Maximum Leaf Research Articles

INTEGRATED USE OF PSB AND ORGANIC FERTILIZERS TO IMPROVE YIELD AND QUALITY OF BELL PEPPER (Capsicum Annum L.) CV. GREEN WONDER

Bell pepper is an important Solanaceous crop that is cultivated all around the globe for its economical and nutritional value. In Pakistan, it is cultivated mainly in Sindh and Punjab province of Pakistan. However, average yield ha-1 is quite low as compared to the rest of the world. One of the main reasons for this low yield is poor phosphorous status. The current study was conducted to estimate the effects of organic application combined with PSB biofertilizers (Phosphorus Solubilizing Bacteria) on growth and yield of bell pepper. Organic amendments included leaf compost (LC), farmyard manure (FYM) and poultry manure (PM). Bell pepper cultivar “Green Wonder” was used as test crop. FYM and PM showed better results as compared to LC in most of the measured parameters. Plant height in FYM and PM was 59.79 and 59.07 cm while PSB application produced 67.84 cm high plants. Maximum leaf area was 176.98 cm2 that for FYM and was further increased up to 204.43 cm2 when supplemented with PSB. Bell pepper yield was also maximum in FYM i.e. 1211.7 g while PM showed a value of 1077.6. g. However, when PSB was applied in combination with these treatments, yield plant-1 was further increased up to 1393.4 and 1227.6 g, respectively. Total soluble solids were statistically at par among all the organic amendments but higher than control. Ascorbic acid was maximum in PM (58 mg 100 g-1) and followed by FYM (55.53 mg 100 g-1). PSB application showed a value of 72.46 mg 100 g-1. It is recommended from these results that application of organic amendments and PSB should be practiced enhancing that yield and quality of bell pepper.

Evaluation of Different Gerbera Varieties for Vegetative Growth under Protected Environment

The vegetative growth of gerbera varieties (Szogun, Kormoran, Salsa and Feliks) was studied at Agri-Tourism Centre, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar during the year 2019-20 under different growing conditions. Among the varieties Szogan recorded maximum plant spread (74.95 cm) and leaf length (37.38 cm). Whereas, Salsa showed maximum number of leaves per plant (21.47), plant height (32.73 cm) and leaf width (14.68). While, comparing growing conditions plants grown under polyhouse produced maximum plant spread (68.55 cm), number of leaves (22.67), leaf length (35.85 cm) and leaf width (13.68 cm), whereas, maximum plant height (30.11 cm) was recorded in plants grown under shade net followed by polyhouse (29.08 cm).

Formation and productivity of the assimilation apparatus of corn under different sowing and fertilization rates

Purpose. Establishing the influence of the elements of cultivation technology (fertilizer and sowing rates, different hybrids of corn), as well as their combination on the formation and functioning of the assimilation apparatus of corn plants in the Forest Steppe. Methods. Field research was carried out at the Agronomic research station of the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine (Pshenychne, Vasylkiv district, Kyiv region), located in the Forest Steppe, in 2017–2019. Different methods were used to achieve the goals of the study: field, laboratory methods (measurement and weight analysis to establish biometric parameters of plants) and statistical methods (comparative-calculation analysis and analysis of variances). Results. It is determined that all hybrids differed significantly in terms of the average maximum leaf area. Over the years of research, the hybrid ‘Splendis’ formed an average of 37.8 thousand m2/ha of leaf area, ‘ES Concord’ – 38.7 thousand m2/ha, and ‘MAS 36.A’ – 40.6 thousand m2/ha. The maximum leaf area was in ‘P8816’ – 41.5 thousand m2/ha. The dependence of the leaf area on the sowing rate was also significant: when the sowing rate increased from 75 to 80 thousand seeds/ha, leaf area increased from 38.2 to 40.0 thousand m2/ha. It was established that the photosynthetic potential of hybrids with FAO 250 (‘Splendis’ and ‘ES Concord’) did not differ significantly, as well as in hybrids with FAO 300 – ‘MAS 36.A’ and ‘P8816’. Conclusions. All the studied factors had a significant impact on the formation of the leaf apparatus, and the variation of the maximum leaf area was 36.2% depending on the hybrid, 35.5% on fertilization and 26.2% on the sowing rate. A separate significant effect was the interaction of hybrid with fertilizer, which accounted for 1.3% of all variations, while other interactions were insignificant.

Metabolic modulation of Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.): an insight into growth, metabolomics and antioxidant activity under varying temperature and light conditions

BackgroundTemperature and light are two critical environmental stimuli that greatly impact our agricultural industry. We explored the effects of varying temperature and light conditions on the metabolomics of basil, a plant widely used in cuisine and for medicinal purposes worldwide. Basil plants were subjected to elevated temperatures of 30 °C, 35 °C, and 40 °C, along with two light intensities (D11 and D23).ResultsOur results showed that the maximum shoot length (42.98 cm) was achieved at T30 and D23, the maximum leaf area (6.92 cm) at T30/D11, and the highest number of leaves (472) at T40/D11. However, at the higher temperature of T40, the number of leaves increased, but shoot length and leaf size significantly decreased (p < 0.05). Maxim shoot biomass (81 gm) and root biomass (91.2 gm) was recorded at T35/D23 treatments. Metabolomic studies of basil revealed that rosmarinic acid (RA), and linalool and eugenol were the major phenolic and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) under different growth conditions. RA levels were higher at 30 °C, correlated with elevated shikimate levels, indicating a carbon supply through the TCA cycle. In contrast, the growth conditions of 35 °C/D11 (μmol/m2/d) up-regulated the glyoxylate cycle (fumaric acid and malic acid) as part of stomatal closure, preventing ROS accumulation and resulting in increased VOC emission. Exposure to the higher temperature of 40 °C induced higher amino acid accumulation, improving temperature stresstolerance.ConclusionsThis study suggests that elevated temperature and light intensity affected the overall health of basil plants by modulating underlying growth mechanisms. Furthermore, elevated temperature plays a vital role in plant defense mechanisms by mediating the production of secondary metabolites associated with plant defense responses.Graphical

Effects of Film-Mulched Rock Outcrops on Rainwater Redistribution and Maize Growth in the Cropland of a Rocky Karst Area

Film-mulched rock outcrops are a proven way to effectively prevent preferential flow at the rock–soil interface in rocky karst areas, but the impact on rainwater redistribution and maize growth in farmland areas has never been studied. This paper used the dye tracer method at a sprinkling intensity of 1 mm min−1 to study the rainwater redistribution in soils for three different treatments: away from rock (AR), close to rock (CR), and close to film-mulched rock (CFMR). The growth situation of maize (Zea mays L.) according to the different treatments was also studied. It was shown in the study that the rainwater gathered by rock outcrops was mainly confined only within a narrow flow path at the rock–soil interface in the CR treatment, with a preferential flow fraction of 35.78~55.54% and dyeing depth of 15.37~20.00 cm across the three dye application amounts (850 mL, 1700 mL, and 3400 mL) in contrast to the uniform distribution of the rainwater in the soil of the AR treatment, with a preferential flow fraction of 12.31~37.15% and dyeing depth of 6.93~14.00 cm. Interestingly, in the CFMR treatment, there was no preferential flow at the rock–soil interface benefiting from the film’s blocking action, and the redistribution of rainwater was mainly based on the matrix flow, with a preferential flow fraction of 24.93~39.62% and dyeing depth of 10.27~18.00 cm, indicating that the film-mulched rock outcrops improved the rock’s output capability for gathering rainwater into the surrounding soil. In addition, film-mulched rock outcrops can promote the growth of maize, as indicated by the results for plant height, stem diameter, maximum leaf area, SPAD value, and floral development of maize, which increased in order from AR, CR, to CFMR. Our study suggests that film-mulched rock outcrops have important implications for the efficient use of rainwater and the growth of crops in rocky karst areas, as well as in regions with similar geological characteristics.

IMPACT OF DIFFERENT LIQUID MANURE ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF WATER SPINACH

The experiment was conducted at Horticultural Farm, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, Bangladesh during the period of September to October 2023. The single factor experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications to study the growth and yield of water spinach. The experiment was consisted of five treatments namely; T1: Control (only same amount of water spray); T2: Vermi Tea (VT), T3: SAU-MLM, T4: SAU-NLM and T5: SAU-PLM. Treatments were applied to plants four times every 10 days interval from 7 days after seed germination. A significant variation was found among the parameters. The average tallest plant (42.1 cm), maximum SPAD Value (40.9), maximum leaf area (42.1 sq cm), Root length (12.1 cm) maximum root number (35.0), highest yield per plant (57.0 g) and highest yield per ha (11.1 ton) was found in (T5) application while shortest plant (24.3 cm), minimum SPAD Value (32.8), minimum leaf area (12.8 sq cm), lowest yield per plant (12.0 g) and the lowest yield per ha (4.4 tons) was found in (T1). Therefore, it can be concluded that SAU-PLM is easy and effective liquid manure that has the potential to increase the entire growth and yield of water spinach.

Effect of spacing and shading intensity on growth performance of Podophyllum hexandrum Royle: A critically endangered plant species of Western Himalaya

The present experimental study was conducted in the research field at Faculty of Forestry, SKUAST- Kashmir, located in the central part of Kashmir Himalayas with degraded landscapes. The study was conducted during the year 2019–2021 aimed to study the effect of spacing and shading intensity on growth performance of Podophyllum hexandrum Royle. Three types of spacing viz., 30 cm × 30 cm (S1), 30 cm × 45 cm (S2) and 30 cm × 60 cm (S3) and four types of shading intensities viz., open (D1), 25% (D2), 50% (D3) and 75% (D4) were tested as per factorial randomized complete block design (Factorial RCBD). All the treatments significantly influenced the growth and yield parameters of Podophyllum hexandrum plants. It was observed that plants with 30 × 60 cm spacing and 75% shade intensity recorded maximum leaf length (19.66 cm), leaf width (30.33 cm), leaf area (124.33cm2), biomass (73.57 g/plant), survival percentage (94.33%), and fruiting percentage of (81.66%). Rhizome yield/ha was maximum (1625.66 kg/ha) for 30 × 30 cm spacing under 75% shading. Our study concludeds that Podophyllum hexandrum thrives best under shade and based on the findings of the study it is recommended to plant Podophyllum hexandrum at spacing of 30 × 60 cm spacing under 75% shading intensity to obtain maximum growth attributes and fruiting percentage.

Evaluation of Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) Germplasms for Growth and Yield Attributes in the New Alluvial Zone of West Bengal

An experiment was conducted to assess the growth and yield attributes of ginger germplasm at Horticultural Research Station, Mondouri, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur, Nadia, West Bengal during 2019–20 and 2020–21. The experiment was designed in Randomized Block Design with 3 replications. A total of 18 treatments, comprising 15 germplasms and 3 varieties were evaluated. The results of the study revealed that Gorubathan has recorded maximum plant height, number of leaves per tiller, pseudostem girth, and dry yield. Surabhi recorded maximum leaf length, number of tillers per clump, leaf area, leaf area index, number of fingers per clump, number of primary fingers per clump, number of secondary fingers per clump, clump length, rhizome yield per clump, rhizome yield per plot and projected fresh rhizome yield, which was statistically at par with Hui local for rhizome yield per clump, yield per plot and projected rhizome yield, whereas maximum leaf breadth and finger diameter were recorded in genotype Hui Local. The maximum clump breadth was recorded in Thingpuidum Local and the highest finger length was found in Banada Local. In conclusion, the study suggests that var Surabhi, Gorubathan, Nadia and cv Hui Local, Thinglaidum, Thingpuri and Banada Local are found to be promising in terms of growth and yield attributes in new alluvial zone of West Bengal.

An intelligent spraying system for weeds in wheat fields based on a dynamic model of droplets impacting wheat leaves.

Targeted herbicide application refers to precise application of herbicides in weed-infested areas according to the location and density of farmland weeds. At present, targeted herbicide application in wheat fields generally faces problems including the low herbicide adhesion rate, leading to omission and excessive loss of herbicides. To solve these problems, changes in the impact force of herbicide and the weed leaves in the operation process of a spraying system were studied from the interaction between weeds and herbicides applied. A dynamic model of weed leaves was established. On this basis, the research indicated that the herbicide adhesion rate is highest under spraying pressure of 0.4 MPa and flow rate of 0.011 kg/s when the spray height is 300 mm. To study the dynamic deformation of weed leaves and the distribution of liquid herbicides in the external flow field under weed-herbicide interaction, a dynamic simulation model of herbicide application was built using the finite element method. The results show that when the spray height is 300 mm, the maximum weed leaf deformation index (LDI) is 0.43 and the velocity in the external flow field is 0 m/s under spraying pressure of 0.4 MPa and flow rate of 0.011 kg/s. This finding indicates that the herbicide is not splashed elsewhere and the turbulence intensity in the weed area is 2%, implying steady flow of the herbicide, most of which can be retained on weed leaves. Field test results of application quality of the herbicide show that the maximum LDI is 0.41 and the coverage of the herbicide in the sheltered area below the leaves is 19.02% when the spraying pressure is 0.4 MPa, flow rate is 0.011 kg/s, and spray height is 300 mm. This solves the problem of a low rate of utilization of herbicides because the herbicide passes through weed plants, and achieves the precision herbicide application in wheat fields.

Molecular, morphological, and biomolecular characterization of ethyl methanesulfonate-induced mutations in Aerides odoratum, an orchid

Aerides odoratum L. is a medicinal and ornamental orchid of the Eastern Himalayas, India. Its uses in pharmacology are nought because of its rare occurrence, longer life cycle, and lack of artificial methods for large-scale propagation. Protocorms (60 days old) were treated with various concentrations of ethyl methanesulfonate ranging from 0.025% to 0.5% for different durations (2, 5, 7, and 10 days) during M0 (treatment) in vitro generation. The survival of these protocorms and the generation of shoots and roots were noted. 10–20 plantlets of each treatment showing variation in the number and weight of shoots in M0 generation (treatment generation) were maintained for three subsequent generations. M3 (third generation) axenic plantlets were hardened in the orchidarium with a 75% survival frequency. Four mutant lines (M3V1–M3V4) were established based on RAPD analysis of the leaf DNA of 300-day-old plants. M3V-1 was noted as the best among all mutant lines based on morphological analysis, whereas M3V-2 was noted as the most superior in terms of having the highest quantity of osmolytes, pigments, stomata, and phenol. M3V-3 had maximum root length, leaf breadth, and carotenoids. M3V-4 showed the viridis chlorophyll spectrum as the most distinguishing factor. Hence, this standardized protocol can be used for the genetic improvement of A. odoratum.

INCREASE IN LEAF SURFACE AND PHOTOSYNTHETIC ACTIVITY OF SOYBEAN PLANTS DEPENDS ON SOWING RATE AND ROW WIDTH

An essential condition for obtaining high soybean yields is the presence of an optimal leaf surface area. An important condition for obtaining the optimal leaf area in plants is the formation of a certain density of plants per unit area. It is known that the optimal area of the leaf surface, for which a high yield of soybean seeds is formed, is considered to be an area within the range of 40–50 thousand m2/ha. The purpose of the research was the determined dependence of the formation of the leaf surface area and the photosynthetic activity of soybean plants under the influence of the sowing rate and the width of the rows. The research was conducted during 2021–2023 at the experimental field of the VSP "Zalischytskyi Vocational College named after E. Khraplyvyh NUBiP of Ukraine". The following methods were used in the research process: field, laboratory, mathematical and statistical using generally recognized methods and methodical recommendations. The experiment was conducted on dark gray podsolized soil. The experiment was based on a three-factor scheme, where Diadema Podillia and Mentor varieties were factor A, and row width was factor B (15 cm – control, 30 cm and 45 cm); factor C is the sowing rate (500 thousand/ha - control, 600 and 700 thousand pieces of similar seeds per 1 ha. The predecessor is winter wheat. The conducted studies showed that the maximum leaf surface area was the Mentor variety - it reached 37,7-44,7 thousand/m2/ha during the seeding period. In the variety Diadema Podillia, the area of the leaf surface grew more slowly and reached the maximum size – 36,3-43,0 thousand m2/ha during the seeding period. The largest assimilation surface of soybean plants was formed at seed sowing rates of 500-600 thousand/ha in the Mentor variety, and in the Diadema Podillia variety at seed sowing rates of 600-700 thousand/ha. and for row widths of 30 and 45 cm in both varieties. It was established that the photosynthetic potential of Diadema Podillia soybean during the period of germination - full maturity was within the range of 1,95-2,21 million m2 days/ha, in the Mentor variety – 2,16-2,56 million m2 days/ha.

Impact of Natural stimulates and Antioxidant compounds on fruit quality and quantity of pomegranate trees cv. H116

This experiment was carried out during two seasons (2022 and 2023) to examine the effect of spraying pomegranate trees cv. H116 with extract algae at (2cm/l), salicylic acid at (0.5 g/l) and ascorbic acid at (0.5 g/l) either alone or in combination together on productivity, fruit properties and leaf mineral content. All treatments were applied as a foliar three times: at full blooming, after fruit sit and after 30 days from fruit set. The results showed that all treatments caused a significant increase in the yield and the leaf mineral content of trees compared to the control. Treated pomegranate trees with 0.5 g/l ascorbic acid + 0.5 g/l salicylic acid was the best treatment for enhancing the yield (kg), fruit weight (g) and fruit peel (%). Foliar l application on pomegranate trees with (2 cm/l algae extract + 0.5 g/l ascorbic acid + 0.5 g/l salicylic acid) was the best treatment in this study to improve the fruit juice content and its quality and obtain maximum leaf content of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.

Optimizing planting density and nitrogen application to mitigate yield loss and improve grain quality of late-sown wheat under rice-wheat rotation

Late sowing is a critical factor that hinders achieving high-yield, good-quality wheat under rice-wheat rotation. Understanding the physiological basis and regulatory pathways that lead to late-sown wheat of high yield and good quality is crucial for developing effective cultivation strategies. A 2-year field experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of sowing date, nitrogen (N) application rate, and planting density on wheat yield, grain quality, population characteristics, and the underlying physiological factors. The results revealed significant interactions among the sowing date, planting density, and N application in regulating both yield and quality. Late sowing reduced grain yield primarily by reducing the number of spikes and kernels. However, the latter was improved by increasing N application and the planting density, thus mitigating the yield losses caused by late sowing. Moreover, the grain protein content (GPC) and wet gluten content (WGC) increased with delayed sowing dates and higher N rates, but decreased with increased planting densities. For wheat yields over 9,000 or 7,500 kg ha–1, the latest sowing date should not be later than Nov. 4 or 15, respectively. In addition, specific criteria should be met, including a maximum of 1.5 and 1.0 million stems and tillers ha–1, a maximum leaf area index of 6.7 and 5.5, and a dry matter accumulation (DMA) at anthesis of 14,000 and 12,000 kg ha–1, respectively. For high-yield, good-quality late-sown wheat, the optimal combination is a 25% increase in the N rate (300 kg N ha–1) and a planting density of 2.25 million (N300D225) or 3.75 million (N300D375) plants ha–1 for 10- or 20-day delays in sowing, respectively. These combinations result in higher leaf net photosynthetic rate; higher activities of leaf nitrate reductase, glutamine synthetase, and grain glutamic pyruvic transaminase; and a lower sugar-N ratio during post-anthesis.

Preventive and Ameliorative Effects of Diet Supplemented with Cucurbita maxima Leaf on Hyperglycemia and Hepatotoxicity in STZ-Induced Diabetic Rats

Preventive and Ameliorative Effects of Diet Supplemented with Cucurbita maxima Leaf on Hyperglycemia and Hepatotoxicity in STZ-Induced Diabetic Rats

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.

Nitrogen application and soil mulching improve grain yield of rainfed maize by optimizing source-sink relationship and grain filling process on the Loess Plateau of China

The kernel weight of maize (Zea mays L.) is largely regulated by the source-sink relationship during the grain-filling period. The source-sink coordination is the key to high grain yield, which is affected by many management practices, such as nitrogen application and soil mulching. Previous studies have mainly focused on qualitative descriptions of maize source-sink relationships, but the quantitative analysis of maize source-sink relationships under various nitrogen application rates and soil mulching practices have been poorly explored. A three-season (2020–2022) experiment was conducted on rainfed maize on the Loess Plateau of China, with two nitrogen rates (N0, 0 kg N ha–1; N180, 180 kg N ha–1) and three mulching practices (NM, flat cultivation with no mulching; SM, flat cultivation with full straw mulching; RF, ridge-furrow cultivation with transparent film mulching on the ridge). The results showed that compared with N0, N180 increased the maximum leaf area index (LAImax) by 29.6%, leaf area duration (LAD) by 31.4%, maximum 100-kernel weight (HGWmax) by 12.5%, source growth (SG) by 34.2%, sink capacity (SC) by 49.8%, source supply rate (SUR) by 23.4%, sink growth rate (SGR) by 50.7%, and finally increased grain yield by 37.2%. Compared with NM, SM and RF increased LAImax by 8.5% and 25.6%, LAD by 10.6% and 28.0%, HGWmax by 5.5% and 10.3%, SG by 13.6% and 41.6%, SC by 16.4% and by 35.5%, SUR by 8.7% and 35.5%, SGR by 16.3% and 37.1%, and finally increased grain yield by 8.2% and 26.7%, respectively. The structural equation modeling indicated that LAD mainly affected SG, and SG significantly affected source-sink relationships and grain-filling parameters, which mainly affected 100-kernel weight and the number of grains per spike, respectively. The number of grains per spike had a greater impact on the sink capacity than 100-kernel weight. In conclusion, nitrogen application and soil mulching enhanced grain yield of rainfed maize by increasing leaf source size, promoting source growth and grain filling, improving kernel number and optimizing source-sink relationships on the Loess Plateau of China. This study provides a better understanding of source-sink relationships for optimizing maize management practices and identifying key processes in modeling maize yield.

Impact of Nano-Dap on Growth and Development of Cabbage

The current study, "Impact of nano-DAP on growth and development of cabbage," was carried out in 2021–2022 at the Department of Horticulture's Experimental Farm at A.A.U., Jorhat. RBD was used to set up the study. The treatments followed were T1 (Untreated control), T2 (100% RDF of N &amp; K), T3 (100% RDF of 130:80:80 kg/ha), T4 (T2 + ST with nano-DAP @ 5 ml/ltr), T5 (T2 + ST@ 10 ml/ltr), T6 (T2 + 1 FS of nano-DAP @ 6 ml/ltr at 25-30 DAT), T7 (50 % P, 100% N &amp; K + FS nano-DAP @ 2 ml/ltr at 25-30 DAT), T8 (25% P, 100% N &amp; K + FS nano-DAP @ 4 ml/ltr), T9 (T2 + ST @ 5 ml/ ltr + FS nano-DAP @ 6 ml/ltr), T10 (25% P, 100% N &amp; K + ST @ 5 ml/ ltr + FS nano-DAP @ 4 ml/ltr), T11 (50% P, 100% N &amp; K + ST @ 5 ml/ ltr + FS nano-DAP @ 2 ml/ltr), T12 (25% P, 50% N &amp; 100% K + ST @ 5 ml/ ltr + FS nano-DAP @ 4 ml/ltr) and T13 (50% P, 50% N &amp; 100% K + ST @ 5 ml/ ltr + FS nano-DAP @ 2 ml/ltr).&#x0D; Investigation was done comparing the results of the nano-DAP treatments with the suggested fertilizer dosage. The results revealed that the maximum plant spread and number of non-wrapper leaves was observed in T3 (17.12 cm) and (7.67) at 30 DAT whereas in T3 (34.77 cm) and (16.83) at 60 DAT.The highest leaf area was recorded in T3 (107.56 sqcm) at 30 DAT and at 60 DAT (226.54 sqcm), although at 30 DAT, the maximum leaf fresh weight was recorded in T7 (4.40 g) although in T3 (12.46 g) at 60 DAT. The maximum number of days (88.30 days) to harvest was taken by T5. Thus, the investigation suggests that nano-DAP can reduce the amount of inorganic fertiliser applied while maintaining the potency of the crop.

Response of gerbera under soil and soil-less production systems

Response of gerbera var. Arka Nesara was studied under different soil-less production systems with the aim to improve quality, productivity and water use efficiency, in completely randomized design with eight treatments viz., deep flow technique (DFT), nutrient film technique (NFT), aggregate wick system (AWS) with pots on NFT bench, AWS with pots on ground, AWS with grow bags on ground, AWS on soil bed, aeroponics and conventional soil-based drip system, which were replicated five times. Results revealed that AWS with pots on ground recorded maximum plant height (31.66 cm), leaf length (21.31 cm), leaf breadth (9.96 cm) and stalk diameter near neck (4.75 mm), minimum stem deviation (1.27 cm) and stem deflection (2.2o), prolonged vase life (9.2 days), greater water use efficiency (92 mL/plant/day) and water saving (83.46%). Hence, cultivation of gerbera var. Arka Nesara under aggregate wick system with pots on ground could be the superior alternative for traditional soil cultivation.

Response of growth performance and yield of butternut squash(Cucurbita moschata Duch Ex Poir) cultivar Waltham under differentdosages of bokashi application

Butternut squash, also known as Cucurbita moschata, is a variety of pumpkin with promising commercial potential. However,most of the soils in the tropics are acidic and lack organic matter.The addition of organic material such as bokashi is essential inimproving the low soil pH and soil quality. Therefore, this study aimed to elucidate the effects of different rates of bokashi application on the growth performance and yield of butternut squash cultivated on tropical acid soil. A planting experiment was carried out from July until October 2022. A total of 36 planting beds were prepared, and each bed was constructed in 100 cm x 400 cm, consisting of 8 plants bed-1. The experiment was arranged in a Randomized Complete Block design. A total of three different rates of bokashi were applied to the soil prior to planting, namely 0 (control), 4,000, and 8,000 kg ha-1. A 12,000 kg ha-1 of commercial peat moss (Holland Free Peat) was also applied to compare bokashi and peat moss (the common planting medium used in most planting activities). The maximum plant height growth and leaf production for butternut squash was around 7-8th week. Application rate of 8,000 kg ha-1 bokashi contributed to significantly highest plant height (352.1 cm), number of leaves (86 leaves), and yield of Waltham butter squash per plant (1.5 kg plant-1). Multiple planting cycles should be carried out further to elucidate the bokashi's residual effect on nutrient supply to butternut squash cultivation.

Management of Sesame Phyllody: A Destructive Disease of East- Central Rajasthan, India

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is one of the important annual oldest oil seed crop grown in tropical to temperate zones in India. It belongs to family Pedaliaceae is native of India and plays an important role in the oilseed economy throughout the world. The sesame crop suffers from phyllody disease caused by phytoplasma. The effect of different treatments on “percent” disease incidence. The results obtained revealed that all the treatments reduced the disease significantly compared to unsprayed control. Seed treatment with imidachlorprid 70 % WG + spraying of imidachlorprid 17.8% SL+ spraying of tetracycline hydrochloride recorded the least disease incidence (7.27 %), minimum leaf hopper population and maximum “percent” disease control (65.59 %) and while seed treatment with imidachlorprid 70 % WG was least effective in which disease incidence of 15.46 “percent” and maximum leaf hopper population was recorded. The disease incidence in untreated check was 21.13 “percent” was recorded. Out of 22 germplasms/varieties screened against sesame phyllody 1 genotype was susceptible, 10 were moderately susceptible, 7 were moderately resistant and 4 genotypes were found resistant against phyllody of sesame.