Leaf Stem Ratio Research Articles

Nitrogen fertilizer application for improving the biomass, quality, and nitrogen fixation of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) at different growth stages in a saline‒alkali soil.

The application of nitrogen (N) fertilizer to alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) has received little attention due to the ability of this plant to fix N. However, N deficiency stress is often observed in marginal lands of China, especially in saline-alkali soils. Thus, this study aimed to assess the response of alfalfa yield, quality, N fixation, and soil N concentration to N fertilizer application at different stages in saline-alkali soil of Inner Mongolia. A 2-year (2020 and 2021) field experiment with five N fertilizer application rates, namely, 0 (N0), 20 (N20), 60 (N60), 120 (N120) and 180 (N180) kg N ha-1, was conducted in Inner Mongolia. The results showed that N fertilizer application of 180 kg ha-1 significantly increased the total alfalfa yield by 29%-32% by improving the stem‒leaf ratio; however, it didn't lead to a further increase in alfalfa quality. N fertilizer applications of 60 and 120 kg ha-1 significantly improved the crude protein by 10.6%-22.7% and reduced the acid or neutral detergent fiber by 10.0%-18.7% in vegetative and bud stages, respectively, by improving the leaf N concentration. Furthermore, the fraction of N derived from the atmosphere reached 68.6%, with a significant increase in the corresponding amount of N fixed in N60. Soil NO3 --N concentrations significantly increased by 24.1%-33.3%, and NH4 +-N concentrations increased by 1 to 3 times when N fertilizer application exceeded 120 kg N ha-1 compared with that in N0. Overall, this study revealed the essential role of N fertilizer application at low rates in alfalfa production, as this practice not only increases alfalfa yield but also improves N fixation in saline‒alkali soil. However, it did not result in further improvement in alfalfa quality at the early flowering stage. The findings provides valuable guidance for N fertilizer application in alfalfa production on saline‒alkali soils.

Evaluation of Promising Characteristics of Rhizomatous Alfalfa Male Sterile Mutant Accessions

Evaluating key traits of male sterile mutant accessions in rhizomatous alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is crucial for selecting plants for artificial hybrid breeding of rhizomatous maternal lines. In this study, branch cuttings from four male sterile mutant accessions of ‘Qingshui’ alfalfa were used as experimental samples. We evaluated phenotypic traits, which included pollen viability and stigma receptivity, as well as nutritional quality, using difference analysis, correlation analysis, and principal component analysis. Prioritizing pollen viability and stigma receptivity, while considering phenotypic traits and nutritional quality as supplementary factors, allowed us to comprehensively evaluate 24 rhizomatous alfalfa individuals. This evaluation led to the identification of four male sterile mutant accessions with superior traits. The pollen from accession 4-4 was found to be partially fertile, whereas the remaining 23 alfalfa individuals were entirely male sterile. All 24 individuals exhibited stigma receptivity levels suitable for effective pollination. Principal component analysis revealed that among the assessed traits, the leaf–stem ratio contributed most significantly, followed by crude protein content, while neutral detergent fiber content had the least impact on overall quality. Additionally, the number of branches showed a strong positive correlation with individual plant yield (p < 0.01). No significant correlations were detected among plant height, stem diameter, forage grading index, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber content, and yield. Overall, our comprehensive evaluation suggests that accessions 1-2, 2-2, 3-1, and 4-3 are most suitable for use as parental lines in artificial hybrid breeding.

Optimizing Sorghum Yield and Quality: A Study on the Role of Plant Growth Regulators and Micronutrient Management Strategies

This study assessed the impact of plant growth regulators (PGRs) and micronutrients on sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) productivity in four locations viz., Palampur, Srinagar, Mandya, and Ayodhya during Kharif 2020-2021. Twelve treatments, combining PGRs and micronutrients, were evaluated. The best treatment (T10), applying 5 kg Zn and 2 kg B per hectare with a triacontanol (10 ppm) foliar spray at 30 days after sowing, resulted in the highest green fodder yield (493.2 q/ha), dry matter yield (125.6 q/ha), and crude protein yield (10.80 q/ha). It also improved the leaf-stem ratio (0.63), ADF (42.34%), and NDF (63.03%). Economic analysis showed a gross return of Rs. 130,208/ha, net return of Rs. 81,717/ha, and B:C ratio of 2.56. These findings provide actionable insights for enhancing sorghum productivity in semi-arid regions through integrated nutrient management, improving both food security and farmer incomes in challenging agricultural environments.

Effect of Cutting Age on the Productive Indicators and Nutritional Quality of Brachiaria Hybrid vc. Mulato I

With the objective of determining the productive components, chemical characterization, digestibility and energy contribution of the Brachiaria hybrid vc Mulato I at different ages of cuts in both periods of the year. For which a randomized block design with four repetitions was used. It was sampled in plots of 25 m2, to which a uniformity cut was applied 10 cm from the ground, without irrigation or fertilization. The yield of total dry matter, leaves and stems was determined; the length and width of the leaves; the leaf-stem ratio, chemical composition (CP, NDF, ADF, ADL, CC, Si, P, Ca, ash and OM), energy contributions and digestibility. A double classification analysis of variance was applied to each variable studied and the means were compared according to Duncan. Crude protein decreased with age for both periods, showing significant differences between all ages. The best values were shown at 30 days of cutt (9.47 and 10.40 % in the rainy and dry periods respectively), the fiber increased with age with its best values at 75 days with (71.39 and 70.11 % in the rainy periods and little rain), aspects that conditioned the quality with a decrease in digestibility and energy intake. The yield of the plant was affected by the periods of the year, being higher in the rainy period. It is concluded that the increase in regrowth age directly influences the depression of nutritional quality and yield in both periods of the year.

Principal component analysis of foxtail millet accessions under rainfed condition

Foxtail millet (Setaria italica (L.) Beauv) is one of the earliest cultivated millet for grain, hay and silage. There is wide genetic diversity available in foxtail millet and characterization of available germplasm is a pre-requisite for the genetic improvement of any crop. Keeping the above fact in view 30 foxtail germplasm lines were evaluated during kharif 2020 and 2021 for morphological traits, stover yield, dry fodder yield and seed yield under rainfed conditions of Haryana. The results (based on pooled data of two years) revealed that enough variability was present among germplasm lines for further exploitation. High heritability and positive correlation was reported between traits like plant height, leaf length, leaf stem ratio, stover yield, grain yield etc. Principal component analysis also revealed that PC1, PC2, PC3, PC4 and PC5 contributed for 31.8%, 15.05%, 12.31%, 11.43% and 10.14%, respectively to the total variation. Five foxtail accessions viz., SEA8, SEA12, SEA48, SEJ184 and SEA37 were identified promising for yield and related traits under rainfed conditions of Haryana.

Effect of cropping systems, top feeds and planting geometry on growth, yield and economics of top feeds

The present study was conducted to find out the effect of cropping systems, top feeds and planting geometry on the growth, yield and economics of different top feeds. The experiment was laid out in a split-split plot design with 18 treatment combinations and three replications. The treatments consisted of two cropping systems (C1-sole crop of top feeds, C2-intercrop of bajra napier hybrid), three top feeds [(F1-agathi (Sesbania grandiflora), F2-erythrina (Erythrina indica), F3-drumstick (Moringa oleifera)] and three planting geometry (G1-2 m x 1 m, G2- 2 m x 0.5 m, G3-paired system). The data over three years revealed that intercropping top feeds with bajra napier hybrid at a paired system (C2F1G3) recorded the highest mean number of branches in all three years. However, intercropping agathi at 2 x 0.5 m (C2F1G2) recorded the highest mean leaf stem ratio (0.82). Pooled data over three years also revealed that intercropping agathi at 2 x 0.5 m geometry recorded the highest total green fodder yield (30.16 t ha-1), total dry fodder yield (7.55 t ha-1), gross return (Rs 201200 ha-1), net returns (Rs 139000 ha-1) and B:C ratio (3.25). Hence, among different tree grass combinations, growing agathi with bajra napier hybrid at 2 x 0.5 m geometry was found as most promising system for meeting the fodder requirements of Kerala.

Effect of pruning height and organic fertilization on the morphological and productive characteristics of Moringa oleifera Lam. in the Peruvian dry tropics

Abstract The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of pruning height (PH) and organic fertilization dose (FD) on the morphology and productive characteristics of Moringa oleifera Lam. We germinated seeds collected from 10-year-old shrubs, and 2-month-old seedlings were transplanted in the final field. We used a two-factor design of PH (PH1:0.4, PH2:0.8, and PH3:1.2 m from the ground) and FD (FD0:0, FD1:500, FD2:750, and FD3:1,000 g of decomposing goat manure). We carried out an initial pruning 4 months after transplanting and the harvests every 45 days. After three consecutive harvests, PH3 improved N° branches (12.53 ± 3.09) and dry matter (21.98 ± 1.30%), but PH1 showed greater stem lengths (1.65 ± 0.24 m) (p < 0.01). There was no difference in the stems and leaf weights between PH2 and PH3, and no trait varied according to FD (p > 0.05). The PH × FD interaction can improve the plant diameter (p < 0.01) and dry matter (p < 0.05) with PH2 (56.79 ± 3.71 mm) and PH3 (23.20 ± 1.04%) from FD1. We found an increasing trend in N° branches, plant diameter (p < 0.01), and the leaf–stem ratio. However, in the third harvest, the biomass production trend was downward for a short period for an adequate replacement of nutrients from the incorporated organic fertilizer. It is recommended to prune M. oleifera at 1.2 m from the ground to stimulate greater biomass and maintain the leaf–stem ratio throughout the evaluated harvests and apply more than 500 g of goat manure after each harvest to restore the nutrients extracted from the soil.

CARACTERÍSTICAS ESTRUTURAIS E PRODUTIVAS DO CAPIM MOMBAÇA SOB SOMBREAMENTO, NA FASE DE ESTABELECIMENTO

Forage grasses can be subjected to conditions that reduce the amount of light, either through intercropping with annual crops or through integration with tree species (silvopastoral system). Therefore, the objective of this work was to evaluate the productive and structural characteristics of grass. mombaça (Megathyrsus maximus), in the establishment phase, subjected to four levels of artificial shading (0, 30, 50 and 70%). The experimental design was completely randomized, with five replications. For this, plant height - PH, tiller length - TL, leaf/stem ratio (LSR), leaf dry mass, stem, dead and total material, tiller population density, individual tiller weight and number of leaves were evaluated. living and dead. Shading of 50% induced greater production of total dry mass (TDM), with no significant effect of TDM for the full sun and 30% treatments. A reduction in the number of tillers (NL) was observed as light was restricted, as well as an increase in plant height, tiller length and tiller dry weight. It is noteworthy that the highest average heights were found in 50 and 70% shading, as well as the highest individual tiller weights. The lowest production of total shoot dry mass and lowest LSR were found in the most severe shading. From the analysis of all variables, it can be inferred that mombaça grass presents better acclimatization in the range of 30 and 50% shading, which gives this cultivar good phenotypic plasticity, thus, the establishment of pasture is recommended in light to moderate shading. Therefore, the mombaça forage grass has potential for use in the silvopastoral system.

Reusing livestock farming wastewater for Tifton 85 irrigation: productivity, morphological, and bromatological indicators

The utilization of wastewater from livestock farming (WLF) represents a common agricultural practice, but the absence of research on its agronomic impacts hinders its sustainable implementation. This study assesses the reutilization of WLF combined with nitrogen fertilization on the morphological, bromatological, and productivity attributes of a Tifton 85 pasture during the winter season. The study involved the application of different types of water via sprinkler: (I) stream water; (II) mixture of WLF and stream water at a 1:1 ratio; and (III) undiluted WLF combined with mineral nitrogen fertilization (0 and 45 kg N ha-1) administered at the commencement of the regrowth period. Irrigation was applied on a weekly basis, totaling 2,440 m3 ha-1. At 106 days post-regrowth, parameters including forage productivity, height, leaf-stem ratio, leaf area index, nitrogen nutrition index, crude protein content, acid detergent fiber, neutral detergent fiber, and mineral matter content were determined. Mineral fertilization at the prescribed dosage (45 kg N ha-1) did not have any discernible impact on the parameters under investigation. On average, the reuse of WLF raised the productivity from 2.50 to 5.12 t ha-1 and the Crude Protein from 12.35% to 14.58% compared to stream water. The reuse of WLF demonstrated superior outcomes (p < 0.01) in terms of pasture productivity, nutritional quality, and nitrogen accumulation compared to irrigation solely with stream water. The reuse of diluted WLF (1:1) without fertilization proved adequate to sustain Tifton 85 pastures during the winter season in the Brazilian Cerrado region. Keywords: Cynodon dactylon, forage, irrigated pasture.

Overexpression of MsDREB1C Modulates Growth and Improves Forage Quality in Tetraploid Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.).

DREB has been reported to be involved in plant growth and response to environmental factors. However, the function of DREB in growth and development has not been elucidated in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), a perennial tetraploid forage cultivated worldwide. In this study, an ortholog of MtDREB1C was characterized from alfalfa and named MsDREB1C accordingly. MsDREB1C was significantly induced by abiotic stress. The transcription factor MsDREB1C resided in the nucleus and had self-transactivation activity. The MsDREB1C overexpression (OE) alfalfa displayed growth retardation under both long-day and short-day conditions, which was supported by decreased MsGA20ox and upregulated MsGA2ox in the OE lines. Consistently, a decrease in active gibberellin (GA) was detected, suggesting a negative effect of MsDREB1C on GA accumulation in alfalfa. Interestingly, the forage quality of the OE lines was better than that of WT lines, with higher crude protein and lower lignin content, which was supported by an increase in the leaf-stem ratio (LSR) and repression of several lignin-synthesis genes (MsNST, MsPAL1, MsC4H, and Ms4CL). Therefore, this study revealed the effects of MsDREB1C overexpression on growth and forage quality via modifying GA accumulation and lignin synthesis, respectively. Our findings provide a valuable candidate for improving the critical agronomic traits of alfalfa, such as overwintering and feeding value of the forage.

Study on Correlation and Path Analysis in Forage Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench

This investigation is conducted to determine character association and path coefficient analysis using 35 genotypes of forage sorghum at the Crop Research Centre of the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology in Meerut. In Kharif 2022, testing of all 35 genotypes of forage sorghum was conducted using a randomized block design with three replications. Observations were recorded for days to 50% flowering, plant height (cm), leaf breadth (cm), leaf length (cm), number of leaves per plant, total soluble solids (%), leaf area (cm2), stem girth (mm), leaf stem ratio and green fodder yield per plant (g). Correlation coefficient studies indicated that green fodder yield per plant was found highly significant positive association with leaf breadth, stem girth, leaf area, leaf length, number of leaves per plant, plant height and leaf stem ratio at both genotypic and phenotypic level, indicated that selection of these attributes may be helpful to increase fodder yield in sorghum. The results of genotypic and phenotypic path analysis indicated that stem girth had a strong positive direct effect on green fodder yield per plant, followed by leaf breadth and number of leaves per plant at both genotypic and phenotypic levels. Improving these attributes can increase fodder yield. The character showing indirect effect like Leaf breadth, leaf length, leaf area, and leaf stem ratio via another component trait, indirect selection through such trait can lead to improvement in green fodder yield.

Productivity of Fodder Maize (Zea mays L.) SFM-1 under Varied Sowing Dates and Nitrogen Levels

This field experiment was carried out at Faculty of Agriculture, Wadura, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Kashmir during (April-October) kharif, 2022. The experiment was laid out in the split-plot design with four sowing dates (15th April, 15th May, 15th June and 15th July) and four nitrogen levels (0, 60, 120 and 180 kg ha-1) with three replications to study the effect of sowing dates and levels of nitrogen on growth, biomass, yield, quality and the nitrogen use efficiency of fodder maize. The growth parameters viz., plant height, leaf area index, number of leaves per plant were significantly influenced by varying sowing dates and nitrogen levels and higher values of these parameters were obtained with early sowing of 15th April. The dry matter accumulation, number of leaves per plant and green fodder yield were significantly higher at early sowing of 15th April. The maximum crude protein content (%) and ash content (%) were also recorded with sowing on 15th April. In case of nitrogen levels, the growth, yield and quality parameters viz., plant height, leaf area index, leaf stem ratio, number of leaves per plant, dry matter yield, green fodder yield, dry fodder yield, crude protein and ash content were significantly improved up to nitrogen level N3. However, NDF (%) and ADF (%) decreased with an increase in nitrogen levels and was lowest at N3 level.

Comparative Effect of Subhash Palekar’s Natural Farming, Organic and Inorganic Systems of Nutrition on Performance of Fodder Sorghum and Pearl Millet Hybrids

Aims: To evaluate different nutrient management practices in fodder sorghum and pearl millet hybrids.
 Study Design: Randomized block design.
 Place and Duration of Study: A field experiment was conducted at the research farm of Fodder Section, CSK HPKV, Palampur during Kharif seasons of 2018 and 2019
 Methodology: Ten nutrient management practices i.e. absolute control (T1), 5% Jeevamrit (T2), 10% Jeevamrit (T3), seed treatment with Beejamrit + 5% Jeevamrit (T4), seed treatment with Beejamrit + 10% Jeevamrit (T5), 10 t/ha FYM + 5% Jeevamrit (T6), 10 t/ha FYM + 10% Jeevamrit (T7), 50% recommended N + 10 t/ha FYM + 5% Jeevamrit (T8), 50% recommended N + 10 t/ha FYM + 10% Jeevamrit (T9) and recommended NPK through inorganic sources (T10) were tested in randomized block design with three replications.
 Results: The results indicated that integrated nutrient management i.e. 50 per cent recommended N + 10 t/ha FYM + 10% Jeevamrit and 50 per cent recommended N + 10 t/ha FYM + 5% Jeevamrit and recommended NPK through inorganic sources remaining at par resulted in better crop growth (plant height, shoot number, leaf stem ratio, percent proportion), higher fodder yield (green and dry fodder yields), NPK uptake and crude protein yield than rest of the organic (10 t/ha FYM + 10% Jeevamrit and 10 t/ha FYM + 5% Jeevamrit) and natural farming (Beejamrit + 5% Jeevamrit and Beejamrit + 10% Jeevamrit) nutrient management treatments. Application of recommended NPK resulted in highest net returns (79049 INR/ha) and net returns per rupee invested (2.09).
 Conclusion: Integrated and inorganic nutrient management practices in fodder sorghum and pearl millet hybrids appeared best practices for realising higher yield than organic and natural farming nutrient management practices.

Effect of Seed Priming on Fodder Yield of Maize

The study on effect of seed priming on yield and quality of fodder maize was carried out at Main Forage Research Station, Anand Agricultural University, Anand during the rabi season 2020-21. The research comprised of ten treatments and four replications, and it was set up in a randomized block design. The results of the experiments revealed that different seed priming treatments failed to create a significant response on plant population per meter row length at 15 DAS, days to 50% flowering, and plant height at 20 DAS. The growth and yield attributes of fodder maize crop viz., periodical plant height at 40 DAS and at harvest, number of leaves per plant, leaf stem ratio, green fodder yield, dry fodder yield, dry matter, crude protein, acid detergent fiber and Neutral detergent fiber at harvest were significantly affected by different seed priming treatments and recorded significantly higher in treatment of Seed priming with ZnSO4 @ 0.5% for 6 hrs. and also reported maximum net realization with its BCR.

Enhancing biomass and seed production in Kalmegh [Andrographis paniculata (Burm. F.) Wall ex. Nees] through optimal plant spacing and nutrients under the Western Himalayan region of India

The field experiment was conducted during the winter (kharif) seasons of 2021-22 and 2022-23 at CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Research Centre Purara, Bageshwar, Uttarakhand. The study's objective was to investigate the most effective combinations of plant spacing configurations and NPK levels to enhance biomass and seed yield of kalmegh [Andrographis paniculata (Burm. F.) Wall ex. Nees] under the Western Himalayan region of Uttarakhand. The experiment consisted of nine treatments, comprising three different plant spacing (60x30 cm, 60 x45 cm, 60x60 cm) and three NPK levels (40:30:20, 80:60:30, 120:90:40), arranged in factorial randomised block design. The results indicated that treatment T3 (120:90:40 NPK) and spacing S3 (60x60 cm) consistently demonstrated superior performance, resulting in the highest plant height, number of branches, LAI, total dry matter weight, dry seed weight, and leaf stem ratio. Treatment T2 (80:60:30 NPK) and spacing S2 (60x 45 cm) displayed intermediate results, while treatment T1 (40:30:20 NPK) and spacing S1 (60 x 30 cm) exhibited relatively lower values for most parameters.

Study of Correlation and Path Coefficient Analysis for Different Morphological Characters in Forage Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench)

This research was conducted to investigate the correlation and path coefficient analysis of thirty three genotypes for green fodder yield and its attributes of forage sorghum. The experimental material was planted in Completely Randomized Block Design (RBD)in three replication during Kharif in the year 2019-20 at Crop Research Centre, SVPUA&T, Modipuram, Meerut - 250110 (U.P.). The study of association and path analysis evaluation carried out using the ten green fodder yield traits, viz., days to 50% flowering, plant height, leaf length, leaf breadth, leaf area, stem girth, leaves per plant, leaf stem ratio, total soluble solids and green fodder yield per plant. There is significant and positive correlation with green fodder yield per plant was exhibited with stem girth, leaves per plant, leaf length, leaf breadth, leaf stem ratio and total soluble solids at genotypic and phenotypic level. While leaf area showed the maximal direct effect on green fodder yield per plant followed by stem girth, leaves per plant and leaf stem ratio. There for selection for these traits is advisable for improving the character of green fodder yield.

The Responses of Stem and Leaf Functional Traits of Medicago sativa and Bromus inermis to Different Mixed Planting Patterns

This study investigated the differences in stem and leaf growth characteristics of Medicago sativa and Bromus inermis in the Jiaozhou region of China during 2019–2020 under three different planting modes of the two forages: monoculture, mixed species sowing in the same rows, and mixed species sowing in alternating rows. No special management of the experimental plots was carried out in this study to simulate as much as possible the growth of forages in their natural state. The stem and leaf characteristics influencing the dry matter weight were calculated using grey correlation. These characteristics included leaf length, leaf width, leaf thickness, leaf area, leaf fresh weight, stem length, stem diameter, stem fresh weight, stem–leaf ratio, fresh matter yield, dry matter yield, and protein yield of M. sativa and B. inermis under different sowing methods in different years. The results showed that the weight pattern of the characteristics affecting the yield of M. sativa and B. inermis production was leaf area > stem diameter > leaf length > stem length > leaf width > leaf thickness, leaf area > leaf length > stem length > leaf width > leaf thickness > stem diameter. Considering all the growth factors, the production capacity was ranked as mixed sowing in alternating rows > mixed sowing in same rows > monoculture. Thus, the suitable mode for M. sativa–B. inermis sowing was mixed sowing in alternating rows.

Agronomic Behaviour and Chemical Composition of Three Varieties of Pennisetum sp in the Peruvian Tropics

Livestock production in the Peruvian tropics is mainly based on grazing and cutting grasses, which have variable productive and nutritional characteristics according to the variety of grasses, agronomic management, and climatic conditions. The objective of this research was to compare the agronomic behaviour and chemical composition of three varieties of Pennisetum sp (Pennisetum purpureum Schum cv. Cameroon or Cameroon grass, Pennisetum sp. or Maralfalfa, and Pennisetum purpureum × Pennisetum typhoides or King grass). The experiment was carried out at the Estación Experimental Agraria “Campo Verde,” Ucayali, Peru, under a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with a 3 (Pennisetum sp. variety) × 3 (cutting age) factorial arrangement and 4 replicates each. Thirty-six subplots were installed, and treatments were randomly assigned, using vegetative seed with three buds each. Measurements of agronomic behaviour and chemical analysis were carried out in the 8th, 12th, and 16th week. The data were subjected to ANOVA and multiple comparisons with the Duncan and Kruskal–Wallis tests (p < 0.05) and correlations using Pearson coefficients (p < 0.05). The agronomic behaviour did not vary between Pennisetum sp. varieties, but according to cutting age, Cameroon grass produced greater plant height, biomass, dry matter, and Mg content at the 8th week. The highest concentrations of N (2.38 ± 0.11%), P (0.18 ± 0.01%), and Ca (0.70 ± 0.03%) were recorded at the 8th week, Zn (27.33 ± 1.91 mg/kg) at the 12th week, and Mg (0.26 ± 0.02%) at the 16th week. A negative correlation was found between biomass and the stem-leaf ratio at the 12th week because the first leaves of plants died, but the stems increased in size. It is concluded that, at an early cutting age in varieties of Pennisetum sp., lower biomass and dry matter result, but higher content of N, P, Ca, and Fe; and at a late cutting age, it shows greater biomass, dry matter, Cu, and Mg content.

Genetic diversity and salt tolerance assessment of 51 alfalfa (Medicago sativa) varieties under saline soil conditions

IntroductionSalt stress significantly impacts plant growth worldwide. Although alfalfa exhibits some tolerance to salt-alkali soils, the specific salt tolerance levels across different alfalfa varieties remain inadequately understood. For this purpose, we conducted a study to investigate the diversity of agronomic traits of alfalfa (Medicago sativa) under different soil environments in order to elucidate the salt tolerance of 51 alfalfa varieties.MethodsWe chose three different soil conditions for our study: normal conditions in Yantai as control, saline conditions in Yantai with soil salt concentrations ranging from 0.25 to 0.33%, and saline-alkali conditions in Dongying with soil salt concentrations ranging from 0.28 to 0.32%. We chose 51 alfalfa varieties from different sources as our experimental materials. Planting was conducted following a completely randomized block design with three replicates for each variety. Harvesting was performed when the plants reached 50% flowering, cutting them at a height of 5 cm above the ground. Comprehensive assessments encompassed 10 parameters, namely fresh weight, dry weight, stem-leaf ratio, branch count, plant height, crude protein content, crude fat content, acid detergent fiber, neutral detergent fiber, and ash content.ResultsOur findings revealed that the 51 studied alfalfa varieties displayed significant generalized heritability and coefficient of variation, indicating a high level of genetic diversity. Using principal component and cluster analyses, we categorized the varieties into three distinct clusters based on their agronomic traits. Grey correlation degree analysis revealed the commendable performance of Ying st, PI 672734, and Mei zuo across diverse environments. Genotype emerged as a predominant determinant of all parameters, except crude fat, acid detergent fiber, and neutral detergent fiber. Through the application of membership function analysis, PI 672768 emerged as a variety that demonstrated strong tolerance in both saline soil contexts.DiscussionDespite extensive previous studies indicating Zhong Mu No. 1 as a salt-tolerant alfalfa variety, its performance in this experiment did not distinguish itself. The findings of this study provide a fundamental basis for improving the management of saline-alkali lands and advancing alfalfa cultivation practices.

The Correlation between Green Fodder Yield and Fodder Quality Traits in Hybrids of Pearl Millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.

Pearl millet is an ideal fodder crop having highly shiny, lush, palatable, nutrient- dense, excellent silage and biomass production potential and bestowed with various essential nutrients required for the livestock. The study material consists of 54 fodder pearl millet hybrids obtained through the hybridisation between 15 selected superior parents from ICRISAT gene-pool as well as gene pool of Department of Forage Crops, TNAU, Coimbatore. For the better understanding of the relationship between green fodder yield per plant, its contributing traits and various quality traits, genetic parameters such as genotypic and phenotypic correlation as well as path coefficients were analysed. Correlation studies revealed that out of all the seventeen biometric traits studied, all the traits are shown positive correlation with green fodder yield per plant whereas fifteen traits are found to have significant positive correlation with green fodder yield per plant. Ash content (rg =0.855), dry fodder yield per plant (rg =0.850), leaf-stem ratio (rg =0.710) have shown very strong significant positive correlation and plant height (rg =0.641), days to green fodder harvest (rg =0.630), stem girth (rg =0.616) and days to fifty per cent flowering (rg =0.606) have recorded with moderately strong significant positive correlation with green fodder yield per plant. Number of tillers per plant (0.859), internode length (0.574), ash content (0.421) and dry fodder yield per plant (0.372) revealed highly positive direct effects with green fodder yield per plant. Hence, selection for traits exhibiting positive association and direct effects for green fodder yield would help the breeder to enhance it further.