Horticulture Farm Research Articles

ROLE OF CLYBIO APPLICATION ON SUMMER ONION (Allium cepa) PRODUCTION IN BANGLADESH

A field experiment was conducted at the Horticulture Farm of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka, from June to October 2021 to evaluate the influence of Clybio concentrations on summer onions (Allium cepa) production. The variety used was BARI Piaz-3. The single factorial experiments were laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The experiment consisted of four treatments, namely, T0 = control (no Clybio application), T1 = Clybio @ 2 ml/L, T2 = Clybio @ 4 ml/L and T3 = Clybio @ 6 ml/L, and in total, this was applied six times, starting from 10 DAT until 60 DAT and was applied in a foliar manner to both leaves and surrounding soil. Among the treatments, the maximum plant height (60.8cm), the number of leaves per plant (16.7), leaf length (54.2cm), leaf weight (31.3g), diameter of pseudo stem (11.9mm), root length (8.4cm), number of roots (33), bulb diameter (43.8mm), bulb length (52.7mm), weight of a single bulb (45.7g), average bulb yield per plot (33.2 t/ha) was recorded at T3 treatment. The highest length of pseudo stem (49.4 mm) was found in the T1 treatment. On the contrary, the minimum plant height (38.3cm), number of leaves per plant (7.0), leaf length (24.1cm), leaf weight (17.7g), root length (4.5cm), number of roots (26), bulb diameter (22.7mm), bulb length (42.0mm), weight of a single bulb (22.0g), average bulb yield per plot (16.0 t/ha) was observed at T0 (control) treatment. The lowest diameter of the pseudo stem was found at the T1 (7.5mm). No statistically significant variation was found in the length of the pseudo stem (mm) in response to different treatments. When compared to control (T0), the highest increase in yield percentage was observed at T3 treatment (107.5%). A highly significant, very strong (R2 = 0.99) and positive correlation was discovered between bulb weight and root length, indicating that bulb weight increased as root length increased. Considering the aforementioned findings, T3 (Clybio @ 6 ml/L) treatment delivered the best results in terms of growth and yield attributes of offseason onions.

The Evaluation of Implementation of Integrated Pest and Disease Control by Farmers of Food and Holticultural Corps in Banyuasin and Ogan Komering Ulu Timur

Reducing crop cultivation is providing ecological biota for plants through Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Farmers' problems regarding pests and diseases in Banyuasin and OKU Timur, especially for food crops and horticulture farmers. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the compliance of food crops and horticulture farmers in implementing safe and environmentally friendly IPM. Study on various fields of food and horticulture farmers in Banyuasin and Ogan Komering Ulu. The research method used is purposive sampling. Observation of Plant Pests and Diseases was completed directly in the field. Then determine the disease score in each sample plant. The parameters observed in this study are the behavior of farmers towards the decision-making process of using pesticides. Pest and disease intensity, and disease attack percentage were analyzed descriptively in the form of tables and graphs, as well as correlation analysis. The highest value of diversity of pests and diseases of food and horticultural crops based on the entire area of the observed land was found in a land area of 0.25 ha, which is the area that is often found in land for crop cultivation. The average age percentage of farmers in Banyuasin and OKU East is 40 to 50 years old. The average education of farmers in Banyuasin and OKU Timur is 24 farmers. The percentage and intensity of both horticultural and food crops in Banyuasin are good because only a few farmers get a score of 2 or 1. Cultivation techniques are land preparation, land sanitation, selection of resistant varieties, spacing, irrigation, crop rotation, intercropping, mulching, natural enemies of insects, and weeding.

Analysis of the Involvement and Role of Women Farmers in Peatland Horticultural Agricultural Development Efforts (Case Study of Horticultural Agricultural Land Belonging to the Maju Jaya Bersama Farmer Group in Kampung Baru Hamlet, Batang Duku Village, Bukit Batu District, Bengkalis Regency, Riau Province)

Maju Jaya Bersama Farmer Group is one of the horticultural farming groups assisted by CSR PT Kilang Pertamina Internasional RU II Produksi Sungai Pakning, which has been empowered since 2022, is located in Kampung Baru Hamlet, Batang Duku Village, Bukit Batu District, Bengkalis Regency, Riau Province. The empowerment assistance carried out by the company aims to improve the habits of farmers in agricultural land processing techniques that are not environmentally friendly and to increase the capacity of group members in developing agriculture. Another goal is to encourage the optimization of the application of irrigation management on agricultural land, regulate land spatial planning to strengthen group institutions. The program implemented by the company promotes inclusivity by taking into account the needs and interests of members of women's groups. This effort is carried out through education related to the processing of harvested products and access to marketing as well as empowerment in social and political aspects so that they have the capability to be directly involved and actively participate in group planning and policies. Therefore, this research is focused on analyzing the participation and role of women farmers and the social capital owned by the group in encouraging the sustainability of the community empowerment program initiated by CSR PT Kilang Pertamina Internasional RU II Produksi Sungai Pakning. This study uses a descriptive qualitative approach supported by data collection techniques by snowball sampling. The results of the study show that economic factors are the main reason why female members of the Maju Jaya Bersama Farmer Group join to help meet household needs. They have a significant role in managing agricultural land even though they have a double burden because they still have to work at home. Their active participation in forms, ideas, labor, and decision-making has resulted in changes in land management and management systems that are able to overcome problems within the group. The access of female members to gain knowledge is an important aspect for increasing knowledge and skills so that their role and participation in the group is increasing and sustainable.

EFFECT OF DIFFERENT PHOSPHORUS FERTILIZATION AND SOWING DATES ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF LABLAB (Lablab purpureus L. walp) VARIETIES IN SEMI-ARID ECOLOGICAL ZONE OF RINGIM, JIGAWA STATE, NIGERIA

Field trials were conducted at the Jigawa state Horticultural Farm during 2019, 2020 and 2021 wet seasons to investigate the effect of phosphorus levels and sowing date on the growth and yield of lablab varieties (Dan Farankachi and Dan Inusa). The treatments consisted of four levels of phosphorus (0, 20, 40 and 60 kgPha-1) in the form of single superphosphate and three sowing dates 1st July (S1), 15th July (S2) and 29th July (S3), laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) and replicated three times. Data were collected on canopy height, number of branches, leaf area index and pod yield per hectare. The results showed that application of 60 kgPha-1 and 40 kgPha-1 resulted to highest growth in terms of canopy height at 4WAS and 8WAS in 2019, 2021 wet season and 2020 wet season and combined, respectively, sowing three had taller plants at 4WAS, and highly significant (P≤0.01) varietal differences at 12WAS in 2020 and 2021 wet seasons, variety was highly significant (P≤0.01) at 12 WAS in 2020 wet season and combined. The results showed that application of 60 kgPha-1 at 4WAS and 12WAS were highly significant (P≤0.01), and sowing three resulted to highest number of branches per plant at 4WAS. It was further reported that, leaf area index were highly significant (P≤0.01) interns of phosphorus application and sowing dates at 4 and 12WAS, pod yield was also highly significant (P≤0.01) in all the seasons. Based on the result of this study, it could be concluded that application of 60 kg P/ha, Dan Inusa and sowing date of 29th July could be adopted by farmers for better yield of lablab in the study area, hence recommended for better yield.

EFFECT OF DIFFERENT PHOSPHORUS LEVELS AND SOWING DATES ON YIELD AND YIELD COMPONENT OF LABLAB (Lablab purpureus L. walp) VARIETIES IN RINGIM JIGAWA STATE, NIGERIA

Field experiment was conducted at the Jigawa State Horticultural Farm Ringim, during 2019, 2020 and 2021 wet seasons to investigate the effect of phosphorus levels and sowing date on the yield and yield components response of lablab varieties. The treatments consisted of four phosphorus levels (0, 20, 40 and 60 kg P/ha), three sowing dates (1st July, 15th July and 29th July) and two varieties of lablab (Dan Farankachi and Dan Inusa), which were factorially combined to give 24 treatments combination and laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) replicated three times. Data were collected on number of root nodules per plant, number of days to physiological maturity and seed yield per hectare, and subjected to analysis of variance and Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) was adopted in separating the means. The results showed that, application of 60 kg P/ha produced significantly higher yield characters of lablab. In terms of date of sowing, sowing lablab on 29th of July was found to be statistically (P ≤ 0.01) better in promoting yield of the crop than the other sowing dates. Variety Dan Inusa proved to be significantly (P ≤ 0.01) better than Dan Farankachi throughout the study period. Based on the result of this study, it could be concluded that application of 60 kg P/ha, Dan Inusa and sowing date of 29th July could be adopted by farmers for better yield of lablab in the study area, hence recommended for better yield.

A Social-Ecological Model for Inclusion Processes in Urban Agriculture of Vienna, Austria

The target group of this study—people with disabilities who work and who are cared for in institutions that offer occupational therapy—is largely absent from the discussions about urban agriculture. When implementing the UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities, education and work are essential aspects, especially for the self-determination of people with disabilities. However, people with disabilities are currently often prevented from truly participating in society. The main research objective of this study lies on the identification on systemic barriers to inclusion into horticultural working life as well as possible solutions. The aim of this study was to find out how inclusion processes could be facilitated in the field of urban agriculture in Vienna. A pilot project was carried out for this purpose during May and October 2019. A university, three social institutions with seven employees, two horticultural farms with two farm managers and fifteen people with disabilities took part in this pilot project. During the tomato harvest, action research was applied, evaluated and modified. At the same time, the authors tried to contribute to Grounded Theory. One of the results of this study is the suggestion that offers in the field of urban agriculture should go beyond pure cooperation between social institutions and horticultural farms. A social-ecological scenario with agro-ecological inclusion farms is elaborated. It is concluded that the establishment of such farms in terms of the UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities in Vienna could bring the city closer to reaching the Sustainable Development Goals. This is exemplified in a new framework on social-ecological inclusion processes in the world of work.

Lethality and Acetylcholinesterase Inhibition in a Native Invertebrate Species Exposed to Water Samples of an Impacted Stream (Reconquista River Basin, Argentina).

The study of multiple biomarkers in bioindicator species is a useful tool to evaluate water quality in addition to physicochemical analysis. The aim of this work was to study the toxicity of water samples from two sites with different anthropogenic impacts (R: near a residential area and FP: close to horticultural farms and industrial waste treatment plants) from Las Catonas sub-basin (Reconquista River basin) in the native gastropod Biomphalaria straminea. Some physicochemical parameters and chlorpyrifos concentration were measured in water samples. Snails were exposed in laboratory conditions 48h to the water samples and neurotoxicity, behavior, lethality and acetylcholinesterase, carboxylesterase, glutathione S-transferase, glutathione reductase and catalase activities were measured. In water from FP, chlorpyrifos was detected and conductivity and pH were higher than in R. Lethality (60%) and a decrease (30%) in acetylcholinesterase were observed in snails exposed to FP indicating that water contamination causes high toxicity in B. straminea.

Exploring the effect of landscape composition and agroecological practices on wild bees in horticultural farms

How farms and the surrounding landscape are managed locally substantially affects biodiversity, with consequent impacts on the supply of certain ecosystem services, such as pollination. Wild bees provide pollination services for small-scale horticultural farming, and are key to determining and improving farm production, as well as maintaining ecosystem-level diversity. Here, we investigated how landscape composition and agroecological practices affect wild bee community in small-scale horticultural farms. The study was conducted at 16 horticultural farms in the northern part of Madrid. The pan-trapping method was used to collect wild bees during the flowering period of horticultural plants. We interviewed farmers to identify which agroecological practices were primarily adopted to attain a resilient ecosystem. The most common practices adopted were weed control methods, natural fertilizer usage, pest control, and crop diversification. In total, 109 wild bee species were identified, and included individuals from all six bee families present on the Iberian Peninsula. One genus (Lasioglossum) was highly abundant, accounting for 68% of individuals, and is a known ground nester. Areas of sparse vegetation and bare soil and forested areas primarily enhanced the richness of bee species. On the other hand, abundance of wild bees is enhanced by pasture and forest areas. The presence of these habitats in areas surrounding farms might represent the potential nesting sites with important resources for wild bees. Small-scale horticulture production promotes landscape diversity, which strongly promotes the potential of different ecosystem services, including pollination and wild bees. Thus, implementing agroecological practices could transcend farms, and individual fields, to the landscape level, providing long-term sustainability of ecosystems.

ANALISIS KOMPARASI NILAI TUKAR PETANI TANAMAN PANGAN DENGAN NILAI TUKAR PETANI HORTIKULTURA DI SULAWESI TENGGARA

The purpose of this study is to determine the development of the welfare of food crop farmers and the welfare of horticultural farmers, as well as to analyze the comparison of the welfare of food crop farmers and the welfare of horticultural farmers in Southeast Sulawesi Province. This study uses secondary data from the Central Statistics Agency in the form of exchange rate data for food crop farmers and exchange rates for horticultural crop farmers from January 2014 to December 2022, so that the number of observations is 108 months. Analysis of this research data using a paired t test. The results of this study show the welfare of farmers from 2014 to 2022 for fluctuating and unprosperous food crops. The exchange rate for horticultural farmers' welfare fluctuated and prospered from 2020 to 2022. The welfare of food crop farmers and the welfare of horticultural farmers are significantly different.

Implementasi dan Pelatihan Agrowisata Virtual Tour dan Branding Pada Kelompok Tani Green Fresh Pelaga

Pelaga Village offers tourist attractions complete with their ecology. Pelaga Village has a large and diverse horticultural farm ranging from vegetables, flowers, and fruit. Pelaga Village has a Farmers Group called Pelaga Green Fresh with members spread throughout the Pelaga Village hamlets. Each member has a well-managed garden with the production of vegetable and fruit commodities. This potential makes Pelaga Village suitable as an agro-tourism location which is also one of the leading programs in the Pelaga Village RPJMDes. However, the Green Fresh Pelaga Farmer Group has not realized the potential of this agro-tourism due to a lack of knowledge and lack of information media to introduce the potential of this village. Therefore, branding and information media are needed so that the agro-tourism potential of Pelaga Village can be recognized by more people so that it can improve the welfare of the local community. In addition to using information media, the Green Fresh Pelaga Farmer Group also needs knowledge on how to brand and use this information media. This activity is carried out by creating information media in the form of a Virtual Tour which includes a garden atmosphere and agro-tourism video content. In addition, training was conducted on using the virtual tour website and socialization as well as training on Agro-tourism branding in the Pelaga village area, especially for the Pelaga Green Fresh Farmer Group. This is done to make the potential of Pelaga village more accessible and farmers understand about agro-tourism branding. Based on the results of the activity, members of the farmer groups have been able to understand the use of brands in the implementation of their products. In addition, the members of the Green Fresh farmer group also have a virtual tour website and are able to master the management of the virtual tour website.

General Combining Ability and Specific Combining Ability Analysis for Terminal Heat Tolerance in Wheat (Triticum Aestivum L.)

Developing bread wheat genotypes for terminal heat tolerance is a critical objective for future breeding approaches. The line x tester mating analysis is one of the best approaches to demonstrate the appropriateness of the bread wheat genotypes for selection programs. For this purpose, nine genotypes viz. T.J-83, NIA Sarrang, Khirman, SKD-1, Sehar-2006, Sarsabaz, AS-2002, NIA-Amber, and Nifa Barsat were used in this research. The experiment was planned in a factorial design with two treatments (normal and heat stress) at Botanical Garden Farm, Sindh Agriculture University Tandojam, during 2019-2020. The results depicted that at terminal heat stress, the genotypes were significantly affected by yield and physiological traits at late sowing. During the initial screening, the female parents, T.J-83, Sarsabaz, and Nifa Barsat executed very well under heat stress conditions for nearly all the yield and morphological traits. Similarly,the male parents such as Khirman and SKD-1 also performed well under heat stress conditions for all traits compare to the female parents. Furthermore, through genetic analysis, the mean effects of General Combining Ability (GCA) and Specific Combining Ability (SCA) were significant for all the characters signifying that additive and non-additive variances are important. Further, in heat-stress environments, the GCA was dominant for most characters in contrast to SCA variations. Hence, in this study, under both normal and heat stress conditions, Khirman and SKD-1 proved to be better general combiners for various characters. Therefore, these genotypes are recommended as vigor parents for hybridization and selection programs as emerging terminal heat stress tolerant genotypes.

Chinese Chan Buddhism and the Agrarian Aesthetic in the Garden

As the most important Buddhist school in the history of Chinese Buddhism, the philosophy of Chan Buddhism and its agricultural Chan practice have had a profound influence on the lives of the literati and scholars. Both historically and logically, the term “Chan Dharma 禪法” is extremely rich in connotations. The so-called “agricultural Chan 農禪” is a transformation of Chinese farming culture into the “Chan practice” by practising meditation through farming activities. The “garden farming 園耕” refers to the farming activities of the literati and scholars in the gardens, which were driven by the style of agricultural Chan. Under the influence of agricultural Chan, “garden farming” took on a new spiritual attitude towards crops and created a natural aesthetic realm of life in the act of farming. This article consists of three main sections. I start with an introduction to the religious thoughts and practices of Chan Buddhism, pointing out that the underlying colour of Chan Buddhism is the aesthetics of life, while gradually evoking its special practice of Chan. The second section discusses the concept of agricultural Chan and farming activities in gardens, to figure out the characteristics of agricultural Chan and how farming activities in gardens are carried out. In the third section, I argue for the beauty of farming in gardens, pointing out the essence of the beauty in garden farming and what aesthetic possibilities the act of farming in gardens may embody.

Foliar Application of Salicylic Acid and Zinc Sulphate Levels on Growth and Yield of Squash under Net House Condition

A field experiment was conducted at Horticulture Farm of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka during November, 2020 to February, 2021. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. The experiment had two factors (Different levels of salicylic acid, S0= No salicylic acid (control), S1= 60 ppm of salicylic acid, S2= 90 ppm of salicylic acid and different levels of zinc, Z0= No zinc sulphate (control), Z1= 25 ppm of zinc sulphate, Z2= 50 ppm of zinc sulphate. Different levels of salicylic, zinc sulphate and also their combinations showed significant influence on different growth, yield contributing parameters and yield of squash. The treatment, S2 showed highest results in fruit yield per plant (2422.7 g), fruit yield per plot (9.68 kg) and fruit yield per ha (37.83 t) compared to control. In case of zinc treatments, the highest results in fruit yield per plant (2597.1 g), highest fruit yield per plot (10.38 kg) and highest fruit yield per ha (31.74 t) were found from Z1 compared to control. Likewise, the treatment combination of S2Z1 (90 ppm of salicylic acid and 25 ppm of zinc sulphate) gave the highest fruit yield per plant (3045.4 g) fruit yield per plot (12.18 kg) and highest yield per ha (47.57 t) where the lowest results were found from the treatment combination of S0Z0 (control). The highest gross return (BDT 1189425), net return (BDT 881669) and BCR (3.86) were obtained from the treatment combination of S2Z1 where the lowest was obtained from S0Z0. It can be concluded that from economic point of view, S2Z1 (90 ppm of salicylic acid and 25 ppm of zinc sulphate) treatment combination is suitable for squash cultivation than other treatment combinations.

Influence of Plant Density and Fertilization on the Growth and Seed Yield of Bunching Onion (Allium fistulosum L.)

An experiment was conducted at the Horticulture farm of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka during the period from November 2020 to April 2021 to study the influence of plant density and fertilization on the growth and seed yield of bunching onion. The experiment consisted of three levels of spacing (Viz. S1= 20 cm x 10 cm, S2= 20 cm x 15 cm, S3= 20 cm x 20 cm) and four levels of fertilizers (Viz. F0= No Application (control), F1= N57.5kgP66kgK45kgS10kgV6t/ha, F2= N57.5kgP66kgK45kgS10kg PM6t/ha, F3= N115kgP132kgK90kgS20kgV3tPM3t/ha). The two-factor experiment was carried out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications and 12 treatments. Growth and yield of bunching onion were influenced by the different spacing. The S3 treatment resulted in the highest number of leaves (8.16), dry matter content in leaves (10.098%), number of seeds per umbel (496.56), thousand seed weight (3.64g). The maximum seed yield per hectare (1065 kg) was observed from S1 treatment. Different levels of fertilizer had also significant influence on yield of bunching onion. The highest number of leaves (8.80), thousand seed weight (4.08g) and seed yield per hectare (1056.3 kg) were found from the F3 treatment. The highest seed yield (1260 kg/ha) with net income (Tk.699991.4) and BCR (2.26) were observed from S1F3 treatment combination, while the lowest seed yield (700.2 kg/ha) with net income (Tk.258214.25) and BCR (1.56) were observed from S3F0 treatment combination. So, economic analysis revealed that the S1F3 treatment combination appeared to the best for achieving the higher yield and economic benefit of bunching onion.

Good practices adopted by horticulture farmers to minimize residual effects of pesticides for food safety hazard and soil health

Aim: To study the extent of adopting good practices by horticulture farmers to minimize the residual effects of pesticides for food safety hazard and healthy natural resource base, i.e., soil, water and biodiversity pivotal for ecological and environmental safety, climate resilience and sustainability of farming. Methodology: Exploratory study. Results: Overall awareness of horticulture farmers pertaining to minimization of residual effects of pesticides was moderate to high since 90.00 per cent farmers belonged to these categories. They regularly used branded green pesticides followed by pesticide measures after proper identification of insect pest, diseases, weeds, etc., waiting period (7-10 days) for harvesting after pesticide use or they sprayed after harvesting, no tank mixing of pesticides in one operation to avoid separate sprays of 2-3 kinds of pesticides, no use of pesticides banned by university or government to minimize residual effects of pesticides. Interpretation: Good practices are eco-friendly in nature and minimize residue effects of pesticides ultimately producing safe, healthy and nutritious fruits to reduce health hazards besides abatement in environmental pollution and ill effects on natural resource base, i.e., soil and water due to indiscriminate use of pesticides. For sustainable and climate resilient diversified agriculture through horticulture, horticultural good practices should be widely diffused and promoted with substantial policy support through competence of scientists, extension workers and farm leaders along with sufficient value chain infrastructure and marketing intelligence. Key words: Green pesticides, Good practices, Pest Defender ratio, Residual effects

Pengaruh Peran Penyuluh Pertanian Terhadap Dinamika Kelompoktani Hortikultura di Kecamatan Tigapanah

The dynamics of farmer groups is influenced by internal factors, namely the farmer groups themselves and external factors. Namely the role of agricultural extension workers. This research was conducted in Tigapanah District, Karo Regency with the consideration that this sub-district had the second largest number of farmer groups in Karo Regency with a total of 349 farmer groups. This study aims to analyze the effect of the role of agricultural extension workers on the dynamics of horticultural farmer groups. The analytical method used is Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) analysis. The results showed that the role of agricultural extension workers as facilitators, innovators, motivators, dynamists, educators, and consultants had a significant effect on the dynamics of horticultural farmer groups consisting of group objectives, group structure, task functions, group coaching and development, group cohesiveness, group atmosphere, group pressure, group effectiveness, and ulterior motives.

Contribution of women labor to orange farmers income in tebas sub-district sambas regency

The role of women workers in horticultural farming is quite large. Women are not only housewives but also make a real contribution to farming activities and household income. This study aims to determine and analyze the outpouring of labor and the contribution of women’s income to citrus farmers in Tebas District, Sambas Regency, West Kalimantan. The method used in this research was a descriptive analytic method. Data analysis to determine the amount of labor and the amount of contribution by using quantitative analysis. Determination of the sample in this study using purposive sampling technique. Interviews were conducted on 40 female farmer households. The results of the study show that: (1) The labor force of women farmers for citrus farming is 85,97 HOK/MT, (2) The income of women farmers in citrus farming activities in Tebas District is Rp1.328.000/year, (3) Income women non farming in citrus farming activities is Rp1.205.000/year, 4) The contribution of women’s income to household income is 4,3%.

Assistance for generative nurseries and the use of Biofungicides (Trichoderma spp.) for coffee farmers in the Mokwam District, Kampung Kwau Manokwari

Coffee plant (Coffea arabica) is a superior plant to be developed in the Arfak mountain region due to suitable agro-climatic conditions. The way to develop it can be done in various ways, one of which is to develop it independently using seeds from farmers' gardens. This goal can be achieved if the local farming community is able to prepare seeds that have high growth potential and are healthy, free from pests and diseases, especially diseases that are transmitted through the soil (seed born pathogens). The method used includes first, mentoring and discussion at the Kwau Village Hall which includes lectures and discussions about generative nurseries and the use of Trichoderma spp to treat soil borne diseases. The second method is a demonstration of how to plant cocoa seedlings in the farmer's garden accompanied by the application of Trichoderma spp. Both methods were successfully implemented and the community showed high enthusiasm as seen from the questions asked. In this mentoring activity, 60 coffee seedlings were distributed to be developed by coffee farmers.

Biochar functionalized with layered double hydroxides improve physicochemical properties of growing media

Despite their extensive use in wastewater treatment, biochar/layered double hydroxides (BC/LDHs) may serve as novel growing media (GM) amendments for horticultural farming. In the present study, GM was supplemented with BC/LDHs at three application rates [0%, 2.5%, and 5.0% (wt/wt)] denoted as BC/LDHs0, BC/LDHs2.5, and BC/LDHs5.0, respectively, and successive changes in the physiochemical properties of GM were evaluated. The experimental results indicated that at the end of the incubation period, GM was vastly stimulated after BC/LDH amendments, particularly in the case of BC/LDHs5.0, where the pH (7.05) and electrical conductivity (0.43 dS/m) were in accordance with the optimal criteria for soilless cultivation. Moisture content, bulk density, total porosity, and water retention were also improved after BC/LDH remediation although there were insignificant differences among individual dosages for the last two indices. Although increased amendment levels did not benefit total carbon and nitrogen, the maximum efficiency that was reflected in an enhancement of at least 86% in phosphorus, magnesium, and aluminum contents was derived from BC/LDHs5.0. Nevertheless, due to an overriding concern over aluminum interference, BC/LDHs2.5 was recommended given its non-significant difference with non-amendment. Such positive effects of BC/LDHs, on a wide range of GM quality indicators, signify their potential in amendment applications. This study not only provides an alternative approach for the reuse of plant-essential nutrients, but also a means to facilitate sustainable adsorbent waste management, through the extended applicability and validity of BC/LDHs and their utilization in agricultural systems.

Effect of Different Strength of Nutrient Solution on Growth and Yield of Rock Melon in Bangladesh Author

The experiment was conducted at the Hydroponic Farm of the Horticulture farm is Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, Bangladesh to identify suitable strength of nutrient solution to get higher yield in Bangladesh. Two factors were used as treatments in this experiment viz, variety and nutrient solution. Three varieties, viz. V1= Action-434, V2= Madhurima, V3= F1-Hybrid and three nutrient solutions viz. S1=Full strength Rahman and Inden nutrient solution, S2 = 3/4 strength Rahman and Inden nutrient solution, S3 = Full strength of Hoagland and Arnon nutrient solution were used in this experiment. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized block design with four replications. Different strength of nutrient solutions and different varieties of rock melon showed significant variation in most of the parameters studied. The highest plant height (7.68, 25.60, 37.78, and 54.11 cm) the maximum number of leaves/plant (9.16, 23.91, 31.10 and 50.12), the maximum number of shoots per plant (4.51, 3.56 and 4.39), the maximum number of fruits/plant (4.99), individual fruit weight (1537gm), fruit length (14.78), fruit diameter (52.88cm) and yield per plant (2.48 kg) were found the highest in S2. And also, all the parameters were found the highest in V2. But all the parameters were drastically reduced when S1 treatment was applied and also reduced V1. For combined effects, all the parameters were found the highest in V2S2. Meanwhile all the parameters were reduced V1S1. Therefore, S2 nutrient solution can be used for rock melon cv. Madhurima (V2) in soilless system in Bangladesh.