NPK Fertilizer Research Articles

Assessing the role of technology transfer and participatory technology development on farmers crop yield and income in Shawa village of Zalingei, Central Darfur State

This study is aiming at assessing the role of technology transfer and participatory technology development on farmers’ crop yield and income in Shawa village of Zalingei locality during 2022/2023 cropping rainy season. Clustered random sampling technique applied. Demonstration farm was established in an area of 1.5 feddan. Farmers field schools (FFSs) of 25 men and women farmers selected. Participatory Technology Development (PTD) for men and women farmers was also developed in an area of 1.5 feddan. Improved seeds will be grown versus local check. Each treatment comprising NPK fertilizer micro dose (0. 0.3, 0.6 and 0.9 gram/ hole) randomly practiced. Fertilizer micro dose with percentage of 17-17-17 was added and mixed with seeds per hole at planting method. All farmers experienced to practical and theoretical farming of FFSs training in all research technical packages of land preparation, sowing date, seed preparation, seed dressing, thinning, weeding, water harvesting, soil conservation, pests and diseases control, seed production technologies, harvest and post harvest technologies. Results of partial crop budget revealed that all crops finically gave positive net returns. The highest yield kg/ha was obtained by Sorghum Wad-Ahmed 3500, Sorghum Butana with 3250, 3000 kg/ha for sorghum local and G/nut Gibaish, while the lowest yield/ha shown by sesame local (776 kg/ha). Therefore, the highest net returns was recorded by sorghum Butana (SDG 329048), sorghum wad-Ahmed (SDG 295477), sorghum local (SDG 269048) and G/nut Gibaish (SDG 108990). While the lowest net returns was computed by G/nut local with SDG 21,381. Results of marginal analysis revealed that sorghum Butana gave the highest MRR 1230. Results of Participatory Technology Development (PTD) of improved yields against local indicated that, the highest yield obtained by sorghum Wad-Ahmed and G/nut Gibaish (1100 and 950 kg/feddan), respectively. While the lowest yield obtained by sesame local (195 kg/feddan). The increased over decreased of improved versus local showed that sorghum wad-ahmed exceed local by 11%, millet Ashana 36%, sesame Promio 13% and groundnut Gibaish exceed local by 25%. The study recommended strengthening research extension farmers and enhancing farmers’ participatory technology development.

Effects of Water Clover Density and Submerged NPK Fertilizer on Rice Production

Water clover is an important weed that causes a decrease in rice yields by 15-42%. This study examined the effects of water clover density andNPK fertilizer application on rice yields. This study was arranged in a complete randomized block design with two factors. The first factor was water clover density with three levels, consisting of no water clover, one water clover, and two water clover. The second factor was the application of NPK, which was applied to the surface, submerged in 3, 6, and 9 cm—performed with three replications. Water clover density affected the number of rice panicles, the number of rice grains per panicle, the weight of 100 seeds, rice biomass, and water clover biomass. The application of submerged NPK affected rice biomass. The application of NPK on the surface reduced the highest rice biomass. Two water clovers per rice plant reduced the number of rice panicles by 39% compared to without weeds. Rice biomass decreased by 40% and 50% at weed density of one and two water clover weeds per rice plant, respectively. The higher the density of clover weeds, the higher the decline in harvest yields and the higher the biomass of clover weeds.

Impact of Bio-Organic Fertilizer Incorporation on Soil Nutrients, Enzymatic Activity, and Microbial Community in Wheat–Maize Rotation System

Excessive use of inorganic fertilizers disrupts soil nutrient balance and leads to soil degradation and a decrease in biodiversity. In contrast, bio-fertilizers enhance soil structure and fertility and promote plant growth and sustainable agriculture development. Therefore, this study focused on a rotation system of winter wheat and summer maize and aimed to explore the effects of applying chemical fertilizer (NPK) and bio-fertilizer (BF) in the winter wheat season on the sustainable soil development of current wheat and subsequent maize. Before sowing winter wheat four fertilization treatments were, respectively CK (100% NPK at 750 kg ha−1), A (60% NPK at 450 + 20% BF at 150 kg ha−1), B (60% NPK at 450 + 40% BF at 300 kg ha−1), and C (60% NPK at 450 + 60% BF at 450 kg ha−1), conducted. The results showed that treatment A (60% NPK + 20% BF) replacing the NPK at 300 kg ha−1 with BF at 150 kg ha−1 significantly soil nutrient contents, enzyme activity, and microbial metabolic activity. The study also found a positive correlation between soil parameters (total nitrogen, alkaline nitrogen, available phosphorus, organic matter, urease, and alkaline phosphatase in the winter wheat and maize cropping season). Furthermore, the soil microbial composition showed significant enrichment of Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Firmicutes, and variations among treatments. Moreover, the application of biofertilizer enhanced the diversity of soil fungi species, particularly during the winter wheat season. This study highlights the importance of integrating biofertilizers with NPK fertilizer for agricultural system conversion and promoting agricultural production and sustainability.

Enhancing Leafy Vegetable Growth and Yield with Goat Urine, Moringa Leaf, and Banana Stem-based Liquid Organic Fertiliser

Pak choy and mustard greens are traditionally grown with many inorganic fertilisers, which can reduce soil fertility when applied frequently. The adoption of organic fertilisers offers a sustainable solution to this challenge. This study investigates the impact of liquid organic fertiliser (LOF) derived from goat urine, Moringa leaves, and banana stems on the growth and yield of pak choy and mustard greens. The research design employed a randomised complete block design with four treatments and ten replications. These treatments included a control group, 100% nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium (NPK, inorganic fertiliser), 100% LOF, and a 50% NPK + 50% LOF blend. The application of LOF, sourced from goat urine, Moringa leaves, and banana stems, demonstrated a significant influence on nearly all plant parameters. Notably, the 100% LOF treatment yielded the highest results for fresh leaf weight (26.46 g), fresh stalk weight (39.64 g), dry leaf weight (4.57 g), stem diameter (48.27 mm), Soil Plant Analysis Development value (SPAD, 40.73 units), plant height (31.59 cm), leaf width (8.45 cm), and leaf length (13.33 cm) for pak choy. Additionally, 100% LOF also produced the highest results for fresh leaf weight (21.34 g), dry root weight (0.31 g), stem diameter (21.53 mm), SPAD value (32.40 units), plant height (31.59 cm), leaf width (10.40 cm), and leaf length (15.65 cm) for mustard greens. This study demonstrates that a blend of goat urine, Moringa leaves, and banana stems can be used as a LOF that can replace inorganic NPK fertilisers in growing pak choy and mustard. It not only addresses issues with soil fertility but also contributes to environmentally friendly farming practices.

Short-Term Effect of the Combined Application of Rice Husk Biochar and Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on Radish Growth and Nitrogen Use Efficiency.

Research on soil biochar fertilization has mainly been conducted on cereal crops, and information on its potential for radish production remains inconsistent. Therefore, a pot experiment was conducted to examine the short-term effects of rice husk biochar on radish growth and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE). An investigation was conducted with two application rates of biochar alone, (10 t ha-1 (B10) and 25 t ha-1 (B25), and biochar + chicken manure application with and without NPK fertilizer. The results indicated that the application of biochar 25 t ha-1 + chicken manure (B25:CHM) and the combination of biochar 25 t ha-1 + chicken manure + NPK fertilizer (B25:CHM:NPK) significantly increased root yield by improving NUE, fertilizer recovery efficiency (REN), agronomic efficiency (AE), nitrogen harvest index (NHI), and retaining soil NH4+-N. Although biochar application alone did not significantly influence radish growth on a short-term basis, B10 and B25 increased root yields by 10% and 20%, respectively, compared with the control. Notably, the role of biochar application when combined with organic and inorganic fertilizers was to retain fertilizer N and promote N uptake efficiency by radishes, as higher rates of biochar resulted in higher NUE. Our results suggest that B25:CHM is a suitable combination for organic farming.

Optimizing NPK Fertilization for Enhanced Performance of Chinese Wheat Hybrids under Agro-Climatic Condition of Peshawar Valley

The goal of this study is to identify the optimum NPK fertilization to maximize yield and productivity under local environmental constraints. To address this concern, a field experiment was conducted at Agronomy Research Farm, The University of Agriculture, Peshawar, during the rabi seasons of 2019–2020 and 2020–2021 in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) withthree replications. Treatments consisted of five Chinese wheat hybrids (18A-1, JM-1215, JM-1683, JM-1216, H-1) and one Australian hybrid (WS-1) with two local checks (Wadan-17 and Pirsabak-15) and two NPK levels, i.e., basal dose (120-90-60 NPK kg ha−1) and 25% higher thanbasal dose (150-112-75 NPK kg ha−1). The results of the two years’ experimentation exhibited that wheat hybrid WS-1 produced higher tillers (444 and 423 m−2), leaf area (32.7 and 30.7 cm2), leaf area index (5.0 and 5.4), plant height (105.3 and 103.1 cm), spike length (21.9 and 21.5 cm), spikes (329 and 322 m−2), grains spike−1 (59 and 58), thousand grain weight (62.2 and 62.2 g) and biological yield (9769 and 9906 kg ha−1) as compared to local check varieties. Wheat hybrids WS-1, JM-1683, H-1 and 18A1 produced 31%, 27%, 26% and 26% higher grain yield than local check Pirsabak-15, respectively, while a higher harvest index (61 and 59%) was noted for JM-1683 in both years. Application of NPK at the rate of 150-112-75 kg ha−1 increased emergence (87 m−2), tillers (421 and 407 m−2), leaf area (23 and 20.5 cm2), leaf area index (3.3), plant height (98.2 and 96.9 cm), spike length (15.9 and 16.3 cm), spikes (317 and 314 m−2), grains spike−1 (43), thousand grain weight (56.5 and 56.3 g), biological yield (9057 and 9163 kg ha−1) and grain yield (3702 and 3778 kg ha−1) compared to the lower level of NPK (120-90-60 kg ha−1). It is concluded that Chinese wheat hybrid JM-1683 and Australian hybrid WS-1 responded better to the higher level of NPK (150:112:75 kg ha−1) in terms of grain yield and its components and are therefore recommended for the agro-climatic condition of the Peshawar valley.

Role of NPK Fertilizer and Planting Ates on the Vegetative and Flowering Growth Tributes of Two Varieties of Snake Melon

Role of NPK Fertilizer and Planting Ates on the Vegetative and Flowering Growth Tributes of Two Varieties of Snake Melon

Evaluating the Response of Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus (L.) to Organic and Inorganic Fertilization in Makurdi, Southern Guinea Savannah, Nigeria

Watermelon consumption in Nigeria is on the increase due to increasing awareness of its nutritional value while its production is on the decrease due to inefficiency of resource management (inputs like fertilizers). This study aims to optimize watermelon (Citrullus lanatus L.) production through the use of organic and inorganic fertilizers. The field experiment was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm of Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi in the 2019 cropping season under rain-fed conditions. The site falls within the Latitude 7°4'1N and Longitude 8°3'7E at an elevation of about 97m above sea level in the Southern Guinea Savanna Agro-ecological Zone of Nigeria. The experiment treatments, namely and they were T1 (Control 0kg/ha), T2 (150 kg/ha Compost), T3 (200 kg/ha Compost), T4 (250 kg/ha Compost) and T5 (300 kg/ha NPK 20:10:10) laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. The study revealed that in comparison with control treatments, 300 kg/ha NPK 20:10:10 produced (31.04t/ha) fruit yield, the application of 250 kg/ha compost enhanced growth and yield parameters of watermelon with fruit yield of (17.65t/ha). The research findings suggest that using compost manure at the rate of 250 kg/ha for watermelon production is viable since it is economical and environmentally friendly alternative to NPK fertilizer due to it cheap and easy to prepare methods, its beneficial effects on soil, groundwater and the environment. It is further recommended that, in Makurdi, smallholder farmers, should adopt the application of compost at the rate of 250 kg/ha for optimum yield

Effect of Different Fertilizer and Silicon Levels on Grain Quality of Maize (Zea mays L.)

A field experiment with spilt plot design was conducted to study the ‘effect of fertility and silicon levels on the nutritional quality of maize’ during Kharif 2022 and 2023 at Rajasthan College of Agriculture (RCA), MPUAT, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India. The main plot treatments consist of four levels of Compounded NPK fertilizer (F0: Control, F50: 50% RDF, F75: 75% RDF and F100: 100 % RDF) and the sub-plot treatments consist of four levels of soil application of Diatomaceous Earth (Si0, Si100, Si200 and Si300). Pratap Makka-9 of maize variety was used for research purpose. The protein content, protein yield, carbohydrate and energy in maize grain were higher under 100% RDF than other levels of fertilizer. Application of 300 kg Diatomaceous Earth per hectare recorded higher protein content, protein yield, carbohydrate and energy in maize grain over the rest of silicon levels. The crude fat in maize grain was lower in 100% RDF. Application of 300 kg Diatomaceous Earth per hectare recorded lower crude fat in maize grain. Significantly higher protein yield was recorded under the combined application of 100% RDF and 300 kg diatomaceous earth per hectare. However, protein yield was at par in the application of 75% RDF with 300 kg Diatomaceous Earth per hectare and 100% RDF with 200 kg Diatomaceous Earth per hectare. The lowest crude fat was recorded under the combined application of 100% RDF and 300 kg Diatomaceous Earth per hectare over the rest of treatment combinations. Application of 100% RDF with 300 kg DE ha-1 (F100Si300) was recommended treatment for nutritional high quality maize grain.

Effect of NPK and ZK Fertilizers on N-total, N Uptake, and Yield of Shallots (Allium cepa var. aggregatum) on Inceptisol

Effect of NPK and ZK Fertilizers on N-total, N Uptake, and Yield of Shallots (Allium cepa var. aggregatum) on Inceptisol

Growth response of tomatoes to application of bacterial-coated NPK fertilizer in a pot experiment

Nitrogen-fixer and phosphate-solubilizer bacteria increase the chemical-fertilizer efficiency and soil health. Bacterial-coated NPK fertilizer is a novel approach for intensifying biofertilizer application in vegetable production. The study aimed to observe the compatibility between two Azotobacter species and two Bacillus species, their population on two formulations of bacterial-coated NPK fertilizer (BCN), and the effect of BCN dose on growth, N and P content, and their uptake in tomato shoots. The compatibility test was performed using the streak method. The population of Azotobacter and Bacillus were counted for two formulations of NPK fertilizer coated by solid biofertilizer (5% and 10%) and zeolite (1% and 5%). The pot experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with four treatments and six replications. The treatments were 100% recommended doses of conventional NPK fertilizer (700 kg/ha) and 100%, 80%, and 60% doses of BCN. The results showed four bacterial species were compatible, indicated by synergistic growth on the plate agar. The BCN formula using 5% liquid inoculant and 5% zeolite has higher cell viability. The BCN enhanced stem thickness and leaves number but did not change the plant height, dry weight, N and P content, and their uptake in shoots. Applying 60% of BCN caused greater stem thickness and leaf number. Despite being insignificantly different from another treatment, that dose increased the biomass and the shoot uptake of N and P. The NPK fertilizer coated by Azotobacter and Bacillus has the potency to increase tomato growth and NPK fertilizer dose.

Effect of Liquid and Single Compound NPK Fertilizer on Soil and Plant Nitrogen Content and Yield of Sweet Corn (Zea mays L. Saccharata) in Inceptisols of Jatinangor

Effect of Liquid and Single Compound NPK Fertilizer on Soil and Plant Nitrogen Content and Yield of Sweet Corn (Zea mays L. Saccharata) in Inceptisols of Jatinangor

The Use of Peat Soil for Cultivating Ginger (Zingiber officinale) using Several Types of Ash and NPK Fertilizer

The Use of Peat Soil for Cultivating Ginger (Zingiber officinale) using Several Types of Ash and NPK Fertilizer

NPK Fertilizer Application for Enhanced Productivity of FARO 44 Lowland Rice in Guinea Savanna Zone of Nigeria

NPK Fertilizer Application for Enhanced Productivity of FARO 44 Lowland Rice in Guinea Savanna Zone of Nigeria

PENGARUH BERBAGAI JENIS DAN DOSIS PUPUK NPK TERHADAP PERTUMBUHAN DAN PRODUKSI JAGUNG MANIS (Zea mays saccharata STURT L.)

This study aims to determine the effect of different types of NPK fertiliser on the growth and production of sweet corn plants. The research was conducted from mid-March to June 2021 on dryland, Cendana Hijau Village, Wotu Sub-district, East Luwu Regency, South Sulawesi. The research used the method of group randomised design (RAK) factorial pattern of 2 factors consisting of the first factor is the type of NPK fertiliser consisting of 2 treatment levels and the second factor is the dose of fertiliser consisting of 4 treatment levels. The results showed that in general the use of NPK Phonksa fertiliser was better than the use of NPK Pelangi fertiliser.

Pengaruh Kombinasi Pupuk Kandang Sapi dan Pupuk NPK terhadap Pertumbuhan dan Hasil Tanaman Kubis (Brassica oleraceae L.)

The use of organic and inorganic fertilizers is an alternative way to get good cabbage production, one of which is by using cow manure and NPK. This study aims to determine the good use of a combination of cow manure and NPK fertilizer on the growth and yield of cabbage (Brassica oleraceae L.). The research was carried out from October 2022 to January 2023. This study used a Randomized Block Design (RAK), namely with a combination of cow manure (PKS) and NPK fertilizer. With the following details: P0 = Control, P1 = PKS 200 g + NPK 5 g, P2 = PKS 400 g + NPK 10 g, P3 = PKS 600 g + NPK 15 g, P4 = PKS 800 g + NPK 20 g. The treatments were repeated 3 times so that there were 15 experimental units. Each experimental unit used 5 polybags and each polybag was planted with one plant so that the total cabbage plants used were 75 plants. The variables observed were leaf area, time of crop formation, crop weight, and crop volume and root volume. The results showed that the combination of cow manure and NPK fertilizer had a significant effect on the growth of leaf area, crop weight, and crop volume. However, it has not had a significant effect on the time of crop formation. Treatment of cow manure 800 g + NPK 20 g (P4) fertilizer increased crop weight and crop volume. Treatment of cow manure 400 g + NPK 10 g (P2) fertilizer increased cabbage leaf area.

Optimization of palm oil biodiesel production: Environmental impact analysis and POME waste utilization

Background: Indonesia is still an energy importer, especially in the form of crude oil and fuel products to meet the needs of its industrial sector. The reduced production of fossil energy, especially oil, as well as the global commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, has prompted the Indonesian government to continue to support the role of new and renewable energy. The production of palm oil-based biodiesel is faced with a number of environmental problems, which may occur from the release of emissions during the production of FFB (Fresh Fruit Bunches), CPO (Crude Palm Oil), and biodiesel. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to compile an LCI (Life Cycle Inventory) covering the production of FFB, CPO, and biodiesel; analyze the environmental impact of the CPO bodysel production process which includes CO2 (eq) emissions, acidification and eutrophication; and develop a life cycle concept for biodiesel production from palm oil as a renewable energy. Methods: The method used in this study is a combination of quantitative LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) and AHP (Analytical Hierarchy Process) and qualitative. Findings: The results of this study are LCI in 1 ton of biodiesel consisting of NPK fertilizer of 141.1 Kg; herbicide (0.25 Kg); water (1578 m3), diesel oil (25 Kg); fresh fruit bunches of 5.67 tons; electricity of 33.8 kWh, POME (Palm Oil Mill Effluent) (3,47 m3), CPO needed for biodiesel conversion of 1.17 tons; methanol (0.41 tons), and 0.01 tons of Sodium Hydroxide. The total CO2 emission (eq) of biodiesel production from palm oil is 1489 Kg CO2 (eq), eutrophication is 1.12 Kg PO43- (eq) and acidification is 3.06 Kg SO2 (eq). With the largest contribution of CO2 (eq) emissions in CPO production and the contribution of eutrophication and acidification in oil palm plantations or FFB production (Fresh Fruit Bunches). Environmental hotspot of LCA, CO2 (eq) emissions from palm oil biodiesel production show that 53% mainly comes from POME (Palm Oil Mill Effluent) waste, other contributors are NPK fertilizers (23%), methanol (18%), and diesel oil (7%). Hotspot eutrophication showed that 61% mainly came from NPK fertilizer, methanol (20%), diesel oil (11%), and POME waste (8%). Hotspot acidification showed that 48% mainly came from NPK fertilizers, methanol (28%), POME waste (13%), and diesel oil (11%). Conclusion: The concept of a biodiesel production life cycle can be applied with the best alternative utilization of POME waste with a priority weighting of 0.357 and a CO2(eq) emission criterion of 0.494. From the optimization of the life cycle of biodiesel production with the use of POME, the potential for emission reduction is 667.2 Kg CO2 (eq). Novelty/Originality of this Study: This study's novel application of LCA evaluates the environmental impacts of biodiesel production from palm oil in Indonesia, identifying critical hotspots in CO2 emissions, eutrophication, and acidification. Additionally, it proposes an innovative optimization approach by utilizing POME to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, highlighting a viable path for enhancing the sustainability of biodiesel production.

Influence of Nitrogen, Potassium and Phosphorus Fertilizers with Foliar Application of Micronutrient of Iron, Zinc and Manganese on Bulb Characteristics of Single Flower Tuberose Plants (Polianthes Tuberosa, L.)

The global market for flowers and ornamental plants is expected to expand at a rate of approximately 6.3% over the next five years, reaching an estimated value of $57.4 billion USD by 2024. Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.), a summer flower cultivated by small-scale growers primarily for export. The study was aimed to cultivate tuberose plants in Al-Jabal Al-Khader region, introducing them as a new cut flower crop, as a source for tuberose, and leveraging their economic potential. A field experiment was conducted over two summer growing seasons to investigate the impact of different levels of compound fertilizer (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, NPK 4:4:4) in application rates (0, 500, 1000, and 1500 kg.ha-1) and foliar sprays of micronutrients iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), and a )mixture of these three elements) on tuberose bulbs. The experimental design was a completely randomized block design split-plot with three replications. The NPK fertilizer levels were randomly assigned to the main plots, while the micronutrient treatments were allocated to the subplots. The study found that varying rates of NPK fertilization did not significantly affect the number of bulbs per plant over the two growing seasons. In contrast, the application of micronutrient foliar sprays had a notable impact, with the mixture of Fe, Zn, and Mn yielding the highest significant increase in bulb number per plant in both seasons. It is recommended to apply a mixture of the three micronutrients (Fe, Zn, and Mn) as fertilizer to produce high-quality Tuberose plants for various decorative purposes in landscaping.

Pengaruh Dosis Phospor Dan Pupuk Cair Pada Tanaman Bunga Kol (Brassica Oleracea Var. Botrytis L)

Cauliflower is a vegetable that has commercial value and excellent prospects for public consumption. According to the Central Statistics Agency of the Republic of Indonesia, cauliflower production has decreased from 2019 to 2021, therefore it is necessary to improve maintenance, one of which is by providing Phosphorus fertilizer to increase productivity. This will increase the rate of photosynthesis to produce high productivity and the correct dose of liquid organic fertilizer (POC) to maximize growth in the vegetative and generative phases thereby increasing the yield of cauliflower plants. This research aims to determine the effect of giving various doses of Phosphorus and POC fertilizers on the growth and yield of cauliflower plants. The research was carried out in the village, Girilayu, Matesih, Karanganyar from February to May 2024. Using the Complete Randomized Block Design (RAKL) method consisting of 2 treatment factors and 3 replications. The first factor is the dosage of Phosphorus (P) fertilizer P1: 100 kg/ha, P2: 150 kg/ha, P3: 200 kg/ha. The second factor is the dose of POC (C), C1: 4 cc/L, C2: 8 cc/L, C3: 12 cc/L. The results research showed (1) Giving various doses of Phospor fertilizer had a very real effect on fresh stover, dry stover, plant diameter, plant weight per plant, and crop weight per plot. However, it does not have a real effect on plant height and number of leaves. (2) Giving various doses of POC had a very real influence on fresh stover, dry stover, plant diameter, and plant weight per plant had a real influence on crop weight per plot and had no real influence on plant height and number of leaves. (3) The interaction between treatments had a very real influence on fresh stover, dry stover, and plant weight per plant, and had no real influence on plant height, number of leaves, plant diameter, and weight per plant plot. (4) The highest results were obtained in the branch pruning treatment 3 weeks after planting with an NPK fertilizer dose of 200 kg/ha, namely a plant weight of 11,997.4 grams per plot (26,644 kg/ha).

Unveiling the biocontrol potential of Pseudomonas syringae through seed biopriming against charcoal rot disease in maize

In Punjab, Pakistan, maize production faces a significant threat from charcoal rot disease, caused by the soil-borne fungus Macrophomina phaseolina. To mitigate this issue and ensure food safety, researchers explored the potential of Pseudomonas syringae, a harmless gram-negative bacterium against charcoal rot disease in maize. Maize seeds treated with P. syringae (PS) were planted in soil containing the charcoal rot fungus in pot experiments. The outcome was then compared with the impact of NPK fertilizers and mancozeb fungicide. The positive control, with M. phaseolina alone, exhibited high disease severity resulting in a greater reduction of 30–70 % in the plant's biophysical and biochemical traits. Mancozeb, NPK, or PS, managed 66, 41, and 55 % of diseases and improved the biophysical and biochemical traits of the plants by up to 200 %. Applying P. syringae in combination with the recommended dose of NPK was found as the most promising treatment which significantly improved plant resistance by managing 90 % of disease through improving growth and biochemical traits (up to 300 %). This research suggests effective control of M. phaseolina by combining P. syringae with NPK, enhancing plant defense mechanisms and potentially improving pathogen-induced resistance in the maize plants.