Highest Fresh Biomass Research Articles

First Steps towards Pre-Breeding of Sideritis scardica: A Phenotypic, Agronomic, and Phytochemical Profiling Approach

Sideritis scardica (S. scardica) Griseb., also known as mountain tea, is an important medicinal and aromatic plant species. Due to the high cross-pollination ability of the species, diverse genotypes and phenotypes occur naturally. Considering that superior uniform genotypes are necessary for highly qualitative and sustainable production, this study aimed to conduct a pre-breeding evaluation of three clones (SID1, SID2, and SID3) originating from a selected S. scardica population growing in Greece. According to a phenotypic and agronomic evaluation, SID2 seemed to be superior among the three clones, expressing a good profile with desirable traits (i.e., desired inflorescence length and leaf surface, high length of stems, and high fresh and dry plant biomass). Furthermore, SID3 presented some remarkable measurements regarding morphological (upright growth habit) and agronomic (high number of stems and plant dry weight, desired plant surface) traits. The phytochemical profile of the three clones was assessed with regard to their volatile and polyphenolic compounds. Forty-four constituents were identified in S. scardica essential oil, including hydrocarbon monoterpenes, sesquiterpenoids, oxygenated monoterpenes, and other groups (monoterpene ketones, saturated fatty alcohols, benzoic esters). Liquid chromatographic analysis revealed SID2 as the clone most abundant in the major polyphenolic metabolites: verbascoside (2234.3 mg 100 g−1), isoscutellarein-7-O [6″-O-acetyl]-allosyl(1 → 2) glucoside (1456.5 mg 100 g−1), and 4-methyl hypolaetin-7-O [6″-O-acetyl]-allosyl(1 → 2) glucoside (861.8 mg 100 g−1). The results indicate the ability to combine morphological, agronomic, and phytochemical traits, in order to identify superior S. scardica genotypes for further evaluation and utilization in breeding programs, aiming to create cultivars or varieties for farming purposes with desired performance and high quantitative and qualitative yields.

Analyzing the effect of light on lettuce Fv/Fm and growth by machine learning

Varied plant growth cultivations require different light conditions. To explore them with lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. cv. ‘Hong Kong glass’), five photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD, 50, 150, 300, 450 and 600 μmol·m−2·s−1) levels were set in completely controlled circumstances. Using ordinary least squares (OLS), the appropriate PPFD was determined depending on the dark fluorescence characteristics. Following 14 h of treatment, a new PPFD of 200 μmol·m−2·s−1 was employed to monitor the adaptation process obtained using the genetic algorithm-support vector regression (GA-SVR) model. The results showed that Fv/Fm declined as PPFDs increased except for L50, and OLS with R2 and RMSE of 0.9710 and 0.0416 suggested 140.80 μmol·m−2·s−1 was the ideal PPFD. Little changed in the new PPFD adaptation procedure for, L50, L150, and L300. During 42 h of adaptation, the discretized curves of Fv/Fm using the GA-SVR model at various PPFDs revealed that Fv/Fm increasingly approached and eventually reached the same level. The quick change was in [290, 480] μmol·m−2·s−1 depending on the probability density distributions. The difference in change rates between the two PPFD treatments decreased, indicating that lettuce's light tolerance improved after the two phases. The largest sum Fv/Fm in L150 indicated a maintained growth state. Full-cycle cultivation revealed that 150 and 250 μmol·m−2·s−1 had the highest fresh biomass. In conclusion, in [290, 480] μmol·m−2·s−1, short-term high light could improve plant light adaptability in variable light. In the constant light of the plant factory with artificial lighting (PFAL), it was recommended to utilize the light intensity of 140.80 μmol·m−2·s−1, which can both maintain growth and save light energy. A more suitable solution might be chosen depending on the cultivation requirements.

Rainfed-based production of Megathyrsus maximus in sub-Saharan Africa: the case of the semi-arid environment of Sudan

The performance of rainfed-based Megathyrsus maximus (syn. Urochloa maxima and Panicum maximum) was investigated in the semi-arid pastures of Sudan. Split-plot complete design experiments with three replications were applied for two consecutive seasons (2020–2021). The treatments were two in situ rainwater harvesting systems [i.e. ridges plus terraces (RD) and terraces (TR)], three seeding rates (i.e. 1.5, 2.5 and 3.5 kg ha−1) and two urea fertilisation rates [0 kg ha−1 (Z) and 95 kg ha−1 (F)]. These treatments were compared to a control (a flat, unfertilised and zero-tillage plot). Hydrological, biological and chemical indicators were used in the assessment. The results showed that the adopted RWH improved semi-arid pastures, with the RD treatment providing the best results for sustaining biomass production, water use efficiency, nutritional quality and soil quality. The highest plant density (112 000 plants ha−1) was associated with the RD3.5 treatment. The FSR1.5-RD treatment resulted in the greatest plant length (63.5 cm) and number of leaves per plant (34.59), whilst the FSR3.5-RD resulted in both the highest fresh biomass (25.9 t ha−1) and dry biomass (6.3 t ha−1). The chemical compositions of M. maximus (i.e. crude protein, organic matter and nitrogen contents) were also substantially improved by fertilisation. The water use efficiency of M. maximus was plant-, management- and climate-dependent.

Agronomic Strategies for Vegetative Propagation of Pterocarpus Mildbraedii

Pterocarpus mildbraedii is faced with the problem of extinction caused mainly by deforestation and urbanization. This study was carried out to determine ways to enhance root development and domestication of Pterocarpus mildbraedii in southeastern Nigeria. The first experiment was done to determine the effect of nursery media and stem cutting length on sprouting and growth of Pterocarpus mildbraedii. Treatments consisted of three nursery media; (Standard nursery media, top soil and sawdust) and four stem cutting lengths; (5, 10, 15 and 20 cm). The experiment was a 3 x 4 factorial arrangement laid out in Complete Randomized Design. In the second experiment, treatments consisted of five (5) hours of priming (0, 12, 24, 36 and 48 hours) in coconut water arranged in Complete Randomized Design. Results from the first experiment showed that nursery media did not significantly (P ≤ 0.05) affect sprouting and growth of Pterocarpus mildbraedii seedlings. However, stem cutting length significantly affected sprouting and growth of the shoots. Stem cuttings of 15 and 20 cm length sprouted earliest and had vigorous growth than cuttings of 5 and 10 cm lengths. However, shoots wilted one month after sprouting. Results from second experiment showed that stem cutting primed in coconut water for 24 hours significantly produced highest no of roots (12.00), longest root (9 cm) and had highest fresh biomass (11.55 g) while control had no roots and least fresh biomass (3.02 g). The results showed the possibility of vegetative propagation of Pterocarpus mildbraedii and domestication in southeastern Nigeria.

Exogenous application of gibberellic acid and selenium to endorse quality and yield of fodder maize under rainfed conditions

Good quality and economical availability of fodder could be a substitute for crop production in the farming system of dryland areas. In Pakistan, the increasing demands of fodder crops for animal feed require immediate attention to find viable options for fodder production. Additionally, climate change, land detritions, and imbalanced use of chemicals led to an agro-ecological imbalance which needs to focus on mitigation strategies and practices. Therefore, the experiment was conducted three different rainfed areas of Punjab with aims to increase fodder maize quality by application of Gibberellic acid (GA3) and Selenium (Se) to overcome the forage scarcity issue in rainfed areas. The highest fresh biomass and leaf area were recorded by the application of GA75+Se0.75 followed by GA50+Se0.50 at 60 DAS. Similarly, the data about the silage quality traits indicated that more total dry matter (TDM), TDN, Crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), Crude fiber (CF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), ash contents (AC) were recorded in Afgoi compared to Sohni Dhart 623. Among the experimental locations, the highest TDM, TDN, NDF, ADF and AC were found for the crop planted at NARC followed by URF, Koont and the least values of these traits were recorded for GRS, Attock. Among the different combinations of growth regulators, the highest TDM, TDN, CF, CP and NDF were recorded for GA75+Se0.75 followed by GA50+Se0.50. The above findings conclude that exogenously application of GA75+Se0.75 plays a promising role in the improvement of fodder growth and quality parameters of silage in Afgoi verity at different water stress agro-ecological zones.

In Vitro Propagation of Easter Island Curcuma longa from Rhizome Explants Using Temporary Immersion System

Curcuma longa (C. longa) is widely known for its medicinal properties. However, the potential overexploitation of this plant raises doubts about its long-term survival on Rapa Nui. Micropropagation using a temporary immersion system (TIS) could be the basis for developing a cost-effective and highly productive method of large-scale cultivation of this plant. Our objective was to develop and refine the in vitro multiplication system for mass propagation of C. longa, and thus help restore the fragile ecosystem of Rapa Nui. Three parameters were evaluated: number of explants per flask, flask capacity, and LEDs spectrum. For each parameter evaluated, four aspects were analyzed: fresh weight per plant, number of shoots, percentage of non-sprouting explants, and the proliferation rate. The use of 30 explants per two-liter flask results in more plants with high fresh biomass than other configurations. In addition, LEDs with a red:blue ratio of 2:1 provided the best lighting conditions for in vitro propagation and positively affected C. longa proliferation and rooting. Therefore, our results show that 30 explants per two-liter flask and an LED source with a red:blue ratio of 2:1 allow a higher number of C. longa plants to be obtained using TIS.

Performance of Different Green Manuring Crops in Bangladesh

An experiment was conducted at Sher-e-bangla Agricultural University during May to July, 2016 to examine the morpho-physical potentiality of eight green manure species and these species are viz. Sesbania aculeata, Sesbania rostrata, Crotalaria juncea, Vigna unguiculata, Vigna mungo, Vigna radiata, Leucaena leucocephala and Mimosa pudica. Leaves number, biomass production and nodulation are an important character of any green manuring crops as these crops are very potential for increasing soil fertility after incorporation. The growth habits of these species were studied from 15 DAS to 45DAS whereas dry matter/plant and nodulation data were taken from 25 DAS to 50DAS. At 45DAS, Sesbania aculeata, Sesbania rostrata and Vigna unguiculata shown 53% to 149% higher plant height compared to Vigna mungo, although C. juncea performed better at 30DAS compared to V. unguiculata. Again, C. juncea along with S. rostrata and S. aculeata gave the highest fresh biomass (24% to 72%), dry biomass (2.6t/ha to 5.25t/ha), dry matter plant-1 (60% to 83%) and nodulation compared to rest green manures at 45DAS whereas V. unguiculata produced higher dry matter plant-1 at 20DAS but later it declined insignificantly at 50DAS.The lowest performance was observed from V. mungo followed by V. radiata and M. pudica. It was shown that S. rostrata, S. aculeata, C. juncea, V. unguiculata and L.leucocephala performed better regarding biomass, dry matter and nodule production.
 Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.8(1): 25-31, April 2021

Organic source on productivity of pomegranate–lemongrass-based agroforestry system in central India

The present study was conducted to assess the response of organic sources of nutrition on productivity of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) and lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus Stapf.) under agroforestry system in central India. The experiment was designed in Factorial Randomized Block Design with two cultivars of pomegranate (V1—Ganesh and V2—Bhagwa) and four levels of nutrient management [T1—vermicompost (30 kg/plant), T2—farm yard manure or FYM (30 kg/plant), T3—vermicompost (30 kg/plant) + FYM (30 kg/plant) and T4—recommended doses of chemical fertilizers (RDF)]. A control of pure lemongrass was also maintained separately. The lemongrass was intercropped in a 4-year-old pomegranate orchard, and the observations were recorded consecutively for 3 years (2017, 2018 and 2019). Findings revealed that vermicompost either alone or in combination with FYM was more effective than the chemical fertilizer in influencing almost all the studied plant characters. Maximum collar diameter of pomegranate was found in T1 during 2017 (6.31 cm) and 2018 (6.96 cm), and in T4 during 2019 (7.13 cm). Maximum number of fruits/plant was in T3 during 2017 (22.45) and 2018 (21.81), and in T1 during 2019 (24.26). Average fruit weight was maximum in T2 during 2017 (231.67 g) and 2018 (261.67 g) while in T4 during 2019 (260.36 g), which was at par with T2 (253.78 g) and T1 (242.75 g). Average fruit yield was maximum in T3 during 2017 (4.70 kg/plant), in T2 during 2018 (5.51 kg/plant) and in T1 during 2019 (5.85 kg/plant). When intercropped with pomegranate, lemongrass’s fresh biomass yield was maximum in T3 while oil recovery in T1 during period of investigation. The minimum fresh biomass and oil recovery were observed in T2. Pure lemongrass (control) plot yielded highest fresh biomass as well as oil recovery in all the 3 years of the study period. In nutshell, it is concluded that organic sources of nutrition in general and vermicompost in particular proved to be more effective than the chemical sources of nutrition for sustainable productivity from the pomegranate–lemongrass-based agroforestry system in rainfed conditions. Further, this system holds great promise for boosting farmers’ economy by providing extra income from lemon oil in drought stricken semi-arid regions of central India.

Asexual reproduction: an alternative for the propagation and conservation of papaya (Carica papaya L.) native to Guerrero, Mexico

Objective: Evaluate the effect of three types of substrate and different shoot lengths onthe rooting of Carica papaya L. shoots.Design/ methodology/ approach: This experiment followed a completely randomizeddesign with a 2×3 factorial arrangement. Shoots of 30 and 40 cm of length werecollected in March 2018 from the lateral branches of papaya plants (Carica papaya L.)native to various regions of Guerrero. Shoots were placed in different substrates: 1)sand, 2) Peat Moss®, and 3) sand and Peat Moss® mixture (70:30, v/v). Sixty days afterplanting, rooting percentage, root length, plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves,crown diameter, biomass fresh weight, biomass dry weight, root fresh weight, and rootdry weight were evaluated. Data were analyzed through an analysis of variance and amean difference test (Tukey, p?0.05).Results: The rooting of 40- and 30-cm shoots was 60 and 50%, respectively. Plantswith the highest height, number of leaves, root length, and crown diameter derived from 240-cm shoots. Sand was the best substrate for rooting, where plants with higher freshbiomass were significantly developed.Study limitations/ implications: Continue study during the flowering and fruitingstages.Findings/ conclusions: This protocol allows the rooting of papaya shoots.

Evaluation of Desho Grass for Their Agronomic Performances and Nutritive Values in Highland and Midland Areas of Guji Zone, Southern Oromia, Ethiopia

The study was conducted with the objective to identify adaptability, high fresh biomass and dry matter yield of desho grass varieties. Four desho grass varieties; Kindo Kosha DZF No# 591, Areka DZF No# 590, Kulumsa DZF No # 592 and Kindo Kosha DZF No# 589 were evaluated in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. At highland area the revealed result that fresh biomass, leaf length per plant and plant height were significantly (P<0.05) differ among the treatments. The highest value of plant height was measured from Kindo Kosha DZF No# 589 (102.6 cm) followed by Areka DZF No# 590, Kulumsa DZF No # 592 (97.7 cm) varieties, while the shortest plant height was recorded from Kindo Kosha DZF No# 591 (91.2 cm) variety. The highest dry matter yield was obtained from Areka DZF No# 590 (30.53t/ha), while the lowest dry matter yield was produced from Kindo Kosha DZF No# 591 (24.8 t/ha). The highest survive rate was measured from Areka DZF No# 590 (63.3%) followed by Kindo Kosha DZF No# 589 (61.3%) varieties. Chemical composition showed that Areka DZF No# 590 was highest in Dry matter (DM) (95.5%) and the lowest dry matter (DM) was obtain from Kindo Kosha DZF No# 591 (94.2%) variety. At Midland area the revealed result that number of tiller per plant, number of leaf per plant, leaf length per plant, fresh biomass and plant height were significantly (P<0.05) differ among the treatments. The highest plant height was measured from Areka DZF No# 590 (108.6 cm) followed by Kindo Kosha DZF No# 589 (107 cm) while the lowest plant height was measured from Kindo Kosha DZF No# 591 (95.3cm) variety. The highest dry matter yield was measured from Areka DZF No# 590 (27.13 t/ha) variety. The highest in Dry matter (DM) (95.02%) and lowest in Acid detergent fiber (ADF) was measured from Areka DZF No# 590 (43.8%) varieties. The highest crude protein (CP) was measured from Kulumsa DZF No # 592 (10.6%) followed by Kindo Kosha DZF No# 591 (9.8%). The result implies that Kindo Kosha DZF No# 589 and Areka DZF No# 590 and Kindo Kosha DZF No# 591 varieties were well performed in agronomic, yield and quality parameters. Thus it could be possible to conclude that the desho grass varieties should be recommended for improving the constraint of feed shortage in highland and midland of Guji zone and similar agro ecologies.

Utilizing Anaerobic Digestates as Nutrient Solutions in Hydroponic Production Systems

Moving food production into the urban and peri-urban areas is one way of facilitating a closed-loop approach, integrating waste handling with food production in order to recirculate nutrients and at the same time reduce the use of mined and fossil resources in the production. Using anaerobic digestion as a way of converting urban wastes to an energy source (methane) and a nutrient-rich biodigestate with subsequent use as fertilizer for food production seems like a feasible approach. However, utilizing urban wastes in plant production systems implies some challenges, such as high salinity of the waste, imbalanced composition of nutrients, and abundance of less favorable forms of nitrogen. In a series of experiments, these problems were addressed. Vegetables (Pak Choi) were cultivated hydroponically in a controlled climate. Experiments included increased salinity, elevated levels of nitrite, and different concentrations of the biogas digestate-based nutrient solution, with mineral based solutions as controls. In general, the mineral controls yielded around 50% higher fresh biomass than the organic solutions. However, the quality of the produce with respect to content of secondary metabolites such as vitamins was enhanced when the plants were cultivated with organic nutrient solutions. Increasing the concentration of NaCl to 241 mg Cl L−1 did not negatively affect plant performance. Increasing the concentration of nitrite negatively affected plant growth, with reductions in biomass production by up to 50%. Given this well-functioning nitrification process that did not result in high nitrite concentrations, the use of anaerobic digestates seems feasible for hydroponic production of vegetables.

Medium nitrogen optimized Boehmeria nivea L. growth in copper contaminated soil

Copper (Cu) pollution in agricultural soils is considered as a serious health risk due to its accumulation in plants. Thus, there is an urgent need to optimize nutrient application for higher yield with lower Cu uptake to ensure food security. A pot experiment was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of nitrogen fertilizer (N) on Boehmeria nivea growth, gas exchange characteristics, antioxidant capacity and uptake of Cu in contaminated soil. Therefore, combinations of Cu levels (0, 100, 300 mg kg−1) and N levels (0, 140, 280, 420 kg ha−1) were applied. The results showed that N at 280 kg ha−1 significantly (≤0.05) increased plant growth in terms of fresh biomass, plant height, stem diameter and number of leaves per plant up to100 mg kg−1 Cu in soil for all harvests (H1, H2, H3 and H4). However, the interactive effect of Cu and N on Cu uptake by plant varied among N levels. Furthermore, N at 280 kg ha−1 also improved the gas exchange characteristics viz., net photosynthesis (Pn), transpiration rate (Tr) and stomatal conductance (gs), while decreased oxidative stress in B. nivea up to 100 mg kg−1 Cu in soil, relative to control. Thus N at 280 kg ha−1 can be considered as an effective dose for high fresh biomass with lower Cu uptake by B. nivea grown as fodder in Cu contaminated soils (≤100 mg kg−1). Overall, present research highlighted the necessity of balanced or optimum N application for sustainable B. nivea forage production in Cu contaminated agricultural lands.

English

The objective of this study was to compare maggots’ production in different substrates following an experimental design of six treatments (S1, 1000 g of brewery wet grains - BWG; S2, 900 g of BWG and 100 g of blood; S3, 1000 g of dung; S4, 900 g of dung and 100 g of blood; S5, 1000 g of rumen content; and S6, 900 g of rumen content and 100 g of blood) repeated trice. 121 flies were collected and identified and 5 days after putting in place the experimental set up, larvae were collected. 6 families of flies, namely Calliphoridae (50.41%), Muscidae (18.18%), Sacrophagidae (12.40%), Strationomiydae (8.26%), Piophilidae (5.79%) and Syrphidae (4.96%) were identified. The highest fresh biomass (41.67±3.51 g) was obtained with S6 and S2 (21.33±15.63 g). The mean highest length (2.62±1.01 cm) was obtained with S3. The highest dry matter (DM) (23.89±2.90%) was obtained with S2 and the lowest DM with S6 (13.56±2.90%). The lowest values of crude proteins (CP) were obtained in S4 (32.82±10.05%) and S6 (33.82±0.18%). Highest fats contents were obtained in S2 (43.93±1.46%) and S4 (26.99±1.12%). In short, S2 can be used for maggots’ production. Key words: Identification, flies, production, larvae, insect breeding, bovine blood.

Water Availability in Soil Affect Performance of Different Root Fungal Colonizers on Metabolism of Wheat

The symbiotic fungi improve the growth parameters of plants under environmental stresses. To investigate the effect of endophytic fungi under water stress, we investigated the symbiosis of two new isolated endophytic fungi Curvularia spicifera and Gibberella thapsina from Chenopodiaceae species (Kochia stellaris and Chenopodium album) versus mycorrhizal (Funneliformis mosseae) and Serendipita indica fungi with wheat plants under water stress. The experiment was conducted as completely randomized design with three replicates per treatment. The treatments included soil water stress (field capacity (FC) and 50% FC) and fungus (inoculation and non-inoculation). The two new endophytic fungi could colonize wheat root and significantly improved the growth parameters. Curvularia spicifera inoculation resulted to high fresh and dry shoot biomass, proline and protein content and K/Na ratio but this endophyte increased content of electrolyte leakage. Curvularia spicifera-inoculated plants had more activity of the enzyme than S. indica-inoculated plants in ascorbate peroxidase (APX) under water stress while S. indica-inoculated plants showed higher concentration of nutrients. Serendipita indica-inoculated and C. spicifera-inoculants plants did not show significant differences in content of chlorophyll. The contents of proline and proteins as well as the activity of catalase in G. thapsina-inoculated plants were higher than F. mosseae. We found that C. spicifera and G. thapsina improve production of biomass and metabolites in shoot of wheat and they can change water availability in soil. According to compare the functional groups of inoculated fungi, we suggest that the two endophytes could significantly reprogram the growth of wheat plants during stress conditions with unknown mechanisms.

Crescimento inicial e biomassa de espécies utilizadas como adubação verde em sistema de aleias

Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar o crescimento inicial de espécies perenes como gliricídia (Gliricidia sepium) e ingá-xixica (Inga heteraphylla) e o desempenho da produção de biomassa de espécies herbáceas, como a crotalária juncea (Crotalaria juncea L.) e feijão-de-porco (Canavalia ensiformis DC.), utilizadas para adubação verde. O monitoramento do crescimento das espécies foi acompanhado por seis meses. Para avaliar a biomassa, as plantas foram podadas rente ao solo, onde foi obtido o material vegetal total para determinar o peso de massa verde, e retiraram-se quatro amostras de cada parcela para obter o peso da massa seca. O crescimento em altura final para o ingá-xixica foi de 0,77 m e de 1,81 m para a gliricídia. As taxas de crescimento absoluto (TCA) para altura total (Ht) diferem entre ambas as espécies, onde a média da gliricídia apresenta maior valor, de 5,06 cm mes-1 em Ht, e a de ingá-xixica é de 2,68 cm mês-1. Na avaliação de biomassa total observou-se diferença entre as duas espécies, tanto para massa verde como para a seca, destacando-se o feijão de porco nas duas avaliações com maior produtividade de biomassa fresca de 8,6 t ha-1 e seca 1,6 t ha-1. Para indicação no uso como adubação verde, a espécie perene gliricídia, apresentou os melhores parâmetros dendrometricos e, a espécie herbácea feijão de porco, a maior produção de biomassa.

Effect of Calcium Nitrate and Potassium Nitrate Priming on Seed Germination and Seedling Vigour of Papaya (Carica papaya L.)

The effect of seed priming with calcium nitrate Ca (NO3)2 and potassium nitrate (KNO3) on germination and seedling vigour were studied in papaya varieties. Open pollinated local (gauty) papaya seeds were soaked in Ca (NO3)2 and KNO3 solutions (10000 ppm, 15000 ppm and 20000 ppm) up to 24 hours and germination percentage and seedling characteristics were recorded. The least number of days taken for seed germination (4.33 days), the highest germination percentage (82.56 % ), the highest shoot length (14.31 cm) the highest fresh biomass (1.36 g) and dry biomass (0.174 g) were recorded in 10000 ppm Ca(NO3)2 treatment. Further, seeds of papaya varieties viz., Arka Surya, Arka Prabhat and Madhu bindhu were treated with 5000 ppm, 10000 ppm and 15000 ppm Ca (NO3)2 and observed that Arka Prabhat seeds treated with 10000 ppm Ca (NO3)2 hadtaken the least number of days for germination (4.75 days) and also the highest shoot length (25.2 cm). The results of the experiment proved the significant effect of calcium ions over potassium ions on papaya seed germination and seedling vigour.

Effect of Calcium Nitrate and Potassium Nitrate Priming on Seed Germination and Seedling Vigour of Papaya (Carica papaya L.)

The effect of seed priming with calcium nitrate Ca (NO3)2 and potassium nitrate (KNO3) on germination and seedling vigour were studied in papaya varieties. Open pollinated local (gauty) papaya seeds were soaked in Ca (NO3)2 and KNO3 solutions (10000 ppm, 15000 ppm and 20000 ppm) up to 24 hours and germination percentage and seedling characteristics were recorded. The least number of days taken for seed germination (4.33 days), the highest germination percentage (82.56 % ), the highest shoot length (14.31 cm) the highest fresh biomass (1.36 g) and dry biomass (0.174 g) were recorded in 10000 ppm Ca(NO3)2 treatment. Further, seeds of papaya varieties viz., Arka Surya, Arka Prabhat and Madhu bindhu were treated with 5000 ppm, 10000 ppm and 15000 ppm Ca (NO3)2 and observed that Arka Prabhat seeds treated with 10000 ppm Ca (NO3)2 hadtaken the least number of days for germination (4.75 days) and also the highest shoot length (25.2 cm). The results of the experiment proved the significant effect of calcium ions over potassium ions on papaya seed germination and seedling vigour.

Effects of Inter- and Intra-Row Spacing on Growth, Green Cob Number and Biomass Yield of Maize (Zea mays L.) Varieties at Agarfa, Southeastern Ethiopia

Maize ( Zea mays L.) is an important grain crop of the world and it ranks second, after wheat in hectarage and first in total production and productivity. In Ethiopia, maize has increasingly become a popular crop with steady growth in production area and yield. However, green cob maize production packages, including its appropriate spacing, are not yet determined. Evidences on effects of inter and intra-row spacing on growth and green cob yield of maize are not well explored. Therefore, this study was conducted at Agarfa from March 2015 to July 2015 to determine the effects of inter-and intra-row spacing on growth, green cob number and biomass yield of maize (Zea mays L) varieties under supplemental irrigation. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with factorial combination of four inter-row (55 cm, 65 cm, 75 cm, and 85 cm) spacing, two intra-row spacing (25 cm and 30 cm) and two maize varieties (Melkassa-II and BHQPY-545) with three replication. Data were collected on growth, green cob number and biomass yield and analyzed using GenStat, (2012) The experiment result revealed that leaf area and number of cobs per plant were highly significantly (P<0.01) affected by inter-row spacing x variety while cob length, number of cobs per hectare and above ground fresh biomass yield were significantly (P<0.05) affected by inter-row spacing x variety. The highest cob number (65232.32 ha -1 ) was recorded for variety BHQPY-545 and (61739.39 ha -1 ) for variety Melkassa-II at narrowest inter-row spacing of 55 cm (Table 5). Similarly, the highest fresh biomass yield of 51.3 and 48 ton ha -1 was obtained from variety BHQPY-545 and Melkassa-II respectively at 55 cm inter-row spacing. In general, significantly higher number of marketable green cobs and aboveground fresh biomass yield were obtained at closer inter-and intra-row spacing for maize varieties tested in the study area. Therefore, it can be concluded that spacing combination of 55 cm x 25 cm favored attaining of higher economic returns, green cob number and fresh biomass yield of maize in the area under supplemental irrigation. Keywords : Phenology, Plant Density, Population, Economic Benefit, Biomass DOI : 10.7176/JBAH/9-9-05 Publication date :May 31 st 2019

Biomass and essential oil of Tagetes minuta influenced by pinching and harvesting stage under high precipitation conditions in the western Himalayas

ABSTRACTA field experiment was conducted to study the effect of pinching and harvesting stages on duration of phenophases, aerial biomass partitioning, and essential oil productivity. It comprised of two pinching (pinching and without pinching) and four harvesting stages (bud initiation, flower initiation, 50% flowering and 100% flowering). All the phenological stages were delayed by pinching and the crop took 93–103 days, respectively, under control and pinching from transplanting to 100% flowering. Biomass accumulation in to leaf, flower and stem was enhanced by pinching. Pinching and 100% flowering stage recorded significantly higher fresh biomass and essential oil content than other treatments. Delay in harvesting stage from bud initiation to 100% flowering also caused variation in oil content and composition. Major constituents of essential oil (Z)-β-ocimene and (E)-ocimenone increases, while dihydrotagetone and (E)-tagetone decreases with delay in harvesting from bud initiation to 100% flowering stage.

Response of Conjunctive Use of Fresh and Saline Water on Growth and Biomass of Cotton Genotypes

A pot experiment was conducted to study the effects of conjunctive use of saline and fresh water on the growth and biomass of cotton crop and to observe varietal variability for salinity tolerance and ion contents of cotton genotypes. Four cotton genotypes (Sindh-1, BT-121, CRISS-494, CRISS-588) were irrigated with four treatments, C1 (control+ tape water), C2 (EC 4.0 dS m-1, throughout growth period), ( (six irrigation with C2 + six irrigation with C1), C3 (EC 8.0 dS m-1, throughout growth period), (six irrigation C1+ six irrigation C3), (six irrigation C3+ six irrigation C1), C4 (EC 12.0 dS m-1, throughout growth period), (six irrigation C1+ six irrigation C4). The results showed that highest fresh biomass, plant height, number of leaves plant-1, number of bolls and boll weight was obtained in the treatment where tape water was used. Whereas, these parameters were decrease significantly with the increasing salinity levels from 4 to 12 dS m-1 and when saline water was applied continuously throughout growth period. The cotton genotypes Sindh-1 and Bt-21 performed well under conjunctive use of saline and fresh water with maximum values in compare to genotypes CRIS 494 and 588. The Na+ and Cl- accumulation in cotton leaves and in soil significantly increased with rising EC levels of irrigation water. However, Na+ and Cl- contents were found more in CRIS 494 and CRIS 588 than Sindh-1 and Bt1. It is concluded that Sindh-1 and Bt-121 may be cultivated in saline areas with alternate irrigation.