Highest Plant Height Research Articles

Endophytic fusarium solani exhibiting potential stress tolerance and enhances growth of maize in South Africa

New technological approaches harness the potential of endophytic fungi as growth promoters, utilizing their bioactive compounds to protect against herbivores, insects, and various unfavourable abiotic stresses, including temperature, salinity, drought, and heavy metals. Zea mays (L.) is considered as a staple food source in many countries including South Africa. Endophytic fungi are natural growth promoters without causing any disease or symptoms of diseases. In the current study, nine endophytic fungi were examined for abiotic stress tolerance and were inoculated in the maize seeds prior to plantation. The construction of the phylogenetic tree was based on consensus sequences (ITS) using endophytic fungi produced three clades with four subgroups. Among the 9 endophytic fungi, only 3 fungal isolates (END 15, MHE 55, RNK 4) grew on 3% and 6% salinity PDA. Boeremia exigua was the only isolate that could withstand 6%. Fusarium solani (MHE 55) survived at low pH. Furthermore, Neurospora sp. (GG 9) and Fusarium solani (MHE 55) grew at 37 ºC. Greenhouse experiments were conducted to establish the growth promoting properties. The highest plant height was observed in the treatment which was inoculated with Fusarium oxysporum (GG 8) followed by Fusarium solani (MHE 55), reaching 46 cm and 44 cm respectively. The significant enhancement in plant height, root weight, fresh weight and leaf size, demonstrate the potential use of the selected isolate as a growth promoter for maize. In contrast Chaetomium (PG 9) and Alternaria (MHE 68) displayed none to limited growth promoting properties. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the potential use of F. solani isolated from South African geranium as a growth promoter. As the world is aiming at a more sustainable and eco-friendly agriculture, the use of such endophytes will contribute to better crop production and protection, hence more food availability. Key words: Fusarium solani, Endophytes, Growth promotion, Maize, Stress tolerance, Boeremia exigua, Chaetomium, Alternaria

Assessment of Biometric Characteristics and Yield of Two Onion Cultivars in Soils of Anantapur District, Andhra Pradesh, India

In order to identify suitable onion varieties for Ananthapur district of Andhra Pradesh, an On Farm Testing (OFT) was conducted during the Rabi seasons of 2022-23 and 2023-24 at Krishi Vigyan Kendra operated mandals of Ananthapur district. Two high yielding onion varieties were tested with five locations during each year in comparison to that of farmers variety of being grown by the farmers of the area. Different treatments included onion varieties of NHRDF Red 4 (TO1), NHRDF Red 3 (TO2) and Bellary local variety as farmers practice. The results revealed that highest plant height (58.25 cm), maximum number of leaves (8.35), lesser duration (123 days), maximum weight of bulb (77.76 g) and bulb yield (26.45 t/ha) was reported from NHRDF Red 4 than NHRDF Red-3 and farmers local variety (Bellary local). Similarly, NHRDF Red 4 variety recorded higher gross returns (Rs. 2,49,066/ha), net returns (Rs. 1,11,407/ha) and B:C ratio of 1.81 as compared to other two varieties. From the study, it is concluded that onion variety NHRDF Red-4 had better performance in the trial and can be recommended for cultivation in Ananthapur district of Andhra Pradesh.

Effect of Tillage and Mulching on Growth and Yield Performance of Barley under Different Nitrogen and Irrigation Application Rates

Background: Integrated management of soil, water and nutrient resources is critical in improving animal feed production sustainably as it is highly resource demanding. Barley is considered as an excellent choice for animal feed owing to its rich nutritional composition, energy content, palatability, versatility and economic feasibility. Implementing sustainable crop management practices that improve soil health as well as enhance water and nitrogen availability is critical for improving crop productivity and ensuring improved animal feed production in these challenging environments. In arid regions with scarce water resources and less fertile soil, an interplay between water availability and nitrogen fertilization plays a significant role in enhancing barley production. Thus adoption of conservation agricultural practices coupled with optimized irrigation and fertilization regime is crucial in establishing sustainable animal feed production in the region. However, much insight is not delivered in the area of interactive effects of irrigation and fertilization with conservational agricultural practices on sustainable intensification of animal feed production in arid and semi-arid lands. The study investigated the interactive effect of tillage, mulching, irrigation and nitrogen application rates on growth and yield performance of barley under Kuwait’s environmental conditions. Methods: The study was conducted at KISR Station for Research and Innovation-KSRI (29.3156°N, 47.8403°E), Kuwait. The effect of tillage and mulching on the growth and yield performance of barley was evaluated under combinations of three different irrigation (100% ETc, 75% ETc and 50% ETc) and fertilization application rates (0 kg/ha, 50 kg/ha and 100 kg/ha). Split-split plot experimental design was employed with three replications to study the effect of different treatments on plant height, number of plants per square meter, spike length, number of spikes per square meter, biomass yield, grain weight, harvest index and residue yield. Result: Tillage, mulching, irrigation and fertilization application rates imposed a significant interaction effect on barley biomass and grain yield. Minimum tilled plots with mulching under 100% ETc irrigation and 100 kgN/ha recorded the highest biomass and residue yield. For grain yield, minimum as well as conventional tillage with mulching produced the highest value under 100% ETc irrigation and 50 kgN/ha. Highest plant height and number of spikes per square meter was noted in plots with minimum tillage and mulching under 100% ETc irrigation.

Delineating the role of host plants in regulating the water and salinity stress induced changes in sandalwood roots.

The interaction of root hemi-parasite (sandalwood) with its hosts is crucial for establishing successful plantations under abiotic stresses. In the present study, we explored the best possible host for sandalwood along with its effect on sandalwood physiology in terms of water and nutrients. Interactive effects of host species (Alternanthera sp., Azadirachta indica, Dalbergia sissoo, Melia dubia, and Aquilaria malaccensis) with sandalwood were observed under eight treatments {100% best available water (BAW); 100% BAW + nutrient medium; 50% water deficit; 50% water deficit + nutrient medium; 100% saline water (ECiw 8ds/m); 100% saline water (ECiw 8ds/m) + nutrient medium; 50% water deficit + saline water (ECiw 8ds/m); and 50% water deficit + saline water (ECiw 8ds/m) + nutrient medium}. A significant change in morpho-physiological traits of sandalwood roots was observed under different stress conditions, which were slightly improved through external supply of nutrient medium. Dalbergia sissoo (Shisham) and Melia dubia (Dek) seemed to be the best host plants providing better environment for sandalwood growth and development, i.e., higher plant height (59.7 and 53.68cm) and collar diameter (3.24 and 3.07mm) under stresses by maintaining water and ionic balance. Root length is an important parameter that was reduced by 27.58%, 19.22%, and 36.3% under water deficit, salinity, and combined stress of water deficit and salinity. Sandalwood grown with D. sissoo and M. dubia maintained the lowest Ψw (-1.38MPa) and Ψs (-1.47 and -1.48MPa), respectively. In addition, sandalwood cultivated with D. sissoo and A. indica had higher accumulation of soluble proteins (0.48 and 0.42mg/g) and soluble sugars (98.56 and 91.04mg/g) in their roots. Results also showed that sandalwood roots had higher K+/Na+ with compatible host, i.e., with A. indica (1.85) and D. sissoo (1.83) than other studied hosts. It was also observed that sandalwood plants could not grow and survive alone under stress conditions even with application of nutrient medium. Based on the morphological traits, it was observed that sandalwood grown with hosts, Dalbergia sissoo and Melia dubia, was able to tolerate stress conditions better than other studied hosts. We can further recommend growing sandalwood with D. sissoo and M. dubia as a viable option to endure adverse environmental conditions.

Response of Mulching and Organic Fertilizers on the Growth Performance of Strawberry (Fragaria ananassa L.) in Southern Philippines

Strawberry is a hybrid species of the genus Fragaria that is widely grown worldwide, especially in cool climate areas and are widely cultivated for their fruit. It is one of the important horticultural crops grown in many parts of the world. Strawberries can be grown using organic fertilizers under different mulching technique. This study investigated the growth and yield performance of strawberries to various application of organic fertilizers (vermicast, vermicompost and vermitea) and mulching materials (rice hull and plastic mulch). Planting materials were taken from a healthy, disease-free strawberry (Shoga) and carried out in Split Plot Factorial Design replicated four times. Strawberry plants applied with vermicompost resulted in significantly high percentage survival (99.16%), plant height (21.61 cm) and number of runners (3.93) compared to plants applied with vermicast and vermitea. Moreover, strawberry plants under plastic mulch condition had the highest growth and yield performance in terms of plant height (21.07 cm), number of runners (4.19), number of leaves (6.57) and total number of marketable fruits (48.10). Based on these results, strawberry applied with vermicompost under plastic mulch condition are recommended. Moreover, results can serve as basis for strawberry growers to use effective yet less expensive fertilizer particularly in tropical Philippines.

Effect of Nitrogen and Crop Geometry on Growth and Yield of Baby Corn

The field experiment was conducted to investigate the Effect of Nitrogen and Crop Geometry on Growth and Yield ofBaby Corn during Zaid season of 2023 at the Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj (U.P.) India. The main objectives of experiment is to studythe efficacy of nitrogen and crop geometry on growth and yield of baby corn. The experiment was executed using Randomized Block Design with ten treatments and replicated thrice. The treatments combinations are T1:Nitrogen 60kg/ha + Crop Geometry 40cm × 20cm T2: Nitrogen 80kg/ha + Crop Geometry40cm × 20cm T3: Nitrogen 100kg/ha + Crop Geometry 40cm × 20cm T4: Nitrogen 60kg/ha + Crop Geometry 50cm × 20cm T5: Nitrogen 80kg/ha + Crop Geometry 50cm × 20cm T6: Nitrogen 100kg/ha + Crop Geometry 50cm × 20cm T7: Nitrogen 60kg/ha + Crop Geometry 60cm × 20cm. T8: Nitrogen 80kg/ha + Crop Geometry 60cm × 20cm T9: Nitrogen 100kg/ha + Crop Geometry 60cm × 20cm, T10: Control (RDF-60- 40-40 NPK kg/ha) are used. The result of the study revealed that the higher plant height (173.47 cm), higher plant dry weight (29.3 g/plant), number of cobs/plant (2.1), green fodder yield (33.32 t/ha), cob yield with husk (12.30 t/ha), andcob yield without husk (4.33 t/ha) were significantly showed significant difference with application of Nitrogen100kg/ha + Crop Geometry 50cm × 20cm. It was concluded that for obtaining higher yield components with better quality of baby corn with Nitrogen 100 kg/ha + Crop Geometry 50cm × 20cm was recommended.

The First Study on Cultivating Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile (L.) All.) for Its Flower and Essential Oil in Southeast Serbia

Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile (L.) All.) is a perennial herbaceous medicinal plant species that has not yet been thoroughly researched in terms of the influence of growing conditions on its morphological characteristics, flower yield, and the content and quality of its essential oil (EO). The plant material was harvested in the subsequent two production years at three localities in Southeast Serbia, differing in soil type (Alluvial soil, Rendzina, and Calcomelanosol). Based on two-year average values, the best results were obtained from plants grown on Rendzina, including the yield of fresh flowers (1850.2 g/m2), the highest plant height (49.3 cm), the number of branches (4.1), leaves (11.6), and flower heads (3.6), the flower diameter (1.6 cm), and the essential oil content (1.6%). The major EO constituent obtained from the plants growing on Rendzina and Calcomelanosol was 3-methyl pentyl angelate (20.8% and 15.2%, respectively). In the EO obtained from the plants growing on Alluvial soil, the major EO constituent was isobutyl angelate (13.0%), while the content of 3-methyl pentyl angelate was close to it (12.2%). The outcomes of this study provide guidelines for further research related to the cultivation of a Roman chamomile genotype on various soil types in a hilly region of Southeast Serbia, where most cultivated plants cannot be grown.

Influence of Phosphorus and Sulphur Levels on Economics and Yield of Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) under the Eastern Zone of UP, India

The present study highlights the influence of Phosphorus and Sulphur Levels on Economics and Yield of Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.): A Field Experiment yield of Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L)". var. "ISF-764" was tested at Crop Research Farm during Rabi 2021–23. Ministry of Agriculture Sciences and technology United University, Prayagraj in the U.P. Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) India ranks second in terms of planted area after food crops and is the world's fourth-largest producer of oilseeds in terms of output. The soil of the experimental plot had a sandy loam texture, was almost pH-neutral (7.5), had low organic carbon content (0.50%), and was readily available. N (228.59 kg/ha), available P (29.80 kg/ha) and available K (125.21 kg/ha). The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with nine treatments consists three level of S 20,30,40 kg/ha and three level of P 30,40,50 kg/ha with control (Farmer practice) were replicated thrice. Results obtained that higher plant height (173.33 cm), Number of branches (19.27), dry weight (117.89 g/day), yield attributes and yield viz., seed yield (2.20 t/ha), stover yield (2.98 t/ha) and Hi (42.44 %) were recorded with the application of 40 kg/ha S + 50 kg/ha P, economics viz. however, higher gross return (113804.07 INR/ha), net return (77799.97 INR/ha) and B:C ratio (2.16) was observed when 40 kg/ha S and 50 kg/ha P were applied. Application of 40 kg/ha S with 50 kg/ha P was therefore more productive and financially viable. It is concluded that treatment T9 with application of S 40 kg/ha + P 50 kg/ha was found to be the best that recorded highest plant height, number of capitulam / plant , dry weight (g), panicle length, number of panicles, number of grains per panicle, seed yield, straw yield, test weight and harvest index.

Yield Performance of Some White Maize Varieties in Response to Planting Spacings at Sher-E-Bangla Agricultural University Farm in Bangladesh

The experiment were conducted at the Agronomy Field of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University in Bangladesh to investigate the effect of white maize variety and planting spacing on growth, yield and yield attributes. The treatments were two hybrid white maize variety viz. V1 = PSC-121 and V2 = KS-510 and three planting spacing viz. S1 = 50 cm x 25 cm, S2 = 60 cm x 25 cm and S3 = 70 cm x 25 cm. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Results revealed that variety and plant spacing had significant effect on the studied characters and yield. The highest plant height, longest cob, highest number of kernel cob-1, the highest 100-grain weight, maximum grain yield and stover yield were observed in hybrid white maize PSC-121. On the other hand, the shortest plant, lowest number of grains cob-1, 100-grain weight, grain yield and stover yield were observed in hybrid white maize KS-510. The longest plant, highest number of kernel cob-1, the highest 100 grain weight was recorded in the spacing of 70 cm × 25 cm but lowest grain yield (7.52 t ha-1) and stover yield (9.362 t ha-1). In contrast, the spacing 50 cm × 25 cm produced the lowest values of the above mentioned plant parameters but showed the highest grain yield (9.20 t ha-1) and stover yield (11.64 t ha-1). In regard to interaction effect of variety and spacing, V1S1 (PSC-121 with 50 cm x 25 cm) interaction produced the highest grain yield (9.60 t ha-1), biological yield (21.621 t ha-1) and harvest index (46.01%). On the other hand, V2S3 (KS-510 with 70 cm x 25 cm) interaction achieved the lowest grain yield (7.36 t ha-1), biological yield (16.94 t ha-1) and harvest index (43.151%). Based on the experimental results, it may be concluded that maize (cv. hybrid white maize PSC-121) can be cultivated with a spacing of 50 cm × 25 cm for appreciable grain yield due to higher number of plant per unit area.

Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) under Teak (Tectona grandis) Based on Agroforestry

At the research field of the College of Forestry, SHUATS, Prayagraj, UP, a field experiment was carried out in the Rabi season from November 2022 to March 2023 to determine the impact of integrated nutrition management on Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). The experiment is set up using a randomized block design (RBD), with seven treatments that are duplicated three times using different treatments. The results showed that the highest plant height was 19.80 cm at the 30 DAS (days after sowing) interval, 46.43 cm at the 60 DAS interval, and 52.51 cm at the 90 DAS interval. At 30 DAS maximum number of branches (4.33), 60 DAS maximum number of branches (8.67), and 90 DAS maximum number of branches (12.33), maximum test weight (100 seed, hundred seed weight) (gm) (28.00), greatest grain output q/ha (14.51), highest DAS to flowering (79.14), highest number of pods per plant (no.) (32.27), and highest number of seeds per pod (no.) (2.23). Following the best straw yield per hectare (18.33), the highest harvest index percentage (44.18) and the highest benefit-cost ratio (2:91) were harvested. Maximum net return of 115,255 and maximum gross return of 154,855 respectively. The Treatment T7 outcome with the highest recorded result was 100%VERMICOMPOST + 0%FYM + 0%NPK.

Growth and Yield Performance of Lactuca sativa L. Grown in Hydroponics using Fish Effluents and Inorganic Fertilizer

Aquaponics is an emerging sustainable food production technique where waste from fish culture is used as a source of nutrients for crops grown in hydroponics system. The present study was conducted at the Agriculture Research and Development Center, Sita Eliya, Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka during November 2015 to January 2016, to compare the yield of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) grown in hydroponics using fish effluents and inorganic fertilizer. The experiment was laid in a Completely Randomized Design with 5 treatments and 4 replicates. The different nutrient solutions used as the treatments of this experiment were water (T1), Albert’s solution (T2), Catla waste water (T3), Common Carp waste water (T4) and Tilapia waste water (T5). Each nutrient solution was tested for its nutrient composition, temperature, pH and electrical conductivity throughout the experimental period. The plant growth and yield parameters measured were plant height (cm), number of leaves, canopy diameter (cm), root length (cm), fresh weight of plant, leaves and roots (g), dry weight of leaves and roots (g) and, yield (ton/ha). The fish related parameters measured were body weight (g), initial and final stocking density (g/m3) and the mortality percentage. The results showed that T2 stood out (p<0.05) with the highest plant height (12.27cm), canopy diameter (14.80cm), number of leaves (12) and root length (15.04cm), exhibiting a vigorous growth compared to the other treatments. A remarkable yield and shoot and root weight (fresh and dry) were also shown by T2 over the other treatments. Fish waste water in T3, T4 and T5 did not fulfill the nutrient requirement of lettuce due to the limited nutrients; nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) produced by fingerlings. Therefore, these fish waste solutions need to be improved by increasing the feed quality and selecting fish within a suitable age range in order to obtain a yield comparable to T2, which is the commercially available Albert’s solution.

Effect of Plant Spacing and Fertilizer Application on Growth and Yield of Bell Pepper (Capsicum annum) in Experimental Farm at Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria

Optimum plant population, natural resources, such as nutrients, sunlight, soil moisture and efficient fertilization are some of the primary factors that ensure satisfactory growth and yield. Hence, the objective of this paper was to investigate the effect of plant spacing and fertilizer application on growth and yield of bell pepper (Capsicum annum) in experimental farm at Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria using appropriate standard techniques. Three levels of spacing (S1=30cm x 50cm, S2=40cm x 50cm and S3 =50cm x 50cm) and four different levels of fertilizer application (F0 = control, F1 = 20 t ha-1 poultry manure, F2 = 300 kg ha-1 NPK 15:15:15 and F3 = 150 kg ha-1 NPK 15:15:15 + 10 t ha-1 were adopted. The parameters measured were plant height, stem diameter, leaf area, number of leaves, number of branches, fresh fruit weight per plant, fresh fruit weight per plot, fruit diameter, fruit length, and number of flowers per plant, number of fruits per plant and fruit yield. The results showed that S3F1, (50cm x 50cm spacing + 20 t ha-1 poultry manure) had the highest plant height and stem diameter and S2F3, (40cm x 50cm spacing + 150 kg ha-1 NPK 15:15:15 and 10 t ha-1) had the highest fruit yield (1731.60 kg ha-1). The lowest yield (994.49 kg ha-1) was obtained at S1F0, (40cm x 50cm spacing + control). Therefore, farmers in this locality could grow bell pepper (Capsicum annum) at S2F3 for increased fruit yield.

How does ionizing radiation affect amyloidogenesis in plants?

Purpose Ionizing radiation is a harsh environmental factor that could induce plant senescence. We hypothesized that radiation-related senescence remodels proteome, particularly by triggering the accumulation of prion-like proteins in plant tissues. The object of this study, pea (Pisum sativum L.), is an agriculturally important legume. Research on the functional importance of amyloidogenic proteins was never performed on this species. Materials and methods Pea seeds were irradiated in the dose range 5–50 Gy of X-rays. Afterward, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to investigate changes in the secondary structure of proteins in germinated 3-day-old seedlings. Specifically, we evaluated the ratio between the amide I and II peaks. Next, we performed protein staining with Congo red to compare the presence of amyloids in the samples. In parallel, we profiled the detergent-resistant proteome fraction by ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS). Differentially accumulated proteins were functionally analyzed in MapMan software, and the PLAAC tool was used to predict putative prion-like proteins. Results We showed a reduced germination rate but higher plant height and faster appearance of reproductive organs in the irradiated at dose of 50 Gy group compared with the control; furthermore, we demonstrated more β-sheets and amyloid aggregates in the roots of stressed plants. We detected 531 proteins in detergent-resistant fraction extracted from roots, and 45 were annotated as putative prion-like proteins. Notably, 29 proteins were significantly differentially abundant between the irradiated and the control groups. These proteins belong to several functional categories: amino acid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, cytoskeleton organization, regulatory processes, protein biosynthesis, and RNA processing. Thus, the discovery proteomics provided deep data on novel aspects of plant stress biology. Conclusion Our data hinted that protein accumulation stimulated seedlings’ growth as well as accelerated ontogenesis and, eventually, senescence, primarily through translation and RNA processing. The increased abundance of primary metabolism-related proteins indicates more intensive metabolic processes triggered in germinating pea seeds upon X-ray exposure. The functional role of detected putative amyloidogenic proteins should be validated in overexpression or knockout follow-up studies.

Evaluating the Effects of Deficit Irrigation and Mulch Type on Yield and Yield Components of Onion in Fogera, Ethiopia

Water scarcity is a challenge for current irrigated agriculture globally. Under these circumstances, new on-farm irrigation management strategies should be established. An experiment was conducted at Fogera in 2021 to evaluate the effects of deficit irrigation (DI) and mulch type on onion yield and yield components. A factorial combination of three levels of DI (100%ETc, 75%ETc, and 50%ETc) and three mulch types No Mulch (NM), White Plastic Mulch (WPM), and Rice Straw Mulch (RSM)) were evaluated in RCBD with three replications. Monthly ETo, ETc, and irrigation scheduling were computed using CROPWAT 8.0 model. These studies showed that the onion yield and yield components were significantly affected by the main and the interaction effects. The maximum average plant heights (PH), leaf heights (LH), and number of leaves per plant (LNP) of 51.7 cm, 38.0cm, and 10.4 respectively, were recorded from 100%ETc whereas the minimum PH, LH, and LNP of 39.5 cm, 29.0cm, and 6.9 were recorded from 50%ETc treatment respectively. The highest average bulb weight (BW), bulb diameter (BD), and bulb height (BH) were 117.9gr, 6.4, and 5.7 cm recorded from 100%ETc treatment respectively. In contrast, the minimum average BW, BD, and BH were 79.9gr, 4.8, and 5.0cm recorded from 50%ETc respectively. The highest PH, LH, and LNP of onions were 51.9cm, 40.6cm, and 10.1 respectively recorded from RSM treatments. In contrast, the minimum PH, LH, and LNP of onions were 41.5cm, 31.1cm, and 7.5 respectively, recorded from WPM treatments. Similarly, the highest mean BW, BH, and BD 106.2gr, 5.8cm, and 6.0cm were obtained from the treatments of RSM respectively. In contrast, the lowest mean BW, BH, and BD 100.7gr, 5.0cm, and 5.3cm were obtained from NM treatments respectively. The interaction effects of DI and mulch showed that the onion yield at 100%ETc with RSM was 7.5% higher than that at 100%ETc with NM and 15.1% higher than the yield at 100%ETc with PM. The highest BW, BH, and BD of the onion 121.8 gr, 6.2, and 6.8 were obtained when the onions received 100%ETc and mulched with RS while the lowest average BW, BH, and BD of the onion were 77.3gr, 4.6cm and 4.1cm were obtained from 50%ETc with NM treatment combination. These results showed that RSM with 75%ETc improves onion yield and yield components.

Determination of NPS Fertilizer rate the Yield and Yield Components of Teff [Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter] in Kuyu District North Shewa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia

Tef is the main staple food of Ethiopia. It ranks first among cereals in the country in area coverage and second in production volume; however, its productivity is almost stagnant. The Degim Tef variety was sown during the main cropping season of 2020 and 2021 in the kuyu District, Northern Oromia, and Ethiopia. The objective of this study was to determine the NPS fertilizer rate relative the determined P-critical and P-requirement factors for tef and to estimate the economically feasible NPS fertilizer rate for higher yield of tef in kuyu District. Accordingly, statically analysis of variance showed that plant height, panicle length, biomass, and grain yield were significantly (P<0.05) influenced by NPS fertilizer rate with N fertilizer. The highest plant height (83.59 cm), of tef was recorded from the application of 75% P-critical from NPS fertilizer rate with recommended nitrogen panicle length (29.05cm), biomass yield (7509 kg ha-1) and grain yield (1635 kg ha-1) of tef were recorded from the application of 100% P-critical from NPS fertilizer rate supplemented with recommended Nitrogen whereas, the lowest value was recorded from the field unfertilized which was significantly inferior to all other treatments. Furthermore, the economic analysis showed that the application of NPS fertilizer at the rate of 100% P-critical from NPS fertilizer with recommended nitrogen fertilizer (92 kg N ha-1) for the production of tef was more economically beneficial for the district. Moreover, farmers and other end users could be advised to use 100% PC from NPS fertilizer rate with recommended nitrogen for tef production in the district and other areas having similar soil type and agro- ecology.

Propagación in vitro de Annona deceptrix (westra) H. Rainer (Annonaceae) una especie en peligro de extinción en Ecuador

This work aims to develop a protocol for the in vitro propagation of Annona deceptrix (westra) H. Rainer. In addition, it measures survival in ex-vitro conditions. Nodal shoot segments were used as explants, disinfected with different NaClO concentrations and exposure times, and then precultured in the Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal culture medium. Woody Plant Medium (WPM) was used for the multiplication and rooting phase, with different types and concentrations of phytoregulators. In the establishment phase, the explants responded better with the 1% NaClO treatment for 15 minutes, where the highest survival percentage was observed at 72.04%. For the variable number of shoots and stem diameter, the treatment with BAP (1 mgL-1) + (GA3 0.25 gL-1) + (WPM) reached the best average with a value of 2.00 and 2.35, respectively. Mm, respectively. For root induction, the best response was obtained when 3mgL-1 IBA (T3) was added to the culture medium, reaching an average root length of 5.75 cm after 60 days of culture in the medium. The rooted Vitro plants of an approximate height of 5 cm were brought to the mesh house for their acclimatization; in this phase, the survival rate was evaluated during the first week of acclimatization, and the plant's growth fifteen days after sowing in trays containing a peat-based substrate, where T3 had an average survival of 70% and higher plant height at 60 days, indicating that this treatment promoted faster seedling development under conditions exvitro. Keywords: Annona deceptrix, propagation, in vitro rooting, ex-vitro acclimatization, growth regulators.

Agronomic efficiency and productivity of transplanted kharif rice (Oryza sativa) as influenced by fertilizer briquettes

An experiment was conducted during rainy (kharif) season of 2022 at the research farm of Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, Assam to evaluate the effect of fertilizer briquettes on growth and productivity of transplanted rice. The field experiment was laid out in RBD comprising of 13 treatments, replicated thrice. Growth of rice, panicles/m2 and yield were subjected to significant variation under different fertilizer management practices. Higher plant height, tillers/ m2, panicles/m2, yield and agronomic efficiency were recorded under FDP, 120% RDN + 100% P and K + ZnSO4 @10 kg/ha + biofertilizer (T12). This might be owing to reduced losses of nutrients and efficient uptake by plants compared to broadcasted method of fertilizer application where most of the applied fertilizers were susceptible to various losses availing lesser amount of nutrients for crop uptake.

Effect of Shade Intensities on Growth, Biomass and Grain Yield of Green Grams (Vigna radiata) and Maize (Zea mays) in Kitui County

Maize and green grams are important food security crops grown and consumed in the arid and semi-arid regions of Kenya. High temperatures and low soil moisture lead to yield reduction. A two-season study was conducted to investigate the effect of different shade intensities (0 %, 50 % and 70 %) on green gram and maize growth, biomass and grain yield in Kitui County (1.4° S, 37.9° E). The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications at the South Eastern Kenya University (SEKU) farm. Results showed that maize had significantly (p<0.05) higher plant height, Ear height, cob weight, total biomass and grain yield per hectare in 50%, followed by 70% and lowest in 0%. Green gram plants had significantly (p<0.05) higher number of pods, seeds per pod, total above-ground biomass and grain yield per hectare 50 % (1759 kg/Ha), 70 % (1553 kg/Ha) and lowest in 0% (478 kg/Ha). The plants grown under 50% shade intensity had higher grain and biomass yield for both green grams and maize compared to those under 70% and 0% shade intensity, which may be attributed to adequate moisture due to reduced evapotranspiration. The study demonstrated that the cost-benefit analysis of shade intensity on green grams farming system yield and break-even price was best at 50% shade intensity. The study demonstrated that the cost-benefit analysis of shade intensity in maize farming systems is not significant. To improve grain and biomass yield of both green grams and maize for food and nutrition security, study recommends the use of 50% intensity in growing green grams in ASALs due to benefits including soil moisture conservation, improved plant growth, yield, economic efficiency and cost-benefit ratios

Growth Yield and Yield Attributes of Some White Maize Varieties as Influenced by Planting Configuration

A field experiment was conducted at Agronomy field of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka during the period from November to April (winter season) 2015-2016. This study investigated the combined effects of four Chinese white maize varieties (V1 = Changnau-1, V2 = Q-Xiangnau-1, V3 = Changnau-6, V4 = Youngnau-7) and two planting configurations (S1 =70 cm x 25 cm and S2 = 60 cm x 25 cm) on their growth, yield, and yield attributes. The experiment was laid out in a factorial randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Significant variations were observed among the varieties for all measured parameters. Changnau-6 (V3) produced the longest cob (17.54 cm), maximum grains cob-1 (418.36), highest grain yield (8.3670 t ha-1), stover yield (9.6921 t ha-1) and biological yield (18.059 t ha-1) while Youngnau-7 (V4) had the shortest cob (12.683 cm), maximum grains cob-1 (247.53), lowest grain yield (4.8469 t ha-1), stover yield (7.957 t ha-1), biological yield (10.982 t ha-1) shortest maturation time. Planting at 70 cm x 25 cm (S1) spacing resulted in taller plants, more leaves, and longer cobs compared to 60 cm x 25 cm (S2) spacing, but yielded less grain, stover, and biomass. The interaction between variety and planting configuration further influenced the traits. Changnau-1 (V1) planted at 70 cm x 25 cm (S1) had the highest plant height, number of leaves, and days to maturity, while Changnau-6 (V3) planted at 60 cm x 25 cm (S2) achieved the highest grain yield (8.7645 t ha-1), stover yield (10.089 t ha-1) biological yield (18.853 t ha-1) and harvest index (46.487 %). Overall, the choice of variety and planting configuration significantly impacted the growth, yield, and yield attributes of white maize. Changnau-6 (V3) variety with 60 cm x 25 cm (S2) plant spacing was found to be the most promising combination for maximizing grain yield and harvest index under the conditions of this field trial.

Influence of Nitrogen and Phosphorus Fertilizers on Bulb Yield and Yield-Related Attributes of Onion (Allium cepa L.) in Fogera Area, Northwest Ethiopia

Aim: Onion is one of the most important vegetable crops grown under irrigation in the Amhara Region of Ethiopia. However, its productivity is affected by sub-optimal fertilization. The present research was conducted to investigate the response and economic returns of onion to N and P fertilizers application under irrigation.
 Study Design: Randomized Complete Block Design in Factorial Arrangement with three replications.
 Place and Duration of the Study: The research was conducted in 2020 and 2021 in the Fogera area of Northwest Ethiopia.
 Methodology: Four levels of N (0, 46, 92, and 138 kg N ha-1) and three levels of P (0, 46, and 92 kg P2O5 ha-1) were factorially combined and laid in a randomized complete block design with three replications.
 Results: The results showed that the yield and yield components of onion were significantly affected by the main effects of N. However, the main effects of P and its interaction with N did not significantly influence the growth and yield of onion. The highest plant height, number of leaves per plant, bulb girth and marketable bulb yield were recorded from the application of N138 statistically at par with N92. The maximum net economic return was obtained from the application of N138.
 Conclusion: Application of 138 kg N ha-1 was the economic optimum rate for maximum bulb yield of onion in the study area. Further investigation on the response of onion to P is recommended.