Highest Number Of Primary Branches Research Articles

Preliminary Exploration of Physiology and Genetic Basis Underlying High Yield in Indica–Japonica Hybrid Rice

The utilization of heterosis is of great significance in improving rice yield. To explore the physiological and genetic basis for high yield in indica–japonica hybrid rice, Zheyou18 (z18) and Yongyou12 (y12) were used as materials and compared with indica hybrid rice, Zheyou12 (z12); japonica hybrid rice, Liangyoupeijiu (LYPJ); and the conventional lines zhe04B (04B) and zhehui818 (h818) under seedling growth vigor, functional leaf morphology, chlorophyll content, yield component, panicle trait, and InDel heterosis analysis. Z18 and y12 showed the largest increase in plant height 6 d and 9 d after germination; the root dry weight of z18 was 31.2% and 42.0% higher than its parents on the 12th d. The length of functional leaves ranked in the middle, while the width was the largest, resulting in z18 and y12 having the largest leaf area. Yield components showed that z18 and y12 had the highest number of primary branches, spikelets, and grains, and grain yield, which was 58.1 g in z18, increased by 29.8% and 8.7%, respectively, in comparison with h818 and LYPJ. The InDel genetic distance was significantly positively correlated with single spike weight, with r reaching 0.771, making it the only consistent and most correlated among the seven traits. Therefore, we speculated that as the InDel genetic distance expands, heterosis mainly manifests in the increase in single spike weight. This study comprehensively explored the physiological mechanism of yield improvement in indica–japonica-hybrid rice and used InDel genetic distances to study the genetic basis of heterosis, which will be helpful for future rice yield improvement.

Effect of Blended NPSB Fertilizer Rates and Varieties on Productivity of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) in Midland of Guji Zone, Southern Oromia

Low soil fertility comprised of low available phosphorus, total nitrogen and sulphur are the major yield limiting factors for faba bean production in the study area. A field experiment was conducted at Adola Sub-site station of Bore Agricultural Research Centre. The treatments consisted of two varieties namely Dalota and Habru with four levels of NPSB (0, 50, 100 and 150 kg/ha) in randomized complete block design with three replications. The aim of the study conducted to evaluate the effect of application of Blended NPSB fertilizer and to determine economically viable blended NPSB rates that would boost chickpea productivity. Results showed significant effect of various levels of blended fertilizer on all tested parameters except on number of seed per pod and thousand seed weight. Application of 100 kg NPSB kg ha-1 gave highest number of primary branches per plant (3.02), plant height (50.02) and grain yield (2663 kg ha-1), net return (103376.5 ETB) with acceptable MRR (666.0%). Days to flowering (52.62), Days to maturity (108.96), number of pods per plant (40.31) had the highest value with 150 kg/ha with negative agronomic efficiency. Therefore, production of chickpea with the application of 100 kg NPSB ha-1 was most productive for economical production.

Evaluation of Morphological Characteristics, Yield Potential, and Essential Oil Composition of Ocimum sanctum Genotypes for Crop Improvement

Ocimum sanctum, also known as Holy Basil, is an aromatic herb with a long history of use in traditional medicine. It is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and is now cultivated worldwide. Plants have erect, much-branched sub-shrub with simple opposite green or purple leaves that are strongly scented and hairy stems and leaves has a strong, characteristic aroma that occurs mainly because of the volatile oils present.
 In this experiment, 30 genotypes of Ocimum sanctum were evaluated for morphological, yield and quality traits. At nursery stage, germination percentage, seedling shoot length and seedling root lengths were recorded. Among the accessions. OS-22 exhibited the highest germination percentages (82%), Seedling shoot and root length were highest in Os-18 and OS 21 (35 cm and 11 cm) respectively. In the main field, the accessions were characterized for qualitative traits viz growth habit, leaf colour and stem colour. The accessions were grouped into two, based on growth habit. Based on stem and leaf colour the accessions were grouped into five and four groups respectively. In case of quantitative traits, plant height achieved maximum in the accession OS 22 (88cm) followed by OS 17(75cm). The accessions OS-15 and OS-22 exhibited more extensive plants spread, while OS-21 and OS-13 had higher number of primary branches. Accessions OS-20 and O S-23 recorded more number of leaves (409 and 422) and the accessions O S-22 and OS-11 recorded highest fresh leaf weight (370.2 g & 301.67 g). The essential oil recovery and oil yield was highest in the accession OS 20 (green type) followed by OS 22 (purple type). Characterization of oil in GCMS revealed that the key component was eugenol, which showed highest content in accession Os-20 (46 %). This study can be used for further crop improvement studies and breeding programs.

Evaluation of Best Performing Microbial Culture in Relation to Growth, Yield and Quality of Sponge Gourd (Luffa cylindrica L.)

The present investigation the effect of different microbial culture on growth, yield and quality of Sponge Gourd (Luffa cylindrica L.) was undertaken at Vegetable Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology & Sciences, Prayagraj (UP) during 2022. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design with 10 tratment viz., T0 (Control), T1 (PSB - Photosynthetic Bacteria Rhodosudomonas palustris) - 20 ml/sq.m), T2 (PSB - Photosynthetic Bacteria Rhodosudomonas palustris) - 30 ml/sq.m), T3 (PSB - Photosynthetic Bacteria Rhodosudomonas palustris) - 40 ml/sq.m), T4 (Vermiwash-20 ml/sq.m), T5 (Vermiwash-300 ml/sq.m), T6 (Vermiwash-40 ml/sq.m), T7 (Azotobacter-8 ml/sq.m), T8 (Azotobacter - 10 ml/sq.m) and T9 (Azotobacter- 15ml/sq.m) with three replications. Results revealed that treatment T9 (Azotobacter- 15ml/sq.m) recorded significantly highest vine length, highest number of primary branches per plant is treatment T4 (Vermiwash-20 ml/sq.m) and number of node per plant is treatment T4 (Vermiwash-20 ml/sq.m). Earliness parameter such as days of first flowering is minimum days is T9 (Azotobacter- 15ml/sq.m) and node number at first male flower appears was recorded in treatment T9 (Azotobacter- 15ml/sq.m). Node number at first female flower appears was recorded in treatment T9 (Azotobacter- 15ml/sq.m). Days to first fruit setting after anthesis recorded in treatment Azotobacter-10ml/sq.m (T8). Yield parameter like number of fruit per plant were recorded under T6 (Vermiwash-40 ml/sq. m). Average weight for 10 fruits (g) was recorded highest in treatment T9 (Azotobacter-15 ml/sq.m).Fruit length was recorded highest in treatment (Vermiwash – 40 ml/sq.m T6). Fruit girth was recorded highest in treatment T9 (Azotobacter-15 ml/sq.m). Fruit yield per plot (kg) was recorded highest in treatment T6 (Vermiwash – 40 ml/sq.m) and fruit yield /ha (q) was highest in was found in Vermiwash – 40 ml/sq.m (T6).

Two-Photon Polymerization of 2.5D and 3D Microstructures Fostering a Ramified Resting Phenotype in Primary Microglia.

Microglia are the resident macrophages of the central nervous system and contribute to maintaining brain's homeostasis. Current 2D "petri-dish" in vitro cell culturing platforms employed for microglia, are unrepresentative of the softness or topography of native brain tissue. This often contributes to changes in microglial morphology, exhibiting an amoeboid phenotype that considerably differs from the homeostatic ramified phenotype in healthy brain tissue. To overcome this problem, multi-scale engineered polymeric microenvironments are developed and tested for the first time with primary microglia derived from adult rhesus macaques. In particular, biomimetic 2.5D micro- and nano-pillar arrays (diameters = 0.29-1.06µm), featuring low effective shear moduli (0.25-14.63MPa), and 3D micro-cages (volume = 24 × 24 × 24 to 49 × 49 × 49μm3) with and without micro- and nano-pillar decorations (pillar diameters = 0.24-1µm) were fabricated using two-photon polymerization (2PP). Compared to microglia cultured on flat substrates, cells growing on the pillar arrays exhibit an increased expression of the ramified phenotype and a higher number of primary branches per ramified cell. The interaction between the cells and the micro-pillar-decorated cages enables a more homogenous 3D cell colonization compared to the undecorated ones. The results pave the way for the development of improved primary microglia in vitro models to study these cells in both healthy and diseased conditions.

Performance evaluation of commercial sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) cultivars for yield and yield related traits in Wolaita, southern Ethiopia

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is cultivated in Ethiopia as a cash crop, export commodity, and raw material for sesame oil industries. It has surged up as a silver line regarding its contribution to the export earnings for Ethiopians. Sesame cultivation was not widely known in Wolaita area although the area could be a potential cultivation location for wider production of sesame in the country. Therefore, to evaluate performance in terms of yield and yield related traits for selection of the best performing cultivars to enhance productivity and larger production, ten sesame cultivars were laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications at two districts (Humbo and Kindo-Koysha) for two years (2017-2018). Analysis of variance showed that cultivars Mehado-80 (154 cm), Adi (153 cm), and Tate (149 cm) have grown to significantly higher heights over the rest of the cultivars. Mehado-80 and Tate had a significantly higher number of primary branches (mean values across locations 9.3, 8.7 and 8.6, respectively). The cultivar Tate had the highest number of capsules (97.9) per plant, which had also the highest genotypic variation (428.54). The highest genotypic coefficient of variance (45.58%) was recorded for seed yield. Days to 50% flowering and 90% maturity exhibited the lowest phenotypic coefficient of variation, 7.16%, and 3.69%, respectively. Heritability in a broad sense (h2b) ranged from 13.32% for plant height to 32.43% for thousand seed weight. The interaction effects had showed no significant difference (P>0.05) for most of the studied traits. Cultivars Tate (1200 kg/ha), Serkamo (917 kg/ha) and Kelafo-74 (875 kg/ha) scored significantly higher seed yield at Kindo-Koysha site whereas Tate (1208 kg/ha, S (1042 kg/ha) and Mehado-80 (1021 kg/ha) scored significantly higher seed yield at Humbo site. Hence these cultivars could, respectively, be used as a potential cultivar for Kindo-Koysha and Humbo districts of Wolaita zone, while cultivar Tate exhibited the highest seed yield at both locations and hence recommended for Wolaita zone, southern Ethiopia. Key words: Commercial cultivars, Seed yield, Sesame, Traits, Wolaita, Yield components

Susceptibility of Rose Varieties Against Pests in Relation to Plant Morphological Characters Under Open Field Condition

Rose is attacked by thrips, <i>Frankliniella schultzei</i> (Pergande), <i>Scirtothrips dorsalis</i> Hood; aphid, <i>Macrosiphum rosae</i> (Linnaeus); whitefly, <i>Trialeurodes vaporariorum</i> (Westwood); mealybug, <i>Planococcus citri</i> (Risso); foliage feeders and bud borers, <i>Helicoverpa armigera</i> (Hubner); <i>Spodoptera litura</i> (Fabricius) and mite, <i>Tetranychus urticae</i> Koch. As great deal of variation of pest attack to rose varieties exists, role of plant morphological characters in inducing plant resistance need investigation. Rose varieties Barbone rose, cabbage rose, Chinese rose and Gladiator were screened against major pests at Navsari Agricultural University (NAU), Navsari, Gujarat, India. Relationship of each character to pest incidence was established on the basis of correlation. Gladiator was considered as tolerant variety against thrips, blister beetle, castor semilooper, tussock moth and bud borer. Chinese rose was tolerant against aphid while, it was moderately susceptible against thrips (<i>R. syriacus</i>) and blister beetle. Barbone rose was moderately susceptible against castor semilooper and tussock moth. Overall, Gladiator was considered tolerant against majority of pests (except aphid). Plant growth habit exhibited significant positive correlation with aphid. Plant height had significant positive correlation with all the pests except aphid. Higher number of primary branches showed increased susceptibility to thrips, blister beetle, semilooper and tussock moth while, aphid was indirectly related to primary branches. Increased prickle density indicated increased thrips on leaves, larval populations of semilooper and tussock moth. Leaf colour exhibited negative relationship with semilooper, tussock moth and bud. Leaf area also influenced abundance of bud borer significantly. Increased leaf thickness showed decreased defoliator pests. Increased leaf glossiness showed decreased plant susceptibility to thrips, semilooper and tussock moth. Flower colour had negative relationship with semilooper, tussock moth and bud borer. Increased flower compactness indicated increased aphids and decreased thrips and blister beetle. Number of flower petals exhibited significant positive relationship with aphid and negative relationship with thrips and blister beetle. Lastly, number of flowers exhibited significant positive relationship with thrips, blister beetle, semilooper, tussock moth and bud borer while, it exhibited indirect relationship with aphid. Overall, most important biophysical traits of rose varieties grown under open field condition were plant height, number of primary branches, flower (compactness, number of petals and number of flowers/plant) which directly or indirectly influenced plant tolerance or susceptibility against major pests.

Micronutrients Biofortification (Zn, Fe, Cu, and Mn) Improves the Growth, Yield, and Chlorophyll Contents of Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) Grown On a Near Neutral Soil

Consumption of nutritional food could help alleviate malnutrition among people in developing countries such as the Philippines. Sweet basil is a nutritional food which supplies vitamins, particularly A, B and minerals such as Fe, Mn, and 6, Mg. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of Zn, Fe, Cu, and Mn biofortification on the growth, yield, and chlorophyll contents of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) under pot experiment. All of the pots, except T (control), 0 were applied with the recommended rate of NPK for sweet basil (60-60-60 kg ha ), together with the varying levels of micronutrients such as Zn, Fe, Cu, and Mn -1-1 (applied at 4, 8, and 12 kg ha ). The results of the study revealed that the application -1 of Zn at 4kg ha enhanced the plant height, root length, fresh and dry root weight of sweet basil. The higher number of primary branches and chlorophyll contents were -1 obtained from treatments applied with 12 kg ha Mn. The addition of Fe with 4 to 12 -1 kg ha increased the fresh weight of leaves and herbage yield. Cu biofortification at -1 4kg ha enhanced the herbage weight and yield of sweet basil. These results show the beneficial effects of micronutrient biofortification on the growth and yield parameters of sweet basil as well as its chlorophyll contents. Meanwhile, the amounts of Zn, Fe, Cu, and Mn in the soil were likewise enhanced with the addition of these nutrients. In return, the availability of these micronutrients for plant uptake was also enhanced.

Performance of Chickpea Varieties Based on Growth and Yield Parameters Influenced by Different Sowing Dates at Toke Kutaye District, Ethiopia

One of the basic agronomic practices to improve the yield of chickpea are ideal sowing date and high yielding varieties. Thus, a field experiment was conducted to assess the effect of different sowing dates on yield and yield components of chickpea varieties in the main cropping season of 2019 at Toke Kutaye District. Four sowing dates (September 4th, September 14th, September 24th, and October 5th) and four kabuli varieties. Four Kabuli types of chickpea varieties were Dalota, Ejere, Teji and Dube (local check). Experiment was laid out in split plot design using factorial arrangement with three replications and sowing date treatments were assigned to the main plots and varieties to sub plots. The main effect of sowing date showed highly significant effect on days to emergence, days to 50% flowering and physiological maturity. Highest days to emergence (12.4 days) were recorded from a plot sown on October 5th, while longest days to 50% flowering (54.92 days) and physiological maturity (122.5 days) were recorded from a plot sown on September 14th. Moreover, varieties had significant effect on days to physiological maturity of chickpea. Longest days to physiological maturity (133 days) were recorded from local variety and early days to physiological maturity (113.3 days) was recorded from Dalota variety. The main effects of sowing date and variety were significant on plant height, as the tallest plant height (42.75 cm) was recorded from September 24th sown plants. Similarly, the tallest (41.42 cm) plant was recorded from Dalota variety. In addition, the highest number of primary branches (6.83) and secondary branches (16.42) per plant were recorded from Dalota variety, while the lowest number of primary branch (5.5) and secondary branches (8) were scored from Ejere and Teji varieties, respectively. Highest grain yield (2415.4 kg ha-1) was obtained from plots sown on September 14th whereas Dalota variety produced highest grain yield (2051.25 kg ha-1). Hence, Dalota variety and September 14th sowing date emerged as best among all tested treatments and can be recommended for chickpea production in the study area and similar agro-ecologies. Conclusive recommendation could be obtained if the study is repeated at more locations and seasons in the future.

Response of Soybean (Glycine max L. (Merrill)) to Bradyrhizobium Inoculation, Lime, and Phosphorus Applications at Bako, Western Ethiopia

Soil acidity and poor soil fertility are the major soil chemical constraints which limit crop productivity in western Ethiopia. In leguminous crops, low productivity is not only a result of declining soil fertility but also reduced N2 fixation due to biological and environmental factors. Thus, this study was carried out to determine the influence of lime, Bradyrhizobium inoculation, and phosphorus fertilizer on soybean yield components and yields and to identify economically feasible treatments that can maximize the productivity of soybean. Factorial combinations of three Bradyrhizobium strains (uninoculated, TAL379, and Legumefix), two lime levels (0 and 3.12 t ha−1), and four P levels (0, 23, 46, and 69 kg P2O5 ha−1) were laid out in RCBD with three replications. The results showed that the application of lime (3.12 t ha−1) significantly increased soil pH (5.6), plant height (77.2 cm), number of primary branches per plant (6.6), 100-seed weight (17.5 g), grain yield (3431 kg ha−1), and harvest index (41%). Similarly, significantly higher grain yield (3228 kg ha−1) and harvest index (41%) were obtained with inoculation of TAL379 whereas Legumefix inoculation recorded the highest number of primary branches (6.7). The effect of P at 69 kg P2O5 ha−1also gave significantly higher plant height (75.5 cm), number of primary branches (6.6), grain yield (3277 kg ha−1), and harvest index (43%). The interaction of P and Bradyrhizobium inoculation significantly influenced days to physiological maturity and number of pods per plant. Similarly, the interaction of phosphorus and lime significantly influenced days to 50% flowering. Likewise, the combination of lime (3.12 t ha−1) with TAL379 inoculation gave the highest aboveground biomass. On the other hand, the interaction of Bradyrhizobium × lime × phosphorus revealed that application of 69 kg P2O5 ha−1 without TAL379 inoculation under limed condition significantly resulted in the highest number of nodules per plant (79.4) and number of effective nodules (67.9). Thus, it can be concluded that, particularly in the western part of Ethiopia where soil acidity is a major problem, application of phosphorus with Bradyrhizobium and lime is an alternative option to enhance biological nitrogen fixation and grain yield of soybean in smallholder farming system.

Response of Mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.)Wilczek] Varieties to Plant Spacing under Irrigation at Gewane, Northeastern Ethiopia

Production of mungbean has been increasing in Ethiopia because of its high importance as a source of protein and foreign exchange earnings. Determination of appropriate plant density for the varieties of mungbean can increase its productivity. Therefore, an experiment was conducted to determine the effect of inter and intra row spacing on growth, yield components and yield of mung bean varieties under irrigation. The treatments consisted of factorial combinations of three inter row spacing (30, 40, and 50 cm), three-intra row spacing (5, 10 and 15 cm) and two mungbean varieties (N-26 and MH-97) laid out in randomized complete block design with three Replications. The main effect of varieties, inter row spacing and intra row spacing was highly significant and significant on plant height, secondary branch and where the longest plant height (41.71 cm) was for variety MH-97 and from 5 cm intra row spacing, respectively and maximum number of secondary branch was recorded for variety MH-97 (8.91) and from 15cm intra row and 50cm inter row spacing, respectively. The interaction effect of the variety, inter and intra row spacing was highly significant on number of primary branch per plant, number of pod per plant and crop stand count percentage where the highest number of primary branches (7.00) was recorded from variety MH-97 at 50 cm inter row spacing and highest number pods per plant (30.15) were recorded for variety MH-97 at 40 cm inter row and (31.34) at 15cm intra row spacing. Where the highest crop stand count at harvest were recorded from variety MH-97 (97.00%) at 40 cm inter row spacing .The main effect of inter row spacing and intra row spacing were highly significant and significant on above ground dry biomass and the highest above ground dry biomass at inter row spacing of 30 cm ( 5968.8 kg ha-1) and intra row spacing 5cm 6145.9 kg ha-1).The main effect of variety, inter-row and intra-row spacing were highly significant on harvest index and grain yield where the highest harvest index was from variety MH-97 (20.91%), inter row spacing of 40 cm which give (21.18%) and intra row spacing 10 cm which give (20.30%) and the highest grain yield from Variety MH-97 (1117.94 kg ha-1), inter row spacing 40 cm (1213.75 kg ha-1) and intra row spacing 10 cm which give (1151.67 kg ha-1) However, this tentative generalization based one season at one location requires further studies over years and locations to give a valid recommendation.

Effect of Spacing and Fertigation on Growth and Yield Parameters of French Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) under Protected Cultivation

Background: French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is an important and widely grown leguminous vegetable. The area under this crop in protected cultivation is increasing due to its high yield and remunerative price. There is scanty of information on pacing and nutrients for fertigation under protected cultivation. Hence the experiment was carried out to determine the effect of spacing and fertigation on growth and yield parameters in French bean under naturally ventilated polyhouse during Kharif 2018 at Zonal Agricultural and Horticultural Research Station, Navile, Shivamogga.Methods: The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three replications. There were 18 treatment combinations comprised of three different spacing treatments and six fertigation treatments. Result: Among all the treatments significantly highest number of primary branches (8.70) and secondary branches (8.50) at 45 days after sowing (DAS), number of pods plant-1 (220.20), pod length (20.66 cm), pod girth (2.95 cm) and pod weight (17.69g) were recorded in the treatment combination with 60 × 75cm with 44:70:53 kg ha-1 + mulching + micronutrient spray. The least number of primary branches (4.27), secondary branches (4.50), number of pods plant-1 (160.33), pod length (15.61cm), pod girth (1.75 cm) and pod weight (13.88g) were observed in the treatment combination with 60 × 45 cm spacing with 33:52.5:39.75 kg of N:P:K kg ha-1. The higher plant height at 45 DAS (480.50 cm) and yield (13.06 t) for 1000 m-2 was found in treatment combination 60 × 45cm with 44:70:53 kg ha-1 + mulching + micronutrient spray (S3T4). It was concluded from the study that, the closer spacing (60 × 45cm) with the combination of 44:70:53 kg ha-1 (N:P:K), mulching and micronutrient spray resulted in higher pod yield (13.06 t) 1000m-2.

Growth and Yield of Fenugreek (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Trigonella&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;foenum-graecum &amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;L.) Varieties as Influenced by Application of NPS Fertilizer at Ginir, South-eastern Ethiopia

Shortage of improved varieties and soil nutrient depletion are the major production constraints of fenugreek in mid-altitude of Bale Zone in Ethiopia. Therefore, an on-farm experiment was conducted at Ginir, south-eastern Ethiopia, to assess the effect of NPS fertilizer rates on growth and, yield components and seed yield of fenugreek varieties. Factorial combinations of three fenugreek varieties (Burqa, Chala and Ebisa) and five rates of NPS (0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 kg NPS ha^-1) were laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Analysis of variance showed that the main effects of varieties significantly influenced days to 50% flowering, days to 90% physiological maturity and thousand seed weight. The highest thousand seed weight (17.31 g) was recorded from variety Burqa. Variety Chala was the earliest to reach days to 50% flowering (63.27 days) while variety Burqa was the earliest (115 days) to reach 90% of physiological maturity. Similarly, the main effect of NPS showed significantly higher number of primary branches per plant (5.11), number of pod per plant (25.47) and biomass yield (7160 kg ha^-1) at 200 kg NPS ha^-1 while the highest thousand seed weight (18.44g) was obtained at 150 kg NPS ha^-1. The interaction of NPS fertilizer and varieties showed significant effect on plant height, number of seeds per pod and seed yield. The highest plant height (53.67cm) was recorded from Chala variety at 200 kg NPS fertilizer ha^-1 while the highest number of seeds per pod (11.89) was recorded from variety Burqa at 150 kg NPS fertilizer ha^-1. Similarly, the highest seed yield (1980 kg ha^-1) was recorded from variety Ebisa at 150 kg NPS fertilizer ha^-1. The economic analysis revealed that the highest net return of (42231.67 and 40361.9 ETB ha^-1) with marginal rate of return (566.84 and 542.5%) were recorded for varieties of Ebisa and Chala respectively, while variety Burqa resulted in the higher net benefit (39294.8 ETB ha^-1) with the highest marginal rate of return (166.24%) at 100 kg NPS ha^-1. Therefore, it can tentatively be concluded that application of 150 kg NPS ha^-1 Ebisa and Chala varieties and 100 kg NPS ha^-1 of variety Burqa to be the best treatment in the study area.

ASSESSMENT OF LONG DURATION PIGEON PEA (Cajanuscajan) VARIETIES WITHSTAND DROUGHT AND WILT DISEASE IN RAINFED REGION OF NORTH EASTERN ZONE OF TAMIL NADU

A study was conducted for evaluation of different long duration and high yielding pigeonpea varieties in rainfed region of North Eastern Zone of Tamil Nadu to assess its drought and wilt disease tolerance. The field trials were conducted at Vellore district, Tamil Nadu during Kharif season 2017-18using improved varieties along with ruling verities as comparative check. The experimental plot was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) and replicated in five times with the improved varieties of LRG 41, LRG 52 and CO-8 that are conferred for rainfed condition along withruling pigeonpea variety CO-7 as Farmers practices. During the study, the recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) was applied as per crop production guide. The growth and yield attributes viz.,plant height (cm), number of primary and secondary branches per plant, number of pods per plant, seed yield (kg/ha), Stover yield (kg/ha)were recorded. The wilt disease caused by Fusarium udum Butler which is predominant yield limiting disease was also recorded. The results on field level performance the genotypes revealed that the pigeonpea CO 8 was recorded maximum plant height (184.2 cm), higher number of primary branches per plant (16.7), secondary branches per plant (29.5), number of pods per plant (279.8), minimum incidence (7.0 %) wilt disease with higher yield of 1290 kg/ha was gained. Based on the on farm trial results, it could be concluded that the long duration pigeonpea variety CO 8 was found to be better option for achieving higher productivity and profitability under the rainfed region of North Eastern Zone of Tamil Nadu.

Biophysical Characterisation of Baobab Parks in Middle and Upper Casamance in Southern Senegal

In the middle and upper Casamance, the products of the baobab tree (<i>Adansonia digitata</i> L.) make an important contribution to the lives of the population. However, information on the status of baobab populations in this area is insufficient. The aim of this study is to characterise the baobab parks in this area from a biophysical point of view. To do this, the sample involved 756 baobab trees, 89 of which were in hut parks, 223 in villages and 444 in the bush. The parameters assessed on each baobab tree were circumference at 1.3m, total height, crown diameter, number of primary branches, distance between individuals, level of fruiting and signs of anthropisation. The data were subjected to an analysis of variance with the ANOVA test followed by the Student Newman Keuls test at the 05% threshold. The results showed a significant difference (Pvalue <0.05) between parks for each parameter except circumference at 1.3m. The village parks had the highest values for circumference at 1.3m (5.27±2.12m), for crown diameter (14.06±6.62m) and for distance between baobabs (19.12±8m). On the other hand, the tallest baobabs (37.79±8.93m) with the highest number of primary branches (22±14) are observed in the bush parks. According to the structural analysis, the majority of the parks (<50%) have large baobabs. The hut and village parks are dominated by the height and diameter classes of [25-35] m and [5-10] m respectively. On the other hand, in the bush parks, the most represented baobabs are found in the height <35m and diameter [1-5] m classes. Furthermore, the results on fruiting showed that bush parks have more baobabs with a high level of fruiting. Also, concerning anthropisation, high rates (more than 52% of baobabs) were noted for each type of park. These results show an ageing baobab population threatened by strong anthropic pressure. Thus, efforts should be made to ensure the survival of these baobab populations, which are essential to the life of local populations, through better management.

Comparative evaluation of grafting and budding methods in jackfruit

Inarching is the most widely practised vegetative method of propagation for multiplication of jackfruit in tarai region, but the method is cumbersome, and produces less number of plants from a single mother plant. Therefore, the present experiment was conducted to find out other alternative method for commercial propagation of jackfruit. The study was conducted for twelve months with five methods of propagation viz., inarching, wedge grafting, veneer grafting, patch budding and ring budding. for the earliest bud sprouting (18.08 days) with highest survival (74.38%), number of leaves (14.21) and girth of new growth (5.93 mm) were recorded with wedge grafting performed in the month of March. The highest number of primary branches (3.47) and length of primary root (15.36 cm) and secondary roots (32.84 cm) were obtained in plants multiplied through inarching in July. Maximum length of new growth (14.49 cm) at 90 days after fraftong (DAG) was observed in wedge grafting performed in April. Based on the results, wedge grafting has been found most appropriate propagation method to perform from December to April (best in March) under tarai conditions of Uttarakhand. Therefore, wedge grafting can be practised as an effective alternative method for jackfruit propagation instead of traditional inarching as the highest proportion of saleable grafted plants (77.56%) were also obtained through wedge grafting at 150 DAG.

Characterization of indigenous brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)lines usingmorphological traits under Jharkhand condition

A total of 25 indigenous lines collected from different agroclimatic zones of Jharkhand were evaluated at Ranchi during rabi season of 2018-19 in randomized block design with three replications. The aim of present study was to assess the extent of genetic variation and identify most promising germplasm for improvement programme. Seventeen quantitative and forty qualitative characters were analysed as per DUS guidelines. Significant differences were recorded in most of the characters. The genotype RKML-11 exhibited highest number of primary branches (6.67) and produced maximum yield (38.54 t ha-1). Maximum fruit weight was recorded in RKML-28 (262.8 g). RKML-35 showed maximum value of fruit diameter (33.9 cm) but had minimum number of fruits per plant (6.7). However, RKML-21 showed maximum fruits per plant but had smallest fruit size (8 cm). RKML-26 exhibited precocious bearing habit, it was also second-best genotype in terms of yield (37.7 t ha-1). The lowest yield was recorded in the genotype RKML-25 (8.8 t ha-1). These accessions could be used as potential donors for hybridization program to develop high heterotic hybrids.

Micropropagation Effects on Juvenile Traits, Flower Differentiation, and Tree Architecture in Young Olive Trees

Olive micropropagation is nowadays possible but knowing if it induces juvenile traits and how juvenility, vigor and fruit productivity are affected is pivotal. Three trials were carried out during micropropagation and afterwards in the field. Three varieties were characterized during multiplication in vitro, after several subcultures. ‘Arbequina’ revealed higher shoot miniaturization than ‘Coratina’ and ‘Frantoio’, and likely-juvenile shoots with three or four leaves per node. The ‘Arbequina’ trees obtained from two- and three-leaves-per-node in vitro plantlets were compared to cuttings in the field. Two years after planting, flower-differentiated shoots were found in the apical part of the canopy in all tested trees while in this position the ramification was more intense on three-leaves-per-node trees. Architecture of ‘Arbequina’ trees from micropropagation and cuttings was finally characterized in a high-density commercial grove. Micropropagated trees showed a well distributed and deep root system, a regular conical shape of the canopy, a higher number of primary branches, and a reproductive ability equivalent to cuttings. In conclusion, some juvenile traits and vigor may appear in vitro and last after ex vitro acclimation, but no more than two years in the field.

Response of Mung Bean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] to Levels of Nitrogen and Phosphorus Fertilizer under Irrigation in Central Ethiopia

Mung bean has become an important cash and food crop in dry land areas of Ethiopia. However, there is no sufficient research information on the nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilizers rates for the crop in the study area. Thus, field experiment was conducted to determine the effects of N and P fertilizer rates on growth, yield components and yield of mung bean under irrigation at Nura-Era, central Ethiopia. The treatments consisted of factorial combinations of three N fertilizer rates (0, 23 and 46 kg N ha-1) in the form of Urea (46% N) and five P fertilizer rates (0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 kg P ha-1) in the form of Triple Superphosphate (20% P) laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Result of the main effect of nitrogen rate showed significantly highest number of primary branches per plant (4.25), number of pods per plant (17.7), and 100 seed weight (4.94 g) at 23 kg N ha-1. Similarly, the main effect of P fertilizer rate showed that the application of 40 kg P ha-1 produced significantly the highest number of primary branches per plant (4.79), highest number of pods per plant (20.85), the highest number of seeds per pod (6.24), the highest aboveground dry biomass (6838.83 kg ha-1), the highest 100 seed weight (5.21 g) and the highest harvest index (25.96%). The interaction of N and P rates showed that the combination of 23 kg N ha-1 and 40 kg P ha-1 gave the highest grain yield (1902.78 kg ha-1). Thus, the combination of 23 kg N ha-1 and 40 kg P ha-1 can be used to increase the productivity of mung bean in the study area.

Assessment of Sowing Time and Cultivars on Growth, Development and Yield Parameters of Pigeonpea

Background: Pigeonpea, a nutritious crop grown in wide range of environmental condition both in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. Time of sowing, a non- monetary input, ensures the complete harmony between vegetative and reproductive phases on one hand whereas on the other hand it also maintain the rhythm of the climate with crop. Further cultivars under suitable environment conditions perform to its full potential and play a crucial role in its overall yield. Methods: A field experiment was conducted at Department of Agricultural Meteorology, CCSHAU, Hisar, during Kharif season 2017 to evaluate the effect of sowing time and cultivars on growth, development and yield parameters of pigeonpea. The experiment was laid out in split-plot design. Result: Investigation revealed that leaf area index (LAI) and dry matter significantly decreased with delay in sowing at all growth intervals and found higher in crop sown on first fortnight of May. Among varieties, UPAS-120 produced higher LAI and dry matter at all growth intervals followed by Paras and Manak. Crop sown on first fortnight of May produced highest number of primary branches, secondary branches and pods per plant. Also there was a significant increase in seeds per pod, test weight, seed yield, biological yield and harvest index followed by first fortnight of June and second fortnight of June sown crops.