Highest Economic Yield Research Articles

Влияние стимуляторов роста на продуктивность зерновой кукурузы

One of the most effective ways to increase grain yield per hectare is the introduction of corn for grain into the grain crop rotation, since corn is a high-yielding crop and a good precursor for spring breads, as well as a soil fertility restorer and a drought-resistant plant. Therefore, the introduction of new cultivation technologies and modern hybrids of grain corn is of great relevance at the present time. The purpose of our research was to optimize the use of growth stimulants in the cultivation of various hybrids of grain corn in the northern zone of the Krasnodar Territory. Field experiments were conducted in the production conditions of Zarya LLC in the Krylovsky district of the Krasnodar Territory in 2023 and 2024. In field experiments, three corn hybrids were used as research objects: KSS 5291, P 8834 and GS 370. In the field experiment, the scheme included options for studying the effect of pre-sowing treatment of seeds and leafy top dressing with growth stimulants on the growth, development and yield of corn. The largest root mass of grain corn was formed in the GS-370 hybrid on plots with a growth stimulant Energy M and amounted to 3,874 t/ha, which turned out to be 692 kg/ha, or 22% more than the minimum value. The maximum dry biomass in the experiment was observed in the GS-370 hybrid on plots using the growth stimulator Energy M and was 10.948 t/ha, that is, by 2.291 t/ha or 26% more than the minimum value. The maximum net photosynthesis productivity (BPF) of corn was formed in hybrid P 8834 on plots without the use of growth stimulants and was equal to 4,616 g/m2 day, that is, by 413 g/m2 day or 9.8% more than the minimum value. The highest economic yield was formed in the GS-370 hybrid, ranging from 7.08 t/ha on plots without the use of growth stimulants to 7.84 t/ha on variants using pre-sowing seed treatment and two leaf fertilizing with the Energia M stimulant.

Продуктивность подсолнечника в зависимости от основной обработки почвы и агрохимикатов

In modern conditions the most effective way to increase the gross production of sunflower oilseeds is the selection of the most productive hybrids and realisation of their potential productivity by improving sunflower cultivation technology for specific soil and climatic conditions of the zone. Therefore, this topic is certainly relevant. Field experience was conducted on the experimental field of LLC ‘Kolos’ Mikhailovsky district of Volgograd region in 2020-2023. The main purpose of the research was to determine the optimal methods of basic cultivation, as well as a comprehensive assessment of the productivity of sunflower hybrids for the subzone of dark chestnut soils of the Volgograd region. On average for 2021-2023 years, the lowest photosynthetic potential of sunflower Suzuka was formed on the variant of disc tillage at a depth of 0.18-0.20 m without the use of leaf fertilisers with microfertilisers and was equal to 1062 thousand m2 day/ha. The lowest photosynthetic potential of sunflower Suzuka was formed on the variant of disc tillage at a depth of 0.18-0.20 m without the application of leaf fertilisers with microfertilisers and was equal to 1062 thousand m2 day/ha. The highest photosynthetic potential of 1755 thousand m2 day/ha was formed on the variant of ploughing to a depth of 0.25-0.27 m with the application of fertiliser Fulvigrain. The lowest biological yield on average for 2021-2023 years was formed on the variant of shallow disc cultivation without application of leaf fertiliser and was 2.04 t/ha. The highest biological yield was formed on the variant of ploughing to a depth of 0.25-0.27 m with the application of fertiliser Fulvigrain and was 3.02 t/ha.The lowest economic yield on average for 2021-2023 years was formed on the variant of shallow disc cultivation without application of leaf fertiliser and was 1.94 t/ha.On the variant with application of fertiliser Aidamin economic yield was 0.13 t/ha higher.In the variant with application of Fulvigrain fertiliser the economic yield was 0.21 t/ha more compared to the control variant.On variants of flat-cutting tillage at a depth of 0.25-0.27 m economic yield in comparison with variants on the background of disc tillage at a depth of 0.18-0.20 m was 0.48-0.63 t/ha more.The highest economic yield was formed on the variant of ploughing to a depth of 0.25-0.27 m with the application of Fulvigrain fertiliser and was 2.88 t/ha.

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) yield evaluation comparing two soil preparation methods

Contextualization: Rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivation, throughout its vegetative process, generates an increase in bulk density and penetration resistance in soil. The most representative component of production costs is management, even so, land preparation and adaptation reach, and exceed, 20% of the costs. Knowledge gap: As it is a high economic yield crop and little technified in the region, the conservation plows implementation that provide economic and environmental benefits to the community is sought. Purpose: With the aim of promoting a more sustainable production and agriculture, it was proposed to evaluate the soil’s physical properties and the rice crop yield, modifying the conventional preparation with plow to the chisel use. Methodology: The experimental area made up of one hectare was divided into experimental plots, T1: One pass with a vibratory chisel, and T2: Two passes with conventional tillage (plow), in which the soil’s physical properties were evaluated (Real Density, Apparent Density, Porosity and Texture) and the phenological follow-up to the crop development (Germination, Maximum Tillering, Maximum Engrossed, Maturity and Harvest). Soil tests were carried out before and after tillage between 15 and 20 cm depth. The statistical analysis was carried out by means of Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and graphically, and the techno-economic analysis was carried out based on the production and operation costs comparing between the two types of tillage. Results and conclusions: The results showed that after soil preparation the bulk density decreased by 5,0% for T1 and 13,5% for T2; Likewise, these effects led to an increase in porosity of 13,6% and 29,34%, respectively, and production costs to be $1159,9 USD for T1 and 5,37% higher for T2. At the end, it is concluded that, when evaluating the yield at harvest, there were no significant differences in production because of machining, but a statistical difference was observed between the cost of conventional and reduced tillage, the latter being 148,9% cheaper and less aggressive for the soil.

Effect of Intercropping Spinach and Radish on Growth and Yield of Maize (Zea mays)

Background: Intercropping increases crop yield per unit area by intensifying the use of land. Cultivation of maize with leafy vegetables provides better use of land and other environmental resources, which results in higher economic yield. The current investigation aimed to study the effect of maize-spinach and maize-radish intercropping on growth and yield of maize under rainfed condition of Namsai district of Arunachal Pradesh. Methods: The field experiment was conducted during 2021 in randomized block design consisting of 3 treatments i.e. T1- Sole Maize, T2- Maize + spinach and T3- Maize + radish with four replications. Observations on growth and yield parameters and yield of maize were recorded on harvesting of the crop. The results were analysed using standard statistical procedures of ANOVA. Result: In maize + spinach and maize + radish intercropping, plant height (176.3 cm), numbers of leaves (15.49) and leaf area (5407 cm2 plant-1) were significantly greater in sole maize than the intercropping system. On the other hand, the yield parameters as well as yield of maize was higher in maize + radish intercropping as compared to maize + spinach and sole maize system. The grain yield of maize under maize + radish intercropping was 3066.25 kg ha-1. The B:C (1.92) was significantly higher in intercrops than the sole maize crop. From this study, it can be concluded that the intercrops are agronomically and economically viable than sole cropping. The intercropping of maize with radish would be profitable due to higher yield of maize as well as B:C (2 rows of maize and 2 rows of soybean) under farmer’s field condition of Namsai district of Arunachal Pradesh.

Integrated nutrient management module to improve productivity and economics of short grain aromatic rice (Oryza sativa)- greengram (Vigna radiata) sequence

The present field study was carried out during 2017–18 and 2018–19 rainy (kharif) and winter (rabi) seasons in order to examine the impact caused by integrated nutrient management (INM) on the yield and quality of the short grain aromatic rice (Oryza sativa L.)-greengram (Vigna radiata L.) combination. Two years experimental data concluded that integration of 50% recommended dose (RD) as fertilizer + 50% RD of nitrogen via farm yield manure (FYM) resulted in considerably higher economic yield (3837.1 and 3917.7 kg/ha) of short grain aromatic rice cv. Nua Acharamati which were at par with 75% RD as fertilizer + green manuring of dhaincha (3438.5 and 3539.1 kg/ha). Pooled data revealed that, residual effect of 50% RD as fertilizer + 50% RD of nitrogen (FYM) and 75% RD as fertilizer + Rhizobium + PSB in greengram recorded the highest number of pods/plant (18.2), seeds/pod (11.3), pod length (9.3 cm), test weight (32.7 g), seed yield (925.7 kg/ha) and stover yield (2240.7 kg/ha) in greengram cv. IPM-02-03. Application of 50% RD as fertilizer + 50% RD of nitrogen (FYM) to aromatic rice recorded the highest hulling recovery (75.8 and 75.5%), milling recovery (68.0 and 68.3%), head rice recovery (60.0, 59.7%) and crude protein content (8.75 and 9.11%) during both of the years experiment being at par with application of 75% RD as fertilizer + green manuring. Economics of the system revealed the highest gross return, net return and B:C ratio by application of 50% RD as chemical fertilizer + 50% RD of nitrogen (FYM) in rice followed by 75% RD as chemical fertilizer + Rhizobium + PSB in greengram.

Optimal fertilizer rates towards the improvement of nitrogen use efficiency and reduction of nitrogen export in paddy rice-wheat intensive farming

Introduction: Fertilizer application above plant nitrogen (N) requirements, leading to N use inefficiency, has become the primary source of N surplus, posing nonpoint pollution threats. Chao Lake has received N loadings, primarily from the agroecosystem that surrounds it. Based on 10 years of field monitoring and experiment, this study used optimum fertilizer rates (30% N reduction) to evaluate nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and N export in the Chao Lake watershed of paddy rice-wheat rotational farming.Methods: Five treatments were tested, namely, the Blank Treatment (CK), Conventional Fertilization Treatment (CFT), High Fertilization Treatment (HFT), Reduced Fertilization Treatment (CFT), Reduced Fertilization Treatment plus Straw addition (RFTS). The parameters employed to measure NUE were 1) by calculating NUE indicators; Agronomic efficiency (kg kg-1), recovery efficiency (%), and partial factor productivity (kg kg-1) 2) using the European Union NUE framework as a comparison tool. N export was measured using N export parameters, namely, nitrogen loading (kg ha-1yr-1), nitrogen runoff loss ratio (%), and net nitrogen runoff loss ratio (%).Results and discussion: Results revealed that optimum N fertilizer input levels maintained high crop and biomass yields. The empirical model of y = y0 + a * exp (−0.5 * (x-x0)/b2) explains the relationships between input N fertilizer and corresponding yield returns. Low yield responses to increased N input beyond certain limits were observed, which may lead to N accumulations. N export was much lower from the reduced fertilization treatments than other treatments. N export increased in 10 years for both paddy rice and wheat seasons. Runoff volume influenced N export more than any other environmental factor studied.Conclusion: Overall, optimal fertilizer levels produced high NUE, maintained high economic yield, and produced lesser N exports; NUE was in the order of reduced > high > conventional fertilization treatments, while it decreased in 10 years (2008–2018) across all treatments. Such strategies that further reduce fertilizer levels by accounting for excess supplies are vital for consolidating effective N control measures.

The Roles of Net Photosynthetic Rate and Transpiration Efficiency on Economic Yield of Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.) Genotypes under Different Drought Durations during the Terminal Growth Stages

Knowledge of the influence of different drought durations during the terminal growth stages on net photosynthetic rate (Pn), transpiration rate (Tr), transpiration efficiency (TE), and tuber fresh weight (economic yield) is relatively limited in Jerusalem artichoke. Our aim was to examine the effect of different drought durations during the terminal growth stages on Pn, Tr, TE, and economic yield in Jerusalem artichoke genotypes with different ranges of drought tolerance. A two-year field experiment was established in the northeast of Thailand. A split-plot design replicated four times was used. Three water treatments, optimal conditions (SD0), short-drought (SD1), and long-drought (SD2) durations during the terminal growth stages, were arranged as main plots. Six genotypes (HEL256, JA37, HEL253, JA4, JA60, and JA125) are subplots. Different durations of drought in SD1 and SD2 reduced Pn, Tr, and economic yield, while drought stress during the terminal growth stages increased TE in whole genotypes over SD0 treatments. Drought-tolerant genotypes JA125 and JA4 exhibited high Pn, medium TE, and low economic yield reduction under SD2. Utilization of these superior parents in breeding could lead to the generation of new progenies with high economic yield productivity and drought tolerance during the long drought duration during the terminal growth stage. In addition, high SPAD chlorophyll meter readings (SCMR) in SD1 and SD2 and low specific leaf area (SLA) in SD1 could be used as indirect selection traits to survey high Pn genotypes in Jerusalem artichoke. Consequently, these indirect selection traits may allow for speedy breeding programs in Jerusalem artichokes.

Conjoint application of nano-urea with conventional fertilizers: An energy efficient and environmentally robust approach for sustainable crop production.

One of the biggest challenges to be addressed in world agriculture is low nitrogen (N) use efficiency (<40%). To address this issue, researchers have repeatedly underlined the need for greater emphasis on the development and promotion of energy efficient, and environmentally sound novel fertilizers, in addition to improved agronomic management to augment nutrient use efficiency for restoring soil fertility and increasing farm profit. Hence, a fixed plot field experiment was conducted to assess the economic and environmental competency of conventional fertilizers with and without nano-urea (novel fertilizer) in two predominant cropping systems viz., maize-wheat and pearl millet-mustard under semi-arid regions of India. Result indicates that the supply of 75% recommended N with conventional fertilizer along with nano-urea spray (N75PK+nano-urea) reduced the energy requirement by ~8-11% and increased energy use efficiency by ~6-9% over 100% nitrogen through prilled urea fertilizer (business as usual). Furthermore, the application of N75PK+ nano-urea exhibited ~14% higher economic yields in all the crops compared with N50PK+ nano-urea. Application of N75PK+nano-urea registered comparable soil N and dehydrogenase activities (35.8 μg TPF g-1 24 hrs-1 across all crops) over the conventional fertilization (N100PK). This indicates that application of foliar spray of nano-urea with 75% N is a soil supportive production approach. More interestingly, two foliar sprays of nano-urea curtailed nitrogen load by 25% without any yield penalty, besides reducing the greenhouse gases (GHG) emission from 164.2 to 416.5 kg CO2-eq ha-1 under different crops. Therefore, the application of nano-urea along with 75% N through prilled urea is an energy efficient, environmentally robust and economically feasible nutrient management approach for sustainable crop production.

Optimization of Efficient Development Modes of Offshore Heavy Oil and Development Planning of Potential Reserves in China

Thermal recovery is still the most important means to increase heavy oil EOR. With the increase in the recovery factor and the difficulty of exploiting new exploration reserves, the efficient utilization of offshore heavy oil reserves has attracted much attention. However, due to the challenges of high development investments, high operating costs, platform safety factors, and high economic cumulative yield, the offshore heavy oil reserves of nearly 700 million tons have not been effectively utilized. In this paper, Chinese offshore heavy oil reserves were taken as the research object. The indoor one-dimensional experiments were carried out to optimize an applicable development method, and the superheated steam huff and puff was selected as the injection medium for high-speed and high-efficiency development of offshore heavy oil, which verified the great potential of the application of superheated steam in offshore heavy oil thermal recovery. A numerical simulation model for offshore heavy oil superheated steam injection development was established, and a dynamic model considering the thermal cracking of heavy oil was established through historical matching. Through the field numerical simulation models, the whole process development mode of a single sand body, thin interbedded reservoir superheated steam huff and puff turning to superheated steam flooding, and thick layer super heavy oil reservoir with bottom water sidetracking after superheated steam huff and puff for eight cycles was established. Through the numerical simulation method and grey correlation method, the main control factors of superheated steam development of different types of heavy oil reservoirs were determined, and the cumulative oil production charts of different types of reservoirs under the influence of the main control factors were built. The economic evaluation model of superheated steam development of offshore heavy oil was established. Combining multi-specialty of geological, reservoir engineering, drilling and completion, oceanographic engineering, economics, the economic limits of steam injection development under different reserve scales, and engineering conditions of offshore heavy oilfields were clarified. At last, we planned the economic production mode of undeveloped reserves and predicted the construction profile of superheated steam capacity of offshore heavy oil using the production charts and the economic charts. The research results clarify the great potential of thermal recovery development of offshore heavy oil, provide an important basis for the economic development of offshore heavy oil undeveloped reserves, and also provide an important decision for the sustainable and stable production of global heavy oil reservoirs.

Effect of Different Irrigation Patterns on Oat-Vetch Mixed Forage Production System in Rasuwa, Mid Hills of Nepal

Abstract: The scarcity of forage resources, particularly in Nepal's midhills, poses a challenge to the sustainable development of livestock production. In order to address issues, an experiment was carried out in 2020 at Kalika Municipality in Rasuwa District, Nepal, to determine the best forage combinations in terms of total dry matter productivity. With irrigation as a main plot effect, a 4*3 factorial RCB design was used with four replications. Crop species included oat (Avena sativa, Kamdhenu), common vetch (Vicia sativa), and combinations of oat and vetch within a sub plot. Irrigation treatments included none, once per month (30-day interval), twice per month (15-day interval), and three times per month (10-day interval). Temperature and precipitation data from nearby stations were taken from the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology. The first harvest was taken after 65 days of sowing (DAS), with consecutive harvests after 35 days of the initial harvest. The experimental findings revealed that the first, second, and total dry matter production were altogether found highest in the three times irrigated plot (2.47±0.25, 1.38±0.21, 3.85±0.46 respectively) and lowest in the rainfed condition (1.37±0.22, 0.69±0.12, 2.07±0.33 ton/ha respectively) with statistically highly significant result (p&lt;0.001). The oat and vetch mixed cropping pattern had statistically higher dry matter production in the first (2.66 0.14 ton/ha), second (1.5 0.13 ton/ha), and overall average total production of (4.16 0.25 ton/ha), among the subplot effect (species). Additionally, among the subplot effects, the oat and vetch mixed cropping had the highest dry matter production in terms of first harvest yield, regrowth, and overall yield (p&lt;0.01). Oat sole cropping could be replaced with mixed cropping of oat and vetch at a ratio of 50:50 (50:10 kg ha-1) because it produced the highest yield advantage, including forage quality. These findings provide scientific support for common vetch-oat intercropping as a sustainable approach to increase forage production with 10-day irrigation interval. These mixtures appear promising for the development of sustainable crop production with low external input and higher economic yield, and they can be used as a viable option by farmers in rainfed mid-hills of Nepal

Effect of phosphorus application on economic yield, quality and phosphorus utilisation efficiency of purple-fleshed sweetpotato

This study aims to explore the effect of phosphorus (P) application on the economic yield, quality, P accumulation, and P utilisation efficiency of purple-fleshed sweetpotato and to provide a basis for the P efficient utilisation and high crop yield. Field experiments were conducted in 2018–2019, and five P application rates (0, 10.9, 21.8, 32.7, and 43.6 kg P/ha, expressed as P0, P1, P2, P3, and P4, respectively) were set. The results showed that P application significantly increased the yield and commodity potato yield of purple-fleshed sweetpotato, and that of P3 treatment was the highest, followed by P2 treatment. P application also increased the starch content in the storage root and increased the reducing sugar and soluble sugar (except for P2 treatment). P fertiliser supply significantly increased P accumulation and dry matter production of purple-fleshed sweetpotato during the growth period of 90 to 120 days. When the P application rate was over 21.8 kg/ha, the fertiliser investment rate, apparent P utilisation efficiency and P agronomic efficiency decreased with the increase of the application rate. Considering all the indexes, the supply of 21.8 kg/ha P fertiliser can meet the demand for high economic yield and P efficient utilisation in purple-fleshed type sweetpotato under the condition of this experiment.

Crop performance, water use, economics and energy indices in rabi groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) under micro irrigation methods

Aim: A field investigation was conducted during 2016-17 and 2017-18 to assess the relative performance of micro irrigation methods with regard to yield, water use, economics, nitrogen indices and energy use pattern in rabi groundnut on irrigated Alfisols. Methodology: One conventional and three micro-irrigation methods viz., drip, sprinkler and rain gun were evaluated in rabi groundnut. Besides growth, reproductive traits and pod yield, the information on nodule count, water use efficiency, economic benefits, nitrogen and energy indices was generated. High yielding, high water, power and energy use efficient irrigation scheduling method for rabi groundnut cultivation was identified. Results: Drip irrigation @ 0.8 Epan + fertigation at recommended dose of fertilizers not only recorded better growth and reproductive attributes but also resulted in 8-10% higher dry pod yield over sprinkler irrigation, raingun irrigation and conventional method. Besides, drip method also recorded higher water use efficiency (6.31 kg ha-1 mm-1) and higher economic yield per kg N applied (95.9 kg). This method also proved to be energy efficient and remunerative with higher net income (` 70,280 ha-1). Interpretation: Scheduling of irrigation and fertigation through drip method helped in achieving higher pod yield, water and nitrogen use efficiency utilizing less power and energy in groundnut cultivation.

Nitrogen fertilizer management on wheat yield and nitrogen utilization

This study was conducted to realize the synergistic improvement of high efficiency nitrogen utilization and wheat economic yield, where two treatments of traditional farmer fertilization (TFF) and nitrogen fertilizer precision management (NFPM) were set up. Under the condition of NFPM, the grain yield of wheat increased by 7.9%∼11.6%, nitrogen application rate decreased by 30.2%∼44.8%, nitrogen uptake efficiency increased by 43.4%∼63.3%, nitrogen apparent utilization efficiency increased by 30.7%∼68.7%, and nitrogen agronomic efficiency increased by 50.6%∼81.3%. It confirmed that NFPM based on the characteristics of wheat fertilizer demand can significantly reduce the amount of nitrogen fertilizer input and achieve a higher yield level, which provides a theoretical basis for the realization of the synergistic goal of nitrogen reduction and efficiency increase.

Assessing Crop and Water Productivity Performance of Different Crops and Cropping Systems

Background: Freshwater in sufficient quantity and adequate quality is a prerequisite for human societies and natural ecosystems. To adequately feed 9.3 billion people in 2050, consumptive water use (i.e. transpired water) by all food and fodder crops needs to increase from its present estimated level of 7000 km3/year to 12,586 km3/year. However, fresh water resources are increasingly getting scarce because of increased competition among a multitude of users. Getting agriculture to perform with progressively smaller allocation of renewable water resources will remain a challenge on global scale. To meet the challenge there is an urgent need to improve the crop water productivity to ensure the sustainability of agriculture. Methods: An experiment was carried out at village Menawali, Hanumangarh, Rajasthan during both kharif and rabi seasons to assess productivity, economics, N-uptake and water use of different crops. An area of 187 ha comprising 25 farmers irrigated by common irrigation channels were selected to collect the information. The information required i.e. soil, crop management, growth, phonological, yields, water balance, N-uptake and water use efficiency of each crops were collected from 15 farmers. Bt-cotton and clusterbean of kharif and wheat and Indian mustard in rabi were prominent crops, cotton-wheat, cotton-mustard, clusterbean-wheat and clusterbean-mustard were major cropping sequences of the study region. Result: In kharif season, Bt-cotton gave higher economic yields than clusterbean and amongst rabi season crops, economic yields of wheat and mustard were 4255, 1778 kg/ha, respectively. The economic yield of cropping sequences varied from 3741-6514 kg/ha and were higher for cotton-wheat (6218 kg/ha), intermediate for clusterbean-wheat (5785 kg/ha) and lower for cotton-mustard (3741 kg/ha) and clusterbean-mustard (3308 kg/ha). The cotton-wheat (₹1181.2 mm) sequence had highest water use. Clusterbean-wheat cropping system recorded highest water productivity (16.5 kg/ha mm) followed by clusterbean-mustard (14.9 kg/ha mm). The clusterbean-mustard (₹456/ha mm) cropping sequence was most profitable and fetched highest net return followed by clusterbean-wheat (₹383/ha mm).

English

An experiment was conducted on farmer&#39;s fields during the main cropping season of 2016/2017 in Adiyo district, Southwestern Ethiopia to optimize fertilizer rate recommendation for major cereal production systems by using bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) as test crop. Experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications for sixteen treatments. The grain yield and yield components were all elevated remarkably by applying different rates and types of fertilizers; five levels of N (0, 23, 46, 69 and 92 kg ha-1); four levels of P (0, 10, 20 and 30 kg ha-1); and four levels of K (0, 10, 20 and 30 kg ha-1). In addition, the last three diagnostic treatment foliar applications 45 days after planting and compared with control (absolute zero) treatment was done. Yield and yield components were measured using the SAS statistical package program version 9.3. The least significant difference (LSD) at 5% probability level was used to establish the difference among the means. To investigate the economic feasibility of the fertilizers, partial budget, dominance analysis and marginal rate of return were used. There was significant difference in grain yield and yield components of bread wheat (danda&lsquo;a variety) among the treatments. As the results showed high biological yield response recorded under 92N20P20K kg ha-1 (5.62 t ha-1) and the lower yield response was under control treatment (4.09 t ha-1); but high economic yield response recorded under 23N20P kg ha-1 (5.20 t ha-1). In conclusion, the fertilizers containing nutrient rate of 23N20P (kg ha-1) had brought the higher economic net benefit (27409.99 ETB/ha) with MRR (92.61%) and showed efficient use of fertilizer. Therefore, based on the biological yield response and economic net benefit, it is recommended to apply 23N20P (kg ha-1) fertilizers at Adiyo district, Southwestern Ethiopia and areas with the same soil conditions and agro-ecology. Key words: Economic analysis, foliar application, wheat yield, nutrient type, rate.

Clonal Propagation of Valeriana jatamansi Retains the Essential Oil Profile of Mother Plants: An Approach Toward Generating Homogenous Grade of Essential Oil for Industrial Use.

Valeriana jatamansi Jones (Syn. V. wallichii DC.) is an aromatic, medicinal herb used as a tranquilizer and in treating sleep disorders. Rhizome is mainly used to extract essential oil (EO) and valepotriates. High quality and economic yield of rhizomes are available in the third year of growth. Therefore, the cultivation of V. jatamansi is not picking up, and over-exploitation of this plant from wild habitats to meet the increasing demand of the pharmaceutical industry is the cause of threat to the genetic diversity of the species. Further, collections from the wild are heterogeneous, resulting in variable produce. The development of clonal lines can ensure uniform quality and yield of rhizome biomass. An effective clonal propagation method was standardized using different hormonal concentrations of naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) on apical shoot cuttings from the selected clone CSIR-IHBT-VJ-05 for different time durations and raised over various planting media. NAA treatment of 50 ppm concentration for 30 min was found optimum for root induction in apical shoots of V. jatamansi. Variations for EO composition within the clone were non-significant, while samples of the control population were variable. The best quality EO (patchouli alcohol ∼62%) was available during the third year of plant growth. A propagation technique for large-scale quality plant material (QPM) production has been standardized to reduce the stress over natural resources and promote V. jatamansi for use in the aromatic and pharmaceutical industry.

Evaluation of biorational pesticides against Bemisia tabaci Gennadius and Amrasca biguttula biguttula Ishida and its impact on natural enemies population in cowpea ecosystem

The whitefly (Bemisia tabaci Gennadius) and leafhopper (Amrasca biguttula biguttula Ishida) are two major sucking pests causing considerable damage in cowpea production. Considering the negative impact of chemical pesticides on food safety, environment, and human welfare; an eco-friendly approach is aimed at utilizing naturally derived products for effective management of the aforesaid pests and maintain ecological balance. The present study was performed under field conditions to evaluate the performance of five naturally derived components [water plant extracts viz. chili (Capsicum annum), garlic (Allium sativum L.), and neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.) along with cow urine in three different combinations, two formulated entomopathogenic fungi (Metarrhizium anisopliae and Beauveria bassiana) along with one positive (Imidacloprid) and negative (water) control. The study was designed in RCBD with three replications for the years 2019 and 2020, respectively. Combined application of neem, chili, garlic, and cow urine extracts (NCGC) at 10% w/v had the highest population reduction of whitefly (0.09 & 0.10 per three leaves) and leafhopper (0.03 & 0.04 per three leaves) over both standard controls after two round of application in the year 2019 and 2020, respectively. Natural enemies (coccinellids) population was drastically reduced in positive control whereas the population build-up strengthened in all other treatments including negative control. Cowpea treated with NCGC produced a higher economic yield (1.54 Mg ha−1) than those of other treatments. The study suggests that NCGC is an effective biorational based technology for sustainable management of whitefly and leafhopper in cowpea cropping system with ensuring food safety and eco-friendly approach. This novel finding can be integrated with an integrated pest management program for diverse cropping systems.

Polyploidization and domestication

<p indent=0mm>Crop domestication is the process to domesticate and propagate wild plants into cultivated crops, and its essence is to purposefully preserve the genetic variation information on the genome through artificial selection. Domestication has played an important role in the origin and evolution of human farming civilization, and promoted the sustainable development of human civilization and the rapid progress of society, in which polyploidization is an important direction of crop domestication and improvement. Compared with the diploid ancestor species, polyploid crops often have obvious phenotypic advantages, relatively high biomass and economic yield, stronger resistance, as well as wider environmental adaptability. Important crops such as wheat (<italic>Triticum aestivum</italic> L.), cotton (<italic>Gossypium </italic>spp.), rape (<italic>Brassica napus</italic> L.) and potato (<italic>Solanum tuberosum </italic>L.) have experienced a long evolutionary process, and are comprehensive products of polyploidization and domestication. The evolution and domestication of polyploid crops and the molecular mechanism of important agronomic traits have always been important scientific issues in the field of crop genetics and breeding, which is of great significance for the molecular design and breeding of crops and sustainable development of agriculture.

Physiological and biochemical response of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) cultivars to zinc application under drought stress

Drought is one of the major environmental stresses affecting the many crops performance by altering physiological and biochemical processes. Zinc application could mitigate the adverse effects of drought stress. To investigate the effects of foliar application of zinc on the morphophysiological and biochemical traits of safflower cultivars under drought stress, two field experiments were conducted as split plots based on randomized complete blocks design with three replicates during 2018−2019 and 2019−2020 growing seasons. Experimental factors included drought stress as the primary factor, safflower cultivars, and zinc foliar application as secondary factors. Drought stress included two levels (non-stress and drought stress); safflower cultivars were Isfahan, Linas, Padideh, Parnian, and Goldasht; foliar application of zinc was in three levels (0, 0.5, and 1 kg ha−1 Zn). Results showed drought stress decreased plant height, 1000-seed weight, seed yield, biological yield, soil plant analysis development (SPAD) chlorophyll index, relative water content (RWC), leaf area index (LAI), oil percentage, oil yield, palmitic acid, linoleic acid. Whereas, drought stress increased proline content, oleic acid, and antioxidant enzyme activity. Maximum plant height (145 cm) and oil percentage (29 %) were observed in Isfahan cultivar, maximum amounts of SPAD index (75.96 %), catalase enzyme (CAT) (0.69 μmol min-1 mg protein-1), proline (5 mM g-1 FW), linoleic acid (76 %), and palmitic acid (7 %) were observed in Goldasht cultivar. Parnian cv. with the highest leaf area (2.98 cm2), RWC (78 %), 1000-seed weight (43 g), seed yield (3514 kg ha-1), biological yield (13,542 kg ha-1), peroxidase enzyme (POX) (2.84 μmol min-1 mg protein-1), water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC) (107 mg g-1 DW), and oil yield (807 kg ha-1) had the highest economic yield among the experimented cultivars. Foliar application of 1 kg ha-1 Zn improved oil yield, RWC, SPAD index, proline content, carbohydrate content, LAI, and CAT and POX activities. Zinc application enhanced drought stress tolerance in different cultivars through improving effects on the antioxidant activity system, proline content, carbohydrate content, RWC, and SPAD index.

Economic analysis of the impact of cultivated potato cultivars on the productivity of the spring season 2018 (Ameriyat al-Fallujah district is an applied model)

The importance of the research is highlighted by the economic importance of the potato crop as it is cultivated with two lugs a year, In addition to its nutritional importance. Despite the expansion of potato cultivation in Ameriyat al-Fallujah district, potato production is still below the level that meets local demand. Lack of knowledge of varieties suitable for environmental conditions may be one of the factors contributing to the low yields of the crop. The aim of this study was to estimate the production functions as one of the factors affecting potato production determine the production elasticities and the effect of the cultivated variety on the technological and other factors in the estimated function. The study was based on a random sample of 183 potato farms in the study area for the spring season 2018. Using SPSS and EVIEWS9, The results showed that the Safrana variety had a positive effect on the estimated function while the Sanjari variety had a negative effect. Production elasticities indicated that the automated component is less influential on potato production than the manual component Which had the strongest effect among the elements of production and from it we deduce the small areas planted with the crop the prevalence of the use of traditional handicrafts in the cultivation and service of the crop. Therefore, the researcher recommends the cultivation of varieties of seeds with high productivity and good economic yield such as (Safrana) the expansion of potato crop cultivation and the use of production elements as recommended by the competent authorities.