Root Dry Yield Research Articles

GWAS for root yield and its contributing traits in Withania somnifera (L.) dunal: First report

Ashwagandha [Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal] is a significant medicinal plant, with limited information on its genetic variability. This study evaluateed genetic diversity among 96 ashwagandha genotypes with the aim of developing strategies to improve root yield and secondary metabolites. A joint ANOVA indicated significant variability within the evaluated panel. Key traits, such as root girth, fresh root yield and dry root yield showed positive and significant correlations at both tested years. Molecular markers (SRAP, ISSR, and SSR) were used to assess genetic diversity. Amplified PCR products ranged from 210 bp (SRAP-22) to 1350 bp (SRAP-19), with PIC value ranged from 0.332 (SSR 20) to 0.494 (ISD 11), indicated moderate informativeness of markers. Genetic diversity analysis using Dice's coefficient formed six clusters, identifying two genotypes (86 and 87) as highly diverse. Population structure analysis revealed five clusters with an Fst range of 0.21–0.36, indicating allele flow among genotypes. The highest genetic differentiation was observed between clusters G2 and G4 (Fst = 0.1253). On the basis of structure analysis, genotypes in cluster G5 exhibited similar genetic make-up. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) identified a 490 bp locus of the SRAP 49 marker as highly effective and informatice. This locus was broadly associated with fresh root yield (FW) and dry root yield (DW) across individual and pooled environments. The positive correlation between these traits suggests simultaneous improvement is feasible. This study highlights the importance of genetic diversity for enhancing root yield and provides valuable insights for the genetic improvement of ashwagandha.

Phenotypic Variability in Resistance to Anthracnose, White, Brown, and Blight Leaf Spot in Cassava Germplasm.

Despite fungal diseases affecting the aerial parts of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) and causing significant yield losses, there is a lack of comprehensive studies assessing resistance in the species' germplasm. This study aimed to evaluate the phenotypic diversity for resistance to anthracnose disease (CAD), blight leaf spot (BliLS), brown leaf spot (BLS), and white leaf spot (WLS) in cassava germplasm and to identify genotypes suitable for breeding purposes. A total of 837 genotypes were evaluated under field conditions across two production cycles (2021 and 2022). Artificial inoculations were carried out in the field, and data on yield and disease severity were collected using a standardized rating scale. The top 25 cassava genotypes were selected based on a selection index for disease resistance and agronomic traits. High environmental variability resulted in low heritabilities (h2) for CAD, WLS, and BLS (h2 = 0.42, 0.34, 0.29, respectively) and moderate heritability for BliLS (h2 = 0.51). While the range of data for disease resistance was narrow, it was considerably wider for yield traits. Cluster analysis revealed that increased yield traits and disease severity were associated with higher scores of the first and second discriminant functions, respectively. Thus, most clusters comprised genotypes with hybrid characteristics for both traits. Overall, there was a strong correlation among aerial diseases, particularly between BLS and BliLS (r = 0.96), while the correlation between CAD and other diseases ranged from r = 0.53 to 0.58. Yield traits showed no significant correlations with disease resistance. Although the mean selection differential for disease resistance was modest (between -2.31% and -3.61%), selection based on yield traits showed promising results, particularly for fresh root yield (82%), dry root yield (39%), shoot yield (49%), and plant vigor (26%). This study contributes to enhancing genetic gains for resistance to major aerial part diseases and improving yield traits in cassava breeding programs.

Synthesis of Materials Based on La2O3 and SiO2 as Growth Stimulants for Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge

In this paper, La2O3/SiO2 material was synthesized and applied for growth stimulants of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge. La2O3/SiO2 material was successfully synthesized from La(NO3)3 and SiO2 precursors by solid-phase thermal method. The material properties were confirmed through physicochemical characterization methods including XRD, EDX, IR, and SEM analysis. The results of using La2O3/SiO2 as a stimulating plant growth material for Salvia miltiorrhiza plants indicated that the use of La2O3/SiO2 on Salvia miltiorrhiza plants had a significant effect. In the experimental model, the dry root yield increased by 0.27 tons/hecta, the root length increased by 3.6 cm on average, and the harvest time for Salvia miltiorrhiza was eleven days earlier. Additionally, the Salvia miltiorrhiza with La2O3/SiO2 material was tougher than that without it, and gold leaf symptom was not observed in the experimental Salvia miltiorrhiza. Thus, the data suggested that La2O3/SiO2 had a favorable effect on alvia miltiorrhiza the harvest time for Salvia miltiorrhiza was eleven days.

The impact of humic acid compound fertilizer on sweet potato variety Jishu 25: A comprehensive study on dry matter, root yield, and starch properties

In recent years, although humic acid (HA) compound fertilizers have been applied in sweet potato production, limited research has specifically addressed their impacts on dry matter (DM) accumulation, starch yield and starch properties, particularly in varieties with high starch content. To assess these effects, five treatments were designed for the high-starch variety Jishu 25 as follows: no fertilizer application (CK), chemical fertilizer with 75–60–180 kg ha−1 N-P2O5-K2O (F1), 750 kg ha−1 HA compound fertilizer with 2.6 % HA and 10–8–24 N-P2O5-K2O (F2), chemical fertilizer with 112.5–67.5–157.5 kg ha−1 N P2O5 K2O (F3), 750 kg ha−1 HA compound fertilizer with 3 % HA, and 15–9–21 N-P2O5-K2O (F4). The results indicated that F2 and F4 reduced the DM distribution ratio in leaves and stems, concurrently increasing DM accumulation in tuberous roots compared to F1 and F3. These HA fertilizer treatments enhanced the activities of AGPase, UGPase and SSS in tuberous roots during the middle and late growth stages, resulting in elevated total starch content and amylopectin content at harvest. Both types of HA fertilizers decreased the D [4,3] of starch particles, but exhibited minimal effects on PV, HPV, CPV, To, Tc and ΔH. The highest tuberous root yield and starch yield were observed after applying F2 continuously for two years. In conclusion, for optimizing starch yield while preserving its quality, the application of 750 kg ha−1 HA compound fertilizer with 2.6 % HA and 10–8–24 N-P2O5-K2O proved to be most advantageous for sweet potato producers cultivating this high-starch variety in regions with a similar climate in northern China.

Assessment of G × E interaction and stability parameters for quality, root yield and its associating traits in ashwagandha [Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal] germplasm lines

Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal holds significant pharmaceutical and nutritional benefits. The stability and superior root yield of ashwangandha genotype is a crucial parameter for long-term development and raw material supply for pharma-industries. The impact of genotype × environment (G × E) interaction on economic traits (root yield) stability on ninety-six genotypes in four different environments was evaluated in this study. Using two models of stability analysis namely Eberhart - Russell and Additive Main Effects and Multiplicative Interaction (AMMI) analysis models, current study was focused on adaptability and phenotypic stability of ashwangandha genotypes. Field trail was conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Phenotypic data were collected on eleven important traits including four commercially important traits viz total soluble sugars (TSS), starch content, withanolides content and crude fiber in the main and late-season in 2020 and 2021. Analysis of variance exhibited consistency between both models. These results depicated G × E interaction, revealing subtle variations in response to environmental conditions. Eberhart and Russell model provided valuable trait performance insights, while AMMI offered genotype and environment insights. Interestingly, Eberhart and Russell model identified Env 3 as superior while Env 4 as a challenging environment. Genotypes viz. AGP-84, AGP-16, AGP-79, AGP-95, AGP-57 and AGP-14 exhibited stability and consistent performance for root yield across environments. AMMI analysis captured 52.7 % variance in the first principal component and 26.3 % in the second. Genotypes namely AGP 18, AGP 22, and AGP 57 were found best and stabile with high mean dry root yield in both models. Env 1 stood out as the most distinct, and Env 2 was representative for selecting the best genotypes.

Standardization of Cultivation Practices of Kod (Kutaki, Picrorhiza kurroa Royle ex Benth.): An Endangered Medicinal Plant Species of Kashmir Himalaya, India

Picrorhiza kurroa Royle ex Benth (Scrophulariaceae) is a small creeping herbaceous alpine species commonly known as Kod or Kutaki, used by local and tribal people for curing fever, asthma, jaundice, stomach ache, indigestion, common fever and bronchial asthma. This has resulted in the loss of biodiversity of the species. Roots of P. kurroa have been used in traditional medicine for years for treating various kinds of diseases. The species has been ruthlessly harvested from the wild source and has become endangered. In the present investigation, an attempt was made to standardize the cultivation practices using organic manures and inorganic fertilizers in P. kurroa. The experiment comprised of 28 treatments {M1P0N0, M1P0N1, M1P0N2, M1P1N0, M1P1N1, M1P1N2, M1P2N0, M1P2N1, M1P2N2, M2P0N0, M2P0N1, M2P0N2, M2P1N0, M2P1N1, M2P1N2, M2P2N0, M2P2N1, M2P2N2, M3P0N0, M3P0N1, M3P0N2, M3P1N0, M3P1N1, M3P1N2, M3P2N0, M3P2N1, M3P2N2 and M0P0N0} with three replications each, including one control treatment. The dry root weight recorded by the application of poultry (20 tonnes ha-1), sheep (25 tonnes ha-1) and farm yard manure (25 tonnes ha-1), was 533.60, 509.60 and 476.70 kg ha-1, respectively. Dry root yield increased significantly with increasing levels of phosphorus (453.6 to 550.4 kg ha-1), and nitrogen (444.8 to 565.6 kg ha-1) as well. Application of organic manure and higher levels of inorganic fertilizers resulted in increase in the root weight with maximum dry root biomass of 640.00 kg ha-1 was observed in treatment M1 P2 N2 (20 tonnes of PM, 100 kg P and 150 Kg N ha-1) compared to the lowest dry yield of 328.0 kg ha-1 as observed in control treatment M0P0N0 (zero tonnes of FYM, 0 kg P and 0 kg N ha-1), although the effect of their interaction was non-significant. It is concluded that highest dry weight of root (692.80 kg ha-1) in P. kurroa was obtained by the application of phosphorus @ 100 kg ha-1 as compared to various organic manures or/different levels of nitrogen used and among the organic manures used viz. poultry, sheep and farmyard manure, the highest root biomass of 533.60 kg ha-1 was recorded by the application of poultry manure. Since the species in Kashmir Himalayan region is endangered but has high commercial demand, hence immediate conservation measures are needed to protect the species from extinction.

Genotypic variability and genetic parameters for root yield, dry matter and related traits of cassava in the Guinea Savannah ecological zone of Ghana

The aim of this study was to assess the agronomic performance and genetic parameters governing storage root yield and related traits in cassava genotypes in order to identify superior genotypes. The study involved 18 elite cassava genotypes which were arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications and assessed for storage root yield and yield components (12 months after planting) in the Guinea savannah ecology of Ghana for three seasons. Analysis of variance indicated significant (p < 0.05) genotype and year main effects for fresh and dry root yields, dry matter content, starch yield and harvest index. Genotype × year effect was significant (p < 0.05) for fresh root yield, dry root yield and starch yield. Estimates of the variance components revealed greater genotypic influence for starch yield, fresh and dry root yields implying the potential for genetic gain with selection for these traits among the genotypes. Relatively high (69 %) broad sense heritability estimate was observed for dry storage root yield indicating the depth of genetic influence. Path coefficient analysis revealed a direct positive effect of dry matter content on dry storage root yield whilst dry storage root yield had direct positive effect on starch yield suggesting the possibility of indirect selection for starch yield through dry storage root yield. The study revealed ample genotypic variability among the cassava genotypes to warrant selection. Four genotypes, IBA 070134, IBA 419, IBA 950289 and IBA 980581 were identified for high and stable fresh and dry root yields for multilocational testing.

Sustainable production ofSaussurea costus under different levels of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers in cold desert region of Western Himalaya.

Saussurea costus, an important critically endangered medicinal herb native to the Himalayan region, is commonly used in various ailments, viz. asthma, ulcer, inflammation, and stomach problems. In the international market, the dry roots and essential oil of S. costus has become an important drug. The lack of appropriate fertilizer dose recommendations is one of the limiting factors for its ex-situ conservation and large-scale cultivation, as plant nutrition is vital in determining crop growth and productivity. The study aimed to understand the comparative impact of different levels of fertilizer nutrients on growth, dry root and essential oil yield, and essential oil profile of S. costus. A field experiment was conducted in Himachal Pradesh, India's cold desert region (Lahaul valley), during 2020-21. The experiment comprised three levels of nitrogen (60, 90, and 120 kg ha-1), three levels of phosphorus (20, 40, 60 kg ha-1), and two levels of potassium (20 and 40 kg ha-1) in a factorial randomized block design. The fertilizer application had an immense effect on growth attributes, root yield attributes, dry root yield, and essential oil yield over control. The treatment combination N120, P60, and K40 had the largest effect on the plant height, number of leaves per plant, leaf length and width, root length and diameter, dry matter per plant, dry root yield, and essential oil yield. However, the results were at par with the treatment comprising N90, P40, and K20. Dry root yield increased by 108.9%, and essential oil yield increased by 210.3% with fertilizer applications over unfertilized plots. The regression curve shows an increasing trend in dry root yield till N90, P40, and K20; after that, it nearly stabilized. The heat map showed that applying fertilizer significantly affected the chemical constituents of S. costus essential oil. Similarly, the plots fertilized with the highest level of NPK recorded the utmost value of available N, P, and K, as compared to unfertilized plots. The results emphasize that for sustainable cultivation of S. costus, the application of N90, P40, and K20 combinations is the most suitable one.

Evaluation of Indian ginseng [Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal] breeding lines and genotype-by-environment interaction across production environments in western India.

In order to find location-specific and broadly adapted genotypes for total root alkaloid content and dry root yield along with additive main effects and multiplicative interactions (AMMI) and genotype (G) main effects plus genotype × environment (E) interaction in Indian ginseng (Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal), (GGE) biplot analyses were used in the current study. Trials were carried out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) over three succeeding years viz., 2016-2017, 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 at three different locations (S. K. Nagar, Bhiloda and Jagudan). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) for AMMI for dry root yield revealed that the environment, genotype, and GE interaction, respectively, accounted for significant sums of squares of 35.31%, 24.89%, and 32.96%. For total root alkaloid content, a significance of 27.59% of total sum of squares was justified by environment, 17.72% by genotype and 43.13% by GEI. Nine experimental trials in total were taken into consideration as contexts for the GEI analysis in 16 genotypes, including one check. AMMI analysis showed that genotypes, SKA-11, SKA-27, SKA-23 and SKA-10 were superior for mean dry root yield and SKA-11, SKA-27 and SKA-21 had better performance for total root alkaloid content across environment. The GGE biplot analysis showed genotypes SKA-11, SKA-27, SKA-10 desirable for dry root yield and SKA-26, SKA-27, SKA-11 for total root alkaloid content. As a result of the GGE and AMMI biplot techniques, SKA-11 and SKA-27 were determined to be the most desired genotypes for both total root alkaloid content and dry root yield. Further, simultaneous stability index or SSI statistics identified SKA-6, SKA-10, SKA-27, SKA-11 and AWS-1 for higher dry root yield, whilst SKA-25, SKA-6, SKA-11, SKA-12 and AWS-1 for total alkaloid content from root. Based on trait variation, GGE biplot analysis identified two mega-environments for dry root yield and a total of four for total root alkaloid content. Additionally, two representative and discriminating environments-one for dry root production and the other for total root alkaloid content were found. Location-specific and breeding for broad adaptation could be advocated for improvement and release of varieties for Indian ginseng.

Transvaluate of genotype × environment × season interaction of agronomic traits and bioactive compounds of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal in the Deccan plateau region

The exegesis of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera L.) types related to various seasons was the focus of the current investigation. A field study was conducted at the CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants experimental field in Hyderabad, India, using a factorial randomized block design with three replicates over two years and four seasons (Kharif and Rabi). The all three factors were made up of with two years (2020–2021 and 2021–2022), eight varieties (Red berry, JA-134, Poshita, CIMAP-Pratap, CIMAP-Chetak, NMITLI-118, NMITLI-101, CIM-Pushti), and two seasons (Kharif and Rabi) respectively. Plant growth indices (plant height, number of branches plant–1), phenological parameters (day to flower initiation and days to root harvest), yield attributes (main root length, root diameter, dry root yield hectare–1, and seed yield hectare–1) quality traits (starch content, fiber content, starch fiber ratio, and total alkaloid estimation) were evaluated. Research findings contribute to understanding of how seasons influence the characteristics of ashwagandha cultivars and their overall agronomic performance. Understanding how environmental factors, such as seasons, affect plant growth and development is crucial for optimizing agricultural practices and improving crop yields. The results obtained in this study can be used to select specific varieties for specific seasonal conditions and identify varieties that perform better in both states. Irrespective of the variety used, both seasons (Kharif and Rabi) produce higher dry root yield per hectare, and the rabi season yields superior results in terms of starch fiber ratio and total alkaloid content in ashwagandha. CIM-Pushti, NMITLI-101, and Poshita achieved good results concerning yield and quality aspects in the Kharif season. CIM-Pushti, NMITLI-101, and CIMAP-Pratap performed admirably during the Rabi season. CIM-Pushti and NMITLI-101 provide superior agronomic performance in both seasons (Kharif and Rabi).

Study of combining ability over the environments in line x tester crosses in Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera L.)

Three different locations were chosen to conduct the experiment to get information on combining ability including 65 genotypes of Ashwagandha. Analysis of variance indicated that experimental material contained considerable variability and both specific combining ability along with general combining ability effects are involved in the genetic expression of characters; furthermore, SCA, as well as GCA, were highly influenced by the environment. The GCA effects over the environments disclosed that among parents, L9, L5, L14, L15, and T3 were excellent hence these are identified as good general combiners in terms of several root attributing traits besides root yield at dry basis, while, six crosses L8xT1, L10xT1, L12xT1, L15xT2, L1xT3, and L4xT3 were reported superior specific combiner for economic important trait dry root yield per plant. The above selected genotypes may be useful for further crop improvement breeding programs

Increasing cassava root yield: Additive-dominant genetic models for selection of parents and clones.

Genomic selection has been promising in situations where phenotypic assessments are expensive, laborious, and/or inefficient. This work evaluated the efficiency of genomic prediction methods combined with genetic models in clone and parent selection with the goal of increasing fresh root yield, dry root yield, as well as dry matter content in cassava roots. The bias and predictive ability of the combinations of prediction methods Genomic Best Linear Unbiased Prediction (G-BLUP), Bayes B, Bayes Cπ, and Reproducing Kernel Hilbert Spaces with additive and additive-dominant genetic models were estimated. Fresh and dry root yield exhibited predominantly dominant heritability, while dry matter content exhibited predominantly additive heritability. The combination of prediction methods and genetic models did not show significant differences in the predictive ability for dry matter content. On the other hand, the prediction methods with additive-dominant genetic models had significantly higher predictive ability than the additive genetic models for fresh and dry root yield, allowing higher genetic gains in clone selection. However, higher predictive ability for genotypic values did not result in differences in breeding value predictions between additive and additive-dominant genetic models. G-BLUP with the classical additive-dominant genetic model had the best predictive ability and bias estimates for fresh and dry root yield. For dry matter content, the highest predictive ability was obtained by G-BLUP with the additive genetic model. Dry matter content exhibited the highest heritability, predictive ability, and bias estimates compared with other traits. The prediction methods showed similar selection gains with approximately 67% of the phenotypic selection gain. By shortening the breeding cycle time by 40%, genomic selection may overcome phenotypic selection by 10%, 13%, and 18% for fresh root yield, dry root yield, and dry matter content, respectively, with a selection proportion of 15%. The most suitable genetic model for each trait allows for genomic selection optimization in cassava with high selection gains, thereby accelerating the release of new varieties.

Exegesis of cultivars-multi-year/environment interactions for agro morphological traits in Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal)

A randomized block design was used to examine the important medicinal plant ashwagandha in three replications throughout the late Kharif seasons of 2018, 2019, and 2020. The cultivars of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera Dunal), CIMAP Chetak, CIMAP Pratap, NMITLI-101, NMITLI-118, and Poshita were used to evaluate the quality of dry root yield for a better quality of five variations over the years in south India and variety recommendations. The years I and III were the two years with the most discrimination, whereas year II had the least discrimination. A lower AEA angle in a test year is more typical of subsequent test years. The first and second years are the most representative, whereas the third and fourth are the least representative. The year I was discriminating and representative during the test year, making them suitable candidates for selecting adapted varieties. The separation of stable and unstable types was made easier in environments that were discriminating or non-representative of test years. There was much diversity for stability in the various traits, as reflected by the character means. A line that passes through the biplot origin and measures performance over a year determines the rank. Four varieties, CIMAP-Pratap, Poshtita, CIMAP-Chetak, and NMITLI-118, were highly stable and good rankers for the dry root yield, root starch (%), starch and fiber ratio, and total alkaloid, among other economic traits (%). These varieties were highly stable for dry root yield and root starch (%), starch and fiber ratio, and total alkaloid, based on the mean performance of major economic features and stability measures (%). As a result, these types are recommended for further cultivation in southern India.

Phenotypic diversity and selection in biofortified cassava germplasm for yield and quality root traits

Increasing carotenoid content and improving other root quality traits has been the focus of cassava biofortification. This study aimed to (i) evaluate the genetic variability for total carotenoid content (TCC), as well as for root yield and root quality attributes; (ii) estimate potentially useful correlations for selection; and (iii) select parents for breeding and estimate the genetic gain. Data from 2011 to 2020 of 265 cassava genotypes with cream and yellow roots were analyzed for dry matter content (DMC), shoot yield, fresh root yield (FRY), dry root yield (DRY), harvest index, average number of roots per plant, starch content, root pulp color, cyanogenic compounds, and TCC. The best linear unbiased predictions showed great phenotypic variation for all traits. Six distinct groups were formed for productive characteristics of root quality, mainly TCC, DMC and FRY. Only TCC showed high broad-sense heritability ({h}^{2}= 0.72), while the other traits had low to medium magnitude (0.21 ≤ {h}^{2} ≤ 0.60). TCC was strongly correlated with pulp color (r = 0.70), but null significance for DMC. The network analysis identified a clear separation between the agronomic and quality attributes of cassava roots. The selection of the 30 genotypes for recombination in the breeding program has the potential to raise TCC by 27.05% and reduce the cyanogenic compounds content by 23.03%, in addition to increasing FRY and DRY by 22.72% and 22.95%, respectively. This is the first consolidated study on the potential of germplasm for the development biofortified cassava cultivars in Brazil.

Comparative investigation of the genetic components of Withania somnifera L. yield and quality traits using multivariate and associations analysis in the Deccan plateau region

The vital herb ashwagandha was farmed for commercial purposes in India. This study aimed to estimate the nature and amount of genetic variation in the 20 attributes in the 29 genotypes of ashwagandha in order to understand the correlations and character contributions to dry root weight/plant and alkaloid content with the selection of potential parents for ashwagandha crop improvement. Twenty-nine ashwagandha genotypes were assessed using a range of genetic metrics, including analysis of variance (ANOVA), genetic variability components, correlation, principal component analysis (PCA), and Mahalanobis D2. The ANOVA confirms a large amount of variability in the genotypes/varieties under study. Out of twenty the four traits, namely fresh leaf weight per plant (X8), dry leaf weight per plant (X9), seed yield per plant (X13), and dry root weight per plant (X16)—indicates the presence of additive gene action in the current study were highly heritable and had a high genetic advance mean value. Starch estimation, main root length, and root diameter were found to be positively and significantly correlated with dry root production per plant and total alkaloid content. The principle component analysis (PCA) results showed that the first four PCA accounted for the bulk (79.56%) of the differences. All genotypes are divided into four clusters based on the distances between and within clusters. Based on the findings mentioned above, it is recommended that genotypes from clusters IV (Poshita, CIMAP-Chetak), cluster II (AKAS-10, AKAS-11, NMITLI-101, and NMITLI-118), and cluster I (AKAS-02, IC-286632, and CIMAP Pratap) be chosen for a different hybridization program. Based on the multidisciplinary investigation, some of the genotypes with desired qualities have been found. They can be employed in upcoming breeding programs to increase alkaloid content and dry root yield.

Variation of Subsoiling Effect at Wing Mounting Heights on Soil Properties and Crop Growth in Wheat–Maize Cropping System

Subsoiling is an effective practice to promote better soil water infiltration and crop growth. The information regarding the variation and persistence of subsoiling effects with different soil disturbance on soil properties and crop growth was absent in previous research. In this study, the effects of wing mounting height (h) (75–155 mm) during subsoiling on soil disturbance at various layers, soil properties and crop performance were investigated using in situ field experiments from 2019 to 2021 in winter wheat–summer maize rotations. The experimental field soil was covered with crop stubble and crop straw was removed before subsoiling or sowing the next crop. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to assess different subsoiling treatment effects on tested variables, including soil moisture content, bulk density, plant diameter, plant height, dry root weight, root number, yield, and yield components of crops. Means between subsoiling treatments were compared using Duncan’s multiple range tests. Based on ANOVA outputs, the h significantly (p < 0.05) affected soil moisture content in the first growing season of winter wheat (WW1), soil bulk density, number of roots and panicle number and grain yield of WW1, and thousand kernel weight (TKW) of both WW1 and summer maize (SM). Decreasing h overall gave better soil properties and crop performance. Decreased subsoiling effects were found on aspects of insignificant difference in subsequent grain yield of SM and winter wheat in the second growing season (WW2). These findings had implications for designing higher-performance winged subsoilers, as well as selection of subsoiling frequency.

Effect of Varieties and Spacing on Vegetative Growth and Root Yield of Safed Musli (Chlorophytum borivilianum)

The experiment entitled “Effect of varieties and spacing on vegetative growth and root yield of safed musli (Chlorophytum borivilianum)” was carried out to find out the suitable variety with optimum spacing 2018-19 and 2019-20 which was designed in factorial RBD with two varieties and three spacing levels. The trials were sown in two years i.e. on 02-07-2018 and 31-05-2019. The present investigation has been carried out at the main experiment station, Department of Horticulture at Medicinal and Aromatic Plant, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, India. The data has been recorded in the following parameters, like leaf length, leaf width, number of tillers/hill, length and diameter of fingers, number of fingers per plant, fresh root yield, and dry root yield. It is effective against male sexual disorders such as erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, and infertility and is used as a health tonic.

Quantification of genotype × environment interaction of agronomic traits in ashwagandha (Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal)

Ashwagandha is a popular industrially medicinal plant used in Ayurveda and other traditional medical systems. We looked at the stability of the sixteen economic traits in the five ashwagandha genotypes in four locations over two years in south India. The pooled ANOVA showed significant differences among different lines of ashwagandha. The five genotypes (G), genotypes × locations interaction (G × L), and treatments were highly significant for all sixteen traits. The character's associations directly impact the genotype's ability to sustain stability. The traits X10-VS-X13 and X3-VS-X4 were positively and significantly related across the locations over the three years, according to correlations among the selected traits, indicating that choosing one trait had a beneficial impact on its associated attributes. Except for location I year two, the traits, specifically X11-VS-X13, were highly significant across all locations. The characteristics, specifically X12-VS-X13, were also highly significant, except for location I year I. The genotypes nearest the ideal variety are more desirable than the other. The genotypes W.S. 3 and W.S. 5 for the traits X11 and X16, W.S. 2, and W.S. 5 for the trait X15 were more desirable for selection. In a large amount, both predictable and unanticipated components contributed to the stability. The PCA distribution also showed a significant amount of morphologically based genetic variability. Different genotypes of ashwagandha showed a substantial variation in X15 = Withaferin-A (%) and X16 = Withanolide-A (%). The percentages of X15 = Withaferin-A (W.S.2 > W.S.5 > W.S. > 4 W.S.3 > W.S.1) and X16 = Withanolide-A (W.S.3 > W.S.5 > W.S.4 > W.S.2 > W.S.1) were shown to be 0.07 to 1.24% and 0.088 to 1.88%, respectively. Based on the mean performance of the most economically important traits and stability parameters, the two superior genotypes, W.S. 3 and W.S. 5 were highly stable for dry root yield with high-quality alkaloids. In south India, these genotypes are recommended for further cultivation.

Effect of biochar and nitrogen on soil characteristics, growth and yield of radish (Raphanus sativus L.) at Paklihawa, Rupandehi condition of Nepal

An experiment on effect of biochar and nitrogen on soil characteristics, growth and yield of radish (Raphanus sativus L.) was conducted at Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science (IAAS), Paklihawa, Rupandehi, from November 2019 to February 2020. The experiment was laid in Randomized Complete Block Design with two factors: nitrogen and biochar, each factor having four levels (biochar: 0 t/ha, 5 t/ha, 10 t/ha and 15 t/ha and nitrogen: 0 kg/ha, 50 kg/ha, 100 kg/ha, 200 kg/ha), resulting in sixteen treatment combinations. Biochar application was found to be effective in improving soil bulk density, pH, soil organic matter and soil nitrogen and potassium content. Application of nitrogen fertilizer (200 kg/ha) and biochar (15 t/ha) alone, and in combination, showed significantly higher root dry matter (15.83 gm, 16.63 gm and 20.57 gm), biological yield (80 t/ha, 63.75 t/ha, and 95.75) and root yield (26.74 t/ha, 24.06 t/ha and 30.32 t/ha). In comparison to the sole effects of the highest dose of nitrogen fertilizer (200 kg/ha) and the highest dose of biochar (15 t/ha), their combined application showed the increased yield in radish root by 13.38% and 26.01%, respectively, indicating that the combined effect of biochar and nitrogen is more productive for the growth and yield in radish crop as compared to the sole effect of nitrogen and biochar.

Hybrid vigour studies for root yield traits across the environments in Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera L.)

In the present experiment, 45 F1 hybrids of Ashwagandha were included in relation to investigate extent of heterosis for dry root yield and its attributing characters. The pooled ANOVA depicted the valuable amount of diversity existed among genotypes for all the characters. The significant estimates of heterosis in desirable direction were recorded in 22 hybrids over the mid parent, six hybrids over the better parent and six hybrids against the superior check (JA-134) for dry root yield, out of which the cross, UWS-309 × RVA-100 exhibited highest useful heterosis (17.42 %) for dry root yield across the environments, hence, the cross may be gainfully utilized.