Plant Height Research Articles

Evaluation of nematicidal potential of leaves extract of Afrohybanthus enneaspermus for management of Meliodogyne incognita in Tomato

The resistance of nematode pests to synthetic nematicides and its attendant hazards both to the crops and the ecosystem have caused growing interest. This study is aimed at investigating the nematicidal potential of the leaves extract of Afrohybanthus enneaspermus. Afrohybanthus enneaspermus is an evegreen shrub found in the tropical regions. The herbs have been used in ethonomedicine in the treatment of various ailments such as fever, diabetes, cough, skin infections and so on. According to standard methods in this study, in-vivo and In-vitro nematicidal screening of leaves extract was carried out against juvenile nematode pest (Meliodogyne incognita) while the pot experiment was carried out on tomato plants infected with root knot nematode. At the growth rate of the Tomato (Tropimech +), plant height was significantly lowered at 4 WAP (four weeks after planting) in tomato plants inoculated with 2,000 root-knot nematodes (RKN) applied with 20 g powered of Afrohybanthus enneaspermus compared with the rest of the treatments. With the application of 15% aqueous plant extracts and the inoculation of 2,000 RKN, plant height was significantly higher (32.8), followed by Plant alone and 20% aqueous plant extract. However, plant height was significantly lowered in plants applied with 20g powered of Afrohybanthus enneaspermus and nematode compared to the other treatments. At 6 weeks plant height is significantly higher in tomato plants inoculated with 5% aqueous plant extract with 2000RKN followed by others that are at the same range except 20g powered extract with 2000RKN that is significantly lowered . At 7 weeks plant height is significantly higher in tomato plants inoculated with 5% aqueous plant extract with 2000 RKN followed by others that are at the same range except 20g powdered extract with 2000 RKN that is significantly lowered. The research concluded that leaves extract of Afrohybanthus enneaspermus is effective in management of root Knot nematodes, however, in- vitro experiments, it is established that the powder form of the leave has higher effectiveness in management of nematode than its organic extract.

Evaluation of the performance of three barley varieties under the influence of nitrogen fertilizer

The study was conducted in the fields of the Department of Agricultural Research / Nineveh during the season. (2023 - 2024). Research included two factors: first: nitrogen fertilizer (fertilized, non-fertilized). Second factor: barley varieties (Rehan, Samir, Amal). The study utilized a completely randomized block design. The global experimental system with three replicates was conducted at the end of the season . The data was analyzed using the SAS program on a computer, with different averages marked with different alphabets, and the results were as follows: The nitrogen fertilizer treatment demonstrated a significant improvement over the non-fertilized. The treatment focuses on average traits. (plant height, spike length, number of spikes m-2, weight of 1000 grains, and grain yield). The Samir barley variety was significantly superior to the rest of the varieties in terms of characteristics (plant height, 1000 grain weight, and grain yield). The interaction between nitrogen fertilizer treatment and the barley variety Samir demonstrated significant superiority in all studied traits. The aim of the research is to determine the response of the three best varieties to nitrogen fertilizer in terms of growth and productivity.

The effect of organic manure on the production of jute (Corchorus olitorius)

Field experiments to investigate the effect of different sources of organic manure (Swine manure (SM), Poultry manure (PM), Cattle manure (CM), Rabbit urine manure (RUM)) on production of Jute (Corchorus olitorius) was carried out. The experimental site was cleared and cultivated (tilled and fertilized). Treatments were laid out before planting at once, there was no re-application of treatment. Data were collected on growth and yield parameters (Foliage, Plant height and Plant fresh weight). There was a significant difference in the foliage of Corchorus olitorius treated with SM, PM, CM, and RUM when compared with the control group. The foliage of Corchorus olitorius with PM treatment is significantly higher (P<0.05) compared with other organic manure treatment except for CM. Significant increase (P<0.05) in the height of Corchorus olitorius was obvious in all the treatment group when compared with control. There is no significant difference (P>0.05) in the height of jute across the organic manure treatment groups (SM, PM and RUM) but there is a significant increase in the plant height of PM when compared CM. SM, PM and RUM significantly increase the fresh weight of the plant when compared with the control and CM. There was a numerical increase in the plant fresh weight of PM when compared to other treatment groups. From this experimental study, PM consistently increased the number of leaves, the fresh plant weight and plant height significantly and it is recommended for Corchorus olitorius production.

The types of growing media and plant density on the growth and yield of kailan (Brassica oleracea L.) In a floating raft system hydroponic

This research aimed to know the effect of the type of growing media and population density on the growth and yield of kailan (Brassica oleracea L.) hydroponically. The research was conducted in the greenhouse of the integrated agricultural system area at Curug Serang Banten Province. This research used a Randomized Completely Block Design (RCBD) as factorial with two factors. The first factor was the type of growing media (J) which consisted of 3 levels, J1 (Rockwool), J2 (Zeolite), and J3 (Sponge). The second factor was population density (K), which consisted of 3 treatment levels, K1 (3 plants per tub), K2 (4 plants per tub), and K3 (5 plants per tub). The results showed that the type of growing media had a significant effect on plant height growth 7 Day After Plating (DAP) of (4.67cm), 14 DAP (11.58 cm), 21 DAP (17.09 cm), 28 DAP (22.29 cm), 35 DAP (37.57 cm), number of leaves 14 DAP (4.59), 28 HST (6.96), 35 DAP (8.59) and the root weight of your plants was 35 DAP (3.43gram). Population density treatment had a significant effect on plant height growth 28 DAP (22.26 cm), 35 DAP (37,37 cm) and there was an interaction between media type treatment and population density on plant height parameters 35 DAP.

Chabazitic zeolitite in cultivation and spray protection against Phytophthora infestans and Tuta absoluta in Solanum lycopersicum

Research objective: This article aims to highlight how chabazite zeolitite can lead to better growth and protection of tomato plants, in particular the benefits it can bring to crops both when buried in the soil, in terms of plant growth and fruit production, and as a reduction in the incidence of fungal diseases and insect attack when used as a spray in water. Materials and Methods: The experiments, which began in March 2024, were conducted in the CREA-OF greenhouses in Pescia (Pt), Tuscany, Italy (43°54′N 10°41′E) on tomato cv ‘Ciliegino’ plants. The plants were placed in pots with a diameter of 14, 20 plants for 3 replications, for a total of 60 seedlings per experimental thesis. The first trial on Solanum lycopersicum involved the following theses (irrigated and fertilised): i) peat 70% + pumice 30%; ii) peat 70% + pumice 20% + zeolitite chabazite 10%; iii) peat 70% + pumice 10% + zeolitite chabazite 20%. The second trial on Solanum lycopersicum included spray treatments with micronised zeolitite on the leaves to evaluate the control of diseases such as Phytophthora infestans and Tuta absoluta. The trial included the following theses (irrigated and fertilised): i) control with treatment with water sprayed on the leaves every 10 days; ii) control with treatment with Flipper 1 L/hl + Ranman Top 0.5L/hl, every 7 days; iii) treatment with zeolitite chabazite 5 kg/hl, every 7 days. On 19 September 2024, plant height (measured at 70 days after transplanting), plant nodes (measured at 70 days after transplanting), leaf area index, total dry biomass, fresh fruit weight and number of total fruits were determined. In addition, the number of plants affected by Phytophthora infestans and Tuta absoluta was evaluated. Results and Discussion: The experiment showed that the use of zeolitite and chabazite added to the growing medium to the extent of 10-20% can effectively improve the vegetative and root growth of Solanum lycopersicum. Furthermore, when micronised zeolitite is micronised on leaves, it can contain diseases such as Phytophtora infestans and Tuta absoluta, the same as using conventional products. This experiment conducted on Solanum lycopersicum shows an improvement in plant growth in the theses treated with zeolite added to the substrate, due to increased water and nutrient uptake and increased microbiological interactions in the plant, as well as a significant improvement in protection against plant diseases when micronised zeolite is sprayed on the leaves. In addition to having an insect repellent effect, zeolite has a disintegrating and dehydrating effect. The product causes respiratory problems, burns the exoskeleton, creates flight problems and reflects light. In addition, zeolitite chabazite, having a rough structure, causes problems of adherence to the leaf. As for fungi, on the other hand, it reduces moisture on the leaf and inhibits spore germination, as demonstrated in other scientific works by the same author. Conclusions: Zeolites have the potential to affect soil physical properties. In addition to reducing soil bulk density and increasing soil porosity, these factors can improve water retention, as well as their high internal pore volume. Also, due to the open network of the zeolite structure, new routes for water movement can be formed, resulting in improved infiltration rates and saturated hydraulic conductivity. Due to their outstanding chemical and physical properties, natural zeolites can be utilized in agricultural applications, such as their affinity for K+ and NH4+ and ability to exchange cations. Before any commercial applications can be made, it is necessary to evaluate the risk of leaching toxic surfactants loosely attached to zeolite surfaces. Using their ion exchange properties, natural, synthetic, and modified zeolite can be used to make slow-release nitrogen, potassium, and sulfur fertilizers. To control and release phosphorous slowly, zeolite ion exchange and mineral dissolution (similar to phosphate rock) can also be used. It is generally determined by a variety of experimental conditions how zeolite application impacts soil physical and chemical properties, including the type and rate of zeolite applied, the method of application, the texture and structure of the soil, the size of the zeolite particles, and the salinity of the water. Soils with coarse textures may benefit from zeolite amendments more than those with fine textures.

Inoculation of Arthrobacter sp. improves the growth of Acanthocalycium sp. and the fruits nutraceutical quality and the flowers longevity

Research objective: The aim of this work is on the inoculation in the growing medium of Arthrobacter sp. and its effects on the growth, flower quality and longevity of cactus plants. To this end, the study of biometric parameters, i.e. plants and flowers (height, weight, number and duration), as well as root growth (weight), and the presence of disease were quantified as measures of plant productivity and compared with those obtained from non-inoculated plants. The use of alginate microspheres as a means of bacterial inoculation was also considered. Materials and Methods: Seedlings of Acanthocalycium (2 years old) Ferrarii, A. Glaucum and A. Violaceum were immediately planted in pots after purchase, in substrate containing (sand 20%, pumice 20% and peat 60%; pH 7; electrical conductivity 0.7 dS/m; total porosity 80% (v/v). A randomised complete block design was applied for the experiments: the pots were randomly divided into two series, one series was inoculated with the bacteria and the other non-inoculated was used as a control. Each month, plant growth was assessed according to (1) plant height, (2) vegetative and root weight, (3) number of flowers per plant (4) flower duration. In addition, the occurrence of possible diseases, in particular Fusarium sp. and Verticillium sp., was assessed. Total flavonoids, total phenols and antioxidant activity were also analysed. Results and Discussion: The experiment showed that the use of Arthrobacter sp. can indeed significantly improve the vegetative and root growth of Acanthocalycium sp. cacti. In addition, there was a significant improvement in the number and floral longevity as well as in the phenol, flavonoid and antioxidant content of the fruits of the inoculated plants compared to the untreated control. The experiment also showed that mortality due to the pathogens Fusarium sp. and Verticillium sp. was significantly reduced in the treated plant. In agreement with these authors, we found that PGPB treatments increased agronomic parameters and improved Fusarium and Verticillium resistance. In general, the application of biostimulants can increase the synthesis of bioactive compounds in plants by increasing resistance to phytopathologies. Inoculation with Arthrobacter sp. led to a significant reduction in the number of dead plants with respect to the diseases analysed. As a result of the stimulating action demonstrated in Acanthocalycium, bioproducts suitable for nutraceutical purposes may be developed in the future. Therefore, new microbe-assisted technologies can help plants to resist stress conditions, improving their tolerance and productivity. Conclusions: Due to its ‘multifunctionality’, the genus Acanthocalycium is considered as one of the species of the future, for ornamental use and medicinal aspects, and new results may help reveal its potential in the context of the bio-economy and circular economy. As natural resources and cultural practices are crucial in defining the quality of flowers when destined for food/nutraceutical applications, the inoculation of Acanthocalycium with Arthrobacter sp. can be envisaged to provide better plant growth under conditions of environmental stress, or as a soil fertiliser, but also to improve the synthesis of natural products used for therapeutic applications.

Variety of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) Growth and Yield in Response to Various Organic Fertilizers in Makurdi, Nigeria

This study was conducted in 2023 at the nursery of the Teaching and Research farm of the Department of Crop production of Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria. The experimental treatments were two (2) varieties of lettuce (ice berg and Butter head) and three (3) organic manure sources (Poultry dropping, cow dung, goat manure) and a control. An experiment was set up as a 2 x 4 factorial design using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Data were collected from the following parameters, plant height, plant diameter, number of leaves, leaf area index (LAI), crop growth rate (CGR), roof weight, and fresh weight. All the study parameters of lettuce were significantly (P<0.05) different, on both organic manure, and variety. The iceberg variety surpassed the butter head variety, with statistically significant (P<0.05) differences observed in several parameters: plant height (20.32 cm), number of leaves (23.85), leaf area index (15.19 cm³), сrop growth rate (1.54 g m³ per day), chlorophyll content (23.32 mg/g), fresh weight (83.86 g), root weight (20.23 g), and yield (3.19 t/ha) Similarty, poutry droppings obtained significantly (P<0.05) better results in terms of plant height (21.73 cm), number of leaves (23 92), leaf area Index (16.75 cm²), crop growth rate (3.70 g m³ per day), chlorophyll content (25.73 mg/g), fresh weight (632.02 g), root weight (22.13 g) and yield (3.75 t/ha) as compared to other organic manure sources such as cow dung, goat manure and control. In addition, a significant difference (P<0.05) was observed in the interaction between lettuce varieties selection and organic fertilizers at various levels, particularly with the high level of iceberg x poultry manure

Productivity Variables for Adaptability of Cowpea Varieties under Strip Intercropping in Three Locations in Limpopo Province, South Africa

Background: The performance of five improved cowpea varieties under strip intercropping has been conducted in specific locations to assess their yield but their adaptability has not been determined. This paper presents results that assessed the adaptability of the improved cowpea varieties under strip intercropping in three locations in Limpopo province. Methods: Five cowpea varieties (TVu 13464, IT86D-1010, Glenda, IT82E-16 and IT87K-499-35) and maize were planted under strip intercropping in three locations (UL-Farm, Bela-Bela and Ga-Thaba) and two seasons. Data were collected on maturity, grain yield, land equivalent ratio, pods plant-1, plant height and seed size and were analysed using Genstat 20.1. Result: The ranking plot of grain yield indicates that the principal components (PC1 and PC2) explained 96.33% of the total sum of square variation. The results indicate that IT86D-1010 and IT82E-16 matured early and were best yielders. The LER from IT82E-16, IT86D-1010, TVu 13464 and IT87K-499-35 exceedingly performed better that from Glenda (Control) thus indicating that they are superior in adaptation and in resource utilization. The performance and adaptation of the varieties varied across locations: IT82E-16 is adapted to UL-Farm and Bela-Bela while IT86D-1010 and IT87K-499-35 are adapted to Ga-Thaba and their production should be based on their best location(s).

Selected Actinomycetes as Potential Biostimulant of Eggplant (Solanum melongena L) in Mali

Aims: This study aims to formulate at least one efficient biostimulant based on actinomycetes that promotes good eggplant growth in Mali. Study Design: The experimental design was a completely randomized block design with three replications and four treatments randomly distributed. The treatments were three Actinomycete strains (Act, S1 and St1) and a non inoculated control and the mode of application (inoculation or spraying) of these treatments were considered as blocking factor. Place and Duration of Study: The trials were conducted in Bamako, in the Greenhouse of the LaboREM-Biotech situated on the colline of Badalabougou. Methodology: Eggplant seeds inoculated or not with Actinomyces sp. Ts1, Actinomyces sp. S1 and Actinomyces sp. Act; were randomly sown in plastic pots filled with approximately 2.50 kg of air-dried soil. The first block sown with coated seeds and the second with non-inoculated seeds and seedlings from them pulverized. Leaf length, leaf area, leaf diameter, leaf area, leaf fresh weight, leaf dry weight, root fresh weight, root dry weight, plant height and root length were determined. Results: Eggplant seed inoculated with all the tested Actinomycetes strains had significantly enhanced leaf length, leaf diameter, leaf area, leaves fresh weight. The highest results were obtained with the strain Act, followed by strain St1. Sprayed treatment improved eggplant leaf length, leaf diameter, leaf area, leaves fresh weight, leaves dry weight, root fresh weight, root dry weight; compared to the coated treatment Conclusion: Field application of actinomyctes may reduce production cost, by increasing eggplant growth and fruit yield while reducing production cost. The present work showed that Act and Ts1 using spray method were best suited for eggplant. Actinomyces sp. Act produced the highest leaf length, leaf diameter, leaf area, leaves fresh weight. Therefore, Actinomyces sp. Act is suggested as bioinoculant for eggplant.

Characterization of Sulfur Oxidizing Bacteria and Their Effect on Growth Promotion of Brassica napus L.

Oil seeds sector is one of the major dynamic components of the agriculture world. Oil seeds such as canola (Brassica napus) require a higher quantity of sulfur (S), which is supplied through inorganic fertilizers. However, the overapplication of agro-chemicals to get higher yields of crops is harming the soil health. Therefore, the application of bacterial cultures with plant growth-promoting activity as biofertilizers ensures soil health maintenance and enhances crop productivity. To achieve this aim, the present research was initiated by procuring three sulfur-oxidizing bacteria (SOBs), namely, SOB 5, SOB 10, and SOB 38, from the Microbiology Department, PAU. In the initial assessment, all three SOB cultures showed resilience to pesticide toxicity at the recommended dosage, with the exception of ridomil. These cultures were later characterized morphologically, biochemically, and at the molecular level using 16s rRNA resulting in their identification as Enterobacter ludwigii strain Remi_9 (SOB 5), Enterobacter hormaechei strain AUH-ENM30 (SOB 10), and Bacillus sp. 5BM21Y12 (SOB 38). Functional characterization of these SOB cultures revealed their ability to exhibit multifarious plant growth-promoting traits. Bacillus sp. 5BM21Y12 showed greater functional activity, including high P solubilization (14.903 µg/mL), IAA production (44.28 µg/mL), siderophore production (13.89 µg/mL), sulfate ion production (0.127 mM), ammonia excretion (2.369 µg/mL), and Zn solubilization (22.62 mm). Based on the results of functional and molecular characterization, Bacillus sp. 5BM21Y12 was selected for field trials by formulating different treatments. Composite treatment, T8 (100% S + Bacillus sp. + pesticides) significantly enhanced growth parameters (plant height, root, and shoot biomass), yield attributes (siliqua length, test weight, number of siliqua/plant), yield parameter (total biomass and seed yield), quality parameter (crude protein and oil) as compared to all other sole treatments employed in the field. A combined application of non-pathogenic Bacillus sp. 5BM21Y12, with good functional activity enhanced yield of crop due to synergistic and additive interaction with fertilizer/pesticides. As biofertilizer application reduces the input of pesticides/fertilizers new inoculant formulations with cell protectors and the development of compatible pesticides should be searched to assure the benefits of integrated treatment.

Advanced Plant Phenotyping: Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Remote Sensing and CimageA Software Technology for Precision Crop Growth Monitoring

In production activities and breeding programs, large-scale investigations of crop high-throughput phenotype information are needed to help improve management and decision-making. The development of UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) remote sensing technology provides a new means for the large-scale, efficient, and accurate acquisition of crop phenotypes, but its practical application and popularization are hindered due to the complicated data processing required. To date, there is no automated system that can utilize the canopy images acquired through UAV to conduct a phenotypic character analysis. To address this bottleneck, we developed a new scalable software called CimageA. CimageA uses crop canopy images obtained by UAV as materials. It can combine machine vision technology and machine learning technology to conduct the high-throughput processing and phenotyping of crop remote sensing data. First, zoning tools are applied to draw an area-of-interest (AOI). Then, CimageA can rapidly extract vital remote sensing information such as the color, texture, and spectrum of the crop canopy in the plots. In addition, we developed data analysis modules that estimate and quantify related phenotypes (such as leaf area index, canopy coverage, and plant height) by analyzing the association between measured crop phenotypes and CimageA-derived remote sensing eigenvalues. Through a series of experiments, we confirmed that CimageA performs well in extracting high-throughput remote sensing information regarding crops, and verified the reliability of retrieving LAI (R2 = 0.796) and estimating plant height (R2 = 0.989) and planting area using CimageA. In short, CimageA is an efficient and non-destructive tool for crop phenotype analysis, which is of great value for monitoring crop growth and guiding breeding decisions.

Effect of center-pivot and subsurface drip irrigation systems on growth and evapotranspiration of volunteer corn in corn, soybean, and sorghum

Abstract Volunteer corn (Zea mays L.) is a competitive weed in corn-based cropping systems. Scientific literature does not exist about the water use of volunteer corn grown in different crops and irrigation systems. The objectives of this study were to characterize the growth and evapotranspiration (ETa) of volunteer corn in corn, soybean [Glycine max (L). Merr.], and sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] under center-pivot irrigation (CPI) and subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) systems. Field experiments were conducted in south-central Nebraska in 2021 and 2022. Soil moisture sensors were installed at depths of 0 to 0.30, 0.30 to 0.60, and 0.60 to 0.90 m to track soil water balance and quantify seasonal total ETa. Corn was the most competitive, as volunteer corn had the lowest biomass, leaf area, and plant height compared with the fallow. Soybean was the least competitive with volunteer corn, as the plant height, biomass, and leaf area of volunteer corn in soybean were similar to fallow at 15, 30, 45, and 60 d after transplanting (DATr). Averaged across crop treatments, irrigation type did not affect volunteer corn growth at 15 to 45 DATr. Soil water depletion and ETa were similar across crop treatments with and without volunteer corn, as water was not a limiting factor in this study. The ETa of volunteer corn was the highest in soybean (623 mm), followed by sorghum (622 mm), and corn (617 mm) under CPI. The SDI had higher irrigation efficiency, because without affecting crop yield, it had 3%, 6%, and 8% lower ETa in soybean (605 mm), sorghum (585 mm), and corn (571 mm), respectively. Although soil water use did not differ with volunteer corn infestation, a soybean yield loss of 27% was observed, which suggests that volunteer corn may not compete for moisture under fully irrigated conditions; however, it can impact the crop yield potential due to competition for factors other than soil moisture.

Optimizing yield and water productivity in summer mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) through crop residue management and irrigation strategies

A multi-season research trial entitled ‘crop residue management effects on yield and water productivity of summer mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) under different irrigation regimes in Indian Punjab’ was conducted at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Regional Research Station (RRS), Bathinda, during rabi 2020 and 2021. The field experiment was conducted in a split-plot layout with nine treatment combinations and replicated thrice. The treatments consisted of T1 (no wheat residue along with tillage), T2 (leftover wheat residue with zero tillage), and T3 (incorporated wheat residue along with tillage) in main plots and irrigation regimes viz., I1 (vegetative growth and flowering stage), I2 (vegetative growth, flowering, and pod filling stage) and I3 (vegetative growth, flowering, pod formation and pod filling stage) in sub-plots, respectively. The growth and yield attributing characters were significantly higher under T3 than T1 but statistically at par with T2 during both years. An increase of 24.1% and 19.0% in grain yield was found in residue incorporation (T3) and residue retention (T2) over residue removal (T1), respectively. Maximum crop and irrigation water productivity was observed under T3 due to reduced water use and increased yield. Among the irrigation regimes, the I3 recorded significantly higher grain yield (0.70 and 0.79 t ha− 1) than I1. It was at par with I2 during both years due to higher irrigation frequency at the pod formation and pod filling stage. Crop water productivity (CWP) was higher under I3, whereas irrigation water productivity (IWP) was higher under I1 during both years. Additional irrigation at the pod-filling stage increased the grain yield by 36.5%, and two additional irrigations at the pod-formation and pod-filling stage further increased yield by 46.2% compared to only two irrigations at the vegetative and flowering stages. The treatment combinations of T2I2 and T3I2 outperformed T1I3 in terms of growth and yield attributing characters viz. plant height, dry matter accumulation (DMA), leaf area index (LAI), pods plant− 1, seeds pod− 1, and 1000-seed weight, which resulted in higher grain yield in these treatment combinations over T1I3. Applying crop residue can help minimize water use and increase crop water productivity. So, retaining crop residue in summer mung bean resulted in saving irrigation water due to lesser evapotranspiration from the soil surface.

Evaluation of The Initial Growth of Umbuzeiro Rootstocks

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the growth of umbuzeiro rootstocks after the application of rock dust and biofertilizer. Theoretical Framewor: In this topic, the main concepts that underpin the research are presented. Techniques to improve the productivity of species native to the Brazilian Semiarid region stand out, providing a solid basis for understanding the context of the investigation. Method: Spondias tuberosa Arruda fruit seeds were germinated in a seedbed and 30 days after emergence, they were transplanted into polyethylene pots. The experiment was carried out in differentiated randomized blocks, with four levels of rock dust and the presence and absence of biofertilizer, distributed in 3 blocks, evaluating the variables of plant height (AP) and stem diameter (DC). Results and Discussion: The results revealed that for AP, treatments were significant for 30 and 60 days, while for DC they were significant for 30, 120 and 150 days. In the discussion section, these results are contextualized in light of the theoretical framework. Research Implications: Practical and theoretical implications are discussed, providing insights into how the results can be applied or practical influences in the field of plant physiology. These implications could encompass the use of rock dust and biofertilizer in agriculture. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature on a native fruit species with economic and environmental potential, which still has gaps in knowledge about its nutritional requirements. The relevance of this research is evidenced by the increase in productivity and local social and economic development.

Growing Media pH and Nutrient Concentrations for Fostering the Propagation and Production of Lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.)

The lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.), recognized for its nutritional value and adaptability to cold climates, faces cultivation challenges, particularly in soil pH and fertility optimization. In a greenhouse study, lingonberry transplants were grown in media with pH levels of 6.5 (3:1:1 PRO-MIX BX/peat moss/perlite) and 5.2 (2:1 peat moss/perlite). Seven months post-exposure to different media pH, various fertility treatments (NPK) were tested, including a control (0–0–0), a balanced 5–5–5 kg ha−1 rate, a standard 36–24–48 kg ha−1 rate, and both higher (up to 54–36–72 kg ha−1) and lower (down to 9–6–12 kg ha−1) rates, applied every three weeks for fifteen weeks across six replications with a standard micronutrient rate. Results showed that media pH significantly affected plant height and volume, with plants at pH 6.5 growing 27% taller and larger than plants at pH 5.2. Fertility levels influenced plant volume, peaking at a moderate fertility rate (18–12–24 kg ha−1) before declining at higher rates. Interactions between pH and fertility significantly impacted shoot biomass, where higher fertility rates (above 36–24–48 kg ha−1) had a more pronounced negative effect on shoot biomass at pH 6.5 compared to pH 5.2. Root dry biomass was consistently 1.2–2.3 times greater than shoot dry biomass and less influenced by the treatments. Shoot death rates increased sharply at fertility rates above 18–12–24 kg ha−1, peaking at 21–35%. Nitrogen concentration in shoots and roots increased with higher fertilizer rates, peaking at 1.74% in the 45–30–60 kg ha−1 treatment. Fertility treatments raised growing media’s electrical conductivity (EC, 1:20 ratio), with a maximum of 1.41 dS m−1 in the 54–36–72 kg ha−1 treatment, though pH remained unchanged. Growing media nitrate levels increased with higher N rates, while ammonium levels were unaffected. Shoot death rates rose significantly with higher nitrate concentrations, particularly above 17.5 mg L−1, but showed no link to ammonium levels. Lingonberries can survive and thrive across a wide range of pH levels. These results indicate that lingonberries are resilient and low maintenance, requiring modest nutrient levels, and excessive fertilization hampers their growth.

Active DNA Demethylation Mediated by OsGADD45a2 Regulates Growth, Development, and Blast (Magnaporthe oryzea) Resistance in Rice.

OsGADD45a1, a member of the growth arrest and DNA damage-inducible 45 (GADD45) family in rice, has a newly identified homologue, OsGADD45a2, which differs from OsGADD45a1 in only three amino acids. The role and function of the OsGADD45a2 in DNA demethylation are not well-understood and were investigated in this study. Osgadd45a2 mutants exhibited reduced height, shorter panicle length, fewer grains per panicle, and a lower seed setting rate compared with wild-type plants. Moreover, the results showed that OsGADD45a2 negatively regulates rice blast fungus resistance and exhibited high expression in various tissues. Using the 3000 Rice Genomes Project database, we identified four major haplotypes (each with over 100 cultivars) based on single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the coding sequence of OsGADD45a2. Among these, Hap4 was associated with a significantly greater plant height than Hap1-3, possibly due to a functional alteration of OsGADD45a2 linked to the SNP at position 2614993. In OsGADD45a2 overexpression lines, significant decreases in CG and CHG methylation levels were observed in protein-coding genes, leading to their upregulation. Overall, our findings indicate that OsGADD45a2 acts as a methylation regulator, mediating the expression of genes essential for plant growth and development and blast resistance.

Temporally resolved growth patterns reveal novel information about the polygenic nature of complex quantitative traits.

Plant height can be an indicator of plant health across environments and used to identify superior genotypes. Typically plant height is measured at a single timepoint when plants reach terminal height. Evaluating plant height using unoccupied aerial vehicles allows for measurements throughout the growing season, facilitating a better understanding of plant-environment interactions and the genetic basis of this complex trait. To assess variation throughout development, plant height data was collected from planting until terminal height at anthesis (14 flights 2018, 27 in 2019, 12 in 2020, and 11 in 2021) for a panel of ~500 diverse maize inbred lines. The percent variance explained in plant height throughout the season was significantly explained by genotype (9-48%), year (4-52%), and genotype-by-year interactions (14-36%) to varying extents throughout development. Genome-wide association studies revealed 717 significant single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with plant height and growth rate at different parts of the growing season specific to certain phases of vegetative growth. When plant height growth curves were compared to growth curves estimated from canopy cover, greater Fréchet distance stability was observed in plant height growth curves than for canopy cover. This indicated canopy cover may be more useful for understanding environmental modulation of overall plant growth and plant height better for understanding genotypic modulation of overall plant growth. This study demonstrated that substantial information can be gained from high temporal resolution data to understand how plants differentially interact with the environment and can enhance our understanding of the genetic basis of complex polygenic traits.

Response of host Indian Musa germplasm against artificially induced root lesion nematodes (Pratylenchus coffeae)

Under greenhouse condition, the host response of fifty-nine banana genotypes (Musa spp.) from the Eumusa section to the root-lesion nematode (Pratylenchus coffeae) was assessed. In a factorial completely randomized design (FCRD) with five replications, healthy banana suckers of the diploid and triploid accessions were planted in cement pots. Uninoculated controls were included in the experiment as comparison to study the sensitivity of the genotypes. Two varieties (Pisang Lilin and Nendran) with known reaction to lesion nematode were also included as reference clones because of their resistance and susceptibility to P. coffeae. Banana accessions maintained in the pots were inoculated with infective juveniles of root-lesion nematode, P. coffeae at 45 days after planting at the rate of 400 nematodes/pot. Ninety days after inoculation, the plants were harvested to observe the response of the different banana genotypes to P. coffeae. Data were recorded on plant growth (plant height, girth at the base, number of standing leaves, number of roots and weight of the root system), root damage assessment (percentage of infected roots and percentage necrosis) and nematode reproduction. When inoculated with nematodes, the reduction in plant growth attributes was relatively higher in genotypes that were susceptible. The reduction in growth characters viz., plants height, number of roots and root fresh weight were maximum in the diploid genotypes Manguthamng (26.80, 27.2, 33.0 %) and Manohar (25.70, 29.2, 35.2 %) and in the triploid genotypes Kaali, Rajthali, Digjowa, Saapkal, Cheenichampa, Dasaman, Borchampa, Jahaji, Manjahaji, Barjahaji and Sabri when inoculated with Pratylenchus coffeae. Even after nematode inoculation, root investigations showed that resistant and tolerant genotypes had greater numbers of roots as well as high fresh and dry weight of roots. Root and soil population of nematodes assessed at 90 days after inoculation indicated very high population buildup of Pratylenchus coffeae (>28) in diploids Manguthamng and Nendrapadathi and in triploids Jahaji, Manjahaji, Saapkal, Borchampa, Therahaw-1163 and 1164, Ankur-I and Bersain. The rate was the lowest (<9) in the diploid genotypes Kanai Bansi, Kechulepa, M.balbisiana, Athiakol, Bhimkol and Aittakola and in the triploids Karthobiumtham and Ankur-II. The results of the experiment showed that the diploids Musa balbisiana (BB), Aittakola (BB), Bhimkol (BB), Kechulepa (BB), Kanai Bansi (AA) and Athiakol (BB) and the triploid genotypes Kachkel (ABB), Karthobiumtham (ABB) and Ankur-II (ABB) were resistant to Pratylenchus coffeae.

Exogenous application of mepiquat chloride and crop geometry alters cotton growth and yield traits of compact cotton cultivars (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

Mepiquat chloride is widely used as a growth regulator in cotton fields to increase crop yield. The present study investigated the effects of growth regulator (mepiquat chloride) and row spacings on compact cotton's growth and yield attributes. An experiment was conducted during summer and winter seasons of 2023-2024 at Cotton Research Station, Veppanthattai and the field trial was designed as a split-split plot with three main plots (Varieties - CO 17, VPT 2, Suraksha), four sub-plots (crop geometry - 90 x 15 cm, 70 x 15 cm, 90 x 10 cm, 70 × 10 cm), and two sub-sub plots (growth regulators - mepiquat chloride @150 ppm, mepiquat chloride + cyclanilide @400 ppm), each replicated three times. Results concluded that the Suraksha variety showed superior performance with greater plant height, higher biomass, more sympodial branches, higher bolls/m2 and higher seed cotton yield than CO 17 and VPT 2. Wider spacing of 90 cm resulted in greater plant height, more sympodial branches and more bolls/m2 to a significantly rise in dry matter production due to the higher number of plants per unit area. Combining mepiquat chloride with cyclanilide at 400 ppm during square initiation and boll development stages significantly increased sympodial branches and bolls/m2, improving seed cotton yield.In contrast, applying mepiquat chloride alone led to more significant biomass accumulation, increased plant height and longer internodal distances. It was suggested that the Suraksha variety be sown at a spacing of 90 x 15 cm and treated with a combination of mepiquat chloride and cyclanilide. This resulted in a plant architecture well-suited for mechanical harvesting.

INFLUENCE OF TARGET SEEDING RATES BASED ON THOUSAND KERNEL WEIGHT ON VEGETATIVE GROWTH TRAITS OF TRITICALE, VARIETY ADMIRAL- Part I.

A field experiment was conducted during two seasons 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 at the Grdarasha Research Station of the Agricultural Engineering Sciences College-Salahaddin University-Erbil. The experiment was designed as factorial within randomized complete block design (RCBD), with three replicates. The first factor included three target seeding rates of Triticale (×Triticosecale wittmack, variety Admiral (200,250,and300seeds.m-2), while the second factor was three grain size grades whole, thousand kernels weight (TKW) 47.32 g, heavy seeds, TKW 54.04 and light seeds TKW 40.18 g. The results revealed to no significant influence of seeds weight or seeding rates and their interaction on this trait excluding whole sample seed (ungraded) at the rate target of 300 seeds.m-2, which was significantly reduced flag leaf area. Leaf area index was significantly varied among seed weight and target seeding rates or by their interactions. The plant height of triticale although it was higher for heavy seeds and higher target seeding rates, but it was not reached significant level, either by seed grade or target seed rate and their interactions in both. Plant height ranges from 88.00 for heavy seeds at rate 300 seeds.m-2 to 83.00 for light seeds at rate 200 seeds.m-2 for the season 2019-2020. The highest tillers number was recorded for seed rate 300.m-2 with whole ungraded seeds (176.00).