Plant Dry Biomass Research Articles

Leaf Nutrient Concentrations and Dry Biomass of Fig Plants as Modified by the Application of NPK: A Preliminary Study

Aims: The effect of a complete NPK matrix on leaf nutrient concentrations and dry biomass of ‘Black Mission’ fig plant organs was tested under an intensive culture system and protected environment.
 Study Design: A randomized complete block design with four blocks was employed.
 Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was conducted from April to November 2016 at the Campo Experimental La Laguna, located in Matamoros, Coahuila, Mexico. This research station belongs to the Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales, Agrícolas y Pecuarias (INIFAP) of Mexico. The experiment was set up under a macro tunnel equipped with a shade mesh with 50% sunlight attenuation.
 Methodology: Two-year-old fig plants (cv. ‘Black Mission’) previously propagated from stem cuttings were used. There were three application rates each for N (0, 80, and 160 kg ha-1), P (0, 40 and 80 kg ha-1), and K (0, 80, and 160 kg ha-1) arranged in a balanced factorial matrix of 27 treatments. After harvest, leaf samples were collected to determine nutrient concentrations and they were split into roots, shoots, leaves, and fruit
 Results: The greatest total dry biomass was produced by the interaction of 80 kg ha-1 N and 40 kg ha-1 P and yielded the following leaf nutrient concentrations (mean ± SD): N 2.9 ± 0.3%, P 0.11 ± 0.01%, K 2.1 ± 0.4%, Ca 1.4 ± 0.7%, Mg 0.34 ± 0.03%, Fe 166.4 ± 49.5 mg kg-1, Cu 6.3 ± 1.7 mg kg-1, Mn 83.3 ± 20.9 mg kg-1, and Zn 22. 6 ± 3.8 mg kg-1. Application of 80 kg ha-1 N and 40 kg ha-1 P could be suggested for commercial fig production.
 Conclusion: Application of 80 kg ha-1 N and 40 kg ha-1 P could be tested under similar commercial production systems; however, the addition of supplemental K deserves further study.

Agricultural Monitoring Using Polarimetric Decomposition Parameters of Sentinel-1 Data

The time series of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data are commonly and successfully used to monitor the biophysical parameters of agricultural fields. Because, until now, mainly backscatter coefficients have been analysed, this study examines the potentials of entropy, anisotropy, and alpha angle derived from a dual-polarimetric decomposition of Sentinel-1 data to monitor crop development. The temporal profiles of these parameters are analysed for wheat and barley in the vegetation periods 2017 and 2018 for 13 fields in two test sites in Northeast Germany. The relation between polarimetric parameters and biophysical parameters observed in the field is investigated using linear and exponential regression models that are evaluated using the coefficient of determination (R2) and the root mean square error (RMSE). The performance of single regression models is furthermore compared to those of multiple regression models, including backscatter coefficients in VV and VH polarisation as well as polarimetric decomposition parameters entropy and alpha. Characteristic temporal profiles of entropy, anisotropy, and alpha reflecting the main phenological changes in plants as well as the meteorological differences between the two years are observed for both crop types. The regression models perform best for data from the phenological growth stages tillering to booting. The highest R2 values of the single regression models are reached for the plant height of wheat related to entropy and anisotropy with R2 values of 0.64 and 0.61, respectively. The multiple regression models of VH, VV, entropy, and alpha outperform single regression models in most cases. R2 values of multiple regression models of plant height (0.76), wet biomass (0.7), dry biomass (0.7), and vegetation water content (0.69) improve those of single regression models slightly by up to 0.05. Additionally, the RMSE values of the multiple regression models are around 10% lower compared to those of single regression models. The results indicate the capability of dual-polarimetric decomposition parameters in serving as meaningful input parameters for multiple regression models to improve the prediction of biophysical parameters. Additionally, their temporal profiles indicate phenological development dependent on meteorological conditions. Knowledge about biophysical parameter development and phenology is important for farmers to monitor crop growth variability during the vegetation period to adapt and to optimize field management.

Nitrogen fertilizer ameliorate the remedial capacity of industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) grown in lead contaminated soil

Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is a fibrous plant with high biomass production, and can survive under heavy metal stress conditions. To determine the growth potential of industrial hemp on lead (Pb) contaminated soil, a pot experiment was conducted using two varieties Bamahuoma (BM) and Yunma-1 (Y1), under different levels of nitrogen (N) fertilizer viz., 0 (control), 0.1, 0.3, 0.5 and 0.7 g kg−1. The soil was artificially spiked with Pb using PbCl. Lead uptake and its accumulation in different organs of both hemp varieties were analyzed. Increasing level of N fertilizer caused a significant increase in the plant growth and dry biomass production in both varieties, while Y1 showed more tolerance to Pb, than BM. Furthermore, N (%) was higher in the leaves and stems then in the roots. Contrastingly, Pb was highly accumulated in the roots then in the leaves and stems of both varieties under varying levels of N fertilizer in the soil. Lead uptake and its accumulation in different plant parts were increased with the increase in N fertilizer in the soil. Hence, these findings indicate that external N fertilization is a useful strategy to enhance dry biomass and Pb accumulation in industrial hemp.

Uptake and translocation of perfluoroalkyl acids by hydroponically grown lettuce and spinach exposed to spiked solution and treated wastewaters

Perfluoroalkylated acids (PFAAs) are ubiquitous xenobiotic substances characterized by high persistence, bioaccumulation potential and toxicity, which have attracted global attention due to their widespread presence in both water and biota. In this study, the main objective was to assess PFAAs uptake and accumulation in lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) and spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) when fed with reclaimed wastewaters that are usually discharged onto a surface water body. Lettuce and spinach were grown in hydroponic solutions, exposed to two different municipal wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluents and compared with a spiked-PFAAs aqueous solution (nominal concentration of 500 ng L−1 for each perfluoroalkyl acid). Eleven perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids and three perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids were determined in the hydroponic solution, as well as quantified at the end of the growing cycle in crop roots and shoots. Water and dry plant biomass extracts were analyzed by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem spectrometry LC-MS/MS technique. The bioconcentration factor of roots (RCF), shoots (LCF), and the root-shoot translocation factor (TF) were quantified. In general, results showed that PFAAs in crop tissues increased at increasing PFAAs water values. Moreover some PFAAs concentrations (especially PFBA, PFBS, PFHxA, PFHpA, PFHxS) were different in both shoots and roots of lettuce and spinach, regardless of the type of water. The long C-chain PFAAs (≥9) were always below the detection threshold in WWTPs effluents. However, when PFAAs were detected, similar bioconcentration parameters were found between crops regardless the type of water. A sigmoidal RCF pattern was found as the perfluorinated chain length increased, plus a linear TF decrease. Comparing bioconcentration factor results with findings of previous studies, lettuce RCF value of PFCAs with perfluorinated chain length ≤ 9 and PFSAs was up to 10 times greater.

Effects of sewage sludge and other wastes application on the growth and element uptake of Jatropha curcas in abandoned rare-earth mine soil.

The wastes such as sewage sludge (SS) can be used to amend soil of abandoned rare-earth mine land (ARL). The energy plant Jatropha curcas could be used as a pioneer tree species in the ARL. In a pot experiment to address the responses of growth and element uptake of J. curcas, three treatments were established: adding SS to the soil of ARL (T1), adding SS and bagasse to the soil of ARL (T2), adding SS, bagasse and passivator to the soil of ARL (T3), with the untreated soil of the ARL as the control (CK). The results showed that compared with CK, T1 only significantly increased the plant height of J. curcas, T2 and T3 significantly increased the plant height, ground diameter and dry biomass of J. curcas, of which the total dry biomass increased by more than 184.7%. All the three treatments significantly increased the contents of N, P, K and Cu in J. curcas. T1 and T2 significantly increased the proportion of exchangeable Zn, Cd and Ni in the substrates, while T3 showed the opposite effects. T3 significantly decreased the migration factor (M) and mobility factor (MF) of Zn, Cd, Ni in the substrates, and significantly reduced the contents of Zn, Pb, Cd, Ni in J. curcas, with an inhibition rate of over 36.1%. The comprehensive evaluation of the membership function showed that the order of growth promotion effects on J. curcas was T2>T3>T1>CK, while the order of capacity of inhibiting J. curcas to accumulate Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, Ni was T3>CK>T2>T1. The combined application of SS and bagasse significantly promoted the growth and element accumulation of J. curcas, and the addition of passivator significantly reduced heavy metals uptake without affecting the growth of J. curcas.

The root endophytic bacterial community of Ricinus communis L. resembles the seeds community more than the rhizosphere bacteria independent of soil water content

Rhizosphere and root endophytic bacteria are crucial for plant development, but the question remains if their composition is similar and how environmental conditions, such as water content, affect their resemblance. Ricinus communis L., a highly drought resistant plant, was used to study how varying soil water content affected the bacterial community in uncultivated, non-rhizosphere and rhizosphere soil, and in its roots. Additionally, the bacterial community structure was determined in the seeds of R. communis at the onset of the experiment. Plants were cultivated in soil at three different watering regimes, i.e. 50% water holding capacity (WHC) or adjusted to 50% WHC every two weeks or every month. Reducing the soil water content strongly reduced plant and root dry biomass and plant development, but had little effect on the bacterial community structure. The bacterial community structure was affected significantly by cultivation of R. communis and showed large variations over time. After 6 months, the root endophytic bacterial community resembled that in the seeds more than in the rhizosphere. It was found that water content had only a limited effect on the bacterial community structure and the different bacterial groups, but R. communis affected the bacterial community profoundly.

Improved of growth and phytostabilization potential of lead (Pb) in Glebionis coronaria L. under the effect of IAA and GA3 alone and in combination with EDTA by altering biochemical attributes of stressed plants

This study evaluated the effect of EDTA, IAA and GA3 alone and in combination in improving plant growth, Pb accumulation, and management of effective mechanisms associated with alleviation of Pb-induced adverse effect in Glebionis coronaria L. grown on industrial area in Alexandria. In this regards, 10-week-old plants were subjected to IAA and GA3 as a foliar spray and EDTA was supplied in two doses 50 and 200mgkg−1 soil. EDTA significantly reduced the plant growth and dry biomass, whereas GA3 and IAA foliar spray increased growth significantly when compared with control (uncontaminated soil). In combined treatments of EDTA + GA3 +IAA, the biomass was restored, which shows that GA3 and IAA did compensate the negative effect of EDTA on plant growth and increased the Pb uptake significantly into roots. There were high GSH contents parallel with the increase of glutathione-S-transferase activity and induction of the antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, APX, GR) as well as oxidized glutathione and ascorbic acid contents in leaves and roots when compared to control plants. This study suggests that G. coronaria is promising species for decontamination of Pb -contaminated soil and the application of EDTA together with IAA and GA3 could be a useful strategy for enhancing the phytostabilization capability of Glebionis coronaria L. to eliminate Pb from contaminated soils. Novelty statement: The objective of this paper is to investigate the physiological performance of Glebionis coronaria as a new native for phytoremediation by phytostabilization mechanism of Pb after treatment with EDTA and phytohormones. Chemical additives of EDTA and GA3 as well as IAA are promising alternatives to provide added benefits due to their individual credentials in improving the overall phytostabilization effectiveness and better immobilization efficiency in treating Pb contaminated soils by altering biochemical attributes of stressed plants. Currently these additives are not employed widely in large-scale field implementations, so field applications of these additives using Glebionis coronaria are essential for Phytoremediation of Pb-contaminated soils.

Molybdenum improves 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline, grain quality traits and yield attributes in fragrant rice through efficient nitrogen assimilation under cadmium toxicity

Cadmium (Cd) toxicity causes severe perturbations in nitrogen (N) uptake and assimilation, and thereby interrupts normal plant growth. Molybdenum (Mo), a necessary trace element, plays important roles in N metabolism through regulating N assimilatory enzymes activities and expressions in higher plants. Taking this into account, a pot experiment was performed to explore the role of Mo in alleviating Cd-induced inhibitory effects on physio-biochemical processes, N metabolism, yield attributes and grain quality characters of two fragrant rice cultivars; Guixiangzhan and Meixiangzhan-2. Both the fragrant rice cultivars were treated with two levels of each Cd concentrations (0 and 100 mg/kg) and Mo treatments (0 and 0.15 mg/kg). The results revealed that Cd toxicity significantly reduced (p < 0.05) plant dry biomass, gaseous exchange attributes, chlorophyll contents, N utilizing and assimilatory enzymes activities, 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (2AP) contents and grain yield in both cultivars; however, more severe inhibitions were observed in Meixiangzhan-2 than Guixiangzhan. Nevertheless, Mo application alleviated Cd stress and enhanced 2AP content and grain yield by 75.05% and 67.94% in Guixiangzhan and 87.71% and 83.51% in Meixiangzhan-2, respectively compared with no Mo application. Moreover, Mo application improved photosynthesis, chloroplast configuration, soluble protein and proline contents and also strengthened the N assimilatory pathway through efficient NO3− utilization, higher nitrate reductase, nitrite reductase, glutamine synthetase and glutamate synthase activities and transcript levels under Cd stress. Collectively, our results imply that Mo-induced enhancement in N utilization and assimilation improved yield and grain quality characters of fragrant rice cultivars under Cd stress.

Foliar versus soil phosphorus (P) application for improving P use efficiency in wheat and maize in calcareous soils

Phosphorus (P) is the most deficient nutrient in agricultural soils after nitrogen. Additionally, exogenously applied P quickly transforms into less soluble compounds through various chemo-sorption reactions resulting in poor fertilizer use efficiency (15–25%). Therefore, this pot experiment was conducted to investigate the impact of foliar P (0, 45, 90 and 135 mM KH2PO4) in conjunction with soil applied P (0, 10 and 20 mg P kg−1) for enhanced growth and P use efficiency of maize and wheat in calcareous soils. There was a linear increase in plant height and biomass both with the increasing application of soil and foliar P in both wheat and maize crop. However, the effect of foliar P was more pronounced in P deficient condition compared to 10 or 20 mg P kg−1. Soil applied P at 10 and 20 mg P kg−1 increased plant dry biomass by 10.8 and 16.8% in maize and by 29.9 and 35.5% in wheat over control, respectively. Foliar P application didn’t improve soil phosphorus. The interaction between soil and foliar P was significant (p ≤ .05) showing that increase of either foliar or soil P application, tissue P content of both maize and wheat increased. In both season the higher foliar P solution resulted in higher P uptake though the increase in wheat were lower than maize. Therefore, the low recovery of soil P associated with poor soil characteristics could be corrected through its foliar application if administered at proper growth stage with suitable concentration strength and appropriate source.

Efecto Bioprotector de Micorrizas Arbusculares en la Reducción de Roya (Hemileia vastatrix) en la Región San Martín

La roya es un problema generalizado que ha afectado a diferentes países de América Latina, generando pérdidas económicas en los productores cafetaleros. Se evaluó el efecto de los hongos micorrízicos arbusculares (HMA), sobre la presencia de roya (Hemileia vastatrix) en plantas de café. Se empleó un Diseño Completamente al Azar con dos factores: fuentes de inóculo HMA e Inoculación de roya, incluyendo tratamiento testigos (absoluto e infestado); se usó como sustrato tierra agrícola y arena (2:1); se inoculó plantas de café con 1 500 esporas de HMA procedente de Rioja, Lamas, Dorado y Huallaga, posteriormente se inóculo con esporas de roya; se evaluaron altura de planta, área foliar, biomasa seca y aérea, incidencia, severidad, colonización micorrízica y longitud de micelio extraradical. Los resultados mostraron que los tratamientos inoculados con HMA presentaron mejoras incrementos en morfología, micorrización y menor incidencia y severidad a roya.

Effect of deficit irrigation on physiology, plant growth, and fruit yield of cucumber cultivars

Increased water scarcity necessitates the implementation of water-conserving irrigation management practices to sustain crop production,especially in water-limited areas. A two-year field study was conducted during 2019 and 2020 to evaluate the effect of deficit irrigation on physiology, plant growth, and yield of cucumber cultivars. The experiment was conducted in a split-plot design with four irrigation levels (100% ETc (crop evapotranspiration), 80% ETc, 60% ETc, and 40% ETc) as main plot factor and two cultivars (Poinsett 76 and Marketmore 76) as subplot factor with three replications. Results showed that stomatal conductance (gs), transpiration rate (E), photosynthesis rate (Pn), intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci), and leaf area were significantly lower in 60% ETc and 40% ETc compared to 100% ETc while stomatal limitations, intrinsic water use efficiency (WUEi), and relative leaf temperature were significantly higher in 60% ETc and 40% ETc compared to 100% ETc. The observed values of these aforementioned parameters were comparable between 100% ETc and 80% ETc. A decrease in leaf area, as well as a decrease in Pn, resulted in a decline in overall photosynthesis per plant in 60% ETc and 40% ETc compared to 100% ETc. As a consequence of this, plant dry biomass and total fruit yield were significantly lower in 60% ETc and 40% ETc compared to 100% ETc. However, photosynthesis per plant was comparable between 100% ETc and 80% ETc due to comparable Pn and leaf area between them. Because of comparable photosynthesis per plant, plant dry biomass and fruit yield were comparable between 100% ETc and 80% ETc. Marketmore 76 had significantly higher gs, E, Pn, Ci, and leaf area and it had significantly lower stomatal limitations, WUEi, and relative leaf temperature than Poinsett 76. Vegetative dry biomass and total above-ground dry biomass were higher in Marketmore 76 but fruit yield was higher in Poinsett 76. These results suggest that 80% ETc irrigation level and Poinsett 76 cultivar can be recommended for successful cucumber production without causing a significant decline in fruit yield in water-limited Southern High Plains of United States.

Влияние ростостимулирующих бактерий на рост и содержание фотосинтетических пигментов в листьях растений томата

The dry biomass of plants and the content of pigments in the leaves of tomato cultivar Gruntovy Gribovskiy 1180 were analyzed 30 days after inoculation with growth-stimulating bacterial strains Pseudomonas sp. 2.4.1 and Stenotrophomonas sp. 2.13. It was revealed that the Pseudomonas sp. 2.4.1 strain stimulated the accumulation of plant biomass more efficiently than Stenotrophomonas sp. 2.13, which positively correlated with an increase in the content of chlorophyll and carotenoids in tomato leaves. Thus, the content of pigments in plants can serve as a marker of the effectiveness of associative symbiosis between tomato plants and various microorganisms.

Evaluation of the Aerial Biomass of Three Sahelian Species in the Ferlo (North Senegal): &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Acacia tortilis&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; (Forsk.) Hayn essp. Raddiana (Savi) Brenan, &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Acacia senegal&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; (L.) Willd and &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Balanites aegyptiaca&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; (L.) Del

In a context of climate change characterized by rising temperatures, increased greenhouse gases and frequent droughts, the Sahel is presented as one of the most vulnerable areas to the adverse effects of climate change. The Sahel is presented as one of the most vulnerable areas to the adverse effects of climate change. The objective of this study is to assess the above-ground biomass and carbon stock of three Sahelian species: Acacia raddiana tortilis (Forsk.) hayne ssp. raddiana (savi) Brenan, Acacia senegal (L.) Willd and Balanites aegyptiaca (L.). The study was carried out in northern Senegal commonly known as Ferlo. Biomasses of the populations of the three target species were first assessed by harvesting the entire epigenetic part of the species and then modelled by correlation using dendrometric parameters measured on each individual of the sample. Two models, mono-specific and multi-species, were used. The results obtained showed that the diameter at breast height (x) and the parameter best correlated to the epigeal biomass (y). The dry biomass of woody plants was 31.4 ± 15.2 kg/tree for B. aegyptiaca, 30.6 ± 13.2 kg/tree for A. senegal and 26.2 ± 11.1 kg/tree for A. raddiana; i.e. carbon equivalents of 14.75 - 14.38 - 12.31 kg/tree respectively. The amount of carbon contained in the above-ground woody biomass is estimated at 4.48 t/ha. The carbon equivalent, atmospheric CO2 is estimated at 16.44 tons of CO2/ha and based on the actual density of Ferlo (108.08 ± 49.79 ind/ha) the sequestered carbon of the area is estimated at 1777.008 tons of CO2. The comparison between the models developed in this study and the multispecific or mono-specific models from the literature showed substantial differences. This study contributes to a better understanding of the contribution of Sahelian woody species to carbon sequestration and the results could be used in the framework of adaptation to climate change.

The effect of row proportion of maize and soybean intercropping on growth and yield of component crops in sandy soil North Lombok, Indonesia

This study aimed to determine nutrient status, mycorrhiza population, and yields of maize-soybean strip intercropping in sandy soil environments of North Lombok, Indonesia. The experiment designed with Randomized Block Design with three blocks and five treatments, i.e., P1 (2 rows of maize: 2 rows of soybean), P2 (3 rows of maize: 2 rows of soybean), P3 (3 rows of maize : 3 rows of soybean), P4 (4 rows of maize: 2 rows of soybean), P5 (4 rows of maize : 3 rows of soybean). The results show that an increase of one more row from 3 to 4 rows significantly decreases the weight of maize cobs (3.5-folds), pods (2.3-folds), and 1000 seeds (1-folds). One row of maize plant density, which was beginning three rows to 4 rows, causes a decrease in the weight of dry root biomass and shoot of maize and soybean plants. The root weight and dried shoots of maize fell to 3.5 and 4.5 times, and the weight of dried roots of soybeans fell to 1.41 times at the age of 92 days after observing the 4:3 ratio of maize and soybean plants.

Effect of cadmium stress on seed germination, plant growth and hydrolyzing enzymes activities in mungbean seedlings

Abstract: Both protein and starch hydrolysis contribute to the effective mobilization of seed reserves to trigger seed germination. We studied the activities of hydrolytic enzymes in germinating seeds of mung bean (Vigna radiata) exposed to cadmium stress at 0, 25, 50, 75, 100 mg.L-1. Exposure to Cd stress decreased the seed germination rate and early seedling growth traits, including root and shoot length and plant fresh and dry biomass compared to control. The adverse effects of Cd were more prominent in terms of shoot length than root length. Seedling α-amylase and protease activities exhibited significant reductions with increasing Cd dose. We also recorded Cd-induced reduction in total soluble proteins and sugars while the concentration of free amino acids exhibited an increase. Above all, a decrease in the hydrolysis process of reserve carbohydrates, proteins and impaired reserve translocation contributed to the inhibition of seedlings’ germination and early growth traits.

ВОПРОСЫ МИНЕРАЛЬНОГО ПИТАНИЯ ГОРОХА В РСО – АЛАНИЯ

The article considers the effect of various doses of nitrogen fertilizers on the formation and activity of the symbiotic apparatus of peas. It is revealed that application of fertilizers P60K40 normalized to growth of a harvest of dry biomass of plants of peas of a grade Phoenix on 0.52 t/hectare, and additional introduction of N30 nitrogen - on 0.66 t/hectare. The maximum yield of dry matter (9.22 tons/ha) was noted when using full mineral fertilizer - N60P60K40. Studies have found that the content of nutrients in the soil available to plants before laying the experience was quite low. By the phase of branching on the backgrounds using fertilizers, a noticeable increase in the content of mobile nitrogen was observed, especially on versions with N60P60K40, then it decreased (2.12-4.78 mg/kg of soil) and again increased only at the time of harvesting (9.03-12.14 mg/kg of soil). This is due to the fact that at the beginning of vegetation, the need of pea plants for nitrogen is minimal, then, as it grows and develops, nitrogen is absorbed in large sizes. It was revealed that the dynamics of ammonium were characterized by a high content of it to the butonization phase, and then a decrease by the beginning of grain filling. By the end of the growing season, the ammonium content increased again. The amount of phosphorus and potassium increases and reaches a maximum by the beginning of seed filling, then before harvesting there is a tendency to decrease their content, due to a significant increase in the consumption of these elements by plants.

Dry Matter Production Response of Non-conventional Pineapple (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Ananas comosus &amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;L.) Seedling to Nursery Media Preparation

Establishment and management of pineapple production mainly lie on the production and supply of quality planting material with desirable root and shoot growth characteristics. Farmers in the South Ethiopia, uses different parts of pineapple like ground sucker, slips, and also crown sucker to transplant to the permanent fields. The fertilization practices were also not common, some farmers use to apply organic fertilizers like animal dung at the permanent field while there is no any media information generated to seedling production. Therefore, this study was conducted to examine the dry matter Production responses of non-conventional pineapple Seedling to organic based nursery media Preparation. The experiment was arranged in RCBD with three replication and six treatments. Six treatment combinations of compost to topsoil ratio in (0:1), (1:1), (1:2), (1:3) (1:4) and compost only (1:0). All the relevant parameters were collected and computed using SAS software. Treatment means were separated using LSD at 5% probability. The results revealed significant variation among the treatments that indicated, the soil based nursery media of compost (1:0) and (1:1) ratio of compost to topsoil responded the best dry matter production response of pineapple seedling in terms of, leaf fresh weight, leaf dry weight, root dry weight and total plant dry biomass. This result suggested that compost (1:0) and or compost to topsoil in (1:1) ratios was useful media to produce the best growth of pineapple seedling before transplanting to its production field.

Determination of Appropriate Compost Based Nursery Media Preparation for Pineapple (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Annanas comosus MERR L.&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;) Seedling Growth at South Ethiopia

The experiment was conducted at Awada Agricultural Research Center found at south Ethiopia to determine a proper ratio of compost to top soil ratio that enhanced growth of pineapple at seedling stage. The experiment was arranged in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replication. Seedlings were raised from ground slip and planted in plastic pots with width to height (16x22cm) containing compost to topsoil in 0:1, 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4 and 1:0 ratios as treatments. Seedlings were watered as required and grown for 6 months. determination of pineapple seedling height, leaf length, leaf width, leaf area, leaf fresh weight, leaf dry weight, root number, root dry weight and total plant dry biomass. Data were analyzed using SAS software and means were separated using LSD at 5% probability. The results revealed significant variation among the treatments. All the recorded growth parameters showed progressive increase with increase in the proportion of compost. The compost based nursery media preparation from compost (1:0) and or compost to top soil in one to one (1:1) ratio mixture is performed the best growth of pineapple seedling in terms of plant height, leaf length, leaf width, leaf area, leaf fresh weight, leaf dry weight, root number, root dry weight and total plant dry biomass. Therefore, it is recommendable that compost and or compost to top soil in one to one (1:1) ratio mixture media could be used to grow the best performed pineapple seedling in south ecological zone at nursery level via promoting production and utilization of compost from cheaper locally available materials before transplanting to its production field.

How Raised Beds and Fe-Chelate Affect Soybean Iron Deficiency Chlorosis and Yield

Water-logging and the inability to take up sufficient iron (Fe), causing iron deficiency chlorosis (IDC) in soybean (Glycine max, L. Merr.), can be major yield reducing factors in certain soils in the northern USA and Manitoba, Canada, soybean growing regions. The objective of this research was to evaluate soybean IDC, biomass production, and yield with seeding on raised beds and seed application of the Fe-chelate compound ortho-ortho-Fe-EDDHA. In six environments, soybean were seeded on raised beds and conventionally prepared seedbeds (flat) and with a factorial arrangement of five cultivars (within adapted maturity group 0.1 to 0.9 and variable IDC tolerance) and seed applied Fe-EDDHA using rates of 0 kg·ha−1 and 3.36 kg·ha−1. There were no significant interactions between the factors tested. The plant population was 27% higher on the raised beds compared with flat, and yield was 6.3% higher (2893 kg·ha−1 vs. 2722 kg·ha−1). Total dry plant biomass on raised beds was 9.8% greater compared with flat. The plant population with seed applied Fe-EDDHA was 10.6% lower compared with no application. However, the IDC score was significantly lower 2.2 vs 2.4 (1 = green, 5 = dead) for Fe-EDDHA seed application. Yield and plant biomass were not significantly different between Fe treatments. Raised beds offer an opportunity for soybean growers to reduce the negative influence of excessive water. Further research is needed to determine the long-term effect of raised beds on plant development, IDC expression, and yield. The application of Fe-EDDHA remains a partial solution and should therefore be combined with other methods to reduce IDC. Further research should study other Fe-EDDHA application rates and methods.

A, The ESTIMATION OF ECONOMIC THRESHOLDS OF JUNGLE RICE (ECHINOCHLOA COLONA L.) AND FALSE AMARANTH (DIGERA ARVENSIS FORSSK.) IN DIRECT SEEDED RICE

ABSTRACT There is little understanding about ecological interference of weeds in direct-seeded rice. To get estimates of economic thresholds of two weeds in direct seeded rice, two-year field trials were conducted at research area of College of Agriculture, University of Sargodha, Punjab-Pakistan. Treatments included 0, 22, 44, 66 and 88 plants m-2 densities of each of Echinochloa colona and Digera arvensis laid out in randomized complete block design. Augmented densities of E. colona (0, 22, 44, 66 and 88 weed plants m-2) enhanced its plant dry biomass up to 348 and 353%; and relative competitive index maximally to 80 and 77% in years 2015 and 2016, respectively. While the corresponding increases in plant dry weight and relative competitive index of D. arvensis were 367 and 360% and 79 and 82%. The enhancement in N (up to 258 &amp; 257 %), P (up to 220 &amp; 232%) and K (up to 293 &amp; 301%) uptake in years 2015 and 2016, respectively were made by E. Colona whereas the corresponding increases in N, P and K assimilation by D. arvensis were as far as 265 &amp; 257%, 238 &amp; 233% and 305 &amp; 298%, respectively. The declines in growth and yield of rice were observed in response to growing number of both the weeds. Rice grain yield losses ranged between 9.8 to 80% and 28 to 80% by E. Colona and D. arvensis. The economic thresholds of false amaranth and jungle rice were estimated to be 1.6-1.4 plants m-2 and 2.2-2.6 plants m-2, respectively.