Plant Height Research Articles

Performance of Medium Duration Rice Cultivars on Growth, Productivity and Profitability under South Andaman Condition of India

A field experiment was carried out during both July to November 2019 and 2020 on the farmers’ fields in the Guptapara village of South Andaman, India, to determine the growth and yield performance of a medium-duration rice cultivar and its suitability. The treatments included five medium-duration rice cultivars consist of Jaya, ADT 45, CARI dhan 3, CARI dhan–6, and CARI dhan-7 laid out in Randomised Complete Block Design with four replications. The results showed that medium-duration rice cultivars exhibited significant variations in growth and yield attributing characteristics, such as leaf area index, root length, root dry weight, the number of productive tillers m-2, panicle length, filled grains panicle-1, and test weight. The growth attributes of rice were significantly influenced by medium-duration rice cultivars, except plant height. Regardless of the duration of the rice cultivars, CARI dhan 7 exhibited significantly greater root length and dry weight, measuring 33.2 cm and 6.37 g hill-1, respectively. CARI dhan 7 had substantially higher productive tillers (357 m-2), filled grains panicle-1 (121.6), grain (4790 kg ha-1), and straw yield (7390 kg ha-1), which was statistically comparable to CARI dhan-6. CARI dhan 7 had the highest gross return of ` 71595 ha-1, a net return of ` 36946 ha-1, and a benefit-cost ratio of 2.07. The medium-duration rice cultivar CARI dhan 7 performed better and more suitable in low-lying areas of South Andaman.

Effect of physiologically active substances on the growth, development and yield of soybeans

The results of research on the influence of physiologically active substances on the growth, development and yield of soybean in the conditions of the Middle Volga region are presented. The study of preparations was carried out on the released soybean variety Yuzhanka. The preparations Mival Agro, Vitanol NP (N 10%, P 30%), Vitanol NP (N 30%, P 10%) and NanoSilica were applied at the dosages recommended by the manufacturers. The experiment scheme included four variants of treatments with preparations and control (water). The preparations were applied for pre-sowing seed treatment and spraying of vegetative plants. The growth regulator Mival Agro (seed and plant treatment) provided a 23.1% increase in yield. Treatment with Vitanol NP (N 10%, P 30%) gave an 18.3% yield increase compared to the control. The highest yield was obtained in the variant with Vitanol NP treatment (N 30%, P 10%), which exceeded the control variant by 68.8%. The yield increase when treated with NanoSilicon exceeded the control variant by 29.4%. Application of all physiologically active substances had a positive effect on the growth, development and productivity of soybean plants. Application of Vitanol NP (N 10%, P 30%) had a positive effect on the yield structure parameters such as plant height (527 cm) and lower bean attachment height (15.8 cm). Vitanol NP (N 30%, P 10%) and NanoSilica preparations contributed to the increase in the number of beans (18.1–18.2 pcs). Also, the studied preparations had a positive effect on 1000 seed weight, plant height and height of the lower bean attachment, compared to the control.

Deficiency of Iron in Eucalyptus Plantations of Variable Age in Punjab and its Amelioration

The experiment was conducted during March, 2018 to March, 2020 at Research Farm of Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana and a few villages in Ludhiana district of Punjab, India to standardize the application of iron (Fe) in eucalyptus plantations varying from one to five years of age to eradicate Fe deficiency in these plantations. The treatments (g plant-1) consisted of plants without Fe application, 100 g S+100 g FeSO4.7H2O, 200 g S+200 g FeSO4.7H2O, 300 g S+300 g FeSO4.7H2O, 50 g Fe EDTA (iron chelate), 100 g Fe EDTA, 200 g Fe EDTA, 300 g Fe EDTA and 400 g Fe EDTA. The diameter at breast height (DBH) and height of plants were measured at the time of fertilizer application and one year after application. The DBH and height one year after application improved over increase in control by 6.86 and 7.13% respectively in first year plants with 50 g plant-1, 8.58 and 10.16% respectively in second year plants and 9.41 and 10.2% respectively in third year plants with 100 g plant-1, and 10.85 and 11.21% respectively in fourth year plants and 10.27 and 11.87% respectively in fifth year plants with 200 g plant-1 Fe EDTA alongwith correction of Fe deficiency completely. Therefore, the deficiency of Fe can be corrected by application of 50 g plant-1 Fe EDTA to first year plantations, 100 g plant-1 Fe EDTA to second and third year plantations and 200 g plant-1 Fe EDTA to fourth and fifth year plantations of eucalyptus.

Selection varieties of meadow clover with high productive qualities for the conditions of the Volgo-Vyatka region

The results of evaluation of five breeding varieties of meadow clover (Trifolium pratense L.) in terms of fodder and seed productivity are presented. Breeding varietal populations of P-15, GPF-49-3, GPF-86-3 SGPF-159-3, SGPF-159-3 + SGP-117 of the double-cut type were investigated in comparison with the standard Dymkovsky for 3 years of economic use of grass stands (2020-2022) in a competitive varietal trial of 2019 sowing. The studies were conducted on strongly acidic (рНKC1 = 4,47) sod-podzolic soils with high content of exchangeable forms of phosphorus and potassium (192.5 and 217.9 mg/kg), low – humus (2.2%). The weather conditions in the years of research were characterized as moderately warm. The average monthly air temperature for April-August amounted to 13.0-15.6 °C with different precipitation supply: in 2020 – excessive, in 2021 – with a slight deficit, in 2022 – close to normal. During the years of research, high winter hardiness of all the studied varieties (more than 80%) was established. The duration of plant development periods in the varieties at mowed and seed use of grass stands was determined. The economic and biological characteristics of the varieties were given, describing the nature of the changes in plant height and foliage, fodder and seed productivity in comparison with the standard Dymkovsky. Two breeding varieties GPF-49-3 and P-15 have been identified based on the results of this research. The winter hardiness of these varieties was 92.6 and 96.9 %, total dry matter yield for 2 years – 21.90 and 21.56 t/ha (+12.7 and 11.0 % to the standard) and the seed yield on average for 2 years – 1.72 and 2.14 kg/ha (+8.9 and +35.4 % to the standard). These varieties are promising for testing in the Volga-Vyatka region and are suitable for state variety trials.

Exogenously applied nano-zinc oxide mitigates cadmium stress in Zea mays L. through modulation of physiochemical activities and nutrients homeostasis

The increasing levels of cadmium (Cd) pollution in agricultural soil reduces plant growth and yield. This study aims to determine the impact of green synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) on the physiochemical activities, nutrition, growth, and yield of Zea mays L. under Cd stress conditions. For this purpose, ZnO-NPs (450 ppm and 600 ppm) synthesized from Syzygium aromaticum were applied through foliar spray to Z. mays and also used as seed priming agents. A significant decline in plant height (35.24%), biomass production (43.86%), mineral content, gas exchange attributes, and yield (37.62%) was observed in Cd-spiked plants compared to the control. While, 450 ppm ZnO-NPs primed seed increased plant height (18.46%), total chlorophyll (80.07%), improved ascorbic acid (25.10%), DPPH activity (26.66%), and soil mineral uptake (Mg+2 (38.86%), K+ (27.83%), and Zn+2 (43.68%) as compared to plants only spiked with Cd. On the contrary, the foliar-applied 450 ppm ZnO-NPs increased plant height (8.22%), total chlorophyll content (73.59%), ascorbic acid (21.39%), and DPPH activity (17.61%) and yield parameters; cob diameter (19.45%), and kernels numbers 6.35% enhanced compared to plants that were spiked only with Cd. The findings of the current study pave the way for safer and more cost-effective crop production in Cd-stressed soils by using green synthesized NPs and provide deep insights into the underlying mechanisms of NPs treatment at the molecular level to provide compelling evidence for the use of NPs in improving plant growth and yield.

A Dynamic Process-Based Method for Screening Salt-Tolerant and High-Yielding Crop Varieties

Maize, the most important cereal crop worldwide, is moderately sensitive to salt stress. Given the challenges of soil salinization, developing methods to screen and cultivate salt-tolerant maize varieties is vital for enhancing food security. Among the options, process model-based assisted screening is an effective method for faster and more thorough screening of salt-tolerant varieties. In this study, a method for quickly screening salt-tolerant and high-yielding crop varieties is proposed by combining a coupled model of crop growth and water–salt response with fitness function. Then, this method was applied to the saline areas of the Hetao Plain in China to demonstrate its applicability. This study includes three parts. Firstly, field trial data from 10 commonly grown maize varieties in Hetao Plain (i.e., Xianyu 335, Yinyu 238, Jindan 73, Deke 622, DK-815, Heyu 157, Xianyu 1321, Jinrun 919, Tianci 19, and Xianyu 1225) were used to calibrate the model for different maize varieties. Moreover, model accuracy was evaluated using four indexes including the regression coefficient (b), coefficient of determination (R²), root mean square error (RMSE), and Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency coefficient (NSE). Secondly, scenario simulations were conducted using the calibrated model by setting nine initial salinity scenarios to simulate daily dynamic crop growth and soil water–salt changes for the 10 maize varieties. Finally, salt-tolerant and high-yielding maize varieties were screened based on the fitness function method during crop growth periods. The results showed that the simulation model was applicable and functioned effectively for all 10 maize varieties in the region, with the determination coefficient (R2) and Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency coefficient (NSE) of simulated plant height and leaf area index being above 0.90. Furthermore, the R2 of soil water content, soil electrical conductivity, and groundwater depth are 0.51, 0.52, and 0.60, respectively. Afterward, the fitness function values were calculated to bridge the linkage between simulated indicators and scenarios to screen varieties step by step according to the predetermined percentage of screening. Jindan 73, Xianyu 1225, and DK-815 were eventually determined as the most suitable salt-tolerant and high-yielding maize varieties. Therefore, the above results show that the proposed method is suitable for saline crop variety screening with flexibility and applicability.

Behavior of ponkan mandarin tree canopy grafted onto rangpur lime and flying dragon rootstocks

The Rangpur lime rootstock was the basis of Brazilian citrus growing for many years. However, this rootstock has been gradually replaced due to the occurrence of Citrus Sudden Death. The Flying Dragon rootstock has stood out as one of the options for replacement as it has different characteristics, such as reducing the size of the plant. There is no information in the literature about the behavior of Flying Dragon as a rootstock for Ponkan mandarin. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the behavior of Ponkan mandarin tree canopy grafted onto Rangpur lime and Flying Dragon rootstocks concerning physiological, agronomic, and fruit quality parameters. In the experiment, productivity, soil moisture, water potential, plant height, fruit diameter, fruit length, fruit mass, fruit pH, soluble solids content, titratable acidity, and ratio were evaluated. The Flying Dragon rootstock was responsible for the decrease in average productivity in the Ponkan mandarin culture. Greater plant heights were obtained when canopies were grafted on Rangpur lime. The soluble solids content of fruits from scions grafted on Flying Dragon was higher, but the degree of uniformity of the soluble solids values obtained from the Rangpur lime tree was higher.

Stress Management Practices in Rainfed Sorghum (K12) on Yield, Economics and Plant Nutrient Uptake Through Foliar Plant Nutrition Under Typical Vertisols (Typic chromusterts) of Semiarid Region

ABSTRACT Foliar fertilization has great potential to give higher yields under intensive cropping system and in enhancing the crop tolerance to drought conditions. Different responses of yield to foliar fertilization are probably associated with incorrect timing of application, use of inappropriate fertilizer and lack of concern of soil available nutrients and environmental conditions. Though soil application of nutrients cannot be replaced totally with foliar fertilization, but under various situations like rainfed condition, foliar nutrition can play very important role in enhancing crop yield and nutrient use efficiency. Focusing on this, a field experiment was conducted in the Agricultural Research Station, Kovilpatti, under rainfed situation from 2017 to ‘20 to evaluate the response of foliar application of plant nutrients sprayed during moisture stress condition and to improve the growth and yield of sorghum under rainfed condition. This experiment was laid out in split plot design with replicated thrice and the treatments consisted of main plots: M1 – foliar spray during dry spell, M2 – foliar spray after relieving of stress/dry spell (with favorable soil moisture) and subplots: S1 – urea@1%, S2 – urea@2%, S3 – water soluble complex fertilizer (19:19:19)@0.5%, S4 – water soluble complex fertilizer (19:19:19)@0.5% + recommended dose of micronutrient for foliar spray (to be decided based on soil test: zinc, boron, iron, manganese, etc.), S5 – ZnSO4@0.5%, S6 – water spray, S7 – control (no spray of any material/water) under rainfed vertisols of semiarid region. The obtained results showed that the application of water soluble complex fertilizer (19:19:19)@0.5% sprayed during the dry spell significantly increased the plant height, earhead length and grain test weight. This attributes resulted in higher grain yield (1448 kg ha−1), stover yield (2288 kg ha−1), net returns (Rs. 8748 ha−1), B:C (1.16) and rainwater use efficiency (3.85 kg ha−1-mm) when compared to other practices in rainfed sorghum. There is a gradual increase in total major plant nutrient uptake, viz. nitrogen (22.3 kg ha−1), phosphorus (4.56 kg ha−1) and potassium uptake (26.0 kg ha−1) with the foliar application of water soluble complex fertilizer (19:19:19)@0.5% applied during the dry spell condition (S3) during drought stress condition (M1). Foliar application of nutrients along with soil application has several advantages in supplementing the nutritional requirements of crops such as rapid and efficient response by the plants, less product needed and independence of soil conditions. Foliar nutrition designed to eliminate the problems like fixation and immobilization of nutrients. Hence, foliar nutrition is recognized as an important method of fertilization during the dry spell under rainfed condition in modern agriculture.

Functional Characterization of JcSWEET12 and JcSWEET17a from Physic Nut

Physic nut (Jatropha curcas L.) has attracted extensive attention because of its fast growth, easy reproduction, tolerance to barren conditions, and high oil content of seeds. SWEET (Sugar Will Eventually be Exported Transporter) family genes contribute to regulating the distribution of carbohydrates in plants and have great potential in improving yield and stress tolerance. In this study, we performed a functional analysis of the homology of these genes from physic nut, JcSWEET12 and JcSWEET17a. Subcellular localization indicated that the JcSWEET12 protein is localized on the plasma membrane and the JcSWEET17a protein on the vacuolar membrane. The overexpression of JcSWEET12 (OE12) and JcSWEET17a (OE17a) in Arabidopsis leads to late and early flowering, respectively, compared to the wild-type plants. The transgenic OE12 seedlings, but not OE17a, exhibit increased salt tolerance. In addition, OE12 plants attain greater plant height and greater shoot dry weight than the wild-type plants at maturity. Together, our results indicate that JcSWEET12 and JcSWEET17a play different roles in the regulation of flowering time and salt stress response, providing a novel genetic resource for future improvement in physic nut and other plants.

Influence of Growth Regulators on Growth, Seed Yield and Qualty of Radish (Raphanus sativus L.)

The present investigation was carried out during 2021 at the experimental farm of Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, DAV University, Jalandhar. Radish is an important crop of Punjab region. Use of Plant Growth Regulators is one of the most recent trends in the field of agriculture science. Plant growth regulators are signal molecules, which occurs in plants naturally in very low concentration. In an attempt to find out the influence of growth regulators on growth, seed yield and quality of radish (Raphanus sativus L.) the experiment was planned and executed. It consisted of nine treatments viz., T1 (Control), T2 (GA3 @ 5 ppm), T3 (GA3 @ 10 ppm), T4 (GA3 @ 15 ppm), T5 (GA3 @ 20 ppm), T6 (NAA @ 5 ppm), T7 (NAA @ 10 ppm), T8 (NAA @ 15 ppm), T9 (NAA @ 20 ppm) and was laid in Randomized block design (RBD) with three replications. Punjab Safed Mooli variety was used for the experiment. Observations were recorded on number of leaves per plant, leaf area per plant (cm2), root length (cm), root diameter (cm), root weight (g), fresh weight of plant (g), dry weight of plant (g), plant height (cm), 100 seed weight (g), seed yield plant-1 (g), seed yield plot-1 (g), seed yield ha-1 (q ha-1), TSS (°Brix), ascorbic acid (mg 100 g-1), chlorophyll content (mg 100 g-1) and germination percentage (%). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed significantly differences among treatments for all the characters under study. It was concluded that the application of GA3 @ 20 ppm showed superior performance in all growth, seed yield and quality parameters of radish.

Leaf functional trait evolution and its putative climatic drivers in African Coffea species.

Leaf traits are known to be strong predictors of plant performance and can be expected to (co)vary along environmental gradients. We investigated the variation, integration, environmental relationships, and evolutionary history of leaf functional traits in the genus Coffea L., typically a rainforest understory shrub, across Africa. A better understanding of the adaptive processes involved in leaf trait evolution can inform the use and conservation of coffee genetic resources in a changing climate. We used phylogenetic comparative methods to investigate the evolution of six leaf traits measured from herbarium specimens of 58 African Coffea species. We added environmental data and data on maximum plant height for each species to test trait-environment correlations in various (sub)clades, and we compared continuous trait evolution models to identify variables driving trait diversification. A substantial leaf trait variation was detected across the genus Coffea in Africa, which was mostly interspecific. Of these traits, stomatal size and stomatal density exhibited a clear trade-off. We observed low densities of large stomata in early branching lineages and higher densities of smaller stomata in more recent taxa, which we hypothesise to be related to declining CO2 levels since the mid-Miocene. Brownian Motion evolution was rejected in favour of White Noise or Ornstein-Uhlenbeck models for all traits, implying these traits are adaptively significant rather than driven by pure drift. The evolution of leaf area was likely driven by precipitation, with smaller leaves in dryer climates across the genus. Generally, Coffea leaf traits appear to be evolutionarily labile and governed by stabilising selection, though evolutionary patterns and correlations differ depending on the traits and clades considered. Our study highlights the importance of a phylogenetic perspective when studying trait relationships across related taxa, as well as the consideration of various taxonomic ranges.

Revitalizing maize growth and yield in water-limited environments through silicon and zinc foliar applications

Maize is an economically vital cereal crop. However, water deficiency can severely impact its productivity. Thus, it is necessary to implement an essential approach to increase maize yield while navigating the limitations imposed by scarce water supplies. The present study aimed to investigate whether foliar applications of silicon (Si) and zinc (Zn) could mitigate the adverse effects of water deficiency and improve maize growth and yield. Field experiments were conducted in Egypt during two growing seasons (2021–2022) under three irrigation regimes: full irrigation (ET0), moderate stress (ET1), and severe stress (ET2). The treatments comprised foliar sprays of Si, Zn, Si + Zn, and water control. Phenological, growth, physiological, chemical, and yield-related traits were assessed. Results showed that adequate irrigation (ET0) enhanced most parameters compared to water stress treatments. Under ET0, the combined silicon and zinc treatment resulted in the highest values for plant height, leaf area, chlorophyll content, grains per ear, kernel weight, ear size, and yield compared to other foliar treatments. Under drought stress (ET1, ET2), Si + Zn applications maintained superiority in mitigating yield losses. Proline accumulation was highest under severe stress (ET2) in the absence of foliar sprays, indicating greater drought impacts. Correlation analysis revealed positive associations of grain yield with ear size, leaf area, kernel weight, and biological yield. Cluster analysis separated irrigation regimes and visualized the consistently beneficial effects of Si + Zn across all water levels. Overall, the results demonstrate the synergistic potential of Si and Zn supplementation to sustain maize performance and yields under varying water availability.

Unraveling the advantages of site-specific nutrient management in maize (Zea mays L.) for enhancing the growth and productivity under varied plant populations in the hot and moist sub-humid region of Odisha

In developing countries like India, a cereal-based cropping system is one of the important practices, having a significant role in food security and the country’s economy. Among the cereal crops cultivated in India, maize is one among them having a huge market demand, and yield potential and can perform under various agroclimatic conditions. In the cultivation of cereal crops like maize, input optimization and intensification of farming by altering plant population are highly essential for agricultural sustainability as well as crop productivity. Nutrients can be efficiently applied through site site-specific approach by using a decision support system, namely, Nutrient Expert (NE) rather application of a recommended dose for an agroclimatic region. Considering the above fact, the research was carried out in the rabi season of 2022-2023 at the Post Graduate Research Farm ofCenturion University of Technology and Management (23?38' N latitude and 87?42' E longitude) in Odisha. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design with different spacings and NE-based nutrient recommendations. The main factor consisted of 3 different spacings and 4 different nutrient recommendations were considered in sub-plots. The recommended dose of fertilizer for maize was 120-60-60 kg ha-1 of N: P2O5:K2O respectively. The results of the experiment revealed that the highest plant height (249 cm), dry matter accumulation (1556 g m-2), leaf area (5674 cm2 plant-1), grain yield (6362 kg ha-1), and stover yield (9334 kg ha-1) were obtained in 60 cm × 15 cm spacing. The NE-based nutrient management for a target yield for 10 t ha-1 recorded the highest values in terms of growth attributes, yield attributes, and yield of maize. The experiment concluded that providing fertilizers through NE-based nutrient recommendation for a target yield of 10 t ha-1 with a spacing of 60 cm × 15cm can be considered for obtaining better growth, yield attributes, and yield of maize.

Mapping of dynamic quantitative trait loci for plant height in a RIL population of foxtail millet (Setaria italica L.).

Plant height (PH) is a crucial trait for strengthening lodging resistance and boosting yield in foxtail millet. To identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) and candidate genes associated with PH, we first developed a genetic map using a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from a cross between Aininghuang and Jingu 21. Then, PH phenotyping data and four variations of best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) were collected from nine environments and three development stages. Next, QTL mapping was conducted using both unconditional and conditional QTL methods. Subsequently, candidate genes were predicted via transcriptome analysis of parental samples at three developmental stages. The results revealed that the genetic map, based on re-sequencing, consisted of 4,360 bin markers spanning 1,016.06 cM with an average genetic distance of 0.23 cM. A total of 19 unconditional QTL, accounting for 5.23%-35.36% of the phenotypic variation explained (PVE), which included 7 major and 4 stable QTL, were identified. Meanwhile, 13 conditional QTL, explaining 5.88%-40.35% of PVE, including 5 major and 3 stable QTL, were discovered. Furthermore, four consistent and stable QTL were identified. Finally, eight candidate genes were predicted through RNA-seq and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). Those findings provide a crucial foundation for understanding the genetic mechanisms underlying PH development and facilitate molecular marker-assisted breeding of ideal plant types in foxtail millet.

A Multi-Plant Height Detection Method Based on Ruler-Free Monocular Computer Vision

Plant height is an important parameter of plant phenotype as one indicator of plant growth. In view of the complexity and scale limitation in current measurement systems, a scaleless method is proposed for the automatic measurement of plant height based on monocular computer vision. In this study, four peppers planted side by side were used as the measurement objects. Two color images of the measurement object were obtained by using a monocular camera at different shooting heights. Binary images were obtained as the images were processed by super-green grayscale and the Otsu method. The binarized images were transformed into horizontal one-dimensional data by the statistical number of vertical pixels, and the boundary points of multiple plants in the image were found and segmented into single-plant binarized images by filtering and searching for valleys. The pixel height was extracted from the segmented single plant image and the pixel displacement of the height was calculated, which was substituted into the calculation together with the reference height displacement to obtain the realistic height of the plant and complete the height measurements of multiple plants. Within the range of 2–3 m, under the light condition of 279 lx and 324 lx, this method can realize the rapid detection of multi-plant phenotypic parameters with a high precision and obtain more accurate plant height measurement results. The absolute error of plant height measurement is not more than ±10 mm, and the absolute proportion error is not more than ± 4%.

Assessing the Effects of Chitosan on Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) Growth and Productivity

Background: Groundnut, also known as peanut is a vital crop worldwide, valued for its oil and protein-rich seeds. However, globally the production of groundnut is constrained by a number of biotic and abiotic factors, which significantly reduce yield. Among these, seed borne pathogen plays a major role.In order to manage plant disease and increase the yield, chitosan was used in this study since it is a natural polymer derived from chitin found in crustacean shells. Methods: Groundnut seeds were treated with chitosan 1.5 and 2.0% along with bio-control agents and carbendazim.Treated seeds were sown in field and observations viz., disease incidence (%), field emergence (%), plant height, flowering characters, yield attributing pod and seed characters were recorded. Result: The results revealed that no disease incidence was recorded in chitosan treated seeds. Seeds treated with chitosan 2% increased the field emergence and plant height up to 13 and 17 per cent over control, respectively. Chitosan 2% treated seeds-initiated flowers 4 days earlier than the control seeds and also quickly attained the 50% flowering. Apart from this, seeds treated with chitosan 2% increased the pod yield and seed yield ha-1 up to 27 and 29 per cent, respectively. In between the biocontrol agents, Bacillus subtilis showed an increased yield and yield attributing parameters.

Assessment of Genetic Variability in Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) Genotypes

The present investigation was carried out at New Orchard, Main Agricultural Research Station, UAS, Raichur, during late Kharif 2021-22 using thirty-one genotypes and laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications. High magnitude GCV and PCV were reported for the traits viz., fruit yield per hectare, fruit yield per plant, number of fruits per plant, plant height, leaf area per plant, number of ridges on fruit surface, fruit girth and fibre content indicates that maximum variability exists in these traits. The traits viz., number of nodes per plant, fruit length, ten fruits weight, shelf-life, stem girth, harvesting period and first flowering node recorded the medium GCV and PCV values. While, low GCV and PCV values were observed for the characters viz., number of leaves per plant, chlorophyll content, days to 50 per cent flowering and days to first flowering showing little variability for these characters. High heritability accompanied by high genetic advance over per cent mean was observed for number of ridges on fruit surface, number of fruits per plant, fruit yield per plant, fruit yield per hectare, fruit girth, leaf area per plant, plant height, number of nodes per plant, fruit length, fibre content, stem girth and ten fruits weight which indicates additive gene effects and selection based on these characters may be effective. Hence, characters showing high to moderate values of PCV, GCV and high estimate of heritability and genetic advance as per cent mean were considered as most important characters and selection of these traits will be more effective in improvement of fruit yield per plant.

Growth and Yield of Celery (Apium Graveolens L.) in Organic Cultivation on Alluvial Soil

Celery (Apium graveolens L.) is a horticultural crop that is consumable and offers numerous health benefits. The purpose of this study was to ascertain how celery growth and yield cultivated on alluvial soil were affected by the interaction between liquid organic NPK fertilizer and chicken manure. The study utilized a field experiment that was designed completely randomized comprising two factors. The first factor was the dosage of chicken manure with three levels: C1: 50 g/pot, C2: 100 g/pot, and C3: 150 g/pot. The second factor was liquid organic NPK fertilizer with three levels: L1: 1%, L2: 2%, and L3: 3%. All treatment combinations were performed in triplicates. The results indicated that the interaction between chicken manure and liquid organic NPK fertilizer significantly affected the number of tillers and dry weight of celery yield. Chicken manure as a single factor significantly influenced the number of stems and tillers. Liquid organic NPK fertilizer as a single factor significantly influenced the number of tillers, fresh weight, dry weight, and plant height. The combination of chicken manure and liquid organic NPK fertilizer (C1L3) produced the highest number of stems per clump (79.44 stems) and the highest number of tillers per clump (9.78 tillers). The combination of C2L3 yielded the highest fresh weight (184 g) and dry weight (17.33 g). Keywords: Alluvial soil, Celery, Chicken manure, Liquid organic NPK fertilizer

Efficiency of foliar additional fertilizing of corn at different periods of application

The studies were carried out on ordinary carbonate chernozem in the zone of sufficient moistening in the Stavropol region in 2021–2023. The effectiveness of foliar additional fertilizing with fertilizer Batr Zinc (1.0 l/ha) was studied on corn hybrids Mashuk 220 MV and Mashuk 355 MV in the 5 and 8 leaves phases. Additional fertilizing was carried out on a background without any mineral fertilizing, as well as backgrounds of nitrogen (N30) and complete mineral fertilizing (N30P30K30). Data were obtained on the terms influence of foliar additional fertilizing with fertilizer Batr Zinc on the corn plants height, the yield of green mass and grain, and crop structure elements. Foliar additional fertilizing of corn in 5 or 8 leaves phases with fertilizer Batr Zinc at a dose of 1.0 l/ha had a positive effect on plants growth. Without the use of mineral fertilizers in the flowering phase, the plants height of the hybrid Mashuk 220 MV increased on average for 2021–2023 by 14 and 16 cm, hybrid Mashuk 355 MV – by 17 and 23 cm. On average, over 3 years without the use of mineral fertilizers, corn fertilizing in the phases of 5 or 8 leaves with fertilizer Batr Zinc increased the yield of green mass of the hybrid Mashuk 220 MV by 5.2 and 6.0 t/ha (15.1 and 17. 4 %), hybrid Mashuk 355 MV – by 7.7 and 6.8 t/ha (23.2 and 20.5 %). Depending on the fertilizing terms, the grain yield of the hybrid Mashuk 220 MV increased by 0.59 and 0.63 t/ha (9.2 and 9.9 %), of the hybrid Mashuk 355 MV – by 0.83 and 0.74 t/ha (12.9 and 11.5 %). There was no significant difference in the yield of green mass and grain between the fertilizing terms. Against the background of mineral fertilizers, foliar additional fertilizing with the agrochemical Batr Zinc was ineffective.

The influence of temperature, light, pH and salinity on germination and growth of Cutandia memphitica (Spreng.) Benth

Background: There are many weed species that affect yield and quality in date palm orchards. Cutandia memphitica (Spreng.) Benth. is one of the weeds that is common in date palm orchards in Iraq. However, there is not enough information about C. memphitica in the literature. In order to provide information about the effect of key environmental factors (temperature, light, pH, and salt) on the seed biology of this weed species, this study was conducted.Methods: Within 2020, seeds were collected from agricultural regions in southern Iraq, and trials were done at Erciyes University Faculty of Agriculture labs in Kayseri Türkiye. All experiments were carried out with 30 seeds in the sterile 90 mm (90×15) petri dishes containing two layers of sterile filter paper.Results: The results of this investigation revealed that the seeds of this species germinated by 72.49% in three days when incubated at 25°C, and by 96.66% in 14 days when incubated at 15°C. The results also indicated that even during the longest incubation time examined, which was 28 days, the seeds of this species never germinated at 30 degrees or above. They can germinate during this period if kept at 5°C. The study also revealed that 90% of the seeds of this species germinated in complete darkness, whereas only 11.66% germinated in light. However, light has a significant impact on studied growth parameters (plant height and seedling fresh and dry weight). The results also demonstrate that the pH levels examined, which varied from 4 to 10, had no effect on the seed germination and growth parameters of seedling.Conclusion: The results showed that the seeds of this species germinated at the highest salinity levels (250 mM NaCl) by 10.83%. Meanwhile, the best germination was recorded at 25 mM salinity level of 89.16%, but without significant differences with salinity level at 50 mM and control. Also, the growth indicators were reduced significantly at the salinity level of 250 mM compared to the control.Keywords: Light; Salinity; Seed Germination; Temperature; Weed; Date Palm