Bud Initiation Research Articles

Spatial heterogeneity ensures long-term stability in vegetation and Fritillaria meleagris flowering in Uppsala Kungsäng, a semi-natural meadow.

Semi-natural grasslands are becoming increasingly rare, and their vegetation may be affected by environmental changes and altered management. At Kungsängen Nature Reserve, a wet to mesic semi-natural meadow near Uppsala, Sweden, we analysed long-term changes in the vegetation using data from 1940, 1982, 1995 and 2016. We also analysed the spatial and temporal dynamics in the Fritillaria meleagris population based on countings of flowering individuals in 1938, 1981-1988 and 2016-2021. Between 1940 and 1982 the wet part of the meadow became wetter, which led to an increased cover of Carex acuta and pushed the main area of flowering of F. meleagris up towards the mesic part. Annual variation in the flowering propensity of F. meleagris (in May) was affected by temperature and precipitation in the phenological phases of growth and bud initiation (June in the previous year), shoot development (September in the previous year) and initiation of flowering (March-April). However, the response to weather was in opposite directions in the wet and mesic parts of the meadow, and the flowering population showed large year-to-year variation but no long-term trend. Variation in management (poorly documented) led to changes in different parts of the meadow, but the overall composition of the vegetation, species richness and diversity changed little after 1982. Species richness and species composition of the meadow vegetation, and the long-term stability of the F. meleagris population are maintained by the variation in wetness, highlighting the importance of spatial heterogeneity as an insurance against biodiversity loss in semi-natural grasslands and nature reserves generally.

Influence of potting media composition on quality flower production of petunia (Petunia hybrida)

An experiment was conducted at Banda University of Agriculture & Technology, Banda to evaluate the effect of different growing media compositions containing cocopeat, Vermicompost, FYM, Leaf Mold, Perlite, and vermiculite in different ratios on vegetative growth and flowering of petunia plant. The results revealed that, the maximum root length and root spread were observed in media composition T5 [Cocopeat + Vermicompost + Vermiculite (2:1:1)] whereas, vegetative growth with no of leaves per plants, no of branches per plant and plant spread in T4 [Cocopeat + Perlite + Vermicompost (2:1:1)]. The better flower quality parameters like flower diameter, flower bud diameter, stalk length of flower were observed in T5 media containing Cocopeat + Vermicompost + Vermiculite (2:1:1) while minimum days taken to bud initiation (60.75) and first flower opening (66.66) in T2 [Soil + Sand + Vermicompost (2:1:1)]. However, plants showed the significant root growth, vegetative growth with better flowering time and quality was highest in media containing Cocopeat + Vermicompost + Vermiculite (2:1:1). Therefore, the findings suggest that for quality flower production of potted petunia growing media composition of T5 [Cocopeat + Vermicompost + Vermiculite (2:1:1)] was ideal with better plant morphological development and sustained flowering for display.

Evaluation of cowpea genotypes for resistance to the legume pod borer, Maruca Vitrata (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

16 cowpea varieties were screened for resistance to the legume pod borer, Maruca vitrata F. under natural infestation in the field. Plants were planted in a randomized complete block design in three replicates; each plot consisted of four rows, 3m long. Spacing was 1.5m between plots and 0.75m between rows. Intra- row spacing was 0.2m.Two weeks prior to planting experimental materials, a susceptible cultivar was planted perpendicular to every range of rows within a plot to serve as a reservoir of the test insect, M.vitrata. Plants were sprayed with Monocrotophos at 200g a.i /ha once at the vegetative stage and at the onset of flower bud initiation and later during podding to control other pests apart from Maruca. Larval density, flower damage, pod damage, seed damage, pod load (a measure of the degree of successful pod production) and Index of pod evaluation (Ipe), calculated as [PL X (9-PD)], (a measure of the varietal performance of the cowpea genotypes) were used to assess resistance in cowpea varieties. Significant variations were observed in the level of resistance among the cowpea genotypes in the field. The findings show that Tvu 4578 is resistant while Tvu 1544, IT97K-499-35, IT93K452-1 and IT90K-76 show promising level of resistance. The probable factor contributing to resistance may be non- preference or host plant resistant factors.

Split applications of molybdenum fertilizer on common bean increase molybdenum in seed

AbstractCommon bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) plants sprayed with molybdenum (Mo) fertilizer produce Mo‐enriched seeds, which may increase yield in Mo‐poor soils. The challenge has been to produce Mo‐enriched seeds with less fertilizer. Split applications of Mo increase seed Mo content (SMoC), but the number of splits that maximize SMoC has not been studied sufficiently. In three sprinkler‐irrigated field trials, we evaluated the effects of split‐applied Mo fertilizer on SMoC and seed physiological quality. All treatments received NPK fertilizer at sowing. In two treatments, 69 kg ha−1 of urea‐N was top‐dressed or not applied. In six treatments, Na2MoO4·2H2O was foliar‐sprayed once at either 90 or 600 g ha−1 of Mo at the 4th trifoliolate leaf (V4) growth stage, or 600 g ha−1 was split equally at V4 and bud initiation (R5); V4, R5, and full flowering (R6); V4, R5, R6, and early pod formation (R7); or V4, R5, R6, and early and late R7 growth stages. Seed yield for each trial ranged from 3723 to 4621 kg ha−1. Site‐treatment interaction was significant for SMoC and seed germination (p < 0.001). SMoC ranged from 0.11 to 0.23 (only NPK‐fertilized), 1.81 to 3.31 (600 g ha−1, no split), and 5.22 to 6.29 μg (four splits). Four and five splits did not differ significantly for any variable. In two trials, seeds from 600 g ha−1 of Mo had a 3.9% higher germination than seeds from 90 g ha−1. In conclusion, SMoC increases as the number of splits increase up to four times. Additionally, Mo applied at 600 g ha−1 may improve seed germination rate.

Auxin-independent effects of apical dominance induce changes in phytohormones correlated with bud outgrowth.

The inhibition of shoot branching by the growing shoot tip of plants, termed apical dominance, was originally thought to be mediated by auxin. Recently, the importance of the shoot tip sink strength during apical dominance has re-emerged with recent studies highlighting roles for sugars in promoting branching. This raises many unanswered questions on the relative roles of auxin and sugars in apical dominance. Here we show that auxin depletion after decapitation is not always the initial trigger of rapid cytokinin (CK) increases in buds that are instead correlated with enhanced sugars. Auxin may also act through strigolactones (SLs) which have been shown to suppress branching after decapitation, but here we show that SLs do not have a significant effect on initial bud outgrowth after decapitation. We report here that when sucrose or CK is abundant, SLs are less inhibitory during the bud release stage compared to during later stages and that SL treatment rapidly inhibits CK accumulation in pea (Pisum sativum) axillary buds of intact plants. After initial bud release, we find an important role of gibberellin (GA) in promoting sustained bud growth downstream of auxin. We are, therefore, able to suggest a model of apical dominance that integrates auxin, sucrose, SLs, CKs, and GAs and describes differences in signalling across stages of bud release to sustained growth.

Flowering Time and Physiological Reaction of Dendrobium nobile Lindl in Response to TDZ Application

The objective of this work was to analyze the effect of Thidiazuron (TDZ) treatment on floral initiation, flowering time, ornamental characteristics and physiological metabolism of potted Dendrobium nobile. Three TDZ concentrations (200, 500 and 1000 mg L−1) were applied as solution to water the root zone of the plants. Control plants (plants watered with water) showed a good vegetative development but no floral branches. TDZ greatly influenced the flowering process. For all the tested TDZ concentrations, the first flower bud occurred at 55–60 days after the last irrigation (DAI), the highest TDZ concentration showing the major delay in its occurrence. The initial flowering (30% of flowered plants) began 47 days after the first flower bud initiation with no statistical differences among the treatments. Plants treated with TDZ 500–1000 mg L−1 showed the longest period of flowering (about 32 days) and the single flowers delayed the withering of about 2–3 days compared to the lowest TDZ treatment (200 mg L−1). The number of flowers, floral branches and flowering percentage were distinctly influenced by the TDZ concentration. The highest percentage of flowering (40%) was scored when plants were watered with a TDZ solution at 500 mg L−1 and this was a performant treatment providing the best morphological flower features for the ornamental value of this plant. Among the physiological factors affecting the flowering, this study showed that TDZ increased the relative membrane permeability which facilitated the transport of macromolecular flower-forming substances into and out of the membrane. Therefore, the membrane permeability change could be an indicator of shifts in physiologically active substances during the flowering transition process in Dendrobium nobile plants.

Evaluation of genotypes and correlation studies in Marigold (Tagetes spp.) for growth and yield attributes

The study was conducted to evaluate 23 genotypes of marigold (Tagetes spp.) collected from different and diverse sources and correlation studies were performed for various growth and yield characters. The results shows that the maximum plant height (92.60 cm) is recorded in the genotype AMS-15, whereas maximum plant spread (52.80 cm), flower weight (8.93 g) and largest flower size (7.63 cm) was recorded in the genotype ‘AMS-16’. The highest number of branches (11.13), flowers per plant (509.93), flower yield per plant (622.27 gm), flower yield per m2 (4635.83 gm) and duration of flowering (88.47 days) was recorded in genotype ‘AMS-3’. The genotype ‘AMS-4’ showed earliest bud initiation (38.20 days) and flower opening (47.53 days). Plant spread is positively correlated with number of branches, flower stalk length, flower diameter, days to bud initiation, first flower opening, flower yield per plant and per m2, whereas, plant height has positive correlation with plant spread, number of branches per plant, flower stalk length and flower diameter. The study concludes that the genotype AMS-3 is the best amongst all the genotype with respect to flower yield and flowering duration. The various growth parameters viz. plant spread, number of branches, flower diameter, days to bud initiation, days to first flower opening and number of flowers per plant has positive correlation with flower yield, hence, these characters may be considered as selection indices in improving yield attributes in marigold.

Effect of integrated nutrient management on flowering and yield attributing traits of marigold (<em>Tagetes erecta</em> L.) under agro-climatic conditions of Ajmer zone

The current study was steered at Bhagwant University Ajmer, Rajasthan during the Rabi season of years 2019-20 and 2020-21 to find out the combined application of different organic and inorganic sources of nutrients on flowering behaviour and yield attributing traits of Marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) under Agro-climatic conditions of Ajmer Zone. Total ten treatments were used in Randomized Block Design (RBD) and replicated three times. The treatments namely T1- Control, T2- 100% RDF (N:P: K @ 120:80:60 kg/ha), T3-100% RDF + 25% VC, T4- 100% RDF + 25% FYM, T5- 75% RDF + FYM + Biofertilizers, T6- 75% RDF + VC + Biofertilizers, T7- 75% RDF + FYM + VC + Biofertilizers, T8- 50% RDF + FYM + VC + Biofertilizers, T9- 50% RDF + FYM + Biofertilizers and T10- 50% RDF + VC + Biofertilizers. Total 30 treatment combinations were formulated in present experiment. During the experimentation, observations were recorded on various flowering and yield attributing parameters like days taken to first bud initiation, days taken for opening of flower bud, days taken to first flowering, days taken to 50% flowering, flower stalk length, diameter of flower, number of flowers per plant, fresh weight of flower, flower yield per plant, flower yield per plot, flower yield (q/ha) and B:C ratio of applied treatments. However, the maximum flowering and yield were found in T7- 75% RDF + FYM + VC + Biofertilizers as compared to T8- 50% RDF + FYM + VC + Biofertilizers.

Effect of different varietal performance and various levels of nitrogen on growth and flowering characters on China aster (callistephus chinensis l. Ness) under north Gujarat condition

A field experiment was conducted during rabi 2020 to study deals with effect of different varietal performance and various levels of nitrogen on growth and flowering characters on China aster (callistephus chinensis l. Ness) under north Gujarat condition. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with factorial concept using ten treatments, comprising two varieties (Arka Archana and Arka Kamini) and five levels of nitrogen (140, 180, 220, 260 and 300 kg/ha). The results revealed that among various treatments, The highest plant height (47.12 cm) was recorded in Arka Kamini. While, Arka Archana gave the maximum number of primary branches (15.04 cm), plant spread 48.07 and 40.62 cm in N-S & E-W, respectively. Minimum days for bud initiation (50.40 days), days for flower initiation (59.27 days), flower weight (3.99 g), flower diameter (6.33 cm) and shelf life of flower (6.22 days) were significantly the maximum in Arka Archana. All the vegetative, flowering and yield characters were significantly influenced by nitrogen application 300 kg/ha. The maximum plant height (46.20 cm), number of primary branches per plant (16.77) and plant spread (47.53 and 41.23 cm) in N-S & E-W respectively, weight of flower (4.24 g), flower diameter (6.79 cm) was the highest application at 300 kg N/ha. Flowering parameter such as minimum days taken to bud initiation (57.37 days), minimum days taken to flower initiation (66.77 days) and longest shelf life of flower (6.07 days) were observed with application of nitrogen 140 kg/ha.

An Advanced Robotic System for Precision Chemical Thinning of Apple Blossoms

Highlights A cartesian robotic spraying system was developed for precision apple blossom thinning. Flower clusters were detected and localized with deep learning model for target spraying. A communication algorithm was developed for positioning the spray end-effector to the target flowers. The cartesian robotic system greatly reduced chemical usage while maintaining thinning effectiveness in the final green fruit set. Abstract. Crop thinning, including blossom thinning, is one of the critical management strategies that determines the annual profitability of apple orchards. Challenges still remain for applying appropriate amounts of chemical thinner; if thinning is inadequate and too many fruits remain on the tree, fruit size will be small, fruit quality will be poor, and flower bud initiation for the following year’s crop may be either reduced or eliminated. Over-thinning also carries economic perils since yield and crop value in the year of application will be reduced. In addition, chemical thinning with excessive spray volume may cause leaf damage and fruit russeting. Thus, a robotic apple blossom thinning system was proposed, aiming to reduce the usage of chemical thinner while maintaining good thinning performance. The robotic system consisted of three major components: (1) a machine vision system that can identify and localize the apple flower clusters in tree canopies, (2) a cartesian robotic system with the guidance of a machine vision system to reach target flower clusters, and (3) a flat-shaped spraying nozzle connected with a solenoid valve as a spraying end-effector to deposit chemical thinner to the targeted flower clusters. A set of field tests was conducted to evaluate the performance of the robotic thinning system by comparing it to conventional air-blast and boom-type sprayers. In the test, the flower cluster detection reached a precision of 93.82%. The integrated robotic system used 2.3 L of chemical thinner to finish the chemical thinning for 18 apple trees, followed by the boom sprayer and air blast sprayer with 4.2 and 6.8 L usage, respectively. The robotic system also obtained an average fruit set of 2.4 per cluster after thinning, which was comparable to that of the air blast sprayer. The results showed that the robotic thinning system saved 66.7% and 45.5% of chemicals compared to the air-blast sprayer and boom-typed sprayers, respectively, while achieving a similar fruit set per cluster. The outcomes of the study provided guidance for developing a full-scale robotic chemical thinning system for modern apple orchards. Keywords: Apple orchard, Blossom thinning, Cartesian robot, Chemical thinning, Machine vision.

EFFECT OF NITROGEN RATES ON GROWTH, FRUIT AND SEED YIELD OF OKRA (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench)

A Field trial was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Federal University of Technology, Minna (Southern Guinea Savanna ecological zone of Nigeria) during the 2019 and 2020 cropping seasons. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design and replicated three times. The treatments consisted of two okra varieties (NHAe47-4 and LD 88) and five rates of nitrogen fertilizer (0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 kg N ha-1). Each plot measures 2×5.25 m (10.5m2) comprising of eight ridges. Parameters measured included days to first flower bud initiation and opening, days to 50% flowering, plant height, number of leaves, abortion incidence, number of productive branches, number of fresh fruits, number of seeds, weight of seed and 100 seed weight were determined among others. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using SAS Statistical package 9.2. At 5% level of probability means were separated using Student- Newman Keuls (SNK) Test. Application of 90kg N/ha to okra is therefore suggested for good growth, improved fruit and seed yield in the studied zone. NHAe47-4 fruits contained more number of seeds than LD88 variety.

Diversity assessment of Nerium accessions for growth and flower yield

Thirty nerium accessions were evaluated for growth and flower yield. Each accession had specific vegetative and flowering traits, among them ACC-19 (Rasipuram pink double) recorded the maximum plant height (236.84 cm) and flower yield per plant (333.09g). ACC-2 (Panamarathanpatty white single) recorded the maximum number of primary branches (6.80). Leaf area (33.61 cm2), early flower bud initiation (90.47), flower bud length (3.40), number of inflorescences per plant (24.17), number of flowers per plant (10.67) were maximum in ACC-12. Accessions 12 (Rasipuram pink single) displayed profuse blooming and long-lasting blooming characteristics, which made them an excellent choice for commercial cultivation and landscaping.

Growth and Yield of Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni) as Influenced by Plant Density and Pinching

A field experiment was carried out to standardize spacing and pinching time to enhance the yield and quality of stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni) at the Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Thrissur, Kerala, from September 2021 to May 2022. The design of the experiment was factorial RBD and replicated thrice. The experiment comprised three levels of spacing (15 cm × 10 cm, 20 cm × 10 cm, and 15 cm × 15 cm) and four pinching intervals (pinching at 20 days after planting (DAP), pinching at 30 DAP, pinching at flower bud initiation and no pinching) in all possible combinations. The plants grown with closer spacing (15 cm × 10 cm) were the tallest at all growth stages. The pinching of the apical bud caused a reduction in plant height and increased the number of branches. Pinched plants recorded higher fresh and dry leaf weights than plants left non-pinched. More leaves were registered under the wider (15 cm × 15 cm) spacing than narrower spacings. Pinching favored the formation of more lateral buds, producing a more significant number of branches and, finally, more leaves per plant. High-density planting of stevia yielded the highest aboveground fresh mass (10925 kg ha-1), whereas lower plant densities yielded the lowest aboveground fresh mass (7330 kg ha-1). The stevia planted at a spacing of 15 cm × 10 cm and pinched at flower bud initiation (11980 kg ha-1) produced higher herbage.

The Effect of Different Concentrations of GA3 and NAA on Growth and Flowering of Asiatic Lily (Lilium × asiatica) cv. Litouwen under Naturally Ventilated Polyhouse Conditions of Prayagraj

This investigation was conducted under a naturally ventilated polyhouse, in the Department of Horticulture, SHUATS, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. In December 2020 with records taken from the month of February to month of March 2021. There were nine treatments comprising two growth regulators Gibberellic acid (GA3) (at 200, 250, 300, and 350 ppm), and Naphthalic Acetic Acid (NAA) (at 50,100,150, and 200 ppm) along with control. The whole experiment was laid out as a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications. The results revealed that among the Lilium cv. LITOUWEN, the foliar application of 250 ppm GA3 significantly increased the number of leaves per plant (66) with enhanced days to bud initiation (25.7 days). The number of bud per plant was 2.8 and stem length was 43.4cm respectively., GA3 at a concentration of 350 ppm enhanced vase life (7.9 days). and NAA at a concentration of 100 ppm enhanced the number of bulblets (3.3).

Characters Association and Path Coefficient Analysis among Quantitative Traits of Chrysanthemum (Dendranthema×Grandiflora Tzvelev)

The present experiment was carried out under naturally ventilated polyhouse at the experimental farm of Division of Flower and Medicinal Crops, ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India for two years during 2019 (August-November) and 2020 (August-December) The experiment was laid out in completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications under naturally ventilated polyhouse. Analysis of variance showed significant differences among genotypes for all the traits. Results revealed that the days to optimum flowering exhibited positive and significant correlation with plant height (0.599), days to bud initiation (0.628), days to first flower opening (0.985) and flowering duration (0.571), whereas, positive significant correlation with flower diameter (0.324). The results of path coefficient analysis using correlation coefficients revealed that days to first flower opening (1.033) exhibited positive and very high direct effect on days to optimum flowering while, number of leavesplant-1 (0.040), days to bud initiation (0.056), flower diameter (0.025) and flower duration (0.022) showed positive and negligible direct effect. Therefore, the selection on the basis of traits viz., plant height, days to bud initiation, days to first flower opening, flower duration and flower diameter will be more effective for improvement of the flowering traits in chrysanthemum breeding.

Surface-localized glycoproteins act through class C ARFs to fine-tune gametophore initiation in Physcomitrium patens.

Arabinogalactan proteins are functionally diverse cell wall structural glycoproteins that have been implicated in cell wall remodeling, although the mechanistic actions remain elusive. Here, we identify and characterize two AGP glycoproteins, SLEEPING BEAUTY (SB) and SB-like (SBL), that negatively regulate the gametophore bud initiation in Physcomitrium patens by dampening cell wall loosening/softening. Disruption of SB and SBL led to accelerated gametophore formation and altered cell wall compositions. The function of SB is glycosylation dependent and genetically connected with the class C auxin response factor (ARF) transcription factors PpARFC1B and PpARFC2. Transcriptomics profiling showed that SB upregulates PpARFC2, which in turn suppresses a range of cell wall-modifying genes that are required for cell wall loosening/softening. We further show that PpARFC2 binds directly to multiple AuxRE motifs on the cis-regulatory sequences of PECTIN METHYLESTERASE to suppress its expression. Hence, our results demonstrate a mechanism by which the SB modulates the strength of intracellular auxin signaling output, which is necessary to fine-tune the timing of gametophore initials formation.

Study on Positions of Twin Scales and Growth Regulators on Propagation of Narcissus (Daffodil) cv. Stamen Cream

Study was carried out to evaluate the influence of position of twin scales and growth regulators on propagation of Narcissus (Daffodil) cv. Stamen creamx. Results of the study reveals that out of eight treatment combinations tested in the experiment minimum days for callus initiation (26.00 days),root initiation (36.50 days) and bud initiation (44.50 days) after incubation resulted with combination of outer scales treated with IBA 100 ppm. Further maximum number of buds per chip (2.00), bud diameter (11.95 mm), bud length (2.76 cm) and bud weight (0.41g) were recorded with the same treatment. Inner scales treated with IBA 100PPM resulted with maximum days for callus initiation (37.50 days), root initiation (48.00 days) and bud initiation (60.50 days) after incubation. Least number of buds per chip (1.00), minimum bud diameter (7.45 mm), bud length (1.30 cm) and bud weight (0.19 g) were also recorded with same treatment. Most of the differences among the treatments for almost all recorded parameters were statistically significant.

Nitrogen response of regenerated tillers varied among node positions in ratoon rice

Rice ratooning produces a ratoon crop (RC) with regenerated tillers in different nodes on the stubble of main crop (MC). It is crucial to apply nitrogen (N) at 15 d after heading and 1–2 d after harvest of MC for promoting bud initiation (N B ) and tiller growth (N T ), respectively to achieve high grain yield of RC. However, limited information is available on the N response of regenerated tillers in different node positions of RC. The hypothesis is that N response varied among node positions of regenerated tillers. [METHODS] Field experiments were conducted in 2019 and 2020 to compare yield performance of regenerated tillers of upper and lower node positions in RC under various combinations of N B and N T treatments and two cutting heights (15 and 45 cm) using a rice variety Huanghuazhan. showed that there was no significant difference in grain yield among N treatments of regenerated tillers in upper node (3rd and 2nd nodes from the top for 15 and 45 cm cutting height, respectively). However, N B and N T significantly increased the grain yield of regenerated tillers in lower nodes by 23.5 %− 52.7 % and 49.3 %− 115.7 %, respectively, which was mainly attributed to increased panicles m −2 for both cutting heights. N application also increased total dry weight and total N uptake of regenerated tillers in lower nodes, but not in upper node. Furthermore, a significant and positive correlation between grain yield and total N uptake was observed for regenerated tillers in lower nodes, but not in upper node. Our results indicate that regenerated tillers in lower nodes were more responsive to N application than those in upper node. [IMPLICATIONS] Therefore, optimization of N management for RC should emphasize on the N response of regenerated tillers in lower nodes for achieving high grain yield of RC. • Nitrogen (N) responses of tillers varied among node positions in ratoon crop. • Nitrogen responses of tillers in lower nodes were higher than in upper node. • Cutting height did not change N responses of tillers in various node positions. • Yield variation of ratoon crop was mainly due to the tillers in lower nodes.

Zinc-Based Mineral (ZnSO4·7H2O) and Chelated (Zn-EDTA) Fertilizers improve the Productivity, Quality and Efficiency Indices of Field Pea (Pisum sativum L.) through Biofortification

BackgroundField pea (Pisum sativum L.) is an essential pulse crop which can offer highly nutritional food to human beings. But, the inadequate availability of nutrients such as Zn could pose a significant threat to public health. Thus, there is a need to improve the food quality parameters and nutrient levels of the crop using biofortification thus, making it beneficial for human consumption. MethodsThis study evaluated the influence of zinc (Zn) foliar application on food quality parameters, yield, Zn concentration and its uptake along with the economics of field pea cultivation. In the experiment, different concentrations of ZnSO4·7H2O and Zn-EDTA at the flowering and bud initiation stage were applied to the field pea. ResultsThe foliar application of ZnSO4·7H2O (1.0%) at the flowering and bud initiation stages (treatment T7) was highly efficient in increasing food quality parameters such as crude fibre, TSS, N, K and protein content with maximum values of 3.02, 20.5, 3.15, 3.41 and 14.97%, respectively. Also, the maximum yields of grain and straw in field pea for treatment T7 were 4840 kg ha−1 and 3275 kg ha−1, respectively. Similarly, the maximum Zn concentration in grain (54.8 mg kg−1) and straw (52.5 mg kg−1) of field pea was observed in treatment T7. Additionally, Zn uptake by grain (214 g ha−1) and straw (167 g ha−1) was the maximum for the treatment T7 involving ZnSO4·7H2O (1.0%). Whereas, grain Zn concentration and uptake decreased in the treatments involving the use of Zn-EDTA due to the formation of the complex resulting in the reduced availability of Zn to crop. ConclusionTherefore, the application of ZnSO4·7H2O (1.0%) at the flowering and bud initiation stage significantly improved the food quality parameters, grain and straw yield, concentration of Zn and uptake over control and could be used to alleviate the Zn deficiency in field pea.

Effect of maleic hydrazide and pinching on growth and flowering behaviour of African marigold (Tagetes erecta L.)

An experiment was carried out at Experimental Research Farm, R.B.S College Bichpuri, Agra (U.P.) during rabi season of 2016-18 to study the effect of pinching and Maleic Hydrazide on growth and flowering behavior of African marigold (Tagetes erectaL.). The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design with three replications comprising of four different concentrations of Maleic Hydrazide (0, 250,500 and 750 ppm) and three pinching levels viz., no pinching, pinching at 20 and 40 (DAT). The results revealed that the application of 750 ppmMH recorded significantly maximum value of diameter of main stem (2.0 cm), plant spread N-S and E-W (44.7cm and 47.5cm), primary branches/plant (11.1), length of flower (7.0 cm), diameter of flowers(7.3 cm),flower/plant (79.5), and flower yield (170.9 qha-1 ), weight of flower/ plant (273.6 g), and dry matter content of plant (39.6g). The maximum plant height (72.4cm) and minimum days required for bud initiation (46.0days) were noticed under the control.Among the pinching treatments, pinching at 40 DAT recorded significantly maximum diameter of main stem (2.2 cm), plant spread N-S and E-W (47.0cm and 48.2cm), primary branches/plant (10.9), length of longest primary branches (38.6 cm), length of flower (7.6 cm), diameter of flowers(7.9cm),flower/plant (83.2), and flower yield (185.8qha-1 ), weight of flower/ plant (275.4g)and dry matter weight of plant (38.2g). Themaximum plant height (69.5cm) and minimum days taken to first flower bud initiation (47.4days)were recorded under no pinching. The interaction (P2xM3)recorded maximumnumber of primary branches (11.2), number of flowers per plant (86.3), size of flower (8.0cm) and yield of flowers (195.48qha-1 ) while minimumvalue were recorded under P0M0 treatment.