Length Of Capsule Research Articles

Morphological changes in eggs and embryos of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) exposed to predicted climatic scenarios for the year 2100 in the Central Amazon

According to the IPCC, by the year 2100, rises in global temperature could reach up to 5 °C above current averages. On a planet-wide scale, this is one of the effects of climate changes that could have repercussions on the biological cycle of Aedes aegypti, the main arbovirus vector in urban environments and a transmitter of the arboviruses that cause dengue, Zika, chikungunya and urban yellow fever. The objective of this study was to evaluate morphological changes in Ae. aegypti eggs and embryos maintained in a climate change simulator. For this, specimens obtained from an insectarium were kept in four chambers that simulated the range of environmental scenarios predicted by the IPCC for the year 2100. The eggs obtained from each room were collected and transported to the laboratory for morphometric and morphological analysis, using confocal and scanning microscopy. Aedes aegypti eggs (n=20) were used to obtain the following variables: total width, total length, length-width ratio and diameter of the micropylar disc. Additionally, 20 embryos were used to obtain the data on head capsule length, width and length-width ratio. The data were subjected to a normality test and the means of each variable were compared using ANOVA and Tukey's post-hoc test, considering (p ≤ 0.05). A significant reduction (p < 0.05) was observed mainly in the mean lengths under the current-extreme scenario (587.5 and 553.6 μm, respectively), as well as in the widths under the current-mild scenario (171 and 158.4 μm, respectively). The length of the cephalic capsule was also affected, showing significant differences in the means under the current-intermediate scenario (189.5 and 208.5 μm, respectively), as well as in the widths between the current-intermediate scenarios (173.7 and 194.9 μm, respectively). The results suggest significant changes in the morphometry of Ae. aegypti eggs and embryos as a result of the climatic influences to which the adults were subjected, which may have an impact on vector population density and, consequently, on arbovirus dynamics in urban environments.

Evaluation of white seeded sesame (Sesamum indicium L.) genotypes on growth and yield performance in Menit Goldya Woreda of West Omo Zone, SWE

Sesame is the second export crop next to coffee in annual export, indicating the highest 14% of the total world export of the crop. In Africa, Sudan is the major sesame producer, followed by Nigeria, Somalia, Uganda and Ethiopia. But lack of well-adapted varieties are one of the bottleneck production problems that account for low yield and small areas cropped to the nation. Thus it is essential to evaluate such genotypes, which have high yield potential and are suitable to local environmental conditions. Therefore, field experiments were conducted at west Omo zone during 2019/20 main cropping seasons at one location of West- the Omo zone, southwest Ethiopia. The location was Menit Goldiya districts of West Omo Zone, through evaluation and selection of high-yielding sesame varieties. The study comprised of five improved and one local sesame varieties laid out in RCBD with three replications at each location. The growth and yield data were collected and analyzed by using SAS Version 9.3 statistical software. The result of the study revealed that all of the parameters considered were significantly (p &lt; 0.01) affected by varieties on both years. Accordingly, at Menit Goldiya for, all parameters in both years and the combined analysis over the years indicated that maximum plant height, number of primary branches per plant, number of capsules per plant, thousand seed weights in grams and seed yield were observed for the Humera-1 variety. Likewise, the shortest days to flowering, early maturing, the highest length of capsule bearing zone, the maximum number of capsules per plant, the highest number of seeds per capsule and the maximum seed yield (8.13 Qu/ha) were observed for the Humera-1 variety in 2019/2020 growing seasons. Based on the mean total seed yield of locations and different yield evaluation methods, a high-yielding variety was identified. Accordingly, the Humera-1 variety performed best on both years. Therefore, this variety can play a vital role in food self-sufficiency and food security of the south-western region and it should be widely distributed to farmers of the testing locations and similar areas of the region.

Genotype x environment interaction in hybrids and parents of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

Pooled analysis of variance for phenotypic stability of 56 F1 hybrids along with 8 parents using 8 x 8 diallel mating design for seed yield, its components and oil content in sesame were assessed in four different environments in the Marathwada region of Maharashtra. Genotype x Environment (G x E) interaction was significant for all the characters except for days to maturity. The environment (linear) component of variance was significant for all the characters except oil content against pooled error, indicating the presence of macro-environmental differences under all four environments. The mean sum of squares due to G x E (linear) was significant for days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, plant height, number of capsules per plant, length of capsule, number of seeds per capsule, 1000 seed weight and seed yield per plant indicating variation in the performance of genotypes due to the regression of genotypes on the environment. The mean sums of squares due to pooled deviation (non-linear) were significant for most characters, suggesting the role of unpredictable causes affecting stability. However, the magnitude of non-linear components was lower for most of the characters than G x E (linear) variance. Among the crosses, TBS-10 x V-29, TBS-7 x TBS-12 and R-20 x R-09 were the most stable for seed yield per plant over a wide range of environments. These stable crosses also showed stable performance for most of the yield attributing traits and oil content.

Combining ability analysis of newly developed male lines of castor (Ricinus communis L.) in Rajasthan

Genetic parameters of 50 castor hybrids developed using 10 newly developed male inbred lines and 5 stable pistillate lines were estimated in a line x tester design. Analysis of combining ability depicted significant mean sum of squares for both general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) for all the characters which indicated the presence of both additive and non-additive gene actions. The high amount of s 2 SCA and ratioof GCAto SCA variances near to zero indicated that the dominance gene effect was predominant in newly developed lines for all the characters under study. The highest positive gca effect was exhibited by MCP-1-1, for seed yield and number of capsules on primary raceme, effective length of primary raceme and height up to primary raceme. SKP-84 was also good general combiner for traits such as 100-seed weight, number of capsule on primary raceme, nodes to primary raceme and height up to primary raceme. Among the male parents, MP-11-17 was found the best general combiner for cumulative seed yield, raceme length and number of capsule. Cross M-574 x MP-17-17 was identified as the best cross for cumulative seed yield followed by MCP-3 x MP-7-17 and SKP-84 x MP-11-17. These combinations of crosses would be useful in breeding programme for improvement in cumulative seed yield of castor.

Estimation of genetic divergence and determining selection criteria in sesame (Sesamum indicum)

Twenty eight mutant lines of sesame were evaluated in randomized block design at Agricultural Research Station, Mandor, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, during kharif, 2018. ANOVA stated the existence of significant difference for all the characters studied. The percentage contribution towards genetic divergence was found highest for test weight followed by number of capsules/plant and seed yield/plant.Character association study indicated that simultaneous selection for the traits like harvest index, oil content, capsule length and number of capsules and direct selection for protein content, capsules/plant, length of capsule, days to maturity and harvest index will be advantageous for aiding yield improvement. Out of ten independent characters studied in path coefficient three traits, viz. number of capsules/plant, capsule length and harvest index expressed maximum directas well as indirect contributions through other characters on seed yield. Hence, these characters may be considered as important quantitative traits in sesame improvementprogramme and direct selection for these traits will be useful.

Hymenolepis ackerti n. sp. (Eucestoda: Hymenolepididae) infecting cricetid rodents from the central Great Plains of North America

Hymenolepis ackerti n. sp., parasite of rodents from the tallgrass prairie ecoregion of North America is herein characterized. This tapeworm occurs in 3 species of rodents including the hispid cotton rat Sigmodon hispidus, the eastern woodrat Neotoma floridana, and the prairie vole Microtus ochrogaster. A comparison against the other 10 congeneric species known from North America reveals that this species is different based on the size of the scolex, length of rostellar capsule, testicular arrangement, and the size of cirrus sac, seminal receptacle and eggs. A comparison of mitochondrial DNA reveals that tapeworms present in sympatric mammals share the same mitochondrial haplotype and feature similar morphology, supporting their recognition as a single species. The phylogenetic position of H. ackerti relative to other species is still to be resolved, since there are no homologous sequences available for most species in the genus. Given the pervasiveness of these parasites across rodents in the continent, we recommend diligence among scientists to build public archives of tapeworm specimens collected from mammals across North America, and globally. In the present manuscript, we propose a method to sample DNA while still allowing specimens to be postfixed for staining or fluid-preserved for long term storage.

The role of leukotriene inhibition using a 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) inhibitor in a joint contracture model

PurposeArthrofibrosis is a common inflammatory complication of joint trauma and surgery. 5lipoxygenase (5-LO) is a key enzyme involved in inflammation. Inhibition of 5-LO has been shown to reduce inflammation in heart and lung models but has not been examined in a joint contracture model.MethodsTwenty-six rats underwent joint contracture. Six rats served as non-surgical controls. A 5-LO inhibitor, caffeic acid (CA), suspended in 10% ethanol was orally administered to 14 rats and ethanol without CA to the remaining 12 rats daily for 21 days. Leukotriene B4 (LTB4) levels were measured, both systemically and locally. 5-LO levels in the posterior capsule were quantified by measuring the ratio of the length of the posterior capsule demonstrating 5-LO immunostaining to the total length of the capsule.ResultsJoint contracture was successfully achieved in all rats who underwent manipulation. Levels of 5- LO measured in the posterior capsule were significantly increased in the animals who underwent surgery (56%/44–64) compared to the non-surgical control animals (7%/4–9). LTB4 levels were found to be significantly lower in the non-surgical control animals (107.79 ± 34.08 pg/ml) compared to all surgical animals (157.6 ± 55.3 pg/ml).ConclusionSurgical intervention resulted in increased 5-LO activity of the synovial surface of the posterior capsule and increased LTB4 levels in the patellar tendon—fat pad. Oral administration of the 5LO inhibitor, CA, was ineffective at reducing systemic and local LTB4 levels and preventing knee joint contracture. Inhibiting 5-LO activity may still be effective in preventing arthrofibrosis and warrants further investigation.

Multivalvulidan myxosporeans from marine fishes in Nha Trang Bay, Vietnam, with descriptions of Kudoa igori n. sp. and Kudoa borimiri n. sp. from mullets.

In March and April 2018, we carried out a survey of myxosporean parasites in coastal fishes collected from Nha Trang Bay in Vietnam's East Sea. Of the 159 fish specimens, 18 fish species were represented, belonging to 10 families. In 8 host species, 7 myxosporean species were found, representing the genera Kudoa and Unicapsula. Two of these species were new to science: Kudoa igori n. sp. from the gallbladder of Longarm mullet Osteomugil cunnesius (Valenciennes, 1836) (prevalence 10%) and Kudoa borimiri n. sp. from skeletal muscles of Longarm mullet and Longfinned mullet Osteomugil perusii (Valenciennes, 1836) (prevalence 30% and 60%, respectively). Vegetative stages were not found. Spores of K. igori n. sp. were small, orbicular to quadrate in apical view, and with four equal valves. In lateral view, spores were shallowly ovoid with a slightly protruding anterior pole. The 4 polar capsules were slightly unequal sizes and were oriented toward the apex of the spore. Dimensions were as follows: spore length 4.56 ± 0.22 (4.18-4.56), thickness 4.42 ± 0.39 (3.55-5.13), width 5.74 ± 0.46 (4.66-6.50), length of biggest polar capsule 1.38 ± 0.14 (1.1-1.65), middle 1.28 ± 0.12 (1.03-1.53), smallest 1.13 ± 0.11 (0.94-1.30), width of biggest polar capsule 1.03 ± 0.14 (0.83-1.4), middle 0.92 ± 0.12 (0.76-1.08), smallest 0.74 ± 0.12 (0.55-0.94). Spores of K. borimiri n. sp. had four equal valves with slightly rounded ends and were quadrate in apical view. In lateral view, spores were broadly deltoid. Four equal-sized polar capsules opened at the apex of the spore. In O. cunnesius, spore dimensions were as follows: length 3.51 ± 0.15 (3.34-3.92), thickness 3.65 ± 0.38 (2.79-4.21), width 4.97 ± 0.37 (4.13-5.97), length of the polar capsules 1.23 ± 0.18 (0.99-1.57), width 0.88 ± 0.07 (0.70-1.00). Overlapping dimensions for K. borimiri n. sp. spores were also found in O. perusii. Other known myxozoan species we encountered were Kudoa thyrsites and Kudoa whippsi, which had not previously been reported from the East Sea and Vietnam. We also encountered Kudoa monodactyli, which had not previously been reported from Nha Trang Bay. In addition, we report 2 additional species, a Kudoa sp. and a Unicapsula sp., that were not attributable to previously described myxozoans and need further investigation to completely characterize.

Biology and biometric characteristics of Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) reared on different host plants with regard to diet.

The fall armyworm (FAW) Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), native to the Americas, is a new invasive pest that was reported in India for the first time in May 2018. Being polyphagous, FAW can infest several different hosts and increase its population all year round. In this context, the present study was conducted under laboratory conditions to evaluate the biological parameters of FAW on four different hosts, Zea mays (maize), Gossypium hirsutum (cotton), Ricinus communis (castor) and Brassica oleracea var. botrytis (cauliflower), and a semi-synthetic diet. The shortest life cycle of 32.8 ± 0.52 days in males and 34.1 ± 0.43 days in females was observed on maize. Semi-synthetic diet was superior in terms of higher mean fecundity (1324.6 ± 61.21 eggs), larval weight (503 ± 0.02 mg), pupal weight (263 ± 0.01 mg) and adult female weight (128 ± 0.0mg) compared with natural hosts. Cotton was the least preferred host with a longer life cycle of 49.5 ± 0.50 days. Head capsule width and length were measured and the growth rate was validated using Dyar's rule. The mean width and length of the head capsule of first-instar larvae of FAW on different hosts was 0.35 ± 0.00 mm. The maximum width (2.76 ± 0.03 mm) and length (2.31 ± 0.03 mm) were observed in sixth-instar larvae grown on diet. The results of this study will be instrumental in understanding and formulating management strategies for FAW.

Study on character association and path analysis in Korarima (Aframomum corrorima (Braun) Jansen) germplasms at Jimma Southwestern, Ethiopia

In Ethiopia, the spice Korarima is one of the most important cash crops. The Jimma agricultural research institute recently gathered a large number of Korerima genotypes from Ethiopia's key growing regions to analyze genetic variations between genotypes and produce varieties. However, no characterization or genetic variability research has begun in these korerima collections. Thus, character association and path coefficient analysis was performed on twenty-five Korarima germplasm samples collected from various agro-ecological regions of Ethiopia to estimate the extent of correlation between characters at the phenotypic and genotypic levels, and compare the direct and indirect effects of the characters on yield. Each incomplete block has a 5 × 5 simple lattice design with two replications and five accessions in Jimma agricultural research center during the 2020 main cropping season. Nine plants were planted in each plot, with a row and plant spacing of 1.8 m. The genotypes were grown under Sesbania shade trees. At both the genotypic and phenotypic levels of significance, yield per plant had a positive and significant relationship with the total tiller, bearing tiller, number of leaves per stem, number of capsules per plant, the weight of fresh capsule, and length of dry capsule, indicating the possibility of correlated response to selection. The number of capsules per plant had the greatest direct effect on yield, according to genotypic path analysis. This proves that the correlation is real and that direct selection using these features will be quite effective. The diameter of the dry capsule, total tiller, dry capsule weight, and fresh capsule length all have a direct positive effect on yield. Varietal, environmental, and edaphic elements, as well as management practices, might all contribute to the variation. The findings might help with future breeding and quality-improvement efforts.

​Effect of Levels and Sources of Sulphur on Growth and Yield Attributes of Sesamum (Sesamum indicum L.) under Rainfed Condition of Nagaland

Background: Sulphur is an important component of plant amino acids, proteins, vitamins as well as enzyme structures which influence the productivity, quality of oil seed and its total oil content. The current study was undertaken to evaluate the role of sulphur and its proper fertilization for better growth, yield and quality of sesamum crop. Methods: The field experiment was laid out in randomized block design (RBD) with three replications and ten treatments viz; T1 (control), T2 (10 kg gypsum ha-1), T3 (20 kg gypsum ha-1), T4 (30 kg gypsum ha-1), T5 (40 kg gypsum ha-1), T6 (control), T7 (10 kg elemental sulphur ha-1), T8 (20 kg elemental sulphur ha-1), T9 (30 kg elemental sulphur ha-1) and T10 (40 kg elemental sulphur ha-1). Result: From all the treatments, T10 (40 kg elemental sulphur ha-1) recorded the highest plant height (cm), plant dry weight (g plant-1), crop growth rate (g m-2 day-1), number of capsule plant-1, length of capsule (cm), number of seed capsule-1, stover yield (kg ha-1), seed yield (kg ha-1) and harvest index (%).

Morphometric characterization of the pine processionary, Thaumetopoea pityocampa in the Tlemcen area, Algeria

The pine processionary (Thaumetopoea pityocampa) is the most important defoliator of coniferous forest of the Mediterranean basin. The pine processionary also caused real public health problems. The urticat property is the origin of its health problems. It is still the subject of several studies to this day in order to develop friendly control strategies that respect the environment. The study carried out about the characterization of the pine processionary populations in two stations of pine forests located at the area of the Tlemcen. The caterpillars were collected in January 2016 in the Tlemcen region. Measurements were performed on L5 larvae and male and female nymphs. The statistical analyses were carried out using the SAS 9 software. The results obtained show that the females have an average length of 11.51 ± 1.07 mm and an average width of 7.87 ± 0.33 mm. Males have an average length and width of 11.51 ± 1.07 mm and 6.48 ± 0.29 mm, respectively. The length and width of the head capsule is 43.28 ± 6.63 mm and 4.50 ± 1.35 mm respectively. The GLM procedure of the SAS.9 software allowed us to observe that the Sebdou station is more attacked by this insect compared to the Ghazaouet station despite that there is a similarity between the biometric characters of the pine plants. Our statistical analyses have also shown that trees with the longest needles are the most resistant against insect attack.

Morphometric characterization of the pine processionary, Thaumetopoea pityocampa in the Tlemcen area, Algeria

&#x0D; The pine processionary (Thaumetopoea pityocampa) is the most important defoliator of coniferous forest of the Mediterranean basin. The pine processionary also caused real public health problems. The urticat property is the origin of its health problems. It is still the subject of several studies to this day in order to develop friendly control strategies that respect the environment. The study carried out about the characterization of the pine processionary populations in two stations of pine forests located at the area of the Tlemcen. The caterpillars were collected in January 2016 in the Tlemcen region. Measurements were performed on L5 larvae and male and female nymphs. The statistical analyses were carried out using the SAS 9 software. The results obtained show that the females have an average length of 11.51 ± 1.07 mm and an average width of 7.87 ± 0.33 mm. Males have an average length and width of 11.51 ± 1.07 mm and 6.48 ± 0.29 mm, respectively. The length and width of the head capsule is 43.28 ± 6.63 mm and 4.50 ± 1.35 mm respectively. The GLM procedure of the SAS.9 software allowed us to observe that the Sebdou station is more attacked by this insect compared to the Ghazaouet station despite that there is a similarity between the biometric characters of the pine plants. Our statistical analyses have also shown that trees with the longest needles are the most resistant against insect attack.&#x0D;

Effect of Fertilizer Application on Soil Properties and Yield of Sesame (sesamum indicum l.) Varieties in Southern Guinea and Sudan Savanna Agro-Ecological Zones of Nigeria

Field experiments were carried out in 2018 and 2019 cropping seasons to determine the effect of fertilizer application on soil properties and yield of sesame varieties in Southern Guinea and Sudan Savanna Agro-ecological Zones of Nigeria. Treatments consisted of three varieties of sesame (Jigida, NCRIBEN-01M and NCRIBEN-032) and four levels of NPK 15:15:15 fertilizer (0, 50,100 and 150 kg ha-1). Treatments were laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) and replicated thrice. Prior to planting, surface (0-15 cm) soil samples were collected from eight points and bulked; post-harvest composite soil samples were also collected on the basis of treatments. All soil samples were analyzed using standard analytical procedures. Data on yield parameters collected include number of capsules per plant, number of seeds per capsule, length of capsule (cm), 1000 capsule weight (g), 1000 seeds weight (g) and seed yield (t ha-1). The crop data generated from the study were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) using Genstat Release 10.3 DE after which significant means were separated using Least Significant Difference (LSD) at 5 % level of probability. Results indicated that the soils of both locations were inherently poor in essential plant nutrients. The improved varieties (NCRIBEN-01M and NCRIBEN-032) performed better than the local variety in terms of yields in both cropping seasons. Sesame yield increased with increase in fertilizer application rates up to 150 kg ha-1. The effect of varieties on soil properties did not differ significantly however, the improved varieties left lower essential nutrients in soil when compared with the local variety. Fertilizer application at 150 kg ha-1 favoured the retention of organic matter as well as other essential nutrient elements in soil. Location effect showed that the Potiskum soil had more nutrients than that of Makurdi. For sustainable sesame production and maintenance of soil fertility in both locations, application of 150 kg ha-1 of NPK 15:15:15 to sesame fields is recommended.

Stability analysis of sesame genotypes in kharif season

The experimental material was evaluated in Randomized Block Design (R.B.D.) with three replications under three different sowing dates at Post Graduate Institute Research Farm, MPKV Rahuri. The 16 Promising genotypes of sesame were obtained from Oil Seed Research Station, Jalgaon. Including check variety JLT-408 and PT-1 were sown in three different Sowing Dates viz., 16 June 2019, 1 July 2019 and 16 July 2019 in Kharif 2019. The observations were recorded on ten characters viz., Days to 50 per cent flowering, Days to maturity, Plant height at maturity, Number of branches per plant, Number of capsules per plant, Number of seeds per capsule, Length of capsule, 1000 seed weight, Seed yield per plant and Oil content. It is revealed that an environment E1 i.e., sowing of sesamum in 3rd week of June was found most favourable for expression of most of the characters including seed yield. Linear and non-linear component of G x E interactions were found significant for all the characters under study. The genotypes under study showed differential stability performance for all the characters. Considering the mean yield performance, the genotype KMR-24 found suitable to grow under rich environment i.e., 3rd week of June (E1) and none of the other genotype were found suitable to grow under poor environment i.e., 3rd week of July (E3). The genotypes AT-255, JLS-07-05, RT-215, PT-1 and JLT-408 shows average stable performance for most of the characters.

Productive Qualities of Large Wax Moth Galleria Mellonella L. Grown on Natural Food With Addition of Medicinal Herbs

This study is on the influence of various natural nutrient media on the morphometrics of larvae of the large wax moth Galleria mellonella L. at the VII stage of its development, their survival, the degree of weaving of the cobweb and the construction of tunnels. The relationship between the weight, body length and width of head capsule of the larvae in culture has been evaluated. The correlation coefficient between the survival rate and the addition of medicinal herbs to the main feed was calculated. The ranking of larvae was made according to their fresh body weight at an interval of 50 mg. The chemical composition of the larvae and the product of their vital activity in the form of excrement is shown, and also the relationship with other indicators is established. An analysis of the metabolic byproduct of G. mellonella larvae studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) on a SPECS electron spectrometer, showed that the metabolic byproduct contains a high % of oxygen in two nonequivalent chemical states - 31%, nitrogen - 7.2%, carbon - 61%; and with less of potassium and phosphorus (0.6%). The product of vital activity is beeswax, which is mainly myricin-ester of long chain acids and aliphatic alcohols. A positive relationship existing between morphometrics with various natural nutrient media has been brought out. These results will be of use in increasing the survival, growth and development of wax moth larvae in mass culture, to get more biomass and valuable cobweb.

Influence of biochar on growth, yield and quality of summer organic sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) and soil properties

A field experiment was conducted on organically managed medium black calcareous clayey soil at Junagadh (Gujarat) during summer season of 2019-20 to study the effect of biochar on growth, yield and quality of summer sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) and soil properties. The experimental results revealed that significantly higher values of growth parameters viz., plant height and number of branches per plant and yield attributes viz., number of capsules per plant, length of capsule, seed weight per plant and test weight along with higher seed yield (1741 kg/ha) and stover yield (2123 kg/ha) were recorded with application of enriched biochar 0.25 t/ha + vermicompost 1 t/ha. However, significantly higher nutrient uptake by plant, organic carbon, available N, P, K in soil after harvest along with higher net return (₹ 99142/ha) and B:C ratio (2.69) were also realized with the application of enriched biochar 0.25 t/ha + vermicompost 1 t/ha. Based on the results, it could be concluded that higher production and net returns from sesame along with improved soil fertility can be obtained by the application of microbial consortium enriched biochar 0.25 t/ha + vermicompost 1 t/ha.

Effect of Graded Levels of Sulphur on Growth and Yield Attributes of Two Sesame (Sesamum indicum) Varieties at Two Different Soil Sulphur Status

Field experiment was conducted at farmer’s field in Coimbatore District of Tamil Nadu with two different soil sulphur status i.e., soil with sufficient and deficient levels of sulphur status in order to study the response of graded doses of sulphur on two different sesamum varieties. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with two factors viz., Two sesamum varieties (TMV 7 - Black var., SVPR 1 - White var.) and Six sulphur levels (0, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 kg S ha-1). Application of 30 and 50 kg S ha-1 at sulphur sufficient and sulphur deficient soils has increased the plant height at VS and FS, at harvest the highest plant height was recorded. Whereas, other important traits like number of branches per plant, number of capsules per plant, length of capsule and dry matter accumulation has registered the highest response for sulphur application at 30 kg ha-1 which was on par with higher doses in sulphur sufficient soil and in case of deficient soil significant response was observed till 50 kg S ha-1. Among the two varieties, TMV 7 has performed better when compared with SVPR 1.

Evaluation of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) based on correlation and path analysis

In this study, four lines and six testers of sesame were subjected to crossing in a line × tester mating design, during summer, 2019 and 24 hybrids were developed. All 24 F1 hybrids along with ten parents were raised in a RBD and evaluated. Biometrical data was taken for ten traits viz., days to attain fifty percent flowering, height to formation of the first capsule, height of the plant, the number of primary branches, capsules per plant, the number of capsules on the main stem, length of the capsule, days to attain maturity, thousand seed weight and yield per plant. ANOVA revealed that there existed a quite good significant difference for all the biometrical characters, among the lines, testers and hybrids indicating sufficient variability, which can be further utilized for genetic enhancement of the genotypes. Correlation analysis was used to understand the association between yield attributing characters and with yield. Correlation studies revealed that yield/plant expressed positive and significant correlation with height to formation of first capsule, height of the plant, capsules/plant and weight of thousand seed weight. Capsules/plant registered highly positive and significant genotypic and phenotypic correlation with yield/plant. Days to attain maturity exhibited a negative association with yield/plant. Path analysis was determined to understand the true relationship of yield attributing components among themselves and with the yield. Maximum direct effect on yield was contributed by capsules/plant followed by weight of 1000 seeds and length of capsule. Hence, the selection of genotypes based on capsules/plant, length of the capsule, weight of 1000 seeds will be quite effective in aiding yield improvement in further generations.

Intercropping Coffee (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Coffea arabica&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;) and Korarima (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Aframomum corrorima&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; (Braun) P.C.M. Jansen) at Tepi, Southwest Ethiopia

A field experiment was conducted at Tepi, southwest Ethiopia, from 2013 – 2017, to determine optimum plant population yield of component crops and land productivity in the coffee/korarima intercropping system. Test crops were Catimore-J21 variety for coffee and a local variety of korarima. The experiment consisted of five treatments arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Data collected were statistically analyzed using SAS computer software. The productivity of the system was evaluated using a land equivalent ratio. Results showed that the coffee yield was significantly (p<0.05) influenced by intercropping, while the growth of the coffee tree did not significantly affect by intercropping. Whereas, the growth and yield of korarima plants were significantly (p<0.05) influenced by intercropping except for plant height, length, and girth of fruit capsule. Accordingly, the higher coffee yield advantages were found from sole plots when compared with intercropped coffee plots and followed by 2 to 1 coffee and korarima intercropping ratio. Similarly, the advanced yield of korarima was recorded from sole stands followed by 1 to 2 coffee and korarima intercropping ratio. The maximum land equivalent ratio was recorded at a planting pattern of 2 to 1 coffee and korarima intercropping ratio as compared to other treatments. Therefore, it could be concluded that intercropping of coffee with korarima is biologically and agronomically feasible, and the aforementioned treatment could be recommended for the study area. However, it is important to advise farmers in the area and similar agro-ecology to supplement irrigation water to the field especially during the dry spell period.