Emergence Rate Index Research Articles

Production of organic melon seedlings under different growing medias and doses of aqueous humic extract

Aiming to determine the viability of organic compost (OC) as a component of commercial growing media (CGM), as its potential in the formulation of humic extract (HE), an experiment was developed with organic melon seedlings. A completely randomized design with 4x5 factorial arrangement and four replicates was adopted. The treatments consisted of four compost proportions (0, 10, 20 and 30%), mixed to the growing media (v:v), associated with the application of five doses of aqueous extract obtained from the same compost (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20%). The following variables were evaluated: total percent emergence (TPE), emergence rate index (ERI), emergence rate (ER), leaf area (LA), number of leaves (NL), dry and fresh mass of shoot and root (SDM, SFM, RDM and RFM); length (RL) and volume of root (RV); and shoot (SDMC) and root dry matter content (RDMC). Only NL provided interaction between the analyzed factors. ER, RFM, RDM, and RDMC showed no statistically significant differences across the various concentrations of OC and HE. SFM and SDM presented a negative quadratic term in relation to OC increase. SDMC and LA had inferior results at greater OC amount. OC is not recommended as a conditioner for growing media, at the conditions and variables analyzed in this study.

Morphological Seed Traits Predict Early Performance of Native Species to Pelletized Seed Enhancement Technologies.

Native seeds are a finite resource, and their inclusion in revegetation is vital for supporting restoration outcomes that are both effective and scalable. Pelletized seed enhancement technologies (SETs) offer a promising solution to improve seed use efficiency in ecological restoration. Yet, knowledge of how diverse suites of native species perform when pelletized is required to optimize the application of SETs to the many species and ecosystems where restoration is required. Using a greenhouse trial of 64 Australian plant species, we assessed species performance to pelleting by evaluating (1) overall species amenability to pelleting based on total emergence and survival and (2) how pelleting modifies the rate of emergence based on average time to emergence, emergence rate index, and time spread of emergence. We investigated the potential for using morphological seed traits (seed endosperm:seed ratio, seed length, seed area, and seed coat thickness) to predict performance outcomes, by identifying traits that may aid in the prediction of species amenability to pelleting and emergence speed when pelletized. We found that some species demonstrate high amenability to pelleting and that pelleting can modify the emergence rates for many species. This work advances our understanding of the applicability of SETs for diverse native species, demonstrating the application of such technologies for meeting ecological restoration goals.

Development and Performance Evaluation of Garlic Planter

The study focuses on the development and performance assessment of a garlic planter, conducted at the Swami Vivekanand College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology & Research Station, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur, Chhattisgarh. The evaluation considered various parameters, including miss index, multiple index, quality of feed index, field capacity, emergence rate index, percentage emergence, and yield attributing characteristics etc. The findings contribute to enhancing garlic cultivation practices, potentially boosting productivity and efficiency in the field.

Influence of tillage methods and soil crust breakers on cotton seedling emergence in silty-loam soil

Soil crusting is a common problem that affects crop emergence and growth worldwide across different soil and climate conditions. This study aimed to investigate the impact of various tillage methods on soil crust formation and assess the effectiveness of soil crust breakers in enhancing cotton seedling emergence. The research was conducted on Silty-Loam soil, examining the impact of four tillage methods: Method A, a conventional tillage approach employing a moldboard plow, disc harrow, and roller; Method B, a conservation tillage method involving a chisel plow, disc harrow and roller; Method C, another conventional tillage method utilizing a chisel plow, powered rotary tiller, and roller; and Method D, another conservation tillage approach utilizing a disc harrow and roller. Two types of crust breakers, a rolling type, and a skid blade type, were tested. The results showed significant variations in soil crusting hardness among the tillage methods, with conservation tillage methods B and D being the most effective in reducing penetration resistance. The post-crust-breaking penetration resistance declined, decreasing from 305 to 408 kPa in the control plots to 60–93 kPa in the treated plots. Breaking the soil crust with the crust breakers considerably reduced penetration resistance, improving soil conditions for seedling emergence and root growth. Seedling emergence was significantly influenced by tillage methods, with conservation tillage methods B and D promoting the highest emergence rates. The mean percent emergence of subplots (with crust breaker applications) was 77.8% when the chisel plow, disc harrow, and roller were applied (Method B) and 78.2% when the disc harrow and roller were applied for tillage (Method D). The percentage of emerged cotton seedlings in the control plots ranged from 51.1% to 86.2%, with the tillage method order of C < A < B < D. However, the soil crust-breaking treatments were effective in increasing the percentage of emerged cotton seedlings for all tillage methods. The rolling-type crust breaker was particularly effective in breaking the crust and enhancing emergence for methods A and C. It increased the emergence percentage by 27.1% for method A and 34% for method C. The study also revealed that the hardness of the soil crust significantly affected emergence time and emergence rate index. Harder soil crusts resulted in longer mean emergence times and lower emergence rate indices. The conventional tillage method involved a chisel plow, powered rotary tiller, and roller, contributing to a harder soil crust with the highest penetration resistance recorded at 408 kPa for the control plot (without soil crust breaking). This resulted in the longest emergence time of 9.8 days and the lowest emergence rate index of 0.38 seedlings/m·day. However, after the soil crust-breaking treatment, the differences in emergence time and emergence rate indices among different tillage methods and crust breakers became statistically insignificant (P>0.05).

Farklı Parametreler Kullanılarak Bazı Yenilebilir Çiçeklere Ait Tohumların Çıkış Oranlarının Değerlendirilmesi

In the study, the emergence power of 4 different edible flower seeds was determined using different parameters. It has been observed that final emergence percentage alone is not sufficient to express the emergence characteristics of the seed. When evaluated in terms of final emergence percentage, while calendula, red nasturtium and yellow nasturtium seeds had similar seed emergence, electric flower seeds had less emergence compared to the others. Considering the average emergence time, it was determined that nasturtium seeds emerged faster and more homogeneously compared to calendula and electric flower. In the study, germination index, emergence rate coefficient, emergence rate index values were calculated and it was determined that red and yellow nasturtium had better seed emergence in terms of these values compared to calendula and electric flower. As a result of the study, it was determined that final germination or emergence percentage alone was not sufficient to define the germination characteristics of seeds, and that determining at least one of the parameters such as germination index, emergence rate coefficient or emergence rate index in addition to the final emergence percentage would provide more reliable results.

Relationship between laboratory and field assessments of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) seed quality indicators

The objective of this study was to extend the measure of seed quality beyond seed germination using three common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris. L) cultivars. Under laboratory conditions, total seed germination was included in calculation of other seed performance measures, mean germination rate and germination vigour index. These parameters were used to produce a new parameter, total potential value for germination. The laboratory measures were duplicated under field conditions over two seasons to produce comparable data for seedling emergence, mean emergence rate and emergence vigour index. Consequently, total potential value for emergence was derived. The crop was grown under field conditions at three seeding rates (177 000 plants ha-1, 150 000 plants ha-1 and 115 000 plants ha-1). Prediction of seed performance under field conditions was extended by measuring plant size from the first trifoliate to initiation of reproductive stage. During this period, new measures comparable to those of laboratory seed vigour and emergence vigour were derived on the basis of vegetative growth vigour, resulting in total potential value of plant growth. The study revealed that germination and plant growth can be correlated using vigour indices.

Pre-treatment, Germination and Growth Performance of Detarium microcarpum Seeds in three Planting Media

Effect of 20%, 40% and 60% sulphuric acid concentrations on the pretreatment of Detarium microcarpum and seedling growth was studied using standard techniques. Seeds were collected and tested by floating. Results showed that seeds treated with 40% H2SO4 for 10 and 30 mins planted in river sand; 60% H2SO4 for 30 mins planted in top soil and those planted in untreated seeds had the highest (4) germination. Germination percentage of was highest (80%) with 40% H2SO4 treated seeds for 10 and 30 mins planted in river sand; control (river sand, river sand + top soil); 20% H2SO4 for 10 mins planted in top soil and 60% H2SO4 for 30 mins planted in river sand. Emergence index and emergence rate index of seeds followed same trend as germination percentage of seeds. The highest mean (16 cm) height of seedlings was recorded from river sand without H2SO4 seed treatment (control).Mean values of collar diameter, leaf area and number of leaves also follow same trend ofseedling height. There were no significant differences (p &gt; 0.05) in seedling height, collar diameter, leaf area and number of leaves among seeds grown in different media and control. Seeds treated with 40% H2SO4 and plated in river sand had the highest number of germinations and river sand was the best media of growth.

Adequacy of the electrical conductivity test on Libidibia ferrea seeds (Mart. Ex Tul.) L. P. Queiroz var. ferrea classified with different masses

This study aimed to adapt the methodology of the electrical conductivity test to detect differences in vigor between seeds of Libidibia ferrea of different masses. The seeds were classified according to their individual mass: small seeds ≤ 0.14 g, medium seeds 0.15 ≤ x ≤ 0.19, large seeds ≥ 0.20 g. Subsequently, seed morphology (length, width, thickness, water content, and weight of 1000 seeds), and the initial physiological potential of the seeds (germination, first count, average time, average speed, germination rate coefficient, germination and emergence rate index, emergence percentage, seedling length, and dry mass) were determined. The electrical conductivity was conducted in a 3 × 12 factorial scheme with three seed masses and 12 immersion periods (2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, and 24 h), in volumes of 50 and 75 mL of water, with 25 and 50 seeds, respectively. The physical and physiological variables of the seeds were highly correlated with the electrical conductivity test. The seed mass of L. ferrea has a direct relationship with its physiological potential, with the seeds of mass ≥ 0.20 g classified with high vigor; the seeds of mass 0.15 ≤ x ≤ 0.19 with intermediate vigor; and the seeds of mass ≤ 0.14 g with low vigor. The electrical conductivity test is efficient in the evaluation of the physiological potential of L. ferrea seeds of different masses when conducted with 25 seeds soaked in 50 mL of distilled water for 4 h

Germination of Balsa Seedlings (Ochroma lagopus Swartz) under Different Sowing Media in East New Britain, Papua New Guinea

A good sowing media ensures better anchorage of plants, provides a reservoir of nutrients and water, and enhance gaseous exchange with the atmosphere. Balsa (Ochroma lagopus Swartz); Vimmy variety, has proven its versatility in producing some of the best phenotypic characteristics such as higher jorquette height, less branching and high log volumes. This experiment was carried out using a combination of three different local materials; local garden soil, pumice soil and sawdust but in different combination ratios aimed to investigate the best combinations. Six treatments were tested: T1= Pure Garden soil, T2= Pumice, T3= Control (75% large coarse sawdust, 25% pure garden soil), T4= Pure Sawdust, T5= 50% medium coarse sawdust, 50% pure soil, and, T6= 33% medium coarse sawdust, 33% Pumice, 33% Pure garden Soil. The daily average germination count in Treatment 5 (50% medium coarse sawdust &amp; 50% pure soil) produced constant germinations from day fifteen (15) to day twenty one (21). Treatments 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 showed high variations in their daily average germination for the same period but did not produce a constant supply of germinations. Treatment 5 had the highest emergence rate index (ERI=71.76) followed by treatment 1 (ERI=66.59). Treatment 4 had the third highest seedling emergence (ERI=63.74) followed by treatment 3 (ERI=59.37), treatment 6 (ERI=57.22) and treatment 2 (ERI=53.81) at the lowest continuum. Substrates containing 50% soil and 50% medium coarse sawdust are regarded as better sowing media for O. lagopus seedlings.

Optimization of Operational Parameters of a Vacuum Single-Seed Planter for Sowing of Maize

The objective of the study was to evaluate the performance of a vacuum single-seed planter in field conditions to optimize some operating parameters in maize production. Three forward speed of the tractor (4.0, 5.4 and 7.9 km h-1) and five target seed spacing (102, 147, 195, 247 and 309 mm) were evaluated by examining the mean seed spacing, coefficient of precision in spacing, miss index, multiple index, quality of feed index, sowing depth, deviation from the row (inter-row spacing), mean emergence time, emergence rate index and percentage emergence. The point dropped in a furrow of seed, depth of seed placement, emergence rate and three indices of uniformity in seed spacing and precision coefficients of sowing quality were determined. The planter performed the best performance at the lowest forward speed and the highest target seed spacing. However, the deviation of seeds from the intended point in intra-row spacing was significantly affected only by the forward speed (P<0.001). Improvement in the larger seed spacing was due to the lower variation. Increasing the forward speed resulted in a shallower sowing depth. The desired planting depth was also obtained at 4.0 km h-1 in all plots. Increasing target seed spacing increased the emergence percent by about 35% while increasing forward speed decreased the emergence percent by 10%. Sowing at 4.0 km h-1 resulted in the lowest miss, multiple and precision indices (5.1% 2.9%, and 15.3%, respectively), and a quality of feed index as high as 92% was obtained in similar conditions. The results indicated that, with single-seed planters, success may be achieved in a conventional tillage maize production system at a target seed spacing of more than 102 mm and tractor forward speeds of less than 7.9 km h-1, and thus satisfying farmers who carry out maize sowing by conventional tillage.

EFFECT OF OSMOPRIMING AND HYDROPRIMING ON SEEDLING TRAITS OF SOYBEAN

Soybean (Glycine max L.) is a legume crop used as a source of edible oil and protein around the world. It contains 30-45% protein and 15-24% oil and contains high percentage of unsaturated fatty acids and no cholesterol. Fifteen soybean genotypes collected from national and international sources were sown in petri dishes under lab conditions following completely randomized design in two factors factorial arrangement with three replications and four seed priming treatments. Seeds were treated with water, CaCl2 (100mM), KNO3 (100mM) and H2O2 (100mM). Statistical analysis revealed that differences among genotypes for germination percentage, emergence index, emergence rate index, radicle length and plumule length were significant. Treatments and interaction of genotypes with treatments were significant for radicle and plumule lengths and non-significant for germination percentage, emergence index and emergence rate index. Mean performance of genotypes 292 and 283 was better for most of the traits under study. Germination percentage, emergence rate index and emergence increased by application of H2O2 whereas radicle and plumule lengths decreased as compared to control.

EFFECT OF OSMOPRIMING AND HYDROPRIMING ON SEEDLING TRAITS OF SOYBEAN

Soybean (Glycine max L.) is a legume crop used as a source of edible oil and protein around the world. It contains 30-45% protein and 15-24% oil and contains high percentage of unsaturated fatty acids and no cholesterol. Fifteen soybean genotypes collected from national and international sources were sown in petri dishes under lab conditions following completely randomized design in two factors factorial arrangement with three replications and four seed priming treatments. Seeds were treated with water, CaCl2 (100mM), KNO3 (100mM) and H2O2 (100mM). Statistical analysis revealed that differences among genotypes for germination percentage, emergence index, emergence rate index, radicle length and plumule length were significant. Treatments and interaction of genotypes with treatments were significant for radicle and plumule lengths and non-significant for germination percentage, emergence index and emergence rate index. Mean performance of genotypes 292 and 283 was better for most of the traits under study. Germination percentage, emergence rate index and emergence increased by application of H2O2 whereas radicle and plumule lengths decreased as compared to control.

Maize seedling emergence in response to climatic variability in a tropical rainforest area

Environmental factors causing low seedling emergence often observed in tropical maize (Zea mays L.) are poorly documented. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of weather factors on maize seedling emergence at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching and Research Farm (OAU TRF). Five maize varieties sown weekly, in 3-replicate RCBD experiments throughout the 2016 and 2017 cropping seasons, were used to monitor emergence percentage (E %), emergence index (EI) and emergence rate index (ERI). Climatic data were obtained from the automatic weather station located on the farm. Analysis of variance revealed highly significant (P ≤ 0.01) environmental effect for all traits. Soil moisture (Sm), relative humidity, air temperature, heat unit and soil heat flux (SHF) showed significant (P ≤ 0.05) correlation coefficients with all traits, but there was no relationship between the emergence traits and grain yield. Stepwise multiple regression and sequential path coefficient analyses indicated that increased Sm, rather than rainfall per se, increased the speed of emergence. Minimum air temperature and SHF with direct effects, and heat unit with indirect effect, negatively affected emergence the most. Relatively low Tmin and SHF, along with just enough Sm maximized seedling emergence in the rainforest agro-ecology of southwestern Nigeria.

Controlled deterioration test to evaluate the physiological potential of sweet corn seeds

The evaluation of the physiological potential of sweet corn seeds is essential in a quality control program and the choice of vigor tests using an adequate analysis methodology is essential to obtain reliable results. In this sense, this study aimed to standardize the methodology of the controlled deterioration test through combinations between time and temperature to evaluate the vigor of sweet corn seeds. Six lots of sweet corn seeds were characterized by the degree of moisture and the initial physiological potential through the following tests: germination, first germination count, cold test, electrical conductivity, accelerated aging, length and dry mass of normal seedlings, seedling emergence in sand, and emergence rate index. Subsequently, these lots had their initial water content adjusted to 20% using the wet substrate method. The seeds from the six lots were subjected to the controlled deterioration test under two temperatures for four periods, obtaining a completely randomized design in an 8 × 6 factorial scheme with eight combinations of time/temperature and six lots. Germination and the first germination count were evaluated after the deterioration test. The data were subjected to analysis of variance with a comparison of means by the Tukey test at a 5% significance. The results of the first count and germination tests after deterioration were subjected to a simple linear correlation study together with the initial characterization data. The combinations 8 h – 40 °C and 8 h – 45 °C in the controlled deterioration test were efficient in distinguishing the vigor of seed lots. The shorter exposure period and the first germination count after deterioration are more suitable for evaluating the vigor of sweet corn seeds.

Furrow design for improving crop establishment of two-wheel tractor operated strip tillage planters in loam and clay loam soils

Conservation agriculture (CA) based production systems may help in achieving more sustainable intensification of cropping systems that use less labour and energy and have higher profit margins, in addition to soil conservation and environmental impact mitigation advantages. But these objectives can only be achieved when the right mechanization options, including appropriate crop establishment equipment, are in place to assist in timely field operations. An urgent need exists, therefore, to fine tune and re-adjust the existing two-wheel tractor (2WT) operated seed drills, with specific reference to the design of blade and furrow openers, while at the same time considering performance in different soil types and environments. To this end, experiments were conducted during 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 at two BARI Regional Agricultural Research Stations in Jamalpur and Barisal, Bangladesh, on a loam and clay loam soil, respectively, to evaluate five types of furrow opener for strip tillage. Shoe and modified shoe-type furrow openers were tested and compared with three inverted-T furrow openers with rake angles of 75°, 65° and 55°. The newly designed inverted-T furrow openers were narrower than the shoe-type openers; they also had a longer, hollow shanks and provided better options for adjustment to achieve the desired seeding depth and line spacing. Compared to shoe-type openers, better seeding depth, uniformity and higher degree of seed coverage were recorded with use of the inverted-T furrow opener with a 65° rake angle. This resulted in better seed coverage in the furrow, a higher emergence rate index, and the highest emergence percentage of maize and mung bean. Our research findings can be generalized to smallholder production systems on loam and clay loam soils where farmers utilize 2WT operated seed drills for crop establishment in both traditional and conservation agriculture-based planting systems. Keywords: two-wheel tractor, strip tillage planter, inverted-T furrow opener, rake angle, conservation agriculture, emergence percentage DOI: 10.25165/j.ijabe.20211403.5906 Citation: Hoque M A, Hossain M M, Ziauddin A T M, Krupnik T J, Gathala M K. Furrow design for improving crop establishment of two-wheel tractor operated strip tillage planters in loam and clay loam soils. Int J Agric & Biol Eng, 2021; 14(3): 130–139.

FIELD EMERGENCE IN PRIMED SEED OF SORGHUM CULTIVARS TO TOLERATE DROUGHT STRESS

An experiment was carried out in pots under open field conditions in the fall seasons of 2017 and 2018 at the College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, University of Baghdad, for improving field emergence and drought stress tolerance in sorghum. Three factors were studied. 1st factor was three cultivars (Inqath, Rabeh and Buhoth70). 2nd factor was primed and unprimed seed. 3rd factor was represented by the irrigation intervals every 2, 4 and 6 days. Randomized complete block design with four replicates was used. The results showed that Buhoth 70 cultivar had a significant superiority compared to others in traits of the first and final count of emergence, emergence energy and emergence rate index (54.2%, 26.7%, 1.747 and 70.7 % day-1 ) and (58.8%, 22.7%, 1.677 and 7..4 % day-1 ) in both seasons, respectively. The primed seeds had a significant superiority in comparison with unprimed seeds in the same traits above (74.6%, 21.1%, 1.746 and 77.1 % day-1 ) and (64.1%, 24.4%, 1.641 and 7... % day-1 ) in both seasons, respectively. The irrigation interval every 2 days had a significant superiority compared to others in the same traits above (74.6%, 2..7%, 1.746 and 70.2 % day-1 ) and (60.6%, 2...%, 1.616 and 77.4 % day-1 ) in both seasons, respectively. The interaction effect between priming seeds (by gibberellin and salicylic acids) and irrigation intervals was significant on all studied traits. The cultivars were varied in their ability to resist drought stress, and the primed seed has improved their performance to resist drought stress in both seasons. Therefore, it can be recommended planting of primed seeds of Buhoth70 cultivar under conditions of drought stress or not.

Effects of Seed Drop Height and Tillage System on the Emergence Time and Rate in the Single Seed Planters

This study was conducted to determine the effects of seed drop height and tractor forward speed in different tillage systems on the mean emergence time, emergence rate index, and percentage emergence in single seed planters. The experiments were carried out in the conventional and reduced tillage systems, at seed drop heights of 120, 180, and 240 mm and tractor forward speeds of 1.1, 1.5, and 2.2 m s-1. Sunflower and maize seeds were used in the study. The results of the study showed that seed drop height significantly affected the mean emergence time, emergence rate index, and percent emergence in both experiments (P&amp;lt;0.05). Also, the tillage system significantly affected the mean emergence time and emergence rate index. The lowest mean emergence time and the highest emergence rate index were 10 d and 0.19 seedlings d-1 m-1 in the reduced tillage system for sunflower, respectively. The same parameters were 12 d and 0.37 seedlings d-1 m-1 in the reduced tillage system for maize, respectively. As a result, the seeds of sunflower and maize should be sowed in reduced tillage system, 180 mm seed drop height, and 1.1 - 1.5 m s-1 tractor forward speeds for rapid germination and high percentage emergence.

CHARACTERISTICS EVALUTION OF FIELD EMERGENCE IN PRIMED SEED OF SORGHUM VARAITIES SALT STRESS CONDITIONS

An experiment conducted in pots under field conditions in the fall seasons of 2017 and 2018 at the College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, University of Baghdad, to improve the field emergence in sorghum, in which three factors were studied. 1st factor was the variety (three varieties: Inqath, Rabeh and Buhoth70). 2nd factor was priming treatment (unprimed seed and primed seed soaked for 12 hours in a solution containing 300 + 70 ml L-1 of gibberellic and salicylic acids, respectively). 3rd factor was saline stress (tap water as control (1.26), 6, 9 and 12 dS m-1). RCBD design was used with four replicates. The results showed that Buhoth70 cultivar exceeded the others; also the primed seed exceeded the unprimed seed in the traits of the first and final count of emergence, daily emergence rate, emergence energy, emergence rate index and emergence index in both seasons. The control treatment was superior in the above traits, while the values of these traits decreased as the saline increased, and no emergence accrued at the highest concentration (12 dS m-1) in both seasons. The cultivars varied in their ability to withstand salt stress at the same stress level, and that the seed priming treatment has improved their performance to withstand salt stress compared to the unprimed in both seasons. It can conclude that there is a role for genotype and seed priming in improving seedling performance to tolerate salt stress.

Bio-inherent attributes of water hyacinth procured from contaminated water body–effect of its compost on seed germination and radicle growth

Compost is generally used for soil conditioning, growing plants and remediation of pollution. It is imperative to evaluate compost standard and toxicity test is a salient parameter for determining compost quality. Seed germination test is an essential method to discern the phytotoxicity of compost. Ecotoxicity of water hyacinth compost was inspected for the denouement of the compost quintessence and its concentration on seed germination indices. The aim of this paper was to assess seed emergence rate index, germination velocity coefficient and rate of germination of L. esculentum and B. oleracea at discrete concentrations of water hyacinth compost. The highest germination percentage achieved was 95% (L. esculentum) at 100 g/L and 100% (B. oleracea) at 32 g/L of the compost extract. The probability of inadvertent ceasing of germination was found to be < 0.0001 for either of the test species. Consequently, the water hyacinth compost aid plant growth and is recommended for substantially ameliorating languishing ecological idiosyncrasy.

The Biocontrol of Soil Transmitted Cercospora capsici with Lactobacillus plantarum

Microbial diseases of pepper (Capsicum species) are the most significant factors contributing to the loss of this economically important vegetable crop. Leaf spot disease caused by Cercospora capsici is one of the major constraints to pepper production in Nigeria. The disease is reportedly introduced through infected seeds. However, the development of Cercospora leaf spot on plants propagated from fungicide-treated seeds suggests an alternative perennial source of infection and also necessitates the development of an efficient, safe control measure. C. capsici was isolated from infected pepper plant through the direct plating method and subsequently characterised. Treated pepper seeds (with L. plantarum) were planted in C. capsici inoculated soil, while the emergence, seedling growth parameters and severity of leaf spot were observed. The severity index of Cercospora leaf spot on pepper plants (observed at the 20th day after planting) was significantly lower on L. plantarum treated plant set (0.07) than on pepper without seed treatment. Seed emergence rate index increased from 11.11 to 15.33% /day of untreated to treated pepper seeds sown in infected soil respectively, while the mean emergence time of untreated seeds (8.32 days) was significantly higher in C. capsici infected soil. It could therefore be deduced that seed priming with L. plantarum improved the seedling vigor and resistance of pepper to leaf spot disease caused by C. capsici.