Highest Values Of Plant Height Research Articles

Enhancing water use efficiency and phytochemical responses of fenugreek plants cultivated under drought stress using superabsorbent hydrogel

This study investigates the impact of two different superabsorbant hydrogels (SAH) on the growth and development of fenugreek plants cultivated under sandy soil conditions. The hydrogels used in this study were (Polyacrylic acid and Vinyl alcohol sodium polyacrylate (and were applied with rates of 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.4% of the soil weight. The amended soil with SAH could improve the growth of fenugreek plants, and the enhancement level was simultaneous with the added hydrogel rate. Morphologically, the highest concentration (0.4%) of SAH treatments recorded the highest values of plant height, root lengths, fresh weights, and shoot and root dry weight. SAH enhanced water use efficiency by modulating relative water content (RWC) in plants compared to the control. Application SAH improved transpiration rates, stomatal conductance, Water use efficiency, Photosynthesis rate, and chlorophyll contents compared to non-treated. In contrast, antioxidant enzyme activities Superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), Ascorbate peroxidase (APX), Catalase (CAT), protein contents, carbohydrate content, amino acids, and proline content were decreased when SAHs were applied as the plant was still far from the wilting point. This study shows that applying SAH in newly reclaimed desert soils was advantageous for those who had suffered from water shortage conditions.

Enhancing water use efficiency and phytochemical responses of fenugreek plants cultivated under drought stress using superabsorbent hydrogel

This study investigates the impact of two different superabsorbant hydrogels (SAH) on the growth and development of fenugreek plants cultivated under sandy soil conditions. The hydrogels used in this study were (Polyacrylic acid and Vinyl alcohol sodium polyacrylate (and were applied with rates of 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.4% of the soil weight. The amended soil with SAH could improve the growth of fenugreek plants, and the enhancement level was simultaneous with the added hydrogel rate. Morphologically, the highest concentration (0.4%) of SAH treatments recorded the highest values of plant height, root lengths, fresh weights, and shoot and root dry weight. SAH enhanced water use efficiency by modulating relative water content (RWC) in plants compared to the control. Application SAH improved transpiration rates, stomatal conductance, Water use efficiency, Photosynthesis rate, and chlorophyll contents compared to non-treated. In contrast, antioxidant enzyme activities Superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), Ascorbate peroxidase (APX), Catalase (CAT), protein contents, carbohydrate content, amino acids, and proline content were decreased when SAHs were applied as the plant was still far from the wilting point. This study shows that applying SAH in newly reclaimed desert soils was advantageous for those who had suffered from water shortage conditions.

Effect of Time of Transplanting and Spacing on Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum)

An experiment investigating the impact of transplanting time and spacing on Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) was conducted over three Kharif seasons from 2018-19 to 2020-21 at AICRP on Medicinal, Aromatic Plants and Betelvine. Twenty treatment combinations were arranged in a FRBD design. Transplanting times varied from June to August, with spacing options ranging from 60x45 cm to 75 x 60 cm. Recorded observations included plant height, primary branches per plant, fresh herbage yield, and dry herbage yield. Results indicated significant differences across all parameters based on transplanting time and spacing. Transplanting during the first fortnight of July (D3) resulted in the highest values for plant height (98.20 cm), branches per plant (16.63), fresh herbage yield (99.98 q/ha), and dry herbage yield (18.91 q/ha). The treatment of transplanting during the second fortnight of June (D2) showed comparable results. Among spacing options, 60 x 45 cm (S1) demonstrated the most favorable outcomes. Notably, the combined treatment of transplanting during the first fortnight of July with 60 x 45 cm spacing (D3S1) yielded the highest plant height (99.21 cm), fresh herbage yield (122.54 q/ha), and dry herbage yield (23.02 q/ha). Economically, this treatment also proved superior, with a net monetary return of ₹91453/- and a B:C ratio of 1.99. Overall, findings suggest that transplanting Tulsi seedlings between the second fortnight of June and the first fortnight of July, coupled with 60 x 45 cm spacing, maximizes productivity and economic returns.

Comparative Performance of Different Fertilizer Recommendation Methods on Growth and Yield of Rice (Oryza sativa) in Old Brahmaputra Floodplain Soils

Improving rice productivity is the challenge for the farmer due to rapid soil health deterioration in intensive agricultural system. Therefore, the present study was conducted to evaluate comparative performance of different nutrient management practices in rice production in Bangladesh. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. There were six treatments namely, T1 (Control-no fertilizer), T2 (Farmer’s Practice), T3 (Fertilizer Recommendation Guide-2018), T4 (BAU Soil Testing Kit), T5 (Soil Test Basis) and T6 (Rice Crop Manager). The results revealed that all the treatments showed better performances over control (T1). Treatment T4 (BAU Soil Testing Kit) produced the highest value of plant height (90.18 cm), panicle length (24.90), filled grains panicle-1 (122.60) and 1000-grain weight (26.67g) while T5 (Soil Test Basis) produced maximum effective tillers hill-1 (12.80). The highest grain yield (6.29 t ha-1) and straw yield (7.73 t ha-1) were recorded in treatment T4 (BAU Soil Testing Kit). Treatment T4 (BAU Soil Testing Kit) also showed the highest grain yield increase (61.49%) and straw yield increase (90.49%) over control. The highest total N, P and K uptake (108.84 kg ha-1, 24.54 kg ha-1 and 128.17 kg ha-1) were obtained in the treatment T4 (BAU Soil Testing Kit). Control treatment T1 (No fertilizers) showed minimum performances in all the cases compared to other treatments. The overall result demonstrated that the application of fertilizers following BAU Soil Testing Kit method of fertilizer application system is a better option for rice production.

Effect of charcoal and spent engine oil on some growth indices of <i>Rhizophora racemosa</i> g. Mayer grown in garden soil

This study investigated the effect of charcoal and spent engine oil on some growth indices of mangrove seedlings Rhizophora racemose G. Mayer grown in garden soil. The aim was to discover means of improving mangrove nursery growth and survival in the Niger Delta area of Nigeria. Rhizophora racemose was planted in garden soil amended with four different treatments: C (Garden soil only), PC (Garden soil + Charcoal), PCSEO (Garden soil + Charcoal + 6% Spent engine oil), and SSEO (Garden soil + 6% Spent engine oil), with three replicates each and randomized complete block design was adopted for the study. The effect of these treatments was monitored biweekly on some growth indices – plant height, leaf area, leaf length, number of leaves and stem girth, except for root length, number of roots, fresh weight, dry weight and chlorophyll content of R. racemosa which were obtained at 18th week after planting. The study revealed that PC treatment had the highest values for plant height, number of leaves, fresh weight, plant girth, root length when compared to other treatments (C, PCSEO and SSEO) while SSEO recorded the least values. Among the treatments, there were significant differences in the plant height, fresh weight and root length of R. racemosa at P = 0.05. The garden soil amended with charcoal improved the performance of R. racemosa than in spent engine oil alone (PC > PCSEO > SSEO). This could be attributed to the presence of heavy metals in spent engine oil. Again, the charcoal amended soil had higher values for growth indices when compared with the control (C) treatment. This suggest that charcoal has the potency of improving garden soil fertility, plant survival and productivity. Therefore, charcoal could be beneficial in environmental conservation, restoration of endangered forest especially the mangroves in the Niger Delta polluted with crude oil. The study recommends that, charcoal should be incorporated in reforestation and afforestation approaches of mangrove forests.

Response of chickpea's yield and yield components to double inoculation with mycorrhiza and rhizobium under split application of nitrogen

AbstractThe utilization of advantageous microorganisms as a biofertilizer has gained significant importance in the agricultural industry due to their potential contribution to food safety and the sustainable cultivation of crops. To evaluate the effect of nitrogen (N) fertilizer and co‐inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhiza and rhizobium on the yield and yield component of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), a 2‐year field experiment was conducted in 2020–2021 at the Agricultural Research Station of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran. The experiment was designed as a randomized block trial in factorial design with three replicates. The treatments included two levels of inoculation (noninoculated and inoculated with rhizobium and mycorrhiza) and application of different levels of N fertilizer (0, 25, or 50 kg ha−1) at three growth stages (sowing, flowering, pod filling) as follows; F0 (0,0,0), F1 (25,0,0), F2 (25,25,0), F3 (25,25,25), F4 (50,0,0), F5 (50,50,0) and F6 (50,50,50), respectively. The results showed that seed inoculation and split N fertilization significantly increased yield and yield components in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). Seed inoculation showed the highest values for all traits studied compared to the noninoculated treatments. Moreover, among the fertilizer treatments, the highest values for plant height (41.8 cm), number of branches (9.1), number of grains per plant (17.8) and 100‐grain weight (30.4 g) from F6 through the F3 treatment, were statistically similar. The results show that the effect of inoculation is more significant when a lower amount of N fertilizer is applied. Due to the health and environmental problems associated with chemical fertilizers, double inoculation and split application of N fertilizers at lower doses can be recommended.

Effect of Bio-Fertilizer Application on Agronomic Traits, Yield, and Nutrient Uptake of Barley (Hordeum vulgare) in Saline Soil.

Under salinity conditions, growth and productivity of grain crops decrease, leading to inhibition and limited absorption of water and elements necessary for plant growth, osmotic imbalance, ionic stress, and oxidative stress. Microorganisms in bio-fertilizers have several mechanisms to provide benefits to crop plants and reduce the harmful effect of salinity. They can be effective in dissolving phosphate, fixing nitrogen, promoting plant growth, and can have a combination of all these qualities. During two successful agricultural seasons, two field experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of bio-fertilizer applications, including phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB), nitrogen fixation bacteria and a mix of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria and nitrogen fixation bacteria with three rates, 50, 75 and 100% NPK, of the recommended dose of minimal fertilizer on agronomic traits, yield and nutrient uptake of barley (Hordeum vulgare) under saline condition in Village 13, Farafra Oasis, New Valley Governorate, Egypt. The results showed that the application of Microbein + 75% NPK recorded the highest values of plant height, spike length, number of spikes/m2, grain yield (Mg ha-1), straw yield (Mg ha-1), biological yield (Mg ha-1), protein content %, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) uptakes in grain and straw (kg ha-1), available nitrogen (mg/kg soil), available phosphorus (mg/kg soil), total microbial count of soil, antioxidant activity of soil (AOA), dehydrogenase, nitrogen fixers, and PSB counts. The application of bio-fertilizers led to an increase in plant tolerance to salt stress, plant growth, grain yield, and straw yield, in addition to the application of the bio-fertilizers, which resulted in a 25% saving in the cost of mineral fertilizers used in barley production.

Comprehensive Morphometric and Biochemical Characterization of Seven Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) Genotypes: Focus on Light Use Efficiency

The choice of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) genotypes determines key attributes such as yield, flavor, and adaptability, contributing significantly to the overall success and sustainability of basil cultivation practices. As the primary aim of this study, seven basil accessions were characterized for both their growth performance and biochemical profile of volatile compounds, enabling the differentiation among distinct chemotypes. As secondary objectives, growth performance and production were evaluated under natural solar radiation conditions (SR100) and with a 30% reduction in solar radiation using a net (SR70). Light use efficiency (LUE) determination revealed the plants’ biomass production capability under different solar radiation (SR) conditions. Genotypes A, B, C, and G were characterized by a high levels of linalool, which is typically associated with the “pesto” sauce smell. Lemon basil D exhibited a different chemotype due to the presence of neral and geranial. E and F displayed a different chemotype due to the higher concentration of α-bergamotene. The total fresh harvested biomass was significantly higher in SR70 than SR100 conditions. The second harvest in both SR conditions was the most productive one, while genotype E under SR70 displayed the highest yield. The landraces D and E showed the highest LUE values, indicating their capability in converting the solar radiation into fresh biomass. Plants grown in SR70 conditions registered significantly higher values of plant height, number of branches, and leaf weight. This work aimed to provide valuable insights into the selection of basil genotypes suitable for sustainable agriculture. Conversely, it lays the basis for cultivation aspects pertaining to the crop’s adaptability in peri-urban, marginal lands, which are characterized by limited solar radiation.

Effect of nitrogen levels and liquid nano urea application on growth and yield of rice (Oryza sativa L.)

A field experiment was conducted at Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru College of Agriculture and Research Institute, Karaikal to study the effect of nitrogen levels and liquid nano urea application on the growth and yield of rice (Oryza sativa L.) during samba 2021 (September 2021 to January 2022) under puddled transplanted condition, involving fourteen treatments in a randomized block design (RBD) replicated thrice. The experiment involved a combination of four levels of nitrogen (0, 50, 75 and 100 % recommended dose of N) with three methods of liquid nano urea application (seed treatment, root dipping and foliar spraying) along with recommended dose of fertilizers and control. The results revealed that the application of 75 % recommended N + seed treatment with liquid nano urea resulted in the highest values for plant height, leaf area index, leaf area duration, dry matter production and number of tillers hill-1 followed by application of 100 % recommended N + seed treatment with liquid nano urea. Application of 75 % recommended N + seed treatment with liquid nano urea increased the grain yield by 14.8 and 84.3 % and straw yield by 6.5 and 76.4 % over recommended NPK and control, respectively.

Residual Effect of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on Growth Indices of Chickpea under Soybean-Chickpea System in Vertisol of Central India

A field experiment was conducted at ICAR-Indian Institute of Pulses Research, Regional Station, Bhopal to evaluate the residual effect of the fertilizer with organic manure on the growth indices of chickpea in soybean-chickpea system in Vertisol of central India. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design comprising two levels of farm yard manure (5 t FYM ha-1 or No FYM) in the main plots and six micronutrient management levels (control, 25 kg ZnSO4 ha-1, 12.5 kg ZnSO4 ha-1 + zinc solubilizer, ammonium molybdate (AM) 1 g kg-1 seed treatment + 25 kg ZnSO4 ha-1, ammonium molybdate (AM) 1 kg ha-1 soil application + 25 kg ZnSO4 ha-1, and ammonium molybdate (AM) 1 g kg-1 seed treatment + 0.5% foliar spray of ZnSO4 at 30 and 60 days after sowing) in sub-plots with three replications. The results revealed that the application of 5 t FYM ha-1 resulted in significantly higher values of plant height, dry matter accumulation, branches plant-1, leaf area index, leaf area duration, absolute growth rate, crop growth rate, and relative growth rate than no application of FYM. Furthermore, ammonium molybdate (AM) at 1 kg ha-1 as a basal application with 25 kg ha-1 ZnSO4 significantly improved all the growth parameters, viz. plant height, dry matter accumulation (DMA), branches plant-1, leaf area index, leaf area duration, absolute growth rate, crop growth rate, and relative growth rate over the control, 25 kg ZnSO4 ha-1 and 12.5 kg ZnSO4 ha-1 + zinc solubilizer. However, it was statistically on par with the AM 1 g kg-1 seed treatment + 25 kg ZnSO4 ha-1 + 25 kg ZnSO4 ha-1 and AM 1 g kg-1 seed treatment + 0.5% foliar spray of ZnSO4 with respect to all growth parameters. Thus, the application of farmyard manure 5 t ha-1 with AM at 1 kg ha-1 as a basal application with 25 kg ha-1 ZnSO4 could be used to sustain chickpea production and maintain soil fertility. The results highlight the importance of using plant nutrients from various sources and methods of application for realizing high chickpea productivity.

Tek Yıllık Yabani Ayçiçeği Türlerinin Tarla Koşullarında Bazı Morfolojik, Fenolojik ve Agronomik Karakterleri Açısından Değerlendirilmesi

New gene sources are needed for adaptation to climatic changes, resistance to the regeneration of diseases and pests, and achieving high heterosis in sunflower breeding. Wild species are the most important gene sources for sunflower breeding studies. For breeding studies, it is necessary to know the morphological, Phenological, and agronomic characteristics of these genotypes in field conditions. The aim of this research was to determine these components of annual wild sunflower (Helianthus) species under field conditions in the 2012 and 2013 growing seasons for new gene sources. In this research, H. agrestis, H. annuus (4 different genotypes), H. anomalus, H. argophyllus, H. bolanderi, H. debilis (ssp. debilis, ssp. cucumerifolius, ssp. silvestris, ssp. tardiflorus and ssp. vestitus subspecies), H. deserticola, H. exilis, H. neglectus, H. niveus (ssp. niveus, ssp. canescens and ssp. tephrodes subspecies) H. petiolaris (ssp. petiolaris (2 different genotypes) and ssp. fallax subspecies), H. porteri, and H. praecox (ssp. praecox (2 different genotypes), ssp. hirtus, and ssp. runyani subspecies) were used as material. In this study, determined characters on annual wild sunflower genotypes were plant height, primary branches number, secondary branches number per primary branches, plant spreading diameter, the number of days from planting to first flowering, the number of days from planting to 50 % flowering, the number of days from planting to the end of flowering, the number of days of the flowering period, main stem diameter, head diameter, 1000 seeds weight, and seed yield. Year factor had a significant effect on these characters except plant height. Genotype had a significant effect on all characters in both years except seed width in 2013. In both years, the highest values for seed yield, 100 seed weight, head diameter, and main stem diameter were obtained in wild H. annuus genotypes while H. argophyllus had the highest values for plant height and primary branches number, and the highest days numbers from planting to first and 50% flowering. In the first and second growing seasons; values of the genotypes changed between 61.33 and 325.67 cm for plant height, between 0.73 and 101.20 g for thousand seed weight, between 97 and 223 days for the time from planting to 50% flowering, between 50 and 171 days for the flowering period, between 5.0 and 800.70 units for the number of plant heads, between 1.57 and 233.20 g for plant grain yields.

Assessing the Influence of Nano Urea on the Growth and Yield of Irrigated Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Crop

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is one of the world's most essential cereal crops, serving as a staple food for a significant portion of the global population. In the pursuit of achieving higher yields in contemporary agriculture, the use of chemical fertilizers poses an increased environmental risk. However, the application of Nano urea offers a potential solution to mitigate this risk to a certain extent. To address this objective, a field experiment was conducted during the Rabi seasons of 2022-2023 at the A trial was executed in the rural area of Kanpur district of Mandhana, located 10 km from Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh, during the Rabi season of 2022-23. The experimental design involved two main factors: Factor-1 Nitrogen (at 50%, 75%, and 100% levels) and Factor-2 Foliar Spray (at one time Nano urea and two time Nano urea, with 4 ml/l). A control group was included, and the experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with 13 treatments in three replications. The results indicated that the combination of 100% nitrogen along with a foliar spray of 4 ml/L Nano urea had a significant positive impact on growth, yield, and various yield parameters. Treatment 6 demonstrated the highest values for plant height (95.66 cm), Dry matter accumulation (1014.09 g m-2), number of tillers m-2 (417.44), Leaf area index at 90 DAS (4.85), effective ear head per (m-2) (282.66), grains per ear head (65.75), test weight (48.52 g), grain yield (46.15 quintals/ha), and straw yield (57.92 quintals/ha). The study's results demonstrated a generally positive effect of combined Nano urea with traditional NPK nutrient supply on the growth and yield parameters of wheat in irrigated conditions.

Influence of Planting Dates and Biohealth on Growth and Yield of Physalis peruviana L. Plant

An experiment was conducted to evaluate effect of planting dates and Biohealth on growth and yield of (Physalis Peruviana L.) plant at field of Directorate of Agriculture Research Center in Erbil, Kurdistan Region – Iraq. The experiment was laid out in Factorial Randomized Complete Block Design replicated three with nine treatments, and the experiment included three different Planting dates (2nd February, 17th February and 4th March) and Biohealth doses (0, 8, 16 g/1). The results of the experiment demonstrated that the first date of Planting (2nd February) produced early flowering and the greatest branch number. The maximum plant height and stem diameter were found from 4th March Planting. Moreover, the earliest flowering was recorded from the plant treated with 8 g/L Biohealth and control plant. The greatest numbers of branches and stem diameter were gained from the plant treated with Biohealth 8 g/l. The highest value of plant height was measured in the treatment (control plants + 4th March Planting), while the treatment of (Biohealth 8 g/l + 2nd February) was indicated the greatest number of branches. The shortest flowering period was recorded in the combination of (2nd February without Biohealth) and (2nd February with Biohealth 8 g/L). The best result of total Carotenoid in Physalis peruviana L fruits were gained from the first date (17th February) and third date (4th March) of Planting, while Biohealth 16 g/1 provided the best result of the total carotenoid. The best level of total carotenoid was investigated from the treatment (2nd February + Biohealth 16 g/l).

Efficiency of Bacterial Biofertilizers and Spraying with Nano-Phosphates on Vegetative and Root Growth Indicators of Iris Flowers

The research was carried out at the research station of the College of Agriculture - University of Kufa during the growing season of 2022-2023 to demonstrate the effect of biofertilizers and phosphate fertilization on the growth of Iris flowers. Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Azotobacter chroococcum by injecting the bacteria into the culture medium before planting the bulbs, and the second was foliar spray using superphosphate Nano-fertilizer at levels 0, 1, or 2 mg/L. The bulbs were cultivated on 10/24/2022 in a factorial experiment with three replications as Randomized Complete Block Design (R.C.B.D). Results showed that when phosphate Nano-fertilizer concentrations rose, so did indicator levels. It was also discovered that regardless of the type of bacteria used for fertilization, the results were the same: an increase in the growth markers of interest. In contrast to most Single and nested transactions, the results showed that the bacteria A. chroococcum at the treatment of P2 fertilization (2 mg/L) recorded the highest values for plant height, number of leaves, vegetative dry weight, number of bulbs, bulb diameter, and root dry weight. In comparison to other varieties of bacteria at the same stage of fertilization, however, it showed no significant differences.

Sowing Dates and Melatonin Application Impact on Soybean Growth and Yield in Western Region of Iraq

Global warming led to many environmental changes, temperature and photo period are noticeably altered within regions, hence, sowing crops in same recommended dates might affect their growth and production due to those environmental changes. The idea here in this study was to investigate the influence of changing sowing date on soybean growth and production. Plants subjected to extreme early and late dates (five dates started from 10th of Aprile with 15-day interval) and melatonin foliar application (0 µM, 100 µM, 200 µM and 300 µM). Obtained results showed great response of soybean, some traits appeared superior in particular dates while others showed the opposite. Plants sown very late in 9th Jun and those sown as recommended in 10th May both gave the highest value of plant height with no significant difference, while the lowest plant hight was reported for plants sown early 10th of Aprile. Plant leaf area appeared high for the plants sown in 9th of Jun. On the other hand, early sown plants had lowest value of plant leaf area. Recommended date gave highest number of branches, while very late date had the minimum. Pods number per plant presented high value at recommended date with no significant differences with plants sown late in May and Jun. plants sown in 10th Aprile and 25th Aprile gave highest total seed yield. Melatonin played interesting role improving all studied traits and mainly increased the yield and minimized the reduction in yield for plants sown early and late.

Effect of Bio Char and Amino Acid (Steam) on Growth and Green Yield of Onion (Allium cepa L.) Variety (Karbala)

The experiment was carried out in the vegetable field of Horticulture and Landscape Department / College of Agriculture and Forestry / University of Mosul, during 2021-2022 season to investigate the effect of administration of bio char in three doses (0, 3.5, 7, 10.5 t. Ha-1) and three Concentrations of Amino acid(Steam)(0, 10, 15 ml.L-1)on growth and green yield of onion variety (Karbala) The experiment was designed according to randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The results showed that : Adding the bio char in doses of 7 t. Ha-1 to the soil significantly increased several growth and yield properties(bulbs number, leaves number, bulb diameter, fresh and dry weight of leaves and roots, plant yield, and biological yield). Spraying amino acid (Steam) at 15 ml.L-1 doses gave the highest values of plant height, fresh and dry weight of leaves and roots per plant, diameter of bulb neck. But highest values of average weight of bulb and biological yield was from spraying amino acid (Steam) at 10 ml.L-1 doses. The combination treatments between bio char and amino acid (Steam) show a significant effect in some vegetative growth and yield parameters of onion.

Effect of Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.)- Pulses Intercropping System with Nutrient Management on Growth and Yield of Pearl Millet

A field experiment was conducted at the College Farm, N. M. College of Agriculture, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari (Gujarat) to study the effect of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) - pulses intercropping system and nutrient management on growth and yield of pearl millet during summer season of the years 2021 and 2022. The experiment was laid out in a split plot design consisting 24 treatment combinations replicated thrice. The main plot treatments comprised of four intercropping system viz., sole pearl millet (I1), pearl millet + greengram (I2), pearl millet + blackgram (I3), pearl millet + cowpea (I4) and six nutrient management practices in sub plot viz. control (F1), 100% RDF to pearl millet through inorganic fertilizer (F2), 5 t/ha FYM + 100% RDF through inorganic fertilizer (F3), 5 t/ha FYM + 100% RDF through inorganic fertilizer on base of STV (F4), 25% RDN through FYM + 75% RDF through inorganic fertilizer (F5) and 50% RDN through FYM + 50% RDF through inorganic fertilizer (F6). Among main plot effect, significantly higher dry matter accumulation per plant, number of effective tillers per plant, earhead length, earhead weight, grain weight per earhead, grain and straw yields of pearl millet were noted in sole pearl millet (I1) during both the years of investigation as well as in pooled analysis. Whereas plant height and pearl millet equivalent yield was significantly higher in pearl millet + greengram (I2) intercropping system. In case of sub plot nutrient management practices, significantly higher values of plant height, dry matter accumulation per plant, number of effective tillers per plant, earhead length, earhead weight, grain weight per earhead, grain and straw yields as well as pearl millet equivalent yield were recorded in F4 (5 t/ha FYM + RDF through inorganic fertilizer on base of STV) which remained statistically at par with treatment F3 (5 t/ha FYM + 100% RDF through inorganic fertilizer) treatment. Interaction effect of I1F4 (sole pearl millet along with 5 t/ha FYM + RDF through inorganic fertilizer on base of STV) resulted in significantly higher dry matter accumulation per plant at 60 DAS and harvest, earhead weight, grain weight per earhead, grain and straw yield of pearl millet.

Nitrogen, Rhizobium and molybdenum for higher soil bacterial population, N uptake and productivity of lentil (Lens culinaris) grown under rice (Oryza sativa)-fallow conditions

A field experiment was conducted during the winter (rabi) seasons of 2014–15, 2015–16 and 2016–17 in loamy soils of the Regional Agricultural Research Station, Assam Agricultural University, Shillongani, Assam, to study the effect of varying doses of nitrogen, Rhizobium and molybdenum on bacterial population in soil, N uptake, yield attributes, grain yield and economics of lentil (Lens culinaris Medikus spp. culinaris) grown after the harvesting of winter rice (Oryza sativa L.) variety ‘Gitesh’. Soil bacterial population increased with the increase in nitrogen doses. The crop grown using seeds inoculated with Rhizobium @ 50 g/kg seed and sodium molybdate @ 1 g/kg seed along with 100% of recommended dose (RD) of N (15 kg/ha) accrued in the highest bacterial population in the soil at harvesting. Seed inoculation with Rhizobium and sodium molybdate led to considerably higher bacterial population build up in soil than seed inoculation with Rhizobium and sodium molybdate separately. Nitrogen uptake by lentil got reduced with decreasing N doses, being 28.54 kg/ha under RD of N and 28.03 kg/ha under 75% of recommended N. The treatment combinations involving RD and 75% of RD of N (11.25 kg/ha) and seed inoculation with Rhizobium and sodium molybdate recorded 35.16 kg/ha and 34.97 kg/ha N uptake respectively. These 2 treatment combinations ultimately accrued in higher values for plant height, pods/plant, seeds/pod and 100-seed weight and significantly higher grain yield (928.90 and 868.89 kg/ha respectively) as compared to all other treatment combinations. Benefit: cost ratios under these 2 treatment combinations were 2.18 and 2.09 respectively. The treatment combinations were tested for maximizing lentil production utilizing rice-fallows and farmers’ acceptability in farmers’ fields during rabi 2017–18 through 3 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVK) in Upper Brahmaputra Valley (UBV) in Jorhat district, Central Brahmaputra Valley (CBV) in Nagaon district and Lower Brahmaputra Valley (LBV) in Nalbari district of the state. The RD of N + seed inoculation with Rhizobium and sodium molybdate yielded the highest (5.8–8.2 q/ha) at all the locations closely followed by 75% RD of N + Rhizobium + sodium molybdate (5.93–7.25 q/ha).

Performance of African marigold (Tagetes errecta) cultivars for vegetative, flower and chemical traits at different locations of Ethiopia

Despite the African marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) is one of the most commercially exploited flower and medicinal crops in the world and have received great attention in scientific research in the recent past, the plant has never been tested under Ethiopian condition for its agronomic and chemical traits. Thus, the present study was conducted with the main objective to evaluate the growth, yield and quality attributes of three introduced African marigold cultivars. The experiments were conducted at six locations in Ethiopia using a randomized complete block design with three replications. Data on vegetative growth, flower characteristics, inflorescence yield, and xanthophyll content were collected and statistically tested. Significant variation (P < 0.01) was observed among cultivars across the tested locations for all the studied parameters. Overall higher values of plant height (65.48 cm), branch number plant-1 (89.09), inflorescence number plant-1 (76.89), inflorescence weight (25.48 g), inflorescence yield plant-1 (560.77 g) and inflorescence yield ha-1 (18 t) were obtained in AVT001 cultivar and flower xanthophyll content (27.6 mg g-1) in AVT540 cultivar; while lowest values were rerecorded for all characters in Hewoyde cultivar. Inflorescence yield ha-1 was found positively and significantly correlated with all parameters except xanthophyll content. Xanthophyll content was found positively and significantly correlated with flower weight. As the cultivars AVT001 and AVT540 are adapted very well and gave comparable and/or higher yields with the other marigold growing countries, the two cultivars can be recommended for commercial cultivation of their inflorescence and extracted pigments in Ethiopia.

Response of Capsicum (Capsicum annuum L.) Hybrids to Micro-nutrients under Protected Conditions

The field experiment was carried out during rabi season of 2021-22 and 2022 at Vegetable Research Farm of Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur to find out the response of capsicum hybrids to micronutrients under protected conditions. The experiment was laid out in Split Plot Design (SPD) with 15 treatment combinations and replicated thrice. The experiment comprised three hybrids viz., Indira, Swarna and Bomby and five levels of micronutrients viz., control (no micronutrients application), soil application of Zn, Fe & B, fertigation of EDTA of Zn & Fe and solubor at 15 days interval, foliar application of vegetable special @ 5g/lit at 15 days interval and foliar application of chelated combo micronutrients @ 1g/lit at 15 days interval. Recommended package of practices for the crop were followed except treatments. Results of the experiment revealed that the hybrid Indira recorded significantly highest plant height (91.30 and 94.89 cm), number of branches (11.87 and 12.30), stem girth (4.31 and 4.60 cm), number of leaves (102.94 and 106.43), internode length (13.82 and 14.01 cm), number of flowers per plant (38.22 and 38.36), fruit set (55.10 and 55.44%), no. of fruits per plant (20.99 and 21.22), fruit weight per plant (3.69 and 3.74 kg) and fruit yield per 1000 m2 (70.36 and 71.35 q) while fruit length (11.45 and 11.71 cm), fruit diameter (10.54 and 10.66 cm), weight of placenta (18.51 and 18.71g) and average weight of fruit (193.31 and 195.90g) were significantly highest in Swarna. In case of micronutrients, foliar application of vegetable special @ 5g/at 15 day recorded significantly highest value of plant height (93.72 and 96.77cm), no. of branches (12.66 and 13.39), stem girth (4.75 and 5.12 cm), no. of leaves (105.52 and 108.68), internode length (14.75 and 15.04cm), no. of flowers per plant (41.34 and 41.95), fruit set (56.66 and 57.45%), no. fruits per plant (20.56 and 20.73), fruit length (11.85 and 12.07cm), fruit diameter (10.62 and 10.80cm), weight of placenta (18.31 and 18.46g), average fruit weight (189.03 and 191.33g), fruit weight per plant (4.12 and 4.17 kg) and fruit yield (78.64 & 79.60q/1000 m2). Hence, hybrid Indira and foliar application of vegetable special @ 5g/at 15 days may be recommended for higher productivity from capsicum crops under protected conditions.