Growth Plant Height Research Articles

Analysis of the Growth Response of Cassava Plants (Manihot Esculenta) to Variability in Water Availability

In recent decades, there has been a very pronounced climate change on earth. Reduced rainfall and the occurrence of long droughts are direct impacts that can trigger other problems in the agricultural sector such as crop failure and weakening food security. This will also have an impact on the process of growth and agricultural production in the Lampung Province area, especially on cassava plants. Water often limits the growth and development of cultivated plants. The response of plants to lack of water can be seen in their metabolic activity, morphology, growth rate, or productivity. Cell growth is the function of plants that are most sensitive to water shortages. Lack of water will affect cell turgor so that it will reduce cell development, protein synthesis, and cell wall synthesis. The cassava clones used in this study were Garuda Clones with 5 treatment levels, namely the first treatment (P1) 0L, the second treatment (P2) 0.5L, the third treatment (P3) 1L, the fourth treatment (P4) 1.5L, the fifth treatment (P5) 2L. The result of this study is that there is a cassava growth response to water availability in each treatment except for the variable number of shoots. In the variable plant height, significant response variations are obtained, and it is known that the availability of water needed is directly proportional to the response to plant height growth that also increases.

Performance of seedlings and yield of soybean genotypes under soil compaction

AbstractThe identification of soybean genotypes tolerant to soil compaction makes it possible to reduce productivity loss under stress conditions. Added to this, the prior selection of these genotypes will result in greater assertiveness in the positioning of cultivars in the field. Thus, the objective was to evaluate the susceptibility of soybean genotypes to compaction in greenhouse and field conditions; verify which characteristics of seedlings under high resistance to root penetration are correlated with crop production in compacted soil; and to validate the substrate mechanical impedance method for evaluating the susceptibility of plant genotypes to soil compaction. Seeds of 20 genotypes were sown in a substrate mechanical impedance system under controlled conditions. The characteristics evaluated were total root length, total root surface area, mean root diameter, total root volume, taproot length, shoot length, root dry matter and seedling shoot dry matter. In the field experiment, half of the planting area was compacted, constituting two treatments, soil with and without compaction. The percentage of seedling emergence, initial plant height, stem diameter, number of nodes, internode length, number of lateral branches, shoot dry matter, final plant height, absolute and relative growth rate, number of pods, weight of 100 seeds and grain yield. In addition, the number of days between soybean sowing until plant flowering and grain harvest was recorded according to genotype and soil compaction level. In a controlled environment, genotypes tolerant to soil compaction show greater plasticity of root characteristics and smaller alterations in the shoot of seedlings. In the field, these genotypes show smaller reductions in growth rate, height, number of pods and grain yield. The shoot dry matter and the root dry matter of soybean seedlings in a mechanical impedance system present a positive and negative correlation, respectively, with soybean yield in compacted soil, indicating that the genetically determined susceptibility to soil compaction stress was similar throughout ontogenesis. The substrate mechanical impedance system used to evaluate the performance of soybean seedlings under stress, facilitates the decision‐making in breeding programs focused on identifying genotypes expressing soil compaction tolerance.

Respon Pertumbuhan Vegetatif Tanaman Kedelai (Gylcine max L.) Terhadap Tingkat Naungan yang Alami

This research aims to determine the most effective growth response and shade level for vegetative growth of soybeans (Glycine max L.). The experimental design used was a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). ) with 2 factorials, namely factor I, namely N0: Control; N1 : 55%; N2: 65%; N3: 75%; and factor II, namely M1: soil + husks; M2: soil + cocopeat. The results showed that 55% shade (N1) had a significant effect on plant height and number of leaves, 75% shade (N3) had a significant effect on leaf area index, M2 (soil + cocopeat) had a significant effect on plant height, number of leaves and area index. leaf. In conclusion, the growth response of soybean plants to natural shade shows significant growth in plant height, number of leaves, leaf area index and level of shade. The most effective is N1 which has a significant effect on plant height and number of leaves. Apart from that, there are recommendations for choosing a more appropriate media for soybean plants so that their growth and development is more realistic. Keywords: Gylcine max L., Soybeans, Cultivars, Shade, Growth

The Growth of Anglonema Dus Anjamani Plants Due to the Composition of the Growing Medium and Different Water Intervals

This research investigates the influence of planting media and watering intervals on the growth of Aglaonema. The study utilizes a Randomized Group Design (RAK) with various compositions of planting media, including husk charcoal, chicken manure bokashi, and eggshell flour, in ratios M1=1:2:1, M2=2:1:2, M3=3:2:1. Watering time intervals were set as I1=once every 2 days, I2=once every 4 days, and I3=every 6 days. There were 27 experimental units, each combination repeated thrice. Statistical analysis, including Sidik Ragam and Duncan's New Multiple Range Test (DNMRT), revealed a significant interaction effect between planting media and watering intervals on plant height, leaf number, leaf length, and leaf width of Aglaonema. Notably, the composition 3:2:1 showed the highest growth in plant height (5.03cm), leaf number (4.53 strands), leaf length (4.83cm), and leaf width (4.13cm). This composition did not significantly differ from 1:2:2 with a 2-day watering interval and 3:2:1 with a 2 and 6-day watering interval, but it significantly outperformed other treatments. The findings contribute valuable insights into optimizing Aglaonema growth conditions for enhanced quality and productivity.

Biostimulants do not affect the performance of urban plant species grown under drought stress

Urban areas often have low soil water availability due to their impervious surfaces reducing rainfall infiltration. These water-limited conditions may be exacerbated by the projected increases in drought events caused by climate change. As a result, plants that grow in urban areas are vulnerable to drought stress. There are a range of practices that can be used to help mitigate drought stress, including the use of biostimulants. This study aimed to determine whether biostimulant application (1) improves plant performance and (2) mitigates the drought stress on urban plant species. To address these aims, we selected six woody and three graminoid plant species that are commonly planted in Australian urban areas and exposed them to different watering (drought-stressed, well-watered) and biostimulant (control, humic acid, protein hydrolysate, seaweed extract) treatments. We then measured their assimilation rate, growth metrics and biomass allocation. We found that drought stress reduced the assimilation rates and shoot growth of the study species. However, this did not translate into a biomass reduction because the drought-stressed plants reallocated resources towards root biomass. We found no evidence to suggest biostimulant application mitigated the impacts of drought stress on plant performance. Further, the only effect biostimulant application had on plant performance irrespective of the watering treatment was that the seaweed biostimulant increased the plant height growth of the woody species. These results show that the biostimulants used in this study will have a limited effect on the performance of plant species commonly planted in Australian urban areas.

Modelling individual plants’ growth: competition of Viola arvensis and wheat

IntroductionCompetition by weeds is a severe threat to agricultural crops. While these days the broadcast of herbicides over the entire field is common praxis, new technologies promise to reduce chemical output by reducing the area sprayed. The maximum precision would be a single plant treatment. This precision will allow a single plant management, which requires single plant management decisions, which is far beyond the possibilities of current praxis. A plant specific management decision can only be made on the basis of a model simulation.Materials and methodsA simulation model was developed to evaluate the effect of spatially explicit weed management covering interaction between single plants. The governing equations consist of coupled nonlinear differential equations for growth and competition of crop and weed plants in a spatial setting i.e. a coordinate is assigned to each plant. The mutual interaction is determined by the parameters strength and range of competition. Furthermore, an experiment was carried out parallel to the development of the model involving wheat and Viola arvensis (Murr.), in which coordinates and growth curves for a large number of plants (~600) were recorded allowing for a reasonable parameterization of the model.Results and discussionThe model is able to evaluate spatially explicit management measures such as weed strip control based on the height growth of single plants. The model is capable of evaluating a variety of control measures such as the frequency and spatial allocation of treatments. In particular, the effect of the width of a treatment zone around the rows of the crop was simulated.ConclusionIn future, the developed model could be extended to a decision support system for single plant weed management. Making decisions plant-by-plant, allows to orchestrate the weed management in a way that takes into account competing goals in plant protection: yield and biodiversity.

Aplikasi Formulasi Kapur, Bahan Organik dan Pupuk NPK terhadap Kadar Aluminium dan Besi serta Pertumbuhan Jagung di Lahan Pasca-Tambang Batubara

The level of solubility of aluminum and iron metals in the soil is one of the post-coal mining land problems. The high solubility of Al and Fe can be toxic to plants, so that plants are difficult to grow. This study aims to reduce the solubility of Al and Fe using formulations of liming, organic matter, and NPK fertilizer and to examine their effects on the growth and height of corn in post-coal mining land. The study used a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with a single factor of ameliorant formulation. The treatment consisted of 10 treatments and was repeated three times, so there were 30 experimental units. The results showed that the application of ameliorant formulation of liming, organic matter, and NPK fertilizer had an effect on decreasing the solubility of Al and Fe in the soil and increasing the growth of corn in post-coal mining land. Soil that has been applied with K1 treatment (lime 3 t ha-1) can give the best results in reducing the solubility of Al and Fe metals in the soil. Application K2 treatment (giving organic matter 10 t ha-1), gave the best results for increasing the growth of corn in post-coal mining land. The best treatment for reducing Al and Fe soluble and increasing plant height growth was found in the treatment of lime 3 t ha-1 + organic matter 10 t ha-1 + NPK fertilizer 50 kg t ha-1, which was 0.42 (me 100g soil-1), 4.48 (ppm) and 108 (cm). The conclusion of this research is that the application of lime formulations, organic materials and NPK fertilizer is able to reduce levels of Al-dd, soluble Fe in the soil and increase the height growth of corn plants. Dolomite is able to reduce Al-dd and Fe-soluble levels. The application of organic and inorganic fertilizers affects the growth of corn height.

Variability and correlationship of agronomic characteristics of unproducing arabica coffee of Sumatra Island

Indonesia is the main producer of robusta coffee, while the coffee world wants Arabica coffee. The study was conducted in the lowlands at an altitude of 10 meters above sea level using a randomized block design. The treatment was 9 varieties of Sumatran Arabica coffee with three replications. The results showed that the growth of plant height and stem diameter of Arabica coffee in the lowlands was normal. The characteristics of internode length and primary branch length have narrow variability, the characteristics of plant height, stem diameter and length of stem segments have moderate variability, and characteristics of the number of pairs of leaves and canopy area have wide variability. Arabica coffee from Sumatra Island shows a close relationship to coffee from Nangroe Aceh Darusalam and North Sumatra and quite far from coffee from South Sumatra. The growth of Arabica coffee is normal. The number of pairs of leaves and canopy area can be used as selection criteria. The relationship between arabica coffee from Nangroe Aceh Darussalam and North Sumatra is quite close, whereas the coffee from South Sumatra it is quite distant. Germplasm from Sumatra under study needs to be added from other coffee-producing regions.

Utilization of solid organic waste as a biofertilizer formulation for upland rice plants supports sustainable rice farming

The use of local isolates as biofertilizer and organic fertilizer based on organic waste is carried out as an environmentally friendly cultivation effort towards sustainable agriculture. This research aims to obtain a biofertilizer formulation made from solid organic waste to support sustainable upland rice farming. The treatments used were: F0: without biofertilizer formulation, F1: 75% tofu dregs + 100 ml cellulolytic bacterial consortium, F2: 75% rice straw + 100 ml cellulolytic bacterial consortium, F3: 75% solids + 100 ml cellulolytic bacterial consortium, F4: 75% peat + 100 ml cellulolytic bacterial consortium, F5: 75% rice husk + 100 ml cellulolytic bacterial consortium. The formulation of organic waste-based biofertilizer with a consortium in this research showed that did not have an effect on the growth of upland rice plants, but the provision of 75% tofu dregs + 100 ml cellulolytic bacteria consortium tended to provide better plant height growth in terms of rice plant height parameters.

Early growth of porang (Amorphophallus oncophyllus) with planting distance adjustment under oil palm plantation

Porang (Amorphophallus oncophyllus) thrive under shaded conditions and has been planted under plantations. As oil palm plantations area in Aceh is growing; the effect of shading under oil palm plantation has not been previously reported. The material used is bulbil from the porang plant. Meanwhile, the oil palm stands used were 8-10 years old with the canopy covering >80% of the land. The experimental design used is a Completely Randomized Block Design with the treatment of spacing settings of 40 x 40 cm; 75 x 75 cm; 80 x 80 cm; 90 x 90 cm and 100 x 100 cm. Experiments were conducted in four replicates. Data were analysed using One Way Anova, followed by posthoc Tukey HSD test. Results shows that the spacing had a significant effect on its growth, especially the age of shoot emergence, plant height, stem diameter and number of leaves. The age of budding which allows early shoots to appear is at a spacing of 40 x 40 cm, as well as the plant height parameters at observations 4, 5, 6 and 7 WAP. Meanwhile, at the age of 8 and 9 WAP, the best plant height growth was at 80 x 80 cm spacing.

Applying coffee processing waste as an organic material against growth and yield of caisim plant (Brassica chinensis var. parachinensis)

The research aimed to examine the quality of coffee waste in solid and liquid material in promoting the growth and yield of caisim plants (Brassica chinensis var. parachinensis). This research was conducted from November until December 2023 in Sukabumi Roadway, RT. 002 RW. 001 Ciwedus Village, Cilegon District, Cilegon city, Banten. The experimental design used in this study was a Randomized Block Design (RBD) consisting of one factor, which is with eight treatment levels: without fertilizer application (control) (P0), 10 g of solid coffee processing waste compost (P1), 20 g of solid coffee processing waste compost (P2), 30 g of solid coffee processing waste compost (P3), 100 ml liquid coffee processing waste compost (P4), 150 ml liquid coffee processing waste compost (P5), 200 ml liquid coffee processing waste compost (P6), and 250 ml liquid coffee processing waste compost (P7). The results showed that treatment P5, gave the best results in terms of growth in plant height (26.30 cm), number of leaves (9.00 leaves), plant fresh weight (43.23 g), root wet weight (4.03 g), and root length (17.80 cm). For solid coffee ground treatment, the P3 treatment has a significant effect on plant height (25.30 cm), number of leaves (7.00 leaves), plant wet weight (22.60 g), and root length (17.03 cm). The findings of this research theoretically support the theory proposed by Putri et al. in 2017, indicating that the application of 30g/150 ml had the most favorable impact on the growth of lettuce plants (Lactuca sativa L.).

Pemberian Ekstrak Fermentasi Tanaman (FPJ) Terhadap Pertumbuhan Dan Hasil Tanaman Sawi Pakcoy Menggunakan Metode Korean Natural Farming (KNF)

This research aims to determine the effectiveness of administering fermented plant juice (FPJ) based on the basic ingredients and solubility levels on the growth of pakcoy mustard greens. This research was carried out from 9 April 2021 to 20 June 2021 in Penulih Suroyudan, Sukoharjo, Wonosobo Regency, Central Java. This research used a completely randomized design (CRD) with one factorial and one control unit with 3 replications. Factor 1 is the basic ingredients for making FPJ, namely bamboo shoots and water spinach and the second factor is the solubility level, namely 1:500ml, 1:800ml, 1:1000ml water. Components of observing plant growth include plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, root length, and plant fresh weight. Research data was analyzed for variance using the One-way F 5% ANOVA test and DMRT at 5% level using the IBM SPSS application. The results showed that there was a significant influence on the growth of plant height and number of leaves at plant age 28 and 36 days after planting and root length growth at plant age 36 days after planting. The treatment of FPJ bamboo shoots with a solubility of 1:800 and 1:1000 ml of water gave the best effect on the growth of pak choy mustard plants.

Integrated Nutrient Management Strategies: Unraveling the Impact of Bio-Fertilizers and Traditional Fertilizers on Soybean (Glycine max) Productivity

The study investigated the impact of different treatments on soybean growth and productivity, focusing on plant height and various growth parameters. Notably, Treatment T6, incorporating cow dung, Rhizobium, and Phosphorus-Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB), consistently outperformed other treatments. At 40 days after sowing (DAS), T6 exhibited the highest plant height, a trend sustained at 60 DAS and harvest. This superiority was attributed to the synergistic effect of the bio-fertilizer components. The control (T1) consistently had the shortest plants. In terms of productivity, T6 consistently excelled across parameters such as number of branches (4.12), nodules per plant (29.33), number of pods (33.33), pod length (4.82), seeds per pod (4.29), and seed yield (1.87 t/ha). Additionally, T6 demonstrated the highest protein (39.41%) and oil content (18.60%). While the recommended fertilizer dose (T2) showed improvement over the control, T6 surpassed T2, emphasizing the synergistic benefits of combining organic and microbial inputs. These findings highlight the potential of bio-fertilizers, particularly the combined approach, in enhancing soybean productivity. The study provides valuable insights for sustainable agricultural practices and optimizing fertilizer strategies for improved crop yields.

Multivariate Analysis Compares and Evaluates Heat Tolerance of Potato Germplasm.

High temperature is the most important environmental factor limiting potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) yield. The tuber yield has been used to evaluate the heat tolerance of some potato cultivars, but potato yield was closely correlated with the maturation period. Therefore, it is necessary to employ different parameters to comprehensively analyze and evaluate potato tolerance to heat stress. This study aimed to investigate physiologic changes during growth and development, and develop accurate heat tolerance evaluation methods of potato cultivars under heat stress. About 93 cultivars (including foreign elite lines, local landraces and cultivars) were screened using an in vitro tuber-inducing system (continuous darkness and 8% sucrose in the culture medium) under heat stress (30 °C) and normal (22 °C) conditions for 30 days. The tuber yield and number decreased significantly under heat stress compared to the control. A total of 42 cultivars were initially selected depending on tuber formation, after in vitro screening, further testing of selected cultivars was conducted in ex vitro conditions. The screened cultivars were further exposed to heat stress (35 °C/28 °C, day/night) for 60 days. Heat stress led to an increase in the plant height growth rate, fourth internode growth rate, and membrane damage, and due to heat-induced damage to chloroplasts, decrease in chlorophyll biosynthesis and photosynthetic efficiency. Three principal components were extracted by principal component analysis. Correlation and regression analysis showed that heat tolerance is positively correlated with the plant height growth rate, fourth internode growth rate, the content of chlorophyll b, photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, tuber number, and tuber yield, and negatively correlated with the cell membrane injury level. The nine traits are accurate and representative indicators for evaluating potato tolerance to heat stress and could determine a relatively high mean forecast accuracy of 100.0% for the comprehensive evaluation value. Through cluster analysis and screening, cultivar FA, D73, and C132 had the highest heat comprehensive evaluation value, which could be further selected as heat-resistant varieties. This study provides insights into the different physiological mechanisms and accurate evaluation methods of potato cultivars under heat stress, which could be valuable for further research and breeding.

Microbiological preparations based on strains of associative bacteria in the cultivation of spring wheat in Central Yakutia

The studies were conducted in Central Yakutia on permafrost taiga-pale-yellow soils with a low humus content from 2016 to 2020. The use of biological products of associative bacteria is an environmentally friendly way to increase crop yields and improve soil fertility. The effect of pre-sowing inoculation of spring wheat seeds with various biological preparations of associative bacteria: Rhizoagrin, Mobilin, Mizorin was studied. The responsiveness of the culture to the use of biological preparations was noted: inoculation of seeds contributed to the formation of grain yield of spring wheat. In the experimental variants, a significant increase in the yield of spring wheat grain was noted — on average up to 1.6 t/ha in the variant using the preparation Mizorin. Pre-sowing inoculation of spring wheat seeds contributed to increased plant growth in height (up to 14%), an increase in the amount of grain (up to 16%), as well as an increase in the mass of roots (up to 35%), leaves (up to 60%), inflorescences (up to 24%), straw (up to 48%). The use of the studied biopreparations based on strains of associative bacteria had a positive effect on both the growth and development of plants and an increase in the yield of spring wheat grain.

Trocas gasosas e crescimento de algodoeiro colorido sob estresse salino e aplicação de ácido salicilico

ABSTRACT The occurrence of water sources with high salt content stands out as a limiting factor for the expansion of irrigated agriculture in the semi-arid region. In this context, it is essential to look for strategies to mitigate the effects of salt stress, and the application of salicylic acid stands out. The objective of this study was to evaluate gas exchange and growth of the naturally colored cotton cv. BRS Jade under saline water irrigation and foliar application of salicylic acid under semi-arid conditions. The experiment was carried out in containers adapted as drainage lysimeters, under open air conditions at the Center of Science and Agri-Food Technology of the Federal University of Campina Grande in Pombal, Paraíba, Brazil. A randomized block design was adopted, in a 5 × 5 factorial scheme, with treatments resulting from the combination of five levels of electrical conductivity of irrigation water - ECw (0.3, 1.8, 3.3, 4.8, and 6.3 dS m-1) associated with five concentrations of salicylic acid - SA (0, 1.5, 3.0, 4.5, and 6.0 mM), with three replicates. Water salinity from 0.3 dS m-1 limited the photosynthetic efficiency and therefore the growth of cotton cv. BRS Jade. Foliar application of SA at concentration of 6.0 mM mitigated the effects of salt stress on the stomatal conductance and leaf transpiration of these plants. However, SA concentrations ranging from 0 to 6.0 mM reduce the internal CO2 concentration, growth in stem diameter and plant height, and root and stem dry mass accumulation of cotton plants cv. BRS Jade.

EFFECT OF THREE TYPES OF GROWING MEDIA AND VERMICOMPOST TEA ON THE GROWTH AND INDIVIDUAL WEIGHT OF CHINESE KALE (Brassica oleracea var. alboglabra Bailey)

The intensive use of inorganic fertilizers is an effective means to promote crop productivity. However, continuous and improper use of inorganic fertilizers alone can lead to soil degradation, resulting in lower yield, environmental pollution, and human health. Organic fertilizers maintain soil quality, increase soil organic matter, and improve soil properties, consequently enhancing crop yield. This present study aimed to investigate the effects of growing media and vermicompost tea on the growth and yield of Chinese kale plants under pot conditions. Consequently, the experiment of the present study included six treatments, including control. The results showed that mixing cow manure and vermicompost with growing media and VT application significantly positively affected plant height, number of leaves, stem diameter, and individual weight of Chinese kale plants. Particularly, the highest plant height, the number of leaves, and individual weight were seen in the T6 treatment [GM3 (the mixture of 50% soil, 20% cocopeat, and 30% vermicompost) + VT application], but T2 treatment [GM2 (the mixture of 50% soil, 20% cocopeat, and 30% cow manure) + no VT application] had the highest stem diameter. Noticeably, VT application increased the individual weight of the plants in the T4 treatment (GM of 100% soil + VT application) by 119.9%, as compared to the control (GM of 100% soil + no VT application). Consequently, the findings of this present study demonstrated that vermicompost tea may have great potential for use as a foliar fertilizer for leaf vegetables to promote growth in plant height and weight.

Application of Moringa Leaves (Moringa oleifera) in Liquid Organic Fertilizer for Red Spinach (Amaranthus tricolor L) Plant Growth

Industrial and social activities have a significant impact on environmental degradation, with soil pollution being one of the consequences. Consequently, plants are unable to achieve proper growth. One viable solution lies in the application of liquid organic fertilizer. Liquid organic fertilizer derived from naturally fermented Moringa leaves presents a potential remedy to this issue. Moringa leaf liquid organic fertilizer contains essential macronutrients (N: 4.02%; Ca: 12.3%; P: 1.17%; Mg: 0.10%; K: 1.8%; and Na: 1.16%), micronutrients (Zn, Fe, Cu), and growth hormones (zeatin and cytokinin), making it highly suitable for use as a liquid organic fertilizer. The study encompassed two variables, namely the impact of soil pH and the effect of liquid organic fertilizer derived from Moringa leaves over a span of 30 days. The findings revealed that red spinach plants failed to thrive in soil with a pH ranging from 3.5 to 4. However, when cultivated in soil with a pH of 4.5, they exhibited a lifespan of 7 days, while in soil with a pH of 5, growth could be sustained for 9 days. Red spinach demonstrated favorable growth rates at pH levels of 5.5, 6, 6.5, and 7, albeit at different rates. Notably, the height growth of red spinach plants, when watered with the addition of liquid organic fertilizer derived from Moringa leaves, proved to be 1.4 times faster compared to those without organic fertilizer. Furthermore, the length growth ratio of red spinach leaves, when treated with the aforementioned liquid organic fertilizer, exceeded that of plants without organic fertilizer by 1.375 times, highlighting the accelerated growth of Moringa leaves.

Response of growth performance and yield of butternut squash(Cucurbita moschata Duch Ex Poir) cultivar Waltham under differentdosages of bokashi application

Butternut squash, also known as Cucurbita moschata, is a variety of pumpkin with promising commercial potential. However,most of the soils in the tropics are acidic and lack organic matter.The addition of organic material such as bokashi is essential inimproving the low soil pH and soil quality. Therefore, this study aimed to elucidate the effects of different rates of bokashi application on the growth performance and yield of butternut squash cultivated on tropical acid soil. A planting experiment was carried out from July until October 2022. A total of 36 planting beds were prepared, and each bed was constructed in 100 cm x 400 cm, consisting of 8 plants bed-1. The experiment was arranged in a Randomized Complete Block design. A total of three different rates of bokashi were applied to the soil prior to planting, namely 0 (control), 4,000, and 8,000 kg ha-1. A 12,000 kg ha-1 of commercial peat moss (Holland Free Peat) was also applied to compare bokashi and peat moss (the common planting medium used in most planting activities). The maximum plant height growth and leaf production for butternut squash was around 7-8th week. Application rate of 8,000 kg ha-1 bokashi contributed to significantly highest plant height (352.1 cm), number of leaves (86 leaves), and yield of Waltham butter squash per plant (1.5 kg plant-1). Multiple planting cycles should be carried out further to elucidate the bokashi's residual effect on nutrient supply to butternut squash cultivation.

The efficacy of ammonium as seed priming agents for promoting tomato (<i>Solanum lycopersicum</i> L.) germination under salinity stress

The aim of the current study was to assess the effectiveness of NH<sub>4+</sub> priming to enhance tomato seed germination and plant growth under saline stress. In the absence of light at 25 ± 1 °C, tomato seeds were primed with 50 and 100 mmol of NH<sub>4</sub>NO<sub>3</sub> and with 50 and 100 mmol of (NH<sub>4</sub>)<sub>2</sub>SO<sub>4</sub> for 12 and 24 h, respectively. In the seed germination test, twenty primed seeds were used for each treatment, along with five replica plates and a control, and were all incubated at 25°C with 25 mL of moistened water. In a second greenhouse experiment, primed seeds were planted in garden soil and watered with tap water, salt water, and a control. The concentration of saline water (50, 100, 150, and 200 mmol NaCl) was gradually raised after a 10-day break. The germination percentages in T5 (50 mmol (NH<sub>4</sub>)<sub>2</sub>SO<sub>4</sub>, 12 hrs) were 82±3.7% and 80±4.47 %, respectively, followed by T1 and T3 (50 mmol (NH<sub>4</sub>)<sub>2</sub>SO<sub>4</sub>, 12 h and 100 mmol NH<sub>4</sub>NO<sub>3</sub>, 12 h). When compared to the unprimed tomato seeds, the NH<sub>4+</sub> priming with NH<sub>4</sub>NO<sub>3</sub> and (NH<sub>4</sub>)<sub>2</sub>SO<sub>4</sub> improved plant height and other growth parameters. Furthermore, the chlorophyll and total flavonoid content were improved in both saline and non-saline treatments. In terms of salinity, the NH<sub>4+</sub> priming increased the proline content while decreasing the total protein content. It is concluded that further research will be needed to clarify the effect of NH<sub>4</sub>NO<sub>3</sub> and (NH<sub>4</sub>)<sub>2</sub>SO<sub>4</sub> as NH<sub>4+</sub> priming in tomato plants because other factors and nutrition can play a role in seed germination and plant growth development.