Highest Marketable Yield Research Articles

Effects of shoot pruning and inflorescence thinning on plant growth, yield and fruit quality of greenhouse tomatoes in a tropical climate

The combined effects of shoot pruning (one or two stems) and inflorescence thinning (five or ten flowers per inflorescence) on greenhouse tomato yield and fruit quality were studied during the dry season (DS) and rainy season (RS) in Central Thailand. Poor fruit set, development of undersized (mostly parthenocarpic) fruits, as well as the physiological disorders blossom-end rot (BER) and fruit cracking (FC) turned out to be the prevailing causes deteriorating fruit yield and quality. The proportion of marketable fruits was less than 10% in the RS and around 65% in the DS. In both seasons, total yield was significantly increased when plants were cultivated with two stems, resulting in higher marketable yields only in the DS. While the fraction of undersized fruits was increased in both seasons when plants were grown with a secondary stem, the proportions of BER and FC were significantly reduced. Restricting the number of flowers per inflorescence invariably resulted in reduced total yield. However, in neither season did fruit load considerably affect quantity or proportion of the marketable yield fraction. Inflorescence thinning tended to promote BER and FC, an effect which was only significant for BER in the RS. In conclusion, for greenhouse tomato production under climate conditions as they are prevalent in Central Thailand, the cultivation with two stems appears to be highly recommendable whereas the measures to control fruit load tested in this study did not proof to be advisable.

Tolerance of Processing Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Varieties to Thifensulfuron-Methyl

Field experiments were conducted at the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center in Wooster, OH, in 2005, 2006, and 2007 to evaluate the tolerance of eight tomato varieties to thifensulfuron-methyl and POST control of broadleaf weeds. Herbicide treatments included thifensulfuron-methyl at 0, 6, and 12 g ai ha−1. In 2005, significant injury was observed in variety TR122244 at 1 and 3 wk after treatment (WAT). The highest crop injury in 2005 was 38% at 1 WAT for variety TR122244. However, this variety experienced a conflicting effect on crop marketable yield when treated with the low and high rates of thifensulfuron-methyl in 2005. Variety TR122244 had the highest crop injury, yet produced the highest marketable yield when treated with either rate of thifensulfuron-methyl. At 3 WAT in 2005, significant injury occurred in variety 11111120, with 13% injury recorded for both the high and low rates of thifensulfuron-methyl. No significant injury resulted from either rate of thifensulfuron-methyl at 1, 3, or 6 WAT in 2006 or 2007. However, in 2006 a significant marketable yield reduction was observed for variety 97045116 when treated with the high rate of thifensulfuron-methyl. No varieties experienced significant marketable yield effects or injury when treated with either rate of thifensulfuron-methyl in 2007. Registration of thifensulfuron-methyl herbicide is not recommended at this time because of the potential for crop stunting and yield reduction in certain tomato varieties.

Study on Agronomic Evaluation of Tomato (Lycopersicon Esculentum, Mill.) Varieties for Phonological, Growth and Yield Characters

The field experiment was carried out at the research station of Mehoni Agricultural Research Center, Fachagama, Ethiopia in 2013 and 2014 cropping season under irrigation and in 2014 for rain fed experiment only. The experiment consisted of four commercial tomato varieties arranged in a completely randomized block design with four replications. In the 2013 cropping season, days to 50% flowering and maturity, plant height, fruit length, fruit diameter, number of fruits per plant, marketable yield, unmarketable yield and total yield were significantly influenced by varietal difference. Likewise, it was also observed that variety exerted a significance effect on establishment percentage, days to 50% maturity, plant height, number of fruits/plant and marketable yield under both irrigation and rain fed and on unmarketable yield under irrigation conditions of the 2014 cropping year. Under irrigation, the highest marketable yield (414.58 q ha-1) was obtained at Chali variety followed by Miya variety (289.17 q ha-1) in 2014 while the lowest value (110.83 q ha-1) was obtained from Melka sholla in the 2013 cropping season. Whereas the highest (295.58 q ha-1) and lowest marketable yields (283.33 q ha-1) were observed at Chali and Melksa sholla varieties under rain fed condition of the 2014 cropping season.

Genetic variability, correlation and path coefficient analysis in F1C2population of potato genotypes

The study was done on genetic variability, correlation and path coefficient of potato to get the breeding strategy of the genotypes wherein 126 F1C2 population with 4 check varieties of potato were grown in augmented block design and accommodated in 9 blocks having 14 plots each. Genotypes were evaluated to find out the variation and correlation of twelve traits with the tuber yield. Maximum positive direct effect on tuber yield per meter square was imposed by percent plant emergence at 30 days after planting, plant height, and average tuber weight, number of stems per plant, dry matter and total soluble solids, number of tubers per plant, specific gravity and ascorbic acid. However, protein content, and tuber diameter were exerted negative direct effect towards yield. Positive direct effects of tuber weight and number of tubers per plant indicate good scope for improvement in tuber yield by selecting genotypes bearing high tuber weight along with more number of tubers per plant. The tubers, obtained from the present investigation, were virus free but of smaller size, therefore, the selected genotypes after evaluation should be grown for five to six generations to get the high marketable yield. Therefore the evaluated genotypes might be grown for 5–6 generations to get maximum marketable yield.

Genotypic Difference in Growth and Yield Related Traits of Onion (Allium Cepa L.) Varieties at Southern Tigray

Onion (Allium cepa L.) is the most common member of the family Amaryllidaceae (Alliaceae) which grows as a herbaceous biennial vegetable crop with cross pollinated and monocotyledonous behavior having diploid chromosomes number 2n=16. In order to identify Genotypic difference in growth, yield and yield related traits of Onion varieties, the field experiment was carried out at the research station of Mehoni Agricultural Research Center, southern, Ethiopia in the 2013 and 2014 cropping season under irrigation condition. The experiment was consisted of varieties of onion arranged in completely randomized block design with four replications. In 2013 cropping season, days to 50% maturity, bulb diameter and unmarketable were significantly affected by varietal difference. On the other hand, marketable yield, unmarketable yield and total yield were also influenced through varietal effect in 2014. The highest marketable yield (318.52 q ha-1) was obtained from Adama red variety; which, however, it was statistically on par with the marketable yield (289.26 q ha-1) at Nafis variety whereas the lowest marketable yield (222.41 q ha-1) was recorded at Nasik red variety in 2014 cropping season.

Efficacy of newer insecticides against major lepidopteran pests of cabbage

The experiments were conducted at Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Kalyani, Nadia, West Bengal, India during rabi seasons of 2011–12 to 2013–14 for management of major lepidopteran pests of cabbage. The treatments viz., pyridalyl 10 EC (56.25, 75, 112.5 and 150 g a. i./ha), indoxacarb 14.5 SC (56.25, 75, 112.5 and 150 ga. i./ha), chlorfenapyr 10 SC (75, 100, 150 and 200 g a. i./ha), chlorpyriphos 20 EC (250 g a. i./ha) and triazophos 40 EC (250 g a. i./ha) were applied twice with three replications. Pooled data indicated that chlorfenapyr @ 200 g a. i./ha recorded lowest percentage of DBM damage (1.38%) followed by pyridalyl @ 150 g a. i./ha (2.33%) and indoxacarb @ 150 g a. i./ha (2.38%). Minimum infestation of S. litura was found in indoxacarb @ 150 g a. i./ha treated plots (1.38%) followed by pyridalyl @ 150 g a. i./ha (1.96%). Highest marketable yield (61.88 t/ha) was recorded in indoxacrab (150 g a. i./ha) treated plots followed by chlorfenapyr (200 g a. i./ha) and pyridalyl (150 g a. i./ha) with 59.71 and 59.43 t/ha marketable yield, respectively.

Response of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Varieties to Nitrogen and Potassium Fertilizer Rates in Central Highlands of Ethiopia

Field experiment was conducted at Holetta and Jeldu Agricultural Research Station in the central highlands of Ethiopia to determine the rates of Nitrogen (N) and Potassium (K) fertilizers on growth, yield and yield components of potato. 4 × 32 factorial treatment was arranged in completely randomized block design with three replications on plot size of 3 m × 3 m during 2014-2015 cropping season. Nitrogen (87 kg, 110 kg and 133 kg/ha), Potassium (0, 34.5 kg, 69 kg and 103.5 kg/ha) and potato varieties (Betete, Gudenie and Jalenie) were used. Data were analyzed by using SAS software Version 9.2. The interaction effect of potassium and nitrogen fertilizers did affect marketable tuber number and plant height significantly. Gudenie produced the highest marketable yield (30.53 ton/ha) in 2015 with application of 69 kg/ha potassium and 110 kg/ha nitrogen rates while lowest marketable yield (16.67 ton/ha) was obtained from Belete variety at 0 kg/ha potassium rate and 87 kg/ha nitrogen rate. From these results, it can be concluded that interaction of nitrogen and potassium rates affected significantly plant height and marketable tuber numbers. Therefore, it is better to apply 69 kg/ha potassium and 110 kg/ha nitrogen for potato production to obtain reasonable economic yield at sites similar to experimental locations.

참외재배 단동 비닐하우스의 환기방법과 설정온도가 병발병도,과실 수량 및 품질에 미치는 영향

The ventilation systems composed three types of side vent (roll-up) 'SV', side vent+roof vent 'SV+RV', and side vent+roof fan 'SV+RF' with 7.5 m spacing, with specific set point temperatures for ventilation: SV (<TEX>$35^{\circ}C$</TEX> open / <TEX>$33^{\circ}C$</TEX> close), SV+RV or SV+RH (<TEX>$35^{\circ}C$</TEX> open/<TEX>$33^{\circ}C$</TEX> close for root ventilation and <TEX>$37^{\circ}C$</TEX> open / <TEX>$35^{\circ}C$</TEX> close for side vent). In the treatment of SV+RV, although the average daily maximum temperature inside the greenhouse temporarily increased by <TEX>$38-40^{\circ}C$</TEX>, thermal stress by high temperature did not occur and the disease incidence (%) of powdery mildew and downy mildew on the oriental melon were 25 - 75% lower than in the conventional SV treatment. In the SV treatment, the disease incidence (%) of powdery mildew and downy mildew were 1.4 - 7.7% and 4.2 - 15.9% for 'Deabakkul', and 20.3 - 22.8% and 2.8 - 11.3%, for 'Ildeungkkul'. The yield for one month was higher in the treatment of SV+RV than those in other treatments, with values of 2,105 kg/10a for 'Deabakkul' and 2,537 kg/10a for 'Ildeungkkul'. The simultaneous treatment with side vent and roof vent resulted in 16.2% higher yield (18.1% higher marketable yield) than that in the SV treatment for 'Deabakkul'.

Effect of soil amendments on yield of wild okra (Corchorus olitorius) in northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

The consumption of semi-domesticated indigenous vegetables such as Corchorus olitorius is being promoted in South Africa. Presently, cultivation of indigenous vegetables is hampered by the absence of cultivation guidelines due to lack of agronomic research on the various production aspects. The current study evaluated the yield of C. olitorius in response to cattle manure (5 000 kg ha−1) and NPK inorganic fertiliser (500 kg ha−1). Plant height, number of branches, marketable fresh yield and shoot dry mass responded significantly (p<0.05) to the applied fertilisers. Growing Corchorus without basal fertiliser gave significantly the lowest yield even when top-dressing nitrogen fertiliser was applied. There were significant interactions between the different basal and nitrogen top-dressing fertiliser. It was concluded that the application of basal soil amendments and the interaction of basal and top-dressing resulted in increased marketable yield for C. olitorius. The highest marketable yield for both cattle manure and NPK fertiliser were obtained when these were combined with 200 kg ha−1 lime ammonium nitrate.

Rowcovers and Strip Tillage Provide an Alternative to Plasticulture Systems in Summer Squash Production

Plastic mulch is often used in cucurbit production, but it has negative soil health and environmental implications due to use of tillage for installation and generation of plastic waste. This 2-year study aimed to find a viable alternative to plastic mulch through the use of strip tillage and rowcovers, as rowcovers could help minimize yield loss from strip tillage by providing warmer air and soil as well as providing insect protection. A split-plot design was used in both conventionally and organically managed summer squash (Cucurbita pepo), with production system as the whole-plot factor [conventional tillage with black plastic mulch also referred to as plasticulture (PL) and strip tillage into rolled cereal rye (Secale cereale) (ST)] and rowcover use as the subplot factor (rowcover until anthesis or no rowcover). Rowcovers reduced the incidence of squash vine borer (Melittia cucurbitae) and eliminated the need for insecticide sprays to control this insect pest, but did not reduce the incidence of yellow vine decline or the sprays needed to control squash bug (Anasa tristis). Rowcovers increased average air temperature by 1.6 to 4.0 °C and increased maximum air temperature by up to 10.3 °C. Rowcovers decreased average light intensity by 33% to 39%. Though soil temperature in PL tended to be higher than in ST, in 1-year rowcovers helped bridge the gap. Plant biomass was consistently higher in the PL than the ST system. Averaged across rowcover treatments, plants in PL had higher marketable yields than those in ST; however, the use of rowcovers often led to comparable yields between the production system treatments. Rowcover was a significant factor explaining marketable yield for the organically managed fields both years. There was no consistent effect of production system on soil microbial biomass carbon (MBC). Based on our results, strip tillage into rolled rye could be a viable alternative to plasticulture for summer squash production in Iowa, and rowcovers could help increase yields in ST especially in an organic management system.

Effect of Varieties on Growth and Yield of Yard Long Bean under Songhkla Conditions, Southern Thailand

Yard long bean (&lt;em&gt;Vigna sesquipedalis&lt;/em&gt; L. Fruw) is one of the most popular vegetables in many countries of Southeast Asia. Especially in Thailand, it has given high productivities for export in both fresh and frozen types. Yard long bean is considered as relatively low pod yield productivity and stability because it is quite sensitive to unfavorably environmental conditions, particularly for humid tropical regions with turmoil weather. The effect of varieties on growth and yield of yard long bean was conducted at Department of Plant Science, Faculty of Natural Resources, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai campus, Thailand to test for yield and other horticultural characteristics of seven varieties of yard long bean. All varieties of yard long bean were well grown under Songkhla’s conditions. Randomized complete block design (RCBD) was used with four replications. The experiment was taken from February to April, 2014. The results showed that the Mae Ping, Euro, Green Arrow, Kheow Dok, and Saifa varieties exhibited good growth and high yield. The Mae Ping variety gave the highest marketable yield of 12.25 t&lt;sup&gt;.&lt;/sup&gt;ha&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt; not significantly different (p≤0.05) from the Euro, Green Arrow, Kheow Dok, and Saifa varieties which gave the marketable yield of 15.16, 14.13, 13.51, and 13.34 t&lt;sup&gt;.&lt;/sup&gt;ha&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt;, respectively. The Negro and Taiwan varieties were the second high yielding varieties which gave the marketable yield of 11.90 and 11.92 t&lt;sup&gt;.&lt;/sup&gt;ha&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt;, respectively. The Euro, Kheow Dok, Saifa, and Taiwan were interesting varieties because they had pod length longer than 60 cm to meet the needs of the consumers in Songkhla province and around this area. It is concluded that the Mae Ping, Euro, Green Arrow, Kheow Dok, and Saifa varieties were the most suitable for growing under Songkhla conditions, southern Thailand due to its high growth and yield.

Effect of soil moisture deficit on marketable yield and quality of potatoes.

Tuber yield and quality are the two main factors that can increase or decrease the market value of potatoes. Soil moisture availability and nutrient concentration within the potato root zone play a pivotal role in controlling tuber yield and quality. This study was conducted in Southern Manitoba to compare the effects of overhead irrigation (IR) and no-irrigation (NI) on marketable tuber yield and quality during the 2013- and 2014-growing seasons. The total yield of potato was not significantly different between the two treatments in both years. In 2013, the marketable yield of the irrigated (IR) treatment (36.89 MT/ha) was 20% higher (p = 0.017) compared to the non-irrigated (NI) treatment (30.74 MT/ha). However, no significant difference in marketable yield was found between the irrigated (39.0 MT/ha) and non-irrigated (43.7 MT/ha) treatments in 2014. Excess nitrate accumulation within the root zone tends to promote the formation of over-sized tubers. Although the incidence of hollow hearts and sugar ends showed a higher trend in the non-irrigated treatment it was statistically not significantly different from the irrigated treatment. Overhead irrigation was found to be economically advantageous to produce better quality potatoes with higher marketable yields.

Divergência genética entre acessos de batata-doce utilizando descritores morfoagronômicos das raízes

O conhecimento da divergência genética disponível em um conjunto de genótipos é de grande importância em programas de melhoramento, por evitar recombinações gênicas semelhantes, com consequente aumento da expressão heterótica em híbridos e de ganhos genéticos em gerações segregantes. Objetivou-se caracterizar morfoagronômicamente 23 genótipos de batata-doce do banco ativo de germoplasma mantido na Embrapa Hortaliças; utilizar estas características para avaliar a variabilidade genética entre os materiais pela aplicação dos métodos de Análise por Agrupamento Hierárquico (AAH) e Análise por Componentes Principais (PCA) e estimar parâmetros populacionais. O experimento foi conduzido na Fazenda Água Limpa da UnB, em Brasília-DF. Os materiais foram cultivados em condições de campo no delineamento em blocos ao acaso com quatro repetições. Foram avaliados 8 caracteres das raízes. Os coeficientes de variação genética (CVg) e ambiental (CVe), a herdabilidade no sentido amplo (ha 2) e a razão CVg/CVe indicaram uma situação favorável para a seleção das características produtividade comercial, produtividade total, diâmetro e comprimento das raízes. Constatou-se que a maioria dos materiais genéticos avaliados é similar com relação aos descritores morfoagronômicos utilizados. Contudo, os cruzamentos entre genitores dissimilares como o clone CNPH 69, o qual destacou-se por sua alta produtividade comercial e total; o clone CNPH 80, que exibiu bom formato e moderada resistência aos insetos de solo e o clone CNPH 60, que apresentou raízes com diâmetro de batata-doce do tipo extra A, podem ser indicados para compor programas de intercruzamentos, visando obter genótipos superiores.

Effect of flood fertigation on yield of greenhouse lettuce grown in different substrates

The hydroponic system is very often used for greenhouse vegetable production. The flood irrigation on a bench or on the flood floors is applied in the production of ornamental plants and vegetable transplants. This system is environmentally friendly, since fertigation is used in a closed system using the recirculation of nutrient solution. The aim of this study, conducted in 2010-2012, was to determine the effect of flood fertigation with different concentrations of nutrient solution (EC: 1.0; 2.0; 3.0; 4.0 mS cm-1) on the yield and quality of the butterhead lettuce cultivar Natalia grown in different substrates (coconut coir, peat and rockwool). The experiment was conducted in the spring and autumn cycle. The highest marketable yield at each concentration of the nutrient solution was achieved in the cultivation in rockwool, both within the spring and autumn. The highest nitrate content in lettuce in terms of both cultivation cycles was found in the lettuce grown in the nutrient solution concentration of EC 4 mS cm-1, and the lowest one was achieved in the nutrient solution concentration of EC 1.0 mS cm -1. Significantly less of nitrates was in lettuce grown in spring than in autumn. Higher levels of EC significantly increased the content of P and K in lettuce leaves during in both growing cycles, while the content of Ca and Mg was not significantly different. The applied substrates had a significant impact on the content of K, P, Ca and Mg in leaves of lettuce. The best concentration of the nutrient solution used for flood fertigation of greenhouse lettuce was EC 3.0 mS cm-1 for the spring cultivation and EC 4.0 mS cm-1 for the fall crop.

English

A field experiment was conducted from November to March during the 2012 / 2013 planting season at Africa University farm, Mutare, Zimbabwe to evaluate the effects of plant spacing and different potato varieties on growth, yield and quality of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.). The experiment was designed as a randomized complete block design with 4 × 3 factorial arrangements of treatments. The first factor was plant spacing (in-row spacing); 20, 25, 30 and 35 cm. The second factor was varieties: BP1, KY20 and Mnandi. Very close spacing produced a high number of small sized tubers leading to reduced marketable yield. The highest stem count was observed at high plant densities, the lowest at low plant densities. At low density plantings, leaf number per plant was high and at high density plantings the leaf number was reduced across all varieties. BP1 and KY20 exhibited the highest specific gravity and Mnandi had the least. Results of the study suggest that a wider spacing of 90 by 35 cm can be advantageous for all the three varieties since all the varieties compensated for the additional spacing to produce the highest marketable yield yet with less seed thus reducing production cost. Also from the study, an in-row spacing of 25 cm can be used by seed producers since the highest number of medium sized tubers was obtained and this size is normally used as seed. Key words: Plant spacing, potato yield, potato quality, potato varieties.

Effect of Seed Treatment on Incidence and Severity of Garlic White Rot (Sclerotium cepivorum Berk) in the Highland Area of South Tigray, North Ethiopia

A participatory evaluation of integrated white rot management was conducted for two years during the 2013 and 2014 main cropping seasons (Julys-October) in Emba-Alaje and Enda-Mokoni Woredas of South Tigray. The sites selected for the trial were potential for garlic production and many farmers used this crop as main source of income. However, the productivity of the crop is declining from time to time due to white rot infestation. Hence, this study was conducted to evaluate hot water treatment and chemical application on controlling white rot infestation. During the first year, three treatments were used for the experiment: chemical treatment (Apron star 42 WS), hot water treatment at 46°C and farmers practice (control). During the second demonstration year additional treatment hot treatment plus chemical treatment included. The first year results indicated that lowest white rot incidence (25%) and number of cloves per hectare (2670) infected by white rot was recorded from hot water treated plots followed by chemical treatment (29% incidence) and (4240 infected cloves) per hectare. White rot incidence and number of plants per hectare infected by white rot was very high in the control plots as exhibited by 45% and 7910 plants, respectively. Significantly higher marketable yield (126.09 qt/ha) was obtained from hot water treated plots, while the lowest marketable yield (96.576 qt/ha) was obtained from the control or farmers practice plots. About 30.5% yield advantage was obtained from hot water treated plots compared to the control plot. The same result was also recorded during the second year demonstration. In Ayba and Atsela Kebeles the highest marketable yield and low white rot incidence and severity were recorded from hot water treated plots. Hot water treatment has also received higher acceptances and was ranked first by the farmer’s participated in the research for its low cost and higher response Unlike the two Kebeles, incidence of white rot in Simret Kebele was 100% in all treatments, however hot water treatment preferred by participant farmers by its accessibility. Therefore, from the result we can conclude that based on the accessibility, environmental benefits and farmer’s preferences hot water treatment is promising practice for white rot treatment in the intervention Kebeles.

COMPOSITIONAL CHANGES OF VINE-RIPE GREENHOUSE TOMATO (SOLANUM LYCOPERSICUM L.) CULTIVARS FROM TWO TYPES OF SOILLESS GROWTH MEDIA

Studies were conducted to investigate quality attributes of four tomato cultivars (‘Caraibe’, 'Summerstar', 'Striker' and 'Hybrid 61') grown in a Gable roof greenhouse in two types of soilless growth media (spent mushroom substrate (SMS) and coconut coir (CC) and stored at 20°C for 10 days. The cultivars were analyzed for marketable yield, colour, puffiness, number of locules, mesocarp thickness, pH, total soluble solids (TSS), total titratable acid (TTA), TSS:TTA and percentage decay-free fruits. The tomato cultivar 'Hybrid 61’ grown in 'CC had the highest marketable yield with no decay fruits after 10 days at 20°C, but tomato cultivar 'Summerstar' grown in both media had the highest incidence of fruit decay. 'Caraibe' and ‘Striker’ cultivars grown in SMS had a TSS value of 7.97 and 8.43 respectively and TTA of 103.68 and 112.90 mg/100 g respectively after 10 days at 20°C. 'Striker' grown in CC had the highest mesocarp thickness (7.82 mm) while 'Hybrid 61' grown in SMS which had the lowest mesocarp thickness (1.73 mm). The study indicates that the physiochemical attributes of vine-ripe tomato cultivars can be affected by the type of soilless growth media.

Source of nitrogen affects the yield and quality of spinach cultivars grown for autumn harvest

Spinach can be grown for early harvest in the spring mainly for fresh market supply or for autumn harvest, used on a large scale for processing. The experiment was carried out in 2007–2009, and its aim was the determination of the effect of different nitrogen fertilizers (ammonium nitrate, calcium nitrate, ammonium sulfate, and Entec-26) on yielding and nutritional value of seven spinach cultivars (Greta F1, Industra, Markiza F1, Matador, Olbrzym Zimowy, Rembrandt F1, and Spokane F1), cultivated in foil tunnel for autumn harvest. The obtained data indicated that the highest marketable yield was provided by application of Entec-26 fertilizer. Similar yielding was also recorded for plants fertilized with ammonium or calcium nitrate, whereas significantly lower one resulted from fertilization with ammonium sulfate. Olbrzym Zimowy appeared to be the best – yielding cultivar, although Spokane F1 and Rembrandt F1 gave the results at comparative level. The application of ammonium sulfate and calcium nitrate contributed the least to the accumulation of nitrates in spinach leaves, whereas comparison of cultivars revealed the lowest nitrates accumulation in Matador. Furthermore, this cultivar also contained the highest amount of vitamin C, which was particularly apparent when Entec-26 fertilization was applied. The use of Entec-26 was associated with the highest accumulation of potassium and the lowest content of magnesium. The highest levels of potassium were found in Industra, magnesium – in Olbrzym Zimowy, and Greta F1 featured the highest content of calcium. Ammonium sulfate, assuring the best quality of the crop expressed by a high content of vitamin C and lower nitrates accumulation than other sources of nitrogen, can be recommended for the use in practice.

Evaluation of bio-efficacy and compatibility of emamectin benzoate with neem based biopesticide against fruit borers of brinjal and okra

Bio-efficacy and physical compatibility of biorational insecticides, viz. emamectin benzoate and Neem Baan® was investigated against brinjal shoot and fruit borer, Leucinodes orbonalis Guenne and okra shoot and fruit borer, Earias vittella Fab. under field conditions during kharif 2010 and 2011. Both biorationals were found compatible with each other by using jar test and emulsion stability. The results revealed that in both brinjal and okra there was no phytotoxicity observed due to emamectin benzoate with Neem Baan® combination. The lowest per cent fruit infestation was observed in the treatment of emamectin benzoate combined with Neem Baan® @ 7 ml per litre of water, i e 7.36% and 5.39% on number basis and 8.13% and 5.77% on weight basis in brinjal during kharif 2010 and 2011 respectively. Also the highest marketable fruit yield in weight basis was also obtained in the treatment (12.35 tonnes/ ha and 16.89 tonnes/ha) during kharif 2010 and 2011. Similarly, in okra also it recorded lowest fruit infestation (5.92% and 5.59%) and highest marketable yield (1.62 tonnes/ha and 2.19 tonnes/ha) in 2010 and 2011 on weight basis. Further, it was observed that the plant parameters like shoot length and number of flowers recorded significantly higher in the treatment of emamectin benzoate combined with Neem Baan® than untreated control (T8) in both the years. The results indicated that the combination of neem formulation with emamectin benzoate was effective in managing L. orbonalis and E. vitella.

The yield and quality of broccoli grown under flat covers with soil mulching

The experiment was carried out between 2010 and 2012. Effect of plants covering and the kind of organic mulch applied to soil mulching on the yield and selected component of nutritive value in Milady F&lt;sub&gt;1&lt;/sub&gt; broccoli cultivated for early harvest was investigated. The application of polypropylene fibre contributed to a significant increase in the marketable yield of broccoli on average by 5.25 t/ha, weight of head by 0.10 kg and length of arc by 1.44 cm. Increase of the content of chemical components as a result of plants covering amounted to 1.76% for dry matter,&amp;nbsp;2.50 mg/100 g fresh matter (FM) for ascorbic acid, 0.65% FM for total sugar and 0.15% FM for monosaccharides. All kinds of straw contributed to an increase in the broccoli yield and improvement its parameters. The highest marketable yield and weight of head was obtained in the plots mulched with buckwheat straw. Irrespective of covering, cultivation on the mulch with buckwheat straw contributed to a slight decrease in dry matter, total sugars content, whereas cultivation on the rye straw decreased ascorbic acid content.