Final Harvest Research Articles

Agronomic dataset on potato growth and yield in the Netherlands

Data was collected at two field locations in the Netherlands: on the clayey soils in Lelystad and the sandy soils of Vredepeel during 2019 and 2020. The original aim of this dataset was to calibrate and evaluate crop growth models for estimating potential, water-limited and nitrogen-limited yield levels for modern potato cultivars. Therefore, treatments include different cultivars, irrigation regimes, nitrogen fertilization, and light interception. During the two seasons extensive data was collected either passively, via non-destructive or via destructive measurements. Passive measurements consisted of weather and soil moisture data and were taken continuously throughout the season. Non-destructive data was collected on photosynthesis, reflection/light intensity, SPAD chlorophyll values, plant height, crop phenology, and groundwater level roughly every other week throughout the seasons. Destructive measurements were taken on biomass (leaves, stems and tubers), leaf area, NPK content (leaves), and the number of tubers between five and seven times per season. Additionally, during the final harvest data was collected on the tuber size distribution, marketability, and NPK content of the tubers.

Interactive Effects of Boron and Molybdenum on Nodulation, Growth and Yield of Cowpea under South Gujarat Condition

Background: Cowpea seeds are nutritious component of human diet and being a legume crop, it also improves the soil fertility by increasing the amount of nitrogen in the soil through symbiotic nitrogen fixation. To study the effect of boron and molybdenum on nodulation, growth and yield of cowpea the field experiment was conducted at the Regional Horticultural Research Station, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari, Gujarat, India, during summer season of 2019 and 2021. Methods: The experiment was carried out in a factorial randomized block design with 3 replications. Factor-1 consisted of four levels of seed treatments with molybdenum at 2 mg/l (M1), 4 mg/l (M2), 6 mg/l (M3) for 24 hours prior to sowing including control (M0), where as the second factor was consisted of four levels of boron (B) spray at 2 mg/l (B1), 4 mg/l (B2), 6 mg/l (B3) and control at 30 DAS, 45 DAS and 60 DAS with control. Boron was applied in the form of Boric acid and Molybdenum as ammonium molybdate. Result: The treatment combination of seed treatment of molybdenum @ 2 mg/ l with foliar spray of boron @ 4 mg/ l at 30, 45 and 60 DAS (M1B2) has significantly influenced yield parameters and registered maximum number of clusters per plant (6.50), green pod yield per plant (0.153 kg), green pod yield per net plot (3.98 kg), green pod yield per hectare (12.27 tonne). Seed treatment with different levels of molybdenum has significantly influenced nodulation in cowpea and recorded maximum number of nodules per plant (31.69 at final harvest) and fresh nodule weight (0.230 g/plant) in seed treatment of molybdenum @ 2 mg/ l (M2) among all the treatments at final harvest during all the years of study, including pooled analysis.

Stepwise cell culture process intensification for high-productivity and cost-effective commercial manufacturing of a Mabcalin™ bispecifics

Process intensification and media optimization, as a crucial step for improving productivity and manufacturing cost of goods (COG), set the stage for commercialization readiness and redefine the landscape for patient access. This study described a stepwise approach to explore different intensified fed-batch processes along with optimized cell culture media for the production of a Mabcalin™ bispecifics. Initially, by leveraging perfusion expansion, intensified fed-batch (IFB) with an inoculation density of 10.3 × 106 cells/mL was developed to produce 6.1 g/L of products, compared to 3.9 g/L from the original traditional fed-batch (TFB). Following the IFB conversion, a high-performing production medium, MagniCHO™, was chosen to substitute the original one, which further boosted the titer to 9.1 g/L. The result underscored the significance of developing an optimized cell culture media for intensified cultivation. Furthermore, the approach of ultra-intensified intermittent-perfusion fed-batch was utilized, raising the seeding density to 73.6 × 106 cells/mL. A final harvest titer of 24.5 g/L was recorded. Additionally, manufacturing COG was calculated to evaluate how process intensification could lead to improved manufacturing cost-effectiveness, with up to 71 % COG reduction attainable with the UI-IPFB process. This study demonstrated that even for difficult-to-express modalities, applying a strategic development approach including process intensification and media optimization could effectively improve manufacturing efficiency and COG competitiveness.

Biomass of Shoots and Roots of Multicomponent Grasslands and Their Impact on Soil Carbon Accumulation in Arenosol Rich in Stones

To prevent the degradation of light-textured soils, it is advisable to use them for grasslands. These soil management systems help with the faster accumulation of soil organic carbon (SOC), thereby improving the soil’s properties and reducing carbon emissions from agricultural land. In this experiment, we studied the distribution of multi-component perennial grass roots in the Arenosol profile and their impact on SOC sequestration in temperate climate zones. Our research aimed to identify differences in root biomass at depths of 0–15 cm, 15–30 cm, and 30–50 cm and to assess their correlation with SOC and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in the soil. The roots, shoots, and soil samples of fertilized and unfertilized grasslands were collected at the flowering stage and after the final grass harvest two years in a row. Our findings revealed that, in sandy loam Arenosol rich in stones, 12.4–15.9 Mg ha−1 of root biomass was accumulated at 0–50 cm of soil depth. The application of NPK fertilizers did not significantly affect grass root biomass, but significantly affected shoot biomass. Most roots (84–88%) were concentrated in the 0–15 cm layer. On average, 5.10–6.62 Mg ha−1 of organic carbon (OC) was stored in the roots of perennial grasses within 0–50 cm of soil depth. We found that the SOC content in the 0–50 cm soil layer correlated more strongly (r = 0.62, p < 0.001) with C accumulated in the roots of the corresponding layer than with shoot biomass (r = 0.41, p = 0.04). However, a significant correlation was found between DOC and shoot biomass (r = 0.68, p < 0.001) and between DOC and the biomass of residues (r = 0.71, p < 0.001), explaining the significant increase in DOC in the 30–50 cm soil layer and indicating the leaching of mobile soil organic matter (SOM) substances from the above-ground biomass using fertilizers.

Genetic variability, diversity, and character association for dry fruit yield and quality in chili

ABSTRACT Despite the high nutritional value and extensive consumer preference for chili, productivity levels in India are significantly low. An experiment was carried out to study the variability, genetic diversity, and character association in 30 genotypes. Analysis of variance showed significant differences among genotypes for all the traits under study. A high magnitude of genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation, coupled with heritability and genetic advance, was observed for all the traits, except days to first flowering, days to first fruit set, and days to final harvest. Diversity analysis showed that the maximum intercluster distance was observed between clusters IX and XII. Results of correlation and path coefficient analysis indicated that number of fruits per plants, fruit length, fruit weight, green fruit yield per plant, number of seeds per fruit, days to first flowering, and days to final harvest were positively correlated with dry fruit yield. It is concluded that improvement in fruit yield in chili pepper could be achieved by selecting genotypes from clusters IX and XII as parents for hybridization, and traits as components that have positive effect on yield.

Automated Imaging to Evaluate the Exogenous Gibberellin (Ga3) Impact on Seedlings from Salt-Stressed Lettuce Seeds.

Salinity stress is a common challenge in plant growth, impacting seed quality, germination, and general plant health. Sodium chloride (NaCl) ions disrupt membranes, causing ion leakage and reducing seed viability. Gibberellic acid (GA3) treatments have been found to promote germination and mitigate salinity stress on germination and plant growth. 'Bauer' and 'Muir' lettuce (Lactuca sativa) seeds were soaked in distilled water (control), 100 mM NaCl, 100 mM NaCl + 50 mg/L GA3, and 100 mM NaCl + 150 mg/L GA3 in Petri dishes and kept in a dark growth chamber at 25 °C for 24 h. After germination, seedlings were monitored using embedded cameras, capturing red, green, and blue (RGB) images from seeding to final harvest. Despite consistent germination rates, 'Bauer' seeds treated with NaCl showed reduced germination. Surprisingly, the 'Muir' cultivar's final dry weight differed across treatments, with the NaCl and high GA3 concentration combination yielding the poorest results (p < 0.05). This study highlights the efficacy of GA3 applications in improving germination rates. However, at elevated concentrations, it induced excessive hypocotyl elongation and pale seedlings, posing challenges for two-dimensional imaging. Nonetheless, a sigmoidal regression model using projected canopy size accurately predicted dry weight across growth stages and cultivars, emphasizing its reliability despite treatment variations (R2 = 0.96, RMSE = 0.11, p < 0.001).

Comparative Approaches for Quantification of Product Yield in a Model Recombinant Green Fluorescent Protein Expressed in E. coli.

Process Analytical Technologies (PAT) used to monitor and control manufacturing processes are crucial for efficient and automated bioprocessing, which is in congruence with lights-off-manufacturing and Industry 4.0 initiatives. As biomanufacturing seeks to realize more high-throughput and automated operation, an increasing need for multimodal analysis of process metrics becomes essential. Herein, we detail a series of methods for analyzing product yield from a bioreactor and how to conduct cross-method comparisons. We employ a model system of Escherichia coli (E. coli) expression of green fluorescent protein (GFP), which is a simple, cost effective model for students and educators to replicate at different scales. GFP is an ideal analytical marker as it is easy to visualize due to its fluorescence which indicates cellular protein expression, cell localization and physiological changes of the cell population. In this study, samples from a 300 L bioreactor with GFP-expressing E. coli are analyzed to improve product yield and bioprocessing efficiency. Utilizing a fed-batch process for enhanced cell density and product titer, this bioreactor runs on a 24-hour schedule from inoculation to GFP induction and final harvest. To reliably quantify relative GFP expression and E. coli proliferation, we provide simple protocols and example results for comparing three different analytical methods: (1) in-line bioreactor measurements, (2) plate reader assays, and (3) microscopy. The GFP and cell density results follow similar trends based on the various inline and offline analytical methods and show a peak of GFP expression and cell density between 12.5 and 18 hours post inoculation.

Soil respiration response to reductions in maize plant density and increased row spacing (Southeast pampas, Argentina)

Previous studies have recognized the influence of crop cover and agricultural management on variables (soil temperature, soil moisture, and root biomass) that influence soil respiration. However, despite the influence of plant density and row spacing on these variables in the maize crop (Zea mays L.), their impact on soil respiration has received little attention. Thus, the aims of this study were (i) to investigate whether reducing plant density and row spacing influences soil respiration, and (ii) to identify the controlling variables (soil temperature and soil moisture) underlying this response. We conducted field experiments in Balcarce, Argentina, over two seasons. Treatments included (i) maize crops at high plant density (≈8 plants m−2) and narrow rows (0.52 cm, HDN), and (ii) maize crops at low plant density (≈6.5 plants m−2) and wide row spacing (0.70 cm; LDW). Leaf area index (LAI), soil CO2 fluxes, soil superficial temperature, and moisture (characterized by the water-filled pore space, WFPS) were assessed throughout the growing season. Grain yield and cumulative soil CO2 emissions were determined at the final harvest. Major findings relevant to understanding the influence of reducing plant density and wider row spacing on instant CO2 fluxes include: (i) LAI reductions were related to higher superficial soil moisture, which was consistent at LAI ≥ 3; suggesting higher decreases in water uptake than increases in soil evaporation, and in turn (ii) increments in soil moisture were associated with higher CO2 fluxes. While lower plant density and wider row spacing had notable short-term effects on WFPS and soil respiration fluxes, they did not significantly affect cumulative soil respiration throughout the growing season. However, the combination of this practice with low-yield potential genotypes that exhibit low stability to changes in resource availability can increase CO2 emissions per unit of grain yield. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the impacts of management practices on soil respiration and, consequently, on carbon cycling within agricultural ecosystems.

Characterising Biological and Physiological Drought Signals in Diverse Parents of a Wheat Mapping Population.

Water deficit affects the growth as well as physiological and biochemical processes in plants. The aim of this study was to determine differences in physiological and biochemical responses to drought stress in two wheat cultivars-Chinese Spring (CS) and SQ1 (which are parents of a mapping population of doubled haploid lines)-and to relate these responses to final yield and agronomic traits. Drought stress was induced by withholding water for 14 days, after which plants were re-watered and maintained until harvest. Instantaneous gas exchange parameters were evaluated on the 3rd, 5th, 10th, and 14th days of seedling growth under drought. After 14 days, water content and levels of chlorophyll a+b, carotenoids, malondialdehyde, soluble carbohydrates, phenolics, salicylic acid, abscisic acid (ABA), and polyamines were measured. At final maturity, yield components (grain number and weight), biomass, straw weight, and harvest index were evaluated. Physiological and biochemical parameters of CS responded more than those of SQ1 to the 14-day drought, reflected in a greater reduction in final biomass and yield in CS. Marked biochemical differences between responses of CS and SQ1 to the drought were found for soluble carbohydrates and polyamines. These would be good candidates for testing in the mapping population for the coincidence of the genetic control of these traits and final biomass and yield.

Microbiological and chemical hazards in cultured meat and methods for their detection.

Cultured meat, which involves growing meat in a laboratory rather than breeding animals, offers potential benefits in terms of sustainability, health, and animal welfare compared to conventional meat production. However, the cultured meat production process involves several stages, each with potential hazards requiring careful monitoring and control. Microbial contamination risks exist in the initial cell collection from source animals and the surrounding environment. During cell proliferation, hazards may include chemical residues from media components such as antibiotics and growth factors, as well as microbial issues from improper bioreactor sterilization. In the differentiation stage where cells become muscle tissue, potential hazards include residues from scaffolding materials, microcarriers, and media components. Final maturation and harvesting stages risk environmental contamination from nonsterile conditions, equipment, or worker handling if proper aseptic conditions are not maintained. This review examines the key microbiological and chemical hazards that must be monitored and controlled during the manufacturing process for cultured meats. It describes some conventional and emerging novel techniques that could be applied for the detection of microbial and chemical hazards in cultured meat. The review also outlines the current evolving regulatory landscape around cultured meat and explains how thorough detection and characterization of microbiological and chemical hazards through advanced analytical techniques can provide crucial data to help develop robust, evidence-based food safety regulations specifically tailored for the cultured meat industry. Implementing new digital food safety methods is recommended for further research on the sensitive and effective detection of microbiological and chemical hazards in cultured meat.

Trait Association and Path Analyses for Yield and Its Attributes in Ridge Gourd Commercial Hybrids (Luffa acutangula L.)

This study aims to explore the relationship between several traits among 18 ridge gourd hybrids. It was carried out during the rabi season of 2021–2022, at Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru College of Agriculture and Research Institute, Karaikal, U.T. of Puducherry. Twenty yield-related qualities were assessed using a randomized block design with two replications in order to determine the associations among various characters. The yield per vine was found to have a highly significant and positive correlation with the following variables: vine length at final harvest, number of primary branches vine-1, number of female flowers vine-1, days to final harvest, fruit length, fruit girth, number of seeds fruit-1, total number of harvest, number of fruits vine-1 and weight of individual fruit. Path analysis revealed that the characters such as number of female flowers vine-1, days to first female flower anthesis, total number of harvest, sex ratio, total soluble solids, days to first male flower anthesis, vine length at final harvest, number of seeds fruit-1, days to first harvest, number of primary branches vine-1, fruit length, fruit girth, number of seeds fruit-1, number of fruits vine-1 and weight of individual fruit are considered as important traits which directly and indirectly influences towards yield. It implies that the characters strongly influence the yield vine-1 and hence selection for these traits would be considered important in selection of hybrids for yield.

Effect of nanoparticles on morphological parameters of wheat

ABSTRACT This work is devoted to studying the features of the generation of metal nanoparticles (NPs) by underwater discharges and their use in the technology of growing grain crops. The purpose of the study is to use the latest nano-containing preparations based on NPs of biofunctional metals, which will allow the introduction of modern technologies and technological processes for environmentally friendly crop production while simultaneously increasing the quality indicators of the final wheat harvest. To obtain NPs, metals of the biogenic group were chosen, the content of which in known agrochemical preparations is at least 0.01%. Metal NPs were obtained in discharge chambers filled with deionized water. As a result of underwater electric spark discharges, metal colloids were obtained as a preparative form of nanomaterials for further use and processing of wheat crops. To carry out the certification of NPs by the methods of electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) and X-ray structural analysis, the metal phase of the colloidal solutions was separated from the dispersion medium by drying. We determined the composition, structure, and average size of the target NPs. A complex preparation was studied, the composition of which included metal NPs, in particular Fe − 1800 ppm; Cu − 400 ppm; Zn − 1000 ppm; Mn − 800 ppm. Testing of the drug was carried out in field conditions during the cultivation of winter wheat at various stages of organogenesis. The application rate of the drug was 1–1.5 L/ha, accordingly, 1.0–1.5 L of the drug was diluted in 250 L of water. Foliar treatment of wheat plants was carried out. The analysis of grain quality indicators showed a 30% increase in the total protein content and a more than two-fold increase in gluten, which indicates the extraordinary prospects of using the obtained preparations.

Potassium and harvest time interaction effect on alfalfa production and profitability

AbstractResearchers have extensively studied and documented the effects of potassium (K) fertility on alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). Yet, additional research is needed to determine how interactions of K, cultivar, and harvest management influence the K needs of alfalfa. To explore these interactions, we conducted 5 years of field research at the University of Wyoming James C. Hageman Sustainable Agriculture Research and Extension Center in Lingle, WY. Treatments were (a) four K rates (0, 56, 112, and 168 kg K2O ha−1 year−1) applied before planting in the fall of 2016 and after the final harvest in the fall of 2017–2020, (b) two cultivars (Hi‐Gest 360 and AFX 457), and (c) two harvest times (early harvest, late bud to early [10%] bloom, and late harvest, 7 days after early harvest), arranged in a 4 × 2 × 2 factorial under random complete blocks with four replications. At 168 kg K2O ha−1 year−1 and early harvest, a consistently significant (p &lt; 0.05) higher yield response was observed. The same response was seen at 112 kg K2O ha−1 year−1 and late harvest. This occurred at a site with moderate‐to‐high soil K levels throughout the study period. There was a linear (p &lt; 0.001, R2 = 0.66) and quadratic (p = 0.006, R2 = 0.61) response of forage accumulation to K rate at early and late harvest, respectively. Similar trends were also seen for stem count, relative water content, root uptake of K, and tissue K. Time of harvest showed immense potential for optimizing K's effect for a consistent high‐yield response. However, fertilizing alfalfa with 112 kg K2O ha−1 year−1 gave the most profitable production under both harvest times. If K fertilizer prices drop over time, high profits could be attained with higher K fertilization rates. After 3 years of production, average forage accumulation increased under an early harvest system and decreased under a late harvest system. Growers in Wyoming and similar regions are encouraged to consider fertilizing alfalfa with moderate K rates (∼112 kg K2O ha−1 year−1) on soils testing moderate‐to‐high in soil test K, implement a late harvest system for the first 3 years after planting, and transition to an early harvest system after the initial 3 years to maximize alfalfa profits.

Effect of sowing schedule and integrated nutrient management on productivity, profitability and soil health in rainfed baby corn (Zea mays)–horse gram (Macrotyloma uniflorum) cropping sequence

A field experiment was conducted during the rainy (kharif) seasons of 2012 and 2013 at Ambikapur, Chhattisgarh, to work out the effect of sowing schedule and integrated nutrient-management systems on the pro ductivity and profitability of baby corn (Zea mays L.)–horse gram [Macrotyloma uniflorum (L.) Verdc.] cropping sys tem. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design with 4 treatments of sowing schedule (1st week of July, 2nd week of July and 3rd week of July and 4th week of July) in main plots and 4 levels of fertility (Recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), 125% of RDF, RDF + 5 t FYM, 125% of RDF + 5 t FYM) with 3 replications. The horse gram was taken as utera crop sown just before harvesting of baby corn of each sowing schedule by using common starter dose (20-50-20 kg N-P-K/ha). Baby cob, baby corn, green fodder of baby corn plants, horse gram yield and economics were higher in sowing of first schedule (1st week of July) which showed parity with second (2nd week of July) and third (3rd week of July) sowing schedule but significantly superior to the fourth sowing schedule, i.e. 4th week of July. Further, application of 125% RDF + 5 t FYM significantly increased the baby cob, baby corn, green fodder, horse gram yield over 100% RDF and125% RDF, but was at par with that obtained with 100% RDF + 5 t FYM. Combined effect of sowing of the first schedule of baby corn and horse gram and application of 125% RDF + 5 t FYM resulted in significantly higher baby corn-equivalent yield in terms of system productivity (2.8 t/ha) which was comparable to sowing of the second schedule with 125% RDF + 5 t FYM (2.7 t/ha), sowing of the third schedule with 125% RDF + 5 t FYM (2.3 t/ha), sowing of the first schedule with 100% RDF + 5 t FYM (2.7 t/ha), sowing of the second schedule with 100% RDF + 5 t FYM (2.5 t/ha) and sowing of the first schedule with 125% RDF (2.5 t/ha). Hence sowing of baby corn on the first schedule (1st week of July) with 125% RDF + 5 t FYM fol lowed by horse gram revealed the maximum system productivity in terms of baby corn-equivalent yield (2.8 t/ha) and net profit ( 173,000/ha). As regards to nutrient management in baby corn and horse gram system, the maxi mum nutrient uptake (205.7 kg N, 35.5 kg P and 222.8 kg K/ha) and soil fertility status after final harvesting of cropping system (256.19 kg N, 9.1 kg P2 O5 and 281.00 kg K2 O/ha) were registered under 125% RDF + 5 t FYM.

Comparative analysis on growth performance, survival and harvest traits between offspring from wild and mass-selected populations of Crassostrea nippona

Crassostrea nippona has recently been recognized as a preferred alternative to C. gigas in summer due to its firm flesh and high glycogen content. To promote industrial development, the mass selective breeding program was initiated to improve growth performance of C. nippona in 2014. Although a steady genetic gain of approximately 10% for growth traits was achieved in each of the first three generations of the selected strains, little is known about the cumulative genetic progress in desired traits contributed by the selective breeding in the genetic improvement program. In this study, the aquaculture performance of the selected population was comprehensively evaluated by comparing the production performance and reproductive traits of the progeny (WF1 and SF4) from the wild population and the third-generation selected line in commercial farming environments. The results showed that the diameters of eggs from both populations were at similar levels, but the fertilization and hatching rates of the progeny from the selected lines were significantly higher than those of the wild population (P < 0.05). At larval stages, the shell height and cumulative survival rate (CSR) of individuals from SF4 were consistently superior to that of WF1, especially on day 6 post-fertilization, in which CSR of the improved C. nippona was increased by 25.08% compared to that of wild oysters. Meanwhile, a significant 12.10% enhancement in the metamorphosis rate was observed in SF4 when compared with WF1. During the grow-out stage, SF4 displayed distinct advantages in growth performance and survival compared to the wild strain, with 23.19, 33.48, 34.18 and 79.11% improvement in shell height, body weight, CSR and final yield at harvest on day 800, respectively. Meanwhile, relative brood amount (RBA) associated with initial development of offspring was found to be significantly higher in SF4 compared with WF1 (P < 0.05). Remarkably, the gonadal development, sex ratios and biochemical composition of oysters from both populations were at similar levels at final harvest, implying that high-intensity artificial selection had no significant effect on reproductive characteristics and nutritional quality of C. nippona. The encouraging results in the present study suggest that the overall genetic progress contributed by genetic breeding is considerable in the fast-growing strain of C. nippona, and such gains are expected to continue to increase with further selective breeding.

GROWTH AND YIELD RESPONSES OF RED AMARANTH TO LOCALLY SOURCED LIQUID MANURE

The experiment was conducted at Horticultural farm, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, Bangladesh during the period of September to November 2023. The experiment was laid out with single factor experiment using a completely randomized design with three replications to study the Growth and Yield responses of Red Amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus L) to liquid manure. The treatments under this study were; T1: Control (Only Water), T2: Vermi Tea; T3: SAU- MLM, T4: SAU-NLM, T5: SAU-PLM. Significant variation of growth and yield parameters were found among the treatments. Among the treatments. The tallest plant (44.3 cm), maximum root length was (13.3cm), maximum leaf area (38.2 sq. cm), maximum leaf number (14.0), maximum fresh weight per plant (22.1g), highest weight of plants per 506.25 sq. cm (274.9 g) and highest yield per ha (54.3 ton) was found in T5 while shortest plant (25.1 cm, minimum root length (4.8cm), minimum leaf area (16.4 sq. cm), minimum leaf number (8.6), minimum weight of plants/506.25 sq.cm. (77.5 g) and the lowest yield per ha (15.6 t) was found in T1 at final harvest (30 days after showing). Considering the overall analysis, it becomes evident that T5 consistently exhibits superior outcomes when compared to the other treatments. The superior performance of T5 suggests that it could be the optimal choice for maximizing agricultural productivity while maintaining a focus on human well-being and environmental sustainability. This treatment option not only results in higher yields, indicating potential economic benefits, but it also contributes to the overall safety and health considerations for individuals involved in the agricultural processes.

Is dual-purpose flax production feasible in the Amik Plain? A preliminary study on cultivar performance and harvesting stage

The research aimed to investigate the yield and quality parameters of three flax varieties (Linum usitatissimum L.) at four different harvesting stages in Amik Plain in the 2021 growing seasons. The experimental design was a randomized complete block in split plot arrangement with three replications. Seed yield and quality parameters were determined after the maturation of seeds at the final harvesting. Harvesting stages (beginning of flowering, capsule formation, green-yellow ripening, and full ripening stages) significantly affected plant height, technical stem length, stem ratio, moisture, and plant fresh weight. Among the cultivars, significant differences were observed in terms of technical stem length, fiber ratio, stem ratio, 1000 seed weight and seed yield. Interaction effects were determined in terms of plant height and moisture ratio. While the cv. Noreum had greater fiber ratio (19.45%), stem ratio (50.97%) and seed yield (241.33 kg da-1), the cv. Karakız had the highest 1000 seed weight (7.99 g). The cv. Beyaz Gelin had the highest technical stem length (67.39 cm). In terms of technical stem length, fiber ratio, and stem ratio parameters, the cv. Beyaz Gelin and the cv. Noreum were in the same statistical group. The fact that harvesting stages do not affect the fiber ratio has led to the conclusion that planting for both purposes may be appropriate in the region.

Growth, Yield, and Stem Quality of Tectona grandis Grown with Different Spacings at Longuza Forest Plantation, Tanzania

Spacing is a silvicultural practice that affects the growth of trees in forest plantations. However, the yield depends on growth, which is determined by spacing. In addition, spacing influences the quantity of the final crop available for harvesting, specifically in forest plantations for sawlog production. Spacing is also used as a management practice to control the quality of trees, as dense stands are expected to have trees with good stem quality. However, little has been done to address the effects of spacing on the growth, yield, and stem quality of Tectona grandis until final harvesting age. Teak plantations in Tanzania are grown at a rotation age of 20 years. Thus, this study aimed to assess the effect of spacing on the growth, yield, and stem quality of 24-year-old T. grandis in a Longuza Forest plantation in Muheza, Tanzania. Data were collected from a spacing trial using a randomized complete block design with three treatments: 2 m × 2 m, 3 × 3 m, and 4 m × 4 m, with three replications. The growth and yield parameters assessed were diameter at breast height (dbh) total tree height, and stem quality. Data were analyzed to obtain the basal area, volume, and mean annual increment. Statistical analysis was performed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), and multiple comparisons among treatment means were performed using Tukey's honest significant difference test (p-value = 0.05). The results showed that spacing did not significantly affect growth and yield parameters. The stem quality was significantly different in some treatments. The highest dbh and height growth were observed at 4 m× 4 m spacing. The highest values of basal area, volume, and mean annual increment were observed at a 3 m× 3 m spacing. Stem quality differed significantly between the 2 m× 2 m and 4 m× 4 m spacings. Because teak plantations in Tanzania are aimed at sawlog production, it is recommended to continue practising a spacing of 3 m× 3 m, which will ensure a higher mean annual increment with a higher volume at the stand level. In addition, a spacing of 3 m × 3 m ensured a higher percentage of trees with good stem quality.

Efficacy of Plant Growth Regulators on Different Yield Parameters of Cucumber cv. Malini under Shade Net Conditions

The experiment was conducted to study the effect of different plant growth regulators on yield of cucumber cv. Malini under shade net conditions. The experiment was carried out with 10 treatments GA3 at 75 ppm, 150 ppm and 250 ppm, Ethrel at 100 ppm, 200 ppm and 300 ppm, Salicylic acid at 75 ppm, 150 ppm and 250 ppm and control (water spray) in 3 replications. The yield parameters like number of fruits per plant, fruit weight, fruit length etc. were significantly influenced by plant growth regulators. Among all yield parameters superior values for maximum days taken for final harvest (86.49 days), maximum fruit weight (248.00 g) were recorded in treatment GA3 at 250 ppm, treatment GA3 at 75 ppm was recorded with the highest values for number of fruits per vine (9.46) and fruit diameter (4.56cm) and GA3 at 150 ppm recorded with highest values for fruit length (21.33 cm) as compared to other treatments. Among all treatments, treatment with GA3@ 75 ppm showed positive effect in terms of gross returns and over all net returns.

The Use of Cubic Smoothing Spline Models for Predicting Early Fruit Size in ‘Keenan’ Valencia (Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck) Oranges

Fruit size is an important factor for the sale of fruit in fresh markets. Fruit size prediction early in the growing season would help with planning harvest operations, administering marketing strategies and an advance determination of the proportion of fruit that will be suitable for certain size classes. Fruit diameter growth of ‘Keenan’ Valencia oranges was measured over five consecutive growing seasons (2014–2018) during Stage II (cell enlargement) and Stage III (maturation) periods between January and October. Fruits were randomly selected and tagged from around the tree canopy to record the fruit diameter at fortnightly intervals until harvest. The data were used to develop a fruit size prediction model using the cubic smoothing splines technique. Results indicated that from the fruit growth patterns, an accurate prediction of the final fruit size and distribution were possible during the early Stage II fruit development phase, 6–7 months ahead of the final harvest. It was concluded that fruit size must be 66 mm in diameter by 30 March to attain a fruit size &gt; 77 mm at harvest. This model was tested in 2019 with an accuracy of 97% in predicting fruit size distribution harvest across three size classes.