Plant Height Research Articles

Estimation of Genetic Variability for Yield and Its Component Traits in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

The present investigation was conducted with 12 chickpea genotypes, raised in randomized block design with three replications during the Rabi season 2023-2024 at at Organic Research Farm, Karguanji, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Bundelkhand University, Jhansi (U.P.). The experiment was laid-out in randomized block design with three replications of the plant geometry was maintained at 30 cm x 10 cm. The present experimental material showed a wide range of phenotypic variation for number of seed per pod, number of primary branches per plant, biological yield per plant and seed yield per plant, number of secondary branches per plant, number of pods per plant and harvest index whereas, low phenotypic coefficient of variation was observed for plant height, 100-seed weight, days to 50 per cent flowering and days to maturity as revealed by high values of Coefficient of Range. The estimates of high heritability coupled with high genetic advance expressed as a per cent of mean were observed for biological yield per plant, seed yield per plant and number of pods per plant manifesting the preponderance of additive gene action on the expression of these traits. In the investigation, genotypes viz., RSG-44 and Aruna were superior not only for seed yield per plant but also related traits like 100-seed weight, biological yield per plant, number of pods per plant and number of primary branches per plant.

Characterization of Bacillus pacificus G124 and Its Promoting Role in Plant Growth and Drought Tolerance.

Drought represents a major environmental threat to global agricultural productivity. Employing plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) offers a promising strategy to enhance plant growth and resilience under drought stress. In this study, the strain G124, isolated from the arid region of Qinghai, was characterized at the molecular level, and its ability to enhance plant drought tolerance was validated through pot experiments. The findings revealed that the strain G124 belongs to Bacillus pacificus, with a 99.93% sequence similarity with B. pacificus EB422 and clustered within the same clade. Further analysis indicated that the strain G124 demonstrated a variety of growth-promoting characteristics, including siderophore production, phosphate solubilization, and the synthesis of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), among others. Moreover, inoculation with B. pacificus G124 resulted in significant enhancements in plant height, leaf area, chlorophyll content, relative water content, and root development in both Arabidopsis thaliana and Medicago sativa seedlings under drought conditions. Additionally, G124 boosted antioxidant enzyme activities and osmolyte accumulation, while reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in M. sativa seedlings exposed to drought. These findings suggest that B. pacificus G124 holds significant promise for enhancing plant drought tolerance and could be effectively utilized in crop management strategies under arid conditions.

Response of Different Bougainvillea Varieties to Cutting Propagation

The experiment was carried out in factorial randomized block design with three replications. There were two factors viz. nine varieties of bougainvillea (Golden Blow, Pink Beauty, Blondie, Mr. Odicee, Singapore Red, Filoman, Rose Vellis Delight, M.P.S. and Dr. Bhabha) and three type of cutting (softwood, semi hardwood and hardwood cutting). Among the various interactions, hardwood cuttings of varieties Singapore red and Blondie performed better with respect to survival (75.55% and 73.33% respectively) as compared to others. Variety Singapore Red propagated by hardwood cutting recorded highest plant height (56.21 cm), stem girth (6.98 mm) and root length (13.72 cm) while variety Pink Beauty propagated by hardwood cutting recorded highest number of shoots (4.53) and number of leaves (57.33). Highest number of roots (35.89) was recorded in variety Blondie propagated by hardwood cutting. Variety M.P.S. recorded better survival percentage in all three types of cutting (softwood, semi hardwood and hardwood) which was followed by Blondie and Filoman.

Research on the Mechanism of Growth of Codonopsis pilosula (Franch.) Nannf. Root Responding to Phenolic Stress Induced by Benzoic Acid.

Soil autotoxic chemosensory substances have emerged as the predominant environmental factors constraining the growth, quality, and yield of Codonopsis pilosula in recent years. Among a vast array of chemosensory substances, benzoic acid constitutes the principal chemosensory substance in the successive cultivation of C. pilosula. However, the exploration regarding the stress exerted by benzoic acid on the growth and development of C. pilosula remains indistinct, and there is a scarcity of research on the mechanism of lobetyolin synthesis in C. pilosula. In the current research, it was discovered that exposure to benzoic acid at a concentration of 200 mmol/L conspicuously attenuated the plant height, root length, total length, fresh weight, root weight, root thickness, chlorophyll content, electrolyte osmolality, leaf intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci), net photosynthesis rate (Pn), transpiration rate (Tr), and leaf stomatal conductance (Gs) of C. pilosula. Benzoic acid (200 mmol/L) significantly enhanced the activity of root enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and peroxidase (POD), as well as the accumulation of polysaccharides and lobetyolins (polyacetylene glycosides) in the roots of C. pilosula. In this study, 58,563 genes were assembled, and 7946 differentially expressed genes were discovered, including 4068 upregulated genes and 3878 downregulated genes. The outcomes of the histological examination demonstrated that benzoic acid stress augmented the upregulation of genes encoding key enzymes implicated in the citric acid cycle, fatty acid metabolism, as well as starch and sucrose metabolic pathways. The results of this investigation indicated that a moderate amount of benzoic acid could enhance the content of lobetyolin in C. pilosula and upregulate the expression of key coding genes within the signaling cascade to improve the resilience of C. pilosula lobetyolin against benzoic acid stress; this furnished a novel perspective for the study of C. pilosula lobetyolin as a potential substance for alleviating benzoic acid-induced stress.

The Research On The Adaptation And Quality Values Of Registered Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Varieties Under Eastern Mediterranean Climatic Conditions

This research was carried out in 2022 and 2023 with ten chickpea varieties (Diyar-95, Arda, Botan, Aksu, Aslanbey, Ubet, Sezgin, Caner, Onur01 and Azkan) registered in Turkey to determine yield and quality factors under Eastern Mediterranean Adana ecological conditions. The experiments were carried out according to the Randomized Block Design with three replications. In the study, grain yield, hundred grain weight, plant height, 50% flowering time and quality parameters of the varieties were analyzed. According to the findings of the research, flowering period of the varieties was between 76.75-84.25 days for Botan-Aslanbey chickpea varieties; plant height was between 53.04-60.67 cm for Sezgin-Azkan chickpea varieties; hundred grain weight was between 38.70-49.07 g for Diyar95-Aslanbey chickpea varieties; grain yield was between 175.70-286.42 kg/da for Sezgin-Aslanbey chickpea varieties. According to the data obtained at the end of the research, Aslanbey, Onur01, Ubet, Botan, Diyar95, Aksu, and Arda varieties, which had the highest values in terms of grain yield, were found to be recommended varieties for the region. However, in order to make a better decision, field studies should be carried out for longer years supported by detailed agronomic studies.

Mitigating Salinity Stress in Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) with K-humate and Iron Oxide Nanoparticles

Salinity stress poses a major challenge to plant growth and development, causing problems like osmotic stress, ion toxicity, and nutrient imbalances. These issues lead to reduced photosynthesis and early aging of plants. In this study, we explored the potential of potassium humate (Kh) and iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe (II,III) oxide-NPs) to help cotton plants (Gossypium hirsitum L.) cope with saline conditions. We examined various growth parameters such as plant height, leaf number, fresh and dry weights of leaves and roots, leaf area, chlorophyll content (SPAD values), and relative water content (RWC). Our findings showed that salinity stress significantly decreased plant height, leaf number, fresh leaf weight, dry leaf weight, leaf area, and RWC. However, the application of Fe (II,III) oxide-NPs and Kh helped mitigate these negative effects. Notably, the combination of Fe (II,III) oxide-NPs and Kh resulted in the highest plant height under saline conditions. Kh alone was particularly effective in increasing leaf number and fresh leaf weight, even under stress. In conclusion, both Fe (II,III) oxide NPs and Kh proved to be effective in enhancing cotton plant resilience to salinity stress, highlighting their potential use in sustainable agriculture in saline and arid regions. These insights can help develop strategies to improve plant growth and yield under challenging environmental conditions.

Effect of Paenibacillus favisporus CHP14 inoculation on selenium accumulation and tolerance of Pakchoi (Brassica chinensis L.) under exogenous selenite treatments

The effects of Paenibacillus favisporus CHP14 inoculation on selenium (Se) accumulation and Se tolerance of Pakchoi were studied by a pot experiment conducted in greenhouse. The results revealed that the growth traits such as plant height, root length, and biomass were significantly elevated during CHP14 treatment at 0 ∼ 8.0 mg·kg−1 Se(IV) levels. CHP14-inoculated plants accumulated more Se in root and shoot, which were 24.1%∼57.3% and 7.5%∼50.9% higher than those of non-inoculated plants. The contents of leaf nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), and iron (Fe), as well as the ratio of indoleacetic acid and abscisic acid contents (IAA/ABA) were increased by CHP14 inoculation, and positively associated with photosynthetic pigment contents (p < 0.05). At ≥ 4.0 mg·kg−1 Se(IV) levels, superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and glutathione peroxidase activities of Pakchoi roots were increased with CHP14 inoculation, by 9.9%∼17.1%, 28.4%∼40.7%, and 7.4%∼15.3%, respectively. Moreover, CHP14 inoculation enhanced ascorbate-glutathione (AsA-GSH) metabolism in roots by upregulating the related enzymes activities and antioxidant contents under excess Se(IV) stress. These findings suggest that CHP14 is beneficial to improve plant growth and enhance Se(IV) resistance of Pakchoi, and can be exploited as potential inoculants for phytoremediation process in Se contaminated soil.

Precision, quantitative measurement of sunflower capitulum inclination: A trigonometry‐based approach

AbstractSunflower (Helianthus annuus) is a widely cultivated crop that exhibits a trait known as capitulum (or head) inclination at maturity. This trait is influenced by various structural factors, including head weight, stem traits, and plant height. A sunflower head should be at an angle at which the head faces the ground to avoid damage from the sun and birds. While this desired inclination range is known, current methods, including visual estimation and a model of measuring inclined length of the stem, fail to provide precise measurements of angle. This study introduces novel approaches to mathematically measure the head inclination angle. The research, which was conducted over the 2022 and 2023 growing seasons, involved an aluminum rod equipped with a ruler and a digital protractor to measure various height and angle components. Using the data collected, three methods were applied for measuring inclination: a previously published model as a control, a trigonometry‐based approach using angle and height measurements, and other model‐based approaches. A linear model resulted in a formula to calculate the head angle of any plant based solely on two height measurements, the highest point of the plant at both bloom (R5) and maturity (R9). Calculations of heritability and correlation suggest this method has created a precise alternative to existing estimation methods. The resulting formula has the potential to be paired with measurements from high‐throughput phenotyping methods, such as those facilitated with drones and ground robots, to fully automate the process of collecting head inclination data.

Peculiarities of growth and development of sunflower hybrids when using LCS in the conditions of forest-steppe of Russia

Individual features of growth, development and dry matter accumulation by sunflower hybrids of one maturity group on typical, medium-humus, medium-loamy chernozem were studied. The research was carried out in a link of grain-plowing crop rotation on the lands of farm S.E. Nekipelov Pristensky district of Kursk region in different hydrothermal conditions in 2020–2022. The object of the study were sunflower hybrids (Sumico-Syngenta, P63LE10-Pioneer and Elion-Galaktika), sown to a depth of 4–5 cm when the soil was heated to 10 °C in the amount of 60 thousand pcs/ha of germinating seeds. The work was carried out in the technology of yield planning 40 c/ha, with the introduction of liquid complex fertilizers (HCS NР 11:37) before sowing in the amount of 50, 100 and 150 l/ha per depth 5, 10 and 15 cm. In the experiment, the traditional technology of preparing the soil for salting with the regulation of the number of the weed component by Express Sun technology was used. Due to the increased growth energy of the hybrids under consideration, the height of plants varies according to the phases of development and maturation in the studied variants reached 177–191 cm, which is 4.7–6.5% higher than the control values. The mass of plants in the sunflower agrocenosis increased in the Sumiko hybrid by 13.2%, P63LE10 by 11.1%, Elion by 12.5%. The plants of the hybrid Elion accumulate more dry matter in the aboveground mass. The use of HCS at a maximum dose of 150 l/ha when applied to a depth of 15 cm contributed to an increase in the accumulation of dry matter by the maturation phase in the plant biomass of the Sumiko hybrid by 304.3 g/m², the P63LE10 hybrid by 177.7 g/m², the Elion hybrid by 354.0 g/m², or, respectively, by 34.7%, 17.2% and 33.7% relative to the control.

Crop establishment and nutrient management options: Optimizing productivity, maximize profitability and mitigating adverse climatic conditions in the maize-based production system of Northwest India

Poor fertilizer management and intensive tillage have increased production costs, lowered productivity, and significantly depleted soil nutrients. Although nutrient management options (NMOs) within crop establishment options (CEOs) based maize production system (MPS) is seldom explored, CEOs is increasingly advocated to tackle problems with soil health, food security, and climate change. Developing and implementing effective NMOs is needed for improving system sustainability, profitability, and productivity. We evaluated the effects of CEOs and NMOs on nutrient acquisition, profitability, and maize productivity in the Northwestern Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGPs) of India during 2018–2019. In this study, four CEOs treatment [(i) conventional tillage without residue {CT–R}, (ii) conventional tillage with residue {CT+R}, (iii) permanent raised bed without residue {PRB–R}, and (iv) permanent raised bed with residue {PRB+R}], were kept in the main plot and three NMOs [(i) soil test-based recommendation {STBR}, (ii) nutrient expert-based recommendation {NE}, and (iii) NE with GreenSeeker {NE+GS} were tested in subplots. The results showed that the crop growth metrics, including plant height, dry matter accumulation, leaf area index, and crop growth rate, were significantly greater at PRB+R comparing to treatments. Additionally, PRB+R resulted in the shortest time to 50 % and 75 % silking, indicating enhanced crop development. NMOs significantly improved crop growth parameters. The NE+GS treatment recorded higher plant height (145.8–149.2 cm and 222.3–224.8 cm), dry matter accumulation (195.5–198.4 g/m² and 408.4–412.0 g/m²), leaf area index (2.45–2.48 and 3.24–3.30), and crop growth rate (6.50 and 7.10 g/m²/day). PRB+R showed the shortest silking times (60.5 and 62.2 days). PRB+R also attained the maximum maize yield (6.23 and 6.26 t/ha), by a 17.82 % and 17.57 % increase over CT–R in 2018 and 2019. The NE+GS treatment resulted in the highest maize productivity, with additional yield gains over NE alone and STBR. The lowest cultivation cost ($513.87/ha and $513.97 /ha), highest net return ($1028.91/ha and $1083.60/ha), and best benefit-cost ratio (2.00 and 2.11) were observed with PRB–R, while gross returns ($1573.78/ha and $1630.42/ha) had highest in PRB+R. The NE+GS option achieved higher gross returns ($1544.73/ha and $1599.37/ha), net returns ($918.29/ha and $977.30/ha), and benefit-cost ratios (1.47 and 1.57) with lower cultivation costs ($626.43/ha and $622.06/ha) compared to NE and STBR. The PRB+R and NE+GS combination had found highest nutrient uptake (N, P, K) in grain and straw, highlighting their effectiveness in nutrient management. Overall, our findings recommend adopting PRB+R and NE+GS to optimize maize production system productivity and profitability, ensuring agricultural sustainability and resilience to adverse climatic conditions in Northwest India.

Diversity analysis and evaluation of lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) accessions for morphological, oil yield and oil composition traits under different fertility levels for Uttarakhand region

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) is a highly valuable aromatic and therapeutic herb, well known for its essential oil content. The present study was carried out during 2021–2023 at Centre for Aromatic Plants, Selaqui, Dehradun, Uttarakhand to analyse the diversity of various lemongrass accessions collected from Uttarakhand for their morphological traits, oil yield, and oil composition traits. These various lemongrass accessions were further evaluated in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications under different fertility levels for their agro- morphological performance. Yield components such as herb yield and essential oil yield, including oil composition, were also determined. Statistical analysis and genetic parameters indicated significant variations among lemongrass accessions for the majority of morphological and yield traits. Accessions AC-16 and AC-37 performed superiorly for traits such as plant height, leaf length, and width, whereas accessions AC-51 and AC-37 showed higher herb and oil yields under an increased dose of fertilizer. The accessions showed wide variability with respect to oil composition; from our study, we identified each of the three citral-rich (AC-16, AC-37, and AC-51) and geraniol-rich (AC-20, AC- 71, and AC-65) accessions. The better-performing accessions for morphological, yield and oil composition related traits may also be used in breeding programmes as potential genetic stock.

Influence of direct and staggered sowing of pelleted onion (Allium cepa) seeds on various seed yield parameters under Asian mid-hill conditions

The experiment was conducted during 2021–22 and 2022–23 at Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, Himachal Pradesh to study the impact of precision planting (using pelleted seeds) and sowing dates on the numerous attributes of the onion (Allium cepa L.) variety Palam Lohit. The study was carried out with the objective to determine whether direct seed sowing would lead to successful seed production in onion under mid-hill conditions (which is not the conventional practice). Also, the staggered sowing dates would help to determine the best sowing time for higher seed production. The experiment was laid in randomized block design (Factorial) (F-RBD) with 3 replications having 19 treatments, including 3 pelleting treatments, viz. P1 (wood ash); P2 (ZnSO4 + wood ash); and P3 (H3BO3 + wood ash); 6 sowing dates, viz. D1 (15th September); D2 (1st October); D3 (15th October); D4 (1st November); D5 (15th November); and D6 (1st December); and Da (traditional bulb planting as control). The study revealed that seed pelleting with ZnSO4 + wood ash and early sowing (15th September) gave best results in terms of emergence (%), plant height, number of seeds/umbel and number of seeds/plant, seed yield and 1000-seed weight. The direct sowing treatments produced seeds in one year as opposed to two years using the conventional bulb planting method, which is traditionally being used in the Asian mid-hills.

Multivariate genetic analysis and diversity assessment in lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) accessions

The present study was carried out during 2019 to 2022 at the Floriculture Research Station (Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu), Thovalai, Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu to access the genetic variability in lotus accessions (Nelumbo nucifera) collected from 6 diverse locations. The research presents significant insights into the growth and flowering characteristics of these extraordinary aquatic plants and their adaptability to various environmental conditions. The analysis of mean performance showcases noteworthy variations in plant height, leaf dimensions, flowering time and the number of leaves, and flowers/plant across different collection sites, highlighting the profound influence of local environmental conditions on lotus growth. Lotus traits with significant genetic diversity and heritability, presenting opportunities for targeted selective breeding were identified. Principal component analysis uncovers key trait influencers, while cluster analysis categorizes accessions based on similarities, streamlining research and cultivation. Correlation and path analysis unveil relationships among lotus traits, enhancing our understanding of growth factors. D2 cluster composition reveals distinct groupings; Cluster I includes KNn1 and KNn5, Cluster II features KNn2, Cluster III comprises KNn6, Cluster IV contains KNn3, and Cluster V houses KNn4. Genetic divergence analysis identifies the number of flowers/plant as the primary driver of genetic diversity, emphasizing its importance for breeding. It underscores the need to consider both genetic and environmental factors in lotus cultivation and highlights the importance of targeted breeding efforts to unlock the full potential of lotus.

Adaptability of hybrid populations of Linum usitatissimum L. in conditions of the Northern Transural region

Relevance. The selection of genotypes with high adaptive properties for the conditions of the Tyumen region allows us to contribute to the development of a regional strategy for breeding and genetic work, selection and cultivation of varieties in connection with changing weather and climatic conditions.Material and methodology. The research was carried out over a three-year period (2020-2022) in the northern forest-steppe zone of the Tyumen region. Intervarietal hybridization (4x4 scheme), evaluation of the obtained material according to morphological (4 pcs.), biological (1 pc.), adaptive indicators (2 pcs.) was carried out using generally accepted methods. The objects of study were 12 combinations of fiber flax, first obtained in the region.Results. Significant differences (p&lt;0.05*) were determined between hybrid populations of fiber flax in the influence of genotype, environment, and genotype-environment interaction on the degree of implementation of the studied traits. Correlation relationships have been identified that determine the fiber content in the stem (r=0.79-0.91*, growing season, plant height, inflorescence length, softness, camber), the number and weight of seeds per plant (r=0.79-0 ,91*, inflorescence length, number, size and crackability of the capsule). Based on the results of individual selection in the third hybrid generation (F3), early ripening (4 pieces), tall (n=4), with the maximum number of bolls (n=4) and the number of seeds in them (n=7), fiber content (n =4) in the stem of the combination.Conclusions. Hybrid combinations of fiber flax with high levels of stable properties (G1, G3, G9, G10, G11), productivity criteria (G1, G2, G4, G7, G8, G9, G11, G12) can be valuable in breeding work.

Genetic diversity study of bacterial wilt-tolerant bell pepper (Capsicum annuum) genotypes using cluster and principal component analysis

The present study was carried out during summer and rainy (kharif) seasons of 2019 and 2020 at the research farm of Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh to study the genetic diversity among 43 bacterial wilt tolerant genotypes of bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L. var. grossum Sendt), focusing on 12 quantitative and 3 qualitative traits along with disease resistance. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 3 replications. Following hierarchical cluster analysis, the 43 unique genotypes were categorized into 5 separate clusters. Cluster I consisted of maximum number of genotypes (39), followed by clusters II, III, IV and V, each having only one genotype. The greatest inter-cluster distance was observed between cluster II and V (3090.70), while the smallest distance was noted between cluster II and III (1299.21). Cluster I displayed the greatest intra-cluster distance (803.75), while clusters II, III, IV and V showed the lowest distances (0.00). The primary contributors to genetic divergence were found to be capsanthin content (23.4%), followed by ascorbic acid (21.4%), fruit length (12.5%), plant survival (11.1%) and marketable fruit yield/plant (10.9%). Principal component analysis indicated that the initial six principal components, each possessing an eigen value surpassing one, jointly accounted for 70.62% of the total observed variability. PCA biplot revealed that, the traits namely, marketable fruits/plant, average fruit weight, harvest duration and plant height were the major yield contributing traits. The results underscored the importance of genetic characterization and the selection of diverse genotypes for hybridization, facilitating the development of improved bell pepper cultivars with enhanced productivity and quality.

Effects of seeding methods and nutrient management practices on growth and yield of organic wheat (Triticum aestivum)

An experiment was conducted out during winter (rabi) seasons of 2021–22 and 2022–23 at the Research Farm of Maharana Pratap Univesity of Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur, Rajasthan to study the effect of nutrient management practices and sowing methods on the development and production of organic wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The experiment was conducted in a split plot design (SPD) with 4 replications. The experiment consisted of 3 sowing methods in main plots, viz. Flat row sowing; FIRB (Furrow Irrigated Raised Bed) sowing; and zero tillage sowing and 8 nutrient management practices, viz. 100% RDN through FYM as basal; RDN through FYM as basal + 50% RDN with first irrigation; 75% RDN through FYM as basal + 25% RDN with first irrigation; 50% RDN through FYM as basal + 25% RDN with first irrigation + 25% RDN with second irrigation; 100% RDN through FYM as basal + jeevamrit @500 litre/ha at sowing and first irrigation + panchagavya @5% at booting stage; 50% RDN through FYM as basal + 50% RDN with first irrigation + jeevamrit @500 litre/ha at sowing and first irrigation + panchagavya @5% at booting stage; 75% RDN through FYM as basal + 25% RDN with first irrigation + jeevamrit @500 litre/ha at sowing and first irrigation + panchagavya @5% at booting stage; 50% RDN through FYM as basal + 25% RDN with first irrigation + 25% RDN with second irrigation + jeevamrit @500 litre/ha at sowing and first irrigation + panchagavya @5% at booting stage in sub plots. The experimental results revealed that the FIRB sowing method recorded significantly higher plant height at 45 DAS (42.56 and 42.66 cm) during both the years of study over zero tillage sowing method and remain at par with flat row sowing method, respectively. The same sowing method resulted into statistically higher grain yield (42.88 and 43.87 q/ha) and biological yield (106.89 and 108.48 q/ha) compared to flat row sowing and zero tillage sowing methods during both the years, respectively. During the second year of study (2023) significantly highest crop growth rate (CGR) (1.1240 g/m2/day) and relative growth rate (RGR) (0.0083 g/g/day) between 90 DAS to harvest were recorded with flat row sowing over zero tillage sowing and remain at par with FIRB sowing method. Regarding the nutrient management practices the highest plant height (43.43 and 44.51 cm), grain yield (44.52 and 44.84 q/ha) and biological yield (110.35 and 110.58 q/ha) were recorded with 75% RDN through FYM as basal + 25% RDN with first irrigation + jeevamrit @500 litre/ha at sowing and first irrigation + panchagavya @5% at booting stage.

Growth, Evapotranspiration, Gas Exchange and Chl a Fluorescence of Ipê-Rosa Seedlings at Different Levels of Water Replacement.

In general, young plants in the establishment phase demonstrate sensitivity to changes in environmental conditions, especially regarding water availability. The effects of the seasonality of biophysical processes on plant physiology can trigger differential responses, even within the same region, making it necessary to conduct studies that characterize the physiological performance of the species at different spatial and temporal scales, making it possible to understand their needs and growth limits under water stress conditions. This paper aimed to evaluate the growth, gas exchange and Chl a fluorescence in ipê-rosa seedlings subjected to levels of water replacement (LWRs) of 100, 75, 50 and 25% in a greenhouse. The morphometric variables of plant height, diameter at stem height, numbers of leaves and leaflets, root length and volume, plant dry mass and leaf area were evaluated. The potential evapotranspiration of seedlings (ETc) was obtained using direct weighing, considering the water replacement of 100% of the mass variation between subsequent days as a reference; the cultivation coefficients (kc) were obtained using the ratio between ETc and the reference evapotranspiration (ETo) obtained by the Penman-Monteith FAO-56 method. Biomass and evapotranspiration data were combined to determine water sensitivity. Diurnal fluxes of gas exchange (net photosynthesis rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, internal and atmospheric carbon ratio, water use efficiency and leaf temperature) and Chl a fluorescence (Fv/Fm, ΦPSII, ETR, Fv'/Fm', NPQ and qL) were evaluated. Water restriction caused reductions of 90.9 and 84.7% in the increase in height and diameter of seedlings subjected to 25% water replacement when compared to seedlings with 100% water replacement. In comparison, biomass accumulation was reduced by 96.9%. The kc values increased throughout the seedling production cycle, ranging from 0.59 to 2.86. Maximum water sensitivity occurred at 50% water replacement, with Ky = 1.62. Maximum carbon assimilation rates occurred in the morning, ranging from 6.11 to 12.50 µmol m-2 s-1. Ipê-rosa seedlings regulate the physiology of growth, gas exchange and Chl a fluorescence depending on the amount of water available, and only 25% of the water replacement in the substrate allows the seedlings to survive.

The effects of synthetic fertilizer and whey protein concentrate application on pepper plant’s (Capsicum annuum L.) yield and growth

One of the strategies devised to address the nutritional difficulties caused by the world’s increasing population is to boost productivity per unit area to expose plant potential. Because of the negative impacts of synthetic fertilizers on nature, it is critical to design environmentally friendly plant nutrition models. One of these is proteins that are obtained naturally. A study was conducted to study and compare the effects of synthetic fertilizer and whey protein concentrate on the growth and yield of pepper plants (Capsicum annuum L. cv. Mazamort)-. The experimental factors were synthetic fertilizer (SF) and whey protein concentrate (WPC). The plants treated with 5.0 and 7.5 g of WPC had the maximum plant height, widest crown length, number of branches per plant, stem diameter, leaf chlorophyll content, and leaf fresh weight. Leaf turgid weight, average number of leaves, leaf dry weight, plant total height, and crown length were all highest in plants treated with 5.0 g/application of WPC. Plants treated with 2.5 g/application WPC had the biggest leaf area. The 2.5 g/application WPC-treated plants had the highest average fruit weight and fruit number, indicating that this application had the earliest flowering time. The highest fruit diameter and fruit length were obtained from the control group. While 5.0 g/application WPC-treated plants had the highest flower bud count, fruit number, and fastest fruit ripening time, 7.5 g/application WPC-treated plants had the highest fertilized flower count. Fruit maturation was earlier in WPC-treated plants compared to SF-treated ones; while 2.5 g/application SF and 7.5 g/application WPC-treated plants had the earliest fruiting time.

Inventarizácia invázneho druhu pajaseňa žliazkatého (Ailanthus altissima) v urbánnom prostredí – prípadová štúdia

Tree of heaven [Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle] (family Simaroubaceae) is known as an invasive woody species in urban, rural, and natural ecosystems in many parts of the world. In Slovakia, it is accepted as an invasive species included in the list of invasive alien species of the EU concern (Regulation No. 2019/1262). In this study, the spread of the invasive neophyte A. altissima populations was monitored in the immediate vicinity (1 km) of the Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra in southwestern Slovakia in 2022. We recorded habitat type, GPS coordinates in the centre of the local populations, area of population (m2), average tree height (m), and management measures. The species colonized an area of 1,997 m2. The plant spread mainly in the habitat of extensively cultivated fields such as front gardens of buildings (31%) and in abandoned and unused areas (the species occupied 28% of the total area). We recorded a lower occurrence in the botanical garden (18%), next to the anti-flood dam (16%), along roads (4%) and in the orchard (3%). Approximately 15% (28 shoots) of the total number of 183 shoots were female plants that formed a high number of seeds. There was a high correlation between the area occupied by A. altissima with its above-ground organs and the average plant height (m) (r = 0.88).

Exploring the adaptive mechanisms and strategies of various populations of Sporobolus ioclados in response to arid conditions in Cholistan desert

This study explored the drought resistance mechanisms of different populations of Sporobolus ioclados (Poaceae), locally known as “Sawri,” “Drabhri” and “Dhrbholi” native to Africa and the Indian Subcontinent. These populations were grown in conventional nursery practices at Khawaja Fareed Government College in Rahim Yar Khan, Pakistan, and subsequently subjected to four distinct levels of drought within carefully monitored experimental settings. The experiment was conducted in a two-factorial design involving populations and drought treatments and was repeated three times. The physiological and morphological responses of S. ioclados, including plant height, number of roots, root length, flag leaf area, stomatal features, proline concentration and nitrogen content, displayed significant variability in response to the imposed drought stress. Drought resulted in increases in proline concentration and nitrogen content. The number of roots decreased, while the length and width of the stomata increased in various populations. A combination of advanced statistical techniques, such as ANOVA, PCA, HCA, and DFA, provided a comprehensive understanding of the mechanism of plant adaptation and the extent of population diversity within the species. The Yazman and Nwab Wala populations exhibited the highest rates of photosynthesis and stomatal conductance, while S. ioclados demonstrated notable drought tolerance at the T4 level of drought stress. A negative correlation was found between proline levels, nitrogen contents, and photosynthesis, suggesting that proline has a protective role in drought. The diverse adaptation strategies indicated by S. ioclados populations have revealed the potential of this species for afforestation and climate change mitigation in dry environments.