Increase In Number Of Pods Research Articles

Application of Mycorrhiza-Biofertilizer to Increase Yield of Several Varieties of Soybean Intercropped Between Maize Double Rows of Different Row Spacings

This research aimed to examine the effects of application of mycorrhiza biofertilizer on yield performance of several varieties of soybean relay-planted between double rows of maize plants grown under different planting distances between rows. The experiment was arranged according to Split Split Plot Design, with three treatment factors, i.e. mycorrhiza biofertilizer (M0= without; M1= with mycorrhiza biofertilizer) as the main plots, soybean varieties (V1= Detap, V2: Biosoy-2, V3= Dena-1) as the subplots, and planting distances between double rows of maize in which two rows of soybean were grown (D1= 80; D2= 90; D3= 100 cm) as the sub-subplots. The results indicated that among those treatment factors, different varieties resulted in significant differences on all measurement variables, while increasing planting distances between maize double rows also significantly increased yield components of soybean, including branch number, pod number, and grain yield per clump, as well as weight of 100 grains, whereas application of mycorrhiza biofertilizer to the soybean plants only significantly increased branch number, pod number, and grain yield per clump. However, mycorrhiza biofertilizer showed interaction effect on most variables, especially in interaction with varieties and double row distances. Based on the patterns of mycorrhiza-varieties interaction, application of mycorrhiza biofertilizer significantly increased pod number (28%) on V1 showing the highest pod number on M1V1 treatment (87.87 pod/clump), while grain yield was highest on M1V3 (26.54 g/clump) and lowest (17.19 g/clump) on M0V1 treatment. The intercropping/monocropping yield ratio was also increased by application of mycorrhiza biofertilizer (from 69.33 to 88.18%) on V2.

Negative effects of water deficit on cocoa tree yield are partially mitigated by irrigation and potassium application

Yields of most tropical crops are strongly reduced by drought, but this may be partially mitigated by irrigation and potassium application. Understanding the mechanisms regulating these relationships is essential to select crop varieties reaching high yield under environmental stress. We conducted a 2-year field experiment (2020–2022) to investigate the effects of seasonal irrigation, potassium application and their interaction on cocoa reproduction and yield, using six genotypes in Côte d’Ivoire. Potassium application increased pod number and size, contributing significantly to annual yield, but this effect was conditional to soil water availability. Similarly, irrigation when combined with potassium application almost doubled yield from 1.5 to 3.0 kg/tree (2000 kg ha−1 yr−1 to 4000 kg ha−1 yr−1, respectively). This yield effect was mostly the result of positive effects of irrigation on pod number per tree and, to a lesser extent, due to its positive effects on bean number per pod and bean mass. Irrigation effects on pod number were associated with an increased number of cherelles whereas the larger pod number during the major harvest compared to the minor harvest was associated with lower cherelle wilt. We also found a more than two-fold genotypic difference in yield, with the genotypes CI02 and CI03 and to a lesser extent hybrid M having lower yields having lower yields than the genotype CI01. These genotypic yield differences were associated with differences in both cherelle wilt and initial cherelle production rates. The effects of withholding irrigation on yield were significantly dependent on the genotype, reflecting a potential genotypic difference in drought tolerance. The development of climate adaptive strategies for cocoa production requires integrating effects of irrigation, potassium application and cocoa genotype on yields. Future research should focus on unraveling the underlying genotypic and ecophysiological mechanisms of the results presented here, and identifying other potential approaches to enhance the resilience of cocoa to increasing water deficit under climate change.

SUITABLE SUBSTRATE VOLUMES AND CULTIVARS FOR ENHANCING GROWTH AND IN-CREASING YIELD OF YARD-LONG BEAN IN URBAN ECOSYSTEMS

Yard-long bean, a favored vegetable known for its taste and nutritional value, holds economic importance. Its climbing nature and environmental resilience make it ideal for urban cultivation in pots and climbing frames. This study, conducted in a limited urban space, aimed to determine optimal pot size and cultivars for yard-long bean cultivation, emphasizing growth and yield. Two pot sizes were used: a larger one (30 cm diameter x 37 cm height, M1) and a smaller one (30 cm diameter x 30 cm height, M2), alongside three commercial cultivars: Kanton Tavi (V1), Camellia (V2), and Arafi (V3). Results indicated that a larger pot size increased pod number and total pod weight per plant, facilitating root development, vine growth, and enhanced yield. The larger substrate volume retained moisture and boosted plant biomass. Cultivar treatment affected branch length and flowering time, with Camellia exhibiting the longest harvest period (14 harvests). Hence, for Camellia varieties, cultivation using larger pots (30 cm diameter x 37 cm height) is recommended.

High Temperature Tolerance in a Novel, High-Quality Phaseolus vulgaris Breeding Line Is Due to Maintenance of Pollen Viability and Successful Germination on the Stigma.

The common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is an important nutritional source globally but is sensitive to high temperatures and thus particularly vulnerable to climate change. Derived from a breeding program at CIAT (Colombia), a heat-tolerant breeding line, named heat-tolerant Andean-type 4 (HTA4), was developed by a series of crosses of parents with a small-bean tepary genotype (Phaseolus acutifolius L.) in their pedigree, which might be the donor of heat stress (HS) tolerance. Importantly, in HTA4, the large, commercially desirable Andean-type beans was restored. To assess underlying tolerance mechanisms, HTA4, together with a heat-sensitive Colombian variety (Calima), was exposed to HS (31 °C/24 °C HS vs. 26 °C/19 °C day/night) under controlled environment conditions. Vegetative growth and photosynthetic performance were not negatively impacted by HS in either genotype, although senescence was delayed in Calima. HS during the reproductive stage caused an increase in pod number in Calima but with few fully developed seeds and many pods aborted and/or abscised. In contrast, HTA4 maintained a similar filled pod number under HS and a higher seed weight per plant. Pollen showed high sterility in Calima, with many non-viable pollen grains (24.9% viability compared to 98.4% in control) with a thicker exine and fewer starch granules under HS. Calima pollen failed to adhere to the stigma and germinate under HS. In HTA4, pollen viability was significantly higher than in Calima (71.1% viability compared to 95.4% under control), and pollen successfully germinated and formed pollen tubes in the style under HS. It is concluded that HTA4 is heat tolerant and maintains a high level of reproductive output due to its ability to produce healthy pollen that is able to adhere to the stigma.

Impact of soybean-associated plant growth-promoting bacteria on plant growth modulation under alkaline soil conditions

Conventional strategies to manage iron (Fe) deficiency still present drawbacks, and more eco-sustainable solutions are needed. Knowledge on soybean-specific diversity and functional traits of their plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) potentiates their applicability as bioinoculants to foster soybean performance under calcareous soil conditions. This work aimed to assess the efficacy of PGPB, retrieved from soybean tissues/rhizosphere, in enhancing plant growth and development as well as crop yield under alkaline soil conditions.Seventy-six bacterial strains were isolated from shoots (18%), roots (53%), and rhizosphere (29%) of soybean. Twenty-nine genera were identified, with Bacillus and Microbacterium being the most predominant. Based on distinct plant growth-promoting traits, the endophyte Bacillus licheniformis P2.3 and the rhizobacteria Bacillus aerius S2.14 were selected as bioinoculants.In vivo tests showed that soybean photosynthetic parameters, chlorophyll content, total fresh weight, and Fe concentrations were not significantly affected by bioinoculation. However, inoculation with B. licheniformis P2.3 increased pod number (33%) and the expression of Fe-related genes (FRO2, IRT1, F6′H1, bHLH38, and FER4), and decreased FC-R activity (45%). Moreover, bioinoculation significantly affected Mn, Zn, and Ca accumulation in plant tissues.Soybean harbors several bacterial strains in their tissues and in the rhizosphere with capacities related to Fe nutrition and plant growth promotion. The strain B. licheniformis P2.3 showed the best potential to be incorporated in bioinoculant formulations for enhancing soybean performance under alkaline soil conditions.

The cumulative use of compost teas and rhizobia against Megalurothrips jostetti for yield improvement in field grown cowpea at Ngaoundere (Cameroon)

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) is a food crop legume, considered as one of the cheapest sources of protein. However, its culture is subject to attack by many pests that drastically reduce yield. An alternative for better pest control and increased yield is the simultaneous use of biopesticides and biofertilizers. The objective of this study was to control the pests, while optimizing yields of this legume in a sustainable manner. To achieve this, compost teas and rhizobia were first produced and characterized. Then a pot experiment was set up in a triplicated randomized block design comprising 11 treatments, in order to determine the ability of compost teas and rhizobia to control insect pests and optimize the yield of this Fabaceae. The characterization of the compost teas revealed that the pH varied around the neutrality with an abundance of alkaloids and terpenoids and the absence of tannins. The three isolates obtained were all Gram negative bacteria and did not absorb the dye Congo red. Compost teas reduced and stabilized thrips (Megalurothrips jostetti) population development. Non-aerated compost teas from Tithonia diversifolia (PNA) alone, and its association with rhizobia (Rh + TNA) resulted in a reduction of the number of flower buds attacks. Their effects appeared to be limited outside the pods as they did not positively affect the number of seeds attacked. Both PNA and Rh+TNA treatments increased pod number, and seed biomass. Rhizobia and rhizobia + non-aerated compost tea from Tithonia diversifolia (Rh+TNA) significantly increased the yield of this plant species.

Role of biostimulants (ascorbic acid and fulvic acid) to synergize Rhizobium activity in pea (Pisum sativum L. var. Meteor)

Biostimulants such as ascorbic acid (AA) and fulvic acid (FA)can enhance the efficiency of root-nodulating bacteria. This study investigates optimum concentration of these two biostimulants to maximize the Rhizobium activity and increase root size, nodulation capability, NPK uptake, yield and quality. Interaction with nitrogenase enzyme through molecular docking was also studied by using both AA and FA as ligands to better understand their inhibitory role in excess amounts. The findings of the study suggest: the combined application of both FA and AA at 200 ppm concentrations proved to be more effective than the individual application. Excellent vegetative growth was noticed which translated into an increased reproductive growth i.e statistically significant increase in number of pods per plant, fresh and dry weight of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, total chlorophyll, carotenoids and chemical constituents of pea seeds i.e. N (16.17%), P (40.47%), K (39.96%) and protein (16.25%). These findings were substantiated by molecular docking of nitrogenase enzyme with ascorbic acid and fulvic acid. The XP docking score of ascorbic acid (−7.07 kcal mol-1) and fulvic acid (−6.908 kcal mol-1) exhibited that the optimum doses (200 ppm) should be used as higher dose or their excess amount can hinder the Rhizobium activity of nitrogen fixation by interacting with the nitrogenase enzyme.

Selenium nanoparticles reduce Ce accumulation in grains and ameliorate yield attributes in mung bean (Vigna radiata) exposed to CeO2

Exposure of crops to CeO2 nanoparticles (nCeO2) in agricultural environments impact crop quality and human health. In this regard, the effects of selenium nanoparticles (nSe) on the yield and quality of Vigna radiata (L.) exposed to nCeO2 were investigated. The experiment was carried out as a factorial with two factors: NPs (nCeO2, and nSe) as factor one and concentrations as factor two [(0, 250, 500 and 1000 mg/L nCeO2; 0, 25, 50 and 75 mg/L nSe)]. Nanoparticles were foliar applied to 45-day old mung bean shoot in two steps and one-week interval. At 250–1000 mg/L, nCeO2 increased P, protein and Ce accumulation in grain. Additionally, at 1000 mg/L, the nCeO2, significantly decreased seed number, yield, Fe, and Zn storage in seeds. Conversely, at 25 and 50 mg/L, nSe stimulated the growth and yield of mung bean, and significantly increased P, Fe, Zn, and Se in seeds, but reduced the protein content in seeds. The Se25+Ce250 and Se50+Ce250 significantly increased pod number, seed number, grain weight, yield, Fe, Zn and Se storage in grains. In contrast, the Ce accumulation in seeds decreased in all combination treatments (nCeO2 + nSe) compared to their respective single nCeO2 treatments. Moreover, in the plants exposed to high nCeO2 concentrations, nSe application resulted in undamaged vacuoles, less starch granules' accumulation, significant yield improvement, and elevated Fe, Se, and Zn in seeds. Data suggest that selenium nanoparticles prevent nCeO2 stress in mung bean and improve grain production and quality.

Pre-Sowing Laser Light Stimulation Increases Yield and Protein and Crude Fat Contents in Soybean

Pre-sowing laser light stimulation is a method commonly used to increase the productivity of legume species. However, it has not been proved that single-laser light stimulation is a more effective technique for enhancing plant productivity and seed yield quality than using different laser lights in sequence, by which means synergistic relations are produced. A two-year, single-factor field experiment was performed in order to test selected combinations of light stimulation of soybean seeds, the effectiveness of which would be expressed as increased plant yield and improved quality parameters. Pre-sowing light stimulation of soybean seeds was shown to significantly influence the morphological traits of the plants. It significantly increased pod number, pod weight, seed number, and seed weight compared to the control. Coherent laser light stimulation of soybean seeds with a helium–neon laser and with an argon laser increased soybean yields by 30% on average compared to the control. The ratio of the yield from the main shoot to the yield from the lateral branches in this treatment was 40:60, indicating that pre-sowing stimulation of seeds had a significant and positive effect by increasing the yield of the lateral branches relative to the control. Stimulation of seeds (3 × 3 s) with a helium–neon laser significantly increased protein content in soybean seeds, on average by 11% compared to the control. A longer duration of pre-sowing stimulation of seeds (3 × 9 s) resulted in a significant increase in crude fat content in the seeds by an average of 5% compared to the control. The use of physical light stimulation on soybean seeds is a promising solution for increasing soybean yields.

Both biomass accumulation and harvest index drive the yield improvements in soybean at high and low phosphorus in south-west China

Soybean breeding is typically conducted in soils with favourable soil phosphorus yet soil P levels are typically low in sub-tropical regions. This study was conducted to determine yield progress of soybean cultivars released between 1995 and 2016 in sub-tropical parts of south-west China and grown at both low and high P availability. The principal factors that changed indirectly with breeding and that contribute to soybean yield were also determined. Field experiments were conducted in three consecutive years with two different sites each year. A more detailed investigation of traits contributing to soybean yield was investigated in one year at two sites. The rate of genetic gain in seed yield was around 2% per year and this was found at both low P and high P. Thus, breeding under favourable conditions has also resulted in substantial gains in soils with low P. Yield gains were attributed to a longer duration of pod filling but there was no change in the duration from sowing to flowering. The extended pod filling duration increased both above-ground biomass and harvest index (HI) at both P levels and both were important in contributing to yield gains. The increase in HI was also a result of the changed allocation of assimilates away from stems and instead to the pods and growing seeds. The allometric analysis (ratios between log transformations of the leaf, stem and pod dry weight) showed that the stem weight decreased as pod dry weight became heavier whereas leaf weight remained constant as stems became lighter as a result of breeding. Breeding also progressively increased pod number and the total seed number but there was no change in average seed weight. • Soybean breeding conducted under favourable soil P levels has successfully increased seed yield in soils with favourable and unfavourable P levels. • The rate of genetic gain between 1995 and 2016 in south-west China is around 2% per year in both high and low P soils. • Yield gains have been attributed to both an increase in above-ground dry weight and an increase in harvest index. • Breeding has not increased seed weight but seed number has increased.

Response of Peanut Varieties to Phosphorus and Rhizobium Inoculant Rates on Haplic Lixisols of Guinea Savanna Zone of Ghana

Peanut forms a major component of the predominantly cereal-based farming systems in Northern Ghana. However, yields are low, prompting the need to evaluate the effects of phosphorus (PR) and rhizobium inoculant (IR) rates on growth, nodulation, and yield of peanut varieties. On-station and on-farm experiments were conducted to determine the interaction effects of three P rates (0, 30, and 60 kg P2O5/ha), three IR rates (0, 3, and 6 g/kg seed), and two peanut varieties [Chinese and Nkatie Savannah Agricultural Research Institute (SARI)] on growth, nodulation, and yield of peanut on Haplic Lixisols of Northern Ghana. Both experiments were conducted using a split-split plot design replicated three times for the on-station experiment and on six farmer's fields (on-farm experiment). In both experiments, combined application of 60 kg P2O5/ha and IR at 6 g/kg seed increased pod number in the Nkatie SARI and Chinese varieties compared to their control counterparts. PR × V interaction influenced growth, effective nodule number, and podding capacity with 60 kg P2O5/ha combined with Nkatie SARI to produce significantly higher values. The interaction of IR × V improved pod number, nodule number, and harvest index, such that inoculant at 6 g/kg seed combined with Nkatie SARI gave the best performance. PR × IR also had a significant interactive influence on peanut grain yield. Higher grain yields were recorded from 60 kg P2O5/ha in combination with 6 g/kg seed of rhizobium inoculant. Therefore, these results suggest that the use of P fertilizer at 60 kg/ha and rhizobium inoculant at 6 g/kg seed increase peanut productivity on Haplic Lixisols in Northern Ghana. However, it was prudent not to suggest any recommendations from the P rates in interaction with IR, since the result between the on-station and on-farm experiments appeared not consistent.

Additive Positive Effects of Pollination on Bt and Non-Bt Soybean Cultivars by Honey Bee and Native Flower-Visiting

In addition to the increase in the number of pods produced, a well-conducted pollination also contributes to an increase in the number of grains per pod, improves the quality of the grains and seeds, and renders the grain ripening more uniform, thus, increasing the production at harvest. The objective of the present study was to quantify the benefits of flower-visiting insects in soybean production. The experiment was conducted with two soybean cultivars, one Bt and one non-Bt. During the flowering period, 150 plants of each cultivar were randomly selected, yielding 25 replicates (three plants per replicate) with free access to flower visitors, and another 25 replicates (also with three plants per replicate) that flower visitors could not access. During the flowering period, 549 specimens of flower-visiting insects were found in both cultivars, divided into eight orders, 30 families, and 92 species. The most abundant species were Apis mellifera (Linnaeus) (Hymenoptera: Apidae), Musca sp.1 (Linnaeus) (Diptera: Muscidae), and Lagria villosa (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae). In the treatment with flower visitors, grain weight increased by 84.22% in Bt cultivar and by 202.52% in non-Bt cultivar, compared with the area without the presence of flower visitors. The increase in the number of pods in Bt and non-Bt cultivars was 45.72% and 101.25% respectively, in the area open to flower visitors. The high increase in grain yield and number of pods observed in the area with free access to pollinator insects emphasizes the high importance of the pollination service performed by flower visitors to the soybean crop.

IMPACTS OF ORGANIC AND INORGANIC FERTILIZERS ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF COUNTRY BEAN (LABLAB PURPUREUS L.) IN SUMMER SEASON

A field experiment was conducted from April to September in 2018 at Nobogram Agro farm, Noakhali, Bangladesh. The experiment was done to determine the effect of organic and inorganic fertilizers on growth and yield of country bean (Lablab purpureus L.) in Summer Season. The experiment comprises on country bean local variety named ‘Epsha-2’. There were four treatments viz., T1= Control (no fertilizer are used), T2= Inorganic (TSP 0.50 gm/pit + Gypsum 200 gm/pit + MOP 250 gm/pit), T3= Cowdung (5 kg/pit) and T4= FYM (5 kg/pit) and the experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with six replications. The parameters of the experiment were the percentage of seed germination, plant height at four-leaf stage (cm), days to first flowering (days), number of pod per plant, individual pod length (cm), pod width (cm) and pod weight (gm).Among all treatments farmyard manure (FYM) was responsible for a higher percentage of seed germination (100%), maximum plant height during four-leaf stage (6.08 cm), accelerated days to first flowering (48 days), increased pod number per plant (220.33), the maximum number of individual pod length (6.87 cm), pod width (2.07 cm) and pod weight (5.53 gm) over other treatments in summer country bean. So the results showed that farmyard manure strongly influenced plant growth and yield component of the country bean. In brief, application of FYM is necessary to increase country bean production in summer season.

Effect of Planting Dates, Soil Mulching and Foliar Spraying Calcium on The Quantitative Yield Characteristics of Okra Plant Grown in plastic Greenhouse

Maymunah Horticulture Station, Agriculture Directorate of Maysan. The experiment included 24 treatments of possible combinations between three sowing dates (T1=15/12, T2=31/12 and T3=15/1), two soil mulching treatments (M2=mulching the soil by black polyethylene, M1=Without mulching) and four concentrations of calcium fertilizer (Ca) (0, 0.5, 1 and 1.5 ml.l-1), to study its effect on the quantitative yield characteristics of Okra plant cultivar "btayrh". The results showed that cultivated plants at date (15/1) showed significant increase in number of pods per plant, weight of pod, length and diameter of pod, the yield per plant and early yield compared to plants of dates (15/12 and 31/12). The cultivated plants in mulching soil were significantly higher in all studied quantitative yield characteristics. The sprayed plants with calcium (1ml.l-1) were superior in all studied quantitative yield characteristics. The interactions between the studied factors were significant in all the quantitative yield characteristics. The cultivated plants at date (15/1) with mulching and the sprayed by calcium fertilizer (1 ml.l-1) gave the highest values of length & weight of pod, the yield per plant and early yield per plastic house (6.31cm, 4.08g, 81.32g and 0.180 Kg.m-2) respectively. While the cultivated plants at (15/12) and un mulching soil and unfertilized gave the lowest values (2.49cm, 3.58g, 38.50g and 0.085 Kg.m-2) respectively. In conclusion the present study indicated that growth and yield of okra cultivar increased by the addition of 1ml.l-1 calcium which planting on 15 January and mulching soil.

Induction of morphological mutations and mutant phenotyping in black gram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper] using gamma rays and EMS

Global demand for grain legumes including black gram had increased tremendously in the recent past due to their high nutritional value especially in countries with soaring population growth. This necessitates the induction of genetic variation for continued supply of better yielding and improved varieties to the producers keeping in view the rapidly changing agroclimatic condition. In this study, the induced mutant populations of widely recommended T-9 and Pant U-30 varieties of urdbean were generated using single and combination treatments of gamma rays and ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS). Investigation on induced phenotypic variations in individual plants of M2 population of different treatments resulted in identification and isolation of sixteen morphological mutant types affecting plant height, growth habit, leaf morphology, growth period, pod and seed. Frequency of morphological mutants was the highest in combined treatments of gamma rays and EMS followed by individual treatments of EMS and gamma rays. The spectrum of such mutant types was relatively wide in var. Pant U-30 as compared to the var. T-9. Mutants with altered plant height and pod numbers were of maximum occurrence in both the varieties. The mutants with increased pod number and size were found to be significantly correlated with the improved plant yield, thus selected directly for quantitative investigation in subsequent generations.

Pea Growth, Yield, and Quality in Different Crop Rotations and Cultural Practices

Core Ideas Management strategies are lacking to enhance dryland pea growth, yield, and quality. Pea yield and quality were studied in various crop rotations and cultural practices. Pea yield and N uptake were greater with alternate‐year than stacked crop rotation. Stand count was greater with the improved than the traditional cultural practice. Alternate‐year rotation and improved cultural practice enhanced pea yield and quality. Dryland pea (Pisum sativum L.) is an important pulse crop that can replace fallow or be added to existing crop rotations to sustain crop yields in arid and semiarid regions. Yet, we lack management practices to enhance yield and quality of dryland pea. This study evaluated the effect of crop rotation and cultural practices on dryland pea growth, yield, and quality from 2006 to 2011 in the northern Great Plains, USA. Stacked rotations were durum (Triticum turgidum L.)–durum–canola (Brassica napus L.)–pea (DDCP) and durum–durum–flax (Linum usitatissimum L.)–pea (DDFP), and alternate‐year rotations were durum–canola–durum–pea (DCDP) and durum–flax–durum–pea (DFDP). Traditional cultural practice included a combination of conventional till, recommended seed rate, broadcast N fertilization, and reduced stubble height, and improved cultural practice a combination of no‐till, increased seed rate, banded N fertilization, and increased stubble height. Pea pod number, plant height, grain yield, and N uptake were 4 to 18% greater with DCDP and DDCP than other rotations. Improved cultural practice increased stand count by 29% over traditional cultural practice. Biomass yield, N uptake, and grain protein concentration varied with crop rotations and cultural practices in various years. Seed number, seed weight, harvest index, and N harvest index were not influenced by treatments. Pea yield and N uptake increased with alternate‐year rotation due to increased pod number and plant height. Stand count increased with improved cultural practice. Alternate‐year crop rotations and improved cultural practice enhanced dryland pea yield and quality.

Study on the effect of yeast in compost tea efficiency in controlling chocolate leaf spot disease in broad bean (Vicia faba)

This study was conducted to determine the effect of adding yeast to compost tea in the biocontrol activity of compost tea against chocolate leaf spot disease in broad bean as a proposed biocontrol treatment, in addition to effects on soil biota, yield, and growth parameters of broad bean. Faba bean was planted in plastic bags filled with 11 kg of non-sterilized clay soil. Foliar compost tea–yeast mixture was applied 40 days post-sowing and 1 day pre-inoculation with Botrytis fabae spore suspension. Soil drenching was done directly, before seeds sowing, at a rate of 100 ml/bag. Seed treatment was done for 24 h before seeding. The trial was designed in complete randomized block design with three triplicates for each treatment. Adding yeast to compost tea as seed soaking treatment significantly decreased the disease severity when integrated with foliar spray and soil drenching. Foliar and seed soaking treatments significantly increased pod number, seed weight, and population of soil microorganisms. Foliar treatment increased peroxidase enzyme content. Seed soaking treatment increased polyphenol oxidase enzyme level. Total phenol content increased with foliar spray, seed soaking, and soil drenching when compared with control. It can be concluded that adding of the yeast to compost tea in seed soaking treatment resulted into biocontrol of chocolate leaf spot disease of broad bean, increased soil microorganism population, pod number, seed weight, polyphenol oxidase enzyme, and total phenolic contents.

Growth traits, physiological parameters and hormonal status of snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) sprayed with garlic cloves extract

ABSTRACTGarlic extract has been established to enhance the growth and yield of some plant crops, but little is known about its content of phytohormones. A field study was carried out, in two growing seasons, to evaluate the performance of snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cv. ‘Paulista’ in terms of growth traits, biochemical parameters, hormonal status and yield characteristics in response to two-time foliar spray at 30 and 45 days after sowing with three concentrations (1:40, 1:20 and 1:10) of garlic cloves extract (GCE). The experiment was designed in completely randomized blocks in a factorial arrangement with three replicates. The hormonal analysis indicated that GCE contains high levels of various phytohormones particularly salicylates, auxins, and gibberellins. Plant height, leaf area, leaves number, plant weight, flowers number and leaf and pod chemical compositions were significantly enhanced in response to GCE. The high dose of GCE caused the maximum increase in number of pods, pod fresh weight as well as the total pod yield. This stimulating effect of GCE may be due not only to its nutritional factors but also to its richness of phytohormones and phenolic compounds, and it can be further used as a plant growth promoter (PGP).

تاثیر سطوح آبیاری، تراکم بوته و نیتروژن بر عملکرد و اجزای عملکرد منداب (Eruca sativa Mill.)

تاثیر سطوح آبیاری، تراکم بوته و نیتروژن بر عملکرد و اجزای عملکرد منداب (Eruca sativa Mill.)

Correlations and Heritability of the Characters Determining the Seed Yield of the Panicle Inflorescence Forms of Alfalfa (Medicago x varia T. Martyn)

Abstract Phenotypic correlation coefficients and heritability of the characters determining seed yield of panicle inflorescence forms of alfalfa was examined. Seed yield per plant, which was positively correlated with 10 generative and morphological traits, depended upon the number of pods per panicle and the number of seeds per pod. Variability of these characters determined about 60% of the variability of seed yield. Multiple linear regression and phenotypic correlations show that simultaneous selection for increased pod number per panicle and increased seed number per pod and number of branches per panicle resulted in enhanced seed yield potential. The share of the additive genetic effects in the phenotypic variance for number of pods per panicle was low and about 23%, while for number of seeds per pod and seeds per panicle amounted to about 75-77% and 56-57% respectively.