Kg Of Seeds Research Articles

Physical-physiological quality and early performance of sorghum plants under different boron doses via seed

Boron (B) deficiency is commonly found in tropical crops, among which sorghum stands out for its limited yield under B shortage. However, as a micronutrient, the range between its adequate and toxic levels is narrow, thus fertilization should be cautiously applied. Our goal was to evaluate the physiological and physical quality, as well as early performance, of grain sorghum seedlings under different B doses applied via seeds. Treatments consisted of six doses of boric acid (0.0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10.0, and 12.5 g Kg-1 seeds) plus a control (uncoated seeds). Boron doses were applied to seeds by coating, in which dolomitic limestone and glue were used for pellet formation. Coated seeds were assessed for physical, physiological, and nutritional characteristics in the laboratory, and early seedling performance was evaluated in a greenhouse. Seed tests were carried out in a fully randomized design, while seedling evaluations were carried out in a randomized block design. Boron application to seeds had no significant effect on seed physical characteristics, despite increases in coated seed sizes. Boron doses had a negative effect on the length and dry mass accumulation of both plant shoot and root. Seed-applied B accumulated mainly in roots and significantly interfered with Ca and Mg accumulations in sorghum seeds, shoots, and roots.

Physiological Quality of Corn Seeds Treated with Gaseous Ozone

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of gaseous ozone on the physiological quality of corn seeds with different initial germination percentages. Seeds with initial germination percentages of 54.0% (low physiological quality) and 86.0% (high physiological quality) were used. Samples of 0.12 kg of seeds were exposed to different combinations of inlet ozone concentrations (10 and 30 mg L−1) and exposure times (0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 min). A flow rate of 1.0 L min−1 was used at a temperature of 25 °C. The percentage of germination, shoot, root, and seedling lengths, germination velocity index, and electrical conductivity were analyzed. Univariate and multivariate analysis were used for data analysis. Seeds with low initial germination percentage showed increase of 1.6 to 1.8 times in germination percentage and approximately 1.2 times in length of the seedlings when the inlet ozone concentration was 10 mg L−1 and the exposure times were 30 and 120 min. Regarding seeds of high physiological quality, there was an increase in the germination velocity index of 1.1 to 1.2 times in ozonated seeds at 10 mg L−1, compared to the non-ozonated seeds. According to the multivariate analysis, the inlet ozone concentration of 10 mg L−1 associated with exposure times of 30 and 120 min showed similar results for seeds with low initial germination percentage. Based on the obtained results, we concluded that regardless the initial corn seeds quality, the recommended treatment is made by the combination of inlet ozone concentration of 10 mg L−1 and exposure time of 30 min. Also, greater benefits are obtained from the application of ozone gas in corn seeds of low initial physiological quality. The ozonation proved to be a promising technique for seed treatment since it increased germination percentage and shoot and seedling lengths.

How Climatic Seasons of the Amazon Biome Affect the Aromatic and Bioactive Profiles of Fermented and Dried Cocoa Beans?

In addition to the vast diversity of fauna and flora, the Brazilian Amazon has different climatic periods characterized by periods with greater and lesser rainfall. The main objective of this research was to verify the influence of climatic seasons in the Brazilian Amazon (northeast of Pará state) concerning the aromatic and bioactive profiles of fermented and dried cocoa seeds. About 200 kg of seeds was fermented using specific protocols of local producers. Physicochemical analyzes (total titratable acidity, pH, total phenolic compounds, quantification of monomeric phenolics and methylxanthines) and volatile compounds by GC-MS were carried out. We observed that: in the summer, the highest levels of aldehydes were identified, such as benzaldehyde (6.34%) and phenylacetaldehyde (36.73%), related to the fermented cocoa and honey aromas, respectively; and a total of 27.89% of this same class was identified during winter. There were significant differences (p ≤ 0.05, Tukey test) in the profile of bioactive compounds (catechin, epicatechin, caffeine, and theobromine), being higher in fermented almonds in winter. This study indicates that the climatic seasons in the Amazon affect the aromatic and bioactive profiles and could produce a new identity standard (summer and winter Amazon) for the cocoa almonds and their products.

Micro-nutrients Seed Priming and rhizobium Coating on Seed Vigour, Crop Growth and Seed Yield in Blackgram (Vigna mungo L.)

Background: Black gram is the important pulses crop, grown throughout the country; gives low seed yield mainly due to poor management and low soil fertility. Development of suitable technology is essential to enhance productivity. Seed priming is one such effective technology which enhance rapid and uniform emergence to achieve high vigour, leading to better stand establishment and yield. The current research aimed to study micronutrient seed priming and rhizobium coating on seed germination, seedling vigour, crop growth and seed yield in black gram.Methods: Blackgram seeds were primed with 10 different micronutrient solutions with different concentrations and evaluated for its quality parameters to find out suitable seed priming technique. Seeds from two best priming treatments were coated with rhizobium @ 30g/kg of seed and evaluated for its production potential and resultant seed quality under field condition.Result: Seed priming with 0.5% ZnSO4 at 1/3rd seed to solution ratio for 3 hours recorded higher germination (96%) and vigour index (3811) than control which recorded 84% seed germination and 2528 of vigour index under laboratory experiment. Field experiments revealed that, seeds primed with 0.5% ZnSO4 and coated with rhizobium @ 30g per kg of seeds improved seed yield by 13.2% over control.

Use of ripening fruits in seed production of early-maturing varieties of melons and gourds in spring and summer sowing

Relevance. In recent years, the price of seeds for melons and gourds of foreign selection has reoriented many agricultural producers to use seeds of domestic varieties. To provide agricultural producers with the required amount of seeds with high sowing rates, it is necessary to apply new technological methods that will allow using the biological potential of varieties and growing commercial volumes of seeds.Material and methods. The research was carried out at the selection and experimental site of the vegetable growing department in the "Federal Scientific Rice Centre " in 2017-2018. The object of research is a new promising variety of watermelon Yubilyar, and two early-ripening varieties of melon Tamanskay and Strelchanka. Sowing terms: spring – from mid-April to the end of the first decade of May, summer – the first and second decades of July. Summer sowing with drip irrigation. When harvesting melon and watermelon fruits, the selection intensity is 90% to obtain reproductive seeds RS-1.Results. It has been established that due to the climatic conditions of the Krasnodar Territory and the varietal characteristics of the melon varieties Tamanskaya, Strelchanka and the watermelon Yubilyar, a short growing season and a neutral reaction to changes in the length of the day, you can get two harvests of seeds in one season using summer sowing. It was noted that low air humidity prevented damage to plants by peronospora, anthracnose and powdery mildew, practically eliminating the need for protective measures. The selected ripe fruits for the selection of seeds by morphological characteristics corresponded to varietal characteristics. It has been established that the seed productivity of melon during summer sowing is higher due to better pollination. From one hectare received up to 97-138 kg of seeds. The use of ripening made it possible to carry out a one-time collection of watermelon and melon fruits.

Effect of Biofertilizer and Mulch on Growth, Yield, Quality and Economics of Pea (Pisum sativum L.)

Background: Pea is a nitrogen-fixing legume. The interest in pea as soil-building crops is increasing day by day as the chemical fertilizers are becoming less available and more expensive. The use of fertilizers is also increasing leading to environmental pollution. The adverse effect of plastic mulch in agriculture is related to handling the plastic wastes and the associated environmental impact. The current study was aimed to search for organic alternatives to fertilizer and plastic mulch in order to overcome the defeatist effects on the environment.Methods: The present investigation entitled “Effect of biofertilizer and mulch on growth, yield, quality and economics of pea (Pisum sativum L.)” was conducted during Rabi season 2017-18 at the Experimental farm, Department of Agriculture, Mata Gujri College, Fatehgarh Sahib, Punjab, India. The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design (FRBD) with three replications. The treatments consisted of four mulches, M0-No mulch, M1-Paddy straw@5t/ha, M2-Maize stubbles@4t/ha, M3-Sawdust@10t/ha and four Rhizobium doses, B0-No Rhizobium, B1-Rhizobium@20g/kg of seeds, B2-Rhizobium@25g/kg of seeds, B3-Rhizobium@30g/kg of seeds and their combinations. Conclusion: In the individual outcome of Rhizobium and mulch best results were obtained with the application of Rhizobium@30g/kg of seeds and saw dust@10t/ha. In interaction, Rhizobium@30g/kg of seeds and saw dust@10t/ha performed better as compared to other interaction treatments.

Impact of nano zinc oxide application on quality parameters of Bt cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

A field experiment was conducted at Main Agricultural Research Station, Dharwad, Karnataka, during 2017-18 to evaluate the effect of seed treatment and foliar application of nano ZnO on quality parameters and economics of Bt cotton. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three main treatments (M1:seed treatment with chelated ZnSO4 @ 4 g kg-1 seeds, M2: nano ZnO @ 1 g kg-1 seeds and M3:seed priming with 1000 ppm nano zinc solution), four sub plot treatments (Foliar application of nano ZnO @ 500, 750, 1000 and 1250 ppm at square initiation and flowering stage) and three uneven control (C1: RDF + FYM + 0.5% EDTA ZnSO4 foliar application at square initiation and flowering stage, C2: C1 + seed treatment with Fe, Zn, Mg and Mn @ 4g each kg-1 seed and C3: Only RDF + FYM @ 5.0 t ha-1) treatments replicated thrice. Among different seed treatments, significantly higher fibre strength was observed with seed treatment with NZnO (31.5 g tex-1) than other seed treatments. Similarly, among different foliar sprays, foliar application of NZnO @ 1000 ppm recorded higher fibre strength (31.4 g tex-1) than other foliar concentrations. Among different seed treatments, significantly higher gross returns, net returns and B:C ratio were with seed treatment of NZnO @ 1 g kg-1 seeds observed (1,37,818 ₹ ha-1, 73568 ₹ ha-1 and 2.1, respectively) than other seed treatments. Among different foliar sprays, foliar application of NZnO @ 1000 ppm recorded higher gross returns (₹ 1,31,817 ha-1), net returns (₹ 66,606 ha-1) and B:C ratio (2.0) than other concentrations.

The fodder shrub – Halothamnus subaphyllus (C.A. Mey.) Botsch.: reproductive biology and seed productivity in the culture

Halothamnus subaphyllus (C.A. Mey.) Botsch. – is a wild shrub, a potential fodder plant for introduction to culture in arid regions of Russia. This plant is well eaten by sheep, goats, horses, and camels. In bud stage, it contains 24.7% of protein, 2.7% of fat, 36.9% of nitrogen-free extractive substances, and 18.2% of fiber. Ecologically it is a haloxerophyte. Halothamnus subaphyllus is resistant to drought and tolerant to soil salinization. In introducing a new fodder plant into the culture, it is very essential to know the possibilities of its accelerated reproduction. Thus, we studied the reproductive biology and seed productivity of this plant in arid conditions. The initial blossom of Halothamnus subaphyllus is late May-mid-June. Halothamnus subaphyllus is a self-fertile plant. In the first year of life, this plant generates an average of 15.5 g of seeds per shrub. In the second and third years, seed productivity grows and reaches an average of 236.1 g per shrub, with 1 ha of 300-350 kg of seeds. Net reproduction of Halothamnus subaphyllus is 30-35. It means that the obtained seeds can be sown on 30-35 hectares of planted acreage.

Plant growth regulators in the germination of Diospyros hispida A. DC. (EBENACEAE) seeds

Plant growth regulators in the germination of Diospyros hispida A. DC. (Ebenaceae) Seed. Diospyros hispida species is a native fruit that has long germination period, hindering seedling production. The aim of this work was to evaluate the germination of Diospyros hispida seeds under the effect of gibberellic acid and biostimulant applications. Four replicates of 25 seeds per treatment were used. Treatments were: T1 - distilled water, T2, T3 and T4 - GA3 solutions at 100, 150 and 200 mg L-1, respectively, T5 - Immersion for 24 hours in distilled water with aeration, T6, T7 and T8 - Immersion for 24 hours in aerated GA3 solutions at 100, 150 and 200 mg L-1, respectively, T9, T10 and T11 - biostimulant application (containing auxin, gibberellin and cytokinin) at 3, 5 and 7 ml kg-1 of seeds. Germination rate, mean germination time, germination speed index, synchronization index, relative germination frequency, normal seedlings, root length, shoot length and seedling dry mass were evaluated. The effect of gibberellic acid and biostimulant containing auxin, gibberellin and cytokinin negatively influenced Diospyros hispida germination under the conditions of this study.

Physical and physiological quality of rice seeds in function of drying temperature and storage

The objective with the work was to evaluate, during storage, the rice seeds physical and physiological quality, cultivar IRGA 424 RI, dried with different drying air temperatures. For such, rice seeds were harvested with a moisture content of 22%. Then, they were subjected to drying in a cross-flow dryer, operating in an intermittent system and using the 55 and 65 ºC drying air temperatures. After, samples containing 50 kg of seeds were stored in PP Woven Bags for 240 days. After drying and every 60 days, physical and physiological analyses were performed. The experiment was conducted under a completely randomized design, arranged in a split-plot scheme, with 4 replications. The physical quality, estimated by the seed hectoliter weight, decreased during storage, regardless of the drying air temperature. The germination percentage, as well as the vigor increased during storage, regardless of drying air temperature due to the dormancy overcoming process. The dry seeds with the highest drying air temperature showed less vigor throughout the storage, according to the cold test. The rice seeds drying with an air temperature of 65 ºC, promoted a higher drying speed and did not negatively influence the seeds physical and physiological quality, however, reduced the vigor.

Integrated management of fusarium wilt of chickpea

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is one of the most important pulse crop grown all over India. Chickpea wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceri is one of the major disease on chickpea in Northern Karnataka, which is soil and seed borne. Heavy inoculum in the soil and favorable environment condition results in the death of infected plant and therefore total yield loss. In this study, integrated management was conducted in both pot culture and in field with two antagonists, one botanical and one fungicide were studied against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceri causing chickpea wilt. Pot culture studies found that seed treatment with Carbendazim 12% + Mancozeb 63% @ 2 g/kg of seeds + Trichoderma harzianum 4 g/kg of seeds + Curcuma longa rhizome extract (Turmeric) @ 150 ml/ kg of seeds gave minimum wilt incidence (1.46%), maximum wilt incidence was noticed in untreated control with 100 per cent wilted plants. Field studies found that seed treatment with Carbendazim 12% + Mancozeb 63% @ 2 g/kg of seeds + Trichoderma harzianum 4 g/kg of seeds + Curcuma longa rhizome extract (Turmeric) @ 150 ml/ kg of seeds gave minimum wilt incidence (1.46%) and maximum yield (10.34 q/ha) followed by seed treatment with Carbendazim 12% + Mancozeb 63% @ 2 g/kg of seeds. Bio agents Trichoderma harzianum and Bacillus sp. @ 4 g/ kg of seeds and aqueous plant extract of Curcuma longa (Turmeric) rhizome extract @ 150 ml/ kg of seeds were also significant in reducing wilt incidence and more yield as compared to control.

The dynamics of soybean seed production and cost structure at farmer level in Konawe and South Konawe Districts, Southeast Sulawesi Province

Research aimed to obtain information on the dynamics of soybean seedling in Southeast Sulawesi Province and its income structure at farmer level. The research was conducted in Landano Sub-district, Konawe Selatan Regency and Pondidaha Sub-district, Konawe Regency which were selected purposively as soybean centers in Southeast Sulawesi. Data collected through interview, observation and documentation studies were analyzed descriptively using cross tabulation, including financial feasibility of soybean seed production. In 2010-2018 there were fluctuations in the planting area and soybean harvest. The highest production and productivity occurred in 2016, experiencing an increase of 21% even though the planting area decreased by 22% from 2015. However in 2016, soybean seed production in Southeast Sulawesi was only able to meet 73.5 % of the need for seeds in the province. Anjasmoro is a preferable variety by farmers because its large seed is suitable for raw material of tofu and tempeh industry. In addition, other characteristics of Anjasmoro interested in are its resistant to falling, leaf rust disease, and pod breaking. Analysis of soybean seed production at breeder farmer level showed that from selling 1,000 kg of seeds, the net profit obtained was IDR 262,100 with an R/C ratio > 1.

Effect of harvesting time on yield and sown quality of spring cereals during storage

It is important to correctly determine the stage of harvesting. To establish full ripeness, it is necessary to accurately identify the period when plastic substances stop entering the grain. All this is necessary for the formation of high-quality grain. Due to the long-term storage of grain, its germination decreases, as there are violations in the processes of metabolism. Therefore, during the storage period, it is necessary to control the quality of the seed material. The purpose of the research was to determine the impact of harvesting time and long-term storage of grain for obtaining seed material with high indicators of yield and sowing qualities. The experimental part of the work was carried out on the experimental field and in the laboratory conditions of the FGBNU FANC North-East in 2015-2020. From each variant of the experiment, 1 kg of seeds of the 2015 harvest were stored. Under laboratory conditions, the germination energy and laboratory germination capacity of the seeds were tested. In 2020, field germination and yield qualities of seeds were studied in three-fold repetition on meter plots. During the years of research, changes in the sowing qualities of seeds obtained during storage in 2015 were noted. Seeds from crops that were harvested at the onset of the full ripeness phase and at a grain moisture content of 17 … 20 %, (1), the indicators of germination energy and germination were the highest than when harvested at a later time. A significant decrease in indicators was noted in the cleaning options for 10 and 15 days later than the optimal one. The study of the influence of the harvest year and the duration of seed storage showed that seeds 1 and 2 of the harvest period in 2015 provide a higher yield than seeds 3 and 4 of the harvest period. The use of late-harvest seeds in sowing leads to a decrease in the weight of 1000 grains and the nature of the grain.

Quality and economics of cowpea as influenced by genotypes, phosphorus levels and liquid based PSB

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the quality and economics of cowpea genotypes to phosphorus levels and liquid based PSB during kharif 2019 under rainfed condition at Main Agricultural Research Station, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad. Among the genotypes, the genotype DC-15 recorded significantly higher seed protein content, protein yield and B:C ratio (23.84%, 292.50kg ha-1 and 2.11, respectively) over other genotypes. Whereas, the application of 75 kg P2O5 ha-1 + liquid PSB @ 4ml kg-1 seeds recorded significantly higher seed protein content, protein yield and B:C ratio (23.81%, 320.54 kg ha-1 and 2.27, respectively) over other phosphorus levels. Among the interactions, DC-15 with the application of 50 kg P2O5ha-1+ liquid PSB @ 4ml kg-1 seeds recorded significantly higher seed protein content (25.10%)over the control and other treatments. The percent increase in seed protein was 17.95% over the control.Further, the genotypeDC-15 with the application of 75 kg P2O5ha-1+ liquid PSB @ 4ml kg-1 seeds recorded significantly higher protein yield and B:C ratio (351.22kg ha-1 and 2.47)over the control and other treatments.

Biofortification of Zn and Fe in Chickpea through Agronomic Intervention in Medium Black Soils of Karnataka

Background: Bio-fortification, the process of integrating nutrients into food crops, provides a sustainable and economic way of increasing the density of micronutrients in important staple crops. Agronomic bio-fortification is the easiest, practicable and fastest way for bio-fortification of pulse grains with Fe, Zn, or other desirable micronutrients. Increasing micronutrient rich foods and improving dietary diversity will substantially reduce micronutrient disorders.Methods: A field experiment was conducted during the post rainy seasons of 2015, 2016 and 2017 at Zonal Agricultural Research Station, Kalaburagi, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur (Karnataka) to know the effect of soil and foliar fertilization of Zn and Fe on chickpea genotypes. Two genotypes (Annigeri 1 and JG 11) and six fertilization treatments (Control, 0.5% Zn, 0.1% Fe, Zn + Fe, seed treatment with 2 g Zn kg-1 seeds and soil application of Zn) were tested in medium black soils in split plot design with three replications.Result: The pooled data of three seasons indicated that the genotype JG 11, performed better than Annigeri 1 in terms of seed yield (1309 kgha-1), net returns (₹ 31634ha-1) and B: C ratio (2.52). On biofortification of Zn and Fe, foliar fertilization of Zn @ 0.5% + Fe @ 0.1% at flowering stage recorded significantly higher grain yield (1321 kgha-1), net returns (₹ 31179ha-1) and B: C ratio (2.44) over rest of the treatments. Further, foliar fertilization of Zn + Fe had significant influence on nutrient concentration (Zn and Fe) in chickpea grains. Thus, it could be concluded that combined biofortification of Zn + Fe to chickpea crop could be the viable agronomic intervention for getting higher productivity and nutritional security.

Study on interchangeability of seed based feedstocks for biogas production in multi-feeding mode

Biogas is an excellent renewable fuel providing gas for clean energy applications and fertilizers for organic farming. In the present study, seeds from four tree species of Acacia nilotica , Albizia lebbeck , Prosopis juliflora , and Leucaena leucocephala have been utilized for biogas production as alternative feedstocks. They have been investigated in a mixed-feeding mode in a single digester to tackle the feedstock availability and seasonality challenges. The investigations were conducted in a 300 ​L anaerobic digester for 120 days under daily feeding mode. The average specific biogas yield and specific methane yield was found to be 0.425 ​m 3 /kg of volatile solids and 0.228 ​m 3 /kg of volatile solids, respectively. The average volumetric methane content in biogas was 54.7%. This paper presents a unique study on anaerobic digestion of selected seeds in a mixed-feeding mode to provide broad opportunities for their efficient and sustainable utilization. • Interchangeability of tree species seeds explored for 120 days in the mixed-feeding mode for biogas production. • Anaerobic digestion parameters for the utilization of these seeds are investigated in detail. • An amount of 3.0–3.5 ​kg of seeds is required to produce one cubic metre of biogas. • Specific biogas yield of 0.425 ​m 3 /kg VS with methane of 54.7% and TVSMRE as 46.0% were found.

Состояние семеноводства и агроэнергетическая оценка эффективности производства семян овсяницы красной

Red fescue (Festuca rubra L.) it is one of the most popular crops for creating lawns of various types and as a component of meadow and pasture poly-species mixtures of long-term use. The volume of domestic production of seeds of this crop is less than 2% of the total sales of seed material on the Russian market. The wide expansion of imported seeds of foreign-selected varieties to the domestic market sharply raises the question of the need to develop seed production of this crop in Russia. To do this, it is necessary to intensify breeding for the development of new varieties of red fescue, the development of zonal technologies for cultivating them for seeds. Analysis and generalization of research results shows that when using a set of optimal agricultural techniques, it is possible to consistently receive seed collections of more than 0.4 t/ha. This level of seed yield ensures high profitability of production and recoupment of energy costs. Assessment of the energy efficiency of technologies for cultivation of red fescue pasture-lawn ecotype shows that the total energy consumption per 1 ha of seed was 17.7 GJ, per 1 kg of seeds – 68.2 MJ. Due to the increase in yield by 44.4% and the use of energy-saving techniques, energy savings per 100 kg of seeds amounted to 25.6%. The energy assessment showed that as a result of harvesting seed crops by direct threshing in the optimal time frame, total energy costs decreased by 19%, and energy consumption for fuel – by 29%.

Methods of Silicon Application on Organic Spring Wheat (Triticum aestivum L. spp. vulgare) Cultivars Grown across Two Contrasting Precipitation Years

The potential of silicon used in two forms, two methods and three cultivars of spring wheat cultivated under organic farming conditions is high, as it helps plants to alleviate abiotic stresses. The research hypotheses of paper were the assumptions that the effectiveness of silicon may differ not only by the form of silicon and the method of its application, but also by the variety of common wheat and different water conditions in the soil during the growing season. These hypotheses were confirmed. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of liquid and powder silicon forms and different methods of application in three cultivars (Harenda, Serenada and Rusałka) of spring wheat organically grown under a specific field experiment in water stress vs. no stress conditions. The water stress of plants was assessed on the basis of the sum of precipitation in the winter–spring and vegetation season in each year. The differences in water availability for the plants in the experimental years were confirmed. Silicon (Si) was used for seed dressing and/or for leaf spraying. In the first case, the powdered form of Si was used at a dose of 0.5 kg/100 kg of seeds; it was used together with the liquid form at a dose of 0.5 L/100 kg of seeds, and in the second, the liquid form of Si was used at a dose of 0.5 L per 200 L of water per hectare; spraying was carried out at the following plant development stages: three tillers detectable, the first node and the flag leaf. The application of Si positively influenced the wheat yield depending on the method of Si application, wheat variety and severity of water stress. The cultivar Harenda was more susceptible to lower water content in the soil than the cultivars Rusałka and Serenada. Under conditions of water stress, the use of Si slowed the development of young Harenda plants, but ultimately, the variety increased its grain yield to a greater extent than the other two varieties. The lowest weight of a thousand grains (TGW) was found in the Harenda variety; however, Si treatment improved this parameter. Si increased the yields of the three wheat varieties, and the highest were harvested in plots with combined Si treatments. The yields of the Rusałka and Serenada cultivars on these plots were 14 to 28% higher compared to the control. Harenda was the least fertile variety, but it increased its yield more than the other two varieties. This variety increased its yield in 2018 (year of average rainfall) by 26% from 2.92 to 3.94 tons per hectare, and in 2019 (a year of drought) by 42% from 1.66 to 2.87 tons per hectare. It can be concluded that Si improves the wheat yield, and its efficiency depends on the scale of water stress, the method of application and the variety. The simplest and most adaptable method of Si application is seed dressing and has prospects for wider application, especially in organic farming.

Penggunaan Input yang Optimal pada Usaha Tani Kedelai (Suatu Kasus di Desa Sukahurip, Kecamatan Pangatikan, Kabupaten Garut, Jawa Barat)

The majority of soybean supply is fulfilled by importation and the import of soybean tends to increase. The dependency of Indonesia on imported soybean indeed becomes a serious issue in maintaining food security and local production of soybean is low and quite decreasing. The low domestic soybean production might be caused by the inappropriate used of inputs. Many cases found in the field are the inefficient uses of input factors. The purpose of this study is to analyze the factors influencing the soybean production and to analyze the optimal level of input use in soybean production. The study was conducted in the Sukahurip Village, Pangatikan Sub-District, Garut District, West Java in July 2018. The research method used was a survey method. The data used consisted of primary and secondary data. Primary data were obtained from samples of soybean farmers and samples of farmers were taken by a simple random sampling. The data were analyzed by Cobb Douglass`s Production function (to analyze factors affecting soybean production) and the NPM that was equal to BKM formula was used to determine the optimal level of inputs use. Factors influencing soybean production are land and seeds. Land use, seeds, and ZA fertilizer have not been used efficiently because of the limited land use and the use of substandard inputs. The addition of inputs to the optimal level is 1.36 hectares of land use and 52.7 kg of seeds that will maximize the profits.
 Keywords: efficiency, input, optimal, production, soybean

Inseticidas nas sementes e a entomotoxina cry 1 ac protegem a soja contra a lagarta-do-velho-mundo

The Helicoverpa armigera caterpillar occurs from the emergence of the plants to the reproductive stage of the soybean crop, which can cause significant losses.As an initial pest, both neonate and more developed caterpillars can be found, the latter from the previous crop.The use of Bt cultivars and insecticides in seed treatment are options to pest managementat the beginning of soybean development, but there are doubtsabout the efficacy of these control methods. Thus, the objective was to evaluate the protective effect of insecticides applied to seeds and Cry 1Ac protein, in relation to the attack of the H. armigeracaterpillar, as an initial pest in soybean plants.Experiments were conducted in the laboratory, using a completely randomized design, with six treatments:four insecticides related to seeds and control (without insecticide), in conventional cultivar soybeans (Target BMX), and the Cry 1Ac protein in soybeans cultivate Bt (DM 5958 IPRO), without insecticide. Our results confirm that under laboratory conditions the insecticides cyantraniliprole (60 g ai / 100 kg of seeds) and chlorantraniliprole (62.5 g ai / 100 kg of seeds) protect the soybean against the injuries of H. armigera3º-4ºínstars, in cotyledons and unifoliolate and trifoliolate leaves, at 5 days after the emergenceof the plants. The protein Cry 1Acprotects the soybean plants from this type of injury caused byboth3rd-4thand 5th-6thínstarscaterpillars, at 5 and 10 days after emergence.