Harvest Yield Research Articles

Propagation light intensity influences yield, morphology, and phytochemistry of purple-leaf butterhead lettuce (Lactuca sativa)

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is an economically important leafy green produced in controlled environment agriculture (CEA). Optimization of lighting conditions is a crucial factor for sustainable production of high-quality lettuce in CEA systems. This study aimed to determine the effects of propagation light intensity (60, 100, 200, 400, and 600 μmol m−2 s−1, 24-h photoperiod) on harvestable yield, morphology, carotenoids, chlorophylls, and anthocyanins of purple-leaf butterhead 'Teodore' lettuce at transplant (14 days after showing) and harvest (21 days after transplanting in a greenhouse environment). We observed a 275 % increase in shoot fresh mass in seedlings grown under 600 μmol m−2 s−1 compared to those under 60 μmol m−2 s−1, and a 163 % improvement persisted through harvest. The HPLC quantification demonstrated that all carotenoids, including violaxanthin, neoxanthin, zeaxanthin, antheraxanthin, lutein, α-carotene, and total carotenoid content and/or concentration increased in lettuce seedlings as light intensities increased from 60 to 400 or 600 μmol m−2 s−1 (5.4–35.9 or 52.7 mol m−2 d−1 DLI). A similar increasing trend was also observed for chlorophyll accumulation. Anthocyanin concentration and content increased with increasing propagation light intensity, but no differences persisted through harvest. Overall, differences in most phytonutrient concentrations and contents persisted through harvest; carotenoid content trends were similar to those at transplant, but carotenoid and chlorophyll concentration trends were somewhat opposite with quadratic decreases as light intensity increased. The results indicate that propagation light intensity could be used as an effective and sustainable strategy to improve the harvestable yield and nutritional quality of lettuce grown in CEA.

Consumption of Energy and AB Mix Nutrition in A Controlled Verticulture Hydroponic Applications of Curly Red and Green Lettuce

The green lettuce and Curly red lettuce have a high potential to be developed as commercial crops on limited land with verticulture cultivation system. The use of this cultivation system must be supported by adequate nutrients and water in addition to optimal environmental conditions. By using the vertical hydroponic plant cultivation method will increase the growth of Curly red and green lettuce plants. The method used is an experimental method and the data is processed using polynomial analysis method and descriptive method. The observation parameters in this study consisted of main parameters (flow rate, power requirement, energy requirement, and water pressure calculation). In addition, supporting parameters were evaluated including plant height, leaf count, fresh weight of plants, plant productivity, and harvest yield. Data were analyzed using descriptive and regression methods. The power requirement used from the initial stage of transplanting to harvest is 640.8 W. The total energy requirement used from the initial planting process to the harvest process is 2563.2 Wh. The average AB mix requirement of each stage of plant is 972.0 ppm; 1231.9 ppm; 1158.1 ppm; 1092.4 ppm. Flow rate is directly proportional to temperature; if the temperature increases, the flow rate for nutrients will increase, and if the temperature decreases, the flow rate will decrease for the fertigation system. Keywords: Energy, Hydroponic, Lettuce, Nutrition, Verticulture cultivation.

Correlation Among Physical Properties of Parboiled Milled Rice During Hydrothermal Pretreatment Processing

The rice cultivar MR297 has a high harvesting yield but a low milling and head rice yield. Parboiling is one of the methods to increase the head yield of rice varieties. The colour of parboiled rice is intense due to husk colour absorption during soaking. This study researched the influence of hydrothermal pretreatment (soaking time and temperature) on the physical properties such as dimension, thousand kernel weight (TKW), density, volume expansion (Ve), colour, and hardness of parboiled milled rice. MR297 raw rice cultivars were soaked at 1:1 (w/w). Paddy was soaked at 50, 60, and 70°C for 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 hr and steamed at 100°C for 20 min prior to drying for 24 hr at 38°C. It was discovered that the effects of soaking time and temperature varied with the physical properties of rice. Soaking time and temperatures were found to be significant (p<0.05) in terms of dimensional properties (length [L], width [W], and thickness [T]), TKW, density, Ve, colour (L*, a*, b*) and hardness of parboiled rice. The L, W, T, Ve, TKW, a*, and b* increase proportionally as time and temperature increased, while the density and L* were negatively correlated. The hardness was negatively correlated with the L and colour b* (yellowness) rice measurements. The principal component analysis (PCA) results revealed that the soaking time was associated with L, W, T, density, Ve, and colour properties based on the loading analysis in the PC1. In contrast, the temperature, TKW and hardness were associated with PC2.

Assessing land resource planning for agrivoltaics development: Examining synergies approaches between government and farmers

In alignment with the global push for net zero emissions, solar energy stands out as a crucial renewable source. The International Energy Agency forecasts that by 2030, solar and wind energy will supply nearly half of the world's electricity, with solar energy growing at triple its current rate. Taiwan has set ambitious targets, aiming to achieve a solar panel capacity of 20 GW by 2025 and reaching 40–80 GW capacity as part of its goal for net zero emissions by 2050. However, this pursuit impacts limited land resources, particularly agricultural land and food security. This study delves into “Agrivoltaics,” a symbiotic solar-crop relationship, as a solution to balance energy development and agricultural needs in Taiwan. Using Taiwan as a case study, a bi-level programming model was developed, considering government subsidies and farmers' income. Challenges faced by the government in regional land planning were revealed, and recommendations for specific crop areas were made based on shading rates and land constraints. The study proposes a win-win situation, fostering cooperation between the government and farmers. Implementing solar panels on 10 %–30 % of available land can yield installation capacities from 12.87 GW to 39.27 GW, maintaining a 70 % harvest yield for crops and meeting objectives. This approach showcases the significant contribution of integrated solar energy to Taiwan's paddy field development, reducing net carbon emissions effectively.

Comparative Metagenomic Analysis of Marine eDNA Investigating the Production Crisis of Aquacultured Saccharina japonica

Aquaculture farms cultivating Saccharina japonica are highly active in Wando, Korea, and Rongcheng, China. However, the yield of S. japonica significantly declined in the Rongcheng region in 2022 compared to previous records, whereas that in Wando remained at a normal level, presumably due to the presence of a pathogenic microbiome. We used environmental DNA (eDNA) metagenomic analysis to compare the microbial compositions of seawater from aquaculture farms in Wando and Rongcheng. Seawater samples were collected from one Korean site in Wando (WA) and two Chinese sites in Ailian Bay (AB) and Lidao Bay (LB). Metagenomic analysis focusing on the microbial 16S rRNA identified 38 phyla and 58 families of microbiomes in all regions. Potentially pathogenic bacterial groups associated with S. japonica in AB and LB were more abundant than in WA, suggesting their potential influence on mortality and the decline in the harvest yield of S. japonica. The microbial composition of WA was distinguished from those of the other two sites, which clustered together with higher similarity. Since the S. japonica aquaculture industry is important for both countries, this comparative eDNA monitoring is a valuable initiation towards the next step of problem-solving practices in coastal management in these two aquaculture systems.

Konsekuensi Perubahan Iklim pada Pertanian Lokal di Pakel Tulungagung terhadap Harga Pangan di Pasaran

Climate change has become a crucial issue affecting the agricultural sector worldwide, including in Pakel, Tulungagung. In this context, this research aims to investigate the consequences of climate change on local agriculture in Pakel, Tulungagung, particularly in relation to the prices of food in the market. Through in-depth analysis of relevant literature and data, this study identifies the impacts of climate change such as extreme weather fluctuations, increased uncertainty of harvest yields, and rising production costs. All these factors contribute to the rise in food prices in the local market. The findings of this research provide important insights for stakeholders, including the government, farmers, and consumers, to develop effective adaptation strategies and sustainable policies in addressing the challenges of climate change in the agricultural sector.

Mitigating drought stress in wheat plants (Triticum Aestivum L.) through grain priming in aqueous extract of spirulina platensis

BackgroundThe study focuses on the global challenge of drought stress, which significantly impedes wheat production, a cornerstone of global food security. Drought stress disrupts cellular and physiological processes in wheat, leading to substantial yield losses, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. The research investigates the use of Spirulina platensis aqueous extract (SPAE) as a biostimulant to enhance the drought resistance of two Egyptian wheat cultivars, Sakha 95 (drought-tolerant) and Shandawel 1 (drought-sensitive). Each cultivar’s grains were divided into four treatments: Cont, DS, SPAE-Cont, and SPAE + DS. Cont and DS grains were presoaked in distilled water for 18 h while SPAE-Cont and SPAE + DS were presoaked in 10% SPAE, and then all treatments were cultivated for 96 days in a semi-field experiment. During the heading stage (45 days: 66 days), two drought treatments, DS and SPAE + DS, were not irrigated. In contrast, the Cont and SPAE-Cont treatments were irrigated during the entire experiment period. At the end of the heading stage, agronomy, pigment fractions, gas exchange, and carbohydrate content parameters of the flag leaf were assessed. Also, at the harvest stage, yield attributes and biochemical aspects of yielded grains (total carbohydrates and proteins) were evaluated.ResultsThe study demonstrated that SPAE treatments significantly enhanced the growth vigor, photosynthetic rate, and yield components of both wheat cultivars under standard and drought conditions. Specifically, SPAE treatments increased photosynthetic rate by up to 53.4%, number of spikes by 76.5%, and economic yield by 190% for the control and 153% for the drought-stressed cultivars pre-soaked in SPAE. Leaf agronomy, pigment fractions, gas exchange parameters, and carbohydrate content were positively influenced by SPAE treatments, suggesting their effectiveness in mitigating drought adverse effects, and improving wheat crop performance.ConclusionThe application of S. platensis aqueous extract appears to ameliorate the adverse effects of drought stress on wheat, enhancing the growth vigor, metabolism, and productivity of the cultivars studied. This indicates the potential of SPAE as an eco-friendly biostimulant for improving crop resilience, nutrition, and yield under various environmental challenges, thus contributing to global food security.

Investigate the impact of microorganism species richness, carrier materials, and nitrogen fertilizer on (Eruca vesicaria subsp. Sativa) growth and its active compounds content: Running Title; Fertilizer and Arugula

Using microorganisms is one of the most important tools to increase plant production without harming our environment and health. However, little is known about microbial diversity and related that to soil nutrients in arugula plants. Therefore, we hypothesize that mixing more microorganisms with suitable carrier materials will improve arugula growth and its active compounds. Using two factors biofertilizer and chemical fertilizer, biofertilizer including: mycorrhizae (30g) Trichoderma asperellum (30 g), Bacillus subtilis (50 ml/L), and a combination of microorganisms (Bacteria and fungi Trichoderma and Mycorrhizae) in that order (B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, and B6). Chemical fertilizer including nitrogen, comparison, and at a rate of 15 kg per acre (or one-fourth of the recommended rate), and 30 kg per acre (or half the recommended rate), respectively (A1, A2, A3). The results showed that:Adding bacteria and their carrier materials was significantly superior to the leaf content of active compounds (phenols, flavonoids, and tannins), whose values reached 1.083 (mg.g-1dry weight), 35.98(mg.g-1dry weight), and 1.086(mg.g-1dry weight) and sequentiall, and addition of Trichoderma and and their carrier materials was significantly superior to the leaves’ content of elements (N, P, and K), whose values reached 3.98% and 0.88% and 4.92%, respectively, and quantity of yield in the first harvest increased upon the addition of combination of microorganisms and nitrogen fertilizer (urea). The use of environmentally friendly fertilizers is critical to promoting both plant development and the increasing of beneficial active compounds, and this research provides useful insights into how to best cultivate arugula organically. Using such environmentally friendly methods is crucial to promote sustainable agriculture.

Production of strawberry cultivars in a closed system of growing on substrate with transplants of different origins

The growing of strawberries in substrate has grown because it is a profitable way of production, easy to work, and which reduces the occurrence of diseases. Like closed growing systems they have a low environmental impact. The imported strawberry transplants bare root are considered more productive, however they arrive late in Brazil, shortening their production cycle, so transplants produced under local conditions would be an alternative to increase producers' income. Thus, the objective of this work was to evaluate the productive result of strawberry transplants produced under local conditions and imported bare root, growing in a closed growing system soilless, on a carbonized rice husk substrate and with the addition of organic compost. Three experimental factors were evaluated: 1st) substrate: carbonized rice husk (CRH) and CRH with 20% organic compound (OC) (CRH + OC); 2nd) cultivars: ‘Camarosa’ and ‘San Andreas’; and 3rd) transplants origin: bare root imported, and runners plants produced under local conditions. The local runner's plants outperformed imported bare root in relation to the number of fruits, however, the imported bare root provided greater average fresh weight of fruits. The runner’s plants of the cultivar 'San Andreas' produced 732.9 g plant-1, higher than the production of imported bare root, with 44.9% of the harvest harvested in the months of July and August. The 'Camarosa' cultivar didn't show the difference in yield between local and imported transplants. Transplants of cv. 'San Andreas' shallow rooted directly into the slabs under local natural conditions can guarantee earlier harvest, greater production, and higher fruit yield. As for the substrate, plant growth and commercial productivity were not influenced by the addition of OC to CRH. The results indicate that the addition of OC to the CRH has no influence on plant growth and commercial fruit production.

Use of systemic biofertilizers in sugarcane results in highly reproducible increments in yield and quality of harvests

The utilization of a novel (systemic) biofertilizer containing Pseudomonas fluorescens, Azospirillum brasilense, and Bacillus subtilis and possessing the technology to facilitate the entry of bacteria through the stomata, was evaluated at three localities in Mexico (Potrero Nuevo, Veracruz; Ameca, Jalisco; and Champotón, Campeche) in two sugarcane varieties (NCO-310 and Mex 57–473) at different time scales. Inoculation of the systemic biofertilizer was imposed over the local agricultural management of the sugarcane; chemical fertilization of the experimental parcels at Potrero Nuevo was done using 70-20-20 and 120-80-80 at Ameca and Champotón. Three doses of the biofertilizer per hectare were applied during the annual productive cycle of sugarcane at each site; one year at Potrero Nuevo and Champotón; and six years at Ameca. The annual sugarcane yield was evaluated at each site. Additionally, sugar quality (°Brix or sucrose content) was evaluated at the three localities, while different variables of stalk performance were also measured at Ameca and Champotón. Our data provide evidence that this systemic biofertilizer consistently and reliably increased the sugarcane yield at all localities during the time of evaluation, ranging from 73.7 tons ha−1 at Potrero Nuevo (2.5 times increase; P < 0.05) and 77.7 tons ha−1 at Ameca (1.9 times increase; P < 0.05) to 23.8 tons ha−1 at Champotón (1.4 times increase; P < 0.05). This increase in sugarcane biomass was related to increased tillering rather than increased stalk height or diameter. This novel biological product improved the sugarcane quality in terms of °Brix (P < 0.05, 2.6° difference) and sucrose content (P < 0.5, 0.7% difference).

GENERATION MEAN ANALYSIS FOR DIFFERENT MORPHO-PHYSIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS OF MAIZE SEEDLING UNDER DIFFERENT REGIMES OF WATER

Maize being the leading cereal grain crop is widely used throughout the world including Pakistan. About thirty-three percent of world's arable land experiences a deficiency of water and the greatest harvest yields are frequently decreased by dry spell. The current research was considered to examine the genetic traits governing the drought tolerance of morphological and physiological parameters during the seedling stage in maize. The breeding stock consisted of two parental lines, YP-12 and US-17 with variable traits concerning their ability to bear water shortage and their succeeding generations F1 and F2 along with back crosses (BC1 and BC2). The combined analysis of variance for all traits yielded significant differences among generations and water treatments suggesting the presence of a wide range of genetic variability. Relative water contents, leaf water potential, osmotic potential and turgor potential decreased under water stress environment. All morphological parameters like root and shoot length, fresh root and shoot weight and dry root and shoot weight exhibited a decrease in response to water stress. Dry shoot weight, turgor potential and osmotic potential under water stress have additive nature suggesting that early selection based on one of these traits may also complement the other resulting in the development of better-yielding maize material for stress tolerance. Further, root characters such as root length, fresh and dry weight can play a crucial role in efficiently evaluating the maize genotypes to drought stress during the seedling stage. Key words: Epistasis, Dominance, Genetic basis, Maize, Drought tolerance

Machine learning approach for satellite-based subfield canola yield prediction using floral phenology metrics and soil parameters

Early monitoring of within-field yield variability and forecasting yield potential is critical for farmers and other key stakeholders such as policymakers. Remote sensing techniques are progressively being used in yield prediction studies due to easy access and affordability. Despite the increasing use of remote sensing techniques for yield prediction in agriculture, there is still a need for medium-resolution satellite imagery when predicting canola yield using a combination of crop and soil information. In this study, we investigated the utility of remotely sensed flowering information from PlanetScope (at 4 m) satellite imagery combined with derived soil and topography parameters to predict canola yield. Our yield prediction model was trained and validated using data from 21 fields managed under variable rate seed and fertilizer application, including cleaned harvester yield maps, soil, and topography maps. To quantify the flowering intensity of canola, 9 vegetation indices (VIs) were calculated using spectral bands from PlanetScope imagery acquired for the reproductive stages of canola. We created five random forest regression models using different subsets of covariates, including VIs, soil, and topography features, to predict canola yield within the season. Using a random forest regression algorithm, we recorded accuracies ranging from poor to best performing using coefficient of determination and root mean squared error (R2: 0.47 to 0.66, RMSE: 325 to 399 kg ha−1). The optimal subset of covariates identified electrical conductivity (EC), Normalized Difference Yellowness Index, and Canola Index as the key variables explaining within-spatial variability in canola yield. Our final model exhibited a validation R2 of 0.46 (RMSE = 730 kg ha−1), demonstrating the potential of medium-resolution satellite imagery during the flowering stage to detect and quantify sub-field spatial and temporal floral phenology changes when predicting canola yield.

Fallen apple detection as an auxiliary task: Boosting robotic apple detection performance through multi-task learning

In modern agricultural practices, advanced machine learning techniques play a pivotal role in optimizing yields and management. A significant challenge in orchard management is detecting apples on trees, which is essential for effective harvest planning and yield estimation. The YOLO series, especially the YOLOv8 model, stands out as a state-of-the-art solution for object detection, but its potential in orchards remains untapped. Addressing this, our study evaluates YOLOv8’s capability in orchard apple detection, aiming to set a benchmark. By employing image augmentation techniques like exposure, rotation, mosaic, and cutout, we lifted the model's performance to a state-of-the-art level. We further integrated multi-task learning, enhancing tree apple detection by also identifying apples on the ground. This approach resulted in a model with robust accuracy across evaluation metrics. Our results underscore that the YOLOv8 model achieves a leading standard in orchard apple detection. When trained for both tree and fallen apple detection, it outperformed the one when trained exclusively for the former. Recognizing fallen apples not only reduces waste but could also indicate pest activity, influencing strategic orchard decisions and potentially boosting economic returns. Merging cutting-edge tech with agricultural needs, our research showcases the promise of multi-task learning in fruit detection with deep learning.

Steps toward developing legume cover crop varieties: Study of biomass and nitrogen partitioning and within‐plant δ115N variation of faba bean at different growth stages

AbstractModern legumes are engineered to enhance nutrient allocation to grains and maximize harvest index (HI) and yield. Breeding legumes for cover crop requires optimizing source‐sink relationship to prolong nutrient allocation to vegetative organs, support post‐flowering nodule activity, and extend biological nitrogen fixation (BNF). We studied the variation of faba bean (Vicia faba) germplasm for biomass (DM) and nitrogen (N) allocation to plant organs at the lower and upper parts of the canopy. Three genotypes were established during the 2019 and 2020 growing seasons, and DM, N, and δ15N of upper and lower leaves, stems, pods, seeds, and pod shells were quantified at vegetative, first‐pod, and full‐pod stages. Of the three genotypes, PI 678631 displayed early vigor, allocated more DM and N in vegetative organs, and accumulated more total DM and N than Windsor and PI 655333 by first‐pod stage. The advantage of PI 678631 over the other two genotypes seemed to be associated with smaller allocation of DM and N in pods at early reproductive phase. These findings support existing variations within faba bean germplasm that can be used to improve its ecosystem service as cover crop. Within‐plant variation of δ15N was minimal, suggesting that under favorable soil N and moisture where N remobilization is low, vegetative organs can serve as proxies to estimate the entire plant %Ndfa (proportion of plant N derived from the atmosphere) prior to plant maturity. The δ15N of plant organs at vegetative and early‐pod stages were similar and consistent with the only whole plant δ15N measurement in 2020.

Cadmium accumulation in soil resulting from application of biogas digestate and wood ash – Mass balance modelling

This study investigates the impact of substituting conventional NPK fertilizer with wood ash and biogas digestates at an agricultural field site in southwest Sweden. A three-year field experiment, comprising a crop rotation cycle of spring wheat, winter wheat, and oats, was conducted. The obtained results were employed to establish a dynamic mass balance model for the A horizon of the soil at the site. The Cd leaching term in the model was estimated using the Stockholm Humic model (SHM), which was recalibrated to accommodate low Cd concentrations by incorporating Cd complexation to thiol sites. The findings indicate that treatments receiving NPK fertilizer and biogas digestates experienced a net Cd loss, whereas treatments with wood ash demonstrated net Cd accumulation, attributed to its higher Cd content. Harvest yields were highest in the NPK treatment, and lower in two of the wood ash treatments, likely due to lower nitrogen additions in the latter. Cd offtake mirrored this trend, with the highest values in the NPK treatments and the lowest in the wood ash treatments, potentially also influenced by a pH difference of 0.2 units during the last year of the experiment. Geochemical modelling showed that Cd leaching is highly dependent on pH and that geochemically active soil Cd in the A horizon may have doubled between 1950 and 2002, due to elevated atmospheric deposition and fertilizer Cd during this period. Despite significant reductions in anthropogenic Cd fluxes since 2002, soil Cd has only decreased by 4%, showing the slow response of the soil pool to flux changes. Attaining a new steady-state after alterations in input fluxes will require hundreds of years. These results carry significance for determining sustainable application rates for recycled nutrient sources and underscore the crucial role of pH-dependent Cd sorption for Cd leaching.

ANALISIS TINGKAT KESADARAN MASYARAKAT DALAM MEMBAYAR ZAKAT PERTANIAN

This study aims to investigate (1) whether farmers in Dolok Batu Nanggar Sub-district have comprehended trade zakat, (2) whether they possess the awareness to fulfill their agricultural zakat obligations, and (3) what reasons underlie the non-payment of agricultural zakat among them. Employing a qualitative approach, the research was conducted in Dolok Batu Nanggar Sub-district, Simalungun Regency. The study participants were fifteen rice farmers who met the nisab threshold for agricultural zakat. The primary focus was on understanding their awareness regarding agricultural zakat payment. Data were collected through observations, interviews, and document analysis, and analyzed through techniques including data collection, reduction, presentation, and verification. Findings revealed that while farmers in Dolok Batu Nanggar Sub-district possessed a basic understanding of agricultural zakat, they lacked comprehensive knowledge regarding its calculation, rates, and nisab. Moreover, there was a low level of awareness among these farmers regarding their agricultural zakat obligations. Of the fifteen informants, only three (20%) had paid their agricultural zakat, while the remaining twelve (80%) had not. Reasons for non-payment included insufficient understanding of agricultural zakat, prioritization of personal matters, and perception of insufficient harvest yield.

Characterization of phenotypic traits associated with anthracnose resistance in selected common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) breeding material

Anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum lindemuthianum is the major common bean disease worldwide causing complete yield loss under favourable disease conditions. This study aimed to determine phenotypic traits associated with anthracnose resistance for future use in breeding programmes. Twenty-two common bean varieties (CBVs) were selected basing on susceptibility to anthracnose, advanced breeding lines, improved variety resembling advanced breeding lines and the farmer variety widely grown in Tanzania. Selected varieties were planted in anthracnose hotspot fields and the same CBVs were planted in a screen house to validate resistance to anthracnose. Anthracnose infection score, leaf length, leaf width, length of fifth internode, length of petiole, plant vigour, canopy height and canopy width were recorded. Data on number of plants emerging; days to flowering; days to maturity; plant stands at harvest; and grain yield were also collected and analysed using R software. Phenotypic traits evaluated differed significantly among genotypes, environment and genotype by environment interaction. Seventy-five percent of phenotypic traits evaluated were positively correlated to anthracnose resistance.Highly-strong correlations to anthracnose were observed on number of days to maturity, plant stands at harvest, plant vigour and grain yield. Leaf length, leaf width, length of fifth internode, length of petiole and number of stands emerging were strongly correlated to anthracnose resistance. Additive main effects and multiplicative interaction analysis (AMMI) revealed highest contribution of environment on anthracnose infection-58.9% and grain yield −84.9% compared to genotype effects on anthracnose infection −32.7% and grain yield-15.7%. Based on these results, four traits – plant vigour, number of days to maturity, number of plant stands at harvest and grain yield – are recommended for selecting anthracnose-resistant varieties. NUA 48, NUA 64 and RWR 2154 were superior varieties, resistant to anthracnose and high yielding, while Sweet Violet and VTT 923-23-10 were most stable varieties across environments. Further on-farm research is suggested to assess their performance and identify traits preferred by farmers.

Seasonal dynamics of fallow and cropping lands in the broadacre cropping region of Australia

Fallowing is an important strategy for enhancing soil health, water harvesting and crop yields, thus improving sustainability and reducing production risks in dryland farming systems in Australia. However, accurate data regarding the location, frequency, extent, and duration of fallow land is not readily available at high spatio-temporal resolutions before and during a cropping season. As a result, continental maps depicting seasonal dynamics of fallow and cropping lands and their responses to climate change and human activities remain missing. This study set out to develop an automated approach to discriminate fallow areas from cropping areas within Australian broadacre cropping region. This was done by applying a mathematical algorithm of turning point detection technique to a curve fitted vegetation index time series from 2016 to 2022, derived from high spatial (10 m) and temporal (5-days) resolution Sentinel-2 data. Specifically, we aimed to derive: (i) 5-day revisit fallow/cropping map layers; (ii) key attributes of the fallow and cropping periods (e.g., start, end, duration); (iii) cropping intensity and area. The proposed approach yielded a high and significant overall accuracy, surpassing 92% with substantial balanced accuracy (>0.9) against >3000 fields for individual winter and summer seasons across Australia. In addition, this study's temporal and geographical outputs, encompassing seasonal attributes, cropping intensity and cropping areas, robustly enhanced the understanding of seasonal cropping dynamics and historical shifts in dryland farming practices. Findings derived from this analysis aligned well with extreme climatic events and changes in crop activities adopted in response to such events. Future research will aim to extract key seasonal dynamics attributes influenced by cropping practices, enhancing the conversion of high-resolution earth observation data into actionable industry knowledge.

Effect of Organic Manures and Inorganic Fertilizer on Growth and Yield Characters of Lentil

A field experiment was conducted at experimental farm, during Rabi season of 2022-23 to Effect of organic manures and inorganic fertilizer on growth and yield characters of lentil. Seed rate 40-45 kg/ha of Lentil variety „ RLG-5‟ was used in this study. The required quantities of fertilizers as per treatments were applied. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications consisting of nine treatments combinations i.e. T1-Control, 100% RDF (20:40:20:20 N P K S kg/ha), 50% RDF + 5t FYM, 75% RDF + FYM (2.5 t/ha), 50% RDF + Vermicompost (1 t/ha), 75% RDF + Vermicompost (0.5 t/ha), 50% RDF + Poultry manure (1 t/ha), 75% RDF + Poultry manure (0.5 t/ha), 75% RDF + FYM 2.5t + Rhizobium. The increased growth parameter such as plant height (cm), number of branches per plant and dry matter production and yield traits viz., number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, test weight Seed yield (q/ha), straw yield (q/ha) harvest index of 75% RDF + Poultry manure (1 t/ha).

Efficacy of Water Hyacinth as Growing Media for Amaranthus in Open Water Culture, Hydroponics and Land Cultivation in Kuttanad Ecosystem

A field experiment was conducted in farmer’s field in north Kuttanad during the kharif season during June-July 2023 and repeated consecutively during August-September 2023 to evaluate the efficacy of open water culture with respect to yield and growth attributes of amaranthus cultivation against deep water culture hydroponics with and without water hyacinth as medium. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Design (CRD), comprising six treatments with four replications. The treatments were T1: Open water culture without medium, T2: Open water culture with medium, T3: Hydroponics without medium, T4: Hydroponics with medium, T5: Land cultivation with a bed of water hyacinth alone as medium and T6: Control: soil culture-KAU-POP recommended dose of nutrients. The data revealed significant differences in plant height, number of leaves, leaf length and width, leaf area index, stem girth, root length and yield. Maximum plant height was recorded in T6 (Control- soil culture-Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) -POP recommended dose of nutrients) followed by T5 (Land cultivation with a bed of water hyacinth alone as medium). Highest leaf area index, stem girth and root length were in T6, but was on par with T5. The yield of the total harvest was significantly higher in T6, but was on par with T5, which proves the efficacy of water hyacinth as a growing medium for amaranthus cultivation. The lowest yield and growth attributes were recorded by T1 (Open water culture without medium) and T3 (Hydroponics without medium).