Increase Plant Productivity Research Articles

Optimizing Apricot Yield and Quality with Biostimulant Interventions: A Comprehensive Analysis

Biostimulant products are recognized for their ability to improve the agronomic parameters of plants and the qualitative and nutraceutical parameters of fruits and confer greater resistance to plants under abiotic and biotic stress conditions. In our study, we tested three different biostimulants on cultivar “Lady Cot” apricot plants: animal-derived protein hydrolysate, plant-derived protein hydrolysate, and one based on algae to evaluate their effects on improving the agronomic parameters of plants and fruit quality. The product that stood out for providing positive effects was the protein hydrolysate-based product, which increased plant production by 53.80% and yield efficiency by 56.38%. At the same time, it also increased the fruit’s diameter growth by approximately 8.3%, showing positive effects on fruit weight as well. The animal-derived protein hydrolysate also reduced acidity by 13.8% and showed a significant increase compared to the control in terms of total polyphenols. Additional research is scheduled to validate these results and ascertain which categories of biostimulant products are most effective in enhancing the agronomic, qualitative, and sensory characteristics of other apricot cultivars.

Inventarisasi Penyakit dan Analisis Pertanaman Jagung (Zea mays L.) dari Aplikasi Berbagai Jenis Biochar dan Pupuk Fosfor

Maize is a leading commodity for industrial materials and food suppliers. However, corn productivity is not maximized which is caused by several factors such as physical (climate and soil type), biology (pests, pathogens, weeds), and socio-economic factors of farmers. 25% of soil types in Indonesia are Ultisol which is characterized by low pH, available P, C-organic, and productivity. There are important maize diseases that may cause yield loss such as downy mildew, blight, rust, and midrib rot. Therefore, sustainable productivity improvements are required, specifically the application of biochar and phosphor. Biochar can increase pH, C-organic, available plant nutrients, and suppress several plant diseases. This research aimed to inventory important maize diseases, the effect of biochar, phosphor, and their interaction on disease severity and incidence, growth, production, soil pH, and C-organic. This research was designed in factorial Randomized Group Design with the factors biochar with four treatment levels included no biochar (B0), rice husk biochar (B2), corn cob biochar (B2), and cassava stalk biochar (B3) at a dose of 10 tons.ha-1 and phosphor with two treatments level included no phosphor (P0) and phosphor at a dose of 222.2 kg.ha-1 (P1). The results showed that there were four important diseases after application of biochar and phosphor, which are downy mildew (Peronisclerospora sp.), blight (Bipolaris maydis), southern corn rust (Puccinia polysora), and midrib rot (Fusarium spp.). Biochar corn cobs and cassava stems suppress the incidence of blight at 6th week. Biochars increase plant height, production, and soil pH. Interactions of biochar and phosphor increase plant stem diameter. Keywords: Biochar, Disease, Maize, Phosphor

The effects of litter input and increased precipitation on soil microbial communities in a temperate grassland.

Global warming has contributed to shifts in precipitation patterns and increased plant productivity, resulting in a significant increase in litter input into the soils. The enhanced litter input, combined with higher levels of precipitation, may potentially affect soil microbial communities. This study aims to investigate the effects of litter input and increased precipitation on soil microbial biomass, community structure, and diversity in a temperate meadow steppe in northeastern China. Different levels of litter input (0%, +30%, +60%) and increased precipitation (0%, +15%, +30%) were applied over a three-year period (2015-2017). The results showed that litter input significantly increased the biomass of bacteria and fungi without altering their diversity, as well as the ratio of bacterial to fungal biomass. Increased precipitation did not have a notable effect on the biomass and diversity of bacteria and fungi, but it did increase the fungal-to-bacterial biomass ratio. However, when litter input and increased precipitation interacted, bacterial diversity significantly increased while the fungal-to-bacterial biomass ratio remained unchanged. These findings indicate that the projected increases in litter and precipitation would have a substantial impact on soil microbial communities. In energy-and water-limited temperate grasslands, the additional litter inputs and increased precipitation contribute to enhanced nutrient and water availability, which in turn promotes microbial growth and leads to shifts in community structure and diversity.

Cytokinin Oxidase/Dehydrogenase as an Important Target for Increasing Plant Productivity

Cytokinin Oxidase/Dehydrogenase as an Important Target for Increasing Plant Productivity

Investigate the impact of microorganism species richness, carrier materials, and nitrogen fertilizer on (Eruca vesicaria subsp. Sativa) growth and its active compounds content: Running Title; Fertilizer and Arugula

Using microorganisms is one of the most important tools to increase plant production without harming our environment and health. However, little is known about microbial diversity and related that to soil nutrients in arugula plants. Therefore, we hypothesize that mixing more microorganisms with suitable carrier materials will improve arugula growth and its active compounds. Using two factors biofertilizer and chemical fertilizer, biofertilizer including: mycorrhizae (30g) Trichoderma asperellum (30 g), Bacillus subtilis (50 ml/L), and a combination of microorganisms (Bacteria and fungi Trichoderma and Mycorrhizae) in that order (B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, and B6). Chemical fertilizer including nitrogen, comparison, and at a rate of 15 kg per acre (or one-fourth of the recommended rate), and 30 kg per acre (or half the recommended rate), respectively (A1, A2, A3). The results showed that:Adding bacteria and their carrier materials was significantly superior to the leaf content of active compounds (phenols, flavonoids, and tannins), whose values reached 1.083 (mg.g-1dry weight), 35.98(mg.g-1dry weight), and 1.086(mg.g-1dry weight) and sequentiall, and addition of Trichoderma and and their carrier materials was significantly superior to the leaves’ content of elements (N, P, and K), whose values reached 3.98% and 0.88% and 4.92%, respectively, and quantity of yield in the first harvest increased upon the addition of combination of microorganisms and nitrogen fertilizer (urea). The use of environmentally friendly fertilizers is critical to promoting both plant development and the increasing of beneficial active compounds, and this research provides useful insights into how to best cultivate arugula organically. Using such environmentally friendly methods is crucial to promote sustainable agriculture.

Pertanian Ramah Lingkungan Melalui Pelatihan Pembuatan Pupuk Organik Cair Dari Limbah Dapur

Training on making liquid organic fertilizer from kitchen waste was introduced as an effort to encourage sustainable agriculture at the community level. This study aims to evaluate the impact of training in making liquid organic fertilizer from kitchen waste on agricultural practices in Sidomulyo village. The research methods used include surveys, interviews with farmers, and analysis of agricultural yield data before and after the implementation of liquid organic fertilizer. The research results show that this training has succeeded in increasing the understanding and application of sustainable agricultural practices among farmers. The positive impact of this training includes increasing plant productivity. Training also provides economic benefits by reducing fertilizer costs and increasing farmer income through better crop yields. Implementation of training on making liquid organic fertilizer from kitchen waste in Sidomulyo village is a concrete step in encouraging sustainable and environmentally friendly agriculture. The results of this research have important implications for similar regions that want to introduce sustainable agricultural practices by utilizing local resources.

MENGOPTIMALKAN PERTANIAN BERKELANJUTAN: PROGRAM PELATIHAN PEMBUATAN ECO-ENZYME DAN POC UNTUK PENINGKATAN PRODUKTIVITAS TANAMAN DAN KESEHATAN LINGKUNGAN

Real Work Lectures (KKN) is a program that aims to apply science and technology in the context of community service. This service was carried out in Allepolea Village, Bontokapetta 2 Ward, which is an area located in Lau District, Maros Regency, South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia. Sustainable agriculture is the main focus in efforts to increase plant productivity and maintain environmental balance. One of the proposed approaches is through a training program for making eco-enzymes and POC (Liquid Organic Fertilizer) as an environmentally friendly solution. This program aims to optimize agriculture by increasing plant productivity and maintaining environmental health. Through this training, farmers will be equipped with knowledge and skills in producing eco-enzymes and POC effectively. It is hoped that the application of this technology can have a positive impact on agricultural results and at the same time minimize negative impacts on the environment. This study supports the vision of sustainable agriculture through innovative approaches to natural resource management.

Effect of fertilizer application methods and drip irrigation on the productivity of columnar apple plants on sod-podzolic soil

The field agrochemical experiment conducted in 2021–2023 was designed to study the influence of drip irrigation and two methods of mineral fertilizer application on the components of productivity of columnar apple plants when grown on cultivated loamy textured sod-podzolic soil in the conditions of Moscow Oblast. Drip irrigation, solid fertilizer application, and fertigation were found to have different eff ects on plant productivity indicators. Th e eff ects largely depend on the cultivar and weather conditions. Drip irrigation in conjunction with solid fertilizers increased plant productivity to the greatest extent. Thus, the ‘Ostankino’ cultivar yielded by up to 2.16 kg/tree more, i. e. the productivity rose by 27.1 % compared to the controls. In the ‘President’ cultivar, yield per tree increased by up to 2.18 kg/tree (by 35.4 % compared to the controls). The irrigated and fertilized variants of the experiment were distinguished by higher vegetation productivity values for the ‘President’ cultivar plants. For this cultivar, the highest total growth rate was in the fertigation-drip irrigation variant with an increase of up to 459.2 cm/tree in 2022. Th e average growth over two years was 16.5% higher than in the control group. In the ‘Ostankino’ cultivar, the total length value of shoot growth during irrigation and solid fertilizer application decreased compared to the control group by up to 245.2 cm/tree. On average, over two years it decreased by 15.7 % compared to the controls. In the fertigation-drip irrigation variant, there was a decrease in the ammonia nitrogen content in the soil compared to the other variants. As a result, the total mineral nitrogen content in the soil layer to a depth of 60 cm was minimal. Th e highest value of ammonium content and total nitrogen in the rhizosphere were observed in the variant with drip irrigation and solid fertilizer application.

If you can’t beat them, join them: using invasive plants to understand rhizodeposits as drivers of plant-soil feedbacks

The soil microbiome can increase crop resilience to both abiotic and biotic stress, and there is growing interest in uncovering the mechanisms by which we can shape plant associated microbiomes to increase crop yields within stressful environments. Through rhizodeposits, plants influence the composition of microbial communities and abiotic conditions in the rhizosphere, potentially generating plant-soil feedbacks which can increase nutrient availability and competitive ability against neighboring plants. Invasive plants have repeatedly been shown to drive plant-soil feedbacks that increase their ability to adapt to a wide range of environmental conditions and suppress neighboring plants. Using invasive plants as model species, we discuss what is currently known about the mechanisms that generate the plant-soil feedbacks that increase plant productivity, competitive ability, and resilience. Specifically, invasive potential is enhanced through 1) positive direct feedback loops which occur within a species, and can occur through enhanced mutualistic associations; or 2) negative indirect feedback loops, when feedbacks affect heterospecific plants through either allelopathy, disruption of mutualistic associations, and increased pathogen abundance. Knowledge on invasive plant exudate-microbe interactions may increase cropping system resilience through breeding superior crop genotypes, or potentially through soil amendments that disrupt weed-microbe interactions. We argue that because the soil biotic and native plant community often evolve in response to negative indirect feedback loops, focusing breeding efforts on positive direct plant-soil feedbacks, such as those that increase mutualistic associations and nutrient availability in the rhizosphere, are likely to lead to long-term stress resilient crops. Future research should explore to what extent upregulating production of specific exudates in non-invasive crop species generate the same plant-soil feedbacks responsible for invasive plant success.

Nano-elicitation and hydroponics: a synergism to enhance plant productivity and secondary metabolism.

This review has explored the importance of using a synergistic approach of nano-elicitation and hydroponics to improve plant growth and metabolite production. Furthermore, it emphasizes the significance of green nanotechnology and eco-friendly practices while utilizing this approach to promote the development of a sustainable agriculture system. Nano-elicitation stimulates metabolic processes in plants using nanoparticles (NPs) as elicitors. The stimulation of these biochemical processes can enhance plant yield and productivity, along with the production of secondary metabolites. Nanoparticles have garnered the attention of scientific community because of their unique characteristics, such as incredibly small size and large surface-to-volume ratio, which make them effective elicitors. Hydroponic systems, which optimize growing conditions to increase plant production, are typically used to study the effect of elicitors. By integrating these two approaches, the qualitative and quantitative output of plants can be increased while employing minimal resources. As the global demand for high-quality crops and bioactive compounds surges, embracing this synergistic approach alongside sustainable farming practices can pave the way for resilient agricultural systems, ensuring food security and fostering an eco-friendly environment.

Variation among family of Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre for oil content and seedling growth

Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre is a multipurpose tree species that produces non-edible seeds. Pongamia oil has been recognized as a viable source of oil for the burgeoning biofuel industry. The economic feasibility of Pongamia depends on the oil content of the seed. Meanwhile, information on variation among families (parent tree) of seedlings grown is also necessary to increase plant productivity besides the oil content. This study aims to determine the variation among families of Pongamia oil content and seedling growth (generative and vegetative propagation). The seeds were analysed using 48 families for oil content analysis by solvent extraction, 50 families for seedling growth analysis (generative), and 19 families for vegetative. The result showed a significant variation in crude oil content among the families. Oil production varied from 26.61 to 44.68%. Variations among families were also found in seedling growth performance for both generative and vegetative propagation, with an average survival rate up to 75%. The information is essential for the tree improvement program to produce genetically improved seeds of Pongamia for biofuel and land restoration in Indonesia.

Effect of Combination of Soil Improvers and N, P, K Fertilizer on Organic C, Total N, Uptake N, and Yield of Lowland Rice (Oryza sativa L.) in Inceptisols from Jatinangor, West Java, Indonesia

Intensive inorganic fertilization in conventional agriculture can cause a decrease in soil quality. Modification through balanced fertilization with soil amendments is expected to improve soil quality and increase plant productivity. The experiment aimed to evaluate the effect of a combination of soil improver and N, P, K fertilizer on lowland rice (Oryza sativa L.) with a focus on increasing organic C, total N, and uptake N, as well as finding the dose that provides the best lowland rice yields in Inceptisols from Jatinangor, West Java, Indonesia. Field experiments using plastic buckets as experimental units for 5 months were carried out and arranged based on a Completely Randomized Block Design (CRBD) with eight treatment groups, including Control (A), recommended N, P, K dose (B), soil improvers (C), ½ soil improvers and ¾ recommended NPK dose (D), ¾ soil improvers and ¾ recommended N, P, K dose (E), soil improvers and ¾ recommended N, P, K dose (F), 1½ soil improvers and ¾ recommended N, P, K dose (G), as well as soil improvers and recommended N, P, K dose (H). The results showed was that there is an influence of the combination of soil improvers and N, P, and K fertilizer in increasing organic C, total N, uptake N, and rice yield. This experiment concluded that the dose of 1 soil improvers (8 Mg ha-1) and ¾ recommended N, P, K dose (262.5 kg ha-1 Urea, 37.5 kg ha-1 SP-36, and 37.5 kg ha-1 KCl) was the best treatment in increasing rice yields and it is necessary to carry out experiments on rice yields with a higher level of heterogeneity.

Resource-Saving Measures to Improve Soil Fertility and Increase Plant Productivity through the Use of Straw

Resource-Saving Measures to Improve Soil Fertility and Increase Plant Productivity through the Use of Straw

Are sub-alpine species' seedling emergence and establishment in the alpine limited by climate or biotic interactions?

One of the ways in which plants are responding to climate change is by shifting their ranges to higher elevations. Early life-history stages are major bottlenecks for species' range shifts, and variation in seedling emergence and establishment success can therefore be important determinants of species' ability to establish at higher elevations. Previous studies have found that warming per se tends to not only increase seedling establishment in alpine climates but it also increases plant productivity, which could limit establishment success through increased competition for light. Here we disentangle the relative importance of several climate-related abiotic and biotic factors on sub-alpine species' seedling emergence and survival in the alpine. Specifically, we test how temperature, precipitation and competition from neighbouring vegetation impacts establishment, and also whether species' functional traits, or strategies impact their ability to colonise alpine locations. We found that our six sub-alpine study species were all able to recruit from seed in alpine locations under the extant alpine climate, but their emergence was limited by competition from neighbouring vegetation. This indicates that biotic interactions can hinder the range shifts expected as a result of climate warming. Species with a resource conservative strategy had higher emergence in the extant alpine climate than species with a resource acquisitive strategy, and they were largely unaffected by changes in temperature. The resource acquisitive species, in contrast, had faster emergence under warming, especially when they were released from competition from neighbouring vegetation. Our results indicate that competition from the established vegetation is limiting the spread of lowland species into the alpine, and as the climate continues to warm, species with resource acquisitive traits might gain an advantage.

Effect of phosphate fertilizer-coated Dicarboxylic Acid Polymer on rice yield and components under greenhouse conditions

A significant amount of phosphorus (P) becomes fixed by aluminium (Al) and iron (Fe) in acidic soils, leading to decreased efficiency in P utilization and subsequently lowering crop yield. Enhanced P fertilization offers a potential solution, as the dicarboxylic acid polymer (DCAP) coating on P fertilizer promotes increased plant productivity and more effective P utilization. The improvement achieved through enhanced P fertilization can contribute to higher rice yields in acidic soils, accompanied by an increase in P solubility. The study aimed to determine the impact of DCAP-mixed phosphate fertilizer on P uptake by plants, absorption efficiency, and rice yield. The results demonstrated a significant increase in available P (about 3.5 mg P/kg) when DCAP was used in a greenhouse setting, resulting in elevated yields and total P absorption (ranging from 0.03 to 0.05 grams/pot). However, the addition of 60 kg of phosphate mixed with DCAP has not yet demonstrated a significant increase in available phosphorus in the soil compared to adding just 60 kg of phosphate. The application of phosphate at a dose of 30 kg of P2O5 mixed with DCAP for growth and phosphorus absorption yield results equivalent to using 60 kg of P2O5 without DCAP. Furthermore, the use of DCAP in conjuction with 50% P fertilizer increased P availability by the same amount as that achieved with 100% P fertilizer. Consequently, DCAP reduced chemical P fertilizer in the soil by approximately 50%. However, it is essential to evaluate the effectiveness of mixed phosphate fertilizer (DCAP) under field conditions before recommending its widespread use.

Optimalisasi Penggunaan Sensor Pada Sistem Penyiraman Tanaman Kangkung Menggunakan Metode WSN

Water spinach is one of the agricultural products that is often consumed by Indonesian people, so it has very high market demand. However, there are still many farmers who use the traditional method of watering plants by carrying water so that it does not increase plant productivity. This is also a problem because farmers are at risk of developing MSDs (musculoskeletal disorders). To support high market demand, technology is needed that can help farmers in the process of watering plants with high effectiveness and efficiency. In this research, optimization of the use of sensors was carried out using WSN (Wireless Sensor Network) to overcome the problem of increasing scale on large areas of land to be able to monitor park land and control the watering process. This system uses several sensors, including a water pressure sensor, waterflow sensor, soil pH sensor and soil moisture sensor. Apart from that, this research also created a warning system and recommendation system to help farmers in making decisions regarding plantation management. Farmers can monitor garden land and control watering from anywhere via the web application that has been created

Application of Silica Nanoparticles in Combination with Bacillus velezensis and Bacillus thuringiensis for Anthracnose Disease Control in Shallot.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Anthracnose in shallot contributes to significant losses. To solve this issue, silica nanoparticles, in combination with <i>Bacillus velezensis</i> and <i>Bacillus thuringiensis</i> were used together. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> <i>In vitro</i> antagonistic test of <i>Bacillus velezensis</i> B-27 with <i>Colletotrichum gloeosporioides</i> was carried out using dual culture and co-culture methods. Treatment in greenhouse experiments was carried out using single application of silica, <i>B. thuringiensis</i>, <i>B. velezensis</i>, a combination of <i>B. thuringiensis</i> and <i>B. velezensis</i> and a combination of <i>B. thuringiensis</i>, <i>B. velezensis</i> and silica. Detection of <i>B. velezensis</i> in the roots of shallot plants was carried out by PCR using a pair of specific primers. <b>Results:</b> <i>Bacillus velezensis</i> was able to inhibit the growth of <i>C. gloeosporioides</i> mycelium <i>in vitro</i>, both in the dual culture and co-culture methods, by 62.8 and 77.17%, respectively. Treatment of <i>B. thuringiensis</i> and <i>B. velezensis</i>, either individually or in combination with silica, could reduce the intensity of anthracnose disease by 20% each and stimulate the growth of shallot plants. The PCR detection using specific primers on the roots of shallot plants showed that <i>B. velezensis</i> was detected with a DNA band length of ±576 bp. <b>Conclusion:</b> <i>Bacillus velezensis</i> can inhibit the growth of <i>C. gloeosporioides</i> mycelium <i>in vitro</i>. Applying <i>B. velezensis</i>, <i>B. thuringiensis</i> and silica can reduce the intensity of anthracnose disease, promote plant growth and increase plant productivity. Furthermore, <i>B. velezensis</i> was detected in the roots of shallot plants, revealing that the bacteria are well-established.

Management of excessive soil H+ ion induced toxicities by application of organic seaweed amendment enhances photosynthesis and resource use efficiencies in rice (Oryza sativa)

Globally, soil acidification is a serious environmental issue that reduces commercial agricultural production. Rice is subjected to nutritional stress due to acidic soil, which is a major impediment to rice production. Since acid soil threatens rice plants with soil compaction, nutrient loss, and plant stress-induced oxidative cell damage that results in affecting the photosynthetic system, restricting the availability of water, and reducing overall plant growth and productivity. Since contemporary soil acidification management strategies provide mediocre results, the use of Sargassum wightii seaweed-based biostimulants (BS) and soil amendments is sought as an environmentally friendly alternative strategy, and therefore its potential isevaluated in this study. BS was able to mediate soil quality by improving soil pH and structure along with facilitating nitrogen phytoavailability. BS also increased the activity of the antioxidant enzyme system, superoxide dismutase ((48%), peroxidase (76.6%), and ascorbate peroxidase (63.5%), aggregating the monaldehyde-mediating accumulation of osmoprotective proline in roots, that was evident from rapid initiation of root hair growth in treated seedlings. BS was also able to physiologically modulate photosynthetic activities and chlorophyll production (24.31%) in leaves, maintaining the efficiency of plant water use by regulating the stomatal conductance (0.91 mol/m/s) and the transpiration rate (13.2 mM/m/s). The BS compounds were also successful in facilitating nitrogen uptake resulting in improved plant growth (59%), tiller-panicle number, and yield (52.57%), demonstrating a resourceful nitrogen use efficiency (71.96%) previously affected by stress induced by acid soil. Therefore, the study affirms the competent potential of S. wightii-based soil amendment to be applied not only to improve soil quality, but also to increase plant production and yield.

Automation Watering System Berbasis IoT Cerdas pada Bawang Merah

In the current era of rapid technological development, smart irrigation systems are increasingly needed in cultivating crops, including shallots. This system was built to increase plant productivity by using smart irrigation to anticipate climate changes that occur. Through the use of IoT technology and expert systems, this system can provide effective solutions in optimizing the growth and quality of shallots. This Automation Watering System uses a microcontroller as the brain of the system which is connected to various sensors and actuators. The microcontroller takes data from sensors and sends it to the server via a WiFi network or other wireless protocol. The server then analyzes the data using an expert system that has been programmed with expert knowledge in the field of shallot cultivation. This Automation Watering System is able to optimize water use. and avoid excess or lack of watering. The results showed that with the integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) and expert systems, this system can provide smart solutions in shallot cultivation, ensure optimal growth, and produce better harvest results.

Pembangunan Screenhouse Sebagai Upaya Peningkatan Produktivitas Tanaman Di Dusun Ngadilegi Utara, Kecamatan Pandaan, Kabupaten Pasuruan

Ngadilegi Utara Hamlet is one of the hamlets of Plintahan Village, Pandaan District, which has great potential in the agricultural sector. However, global climate change has caused problems that Ngadilegi Utara farmers, especially the Madulegi Farmer Group, must face in cultivating crops. The impact of global climate change can trigger the emergence of plant pest organisms (OPT) which can affect the achievement of quality to meet market demand (consumers). Meanwhile, farmers in Ngadilegi Utara Hamlet still carry out crop cultivation activities on open land which is very potential for pest and disease attacks, and can be disrupted by environmental stress. Cultivation innovation using a screenhouse is one solution to overcome the problem in order to increase plant productivity. The screenhouse was built with a size of 6 x 8 meters using a hollow and galvanized C frame. The roof uses UV plastic with a thickness of 200 microns, the walls use insect net with a density of 50 mesh, and the base is covered using tarpaulin. The construction of the screenhouse in Ngadilegi Utara Hamlet is considered to reduce the attack of plant pest organisms (OPT) and environmental stress factors, so that farmer groups in Ngadilegi Utara Hamlet can increase crop productivity well.