Fruit Fresh Weight Research Articles

PEMANFAATAN SOLID KELAPA SAWIT DAN SP-36 UNTUK MENINGKATKAN PERTUMBUHAN DAN HASIL CABAI RAWIT (Capsicum frutescens L.) PADA SPODOSOLS

This study was conducted to examine the utilization of solid waste oil palm and SP-36 on the growth and yield of cayenne pepper on spodosols. This experiment used a factorial Completely Randomized Design (CRD) consisting of 2 treatment factors and 3 replication. The first factor is the provision of solid palm oil consisting of 4 (four) levels, namely without the provision of solid palm oil, 10 ton.ha-1, 20 ton ha-1, and 30 ton ha-1 solid palm oil. The second factor is the administration of SP-36 consisting of 4 (four) levels, namely : without giving SP-36, 100 kg ha-1, 200 kg ha-1 and 300 kg ha-1 SP-36. The variables observed were plant height, number of flowers plant-1, shoot/root ratio, dry weight plant-1, and fresh weight of fruit plant-1. The results showed that there was an interaction effect between oil palm solids and SP-36 on plant height, number of flowers, and fresh fruit weight of plant-1 on spodosol soil. The combination of solid oil palm 20 tons ha-1 and SP-36 200 kg ha-1 was the best combination in increasing the growth and yield of cayenne pepper on spodosols and produced the heaviest fresh fruit weight plant-1, which was 68,33 g plant-1.

Evaluation of Chilli Varieties for Growth, Yield and Thrips Incidence in Central Telangana Zone

Aim: To know the performance of chilli varieties for growth, yield and its attributing characters, incidence of thrips and leaf curl index at Central Telangana Zone of Telangana state. Study Design: Ten (10) treatments in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three (3) replications. Place and Duration of Study: Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS), Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University, Warangal, Central Telangana Zone of Telangana state. Experiment was conducted in the Kharif season in 2019-20 and 2020-21. Methodology: Ten chilli varieties namely Surajmukhi, Muchia, LCA-616, Bullet, Bor, Byadgi Kaddi, LCA-625, LCA-960, LCA-620, and Teja were sown in raised bed nursery and transplanted in the main field by following all the recommended package of practices. Observations were made on five randomly selected tagged plants from each variety and replicated for evaluation of characters like plant height, canopy spread, number of branches per plant, number of leaves per plant, chlorophyll content, fruit length, fruit width, ripe fruit colour, fruit shape at pedicel attachment, fruit position, fresh fruit weight, dry fruit weight, number of fruits per plant, dry fruit yield, mean thrips population and upward leaf curl index. Results: Out of ten chilli varieties, the dry chilli yield was found to be significantly higher in Teja (26.13 q/a) and on par results were noticed in Surajmukhi (25.12 q/a), whereas lowest dry chilli yield was observed in variety Bor (4.47 q/a). Thrips incidence and leaf curl index was found to be significantly lowest in Muchia. The trend indicates that the higher yield depends on the average fruit weight and number of fruits per plant. Conclusion: Among the ten chilli varieties under study, Teja and Surajmukhi yielded more dry chilli. Whereas the variety Muchia has shown lowest incidence of thrips and leaf curl index. Hence, these varieties have scope for future crop improvement programme.

Exploring the Potential of Pomegranate Peel Extract as a Natural Food Additive: A Review.

Pomegranate is one of the super fruit and a storehouse of several antioxidants and health-promoting compounds which can act as a natural food additive. The pomegranate processing industry generates huge quantities of by-products, particularly peels (50% of fresh fruit weight), that cause environmental pollution due to improper disposal. In this perspective, the present review article focuses on the chemical composition of pomegranate peel and its application as a natural food additive in different food products such as bakery, dairy, meat/meat products, fish/fish products, edible oils, and packaging materials. There is a continuous demand for processed foods exhibiting natural food additives over foods containing synthetic additives/colorants, which can cause serious health implications such as cancer with regular consumption. The food industry is looking for an alternative to synthetic/artificial food additives. To overcome these problems, pomegranate peel or its extract can be used as a natural biopreservative in food products that are prone to fat oxidation and microbial growth. Pomegranate peel contains bioactive compounds, especially tannins, phenolic acids, and flavonoids, which have nutraceutical value and possess higher antioxidant activity and antimicrobial properties. Due to these properties, pomegranate peel prevents lipid oxidation in fatty foods and can also retard the microbial growth.

Bio-inoculation of strawberry plants with Bacillus strains having promoting effect on growth, yield and quality

The quality of agricultural production and their modulation by biofertilizer application has gradually received attention. However, the importance of Bacillus strains has not been studied extensively especially in strawberry. The present investigation was carried out to study the effect of Bacillus strains on growth, yield and quality of strawberry cv. Chandler during the year 2016-17 and 2017-18. The study indicates that various Bacillus strains significantly influenced growth, yield and quality of fruits. Among different Bacillus strains, HCA61 strain recorded the significantly higher fruit yield per plant (233.69 g). It also recorded the highest value concerning different growth parameters, viz., plant height (12.56 cm), spread (22.78 cm), number of leaves per plant (11.31), crown diameter (12.46 mm), fresh weight (43.86 g) and dry weight (12.36 g) of plant with minimum number of days (79.50 days) to flower in strawberry plants. Among different yield attributing characters like number of fruits per plant (22.13), fresh weight of fruit (10.56 g), fruit length (40.31 mm), fruit breadth (28.83) and moisture content in fruit (92.83%), HCA61 strain showed superiority than other Bacillus strains. Regarding various physicochemical characters, viz. TSS, acidity, ascorbic acid and anthocyanin content of fruits, Bacillus RCA3 strain, exhibited significantly highrt values. The Bacillus strain HCA61 caused improved growth and yield. However, concerning the physicochemical characteristics of fruits Bacillus RCA3 strain was found best. The results indicated that inoculation with Bacillus strains could be an eco-friendly and cost-effective technology for improving strawberry growth, yield and quality.

Phosphate and potash solubilizing bacteria from Moroccan phosphate mine showing antagonism to bacterial canker agent and inducing effective tomato growth promotion.

Most agricultural soils are facing limited phosphorus availability that challenges modern agriculture. Phosphate solubilizing microbia (PSM) has been explored extensively as potential biofertilizers for plant growth and nutrition, and harnessing phosphate rich areas could provide such beneficial microorganisms. Isolation of PSM from Moroccan rock phosphate led to the selection of two bacterial isolates, Bg22c and Bg32c, showing high solubilization potential. The two isolates were also tested for other in vitro PGPR effects and compared to a non-phosphate solubilizing bacterium Bg15d. In addition to phosphates, Bg22c and Bg32c were able to solubilize insoluble potassium and zinc forms (P, K, and Zn solubilizers) and produce indole-acetic acid (IAA). Mechanisms of solubilization involved production of organic acids as demonstrated by HPLC. In vitro, the isolates Bg22c and Bg15d were able to antagonize the phytopathogenic bacteria Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis, causal agent of tomato bacterial canker disease. Phenotypic and molecular identification by 16S rDNA sequencing demonstrated delineation of Bg32c and Bg15d as members of the genus Pseudomonas and Bg22c as member of the genus Serratia. The two isolates Bg22c and Bg32c were further tested either alone or in a consortium and compared to the non-P, K, and Zn solubilizing Pseudomonas strain Bg15d for their efficacy to promote tomato growth and yield. They were also compared to treatment with a conventional NPK fertilizer. Under greenhouse conditions, Pseudomonas strain Bg32c remarkably improved the growth of whole plant height, root length, shoot and root weight, number of leaves and fruits, as well as fruit fresh weight. This strain also induced stomatal conductance enhancement. The strain also improved total soluble phenolic compounds, total sugars, protein, phosphorus and phenolic compounds contents compared to the negative control. All increases were more pronounced in plants inoculated with strain Bg32c in comparison with control and strain Bg15d. The strain Bg32c could be considered a potential candidate for formulation of a biofertilizer in order to improve tomato growth.

Impact of biochar on the yield and nutritional quality of tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) under drought stress.

Undeviating climatic instabilities have increased the incidents of drought. Crop performance and yield attributes of tomatoes are negatively affected by drought stress. Biochar is an organic amendment that can increase crop yield and nutritional value under water-deficient conditions by retaining water and providing nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and other trace elements). The present study was designed to investigate the effects of biochar on tomato plant physiology, yield, and nutritional quality under deficit moisture regimes. Plants were subjected to two biochar levels (0.1% and 0.2%) and four moisture levels [100%, 70%, 60%, and 50% field capacities (FCs)]. Drought stress, especially 50D (50% FC), severely affected the plant morphology, physiology, yield, and fruit quality attributes. However, plants grown in biochar-amended soil showed significant increase in the studied attributes. Plant height, root length, fresh and dry weight of root, the number of fruits per plant, fruit fresh and dry weight, ash percent, crude fat, crude fiber, crude protein, and lycopene contents were increased in plants grown in biochar-amended soil under control and drought stress. Biochar at 0.2% application rate depicted a more pronounced increment in the studied parameters than 0.1% and can save 30% water without compromising tomato crop yield and nutritional value. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Systemic enantioselectivity study of penthiopyrad: enantioselective bioactivity, acute toxicity, degradation and influence on tomato.

In order to promote the green development of agriculture, it is important to study the enantioselective effect of chiral pesticides. The bioactivity of the chiral fungicide penthiopyrad (PEN) racemate and enantiomers against phytopathogens, toxicity to non-target organisms, effect on tomato fruit growth and maturation, and environmental fate in tomato cultivation were evaluated at an enantioselective level in this study. The results indicated that at the same efficacy, the optically pure S-(+)-PEN could lower the dosage of racemate by 20-96%. The S-enantiomer had low toxicity to earthworms. Besides, the S-(+)-PEN did not cause significant abiotic stress to the tomato and increased fruit fresh weight and size via modulating the contents of plant hormones. However, the content of hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ), superoxide (O2 - ) and malondialdehyde in the R-enantiomer treatment group was significantly higher than the control group. The effect of the racemate on tomato fruit was between the enantiomers. Furthermore, compared to R-(-)-PEN and racemate, the S-enantiomer degraded more quickly in tomato fruit, leaves, and soil, reducing the danger of human exposure. The S-enantiomer is highly effective and less toxic. The development of enantiomer pure S-(+)-PEN products might be an efficient and low-risk strategy. The results lay the foundation for comprehensive evaluation and proper application of PEN. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Implementation of Biopolymeric Nanomaterials to Reduce the Negative Impacts of Salinity on Tomato Quantity and Quality

Sustainable waste reduction strategies and innovative waste reduction concepts, as well as their application in the creation of compounds and products with added value, can benefit the economy while reducing environmental pressures. This research aimed to use biopolymeric nanomaterials to reduce the negative effects of salinity on tomato yield and quality. Three types of biopolymers (cellulose, pectin, and starch) were synthesized and characterized using natural materials such as rice straw, orange peel, and potato peel. The polymer's ability to retain sodium ions was investigated. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to assess the potential of natural polymers (cellulose, starch, and pectin individually or in combination) to reduce the salinity side effects on tomato plants (Solanum Lycopersicon L.) cultivar (Super Strain B). Tomato seeds were germinated on soil bits for 20 days before planting five seedlings in each pot (20 cm diameter) with three replicates and filling each pot with sandy loam soil, with or without natural polymers at a rate of 2 g/Kg. The results revealed that all the polymers utilized had a superlative capability to hold sodium ions for both soluble and exchanged sodium. The use of various natural polymer hydrogels increased the number and fresh weight of tomato fruits. Data showed that using biopolymers hydrogels reduced salinity stress by rising the content of phenol, flavonoid, and antioxidant enzymes such as catalase and peroxidase. The use of natural biopolymers significantly improved total soluble solids, pH, and juice substance. Implementing biopolymeric materials could reduce environmental pressures while increasing farm income. Innovative waste reduction strategies, such as the creation of value-added products, will benefit the economy, and this work is a good start in that direction.

Effects of Different Types and Rates of Micronutrient Application on Growth, Fruit Yield, Nutritional Value and Phytochemical Components of Pawpaw in Ogbomoso

An experiment aimed at investigate the appropriate rates of boron and zinc applications required for optimum fruit yield of pawpaw was carried out at Teaching and Research farm of Ladole Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria. The experimental design used was a 2 x 5 factorial experiment in a randomized complete block design and replicated three times. The treatments involved two micro nutrients and five rates of micronutrient which gave ten treatment combinations. The micronutrients were zinc and boron and the rates were 0ml, 10mls, 15mls, 20mls and 25mls in 2021 planting seasons. Seedlings raised in the nursery were transplanted at 12 weeks old. Application of treatments was done at one week after transplanting. These rates were applied to the base of the pawpaw plant according to each treatment combinations. Data collection commenced at point of transplanting and it was carried out at every four weeks interval till twenty four weeks (24 weeks) after transplanting for vegetative growth. At maturity fruits at ripe stages were harvested according to the treatments. Fresh weight of fruits, fruit length and diameter were measured. The fruit qualities were assessed by determining the nutritional composition, mineral physiochemical and phytochemical content of the fruit. Data collected were analyzed by using analysis of variance (ANOVA) by SAS (2009) and significant means were separated using Duncan multiple range test at 5% probability level. The results indicate that boron and zinc had significant effect on the fruit yield, nutritional, and phytochemical properties of pawpaw. Boron gave highest physicochemical analysis (moisture content and pH) while TSS, and Beta carotene were influenced by Zinc application. Mineral elements were also increased by zinc application. It results indicate also that higher quantity of micronutrient produced high quality pawpaw. Keywords: pawpaw, micronutrients, zinc, boron, nutritional, phytochemical. DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/13-4-03 Publication date: March 31 st 2023

Influence of Composition of Soilless Substrates Monitored with Iot Sensor Nodes on the Growth, Nutrient and Fruit Quality of Rockmelons (Cucumis melo Var. Cantalupensis)

Background: Coconut coir dust (CD) is commonly used for growing selected fruit and vegetables. It is a soilless medium with excellent drainage and high-water holding capacity; free from infestations of weeds and pathogens. However, plant growth is adversely affected due to its high salinity, potassium and low pH. Methods: A greenhouse experiment was conducted to investigate the influence of different soilless media on rock melon’s growth, nutrient and fruit quality. Five soilless media were prepared including CD as control. A customised portable IoT system was deployed to monitor and collect relevant real-time agronomic data. Result: Plant height, yield, leaf area, total fresh fruit weight and soluble solids content (sweetness) of rock melon were significantly affected by the growing medium. Among the five media used, the growth and quality characteristics were highest in M2 followed by M3. It was found that a combination of burnt rice husk (BRH) and perlite with CD remarkably improved the growth of fruit quality of rock melon.

Yield Components and Development in Indeterminate Tomato Landraces: An Agromorphological Approach to Promoting Their Utilization

Nowadays, increments in tomato yield seem to have reached a plateau. Tomato genebank collections have been recognized as a novel source for yield increments. The use of the diversity in Latin America for novel improved varieties is limited by the knowledge gap regarding field-grown tomatoes. As yield has complex, unresolved trade-offs, agromorphological traits become useful for further improvement. In this study, the development of successive clusters was studied in twenty-four Chilean tomato landraces to elucidate the relationships among agromorphological traits of flowers, inflorescences, and fruits. Plants yielded an average of 3297 g m−2, with a variation coefficient of 0.44. Correlation analyses were performed to evaluate the relationships between yield components and plant phenology. Findings suggested a two-level compensation between average fresh fruit weight and the number of fruits, one on a plant basis and the second on a cluster basis. All traits evaluated had significant phenotypic correlations with yield traits. Growing degree days for a cluster to develop had a low negative phenotypic correlation with yield (−0.33***) and a high genetic correlation with the number of clusters (−0.90***). The number of set flowers, as opposed to the number of flowers, was significantly correlated with average fresh fruit weight (−0.17***), supporting the initiation of the trade-off after the fruit set. This study provides new insight into the plant agromorphology of indeterminate plants. In a global climate change context, further study of trade-off relationships is important for identifying genotypes able to sustain their productivity.

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Loose and Compressed Wood Chip Mulch in Field-Grown Blueberries—A Preliminary Study

Blueberry production in the field faces several challenges, including competition from weeds and soil suitability. Different mulch types are widely used in blueberry cultivation to control weeds, conserve moisture, and mitigate soil erosion. However, the comparative effects of loose and compressed wood chips on fruit quality and weed control in blueberry production systems have not been studied. Many farmers use expensive imported peat moss as soil covers, while others apply organic mulches such as chips or chaff, which can be easily washed away by runoff. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of compressed mulching boards (MB) fabricated without the use of chemical adhesives using pressurized steam and compression technologies in blueberry cultivation. During the two growing seasons, the effectiveness of compressed MB on soil moisture retention, fruit quality, and weed biomass was compared to that of wood chip (WC) and control treatments in a blueberry field. Although a significant difference was observed in the fruit fresh weight, no significant differences were observed in the other fruit growth parameters for all the treatments. Generally, the compressed MB significantly improved soil moisture retention capacity compared to WC and control during the two-year study. The compressed MB showed effective weed suppression ability by significantly reducing the weed biomass at all sampling times.

Fruit quality and volatile compounds of greenhouse sweet peppers as affected by the LED spectrum of supplementary interlighting.

Seasonal low light intensity and short photoperiods lead to decreased yield, size, and quality of fruits in the Northern Hemisphere. Recently, supplemental lighting using light-emitting diodes (LEDs) has been introduced to overcome such problems. However, most studies have focused on plant growth or fruit yield but not on taste. This study aimed to evaluate the quality and volatile compounds of greenhouse sweet pepper fruits under three different lighting conditions: natural light only (NL), NL with red/blue interlighting (RB), and NL with red/blue/far-red interlighting (RBFR). The size, color, firmness, and soluble sugar concentration of the sweet pepper fruit were investigated, and sensory evaluation was conducted by nine trained panelists. Individual fruit fresh weights were higher in the order of RBFR, NL, and RB, with mean values of 219.1, 201.7, and 197.4 g, respectively. Additionally, the composition of volatile compounds demonstrated a distinct clustering pattern by light treatment, implying that the LED interlighting spectra affected the overall taste of sweet pepper fruits. Sensory evaluation indicated that sweetness was higher in the order of RBFR, RB, and NL, with values of 5.28, 4.36, and 3.72, respectively. The soluble sugar results showed the same order as that for the sensory evaluation of sweetness, i.e., RBFR, RB, and NL, with values of 5071, 4647, and 3978 μg -1 fresh weight, respectively. Adding far-red to RB interlighting could improve the fruit quality attributes, fruit taste perception, and soluble sugars of sweet peppers compared to those under RB or solely NL. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Plant Growth Promotion and Biocontrol of Leaf Blight Caused by Nigrospora sphaerica on Passion Fruit by Endophytic Bacillus subtilis Strain GUCC4.

Passion fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims) is widely cultivated in tropic and sub-tropic regions for the production of fruit, flowers, cosmetics, and for pharmacological applications. Its high economic, nutritional, and medical values elicit the market demand, and the growing areas are rapidly increasing. Leaf blight caused by Nigrospora sphaerica is a new and emerging disease of passion fruit in Guizhou, in southwest China, where the unique karst mountainous landscape and climate conditions are considered potential areas of expansion for passion fruit production. Bacillus species are the most common biocontrol and plant-growth-promotion bacteria (PGPB) resources in agricultural systems. However, little is known about the endophytic existence of Bacillus spp. in the passion fruit phyllosphere as well as their potential as biocontrol agents and PGPB. In this study, 44 endophytic strains were isolated from 15 healthy passion fruit leaves, obtained from Guangxi province, China. Through purification and molecular identification, 42 of the isolates were ascribed to Bacillus species. Their inhibitory activity against N. sphaerica was tested in vitro. Eleven endophytic Bacillus spp. strains inhibited the pathogen by >65%. All of them produced biocontrol- and plant-growth-promotion-related metabolites, including indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), protease, cellulase, phosphatase, and solubilized phosphate. Furthermore, the plant growth promotion traits of the above 11 endophytic Bacillus strains were tested on passion fruit seedlings. One isolate, coded B. subtilis GUCC4, significantly increased passion fruit stem diameter, plant height, leaf length, leaf surface, fresh weight, and dry weight. In addition, B. subtilis GUCC4 reduced the proline content, which indicated its potential to positively regulate passion fruit biochemical properties and resulted in plant growth promotion effects. Finally, the biocontrol efficiencies of B. subtilis GUCC4 against N. sphaerica were determined in vivo under greenhouse conditions. Similarly to the fungicide mancozeb and to a commercial B. subtilis-based biofungicide, B. subtilis GUCC4 significantly reduced disease severity. These results suggest that B. subtilis GUCC4 has great potential as a biological control agent and as PGPB on passion fruit.

Identifikasi Penanda Masak Fisiologis untuk Panen Benih Mentimun (Cucumis sativus L.)

Identification of Physiological Cooking Markers for Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) Seed Harvest. Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) has a wide adaptability to the environment. Cucumber production in Indonesia has decreased every year. The availability of quality seeds is one of the important factors in increasing the productivity of cucumber plants. This study aims to identify physiological ripening markers, especially in cucumber fruit. This study used a one-factor randomized block design method with 4 levels of treatment at harvesting age of cucumbers, namely 24, 27, 30, and 33 days after flower blooming. The variables observed in this study were; a) identification of fruit and seed maturity markers; 1) fresh weight of fruit (g), 2) fresh weight of 100 seeds (g), 3) oven dry weight of 100 seeds (g), 4) seed moisture content (%), and 5) fruit color development; b) testing of seed quality; 1) seed germination (%) and 2) seed germination vigor (%).The results showed that the right harvest time based on the character of the fruit and seeds to produce quality seeds for cucumber plants was 27 days after the flowers bloom. The character of the fruit at that time was shiny green with a yellow tinge and reached the maximum fresh weight, while the character of the seeds at that time was bright yellow seeds, with a fresh weight of 100 seeds was 3,95g and an oven dry weight of 100 seeds was 1,51g reaching the maximum weight. And seed moisture content at the age of 27 with the lowest percentage. The quality of cucumber seeds harvested when physiologically ripe was obtained with the highest average values such as seed germination (93.17%) and simultaneous growth vigor (81.83%).

PERTUMBUHAN DAN PERKEMBANGAN BUAH SERTA KADAR GULA BUAH TANAMAN MATOA MERAH (Pometia pinnata Forst)

Matoa fruit is one of the original Indonesian fruits from Papua. Matoa fruit is very popular for its delicious taste and unique fruit aromas such as durian and rambutan. many matoa plants can be found in Pekanbaru with age of 13, so it is necessary to conduct a research on the matoa fruit. The purpose of this study was to determine the maximum weight of fresh fruit and total dissolved solids in red matoa based on the age of fruit collection. The study was conducted with a descriptive analysis. Thirteen year old red matoa plants were studied at Purwo Farm Gardens, Jalan Sri Kurnia, Palas, Agrowisata Village, Rumbai District, Riau. The study was conducted during 4 months from April to July 2020. The results showed the maximum fresh weight of red matoa fruits at the age of fruit collection of 56 days after pollination (DAP). Total dissolved solids (TDS) in red matoa fruit was 56 DAP.

Effects of water and salt stresses on plant growth and xylem hydraulic properties of tomato.

Xylem is the main tissue for water transport in plants, and the changes of hydraulic properties in which would affect plant water relations and fruit water accumulation. It remains unclear regarding the responses of xylem anatomy and hydraulic properties to water and salt stresses in tomato plants and their relationships with plant growth and fruit water content. We conducted a pot experiment in a greenhouse to investigate the responses of plant growth, fruit water content, and xylem hydraulic properties of a cherry tomato (Hong Baoshi) and a medium-fruited tomato (Beifan 501). There were three treatments, control with a soil water content (θ) of 75%-95% of field capacity (FC) and an initial electrical conductivity (EC) of 0.398 dS·m-1; water stress with θ of 75%-95% of FC (before flowering) and 45%-65% of FC (from flowering until maturity) and an EC of 0.398 dS·m-1; and salt stress with θ of 75%-95% of FC and an EC of 1.680 dS·m-1. Results showed that water and salt stresses decreased the cross-sectional stem area and xylem vessel diameter by 22.0%-40.7% and 10.0%-18.3%, respectively, and reduced the specific hydraulic conductivity of stem and the hydraulic conductivity of peduncle by 8.8%-41.1% and 12.9%-28.4%, respectively. Those changes inhibited plant growth and reduced aboveground fresh weight, fruit size, fresh weight and water content, with a more pronounced negative effect in the medium-fruited tomato. More-over, fruit water content was positively correlated with the specific hydraulic conductivity of stem and peduncle. In conclusion, water and salt stresses would inhibit plant growht, fruit fresh weight, and consequently tomato yield, due to their negative effects on xylem hydraulic properties of the tomato plant. Medium-fruited tomatoes are more susceptible to water and salt stresses than cherry tomatoes.

EVALUATION OF SOIL CHEMICAL PROPERTIES, GROWTH AND YIELD OF OKRA (Abelmoschus esculentus) AS INFLUENCED BY COMPOSTED POULTRY MANURE AND NPK (15:15:15) FERTILIZER

Greenhouse and laboratory experiments were carried out to investigate the effects of organic manure (Poultry Manure) and NPK (15:15:15) fertilizer on soil chemical properties, growth and yield of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) in Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike. Six treatments {T1-2.5tons/ha poultry manure, T2- 5tons/ha poultry manure, T3- 2.5tons/ha poultry manure + 100kg/ha NPK (15:15:15) fertilizer, T4- 5tons/ha poultry manure + 100kg/ha NPK (15:15:15) fertilizer, T5- 100kg/ha NPK (15:15:15) fertilizer, T6- Control (no fertilizer/poultry manure application)} were used. The treatments were replicated three times, and laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD). In the greenhouse, the experiment lasted for twelve weeks and data were collected on the following growth and yield parameters: plant height, number of leaves, stem girth, number of fruits and fruit weight at harvest. Results obtained indicated that growth and yield of okra were lowest in the control treatments, indicating that the organic manure used in the study (poultry manure) positively influenced the growth and yield of the okra. Poultry manure positively increased okra plant height by 199.3% and increased number of fruits of okra by 5.77% compared to the control treatments. Fresh fruit weight was also significantly (p

CULTIVAR AND WEED CONTROL STRATEGY INFLUENCING THE PRODUCTIVITY OF ROSELLE (HIBISCUS SABDARIFFA L.) IN A SEMI-ARID ENVIRONMENT OF NIGERIA

Field trial was conducted during the 2019/2020 cropping seasons to determine the effect of cultivar and weed control strategies on the productivity of roselle in a semi-arid environment. The trials comprised of two cultivars (deep red and white) and seven weed control strategies (pendimethalin at 2.0, butachlor 2.0, butachlor 1.5 + pendimethalin 1.5 kg a.i. ha-1, butachlor 1.5 kg a.i. ha-1 + SHW at 6 WAS, pendimethalin 1.5 kg a.i. ha-1 + SHW at 6 WAS, hoe weeded twice at 3 and 6 WAS, and weedy check) which were factorially combined and replicated thrice in a Randomized complete block design. The application of pendimethalin at 2.0 kg a.i. ha-1, as well as the deep red roselle cultivar, resulted in significant (P<0.01) increase in the number of days to 50% emergence, crop injury scores, and lowest stand count. The weedy check, on the other hand, recorded the lowest crop vigor score, plant height, number of leaves plant-1, leaf area, and leaf area index. Similarly, weedy check had the lowest fresh fruit weight, fresh capsule weight, dried capsule weight, seed weight, seed yield, and 1000 seed weight when compared to the other weed control strategies. Weed cover and weed density were similar in weedy check compared to the other weed control strategies, but treatment efficiency index was significantly (P<0.01) higher with application of two hoe weeding’s at 3 WAS and 6 WAS, butachlor 1.5 kg a.i. ha-1 + SHW at 6 WAS and pendimethalin 1.5 kg a.i. ha-1 + SHW at 6 WAS. Deep roselle cultivar outperformed white roselle in terms of growth and yield characters. Therefore, the cultivation of deep red roselle with butachlor and pendimethalin at 1.5 kg a.i. ha-1 + SHW at 6 WAS can be adopted in place of hoe weeding for season long weed control in the study area.

Assessment of growth and yield parameters in Arecanut (Areca catechu L.) through correlation and path analysis under hilly zone of Karnataka

Arecanut (Areca catechu L.) commonly called as betel nut is a high value commercial cropof coastal and Malnad region of Kerala and Karnataka. The present study was carried outat Agricultural and Horticultural research station Sringeri, UAHS Shivamogga in 2018. Thestudy attempts the correlation studies in the germplasm will help to understand the mutualrelationship among various traits and thereby assist in selecting the character contributingto the yield. In addition to this the selection for yield directly is ineffective as yield is affected by many other traits. The highest positive significant for the association of fruit yield per palm was with the fresh kernel weight per palm (0.96g) followed by dry weight of husk per palm (0.89g) and fresh weight of husk per palm (0.89g). Path analysis revealed that nineteen out of thirty-four characters recorded that fruit volume (2.40cc) had highest positive direct effect on fruit yield per palm followed by fresh fruit weight (2.17g) and breadth of leaf sheath (2.11m). It can be concluded that growth and yield characters may be considered in selection criteria for the improvement of yield in arecanut.