Plant Height Research Articles

Time Series Analysis of Sugarcane Plant Height and Planting Area Identification Based on DPRVI and RF Algorithm

With the modernisation of agriculture, the time series analysis of sugarcane growth and the identification of planting areas play an important role in the investigation and detection of agriculture. The study conducted a time series analysis of sugarcane plant height and identification of planting areas based on dual polarisation radar vegetation index and random forest algorithm. Firstly, dual-polarisation radar vegetation index data of sugarcane were obtained using Sentienl-1A radar remote sensing data for time-series analysis of sugarcane plant height. Then the random forest model was applied to the regression and classification of Sentinel-2A remote sensing images for sugarcane plantation area identification. According to the findings, sugarcane field 4 had an R2 value of 0.835 in the quadratic regression model inversion, and the average absolute difference between the model’s predicted plant height and the actual value was only 7.3%. It shows that the dual-polarization radar vegetation index has great reliability and is capable of accurately predicting sugarcane plant height during the pre-growth stage. The user and producer accuracies are as high as 0.911 and 0.989, respectively, and the overall accuracies and Kappa coefficients are as high as 0.976 and 0.932, respectively, indicating that the Random Forest with multi-temporal phase and multi-feature is able to effectively identify sugarcane planting areas. The accuracy under multi-temporal phase and multi-feature is better than the single-temporal phase. It offers a trustworthy way for developing contemporary agricultural policy and development planning.

Isolation, screening, and molecular characterization of indigenous Trichoderma isolates from West Java, Indonesia and their plant growth-promoting capability on rice plants (Oryza sativa L.)

Trichoderma species are widely acknowledged as growth-promoting fungi that have been utilized to enhance the growth and yield of numerous crops. This research examined the capacity of 30 Trichoderma strains, isolated from two organic rice fields in West Java, Indonesia, to enhance the germination, growth, and physiological characteristics of rice plants (Oryza sativa L.). In general, Trichoderma strain TM10 demonstrated the greatest ability to increase seed germination (97.25%), vigor index (3122.83), and germination speed (59.91 seeds/day). This strain also increased seedling root length and seedling height by 101.62 % and 112.20 %, respectively. Plants treated with TM10 exhibited a notable improvement in root length, plant height, fresh weight, and dry weight compared to control plants, demonstrating increases of 188.68 %, 69.90 %, 157.41 %, and 159.38 %, respectively. Furthermore, the total chlorophyll content and stomatal number in TM10-treated plants exhibited increments of 75.23 % and 75.53 %, respectively. Five selected isolates (TM7, TM10, SB2, SB8, and SB14) were evaluated for their potential to produce plant growth-promoting compounds, including phosphatase enzyme (ranging from 0.54 to 11.14 µg pNP g−1h−1), indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) (ranging from 28.96 to 63.91 µg/mL), ammonia (ranging from 1.96 to 5.79 µg/mL), and hydrogen cyanide (HCN) (ranging from 221.76 to 274.82 ppm). The best strain, namely TM10, was then molecularly identified as Trichoderma yunnanense. This investigation demonstrates that Trichoderma spp. isolated from organic rice fields could be used as a bioinoculant in sustainable rice production.

Interpretation of yield and quality traits of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) varieties by heatmap technique

BackgroundBarley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is the most cultivated cool-season cereal after wheat in Türkiye. This can be attributed to its uses in the malt industry, human consumption, and animal nutrition etc. This study investigated yield, physiological, and quality traits of different barley varieties using heatmap and principal component analysis (PCA) technique to identify the varieties with better yield and superior quality. MethodsA total of 12 barley varieties (8 two-row and 4 six-row) were used in the study. The varieties were sown under natural conditions and data relating to yield, physiological and quality traits (grain yield, heading time, plant height, number of spikes m−2, 1000-grain weight, and starch ratio) were recorded. The recorded data were analyzed by PCA and heatmap techniques to determine the better-performing varieties. ResultsSignificant variations were observed among the tested varieties for all evaluated traits (p < 0.01). Heatmap categorized the recorded traits into two clusters, and traits within the same cluster exhibiting interconnectedness. The primary cluster comprised of plant height, heading time, and 1000-grain weight. Similarly, the second significant cluster contained the varieties with similar grain yield, starch ratio, and the number of spikes m−2. The varieties ‘Bozlak’ and ‘Mert’, ‘Aydanhanim’ and ‘Tosunpaşa’, ‘Erciyes’ and ‘Çatalhüyük’, and ‘Sabribey’ and ‘Asutay’, exhibited significant resemblance for the recorded traits. The PCA revealed that 1000-grain weight was associated with the heading time, whereas starch ratio was associated with the grain yield. ‘Erciyes’ (3.58 tons ha−1), ‘Çatalhüyük 2001′ (2.95 tons ha−1), and ‘Bozlak’ (2.72 tons ha−1) recorded the highest yield, whereas ‘Erciyes’ variety resulted in the delayed heading. Similarly, ‘Çatalhüyük’, and ‘Erciyes’ produced the highest number of spikes m−2. Likewise, ‘Çatalhüyük 2001′, and ‘Tosunpaşa’ resulted in the heaviest 1000-grains, while ‘Asutay’ resulted in the highest starch ratio. ConclusionIt is concluded that ‘Çatalhüyük’, ‘Erciyes’, and ‘Tosunpaşa’ are superior varieties in terms of yield-related traits, whereas ‘Asutay’ proved better for starch ratio. Therefore, these varieties could be used in future breeding programs to improve these traits.

Effects of Light Intensity, Water Content, and the Application of Biochar Nanoparticles on the Growth and Development of Tomato Seedlings

This study investigates the effects of light intensity, water content, and the application of biochar nanoparticles (BNPs) on the growth and development of tomato seedlings to provide valuable insight into tomato cultivation. BNPs were prepared using rice straw. In this experiment, the light intensity was set at 350 μmol ·m−2 · s−1 (L1), 300 μmol ·m−2 · s−1 (L2), and 250 μmol ·m−2 · s−1 (L3). The irrigation amount was set at 150 mL/plant (W1) and 100 mL/plant (W2). The contents of BNPs were set at 0% BNPs (N1) and 5% BNPs (N2). L2W2N2 was used as the control. A total of 12 groups were included in the study. Groups D, E, F, J, K, and L did not use BNPs, while the remaining six groups used 5% BNPs. We found that BNPs exhibit significant aggregation with spherical morphology. As the pH increased, the particle size of BNPs showed a trend of initial increase, followed by a decrease and subsequent increase. Carbon elements existed in three different forms and possessed distinct chemical bonds, resulting in different relative contents. The relative content of C═O accounted for 26.40%, which was significantly higher than that of C—O by approximately 15%. Under the W1 treatment, the height of the tomato plant in L1N2 was 31.7 cm, which is higher by 0.4 cm than that in L1N1. Under L2W1N1 treatment, the net photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductivity, and intercellular CO2 concentration of tomatoes were 9.68 μmoL ·m2 · s−1, 1.223 mmoL ·m2 · s−1, 0.071 μmoL ·m2 · s−1, and 626 ppm, respectively, which are significantly higher than the control. In conclusion, this research provides a foundation for growing tomatoes.

Evaluation of new sorghum varieties for grain production cultivated in mineral soil

Sorghum bicolor L. (Sorghum) has been recognized as the fifth largest cereal crop in the world, following maize, wheat, rice, and barley, with a mean annual production of more than 5.89 million tons over the past five years. Grain sorghum is one of the cultivated varieties of the sorghum genus. It is primarily used as human food and animal feed due to the beneficial effects of bioactive compounds in the grain. Sorghum is less popular and unrecognizable in Malaysia, as it was not included in the reports by the Agriculture Department regarding plantation areas. In Malaysia, sorghum is limited because this crop is considered new, and no studies were conducted on the adaptability of its varieties to Malaysian soil and local climatic conditions. Crop production practices such as variety selection, planting density and fertilization will affect yield production. Therefore, a study on grain sorghum varieties (Brachy Sorgho, Jumbo Super, India and Pacific Seed 99) was conducted to evaluate the growth and yield performance of sorghum. Jumbo Super had a significantly higher value for plant height, followed by Brachy Sorgho, India and Pacific Seed 99. India showed the highest value of leaf fresh and dry weight, but no significant difference compared with Brachy Sorgho. Brachy Sorgho recorded the highest value of stem fresh and dry weight, while the least was recorded for Pacific Seed 99. Brachy Sorgho and India showed significantly higher grain yields than Jumbo Super and Pacific Seed 99 in terms of panicle length, panicle weight without grain, grain weight without panicle per plant, number of grains per panicle, and 100-grain weight. The highest gross weight of grain sorghum is Brachy Sorgho (140.00 g/plant), which showed no significant difference compared to the India variety (131.13 g/plant). Meanwhile, Jumbo Super and Pacific Seed 99 varieties showed the lowest grain weight, 77.27 g/plant and 80.16 g/plant, respectively. Overall, all four varieties are adaptable in mineral soil and are considered potential alternative crops for grain production. Bachy Sorgho and India varieties showed the best performance on grain yield compared to Jumbo Super and Pacific Seed 99 varieties. Thus, Brachy Sorgho and India varieties can be recommended for future grain production in mineral soil.

Potential Analysis of the Application of Fuzzy Logic in the Optimization of Pak Choi Hydroponic Cultivation: A Literature Study on Plant Growth Support System

The rapid urbanization and increasing population density in Indonesia have led to a reduction in available land for traditional agriculture, particularly in urban centers. In response to this challenge, urban farming, including hydroponic cultivation, has emerged as a viable solution to meet the food needs of urban communities. This study explores the potential application of fuzzy logic in optimizing hydroponic cultivation practices, focusing on the growth of pak choi plants. Pak choi, a popular vegetable in Indonesia, offers numerous health benefits and is well-suited for hydroponic cultivation. By analyzing relevant literature, this research investigates the influence of water pH and temperature on pak choi plant growth and develops a fuzzy expert system based on Mamdani's method. The study prepares data on optimal temperature and pH ranges for pak choi cultivation and establishes fuzzy sets for water temperature, water pH level, and plant height. The findings provide insights into the effects of water pH and temperature on pak choi plant growth and demonstrate the potential of fuzzy logic in optimizing hydroponic cultivation practices. This research contributes to the advancement of agricultural technology and offers practical solutions for sustainable urban farming.

Protocol for Pre-Selection of Dwarf Garden Rose Varieties

Ornamental plant breeding enables the selection of cultivars with desired features from numerous genotypes; however, this process is time-consuming and resource-demanding. Aiming to establish a pre-selection protocol that can facilitate the selection of dwarf rose varieties, the connection between anatomical and histological characteristics and the vegetative growth of rose cultivars was examined. To assess the adaptive potential of the studied cultivars, intra-annual cambial dynamics were explored relative to the observed meteorological fluctuations during the growing season. The investigation included six garden rose cultivars from the ‘Reka’ and ‘Pixie’ collections, bred under semi-arid open-field conditions in Serbia. Plant height ranged from 20 to 68 cm, with differing growth habits and types. Vegetative growth was significantly correlated with the xylem/phloem ratio, the proportion of total vessel area relative to cross-sectional and xylem areas, vessel-related features, and porosity (correlation coefficients up to 0.78). Regeneration via cambial activity and the formation of false rings were observed in five of the six cultivars studied, with meteorological analysis suggesting that precipitation and temperature triggered cambial reactivation. This approach effectively targets key parameters in the selection of dwarf and climate-resilient rose cultivars, facilitating the development of reliable pre-selection criteria.

A preliminary observation in evaluating maize evapotranspiration and plant features under meteorological variables and biochar effect

ABSTRACT A significant area of Hungary is cultivated with maize. To date, a limited number of direct field-based evapotranspiration studies have been performed. A Thornthwaite-Mather-type compensation evapotranspirometer was used to investigate both weather variables and biochar effects on maize evapotranspiration in Keszthely, Hungary, in the 2023 growing season. This research revealed that two meteorological variables daily mean temperature (Ta) and solar radiation (Rn) exhibited significant positive correlation coefficients in both daily evapotranspiration (ETa) applied treatments (0 and 400 kg ha−1 biochar), whereas precipitation (P) and daily relative humidity (RH) had negative impacts on both ETa treatments. Biochar application to a clay loam soil increased cumulative evapotranspiration (ETc), reaching 408.21 mm, while WUE (water use efficiency) stood at 3.46 kg m−3. Similarly, growth parameters (leaf area cm2, stem diameter cm, plant height cm, and chlorophyllSPAD) showed a positive effect after biochar amendment during the growing season intervals. This research outlined the most effective weather variables on ETa and how ETa could be computed depending on two climatic variables (Ta and RH). Furthermore, it concluded that biochar addition at low dose to clay loam soil is a powerful tool to improve ETc, WUE, and maize growth and productive features.

Effects of liquid urea rates on nitrogen dynamics, growth, and yield of corn (Zea mays L.)

Arbitrary use of urea fertilizer reduces nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and increases the risk of environmental pollution. An experiment was conducted at the Universiti Putra Malaysia from November 2019 to March 2020 to evaluate the application methods and rates of liquid urea (LU) on the yield performance of corn. The treatments were, U0 = control, GU100 = Granular urea (GU) 100%, LU100 = LU 100%, LU50 = LU 50% and LU33 = LU 33%, in two equal splits at 10th and 28th days after sowing (DAS) in randomized completely block design, replicates four. Results showed that plant height (206.99 cm, 216.92 cm, 214.61 cm), ear height (88.13 cm, 88.63 cm, 86.00 cm), days of maturity (88.75, 89.00, 86.75 days), number of grains per kernel row (32.25, 34.50, 33.75), fresh cob weight (10,886.60 kg ha−1, 10,946.60 kg ha−1, 10,927.93 kg ha−1) and 100-grain weight (20.51 g, 22.50 g, 21.39 g) of corn were not different significantly (p ≤ 0.05) in GU100, LU100 and LU50 treatments, respectively. The highest yield of corn was found with LU100 (6249.03 kg ha−1) treatment whereas the yield in LU50 (5666.50 kg ha−1) and GU100 (5746.64 kg ha−1) were not different significantly. Nitrogen (%) in plants was the highest in LU100 followed by LU50 treatment which was significantly higher than GU100 treatment. The total N content was also the highest in LU100 (102.83 kg ha−1) though the total N content was not different significantly in LU50 (77.62 kg ha−1) and GU100 (83.84 kg ha−1) treatments. The NUE was the highest in LU50 (66.92%) treatment followed by LU100 (51.47%) treatment. The results of the study suggested that LU was superior to GU and the LU100 was the best application rate while LU50 treatment was comparable to GU100 in corn cultivation.

Estimation of Heritability, Genetic Advance and Correlation in Bread Wheat (Triticum aesitvum L.) under Heat Stress Condition

The current study was conducted on several genotypes during crop season of Rabi 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 with the goal of to work out heritability in general and genetic advance in percentage of mean and estimate correlation coefficient among the growth and yield traits. The field experiments included 60 germplasms of bread wheat. Experimental trials were conducted in 12 environments (E1 to E12). The field experiments were laid out in Augmented Block Design (ABD). The observations on 26 physio-morphological and yield related traits were recorded in both non-stressed and heat-stressed environment. High genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation were observed for plant waxiness (8.897 and 11.943) followed by leaf rolling (6.390 and 12.240). Heritability coupled with genetic advance were identified in yield per plot (g), grain yield / plant (g), plant waxiness (0-10 scale). Grain yield per plant exhibited significant positive correlation with grain length (0.712), harvest index (0.629), leaf rolling (0.4638). It exhibited significant negative correlation with plant height (-0.461) and canopy temperature depression (-0.233).

Exogenous Uniconazole promotes physiological metabolism and grain yield of rice under salt stress

IntroductionSalt stress severely inhibit plant growth and development. Uniconazole has been considered to significantly increase plant stress tolerance. However, the mechanism by which Uniconazole induces salt tolerance in rice seedlings and its impact on yield is still unclear.MethodsIn this study, the effects of exogenous Uniconazole on morphogenesis, physiological metabolism, and yield of rice seedlings under salt stress were analyzed using the salt-tolerant rice variety HD961 and the salt-sensitive rice variety 9311.ResultsThe results showed that salt stress significantly inhibited rice growth, disrupted the antioxidant system and pigment accumulation, and reduced photosynthesis, and yield. There were corresponding percent decreases of 13.0% and 24.1% in plant height, 31.6% and 55.8% in leaf area, 65.7% and 85.3% in root volume, respectively for HD961 and 9311. spraying However, compared to salt stress, the US treatment increased the percentage to 4.7% and 139.0% in root volume, 7.5% and 38.0% in total chlorophyll, 4.5% and 14.3% in peroxidase (POD) of leaves, 14.4% and 54.2% in POD of roots, 18.7% and 22.7% in catalase (CAT) of leaves, and 22.6% and 53.9% in CAT of roots, respectively, for HD961 and 9311. In addition, it also significantly enhanced photosynthesis at the reproductive stage, promoted the transport of carbohydrate to grains. And US treatment significantly increased the percentage to 9.0% in panicle length, 28.0% in panicle number per hole, 24.0% in filled grain number, 3.0% in 1000-grain weight, and 26.0% in yield per plant, respectively, for HD961, compared to salt stress.DiscussionIn summary, applying Uniconazole at the seedling stage can alleviate the damage induced by NaCl stress on rice by regulating the physiological metabolism of rice plants. This reduces the negative effects of salt stress, enhance salt tolerance, and boost rice production.

Potential of Trichoderma strains to positively modulate plant growth processes and bulb yield in Rabi onion

The use of beneficial microbes is hitherto known and constantly increasing in agriculture due to their positive impact on crop growth and yield, and their minimal negative impact on the environment. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of eight Trichoderma strains of diverse origin on crop growth and yield of onion under field conditions. The identity of the strains used in the current study was confirmed by ITS and Tef1 gene sequencing. Field experiments were conducted in the Rabi season for 2 years (2020–21, and 2022–23) to evaluate the effect of the application of eight different Trichoderma strains that were applied individually and separately as eight different treatments (T1–T8) in experimental plots. In the plant growth promotion assay conducted in vitro, all strains showed the ability to produce IAA (indole-3-acetic acid), with levels ranging from 23.52 μg/mL (T6) to 45.54 μg/mL (T3). Our results revealed that Trichoderma treated experimental plots displayed better growth indices (plant height, pseudostem diameter), RWC (Relative water content), leaf chlorophyll content, and yield-attributing features like biomass (bulb and root dry mass), bulb diameter, and harvested bulb yield compared to the untreated control plants. In terms of yield, the T2 strain exhibited the highest bulb yield consistently for both the years (2020–21 and 2022–23) followed by T3 being statistically at par with T5. Among all the evaluated Trichoderma strains, the strain T2 (OGRDT2) and T3 (GRDT1), taxonomically identified as Trichoderma longibrachiatum, registered bulb yield of 32.24 t/ha and 30.76 t/ha, respectively while T5 (GRDT3), identified as Trichoderma asperellum, registered 30.55 t/ha average yield for 2 years compared to 24.08 t/ha average yield recorded for untreated control plants with an increase of 34, 28 and 27%, respectively. Based on our findings, it is concluded that the T. longibrachiatum strains OGRDT2 (T2) and GRDT1 (T3), T. asperellum strain GRDT3 (T5) are the best inducers of the onion crop growth and yield in the Rabi season and would be explored further for its commercial application in onion farming.

Effect of Nano Urea on Growth, Yield and Nutrient uptake of Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana L.)

Aim: The foliar application of nano urea is aimed at reducing the soil application of conventional urea. Nano fertilizers enhance crop growth and yield while enhancing nutrient uptake and reducing costs. They provide precise nutrient management, match crop growth stages, and offer an increased surface area for metabolic reactions. This boosts photosynthesis, leading to higher dry matter production and crop yield. Foliar application of nano urea (liquid) at tillering and booting stages in finger millet fulfills the nitrogen requirement and reflects higher crop productivity. Higher productivity of crops in a sustainable manner could be achieved by applying an appropriate combination of conventional fertilizers and nano fertilizers. Study Design: The experiment was laid out in split design with three replications. Place and Duration of Study: A field experiment was conducted in deep black soils at Agricultural Research Station, Siruguppa, during kharif 2022. Methodology: There were sixteen treatment combinations, consisting of different doses of nitrogen (no nitrogen, 50% RDN, 75% RDN and 100% RDN) with different concentrations of nano urea and conventional urea sprayed at tillering and booting stages for HR-13 variety of finger millet. Results: Application of 100% RDN has recorded significantly higher plant height, tillers plant-1, total dry matter accumulation, grain yield and straw yield (129.82 cm, 10.10, 36.17 g plant-1, 36.87 q ha-1 and 71.72 q ha-1, respectively) in comparison to no nitrogen and 50% RDN. However, 75% RDN (123.04 cm, 9.61, 34.02 g plant-1, 34.84 q ha-1 and 68.01 q ha-1, respectively) found on par with 100% RDN. Among foliar nitrogen, spray of nano urea @ 4 ml L-1 recorded significantly higher plant height (121.59 cm), tillers plant-1 (9.37), total dry matter accumulation (33.16 g plant-1), grain yield (31.97 q ha-1) and straw yield (65.52 q ha-1) compared to 0.5% and 1% conventional urea. However, nano urea @ 2 ml L-1 was on par with 4 ml L-1 nano urea and 1% conventional urea. Similar trend was recorded with regard to nutrient uptake by finger millet. Conclusion: Foliar application of nano urea reduced the dosage of conventional urea by 25 per cent.

Effect of Foliar-applied Plant Growth Regulators on Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) to Regulate Growth and Yield Attributes

This investigation was conducted to obtain the effect of plant growth regulator on growth, yield and quality. The experiment utilized a randomized block design with three replications and nine treatments, including a control. The four different plant growth regulators (PGRs) used were Benzyl adenine (BA, 10 and 20 ppm), Brassinosteroid (BR, 0.5 and 1.0 ppm), Jasmonic acid (JA, 50 and 100 ppm) and Salicylic acid (SA, 50 and 100 ppm), applied as foliar sprays at 30 and 60 days after sowing (DAS). The experiment was conducted during the Rabi season of 2023-24 at the Vegetable Research Centre, Maharajpur, Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. The investigation revealed that BR at 0.5 ppm resulted in the maximum plant height (103.67 cm). The highest number of primary (15.53) and secondary (26.50) branches at harvest was achieved with JA at 50 ppm. Phenological observations indicated that JA at 50 ppm led to the earliest 50% flowering at 36.67 days. For yield attributes, the highest number of umbels per plant (42.13) and umbellets per umbel (6.31) were found with JA at 50 ppm. BA at 20 ppm showed the maximum number of seeds per umbel (36.40), test weight (10.84 g), harvest index (9.92), and seed yield (13.65 q ha-1). Economically, BA at 20 ppm provided the highest net return (Rs. 170735.81), gross return (Rs. 232117.39), and benefit-cost ratio (2.78). Therefore, it can be concluded that foliar sprays of BR, JA, and BA are effective on improving phenological traits, yield attributes, and economic returns in coriander cultivation.

Optimal Light Intensity for Lettuce Growth, Quality, and Photosynthesis in Plant Factories

In agriculture, one of the most crucial elements for sustained plant production is light. Artificial lighting can meet the specific light requirements of various plants. However, it is a challenge to find optimal lighting schemes that can facilitate a balance of plant growth and nutritional qualities. In this study, we experimented with the light intensity required for plant growth and nutrient elements. We designed three light intensity treatments, 180 μmol m−2 s−1 (L1), 210 μmol m−2 s−1 (L2), and 240 μmol m−2 s−1 (L3), to investigate the effect of light intensity on lettuce growth and quality. It can be clearly seen from the radar charts that L2 significantly affected the plant height, fresh weight, dry weight, and leaf area. L3 mainly affected the canopy diameter and root shoot ratio. The effect of L1 on lettuce phenotype was not significant compared with that of the others. The total soluble sugar, vitamin C, nitrate, and free amino acid in lettuce showed more significant increases under the L2 treatment than under the other treatments. In addition, the transpiration rate and stomatal conductance were opposite to each other. The comprehensive evaluation of the membership function value method and heatmap analysis showed that lettuce had the highest membership function value in L2 light intensity conditions, indicating that the lettuce grown under this light intensity could obtain higher yield and better quality. This study provides a new insight into finding the best environmental factors to balance plant nutrition and growth.

A dynamic regulome of shoot-apical-meristem-related homeobox transcription factors modulates plant architecture in maize

BackgroundThe shoot apical meristem (SAM), from which all above-ground tissues of plants are derived, is critical to plant morphology and development. In maize (Zea mays), loss-of-function mutant studies have identified several SAM-related genes, most encoding homeobox transcription factors (TFs), located upstream of hierarchical networks of hundreds of genes.ResultsHere, we collect 46 transcriptome and 16 translatome datasets across 62 different tissues or stages from the maize inbred line B73. We construct a dynamic regulome for 27 members of three SAM-related homeobox subfamilies (KNOX, WOX, and ZF-HD) through machine-learning models for the detection of TF targets across different tissues and stages by combining tsCUT&Tag, ATAC-seq, and expression profiling. This dynamic regulome demonstrates the distinct binding specificity and co-factors for these homeobox subfamilies, indicative of functional divergence between and within them. Furthermore, we assemble a SAM dynamic regulome, illustrating potential functional mechanisms associated with plant architecture. Lastly, we generate a wox13a mutant that provides evidence that WOX13A directly regulates Gn1 expression to modulate plant height, validating the regulome of SAM-related homeobox genes.ConclusionsThe SAM-related homeobox transcription-factor regulome presents an unprecedented opportunity to dissect the molecular mechanisms governing SAM maintenance and development, thereby advancing our understanding of maize growth and shoot architecture.

Assessment of Heritability and Genetic Advance for Yield and Yield Related Traits under Different Dates of Sowing of Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a self-pollinating annual plant extensively grown as staple food source in the world. Information on the extent of heritability and genetic advance among different traits of bread wheat genotypes is essential to designing breeding strategies with the objective to estimate heritability and genetic advance for different characters of bread wheat genotypes. A total of 10 bread wheat genotypes were evaluated for 15 traits sown, three at different dates in 10 days interval The first on 30 November 2022, second on 10 December 2022, and third 20 December 2022 in a Randomized Block Design with three replications at Student Instruction Farm, C.S. Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur-208002 (U.P.) during Rabi, 2022-23. in Randomized Block Design. High PCV and GCV were observed from biological yield, grain yield, plant height and productive tiller per plant high heritability estimate were recorded for grain yield per plant followed by biological yield per plant, plant height, days to 50% heading, days to maturity, number of productive tillers per plant, 1000-grain weight and number of grains per ear in both generations on individual and grain yield per plant followed by biological yield, number of productive tillers per plant, plant height, seed hardness, days to maturity in both generations on pooled basis. High genetic advance was observed for grain yield per plant and biological yield per plant in both the generation; seed hardness, number of productive tillers per plant in F1 generation and grain yield per plant and biological yield per plant in both the generation on pooled basis. Consequently, since additive gene action controls the phenotypic manifestation of certain features, those traits should receive special attention in wheat breeding programs. Grain yield will therefore be increased by direct selection for these features.

Effects of phosphorus-solubilizing bacteria and biochar application on phosphorus availability and tomato growth under phosphorus stress

BackgroundPhosphorus-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) are vital in converting insoluble phosphorus into a soluble form that plants can readily absorb and utilize in soil. While previous studies have mainly focused on the extracellular secretion of microorganisms, few have explored the intricate intracellular metabolic processes involved in PSB-mediated phosphorus solubilization.ResultsHere, we uncovered that Ca3(PO4)2 could serve as a source of insoluble phosphorus for the PSB, Pseudomonas sp. NK2. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) results indicated higher levels of organic acids released from insoluble phosphorus compared to a soluble phosphorus source (KH2PO4), with acetic acid released exclusively under insoluble phosphorus condition. Moreover, non-target metabolomics was employed to delve into the intracellular metabolic profile. It unveiled that insoluble phosphorus significantly enhanced the tricarboxylic acid cycle, glycolysis, glyoxylic acid metabolism, and other pathways, leading to the production of acetic acid, gluconic acid, oxalic acid, and citric acid for insoluble phosphorus solubilization. In our quest to identify suitable biochar carriers, we assessed seven types of biochar through the conjoint analysis of NBRIP medium culture and application to soil for 30 days, with cotton straw-immobilized NK2 emerging as the most potent phosphorus content provider. Lastly, NK2 after cotton straw immobilization demonstrated the ability to enhance biomass, plant height, and root development of Solanum lycopersicum L. cv. Micro Tom.ConclusionsPseudomonas sp. NK2 with cotton straw biochar could enhance phosphorus availability and tomato growth. These findings bear significant implications for the practical application of phosphorus-solubilizing bacteria in agricultural production and the promotion of environmentally sustainable farming practices.

Effect of Nano-ZnO on Growth and Yield of Summer Maize under Drip Irrigation in Laterite Soil

A field experiment was conducted at Agricultural Farm, Palli Siksha Bhavana, Visva-Bharati, West Bengal, India during summer season (February–June), 2022 and 2023, respectively to investigate the effects of drip irrigation and nano zinc oxide biofortification on maize. In the main plot, four drip irrigations scheduling treatments viz., once-in-2 days, once-in-3 days, once-in-4 days and Irrigation by surface flooding method were accommodated. The sub-plot treatments consisted of five methods of zinc applications viz., control, soil application of ZnSO4 at 20 kg ha-1, foliar application of ZnO NP at 40 ppm, seed priming of ZnO NP (NP:Nano Particles) at 40 ppm, and seed coating of ZnO NP at 40 ppm. Growth parameter like plant height and number of leaves were highest with application water through drip irrigation once-in-3 days and seed coating of ZnO NP at 40 ppm at 30 DAS for both the years but at 90 DAS, drip irrigation once-in-2 days and seed coating of ZnO NP recorded highest growth parameters. Aerial dry matter accumulation in unit area recorded maximum in drip irrigation once-in-3 days and seed coating of ZnO NP at 40 ppm at 30 DAS but at 90 DAS drip irrigation once-in-2 days and seed coating of ZnO NP recorded highest. Cob girth, number of grains cob-1, seed index, grain yield and biological yield was observed highest with drip irrigation once-in-2 days and seed coating of ZnO NP in zinc treatment for both the years.

Effect of Leaf Clipping and Nitrogen Split Application on Bridegroom Rice Productivity

Bridegroom rice is one the most important indigenous rice variety predominantly grown in Tamil Nadu, India. Lodging in nature and poor responsive to nitrogenous fertilizers affects the yield of this crop. To minimize crop lodging and to enhance the productivity, a field experiment was carried out during Samba 2023 at Experimental Farm, Department of Agronomy, Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu, India to study the effect of leaf clipping and nitrogen split application on bridegroom rice productivity. The experiment was laid out in Factorial randomized block design (FRBD) with three replications. The treatments consisted of two factors viz., Factor I -leaf clipping (L): L1- No leaf clipping, L2 - leaf clipping on 30 DAT at one third of leaf, L3- leaf clipping on 45 DAT at one third of leaf and Factor II - split application of N (N) : N1- no splits (no NPK), N2 - 4 equal splits (basal, 25, 50, 75 DAT), N3­- 5 equal splits (basal 20, 40, 60,80 DAT ) and N4 - 6 equal splits (basal, 15, 30, 45, 60 ,75 DAT). Among the treatments, leaf clipping on 45 DAT at one third of leaf along with application of nitrogen in 6 equal split registered its superiority compared to others which recorded the higher values for growth attributes viz., plant height (243cm), number of tillers hill-1 (23.42), root length (33.56cm), root volume (45.19 cc) and dry matter production (12592 kg ha-1),yield attributes viz., number of panicles m-2 (407.62) and number of grains panicle-1 (158.34) and test weight (42.34g) and yields of rice (grain - 3950 kg ha-1­and straw - 6530 kg ha-1­). Thus, it can be concluded that leaf clipping on 45 DAT at one third of leaf along application of nitrogen in 6 equal splits is a viable practice to enhance the growth and yield of bridegroom rice.