Fresh Pod Yield Research Articles

Multi-environmental evaluation of vegetable soybean for adaptation and stability in Benin

Vegetable soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) is a highly nutritious crop in Africa whose attributes make it a product of choice to formulate diets with numerous human health benefits. The crop is still novel in West Africa, but is making inroads in many countries of the region. The objective of this study was to evaluate selected vegetable soybean varieties for agronomic performance and stability for fresh pod yield across Benin. Thirty-five vegetable soybean varieties were planted at three locations, namely Calavi, Grand-Popo and Sèmè, for two seasons. There was a significant variation (P < 0.05 ; P< 0.01 and P < 0.001) among genotypes for most quantitative traits; with highly significant environmental (P < 0.001) and GEI effects on fresh pod yield (P < 0.001). Genotype Maksoy 3N (15.9 t ha-1) had the highest fresh pod yield; while genotype AGS466 was the most stable across environments. Based on GGE, Sèmè-2 was the ideal environment for growing vegetable soybean in Benin. The study confirmed that vegetable soybean is well adapted to be grown in Benin and varieties AGS466, AGS346 and Ashorowase are candidates for wide cultivation in the country. Also, grain soybean varieties (S1079-6-7 and Maksoy 3N) are well suited to produce vegetable soybean in Benin.

Analysis of Productivity and Profitability of Sweet Corn + Cowpea Intercropping under Rainfed Condition in NCPZ of Odisha

A field experiment on "Planting pattern and nutrient management in rainfed sweet corn + cowpea system" was conducted during the kharif 2019-20 and 2020-21 at Regional Research and Technology Transfer Station, Keonjhar, Odisha. The experiment was laid down in Split plot design with three replications. The experiment was conducted to identify the suitable planting pattern and effect of nutrient management practices for enhancing production potentials of Sweet corn+ Cowpea. The treatments taken in this experiment consists of planting pattern with 3 levels i.e P1 : Sweet corn +Cowpea (1:1) in alternate rows, P2 : Sweet corn +Cowpea (2:2) in alternate paired rows and P3 : Sweet corn +Cowpea (1:1) in the same row and nutrient management practices with seven levels i.e. F1- STBFR to Sweet Corn , F2- Proportionate of STBFR of (Sweet Corn + Cowpea) based on population, F3- STBFR to Sweet Corn + Consortia biofertilizer , F4- 75% STBFR to Sweet Corn + STBFR to Cowpea based on population, F5- 50% STBFR of Sweet Corn + STBFR to Cowpea based on population, F6- 75% STBFR of Sweet Corn + STBFR to Cowpea based on population + Consortia biofertilizer, F7- 50% STBFR of Sweet Corn + STBFR to Cowpea based on population + Consortia biofertilizer. Sweet corn variety 'Sugar 75' and Cowpea variety 'Kashi kanchan' were used as test crops. Observations on yield and yield parameters were recorded before and at harvest. The yield and yield parameters measured in the form of cobs per plant, cob length with husk, cob girth with husk , no of seed rows per cob, cob weight, green cob yield, fresh kernel yield, green fodder yield and harvest index in case of sweet corn and pods per plant, pod length, weight of pod, weight of green pod per plant, fresh pod yield, dry pod yield and dry haulm yield in case of cowpea were recorded. Planting of sweet corn + cowpea (2:2) in alternate paired rows(P2) with application of 75% STBFR of Sweet Corn + STBFR to Cowpea based on population + Consortia bio fertilizer to the maize + cowpea crop (F6) followed by STBFR of sweet corn and cowpea (F2) was superior in terms of both yield and yield parameters.

Effects of the Preceding Crop on Soil N Availability, Biological Nitrogen Fixation, and Fresh Pod Yield of Organically Grown Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.)

In the current study, the impact of the preceding crops on growth, fresh pod yield, nitrogen fixation efficiency, and nitrogen nutrition of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) was investigated for two years in both organic and conventional crops. As preceding crops served cabbage, pea, and faba bean. The pod number per plant (PN) and the total fresh pod yield (TFPY) were significantly lower with cabbage compared to pea and faba bean as preceding crops in both cropping systems and both experimental years. However, in the organic farming system, pea increased significantly in PN and TFPY compared to faba bean as a preceding crop, while in the conventional system, there was no significant difference between the two legumes. The greater yield performance with the two legumes as preceding crops was associated with higher soil NO3-N and total-N concentrations at the beginning of the subsequent faba bean crop. The higher soil N availability when the preceding crop was a legume resulted partly from the higher biomass of crop residues left by these crops on the field after harvest, compared to cabbage. However, it was also associated with a more extensive nodulation of the faba bean roots by rhizobia and a higher percentage of N derived from atmosphere (%Ndfa) in their plant tissues, as determined through the natural abundance of the 15N isotope, when the preceding crop was a legume. The cropping system had no impact on pod yield, but organic farming increased the %Ndfa in both years.

Weed Dynamics and Productivity of French Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) as Influenced by Organic Sources of Nutrients and Weed Management

Background: Balancing productivity, profitability and environmental health is a key challenge for maintaining agricultural sustainability. The use of locally available agro-inputs in agriculture by avoiding or minimizing the use of synthetically compounded agro-chemicals appears to be one of the probable options to sustain the agricultural productivity. Widespread use of herbicides has resulted in purported environmental and health problems as well as residual toxicity issues in succeeding crops. At present, the awareness on safe food is increasing. So, keeping this point in view the present investigation was carried out to evaluate the influence of organic sources of nutrients and weed management on growth, yield and weed flora of Frenchbean. Methods: A field experiment was conducted during summer season of 2016 and 2017. The present investigation was laid out in split plot design with six sources of nutrients in main plot and four weed management treatments in sub plots. Result: Application of treatment T5 recorded significantly higher growth parameters, yield attributes, fresh pod yield, net returns and B:C ratio of French bean which was statistically at par with T3 and T2. Amongst the weed management treatments, treatment W1 resulted in significantly lowest species wise and total weed density and biomass, highest weed control efficiency, lowest weed index, highest growth, yield attributes and fresh pod yield of French bean which was statistically at par with W2 and W0. However, the highest net returns and B:C ratio were obtained in weed free plots.

Efficacy of various doses of salicylic acid, naphthalene acetic acid and gibberellic acid on vegetative growth and pod yield of broad bean (Vicia faba L.)

To investigate the efficacy of various doses of plant growth regulators on vegetative growth and pod yield of broad bean (Vicia faba L.), a field experiment was accomplished at Vegetable Research Farm, B.H.U., Varanasi during the winter season of 2019-20. Ten treatments were evaluated in randomized block design with three replications. Results indicated that the growth parameters like plant height, number of branches/plant significantly increased with foliar spray of gibberellic acid followed by NAA and salicylic acid. The yield attributes like pod width, fresh pod weight, number of pods/plant as well as fresh pod yield significantly enhanced by NAA followed by gibberellic acid and salicylic acid with various concentrations, respectively. The foliar spraying of 120 ppm GA3 tended to produce plant with maximum height (116.4 cm), number of branches/plant (6.3), pod length (7.5 cm), number of seeds/pod (4.6) as well as early 50 % flowering (57.3 days) whereas, spraying of 40 ppm NAA exhibited the maximum pod width (1.3 cm), fresh pod weight (4.6 g), number of pods/plant (87.5) as well as fresh pod yield (105.0 q ha-1) as compared to other treatments. The maximum net return (Rs. 337326.5 ha-1) was recorded with 40 ppm NAA with B: C ratio of 3.65 followed by 30 ppm NAA and 20 ppm NAA. The lowest net income (Rs. 162382.5 ha-1) and B: C ratio (1.76) was obtained from control. The spraying of NAA was found superior in terms of yield and yield attributes as well as benefit cost ratio followed by GA3 and salicylic acid.

Efficacy of various doses of salicylic acid, naphthalene acetic acid and gibberellic acid on vegetative growth and pod yield of broad bean (Vicia faba L.)

To investigate the efficacy of various doses of plant growth regulators on vegetative growth and pod yield of broad bean (Vicia faba L.), a field experiment was accomplished at Vegetable Research Farm, B.H.U., Varanasi during the winter season of 2019-20. Ten treatments were evaluated in randomized block design with three replications. Results indicated that the growth parameters like plant height, number of branches/plant significantly increased with foliar spray of gibberellic acid followed by NAA and salicylic acid. The yield attributes like pod width, fresh pod weight, number of pods/plant as well as fresh pod yield significantly enhanced by NAA followed by gibberellic acid and salicylic acid with various concentrations, respectively. The foliar spraying of 120 ppm GA3 tended to produce plant with maximum height (116.4 cm), number of branches/plant (6.3), pod length (7.5 cm), number of seeds/pod (4.6) as well as early 50 % flowering (57.3 days) whereas, spraying of 40 ppm NAA exhibited the maximum pod width (1.3 cm), fresh pod weight (4.6 g), number of pods/plant (87.5) as well as fresh pod yield (105.0 q ha-1) as compared to other treatments. The maximum net return (Rs. 337326.5 ha-1) was recorded with 40 ppm NAA with B: C ratio of 3.65 followed by 30 ppm NAA and 20 ppm NAA. The lowest net income (Rs. 162382.5 ha-1) and B: C ratio (1.76) was obtained from control. The spraying of NAA was found superior in terms of yield and yield attributes as well as benefit cost ratio followed by GA3 and salicylic acid.

Stabilities of Some Local Pea Lines

This study was conducted to determine the stabilities and adaptation classes of edible pea lines, which will be cultivated in mild climate regions. Twenty local pea lines selected in previous breeding studies and 6 control varieties were used. The seeds of pea lines were sowed in 4 different locations in 2 sowing times. The experiment was conducted according to the Augmented design. Adaptation classes and stabilities of pea lines and varieties were determined based on fresh pod yield, fresh seed yield and dry seed yield. The mean of fresh pod yield was found as 1185.7 kg da-1. Stable variety was not determined in terms of fresh pod yield among control varieties, which was conducted in the conclusion of evaluation as determining regression coefficient and average reliability. The average of varieties’ fresh seed yield was 693.8 kg da-1, Klein variety showed medium adaptation for all regions. It was found that 3 lines (B15, B33, and B36) among used ones were placed at the same statistically group with this variety. The average of dry seed yield was 267.1 kg da-1 in the experiment, and Klein, Further, Green Pearl, and Lancet varieties were identified as stable varieties in the conclusion of stability analysis. B6, B13, B14, B15, B16, B17, B18, B32, B40 and B42 lines that involved in the same statistically group with these varieties identified were as stable. In the conclusion of the overall evaluation of the experiment, it was found that B6 and B32 lines could be candidates for variety.

Determination of Kolgrace bio-fertilizer rate for optimum greengram (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek) production in Ibadan, Southwest Nigeria

Greengram productivity has been improved by application of farmyard manures in the last two decades; however, these manures are not readily available as at when needed. In some cases, they are available but in limited supply. Kolgrace bio-fertilizer, a novel commercial product of the Association of Organic Agricultural Practitioners could serve as a superior alternative to farmyard manures. Hence, a field experiment was carried out at the Teaching & Research Farm of the Department of Agronomy, University of Ibadan, Nigeria during the 2015 cropping season to evaluate the effects of five rates (0.00, 0.25, 0.50, 1.00, and 2.00 t ha–1) of Kolgrace bio-fertilizer on the performance of greengram. The aim was to determine the optimum rate of application of this biofertilizer for greengram production. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design with four replications. Data were collected on growth and yield traits, and were subjected to analysis of variance. Results showed that Kolgrace rates significantly (p < 0.01) influenced all the traits measured with exception of fresh pod yield (FPY). Plant height (112 cm), number of leaves (87), stem girth (1.43 mm) and number of flowers (10) at 8 weeks after planting (WAP) were significantly highest with the application of 0.5 t ha–1 whereas, 0.25 t ha–1 gave best results for number of pods (42) and pod yield (3.85 t ha –1). The application of 0.5 t ha–1 is, therefore, recommended if the interest of the farmer is sprout, fodder or green manure, and 0.25 t ha–1 if the interest is for seed production.

PENGARUH PEMBERIAN MULSA ORGANIK DAN JARAK TANAM TERHADAP PERTUMBUHAN DAN HASIL KEDELAI EDAMAME PADA TANAH ULTISOL

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of interaction, independent influence and to determine the combination of organic mulch with spacing on the growth and yield of edamame plants; 2) Knowing the independent effect of organic mulch and spacing of each on the growth and yield of edamame plants in ultisol soil. This research was conducted on the land belonging to the Chairman of the Maju Bersama Farmer Group, Tungkaran Village, Banjar Regency with a completely randomized design (CRD). The mulch factor (M) consists of 5 types, namely without mulch (m0), reed mulch (m1), rice husk mulch (m2), sawdust mulch (m3), and oil palm empty bunch mulch (m4). While the spacing factor (J) consists of 4 levels, namely 20 x 12 cm (j1), 20 x 14 cm (j2), 25 x 12 cm (j3), 25 x 14 cm (j4). Each was repeated three times in order to obtain 60 experimental units. The results showed that the interaction of organic mulch and spacing on the number of branches per plant had a significant effect, whereas for plant height 49 DAS, the number of filled pods per plant, weight of 100 fresh pods and yield of fresh pods per ha had no significant effect. The provision of mulch for oil palm empty bunches (m4) showed the largest type of filled pods per plant and the weight of 100 pods. With respect to the weight of 100 pods, the spacing of 25 x 14 cm was not different from 25 x 12 cm and the yield was heavier than the spacing of 20 x 12 cm and 20 x 14 cm.

Prediction of genotype performance for untested years based on additive main effects and multiplicative interaction and linear mixed models: An illustration using dolichos bean (Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet) multiyear data

AbstractCarrying out multi‐environment trials (MET) is a regular and mandatory procedure for identifying and recommending superior genotypes as cultivars of crops with no exception of dolichos bean. The accuracy of a crop MET can be increased using more efficient statistical tools such as Additive Main effects and Multiplicative Interaction (AMMI) and mixed linear models via best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) procedure. AMMI is not a single model, but rather, a family of models. Considering genotypes, environments or both as random variables, three types of BLUPs, namely BLUPg, BLUPe and BLUPge, respectively are possible. Diagnosis and use of the best AMMI model family member and type of BLUP is the key to identify the best genotype(s) for use as cultivars with a hypothesis that they will perform well in farmers' fields in future years. We diagnosed the best AMMI model family member and type of BLUP based on between‐year predictive accuracy using a 5‐year dataset in dolichos bean. Replication‐wise mean fresh pod yield of different combinations of 4‐years' was used as prediction datasets to build AMMI and BLUP models. The observed mean fresh pod yield of genotypes evaluated in the year, which is not used in modelling, was used as a validation dataset. Predictive accuracy was measured as root mean squared differences between AMMI and BLUP model‐predicted and observed mean fresh pod yield of genotypes. Our results showed that parsimonious AMMI1 model was far better than any type of BLUP in predicting the genotype performance for untested years.

Effect of irrigation regimes using saline water on faba bean (Vicia faba L.) yield and water productivity in an arid environment*

AbstractA 2‐year study was conducted to assess the effects of irrigation regimes using saline water on soil salinization, yield, water productivity, and net income of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) under actual farming conditions in arid regions of Tunisia. Faba bean (cvs. Luz de Otono and local) was grown on a sandy soil and drip‐irrigated with water having an electrical conductivity of 6 dS m−1. Two deficit irrigation (DI70 and DI40) and one full irrigation (FI) strategy consisting of applications of 40%, 70%, and 100% of crop evapotranspiration (ETc), respectively, were compared to the traditional farmers' irrigation method (FM) in which 16 mm irrigation were applied every 5 days from planting till harvest. Results showed that the lowest soil salinity values at harvest were observed under FI treatment, while the highest were obtained with DI40 and the FM. The maximum values of faba bean yields were obtained under FI and the lowest with the FM. No significant reduction in yields was observed with the DI70 treatment compared to FI, while DI40 and the FM significantly decreased the fresh pod yields. Using 12%–20% more irrigation water than FI treatment, the FM did not improve soil salinity but resulted in a significant yield reduction compared to FI. Total water productivity values varied between 4.9 (FM) and 14 kg m−3 (DI40) across different years and treatments. Compared to the FM, which applies fixed amounts with the same frequency, the FI strategy, which adapts the irrigation amounts to the actual crop water requirements, was more productive and provided a significant advantage in terms of yield and net income. Under limited availability of irrigation water, adoption of the DI70 treatment was found to be a good alternative as it allowed 30% water saving and was subject to limited negative effects on soil salinity, yield, and net income.

Assessment of natural DNA methylation variation and its association with economically important traits in dolichos bean (Lablab purpureus L. Var. Lignosus) using AMP-PCR assay.

As a prelude to exploit DNA methylation-induced variation, we hypothesized the existence of substantial natural DNA methylation variation and its association with economically important traits in dolichos bean, and tested it using amplified methylation polymorphism-polymerase chain reaction (AMP-PCR) assay. DNA methylation patterns such as internal, external, full and non-methylation were amplified in a set of 64 genotypes using 26 customized randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) primers containing 5'CCGG3' sequence. The 64 genotypes included 60 germplasm accessions (GA), two advanced breeding lines (ABLs) and two released varieties. The ABLs and released varieties are referred to as improved germplasm accessions (IGA) in this study. The association of DNA methylation patterns with economically important traits such as days to 50% flowering, raceme length, fresh pods plant-1, fresh pod yield plant-1 and 100-fresh seed weight was explored. At least 50 genotypes were polymorphic for DNA methylation patterns at 10 loci generated by seven of the 26 RAPD primers. The GA and IGA differed significantly for total, full and external methylation and the frequency of methylation was higher in GA compared to that in IGA. The genotypes with external methylation produced longer racemes than those with full, internal and non-methylation in that order at polymorphic RAPD-11-242 locus. High pod yielding genotypes had significantly lower frequency of full methylation than low yielding ones. On the contrary, the genotypes that produced heavier fresh seeds harboured higher frequencies of total and externally methylated loci than those that produced lighter fresh seeds.

Organic stimulants for enhancing phytoremediation of crude oil polluted soil: A study on cowpea

Petroleum hydrocarbon (PH) contamination of soils remains a major threat to environmental health and food security. A two-years phytoremediation study was conducted on a crude oil polluted soil to assess changes in soil total petroleum hydrocarbon concentration (TPHsoil) following use of pawpaw seed powder (PSP), moringa seed powder (MSP) and their combination (PSP + MSP) as organic stimulants in cowpea cultivation. The stimulants were tested at different application rates (100, 150, 200 and 250 g m−2), with the control (No stimulant) for their effectiveness in reducing TPHsoil and accelerating the removal rate (R) of PH from soil. The TPHsoil did not differ significantly (p < 0.05) among the treatments in year 1, but was highest in the control (11,600 mg kg−1) and least in 200 g m−2 PSP (7400.0 mg kg−1). In year 2, mean TPHsoil varied significantly (p < 0.05) and remained highest in control (7100 mg kg−1) but lowest in 150 g m−2 PSP (2700 mg kg−1). Application of 150 g m-2 PSP gave the highest R (78.2%), followed by 150 g m-2 PSP+MSP (77.4%), and least by the control (42.7%) over two years of study. The average fresh pod yield of cowpea over two years was highest in 250 g m−2 PSP (2416.67 kg ha−1), followed by 150 g m−2 PSP (2173.34 kg ha−1) and least in control (1302.22 kg ha−1). There was significant negative association between TPHsoil and fresh pod yield (r = −0.403; p < 0.01). However, application of 150 g m−2 PSP appeared most effective for enhanced phytoremediation of crude oil polluted soil and improvement of cowpea yield.

Estimation of variability, heritability and genetic advance in M3 generation of natural mutant of dolichos bean

An experiment entitled “Estimation of variability, heritability and genetic advance in M3 generation of natural mutant of dolichos bean” was carried out at All India Coordinated Research Project on Vegetable Crops, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, Dist. Ahmednagar (MS), which was conducted during the year 2018-19 with an objective to assess the genetic variability in M3 generation. The estimates of phenotypic coefficient of variation were higher than that of genotypic coefficient of variation for all the characters under study in M3 generation. High GCV and PCV were observed for vine length, number of racemes per vine, fresh pod width, number of fresh pods per vine, fresh pod yield per vine, fresh pod yield per hectare, fresh seed yield per vine and dry seed yield per vine in M3 generation indicating the higher magnitude of variability and direct selection of these traits may be advantageous in developing desirable dolichos bean genotype. The high heritability along with high genetic advance as percent of mean are exhibited by vine length, days to 50 per cent flowering, number of racemes per vine, pod setting per cent, fresh pod length, fresh pod width, number of fresh pods per vine, fresh pod shelling per cent, fresh pod yield per vine, fresh pod yield per hectare, fresh 100 seed weight, fresh seed yield per vine, dry 100 seed weight and dry seed yield per vine in M3 generation. This indicates presence of additive gene action for the expression of these traits which is fixable for next generation and selection in next population based on this character would be ideal.

Effect of F2 Inter se Mating on Quantitative Traits Mean, Range, Variance and Heritability in Dolichos Bean (Lablab purpureus L. Sweet var. Lignosus)

Background: Pedigree method of breeding in predominantly self-pollinated crop like dolichos bean enable exploiting only fixable genetic effects as a result of rapid increase in homozygosis. One or a few cycles of inter-mating in F2 generation help create populations with high frequency of desired recombinants which otherwise cannot be realized in later generations. The objective of the present investigation was to assess the impact of inter se mating in F2 population on nine quantitative traits’ (QTs) mean and variability parameters.Methods: Randomly selected 20 pairs of a single cross-derived F2 plants with flowering synchrony were inter se mated. Progenies derived from 20 paired crosses (designated as BIP F3 progenies) and those (F3) derived from their 40 F2 parents were evaluated for 9 QTs. Statistics such as mean, absolute range (AR) and standardized range (SR), variance (σ2), additive genetic variance (σ2A) and narrow-sense heritability (NS-h2) were estimated. BIP F3 progenies were compared with those of F3 progenies for QTs mean, AR/SR, σ2, σ2A and NS-h2. Significance of differences between BIP F3 progenies and F3 progenies for mean and σ2 were examined using two-sample t test and Levene’s tests, respectively. Result: The random mating in F2 population was effective in increasing the means, variances, σ2A and NS-h2 of racemes plant-1, fresh pods node-1, fresh pods plant-1 and fresh pod yield plant-1 in dolichos bean. Considering that random mating followed by selfing is a method of genetic improvement for future breeding rather than for immediate use, our results suggest long-term genetic gain and better prospects of deriving superior pure-lines with desired traits/combination of traits from inter-mated population in dolichos bean.

Are genotypes’ single-year YREMs and BLUPs good predictors of their performance in future years? An empirical analysis in dolichos bean [Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet var. Lignosus

Crop breeders conduct trials to assess performance of elite breeding lines/germplasm accessions across locations and/or years to identify promising ones for use as cultivars and/or for use in breeding programmes. It is hypothesized that in a given location, genotypes’ multi-year performance are more predictive of their performance in the next/future years. However, only a few researchers have examined this hypothesis. To test this hypothesis, we predicted genotypes’ present-year’s performance based on their previous 1-, 2-, 3- and 4-years’ performance using fresh pod yield data from 53 dolichos bean genotypes evaluated across 5 years. We used two statistics, namely yield relative to environment (year) maximum (YREM) and best linear unbiased predictors (BLUP) as measures of genotypes’ performance for fresh pod yield in dolichos bean. Correlation coefficients of genotypes’ present-year’s performance with previous 1-, 2-, 3- and 4-years’ performance were used as measures of predictive power. The results of our study provided adequate evidence to show that that single-year dolichos bean genotypes’ YREM and BLUP have sufficient power to predict their future 1-year/multiple-years’ performance and to identify superior genotypes. These findings adequately support the common practice by breeders/cultivar sponsors of withdrawing their cultivars from the tests based on a single-year trial.

Effect of different levels of phosphorus on growth and yield of Cowpea varieties in Dang, Nepal

Variety having proper response to phosphorus for proper nutrient uptake and the optimum level of phosphorus for higher yield may be a way of increasing production and productivity in the context of Nepal. This experiment was carried out in Lamahi Municpality, Dang district of the Province no: 5, inner terai region of Nepal during the rainy season, 2019. The objective of the experiment was to study the effect of different phosphorus level on growth and development of different varieties of cowpea. The experiment was laid out in two factorial RCBD with two varieties (Aakash and Prakash) and five phosphorus level (0 kg ha-1, 20 kg ha-1, 40 kg ha-1, 60 kg ha-1 and 80 kg ha-1). The result revealed that variety Aakash showed the significantly higher yield of fresh pod (15.99 t ha-1) and yield attributing parameters like number of leaves at 45 DAS (35.22), leaf area at 45 DAS (70.23 cm²), pod diameter (0.77 cm), total number of fresh pods per plant (44.85) than Prakash variety (yield; 12.25 t ha-1). The parameters like number of branches and pod length were not affected by the variety used. In addition, the different level of P also affects the yield of the fresh pod of different varieties. The P level 40 kg ha-1 reported highest yield of fresh pod (20.18 t ha-1 and showed significantly higher number of leaves (38.9), number of branches (23.48), plant height (88.78cm), leaf area (81.89 cm²), pod length (17.76 cm), pod diameter (0.79 cm) and total number of fresh pods per plant (55.19) whereas control produced the lowest total yield of fresh pod (8.33 t ha-1), control (30.99) and 80 kg P ha-1 (30.86) produced the least number of leaves, control produced the least number of branches (17.31), control (63.77 cm) and 80 kg P ha-1 (67.83) produced the shortest plant, 80 kg P ha-1 produced the minimum leaf area (51.09 cm2), control produced least pod length (14.3 cm), pod diameter (0.74cm), total number of fresh pods (34.29). Similarly, interaction of Aakash and phosphorus dose 40 kg ha-1 produced significantly maximum number of leaves (43.07) and total yield of fresh pods (23.33 t ha-1). The results of the experiment revealed that variety Aakash with the phosphorus level 40 kg ha-1 seems the more profitable in Terai and inner Terai condition of Nepal. However, the results need to be confirmed for other varieties used by farmers in the region.

Multi Environmental Evaluation of Vegetable Soybean for Adaptation and Stability in Benin

Edamame, vegetable soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.), is a nutrition crop that is gaining interest in Africa. Its nutritional attributes make it a crop of choice to formulate diets with numerous human health benefits. Prior to its introduction in Benin, this study evaluated selected edamame varieties for agronomic performances and assessed stability for fresh pod yield across major vegetable growing sites. Thirty-five edamame varieties were planted at three locations for two seasons. Experiments were laid in Alpha lattice design with three replicates. Agronomic and yield data were collected and AMMI and GGE analyses were performed to assess genotype by environment effects and yield stability among varieties. The study showed significant variation among genotypes for most quantitative traits and highly significant environmental and genotype by environment effects were observed on fresh pod yield (p < 0.001). Genotype Maksoy 3N (15.9 t/ha) had the highest fresh pod yield and genotype AGS466 was the most stable across environments. Based on GGE, S1079-6-7 was the ideal genotype for fresh pod yield, followed by AGS466 and ASHOROWASE. Seme-2 proved the ideal environment for growing edamame in Benin. The study confirmed that vegetable soybean is well adapted to be grown in Benin and can recommend edamame varieties AGS466, AGS346 and ASHOROWASE for wide cultivation across vegetable growing sites in Benin. Also the study found the grain type soybean varieties S1079-6-7 and Maksoy 3N well suited to produce edamame and recommend that these varieties and other grain soybean varieties be tested further both for agronomic and sensory suitability.

Combining Agronomic and Pest Studies to Identify Vegetable Soybean Genotypes Suitable for Commercial Edamame Production in the Mid-Atlantic U.S.

Currently, domestic production of vegetable soybean (aka “edamame”) lags well behind consumer demand, with approximately 70% of U.S.-consumed edamame imported each year. A major barrier for growth of the U.S. edamame industry is an overall lack of varieties with adequate consumer acceptability and adaption to the U.S. climate and environment. In this study, we evaluated eleven vegetable soybean genotypes (including one commercial check) for differences in yield, pod size, and resistance to local insect, bacterial, and fungal pressures in order to identify genotypes with the greatest potential for use in commercial edamame production. Although there were variations in average pod length (42.1 - 53.6 mm), width (10.9 - 12.7 mm), and thickness (6.29 - 7.34 mm) among the genotypes, only pod length showed statistical significance. In addition, genotype significantly affected fresh pod yield. The prevalence of specific insect pests varied by location and year and included soybean aphid, potato leafhopper, Mexican bean beetle, as well as a complex of stink bugs and lepidopteran larvae. For each of these insect pests, significant differences were observed. Some plant diseases observed on the edamame genotypes included: downy mildew, bacterial pustule, Fusarium pod rot, Cercospora blight and purple seed stain, and damping off. In 2018, in Whitethorne, VA, soybean downy mildew was quite prevalent and disease symptoms varied considerably. Overall, genotypes V16-0524 and R15-10280 showed particularly favorable yield, and resilience to native pests compared to the commercial check, UA-Kirksey. The genotypes V16-0524 and R15-10280 showed strong potential to increase the availability of varieties that can be used for commercial edamame production in the Mid-Atlantic region.

Genetic variability for pod yield and related traits in garden pea (Pisum sativum L.)

An experiment was conducted to examine the nature of genetic variability, correlation, association of various traits with pod yield and their direct and indirect effects for effective selection in garden pea. The experimental material comprising of 41 genotypes including four checks namely, ‘Lincoln’, ‘Azad P-1’, ‘Palam Priya’ and ‘Punjab-89’ was evaluated in randomized complete block design with three replications during 2009-10 and 2010-11. Significant genetic variations was observed for pod yield and related traits. PCV and GCV were high for pods per plant and pod yield per plant. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was observed for pods per plant and pod yield per plant. Correlation and path coefficient analysis revealed that pods per plant, pod length, seeds per pod and nodes per plant for fresh pod yield per plant could be considered as the best selection parameters for evolving high yielding genotypes. &nbsp;