Plant Height Research Articles

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.

The Early Prediction of Kimchi Cabbage Heights Using Drone Imagery and the Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) Model

Accurate and timely crop growth prediction is crucial for efficient farm management and food security, particularly given challenges like labor shortages and climate change. This study presents a novel method for the early prediction of Kimchi cabbage heights using drone imagery and a long short-term memory (LSTM) model. High-resolution drone images were used to generate a canopy height model (CHM) for estimating plant heights at various growth stages. Missing height data were interpolated using a logistic growth curve, and an LSTM model was trained on this time series data to predict the final height at harvest well before the actual harvest date. The model trained on data from 44 days after planting (DAPs) demonstrated the highest accuracy (R2 = 0.83, MAE = 2.48 cm, and RMSE = 3.26 cm). Color-coded maps visualizing the predicted Kimchi cabbage heights revealed distinct growth patterns between different soil types, highlighting the model’s potential for site-specific management. Considering the trade-off between accuracy and prediction timing, the model trained on DAP 36 data (MAE = 2.77 cm) was deemed most suitable for practical applications, enabling timely interventions in cultivation management. This research demonstrates the feasibility and effectiveness of integrating drone imagery, logistic growth curves, and LSTM models for the early and accurate prediction of Kimchi cabbage heights, facilitating data-driven decision-making in precision agriculture for improved crop management and yield optimization.

Comparative Study on Cost Analysis of Mechanical and Manual Transplanting of Rice

In Telangana, rice cultivation predominantly relies on traditional manual transplanting, which requires a significant labor force. However, the migration of agricultural laborers to urban areas in search of better wages has led to a shortage of workers, particularly during the critical transplanting season. To address this labor shortage and reduce cultivation costs, an efficient and cost-effective method of rice transplanting is essential, without compromising grain yield. To explore such a solution, Krishi Vigyan Kendra in Jammikunta, Karimnagar district, conducted 30 frontline demonstrations between 2018-19 and 2020-21, showcasing rice cultivation using a self-propelled, walk-behind six-row mechanical transplanter. The performance of this mechanical method was evaluated by collecting data on various growth parameters, including plant height, number of productive tillers per hill, panicle length, grains per panicle, and grain yield, and comparing it with traditional manual transplanting. Economic analysis revealed that the gross returns from mechanical transplanting were Rs. 135,956, compared to Rs. 128,629 for manual transplanting. Similarly, the net returns for mechanical and manual methods were Rs. 95,106 and Rs. 82,204, respectively. The benefit-cost ratio was found to be 3.32 for mechanical transplanting and 2.77 for manual transplanting. These findings indicate that mechanical rice transplanting offers a viable, cost-effective alternative, reducing labor requirements and drudgery while delivering higher yields.

Effect of adding fish emulsion and vermicompost on the growth of Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus L.)

The experiment was carried out in the canopy of the Horticulture and Landscape Department - College of Agriculture - University of Kerbala during the spring semester of 2023. The study was implemented as a factorial experiment with a randomized complete block design (R.C.B.D.) with three replications. The experiment included two factors: fish emulsion (F), which was added at four concentrations: 0, 1, 2, 3% and added five times every two weeks, while the second factor was vermicompost (V), which was added before transferring the seedlings to the planting pots, at four levels: 0, 25, 50. 100 g pot-1. The results showed that adding fish emulsion had a significant effect on most vegetative growth traits, except for plant height and dry matter percentage, while adding Vermicompost had no significant effect on plant height and chlorophyll content of leaves, while it had a significant effect on the rest of the vegetative growth traits. The results of the intervention treatments between the study factors varied in their influence on the studied traits. The F4V4 intervention treatment gave the highest rate of plant height and number of branches, as it gave 85.16 cm and 32.50 branch plant-1, respectively, while the F2V3 treatment gave the highest rate of stem diameter of 3.127 mm, and F1V3 gave the highest rate of dry matter perce32wesaz2ntage, which gave 20.57%, and F3V3 the highest rate of leaf chlorophyll content, which gave 46.91 mg g-1 fresh weight. It can be concluded from this study that fertilizers resulting from organic waste can be used as fertilization sources for plants and combined with them to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers, reduce environmental damage, follow a sustainable agriculture system, and increase the efficiency of fertilizer use.

Assessment of Combining Ability and Gene Action in F1 Generation for Quantitative and Qualitative Traits of Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L). Millsp.

To estimate combining ability and nature of gene action, twenty four pigeonpea crosses were developed from ten parents in Line × Tester fashion during Kharif 2022-23 and were evaluated in Randomized Block Design with three replications during Kharif 2023-24. The estimates of σ2gca were lower than the corresponding σ2sca for all the twelve characters studied indicating the predominance of non-additive gene action. Among the parents, the line GJP 1915 was found to be good general combiner for seed yield per plant and its yield contributing characters like plant height, number of primary branches per plant and pod length. The tester GJP 1820 was also good general combiner for seed yield per plant and its component traits like plant height, number of primary branches per plant, number of secondary branches per plant, number of pods per plant and 100-seed weight. The cross BDN 2013-41 × UPAS 120 had registered the highest sca effect for seed yield per plant. The sca effect in this cross combination was also accompanied by significant and desirable standard heterosis and high per se performance for days to maturity, reproductive phase duration, number of secondary branches per plant, number of pods per plant and number of seeds per pod and significant and desirable heterobeltiosis for days to maturity, reproductive phase duration, number of primary branches per plant, number of pods per plant and 100-seed weight. The cross GJP 1915 × BLACKTUR had registered significant and positive sca effect for seed yield per plant which was also accompanied by highest per se performance for pod length. These cross combinations can be potentially utilized in future breeding programmes for exploitation of hybrid vigour.

Evaluation of the Effect of Urea and Nanourea on Growth Pattern of Rainfed Bt Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of different levels of nitrogen through Nanourea and commercial urea with different time of nitrogen application on Bt Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) Fifteen treatment combinations consisting of five different levels of nitrogen through nano urea and commercial urea such as (125% of RDN through nano urea, 100% of through nano urea, 75% RDN through nano urea, 100% RDN through commercial urea and control plot (No nitrogen)) were applied in three split applications of nitrogen at 30,60,90 DAS (40%,40%,20%), 30,60,90,120 DAS (25%,25%,25%,25%), 30,60,90,120 DAS (30%, 30%,20%,20%) were evaluated in split plot design with three replications. The highest absolute growth rates (AGR) for both plant height and dry matter in the context of application of nitrogen through commercial urea were observed during specific growth intervals: 61-90 days after sowing (DAS) for plant height (1.350 cm day-1 plant-1) and 91-120 DAS for dry matter (2.374 g day-1 plant-1). Similarly, when considering split application of nitrogen, the application of nitrogen at 30,60,90 DAS (40%,40%,20%) showed the highest AGR for plant height (1.054 cm day-1 plant-1) during 61-90 DAS and for dry matter (2.158 g day-1 plant-1) during 91-120 DAS. Furthermore, various growth parameters such as CGR, RGR, NAR, and LAI also exhibited their maximum values under both different levels of nitrogen and the mentioned split application of nitrogen.