F1 Variety Research Articles

Effect of Compost Fertilizer and Nasa Liquid Organic Fertilizer on the Growth and Yield of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) Misano F1 Variety

The research objective were to study the effect of compost fertilizer and Nasa liquid organic fertilizer (POC Nasa) and its interaction on the growth and yield of cucumber and also to find the proper dosage of compost fertilizer and POC Nasa concentration for obtaining the best growth and yield of cucumber.The research used Completely Randomized Design (CRD) in 4 x 4 Factorial Experiment and three replications. The factor was the dosage of compost fertilizer (K) consisting of 4 levels : no compost fertilizer application (k0), 48 g polybag-1(k1), 64 g polybag-1 (k2); and 80g polybag-1(k3). The second factor was the concentration of POC Nasa (D) consisting 4 levels : no POC Nasa application (d0), 1 ml l-1water (d1), 2 ml l-1water (d2), and 3 ml l-1water (d3).The results showed that: (1) the compost fertilizer treatment affected significantly on the weight of one fruit and the weight of fruit per plant, it affected very significantly on the plant lenght at age 15 and 30 days after planting, and fruit diameter, but it did not affect significantly on the number of fruit per plant. The best production was produced at 48 g polybag-1 (k1) treatment of 3,77 kg plant-1, while the least one was produced at the 80 g polybag-1 (k3) treatment of 3,06 kg plant-1; (2)the POC Nasa treatment affected significantly on the weight of one fruit; and it affected very significanly on the plant lenght at age 30 days after planting and fruit diameter, but it did not affect significantly on the plant lenght at age 15 days after planting, number of fruit per plant, and fruit weight per plant; and (3) the interaction treatment between compost fertilizer and POC Nasa affected significantly on the weight of one fruit and affected very significantly on the fruit diameter, but did not affect significantly on the plant lenght at age 15 and 30 after planting, the number of fruit and fruit weight per plant.

Evaluation of Plant Growth on Expanded Black Cotton Soil

In aggregate hydroponics, the suitability of a particular medium is often guided by its physical properties. However these may not provide adequate evaluation. By growing a crop, the growth characteristics can also be used to guide medium preparation and selection. Tomatoes (Anna F1 variety) were grown in containers under a greenhouse and provided with equal amount of nutrient solution. The expanded black cotton soil was prepared by mixing with rice husk at a ratio of 90:10, fired at 750oC for 30 minutes and size reduced to various textures. The crops planted in the expanded clay aggregates performed better than the black cotton soil both in terms of stem elongation and enlargement due to improved drainage, nutrient flow and aeration conditions. The root length density was 25654 m m-3 in black cotton soil, being the highest and lowest in the coarse aggregates which had 9433 m m-3.

Fertilización complementada con sílice en la resistencia del tomate a Fusarium oxysporum Schtdl.

Tomato production stands in first place worldwide. This fruit presents benefits as an antioxidant and is widely used in the Mesoamerican cuisine. In this crop, Fusarium oxysporum causes one of the principal diseases that produce wilting and plant death. In fertilizers use, it is known that application of silica improves resistance to diseases. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of fertilization supplemented with silica on resistance of tomato to F. oxysporum. In Peñuela, Veracruz, Mexico, from April to July 2015, doses recommended by the manufacturer, and also one 20% lower and other 20% higher of PSD, Silifertidol Ultra y Fosfosilidol fertilizers were applied to tomato plants. The benefit of silica in plant growth was significantly associated with fertilizer sources and the applied doses. The best result was observed when doses 20% higher than the recommended, were applied, and Cid F1 variety was more susceptible to F. oxysporum. The fertilizer with the best results on the severity and incidence was PSD, and best growth was observed when silica was applied at between 33 and 40%. This investigation reached as a conclusion that the application of fertilizers supplemented with silica, resulted in an improved growth of tomato plants and an increased resistance to F. oxysporum, due to the increase in photosynthetic activity and thickness of the cuticle.

ẢNH HƯỞNG CỦA BA DUNG DỊCH DINH DƯỠNG HOAGLAND, TC MOBI, KNOP ĐẾN NĂNG SUẤT VÀ CHẤT LƯỢNG QUẢ CỦA CÂY CÀ CHUA CHANOKA F1 THỦY CANH

The nutrient solution is an important factor which directly affects the growth, yield, and quality of hydroponic crops. In this study, the effects of three common nutrient solutions, namely Hoagland, Knop and TC Mobi on the growth, yield, and fruit quality of tomato Chanoka F1 variety were evaluated. The results showed that the Hoagland solution had more positive influence on the growth, yield and fruit quality characteristics of tomato Chanoka F1 than the other two solutions. The plants grown in the Knop solution had the smallest yield and the poorest fruit quality. In addition, the nitrate content in the fruits was within the limit set by WHO for all of the three studied hydroponic solutions.

RESPONS PERTUMBUHAN BEBERAPA VARIETAS TOMAT (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill) YANG DIAPLIKASIKAN PLANT GROWTH PROMOTING RHIZOBACTERIA (PGPR) DI LAHAN KERING

The productivity of tomato plants in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) in 2013 reached 3.43 tons/ ha or decreased 35.89% compared with 2012, this is in line with the decrease of harvested area by 2.24%. The data was also much lower compared with national production which was 15 – 16 tons/ha. Some of the possibilities that might cause a decrease in production in addition to a decrease in harvested area weredue to unsuitable planted varieties, inadequate technical culture or less efficient of pest/disease controlling.Dry land has limitations in terms of soil fertility and water availability. Physical manipulation such as the biological use of useful microbeslike  rhizobacteria might be required to overcome the limitations.This research was carried out in farmers field in Penfui Village from July to November 2016. The objective of the research was to find out whether PGPR application responded to the growth of some varieties of tomatoes grown on dry land.This study uses Divided Plot Design. The main factor as the main plot was PGPR: with PGPR and without PGPR. The second factor as subplot wereTomato varieties: Tymoti F1 variety, Lentana F1 variety, Servo F1 variety, Betavila F1 variety and variety Permata F1.The results showed that PGPR application had an effect on plant growth parameters i.e. plant height 1 week after planting (WAP), 2 WAP, and 3 WAP, leaf number at 3 WAP and stem diameter at 1 WAP, 2 WAP, 3 WAP and 4 WAP as well as the number of productive branches.  Keywords: Tomato varieties, plant growth, PGPR, and dry land

The influence of mutagenic factors on F1M1 and M1 plants of bread winter wheat

Purpose. To determine the influence of mutagens on plant growth and development of hybrid progenies (F1M1) and varieties (M1) of winter wheat obtained from seeds treated. Methods. In 2006-2013, seeds of F1 hybrids and varieties were treated with chemical mutagens N-nitroso-N-ethyl-urea (NEU), N-nitroso-N-methyl urea (NMU), 1,4-bisdiazoacetylbutane (DAB), dimethyl sulfate (DMS) at various concentrations. Dry seeds were also irradiated with gamma rays at dose of 100 Gy. Results. In 2007, when treating seeds with NMU 0.025 %, germination in 52.2 % of hybrid combinations was significantly over control. In 2011, when treating seeds with mutagens (NEU 0.01 %, NMU 0.0125 %, DMS 0.0125 %), 57.8 % of hybrid combinations exceeded the control for field germination under predominantly stimulating action of the two mutagens (NEU 0.01 % and NMU 0.0125 %). A significantly high stimulating effect the mutagen DMS 0.05 % (in 2012) on field germination of hybrid seeds was detected in 67 % of combinations, while when treating seeds with DMS 0.0125 % (in 2011), it was only in 33 % of combinations. In 2012, among eight varieties which seeds were treated with DAB 0.05 % six of them showed the stimulating effect of the mutagen on field germination level. In the winter of 2007–2008, excess over the control overwintering level in hybrids after treatment with NEU 0.005 % and NMU 0.025% was noted (in 47.7 % and 54.5% of combinations resp.). In 2011–2012, when treating seeds with NEU 0.01 %, the overwintering level exceeded the control in 27 % of combinations, while when treating with the mutagens NMU 0.0125 % and DMS 0.0125 %, it did in 20 % of combinations. In 2012–2013, when treating hybrid seeds with the mutagens NEU 0.05 % and DMU 0.05 %, overwintering level of plants significantly exceeded the control in hybrid combinations Romantika / TAM 107 and Yermak / Demetra (the latter was submitted to State Variety Testing as the variety MIP Valensiia) and also in the varieties Demetra when treating with DMS 0.05 %, and Voloshkova (DAB 0.05 %). Phenological observations conducted in 2008, 2011 and 2012 showed that for the most of F1M1 hybrids and M1 varieties heading dates did not exceed 1–3 days earlier or later than in the control. However, in some cases there are deviations from the control for 7 and 5 days which are rather significantly. Conclusions. It was revealed either inhibiting or stimulating effects of chemical and physical mutagens on winter wheat hybrids and varieties. Depending on kind of mutagen, concentration and genotype, these effects occurred in the parameters of field germination, overwintering level and heading date of F1M1 and M1 plants grown from seeds treated with the mutagens.

Quantitative Analysis of Greenhouse Kohlrabi (<i>Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes </i>L.) Growing

This study were carried out to of different sowing time in order to determine the effects on plant growth of kohlrabi cultivation under Samsun condaitions during the autumn growing periods in unheated greenhouse. Four different seed sowing times (1st September, 15th September 1st October, 15th October), two different kohlrabi cultivars (Kolibri F1 and Korist F1) and two mulch applications (mulch covered and uncovered) were used in this study.The plant growth parameters analyzed (total plant dry weight, leaf area ratio, specific leaf area, net assimilation rate and relative growth rate) were found statistically significant (p<0.05). The highest total plant dry weight (114.1 g) was obtained from mulch application and 1st September seed sowing time. The highest leaf area ratio value were obtained in both mulch application the Kolibri F1 variety grown on October 15th. The highest net assimilation rate (0.65 g cm-2 day-1*1000) and relative growth rate (0.0090 g g day-1) were obtained from mulch covered plants grown in Kolibri varieties during September 1st. As a result, in this study higher dry matter accumulation was achieved by 1st September seed sowing times in vegetable growing in the last season in the greenhouse. In this way, the plants have successfully grown up and increased their productivity by entering the winter months, when the temperature and light intensity are decreasing.

Effects of maturity stages on textural mechanical properties of tomato

Abstract: The textural mechanical properties of Jadelo F1 variety tomato were evaluated at three different mature stages (green, pink and red) which were classified according to the colors of the fruit. The compression and the puncture tests were applied on samples. The cycling and relaxation tests showed that indexes of average firmness, energy absorption and deformation ratio were more sensitive parameters to maturity stages than others. The puncture tests indicated that maturity stages were effective on initial and average firmness and skin rupture force. Since the rigidity and the firmness of the fruit reduced, it was more prone to mechanical damage in the process of mature. The initial firmness values obtained fromcompressiontest and average firmness values from puncture tests had the highest correlation with each other which indicates that they can be used as representative parameter for tomato. Moreover, it was found that a*/b* color parameter can be good indicator for evaluating mechanical properties of tomato. Keywords: maturity, textural properties, mechanical properties, color DOI: 10.3965/j.ijabe.20160906.1999 Citation: Ince A, Cevik M Y, Vursavus K K. Effects of maturity stages on textural mechanical properties of tomato. Int J Agric & Biol Eng, 2016; 9(6): 200－206.

웅성불임성을 이용한 효율적인 F₁ 양파 품종 개발

Onion is agronomically very important plant in the world and difficult to develop variety due to life cycle of biannual crop. For that reason, breeding period of new elite line need approximately fifteen years and breeding time is longer than other annual crop. To develop efficient F₁ variety in onion, onion breeder need to understand interaction between cytoplasm and nuclear about cytoplasmic male sterility and restorer of fertility respectively. Use of previously developed molecular markers is essential to utilize this system and breed elite lines efficiently. application of this molecular markers to be able to recognize cytoplasmic male sterility type and restorer of fertility gene in onion breeding are possible to reduce breeding period and able to classify lines without testcross according propose such as ms and maintainer lines. CMS and Rf system of onion scribed in this paper will be utilized in onion breeding program to efficient F₁ variety development.

Tanggapan Pertumbuhan dan Hasil Jagung Manis (Zea Mays Saccharata Sturt.) Terhadap Pemberian Kapur dan Pupuk Kandang Kotoran Ayam

One type of popular corn now is sweet corn (Zea mays saccharata Sturt.). The high demand for sweet corn is not balanced by productivity generated. One of the limiting factors in the development of sweet corn on dry land is the low level of soil fertility. The application of lime and chicken manure are the key to improving the fertility of dry land. This research aimed to analyze the effect of the interaction and the single factor of the application of lime and chicken manure to the growth and yield of sweet corn on dry land. Conducted in Hamparaya Village of Batumandi District, Balangan Regency of South Kalimantan Province for three months, starting in August until November 2015. The design of environment that used in this study is a group randomized design (GRD), while the design of treatment is Split Plot Design. There are twelve treatment combinations were repeated three times so that there are 36 experimental plots, on each plot consisted of six plants sample so that the total number of samples was 216 plants. The results showed that the treatment interaction was not significant effect to the growth and yield of sweet corn in Bonanza F1 varieties, but a single treatment of the application of lime in dose 1,5 t ha-1 and chicken manure in dose 5 t ha-1 is the best treatment and able to enhance the growth and yield of sweet corn on dry land.

The Dynamics of Changes in Nutritionally Significant Ingredients of Carrot Juice after the Pasteurization

Abstract Carrot (Daucus carota L.) belongs to the most common type of vegetable because of its consumption, versatile usage in the canning industry and because of its beneficial effects on the health of consumers. It is valuable mainly because of the high content of β-carotene, B vitamins, vitamin C, carbohydrates and minerals. The aim of this work was to compare the quality of carrot juice from different varieties of carrots regarding the content of total carotenoids and polyphenols and also to assess the dynamics of their changes evaluated under the influence of the pasteurization (85 °C). There were selected varieties of carrot such as Baltimore F1, Exhibition F1, Kamaran F1, Napoli F1, Belgrado F1, Komarno F1, Nantes, Rubina and Nandrin F1. The highest content of carotenoids, assessed by the spectrophotometry, was determined in variety Kamaran F1 (213.66 mg 100 g−1 dry matter) and the lowest in Belgrado F1 (146.80 mg 100 g−1 dry matter). After the pasteurization, the content of carotenoid decreased and ranged from 128.04 mg 100 g−1 dry matter in variety Napoli F1 to 142.55 mg 100 g−1 in Kamaran F1. The highest content of polyphenol determined by the Folin Ciocalteu method was found in fresh juice of Rubina (922.80 mg GAE 100 g−1 dry matter) and the lowest in the variety Nantes (535.75 mg GAE 100 g−1 dry matter). After the pasteurization, the content of the monitored components was found to be 450.34 mg GAE 100 g−1 dry matter in Napoli F1 to 751.95 mg GAE 100 g−1 dry matter in Komarno F1 variety.

(Effect of variety and dosage of mycorrhiza on the growth and yield of pepper plants (Capsicum annuum L.) in Andisol)

Effect of variety and dosage of mycorrhiza on the growth and yield of pepper plants (Capsicum annuum L.) in Andisol. This study aims to determine the effect of varieties and doses of mycorrhiza on the growth and yield of pepper plants on land Andisol and the interaction between these two factors. This research was conducted at the experimental garden in plant physiology laboratory university agricultural Faculty Syiah Kuala start of June 2015 until December 2015. Research using Random Group 4x3 factorial design with three replications, consisting of 36 experimental units consisting of two factors. he first factor is the dose mycorhiza consists of 4 levels of 0, 5, 10 and 15 g / plant. The second factor varieties consisting of Carlos F1, F1 Kiyo, and La Odeng. The results showed that variety significant effect on yield of pepper plants. The best varieties are varieties Kiyo F1 on the generative phase that can be seen from the weight of the fruit crop age parameter 110 HST and 45 HST mycorhiza infection. While the dose of mycorrhizal significant effect on the growth and yield of pepper plants on land Andisol. Dose best mycorrhiza contained in 10g / plants that can be seen in the number of fruit crops as well as the parameters of mycorhiza infection most. Research also shows there is a higher interaction on Carlos F1 varieties with a dose of 15 g / plant in the parameters the number of leaf age 15 HST, At the age of 30 HST rod diameter also gives the best result in two different varieties, namely in Carlos F1 hybrid varieties and local varieties La Odeng on mycorrhizal dose of 15 g / plant and root infection aged 45 HST. La Odeng varieties give the highest number of mycorrhizal infection in mycorrhizal dose of 10 g / plant.

Genome-wide analysis of genes associated with bolting in heading type chinese cabbage

Bolting or flowering time affects productivity of the leafy vegetable Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa ssp. pekinensis) and also the time required for its breeding programs. Understanding the bolting process at the molecular level and identifying the genes involved will provide valuable tools for genetic engineering and development of functional markers. To achieve these goals, microarray analyses using either outer leaves or core tissues of completely headed Chinese cabbage were performed at three developmental stages, and the findings were confirmed using RT-PCR. A large number of genes were specifically or preferentially expressed in each tissue: photosynthesis and abiotic signal responding genes were expressed in outer leaves, while genes involved in hormone responses, flower development, and histone modification were expressed in core tissues. Genes promoting bolting, such as BrPIF4, BrPIF5, and BrCOLs, were highly expressed in outer leaves, a signal-perceiving tissue, whereas floral repressors, such as BrFLCs, BrFRL, and BrMAF1s, were predominantly expressed in core tissues, with levels of expression decreasing in later stages. Although the B. rapa genome contains three BrFT paralogs, only BrFT1 was expressed. BrFD and BrFE, genes related to the transport of BrFTs, showed consistent expression. The late bolting phenotype of Huissen, the F1 variety examined in this study, may result from expression of repressors of flowering, such as BrGASA5, BrTFL1, BrMAF1, BrFLCs, and BrKNAT1, in core tissues. Coordinated regulation of several floral promoters and repressors appears to be necessary for control of the bolting process or flowering time in B. rapa.

Efficiency of genomic selection for breeding population design and phenotype prediction in tomato.

Genomic selection (GS), which uses estimated genetic potential based on genome-wide genotype data for a breeding selection, is now widely accepted as an efficient method to improve genetically complex traits. We assessed the potential of GS for increasing soluble solids content and total fruit weight of tomato. A collection of big-fruited F1 varieties was used to construct the GS models, and the progeny from crosses was used to validate the models. The present study includes two experiments: a prediction of a parental combination that generates superior progeny and the prediction of progeny phenotypes. The GS models successfully predicted a better parent even if the phenotypic value did not vary substantially between candidates. The GS models also predicted phenotypes of progeny, although their efficiency varied depending on the parental cross combinations and the selected traits. Although further analyses are required to apply GS in an actual breeding situation, our results indicated that GS is a promising strategy for future tomato breeding design.

First Report of Obtaining Haploid Plants Using Tissue Culture Techniques in Spinach

Monoic, dioic, and hermaphrodite flower types complicate spinach breeding and cultivar development. The availability of haploid plants will definitely accelerate spinach breeding; however, there are currently no reports in the literature about the use of tissue culture techniques to obtain spinach haploids. Therefore, in this study, pollination with irradiated pollen and anther culture methods were used to obtain haploid plants in spinach. For anther culture, three spinach varieties (Koto F1, Favorit F1, and Greenstar F1) and four different nutrient media were tested to obtain haploid embryos. Significant outcomes were not achieved from anther culture, and only two plants were obtained from all the experiments. Gynogenesis studies using irradiated pollen were performed with the same three spinach varieties and six gamma ray doses (100, 150, 200, 300, 400, and 500 Gy) from (cobalt60) Co60. Murashige and Skoog (MS) nutrient medium containing 1 mg·L−1 indoleacetic acid (IAA) was used for embryo germination. Current findings revealed that the varieties produced responded differently to the various doses of radiation. A total of 3414 embryos and 1710 plants were obtained from experiments carried out for 2 years. Considering the numbers of embryos and plants per 100 seeds, the Favorit F1 variety provided better results than the other two varieties. However, significantly different outcomes were not achieved with regard to irradiation doses. Embryos were observed at all doses tested. Flow cytometry analyses that were carried out on regenerated plants revealed whether the plants were diploid or doubled haploid, and molecular analyses revealed that diploids resulted from spontaneous chromosome doubling. The current findings offer significant results for spinach breeding using haploids.

Four new varieties of Begonia from interspecific hybridization Begonia natunaensis C.W.Lin & C.I.Peng × Begonia puspitae Ardi

Siregar HM. 2016. Four new varieties of Begonia from interspecific hybridization Begonia natunaensis C.W.Lin & C.I.Peng × Begonia puspitae Ardi. Biodiversitas 17: 776-782. Increased phenotypic diversity of ornamental plants (e.g. Begonia) can often be achieved by hybridization and selection in the F1 generation. This study aimed to produce new F1 varieties which it was hoped would display improved phenotypic characteristics compared to the contributing parents. The study was conducted in the green house of Bogor Botanic Gardens. Two native species of Indonesia, Begonia natunaensis C.W.Lin & C.I.Peng and B. puspitae Ardi, were used as parent plants. The mature F1 seeds were sown and selections were made among the plants produced. The result of the selection were four new accessions of F1 plants (X1, X3, X10, X22). The selected F1 plants were then propagated vegetatively with leaf cuttings. These were named, described and registered at the Center for Plant Variety Protection (PPVTPP). This resulted in the registration of the following F1 cultivars: X1 named Begonia Blirik which is registered as No. 347/PVHP/2015 and is characterized by purplish peltate leaves with bright whitish green veins, and white flowers; X3 named Begonia Fiandani, registered as No. 348/PVHP/2015 and characterized by dark green leaf color, corrugated leaf surface, and pink flowers; X10 named Begonia Green Peltate, registered as No. 345/PVHP/2015 and characterized by large green peltate leaves, and red flowers; and X22 named Begonia Natunapangean, registered as No. 346/PVHP/2015, and characterized by eccentrically shaped, green basifixed leaves, with ovate shape, and cordate leaf base. Thus the new varieties have been registered in PPVTPP, in accordance with legislation in force. These new varieties are beautiful ornamental Begonia hybrids with exotic leaves, which will be developed as commercial ornamental plants. Keywords: Begonia natunaensis, Begonia puspitae, Begonia Blirik, Begonia Green peltate, Begonia Natunapangean, Begonia Fiandani, interspecific hybridization

Effect of Some Organic Fertilizers on Growth, Yield and Quality of Tomato (<i>Solanum lycopersicum</i>)

In the present study, a field experiment was conducted to study the effect of some organic fertilizers on four varieties of tomato viz., Sadia F1, Isabella F1, Lelord and Sun cherry for its growth, yield and fruits sensory. A total of 64 plots were prepared with the dimension of 3 m2 x 4 m2 and each plot was applied with recommended doses of organic fertilizers. The results on the growth parameters of the studied tomato varieties showed that the chicken manure had the significant effect on plant height and root length of Isabella F1, leaf area of sun cherry, root fresh and dry weight and of Lelord, leaves fresh and dry weight of Sadia F1. Whereas, shoot fresh and dry weight of Isabella tomato variety was increased when treated with mixed manure. Agro fish pellet treatment had increased the stem diameter of Isabella F1 significantly. The number of flowers and fruits of sun cherry tomato variety were increased when treated with agro fish pellet. Agro fish also influenced the fruits number in Sadia F1 and fruit yield of lelord followed by Isabella F1 respectively. The sensory evaluation of the fruits of studied tomato varieties revealed that chicken manure had good result on the overall quality of the fruits of Sadia F1 and Sun cherry. Agro fish pellet and mixed manure has influenced the overall quality of Isabella F1 and Lelord variety tomato fruits.

Effect of Some Organic Fertilizers on Growth, Yield and Quality of Tomato (<i>Solanum lycopersicum</i>)

In the present study, a field experiment was conducted to study the effect of some organic fertilizers on four varieties of tomato viz., Sadia F1, Isabella F1, Lelord and Sun cherry for its growth, yield and fruits sensory. A total of 64 plots were prepared with the dimension of 3 m2x 4 m2and each plot was applied with recommended doses of organic fertilizers. The results on the growth parameters of the studied tomato varieties showed that the chicken manure had the significant effect on plant height and root length of Isabella F1, leaf area of sun cherry, root fresh and dry weight and of Lelord, leaves fresh and dry weight of Sadia F1. Whereas, shoot fresh and dry weight of Isabella tomato variety was increased when treated with mixed manure. Agro fish pellet treatment had increased the stem diameter of Isabella F1 significantly. The number of flowers and fruits of sun cherry tomato variety were increased when treated with agro fish pellet. Agro fish also influenced the fruits number in Sadia F1 and fruit yield of lelord followed by Isabella F1 respectively. The sensory evaluation of the fruits of studied tomato varieties revealed that chicken manure had good result on the overall quality of the fruits of Sadia F1 and Sun cherry. Agro fish pellet and mixed manure has influenced the overall quality of Isabella F1 and Lelord variety tomato fruits.

English

Tomato ( Lycopersicon esculentum Mill) is the leading vegetable in terms of production in Kenya. The Kenyan local market has a wide variety of tomato cultivars with a wide range of morphological and sensorial characteristics. However, information on the nutritional and postharvest quality of these varieties is lacking. The aim of this research was to investigate and identify tomato varieties of superior postharvest quality and recommend them to small and medium scale farmers. In this study, six tomato varieties were grown in a greenhouse and analyzed at three maturity stages (mature green, turning and red ripe). The tomatoes were analyzed at specific days after harvest and storage at room temperature (25 o C). Percentage weight loss, color, respiration and ethylene production rates were analyzed to assess the postharvest quality of the tomatoes. The color was measured using a Minolta Chromameter while the respiration rate and ethylene production rates were determined using the static system approach. Color, weight loss, respiration and ethylene production rates were positively affected by storage time when harvested at the three maturity stages. The percentage weight loss of the tomato fruits was higher in the determinate varieties, and at the turning stage of maturity (3.8 %). Minor color changes were observed after storage of the tomatoes harvested at red stage for six days. Both rates of respiration and ethylene production were low, with the respiration rate ranging between 56-10 ml CO 2 Kg -1 h -1 . The Chonto F1 variety had the highest rate of ethylene production (5.4 μL C 2 H 4 Kg -1 h -1 ) on the 4 th day of storage after harvest at the red ripe stage. Overall, the indeterminate tomato varieties displayed better postharvest quality that can prolong the fruits shelf life for marketing. In turn, the turning stage of maturity proved to be a better stage to harvest tomatoes as the color development was more uniform. Keywords: Tomato, varieties, postharvest quality, respiration rate, ethylene, color

Evaluation of Compost with different NPK level on pea plant under drought stress

Drought stress is one of the big issues, responsible for reducing crop production in the world. One of the strategies to increase crop yield is use of organic and inorganic fertilizers. The compost and NPK has positive role under drought stress on plant growth. For this purpose, the seeds of two varieties, Barani variety and Hybrid F1 variety of pea plant were purchased from local market, Rawalpindi. The compost and NPK were also purchased from local market, Rawalpindi. In order to study the effect of compost and NPK on pea plant were carried out in Green House of PMAS Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi. The combined effect of compost and NPK had showed significant increase in root length of Barani variety 70% and Hybrid variety 50%, shoot length of Barani variety 59% and Hybrid variety 70%, soil moisture of Barani variety 33% and Hybrid variety 37%, relative water content of Barani variety 48% and Hybrid variety 45%, chlorophyll a of Barani variety 70% and Hybrid variety 33%, chlorophyll b of Barani variety 43% and Hybrid variety 18% and total chlorophyll content of Barani variety is 51% and Hybrid variety 22% under the drought stress as compared to the drought control. Keyword: Pea; Compost; Drought; Fertilizer