype improvement efforts have achieved higher grain yield by higher growth rate at early growth stages and better assimilate partitioning to economic yield and short stature plants are unlikely to improve harvest index and resistant to lodging in rice. The mutant, RM-16(N)-10 had medium plant stature with greater biomass production capacity, superiority in growth and biochemical parameters and improve dry matter partitioning to economic yield which resulted higher number of grains panicle-1, thereby grain yield. In contrast, RM-16(N)-8 showed inferiority in morpho-physiological characters and performed the lowest yield attributes and grain yield. This information may be used in future plant breeding programme. Bangladesh J. Nuclear Agric, 37(2): 69-80, 2023

Effect of High Temperature Stress on Photosynthetic Pigments, Dry Matter Partitioning and Yield of Blackgram (Vigna mungo L.) Genotypes at Pod Formation Stage

A field experiment was conducted at College farm, Agricultural College, Bapatla, Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University during summer, 2022 and 2023 to study the impact of high temperature stress on photosynthetic pigments, dry matter partitioning and yield of blackgram genotypes at pod formation stage. The experiment was carried out in randomized block design with two replications. Among the thirty blackgram genotypes screened for their tolerance to high temperature stress at pod formation stage, the genotype, TBG-129, LBG-1015 and PU-1804 were found to withstand high temperature stress and maintain higher total chlorophyll content, carotenoids content, dry matter partitioning and higher seed yield per plant indicating tolerance to high temperature stress. These blackgram genotypes can be further used as donors in the pulse breeding program for development of heat resilent varieties.

Sensor-based precision nutrient and irrigation management enhances the physiological performance, water productivity, and yield of soybean under system of crop intensification.

Sensor-based decision tools provide a quick assessment of nutritional and physiological health status of crop, thereby enhancing the crop productivity. Therefore, a 2-year field study was undertaken with precision nutrient and irrigation management under system of crop intensification (SCI) to understand the applicability of sensor-based decision tools in improving the physiological performance, water productivity, and seed yield of soybean crop. The experiment consisted of three irrigation regimes [I1: standard flood irrigation at 50% depletion of available soil moisture (DASM) (FI), I2: sprinkler irrigation at 80% ETC (crop evapo-transpiration) (Spr 80% ETC), and I3: sprinkler irrigation at 60% ETC (Spr 60% ETC)] assigned in main plots, with five precision nutrient management (PNM) practices{PNM1-[SCI protocol], PNM2-[RDF, recommended dose of fertilizer: basal dose incorporated (50% N, full dose of P and K)], PNM3-[RDF: basal dose point placement (BDP) (50% N, full dose of P and K)], PNM4-[75% RDF: BDP (50% N, full dose of P and K)] and PNM5-[50% RDF: BDP (50% N, full P and K)]} assigned in sub-plots using a split-plot design with three replications. The remaining 50% N was top-dressed through SPAD assistance for all the PNM practices. Results showed that the adoption of Spr 80% ETC resulted in an increment of 25.6%, 17.6%, 35.4%, and 17.5% in net-photosynthetic rate (Pn), transpiration rate (Tr), stomatal conductance (Gs), and intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci), respectively, over FI. Among PNM plots, adoption of PNM3 resulted in a significant (p=0.05) improvement in photosynthetic characters like Pn (15.69 µ mol CO2 m-2 s-1), Tr (7.03m mol H2O m-2 s-1), Gs (0.175 µmol CO2 mol-1 year-1), and Ci (271.7mol H2O m2 s-1). Enhancement in SPAD (27% and 30%) and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) (42% and 52%) values were observed with nitrogen (N) top dressing through SPAD-guided nutrient management, helped enhance crop growth indices, coupled with better dry matter partitioning and interception of sunlight. Canopy temperature depression (CTD) in soybean reduced by 3.09-4.66°C due to adoption of sprinkler irrigation. Likewise, Spr 60% ETc recorded highest irrigation water productivity (1.08kg ha-1 m-3). However, economic water productivity (27.5 INR ha-1 m-3) and water-use efficiency (7.6kg ha-1 mm-1 day-1) of soybean got enhanced under Spr 80% ETc over conventional cultivation. Multiple correlation and PCA showed a positive correlation between physiological, growth, and yield parameters of soybean. Concurrently, the adoption of Spr 80% ETC with PNM3 recorded significantly higher grain yield (2.63t ha-1) and biological yield (8.37t ha-1) over other combinations. Thus, the performance of SCI protocols under sprinkler irrigation was found to be superior over conventional practices. Hence, integrating SCI with sensor-based precision nutrient and irrigation management could be a viable option for enhancing the crop productivity and enhance the resource-use efficiency in soybean under similar agro-ecological regions.

Biochar–manure impacts wheat and canola grain productivity, dry matter partitioning, and protein content in western Canada

AbstractAmending soil with manure from cattle fed biochar (BC) (biochar–manure [BM]) is a potential best management practice to improve plant nutrition in the circular economy. Yet, information concerning the agronomic performance of BM under temperate field conditions is scarce. A 2‐year study on a Gray Luvisol was conducted to determine the effect of BM on the crop growth of spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), followed by canola (Brassica napus L.), soil fertility, and microbial function. Treatments included (i) no amendments (control), (ii) BC at 5 and 10 Mg·ha−1 (BC5 and BC10), (iii) regular stockpiled manure (RM) at 100 kg total N·ha−1, (iv) stockpiled BM at 100 kg total N·ha−1, and (v) BC and RM (BC+RM) or BC and BM (BC+BM) at the aforementioned rates. During the wheat growing season in 2020, which had high precipitation, grain yield was 2.4 times greater in BM+BC10 than in BM alone (1416 vs. 579 kg·ha−1, p < 0.001), highlighting synergistic effects of BM together with BC application on agronomic performance. Conversely, lower precipitation and warmer temperatures in the canola growing season in 2021 hampered any statistical differences among treatments. While soil microbial biomass did not change by the end of the experiment, shifts toward amino acid utilization with BC additions in both crops potentially influenced crop growth and nitrogen‐use efficiency. In summary, BM+BC at 10 Mg·ha−1 performed best in this study during the first cropping season under cold and rainy conditions.

GROWTH PERFORMANCE, PARTITION COEFFICIENT AND HARVEST INDEX OF WIDELY GROWN POTATO (SOLANUM TUBEROSUM L.) VARIETIES IN ETHIOPIA

Aim of the study: Aim of the study: The main objective is to compare the differences in growth performance, dry matter partitioning coefficients and harvest index of widely grown potato varieties Material and methods: Materials and Methods: The trial was conducted at Adet Agricultural Research Center, Ethiopia during 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 main cropping season with randomized complete block design with Shenkola, Belete, Gudenie, Guassa, Dagim and Ater Ababa potato varieties. Four different harvesting dates were undertaken (30, 45, 60 and 75 days after planting (DAP). Results and conclusions: Materials and Methods: The trial was conducted at Adet Agricultural Research Center, Ethiopia during 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 main cropping season with randomized complete block design with Shenkola, Belete, Gudenie, Guassa, Dagim and Ater Ababa potato varieties. Four different harvesting dates were undertaken (30, 45, 60 and 75 days after planting (DAP). Results and conclusion At early stages of development, the highest percent of dry matter accumulation went to vegetative growth, and then to tubers in the successive harvests. The maximum tuber yield, bulking rate and harvest index (36.17 t/ha, 4.23 gplant-1day-1 and 0.8) respectively was recorded from Belete variety. Belete variety can give reasonable yield after 45 DAP. Guassa variety (having a PC of 0.92 at 75 DAP) was able to produce 92% of its yield at 75 DAP and its yield was comparable with the highest yielder (Belete variety). In such areas where erratic rainfall is expected, Guassa and Belete varieties can be used as early variety in potato production systems.

The Interaction Effects of Drought–Flood Abrupt Alternation on Rice Yield and Dry Matter Partitioning

The frequent occurrence of drought–flood abrupt alternation (DFAA) seriously affects crop yield. It is particularly important to explore the dynamics of material accumulation and distribution under DFAA stress to analyze the mechanism of yield formation. In this study, a bucket experiment with DFAA stress groups, drought control (DC) groups, flood control (FC) groups, and normal irrigation (CK) groups was set up from the jointing to the heading stage of rice to analyze the interaction effects of DFAA stress on rice yield and dry matter partitioning. The results showed that compared with the CK group, the average yield reduction rate of rice in the DFAA groups was 23.03%, and the number of grains per panicle, total grain number, thousand-seed mass, and seed setting rate decreased. Compared with the DC groups, the DFAA groups had a significant reduction in yield and its components during the flooding period. Compared with the FC groups, the DFAA groups showed a compensation phenomenon in the yield and its components during the drought period. From the end of DFAA stress to the harvest period, the root partitioning index (PI) of the DFAA groups decreased, the stem PI increased first and then decreased, the leaf PI decreased, and the panicle PI increased. The results showed that the rice leaves increased and thickened, and the stems thickened under DFAA conditions to enhance the ability to resist drought and flooding stress, but the panicle rate was reduced, the growth period of rice was delayed, and the redundant growth of stems and leaves was increased. It is suggested that the depth and duration of stagnant water storage during the flood period of DFAA should be controlled, and the transfer and supply of photosynthetic products to grains should be increased to avoid serious yield reductions. The research results provide a theoretical basis for the rational development of farmland DFAA mitigation measures.

Effect of growth regulators on the growth and yield of ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) under polyhouse condition

The experiment has been conducted to resolve the poor partitioning of dry matter towards rhizome by using plant growth regulators (PGRs). Therefore, two pot culture experiments were conducted during 2020-22 using the variety IISR Varada to investigate the effects of foliar application of PGRs (6-BAP, cycocel, GA3 and PBZ at five different concentrations viz. control, 50ppm, 100ppm,150ppm and 200ppm in three replications) on growth and yield. The experiment was laid out in Factorial CRD design under polyhouse condition. The results revealed that 6-BAP at 100ppm significantly increased the number of tillers, secondary rhizomes, tertiary rhizomes, length, diameter of rhizomes, and rhizome yield (322.3g/ plant) which is 240% more than the control.

Influence of cultivation techniques on dry matter partitioning, nitrogen distribution pattern and yield of super hybrid rice Liangyoupeijiu

Liangyoupeijiu was grown under different crop cultivation techniques viz: conventional tillage and transplanting (CTTP), no tillage and transplanting (NTTP), conventional tillage and direct seeding (CTDS) and no- tillage and direct seeding (NTDS) during 2011 and 2012. Results showed that, CTTP had higher leaf dry weight than NTTP. Maximum leaf dry weight reduced in direct seeded than transplanted rice. Shoot dry weight reduced by 6% both in transplanted and direct seeded rice from heading to 12 days after heading (DAH) in both the years. No tillage and transplanting had higher export percentage of dry matter and transport percentage of dry matter among the cultivation techniques in both the years. At heading, leaf nitrogen concentration (%) and nitrogen uptake (g m-2) were higher in transplanted than direct seeded rice and significantly higher nitrogen uptake was observed under conventional tillage and transplanting in both the years. The physiological nitrogen use efficiency was higher in no-tillage than conventional tillage in both the years. Total nitrogen (kg ha-1) uptake was higher in conventional tillage than no tillage either in transplanted or in direct seeded rice and was higher under conventional tillage and transplanting among the cultivation techniques in both the years. Grain yield was closely associated with uptake of total nitrogen at heading. Although, direct seeded rice had more than 23% higher panicle number than transplanted rice but conventional tillage and transplanting produced higher grain yield due to higher uptake of nitrogen by grain at maturity and bigger sink size. Bangladesh Rice J. 26 (2): 51-62, 2022

Combined Application of Filter Cake and Macadamia Husk Compost Affects Soil Fertility and Plant Mineral Content of Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potatoes

A greenhouse pot experiment was conducted to investigate the influence of the combined application of filter cake and macadamia husk compost (FC+MHC) on the soil fertility and dry matter partitioning of Beauregard and 199062.1 cultivars of orange-fleshed sweet potato. The effects of the two organic wastes on the mineral nutrients in the leaves and the storage roots of the 199062.1 cultivar were also investigated. In addition to FC+MHC, four other treatments—filter cake only (FC), macadamia husk compost only (MHC), inorganic fertilizer only (IF), a combination of filter cake and inorganic fertilizer (FC+IF), a combination of macadamia husk compost and inorganic fertilizer (MHC+IF), and a control (CONT)—were included in the investigation for the purpose of comparison. To achieve this, 1 kg of compost was homogenized with 20 kg of soil and filled into graduated 25 L buckets. The experimental design was completely randomized. The plants were grown for 4 months. The results indicated that all treatments altered the soil fertility positively. There were indications that both filter cake and macadamia husk compost inhibited the absorption of iron (Fe), copper (Cu), and aluminum (Al). Also, zinc (Zn) and phosphorus (P) deficiencies in the initial soil were corrected after the application of the organic wastes. In terms of yield, FC+MHC was better than all other treatments. The outcome of this study will no doubt greatly benefit the resource-poor farmers of Northern KwaZulu-Natal who are involved in the production of orange-fleshed sweet potatoes.

Influence of Compost and Farmyard Manure on Cassava Growth, Yield and Dry Matter Partitioning at Mvomero and Masasi Districts

Aims: Field experiments were conducted for two seasons: 2019/20 and 2020/21 under rain fed cropping seasons to determine yield response of cassava to compost (CP) and farmyard manure (FYM) application.
 Study Design: The experiments were laid out in a RCBD with three replications.
 Place and Duration of Study: Vianzi village in Mvomero district and Mumbaka village in Masasi district between December 2019 to November 2021.
 Methodology: At each site, Treatments involving CP and FYM tested separately at four different levels; 2.5 t ha-1, 5 t ha-1, 7.5 t ha-1 and a control (0 t ha-1) was included. Both CP and FYM treatment rates were applied by broadcasting method followed by incorporation into the soil prior to cassava planting. Data on cassava plant height and cassava stem girth were collected for assessment of cassava growth and data on number of tubers per plant, cassava root fresh and dry biomass were recorded for assessment of cassava yield.
 Results: At Mvomero site, a maximum significant (P=.01) cassava fresh weight (19.18 t ha-1) were obtained from the plots treated with 5 t ha-1 FYM giving yield advantage of 67.5% above the control in 2020/21. In the CP treated plots, a maximum significant (P =.001) yield (22.2 t ha-1) was obtained giving 69% yield advantage above the control in 2020/21. At Masasi site, a maximum of 24.3 t ha-1 cassava fresh weight were obtained in 2020/21 giving 77.7% yield advantage over the control. In the CP treated plots in 2020/21, 18.7 t ha-1 cassava fresh weight was obtained giving 34.6% yield advantage over control.
 Conclusion: Application of CP and FYM not only improve cassava yields as it is for inorganic fertilizers but also, they have an added advantage of improving soil health conditions in season and over years. For best results application of CP or FYM should be 5.0 t ha-1.

Improved simulation of winter wheat yield in North China Plain by using PRYM-Wheat integrated dry matter distribution coefficient

The accurate simulation of regional-scale winter wheat yield is important for national food security and the balance of grain supply and demand in China. Presently, most remote sensing process models use the “biomass×harvest index (HI)” method to simulate regional-scale winter wheat yield. However, spatiotemporal differences in HI contribute to inaccuracies in yield simulation at the regional scale. Time-series dry matter partition coefficients (Fr) can dynamically reflect the dry matter partition of winter wheat. In this study, Fr equations were fitted for each organ of winter wheat using site-scale data. These equations were then coupled into a process-based and remote sensing-driven crop yield model for wheat (PRYM-Wheat) to improve the regional simulation of winter wheat yield over the North China Plain (NCP). The improved PRYM-Wheat model integrated with the fitted Fr equations (PRYM-Wheat-Fr) was validated using data obtained from provincial yearbooks. A 3-year (2000–2002) averaged validation showed that PRYM-Wheat-Fr had a higher coefficient of determination (R²=0.55) and lower root mean square error (RMSE=0.94 t ha–1) than PRYM-Wheat with a stable HI (abbreviated as PRYM-Wheat-HI), which had R² and RMSE values of 0.30 and 1.62 t ha–1, respectively. The PRYM-Wheat-Fr model also performed better than PRYM-Wheat-HI for simulating yield in verification years (2013–2015). In conclusion, the PRYM-Wheat-Fr model exhibited a better accuracy than the original PRYM-Wheat model, making it a useful tool for the simulation of regional winter wheat yield.