Increased Pod Yield Research Articles

Assessing the critical period of weed interference in groundnut Arachis hypogaea L. in Ogun State, south western Nigeria

The critical period of weed interference in groundnut was investigated in 2018 and 2019 early cropping seasons at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria. The experiment consisted of ten treatments arranged in a randomized complete block design and replicated three times. Treatments includes keeping plots weed free initially for 3, 6, 9, 12, 15 weeks after planting (WAP) and keeping plots weed infested initially for 3, 6, 9, 12, 15 WAP. Data collected on weed cover score, weed dry matter production, crop vigour score, canopy spread, pod yield and numbers were subjected to analysis of variance and treatment means were separated using least significant difference at P ≤ 0.05. The results showed that total weed dry matter production increased with weed infestation period and decreased with weed free period. Also, there was significant increase in pod yield and count when plots were kept weed free for 6 WAP and more. Our findings showed that, the highest percent weed accumulation, weed removal, pod yield loss and pod yield gain all occured between 3 and 6 WAP. Therefore, the critical period of weed interference in groundnut is between 3 and 6 WAP. Also, there was 83.4% pod yield loss in groundnut when weed was allowed to compete freely with the crop throught crop life cycle.

Polythene mulch and potassium application enhances peanut productivity and biochemical traits under sustained salinity stress condition

As peanuts are sensitive to salinity, physiological and agronomic responses to mulching and varied potassium rates were explored to boost peanut yield. During 2013–14 and 2014–15, a field study with 12 treatment combinations using three levels of saline irrigation water (control, 2.0 and 4.0 dS m−1) and mulching (Plastic mulch and control) as main plot, and three levels of potassium treatment (control, 30 and 60 kg K2O ha−1) assisted in sub plots. Results revealed that, application of irrigation water at 2.0 and 4.0 dS m−1 salinity exhibited 46.7–133.3% lower nodule count and pod yield reduced by ∼22.5% at successive increase in salinity over best availability water with 0 dS m−1. Salinity levels lowered free amino acids and oil content, but protein and sugar quantities rose modestly. Polythene mulch enhanced peanut pod production, haulm yield, and oil content by 23.9%, 24.6%, and 49.5%, respectively. Potash fertilizer applied at 60 kg ha−1 has a greater impact on pod yield (2.50 Mg ha−1) than lower potassium fertilizer levels. External potassium application didn't affect peanut biochemistry. Adopting polythene mulch with 2.0 dS m−1 salinity level irrigation water increased pod yield by 6.37–116.1%. Polythene mulch + 60 kg K2O ha−1 + 2.0 dS m−1 increased 100 pod weight (88.4 g), root length (8.67 cm), nodules (9.00), and oil content (50.2%) over other combinations. Five principal component analysis (PCA) main components explained 84.4% variation with PC1 explaining 52% and correlating positively with yield related traits, nodule numbers and oil content. Polythene mulch containing 30–60 kg K2O ha−1 increased peanut yield, biochemical parameters, and oil content under similar growing conditions. Therefore, use of polythene mulch with combination of optimum potassium fertilizer application can be effectively used with salinity irrigation water up to 2.0 dS m−1 without compromising in yield and quality loss of peanut.

Integrated Nutrient Management Fostered Economic Yield and Bioactive Principle of Medicinal Herb (Cassia angustifolia Vahl.) in Saline Soil of Semi-Arid Region of Western India

ABSTRACT In this investigation, cultivation of an economically important medicinal plant (Senna, Cassia angustifolia Vahl.) was explored in saline soil for improving productivity and quality through effective nutrient management practices. Field experiments were conducted in two consecutive growing seasons in saline soils of semi-arid region, where recommended dose fertilizer (RDF) supplied through organic (vermicompost) and inorganic (chemical) source alone or in combination with local microbial consortia (MC). Plant growth and nutrition significantly improved due to integration of organic and inorganic fertilizer alone or in combination with MC. The results also reflected in economic yield (leaf + pod) of senna where 29–37% increase in leaf and 57–76% increase in pod yield was recorded over control. The results revealed that integration of organic and chemical fertilizer along with MC recorded significant higher leaf (1682 kg ha−1) and pod (488 kg ha−1) yield as compared to the other treatment. Sennocide content in leaf and pod was significantly improved by organic as well as integrated application of organic and inorganic fertilizer. However, the highest sennocide content in leaf (2.81%) and pod (3.11%) was recorded in integrated application of organic fertilizer and MC. Additionally, integrated application of organic and chemical fertilizer was found effective in restoring organic carbon, increasing the amount of available nutrients (N, P, and K), and enhancing the biological activity of the saline soil. Therefore, integration of organic and chemical fertilizer as well as MC has potential to improve yield and quality of senna through enhanced soil fertility and biological function.

Combined Effect of Nanoscale Nutrients (Zinc, Calcium, and Silica) on Growth and Yield of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

It has been estimated that by 2050, the world’s population could exceed 9 billion. Increased population results in hampering food availability. Nanoscale nutrients have been considered new entrants to modern agriculture. Herein, we are the first to report on the effects of combined application(at field scale) of nanoscale nutrients of zinc (N-ZnO), calcium (N-CaO), and silica (N-SiO2) on the growth and yield of groundnut. The sol-gel method was used to prepare the nanoscale nutrients and was characterized using the techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and dynamic light scattering. Significant Pod yield (2934.44Kg/ha) was recorded with the combined application of nanoscale nutrients @ 350 ppm and was 18 % over bulk nutrients (2472.78 kg/ha). Increased pod yield may be ascribed to an increase in SCMR (8.5% higher over bulk nutrients), leaf area, total dry matter besides peg to pod ratio (4.7% over bulk nutrients), and test weight (27% over bulk nutrients). Overall, the better performance of groundnut has been accredited for the combined application of nanoscale nutrients @ 350 ppm. The obtained results point out that the application of nanoscale nutrients in agriculture for enhanced and sustained is promising.

Impact of bioorganic nutrients and chemical fertilizers on sustainable production of French bean and soil health

Aim: To determine the impact of bioorganic nutrients and chemical fertilizers on sustainable production and profitability of french bean and soil health improvement. Methodology: The effects of bioorganic nutrients (jeevamrurth, ghan-jeevamrurth, vermicompost, and FYM) and chemical fertilizers on french bean were studied during 2018 and 2019 with nine treatment combinations on growth parameters, yield attributes, productivity, and profitability of french bean. Residual soil fertility in terms of various soil properties was also assessed after the completion of the experiment. The economic analysis of different treatments was worked out to select the most profitable nutrient combination. Results: Results showed that plant height, branches per plant, nodules per plant, green pod length, green pods per plant, pods weight per plant and total pod yield of french bean were significantly greater with the application of vermicompost 5t ha-1 + jeevamrurth @ 5% at a weekly interval as compared to all other treatments. This superior combination recorded 42.2% increase in green pod yield over control with the highest net returns (₹ 1,47,530 ha-1) and benefit cost ratio (2.56). Also, this treatment significantly enhanced soil organic carbon, cation exchange capacity, culturable microbial count and available nutrient contents as compared to control thus improving soil health. Interpretation: Application of vermicompost 5 t ha-1 + jeevamrurth @ 5% at weekly interval treatment performed best amongest all treatment combination for growth and yield attributes of French bean with better economic output and soil health improvement in terms of a positive nutrient balance.

Effect of irrigation and nitrogen on yield and water productivity of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) and clusterbean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba)

An experiment was carried out at village Bajju, Bikaner, (Rajasthan) during kharif season of 2016 to evaluate the effect of irrigation and nitrogen levels on groundnut and clusterbean. The treatments comprised of 3 levels of irrigation i.e. 250, 500 and 700 mm for groundnut and 100, 200 an 300 mm for clusterbean and 4 levels of nitrogen i.e. 0, 20, 40 and 60 kg N ha-1 for both the crops. These treatments were evaluated in split plot design with four replications. The results showed that increasing levels of irrigation had significant beneficial influence on the kernel/pod/seed and haulm/stover yield, nitrogen uptake by kernel/seed and haulm/stover and water productivity of groundnut and clusterbean. Application of nitrogen levels significantly enhanced the kernel/pod/seed and haulm/stover yield, nitrogen uptake by both the crops and total water productivity of groundnut and clusterbean. The increase in kernel, pod and haulm yield of groundnut with 40 kg N ha-1 were 49.6, 57.0 and 39.3 per cent over control and 15.9, 15.6 and 14.7 per cent over 20 kg N ha-1, respectively. Similarly, the increase in seed and straw yield of clusterbean with 40 kg N ha-1 were 47.3 and 37.2 per cent over control and 14.0 and 14.1 per cent over 20 kg N ha-1, respectively. Interaction of irrigation and nitrogen had significant beneficial effect on yield, nitrogen uptake and water productivity of groundnut and clusterbean and maximum values of these parameters were recorded under I3 N3 treatment in both the crops.

Management of collar rot of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) by fungicides and mineral nutrients

Collar rot disease caused by Aspergillus niger van Teighem is an important seed and soil borne disease of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) which deteriorates kernel quality and reduces yield. The experiments were conducted during kharif 2019 and 2020 at SKN College of Agriculture, Jobner, Jaipur, Rajasthan. To see the interactive effect of seed treatment and drenching, fungicides and bio-agents were applied through seeds [carbendazim (0.1%), carboxin+ thiram (0.25%), hexaconazole (0.2%), carbendazim + mancozeb (0.25%), Trichoderma harzianum (0.6%) and Trichoderma viride (0.6%)] and through drenching [carbendazim (0.1%), carboxin + thiram (0.25%) and carbendazim + mancozeb (0.25%)] at 20 days after sowing (DAS). The effect of six mineral nutrients i.e. Cu (5 kg/ha), K (30 kg/ha), S (25 kg/ha), B (10 kg/ha), Fe (5 kg/ha) and Zn (5 kg/ha) was also evaluated through soil application against the disease. The lowest disease incidence (4.62%) and highest pod yield (25.86 q/ha) were recorded by treating the seeds with hexaconazole (@0.2%) and drenching with carbendazim + mancozeb (@0.25%) at 20 DAS and next best was seed treatment with hexaconazole (0.2%) and drenching with carbendazim (0.1%). Among six mineral nutrients, copper (@5 kg/ha) was most significant in reducing the disease incidence (46.05%) and in increasing pod yield (24.81%) followed by potassium. Conclusively, seed treatment with hexaconazole (@0.2%) and drenching with carbendazim + mancozeb (@0.25%) at 20 days after sowing results in significantly higher disease control with increased pod yield.

​​Incidence of Collar Rot of Groundnut in Rajasthan and its Management

Background: Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is an important legume crop of tropical and sub-tropical areas of the world. This crop suffers from several diseases like early leaf spot, late leaf spot, rust, groundnut bud necrosis, peanut clump and collar rot etc. But collar rot caused by Aspergillus niger van Teighem is one of the most important seed and soil borne diseases causing huge economic (40-50 per cent) loss in India and abroad. Methods: A roving survey was conducted to assess the incidence of collar rot in eight major groundnut growing districts of western Rajasthan i.e. Bikaner, Jodhpur, Churu, Jalore, Jaipur, Sikar, Nagaur and Dausa during Kharif 2018. A field experiment was carried out for two consecutive years (2019 and 2020) to manage the disease through altering micro-climate under canopy with six levels of seed rates (80, 85, 90, 95, 100 and 105 kg/ha). Result: Our investigations cleared that this disease is prevalent in all the 200 fields surveyed in eight districts of Rajasthan with 22.99 per cent overall disease incidence which varied from 17.84 to 32.38 per cent with monetary losses. Maximum disease incidence was recorded in Jaipur (28.85%) district while it was lowest in Nagaur district (20.15%). Higher disease reduction (12.97%) with increased pod yield (27.65%) was observed with higher seed rate of 105 kg/ha as compared to standard recommended seed rate (80 kg/ha) as this pathogen is favoured by higher temperature and low soil moisture, dense canopy provides shade that increases humidity under the cropped area and lowers temperature. As a result of this, plant mortality can be compensated by increasing plant population through seed rate, as it modifies the microclimate and generate an environment which is less favourable for developing collar rot disease of groundnut.

Direct and Residual Effect of Nutrient Management and Rice Establishment Methods on Productivity, Profitability, Nutrient Uptake and Resource Use Efficiency in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)-Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) Cropping System

Background: Rice and rice based cropping systems are of prime importance in global food production but continuous rice mono cropping and excessive dependence on chemical fertilisers degrade the soil quality, which can be partly solved by changing into rice-legume system. Methods: The field experiment was conducted during kharif and rabi of 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 at Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar to evaluate direct and residual effect of nutrient management and rice establishment methods on productivity, profitability, nutrient uptake and resource use efficiency in rice-groundnut system. Result: Transplanted rice increased the yield attributes of rice in both the years resulting in 6.0-8.1% higher grain yield than direct seeding. Integrated nutrient management (INM) significantly improved the growth and yield of rice as compared to sole organic and inorganic. Carryover effect of direct seeding increased growth and yield of succeeding groundnut. Residual effect of organic in preceding rice increased pod yield of groundnut. INM to groundnut increased yield parameters of the crop resulting in 19.7-20.2 and 38.9-40.0% higher pod yields than 100% and 75% soil test based fertiliser, respectively in both the years. Direct seeding of rice with INM practice in both the crops performed superior in rice-groundnut cropping system.

Monoseeding Increases Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) Yield by Regulating Shade-Avoidance Responses and Population Density.

We aimed to elucidate the possible yield-increasing mechanisms through regulation of shade-avoidance responses at both physiological and molecular levels under monoseeding. Our results revealed that monoseeding decreased the main stem height but increased the main stem diameter and the number of branches and nodes compared to the traditional double- and triple-seeding patterns. The chlorophyll contents were higher under monoseeding than that under double- and triple-seeding. Further analysis showed that this, in turn, increased the net photosynthetic rate and reallocated higher levels of assimilates to organs. Monoseeding induced the expression patterns of Phytochrome B (Phy B) gene but decreased the expression levels of Phytochrome A (Phy A) gene. Furthermore, the bHLH transcription factors (PIF 1 and PIF 4) that interact with the phytochromes were also decreased under monoseeding. The changes in the expression levels of these genes may regulate the shade-avoidance responses under monoseeding. In addition, monoseeding increased pod yield at the same population density through increasing the number of pods per plant and 100-pod weight than double- and triple-seeding patterns. Thus, we inferred that monoseeding is involved in the regulation of shade-avoidance responsive genes and reallocating assimilates at the same population density, which in turn increased the pod yield.

Hydrogel application improved growth and yield in Senna (Cassia angustifolia Vahl.)

Water availability is one of the most important factors determining plant growth. In moisture-stressed situations, water-absorbing materials are an effective way to increase water retention capacity. In 2016–17, the CSIR-CIMAP Research Centre at Boduppal, Hyderabad, conducted field research on red sandy soil in the semi-arid environment of south India to see what effect different doses of hydrogel had on the growth, yield, and economics of senna, one of India's most export-oriented and economically important crops. The results show that applying 3000 g of hydrogel per hectare resulted in a significant increase in leaf and pod yield (2324.7 kg ha−1 and 675.7 kg ha−1, respectively) compared with the other treatment. It was comparable with the use of 2500 g of hydrogel (2216.8 kg ha−1and 643.4 kg ha−1, respectively). The control had a remarkably lower yield of leaf and pod (1611.6 kg ha−1 and 433.5 kg ha−1), respectively) then the 250 g hydrogel treatment (1730.8 kg ha−1 and 494.8 kg ha−1, respectively). When 3000 g of hydrogel is applied, water use efficiency and soil water holding capacity improves significantly (5.55 kg/ha mm, 50.12%, and 20.28%, respectively). A similar pattern was observed in terms of the growth parameter. Similarly, when comparing the rest of the treatments, the use of the hydrogel at 3000 g per hectare gave a much higher gross return (US$ 2289.7 ha−1), which was comparable to the application of hydrogel to senna crop at 2500 g per hectare (US$ 2183.1 ha−1). A similar pattern was observed in terms of net return (US$ 1669.0 ha−1). The benefit to cost ratio (B: C) was also much higher (2.69) when 3000 g of hydrogel was applied, and it was comparable to the application of 2500 g of hydrogel per hectare (2.52).

Nutrient uptake behavior of peanut under optimum fertilization management in China

AbstractBalanced fertilization is one of the most critical management factors for attaining high yields. Assessing pod yield and plant nutrient demand can provide theoretical guidance for fertilization management of high yielding peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.). Following this rationale, a large dataset was collected from field experiments (n = 313) across the main peanut planting regions of China for a period spanning from 2000 to 2019 to evaluate nutrient uptake behavior of peanut under current optimum fertilization management. Across the entire dataset, the results showed that average peanut pod yield and harvest index (HI) were 4.5 Mg ha−1 and .54, respectively. The average peanut nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) requirements were of 48, 7.1, and 21 kg Mg−1 pod yield, respectively. Across five ranges of pod yields (<3, 3–4, 4–5, 5–6, and >6 Mg ha−1), both nutrient uptake and HI increased with increasing pod yield. The N and K requirements (kg Mg−1) decreased with increasing pod yield, respectively, mainly due to reductions in pod N and K concentrations. The P requirement increased with yield, attributed to an increase in straw P concentration as P luxury uptake occurs under high pod yield.

Effect of integrated weed management on groundnut (Arachis hypogea)

An experiment on integrated weed management in groundnut (Arachis hypogea) was conducted at Department of Agronomy during 2009-10. Ten treatments which included three herbicides viz., Pendimethalin, Quizolofop ethyl, Imazethapyr with mechanical weeding were studied in Randomized Block Design. Complete weed free condition recorded highest dry pod yield (1786 kgha-1). Pre-emergence application of Pendimethalin 1.0 kg a.i./ha followed by one hand weeding at 15 days after sowing, recorded 10.8 pods/plant as against 4.97 pods/plant and 60.0 nodule per plant as against 37.5 in unweeded control. Preemergence application of Pendimethalin @ 1.0 kg a.i./ha followed by post-emergence Imazethapyr @ 75 g a.i./ha at 15 days after sowing increased pod yield (1255 kgha-1), shelling % and 100 kernal weight. Application of Pendimethalin recorded increased soil fungal count 16.0X104 cfu g-1, soil actinomycetes count 15.67X106 cfu g-1 and soil bacterial count 20.33X10 cfu g-1 compared to unweeded control.

Conservation tillage and nutrient management practices in summer rice (Oryza sativa L.) favoured root growth and phenotypic plasticity of succeeding winter pea (Pisum sativumL.) under eastern Himalayas, India

Low soil moisture during dry season, poor soil properties and lack of adequate crop varieties are the major constraints for sustainable intensification of eastern Himalayas in changing climate. Suitable varieties, tillage alteration and integrated nutrient management with emphasis on locally available crop residues/plant biomass may help addressing these issues. The role of minimum tillage (MT) and no-till (NT), and organic matter substitution on conferring of favourable root environment, improvement in morpho-physiology and subsequent productivity of the crops are not objectively studied in Himalayan ecosystems. Thus, a six year field study was conducted for examining the residual effect of tillage and nutrient management (NM) practices applied to summer (rainy) rice (Oryza sativa L) on root growth-attributes and impact on morpho-physiology of succeeding winter pea (Pisums ativum L.) grown uniformly under NT. Higher root surface area, total root length, root volume, root length ratio (RLR) and root tissue densityin pea crop were observed under residual effect of conventional tillage (CT) relative to NT and MT. In addition, significantly higher values of functional root traits viz., root length ratio (RLR), root mass ratio and root finenessin pea were observed under CT and application of 50% NPK and 100% NPK relative to other tillage and NM practices. However, increased root exudation was observed under NT and MTalong with organic residue addition. Noticeable changes in stress responsive morpho-physiological traits like enhanced chlorophyll pigmentation and favourable leaf characteristics were observed in pea crop grown under NT with 50% NPK+weed biomass (WB)/green leaf manure (GLM) applications. Higher leaf area expansion and thickness were recorded with optimum turgidity under NT and MT than that under CT. Comparative increase in green pod and stover yield of pea with enhanced partition efficiency and harvest index were recorded under MT/NT along with 50% NPK+WB/GLM application than that under CT and other NM practices. Thus, adoption of MT/NT along with 50% NPK+WB/GLM in summer rice is recommended for inducing favourable root environment and optimised pea production in succeeding winter season in study region of the Eastern Himalayas, India and other similar agro-ecosystems.

Evaluation of biocides and phyto chemicals for the management of thrips and groundnut bud necrosis virus (GBNV) in groundnut

Field studies were conducted to evaluate the biocides and phyto chemicals in farmers’ field for the management of groundnut thrips and Groundnut bud necrosis virus (GBNV) in groundnut. Three rounds of sprays of biocides and phyto chemicals were given along with untreated check. Sorghum leaf extract (10%) + quinalphos 25 EC (0.05%) and coconut leaf extract (10%) + quinalphos 25 EC (0.05%) showed the maximum reduction on thrips population and also suppressed the GBNV incidence and increased pod yield when compared to the control in both the trials.

Yield and Economic Response of Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) Cultivars to Prohexadione Calcium in Large-Plot Trials in Georgia

ABSTRACT Prohexadione calcium, a plant growth regulator, has been used on virginia market type peanut cultivars for many years to manage excessive vine growth and improve digging efficiency. Prohexadione calcium has not been widely used on runner market type cultivars due to their slower growth habit and sporadic yield response at the labeled rate until recent research showed lower use rates of prohexadione calcium provided similar vine control and enhanced yield response. Large plot experiments were conducted in Colquitt county at the Darrell Williams Research Farm on the Sun Belt Ag Expo to quantify yield and market grade quality and economics of using prohexadione calcium at 105 g a.i./ha on six runner type cultivars. Prohexadione calcium was applied twice during the growing season. The first application was made when 50% or greater of lateral vines from adjacent rows were touching. A second application of each treatment was applied 14d after the first application. The runner type cultivars were Georgia-06G, Georgia-12Y, Georgia-13M, Georgia-14N, TUFRunnerTM-297, and TUFRunnerTM-511. Similar large-plot experiments were conducted on farms in Baker and Early counties evaluating yield and economic response of prohexadione calcium on Georgia-06G. A non-treated control was used in all experiments. Prohexadione calcium increased pod yield in all experiments ranging from 450 to 650 kg/ha compared to the non-treated control with response similar across cultivars. Prohexadione calcium reduced the dollar value per metric ton (DVMT) as a result of lowering total sound mature kernel (%TSMK) percentages up to 3 points. The higher yields obtained for the prohexadione calcium-treated peanut provided higher gross dollar value return/ha (GDR) in all experiments and higher gross dollar value return/ha above treatment cost (GDRAT) in the on-farm trials. Therefore, prohexadione calcium at 105 g/ha applied twice on runner market type peanut is warranted to improve yield and financial return when excessive vine growth is a concern.

Exogenous γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-induced signaling events and field performance associated with mitigation of drought stress in Phaseolus vulgaris L

ABSTRACT Not much information is available to substantiate the possible role of γ -aminobutyric acid (GABA) signaling in mitigating water-deficit stress in snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) plants under semiarid conditions. Present work aims to investigate the role of exogenous GABA (foliar application; 0.5, 1 and 2 mM) in amelioration of drought stress and improvement of field performance on snap bean plants raised under two drip irrigation regimes (100% and 70% of water requirements). Water stress led to significant reduction in plant growth, leaf relative water content (RWC), cell membrane stability index (CMSI), nutrient uptake (N, P, K, Ca, Fe and Zn), pod yield and its content from protein and total soluble solids (TSS). Meanwhile, lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde content- MDA), osmolyte content (free amino acids- FAA, proline, soluble sugars) antioxidative defense (activity of superoxide dismutase- SOD, catalase- CAT, peroxidase- POX and ascorbate peroxidase- APX) and the pod fiber content exhibited significantly increase due to water stress. Exogenous GABA application (especially at 2 mM) revealed partial normalization of the effects of drought stress in snap bean plants. GABA-induced mitigation of drought stress was manifested by improvement in growth, water status, membrane integrity, osmotic adjustment, antioxidant defense and nutrient acquisition. Furthermore, GABA application during water stress in snap bean plants resulted in improvement of field performance being manifested by increased pod yield and its quality attributes. To sum up, exogenous GABA appears to function as an effective priming molecule to alleviate drought stress in snap bean plants under semiarid conditions.

Effect of Plant Pattern and Density on Yield and Amino Acid Profile of Tepary Bean (Phaseolus acutifolius) in a Semiarid Area

Background: Tepary bean is recognized as a deal crop for cultivation in arid and semi-arid regions. The spatial distribution of plants is an important farming practice. A study was conducted in tepary bean (Phaseolus acutifolius A. Gray) to investigate the effect of planting pattern and plant density on plant yield and amino acid profile.Methods: The experiment was carried out in a split-split plot design with three replications during 2017 and 2018. The main plot comprised planting pattern at two levels, including one-row plantation (PP1) and two-row plantation (PP2) and sub plot comprised plant density at three levels, including high plant density (HPD:50 plant/m2), moderate plant density (MPD:40 plant/m2) and low plant density (LPD: 30 plant/m2). In both years, plants were harvested at the end of pod filling stage at October. Amino acid profiles were determined using a HPLC system. Result: The results showed that in the first year and under PP2, MPD increased the biological yield by 19% and 16% compared to HPD and LPD, respectively. Increased pod yield was observed at MPD compared to HPD and LPD. In the second year under PP1, MPD improved grain yield by 75% and 65% in comparison to HPD and LPD, respectively. Increased protein and amino acid content were observed at MPD and PP2. The greatest amino acid content was Leu followed by Lys, Arg, Phe, Val, Ile, Thr, Tyr, His, Met, Trp and Cys.

Antimicrobial effect of crude extracts of fresh and dry leaves of Datura metel L.

Datura metel, is native of southern China is commonly called horn of plenty, devil’s trumpet, angel’s trumpet or thornapple. It is shrubby, sprawling, short-lived, tender perennial. The aim of this work is to investigate antimicrobial activities of different crude extracts from dry and fresh leaves of Datura metel. Different organic solvents including methanol, chloroform, hexane, ethyl acetate and butanol were used to prepare the crude extract from the fresh and dry leaves. Antimicrobial activities of different crude extracts from dry and fresh leaves of Datura metel were determined by DPPH method and agar agar diffusion method with minor modification. In vitro phytochemical screening for all the crude extract from both dry and fresh leaves was tested and found positive results for alkaloid, flavonoid, saponin and tannin compound. However, all the crude extract did not show positive result for steroids and triterpenoid compounds. The antioxidant activity results of both fresh and dry crude extracts show that when gradually increasing the samples concentration, there was an increase in the absorbance. Late leaf spot (LLS) (causal agent Phaeoisariopsis personata) and rust (causal agent Puccinia arachidis) are economically important foliar diseases of groundnut and have global significance. Aqueous leaf extract of Datura metel known for high antifungal activity against P. personata completely inhibited the germination of uredospores. Extracts of Datura metel (25g/L) applied as a prophylactic spray reduce the frequency of LLS lesions and rust pustules by 65-74%. In field studies, a programme of four sprays of D. metel leaf extract at 45, 60, 75 and 90 days after showing (DAS) was partially effective against the foliar diseases (LLS and rust) upto 95 DAS. The increase in pod yield by this treatment was comparable with the sustained application of chlorothalonil. Further validation of integrated applications of D. metel extract and chlorothalonil may reduce the dependency on fungicides in groundnut cultivation.

Potassium fertilization to summer groundnut in medium black calcareous soil

A field experiment was conducted during three summer season (2011 to 2013) at Main Oilseeds Research Station, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh, to study the effect of potassium fertilization on yield, quality and nutrients uptake by summer groundnut. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with seven treatments comprising of three levels of potassium viz; 25, 50 and 75 kg ha-1 each as basal and in two split (1/2 at sowing and 1/2 at 30 days after sowing) along with control (No potassium). The average higher pod (2505 kg ha-1) and haulm (4479 kg ha-1) yield were recorded with application of 75 kg K2O ha-1 in two split. Increase in groundnut pod yield to the tune of 23.6 percent over control. The higher shelling percentage, oil content and HPS count were recorded with potassium application of 50 kg K2O ha-1 as basal. Significantly higher uptake of N and K by pod and haulm and S by haulm were recorded with application of 75 kg K2O ha-1 in two split while, P uptake by pod and haulm and S uptake by haulm were recorded with application of 50 kg K2O ha-1 in two split.