Maximum Leaf Area Research Articles

Comparison of several models for estimating gross primary production of drip-irrigated maize in arid regions

Gross primary productivity (GPP) is the total amount of carbon absorbed by green plants through photosynthesis. As an important part of the global carbon cycle, photosynthesis is the process of converting solar energy into chemical energy. Therefore, accurate estimation of GPP is important for understanding the regional and global carbon flux variations. Based on the flux data of spring maize under drip irrigation in northwest China during 2014∼2018, this study compared and evaluated the simulation accuracy of several models for estimating GPP under different growing seasons and environmental conditions, and optimized the rectangular hyperbolic (RH) model. The results showed that none of these models consistently had the highest simulation accuracy over a 5-year period. The total GPP simulated by the light response photosynthetic models was closer to the observed value than the light use efficiency (LUE) model and stomatal conductance models. Under different growing stages and environmental conditions, the simulation accuracy of different models was different: (1) RH model had the best simulation effect when the maize was completely covered (i.e. LAI>2), but stomatal conductance-photosynthesis-transpiration coupling (SMPT-SB) model had the best simulation effect in the early growing stage; (2) when the soil water content was high, RH model has the best simulation effect. On the contrary, the simulation effect of the non-rectangular hyperbolic (N-RH) model was slightly better than other models; (3) the LUE model has a strong dependence on light conditions. Therefore, when Rn≤100, all the other 8 models except the LUE model could well simulate GPP. When Rn>100, the RH model had the best simulation effect; (4) when VPD≤1.5, the simulation accuracy of RH model was the highest; when VPD>1.5, SMPT-SB had the best simulation effect. To obtain parameters in the models more quickly and accurately, we improved the RH model by establishing the relationship between maximum photosynthetic rate (Pmax) and leaf area index (LAI), initial quantum efficiency (α) and LAI, and obtained the RH-LAI model. Compared with the RH model, the simulation accuracy of the improved RH-LAI model was improved. And the reliability of the RH-LAI model was verified in other sites. Therefore, the research results showed that in the regions with fewer observation indexes, we can use the RH-LAI model with a simple structure and convenient calculation to calculate the daily GPP by integrating it on the time scale.

Pursuing sustainable high‐yield winter wheat via preanthesis dry matter and nitrogen accumulation by optimizing nitrogen management

AbstractQuantitative understanding of photosynthetic production of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under N fertilizer management is crucial for achieving sustainable high grain yield with less environmental risks. A 3‐yr study was conducted to evaluate dry matter and N accumulation for sustainable high grain yield with respect to preanthesis N management of winter wheat in the North China Plain. Optimal nitrogen application rate (Opt.N) was determined by subtracting soil nitrate measured at root layers from the target N‐demand for wheat. Other treatments included no N fertilizer control, conventional farmer N practice, and 70 and 130% of Opt.N. The highest grain yield (9 t ha−1) with high N use efficiency (NUE) was attained with Opt.N rate which is predominantly attributed to high dry matter (69%) and N accumulation (94%) from sowing to preanthesis. Most remarkably, N remobilization from preanthesis contributed nearly 97% of grain N accumulation. Highest dry matter production was achieved when the critical plant N concentration reached 2.90% at stem elongation stage and 1.91% at anthesis. The maximum leaf area index and photosynthetic rate needed for high dry matter production were realized with similar critical plant N concentration during preanthesis (2.55 and 2.36 for at GS31, respectively) and at GS64 (2.01 and 1.83%). Supplying additional N fertilizer over Opt.N increased neither grain yield nor grain N accumulation but heightened environmental risks from soil N surplus. These results highlight the importance of preanthesis N fertilizer optimization and provide effective N management strategy to enable high wheat yield with high NUE.

Influence of PGPR, AM Fungi and Conventional Chemical Fertilizers Armament on Growth, Yield Quality, Nutrient’s translocations and Quercetin Content in Onion Crop Cultivated in Semi-Arid Region of India

The rhizosphere is the thin region of the soil that is directly affected by secretion from the roots and the microbes accompanying the soil, known as the root microbiome. The rhizosphere involving the pores of the soil includes many beneficial bacteria and other diverse microorganisms. The field experiment was conducted during the Kharif season at the Lasalgaon taluka of Nashik district farmers’ field, Maharashtra, India, to determine the influence of biofertilizers on onion. To study the effect of five combinations of biofertilizers compared with the recommended rate of chemical fertilizers on cash crop onion cv. Nashik Red. The treatments were control (100% RRF), Azotobacter + AM fungi, Azospirillum + AM fungi, Azotobacter + Azospirillum, Azotobacter + Azospirillum + AM fungi and Bio consortium (NPK) + Azospirillum + AM fungi. Height (64.24 ± 3.22 cm) and the number of leaves (13.58 ± 3.12) of the plant was maximum with the application of the consortium (NPK) + Azospirillum + AM fungi. The maximum leaf area (84.45 ± 2.44 cm2) was recorded in T6 and the minimum in T4 (82.45 ± 2.25). Different doses of onion plants inoculated with biofertilizers showed a significant increase in quality parameters such as neck thickness (1.12 ± 0.22cm), bulb diameter (14.45 ± 0.53cm), bulb size index (19.45 to ± 0.51 cm2), bulb weight (68.15 ± 2.27g), bulb length (6.21 to ± 1.48 cm), bulb scale (11.23 ± 1.23) was maximum in the consortium (NPK) + Azospirillum + AM fungi treated onion. Biofertilizers such as consortium treatments such as consortium (NPK) + Azospirillum + AM fungi resulted in a better morphological character, quality yield, TSS, starch, reduction sugar, quercetin contents among root colonization of mycorrhizae compared to the uninoculated control (100% RRF). The consortium (NPK) + Azospirillum + AM fungi and 100% RRF provided a maximum bulb length of 6.21 ± 1.48cm and 6.12 ± 1.59cm, respectively. The maximum number of scales per bulb (11.23 ± 1.23) was counted by the consortium (NPK) + Azospirillum + AM fungi. Plants treated with the consortium (NPK) + Azospirillum + AM fungi produced the maximum bulb weight (68.15 ± 2.27g) and the minimum (64.23 ± 2.39 g) in Azotobacter + Azospirillum. The maximum TSS (13.354 %) was noticed in T6 and the minimum in T3. The maximum percentage of starch (6.65%) and the highest percentage of reducing sugars (1.98%) were detected by Azotobacter + Azospirillum + AM fungi. Total pooled weight loss (%) up to 60 days was found to be minimal (11.87%) by Azotobacter + AM fungi followed by Azotobacter + Azospirillum (14.40%). The maximum colonization of mycorrhizae (79.9%) was recorded in the consortium (NPK) + Azospirillum + AM fungi and the minimum in the control (46.67%). It was therefore concluded that the combination of the consortium (NPK bioinoculum) + Azospirillum + AM fungi are improved for onion quality and productivity than the others in terms of sustainable production and environmental consideration.

Influence of various commercially available organic manures on growth, yield and nutrient accumulation in mint plants (Mentha sp.)

A pot experiment was set up using completely randomized design (CRD) to compare the influences of different commonly available organic manures in the markets of Dhaka, Bangladesh on the growth parameters and nutrient contents in Mint plants (Mentha sp.). Eight different manures were used as treatments for the comparison, viz. ACI, Alo, Annopurna Vermicompost, Cow dung, Kazi, Mazim, Modern Vermicompost and Trichocompost GBD, along with a control, taking three replications of each treatment. After 2.5 months (75 days) the plants were harvested. Trichocompost GBD showed the highest average number of leaves (130.33 plant-1), plant height (27.67 cm plant-1), number of branches (11.00 plant-1) and number of stolons at harvest (1.67 plant-1). The maximum average single leaf area (2.01 cm2 plant-1) and fresh weight (1.68 g plant-1) were observed in Kazi. ACI was observed to have the highest dry weight (0.26 g plant-1), whereas cow dung had the longest root (8.57 cm plant-1). Nutrient accumulation in leaf and stem exhibited the highest N in ACI, highest P and K in Alo, and highest S in Kazi. Correlation analysis of the explored traits with nutrient concentration of plant shoots was performed to elucidate the impact of plant nutrient contents on the analysed parameters. J. Biodivers. Conserv. Bioresour. Manag. 2021, 7(1): 73-84

Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill cv.VL-1) Seed Production through Organic Farming”

Present investigation entitled ‘Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill cv.VL-1) Seed Production through Organic Farming’ was carried out with the objectives to produce the fruit of high nutritional quality in sufficient quantity, maintaining and increasing the long-term fertility of soil and to avoid all kinds of pollutions that may result from agricultural techniques. It was also an objective to use renewable resources in locally organized production systems and work with a close system with regard to organic matter and nutrient. The variety of tomato used in this study namely, VL Tamator -1, released in 2003 was collected from VPKAS, Almora, Uttarakhand. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with 13 treatments and 3 replications with the combination of organic and inorganic manure namely Farmyard Manure (FYM), Vermicompost, and inorganic fertilizers NPK during the two-year cropping seasons. In the first year, the maximum field emergence per cent, maximum average height of the plants, maximum average number of leaves per plant, maximum average thickness of stem, Maximum leaf area and maximum number of flowers per plant have been recorded in T2 (15t/h vermi-compost) in comparison to T0 used as a control. This T2 combination of 15 ton per hectare vermi compost exhibited the maximum number of fruit/plants, maximum number of seed per fruit and highest weight of fruit. It was recorded that T2 exhibited the maximum average length of roots per plant and plant yield. During the second year, similar observation has been recorded where maximum achievements were obtained in field emergence per cent, height of plant, number of leaves per plant and thickness of stem. The difference among the treatments found significant for leaf area, number of flowers per plant and number of fruit per plant in T2 (15t/h vermi-compost). Similarly, the maximum numbers of seed per fruit, weight of fruit, average diameter of roots per plant, plant yield (kg/plot) were recorded highest. With the maximum adoption of organic manures can lead in high yielding of above-mentioned variety to fulfill demand of the organic produce.

ПОКАЗАТЕЛИ ФОТОСИНТЕТИЧЕСКОЙ ДЕЯТЕЛЬНОСТИ РАСТЕНИЙ И УРОЖАЙНОСТЬ СОИ ПРИ ПРИМЕНЕНИИ СТИМУЛЯТОРОВ РОСТА

This article presents the results of scientific research on the application of growth-stimulating agents in pre-sowing treatment of seeds and soybean crops by development phases in the forest-steppe conditions of the Middle Volga region. Results of researches for 2016-2018 with estimation of indexes of saving of plants, photosynthetic activity and yield of soybean at different variants of treatment of crops with growth stimulants are resulted. The use of two-component preparations in the pre-sowing treatment of seeds contributes to better completeness of shoots, the safety of plants to harvesting 61.82%. The maximum leaf area is formed in a phase of soybean blossoming and is in the range of 38.6...51.2 thousand m2/ha. Seed treatment with MegamixSemena and its mixture with Rizotorfin only slightly increases the yield (by 0.03...0.05 t/ha). The use of stimulants in the treatment of soybean crops provides a significant increase of 0.10 to 0.18 t/ha. The maximum yield of 1.62 t/ha is formed on the variant of treatment of crops by MegamixProfi against the background of treatment of seeds by mixture MegamixSemena + Risotorfin.

ФОРМИРОВАНИЕ АГРОФИТОЦЕНОЗА И ПРОДУКТИВНОСТЬ ЯРОВОЙ ТВЁРДОЙ ПШЕНИЦЫ ПРИ ПРИМЕНЕНИИ МИНЕРАЛЬНЫХ УДОБРЕНИЙ

The article shows the results of research on the development of methods for increasing the yield of spring durum wheat (Triticum Durum) in the system of application of liquid mineral fertilizers Megamix in the pre-sowing preparation of seeds, processing of crops during vegetation when applying mineral fertilizers N16P16K16 in the pre-sowing preparation of soil in the conditions of the forest-steppe of the Middle Volga region. The research was carried out at the experimental field of the Samara State Agrarian University in 2017-2020. During the three-factor field experiment, the assessment of the main biometric indicators was carried out: the completeness of seedlings and the preservation of plants in crops, the formation of aboveground mass and accumulation of dry matter, photosynthetic activity with the analysis of leaf area, the formation of photosynthetic potential and the net productivity of photosynthesis. It is established that the best indicators are formed on variants with the treatment of the seed material with Megamix Seeds or MegamixProfi preparations, followed by a two-time treatment on vegetation with MegamixProfi 0.5 l/ha (in the tillering phase)+ Megamis Nitrogen 0.5l / ha (in the phase of the flag leaf), against the background of fertilization N16P16K16. It was revealed that the completeness of seedlings is formed here at the level of 78.0 ...77.7%. The use of Megamix preparations in the seed treatment system + the treatment of crops with stimulating preparations Megamix provides the maximum increase in aboveground mass in the variant of seed treatment Megamix Seeds and treatment of crops with the preparation Megamix Pro 1582.0 g / m2, as well as a mixture of preparations Megamix Pro + Megamix Nitrogen – 1614.0 g/m2 against the background of the introduction of N16P16K16. On these variants, the maximum leaf area and photosynthetic potential of 0.776...0.981 million m2 / ha days are formed and, as a result, the maximum yield with indicators of 2.89...3.03 t / ha. It was found that the use of liquid mineral fertilizers on all variants of the experiment significantly increases the yield of spring durum wheat.

EFFECT OF DIFFERENT MULCHING MATERIALS ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF CUCUMBER (Cucumis sativus cv. Bhaktapur local), IN GOKULESHWOR, BAITADI

The experiment titled “Effect of Different Mulching Materials on Growth and Yield of Cucumber” was conducted during March to June 2021 at Gokuleshwor , Baitadi district of Nepal. Cultivar Bhaktapur local was used as principal cultivar for this research. The experiment was done by using Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Accordingly, four different mulching material,viz.silver on black polythene mulch, black polythene mulch, rice straw and wheat husk mulch were used as treatment. Each treatment was replicated five times. Un-mulched plot served as control. Results reveals that the application of mulching significiantly influence both growth and yield parameters of cucumber. The broad objectives of this study was to determine the effect of mulching on the growth and yield of cucumber plant. The primary data was obtained through experimental analysis of sample plants of each plot without replacement. Plant height and number of leaves were significantly higher when black polythene mulch was used. Similarly, maximum leaf area was shown in paddy straw mulching at 75 days of transplanting (2318 cm square) . Mulching enhances flower production by 3-4 folds and increases the amount of blooms and fruit per plant. Likewise maximum number of flowers (80.00) and fruit (65.00) were observed in paddy straw mulching. Also highest weight (33.52) and yield (16.76) is seen in paddy straw mulching. And shortest height (977cm) , least number of leaves( 402) and leaf area (1911cm square ) was observed in control at 75 days after transplanting. Due to these mentioned reasons no mulch gave lowest yield per plot. Finding of this experiment thus clearly suggest the benefit of using paddy straw mulch as well as silver and black polythene mulch in cucumber compared to the other common mulching materials.

PHOTOSYNTHETIC AND SEED PRODUCTIVITY OF SOYBEAN DEPENDS ON INOCULATION AND FERTILIZING IN THE CONDITIONS OF RIGHT-BANK FOREST STEPPE

At the current stage of world agricultural production development, soy occupies the leading place among the most critical high-protein and oil crops. Ukraine is the leader in soybean production on the Eurasian continent, however, the biological yield potential of domestic soybean varieties is not yet sufficiently realized, and therefore there is a need to find ways to increase the productivity of soybean agro phytocoenoses. The basis of the creation of the dry weight of the soybean seed crop, like any agricultural crop, is photosynthesis. The intensity of which reflects plants' reaction to the conditions of growth and development, including the technological model of cultivation. Therefore, studying laws that determine the photosynthesis process productivity is an essential way of managing the level of crop productivity. The purpose of the research was to establish the influence of seed inoculation by microbial preparation of multifunctional action Phosphonitragin and rates and terms of mineral fertilizers application on photosynthetic and seed productivity formation. Visual, measuring-weighing, calculation, and statistical-mathematical methods of observation and research were used during the research. Field research was conducted during 2013-2016 at the experimental field of the State Enterprise "DG Salivonkivske" of the Institute of Bioenergy Crops and Sugar Beet of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. The soil of the experimental site is a typical low-humus chernozem. Humus content in the 0-20 cm layer - 4.55%, easily hydrolyzed nitrogen (according to Kornfield) - 154-160 mg/kg of soil, mobile phosphorus (according to Chirikov) - 43-55 mg/kg of soil, exchangeable potassium - 94-106 mg/kg of soil, the pH of the salt extract is 6.7-7.1. The field experiment was laid according to the scheme: factor A - variety: Vilshanka (early ripening), Suzirya (medium ripening); factor B – pre-sowing seeds treatment: without inoculation, bacterial preparation Phosphonitragin; factor C – mineral fertilizer: without fertilizers (control); P60K60; N15P60K60; N30P60K60; N45P60K60; P60K60 +N15; N15Р60K60 + N15; N30Р60K60 + N15. Phosphorous and potash fertilizers were applied during the main tillage, nitrogen fertilizers were applied in accordance with the scheme of the experiment: for pre-sowing cultivation and extra-feeding of soybean plants in the budding phase. Seed inoculation was carried out by a complex bacterial preparation based on phosphorus-mobilizing microorganisms (B. mucilaginosus) and strains of nodule bacteria (Br. japonicum). In our research, both soybean varieties were characterized by a high level of leaf surface growth, but the medium-ripe Suzirya variety formed a larger leaf area in all phases of development. The most powerful in terms of size - at the level of 34.3-44.9 thousand m2/ha (variety Vilshanka) and 35.5-46.4 thousand m2/ha (variety Suzirya) - the leaf surface in soybean crops was formed in the phase of seeds swelling. The growth of the maximum leaf area was ensured by the combined action of the inoculant and mineral fertilizers in a dose of N30P60K60 + N15 – 44.9-46.4 thousand m2/ha. The highest content of chlorophyll pigments was noted for the retail application of nitrogen fertilizers - N30 in pre-sowing cultivation on the background of P60K60 and N15 in extra-feeding the budding phase. Compared with a single application of the same amount of nitrogen fertilizers sum of chlorophyll "a" and "c" content was increased by 0.26-0.30 mg/g of raw mass. Bacterization of soybean seeds by Phosphonitragin increased the content of chlorophylls a+b by 20.0-23.1%. Improvement of nutrition conditions due to the introduction of mineral fertilizers and seeds bacterization by Phosphonitragin had a positive effect on the formation of the net productivity of photosynthesis. Seed inoculation provided an increase in the dry matter by 20.0-29.1%, application of phosphorus-potassium fertilizers by 16.1-17.7%, complete mineral fertilizer by 22.0-45.0% (Vilshanka variety) and 19.1-44.1% (Suzirya variety), including the retail application of nitrogen fertilizers - by 41.0-45.0 and 37.3-44.1%, respectively. The most productive according to this indicator - at the level of 6.28-7.04 t/ha, were the options where seeds were inoculated by Phosphonitragin and N15-30Р60K60 + N15 was applied in the budding phase. In all years of research, the medium-ripe variety Suzirya formed a higher yield of dry mass. According to the results of the correlation-regression analysis, it was determined that the strength of the relationship between the yield level is significant and closely correlated with dry matter accumulation - the correlation coefficient for the Vilshanka variety is r = 0.957, for the Suzirya variety - r = 0.971. The main criterion for evaluating the performance of the photosynthetic potential is the yield level. The maximum yield - at the level of 2.86 t/ha (early-ripening variety Vilshanka) and 3.15 t/ha (medium-ripening variety Suzirya) was formed in the areas with the highest photosynthetic productivity. Compared to the absolute control the yield increase in the specified options was 53.9 and 44.6%.

Effect of Pre-sowing Treatments on Vegetative Growth and Production of Graftable Rootstocks in Mango

The present investigations “Studies on the effect of pre-sowing treatment and time of wedge grafting on production of saleable grafts in mango” were carried out in the nursery block of Fruit Science Department. The study was conducted using wild mangoes seeds. The seeds were divided in two equal halves, one half of seeds were sown with intact seed coat (K1) while, in other half the mango kernels were extracted (K2), both type of seeds were then soaked in 6 different chemicals of varying concentrations viz. C1- KNO3 @ 0.5%, C2- KNO3 @ 1%, C3- KNO3 @ 1.5%, C4- BA @ 50 ppm, C5- BA @ 100 ppm, C6- GA3 @ 100 ppm, C7- GA3 @ 200 ppm, C8- beejaaumrit @ 2%, C9- beejaaumrit @ 3%, C10- panchgavya @ 2%, C11- panchgavya @ 3% for 12 hours and C12- Control. The germination and vegetative parameters were observed. The results of study revealed that the e×tracted kernels pre-soaked with GA3 @ 100 ppm produced earliest germination, 50 % germination, high rate of germination, germination percentage, number of leaves, maximum leaf area, highest seedling vigour index, while, on pre-soaking extracted kernel with KNO3 @ 0.5% produced maximum seedling diameter. The Seedling raised from extracted kernels pre-soaked in KNO3 @ 0.5% (C1K2) attained graftable diameter within 210 days of sowing. The present investigation was conducted during 2019-2020 at the nursery block of College of Horticulture and Forestry, Neri Hamirpur (H.P) to study the effect of pre-sowing treatments on germination, growth and production of graft-able seedlings.

Comparative efficacy of different mulching materials to enhance growth and development and to control weed infestation in cotton

Abstract
 The present study was based on the hypothesis that mulching materials can directly control weeds and indirectly crop growth and development by improving soil fertility. The present study was conducted to evaluate the “Comparative efficacy of different mulching materials to enhance growth and development and to control weed infestation in cotton” at Student’s Experimental Farm, Department of Agronomy, Sindh Agriculture University Tandojam, during Kharif season, 2016, in a three, replicated randomized complete block design (RCBD). The net plot size was 4m x 3m (12m-2). There were three cotton varieties (Haridost, Shahbaz, and Sind-1), three mulching materials (wheat straw, sunflower, and banana leaves, each applied at 12 t ha-1), and a control without any mulching treatment. The study revealed that the maximum sympodial branches plant-1 (27.93), opened bolls plant-1 (47.53), the weight of seed cotton plant-1 (124.55 g), seed index (8.73 g), seed cotton yield (5394.4 kg ha-1), staple length (30.33 mm), ginning out-turn percentage (37.96%) and oil contents (22.45%) were recorded in Sindh-1 with banana leaves as mulching material. The same treatment caused the maximum leaf area (136.56 cm-2), and leaf area index (4.92 cm) in Haridost. The minimum weed density (55.00 m-2), weed fresh (293.6 g m-2) and dry biomass (122.52 g m-2) with maximum weed control (81%) was recorded with banana leaves as mulching material in Sindh-1. It can be concluded that mulching with banana leaves at 12 t ha-1 significantly reduced the weeds infestation, resulting in enhanced growth, yield, and physiological parameters of cotton crop..

Effect Of Tillage Method, Crop Residue And Nutrient Management On Growth And Yield Of Wheat In Rice-Wheat Cropping System At Bhairahawa Condition

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L), grown under traditional practices becoming less productive and less profitable in Nepal, due to ever-increasing input prices and intensive land preparation. A field experiment was conducted to find alternate practices for enhancing productivity of wheat at the National Wheat Research Program, Bhairahawa during the winter season of 2018/19 and 2019/20. The experiment plot was designed on strip-split plot design with 3 replications. Three tillage methods, surface seeding (SS), zero tillage (ZT), and conventional tillage (CT) were assigned in vertical strips with two levels of crop residue management: residue removed (R0) and residue retention (R50) in horizontal blocks, whereas three levels of nutrient management: recommended dose of NPK (F100), 25% higher dose of NPK (F125) and farmer’s practice (FP) were assigned in subplots. Data regarding growth, yield attributes, and yield were recorded and analyzed by Genstat. In the first year, ZT was better in terms of number of tillers at maximum tillering stage, maximum leaf area index, effective tiller per square meter, number of grain per spike, and straw yield compared to SS and CT; whereas in the second year SS was better in terms of growth, yield attributes and yield as compared to ZT and CT. In the first year, R(0) produced significantly higher straw yield but significantly lower harvest index (HI) than R(50) whereas in second year R(50) produced significantly higher thousand grain weight, grain yield and HI. The application of 25% more nutrients than the recommended dose resulted significantly better most of the growth, yield attributes, and yield during both years. On the average of two years, ZT produced more yield than CT and SS by 26.6% and 3.0% respectively. The short term ZT significantly increased the bulk density as compared to SS and CT. Based on the research results, it can be suggested that the traditional practices of wheat can be replaced by ZT with retention of previous crop residues and the application of 25% more nutrients than the recommended dose.

Photosynthetic productivity of grain kidney bean varieties as affected by pre-sowing seed treatment and foliar fertilization

Purpose. Reveal the influence of varietal characteristics, seed inoculation and foliar fertilization on the photosynthetic productivity of kidney bean.
 Methods. Field, laboratory, comparative, and calculation method.
 Results. The leaf area of kidney bean is increasing from the phase of the third trifoliate leaf to the flowering phase. The maximum leaf area was found at the end of flowering phase and amounted to 33.7–40.3 thousand m2/ha, varying over varieties, foliar fertilization and the use of biological products. The best fertilizer option for maximum dry matter accumulation was the double application of potassium humate in combination with pre-sowing inoculation of seeds with biological products. The highest dry matter accumulation in this fertilization treatment was demonstrated by ‘Otrada’ (5.82 t/ha) and ‘Nata’ (5.86 t/ha) varieties, reaching a maximum at the beginning of ripening. These indicators exceeded the control treatment by 0.64 t/ha or 12.4% and 0.74 t/ha or 14.5%. Photosynthetic potential reached a maximum in the interphase period "the beginning of flowering – the end of flowering" and reached a point of 0.70–0.99 million m2·day/ha. The maximum net productivity of photosynthesis in all studied kidney been varieties, except for ‘Halaktyka’, was in the period “the third true leaf – the beginning of flowering” and amounted to 3.54–4.26 g/m2 per day.
 Conclusions. The maximum amounts of the assimilation surface area (39.8–40.5 thousand m2/ha) were ensured by ‘Bukovynka’, ‘Otrada’ and ‘Nata’ varieties under the double application of potassium humate in combination with pre-sowing inoculation of seeds with biological products. The maximum values of photosynthetic potential in the conditions of research were provided by varieties ‘Nata’ (2.0 million m2·days/ha), ‘Ros’ (2.07 million m2·days/ha) and ‘Otrada’ (2.08 million m2·days/ha) under fertilization combined pre-sowing inoculation of seeds and two foliar fertilizations with potassium humate. The highest dry matter content in this fertilization treatment was accumulated by ‘Otrada’ (5.82 t/ha) and ‘Nata’ (5.86 t/ha) varieties, reaching a maximum at the beginning of ripening phase. The maximum net productivity of photosynthesis of kidney bean was achieved by ‘Otrada’ variety amounting to 4.06–4.26 g/m2 per day.

Influence of Microbial Priming on Germination and Seedling Growth Traits of Compact Cotton CO17

Cotton, known as “the King of fibers”, is the predominant fiber in the Indian textile industry. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) represent a potential sustainable alternative for the enhancement and protection of crops. The germination and seedling growth of cotton can be optimized by inoculating with PGPR. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of different PGPR strains on seed germination and seedling establishment characters on cotton. The highest germination percentage, maximum vigour index and leaf area was obtained with the PPFM TNAU1 strain inoculation. The maximum shoot and root length were observed with seeds treated with Azospirillum strain sp7 with an increase of 24.4 and 42.8% over the control. Underground fresh and dry matter was higher in seedlings treated with Azospirillum sp7 strain compared to control, while the PPFM TNAU1 strain treatment increased the aerial fresh and dry matter content because of its larger leaf area. Seeds inoculated with individual strain of Azospirillum sp7 and PPFM TNAU1 outperformed the combined inoculation of PGPR strains. The increase in germination traits and seedling characters by PGPR strains indicates the positive influence on improving cotton seedling establishment traits associated to higher yield.

Performance of Transplant Aus Rice Varieties under Different Nitrogen Management Practices

Management of applied nitrogen in rice field is one tool that could lead to increase in rice yield, but often ignored by most farmers. The experiment was carried out from April to July 2015 at the Agronomy Field Laboratory of Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Dumki, Patuakhali to find out the influence of different nitrogen management and variety on the yield performance of transplant Ausrice. The study consisted of four levels of nitrogen viz. Control (without N), 30 kg N ha-1, 60 kg N ha-1 and urea super granule @ 52 kg N ha-1 and four Transplanted aus rice varieties viz. KaliHitta, ChaitaBoro, Abdul Hai and Gota IRRI, and was laid out in a split-plot design with three replications. The levels of nitrogen were assigned in the main plot and varieties were allocated in the sub-plots. Nitrogen management, variety and their interactions exerted significant (P ≤ 0.05) influence on plant characters, yield contributing characters and yield of transplanted Aus rice. In the case of nitrogen management, the tallest plant was 161.60 cm, maximum leaf area index(2.97, the highest number of effective tillers hill-115, longest panicle 24.30 cm with the maximum number of filled grains as94.73, 1000-grain weight gave 29.97 g. Grain yield of 2.48 t ha-1 were obtained from USG @ 52 kg N ha-1 and the shortest plant height of 136.90 cm with lowest leaf area index of 1.78, lowest number of effective tillers hill-1 (8.43), shortest panicle (18.84 cm) with the lowest numbers of filled grains panicle-1 (53.18), 1000-grain weight (24.33 g) and grain yield (1.40 t ha-1) were obtained in control (N1=O, kg N ha-1). Among the varieties, ChaitaBoro gave the tallest plant height (151.60 cm) and maximum leaf area index (2.54). While the highest number of effective tillers hill-1 (12.20), longest panicle (22.42 cm) with the maximum number of filled grains panicle-1 (73.50), highest 1000-grain weight (27.41 g) and highest grain yield (2.39 t ha-1) were recorded from Gota IRRI than other varieties. In case of interaction, Gota IRRI Fertilized with USG at 52 kg N ha-1 produced the highest number of effective tillers hill-1 (16.87), panicle length (25.13 cm), number of grains panicle-1 (105.70) and grain yield (3.13 t ha-1). The lowest number of effective tillers hill-1 (8.13), lowest panicle length (17.47 cm) with minimum numbers of filled grains 47.67) and grain yield (1.12 t ha-1) were produced by the interaction of control (N1=O, kg N ha-1) and Kali Hitta. So, cultivation of transplant Aus rice (Gota IRRI) appeared to be the best performance with USG @ 52 kg N ha-1 and recommended to the end users.

Variations in Morphological Characters and Antioxidant Potential of Different Plant Parts of Four Ziziphus Mill. Species from the Cholistan.

Genus Ziziphus (Z.) contains various important species in tropical and subtropical regions that are globally famous for their food and medicinal uses. However, no comprehensive study was available on the morphology and phytochemistry of Ziziphus species, mainly under different growth conditions, i.e., irrigated and desert (Cholistan). Therefore, this study was carried out to evaluate the morphological and phytochemical characteristics of Ziziphus species, i.e., Z. jujuba, Z. mauritiana, Z. spina-christi, and Z. nummularia, found in the irrigated and desert conditions. Our results revealed significant variations for most of the measured parameters, showing a large-scale diversity among Ziziphus species under irrigated and desert conditions. Specifically, Ziziphus species showed better morphology of all measured parameters of leaves and fruits under irrigated conditions compared to desert conditions, indicating that the optimum water availability in irrigated conditions improved the morphological parameters of Z. species. Meanwhile, among all Ziziphus species, the maximum leaf length (7.4 cm), leaf width (4.1 cm), leaf area (30.6 cm2), and leaf petiole length (1.3 cm) were observed for Z. jujuba, and the highest leaf dry weight (55.4%) was recorded for Z. mauritiana. Similarly, the highest fruit length (3.9 cm), fruit stalk length (1.5 cm), fruit diameter (3.6 cm), fruit width (3.8 cm), fruit area (66.1 cm2), seed length (2 cm), and seed diameter (1.1 cm) were measured for species Z. jujuba, while the maximum fruit dry weight (49.9%) and seed width (1.4 cm) were recorded for species Z. nummularia. Interestingly, compared to irrigated conditions, higher values of bioactive contents, i.e., phenol, flavonoid, and antioxidant activity, in fruits and leaves of Ziziphus species under desert conditions indicated the positive impact of desert climate on the phytochemistry of the Z. plants. Among Ziziphus species, Z. nummularia accumulated the maximum fruit phenols (304.4 mg GAE/100 g), leaf phenols (314.2 mg GAE/100 g), fruit flavonoids (123.7 mg QE/100 g), and leaf flavonoids (113.4 mg QE/100 g). Overall, this study demonstrated the significant morphological and phytochemical variations of the Ziziphus species under irrigated and desert conditions, which could be utilized for future studies to improve the production and medicinal potential of the Ziziphus, especially in desert areas.

Fertilization for potted foliage anthurium

Anthurium maricense Nadruz & Mayo is one of the anthurium species with potential for commercialization as a foliage. The objective of this study was to evaluate the NPK rates and the frequency of nitrogen foliar fertilization for pot cultivation of Anthurium maricense. The experimental design was completely randomized, in a split-plot scheme, with 04-14-08 NPK rates applied in the substrate (0; 3; 6; 9 and 12 kg m−3) as the main treatments and the frequency of nitrogen foliar fertilizer (no foliar fertilizer; once and twice a month at urea concentration of 20 g L−1) in subplots, with ten replicates. Ten months after planting the seedlings in the pots, the following evaluations were made: height, average plant diameter, number of leaves and inflorescences, leaf area and dry mass (leaves, inflorescence, shoots, roots and total). In the absence of nitrogen foliar fertilizer, maximum leaf area and leaf, shoot and total dry masses were obtained with NPK rates varying from 4.7 to 5.4 kg m−3. With application of nitrogen foliar fertilizer as urea, twice a month, there is no need for NPK application in the commercial substrate used in the cultivation of foliage anthurium in pots.

Assessment of morpho-genetic diversity of guava (Psidium guajava) hybrids and genotypes

A total of 20 diverse guava genotypes, including the newly bred hybrids were characterized using the morphological, physio-biochemical parameters and microsatellite markers at ICAR-IARI, New Delhi during 2018-19. Most of the qualitative morphological and physio-biochemical parameters had a coefficient of variation value >20%, which indicated substantial diversity. The longest leaves (14.87 cm) were recorded in Lalit, which was statistically at par with Pant Prabhat (14.67 cm), while amongst the hybrids, it is in GH 2018-10 (13.93 cm). The maximum leaf area was recorded in Pant Prabhat (60.33 cm2) while amongst hybrids it was in GH 2018-2 (53.40 cm2). The highest stomatal conductance and net photosynthetic rate was recorded in guava genotype Shweta (9.63 μmol/m2/s) (0.25 mol/m2/sec) while amongst the hybrids it was in GH 2018-8 (8.73μmol/m2/s) (0.26 mol/m2/sec), respectively. The mean genetic diversity indices, viz. major allelic frequency, number of alleles, gene diversity, heterozygosity and polymorphic information content of eight SSRs were 0.497, 3.75, 0.599, 0.071 and 0.542, respectively among the guava genotypes. Furthermore, the eight SSRs based Neighbour-joining (N-J) tree separated the newly bred guava hybrids into different clusters, clades and out-groups.

Deciphering in vitro mutated sugarcane clones for growth parameters

Callus derived from sugarcane variety CoN – 13073 subjected for mutagenic treatment varying in different concentration as well as time period. Callus culture of 25 - 30 days old white globular form is considered a suitable material to undergo mutagenic treatments. Among the mutagenic treated calli, Maximum shoot length (26.6 cm) was observed in the treatment, EMS 0.2% + 30 min. Maximum root length (12.8 cm) was observed in treatment MMS 0.3% + 30 min. A higher concentration of all mutagenic agents registered higher root length with the maximum of 1.14 g was observed in treatment EMS 0.3% + 60 min. Maximum leaf area (44.7 cm2/plant) was observed in treatment MMS 0.2% + 30 min. Irrespective to concentration SA and EMS found significant for this character. Maximum chlorophyll content index (4.87) was observed in treatment EMS 0.2% + 30 min. In case of this character higher to lower concentration as well as time period influenced in both higher and lower directions. Among the treatments, the maximum multiplication rate (12.45%) was observed in treatment EMS 0.2% + 30 min. Both factors showed different effects on this character. The effect of the mutagenic agent was found to be succeeding to create variability at a lower concentration for lower time intervals for most of the characters under study. In the present study EMS, 0.2% in addition to 0.3%, treatments were most effective. And the effectiveness decreases with the increase in the time interval.

Thermal and radiation environments for assessing crop-weather relationship of soybean in eastern Madhya Pradesh

A field experiment was conducted during with three sowing dates (23 June, 8 July and 23 July) with three varieties (JS 20-29, JS 20-34 and JS 97-52) kharif season of 2016 and 2017 at Jabalpur in eastern Madhya Pradesh for assessing crop weather relationship in soybean through thermal and radiation environments. The results revealed that early sown crop attained more accumulated heat units, and yield decreased with delay in sowing. The maximum and minimum temperatures during reproductive stage were positively correlated with seed yield while negatively associated with vegetative and pod development stages. Photosynthetic active radiation absorption (APAR) was maximum in June sowing in semi-determinate JS 97-52 variety at pod formation stage. Maximum leaf area index (LAI) exhibited in June sown for JS 97-52 variety during pod formation stage. Seed yield increase with increased in APAR and LAI during pod formation stage. Season length difference between normal and actual crop maturity period increased with the decrease in GDD thereby suggesting a decline in yield due to shortening of crop growing period.