Maximum Leaf Area Research Articles

Evaluation of Morphological Traits in Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] Genotypes Cultivated in North-East India

The present study was conducted during the kharif season 2022 at the Vegetable Research Farm, located within the College of Horticulture and Forestry at Central Agricultural University in Pasighat, East Siang, Arunachal Pradesh, India to investigate “Evaluation of Morphological Traits in Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] Genotypes Cultivated in North-East India”. These morphological traits demonstrated significant variation among the twenty locally accessible genotypes. Qualitative traits such as growth habit, twining habit, foliage colour, leaflet shape, flower colour, pod shape, pod colour, seed shape, seed colour were recorded. Quantitative characters such as days to 50% flowering, plant height (cm), leaf area (cm²), number of clusters per plant, number of pods per cluster, number of pods per plant, pod length (cm), pod width (cm), days to harvest, number of seeds per pod, 100 seed weight (g) and pod yield per plant (g) were studied. The mean performance revealed that CHF CP-12 gave highest pod yield per plant (589.19 g), highest 100 seed weight in CHF CP-12 (24.67 g), longest pod length in CHF CP-5 (32.77 cm), longest pod width in CHF CP-10 (1.07 cm), maximum number of clusters per plant was recorded in CHF CP-12 (14.16), maximum number of pods per plant in CHF CP-17 (11.80) and maximum leaf area was recorded in CHF CP-6 (229.30 cm²). The minimum number days taken for 50% flowering was found in genotypes CHF CP-9 (45.67).

A prognostic vegetation phenology model to predict seasonal maximum and time series of global leaf area index using climate variables

Vegetation phenology models provide us with tools for understanding and predicting vegetation responses to a changing climate. Vegetation phenology can be characterized by periodic changes in leaf area index (LAI), which quantifies leaf areas per unit ground surface areas. As an essential variable in land surface studies, LAI is generally used to simulate a range of fundamental vegetation processes and is essential to the simulations of land surface processes and land-atmosphere fluxes. Yet few studies directly provide one key variable required in simulating LAI, the annual seasonal maximum leaf area index (LAISM). There is a need to develop a method for predicting LAISM and allow for simulating daily LAI time series (LAITS). In this study, we developed a Prognostic Vegetation Phenology Model (PVPM) that predicts both LAISM and daily LAITS across biomes at the site and global scales, using climate variables. The method predicts LAISM based on an improved Budyko-like function and then predicts LAITS by integrating a previously developed semi-prognostic model. Experimental results show that PVPM is suitable for simulating vegetation dynamics and provides two parameterization schemes across different biomes at both site and global levels. For different biomes, the model could explain a large variance in satellite-derived LAISM and daily LAITS at the site scale, and well capture the spatial patterns and temporal trends of satellite-derived LAISM and LAITS across the globe. Compared to results obtained from other two process-based climate models (i.e., the GFDL-CM4 and CESM2), PVPM could make predictions on LAITS that match global satellite observations well (r = 0.9 and RMSE < 0.82). This study provides a prognostic vegetation phenology model that can be used in the land surface models to forecast global LAI time series for modeling vegetation processes.

The public sector's role towards sustainable agricultural economy and rural development: Techno-economic feasibility analysis of hybrid paddy production

Rice is the major food and a significant source of foreign exchange. To meet internal demand, must develop high quality varieties of rice, including early and late maturing varieties, hybrid and conventional rice varieties. In this study evaluated the adoptability and suitability of different hybrid rice varieties in local soil. The studied hybrid varieties revealed supremacy regarding the growth characters over the inbreed rice. At the reproductive stage, highest plant height was recorded in hybrid variety ennpova-55 (106.5 cm) while inbreed IRRI-9 produced the shortest height (65.5 cm). Whereas no of highest tillers was observed in Winner-55, Tahafuz-121, and Ashoka (24/m-2) and have highest seedling number and lowest no. of tillers were recorded in Komal 21/m-2. Highest plant dry matter per hill was found in Ennova-55 (95.9/g) and lowest observed in IRRI-9 (69.8/g) as compared to others. In chlorophyll studies, highest chlorophyll parameter was observed in Ennova-08 and Pukhraj and lowest was observed only in inbreed varieties. Shoot and root length showed significant variation among the rice. Tallest shoot was found in Ennova-55 (82.3 cm) which was statistically identical with Thafuz-121 (78.1cm), while shortest was found in IRRI-9 (54.1 cm) at harvest. However, the maximum Leaf area index was recorded from Komal (4.50) at heading stage followed by Ennova-55 (4.20), whereas significantly lower in Shakar (2.70). Compared with inbreed, hybrid rice produced a higher yield with BCR of 21.96. However, further research studies are obligatory to perform for adoptability of hybrid rice locally for sustainable rice production.

Effect of Different Seed Treatment and Media on Shoot Growth of Ashwagandha, Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal

Indian Ginseng or Ashwagandha, is one of the most important Under the present study the seeds were soaked with treatment (S1) GA3 (250 ppm - 24 h.) recorded maximum germination percentage (66.11 %) and maximum plant height at 15 (3.00), 30 (8.38), 45 (15.98), 60 (25.20), 75 (34.05), 90 (42.98), 105 (52.07) and 120 (59.02) days, respectively. Maximum no. of branches/plant at 15 (0.0), 30 (0.22), 45 (0.71), 60 (1.73), 75 (1.76), 90 (2.80), 105 (3.0) and 120 (3.84) and no. of leaves/plant were also recorded higher in S1 at 15 (3.42), 30 (7.67), 45 (20.42), 60 (33.11), 75 (41.62), 90 (55.98), 105 (67.24) and 120 (75.87) DAS respectively. In the Similar treatment, no. of leaves were also found superior over other treatments with maximum total leaf area (33.57 cm2), shoot fresh weight (55.06 g), shoot dry biomass (38.34 g), plant fresh weight (60.10 g) and plant dry weight (18.77 g) as compared to other treatments applied.&#x0D; The treatment (M3) media combination of Red soil + Vermicompost + FYM (1:1:1) gave significantly highest results in context to seed germination percentage (71.94 %), total leaf area (32.08 cm2), shoot fresh weight (58.70 g), shoot dry biomass (40.91 g), plant fresh weight (64.05 g) and plant dry weight (19.82 g), respectively. In same treatment, highest plant height at 15 (3.29), 30 (9.78), 45 (18.14), 60 (26.85), 75 (35.54), 90 (44.13), 105 (55.03) and 120 (60.17), no. of branches/plant at 15 (0.0), 30 (0.27), 45 (0.68), 60 (1.89), 75 (1.97), 90 (2.87), 105 (2.90), 120 (3.83) and no. of leaves/plant at 15 (3.72), 30 (8.46), 45 (22.46), 60 (35.23), 75 (43.91), 90 (55.87), 105 (67.47) and 120 (75.92) respectively were recorded.&#x0D; Interaction effect between pre-sowing treatment and different media was observed significant in seed germination percentage and maximum (80 %) in the treatment S1M3.

ОЦЕНКА ПОКАЗАТЕЛЕЙ ФОТОСИНТЕТИЧЕСКОЙ ДЕЯТЕЛЬНОСТИ ПОСЕВОВ TRITITRIGIA CZICZINII TZVEL. В УСЛОВИЯХ МОСКОВСКОЙ ОБЛАСТИ

The study of the photosynthetic activity of crops allows us to more fully characterize the agricultural crop and identify signs that can later be used in the breeding of this crop and obtaining highly productive varieties. The research was conducted in the conditions of the Moscow region in 2021-2022. The objects of research were the variety of a new synthetic culture of trititrigia - Pamyati Lyubimovoy, the line of trititrigia M12 and the variety of winter wheat Rubezhnaya. In 2021, the line № 3202 had the maximum leaf area (23.2±4.4 thousand m2/ha), and the Pamyati Lyubimovoy had the maximum value of photosynthetic potential (366.5±19.5 (thousand m2 x day)/ha). The highest biological yield capacity of trititrigia was 506.4±52.7 g/m2 (M12), while the biological yield capacity of Rubezhnaya was 722.9±106.8 g/m2. In 2022, the largest leaf area and photosynthetic potential were noted on trititrigia of Pamyati Lyubimovoy variety (48.81±6.1 thousand m2/ha, 754.5±133.4 (thousand m2 x day)/ha, respectively). The greatest biological yield capacity of trititrigia was observed in the Pamyati Lyubimovoy variety (693.1 ± 29.7 g/m2). Biological yield capacity of winter wheat Rubezhnaya reached 1056.9 ±69.5 g/m2. Thus, the morphological and biological features of trititrigia are largely reflected in photosynthetic indicators and differ from photosynthetic processes occurring in winter wheat crops.

Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Growth and Yield of Beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) cv. Ruby Queen

A field experiment was carried out to study the effect of integrated nutrient management on the growth and yield of beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) cv. Ruby Queen. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design using ten treatments and three replications at the college farm of the Department of Horticulture, Tilak Dhari PG College, Jaunpur, (U.P.) during the rabi season of 2021-22. Integration of nutrient sources was comprised in the form of treatments viz. T1 - 100% NPK of RDF (70:110:70 Kg/ha), T2 -75% NPK of RDF + FYM (10 t/ha) + Azotobacter (10 Kg/ha) + PSB (10 Kg/ ha), T3 - 75% NPK of RDF + VC (3 t/ha) + Azotobacter (10 Kg/ha) + PSB (10 Kg/ha), T4 - 75% NPK of RDF + FYM (5 t/ha) + VC (1.5 t/ha) + Azotobacter (10 Kg/ha) + PSB (10 Kg/ha), T5 - 50% NPK of RDF + FYM (10 t/ha) + Azotobacter (10 Kg/ha) + PSB (10 Kg/ha), T6 - 50% NPK of RDF + VC (3 t/ha) + Azotobacter (10 Kg/ha) + PSB (10 Kg/ha), T7 - 50% NPK of RDF + FYM (5 t/ha) +VC (1.5 t/ha) + Azotobacter (10 Kg/ha) + PSB (10 Kg/ha), T8 - 75% NPK of RDF + FYM (10 t/ha), T9 - 50% NPK of RDF + VC (3 t/ha) and T10 - Control. Among all treatments, T4 (75% NPK of RDF + FYM + VC + Azotobacter + PSB) performed best for growth and yield parameters recorded significantly minimum number of days required for 80 percent germination of seedlings (2.68 days), highest plant height (50.24 cm), most leaves per plant (13.53), maximum leaf area (3227.50 cm2), higher chlorophyll content index (21.76), maximum root length (16.23 cm), root diameter (7.73 cm), root yield per plant (220.14 g), root yield per plot (4.40 Kg), root yield per hectare (22.014 t), and highest harvest index (0.91) was observed.

Development and application of a vegetation degradation classification approach for the temperate grasslands of northern China

To establish a unified grassland degradation assessment system, this study proposed a classification approach using a statistical method based on the percent decrease in the annual maximum leaf area index from a long time series of remote sensing data. The obtained classification thresholds for vegetation degradation were temporally stable and spatially universal and were thus well-suited as a new standard. They were specific for different temperate grassland types and applicable to large and heterogeneous areas. Meadow steppes had the lowest degradation thresholds, sensitive to changes in plant growth, desert-related steppes had the highest thresholds, and typical steppes had intermediate thresholds. We then used the obtained thresholds to assess the degradation status of temperate grasslands in northern China from 1981 to 2017. Degraded grasslands accounted for 8.2 % (1.72 × 107 ha), of which moderately, severely, and extremely severely degraded grasslands accounted for 38.6, 34.9, and 4.6 %, respectively. More than half (∼67 %) of the degraded grasslands in northern China occurred in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, and these were dominated by severely degraded grasslands. About 20 % of all degraded grasslands in northern China occurred in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, and were dominated by moderate degradation. These results were highly consistent with the Chinese national standard regarding the total degraded area. However, differences occurred in specific grassland degradation levels and grassland types. Therefore, compared with traditional approaches, the new approach provided a more accurate degradation assessment, which is crucial for protecting and restoring the different temperate grasslands of China.

Variety and seeding rate influence on the parameters of soybean productivity in the Moscow region

The influence of varietal specificity and the seeding rate on the formation of leaf surface of plants, elements of the yield structure, number of generative traits, and the yield of soybean varieties were studied. The research was carried in the Moscow region in 2021, 2022. 12 variants were planted in the experiment: four seeding rates (400, 500, 600 and 700 thousand pieces/ha) for three varieties (Bara – standard, Hidaka, Sibiryachka). In 2021, leaf apparatus development was more intensive on Hidaka plants, and the leaf area increased with a decrease in the seeding rate. On average for 2021 and 2022, the maximum leaf area of the Bara variety was formed in the variant with a seeding rate of 600 thousand pieces/ha – 33.09–40.81 thousand m2/ha. The maximum number of flowers was recorded in all the variants with a seeding rate of 400 thousand seeds/ha. In the Bara variety, the flowers were formed uniformly across the variants relative to the year of the study. Differences by 2–3 pieces per plant were noted in the variants with seeding rates of 500 and 700 thousand pieces/ha. In 2022, the number of beans in the plants of the Bara variety exceeded the index of 2021 by 6.9 % at a seeding rate of 600 thousand pieces/ha, by 28.8 % at a seeding rate of 400 thousand pieces/ha. Excess weight of 1 thousand seeds in the Hidaka variety relative to the standard amounted to 43.2–48.4 %. Maximum weight of 1 thousand seeds was obtained in both years of the study in the variant with a seeding rate of 400 thousand seeds/ha – 220.5 and 218.9 g, respectively. The maximum yield was observed in the variety Hidaka at a seeding rate of 400 thousand pieces/ha – 4.18 tons/ha. The gain compared to the control amounted to 18.75 %. As a result of the research it was found that the seeding rate of 400 thousand pieces/ha had a greater positive effect on soybean productivity indicators.

Simulating heat and CO2 fluxes in Beijing using SUEWS V2020b: sensitivity to vegetation phenology and maximum conductance

Abstract. The Surface Urban Energy and Water Balance Scheme (SUEWS) has recently been introduced to include a bottom-up approach to modeling carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and uptake in urban areas. In this study, SUEWS is evaluated against the measured eddy covariance (EC) turbulent fluxes of sensible heat (QH), latent heat (QE), and CO2 (FC) in a densely built neighborhood in Beijing. The model sensitivity to maximum conductance (gmax) and leaf area index (LAI) is examined. Site-specific gmax is obtained from observations over local vegetation species, and LAI parameters are extracted by optimization with remotely sensed LAI obtained from a Landsat 7 data product. For the simulation of anthropogenic CO2 components, local traffic and population data are collected. In the model evaluation, the mismatch between the measurement source area and simulation domain is also considered. Using the optimized gmax and LAI, the modeling of heat fluxes is noticeably improved, showing higher correlation with observations, lower bias, and more realistic seasonal dynamics of QE and QH. The effect of the gmax adjustment is more significant than the LAI adjustment. Compared to heat fluxes, the FC module shows lower sensitivity to the choices of gmax and LAI. This can be explained by the low relative contribution of vegetation to the net FC in the modeled area. SUEWS successfully reproduces the average diurnal cycle of FC and annual cumulative sums. Depending on the size of the simulation domain, the modeled annual accumulated FC ranges from 7.4 to 8.7 kgCm-2yr-1, compared to 7.5 kgCm-2yr-1 observed by EC. Traffic is the dominant CO2 source, contributing 59 %–70 % to the annual total CO2 emissions, followed by human metabolism (14 %–18 %), buildings (11 %–14 %), and CO2 release by vegetation and soil respiration (6 %–10 %). Vegetation photosynthesis offsets only 5 %–10 % of the total CO2 emissions. We highlight the importance of choosing the optimal LAI parameters and gmax when SUEWS is used to model surface fluxes. The FC module of SUEWS is a promising tool in quantifying urban CO2 emissions at the local scale and therefore assisting in mitigating urban CO2 emissions.

Plant growth and seed yield in annual chrysanthemum as influenced by growth chemicals and pinching

A field experiment was conducted at Horticulture Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi to know the effect of pinching, gibberelic acid (GA3) and salicylic acid (SA) on growth and seed yield characters of annual chrysanthemum. The treatments constituted of two level of pinching i.e. no pinching and pinching and each at three levels i.e. GA3 (100 ppm, 200 ppm and 300 ppm) and SA (100 ppm, 150 ppm and 200 ppm) along with control (distilled water). Significantly maximum no. of primary branches/plant, stem diameter, fresh weight of leaf, no. of seeds/peduncle, weight of seeds/peduncle and seed yield/plant was recorded with pinching. However, early seed ripening was noted with no pinching treatment. GA3 at 100 ppm exhibited maximum no. of primary branches/plant. Significantly maximum leaf area index was observed with GA3 300 ppm treatment. Among various doses of salicylic acid, SA 100 ppm recorded maximum plant spread, no. of seeds/peduncle, weight of seeds/peduncle seed yield/plant and test weight of seed. Maximum fresh weight of leaf was observed with SA 150 ppm. However, maximum stem diameter was registered with SA 200 ppm. Interaction of pinching with GA3 and SA gave significant effect on all growth and seed parameters except no. of primary branches/plant, stem diameter and fresh weight of leaf.

Effect of Shoot Bending at Different Time on Production and Quality of Hybrid Tea Rose Cultivar Minu Pearle

A field experiment was undertaken from September to March for two consecutive years (2020 and 2021) to find out the best time for shoot bending in Hybrid Tea rose. Growth and development of rose cultivar Minu Pearle, was significantly influenced by shoot bending at different time (4th week of September to 4th week of December). Among the treatments tallest plants &amp; maximum leaf area was produced in plants bended on T5 whereas, the plant canopy was registered to be maximum in 2nd week of December. The highest rate of shoot elongation at 15 &amp; 30 days after shoot bending was noted in second week of November and October respectively. Application of shoot bending on 2nd week of October recorded early blooming and slowest flower bud emergence was registered in T5whereas, delayed sepal reflex and maximum days taken to attain cup shape was observed in T6. In terms of flower quality parameters like length and diameter of flower bud and pedicel and weight of individual flower, T5 proved to be superior. Shoot bending applied on 2nd week of November (T4) produced long and thick stalks. Among the treatments maximum number of flowers, longest self and vase life, highest dry matter production from leaves and stem, greater chlorophyll and anthocyanin content was observed in T5.

Revisiting and attributing the global controls over terrestrial ecosystem functions of climate and plant traits at FLUXNET sites via causal graphical models

Abstract. Using statistical methods that do not directly represent the causality between variables to attribute climate and plant traits as controlling ecosystem functions may lead to biased perceptions. We revisited this issue using a causal graphical model, the Bayesian network (BN), capable of quantifying causality by conditional probability tables. Based on expert knowledge and climate, vegetation, and ecosystem function data from the FLUXNET flux stations, we constructed a BN representing the causal relationship of climate–plant-trait–ecosystem functions. Based on the sensitivity analysis function of the BN, we attributed the control of climate and plant traits over ecosystem functions and compared the results with those based on random forests and correlation analysis. The main conclusions of this study include the following: BN can be used for the quantification of causal relationships between complex ecosystems in response to climate change and enables the analysis of indirect effects among variables. The causality reflected in the BN is as good as the expert knowledge of the causal links. Compared to BN, the feature importance difference between “mean vapor pressure deficit and cumulative soil water index” and “maximum leaf area index and maximum vegetation height” reported by random forests is higher and can be overestimated. With the causality relation between correlated variables constructed, a BN-based sensitivity analysis can reduce the uncertainty in quantifying the importance of correlated variables. The understanding of the mechanism of indirect effects of climate variables on ecosystem functions through plant traits can be deepened by the chain casuality quantification in BNs.

Evaluation of Summer Marigold Hybrids for Agro Economic Traits under Prayagraj Agro-Climatic Condition

Evaluation of ten marigold varieties/ hybrids of African marigold, has been taken up at Vegetable farm, Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology &amp; Sciences, Prayagraj (UP) during 2022-23 The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications. The analysis of variance revealed significant variation for most of the parameters. The result revealed that highest plant height (T10) (92.93 cm), number of branches (T7) (27), was noted in recorded maximum leaf area index (T7) (3.25 cm) and flower bud initiation (T10) (45). Earliest 50% flowering (T10) (57 days). No. of flower per plant highest in (T7) (78), highest yield per plot (873.34 g) and yield hactare-1 (4.37 t.) in (T7) Pusa Basanti.

Response Characteristics of Photosynthetic Productivity to the Canopy Spatial Distribution Pattern of Larix kaempferi

The spatial distribution of the forest canopy plays an important role in the transpiration and photosynthetic capacity of trees, ultimately affecting their growth and biomass production. Despite its importance, how canopy photosynthetic productivity enhancement depends on canopy spatial distribution remains unclear. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a study on Larix kaempferi (Lamb.) Carrière (L. kaempferi) plantations in Gansu, China, investigating the relationship between canopy height, leaf area, seasonal variations in canopy spatial distribution, and photosynthetic parameters. The results showed that the net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and transpiration rate of L. kaempferi increase with greater canopy height, while photosynthetically active radiation shows the opposite trend. Canopy photosynthetic productivity peaked in April, May, and June when the height in the canopy was 40%, followed by 20%, and then 30% from the perspective of spatiotemporal canopy spatial distribution. Maximum leaf area (10.7 m2) and photosynthesis productivity (919.6 mg·C·h−1) were observed when the height in the canopy ranged from 48%–59%. The changes increased sunlight exposure (75%–88%, 88%–100%) in different canopy areas. Additionally, there was a decrease in the amount of space covered by shade (25%–38%, 50%–63%, and 63%–75%), depending on the specific region within the canopy. By scientifically managing stand density, the canopy spatial distribution can be optimized for photosynthesis, resulting in maximum light interception rates, enhanced photosynthetic capacity, and reduced “non-functional canopy”. These findings offer effective and scientifically informed management strategies for the forestry industry. By optimizing the structure of the canopy, specifically in L. kaempferi, these strategies aim to maximize photosynthetic productivity.

Influence of diet, growth stimulators and means of protection on the productivity of milk thistle in the steppe zone of the Volga region

The results of studies of milk thistle productivity depending on soil and climatic conditions, doses and timing of mineral fertilizers, microelements, growth stimulants, plant protection products are presented. It was revealed that the formation of the assimilation apparatus and biomass is directly related to the regime of mineral nutrition, the treatment of seeds, crops with growth stimulants and plant protection products. The maximum leaf area (48.0 thousand m2/ha) and dry biomass (4.8 t/ha) were in the phase of the beginning of fruit formation when fertilizers were applied at a dose of N90P90K60 (1.50 t/ha), which is higher than the control (without fertilizers) by 0.6 t/ha (40.0%). In wet years, the increase in seed yield after the application of fertilizers was 1.2–1.5 times higher compared to years characterized by drought. Various doses of fertilizers had a significant effect on the oil content: at the optimal dose (N90P90K60), it increased to 30.2%, which is 12.0% higher than in the control. The content of flavolignans at the maximum dose of fertilizers increased to 3.70%, protein - up to 23.7% compared with the control (by 2.90 and 19.1%, respectively). The apllication of the growth stimulator Gibbersib in combination with microelements (Gumat 7) against the background of mineral fertilizers contributed to more intensive growth and development of milk thistle, and also increased the germination of both laboratory and field during the entire growing season (by 5.2–8.3%) and by the time of harvesting (by 2.8–8.2%). The highest yield of milk thistle seeds (1.06 t/ha) was after application of the complex microfertilizer Humat 7 and growth stimulator, respectively, compared with the control and moderate dose.

Synergistic Effect of Organic and Biofertilizers on Strawberry Cultivation

In the contemporary era, the excessive use of chemical fertilizers in areas where strawberries are intensively cultivated disrupts the balance of nature and reduces economic efficiency. Therefore, using organic and biofertilizers in sustainable agriculture can solve these problems. The effect of organic fertilizer and other treatments on the yield, quality, and plant growth of the Monterey strawberry variety was investigated. Solid farm manure and a liquid organic fertilizer of vegetable origin were used as basic fertilizers, while five different commercial fertilizers containing bacteria and mycorrhiza were used as complementary fertilizers. In addition, this study examined plant growth parameters, including root length, stem diameter, leaf area, yield per plant, fruit weight, pH in the fruit, SSC, acid, SSC-to-acid ratio, and plant nutrient content. The Biofarm+Botanica+Fontera microzone bacterial fertilizer (Azosprillium brasilense, Azotobacter vinelandii, Rhizobium trifollii, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis, Azotobacter chroococcum, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, and Bacillus mucilaginosus) treatment provided the best results; namely, it produced the highest total yield (250.17 g plant−1), largest fruits (18.13 g), highest SSC-to-acid ratio (18.05), and best nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium contents in the leaves. Similarly, the same treatment produced the longest root, thickest stem, and maximum leaf area. As a result of this study, it is recommended to use biofertilizers together with organic fertilizers to ensure high-quality fruit production.

Effect of PGR on Growth and Establishment of Grapes (Vitis vinifera L.) cv. Thompson Seedless under Prayagraj Agro Climatic Condition

Grapes (Vitis vinifera) is one of the important commercial subtropical crops, which is a good source of vitamins and minerals. It is grown throughout the world except the places with extreme temperature and high altitude .So, to find out Effect of PGR on growth and establishment of grapes cv. Thompson Seedless under Prayagraj agro climatic condition; a field experiment was conducted at Horticulture Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Naini Agriculture Institute, Sam higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Science, Prayagraj, U.P-211007 during the year 2022. The experiment comprised of 10 different treatment of three different plant growth regulator comprising of GA3, IAA and IBA with different concentration of 50 ppm, 100 ppm and 150 ppm; 100 ppm, 300 ppm and 500 ppm; 1000 ppm, 2000 ppm and 3000 ppm respectively. The main objective of the experiment was to evaluate the root and vegetative growth of grapevines with their success and survival in the Prayagraj agro-climatic zone. From the present investigation, treatment T9 (IBA @3000 ppm) was found best with least days to emerge from the bud from the grapes cutting (6.4 days) with maximum amount of sprouting percentage (77.7%). It also showed the best root growth parameters with maximum root length 25.1cm @120DAP and maximum number of roots per cutting 49.3 @120DAP. It also showed best vegetative growth parameters with maximum shoot length 13.4cm @120DAP, maximum stem diameter 28.1mm @120DAP, highest number of leaves with 12.5 @120 DAP, maximum leaf area 73.9cm2, maximum plant height after transplanting 14.9cm and highest survival percentage 88.8% of grapes plant. The T9 showed the best results with all major parameters when cuttings were treated with different concentrations of plant growth regulators.

A new regional cotton growth model based on reference crop evapotranspiration for predicting growth processes

Meteorological conditions and irrigation amounts are key factors that affect crop growth processes. Typically, crop growth and development are modeled as a function of time or growing degree days (GDD). Although the most important component of GDD is temperature, it can vary significantly year to year while also gradually shifting due to climate changes. However, cotton is highly sensitive to various meteorological factors, and reference crop evapotranspiration (ETO) integrates the primary meteorological factors responsible for global dryland extension and aridity changes. This paper constructs a cotton growth model using ETO, which improves the accuracy of crop growth simulation. Two cotton growth models based on the logistic model established using GDD or ETO as independent factors are evaluated in this paper. Additionally, this paper examines mathematical models that relate irrigation amount and irrigation water utilization efficiency (IWUE) to the maximum leaf area index (LAImax) and cotton yield, revealing some key findings. First, the model using cumulative reference crop evapotranspiration (CETO) as the independent variable is more accurate than the one using cumulative growing degree days. To better reflect the effects of meteorological conditions on cotton growth, this paper recommends using CETO as the independent variable to establish cotton growth models. Secondly, the maximum cotton yield is 7171.7 kg/ha when LAImax is 6.043 cm2/cm2, the corresponding required irrigation amount is 518.793 mm, and IWUE is 21.153 kg/(ha·mm). Future studies should consider multiple associated meteorological factors and use ETO crop growth models to simulate and predict crop growth and yield.

Evaluation of mulberry (Morus sp) accessions for morphological, growth and yield traits

Evaluation of forty mulberry accessions for morphological, growth and yield parameters was carried out during the year 2021-2022 at the Department of Sericulture, Forest College and Research Institute, Mettupalayam.Qualitative traits such as growth nature, leaf surface, leaf lobation, leaf color and leaf wrinkles showed distinct variations in the present study. Among the forty accessions, the highest number of shoots/ plant was recorded in MI-0845 (27.40) and the highest shoot length was recorded in ME-0247 (230.70cm).The highest Internodal length was recorded in MI-0715 (8.39cm), the maximum number of leaves per plant was recorded in MI- 0145 (584.00) and the maximum leaf area was recorded in MI-0477 (321.51cm 2 ). Specific leaf area was maximum in MI-0615 (282.50 cm 2 /g) and a maximum number of leaves per branch were recorded in MI-0817 (55.80). The maximum 100 leaf weight was recorded in MI-0828 (673.40g) and leaf dry weight was significantly high in MI-0477 (88.71 g/plant). Phenotypic correlation between a number of shoots per plant showed a significantly positive correlation with specific leaf area and number of leaves per plant. Shoot length exhibited a significantly positive correlation with internodal length, number of leaves per plant had significantly positive correlation with specific leaf area. A significant and positive correlation between growth and yield traits can be utilized for mulberry leaf yield improvement. Based on the cluster analysis, 40 mulberry accessions were grouped into seven clusters. Among the clusters, cluster I and V exhibited maximum variability. The variability existing in the forty mulberry accessions provides opportunities for breeders to select specific donors for genetic improvement.

Morfofisiologia e qualidade de mudas de Alibertia edulis cultivadas sob contrastes luminosos e resíduo orgânico

ABSTRACT Organic residue in the substrate and the availability of light influence the production of high-quality seedlings for ex situ cultivation of native forest species. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of doses of chicken manure incorporated in the soil and shading levels on the morphophysiological responses and quality of Alibertia edulis (Rich.) A. Rich seedlings. Five doses of chicken manure (CM) were tested, 0.00, 2.08, 4.16, 6.24, and 8.32 g CM kg-1 soil, under two shade conditions, 0% (full sun) and 50% shading. At 215 days after transplanting, the maximum height obtained for A. edulis was 47.35 cm with 5.64 g CM kg-1 soil under 50% shade. Shaded seedlings had a higher number of leaves. The maximum leaf and root areas were 796.64 and 118.83 cm2 with 5.32 and 4.21 g CM kg-1 soil, respectively, both under 50% shade. Seedlings in 0% shade had lower physiological indices. Shading levels did not affect stomatal limitation, but CM contributed to physiological efficiency. Shoot biomass was higher under 50% shade with higher CM doses. The highest quality indexes occurred with 3.98 and 6.28 g kg-1 CM under 0 and 50% shade, respectively. A. edulis seedlings responded positively to the addition of CM to the soil and presented plasticity under contrasting light conditions. A. edulis seedlings produced under 50% shading with the addition of 6.24 g CM kg-1 soil presented high morphophysiological and seedling quality indicators. The addition of 4.32 g CM kg-1 soil contributed to high seedling quality under full sun conditions.