Longer Pods Research Articles

Influence of nutrient sources on growth and yield of field pea (Pisum sativum L. arvense)

A experiment was carried out on Influence of nutrient sources on growth and yield of field pea (PisumSativum L. arvense at Agriculture farm, Department of Agronomy, Mewar University, during Rabi–2022-23, The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design comprising with nine treatments viz., T1-25% RDF + 25% VC + 50% FYM +Rhizobium, T2-25% RDF + 50% VC +25% FYM + Rhizobium, T3- 25% RDF + 75% VC + 0% FYM +Rhizobium, T4- 50% RDF + 0% VC+ 50% FYM + Rhizobium, T5- 50% RDF + 50% VC + 0% FYM+ Rhizobium, T6-50% RDF + 25% VC + 25% FYM+ Rhizobium, T7- 75% RDF + 25% VC + 0% FYM + Rhizobium, T8-75% RDF +0% VC+ 25% FYM + Rhizobium, T9-Control, with three replications. Theminimum days (9.08 days ) was germination of seeds in T8 (75% RDF +25% VC+ 25% FYM + Rhizobium), At 90 days after sowing, the highest plant height (92.83) was measured in T3 (25% RDF + 75% VC + 0% FYM +Rhizobium) treatment, the lowest number of days to first flowering (44.42) was observed in T6- (50% RDF + 25% VC+ 25% FYM + Rhizobium), highest average number of pods per plant (24.75) was designated in T6 (50% RDF + 25% VC + 25% FYM+ Rhizobium), days to pod set of pea.,while the least number of days to pod set (63.67) was identified in T6 (50% RDF + 25% VC+ 25% FYM + Rhizobium). Date collected from T4 (50% RDF + 0% VC+ 50% FYM + Rhizobium) was found to have the longest pods, measuring (7.43 cm) in length, the highest number of seeds per pod (7.33) was found in T8 (75% RDF +0% VC+ 25% FYM + Rhizobium) and a significant variation was observed on seed yield. The maximum yield/plot (5.73) was recorded in T6 (50% RDF + 25% VC + 25% FYM+ Rhizobium).

Agro-morphological characterization of selected varieties of vegetable cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] in Burkina Faso

Vegetable Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) is one of the neglected legumes in Burkina Faso, and as a result, its genetic diversity remains poorly known. The main aim of this study was to know its genetic variability through an agro-morphological characterization. Twenty vegetable cowpea varieties were evaluated at the Kamboinsé Environmental, Agricultural and Training Research Center following a three-replication Fischer block design under rainfed conditions. Fifteen quantitative and nine qualitative variables were collected and subjected to various statistical analyses. Analysis of variance was significant for the variables 50% flowering, vegetable cowpea date, number of pods obtained per plant, number of seeds per pod, fresh pod weight, fresh pod yield, pod length, plant height, seed length and chlorophyll content. Strong correlations were also reported between the various variables. The observed diversity is structured in three morphological groups viz., Group 1 consists of individuals with early flowering, high chlorophyll content and the number of pods obtained per plant. Group 2 brings together the varieties of average agronomic performance for pod length, the number of pods per plant, number of days at 95% maturity, fresh pod weight, yield of fresh pods and group 3 of varieties with long pods, early green date, high pod weight and good fresh pod yield. Among the tested varieties, the varieties IT83S-872 (30 pods), IT84S-2246 (27 pods), Baguette (25 pods), IT83S-818 (26 pods), and IT85F-2682 (24 pods) stood out for their high pod production. In addition, the varieties of vegetable cowpea baguette, baguette grimpant, Telma, and IT83S-911 showed the best performance in terms of early vegetable cowpea date stage, longest pods, highest pod weight and best yield of fresh pods. The high genetic variability level within the tested varieties could be exploited in future green cowpea breeding programmes.

Yield structure of crambe (Crambe abyssinica Hochst.) under the effect of seeding rate and varietal characteristics

Purpose. To establish an optimal seeding rate for different varieties of crambe (Crambe abyssinica Hochst) based on its influence on the formation of the main elements of the yield structure in the conditions of the Right Bank Forest Steppe.
 Methods. Crambe varieties ‘Belenzian’ (USA) and ‘CRA 5/79’ (Germany) were studied in field conditions (Cherkasy region) in the years 2020–2022. The crop was sown at the beginning of May in a continuous row method at seeding rates from 1.0 to 3.5 m seeds per hectare to a depth of 3–5 cm. Before harvesting, the preservation and biometric indicators of the plants were recorded, after which the seed yield was determined. The harvest was harvested by the direct harvesting method at a seed moisture content of 15%.
 Results. Regardless of the seeding rate, the preservation of plants before harvesting (on average according to the experiment) was somewhat higher in the variety ‘Belenzian’ – 72.8 against 70.4% in ‘CRA 5/79’. The lowest indicators in both varieties (64.1–67.6%) were recorded for the lowest sowing rate (1.0 and 1.5 m seeds/ha) and the highest (74.3–78.1%) for the highest seeding rate (3.0 and 3.5 m seeds/ha); the height of the plants was 73–90 cm on average, reaching a maximum in both varieties at seed rates of 2.0 and 2.5 m seeds/ha. An increase in the seeding rate to 3.0–3.5 m seeds/ha led to a significant decrease in plant height. The longest pods (4.7 and 4.5 cm) in variety ‘Belenzian’ were noted for the seeding rate of 1.0 and 1.5 m seeds/ha, while in variety ‘CRA 5/79’, the longest pods (3.3 and 3.5 cm) were obtained for the seeding rate of 2.0 and 2.5 m seeds/ha, respectively. The highest number of pods (144 and 146 in ‘Belenzian’; 130 and 135 in ‘CRA 5/79’), the weight of seeds from one plant (8.51 and 878 g and 8.04 and 8.23 g respectively) and the weight of 1000 seeds (8.78 and 9.00 g and 7.89 and 8.01 g, respectively) were obtained for seeding rate of 2.0 and 2.5 million seeds/ha. At the same seeding rates, the highest seed yield of ‘Belenzian’ was obtained – 2.12 and 2.23 t/ha, respectively, while in ‘CRA 5/79’ 2.04 and 2.00 t/ha of seeds was obtained at the seeding rate of 2.5 and 3.0 m seeds/ha, respectively.
 Conclusions. Seeding rate has a significant impact on the formation of biometric indicators that are the elements of the yield structure and, ultimately, the yield of crambe seeds. The values of most indicators increase with an increase in the seeding rate, reaching a maximum at 2.5 m seeds/ha, and then gradually decreasing. The optimal seeding rate from the point of view of the formation of a high yield of seeds in both crambe varieties is 2.5 m seeds/ha. The research results can be used to improve the elements of cultivation technology for growing crambe in the Right Bank Forest Steppe of Ukraine.

Leaf and fruit characteristics of Parkia biglobosa (Jacq.) Benth according to agro climatic zones and land use in Southern Mali

A study was conducted in southern Mali to characterized Parkia biglobosa populations in the aim to contribute to the domestication of the species. Fields and fallows in the north sudanian, south sudanian and north guinean zones were concerned. Adult trees were marked in plots of 0.25 ha each and leaves and fruits were harvested from each tree for characterization. Petiole and laminar length, number of pairs of pinnae and leaflets, pedicel and pod length, pod wide, pod and seed weight, number of seed per pod were measured. The north guinean zone showed the highest number of pairs of pinnae and leaflets, the longest pods (23.06±9.91 cm in the fields), the highest mean seed weight (3.74±0.96 g in the fields) and the highest mean number of seeds per pod (17 ± 3 seeds in the fields). The South Sudanian zone showed the longest pedicels (3.85±1.08 cm in the fallows), the highest mean laminar length (18.02 cm) and mean petiole length (6.45 cm) in the fields but the same mean number of seeds per pod as for the north Guinean. The north Sudanian zone showed the widest (17.88±7.98 cm in the fields and 18.24±2.11 cm in the fallows) and heaviest (14.87±3.95 g in the fallows) pods. Leaf variables like the number of pairs of pinnae and leaflets seem to be influenced by the climatic gradient. The others leaf, pod and seed variables seem not to be influenced by the climatic gradient. These findings suggest that many leaf and fruit variables are controlled by endogenous factor that could be genetic. However, the manifestation of the endogenous factor seems to be influenced by factors such as environment and management practices.

The impact of foliar feeding on the yield components of three winter rape morphotypes (Brassica napus L.)

Abstract The aim of the study was to determine the impact of foliar fertilizers containing amino acids, sulphur, boron on the number of productive branches, the number of pods per plant, the number of seeds in pods and the length of pods of three winter rape (Brassica napus) varieties (Monolit, PX115, PT248). The research was carried out in 2016-2017, 2017-2018, 2018-2019 at the Zawady Agricultural Experimental Station (52o03’N and 22o33’E) belonging to the University of Natural Sciences and Humanities in Siedlce, Poland. The field experiment was set up in a split-plot layout in triplicate. The area of one plot for harvest was 21 m2. The examined factors were I - morphotipe of winter rape: population variety (Monolit), hybrid restored with a semi-dwarf growth type (PX115), hybrid restored with a traditional growth type (PT248). II - types of foliar feeding: 1. treatment without biostimulator and foliar feeding, 2. Bioregulator Aminoplant, 3. Foliar fertilizer Siarkomag with foliar fertilizer Bormax, 4. Foliar fertilizer Siarkomag with foliar fertilizer Bormax and Aminoplant. Variable climatic conditions in the years of the experiment affected the studied components of seed yield of three L. morphotypes. In the year 2016-2017 of research, the plants produced the most productive branches, had the longest pods filled with the largest number of seeds. Foliar nutrition with a biostimulator containing amino acids did not significantly affect the increase of the number of productive branches, pods per plant and pod length compared to the variant on which no foliar fertilization was applied. Foliar fertilization with S and B in combination with bio-stimulators was the most effective in increasing the components of seed yield, while the number of productive branches and length of pods under the influence of foliar fertilizers was the same regardless of the application of the biostimulator. The long-stem variety had longer pods that were filled with more seeds than the others.

Biometrical Evaluation of Morphological Traits in Family Cucurbitaceae in Lafia, Nigeria

Biometrical evaluation is a valuable tool for the study of biosystematics of plant taxa. This study assessed morphological variation and phenetic relationship in the Cucurbitaceae species in Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Plant specimens were collected by simple random sampling across the municipality and 11 species were identified in the study area. Analysis of variance and multivariate analyses were used to determine the differences and identify variation among morphological characters among the species, respectively. Genetic similarity among the taxa was generated by single linkage algorithm of Bray-Curtis similarity index. Wide variations were observed in the morphological characters; Telfairia occidentalis had the longest pods (46.3 cm) and the longest vines (831.4 cm), while Cucumis sativus had the shortest vines (162.3 cm). All the species had multi-seeded pods; Lagenaria breviflora had 734.7 seeds, which was significantly more than the seeds in other species, Citrullus lanatus had 438.3 seeds and Momordica charantia had the fewest seeds (12.7) per pod. T. occidentalis had significantly (p ≤ 0.05) the heaviest seeds (89.8 g) of the species. Three major clusters were identified; Lagenaria abyssinica and L. rufa had similarity index of 0.9; Cucumeropsis mannii and Citrullus lanatus had index of 0.89. Principal component analysis established close relationship between T. occidentalis and L siceraria; then L. breviflora, Citrullus lanatus; Cucumeropsis mannii, Cucurbita pepo, Cucumis sativus, Lagenaria rufa and Lagenaria abyssinica, Luffa cylindrica and Momordica charantia, indicative of genetic similarity among the taxa. Closely related species are potential materials for interspecific hybridization and improvement of the family.

Evaluation of Yield and Pigment Content of Eleven Genotypes of Green and Purple Pod Yard Long Bean (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.)

The consumption of yard long bean in Indonesia is high and it has been increasing continuously, but the production and harvest area has been decreasing. New, superior long bean varieties with higher productivity are required to meet the increasing demands. The aim of this study was to evaluate the morphological and yield characters of selected purple and green long bean genotypes. The research was conducted from February to May 2018 in the Madiun district, East Java, Indonesia. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with genotypes as the single factor treatment, replicated three times. Eleven yard long bean genotypes were tested, consisting of four new genotypes, F7-013014- 4U-16-1-1, “F7-013014-4U-16-1-2”, “F7-013014- 4U-16-1-3”, and “F7-013014-7P-4-1-1”, and seven control genotypes, “KP13”, “KP14”, “KP Putih China”, “KP Putih China”, “Borneo”, “Sabrina” and “Parade”. The new genotypes, “F7-013014-4U-16-1-1, “F7- 013014-4U-16-1-2”, “F7-013014-4U-16-1-3”, and “F7-013014-7P-4-1-1” had at least one superior characters compared to the control genotypes, i.e. earlier fl owering and time to harvest, longer leaves, greater pod weight, longer pods, larger pod diameter, and higher contents of anthocyanin, carotene, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and total chlorophyll.
 Keywords: anthocyanin, genotype, pigment, carotene, chlorophyll

Physiological traits of endornavirus-infected and endornavirus-free common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) cv Black Turtle Soup.

This study evaluated the physiological traits of eight lines of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) cv. Black Turtle Soup, four of which were double-infected with Phaseolus vulgaris endornavirus 1 and Phaseolus vulgaris endornavirus 2, and four of which were endornavirus-free. Plants from all eight lines were morphologically similar and did not show statistically significant differences in plant height, wet weight, number of days to flowering and pod formation, pods per plant, pod thickness, seed size, number of seeds per pod, and anthocyanin content. However, the endornavirus-infected lines had faster seed germination, longer radicle, lower chlorophyll content, higher carotene content, longer pods, and higher weight of 100 seeds, all of which were statistically significant. The endornaviruses were not associated with visible pathogenic effects.

Yield components of winter oilseed rape regard to plant population

The aim of this study was to analyze the yield components of winter oilseed rape depending on the plant population in 2017/2018 growing season. Three plant populatios were considered in the study: 20, 40 and 60 plants m-2. At harvest several yield components were determined: plant height (cm), plant mass (g), height of the first fertile branch (cm), number of fertile lateral branches, number of pods per plant, length of the pod (cm), number of seeds per pod, mass of seeds per pod (g), number of seeds per plant, 1000 grain mass (g) and yield of seeds per plant (g). At the plant population of 40 plants m-2 the plants were the highest (153.4 cm), with the highest plant mass (295.3 g) and the number of lateral fertile branches (5.6 branches per plant). Furthermore, the plants from 40 plants m-2 had the highest number of pods per plant (716 pieces), the longest pods (6.5 cm) with the largest number of seeds per pod (21.0) and the number of seeds per plant (15 036 seeds). The highest and significant correlation coeficient was found between number of pods per plant and plant mass (r=0.890***) and than between the number of lateral branches and number of pods per plant (r=0.850***). Linear regression showed that for every centimeter increment of pod length the number of seeds increase for 4.8 seeds at 20 and 40 plants m-2 and for 5.5 seeds per pod at 60 plants m-2. Furthermore, regression analysis showed that for every centimeter pod length increment the seeds mass per pod increase on average of all plant population for 0.02 g.

Morphological Diversity and Cytological Studies in Some Accessions of Vigna vexillata (L.) A. Richard

Aim: The objectives of this study were to characterize and evaluate intraspecific relationship among twenty-six accessions of Vigna vexillata (L.) and work out interrelationship among the morphological traits which could be used for genetic improvement of cowpea, V. unguiculata (L.) Walp. Study Design: Field experiment was laid out in blocks of five buckets per accession in a row giving a total of 260 plants. Place and Duration of Study: At the experimental field of the Department of Biological Sciences, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun state, Nigeria, during the dry planting season (September – December, 2012). Methodology: A total of 26 traits comprising 18 quantitative and 8 qualitative traits of the vegetative, floral, pod and seed were evaluated using descriptive statistics, Pearson Correlation Coefficient (PCC), Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Cluster Analysis (CA). Mitotic chromosome counts and meiotic behaviour were studied using root tip cells and pollen mother cells from young flower buds. Results: The analysis of variance showed that all quantitative morphological characters were significantly different among the accessions (P = 0.01) except stipule length and width. There were significant correlations among characters such as calyx lobe length, standard petal length and width, peduncle length, days to 50% flowering, days to 50% pod maturity, pod length and width, number of locules per pod, number of seeds per pod, and 100-seed weight which could be used for breeding and conservation purposes. The first six principal components accounted for 89.84% of the total variance. The cluster analysis segregated the 26 accessions into three main clusters; cluster I (15 accessions), cluster II (10 accessions) and cluster III (1 accession). Mitotic chromosome counts of 2n = 22 were recorded for all the accessions and meiosis was observed to be normal with the formation of eleven bivalents (n = 11). Conclusion: The intraspecific variabilities indicates plasticity in the genomes of the studied accessions, with high correlations among the morphological characters which are common to all accessions, thus justifying their grouping as a species. The morphological and reproductive attributes displayed by accessions TVnu93 and TVnu97 in terms of plant vigour, early flowering and pod maturity, longer pods and relatively high 100-seed weight made them good potential candidates in breeding for host plant resistance in cowpea.

English

weight of fresh pods per plant (44.17 g), number of gains per pod (8.02) and 100-grains weight (50.73 g) were recorded in hand weeded plots. Hand weeding recorded substantial increase in pod yield (8.63 t ha -1 ) which was significantly the highest from all other treatments. In 2012-13, the significantly highest number of days taken to 50% flowering (65.33) was recorded in plots covered with white plastic. The lowest weed density (14.20 g/m 2 ), least fresh weed biomass (42.32 g/ m 2 ), the lowest dry weed biomass (15.19 g/ m 2 ), m aximum number of pod per plant (14.76), the highest weight of fresh pods per plant (44.17 g ), the longest pods (6.97 cm), maximum number of gains per pod (6.43) and the highest 100-grains weight (52.06 g) were recorded in hand weeded plots. Significantly the highest pod yield (7.66 t ha -1 ) was also recorded in h and weeding . It was concluded that during both the years, hand weeding surpassed all other techniques in minimizing weeds density, weeds fresh and dry biomass enhancing all other growth and yield parameters followed by transparent plastic mulch, black plastic mulch, Dual Gold and Stomp.

English

Stability of yield and its attributes were assessed for nineteen genotypes over twelve environments (two seasons 2009 and 2010 × six planting dates), to determine the quantitative responses of cowpea genotypes. The interaction between genotypes and environments (G×E) were significant for all the characters studied characters except pod length, hundred seed weight and weight of pods per plant. The longest pods and heaviest hundred seeds weight were produced by genotype TVU 21, IT82C-116, providing the highest number of seeds per plant. Whereas, Sudany genotypes gave the highest number of pods per plant and heaviest seeds per plant, Blackeye Crowder genotypes had the heaviest pods per plant and total dry seed yield. The best season and planting date are fall season, third planting date (August, 15th) for most studied traits. The stable genotypes were Chinese Red, IT81D1064, IT85F2205 and Sudany for total dry seed yield. Key words: Sowing dates, stability parameters, genotype × environment, selection, grain yield.

Phenotypic and Genotypic Mutations in Cowpea Bukal Variety (Vigna unguiculata, Walp) Induced with Gamma Radiation

Mutation Breeding through Gamma Irradiation is a potential technique toinduce mutation for crop improvement. The study was done to induce phenotypicandgenotypicvariationsinVignaunguiculatausingradiationdosesexpressedin Grayof the Cobalt60 GammaChamber.Cytogeneticanalysis andirradiationwereconducted in Manilawhile field testing was undertakeninCagayan,Philippines.Chromosomeassay in anaphase cells revealedthat the G1(100Gy)cells exhibited interlocking chromosomes.G2 (150) cells showedparallelchromosomesegments. G3 (200) and G4 (250) cells exuded double bridgesandcriss-crossesofchromosomesegments,respectively.UnderanaphaseI,G5 (300)cellsexhibitedringedchromosomesandbreakagesfromthecentromeres, whileG5 anaphase II showeddouble bridges. Resultsof phenotypic evaluation indicatedthat all the yield-contributing mutants such as heavier pod, longer pod,increasednumber of seeds and greenpods wereconsistently induced bydoses-200,100 and 300 Grays.The most effectivedose to induce desirable traits wasthe200 Gy.Qualitativemutants like pod and seed coat colors weremanifestedinall the samples. The quantitativephenotypic mutants developedin M1 and M2 progenies were all considered beneficial traits and majority of these showedconsiderable improvement in the second mutagenic (M2) generation. Keywords Biochemistry, mutation breeding, gamma radiation, mutation, cytogeneticanalysis, Vigna unguiculata, phenotype, genotype, chromosome assay,Philippines.

Germplasm Collection and Diversity Analysis in Yardlong Bean (Vigna unguiculatasubsp.sesquipedalis) from Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Odisha

Diversity in yardlong bean (Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis), an under-utilized vegetable legume was collected from parts of North coastal Andhra Pradesh (Srikakulam and Viziznagaram districts) and adjoining regions of Odisha (Koraput and Gajapati districts). Substantial variation was observed among the 39 accessions collected. Most of collections had pods which were light green (28), some were light green with purple tip (6), and a few were dark green (4); one accession (IC582551, Jeypore, Koraput, Odisha) had purple pods with green tip. Variation in pod length ranged from 24–75 cm; fresh pod weight (10 pods) from 60–140 g and seeds/pod from 6.2–17. Pod length had the highest dispersion index (158%), followed by100-seed weight (127%), fresh pod weight (89%) and seeds/pod (83%). Accessions IC582850 and IC582863 had the longest pods (75 cm). A pure line selection from IC582850 (Jeypore, Odisha) is released for cultivation as ‘Arka Mangala’. This pole type, photo-insensitive variety with green, smooth pods and a crop duration of 3–4 months recorded a pod yield of 25.7 t/ha with an increase of 24% and 30% pod yield over the check varieties ‘Lola’ and ‘Vyjayanthi’, respectively.

Growth and Yield Response of Mungbean (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek) Genotypes to Wet Puddling, Flooding and Saturated Soil Culture

Anoxia and hypoxia, caused by excessive rainfall and inadequate drainage are the most common environmental stresses in upland crops after wetland rice in many regions of Asia. Such stresses and/or puddling of soil in rice culture often reduce the growth and yield of post-rice upland crops. This study examined the growth and yield responses of three mungbean genotypes viz. VC3950-88, VC6173A and BARI Mung-5 to three different environmental stresses viz. wet puddling, soil flooding and saturated soil culture. Wet puddling significantly reduced the field emergence and vigor index of seedlings. Height of plants was also adversely affected due to the stresses, although recovery was comparatively better in flooded situation. Irrespective of growing conditions, leaf chlorophyll index reduced significantly and recovered almost completely. The extraordinary responses of plants to all the stresses were the damaging of roots and/or impairing of root and shoot growth. The subsequent recovery of root and shoot growth significantly varied depending on the types of stresses. The development of numerous adventitious roots and the production of greater amount of root nodules were the most important recovery mechanisms of plants to withstand flooding situation and saturated soil culture, respectively. As a result, seed production was less affected under these two conditions. In contrast, wet puddling situation performed the worst, showing depressed plant growth throughout the growing period and thus seed production was affected the most. Among the genotypes, VC6173A was best adapted under the three stresses, giving the highest seed yield by producing higher amount of pods, increased seed size and longer pod.

Vermicompost Leachate and Vermiwash Enhance French Dwarf Bean Yield

Vermicompost has beneficial effects on plant growth. However, vermicompost increases electrical conductivity in soil due to increased salinity associated with continued usage. An experiment was conducted to determine effects of 0 and 7 Mt·ha−1 of cow manure vermicompost, 7 Mt·ha−1 of vermicompost leachate, or vermicompost leachate with vermiwash and a no-fertilization control on French dwarf bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) yield and development. Type of vermi-fertilizer affected all measured characteristics except individual pod fresh and dry weights. Plants treated with vermiwash had the tallest plants, longest pods, number of pods per plant, number of lateral branches, and number of pods, but the highest plant dry weight and longest internodes were from plants treated with vermicompost leachate. Vermiwash combined with vermicompost leachate negatively affected vegetative characteristics and yield. With leaching, the negative effects of vermicompost related to high electrical conductivity decreased and continuous application of this material may be possible. Vermicompost leachate and vermiwash can be used as fertilizer for sustainable bean cultivation.

Contributions of Plant Characters to Pod Yield in West African Okra Under Pluvial and Fluxial Agroecosystems

West African okra [Abelmoschus caillei (A.Chev) Stevels] occurs as unselected variants with low pod yield. Using multiple statistical analyses could provide adequate information on contributions of plant characters to pod yield increase breeding efficiency. The objectives of the work were to evaluate the effects of agroecosystems and genotype on pod yield and relative contributions of plant characters in West African okra to develop efficient and stable selection criteria for pod yield improvement. Twenty-five genotypes were grown over a period of 4 years in two agroecosystems at the research farm of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria. The plant characters days to flowering, number of pods per plant, final plant height, days to harvest, pod length, pod width, pod growth rate, pod filling period, seed weight, and pod yield were measured. Results were analyzed by multiple statistical analyses: analysis of variance (ANOVA), genotypic correlation, factor analysis, principal component analysis, stepwise multiple regression analysis, path analysis, and cluster analysis. Significant effects occurred for genotypes, agroecosystems, and their interactions. Pod filling period was a stable character across agroecosystems. Though pluvial planted West African okra produced taller plants with a greater number of longer pods with heavier seeds, fluxial planted okra flowered and matured earlier with wider pods. Results of multiple statistical analyses indicated that pod growth rate contributed most to pod yield and to a lesser extent pod filling period, seed weight, and final plant height and provide useful information for efficiently improving pod yield in West African okra. West African okra breeding should focus on pod growth rate, which greatly affects pod yield. Determination of additional physiological and biochemical subtle but important yield-related characters might provide additional insights into pod yield.

Response of Pole Type French Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Genotypes to Sowing Dates in the Mid Hills of Western Nepal

Three pole-type French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) genotypes (Four season, Trishuli & Makwanpur) were sown in different three dates, i.e., August 16, 31 and September 15 during autumn seasons of 2010 and 2011 at the Agriculture Research Station, Malepatan, Pokhara (848 msl) to assess the fresh pod yield and yield attributes of the genotypes in different dates of sowing. The experiment was conducted in randomized complete block design with three replications. The temperature ranged from 14° to 32°C during the growth period. The results showed significant variations in fresh pod yield and yield attributes. Flowering was earlier in Makwanpur genotype. About 50% plants flowered within 39 days in Makwanpur while it took more than 48 days for Trishuli. Tallest plants were produced by Makwanpur (271.7 cm) and shortest by Trishuli (256.2 cm). The pod length was highest (18.34 cm) in Four season and lowest in Makwanpur (15.07 cm). Pod width was highest in Trishuli (9.04 mm) and lowest in Makwanpur (7.10 mm). Highest fresh pod yield was produced by Four season (25.08 t/ha) followed by Makwanpur (23.11t/ha) and the lowest by Trishuli (19.97 t/ha). Sowing date also showed significant effect on yield and yield attributes. Earliest sowing (16 August) showed better results in early flowering (42.63 days), tallest plants (280.4 cm), longest pods (18.51 cm), widest pods (9.21 mm) and the highest fresh pod yield (31.13 t/ha) than 31 August and 15 September sown conditions. Fresh pod yield was highest in 16 August sown (31.13 t/ha) followed by 31 August (21.74 t/ha) and lowest in 15 September (15.29 t/ha). Four season sown on 16 August produced the highest fresh pod yield with an average of 35.35 t/ha. The result revealed that Four season is the best genotype and mid August is the appropriate sowing time for higher fresh pod yield of French bean in the mid hills of western Nepal. Nepal Journal of Science and Technology Vol. 13, No. 2 (2012) 15-20 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njst.v13i2.7708

Analysis for Seed Yield and its Components in Moth-bean (Vigna aconitifolia) under Hot Arid Conditions

Ten varieties of moth bean {Vigna aconitifolia (Jacq.) Marechal} were evaluated for seed yield and its components under rainfed conditions during kharif 2006 and 2007. Significant differences were observed among genotypes for days to flowering, plant height, peduncle length, days to maturity and seed yield/plant. The variabilities recorded were highest in seed yield/plant and peduncle length, and high for plant height, and moderate for days to flowering and 100-seed weight. Days to flowering, peduncle length and plant height had high heritability coupled with high genetic advance. Pod length was the only character, which had significant positive association with seed yield/plant whereas petiole length and days to maturity had significant negative association with seed yield. Association analysis showed that for higher seed yield, longer pods, short leaf stalk and early maturity should be given emphasis in breeding programme of moth bean. Among all the varieties tested, RMO 257 was identified as the best seed yielder for arid environment.

Seed Yield and Yield Attributes of Lablab (Lablab purpureus L. Sweet) as Influenced by Phosphorus Application, Cutting Height and Age of Cutting in a Semi-Arid Environment

Scarcity of seeds of forage legumes has continued to plague the pasture industry in Nigeria and there is a serious need to tackle this challenge, hence this study was initiated. The experiment entailed field trials that were conducted to evaluate the response of seed yield and yield attributes of lablab (Lablab purpureus L. Sweet) to phosphorus application and cutting treatments. The treatments were composed of factorial combinations of four rates of phosphorus application (0, 12, 24 and 36 kg P ha-1), two cutting heights (10 and 20 cm) as the main plot and four cutting ages (6, 12, 18 weeks and at maturity) as the sub-plot a split plot design with three replications. Cutting lablab at 6 weeks or at maturity produced 44.7 and 63.0% higher seed yield than cutting at 12 weeks. Cutting at 20 cm height produced 23.8% heavier seeds than cutting at 10 cm in 2007. Most seeds per pod, heaviest and longest pods were obtained when lablab was cut at either 12 weeks or at maturity. Phosphorus application rate of 12 kg P ha-1 increased 100-seed weight (4%) while cutting lablab to a 20 cm height rather than to 10 cm stubble height produced significantly higher 100-seed weight. The heaviest 100-seed weight was produced with a combination of 12 kg P ha-1 application rate and a 20 cm cutting height. Lablab could be developed as a ley pasture crop in the Nigerian farming systems to enhance its usefulness to livestock.