Main Plots Research Articles

Improvement of Yield and Quality of Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.), Some Enzymatic and Non-Enzymatic Antioxidants Activity in Response to Zn-Nano Fertilizer in Different Irrigation Regimes

ABSTRACT Peanut, as an oilseed, have high nutritional value for humans and livestock and poultry. The seed yield (SY) of peanut decreases under drought stress conditions, and the zinc (Zn) nano-fertilizer can reduce the negative impacts of water deficiency on peanut plants and improves its SY. This experiment carried out as split plot based on randomized complete block design with three replications in Astara, Iran, during the 2018 and 2019 cropping seasons. Three irrigation regimes at 50 mm (IR50), 75 mm (IR75) and 100 mm (IR100) evaporation from class A evaporation pan in main plot and three levels of Zn nano-chelate, including 0.5 g. l−1; (Zn0.5), 1 g. l−1; (Zn1) and 1.5 g. l−1; (Zn1.5) in sub plot, comprised experimental treatments. The results indicated that the highest pod yield (PY), SY, oil yield (OY) and protein yield (PRY) of peanut (3633, 2900, 1582 and 826 kg. ha−1, respectively) were obtained in response to Zn nano-chelate with a dose of 1.0 g. l−1 in IR50 treatment. Nonetheless, under foliar spraying of Zn1 and severe drought stress conditions (IR100) were observed the highest proline (14.84 µmol g−1 FW), superoxide dismutase (53.42 Unit mg−1 proteinmin−1), catalase (72.87 nmol mg−1 proteinmin−1), peroxidase (64.17 nmol mg−1 protein min−1), soluble sugar content (172.04 mg g−1 FW), soluble protein content (114.16 mg g−1 DW) and anthocyanin pigments (11.20 µmol g−1 FW). Generally, application of Zn1 treatment, through increasing antioxidant enzymes activity and non-enzymatic antioxidants, improved peanut SY. Hence, foliar application of Zn nano-chelate could be recommended to enhance peanut yield.

Determining the Effect of Nutrient Management and Weed Control Practices on Weed Dynamics in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

An experiment was carried out at Agronomy Research Farm of Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya (Uttar Pradesh) during Rabi season (2022-23 & 2023-24) to investigate the effect of nutrient management and weed control practices on dynamics of weed in different treatments in wheat crop. Split plot design was used in the experimental field with three nutrient levels in main plot and six weed control practices in sup plot and replicated thrice. Among the nutrient management treatments 75% RDF + 10 t ha-1 FYM + one spray of nano-urea @ 4ml/lit was found to be more effective for controlling weed density, weed dry weight, weed control efficiency (%), and weed index (%) during both years of experimentation. Sequential spray of Clodinofop + Metsulfuron (60 + 4 g a.i. ha-1) reduced the density and dry weight of weeds, however recorded highest weed control efficiency (89.57% & 90.77%) and minimum weed index (1.99 & 1.96) during 2022-23 and 2023-24 respectively. The better control of weeds and higher uptake of nutrient in this treatment resulted in higher yield. Thus it might be concluded that application of 75% RDF +10 t ha-1 FYM + one spray of nano-urea @ 4ml/lit with the spraying of Clodinofop + Metsulfuron (60 + 4 g a.i. ha-1) found to be more effective in reducing weed infestation in wheat crop.

Optimizing Growth and Yield in Aerobic Rice through IoT-based Drip Irrigation and Fertigation

Aim: A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of different IoT based drip irrigation and fertigation management practices on growth and yield of aerobic rice. Study Design: The experiment was laid out in a strip plot design with 4 main plots (Horizontal) and 3 sub-plots (Vertical) that are allocated randomly and replicated thrice. Place and Duration of Study: kharif and rabi seasons of 2022-23 & 2023-24 at ICAR-Indian Institute of Rice Research, Hyderabad. Methodology: The horizontal plot treatments were Nitrogen management practices (4) i.e., Control (N1), 100 % RDN (100% inorganic) (N2), 100 % RDN (50% inorganic & 50% organic) (N3) and 125 % RDN (100 % inorganic) (N4). Vertical plots treatments were Irrigation management practices (3) which include Saturation (I1), 10 % DASM (I2) and 20 % DASM (I3). Organic nutrient sources were given as soil application and the inorganic sources were applied through fertigation. Sensor based (IoT) irrigation scheduling was done. Results: Nitrogen application of 125% RDN with 100% inorganic consistently resulted in higher growth parameters (plant height (110.4 cm and 93.9 cm), number of tillers m-2 (392.2 and 291.8) and plant dry weight (11814.8 kg ha-1 and 9557.0 kg ha-1) during kharif & rabi respectively) followed by 100% RDN (100% inorganic) and 100% RDN (50% inorganic & 50% organic) in pooled data. Saturation irrigation resulted in taller plants with greater growth parameters (plant height (109.8 cm and 91.0 cm), number of tillers m-2 (412.3 and 283.6) and plant dry weight (10916.0 kg ha-1 and 9463.4 kg ha-1) during kharif & rabi respectively) compared to deficit irrigation treatments. Treatment of 125% RDN with 100% inorganic resulted in the higher yield attributes (no. of panicles m-2 (154.3 and 141.1), no. of filled grains panicle-1 (142.3 and 124.0), panicle weight (3.1 g and 3.3 g) during kharif & rabi respectively) and yield (4790.2 kg ha-1 and 4583.8 kg ha-1) which was statistically similar with 100% RDN (100% inorganic) and 100% RDN (50% inorganic & 50% organic). Saturation expressed higher yield attributes (no. of panicles m-2 (149.5 and 139.2), no. of filled grains panicle-1 (135.0 and 121.6), panicle weight (3.0 g and 3.2 g) during kharif & rabi respectively) and yield (4554.0 kg ha-1 and 4425.5 kg ha-1) which was on par with 10% DASM. The interaction was found to be non-significant. Conclusion: Nitrogen application of 125% RDN and 100% RDN through fertigation were found to have statistically similar growth, yield parameters and yield. IoT based irrigation at 10% DASM was found to be on par with saturation treatment among all the growth, yield parameters and yield of aerobic rice.

Effect of Tillage Practices and Fertility Levels on Growth, Yield Attributes and Yield of Wheat in Rice- Wheat Cropping System

This study was conducted at Agronomy Research Farm, CSAUAT, during rabi 2021-22 and 2022-23. The experiment was laid out into Split plot design with3 replication. Two levels of tillage viz. (1) Conventional tillage Two ploughing followed by sowing), (2) Reduce tillage (one ploughing followed by sowing were randomly allotted to main plot while ten 10 fertility levels. Basis on the pooled data the results of the study revealed that in case of tillage practices among the growth parameters; maximum plant height at 30, 60, 90 DAT and at harvest is 26.25, 46.26, 87.43, and 92.38 cm respectively, number of leaves plant-1 at 30, 60, 90 DAT and at harvest is 5.47, 16.51, 19.34 and 20.18 respectively, leaf area index at 30, 60, 90 DAT and at harvest is 0.553, 3.13, 4.48 and 5.05 respectively, relative growth rate at 30, 60, 90 DAT is 24.33, 14.48 and 3.82 g day-1 respectively, among the yield attributing characters maximum ear length (11.07 cm) , number of grain ear-1 (41.08), grain weight ear-1 (1.54 g) and 1000 grain weight (36.93 g) and among the productivity parameters; maximum grain yield (51.31 q ha-1), straw yield (67.21 q ha-1), biological yield (118.52 q ha-1) and harvest index (43.22 %) were recorded under the conventional tillage. Similarly in case of fertility levels growth parameters, yield attributing characters and productivity parameters were associated with 125 % RDF + chloromequate chloride.

Examining the Effects of Diverse Irrigation Regimens and Planting Timelines on Wheat Growth, Yield, and Yield Characteristics

In the Rabi season spanning 2021 to 2022, a field trial was carried out on sandy loam soil. at a research station near the Center for Advanced Studies on Climate Change, Dr. RPCAU, Pusa, Bihar (India). Positioned at a latitude of 25°98' N and a longitude of 85°66' E. the experimental plot ascended to an elevation of 52.3 meters above mean sea level. The primary objective was to assess the effects of different irrigation levels and planting dates on the development, yield, and yield characteristics of wheat. The investigation included four irrigation management protocols (irrigation at 0.6, 0.8, 1.0, and 1.2 IW/CPE) assigned to the main plot, along with four sowing dates (15 Nov, 30 Nov, 15 Dec, and 30 Dec) allocated to the sub plot. This layout was replicated thrice in a split-plot configuration. The results indicated that the maximum values of growth factors (specifically plant height), yield factor (effective tillers/m2), and yield (both grain and straw) were observed when irrigation was administered at 1.2 IW/CPE (I4). This method, statistically comparable to irrigation at 1 IW/CPE (I3), exhibited notable superiority over the other treatments. Conversely, the minimum values of plant height, effective tillers/m2, grain yield, and straw yield were documented under the irrigation regimen of 0.6 IW/CPE (I1).

Effect of Crop Residue Management and Weed Management Practices on Nutrient Content and Nutrient Uptake in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).

The field experiment was carried out during two successive Rabi seasons of 2021-22 and 2022-23 at the Agronomy Research Farm of Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture & Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya (U.P.).The treatment combinations of 4 crop residue management, viz. conventional tillage without residue, conventional tillage with residue (3 t/ha rice residue), zero tillage without residue, zero tillage with residue (3 t/ha rice residue) and 5 weed management practices, viz. Triallate 50% EC @ 1250 g a.i. ha-1, Triallate 50% EC @ 2500 g a.i. ha-1, Clodinafop propargyl 15% + Metsulfuron methyl 1% (60 g + 4 g a.i. ha-1), hand weeding at 20 and 40 days after sowing (DAS) and weedy check in wheat were tested with 3 replications in split-plot design, keeping crop residue management in main plots and weed management practices in subplots. Among the different crop residue management, zero tillage with residue was found most effective in maximizing nutrient content and nutrient uptake followed by conventional tillage with residue. Conventional tillage without residue showed lowest values of on nutrient content and uptake by crop. While in case of weed management practices hand weeding at 20 and 40 days after sowing (DAS) had a significant impact on maximizing nutrient content and nutrient uptake followed by post-emergence application of Clodinafop propargyl 15% + Metsulfuron methyl 1% (60 g + 4 g a.i. ha-1).

Study the Effect of Animal Manure, Nitrogen and Phosphorus on Growth, Yield and Yield Components Traits of Mungbean

The field experiment was conducted to assess the effect of different fertilizers sources such as animal manure (AM), Nitrogen (N) and Phosphorus (P) fertilizers on growth, yield and yield components of Mungbean (Vigna radiate L.) during 2019 The applied levels of mentioned sources were (0, 30 ton ha­1), (0, 25 & 50 N kg ha-1) and 0, 50 & 70 P kg­ ha­-1) respectively. The experiment was laid out at the research farm of, Badghis University in factorial split-plot design (SPD) with 3 replications. Each replication consisted of (18) plots with (2m x 2m) size. Animal manure was applied to the main plots while, N and P fertilizers were applied to the subplots of the experiment. The results revealed that, animal manure significantly affected all characteristics of Mungbean except total dry matter, yield, and harvest index. The Interactive effect of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers was found significant for all characteristics of Mungbean, while the interactive effect of AM x N and AM x P was found non-significant for recorded parameters.

Residual Effect of Organic Waste Mulching and Intercropping Aerobic Rice with Peanut on Yield Performance of Mungbean Direct-seeded Following Rice on Raised-beds in Lombok, Indonesia

In Indonesia, in the paddy fields, mungbean is generally planted in the dry season as a rotation crop for rice when irrigation water is insufficient for growing rice, so the productivity of mungbean is generally very low. This research aims to determine the impact of cultivation techniques of aerobic-irrigated red rice grown on permanent raised-beds applied with various organic wastes on growth and yield of mungbean direct-seeded following harvest of red rice. The experiment carried out in June-August 2020, was arranged according to Split Plot design, with two treatment factors: techniques of cultivating aerobic-irrigated red rice, as main plots (T1: monocrop; T2: intercropping with peanuts), and application of various organic wastes to the red rice, as subplots (L0: no waste, L1: rice husks, L2: rice husk ash , L3: rice husk ash + cattle manure). The results indicated that techniques of red rice cultivation and application of various wastes to the red rice showed significant interaction effect on pod number and dry filled-pod weight of mungbean direct-seeded following the red rice, in which dry filled-pod weight was highest (14.44 g/clump) in mungbean direct seeded following aerobic-irrigated red rice intercropped with peanuts receiving rice husk ash (T2L2), and lowest (6.74 g/clump) in mungbean direct-seeded following monocropped red rice without organic wastes (T1L0). Both intercropping with peanuts and application of organic wastes to the red rice preceding mungbean, in general, resulted in higher grain yields of mungbean direct-seeded without tillage following harvest of the aerobic-irrigated red rice grown on raised-beds.

On the Origins of the Witness-Protagonist

Abstract This essay focuses on the “witness-protagonist”: a recessive but still identifiably major character who observes the developments of the main plot from a position on its margins. Such characters are familiar from modernist novels, but this essay turns back to a formative stage in their history to recover their forgotten political significance. Working across four central cases (Samuel Richardson’s “man of feeling” Sir Charles Grandison, Charlotte Smith’s self-effacing protagonist Lionel Desmond, Walter Scott’s “mediocre heroes,” and Jane Austen’s “creepmouse” heroine Fanny Price), the essay describes witness-protagonists as characters with an uncertain relation to the novel as a whole. Straddling the functions of narrator and character, witness and agent, they pose at once a formal problem (of where to place the character in relation to the story) and a political one (of who can participate in the life of the collective) that had particular salience in the era of emergent mass politics.

Sunflower grain yield and oil content affected by zinc fertilization and genotype in drought stress conditions

ContextDrought stress is a major environmental factor limiting sunflower (Helianthus annus L.) growth and productivity, worldwide. Although there has been research on the use of zinc (Zn) to alleviate drought stress in sunflower, more has yet to be indicated on how Zn may affect sunflower yield and biochemical properties in drought stress conditions as the objective of the present research. MethodsThe field experiment was a split plot on the basis of a complete randomized block design with 18 treatments and 3 replicates conducted in the province of Fars, Iran, in 2018. The experimental treatments of drought (main plots) including irrigating at 70 (control, S1), 105 (mild, S2) and 140 mm (severe, S3) evaporation from the evaporation pan and the sub plots (factorial arrangement) of sunflower genotypes (Shams and Barzegar) and Zn fertilizer (ZnSO4) at 0, 40 and 70 kgha−1 were tested. Different sunflower, growth, yield and biochemical parameters were determined. ResultsStress significantly affected leaf area index (LAI), tray diameter (TD), grain weight (GW), infertile seeds (I), water use efficiency (WUE) and proline (Pr), and genotype was significant on LAI, TD, number of grains per tray (NGT), GW, WUE, and grain protein (PP). However, Zn significantly increased LAI, PP, GW and WUE by 50, 5.9, 35 and 32 %, respectively. ConclusionZn fertilization can alleviate the unfavourable effects of drought stress on sunflower yield and biochemical properties by improving plant growth (LAI), yield (grain weight), and physiology (water use efficiency and protein percentage), and genotype is a determining factor.

Seedbed management, transplanting methods and irrigation regimes influence the growth, productivity and economics of summer rice (Oryza sativa L.)

A field experiment was conducted during the rabi (winter) seasons of 2017–2018 and 2018–2019 at the Central Research Farm under Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, West Bengal, India, to study the effects of planting techniques, irrigation regimes, and nursery bed management on the growth, yield, nutrient dynamics, water productivity, and economics of summer rice (cv. Shatabdi) production. The experiment was performed in a strip-split plot design with twelve treatment combinations, which were replicated three times. The design consisted of two types of transplanted rice establishment methods (viz., puddled transplanted rice (PTR) and nonpuddled transplanted rice (NPTR)) allocated to the main plot, three irrigation regimes (three-day intervals; six-day intervals; nine-day intervals) allocated to the subplot, and two nursery bed management practices (conventional seedbed and improved seedbed) allocated to the subplot. Higher growth attributes, such as plant height, tiller count, biomass, and LAI, were found under nonpuddled conditions at the time of harvesting. Similarly, a three-day irrigation interval and improved seedlings led to better growth traits. The yield attributes and yield varied nonsignificantly among the crop establishment methods. However, the lowest irrigation intervals accounted for 53.78% and 43.02% greater grain yield than did the nine-day intervals in two consecutive years, respectively, and produced statistically similar yields with six-day intervals. The percentage of seedlings transplanted from improved seedbeds was 4.01 and 4.13% greater than that from conventional seedlings. A similar trend was observed for both input and irrigation water productivity, except that the nine-day irrigation interval resulted in significantly greater water productivity than did the other intervals. The treatment consisted of nonpuddled transplanted rice along with six six-day irrigation intervals and improved seedbed management, resulting in the highest net return and benefit:cost ratio due to the low production cost. Thus, it can be concluded that transplanting seedlings into nonpuddled soil from an improved seedbed with intermittent irrigation might be the most judicious and recommended in terms of productivity as well as profitability for summer rice production.

Propagule origin and soil organic carbon content determine the growth and yield of Amorphophallus muelleri Blume

Amorphophallus muelleri Blume locally called Iles-iles or porang becomes a new commercial commodity in Indonesia. The tuber as the most economic value contains high glucomannan. It has been speculated that the high variation in production among farmers is due to different planting materials and soil organic carbon (SOC). Thus, the research aimed to evaluate the growth and yield of A. muelleri from different planting materials and levels of SOC. The research was carried out at Leuwikopo Experimental Station IPB Bogor from December 2021 to August 2022, using a nested design. The main plot was the level of SOC (2%, 3%, 4%, 6%), and the sub-plot was planting materials (seeds, bulbils, and tubers from leaf cuttings). The results showed SOC status determined growth and yield. Plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, canopy width, leaf greenness, number of tubers, weight, and size of tubers, stomatal conductance, and intercellular CO2 were significantly affected by SOC level. SOC at a level of 6% stimulated the highest growth and yield. Planting materials also determined the growth and yield. Plants originating from bulbils produced the highest yields, followed by tuber from leaf cuttings, and seeds. It is recommended to plant bulbils accompanied by maintaining SOC at a level of 6%.

Investigating the dynamics of upland rice (Oryza sativa L.) in rainfed agroecosystems: an in-depth analysis of yield gap and strategic exploration for enhanced production

IntroductionAddressing the global demand for rice production necessitates innovative approaches to enhance upland rice yield in rainfed agroecosystems, considering the challenges posed by increasing population, limited land fertility, low productivity, and water availability.MethodsIn this study, our study investigated the impact of biochar and organic fertilizer on ten promising rice lines (G1 – G10) and two control (G11 – G12) cultivars under rainfed conditions. The experimental design used a split-plot design with four soil amendments as main plots, namely control, organic fertilizer, biochar, and biochar + organic fertilizer and 12 rice genotypes as subplot.ResultsThe absolute attainable yield gaps, differentiating organic and control (GAP1), biochar + organic and control (GAP2), and biochar and control (GAP3), ranged from 1.5 to 3.7 or increased of 91–580%, 0.8 to 3.5 (72–560%), and 0.6 to 2.58 tons/ha (58–472%), respectively. Notably, G2 + organic exhibited the highest positive absolute yield gap, ranging from 1.1 to 5.38 tons/ha, based on the yield gap matrix. Furthermore, genotype main effect plus genotype-environment interaction (GGE) biplot analysis identified G2 as the most promising rice line, displaying superior yield performance for cultivation in biochar and organic amended soils.DiscussionThese findings provide valuable insights for farmers, governments, and stakeholders, offering a roadmap to optimize rainfed areas for rice production, serving as practical guidance to enhance overall rice productivity in rainfed agroecosystems.

Level of Resistance of S1 Lines of Corn Plants to Drought Stress

The formation of hybrid varieties by self-crossing the F2 population has been carried out, thus obtaining the first generation selfing line (S1). This research aims to determine the level of drought stress resistance of S1 lines and corn plants and the correlation between their characters and the ISC value for each stress. The method used is an experimental method with field experiments. The experiment was carried out from March to June 2023 at the location in Gumantar Village, Kayangan District, North Lombok Regency. The experimental design used was a randomized block design (RAK) in a split plot design with the main plot consisting of stress and normal treatments, while the sub plots were the S1 lines and the F2 population. The results showed that there were different levels of resistance in the S1 line. G27 has resistance with tolerant criteria, 13 lines are moderately tolerant, and 16 other lines are susceptible; Correlation criteria between characters vary with the ISC value in each stress and normal condition. Characters that are strongly correlated with the ISC value are chlorophyll A, total chlorophyll, harvest dry cob weight, and dry kernel weight. The formation of S2 lines can be done using tolerant and moderately tolerant lines.

Unravelling the effect of extraction on anthocyanin functionality and prebiotic potential

Anthocyanins, considered as prebiotic ingredients for functional foods, were extracted from black soybean (BS), black grape (BG), black carrot (BCPm), and black rice (BR) using conventional solvent extraction (CSE) and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE). The study employed a split-plot design with CSE and MAE as main plot factors and anthocyanin extracts (AEs) as subplot factors. Anthocyanins were evaluated for stability (polymeric color, degradation index) and functionality (antioxidant capacity). Prebiotic potential on Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Weissella confusa was assessed in fermented soymilk. MAE showed higher extraction yield than CSE in BG (3-fold), BS (2-fold), BCPm (1.2-fold), and BR (1.6-fold). Black grape (1255.76 mg/L) and black soybean (976.5 mg/L) had highest anthocyanin with better stability, functionality, and prebiotic potential. The SCFA concentration (propionic acid and butyric acid) increased significantly in BG fortified-fermented soymilk. Overall, anthocyanin-enriched soymilk exhibited higher prebiotic potential, with MAE as the superior extraction method for anthocyanin functionality and stability.

Effect of Irrigation Regimes and Applied Nitrogen Levels on Growth and Physiological Responses of Ryegrass

A field experiment was conducted at the Instructional-cum-Research (ICR) Farm, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat. The experiment was laid out in split-plot design with three replications. The treatments consisted of five levels of irrigation in main plot viz., I0:Rainfed, I1: Irrigation at critical growth stages, I2: Irrigation at IW:CPE ratio of 1.0, I3: Irrigation at IW:CPE ratio of 1.2 and I4: Irrigation at IW:CPE ratio of 1.4 along with four levels of N- N0: 0 kg N/ha, N1: 30 kg N/ha, N2: 60 kg N/ha and N3: 90 kg N/ha in sub- plots. The soil of the experimental site was sandy loam in texture, medium in organic carbon, available N and available P2O5, acidic in reaction and low in available K2O. The result revealed that the highest leaf area index (LAI) recorded in irrigation at IW:CPE ratio of 1.4 at all the three cuts respectively during both the years. The crop growth rate (CGR), relative growth rate (RGR) and net assimilation rate (NAR) of ryegrass as influenced by different irrigation regimes were found to be non-significant at 30 DAS while at later growth stages i.e. 45 DAS, 60 DAS, 90 DAS and 120 DAS were significantly influenced during both the years. The application of irrigation at IW:CPE of 1.4 produced higher value of CGR, RGR but the highest NAR was recorded in rainfed treatment. The data on LAI as influenced by different N levels was found to be significant in all three cuts. Application of 90 kg N/ha recorded the highest LAI. The CGR, RGR and NAR as influenced by different N levels were found to non significant at 30 DAS but significantly influenced at later growth stage i.e. 45 DAS, 60 DAS, 90 DAS and 120 DAS during both the years. The highest data on CGR and RGR were recorded in 90 kg N/ha but the highest NAR was found in 0 kg N/ha.

Growth and Yield of Komak Beans (Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet) with Application of Photosynthetic Bacteria PNSB under Shade

The research was conducted to determine the effect of the application of PNSB on the growth and yield of komak beans under shade. The experiment was arranged in a Split Plot Design, consisting of two factors, namely shade as the Main Plot and concentration of PNSB as Sub-Plots. The shade consists of two levels (no shade and 50% shade). The PNSB concentration consists of three levels (0; 5; and 10 mL L-1). Each treatment was carried out with four replications. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance and continued with Duncan's Multiple Range Test at a 5% significance level. The results showed that the effect of shade was significantly different on stem diameter at 70 DAP, chlorophyll content (a, b, and total), and the number of dry seeds, very significantly different to stem diameter at 105 DAP, dry pod weight, number of dry pods, dry seed weight, and light intensity. 50% shade reduces the yield component even if PNSB is provided. The effect of PNSB was not significantly different on all variables, except for the number of leaves at 35 DAP and total N content. Application of PNSB 10 mL L-1 increased the number of leaves aged 35 DAP and the total N content, both without shade and with shade, increased total chlorophyll content with 50% shade, but decreased without shade.

The Role of Net Assimilation Rate and Nitrogen Management in Optimizing Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Yield

Background: The net assimilation rate (NAR) is a physiological parameter related to leaf area and dry weight per unit of time. It is used to figure out how much grain a plant will produce. This study aims to explain the net assimilation rate of several types of rice at different doses and nitrogen application times. Methods: The research was conducted from December 2021 to April 2022. The experimental design was a split-plot design consisting of two treatment factors: the variety (main plot) and the time and dose of fertilization N (subplot). The variety factor consists of four varieties: IPB 3S (new type varieties), Inpari 33 (new high-yielding varieties), Hipa 21 (hybrids) and Mentik Wangi (local) at nitrogen 4 levels, namely 0 kg ha-1 (N0), 45 kg ha-1 applied when planting (N1), 90 kg ha-1 applied twice [45 kg at planting and 45 kg at panicle initiation (N2)] and 90 kg ha-1 applied three times, namely 45 kg at planting, 22.5 kg at the age of panicle initiation and 22.5 kg at heading (N3). Result: Results demonstrated that applying 90 kg ha-1 nitrogen fertilizer in three split applications (N3) improved agronomic performance by increasing tiller number, leaf area, dry matter accumulation, leaf nitrogen content and grain yield compared to other nitrogen regimes. Our findings newly highlight the vital influence of net assimilation rate (NAR) on panicle development, as NAR was positively correlated with panicle length. Uniquely, among all four varieties tested, the local cultivar Mentik Wangi recorded the highest NAR across N treatments.

Influence of establishment methods and seed coating techniques on the performance of direct seeded rice (Oryza sativa L.) under Periyar Vaigai command area of Tamil Nadu

Rice is a crucial staple crop cultivated extensively in command areas worldwide. In the command areas, the release of water varies due to the inadequate amount of rainfall in the source area and its proper supply. To combat such situations, direct seeding (DS) methods can be opted for; however, lacunae like excess seeds per drop, scattering of seeds, and intercultural operations like thinning, gap filling, and excess weed growth need a clear refinement to enhance the profitability of rice cultivation. Therefore, a research trial was conducted during 2022-24 at Central Farm, Agricultural College and Research Institute, Madurai, to evolve a suitable direct seeding method. The present investigation was laid out under a split-plot design comprising four main plot treatments and four subplot treatments replicated thrice. The main plot treatments comprised different seeding methods (S) and the subplot treatments comprised different seed coating techniques (P). Based on the experimental results, paper roll seeding and DS + Seed coating @ 2% KNO3 fb Bacillus sp. and Azospirillum (PR + P-KN) combination performed better on establishment with grain (6150 kg/ha) and straw yield (7824 kg/ha) respectively. Regarding the B:C ratio, OS-GP + P-KN resulted in higher with 2.64, closely followed by PR + P-KN with 2.61. The least effect was recorded in the combination of round slots in rice drum seeder and dry seeding (RS + DS). Investigating different techniques of direct seeding and seed coating is essential across various regions, particularly in regulated areas where water discharge remains unpredictable.

Evaluation of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) cultivars for some biochemical and agronomic traits under drought stress

This experiment aimed to evaluate quantitative and qualitative characteristics, tolerance to water deficit, and stability of white sugar in sugar beet cultivars. The experimental design was a split plot based on a randomized complete block design with three replications, where the irrigation levels (normal and water shortage) were assigned to the main plots and 18 sugar beet cultivars were assigned to the subplots. The result revealed that Palma achieved the maximum root and white sugar yield under normal and water deficit; furthermore, the highest indices of YP, YS, MP, STI, HM, YI, DI, REI and MRP belonged to the Palma cultivar. The results of the AMMI analysis based on white sugar yield showed that the additive effects of genotype and environment and the multiplicative effect of G×E accounted for 75.52, 17.05 and 6.76 % of the total data variance. Based on AMMI stability value, the Delta, Pars, Paya and Novodoro cultivars were recognized as stable varieties. Also, the first 2 significant components of the interaction effect (G×E) accounted for 99.12 % of interaction effects variation. Based on the biplot results of the first 2 significant components against white sugar yield, Azare and Merak were the appropriate cultivars. Finally, Based on the multi-trait stability index, Azara, Novodoro and Merak cultivars were selected as stable genotypes. In 2 years and 2 conditions, the Palma cultivar was identified as a cultivar with high yield and drought tolerance and low stability and the Merak cultivar was identified as a cultivar with white sugar yield and acceptable stability.