Minimum Number Of Days Research Articles

Response of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) grafted on wild brinjal (Solanum torvum) rootstock for growth and yield

The present experiment was conducted to study the compatibility of different tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) varieties/hybrids grafted on wild brinjal (Solanum torvum Sw.) rootstock with an objective to study the effect of rootstock on growth, yield, graft success (%), crop duration and incidence of fusarium wilt in tomato. The study was carried out during rainy (kharif) season 2019 subsequently for 3 years and completed in winter (rabi) season 2022–23, which comprises 2 rootstocks, 3 scions in a factorial randomized block design (FRBD) with 9 treatments and 3 replications. The results were analyzed on the basis of 3 years pooled data with respect to growth and yield parameters. The grafting results showed significant increase in minimum number of days to 1st harvest (68.55),maximum fruit weight (81.04 g), number of fruit per plant (29.45), yield per plant (2.38 kg), yield per plot (85.68 kg) and yield per hectare (72.12 tonnes) over control. The graft combination of Phule Raja grafted on Solanum torvum showed maximum graft success (95.07%), less incidence of fusarium wilt (0.00%) with maximum crop duration of 235 days, i.e. an increase of 57 days compared to non-grafted. The benefit:cost (B:C) ratio analysis showed higher net monetary returns in grafted plants as compared to non-grafted plants. It is concluded that the grafting of Phule Raja on wild brinjal rootstock recommended for higher yield and less incidence of fusarium wilt.

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.

National and regional effects of value-added vaccination programs on prices of calves sold through the Superior Livestock Auction

Several programs have been established for cow-calf producers to market benefits of high health and management standards. Our objective was to estimate effects of value-added vaccina­tion (VAC) programs on calf prices sold through Superior Live­stock Auctions (SLA), the largest video cattle marketing network in North America. Superior Livestock Auctions VAC programs specify types and timing of vaccinations, qualifying vaccines, if calves were home raised, and/or minimum number of days weaned prior to delivery. Estimates of value added by VAC pro­grams may help improve management and marketing decisions.

Consequences of Mulch Practice on Growth, Flowering and Yield of Different Varieties of China Aster (Callistephus chinensis)

The investigation entitled with ‘Consequences of mulch practice on growth, flowering and yield of different varieties of China aster (Callistephus chinensis)’ were carried out at floriculture unit, Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Dharwad, Karnataka during the year 2019-20. The experiment was laid out in Factorial Randomized Block Design consisting of 20 treatment combinations. Ten china aster varieties, Namdhari Pink (V1), Namdhari White (V2), Arka Kamini (V3), Arka Poornima (V4), Arka Shashank (V5), Phule Ganesh pink (V6), Phule Ganesh Puple (V7), AAC-1(V8), Miraj Local (V9) and Pink Cushion (V10) were planted under black plastic mulch (M2) and without mulch condition (M1). The variety Phule Ganseh Purple under mulched condition (V6M2) registered maximum plant height of 54.03 cm, plant spread of 38.53 cm and number of primary braches 25.46. However, minimum number of days 34.58 and 48.63 days, were recorded in treatment V5M2 (Arka Shashank under mulched condition) for days taken for flower bud initiation, 50 per cent flowering respectively, compared to other treatment combinations. The treatment V8M2 (AAC-1 under mulched condition) was observed with maximum flowering duration (34.26 days). Phule Ganseh Purple under mulch condition (V7M2) and Phule Ganseh Pink under mulch condition (V7M2) recorded maximum flower diameter of 7.47 cm and flower stalk length of 42.77 cm respectively. V7M2 treatment combination recorded highest flower yield (158.76 g) as compared to remaining treatment combinations. The overall experiment resulted that Phule Ganseh Series under black plastic mulch found superior under northern transitional zone of Karnataka.

Examination of the amount of GEDI data required to characterize central Africa tropical forest aboveground biomass at REDD+ project scale in Mai Ndombe province

The Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation (GEDI) is the first spaceborne LiDAR designed to improve quantification of vegetation structure and forest aboveground biomass (AGB) including in the tropics where forest AGB inventory data are limited. GEDI is a sampling instrument on the International Space Station (ISS) and does not provide data on a regular, systematic basis. Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation and enhancement of carbon stocks (REDD+) projects require forest AGB inventories to quantify avoided carbon emissions achieved by conserving forest biomass. Although there is high confidence that GEDI can retrieve measurements that allow estimation of AGB at scale, less is known about how well its operational deployment performs for measurement of AGB to support REDD+ projects. This includes an understanding of the appropriate time period required to collect sufficient GEDI observations for reliable forest AGB assessment. This paper describes the first study to examine the amount of GEDI data needed to characterize tropical forest AGB at REDD+ project scale. In tropical Africa, the average REDD+ project size documented by the Center for International Forestry Research is equivalent to a square area of approximately 50 × 50 km (250,000 ha). Recently available good quality GEDI footprint-level AGB product data acquired over a 31 month period over Mai Ndombe province in the west of the Democratic Republic of the Congo were considered. A global 30 m percent tree cover product, updated with contemporary mapped forest cover loss, was used to map the intact forest across the province. Fifteen 50 × 50 km test sites, representing example REDD+ project areas with >80% forest cover and good quality AGB forest footprint data distributed across each site, were selected. The sites were selected from five AGB stratum defined from the GEDI data, and with three sites selected per stratum that had low, medium and high semivariogram sill values that reflect increasing within-site AGB spatial variation. The overall mean GEDI AGB (OMGA) was derived from all the good quality forest GEDI footprint AGB values acquired over the 31 months of GEDI operation at each site. The expected minimum number of GEDI orbits (norbitsp) required to characterize the OMGA to within p = ±5%, ±10%, and ±20% was derived by considering different combinations of GEDI orbits randomly selected from the 31 months of GEDI data. The expected minimum number of days (ndaysp) required to characterize the AGB over each site was derived by multiplying the site norbitsp values with a scalar coefficient of 13.03 days. The scalar coefficient was found by counting the temporal intervals between successive GEDI orbits containing good quality forest AGB data and is equivalent to the average number of days required to obtain a GEDI orbit containing good quality forest AGB data at 50 × 50 km scale. Among the 15 sites, observation periods ranging from 65 to 221 days (0.18 – 0.61 years), 143 – 534 days (0.39 – 1.46 years), and 390 – 742 days (1.07 – 2.03 years) were required to characterize the AGB to within ±20%, ±10%, and ±5% of the site OMGA, respectively. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) recommended accuracy requirement for forest AGB estimates is 10%. Thus, to meet this accuracy requirement the findings of this study indicate that at least 534 days (1.46 years) would be required for REDD+ site monitoring using GEDI in Mai Ndombe province. In other central African tropical forest localities these observations periods may be different depending on the forest AGB and spatial variation, cloud cover, ephemeral surface water presence, and GEDI AGB retrieval sensitivity to the forest conditions.

Number of days required to measure sedentary time and physical activity using accelerometery in rheumatoid arthritis: a reliability study

This study aimed to determine the minimum number of days required to reliably estimate free-living sedentary time, light-intensity physical activity (LPA) and moderate-intensity physical activity (MPA) using accelerometer data in people with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), according to Disease Activity Score-28-C-reactive protein (DAS-28-CRP). Secondary analysis of two existing RA cohorts with controlled (cohort 1) and active (cohort 2) disease was undertaken. People with RA were classified as being in remission (DAS-28-CRP < 2.4, n = 9), or with low (DAS-28-CRP ≥ 2.4—≤ 3.2, n = 15), moderate (DAS-28-CRP > 3.2—≤ 5.1, n = 41) or high (DAS-28-CRP > 5.1, n = 16) disease activity. Participants wore an ActiGraph accelerometer on their right hip for 7 days during waking hours. Validated RA-specific cut-points were applied to accelerometer data to estimate free-living sedentary time, LPA and MPA (%/day). Single-day intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were calculated and used in the Spearman Brown prophecy formula to determine the number of monitoring days required to achieve measurement reliability (ICC ≥ 0.80) for each group. The remission group required ≥ 4 monitoring days to achieve an ICC ≥ 0.80 for sedentary time and LPA, with low, moderate and high disease activity groups requiring ≥ 3 monitoring days to reliably estimate these behaviours. The monitoring days required for MPA were more variable across disease activity groups (remission = ≥ 3 days; low = ≥ 2 days; moderate = ≥ 3 days; high = ≥ 5 days). We conclude at least 4 monitoring days will reliably estimate sedentary time and LPA in RA, across the whole spectrum of disease activity. However, to reliably estimate behaviours across the movement continuum (sedentary time, LPA, MPA), at least 5 monitoring days are required.

Evaluation of Yard-long Bean Genotypes at Varied Sowing Dates in the Sylhet Region, Bangladesh

This experiment was conducted in the experimental field of Department of Horticulture, Sylhet Agricultural University (SAU), Bangladesh during 2022. The objective was to evaluate three yard long bean genotypes (BARI yard long bean-1, BARI yard long bean-2 and Kagornatki) in three planting dates (20 March, 20 April and 20 May) under acidic soil conditions of Sylhet. The two factors field experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Yard long bean planted on 20 March recorded the minimum number of days to flower (40.33), the minimum number of days to first harvest (53.33), the maximum number of pods per plant (31.01), the highest individual pod weight (12.25 g), pod length (45.98 cm), per plant pod yield (389.47 g) as well as per decimal pod yield (97.34 kg). The genotype BARI yard long bean-1 was the earliest in flowering (41.66 days). BARI yard long bean-1 had the highest number of pods (27.81) as well as pod yield (309.85 kg) per plant. Although individual pod weight and pod length of BARI yard long bean-1 and Kagornatki were statistically similar, the per decimal pod yield (76.86 kg) of BARI yard long bean-1 was significantly higher than Kagornatki (56.31 kg). Interaction effect showed that the genotype BARI yard long bean-1 planted on 20 March showed the best performance in terms of pod yield per plant (506.56 g) and per decimal (127.22 kg). Therefore, the genotype BARI yard long bean-1 can be recommended to cultivate at 20 March sowing date under acidic soil condition of Sylhet.

Evaluation of China Aster (Callistephus chinensis L. Nees) Cultivars for Growth, Yield and Quality Parameters under Southern Telangana Zone

China aster (Callistephus chinensis L. Nees) is a half hardy annual flowering plant and is grown for cut as well as for loose flowers. The cut flowers are used in flower arrangements, vases, bouquets, for interior decorations, etc. The loose flowers are widely used for making garlands, for decorations, for worship and are also used in social functions.&#x0D; The present investigation was carried out during the year 2018-19 and 2019-20 at farm of Regional Agricultural Research Station, Palem, Telangana to evaluate the china aster varieties under Southern Telangana zone with respect to growth, flower yield and quality characters. Data in this study revealed that, all characteristics varied significantly among the varieties. Maximum plant height, plant spread, number of primary and secondary branches and number of leaves were observed in the variety Phule Ganesh White and the least was recorded in the variety Arka Archana.&#x0D; The variety Phule Ganesh White took less number of days for flower bud initiation (52.05), minimum number of days to 50% flower opening (61.63) while more number of days were recorded in the variety Kamini (56.32 and 68.53, respectively). Maximum stalk length was recorded in Phule Ganesh White (20.60 cm) and minimum was recorded in Arka Archana (9.80 cm). In addition, Flower diameter was more (7.00 cm) in both the varieties Phule Ganesh White and Local White, while minimum was detected in Phule Ganesh Pink (5.40cm). The variety Phule Ganesh White recorded more number of flowers per plant (48.7), more flower yield per plant (111.00 g plant-1) and maximum flower yield per hectare (4.64 tha-1). Whereas lowest number of flowers per plant (37.40), flower yield per plant (57.50 g plant-1), flower yield per hectare (2.08 t ha-1) was observed in Arka Archana. Maximum vase life for cut flower (6.00 days) were recorded in Arka Poornima and least was observed in Arka Aadya (3.70 days). Maximum shelf life for loose flowers was recorded in Phule Ganesh White (3.20 days) and minimum was recorded in Arka Archana (1.70 days).

Response of Integrated Nutrient Management on Growth of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicon L.) cv. Pusa Ruby

The present investigation entitles “Response of integrated nutrient management on growth of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicon L.) cv. Pusa Ruby” was carried out at department of Horticulture Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh), during the year 2020-21. The treatment comprised of twelve treatments i.e., T1 Control (No treatment), T2 RDF (100%), T3 FYM (100%), T4 Azotobacter (100%), T5 Azospirillum (100%), T6 RDF + FYM (50% each), T7 RDF + Azotobacter (50% each), T8 RDF + Azospirillum (50% each), T9 FYM + Azotobacter (50% each), T10 FYM + Azospirillum (50% each), T11 Azotobacter + Azospirillum (50% each) and T12 RDF + FYM + Azotobacter + Azospirillum (25% each). The experiment was laid out in Randomized block design (RBD) with three replications. The results indicated that among maximum plant height ware recorded (16.15, 22.11, 26.59 and 30.53 cm), respectively, in treatment T12 at 30, 60, 90 and 120 DAT. The maximum number of branches were recorded (4.36 5.79, 6.31 and 7.04) in treatment T12 at 30, 60, 90 and 120 DAT. Minimum number of days required for flower blooming (32.44) in T12. A maximum number of flowers per plant (39.34) were recorded at T12 and also maximum number of clusters per plant was recorded (9.78) in T12.

Bio-inoculation of strawberry plants with Bacillus strains having promoting effect on growth, yield and quality

The quality of agricultural production and their modulation by biofertilizer application has gradually received attention. However, the importance of Bacillus strains has not been studied extensively especially in strawberry. The present investigation was carried out to study the effect of Bacillus strains on growth, yield and quality of strawberry cv. Chandler during the year 2016-17 and 2017-18. The study indicates that various Bacillus strains significantly influenced growth, yield and quality of fruits. Among different Bacillus strains, HCA61 strain recorded the significantly higher fruit yield per plant (233.69 g). It also recorded the highest value concerning different growth parameters, viz., plant height (12.56 cm), spread (22.78 cm), number of leaves per plant (11.31), crown diameter (12.46 mm), fresh weight (43.86 g) and dry weight (12.36 g) of plant with minimum number of days (79.50 days) to flower in strawberry plants. Among different yield attributing characters like number of fruits per plant (22.13), fresh weight of fruit (10.56 g), fruit length (40.31 mm), fruit breadth (28.83) and moisture content in fruit (92.83%), HCA61 strain showed superiority than other Bacillus strains. Regarding various physicochemical characters, viz. TSS, acidity, ascorbic acid and anthocyanin content of fruits, Bacillus RCA3 strain, exhibited significantly highrt values. The Bacillus strain HCA61 caused improved growth and yield. However, concerning the physicochemical characteristics of fruits Bacillus RCA3 strain was found best. The results indicated that inoculation with Bacillus strains could be an eco-friendly and cost-effective technology for improving strawberry growth, yield and quality.

Germination and Graft Compatibilty Study of Wild Solanum spp and Brinjal Root Stocks with Tomato Scions

The experiment was conducted at Central Horticultural Experiment Station, ICAR- IIHR, Aiginia, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India during kharif seasons of 2018 in collaboration with Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, to study the seed germination, days taken to reach grafting stage and grafting success (percentage) of rootstock and scion seeds used for grafting. The cultivated and wild species of brinjal and tomato were used as rootstocks with tomato Arka Rakshak F1 hybrid as scion. The experiment was conducted with 13 root stocks following statistical design CRD with three replications in pro trays to find out better root stock for grafting. A significant difference was recorded for the rootstock and scion parameters. Utkal Anushree had taken minimum number of days (6.67 days) for germination and the wild Solanum torvum had taken maximum number of days (16.67 days) to germinate, On the other hand, Arka Rakshak took least number of days (34.33 days) to reach grafting stage while the wild Solanum torvum reached to grafting stage within 56 days. The grafting success percentage ranged from 74.67 to 96 percent. Maximum grafting success (%) was recorded in Solanum torvum whereas minimum grafting success (%) was observed in S. sisymbriifolium wild solanum spp. root stock.

Influence of plant growth regulators on morphological and flowering behavior of bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria (Mol.) Standl.)

A field experiment was conducted for evaluating the influence of three plant growth regulators (PGR) viz., gibberellic acid (GA3), Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) and Ethrel on morphological and flowering behaviour of bottle gourd. The foliar application of Ethrel @ 300 ppm was found beneficial for days taken for appearance of first female flower, number of male flowers, number of female flowers, sex ratio. Whereas, maximum length of vine at 60 and 90 DAS, minimum number of days taken from fruit set to edible maturity was obtained by the foliage application of GA3 @ 40 ppm however minimum days taken for appearance of first male flower was obtained with GA3 @ 60 ppm. Based on these observations, it could be suggested that the significant increase in flowering and growth characters would be obtained by the spraying of Ethrel @ 300 ppm at 2-4 true leaf stage.

Effect of Different Physical and Chemical Treatments on Germination and Seedling Establishment in Spine gourd (Momordica dioica Roxb.)

The experiment was conducted at Department of Vegetable Science, OUAT, Bhubaneswar from 2019-2021. Stored spine gourd seeds of six months old were used in this experiment. The seeds were first given various physical treatments (T1: control, T2: 48 hours soaking in water, T3: hot water treatment for 20 minutes + 48 hours soaking in water, T4: scarification by sand paper + 48 hours soaking in water, T5: removal of seed coat + 48 hours soaking in water) followed by chemical treatments (C1: GA3 100 ppm, C2: GA3 200 ppm, C3: KNO3 1%, C4: KNO3 2%, C5: Thiourea 1%, C6: Thiourea 2% &amp; C7: control). The experiment was laid out in factorial CRD design with 35 treatment combinations replicated twice. The seeds were sown in plastic trays containing coco peat media. The effect of these treatments on number of days taken for initial germination, length of shoot, root, number of roots per seedling and percentage of seedling establishment in main field were recorded. From the data recorded, it was observed that among the physical treatments, T5 (removal of seed coat + 48 hours soaking in water), among the chemical treatments, C1 (GA3 100 ppm) and between the interactions, T5C1 (removal of seed coat + 48 hours soaking in water + GA3 100 ppm) took minimum number of days for initial germination with highest shoot and root length, maximum number of roots per seedling and highest establishment percentage in field. The lowest values were recorded in case of control. So, it can be concluded that removal of seed coat followed by 48 hour soaking in water and GA3 100 ppm treatment resulted early germination with desirable seedling traits and highest establishment percent in main field.

Response of grafts of different scion varieties on the different rootstock of mango (Mangifera indica L.) under nursery conditions

The investigation was carried out at the College of Horticulture, Bidar to study the “Performance of grafts of different scion varieties on the different rootstock of mango (Mangifera indica L.) under nursery conditions” with thirty-six treatments comprising of twelve rootstocks (Kurukkan, Kitchner, Olour, EC-95862, Kensington, Peach, Nekkare, Muvandan, Bappakai, Mylepelian, Starch and Local) and three scions (Baneshan, Dashehari and Kesar). Among different rootstocks, Nekkare registered minimum days for sprouting, maximum sprout length, graft success, the height of grafted plant and number of leaves per graft (12.47 days, 6.08 cm, 89.17%, 29.4 cm and 18.33 respectively) whereas the maximum scion girth and root-collar diameter was registered with Bappakai (5.67 and 6.57mm respectively). In scion varieties Kesar recorded minimum days for the emergence of sprouts (15.92 days), maximum sprout length (5.39 cm), graft success (85.83 %), the height of grafted plant (26.74 cm), scion girth (5.55 mm) and root-collar diameter (6.51mm). In the case of different rootstock scion combinations, Nekkare grafted with Kesar recorded a minimum number of days taken for sprouting (11.4 days), maximum sprout length (7.15 cm), graft success (95 %), the height of grafted plant (33.55 cm) and several leaves per graft (19.7) whereas, scion girth and root-collar diameter were found non-significant.

Impact of the time limits for the receipt of tenders on the number of bidders: evidence from public procurement in Greece

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine how the period for which a public procurement notice remains open for bidding (Δt) affects the number of bids.Design/methodology/approachThe authors investigated data for 2.404 open procurement tenders in Greece for the years 2018–2021. Using Δt as the grouping factor, the authors defined two samples based on the European Union time limits for the receipt of tenders. Group 1 (Δt ≤ 35) contains all tenders for which the contracting authorities (CAs) have chosen to limit themselves to the minimum number of days allowed by law. Group 2 (Δt>35) includes the remaining tenders where CAs have chosen to keep their notices open for periods beyond the existing minimum time limits, as they are encouraged to do by law.FindingsA Mann–Whitney U test, in combination with graphical analysis, revealed that CAs from Group 2 tend to enjoy more bids per tender, that is, more intense competition.Social implicationsThe paper allows decision-makers and legislators to understand the relationship between the time CAs choose to keep their notices open for bidding and the number of bidders in each tender, that is, competition, which according to other authors, affects the outcomes of public procurement procedures.Originality/valueThe paper fills the research gap regarding the relationship between time for preparation and the number of bids in each tender.

Synergetic Effect of Different Plant Growth Regulators on Micropropagation of Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) by Callogenesis

The response of different plant growth regulators on callus induction and regeneration on three sugarcane genotypes (YT-53, CP-77-400, and NSG-59) was evaluated. Different concentrations of 2,4-D alone and in combination with other plant growth regulators (Kinetin and BAP) were used for callus induction. Kinetin along with IBA, BAP and NAA were analyzed with respect to shoot induction, while NAA and IBA were used for root induction. The best callus response in terms of number of days, callus fresh weight, and frequency in YT-53 was observed on MS media provided with 2,4-D (3 mg L−1) + Kinetin (0.5 mg L−1), while in NSG-59 the best response was on MS+2,4-D (4 mg L−1) + Kinetin (0.5 mg L−1), and in CP-77400, MS+2,4-D (5 mg L−1). For shoot induction, 2 mg L−1 Kinetin was found to be the best for YT-53 and NSG-59, while 1 mg L−1 BAP was found to be the best for CP-77-400 in terms of number of days, shoot numbers, and shoot length. The best media for root induction in terms of number of days, root numbers, and root length was 1 mg L−1 NAA + 1 mg L−1 IBA for YT-53, while this was 3 mg L−1 NAA for NSG-59. The highest root frequency and maximum root length in the minimum number of days was observed in CP-77-400 on MS media provided with 2 mg L−1 NAA.

Effect of Sowing Dates and Varieties on Growth and Yield of Broccoli under Acidic Soil Condition of Sylhet

This experiment was conducted during October, 2013 to March, 2014 in the experimental field of Department of Horticulture, Sylhet Agricultural University (SAU), Bangladesh. The objective was to evaluate the effect of three planting dates (30 October, 15 November and 1 December) on growth, yield and yield attributes of three broccoli varieties (Premium, BR001 and BR002) under acidic soil condition of Sylhet. The two factors field experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Broccoli planted on 30 October recorded the minimum number of days to first curd harvest (64.77), the tallest plants at harvest (62.76 cm) with denser leaves (17.90), the highest primary curd weight (142.75 g) with increased curd length (11.93 cm), the maximum curd yield of both primary (5.29 t/ha) and secondary (5.24 t/ha). Variety Premium was the earliest in curd initiation (50.33 days) and curd harvest (64.44 days). Premium had the highest number of leaves at harvest (16.07), the maximum primary curd weight (207.59 g) with increased curd length (12.18 cm) and curd diameter (14.28 cm). The highest primary curd yield (7.70 t/ha) and secondary curd yield (4.02 t/ha) of Premium variety out yielded the other two varieties in this experiment. Interaction effect showed that the variety Premium planted on 30 October showed the best performance in primary curd weight (274.13 g), primary curd yield (10.17 t/ha) and secondary curd yield (8.43 t/ha). Therefore, the variety Premium can be recommended to cultivate at 30 October planting date under acidic soil condition of Sylhet.

Impact of Different Substrates of Spawn Production And Calcium Carbonate on The Growth And Yield of Oyster Mushroom (pleurotus Ostreatus)

This experiment was undertaken at mushroom production unit in the college of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, Duhok University, Kurdistan Region-Iraq, during the growing year 2021 and 2022, to investigate the effect of different substrates of spawn production (oat, corn, millet, wheat, canary seed) and calcium carbonate (with or without) on the growth and yield of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus). The results showed that corn grain was significantly recorded fastest complete colonization of mycelium after (7) days followed by millet, canary seed, oat, and wheat which recorded (9, 10, 12, and 13) days respectively and they were not affected by any pests after 6 months in refrigerator as shelf life of spawn. However, millet and CaCO3 significantly recorded the shortened number of days for the viewing first pinhead, whereas canary seed significantly obtained the higher number of heads per bags, but treatments without using CaCO3 significantly enhanced heads number and head length per bags. Concerning the fruit weight, head diameter and fruit dry weight did not record any significant differences in the single effect of two factors. On the other hand, the interactions between millet or corn grains with using CaCO3 had significant effect on higher head diameter and minimum number of days respectively for the viewing first pinhead per bags

Studies on Heterosis and its Extent for Horticultural Traits in Long Melon (Cucumis melo var. flexuosus (L.) Naudin)

A study was conducted to assess the extent of heterosis for various horticultural traits in long melon at College of Horticulture, Kolar, Karnataka, India. In the present study, 18 cross combinations of long melon were developed by crossing six female lines with three male lines in L×T mating design. The F1 combinations were evaluated along with nine parental lines to study heterosis for earliness, growth, yield and yield attributing traits. The F1 LM3×Arka Sheetal took minimum number of days for 50% female flower anthesis and exhibited maximum negative heterobeltiosis (-3.75%) for this trait. Six out of eighteen cross combinations showed significant negative heterosis over the better parent for the days to first harvest with the cross LM3 × JK Special showing highet value (-5.18%). High values of heterosis coupled with favourable per se values for male to female flower ratio were observed in LM11×Punjab Long melon-1 (-12.99%) and LM10×Arka Sheetal (-22.08%). The extent of heterosis over better parent was found as high as 59.44 % for fruit yield per vine in the cross LM 3×ArkaSheetal. This cross along with LM 9×Punjab Long melon-1, LM 15×Arka Sheetal and LM 3×J K Special were found to be the best crosses for yield and contributing traits exhibiting highest heterobeltiosis coupled with high per se values, and may be explored further for the development of promising genotypes. The highest yielding F1 combinations in present study involved at least one poor to average yielding parent, suggesting that simple dominance components might have lead to expression of heterosis.

Impact of Inorganic Chemicals on Growth and Yield Potential of Pleurotus sajor-caju

The experiments on Impact of Inorganic Chemicals on Growth and Yield Potential of Pleurotus sajor-caju were conducted during October–November 2018–2019 and 2019–2020 in Completely Randomized Design at Mushroom Research and Development Centre, Department of Plant Pathology, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India. Among all the treatments, minimum 11 days required for spawn running in the combination of Wheat straw+NPK 5 mg+CaCO3 6 mg. Similarly, the minimum number of days required for pin head formation and harvesting days were also noticed in T5 treatment (wheat straw+5 g NPK+6 g CaCO3), representing 15 and 20 days respectively. The treatment T5 produced maximum number of fruiting bodies where combinations were given as wheat straw+5 g NPK+6 g CaCO3.The maximum stipe length and width of pileus were also recorded maximum in treatment T5, showing 7.9 cm and 13.5 cm against 2.8 cm and 6.6 cm respectively in case of control. Yield potential, total yield and biological efficiency of Pleurotus sajor-caju were also found maximum in treatment T5, representing the values 500, 450, 370, 300 and 250 g yield bag-1 at 1st , 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th flushing stages, respectively. On the other hand, the maximum biological efficiency was recorded in T5 (wheat straw+5 g NPK+6 g CaCO3) treatment, showing 37.40% against 25.68% in case of treatment T1 (Control). Result showing that treatment T5 (wheat straw+5 g NPK+6 g CaCO3) performed better than all treatments.