Intra-row Spacing Research Articles

Productivity of Millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L) R. BR.) as Influenced by Intra-row Spacing, Low Levels of Combined Organic and In-organic Fertilizers and Variety in Sokoto, Sudan Savannah, Nigeria

Pearl millet [(Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.], is an important dietary food. Under and over plant population results to poor growth and Development. Farmers in Nigeria cultivates local varieties resulting to low yield. Inorganic fertilizers are costly and also results to soil pollution. Millet productions can be enhanced through appropriate cultural practices. Field experiment was conducted at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching and Research Dry land Farm, Sokoto, during the 2022 Rainy season to determine effect of intra-row spacing, appropriate combination of organic and inorganic fertilize and variety for optimum yield of millet. The treatments comprises factorial combination of three intra-row spacings (40,50 and 50 cm), three fertilizer treatments: the control, 25 kg P205 and 25 kg N ha-1, FYM at 5 t ha-1 , 12.5 kg P205 plus 12.5 kg N, plus FYM at 2.5 t ha-1 and two verities (Super SOSSAT and Zango millet local variety), laid out in split plot design, Intra-row spacing and fertilizer was allocated to the main plot, varieties to sub plots. Data collected on growth and yield parameters was subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results indicated that 40 cm intra-row spacing produced higher Leaf Area Index (LAI), Panicle length (cm) and total biomass, while 25 kg P205 and 25 kg N ha-1, FYM at 5 t ha-1 , 12.5 kg P205 plus 12.5 kg N produced taller plants, higher LAI, panicle weight, 1000 grain weight, grain yield, and total biomass. Super SOSSAT produced higher LAI, Panicle length (cm), panicle weight, 1000 grain weight, grain yield and total biomass, while Zango millet variety produced taller plant and longer panicle length. 40cm intra-row spacing, application of combined organic and inorganic fertilizer at the rate of 25 kg N, P and 5 tonne-1 FYM and Super Sossat was better for optimum yield.

Effect of blended fertilizer rates and planting density on yield and yield components of Irish potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) at Gombora condition, Hadiya zone, Southern Ethiopia

Potato is an important food and cash crop and it has high yielding potential in many parts of Ethiopia; however the yield of the crop is often constrained due to low and imbalanced rates of inorganic fertilizers and inappropriate spacing. The field experiment was conducted to determine the effect of five rates of blended fertilizer (0, 100, 150, 200, and 250) kg NPS ha−1 and intra-row planting spacing of 20 cm, 30 cm and 40 cm and laid out by randomized complete block design with three replication in a factorial arrangement. The analysis of variance revealed that, marketable tuber yield, total tuber yield, stem number per hill, total fresh mass, underground fresh and dry mass were significantly (P < 0.05) influenced by the interaction of Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Sulfur (NPS blended fertilizer) and intra-row spacing. The highest plant height (96.60 cm), highest marketable tuber yield (34.29 tha-1), highest total tuber yield (38.36 t ha−1) and highest total fresh biomass (1274.2 g plant−1) were recorded from NPS rate of 250 kg NPS ha−1 and intra-row spacing of 20 cm while the lowest recorded from control treatment in wider intra-row spacing (40 cm). Therefore, the application of 250 kg NPS ha−1 with the intra-row spacing of 20 cm can give an optimum tuber yield and it could be recommended for the production of potato in the study area.

Economic Factors and Different Growth Phases of Sweet Corn (Zea mays L. Var. Saccharata) in the South Gujarat Area, India as Affected by Intra-Row Spacing and Potassium Levels

To determine how intra-row spacing and potassium levels affected sweet corn (Zea mays L. var. Saccharata), a field experiment was conducted in Junagadh (Gujarat) during the Rabi season of 2016–17. Four levels of intra-row spacing (5, 10, 15 and 20 cm) and four potassium levels (0, 20, 40, and 60 kg K2O/ha) were combined into sixteen different treatment combinations. Three replications of a factorial randomized block design were used to set up the experiment. Based on the data of growth attributes significant and maximum recorded dry matter accumulation (102.46 and 144.54 g plant-1 ) at 60 DAS and harvest, absolute growth rate (3.07 and 1.41 g day-1) at 45-60 DAS and 60 DAS-harvest, crop growth rate (0.00275 and 0.00126 g m-2day-1) at 45-60 DAS and 60 DAS-harvest under the treatment intra-row spacing (20 cm), respectively.&#x0D; According to data on growth attributes, the treatment (K4) 60 K2O + 120 N2O + 60 P2O5 kg/ha resulted in significant and maximum dry matter accumulation (96.93 and 142.00 g plant-1) at 60 DAS and harvest, absolute growth rate (3.03 and 1.39 g day-1) at 45-60 DAS and 60 DAS-harvest, and crop growth rate (0.00272 and 0.00124 g m-2day-1) respectively. Economic analysis showed that higher net returns and B: C ratio from sweet corn (Sweet-16) can be secured by sowing the crop at 20 cm intra-row spacing + application of 60 kg K2O/ha.

Yield and Yield Components of Onion as Influenced by Intra-Row Spacing and Nitrogen Fertilizer Levels in Rift Valley, Ethiopia

Background and Objectives: Farmers currently employ nationally approved fertilizer rates and plant spacing when growing onions, but knowledge of plant population density and fertilizer rates that may produce the best bulb production for different cultivars and locations is limited. As a result, gardeners frequently use nonspecific plant population densities for various cultivars, resulting in sub-optimal bulb yields.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: A field experiment was conducted in 2019 from August to December to study the effects of intra-row plant spacing and levels of nitrogen on yield and quality of onion (Allium cepa L.) variety Nafis under irrigation.&#x0D; Results: The main effect of intra-row spacing on stand count and both nitrogen levels and intra-row spacing on plant height and the number of leaves per plant was observed. The interaction of nitrogen level and intra-row distance affected days to maturity, leaf length, leaf diameter, bulb diameter, mean bulb weight, marketable and unmarketable bulb yield, and all bulb size categories. Increased intra-row spacing to 10.5 cm and N rate of 82 kg ha-1 increased marketable and total bulb yield by approximately 3.14 and 3.21 t ha-1, respectively, spacing and decreased unmarketable bulb yield by 1.38 t ha-1.&#x0D; Conclusion: The use of 82 kg ha-1 N at the intra-row spacing of 10.5 cm was optimum for bulb production of onions. 82 kg ha-1 N at 10.5 cm intra-row spacing resulted in the highest net benefit.

Growth characteristics and post trimming regrowth potential of tropical and sub-tropical landscape hedge plants in response to spacing

Spacing of landscape plants is one of the factors determining the outcome of a design in terms of canopy formation which is one of the variables for aesthetic appearance in terms of shapes and forms. This study was conducted between September 2016 and September 2017, to determine the appropriate intra-row spacing for five plant species in hedge formation. The plant species used were Duranta erecta, Hamelia patens, Ficus retusa, Buxus sempervirens and Acalypha wilkesiana. Transplanting was done at intra-row spacing of 30, 40, 50 and 60cm and a constant inter-row spacing of 100cm. The experiment was a Randomized Complete Block Design in split plot arrangement with three replicates. Plant height, number of leaves, number of branches and canopy space, as indices of species suitability for use as hedge, were measured fortnightly. Plant regrowth and aesthetic characteristics were assessed after periodic trimming. H. patens and B. sempervirens species had the tallest plants. B. sempervirens and D. erecta produced the highest number of leaves while D. erecta and H. patens had the highest number of branches. D. erecta had significantly (p&lt;0.05) the fastest post-trimming shoot regrowth rate relative to other species following the 1st and 2nd trimming (25 and 28 WAT respectively). The effect of spacing on shoot regrowth length was significant after the 3rd, 4th and 5th trimmings (31, 34 and 37 WAT respectively). The highest shoot regrowth height was recorded at 40cm spacing followed by 30cm intra row spacing. All species responded best at 50cm intra-row spacing for the number of branches and canopy space as well as early hedge formation. The study concluded that B. sempervirens was suitable for ideal hedging at 40cm intra-row spacing while A. wilkiesiana and H. patens were only suitable as informal hedges. Hence, B. sempervirens species is recommended as the ideal hedge plant choice based on its early regrowth after trimming, high leaf and branch production as well as overall speed in hedge formation at 31WAT.

Effects of nitrogen application and intra-row spacing on growth and yield of baby corn in north-west Ethiopia

Baby corn production is relatively a new venture in Ethiopia including in north-west part of the country. Accordingly, the agronomic practices including rate of nitrogen and intra-row spacing specific to the area is not well known, which obviously influence the productivity of the crop. Therefore, the present study was conducted with the aim of identifying the optimum rate of nitrogen and intra row spacing for enhanced growth and yield responses of the crop in the study area. Field experiment was conducted during 2020/2021 irrigation season where baby corn variety SG-17 was used as test crop. The experiment consisted of factorial combination of five nitrogen levels (0, 80, 120, 160 and 200 kg ha−1 N) and three intra row spacing (15, 25 and 35 cm). The results of the study had shown that intra row spacing and nitrogen fertilizer influenced most of the tested parameters. Treatment combination of 200 kg ha−1 nitrogen and 15 cm intra row spacing recorded tallest plants, thickest stems, highest leaf area index, ear weight and length and highest baby corn and stover yields which could be proposed for the production of baby corn in the study area and areas with similar agro-ecologies. Introduction and adaptation trails on different baby corn varieties could be also considered in the future line of work.

COMPARISON OF INTRODUCED IRON-RICH GENOTYPES TO NATIVELY DEVELOPED GENOTYPES OF POTATO FOR YIELD AND YIELD ATTRIBUTES IN MIDHILL OF NEPAL

A co-ordinated varietal trial was carried out in mid-hill environment (1000-1200 masl) of Lahachok in Kaski district to compare yield and yield attributes of six introduced iron-rich (T 303381.3, T 30439456, T 393371.58, T 304368.46, T 304351.109, T 391058175) genotypes and three natively developed (PRP 6267.1, PRP 056267.1, PRP 1468 71.3) genotypes of potato during the winter seasons of the years 2021 and 2022. The experiment was set to an RCBD with 3 replications and nine treatments. The iron-rich genotypes were introduced from International Potato Center, Peru and remaining genotypes were developed by National Potato Research Programme, Nepal. Well-sprouted seed tubers (25-50 g size) were planted in ridges at 60 cm inter-row and 25 cm intra-row spacing in 7.2 m2 plot area. Fertilizers were applied at the rate of 20 tons farm yard manure and 100:100:60 kg N: P2O5: K2O per hectare. Observations were recorded on vegetative parameters, damage by late blight disease and major insect pests, tuber yield and tuber size distribution. Average of two-year results revealed that the genotypes were significantly different (p =&lt;0.05) for emergence, ground cover, vigor, plant height, number and weight of under size, seed size and over size tubers, number of tubers per hectare, tuber yield and late blight infection. The genotypes were statistically similar for uniformity, stems per plant and insect damage. Based on yield and other attributes, PRP 146871.3 (37.13 t/ha) from natively developed and T 393371.58 (29.78 t/ha) and T 304351.109 (28.23 t/ha) from introduced iron-rich genotypes were promising for further evaluation in similar agro-ecological domains.

PRODUCTIVITY OF GROUNDNUT (Arachis hypogaea L.) AS INFLUENCED BY VARIETY AND SPACING IN NINGI LGA, BAUCHI STATE, NIGERIA

The experiment was conducted at Ningi during dry season of 2021 and 2022 to evaluate the effect of variety and spacing on the growth and yield of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.). The treatments consisted of two groundnut varieties (Samnut 21 and Samnut 24) and four intra-row spacings (10, 15, 20 and 25 cm); these were factorially combined to give eight treatment combinations and laid out in a randomized complete block design (RBCD) with three replications. Data were collected on plant height, number of leaves, 100 grains weight and grain yield. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) was adopted in separating the means. The result of the experiment showed that, there was a significant difference (P= 0.05) in both years on all the parameters observed. The results further indicated that, spacing of 15x50 cm produced statistically (P= 0.05) similar result with 20x50 cm, however the two treatments were better than the other spacing used. Varieties on the other hand, Samnut 24 proved to be significantly (P= 0.05) better than Samnut 21 on most of the parameters observed. Considering year of study however, 2021 was found to be statistically (P= 0.05) better than 2022 in all the parameters observed. Based on the results, growing Samnut 24 at a spacing of 15 x 50cm can be adopted by farmers for groundnut production in the study area.

Production Potential and Some Agronomic Practices of Bambara Groundnut (Vigna subterrenea L). Verdc) Under Rainfed Conditions of South Gedarif Area

Field experiments were executed for two successive seasons(2009 and 2010), at the southern area of Gedarif State with the objectiveof studying the influence of sowing date and population density on theproductivity of a land race Bambara groundnut. Four sowing dates, viz.,27th of June, 9th, 19th and 27th of July and five combinations of inter-row*intra-row spacings, 40cmx30cm, 40x20, 30x30, 30x20 and 20x20,were used during both seasons. The data recorded in both seasons wereplant height, canopy width, 100 seed weight, shelling % and pod yieldton/ha. Results revealed highly significant differences in most ofmeasured parameters with respect to sowing date. Early sowing resultedin a significantly higher pod yield (4.3 ton/ha) when compared to latesowings (i.e. 2.3, 1.3 and 0.94 ton/ha for 9th, 19th and 27th of July,respectively). Variable plant spacing significantly affected pod yieldduring the first season, while no significant variation was observed duringthe second season. Nevertheless, higher yields were obtained with widerspacings. Accordingly, the early sowing from late June to early July issuggested as optimum sowing date for Bambara groundnut with row-cropspacings of 40-30cm inter-row and 30-20cm intra-row for the rain fedconditions of south Gedarif area.

Effect of Pymarc with NPK 17-17-17 and intra-row spacing on soil and bush bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) yield in volcanic highland, Rwanda

Bush bean is the poor families’ meat in Rwanda and grown in many corners of the country. However, unevenness application of organic and inorganic amendments brought soil degradation including soil toxicity or deficiency and low bush bean production. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of pymarc rates with NPK and spacing on Soil organic matter, physical parameters and bush bean yield parameters in volcanic highland. The design was RCBD with four replications and the experiment had two factors; Pymarc rates: P0(control), P1(250Kg ha-1 NPK), P2(10 tons ha-1 pymarc+250 Kg ha-1 NPK), P3(15 tons ha-1 pymarc+250Kg ha-1 NPK) and P4(20 tons ha-1 pymarc+250Kg ha-1 NPK) and spacing levels: S1(40cm x15cm), S2(40cm x 20cm) and S3(40cm x 30cm). Results showed that, highly significant difference (p&lt;0.01) was in treatments and greatest improvements were brought out by P2S1 with lowest Bd(0.95 g cm-3), highest WHC(38.34 %) and porosity(42.18 %) at harvesting with mean yield of 3.03 t/ha compared to P0S3 with least values of studied attributes. Highest SOM content was found out in P4S3 and P3S1 of 9.84 % and 9.75 % sequentially. The correlation analysis results between WHC, Porosity, SOM and yield varied from weak to strong (0.4&gt;r, r&gt;0.7), significant (p&lt;0.05) and positive while the same relationship but negative existed between Bd and other parameters. Therefore, sowing the bush bean at the spacing of 40cm x15cm with application of 10t ha-1 pymarc+250 Kg ha-1 NPK 17-17-17 could be recommended to agronomists and farmers from volcanic highland in Rwanda for bush bean optimum yield.

Effect of Inter and Intra Row Spacing on Growth, Yield and Yield Components of Sorghum (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Sorghum bicolor &amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;(&amp;lt;I&amp;gt;L.&amp;lt;/I&amp;gt;) &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Moench&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;) at Assosa District, Western Ethiopia

Studies on plant populations are scarce and poorly recorded in western Ethiopia, which is a necessary condition for successfully cultivating the sorghum crop. To identify the ideal planting spacing for sorghum productivity in the main cropping season, this experiment was carried out at the Assosa Agricultural Research Center, Benishangul-Gumuz Region, in the 2020 and 2021 cropping seasons. The experiment was set up in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. It had a factorial configuration with three levels of inter-row spacing (70 cm, 75 cm, and 80 cm) and four levels of intra-row spacing (15 cm, 20 cm, 25 cm, and 30 cm). The current finding indicates that plant height decreased as intra-row space increased. Inter n and intra-row spacing had a substantial interaction effect on grain yield (P<0.01) As a consequence, a planting spacing of 75 cm by 20 cm produced the highest grain production (4784.6 kg ha^-1). Similar to this, the main effect of 20 cm intra-row spacing produced a significant maximum head weight (12.7 kg/plot). At low population levels, yield reductions were observed (75 cm inter and 30cm intra row). The findings indicate that the decrease in final grain output was a result of an increase in intra-plant separation from 20 cm to 30 cm between plants. In general, plants placed properly provided a great output, whereas plants spaced widely produced a poor yield. Therefore, to maintain sorghum productivity with the necessary spacing, improved sorghum varieties in Assosa and other regions with comparable agro-ecologies can be encouraged to use 75 cm inter-row spacing and 20 cm intra-row spacing.

Response of Sunflower (Helianthus Annuus L) to Plant Spacing

Agriculture is an important sector of Sudan economy and is the backbone of growth, poverty reduction, and sustainable development. Sunflower has become an important crop for both farmers and consumers in Sudan, fits well in the local cropping system and is considered the most important cash crop of the country. The experiment was conducted in the Experimental Farm, University of Kassala (New Halfa) of Sudan, to investigate the influence of cultivars and planting Spacing on plant growth and yield of Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L). It consisted of two cultivars (pannar-735 and Damazin-1) and three plant spacing’s (10 cm, 20 cm and 30 cm). Treatments were arranged in a factorial randomized complete block design (RCBD), in three replications. The results revealed, the cultivar, pannar- 735, early flowering, significantly highest hundred seed weight, seeds number per disc, seed yield (g/plant) and final yield (3.00 ton/ha). The Intra-row spacing of 30 cm had a thicker stem diameter, a highest number of seeds per head, 100-seed weight, seed yield per plant and final seed yield (3.34 ton/ha). The study revealed that the sunflower hybrid pannar-735 and plant spacing 30 cm apart is the best for New Halfa Eastern of Sudan.

Response of midland sorghum varieties to different intra-row spacing at kaffa zone south western Ethiopia

The experiment was conducted to determine optimum plant spacing and suitable variety and as well as to identify the interaction effect of varieties and Intra-row spacing on the yield of sorghum. The experiment having a factorial arrangement of three varieties (Geremew, Lalo and farmer’s local variety) and three intra-row levels (10 cm, 15 cm and 20 cm) was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. According to the current results, varieties were significantly (p&lt;0.05) affected by all the parameters (days to maturity, plant height, panicle length, thousand seed weight and total grain yield) except stand count. The maximum days to maturity and total grain yield (205.2 days and 5628.1 kg ha-1 respectively) were obtained from Lalo. The highest thousand seed weight (23.1 g) was recorded from Geremew and at it takes a short period for maturity (119.5 days). Similarly, intra-row spacing significantly (p&lt;0.05) affected the panicle length and stand count. The highest panicle length (28.15 cm) was recorded in 15 cm intra-row spaced plants. The maximum stand count (78.6 % and 83.6%) was obtained from 15 cm and 20 cm spaced plants respectively. Generally, the outcome of this study revealed that even though the yield was statistically non-significant to intra-raw spacing, at 15cm and 20cm the grain yield was a maximum of 4178.5 kg ha-1 and 4190.9 kg ha-1, respectively. Therefore, among the intra-row spacing 20 cm intra-row spacing for its minimized planting materials (seed) and easy management and among the varieties, Lalo could be promoted in study areas and similar agro-ecologies. Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 12(2): 138-143, December 2022

Determination of Optimum Intra-Row Spacing for Maize Varieties (Zea mays L.) on its Yield and Yield Components in West Hararghe, Ethiopia

The western part of the Ethiopia is generally well suited for the current maize varieties with the largest adoption, in particular to west hararghe. However, agronomic management practices such as appropriate plant spacing and use of improved varieties are quite important for enhancing maize production. Hence, a field experiment was not conducted before 2023 cropping season at Gumbi bordodde district western hararghe to determine the effects of intra -row spacing on yield and yield components of maize varieties. The experiment consisted of the factorial combinations of two maize varieties (“BH-546”,’’M-6’’ and “M-2”) and five intra-row spacing (20, 25, 30, 35 cm and 40cm) with a total of 15 treatments in RCBD with three replications. The results of the study had shown that there were highly significant differences due to the main effects of varieties on days to 50% tasseling, 50% silking, and 90% maturity. There was also highly significant difference due to the main effects of both variety and intra-row spacing on ear length and number of grains per row while, leaf area index was highly significant on the main effect of varieties and significant on main effect of intra-row spacing. Avery highly significant interaction effect of variety and intra-row spacing on above ground dry biomass yield and grain yield and highly significant in hundred grain weight. Generally, higher grain yield and above ground dry biomass were obtained from BH-546 at 25 cm (10325.47kg∙ha−1 and 34334.65kg∙ha−1) respectively. The highest grain yield (10325.47kg∙ha−1) was obtained at 25cm spacing in BH-546 while the lowest grain yield (3735.18 kgha−1) was obtained from 40cm spacing in 1. M2. The result of economic analysis showed that the maximum net benefit (ETB 278988.75 ha-1) was obtained at spacing of 25cm in BH-546. Therefore, based on economic analysis it can be conclude that optimum intra row spacing (25 cm) is promising for BH-546 maize variety production in main season of Gumbi bordodde district and similar agro ecologies. For better confirmation of the result, this one-year experiment needs to be repeated at multi-locations and in different seasons.

Evaluation of Mustard Genotypes for Terai Regions of Nepal

Mustard is locally popular with the name of tora/rayo/raichi is getting priority among the farmers due to its dual advantage of leafy vegetables and oilseed. With the objective identification of the potential mustard genotypes from the available gene pools, a coordinated Varietal Trial (CVT) was conducted in Oilseed Research Program, Nawalpur. A total of 14 mustard genotypes were evaluated in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The plot size was 10 m2 with five rows of 3-meter length maintaining inter-row of 40 cm and intra-row spacing of 15 cm. While depicting the yield, ICJ01-11 was considered the highest yielding genotype with the average yield of 521 kg/ha followed by ICJ9708 with the yield of 467 kg/ha and RH30 with the yield of 450 kg/ha. Due to the pivotal role of mustard as an oilseed production, it is indispensable to evaluate the available gene pool of local landrace, varieties and foreign genotypes of mustard to find out the highest yielding. So these promising genotypes can be used the in future to develop varieties of genotypes with high yield.

Effects of intra-row spacing and weeding frequency on leaf caterpillar (Hymenia recurvalis F.) infestation on amaranth (Amaranthus sp.) in Wukari, Taraba State, Nigeria

Plant spacing and weeding are among the key factors determining leafy vegetable growth and yield through maximum utilization of space, nutrients, water and sunlight. Amaranthus species is a popular and very important leafy vegetable crop that is infested and damaged by the arthropod pests in Nigeria. Therefore, this study identified the optimum spacing and proper weeding regime required for the control of leafy caterpillars (Hymenia recurvalis F.) and ensuring the potential yield of amaranths. Field experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of plant spacing and weeding frequency in the control of leafy caterpillar infestation and damage on amaranths (Amaranthus sp.). Four intra-row plant spacing (10 x 10 cm; 20 x 20 cm, 30 x 30 cm and 40 x 40 cm) and four weeding frequencies (0, 1, 2 and 3) were assessed using split-plot laid in randomized complete block design (RCBD) replicated three times. Results showed that 40 x 40 cm intra-row plant spacing and three weeding were found to be effective in reducing the infestation of H. recurvalis on Amaranthus sp. Results further showed that these combined management practices improved the growth and yield of the crop by 35% during the 2020 and 2021 cropping seasons in the study area. The study showed that combining appropriate plant spacing with three weedings is recommended for the control of amaranths leaf caterpillar (H. recurvalis) to poor resource farmers in the study area. Keywords: Intra-row, frequency, amaranth, Hymenia recurvalis, weeding, plant spacing.

Varietal performance of jute based on yield and yield contributing characters under the Terai region of Province -1 Nepal

A research experiment was conducted to know the varietal performance of some jute varieties at the farm of Jute Research Programme, Itahari, Sunsari, Nepal, during the jute growing period in 2019 and 2020. A total of fifteen tossa jute varieties viz. CO-58, JRCM-2, JRO-524, JRO-2407, SM-100, JRO-204, NJ-7010, Mahabij, JBO-2003H, JRO-7835, YA-41, Itahari-2, OM-1, JRO-632 and KEN-DS-058 were used as experimental crops. The experiment was laid out in Randomize Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications, and each replicate had 12 lines with an inter and Intra row spacing of 25 cm and 5 to 7cm, respectively. Varietal performances of jute showed statistically significant variation for all the traits. Among the tested varieties, the jute variety NJ-7010 showed the tallest plant height (366 cm), highest basal diameter (20.6 mm), bark thickness (1.7 mm), leaf width (4.8 cm), petiole length (4.7cm), lowest disease incidence (2.5 %) respectively. However, the variety JRCM-2 and JRO-524 showed the highest leaf length (15.1 cm), while the variety JRO-524 showed the lowest pest incidence (4.2 %). Furthermore, the jute variety NJ-7010 also showed greater results on various yield characters viz. green leaf weight (17.3 ton/ha), green plant weight (100.3 ton/ha), green fibre weight (44.7 ton/ha), green stick weight (57 ton/ha), dry fibre weight (7.2 ton/ha), dry stick weight (17.3 ton/ha). Thus, the jute variety NJ-7010 understood superiority in growth, yield, and yield-attributing traits. Therefore, the jute variety NJ-7010 could be a more successful, productive variety than other tested varieties in the terai region of Province-1 Nepal.

Optimization of Intra-Row Spacing for Yield Enhancement in System of Mustard Intensification (SMI) Techniques

The experimental work was carried out during the rabi seasons (November to February) of the year 2018 and 2019 at Instructional field of RRS (OAZ), Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Majhian, Dakshin Dinajpur, West Bengal, India to study the growth and yield performance of different varieties from toria, rapeseed and Indian mustard with three different spacing combinations under System of Mustard Intensification (SMI) technology. The seedlings were raised in micro-pots (2×2.5 cm2 size) and transplanted in the main plot. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized block design replicated thrice. The treatments consisted of three levels of plant spacing (25×25 cm2, 45×45 cm2, 60×60 cm2) and included 3 varieties one each from toria, rapeseed and Indian mustard group. Among different treatment combinations, variety Bhagirathi (from Indian mustard group), in combination with spacing of 60×60 cm2 (S3V3) was recorded with highest yield (1348.08 kg ha-1) followed by its rest of the combinations with 25×25 cm2 (1331.42 kg ha-1) and 45cm×45 cm (1320.67 kg ha-1), i.e. S1V3 and S2V3, respectively. Plant height (cm) was also recorded highest with S3V3 treatment followed by S2V3 and S1V3. Total chlorophyll (mg 100 g-1) content was recorded highest with the same Bhagirathi variety S1V3 treatment (18.99) followed by S2V3 (17.45) and S3V3 (17.61). Amongst the yield attributing characters, number of secondary branches, number of siliqua plant-1 and total chlorophyll content were recorded highest with the Bhagirathi variety from the Indian mustard group with the spacing of 60×60 cm2 (S3V3).

Growth, yield, and yield variables of onion (Allium Cepa L.) varieties as influenced by plantspacing at DambiDollo, Western Ethiopia

Onion (Allium cepa L.) is an important bulb plant grown worldwide. Proper use of the agronomic practice has undoubtedly contributed to growing crop yields. The right level of any farming practice, like the distance between plants, plant density, date of planting, and time of harvest, can produce the wanted outcomes. Therefore, this research was piloted to evaluate the influence of plant spacing on the development of bulb harvest-related traits of onion varieties in Dambi Dollo University, Western Ethiopia, in 2021. Three onion varieties (Adama red, Monarch, Nafis) and four intra-row spaces (6 cm, 8 cm, 10 cm, and 12 cm) in factorial combinations were settled by a complete randomized block design which was simulated three times. The findings of the study indicate that all the factors related to crop growth and bulb yield of onion varieties were mainly influenced by different kinds and plant spacing. Conversely, the collaboration of these two factors did not affect all other factors, but the interaction of the two factors had a great effect on the days to maturity measured in this study. The highest plant height was registered on the onion planted at a distance of 10 cm (59.83 cm) and 12 cm (59.08 cm) distance between plants. The high commercial yields (34.44 t ha−1) and entire bulb yield (35.40 t ha−1) were found in the Nafis variety. The highest marketable yields (31.12 ha−1) and entire marketable yield (31.78 ha−1) were recorded on an onion plant planted 10 cm between plants. Therefore, in the research area, farmers can use a variety of Nafis and a 10 cm distance between plants to increase their onion production.

Evaluation of Intrarow Spacing on Growth and Yield Performance of Four Onion (Allium cepa L.) Varieties in Beyeda District, North Gondar, Ethiopia

Onion (Allium cepa L.) is a vegetable crop that belongs to the genus Allium under the family Alliaceae produced widely throughout the world. Field experiments were undertaken to evaluate the different varieties and plant spacings on the growth and bulb yield performance of onion (Allium cepa L.) in Beyeda district, North Gondar, Ethiopia. Four different levels of spacing (6, 8, 10, and 12 cm) and four different types of varieties (Shallot, Nasik red, Robat, and Nafis) were arranged under randomized complete block design (RCBD) of factorial arrangement with three replications. The experiment was arranged in 4 × 4 factorial combinations, and the total area was divided into three blocks each of which comprised 16 treatment combinations and a total of 48 plots. The highest plant height (54.18 cm), leaf length (45.48 cm), and leaf diameter (1.47 cm) were recorded from the variety of Nasik red while the lowest plant height, leaf length, and leaf diameter were measured from shallot. The highest leaf number was observed from shallot (37.53) while the lowest leaf number was recorded from the Nafis variety. The longest bulb length (4.44 cm) and the widest bulb diameter (4.67 cm) were obtained from the Nafis variety while the shortest bulb length and narrowest bulb diameter were measured from shallot. Inversely, the highest bulb weight (54.50 g/plant), total biomass (94.75 g/plant), and unmarketable bulb yield (1.75 t/ha) were recorded from shallot while the lowest bulb weight, total biomass, and unmarketable bulb yield were recorded from the Robat variety. Intrarow spacing showed a significant effect on onion growth and bulb yield parameters, as the earliest (135 days) and the most delayed (146 days) maturity were recorded at 6 cm and at 12 cm spaces, respectively. The highest unmarketable bulb yield has been seen at 8 cm and the lowest at 12 cm space of the Nasik red variety. Similarly, the highest leaf number, leaf diameter, bulb diameter, bulb weight, total biomass, marketable, and total bulb yield were recorded at 12 cm space under the Nafis variety. Furthermore, under the shallot variety, the widest bulb diameter was recorded at 10 cm while the narrowest one was recorded at 6 cm space. Generally, based on the result of marketable bulb yield performance, Nafis variety at 12 cm and 8 cm spaces, Robat at 6 cm space, and Nafis red at 10 cm space, respectively, have effective performance for onion production. The interaction effects of intrarow spacing with different varieties did not have a significant effect on all of the growth parameters and yield components.