Green Leaf Yield Research Articles

The Effects of Transplanting Date on Management of Tobacco Insect Pests. Min review

The main review purpose this paper provides updated information on the effect of different transplanting dates on the infestation of tobacco insect pets were carried out at different location by different Scholars. The results revealed that different trials conducted in different agro ecological zone indicated that damage was higher and green leaves yield decrease were in late transplanted tobacco. While, the damage was gradually decrease and green leaves yield increase in early transplanted tobacco. Numerous species of insect pests of tobacco affect the crop in the field, in the greenhouse, and in storage. The effect tobacco insect pests reduced green leaf yield, quality and damage roots, leaves, buds parts of plants and others transmit several important tobacco disease pathogens. As management systems for flue-cured tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) used different transplanting date were compared to evaluate their influence on insect pests’ damage, leaves yield and quality of flue-cured tobacco. The results indicated that early transplanted significantly increase leaf yield, growth parameters and decrease insect pest damage incidence. The study indicated that transplanted has pronounced positive effect on management of tobacco insect pests and growth of tobacco.

Influence of synthetic chelators and LMWOAs on the yield and quality attributes of Panicum maximum Jacq. (Poales: Poaceae) in chromium phytoextraction

Phytoextraction is a cost-effective technology for contaminated site remediation. The study was carried out to investigate the potential of Panicum maximum (Jacq.) to remediate Cr-contaminated soil in tannery industries. Using chromium chelators and hyperaccumulating plants (Guinea grass), efforts have been made to decontaminate the chromium-contaminated tannery sites. To evaluate, the pot experiment was conducted, and Guinea grass’s yield and quality parameters were analyzed. The changes in root length, shoot length, and number of tillers were studied for three months, and the maximum values were 12.6 cm, 163.6 cm, and 12.6 cm, respectively, in the treatment with citric acid. The fodder quality parameters such as crude protein (9.2%), crude fibre (27.24%), and green leaf yield (370.3 g/plant) were magnificent in the treatment with citric acid as the chelator. Indeed, maximum hexavalent chromium (2.94 ± 0.06) and total chromium (17.98 ± 0.05) were observed in the citric acid treatment. Among all the treatments analyzed, the low-molecular-weight organic acids (LMWOAs), especially citric acid at 5 mmol/kg, were the best ones that could be recommended for improving the chelating process in the phytoremediation of chromium by Guinea grass. However, among the synthetic chelators, EDTA has resulted in higher chromium chelation and yield attributes such as root length (10.7 cm), shoot length (153.6 cm), number of tillers (10.3), and quality parameters like Guinea grass such as crude protein (8.1%), crude fibre (28.03%), and green leaf yield (342.6 g/plant). The study indicates that the chelators are enhancing Guinea grass growth and incorporating that may assist in the phytoremediation process.

English

The importance of medicinal and aromatic plants in people's lives is growing due to their various uses and diverse cultivation conditions. This study aimed to determine the yield and yield components and quality features (oil ratio and fatty acid composition according to GC-MS) of six different tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus L.) local breeds grown organically in Bayburt province, Turkey. For this purpose, the data obtained by growing the plants in the experimental area during the two crop years, 2018 and 2019, were evaluated. As for the yield values, the highest values for green herb yield (275.41 kg ha-1), drug herb yield (99.89 kg ha-1), drug-herb percentage (44.00%), green leaf yield (208.97 kg ha-1), green leaf percentage (75.09%) and drog leaf yield (72.48 kg ha-1) were found in the local breed from Bayburt Central location. It was found that the oil percentages, evaluated to determine the quality traits, ranged from 5.39% to 7.02%. The most important fatty acid was α- linolenic acid (9.49%-23.1%), followed by linoleic acid (4.18%-13.89%) and palmitic acid (4.05-13.89%). As far as we know, this is the first study investigating tarragon's total oil content and fatty acid composition. The results show that the total oil content of this plant, which has remarkable pharmacological effects, is present in useful quantities compared to the leafy green and does not contain fatty acids that prevent its consumption as food. Therefore, this plant is expected to be used directly in various food products

Quantifying the fertility status and relationship between soil properties under major tea estates of North-western Himalaya

ABSTRACT Tea is being grown on the gentle slopes of Himachal Pradesh located in the north-western region of mighty Himalaya, since 1850s. However, degrading soil health due to rampant usage of agrochemicals, and long-run tea cultivation adversely affects the productivity potential of the region. Analyzing soil-nutrient status is of great value to meet the crop nutrient demand. The research aimed to identify the vulnerable soil properties and their assessment for soil restoration under major tea estates of the North-western Himalaya. The study examined the physico-chemical and biological properties of soils of 37 tea estates. The large variation among different sites for physical parameters signifies the textural difference between the sites under study. Meanwhile, the soil pH of tea estates varied from extremely acidic to slightly acidic reaction, with an overall pH (H2O) of 5.33 in the top soils and 5.47 in the subsoils. High OC (13.35 g kg−1) under overall soil depth of tea estates presumably correlated with higher concentration of available nutrients, i.e. N (r = 0.641), K (r = 0.492), and S (r = 0.623) alongside exchangeable Ca (r = 0.724) and Mg (r = 0.718). The substrate carbon availability due to higher amount of organic matter in the top soils (16.1 g kg−1) leads to increased biological activity (MBC and DHA) in the surface soils as compared to subsoils. The unscientific approach of fertilizer application led to huge variability in green leaf yield across different tea estates. Thus, to achieve higher yield, it should be necessary to adopt nutrient application in a judicial manner in the tea plantations.

Growth and Yield of Tea (Camellia sinensis) as Influenced by Nano Urea during Pre and Post Pruning Opertation

The growth and yield parameters of tea on mature plants of TV 23 clone were studied after application of Nano-urea as foliar spray at Experimental Garden for Plantation Crops, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat during the period 2021-22.
 Bud breaking number and time attain to tipping height were two growth parameters observed after pruning operation was carried out. Numbers of bud break was counted 30 days, 40 days and 50 days after pruning respectively. After 50 days maximum bud breaking number (106/ plant) was observed in 0.5% Nano-urea applied plot. To attain that height, lesser time was required (51 days) by the same plot. Plucking density, fine leaf count and green leaf yield were three yield parameters observed during first, second and rain flush. Plucking point density was found maximum (50 no/m2) during rain flush where 0.4% Nano-urea applied in 3 sprays. Fine leaf count was found maximum during first flush than it decreasing during second flush and rain flush respectively. The green leaf yield was found high in the plot where 0.4% Nano-urea applied in 3 sprays during rain flush.

Effect of Organic Manures and Leaf Cuttings on Growth, Yield and Quality of Palak (Beta vulgaris var. bengalensis)

The present study was aimed at studying the effect of organic manures and the number of cuttings on the growth, yield and quality of palak. The field experiment was conducted during the Rabi season, 2021 at the experimental unit of the Department of Horticulture, Tilak Dhari PG College, Jaunpur (U.P.). The experiment was laid out in a factorial randomized block design with nine treatment combinations, which were replicated three times. The treatments comprised the various levels, i.e., M0 (without manure), C0 (without cutting), M1 (vermicompost), C1 (two cutting), M2 (farm yard manure), C2 (four cutting), etc. The green leaf yield of palak from different treatment combinations was studied for growth, yield and quality attributes. The result revealed that growth and yield parameters, namely: height of plants (cm), number of leaves per plant, length of leaves (cm), width of leaves (cm), length of petiole (cm), dry matter (g), moisture content (%), and leaf yield (g), were significantly influenced by the application of organic manures and the number of cuttings.

EVALUATION OF THE ADAPTIVE POTENTIAL OF PROMISING SHALLOT ACCESSIONS

Ecological stability and high adaptive potential are the main factors for stable performance and yield of agricultural crops under changing environmental conditions; therefore the selection of stress-resistant genotypes is relevant at all stages of breeding. Purpose. To evaluate and select promising breeding accession of shallots by adaptive potential for the "green leaf yield" trait and its components. Methods. Field, laboratory, computational and analytical methods were used in the study. The study was conducted in outdoors at the Institute of Vegetable and Melon Growing of NAAS in 2017–2020. Five breeding hybrid accessions were investigated. Lira was the check variety. Results. Having assessed the adaptive potentials of 5 breeding accessions of shallot, we selected a promising environmentally stable accession, D-57, which was noticeable for a high yield of green leaves (5.6 kg/m2) in combination with the highest general adaptive capacity (GAC = 1.3), high stability (bi = 0.4) and genomic breeding value (GBV = 2.7) for this trait. As to the adaptive potential for the "plant height" trait, the D-57 accessions also stood out; it was characterized by high general adaptive capacity (GAC = 1.3), relative stability (Sgi = 10.9 %) and genomic breeding value (GBV = 23.4). This accession was also the best in terms of the "plant weight": trait with the genomic breeding value (GBV = 42.4), it had the largest plant weight including a bulb (75.4 g), combined high general (GAC = 17.3) and specific adaptive capacity (SAC= 129.3) with high plasticity (bi = 2.6). Conclusions. The comprehensive study of the adaptive potential of 5 promising forms of shallots distinguished the D-57 accession, which was superior to the check variety, Lira, in terms of green leaf yield, plant height and weight (including a bulb) and had a high adaptive potential and genomic breeding value for these traits.

Doğu Akdeniz koşullarında ikinci ürün olarak yetiştirilen bazı hibrit mısır genotiplerinde tane ve yem verimi ile yem kalite özelliklerinin değerlendirilmesi

This research was conducted in order to guide farmers and researchers by determining grain, forage yield and yield-related traits and forage quality of different parts of the whole plant in some maize cultivars in Eastern Mediterranean ecological conditions. In this study, it was assessed grain and forage yield and fodder quality of four maize cultivars (PR91G98, SY Castaneda, SY Gladius, and SY Tuscani) cultivated under the Estern Mediterranean conditions. To determine forage quality, ear, stem and leaves of the whole plant maize were analyzed separately. To evaluate grain and forage yield, parameters like plant height, stem diameter, hay yield, dry matter yield, green leaf yield, green stem yield, ear weight, green ear yield were investigated while features such as crude protein, crude ash, organic matter, NDF, ADF, digestibility of dry matter, dry matter intake and relative feed value were examined to determine forage quality. The new maize cultivars have been updated continually; it is important to clarify the responses of new varieties to agronomic practices and forage yield, quality, grain yield, and related traits. The results of this study revealed that ear is very important for forage yield and quality. The greatest hay and grain yield were produced by PR31G98 maize cultivar. It was observed SY Tuscani had higher NDF and ADF values than other maize varieties. With this study, the importance of nutrient content according to silage yield and plant parts in second crop corn cultivation was determined. In addition, research results showed important source data for farmers and researchers regarding forage and grain yield of maize farming and production area is continually increasing.

Bio-Efficacy of Glyphosate Ammonium 79.2% SG against Weeds in Tea (Camellia sinensis L.) under Mid-hill Conditions of Himachal Pradesh

A field experiment was conducted at the research farm of Department of Tea Husbandry and Technology, CSK HPKV, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India during the summer (February–May) and monsoon (June–October) seasons of 2018. The study consists of ten weed control treatments viz. glyphosate ammonium 79.2% SG at 1.089, 2.178 and 4.356 kg ai ha-1, glyphosate ammonium 71% SG at 2.13 kg ai ha-1, paraquat 0.5 kg ha-1, tank mix combination of glyphosate with 2,4-D (Na) at 1.0+0.5 kg ha-1, glyphosate 1.5 kg ha-1, slashing and in-situ mulching of weeds before flowering, weed free and weedy check. Bidens pilosa, Paspalum distichum, Chromolaena adenophorum, Achyranthus aspera and Artemisia sp., were the dominant weeds in both summer and monsoon seasons. Glyphosate ammonium 79.2% SG at 4.356 kg ai ha-1 being at par with glyphosate 1.00 kg+2,4-D (Na) 0.5 kg ha-1 was quite effective in controlling Bidens pilosa, Paspalum distichum, Chromolaena adenophorum, Achyranthus aspera, Lantana camara, Ageratum sp. and Artemisia sp. in tea. Lowest count of other weeds (Hedera helix, Solanum xanthocarpum, Leucas aspera and Cynodon dactylon) was recorded under glyphosate+2,4-D (Na) 1.0 kg +0.5 kg ha-1 and glyphosate ammonium 79.2% at 4.356 kg ai ha-1, being comparable to weed free check. Among different weed control treatments, significantly higher green leaf yield of 3767 and 3690 kg ha-1 with weed index values of 4.29 and 6.25% was recorded with the application of glyphosate 1.0 kg ha-1+2,4-D (Na) 0.5 kg ha-1 and glyphosate ammonium 79.2% at 2.178 kg ai ha-1, respectively which were also statistically similar to weed free check.

Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Growth and Fibre Yield of Sisal (Agave sisalana) in North Coastal Zone of Andhra Pradesh, India

Sisal (Agave sisalana) historically an important crop grown in marginally degraded soils in north coastal zone of Andhra Pradesh. The leaf fiber from sisal is used for multiple purposes. The semi- perennial xerophytic sisal crop is significantly responding to nutrient management practices in rainfed soils. Pooled results of the field experiment conducted during 2020-21 to 2021-22 at Agricultural Research station, Amadalavalasa, Andhra Pradesh under All India Network Project on Jute and Allied Fibres revealed that, the growth and fibre yield parameters are responding positively to nutrient management practices. Combined application of 90: 30: 60 kg NPK ha-1 + vermicompost @ 2.5 t ha-1 increased number of leaves / plant by 50.4% as compared to control. Same treatment combination influenced the leaf length and width to the tune of 26% and 14% respectively compared to control. Among the treatments imposed in the experiment, the higher green leaf (49.2%) and dry fibre yield (49.4%) was recorded with 90: 30: 60 kg NPK ha-1 + vermicompost @ 2.5 t ha-1 over control. The effect of integrated application of nutrients to sisal was reflected in higher soil available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium status compared to only NPK application and control treatments. Overall the sisal crop growth, green leaf yield, dry fibre yield and post-harvest soil fertility status was significantly higher with conjunctive use of organic and inorganic sources of nutrients compared to inorganic NPK alone. Hence, the integrated nutrient management proved to be highly rewarding in marginal, nutrient depleted and degraded soils, particularly in rainfed, semi-perennial crops like sisal.

Enhancement of productivity, water- and nutrient use efficiency and economics through drip fertigation and tray seedlings in FCV tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) under irrigated Alfisols of Andhra Pradesh

A field experiment was conducted for two consecutive seasons (2014–16) and a bulk trial for one year (2016– 17) at ICAR-Central Tobacco Research Institute Research station, Jeelugumilli, West Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh under semi arid tropical climate to study the effect of different combinations of drip irrigation, furrow irrigation, tray seedlings, normal seedlings, drip ferti-gation and soil application of fertilizers at 3rd, 25–30, 40–45 days after planting or 10, 25–30, 40–45 days after planting, on green leaf yield (GLY), cured lead yield (CLY), grade index (GI), leaf nicotine and reducing sugars, water- and fertilizer use efficiency as well as economics in FCV tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum). The experiment was laid out in a RBD with five replications, nine treatment combinations and was conducted with specified treatments for the first two years and bulk plots during the following year. Two separate plots, viz. N0 P26.2K99.6 (T10) and N120P26.2K0 (T11) were grown for comparison and calculation of N and K use efficiencies during the first two years. T4 (drip irrigation, tray seedlings, drip fertigation at 3rd, 20–25 and 40–45 DAP) and T2 (drip irrigation, tray seedlings, drip ferti-gation at 10, 25–30 and 40–45 DAP) recorded increased GLY by 23.87, 16.95, CLY by 16.67, 13.83 and GI by 23.43, 21.46% during first and second years, respectively and also higher leaf nicotine when compared to furrow irrigation, normal seedlings, soil application of fertilizers (T9 ) i.e. farmers practice. N, P, K uptake and nitrogen and potassium use efficiencies under different treatments were evaluated. Bulk plots grown with tray seedlings, drip irrigation and drip fertigation accrued additional profit of `25,285, benefit: cost ratio of 1.82, WUE of 11.74 kg of cured leaf/ ha-mm of water as compared to 5.77 kg of cured leaf/ha-mm in normal seedlings, furrow irrigation and soil application of fertilizers. Only 57.2% of total quantity of furrow irrigation is required for drip irrigation and there is 203.5% increase in WUE with drip irrigation as compared to furrow irrigation.

Strategies for the recurrent selection program in tobacco breeding for green leaf yield

In conducting a recurrent selection (RS) program in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.), inbred and noninbred progenies as well as double-haploid (DH) progenies can be used. There is also the possibility of recombining the selected progenies using half-sib (HS) or full-sib (FS) progenies. To choose the best RS strategy, the breeder's equation can be used. When using inbred progenies with an allelic frequency other than 50%, one of the genetic variance components is the genetic covariance between additive effects and homozygous dominance effects (D1). This component may present negative values and is part of the numerator in the equation for gain from selection (GS). Thus, the objective of this study was to estimate the genetic variance components in a tobacco population and compare the different strategies to conduct RS. From an RS population, HS, FS, and S1:2 inbred progenies were evaluated in different experiments. The dominance variance was null. In this condition, the estimate of D1 is not significant, meaning that D1 does not influence the GS in the RS program. With the obtained estimates, the GS was estimated for the seven different strategies for conducting the RS program. The use of DH lines in tobacco RS represents the best strategy. Other strategies allow expressive GS, such as the alternate use of inbred and FS progenies, for evaluation and FS progenies for recombination.

Effects of Exposure to Ultrasonic Waves on Extraction of Evaporation Methods on The Anthocyanin Content of Green Betal and Basil Leaves

Synthetic anticancer agents have serious side effects on health. Therefore, it is necessary to develop natural anticancer agents with better effectiveness for cancer treatment. This study aims to determine the effect of exposure to ultrasonic waves on the extraction process by evaporation method on grain temperature, yield, and anthocyanin content of green betel and basil leaf. Exposure was carried out using 120 W ultrasonic waves for 0-30 minutes. The results showed that exposure for 30 minutes increased the temperature of the green betel leaf and basil leaves from 27oC to 52oC. Extraction by exposure to ultrasonic waves for 10 minutes obtained the highest yields of 13.87±1.10 % and 18.73±3.74% for green betel and basil leaf, respectively. Extraction with ultrasonic wave exposure time of 25 minutes resulted in the highest anthocyanin content, namely 490.10±6.67 mg/L and 242.65±9.09 mg/L for green betel and basil leaf, respectively. The high anthocyanin content is influenced by the exposure time and the temperature of the extracted granules. The time of exposure to ultrasonic waves of more than 25 minutes makes the grain temperature more than 50oC, so that the anthocyanin content of the extraction results decreases

Plant Extracts as Potential Acaricides for the Management of Red Spider Mite, Oligonychus coffeae Nietner (Acarina: Tetranychidae), in the Tea Ecosystem: An Eco-Friendly Strategy

The effects of the application of aqueous extracts of a selection of five traditional plants (Murraya paniculata, Cassia tora, Amphineuron opulentum, Tithonia diversifolia, andCassia alata) were compared with that of synthetic acaricide in reducing the population of red spider mite (Oligonychus coffeae), a major tea pest, alongside their impact on natural enemies and green leaf yield. Analysis of large-scale field trials showed that all the five plants extract treatments resulted in similar yield; this was analogous to the application of synthetic acaricide. A reduction in the pest population was observed to be on par with the synthetic acaricide, with a higher number of natural enemies treated using the pesticide-plant-treated plot in comparison to the synthetic acaricide-treated plot, which indicated pesticidal plants had a lower impact on natural enemies. A phytotoxicity study on tea leaves indicated that aqueous extracts of selected plants are non-phytotoxic and do not impart any taint to the prepared tea samples. Therefore, the present investigation outlines how plant extracts used as a botanical pesticide display toxicity against red spider mite on tea plants without harming the beneficial insects, increasing the yield and avoiding any lethal consequence for the tea plants or consumers.

Studies on effect of different organic manures and biofertilizers on plant growth, green leaf yield of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) cv. Hisar Suvarna

A field experiment was laid out to study the effect of different organic manure and biofertilizers on plant growth, number of leaf per plant and green leaf production of fenugreek. Data presented table (1) the maximum plant height (15.23,35.50 and 60.50cm.) was recorded with application of 3.5 t/ha Vermicompost + Rhizobium + PSB at 30 DAS, 60 DAS, and at harvest respectively which was found significantly higher over rest treatment. The data further, reveals that the number of leaves per plant was recorded (20.60,69.50) at 30 DAS and 60 DAS, respectively which was found significantly higher over rest treatment. The data presented in Table (2) explicit that green leaf production in yield per plot (g) and kg per hectare was significantly influenced by different organic manures and biofertilizers. The maximum yield per plot (716.66 g), yield kg per hectare (1990.72 kg) was recorded which application of 3.5 t/ha Vermicompost + Rhizobium + PSB which was found significantly higher over rest treatment.

Comparison between doubled haploid lines and lines obtained via the bulk method in tobacco

This study aimed to compare recombinant inbred lines (RIL) obtained via the bulk method with doubled haploid lines (DHL). For comparison, 190 DHL and 194 RIL were evaluated simultaneously at two different locations. Phenotypic and genetic parameters were estimated for the traits green leaf yield (GLY) and alkaloid content (ALK). The results of the RIL and DHL evaluations were similar for ALK. Conversely, estimates of genetic variation and heritability in the DHL were higher than those in the RIL for GLY. However, the mean estimate of the RIL was 13.3% higher than that of the DHL and thus, the annual gain with selection was higher for the RIL. The use of DHL in a recurrent selection program will be efficient in comparison to RIL if a large number of lines are obtained, which must undergo a preliminary selection before the most intensive evaluation to identify the lines to be recombined.

Potassium supply strategy for enhancing productivity and nutrient use efficiency in FCV tobacco grown in northern light soils of Andhra Pradesh: Potassium supply strategy for in FCV tobacco grown in light soils

Flue Cured Virginia (FCV) tobacco, an important high value commercial crop in India, is preferentially grown on light textured soils for better quality and exports. However, light textured soils are characterized with low potassium (K) reserves, poor K retention and high vulnerability to K leaching. Of all the essential nutrients, K is taken up in largest amount by tobacco grown in irrigated Northern Light Soils (NLS) region of Andhra Pradesh. The large requirement coupled with low efficiency of applied K calls for evolving a K supply strategy that ensures optimum K nutrition of the crop and enhances K use efficiency. Against this backdrop, a field investigation was carried out for two consecutive Rabi seasons at ICAR - CTRI Research Station, Jeelugumilli, Andhra Pradesh to evaluate potassium supply strategies for their effects on productivity and nutrient use efficiency of irrigated FCV tobacco on a sandy loam soil (Alfisol). The experiment comprising eight K supply strategies varying in rate, number of splits and timing of K applications was laid out in a randomized block design with three replications. Results indicated that K application either at 120 or 80 kg K2O ha-1 led to significant increase in green leaf yield, cured leaf and grade index of FCV tobacco over the no-fertilizer control and NP fertilizer use alone. K application in 4 equal splits (1:1:1:1) at 10, 25, 40 and 70 days after transplanting (DAT) resulted in higher yields as compared to its addition in 3 splits (1:2:1) at 10, 25 and 40 DAT or 25, 40 and 70 DAT. Nutrient uptake and use efficiency by tobacco was promoted by K application in 4 splits in contrast to its addition in 3 splits. The leaf quality parameters were within acceptable limits. All plots receiving K application maintained higher K availability as compared to the control and minus-K plots. The soil K availability was more or less similar for 120 kg K2O ha-1 and 80 kg K2O ha-1 with the identical K application strategies. Over all, the K application in 4 splits (1:1:1:1) timed at 10, 25, 40 and 70 DAT is the right K supply strategy for higher productivity and enhanced K use efficiency in irrigated FCV tobacco grown on light textured soils.

Effect of Co-Inoculation of Multi-Traits Bacteria Based Bio-Formulations on the Growth, Yield and Enzyme Activities of Tea

The objective of this study was to evaluate possible effects of mineral fertilizer (NPK), one commercial and three N2-fixing, P-solubilizing and/or ACC deaminase-containing bacteria based bio-fertilizers in triple strains combinations (BF9: Bacillus megaterium 47/9+ Paenibacillus macquariensis RC696 + Pseudomonas fluorescens 9/7; BF10: Bacillus megaterium RC665+ Paenibacillus macquariensis RC382 + Pseudomonas fluorescens 9/7; BF11: Bacillus simplex RC64 + Pseudomonas putida 3/10 + Burkholderia pyrrocinia RC134) were evaluated for their growth and enzyme activities of tea under acidic soil conditions, in three years. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with six treatments and four replicates (each having five tea bushes). Bio-fertilizers formulations stimulated overall plant growth, including leaf area, green leaf yield, chlorophyll content and enzyme activities in tea. In addition, inoculation with bacterial formulation, activities of the different enzymes like glutathione reductase, glutathione S-transferase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase, polyphenol oxidase, peroxidase, urease, 5-dehydroshikimate reductase, and alcohol dehydrogenases also changed. The selected effective acid-tolerant multi-traits bacteria based bio-formulations could play an important role in understanding the plant tolerance and adaptation to stress, processing technology, and may contribute to the concept of the quality of tea products. This study shows that these indigenous beneficial rhizobacteria isolates have the potential to be used as microbial inoculation or bio fertilizer to stimulate tea crop growth and are promising for sustainable tea cultivation.

Genetic diversity studies on leaf yield and its component traits in FCV tobacco (Nicotiana tobacum L.) germplasm collection

The present study was aimed to assess the extent of genetic diversity with sixty-six genotypes of FCV tobacco (Nicotiana tobacum L.) by using Mahalanobis’ D² statistics at AINP (Tobacco), Zonal Agriculture and Horticultural Research Station, UAHS, Shivamogga, Karnataka during Kharif-2019-20 in RCBD design with two replications. The 66 genotypes were grouped into eight clusters based on D² analysis. The cluster II had maximum with 29 genotypes followed by clusters I, III, V, and IV had the minimum with 16, 16, 8 and 5 genotypes respectively and remaining clusters were solitary. The highest inter cluster distance was observed between cluster VI and VIII and the lowest between clusters II and VIII. Cluster V had exhibited highest intra cluster distance and the lowest was observed in cluster VI, VII and VII. The character days to flowering, top grade equivalent and green leaf yield showed maximum contribution towards total genetic divergence. On the basis of cluster mean, cluster VI was superior for plant height, number of leaves per plant and leaf length. The maximum leaf width was observed in cluster VIII, while cluster VII sowed superiority for days to flowering. The cluster IV showed highest green leaf yield, cured leaf yield and top grade equivalent. Thus, the genotypes involved in these clusters may be taken into consideration for better parents for generating variability for the respective characters and their rational improvement.

Changes in growth, biochemical, and chemical characteristics and alteration of the antioxidant defense system in the leaves of tea clones (Camellia sinensis L.) under drought stress

In this study, we measured the morphological, biochemical, and chemical responses to soil drying in nine tea clones [Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze] grown in a field. Thirteen-year-old tea plants at Shahid Eftekhari Fashalam Experimental Station, Tea Research Center of Iran, were subject to drought stress by withholding water for 40 days. The control group of the clones was regularly watered. The soil moisture content of the non-irrigated and irrigated plants was monitored throughout the experiment. The effects of drought stress were measured by studying physiological (Relative Water Content), biochemical (Proline and Total Sugar Content), and antioxidant activities (Catalase and Peroxidase) after 20 days and 40 days of drought imposition. Green leaf yield and chemical parameters included total polyphenol, caffeine, water extract, and total ash were measured after 40 days of drought stress. Drought stress resulted in a decrease in total polyphenol, water extract, and total ash and an increase in proline, total sugar concentration and, in CAT and POD activities, as a consequence of reduced RWC of the leaves. Thus, drought stress caused a range of biochemical, physiological, and chemical variations, resulting in membrane damage and loss in the functions of the cell and finally a decrease in the tea growth as one of the most important economic crops. The results of grouping the clones under irrigation and drought stress conditions and comparing them with the results of mean comparison of the traits showed that in all cases, clones 276, 100, 285, and 277 were in the group that can be identified as the drought-tolerant group. Also, the results showed that in most cases, clones 278 and 74 were placed in a group that had low values for all the traits and could be considered as a group that is susceptible to drought stress. Overall, these findings provide new insight into the mechanisms of tolerance to drought in tea plants.