Highest Marketable Yield Research Articles

Evaluation of Red & Purple Skinned Advance Clones Suitable for Eastern Indo-Gangetic Plains of India

An experiment was conducted at ICAR Central Potato Research Institute, Regional Station, Patna, Bihar during the year 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 to evaluate 04 red skinned and 02 purple skinned Potato advance clones with 05 controls as popular potato varieties in confirmatory yield trials. The performance of advance clones was evaluated with respect to their yield and yield attributing traits, dry matter, nutritional status of the tubers. The experiment was planted in Randomized Block design with 03 replications, plant to plant distance was 20 cm and row to row distance 60 cm. The experiment was planted in two sets i.e. 75 days & 90 days duration crop. The potato clones PS/16-02 & PS/16-17 were selected on the basis of their remarkable high marketable tuber yield (26.29 and 22.45 t/ha in 75 days duration and 30.16 t/ha & 25.81 t/ha at 90 days duration crop respectively). The nutritional status of the tubers were high, tuber shape ovoid to round, colour purple (PS/16-02) & red (PS/16-17), shallow eyes and good organoleptic qualities after boiling and frying. The dry matter content of these selected advance clones were 20.17 & 20.42 respectively. The aim of the experiment was to evaluate the performance of advance clones for the above-mentioned traits and to select suitable advance clones for introduction in All India Coordinated Research Project on Potato.

Evaluation of Newly Released Open Pollinated Tomato Varieties for Yield and Yield Components Performance in Northwestern Zone of Tigray

Tomato is one of the most important horticultural cash crops in Tigray, Northern Ethiopia. However, tomato production and productivity is limited by several factors such as disease and pests, lack of improved varieties and poor agronomic practice. Therefore, field experiment was conducted in 2017 and 2018 irrigation season to select and identify the best and high yielder tomato varieties. Seven improved Open Pollinated Variety namely; Gelilama, Mersa, Sirinka-I, Woyno, Tekeze-1, Melkashola and Melkasalsa were tested for their yield and yield performance. Significant differences were observed among the varieties across locations. The current findings showed that the highest marketable yield was obtained from Gelilama (55.58 t ha-1) & (49.59 t ha-1) followed by Melkasalsa (49.42 & 45.81 t ha-1) in Tselemti and M/zana woreda’s respectively. Based on the current study Gelilama and Melkasalsa varieties had given higher yield in both locations. Therefore, Gelilama and Melkasalsa varieties should be recommended for demonstration and scale-up in the study areas.

Enhancing the fruit yield and quality of pomegranate in a new niche area: Insights into site specific agronomic practices

The sustained higher profitability of a pomegranate orchard relies heavily on the production of a greater proportion of high-quality fruits, a goal achievable through the implementation of effective management practices. The objective of this study is to provide site-specific supplementary knowledge regarding the response of pomegranate plants to various management practices under arid conditions. With the aim of enhancing both marketable fruit yield and quality of pomegranate in arid regions, four separate and simultaneous experiments were conducted in the same orchard to evaluate (i) the response of planting materials derived from tissue culture, air layering, and cutting; (ii) the impact of crop (fruit) load; (iii) the response of crop regulation; and (iv) the application response of organo-mineral fertilizers containing potassium (OMF-K) and phosphorus (OMF-P). The results obtained for plant growth, fruit yield, and fruit quality did not exhibit significant differences among pomegranate plants raised through the three different methods of vegetative propagation. Striking results in terms of producing superior-grade fruits, higher marketable yield, and overall fruit quality were achieved with crop loads of 80 fruits per plant. Staggering the crop regulation from June to September effectively extended the harvesting season to four months, from the last week of November to March, with eventual benefit of reduced fruit cracking compared to the standard two-month harvesting period obtained from normal regulation. Soil application of the indigenously developed OMF-K in two equal splits, along with the recommended N and P through inorganic sources, significantly reduced fruit cracking (only 6.23%) compared to the recommended NPK through inorganic sources (26.9%), while maintaining similar physicochemical quality attributes.

The Effects of Every Other Furrow Irrigation Systems on Water Use Efficiency and Yield of Onion at Adami Tulu Agricultural Research Center

Alternate furrow irrigation was believed to improve water use efficiency and labor without a significant tradeoff in yield. It leads to see the effect of alternate furrow irrigation versus every furrow and fixed furrow were evaluated at full crop water requirement. With the objective of to evaluate effect of alternate furrow irrigation with two irrigation intervals (5day and 3day intervals) on crop yield water productivity that might enable to save irrigation water and labor. The experiment has been under taken among AFI, FFI and CFI at Adami Tulu Agricultural Research Center of experimental site for onion production. A field experiment was designed as a two factor factorial experiment (3*2) in RCBD, replicated three times. The two factors were irrigation systems and irrigation interval. Irrigation was applied to furrows using Parshal flume from furrows head ditch with similar inflow rate. Results obtained revealed that alternate furrow irrigation method produced total yield of 25203kg/ha which was not significantly different with that obtained under every furrow irrigation (26469kg/ha). Total yield harvested from fixed furrow irrigation were 24024kg/ha, which showed insignificant difference between the three methods. High marketable yield of 26053kg/ha was recorded from every furrow irrigation and the marketable yield of alternate furrow irrigation were 24601kg/ha which showed insignificant difference between the two method. Water productivity of 7.6kg/m<sup>3</sup>, 7.3kg/m<sup>3</sup> and 5.9kg/m<sup>3</sup> were produced under alternate furrow, fixed furrow and every furrow irrigation respectively. It was found that alternate furrow irrigation method saved 26.61% of water as compared to every furrow irrigation as well as fixed furrow irrigation method saved 26.81% as compared with every furrow irrigation method. Alternate furrow irrigation method with appropriate irrigation interval that is three days of irrigation interval is suitable irrigation method; for semi arid areas where soil is dominated by loam soil and water is liming factor for crop production.

Field appraisal of entomopathogenic fungi horizontal transmission device for entomo-vectoring of Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae in bitter gourd field against Bactrocera cucurbitae (Coquillett) (Diptera: Tephritidae)

BackgroundBactrocera cucurbitae (Coquillett) (Diptera: Tephritidae) infestation poses a serious risk to bitter gourd cultivation. Traditionally, B. cucurbitae has been controlled using synthetic pesticides, which have drawbacks such as non-target toxicity and pest resistance. Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) provide concentrated ecological alternatives, which support ongoing pest reduction and sustainable agriculture by adhering to Integrated Pest Management principles. Therefore, EPF provides a viable alternative for chemical control of B. cucurbitae, addressing its shortcomings and promoting environmentally friendly pest control technology. This study evaluated the effectiveness of entomo-vectored horizontal transmission devices (EV-HTD) against B. cucurbitae in bitter gourd fields, focusing on GF-120 and Butanone acetate. Assessment parameters include converting fruit infestation data into yield loss per plant, marketable fruit yield per plant, marketable yield per hectare, and yield loss per hectare.ResultsThe highest mean percentage of entomo-vectored B. cucurbitae (70.50%) was found in plots treated with Butanone acetate + B. bassiana-based EV-HTD. This was followed by GF-120 + B. bassiana-based EV-HTD (66.18%), Butanone acetate + M. anisopliae-based EV-HTD (58.95%), and GF-120 + M. anisopliae-based EV-HTD (54.78%). The Butanone acetate + B. bassiana-based EV-HTD produced the highest mean number of spores per B. cucurbitae (7.80 spores/cm2), while the other treatments produced low spore counts. Plots treated with Butanone acetate + B. bassiana-based EV-HTD had the highest percentage mortality of B. cucurbitae (81.20%). The percentage of fruit infestation varied between 9.00 and 34.00%, with the least amount of infestation seen in plots treated with B. bassiana + Butanone acetate. There were minimal yield losses in Butanone acetate. The Butanone acetate + B. bassiana-based EV-HTD showed the lowest yield losses (66.66 g/plant), while the other treatments showed high losses. Plots treated with Butanone acetate + B. bassiana-based EV-HTD had the highest marketable yield per plant (673.87 g/plant), while yields in control treatments were low. Plots treated with Butanone acetate + B. bassiana-based EV-HTD had the highest marketable yield (2217.85 kg/ha). Lastly, plots treated with Butanone acetate + B. bassiana-based EV-HTD (219.40 kg/ha) showed the lowest yield losses per hectare.ConclusionsAccording to the study’s findings, Butanone acetate-based EV-HTD was more successful than GF-120. Furthermore, B. bassiana was more effective at controlling B. cucurbitae than M. anisopliae. With a maximum cost–benefit ratio of 14.99, the treatment Butanone acetate + B. bassiana was shown to be the most advantageous economically, suggesting its potential for use in practical pest management techniques.

Understanding the Regular Biological Mechanism of Susceptibility of Tomato Plants to Low Incidences of Blossom-End Rot

Blossom-end rot (BER) is a physiological disorder caused by calcium deficiency, often paired with moisture stress and irregular traditional watering practices. To understand the biological mechanism affecting the incidence of BER, different tomato genotypes were cultivated in sandy soil and were traditionally irrigated. Nine tomato genotypes were investigated to assess their susceptibility to BER, and the incidence rate varied from 7.1% in “Voskhod” to 57.6% in “Majnat” genotypes. This study also comprehensively analyzed various physiological and biochemical parameters to elucidate their correlation with BER incidence in tomato plants. Our findings revealed a range of parameters positively correlated with BER incidence, including the relative water content of roots, the number of fruits per plant, vitamin C content, and potassium content. Parameters related to fruit quality, such as titratable acidity, peroxidase content, and firmness degree, also showed positive correlations with BER incidence. Conversely, parameters such as total yield per hectare, chlorophyll content, average plant height, and calcium content demonstrated strong negative correlations with BER incidence, suggesting potential protective effects against this disorder. This study highlights that genotypes with higher marketable yields, such as ‘Voskhod’ (65 tons/ha), showed lower BER incidence, underscoring the importance of selecting the appropriate genotype in improving yield and reducing blossom-end rot in tomato fields. Conversely, cultivars with high BER sensitivity, such as ‘Chelnok’ (26.3 tons/ha), require specially designed cultivation management to avoid production declines.

Anaerobic Soil Disinfestation and Vermicompost to Manage Bottom Rot in Organic Lettuce.

Rhizoctonia solani Kühn (teleomorph: Thanatephorus cucumeris [Frank] Donk) is an aggressive soilborne pathogen with a wide host range that survives saprophytically between crops, presenting a challenge for organic vegetable farmers who lack effective management tools. A 2-year field experiment was conducted at two organic farms to compare anaerobic soil disinfestation (ASD) and worm-cured compost (vermicompost) to manage bottom rot caused by R. solani subspecies AG1-IB in field-grown organic lettuce (Lactuca sativa). At each farm, four replicate plots of seven treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design. Randomization was restricted by grouping treatments to evaluate ASD, and treatments to evaluate vermicompost in starter plugs. ASD experiment treatments were three different ASD carbon sources that are commonly used and widely available to local farmers in Vermont: compost, cover crop residues, and poultry manure fertilizer, as well as a tarped control. Vermicompost experimental treatments were vermicompost compared with two types of controls: a commercial biocontrol product (RootShield PLUS + G), and unamended (untarped control). This study demonstrated that the ASD method is achievable in a field setting on Vermont farms. However, neither ASD nor vermicompost produced significant disease suppression or resulted in higher marketable yields than standard growing practices. Given the laborious nature of ASD, it is likely more appropriate in a greenhouse setting with high-value crops that could especially benefit from being grown in plastic tarped beds (e.g., tomatoes and strawberries). This study is the first known attempt of field-implemented ASD for soil pathogen control in the northeastern United States.

Joint Action of Trichoderma atroviride and a Vegetal Derived-Protein Hydrolysate Improves Performances of Woodland Strawberry in Italy

Woodland strawberry (Fragaria vesca L.) is an underutilized plant species that could benefit from the use of biostimulants to improve crop productivity and fruit quality. The scope of the present study was to appraise the influence of two biostimulants (Trichoderma atroviride and plant protein hydrolysate)—used either alone or combined—on the plant performance and economic profitability of two woodland strawberry genotypes (‘Alpine’ and ‘Regina delle Valli’). Overall, data showed that ‘Alpine’ had the highest productive performances, whereas ‘Regina delle Valli’ revealed the highest fruit qualitative traits. T. atroviride inoculation and V-PH application significantly boosted plant marketable yield (+20.5% for T. atroviride and +12.9% for V-PH), total sugars (+1.9% for Trichoderma and +1.4% for V-PH) and anthocyanins (+14.1% for T. atroviride and +9.8% for V-PH) compared to non-treated plants. Plants supplied with both biostimulants had a higher marketable yield (+34.8%), mean fruit weight (+6.0%), fruit dry matter (+13.8%), total sugars (+3.5%), ascorbic acid (+12.7%), flavonoid (+26.3%) and anthocyanins (+29.9%) compared to non-treated plants. Furthermore, our study revealed that the highest fruit polyphenol concentration was recorded in both genotypes treated with the combination of biostimulants and in ‘Regina delle Valli’ sprayed with V-PH, whereas the highest antioxidant activity was found in ‘Regina delle Valli’ fruit when plants were supplied with both biostimulants. Our study pointed out that the application of microbial and non-microbial biostimulants, especially in combination, might be a useful strategy for improving the performances of underutilized species and, therefore, encouraging their cultivation, valorization and economic profitability (+6208.3 EUR /ha when plants were exposed to both biostimulants).

Gibberellic Acid and Planting Time Influence on the Growth and Yield of Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.)

The experiment was conducted at the Horticulture Farm of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka during the period from October 2018 to March 2019. The goal of this study was to determine when to sow cabbage and how much gibberellic acid to use in order to maximize growth and yield. The experiment consisted of two factors: Factor A: Planting time (three different times) as - T1= 05 November; T2= 20 November and T3= 05 December and Factor B: Gibberellic acid (four levels) as- G0= 0 ppm (control); G1= 75 ppm; G2= 95 ppm and G3= 115 ppm GA3, respectively. The two factors experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Due to the combined effect of Gibberellic acid and planting time, the maximum thickness of head (14.5 cm) and the highest marketable yield (59.4 t/ha) was found from T2G2 whereas the minimum thickness of head (10.8 cm) and the lowest marketable yield (37.1 t/ha) was found from T3G0. The economic analysis revealed that T2G2 gave the maximum benefit cost ratio (2.57). That’s why we can consider that 20thNovember planting time along with 95 ppm GA3 was the best combination for growth and yield of cabbage.

Efficacy of bio-rational insecticide for eco-friendly management of pod borer of mung bean

Pod borer species Maruca vitrata (Geyer) and Euchrysops cnejus (Fab.) are the major limiting constraints in mung bean. The present experiment was conducted in the experimental field of the Department of Entomology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur, Bangladesh during March to June 2021 to develop an ecofriendly management approach against pod borer attacking mung bean. Four eco-friendly biopesticides (Biomax 1.8 EC (Abamectin) @ 1.2 ml/L, Tracer 45 SC (Spinosad) @ 0.4 g/, Fytomax PM (0.1% Azadirachtin) @ 5.0 ml/L, Neem Seed kernel Extract (NSKE) @ 50.0 g/L) and clean cultivation were tested against pod borers of mung bean variety BU mug 4. An untreated control treatment was maintained for comparison. The marginal benefit-cost ratio of the treatments and the impact of the treatments on the abundance of beneficial arthropods in the experimental plots were recorded. The management approaches did not affect the abundance of beneficial arthropods in the bean field. The findings revealed that the lowest rate of pod infestation (1.9% by n/n and w/w) as well as the highest marketable yield (1.55 MT/ha) and marginal benefit- cost ratio (3.02) were obtained with the foliar spray with Tracer 45 SC (Spinosad) @0.4 g/L of water at 15 days interval. Tracer 45 SC (Spinosad) @ 0.4 g/L of water at 15 day intervals is an effective, suitable, and viable approach for suppressing pod borer complex without harm to beneficial arthropods in the mung bean field. Ann. Bangladesh Agric. (2023) 27 (1): 71-79

Growth and yield performance of carrot (Daucus carota L.) as influenced by plant population density under irrigation condition

Poor agronomic practices, such as inadequate plant density, can result in suboptimal carrot (Daucus carota L.) yield and quality in some regions. In 2020, a field experiment was conducted under irrigation conditions in Gerado, South Wollo administrative zone, Ethiopia, using the Nantes variety as a test crop, to investigate the impact of inter-row and intra-row spacing on carrot yield. The treatments involved three inter-row (row) spacing levels (10, 15, and 20 cm) and three intra-row (plant) spacing levels (5, 10, and 15 cm) in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Row and plant spacing significantly affected (P<0.05) total yield, plant height, leaf fresh weight, root length, root diameter, and root fresh weight. The highest marketable yield (490.4 q ha-1) was achieved with a plant density of 20 x 5 cm. In contrast, the highest unmarketable yield (36.3 q ha-1) was obtained with a spacing of 20 x 15 cm. Hence, a plant density of 20 x 5 cm is recommended for optimal marketable carrot yield in the study region and similar agroecologies, although further research across multiple locations and seasons is necessary to validate the results.

Participatory tomato variety selection in the lowland areas of North Shewa

The production and productivity of tomatoes in Ethiopia as well as in Amhara Region are very low because of lack of improved and adapted varieties, inadequate knowledge of production and management, and a poor marketing system. The field experiment was carried out during the 2018 irrigation seasons at Ataye and Shewarobit to identify adaptive, high yielding and disease tolerant varieties of tomato. Eight improved tomato varieties were laid out in a randomized complete block design and replicated three times. The collected biological data were analyzed using SAS statistical software version 9.4, and farmers’ preferences for those varieties were also assessed based on selection attributes set by them. The combined analysis of variance revealed that there was significant difference between the varieties on the number of fruits per cluster, plant height, marketable number, unmarketable number and average weight of a tomato. The highest number of fruits per cluster was recorded from variety Mersa (3.83), followed by Melkasalsa (3.73) and Melkashola (3.7). The variety Mersa was the tallest followed by Weyno with plant heights of 110.5 cm and 110.96 cm, respectively. The highest average fruit weight was recorded for the variety D2 (61.25 g) followed by Cochoro (46.46 g). Even though it was not statistically significant, the variety Melkashola has given the highest marketable yield (32.98 t ha-1) and showed a better reaction to late blight disease as low as 27.5 %. In addition to this, variety Melkashola was highly preferred by the farmers. Based on the biological data and farmer’s preference variety Melkashola has been recommended for Ataye and Shewarobit as well as for other similar agro-ecologies.

Biorational Management of Major Chewing Pests of Okra

Field experiments were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of microbial agents, and neem based and biorational insecticides against major lepidopteran pests of okra, viz., shoot and fruit borer Earias vitella (F) and leaf roller Haritalodes derogata (F) during summer and kharif 2022. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design (RBD) with nine treatments and three replications. Results indicated that spinosad 45SC was the most effective with highest marketable yield. Thus, spinosad 45SC can be used for the effective management of E. vitella and H. derogate in okra.

Comparing effects of different trellis systems for organically grown ridge gourd (Luffa acutangula)

ABSTRACT Small and marginal farmers of West Bengal, India, rely primarily on traditional knowledge of farming and lack diversity in their agricultural practices. Although traditional practices have undoubtedly provided good yields, there is scope for improvement in terms of the benefit-to-cost ratio of different production techniques. This study was conducted to evaluate plant growth, yield, and profitability comparing six different trellis systems for two locally popular varieties of ridge gourd (Luffa acutangula); Baro Pata Local (open-pollinated) and NRGH-370 (F1 hybrid). The experiment was conducted following organic cultivation practices. The yields were shown to be significantly affected by the interaction between variety x trellis system, with NRGH-370 trailed over the T-trellis resulting in the highest marketable yield (24.8 t ha−1), which was significantly higher than for plants grown with staking, inverted V or trailed over ground. Although the pandal trellis system, which is ordinarily used by the farmers, resulted in somewhat better vegetative growth of the vines, the yields were slightly higher in the T-trellis system, though the differences in the growth and yield parameters between these two trellis systems were not statistically significant. However, with slightly higher yields and reduced costs of production the benefit-to-cost ratio was highest for the T-trellis system for both Baro Pata Local (1.78) and NRGH-370 (2.59). These improvements also coincided with improved quality characteristics of the fruit. The results show that there is scope for exploring new trellising systems to achieve improved yields and cost-effectiveness for organic ridge gourd cultivation.

Yield performance and trait correlation of BARI released sweet potato varieties studied under several districts of Bangladesh

A study was carried out in five sweet potato growing regions of Bangladesh, each characterized by suitable agro-ecologies, in order to demonstrate the most favorable varietal performance and trait correlations. A completely randomized block design with three replications was used to compare the varietal performance of BARI (Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute) released sweet potato varieties (viz. BARI Mistialu-9, BARI Mistialu-10, BARI Mistialu-12, BARI Mistialu-15 and BARI Mistialu-17). During the 2021-22 cropping season, sweet potato varieties were tested in five districts of Bangladesh, namely Gazipur, Bogura, Jamalpur, Jashore, and Chattogram. The findings revealed that the BARI Mistialu-12 variety exhibited remarkable attributes, including a high marketable storage root yield of 39.88 t/ha. Additionally, it demonstrated exceptional performance in various yield components such as vine length, average storage root weight, and dry weight of the root. Furthermore, a positive correlation was observed between several traits and yield, as well as yield-attributing characteristics. This correlation suggests that enhancing these traits could potentially contribute to an overall increase in the storage root yield of sweet potatoes.

EFFECT OF NITROGEN AND PLANT SPACING ON THE GROWTH AND YIELD OF ONION (ALLIUM CEPA L.) IN AFGHANISTAN

The present research was conducted in the research farm of Takhar University, Afghanistan. The study was carried out in 2021, to document the Effect of Nitrogen and Plant spacing on the Growth and Yield of Onion and it is one of the essential bulbous vegetables. The experiment was laid out in Split Plot Design having three replications were used. Four different doses of nitrogenous fertilizer namely 0, 100, 125, and 150 kg/ha were applied. The treatments also included three levels of spacing (S) viz., S1= 7.5 cm × 15 cm, S2= 10 cm × 15 cm, and S3= 12.5 cm × 15 cm. These treatments were implemented using a split-plot design. As a result, the spacing had a significant effect on biomass and marketable yields, and the spacing of 7.5 cm×15 cm resulted in the maximum marketable yield of 31.24 t/ha likely due to a higher plant population. Various nitrogen doses as well as affected plant characteristics and yield. The maximum biomass yield of 62.52 t/ha was recorded with 150 kg nitrogen/ha. Whereas the highest marketable yield 38.62 t/ha was observed with 125 kg nitrogen/ha. In conclusion, spacing and different nitrogen concentrations had significant impacts on plant characteristics and yield. These findings highlight the importance of enhancing spacing and nitrogen doses to maximize crop yields.

Economics of Potato cv. Kufri Lima under Different Planting Dates and Nitrogen Levels

The experiment entitled “Effect of planting dates and nitrogen levels on potato cv. Kufri Lima” was conducted at Research Farm of the Department of Vegetable Science, Choudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar during winter season of 2020-21. The treatments comprising of three planting dates (25th September, 10th October and 25th October) and four levels of nitrogen (0, 75, 100 and 125% of recommended dose of nitrogen, RDN) were laid out in a randomized block design (factorial) with three replications. Results of study revealed that significantly increase in growth and yield on 10th October planting as compared to earlier and late planting. Total marketable potato tuber yield was recorded with 10th October planting with 100% RDN application (408 q/ha), closely followed by 125% RDN application (407.7 q/ha) and minimum was recorded under control. It can be concluded that 10th October with application of 100% of RDN (150 kg N/ha) provided with highest marketable yield and benefit to cost ratio (1.82). This may be due to higher marketable and total tuber yield under this treatment.

Yield and Profitability of Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam) as a Function of Increasing Levels of Phosphorus and Varieties in Southern Ethiopia

Sweet potato is among the most important food security crops in Ethiopia. However, its productivity is constrained by poor soil fertility and a lack of improved varieties. A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the growth and yield response and profitability of three sweet potato varieties to rates of phosphorus (P) in Southern Ethiopia. Five rates of P (0, 10, 20, 30, and 40 kg ha−1) and three sweet potato varieties (Awassa-83, Kulfo, and Local) were considered as treatments that were laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The vine length, internodes length, diameter, and the number of vines were significantly varied among varieties while P had a nonsignificant effect on these parameters. The tuber yield of sweet potato was influenced by the combined effect of variety and P rate. The highest marketable yield (30.22 t ha−1) was obtained at 30 kg P ha−1 from variety Awassa-83 and the lowest marketable yield (6.57 t ha−1) was obtained from Kulfo at 0 kg P ha−1. Thus, improvement of sweet potato productivity in the study area could be achieved through the use of Awassa-83 variety with P at a rate of 10 kg ha−1.

Optimization of Applied Irrigation Water for High Marketable Yield, Fruit Quality and Economic Benefits of Processing Tomato Using a Low-Cost Wireless Sensor

Water management is a key factor to optimize fruit quality and yield of processing tomatoes which are site-specific and influenced by environmental conditions e.g., soil, temperature, precipitation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacity of a low-cost wireless soil moisture sensor in determining the irrigation level for optimizing the marketable yield, fruit quality and economic profit of processing tomato. A two-years (2017–2018) trial was conducted in open field, applying nine drip irrigation levels controlled by wireless soil moisture capacitance sensors. The irrigation levels were as follows: 13.2, 16.7, 25.4, 33.3, 50.0, 62.3, 82.5, 100 and 186.8% of water restitution based on soil moisture sensor readings. Because of the crop stress induced by heavy rainfalls occurring in 2018 growing season, total and marketable yields reached higher maximum values in 2017 than 2018. In 2017, total and marketable yields were maximized by supplying 92.8% and 96.2% of irrigation level, respectively. Moreover, 95.6% and 91.2% of irrigation level were necessary in 2018 to maximize total and marketable yield, respectively. In both growing seasons, marketable yield variation was due to changes of both fruit number and fruit mean weight. Total soluble solids of fruit juice linearly decreased by increasing the irrigation level with a more pronounced effect in the driest growing season (2017). Economic analysis demonstrated that 100% of irrigation level should be preferred by the Italian farmers since it maximized the operating margins of processing tomatoes in both years. To conclude, the use of the tested low-cost wireless soil moisture sensor is an effective tool to manage the level of irrigation and optimize the processing tomato yield and economic benefits for farmers.

Raman spectroscopy detects chemical differences between potato tubers produced under normal and heat stress growing conditions.

Potato is the most consumed vegetable worldwide. Potato tubers contain water, starch, proteins, minerals, and vitamins. The amounts of these chemicals depend on the cultivar and growing location. When potatoes are exposed to high temperatures during the growing period, tuber yield and quality are detrimentally affected; however, there is limited knowledge about the influence of high temperatures on tuber chemical composition. With temperatures rising around the globe, the reaction of potato cultivars to high temperatures is increasingly important, and heat-induced changes, including changes in the chemical composition of tubers, should be considered. The Texas A&M University Potato Breeding Program has been selecting potato clones under high-temperature conditions for many years. Several released cultivars are considered heat-tolerant based on high marketable yields and low internal and external tuber defects. In this study, we used Raman spectroscopy (RS), an analytical tool, to determine whether heat stress causes changes in the chemical composition of tubers of ten potato cultivars. RS is a non-invasive method that requires less time and labor than conventional chemical analysis. We found drastic changes in the intensities of vibrational bands that originate from carbohydrates in the spectra acquired from tubers of heat-stressed plants compared to tubers produced by potato plants grown under normal conditions. These results demonstrate that RS could be used as a replacement or complement to conventional chemical analysis to inspect the effect of heat stress on tuber chemical composition.