Maximum Dry Matter Research Articles

Influence of sowing dates and weeding regimes on growth attributes and maize dry fodder yield

Effective agricultural practices are pivotal for ensuring optimal crop yields and sustainable farming. Two critical factors that significantly influence crop productivity are the date of planting and the weeding regime. An experiment was carried out to investigate how the timing of planting and the frequency of weeding impact the growth characteristics and fodder yield of maize. The study involved three planting dates viz. 15 November (D1), 15 December (D2) and 14 January (D3) along with five different weeding regimes viz. no weeding (W0), two hand weedings at 15 and 30 days after sowing (DAS) (W1), pre-emergence herbicide (pendimethalin) + one hand weeding at 30 DAS (W2), post-emergence herbicide (pyrazosulfuran-ethyl) + one hand weeding at 30 DAS (W3), and pre-emergence herbicide (pendimethalin) + post-emergence (pyrazosulfuran-ethyl) herbicide (W4). The growth characteristics and the amount of dry fodder produced were notably affected by the timing of planting, the method of weeding and how these factors interacted. At harvest, the tallest plant (138.48 cm) and total dry matter production plant-1 (37.32 g) were recorded in the plants sown on 15 November with the application of pre-emergence herbicide (pendimethalin) + one hand weeding at 30 DAS. The maximum number of leaves plant-1 (13.33) and leaf chlorophyll content (116.60) were obtained from15 November with the application of pre-emergence herbicide (pendimethalin) + post-emergence (pyrazosulfuran-ethyl) herbicide and 14 January with the application of pre-emergence herbicide (pendimethalin) + one hand weeding at 30 DAS. The highest dry fodder yield (4.14 t ha-1) was achieved with maize planted on 15 November and treated with pre-emergence herbicide (pendimethalin) + one hand weeding at 30 days after sowing. Based on the study, it can be concluded that planting on November 15 using a pre-emergence + one hand weeding 30 days after sowing may result in the tallest plants, maximum total dry matter production and the maximum dry fodder yield of maize.

Optimizing the nitrogen application rate and planting density to improve dry matter yield, water productivity and N-use efficiency of forage maize in a rainfed region

Appropriate nitrogen (N) fertilization and planting density management are critical for efficient production of grain maize (Zea mays L.) and for environmental protection. However, the optimal N fertilization and planting density is still not established for forage maize that is cultivated to promote its vegetative growth and utilized for the above-ground vegetative mass. A two-year field experiment was conducted in the rainfed semiarid region of the Chinese Loess Plateau during the 2021 and 2022 growing seasons. The effects of N application rates and planting densities on the dry matter yields and the water- and N-use efficiencies of forage maize were studied. The experiment includes four N application rates (0, 90, 180, and 270 kg ha−1) and three plant densities (70000, 90000, and 110000 plants ha−1), covering the conventional practices of local farmers. The treatments were organized in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Averaged over the three plant densities, N application rate of 180 kg ha−1 resulted in the maximum average aboveground dry matter yield (18.6 t ha−1), crop N accumulation (228.5 kg ha−1), dry matter water productivity (51.9 kg ha−1 mm−1), and dry matter precipitation productivity (62.9 kg ha−1 mm−1) over the two years. Moreover, increasing N application rates significantly increased the soil nitrate-N accumulation (0–200 cm) but reduced the partial factor productivity of applied N fertilizer. Across the three plant densities, the two-year average soil nitrate-N accumulation was 12.6, 32.1, and 75.7 % higher with 90, 180, and 270 kg N ha−1 compared to no N treatment, respectively. The highest soil nitrate accumulation under 270 kg ha−1 N application rate in 2021 (229.5 kg ha−1) and in 2022 (329.7 kg ha−1) may cause severe nitrate leaching loss and potential soil water contamination, driven by intensive rainfalls. Averaged over the four N rates, planting density of 110000 plants ha−1 increased the crop N accumulation and PFP by 21.2 % and 15.8 % in 2021, compared to 70000 plants ha−1, respectively. The interaction of N application and planting density significantly affected the aboveground dry matter yield, crop water consumption, dry matter precipitation productivity, and crop N accumulation in 2021, but the effect was non-significant in 2022. Based on these findings, application of 180 kg N ha−1 and planting density of 110000 plants ha−1 are suggested as an efficient management strategy for improving productivity of forage maize and soil water and N resources utilization in the arid region of the Loess Plateau and similar areas.

AGROBIOLOGICAL JUSTIFICATION OF SEEDING ALFALFA YIELD DEPENDING ON VARIETY AND PERIODS OF GRASS HARVESTING

The analysis of long-term studies of seed alfalfa yield formation depending on the timing of mowing the grass stand by the phases of growth and development of the crop is presented. According to the years of research, biological groups of varieties of different geographical origin or one variety of seed alfalfa were studied in the experiments. The models of grass stand alienation included the following growth and development phases: budding, beginning of flowering and flowering. It has been established that during the research in 1986-1990 for four years of alfalfa sowing vegetation, mowing the grass stand in the budding phase leads to a decrease in the yield of feed units by 1.89-4.13 t/ha, compared to harvesting it at the beginning of flowering. The use of the first mowing of alfalfa in the flowering phase and the subsequent ones at the beginning of flowering and in budding contributed to an increase in the yield of feed units by 0.34-2.34 t/ha in the varieties Vinnychanka, Nadezhda and Yaroslavna. Sowing alfalfa of the Regina variety in the second and third years of life provided a maximum dry matter yield of 9.90-11.34 and 9.26-9.95 t/ha, respectively, for all mowing at the beginning of the flowering phase against the background of mineral fertilizers in a dose of N60 P60 K90. Sowing alfalfa of the Sinyukha variety, when mowed in the following sequence: budding - budding - budding - beginning of flowering, provided the highest dry matter yield of 10.41 t/ha under uncovered cultivation with the application of herbicide, which is 32.7-37.9% more compared to the cover crop method. During two years of intensive use of the grass stand, regardless of varietal characteristics, against the background of phosphorus-potassium fertilisers, the alfalfa variety Rosana provided the highest yield of crude protein of 3.25 t/ha when modelling mowing in the following sequence: 1st mowing in flowering, 2nd - beginning of flowering, 3rd - budding. The southern varieties Unitro and Nasoloda provided a crude protein yield of 3.04-3.21 t/ha, Banat VS - 3.18 t/ha, and the lowest was in the variety Narechena Severa - 2.52 t/ha. The highest yield of dry matter was provided by grass stands that were mowed at the beginning of flowering of seed alfalfa at a row spacing of 12.5 cm. The dry matter yield of Rosana was 13.93 t/ha and 13.77 t/ha of Angelica at a seeding rate of 8.0 million/ha.

Impact of Nano Zinc and Consortia on Growth, Yield Attributes and Yield of Rice (Oryza sativa) in Central Zone of Uttar Pradesh

This field study evaluated the effect of various nutrient sources, including NPK, farmyard manure (FYM), consortia, and nano zinc, on rice (Oryza sativa) growth, yield, and soil quality in the Central Zone of Uttar Pradesh. Fourteen treatments were tested using a randomized block design with three replications. The treatment combining 75% NPK, FYM @ 5 tons/ha, consortia, and nano zinc (T8) consistently showed superior results, with the highest plant height (97.09 cm at harvest), maximum dry matter accumulation (36.49 g/m²), and the most effective tillers (181.20/m²). T8 also recorded a significantly higher grain yield (43.6 q/ha) compared to the control (19.79 q/ha). The results demonstrate that integrating FYM, consortia, and nano zinc with reduced NPK enhances rice growth and yield, supporting sustainable rice production in the region.

Influence of Mn on dry yield and nutrient uptake by new jute variety BJRI Tossa-7

A field experiment was conducted during the year 2018-2019 at the vital place of Bangladesh Jute Research Institute (BJRI), Dhaka. The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of Mn fertilizer on the dry matter yield and potential nutrient uptake of the newly developed jute variety BJRI Tossa jute-7. The treatments used in the experiments were T1: Control, T2: RDF sole (N90P10 K30 S20kg/ha), T3: RDF + 1 kg Mn/ha, T4: RDF + 2 kg Mn/ha, T5: RDF + 3 kg Mn/ha and T6: RDF + 4 kg Mn/ha. Mn application had a favorable effect on the dry matter yield of jute. Among the fertilizers of Mn with RDF, interaction promoted the dry yield biomass compared to sole RDF and control. Maximum dry matter yield (leaves + shoots + roots) achieved (20000 kg/ha) with T5 (RDF + 3 kg Mn/ha) and minimum (6421 kg/ha) in T1 (control). Study indicated that it needs to apply Mn to obtain optimum yield production. The interaction effect of Mn, NPK and S fertilizer significantly influenced nutrient uptake by the jute plant. The uptake of nutrient found highest N (218.9 kg/ha) in T5, P (92.75 kg/ha) in T3, K (239.73 kg/ha) with T6, S (19.59 kg/ha) in T4, Fe (0.64 kg/ha) in T5, Zn (0.38 kg/ha) in T5 and Mn (0.63 kg/ha) recorded in T6. The amount of micro nutrient uptake may be arranged in the order of Mn >Zn> Fe. Considering the highest uptake of major element, it can be kept as in the order of K > N>P>S. Study indicated that a higher rate of nutrient uptake was promoted dry matter accumulation in jute. Research revealed that the rate of nutrient uptake maximized with the addition of Mn in the RDF treatment. Hence, it could be concluded that applying RDF + 3 kg Mn/ha may be a suitable dose for optimum yield production of jute. Yet, in order to draw a sound conclusion, repeating the experiment is needed. In the future, the study will be a guideline for further investigation. Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 14(1): 87-95, June 2024

Potassium Nutrition in Rice (Oryza sativa L.) for Higher Yield with Lower Sodium Uptake under Saline Conditions of Central Vietnam

Background: Potassium (K) is an essential macronutrient, improves rice yield and contributes to salt stress tolerance. This study determined the best potassium (K) application level on yield formation and the saline resistance capability of rice under salinity field conditions of central Vietnam. Methods: Experiments were comprised of five K fertilizer application rates (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 kg K2O/ha) and two rice varieties, viz, OM8104 and MNR3 for two growing seasons of 2021 and 2022. All treatments were arranged in a split-plot design with 3 replicates in Duy Vinh commune, Duy Xuyen district, Quang Nam province. Result: Potassium application affected the number of panicles per unit area, filled grain per panicle and actual grain yield of both rice varieties in both seasons under saline condition. Application of 50 kg K2O/ha reduced the soil salinity over the monitoring periods compared to the other K rates. EC values of soil were significantly higher during the hot season than the wet season showing high temperature effects. Application of 50 kg K2O/ha also accumulated maximum dry matter at different crop stages and produced the highest rice yield with 7.57 and 5.25 tons/ha for OM8104 and 7.35 and 5.18 tons/ha for MNR3 in both wet and hot seasons respectively. The harvest index could not affect significantly by K application irrespective of seasons and varieties. These increases in actual grain yields using 50 kg K2O/ha were attributed to increased filled grains per panicle, accumulation of high K+ content and K+/Na+ ratios in rice varieties in both seasons under saline field condition.

Effect of Licorice Extract and Two Different Sources of Potassium on The Yield, Quality and Storability of Onion (Allium cepa L).

Two-year studies were carried out at the Mallawi Agriculture Research Station Experimental Farm in Minia Governorate, Egypt, to study the effect of potassium sulphate, feldspar rock inoculated with releasing bacteria (RB) and without potassium fertilizer (control) as soil application and the spraying of four levels (0, 2.5, 5.0 and 10 g/L.)of licorice root extract on the growth, production, quality and storability (evaluated over three storage periods; 0, 3 and 6 months ) of Allium cepa L (onion) plants, cultivar Giza 6. All the tested treatments improved the onion plant growth and yield comparing to control. Field treatment by licorice extract(LE) at 10 g/L alone or in combination with other treatments had a greater stimulatory effect, as well as the highest contents of nitrogen, phosphorus and protein were found in onion bulbs treated by 5 or 10 g/L. (LE) with no significant differences between the two concentrations. The potassium (K) content in onion plants was significantly greater with feldspar treatment than with potassium sulphate. Results revealed that the length of the storage period has a negative effect on bulbs composition and decreased their quality. However, field treatment by LE at 5 and 10 g/L. alone or combined with other treatments and feldspar inoculated with RB reduced the progressively decreasing trend together with maintaining some better chemical composition and desired properties (The maximum dry matter content (DM) %, nitrate content (No3), total phenolic compounds (TPC), titratable acidity and the lowest moisture content) of the onion bulbs throughout long-term storage at room temperature.

Field Experiment on Integrated Nutrient Management in Aggregatum Onion (Allium cepa var. aggregatum)

A field experiment was conducted at the Department of Horticulture, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru College of Agriculture and Research Institute, Karaikal, U.T. of Puducherry during the summer season of 2023 to investigate the integrated effects of organics and bioenhancers on the growth, bulb yield and quality of aggregatum onion (Allium cepa var. aggregatum) cv ‘Perambalur Local’. The experiment utilized a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with two replications, incorporating two factors viz., fertilizers level (F1 with 6 levels) and bioenhancers (F2 with 3 levels), resulting in eighteen treatments in a factorial manner. The study materials included vermicompost, poultry manure, panchagavya and jeevamirtham, in addition to recommended Farm Yard Manure (FYM) and N, P, K fertilizers. Noteworthy observations were made in the treatment receiving Recommended Dose of FYM (RDFYM) + 75% N + Recommended Dose of P (RDP) + Recommended Dose of K (RDK) + 25% N through Poultry manure, coupled with the application of jeevamirtham at 500 L ha-1 as a soil drench thrice, coinciding with irrigation at planting, 20 and 45 days after planting (DAP). This treatment exhibited significant enhancements in various parameters including maximum plant height at 30 DAP (31.40 cm), leaf girth at 30 DAP (1.94 cm), number of leaves plant-1 at 30 DAP (25.80), fresh weight of top (12.26 g), polar (3.17 cm) and equatorial diameter of bulblet (2.94 cm), bulblet weight (9.30 g), number of bulblets plant-1 (10.00), maximum bulb yield (43.18 g plant-1 and 6.91 t ha-1) and dry matter production of bulbs (788.51 kg ha-1). These findings underscore the efficacy of integrating organic inputs and bioenhancers in optimizing the growth, yield and quality of aggregatum onion.

Prediction Models of Growth Characteristics and Yield for Chinese Winter Wheat Based on Machine Learning

In order to eliminate the limitations of traditional winter wheat yield prediction methods, the prediction models based on machine learning are used to improve the accuracy of winter wheat yield prediction. In this study, by collecting a large amount of domestic literature about wheat growth characteristics, the irrigation amount, fertilization amount, soil nutrient status, planting density, maximum leaf area index (LAImax), maximum aboveground dry matter accumulation (Dmax) and yield (Y) were chosen to develop the learning models. Using the data of the irrigation amount, fertilization amount, soil nutrient status and planting density as the training set, the regression prediction models (Gaussian process regression mode, linear regression model, regression tree mode and support vector machine model) were used to train and learn the data of the LAImax, Dmax and Y, respectively. The results show that the Gaussian regression model has the best precision compared to the other models. The coefficients of determination (R2) of the learning results of the Gaussian regression model for the LAImax, Dmax and Y are 0.9, 0.93 and 0.86, and the root mean square error (RMSE) is 0.57, 1125.1 and 640.41. Based on the data of the irrigation amount, nitrogen application amount, potassium application amount, phosphorus application amount, organic matter content, total nitrogen content, alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen content, available phosphorus content, available potassium content and planting density, the method proposed in this paper can reliably predict the LAImax, the Dmax and Y of winter wheat. The results also have certain reference significance for the yield prediction of other crops.

The biochemical characteristics of pink tomato fruits (<i>Solanum lycopersicum</i> L.): mature and after storage

Relevance. Tomato pink-fruit cultivars and hybrids are of interest for fresh consumption. The biochemical parameters are influenced by the varietal factor and by the growing conditions. It is known that mature tomatoes record low storability. The softening of the fruit is caused by ethylene produced in the ripening fruit. Then pectinase enzymes are synthesized in the fruit tissues, under the action of which the cell walls of the fruit soften. Breeders are creating tomato cultivars whose fruits could be stored for a long time without losing their tasty. The aim of the investigation was to study the biochemical parameters of pink-colored tomato fruits under different ripening conditions. Materials and methods. The plants were grown on the experimental fields of the Laboratory for Breeding and Seed Production of Solanaceae crops. In the Analytical Department, the biochemical composition of pink tomato fruits was studied during harvesting from the field and after laying for storage in the milky ripeness phase according to the following indicators: dry matter, ascorbic acid, total content of water-soluble antioxidants, titratable acidity, monosaccharides, polyphenols and carotenoids. Results. The breeding accession F4 (Lotos x Z6) showed maximum dry matter and monosaccharide content both after storage and in mature fruits. The same sample as F5 (Lotos x Z6) showed the highest ascorbic acid content after storage. Other parameters before and after storage in these samples were comparable. Whereas, breeding accession F6 (Z6 x Lotos) stood out in terms of maximum content of sum of antioxidants in alcoholic extract and content of water-soluble antioxidants after storage.

Valores de referência para diagnose nutricional da palma-forrageira ‘Gigante’ pelo método da linha de fronteira

Abstract The objective of this work was to determine reference values for nutritional diagnosis of ‘Gigante’ cactus pear cultivated with organic fertilization under semi-arid conditions by boundary line approach. The contents of nutrients, determined in samples collected in newly mature cladodes, dry matter yield (DMY), and nutrient extraction of 72 plots of an experiment with ‘Gigante’ cactus pear, fertilized with cattle manure, were used to establish the reference values. The lower (L1) and upper (Lu) limits of the reference values were determined by fitted regression of DMY (y) as a function of nutrient contents in cladodes (x), considering a percentage of the maximum dry matter yield (slope = 0). The reference values, established by boundary line approach for macronutrients and micronutrients, are accurate for the nutritional diagnosis of ‘Gigante’ cactus pear and determine classes for interpretation of nutritional status. The normal reference values established for macronutrients, in g kg−1, are: N (≤11.2 – <19.0), P (≤1.0 – <2.1), K (≤26.7 – <44.2), S (≤0.9 – <2.1), Ca (≤22.1 – <32.6), and Mg (≤9.1 – <13.0); and micronutrients, in mg kg−1, are: B (≤21.6 – <33.5), Cu (≤1.7 – <4.8), Fe (≤49.0 – <125.4), Mn (≤0.0 – <680.4), Zn (≤28.3 – <80.6), and Na (≤19.3 – <72.2).

Performance of advanced breeding lines of brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) under hill zone of Karnataka

An experiment was carried out to assess performance in twenty advanced breeding of brinjal along with three checks (Arka Keshav, Arka Neelanchal Shyama and Devanur Local) during Summer season 2022- 2023 at College of Horticulture, Mudigere. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications. The results indicated that highest number of primary branches (17.52), number of fruits per cluster (3.19), fruit setting percentage (73.67 %), number of fruits per plant (37.45) and fruit yield per plant (1.78 kg) recorded in line CHMB-2, days to first flowering (28.22 days) and days to first harvest (37.04 days) recorded minimum days in CHMB-11, maximum number of flowers per cluster (7.06) recorded in CHMB -13, highest plant height in CHMB-6 (66.35 cm), maximum fruit length and fruit diameter in CHMB-18 (14.90 cm) and Arka Neelanchal Shyama (67.49 mm) respectively. With respect to quality parameters, maximum dry matter content (12.13 g/100 g) and minimum moisture content (86.97 %) recorded in CHMB – 7, highest fruit phenol content recorded in Arka Keshav (72.54 mg/100g).

Post-Harvest and Sensory Quality Performance of Open Pollinated Cauliflower Cultivars for Mid-season at Dang District of Nepal

The study was conducted at Tulsipur, Dang, Nepal for two years (2021 and 2022 A.D.) to assess the postharvest quality performance of open pollinated (OP) cauliflower curd. Five OP cauliflower cultivars viz. Kathmandu Local, Khumal Jyapu, Agheni, Terai-1 and Terai-2 (seed sourced from Nepal Agriculture Research Council, Khumaltar, Lalitpur) were replicated four times in Randomized Complete Block Design. Freshly harvested curds from respective plots were considered in postharvest and sensory study. Maximum curd dry matter (15.91%) and Vitamin C content (37.94 mg/100 gm) was recorded in Khumal Jyapu whereas, maximum leaf dry matter (12.53%) and TSS (7.1830Brix) were recorded in Aghani. The color score (8.913) and overall appearance score (7.908) were maximum in Khumal Jyapu. The curd compactness score (7.475) and overall acceptance score (8.133) were recorded maximum in Aghani. The lowest physiological loss in curd weight with jacket leaves (8.193%) was recorded in Khumal Jyapu after 3 days after harvesting (DAH) whereas; the lowest physiological loss in curd weight recorded in Aghani were 13.47%, 19.32%% and 25.06% at 5, 7 and 9 DAH respectively. Similarly, the lowest physiological loss in curd weight without jacket leaves recorded in Khumal Jyapu were 10.45%, 14.82%, 22.83% and 29.77% at 3, 5, 7 and 9 DAH respectively. The lowest spoilage losses of curd along with and without jacket leaves recorded in Aghani were 33.27% and 38.77% respectively. Considering the economically important postharvest attributes Khumal Jyapu and Aghani were found to be the suitable mid-season cultivars in Dang condition.

Influence of integrated nutrient management on growth, yield and quality of mustard (Brassica Juncea L.)

A field experiment was conducted during rabi 2020- 2021 at Experimental Farm, Agronomy, Oilseeds Research Station with objectives of to study the influence of integrated nutrient management on growth, yield and quality of mustard. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with 8 treatments each with three replications. The results of the experiment indicated that combined application of RDF + Vermicompost @ 2.5 t/ha (T3) observed significantly maximum growth parameters, dry matter, yield attributes and yield. The application of RDF + Vermicompost @ 2.5 t/ha (T3) recorded the significantly highest oil content. The application of RDF + Vermicompost @ 2.5 t/ha (T3) obtained maximum net returns. Highest B:C ratio was obtained with the application of RDF + Vermicompost @ 2.5 t/ha (T3).

Physiological Characteristics, Crop Growth and Grain Yield of Twelve Wheat Varieties Cultivated in the North China Plain

Climate change and water resource shortages have become important problems limiting winter wheat production in the North China Plain (NCP). Understanding the physiological characteristics of different wheat varieties and their relationship with crop growth and yield is of great importance for addressing climate change through a scientific approach, adopting reliable wheat varieties, and ensuring food production. This study was conducted throughout three winter wheat seasons from 2018 to 2021. The crop growth, physiological indicators, crop yields, and water productivity (WP) of 12 wheat varieties widely cultivated in the NCP were measured to investigate the relationships between physiological characteristics and crop yield. The results showed that among the three wheat seasons, the maximum plant height of each wheat variety was relatively stable, while the changes in maximum plant density (PDm), maximum leaf area index (LAIm), and maximum dry matter (DMm) were highly variable. The gas exchange parameters and fluorescence parameters of wheat flag leaves varied with growth stage, and certain varieties were sensitive to water stress. The wheat grain yield, seasonal crop evapotranspiration (ETa), and WP of the 12 varieties were similar in the 2019–2020 and 2020–2011 seasons and were approximately 25%, 7%, and 19% higher than those in the 2018–2019 season, respectively, in which there were consecutive cool events in the winter and spring. Generally, the grain yields were positively correlated with PDm, LAIm, DMm, ETa, the harvest index, and WP, at a significance level of 0.01. The high-yield wheat varieties had higher photosynthetic rates in the middle and late grain-filling stages. Based on these relationships, high-yield wheat varieties may be selected to address climate change in the NCP as well as other regions in the world. Considering the variations in yield and WP in the three different climatic conditions, we recommend Yingbo700, Lunxuan103, Shimai26, Shinong086, Han6172, and Hanong1412 as high-yield and drought-resistant wheat varieties to be used in the NCP.

Performance evaluation of Vetch ( Vicia spp. ) varieties in highland areas of North Shewa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia.

Abstract The study was conducted in highland areas of the North Shewa Zone, Oromia region, with the objective of identifying adaptable and high dry matter yield vetch ( Vicia spp. ) varieties in the study area. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications was employed. Vetch ( Vicia spp. ) varieties were (viz. Vicia narbonensis - (Abdeta-118), Vicia villosa L.- (Lalisa-6792), Vicia sativa L. (ICARDA-61509), Vicia sativa L. (Gebisa-62632), Vicia dyscarpa Lana and Vicia atropurpureum ). The results of the combined analysis revealed that plant height, days to 50% flowering, dry matter yield, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod and seed yield varied significantly (P<0.05) between treatments except for the number of branches per plant. The highest plant height was obtained from Vicia villosa (Lelisa) (118.40 cm), followed by Vicia dyscarpa Lana (113.89 cm) and Vicia atropurpureum (113.73 cm), while the shortest plant height was recorded from Vicia narbonensis (Abdeta) (80.82 cm). However, the plant height of Vetch ( Vicia spp. ) varieties was significant when combined over time. The maximum dry matter yield (4.76 ton ha -1 ) was obtained from Vicia dyscarpa Lana, followed by Vicia atropurpureum (3.83 ton ha -1 ) and Vicia villosa (Lelisa) (3.46 ton ha -1 ). The analysis results for the ash, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) contents showed significantly ( P < 0.05) different values among the vetch ( Vicia spp. ) varieties, except for the crude protein (CP) and acid detergent lignin (ADL) contents. Therefore, based on the performance of most parameters, the Vetch varieties Vicia villosa (Lelisa) and Vicia dyscarpa Lana were identified and recommended to livestock producers in highland areas of the North Shewa Zone, Oromia region.

Effect of Irrigation Scheduling and Fertility Management on Growth and Yield Parameters of Basmati Rice

The data revealed that the potential effect of irrigation scheduling and fertilizer management on plant height, number of tillers, dry matter accumulation (g plant-1), leaf area index, panicle length, number of panicle, number of grains per panicle and 1000- grains weight, and yields of Basmati rice. The maximum plant height and numbers of tillers were recorded in IW/CPE 1.0 up to panicle initiation stage and thereafter IW/CPE 1.2 up to dough stage and 150% RDN: 5 equal splits at 15, 25, 35, 45 & 60 DAT at all the stages of crop growth, while the minimum plant height and numbers of tillers were observed with the application of IW/CPE 0.8 throughout the growth stage and 100% RDN: 4 equal splits at 15, 30, 45 & 60 DAT at all the growth stages. Similarly, the maximum dry matter accumulation (g plant-1) and leaf area index were recorded in IW/CPE 1.0 up to panicle initiation stage and thereafter IW/CPE 1.2 up to dough stage and 150% RDN: 5 equal splits at 15, 25, 35, 45 & 60 DAT and significantly superior over rest of the treatments, while the minimum dry matter accumulation (g plant-1) and leaf area index were weighted with IW/CPE 0.8 throughout the growth stage and 100% RDN: 4 equal splits at 15, 30, 45 & 60 DAT. Yield attributing characters like panicle length, number of pancle, number of grains per panicle and 1000- grains weight exhibited variations due to different irrigation and fertilizer management. With the application of IW/CPE 1.0 up to panicle initiation stage and thereafter IW/CPE 1.2 up to dough stage and 150% RDN: 5 equal splits at 15, 25, 35, 45 & 60 DAT highest mean panicle length, number of pancle, number of grains per panicle and 1000- grains weight was recorded. The highest grain yield, straw yield and biological yield was recorded in IW/CPE 1.0 upto panicle initiation stage and thereafter IW/CPE 1.2 upto dough stage and 150% RDN: 5 equal splits at 15, 25, 35, 45 & 60 DAT and the lowest grain yield, straw yield and biological yield was recorded in IW/CPE 0.8 throughout the growth stage and 100% RDN: 4 equal splits at 15, 30, 45 & 60 DAT.

Evaluation of Bio Dynamic Compost and Bio Dynamic Compost Wash on Growth and Yield of Rice

The present investigation, was conducted in the Kharif of 2021–2022 at the Student's Instructional Farm at the A.N.D. University of Agriculture & Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya (U.P.). The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design, replicated thrice, having 8 treatments i.e. T1 (Absolute Control), T2 (Bio dynamic compost 1q/ha + 50 % RDF), T3 (Bio dynamic compost 2 q/ha + 50 % RDF), T4 (T2 + Root dipping with Bio dynamic compost wash 10 ml/ lit of water), T5 (T3 + Root dipping with Bio dynamic wash 10 ml/lit of water), T6 (T2 + foliar application of Bio dynamic compost wash of 10 ml/10 lit of water), T7 (T3 +foliar application of Bio dynamic compost wash of 10 ml/ lit of water), T8 (100 % RDF. Result revealed that the highest growth attributes viz., Plant height (cm), maximum dry matter accumulation, highest number of tiller (m-2), Panicle length (cm), number of grain per panicle and test weight (gm), maximum grain yield (q ha-1), highest straw yield, maximum biological yield (q ha-1) and maximum harvest index (q ha-1) was recorded significantly over rest of the treatments in T7 (T3 +foliar application of Bio dynamic compost wash of 10 ml/ lit of water) while it recorded lowest in in T1 (absolute control) during the investigation.

Integrated application of fertilization and reduced irrigation improved maize (Zea mays L.) yield, crop water productivity and nitrogen use efficiency in a semi-arid region

Water scarcity as well as soil degradation and environmental problems potentially caused by excessive application of chemical fertilizers are major challenges to agricultural production in semi-arid areas. It is crucial to explore a suitable and eco-friendly strategy to achieve sustainable production of maize with high crop water productivity and nitrogen use efficiency. Here, a two-year field experiment with three irrigation levels of W1 (220 mm), W2 (140 mm) and W3 (60 mm), and five fertilization types of no fertilizer (CK), chemical fertilizer (CF), bio-fertilizer combined with CF (CFB), organic fertilizer combined with 70% CF (CFO) and bio-fertilizer combined with CFO (CFOB) was conducted to investigate the effect on dry matter, N uptake and remobilization, grain yield, crop water productivity, nitrogen use efficiency and economic benefits of maize in 2021 and 2022. The results showed that the W2 and W3 decreased in the leaf area index, photosynthetic rate, dry matter accumulation, the maximum dry matter accumulation rate and actual crop evapotranspiration. Under W1 condition, the CFB improved the growth of maize, increased the dry matter and nitrogen accumulation and yield, with 8.1% and 7.4% higher than CF in 2021 and 2022, respectively. Under deficit irrigation (W2 and W3), CFOB significantly increased the leaf area index, photosynthetic rate, dry matter accumulation at later growth stage, in addition, CFOB increased the post-silking N uptake and the percentage in total N content, finally improved the grain yield with 23.8% and 22.8% under W2, 22.5% and 25.7% under W3 higher than that of the CF in 2021 and 2022, respectively. Irrigation and fertilizer showed a coupling effect on grain yield, crop water productivity, agronomy efficiency and nitrogen use efficiency. Overall, the CFOB under moderate deficit (W2) exhibited the highest water productivity, nitrogen use efficiency and economic benefits, as well as maintained the high yield, could be a promising approach to sustainable development of local maize.

GC–MS, molecular identification, proximate and mineral content composition of two wild mushrooms (Ganoderma lucidum, Pleurotus ostreatus) from Gilgit Baltistan Northern area of Pakistan

For a very long time, diverse civilizations all over the world have recognised that mushrooms, which are the fruiting bodies of fungi, have medicinal characteristics and used to treat different kinds of human diseases. As a result of intensive research, the bioactive components of mushrooms used in Asian traditional medicine have been determined. The present investigation was designed to assess the GC–MS and molecular characterization along with proximate and mineral content properties of Ganoderma lucidum and Pleurotus ostreatus wild mushrooms. For the molecular identification of ITS metagenomics is used. For the compound identification GC–MS is used. Standard procedures are used to determine the proximate and mineral composition. A maximum dry matter contents present in P. ostreatus (96.21±0.068 %) and G. lucidum has (95.13±0.72 %). High content of moisture present in G. lucidum (4.87 ± 0.057 %) as compared to P. ostreatus. A vital amount of crude fibre in present in G. lucidum. G. lucidum has high amount of crude protein (21.87± 0.044 %), while P. ostreatus has 13.66 ± 0.80. An appreciable amount of nutritionally vital carbohydrate is present in P. ostreatus (65.15±0.946) followed by G. lucidum (34.12 ± 0.451). Higher amount of energy value (315.37±2.173 %) present in P. ostreatus as compared to G. lucidum 195.07±1.631 %, furthermore, high nitrogen free extract (61.1 ± 0.946 %), and a high free fatty (2.44±0.064 %) are present in P. ostreatus. Iron (Fe), and Copper (Cu) were abundant in G. lucidum while Zn and Mn is in lower amount. The P. ostreatus contain maximum amount of Fe followed by Zn, Mn and Cu. The FT-IR spectra of G. lucidum shows alcohol, vinyl/phenyl ester, and alkane methylene and aldehyde groups. Conjugated ketone, aliphatic ether and phenols groups present in P. ostreatus. Seventy bioactive compounds were identified in G. lucidum and P. ostreatus through GC–MS. Theses compounds contain the biological activities like; antimicrobial, antioxidant, cytotoxicity, antitumor, anticancer, anti-inflammatory and anti-androgenic. Blast sequence analysis of at NCBI shows 99 % similarities and successfully confirmed with Ganoderma lucidum (OQ117088) and Pleurotus ostreatus (OQ119156).