Fresh Herbage Yield Research Articles

Seed Yield, Seed Attributes and Economics of Alfalfa Seed Production as Influenced by Integrated Nutrient Management During kharif Season under Southern Dry Zone of Karnataka, India

The field experiment was carried out at the farm field of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Konehalli, Tiptur taluk, Tumkuru, Karnataka during Kharif season of 2017-18 to examine the effect of integrated nutrient management on seed yield, seed attributes and net benefit of alfalfa. The experiment was laid out Randomized complete block design (RCBD) comprising nine treatments viz T1 : RDF (25:50:25 kg NPK/ha + 10 t/ha FYM); T2 : 75% RDF + 25% N through FYM; T3 :75% RDF + 25% N through Vermicompost; T4 :75% RDF + 25% N through Poultry manure; T5 : 50% RDF + 25% N through FYM + Rhizobium + PSB+VAM ; T6 :50% RDF + 25% N through Vermicompost+ Rhizobium + PSB+VAM; T7 :50% RDF + 25% N through Poultry manure+ Rhizobium + PSB+VAM ;T8 : RDF + Rhizobium + PSB+VAM ;T9 : 10 t/ha FYM + 100% N through FYM and replicated four times. The results of experiments revealed that the plants supplied with of 50 % RDF + 25 % N through vermicompost + Rhizobium + PSB + VAM shown highest fresh herb yield at first harvest (160.65 q/ha), herb yield after harvest of seeds (187.50q/ha), 50% flowering (35.00 days), pod initiation (48.50days), pod maturation (73.05 days), while, lower fresh herb yield, pod initiation, pod maturation were recorded when 10 t/ha FYM + 100 % N through FYM was applied. The maximum pod (56.78 %), number of pods (228.75/plant), pod yield (19.90/plant), pod length (6.25 mm), pod weight (87.61 mg), seed set (56.50 %), number of seeds (5.50/pod), test weight (3.33g), seed yield per hectare (223.38kg/ha) and highest net return per hectare were recorded with 50 % RDF + 25 % N through vermicompost + Rhizobium + PSB + VAM. while, poor performance with regard to these parameter were recorded with application of 10 t/ha FYM + 100 % N through FYM. Therefore, application of 50 % RDF + 25 % N through vermicompost + Rhizobium + PSB + VAMmay be recommended for commercial seed productionin Alfalfa during kharif season under southern dry zone of Karnataka.

Prediction of fresh herbage yield using data mining techniques with limited plant quality parameters

The purpose of this study was to ascertain the fresh herbage yield, fertilizer dosage, and plant characteristics of the Sorghum-Sudangrass hybrid grown in arid and semi-arid regions, as well as their interrelationships. For this reason, data from the Sorghum-Sudangrass hybrid were used to assess the predictive performance of several data mining techniques, including CHAID, CART, MARS, and Bagging MARS. Plant traits were measured in Konya and Sanliurfa during 2021 and 2022. The descriptive statistical values were calculated as follows: plant height 306.27 cm, stem diameter 9.47 mm, fresh herbage yield 10852.51 kg/da, crude protein ratio 9.66%, acid detergent fiber 33.39%, neutral detergent fiber 51.85%, acid detergent lignin 9.76%, dry matter digestibility 62.88%, dry matter intake 2.34%, and relative feed value 114.68 (average values). The predictive capacities of the fitted models were assessed using model fit statistics such as the coefficient of determination (R²), adjusted R², root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), standard deviation ratio (SD ratio), and Akaike Information Criterion (AIC). With the lowest values for RMSE, MAPE, SD ratio, and AIC (246, 1.926, 0.085, and 845, respectively), and the highest R² value (0.993) and adjusted R² value (0.989), the MARS algorithm was determined to be the best model for characterizing fresh herbage yield. As a solid alternative to other data mining techniques, the MARS algorithm was shown to be the most appropriate model for forecasting fresh herbage production.

Effect of nano urea on growth and yield of scented geranium (Pelargonium graveolens L. Herit)

Nanotechnology holds promise for optimizing nutrient delivery in agriculture. This study examines the impact of nano urea, a nanoscale urea formulation, on scented geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) growth and yield. A randomized controlled trial compared nano urea with traditional urea on various growth and yield parameters. Nano urea treatment, T7-15 kg N neem coated urea + 0.5 ml l-1 nano urea improved the growth and yield of scented geranium. Plants sprayed with nano urea had maximum growth (plant height, number of leaves per plant, number of branches per plant, plant spread), yield (fresh herbage yield (1.53 and 1.26 kg per plant, 28.76 and 25.56 kg per net plot and 14.27 and 12.68 t per hectare) and essential oil yield per hectare (14.70 and 13.11 kg) in both the main as well as ratoon crops respectively.

Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Growth, Herb Yield and Menthol Content of Japanese Mint (Mentha arvensis l.) Var. Kosi

Aim: To study about the effect of integrated nutrient management on growth, yield and menthol content of Japanese mint. Study Design: The experiment was carried out with 17 treatments in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications. Place and Duration of Study: Research trial was carried out at P.G block, College of Horticulture, Rajendranagar, SKLTSHU, Hyderabad during Feb-May 2022 and Aug- Nov 2022. Results: Among the different treatments, the results reported that the 75 % N + poultry manure 4 t/ha + Arka microbial consortium recorded maximum plant height (63.00 cm and 61.13 cm), number of primary branches (32.67 and 32.07), number of secondary branches (11.47 and 10.53), number of leaves (1130.67 and 1071.73), leaf area (19.73 cm2 and 18.23 cm2), fresh herb yield per hectare (246.62 q and 244.54 q) and essential oil yield (269.97 kg and 239.98 kg) which was statistically on par with 75% N + vermicompost 4 t/ha + Arka microbial consortium.

Effects of Different Sowing Frequencies and Nitrogen Doses on the Yield Components of Silage Sorghum x Sudan Grass Hybrid (Sorghum bicolor x Sorghum sudanense Mtapf.) in the Iğdır Basin

A field experiment was conducted in 2021 to evaluate the effects of green herbage yield (5 cm, 10 cm, 15 cm, and 20 cm = 28.570, 14.285, 8.570 and 7,142 plants/da) silage sorghum (Sorghum bicolor x Sorghum sudanense Mtapf., Hayday hybrid on field performance of Sorghum under different nitrogen application rates (0, 6, 12 and 18 kg/da application Nitrogen, respectively. The experiment was arranged as Split- Plot design in three replicates in Iğdır ecological conditions at the Agricultural Application and Research Center of Iğdır University. Data from the trial ranged plant height 190.9 cm and 257.3 cm, 1756.1 kg/da and herbage grass yield, 3228.5 kg/da; hay yield of 522.2 kg/da and 925.2 kg/da; stalk ratio from 69.1% to 74.8%; leaf ratio of 15.3% to 20.2%; crude protein content between 6.4% and 8.1%; NDF rate from 58.5% to 63.1%; The ADF rate from 31.7% to 34.5%. Results indicated that while N application rates raised plant height, fresh herbage yield, and dry matter, yield decreased the NDF ratio of plants. Plant density did not affect the dry matter ratio, stem and leaf rate, NDF, and ADF of the sorghum plant in the trial in Iğdır ecological conditions. It seems to be concluded that it can be sowed 28.570 plants/da and applied 6 kg N/da, from the standpoint of viewing fresh and dry matte yield in Iğdır ecological conditions.

Standardization of Crop Geometry and Major Nutrients for Enhancing the Growth, Yield and Quality of Davana (Artemisia pallens Wall) cv. Theni under Northern Dry Zone of Karnataka, India

The study was conducted on the effect of spacing and fertilizers on growth, quality and yield of Artemisia pallens Wall. cv. Theni in northern Karnataka (Zone III) for two consecutive years in rabi 2021 and 2022. The research was set out in a factorial RCBD and replicated thrice in nine treatment combinations, that is three levels of spacing (S1: 15 x 7.5 cm, S2: 20 x 10 cm and S3: 30 x 10 cm) and three fertilizer levels (F1: 60:30:20 N, P2O5, K2O kg ha-1, F2: 90:30:30 N, P2O5, K2O kg ha-1 and F3: 120:40:40 N, P2O5, K2O kg ha-1). The pooled data of two years was statistically analysed using the Fisher's method of "Analysis of variance". Among the spacing levels, 20 x 10 cm spacing was noticed the maximum inflorescences plant-1 (87.40), hundred flower weight (3.83 g), fresh herbage yield (11.29 t ha-1), dry herbage yield (2.83 t ha-1) & essential oil yield (13.23 kg ha-1). Among various fertilizer doses application of F3 (120:40:40 N, P2O5, K2O kg ha-1) was noticed economically feasible, it has obtained maximal growth and yield parameters. The highest fresh herb yield (12.78 t ha-1), dry herbage yield (3.16 t ha-1) and essential oil yield of (15.46 kg ha-1) were noticed with 120:40:40 N, P2O5, K2O kg ha-1 (F3) application. Spacing of 20 x 10 cm (S2) and application of 120:40:40 N N, P2O5, K2O kg ha-1 (F3) found to be economical with highest benefit cost ratio of 4.08.

Effect of Different Organic Manures along with Microbial Consortia on Growth and Yield of Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata Nees.)

Kalmegh has wide range of medicinal and pharmacological applications. The active ingredient andrographolide is important bioprotectant. Organically grown medicinal plants fetch premium price in the market. Hence the need to explore different manures along with microbial consortia to improve its yield is essential. The experiment was laid out in RCBD with thirteen treatments. Different organic manures and combinations with neem cake were taken as treatments with three replications. Significantly higher plant height was observed in treatment - 100% RDF through vermicompost. Maximum plant spread was recorded in the treatment - 50% RDF through FYM + 50% RDF through neem cake + microbial consortia. Application of sheep manure + neem cake resulted in higher number of branches plant-1, higher number of leaves plant-1, highest fresh weight, highest dry weight, highest root to shoot ratio, highest fresh herbage yield and highest B:C ratio. So, sheep manure + neem cake was found best compared to other manures and combinations.

Studies on Character Association for Growth, Yield and Quality Components in Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata Nees.)

An experiment was conducted on kalmegh to study the response of spacing and different fertilizer combinations in relation to growth, yield and quality of kalmegh. It was noticed that, spacing of 30cm×15cm with 50% RDN + 50% Vermicompost equivalent to recommended N resulted the significant increase in the herbage growth, yield and quality. The present investigation was found the correlation for various traits in kalmegh. Andrographolide content showed the positively high association with the plant height (0.86), number of secondary braches per plant (0.76), number of primary braches per plant (0.70) and fresh herbage yield per plant (0.68).

Investigating the crucial role of salicylic acid and harvest time on the yield and essential oil composition in sage (Salvia officinalis L.)

This research was carried out to determine the effects of different harvest time (HT) and salicylic acid application (SAA) on agronomic and quality characteristics of sage. The experiment was carried out in a randomized complete block design in split plots with HTs (pre-flowering and 50% flowering periods) in the main plots and SAAs in the subplots (Control, 1, 2, and 4 mM). Plant height, fresh herb yield, dry herb yield, fresh leaf yield, dry leaf yield, leaf ratio, essential oil (EO) content, EO yield, and EO composition were examined. In total or mean results, the HT was statistically significant on plant height, fresh and dry herb yield, leaf ratio in both years. The SAA was statistically significant on fresh and dry herb yield and leaf ratio only in the second year. Among the 24 components identified, alpha thujone was the main component. This component was followed by camphor, 13-epimanool, veridiflorol, 1.8-cineol. According to the principal component analysis (PCA), in 2021, 1 mM SAAs applied at the 50% flowering period in the first cutting and at the pre-flowering period in the second cutting showed different properties regarding EO composition. In 2022, 4 mM SAAs applied at the 50% flowering period in the first and second cuttings showed different properties regarding EO composition. The study found that delaying the HT led to significant increases in plant height, fresh and dry herb yields. Additionally, the SAA increased the herb yield and decreased the leaf ratio, particularly in the second year.

Biostimulant induce growth, chlorophyll content and fresh herbage yield of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and variegated alfalfa (Medicago × varia Martyn) plant

The use of biostimulants is associated with promoting plant growth by stimulating cell division and improving nutrient availability and uptake. A study was conducted at the University of Debrecen, Hungary, to examine the effect of biostimulants on alfalfa growth, chlorophyll content and fresh herbage yield. The experiment was arranged in a randomised complete block design with three biostimulant treatments plus control replicated three times. Data collected were subjected to analyses of variance using Genstat, where significantly different means were separated at a probability of 5% using the least significant difference. The findings show no different variation in plant height or chlorophyll content (SPAD) throughout the early stages of growth. Nonetheless, a notable impact was noted in the latter stages (28 days after biostimulant treatment application) on the growth of the alfalfa plant. Biostimulant treatments did not had effect on fresh yield for second through fourth cuts, but the fifth cut showed a significant effect, with T1 treatment recording the highest herbage yield of 19745 kg ha-1 followed by T2 (Tricho Immun plus Ino Green) and T3 (Tricho Immun), with yields of 19528 kg ha-1 and 17273 kg ha-1, respectively, while the T0 (control) recorded the lowest herbage yield of 12060 kg ha-1. However, the average mean yield indicated the application of biostimulants significantly increased fresh yield herbage by 20.5%. Correlation coefficient values suggested plant height at both 14 and 28 DAH (days after harvest) strongly correlated with fresh herbage yield (r = 0.7756 and 0.7455) which reflected in the increase in fresh herbage yield. Therefore, our results suggest that the use of biostimulants in alfalfa cultivation holds promise for improving growth and yield potential through their positive effects on chlorophyll content and the growth of alfalfa plant.

Effects of mulching and nutritional strategies on the growth and yield of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.)

The effect of mulching and nutrition on the growth and yield of sweet basil was examined by experimenting with four mulch treatments, viz., without mulch, black plastic, silver plastic, and organic mulch combined with four different nutrient compositions, viz., a 100% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), a combination of 75% RDF with humic acid, 75% RDF with microbial consortia and 75% RDF, and humic acid and microbial consortia, which served as sixteen treatment combinations with 100% RDF without mulch as a control. Among the different treatments, mulch had a significant effect on growth and yield parameters, with black plastic mulch having the maximum plant height (88.20 cm), number of branches (14.95), plant spread (5415 cm2), stem diameter (12.64 mm), fresh herbage yield (24.55 t/ha) and dry herbage yield (8.72 t/ha). Thus, the study revealed that among the various mulch treatments, black plastic mulch significantly enhanced the growth and yield parameters of sweet basil, demonstrating its efficacy in promoting optimal plant development and productivity.

Effect of Time of Transplanting and Spacing on Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum)

An experiment investigating the impact of transplanting time and spacing on Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) was conducted over three Kharif seasons from 2018-19 to 2020-21 at AICRP on Medicinal, Aromatic Plants and Betelvine. Twenty treatment combinations were arranged in a FRBD design. Transplanting times varied from June to August, with spacing options ranging from 60x45 cm to 75 x 60 cm. Recorded observations included plant height, primary branches per plant, fresh herbage yield, and dry herbage yield. Results indicated significant differences across all parameters based on transplanting time and spacing. Transplanting during the first fortnight of July (D3) resulted in the highest values for plant height (98.20 cm), branches per plant (16.63), fresh herbage yield (99.98 q/ha), and dry herbage yield (18.91 q/ha). The treatment of transplanting during the second fortnight of June (D2) showed comparable results. Among spacing options, 60 x 45 cm (S1) demonstrated the most favorable outcomes. Notably, the combined treatment of transplanting during the first fortnight of July with 60 x 45 cm spacing (D3S1) yielded the highest plant height (99.21 cm), fresh herbage yield (122.54 q/ha), and dry herbage yield (23.02 q/ha). Economically, this treatment also proved superior, with a net monetary return of ₹91453/- and a B:C ratio of 1.99. Overall, findings suggest that transplanting Tulsi seedlings between the second fortnight of June and the first fortnight of July, coupled with 60 x 45 cm spacing, maximizes productivity and economic returns.

Co-cultivation of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) with food crops for efficient resource utilization and increasing the farm profits

Ocimum basilicum L., or sweet basil, is a valuable aromatic and medicinal plant that is used in aromatherapy to energize, relax, and stimulate the mind. It is also used in the pharmaceutical industry for its anti-ageing and therapeutic qualities. Farmers who depend only on conventional food crops run the danger of crop failure as a result of unanticipated circumstances like uncertain weather, pest outbreaks, or disease epidemics. In contrast, intercropping offers a kind of insurance against total crop loss by diversifying farm outputs. The present study aims to increase field productivity and efficient use of land resources under sweet basil-based inter-cropping systems. In the experiment, 17 different treatments (12 treatments comprising of inter-cropping of sweet basil (55,555 plants/ha plant population) with four conventional crops namely maize (Zea mays L.), pearlmillet (Pennisetum glaucum L.), pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L.) and okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) at three plant populations, i.e., 100% (55,555 plants/ha), 75% (37,037 plants/ha), and 50% (27,777 plants/ha). Also, all five sole crops (4 conventional crops and sweet basil) were planted. The study findings showed that the maximum fresh herb yield of sole sweet basil culture at 100% plant population (14.2 t/ha with 0.70% oil content and 99.2 kg/ha oil yield) was almost equal to that of co-cultivation of sweet basil with pigeonpea at 50% plant population (14 t/ha with 0.70% oil content and 98.2 kg/ha oil yield). Similarly, LER varied from 1.50 to 1.90 and the ATER varied from 1.32 to 1.82. The inter-cropping system based on sweet basil is an advantageous strategy to maximize resource use efficiency. Nevertheless, net returns of sweet basil were found to be maximum with pigeon pea (1762–1881 USD/ha) followed by okra (1507–1638 USD/ha), maize (1042–1310 USD/ha) and pearl millet (809–1029 USD/ha). Moreover, for better herb yield and net returns, it was more profitable for the farmers to co-cultivate sweet basil with pigeon pea at 50% plant population.

Effect of Organic Manures and Foliar Application on Growth, Yield and Nutrient Uptake of Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata Nees.)

A field experiment was carried out to study the effect of organic manures and foliar application of organics on growth, yield and nutrient uptake of Kalmegh at the Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Annamalai University to find out the suitable organic inputs and foliar organics for better growth, yield and nutrient uptake of Kalmegh. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design with twelve treatments and three replications comprising of a different combination (i) basal organics viz., Farm Yard Manure, Vermicompost and Pressmud (ii) foliar spray of organics viz., Panchagavya and Fish Amino Acid and untreated control. Among the twelve treatments, the plants which received Vermicompost at 5 t ha-1 + fish amino acid at 3% expressed higher values for the growth parameters viz., plant height (69.80 cm), number of branches plant-1 (25.13), number of leaves plant-1 (140.87). Physiological parameters viz., leaf area plant-1 (6.78), total dry matter production plant-1 (15.86 g plant-1). Yield parameters viz., fresh herbage yield plant-1 (42.74 g plant-1) and dry herbage yield plant-1 (14.24 g plant-1). Nutrient uptake viz., Nitrogen (38.97 Kg ha-1), Phosphorous (6.87 Kg ha-1) and Potassium (84.23 kg ha-1).

Agronomic, biochemical and bioactive properties of sage (Salvia officinalis L.) affected by foliar selenium spraying

The sage is a perennial medicinal and aromatic plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family. Macro-micro elements have an important place in the development of this plant. One of these elements is selenium. This study aims to examine the effect of foliar selenium (Se) application on the agronomic, biochemical, and bioactive properties of sage. The plant height (PH), fresh herb yield (FHY), dry herb yield (DHY), and dry leaf yield (DLY) as agronomic properties, and Se content in the plant (SCP), ascorbic acid content (AAC), total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activity (AA) and mineral composition (MC) as biochemical and bioactive properties were investigated in this context. The experiment was carried out in four replications over three years in 2018, 2019, and 2020. In the study, 0 (control), 100, 200, 400, and 800 g ha−1 Se were applied to sage leaves. At the end of the study, it was determined that Se application was effective on the agronomic characteristics of the sage, except for the first year. The application of 100 g ha−1 Se in FHY, DHY, DLY, AA, and TPC properties emerged as the recommended dose since it reached the highest values. In addition, it was evaluated that the Se application did not have a statistically significant effect on the SCP. For years with statistical significance, 400 g ha−1 Se application was recommended in terms of AAC and 100 g ha−1 Se application in terms of AA and TPC.

The impact of nitrogen fertilization on the alkaloid content and growth traits of Datura (Datura stramonium L.)

D. stramonium is a wild plant species belonging to the nightshade family Solanaceae and grows on the edges of cotton fields, empty lands and roadsides. The plant is one of the most important economic weed plants that contain both toxic and medicinal properties. Studies have shown that the plant contains toxic tropane alkaloids such as atropine, hyoscyamine, and scopolamine. It is known that cultivation techniques have a great influence on the quality and quantity of secondary metabolites. For this reason, it is important to determine the optimal values of the agronomic factors that influence plant growth and production. This study was conducted in the experimental area of the Agricultural Faculty of Dicle University in the 2010 and 2011 growing seasons so as to evaluate the impact of nitrogen fertilizer rates (0, 50, 100 and 200 kg ha-1) on some agronomical characteristics such as fresh and dry herb yield and total alkaloid content of Datura (Datura stramonium L.). The results revealed that significant (P?0.05) differences were observed between nitrogen doses in the 2010 and 2011 growing seasons in terms of seed yield, fresh and dry herb yield and total alkaloid yield of seeds. However, seed yield changed between 545 kg ha-1 and 625 kg ha-1, fresh herb yield between 8000 and 24483 kg ha-1, dry herb yield between 2190 kg ha-1 and 5083 kg ha-1 and alkaloid content between 0.259% and 0.366%, respectively. The results showed that fresh and dry herb yields increased with increasing nitrogen doses.

Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Seed Yield, Quality and Economics of Seed Production in Lucerne during Rabi Season

The field experiment was conducted to study the effect of integrated nutrient management on seed yield, quality and economics of seed production in Lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) at the farm field of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Konehalli, Tiptur taluk of Tumkuru district under southern dry zone of Karnataka during rabi seasons 2017-18. The experiments plots were laid out nine treatments with four replication and Randomized complete block design (RCBD). The results revealed that the maximum fresh herb yield at first harvest of herb (174.07 q/ha), herb yield after harvest of seeds (196.76 q/ha), early flowering (25.52 days), 50% flowering (33.45 days), pod initiation (46.90 days), pod maturation (71.68 days) were recorded during rabi seasons with application of 50 % RDF + 25 % N through vermicompost + Rhizobium + PSB + VAM. Whereas, minimum fresh herb yield, delayed flowering, pod initiation, pod maturation were recorded with application of 10 t/ha FYM + 100 % N through FYM.
 The plants supplied with 50 % RDF + 25 % N through vermicompost + Rhizobium + PSB + VAM was resulted maximum pod set per cent (57.85 %), number of pods per plant (242.45), pod yield per plant (21.10), pod length (6.42 mm), pod weight (90.10 mg), seed set per cent (63.70 %), number of seeds per pod (5.68), test weight (3.36 g), seed yield (231.02 kg/ha) and highest net return per hectare during rabi season, while, least pod and seed characters, seed yield and net return per hectare were recorded with application of 10 t/ha FYM + 100 % N through FYM. Therefore, plants supplied with 50 % RDF + 25 % N through vermicompost + Rhizobium + PSB + VAM may be recommended for commercial seed production in Lucerne during rabi season under southern dry zone of Karnataka.

Effects of plant spacing and rates of NPK application on the growth and yield of sweetpotato var NSIC SP30

Sweetpotato yield may be increased through effective crop management practices including plant spacing and fertilization. This study was conducted in an alluvial soil (Inceptisol) to evaluate the effects of plant spacing and rates of NPK application on the growth and yield of NSIC Sp30 sweetpotato. The experiment was laid out in a split plot arranged in RCBD with three replications. Three plant spacing treatments were designated as the main plot D1(75cmx25cm), D2(100cmx25cm), and D3(100cmx50cm). The rates of NPK application were designated as the subplot: F0(no NPK), F1(40-40-60kg ha-1 NPK), F2(60-60-90kg ha-1 NPK), and F3(80-80-120kg ha-1 NPK). Plant spacing significantly affected the number of lateral vines, weight of marketable roots, number of marketable roots, root length, and the total root yield of NSIC Sp30 sweetpotato. An interaction effect was observed between the plants spaced at 100cmx50cm with NPK application resulting in more medium-sized roots. Plants spaced at 75cmx25cm produced the highest total root yield of 7.67t ha-1. Application of NPK significantly influenced the length of main vines, fresh herbage yield, the weight of marketable roots, number of marketable roots, root length, root diameter, total root yield, LAI and HI. A higher yield of marketable roots 7,208.85kg ha-1 and a total root yield of 8.51t ha-1 were observed for plants applied with 40-40-60 kg ha-1 NPK. The growth and yield performance of NSIC Sp30 is better when plants are spaced at 75cmx25cm with 53,333 plants ha-1 and fertilized with 40-40-60kg ha-1 of NPK.

Biostimulant Application Alleviates the Negative Effects of Deficit Irrigation and Improves Growth Performance, Essential Oil Yield and Water-Use Efficiency of Mint Crop

The scarcity of water is limiting crop production and is one of the most important stressors that severely affects crop yield, and it may also decrease the quality of the final products. Most of the medicinal and aromatic plants are considered resilient to water stress and constitute a sustainable choice for crop production in arid and semiarid conditions. In the present study, we examined the effect of scheduled deficit irrigation (e.g., I1: 40% of field capacity); I2: 70% of field capacity; and I3: 100% of field capacity) combined with biostimulant application (four different products that consisted of nitrogenous compounds and carboxylic acids (M1); nitrogenous compounds and seaweed extracts (M2); humic and fulvic acids and seaweed extracts (M3); and CaO, SiO2, calcium mobilization and translocation factor and microminerals (M4)) on crop performance and essential oil production of mint plants (Mentha arvensis L.). Our aim was to define an irrigation regime that increases water-use efficiency and the biostimulant products that alleviate water stress effects. Our results indicate that moderate deficit irrigation (I2 treatment) and biostimulants that contained seaweed extracts and nitrogenous compounds and humic and fulvic acids (M2 and M3 treatments, respectively) significantly improved yield parameters in terms of fresh and dry herb yield and essential oil production. Moreover, the same biostimulant treatments significantly increased water-use efficiency of mint crops based on the various yield parameters tested in this study. In conclusion, our results indicate that selection of proper biostimulatory products may allow to apply deficit irrigation regimes in mint cultivation without compromising the crop performance in terms of both biomass production and essential oil yield. Therefore, the combination of these agronomic tools could facilitate water saving strategies in arid and semiarid regions and contribute to the sustainable management of water resources.

Enhancing productivity, quality, and economics of rose scented geranium (Pelargonium graveolens L.) through a novel integrated approach to phosphorus application

Phosphorus limitation is a major factor that adversely affects rose scented geranium (Pelargonium graveolens L.) herbage followed by essential oil yield which is extracted from the green herbage of this high-value aromatic plant. To ensure sustainable yield, the need to improve phosphorus use efficiency in geranium cultivation is inevitable. Current study was undertaken to develop a cost-effective integrated phosphorus management package for the grower’s community to maximize yield, quality, and economics of geranium by combining optimizing phosphorous dose with paddy straw mulch and inoculation with vesicular arbuscular mycorrhiza (VAM). Field experiments were conducted for two consecutive years (2020–21 and 2021–22) at the research farm of CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow, India. Twelve treatment combinations were executed in a split plot design. Treatment comprised of two levels of paddy straw mulch (7.5 t ha−1 and no mulch), two levels of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizae (VAM) inoculation (6.5 kg ha−1and no VAM), and three levels of phosphorous doses (100 kg P2O5 ha−1, 150 P2O5 kg ha−1, and no Phosphorus). Mean data of two years revealed that rose scented geranium is a highly responsive crop towards all the variables applied. Growth parameters, yield attributes, herbage and oil yield, and essential oil quality were significantly improved. Nutrient uptake which is a prime concern of this study was also enhanced due to improvement in soil enzymatic activity, soil microbial biomass carbon, and soil nutrient status due to the combined effect of paddy straw mulching, VAM application, and optimum P doses. Maximum fresh herb yield (657.41 kg ha−1) was recorded in M1V1P1 while the highest volatile oil content, and oil yield (0.131% and 69.11 kg ha−1 respectively) were found in M1V1P2. At both the crop stages, maximum nutrient uptake (N = 1.44% and 1.85%, P = 0.30% and 0.35%, and K= 2.03% and 2.45% respectively) were also recorded with M1V1P2. The same treatment combination (M1V1P2) was recorded with maximum gross return (10403.3 US$ ha−1), total net profit (7795.5 US$ ha−1), and B:C ratio (2.99). Thus, this study recommends that geranium should be grown with appropriate phosphorus dose i.e. 150 kg P2O5 ha−1 along with VAM application (6.5 kg ha−1) and paddy straw mulching @ 7.5 t ha−1 for higher, cost-effective, and better quality oil production.