Leaf Width Research Articles

Application of Rice Straw Compost and NPK Fertilizer to Increase The Growth of Kale Land (Ipomoea reptans poir)

Kale land can grow well in various environmental conditions. Fertilization is one way that can be done to increase the growth of Ipomoea reptans poir using both organic and inorganic fertilizers. Research on the application of rice straw compost and NPK fertilizer to increase the size of stems and leaves of Ipomoea reptans poir has been completed in 2023. This research aims to analyze: (1) the effectiveness of using NPK fertilizer on the size of stems and leaves of Ipomoea reptans poir, 2) the effectiveness of using rice straw compost on the size of stems and leaves of Ipomoea reptans poir, (3) the effectiveness of the combination of using rice straw compost and NPK fertilizer on the size of stems and leaves of Ipomoea reptans poir. Two factorial design was applied in this research. The results were obtained: (1) the application of rice straw compost was significantly effective in increasing stem height, leaf length and leaf width but could not increase the rate of increase in the number of kale land leaves, (2) NPK fertilizer treatment had a real effect on increasing the overall growth parameters observed, (3) ) the combined application of rice straw compost and NPK fertilizer did not have a significant effect on leaf width, number of leaves, leaf length and stem height of kale land.

Identifikasi Pengaruh Ketinggian Tempat terhadap Morfologi Talas Beneng (Xanthosoma undipes K Koch)

The genetic diversity of beneng taro can be known by analyzing morphological characters. This study aimed to determine the differences in morphological characters in beneng taro plants influenced by altitude using PCA and identify the level of uniformity of morphological characters in beneng taro plants using cluster analysis. This research is a qualitative study with a descriptive approach that is an exploratory survey. Sampling was carried out using a purposive sampling technique. In this study, samples were taken from three different altitudes, namely 343 masl (low), 615 masl (medium), and 761 masl (high) located in Serang Regency and Pandeglang Regency. Ten samples were taken in each location, so 30 taro beneng plants were collected. The research was conducted from January 2024 to March 2024. The variables observed in this study were morphological characters consisting of leaf blade color, leaf bone color, petiole color, plant height, leaf length, leaf width, and petiole length. The results showed that based on PCA, the characters that differed due to altitude were plant height, leaf blade color, leaf bone color, petiole color, petiole length, leaf length, and leaf width. In cluster analysis, 4 clusters were formed, indicating that the uniformity of the characters is relatively broad. Suggestions for further research on root and tuber morphology. Suggestions for farmers to continue cultivating beneng taro. The government should counsel the surrounding community about beneng taro, especially farmers who can preserve local commodities and support conservation efforts.

Seagrass growth at different turbidity levels

Seagrass beds are highly productive ecosystems and have ecosystem services in the coastal zone but are continuously declining globally. Mainly due to anthropogenic activities that reduce the amount of light entering the waters and reaching seagrasses, such as dredging, reclamation, sedimentation, and eutrophication. This research was conducted to determine the relationship between turbidity level and seagrass composition and morphology. The observations were conducted in November 2016 in Pangkep district on Sagara Island and Makassar City on Barrang Lompo and Lae-lae Island, South Sulawesi Province. The observation stations are determined based on the level of turbidity conditions. Sagara Island, Barrang Lompo, and Lae-lae are areas that are considered to represent turbid waters, by laying a line transect (roll meter) perpendicular to the coast and doing it 3 times. The data collected in this study related to seagrass conditions such as seagrass composition and seagrass morphometrics. Variables observed in seagrass leaf morphometric observations were leaf surface area and leaf width, leaf thickness, and distance between internodes. In addition, other data collected is environmental parameter data, such as currents, TSS, PAR, temperature, and salinity. One-way ANOVA analysis showed that there was a difference in turbidity levels between Barrang Lompo Island, Sagara Island, and Lae-lae Island with a significance value of 0.000. The types of seagrasses found on Barrang Lompo with light availability of 1735.23 µmol/m²/s are Enhalus acoroides, Cymodocea rotundata, Halodule uninervis, Halophila ovalis, Thalassia hemprichii. On P. Sagara with light availability of 170.01 µmol/m²/s, E. acoroides, T. hemprichii, Cymodocea serrulata, H. uninervis, and H. ovalis were found. Whereas in P. Lae-lae only E. acoroides was found. The results showed that the level of turbidity has an influence on seagrass morphometrics, namely leaf ratio and leaf thickness of E. acoroides species, and internode distance in H. uninervis species. Keywords:Availability of lightMorphometricsPARSeagrass bedsTurbidity

Studies on the Field Performance of True Potato Seed of Different Entries under Telangana Conditions

The quality of seedlings obtained from a nursery influence re-establishment in the field and the eventual production of crops. The present investigation was conducted for two consecutive seasons during rabi, 2021-22 and rabi, 2022-23 at Mulugu, Sri Konda Laxman Telangana State Horticultural University for evaluation of the field performance of true potato seed. The same seedling raised media showed better performance in the main field of experiment, among the treatments, T1 i.e KP-15C3 X D-150 + Cocopeat : Vermicompost : FYM (2:1:1) was recorded the significantly highest growth parameters like plant height (25.15 cm and 47.61 cm), number of compound leaves per plant (15.05 and 28.13), leaf length (8.85 cm and 20.13 cm), leaf width (6.68 cm and 14.23 cm), leaf area (27.94 cm2 and 51.48 cm2) and stem diameter (0.60 cm and 0.82 cm) at 30 and 60 DAP respectively. Results related to yield attributing characters like number of micro tubers per plant (11.77), fresh weight of micro tubers per plant (16.21 g), number of small tubers per plant (7.46), fresh weight of small tubers per plant (44.03 g), number of medium tubers per plant (5.89), fresh weight of medium tubers per plant (171.40 g), number of large tubers per plant (2.84), fresh weight of large tubers per plant (115.28 g), total number of tubers per plant (27.95), tuber yield per plant (346.92 g), tuber yield per plot (20.82 kg/ 6 m2) and tuber yield (34.69 t/ha) was maximum in T1 treatment. It concluded that successfully tuberlets yield can be produced from seedling raised from TPS method.

Morphological Characterization of Coffee Plants (Coffea Sp.) in Leihitu District, Central Maluku Regency

Coffee plants are one of the plantation commodities that have been cultivated for generations by farmers in Leihitu District, Central Maluku Regency. So far, there has not been much information about various studies related to the morphological diversity of these commodities. The research aims to analyze the morphological and descriptor characteristics of coffee plants cultivated in Leihitu District, Central Maluku Regency. The research was carried out in three coffee plant distribution locations in Leihitu District, Central Maluku Regency, namely Seith, Hitulama, and Hitumessing Villages in December 2023 - February 2024. The results of the morphological analysis of coffee plants which were characterized using Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) based on 69 morphological characters showed two groups with a dissimilarity coefficient of 20%, where the first group consisted of 29 accessions that were clustered with 84% similarity, while the second group only consisted of one accession with dissimilarity coefficient of 20% to the first group. The results of Principle Component Analysis (PCA) on coffee plants showed characteristic characters in the form of leaf length, leaf area, leaf width, stipule diameter, plant height, green bean weight and mature bean length. The characterization results provide information that the type of coffee cultivated by farmers in Leihitu District, Central Maluku Regency is Robusta coffee.

Effect of ethyl methane sulphonate on growth, yield and some physiological parameters of Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea (L.) verdc) in non - water stressed and water stressed conditions

Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc.) is a legume cultivatd majorly for it’s seeds and commonly grown by subsistence farmers in sub-Saharan Africa. In order to determine the effect of ethyl methane sulphonate (EMS) mutagen on the growth, yield and some physiological parameters of non-water stressed (NWS) and water stressed (WS) bambara groundnut. It’s seeds were treated with five concentrations (0.00 (control), 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1.00% v/v) Ethyl methane sulphonate and were grown under two conditions: non-water stressed and water stressed. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed significant differences (P ≤ 0.50) in the emergence percentage (6 DAS), germination percentage (7 DAS), plant height (PH), number of leaves per plant (NL), leaf length (LL), leaf width, (LW), relative water content (RWC), chlorophyll a, b and total chlorophyll contents in the non-water stressed and water stressed plants. After rewatering at 8 WAS, highest number of leaves in NWS and WS conditions were observed in 0.75% EMS concentration (229, 189), highest leaf length in NWS and WS plants were observed in 0.50% EMS concentration (9.47cm, 9.13cm). Highest leaf width in NWS and WS plants was observed in 0.25% EMS concentration (4cm, 3.63cm). Highest number of pods per plant (NP) and weight of pods per plant (WP) were observed in 0.75% EMS concentration only in NWS plants. Highest chlorophyll a, b and total chlorophyll content was observed in 1.00% EMS concentration. The result form this study showed that Ethyl methane sulphonate (EMS) mutagen concentration increased the growth, yield and physiological parameters of Bambara groundnut in non-water stressed condition at different doses, however there was no positive effect of EMS on yield in the water stressed plants.

Morpho-biochemical Basis of Resistance Against Cnaphalocrocis Medinalis Guenee in South Gujarat

The study aimed to investigate the morpho-biochemical basis of resistance to the rice leaf folder Cnaphalocrocis medinalis in ten rice varieties, at the Main Rice Research Centre Farm, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari, Gujarat during kharif 2021. The width of the leaves varied among the varieties, with GNR-2, GNR-6, GNR-7, and GR-15 having the smallest leaves and TN-1 and GNR-4 having the largest. There was a significant positive correlation between leaf width and infestation. Analysis of chlorophyll, sugar, and protein content in the leaves showed that TN-1 had the highest levels at both 30 days and 50 days after transplanting (DAT), while GR-15 had the lowest. These factors were positively correlated with infestation. On the other hand, phenol content was the highest in GR-15 and lowest in TN-1, with a significant negative correlation with infestation. Chlorophyll, sugar, and protein content increased with higher infestation levels while phenol content decreased.

OPTIMIZING ORGANIC AGRICULTURE: POULTRY MANURE DOMINATES IN ENHANCING GERMINATION AND GROWTH OF COMMON BEANS IN TANZANIA'S SEMI-ARID ENVIRONMENT

The study aimed to investigate the impact of different organic manures on the germination and growth performance of common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in Tanzania's semi arid region. Despite the widespread cultivation of common beans, limited research addresses the specific effects of diverse manure types on their germination and growth in this region. The primary objective is to assess and compare the influence of cow dung, poultry manure, rabbit manure, and a control (no manure) on common bean germination and growth. Understanding how different manure categories affect beans is crucial for optimizing agricultural practices in semi arid environments. A randomized block design was employed with four treatments (cow dung, poultry manure, rabbit manure, and control), each replicated three times. Common bean seeds were planted, and growth parameters, including plant height, leaf width, and leaf length, were measured. Data were analyzed using the Kruskal Wallis test and generalized linear models. Poultry manure consistently outperformed other categories, significantly enhancing bean germination and growth (P less than 0.05). The association between manure types and total germinated seeds was positive, with poultry and cow manures showing the most significant impact (P less than 0.05). Growth performance, especially plant height, demonstrated significant associations with manure type, plant parts' growth, time intervals, and distance from the bush. Poultry manure emerged as the most effective in promoting common bean germination and growth. The study highlights the need for tailored agricultural practices considering the diversity in manure effects. It suggests promoting organic farming practices, with an emphasis on poultry manure. Further research is encouraged to explore broader impacts on various crops. Educational initiatives are recommended to disseminate knowledge about organic manure benefits, and policy support is advocated to enhance soil fertility, crop yield, and environmental sustainability in Tanzanian agriculture.

PENGARUH UMUR PINDAH TANAM BIBIT DAN APLIKASI BAKTERI FOTOSINTESA PADA SISTEM HIDROPONIK TERHADAP PERTUMBUHAN DAN HASIL PAKCOY (Brassica rapa L.)

The focus of the research was to find and analyze the interaction between the effect of transplanting age of seedlings and the application of photosynthetic bacteria on the growth and yield of pak choy (Brassica rapa L.). This research activity was carried out at the ARD Farm Garden from December 2023 to January 2024. Factorial experiment (4 x 3) with a total of 3 repetitions in the research. The first factor is the treatment of transplanting age (S), namely: S0: age 10 DAS, S1: age 13 DAS, S2: age 16 DAS. The second factor is the treatment of folier application of photosynthetic bacteria 2ml/liter (F), namely: F0: control application, F1: folier application 3 DAT, F2: folier application 7 DAT, F3: folier application 10 DAT. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to analyze the data statistically before carrying out further tests using the Honestly Significant Difference (BNJ) at the 5% level. The research parameters observed included; number of leaves, leaf width, crown weight, and harvest index. The research results showed that the best growth of pak choy was in the transplanting treatment at 16 DAS with folier application at 7 DAT. The research results showed that the best pak choy harvest was in the transplanting treatment at 16 DAS and folier application at 10 DAT.

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Planlet Acclimatization on Various Auxin Concentrations and Growing Media

The provision of quality potato seeds is a problem faced by farmers. Tissue culture propagation is an effort to increase the availability of quality seeds. The success of tissue culture is influenced by the ability to control environmental conditions, growth regulators, and growing media at the acclimatization stage. The research aims to determine the interaction between the use of auxin concentrations and the planting medium and to obtain the appropriate concentration of auxin and planting medium for potato acclimatization. The research used a split-plot design with 2 factors and 3 replications. The main plot is the auxin concentration consisting of 3 levels; 1 ppm, 2 ppm, and 3 ppm. Subplots are planting media consisting of 3 levels; husk charcoal:vermicompost, cocopeat:vermicompost, and husk charcoal:cocopeat:vermicompost. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and followed by DMRT at a 5% level. The results showed that there was an interaction between the treatment of 3 ppm IAA concentration and the planting medium of husk charcoal:cocopeat:vermicompost on the plant height parameter 4 WAP. The IAA concentration of 3 ppm was better than the concentration of 1 ppm in the parameter number of leaves 8 WAP. The growing media of husk charcoal:cocopeat:vermicompost was better than the growing medium of charcoal husk:vermicompost on the parameters of plant height 8 WAP, number of leaves 8 WAP, leaf length and leaf width 8 WAP.

The effect of tryptone and tomato juice addition on the growth performance of strawberry (Fragaria ananassa) explant under in vitro condition

Strawberries are a fruit commodity that has high economic value. The obstacle in strawberry production is the lack of high-quality seed availability with disease-free properties. Tissue culture offers a promising solution to increase both the quantity and quality of strawberry seeds. This study aims to assess the effect of different concentrations of tomato juice and tryptone on the growth of strawberry explants under in vitro growing condition. The research was conducted at the Plant Breeding Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Jenderal Soedirman, from December 2022 to May 2023. The study employed a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with two factors. The first factor was tomato juice (Z), consisting of Z0 = 0 mL/L, Z1 = 50 mL/L, Z2 = 100 mL/L. The second factor was tryptone (T), consisting of T0 = 0 g/L, T1 = 1 g/L, T2 = 2 g/L, T3 = 3 g/L. The addition of 50 mL/L tomato juice solely (T0Z1) resulted in the highest plant height, number of leaves, number of branches, and leaf width. Meanwhile, the addition of2 g/L tryptone solely showed the highest germination rate.

Zinc oxide and silver effects on the growth, pigment content and genetic stability of chrysanthemums propagated by the node culture method

ABSTRACT This article describes benefits of the application of zinc oxide submicron particles (ZnO SMPs), zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and ZnO NPs combined with silver NPs (ZnO + Ag NPs) in chrysanthemum micropropagation. Single node explants of Chrysanthemum × morifolium (Ramat.) Hemsl. ‘UTP Burgundy Gold (UBG)’ and ‘UTP Pinky Gold (UPG)’ were inoculated on the Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium and treated with 100 mg · L−1, 200 mg · L−1, or 400 mg · L−1 ZnO SMPs, ZnO NPs (1.5% H2O), ZnO NPs (6% H2O), ZnO + 0.1% Ag NPs (1.5% H2O), ZnO + 0.1% Ag NPs (6% H2O), ZnO + 1% Ag NPs (1.5% H2O) and ZnO + 1% Ag NPs (6% H2O). Generally, the tested materials stimulated the growth and development of plantlets. In ‘UBG’, the most prominent treatments affecting increases in the number of leaves, micropropagation coefficient, shoot length and shoot FW/DW weight included 400 mg · L−1 ZnO SMPs and 100 mg · L−1 ZnO NPs (6% H2O). In ‘UPG’, the treatments with 200 mg · L−1 ZnO + 0.1% Ag NPs (6% H2O) and 200 mg · L−1 ZnO + 1% Ag NPs (6% H2O) were the most successful. The latter treatment stimulated an intensive development of root systems in the two studied cultivars. High values of leaf area, perimeter and width were reported in both cultivars for 400 mg · L−1 ZnO + 1% Ag NPs (6% H2O). As compared to the control, the treated plants were characterised by a similar or, most often, lower content of chlorophylls and carotenoids. The randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and start codon targeted polymorphism (SCoT) marker system analyses of the 400 mg · L−1 ZnO SMPs/ZnO NPs/ZnO + Ag NPs-treated chrysanthemums confirmed their genetic fidelity with the control plants. The obtained results can be implemented in the commercial large-scale production of chrysanthemums.

Pengaruh Modifikasi Media Tanam Hidroton dan Zat Pengatur Tumbuh terhadap Produktivitas Tanaman Pakcoy (Brassica Rapa L.) Secara Hidroponik Sistem Wick

The quality of pakcoy plants in hydroponic cultivation is influenced by the planting medium and the growth regulators given to the leaves of pakcoy plants to get good plant results. The aim of the research was to examine the effect of modifying hydroton planting media by providing plant growth substances concentrations on plant growth and production. This research uses 3 x 4 Factorial Complately Random Design with 3 replications. The first factor for modification of hydroton planting media includes hydroton (M0), hydroton+cocopeat (M1), hydroton+charcoal husk (M2), the second factor PGR concentration includes o ml/liter (H0), 2 ml/liter (H1), 4 ml /liter (H2), 6ml/liter (H3). Data were analyzed using Range Analysis and tested further using DMRT (Duncan Multiple Range Test) at the 5% level. The research results showed that there was an interaction effect between modified hydroton planting media and PGR concentration on leaf width and leaf area parameters. The hydroton planting media modification treatment had a significant effect on all parameters except root length. Keywords : cocopeat, hidroton, modification, pakcoy

Native Liquid Biofertilizer Consortia of Staphylococcus equorum, Bacillus velezensis and Staphylococcus epidermidis Enhanced the Growth of Nutmeg Seedlings

Aims: The aim was to evaluate the three most distinct native liquid biofertilizer consortia on the growth of nutmeg seedlings under pot culture studies. Study Design: Completely Randomized Block Design. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, Thrissur, Kerala and Block 10, Regional Agricultural Research Station, Ambalavayal, Wayanad, Kerala. The pot culture experiment was conducted from February 2023 to August 2023. Methodology: The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized block design with three replications along with control. Each treatment was applied with a combination of NPK fertilizers (50% and 75% of recommended dose of fertilizer, based on soil test data). One treatment was composed of only organic fertilizers. Results: The biofertilizer inoculation had a positive impact on the population of soil microbes, which indicates good soil health. Application of Staphylococcus equorum + Bacillus velezensis + Staphylococcus epidermidis (consortium – 2) along with 50% of the recommended dose of NPK fertilizers, recorded the highest plant growth parameters viz., plant height, leaf length, leaf breadth, stem diameter, leaf area, shoot dry weight, and maximum number of secondary roots. In most of the treatments, nutmeg shoot growth was higher when compared to root growth. Conclusion: The present study indicated that inoculation of native liquid biofertilizer consortia enhanced the growth of nutmeg seedlings under pot culture studies in Wayanad. Hence liquid biofertilizer consortia can be utilized for earlier establishment of nutmeg seedlings and thereby reduce the dependency on the quantity of chemical fertilizers.

QTL mapping for the flag leaf-related traits using RILs derived from Trititrigia germplasm line SN304 and wheat cultivar Yannong15 in multiple environments

BackgroundDeveloping and enriching genetic resources plays important role in the crop improvement. The flag leaf affects plant architecture and contributes to the grain yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The genetic improvement of flag leaf traits faces problems such as a limited genetic basis. Among the various genetic resources of wheat, Thinopyrum intermedium has been utilized as a valuable resource in genetic improvement due to its disease resistance, large spikes, large leaves, and multiple flowers. In this study, a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population was derived from common wheat Yannong15 and wheat-Th. intermedium introgression line SN304 was used to identify the quantitative trait loci (QTL) for flag leaf-related traits.ResultsQTL mapping was performed for flag leaf length (FLL), flag leaf width (FLW) and flag leaf area (FLA). A total of 77 QTLs were detected, and among these, 51 QTLs with positive alleles were contributed by SN304. Fourteen major QTLs for flag leaf traits were detected on chromosomes 2B, 3B, 4B, and 2D. Additionally, 28 QTLs and 8 QTLs for flag leaf-related traits were detected in low-phosphorus and drought environments, respectively. Based on major QTLs of positive alleles from SN304, we identified a pair of double-ended anchor primers mapped on chromosome 2B and amplified a specific band of Th. intermedium in SN304. Moreover, there was a major colocated QTL on chromosome 2B, called QFll/Flw/Fla-2B, which was delimited to a physical interval of approximately 2.9 Mb and contained 20 candidate genes. Through gene sequence and expression analysis, four candidate genes associated with flag leaf formation and growth in the QTL interval were identified.ConclusionThese results promote the fine mapping of QFll/Flw/Fla-2B, which have pleiotropic effects, and will facilitate the identification of candidate genes for flag leaf-related traits. Additionally, this work provides a theoretical basis for the application of Th. intermedium in wheat breeding.

Introgression of early shoot vigour in wheat modifies root systems, increases competitiveness and provides options for integrated weed management

Abstract Background and aims Weeds are a major biotic stressor impacting crop production. Improving the competitiveness of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) could provide a useful tool in integrated weed management. While wheat typically exhibits conservative early growth, early vigour has been increased through long-term recurrent selection for greater early biomass and leaf area. However, the influence of integrating such vigour into breeding lines for improving competitive ability remains to be explored. Methods In replicated controlled environment experiments, the effect of breeding early shoot vigour on root development and below-ground competitiveness was carefully examined. Physical and chemical characteristics of wheat vigour lines were assessed and compared with commercial cultivars in hydroponics and field soil experiments. Measurements included early root growth, rhizosheath size and growth responses in the presence of annual ryegrass, a major weed in wheat production. Results The vigorous lines exhibited larger leaf widths, increased cell file number, increased total root length and larger rhizosheaths compared with commercial parents. Numerous secondary metabolites with known allelopathic effects on weeds were detected in the roots and the rhizosphere, and significant allelochemical level differences observed between distilled water and soil water extract-treated plants. Although the vigour lines were significantly more competitive than the commercial cultivars against ryegrass, they produced similar levels of phytotoxic secondary metabolites. Conclusion Competition below-ground was strongly suppressive of ryegrass for the more vigorous genotypes suggesting that breeding with shoot vigour had pleiotropic effects on key root traits for below-ground wheat competitiveness.

Adaptation and Growth Performance of Tea Plants (Camelia sinensis (L) O. Kuntze) in Obudu Hills, Cross River State

Young seedlings of five tea clones under cultivation (318, 236, 68, BB35, and 143) and five from the germplasm), were collected from the Kakara Highland tea Plantations, Mambila Plateau, Taraba State. Seedlings were planted in fifty sample boxes to enable the seedlings to be established first before transplanting to the field. After the establishment, they were transported to Obudu Hills for investigation. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RBCD) with 3 replications. Data collected on morphological traits were subjected to an analysis of variance (ANOVA) test. Multivariate analysis such as principal component analysis (PCA), hierarchical cluster analysis and correlation analysis were used to estimate genetic diversity between the tea plant clones. The result showed that the tea clones survived the first two months after transplanting. However, subsequently, the percentage of survival was reduced. Results from the morphological studies revealed that the accessions differed significantly (p>0.001) in all evaluated traits except for leaf width and dry biomass. Three principal components were identified based on eigenvalues; the first principal component contributed 44.18% of the total variation with an eigenvalue of 3.977, the second principal component accounted for 24.36% with total eigenvalue of 2.193 while PC3 accounted for 15.345% of the total variation with eigenvalue of 1.381. Cluster analysis showed that the evaluated tea clones were grouped into two main clusters containing sub-clusters. The high genetic diversity identified in Camellia sinensis clone in the study will serve as a guide in breeding, genetic improvement, utilization and conservation of this important nutritional and medicinal plant species.

Influence of Different Growing Conditions on Growth Parameters of Banana Varieties

Banana is one of the most widely consumed and economically important fruit crop in the world. It is the second most important fruit crop in India after the mango with respect to area. The present experiment investigates the growth and physiological parameters like pseudostem height, pseudostem girth, leaf length, leaf width, leaf area, number of functional leaves, total number of leaves per plant, days taken for phyllochron, chlorophyll content and stomatal conductance in different banana varieties under different growing conditions over a two year research period (2021 – 2022 and 2022 – 2023) at MHREC, UHS, Bagalkot, India. The experiment consisted of six treatments (T1- G1V1 – Ney Poovan under net house condition, T2 – G1V2 – Grand Naine under net house condition, T3 – G1V3 – Rajapuri under net house condition, T4 – G2V1 – Ney Poovan under open field condition, T5 – G2V2 – Grand Naine under open field condition, T6 – G2V3 – Rajapuri under open field condition) laid out in FRCBD with 4 replications. Results revealed that growth parameters such as the highest pseudostem girth, leaf length, leaf breadth, leaf area, number of functional leaves, total number of leaves per plant and chlorophyll content was found to be highest in banana variety Grand Naine grown under net house condition. Whereas, the days taken for phyllochron and stomatal conductance was recorded minimum in Grand Naine under net house conditions.

Does local soil factor drive functional leaf trait variation? A test on Neilingding Island, South China.

Leaf traits were affected by soil factors and displayed varietal differences in forest. However, few examples have been reported on the Island ecosystems. We comprehensively investigated 9 leaf traits (leaf length, leaf width, leaf area, SLA, leaf fresh weight, leaf C content, leaf N content, leaf K content, leaf C:N ratio) of 54 main subtropical woody species and soil parameters (soil pH, total C content, total N content, total K content, available N content, available P content, available K content and soil moisture) in Neilingding Island, Shenzhen, southern China. Intra-and interspecific variation of leaf traits were measured and their correlations with soil parameters were explored. The interspecific variations of leaf C:N ratio, leaf N content and leaf fresh weight were higher than their intraspecific variations. The intraspecific variation of leaf K content was larger than that of interspecific one, accounting for 80.69% of the total variance. Positive correlations were found among intraspecific coefficients of variations in leaf morphological traits. The correlation analysis between the variation of intraspecific traits and the variation of soil parameters showed that changes in soil factors affected leaf morphology and stoichiometry. The interaction between soil moisture and soil available P content was the key factor on intraspecific variations of leaf traits including leaf area, leaf fresh weight, leaf C and leaf K content. We concluded that leaf traits of plants in the island were tightly related to soil parameters. Soil parameters, especially soil moisture and available P content, affected plant leaf morphology and stoichiometry at the local scale.

Variation in plant morphology and leaf essential oil composition of a representative <em>Cinnamomum verum</em> collection from Sri Lanka

Sri Lankan cinnamon germplasm is an underexploited genetic resource of high breeding potential. A representative collection of a cultivated cinnamon germplasm with 48 accessions, is established at the University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka. From that collection, 40 three-year-old vegetative-propagated accessions, were used in this study to study the variations in plant morphology and leaf oil composition. Flush colour was determined as four main categories of pink, red, brown, and green in all 48 accessions. Leaf length, leaf width, leaf length to width ratio and petiole length varied from 7.9 to 14.5 cm, 3.8 to 7.3 cm, 1.8 to 3.07 cm, and 1 to 2.2 cm, respectively, in the selected 40 accessions. Both the good fragrant aroma category of bark fragrance and the sweet pungent category of bark taste were recorded in 21 of the 40 accessions. Twenty (20) accessions from above collection were selected for leaf oil analysis. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) of leaf oil revealed the presence of 146 chemical compounds. Eugenol was the major compound of 17 accessions (52.2% to 79.5%). Two accessions with zero eugenol contained 86.8% and 91.9% of benzyl benzoate (BB), in contrast to that of 0%-0.65% from other accessions. One accession produced 16.6% eugenol and 22.3% BB. A green flush colour associated with a higher BB percentage suggested a potential morphological marker for BB. The PCA for 20 accessions explained 88.11% of total variance. The cinnamon accessions with high BB, KA11 and GB17, were clustered together, and HB12 was isolated on a different cluster. Positive correlations were detected between linalool and β-caryophyllene (0.649), linalool and BB (0.770) (p < 0.01), and negative correlations between eugenol and linalool (-0.630) and eugenol and BB (-0.886) (p <0.01).