NPK Solution Research Articles

Analysis of the Effect of Providing MNBs Organic Liquid Fertilizer on the Growth of Pueraria Javanica Plants in Coal Mining Areas

Apart from ex-mining land which requires management and rehabilitation using soil microbial communities, reclamation activities require time and technology with high costs and results that are not necessarily effective and efficient. One effective way is to provide organic fertilizer which contains lots of microbes and is able to neutralize soil acidity. This type of research is experimental research with a research design using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) 4 x 6. The population of this research is all Ruji Nut Plants (Pueraria Javanica) that grow in the PT Mine Wire House area. The main natural coal sampled in this research were 24 Ruji Nut Plants (Pueraria Javanica). The results of this research were that administering NPK solution and Micro Nano Bubbles (MNBs) was proven to help accelerate stem growth, number of leaves, number of leaf branches, root length and increase the biomass of Ruji Nut (Pueraria Javanica) plants in planting media with minimal topsoil. The dosage of Organic NPK Solution and Micro Nano Bubbles (MNBs) for optimal growth of Pueraria javanica plants was in treatment 4 (90 ml), where in treatment 4 the average stem growth, number of leaves, number of leaf branches, root length and plant biomass reached optimal point. So the use of Organic NPK solution using Micro Nano-Bubbles (MNBs) is more effective and environmentally friendly because it is formed from organic materials.

Innovative bio-waste-based multilayer hydrogel fertilizers as a new solution for precision agriculture

The aim of the research work was to present a multilayer hydrogel capsule with controlled nutrient release properties as an innovative fertilizer designed for sustainable agriculture. Preparation of the capsules included the following steps: sorption of micronutrients (Cu, Mn, Zn) on eggshells (1) and their immobilization in sodium alginate, with the crosslinking agent being the NPK solution (2). The capsules were coated with an additional layer of a mixture of biopolymers (0.79% alginate, 0.24% carboxymethylcellulose and 8.07% starch)by means of dipping and spraying techniques. The biocomposites were characterized by limited (<10% within 100 h for the structures encapsulated by the dipping method) release of fertilizer ions (except for small K+ ions). The hydrogel fertilizer formulations were analyzed for physicochemical properties such as macro- and micronutrient content, surface morphology analysis, coating structure evaluation, mechanical properties, swelling and drying kinetics. High nutrient bioavailability was confirmed in vitro (extraction in water and neutral ammonium citrate). Germination and pot tests have revealed that the application of multicomponent hydrogel fertilizers increases the length of cucumber roots by 20%, compared to the commercial product.

Studies on Nutrient and Mineral Contents of Fluted Pumpkin Grown in NPK Solution

Studies on nutrient and mineral contents of fluted pumpkin, Telfairia occidentalis Hooker fil. leaves grown in different NPK 20-10-10 solutions. The solutions varied in the amount of NPK (20-10-10) and granules (25 g, 50 g, 75 g, 100 g, 125 g and 150 g, respectively) dissolved in water containing micronutrients. The growth media were M25NPK, M50NPK, M75NPK, M100NPK, M125NPK, M150NPK, and Control. Two-week old seedlings of fluted pumpkin raised using River-sand were transferred into the growth media; in four replicates. The nutrient (proximate composition, vitamins, and amino acids) and minerals were determined 5 weeks after planting (WAP) following standard procedures. Among the growth media, fluted pumpkin grown in M125NPK medium had the highest energy level (1622.12 KJ/100 g) while the lowest energy content (1437.43 KJ/100g) was recorded at M25NPK medium. Fluted pumpkin grown in M25NPK medium had the lowest percentage crude fibre content, crude fat, fatty acid when compared with other growth media. The leaves grown in M75NPK medium had the highest value for total vitamins (water-soluble and fat-soluble). The percentage ratio of EAA to NEAA for the growth media was Control (42.33:57.67), M25NPK (38.88:61.12), M50NPK (40.45:59.55), M75NPK (42.06:57.94), M100NPK (41.04:58.96), M125NPK (45.97:54.03) and M150NPK (41.54:58.46). The results recorded indicated that the proportion of the minerals varied in the hydroponic solutions. The nutrient contents of fluted pumpkin leaves grown in the NPK 20-10-10 media varied at P ≤ 0.05. The proportion of mineral elements in fluted pumpkin leaves grown under different concentrations of NPK media at 5 WAP varies in their concentrations.

NYPA PALM SAP AS FEEDSTOCK FOR FERMENTED ALCOHOL PRODUCTION

Nypa palm is the among the few palms that grow well in mangroves. The tapping fromfruit of nypa palm that produces the sap is a good substance for alcohol fermentation dueto its high sugar and low ash contents.The implementation of alcohol fermentation by nypa palm sap was conducted in laboratoryscale. The result shows that the sap of nypa palm is a good feedstock for fermentedalcohol. The best yield is obtained by fermentation of feedstock containing 25% starter,4% NPK solution, and 5% bread yeast. The yield of alcohol concentration is about 11%(88% alcohol content) of feedstock.

Testing graphene versus classical soil improvers in a sandy calcisol

In this study for the first time, Graphene was tested in a leaching batch experiment on a calcareous sandy soil (Calcisol) to assess its capacity to ameliorate soil’s properties in comparison with traditional soil improvers (Compost, Biochar, and Zeolites). A first set of experiments was performed in triplicates using the saturation soil extraction method (5:1 liquid–solid ratio) with deionized water as liquid phase and two different rates (minimum and maximum) of each improver. A second set of experiments (5:1 liquid–solid ratio) was performed to understand the fate of fertilizers, using the maximum amount of soil improvers and two different liquid phases: NPK solution from a synthetic fertilizer and fertigation water from a wastewater treatment plant. EC, pH, ORP and dissolved O2 were monitored daily for two weeks, and water samples were obtained at the end of the experiment to analyze DOC, major ions, and trace elements. Results showed that Graphene neither altered the physical–chemical parameters nor released nutrients and heavy metals in the solution in comparison to control and other improvers. Biochar increased EC and pH beyond recommended limits for some plants growth, while Compost released NO3– above threshold limits. Batches with the NPK solution showed NH4+ accumulation in the solute for controls, and to a less extent for Zeolites, Graphene and Biochar, while no accumulation was recorded for Compost. NH4+ accumulation was triggered by microbial N remineralization in absence of a C source. Batches with fertigation water showed NO2– accumulation in the solute due to incomplete nitrification in all the improvers and control batches, since the available C source consumed O2 that in turn hampered the nitrification process. Despite the above-mentioned limitations, Graphene performed well in comparison to the other soil improvers in reducing nutrients and metals leaching.

Evaluation of nutritional amendments and fungicides against brown leaf spot of rice

Helminthosporium oryzae, the causal organism of bacterial leaf spot (BLS) has brought a tremendous loss of rice crop in the field. Rice seedlings of four commercial varieties (Nayab basmati, Kiran 434, Super basmati, and Pak 386) were screened against BLS in the field by using a randomized complete block design (RCBD). The present experiment was encompassed the evaluation of fermented farmyard manure, leaf manure, Boron, and NPK solution against BLS. The effect of different fungicides (Score, Flumax, Melodyduo, and Polyram) was also checked on the mycelial growth of Helminthosporium oryzae in-vitro and in-vivo. The results showed that Pak 386 was highly resistant with 17.22% disease severity and Super Basmati was found moderately resistant with 22.31% disease severity; variety Kisan 434 was found moderately susceptible (24.15%) and Nayab Basmati (24.82%) was susceptible. Among all NPK solutions showed the best results in growth enhancement, plant vigor as well as reduction in disease severity followed by FFYM, boron and leaf manure. Under in-vitro conditions, all the fungicides performed best at 150 ppm in terms of colony growth reduction. The maximum growth inhibition was recorded in Score followed by Flumax, Melodyduo, and Polyram. Score gave a significant reduction in BLS disease severity and maximized the agronomic attributes. The fungicides performed best at 150 ppm in terms of colony growth reduction. The maximum growth inhibition was recorded in Score followed by Flumax, Melodyduo, and Polyram. Score gave a significant reduction in BLS disease severity and maximized the agronomic attributes. Keywords: HBV, HCV, ICT, PCR, Risk factors, Mansehra

Usage of Non-chemical Methods to Counter the Damages Caused by Tomato Mosaic Virus

Background: Tomato mosaic virus (ToMV) is the most common and important pathogen of tomato crop. The infected plants show mosaic, mottle, wrinkling, reduced leaf size and uneven ripening of fruits. ToMV is transmitted mechanically, by cultural operations, farm implements and also through seed. Methods: The present study was planned to evaluate environment friendly strategies for the management of ToMV disease. Different non-chemical means viz., Elephant Ear plant extract, Eucalyptus extract, Zinc and Boron solution, NPK solution, Milk and Urea were used on four tomato varieties (Tanja, Chico, Manik and Sahil). All the treatments were used at three different concentrations (1%, 2% and 3%) and replicated three times. Result: The maximum disease reduction was recorded in plants treated with NPK solution (16.35%) and minimum in plants treated with Elephant Ear plant extract (29.65%). The maximum mean disease severity was recorded at 1 percent concentration of all the treatments (32.46%) which was statistically significant from that of 2 and 3% (24.74% and 19.23%), respectively. Among the varieties, minimum disease severity was recorded in Manik (24.64%) variety and maximum in Chico (31.27%) variety. All the treatments contributed towards reduction in disease severity of which NPK solution being most efficient.

Acclimation improves salinity tolerance capacity of pea by modulating potassium ions sequestration

Soil salinity is hampering the final output of crops by disturbing a set of physiological processes. The current study assessed; how did salt acclimation improve the salinity tolerance in field pea. Firstly, the 2-day old seedlings of pea (P. sativum) were grown in 105:15:117 ppm NPK solution for five days. Initially, two groups of seedlings were selected: acclimated (seedlings were exposed to 15 and 25 mM NaCl solution along with NPK solution for one week) and not acclimated. Further, the seedlings from both groups were grown in 4-kg plastic pots against moderate and severe salinity i.e. salinity levels of 6 and 9 dS m−1 for moderate and severe salt stress, respectively. Part of plants originated from the not acclimated group was kept in pots without salt stress as referent control. Different physiological kinetics were studied from control, acclimated and non-acclimated plants. Results show no detrimental effects of the salt acclimation on plant growth. Therefore, 15 mM NaCl acclimation and control treatments produced the plants with similar above-ground biomass. Further, acclimation triggered the accumulation of Na+ ions and prevention of K+ ions leakage primary from the root tissues, leading to higher photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (Gs) and chlorophyll contents. Subsequently, the acclimated plants either by 15 mM or 25 mM mediated relatively higher K+ ions in roots along with low sequestration of Na+ ions under moderate and severe salinity, suggesting that short-term exposure to salinity activates an array of physiological kinetics which enabling the plants to withstand severe salinity conditions. In conclusion, Acclimation with 15 mM NaCl solution was most effective to stimulate K+ sequestration in both leaves and roots, leading to i) higher photosynthetic rate and stomatal conductance, ii) more Chl a and total chlorophyll scores, and iii) high relative water contents and more dry biomass accumulation.

Life cycle assessment of microalgae production in a raceway pond with alternative culture media

Microalgae production is responsible for phycoremediation and the development of green products synthesis and for cleaning processes. Studies on the environmental impacts of this process are fundamental to make these systems feasible. In these studies, a life cycle assessment of the production of microalgae biomass is important. We performed this study considering the production in wastewater or NPK medium and different methods of biomass separation. The LCA model was developed for the production of 9 and 12 kg of Desmodesmus subspicatus microalgae biomass in 10 days, which represents the production in 8000 L of wastewater and NPK solution, respectively. The total volume corresponded to 4 tanks of 2000 L each. The growth system used was an open raceway pond with culture movement caused by an air-lift system or by paddle wheels. Flocculation with NaOH and electroflotation with Al and Fe were chosen as the methods of biomass separation. These methods were chosen because they facilitate the separation using filtration or centrifugation. The final step was drying, which can be conducted with the biomass after filtration (80% water) or centrifugation (40% water). Several scenarios were examined to identify a more environmentally friendly method for microalgae biomass production. There were no differences using air lift or paddle wheels, however it was identified impacts in all stages. Also, there were fewer impacts using wastewater than using NPK. Regarding the separation of the biomass, electroflotation caused fewer impacts when compared to flocculation with NaOH. Overall, the scenario with fewest impacts was the one configured using wastewater for microalgae cultivation, followed by centrifugation and drying.

Effect of growing media and fertilization on sugarcane flowering under artificial photoperiod.

The USDA-ARS Sugarcane Variety Development Program in Houma, LA aims to maximize the number of panicles available for crossing through artificial manipulation of the environment. In a three-year study, the effect of growing media, fertilizer treatment, and their interaction on sugarcane flowering (% of panicles emerged), and number of days to flowering (DTF) under an artificial photoperiod treatment were assessed. The commercially-available sugarcane cultivar, ‘HoCP 96–540’ was planted in 2.8-L pots and subjected to the standard local photoperiod treatment. The cultivar was planted in four growing media (RediEarth Seedling and Germination Mix, Fafard, Metro-Mix®902, and Metro-Mix®900) and subjected to three different fertilizer applications. In the control treatment, fertilizer application was stopped prior to the commencement of the photoperiod treatment as practiced in some sugarcane breeding programs. The continuous treatment consisted of an application of a 10 ml solution of a NPK three times a week between June and October. The partial treatment consisted of applications of the same NPK solution applied post-initiation between September and October. Nitrogen starvation prior to the commencement of the photoperiod treatment is generally accepted to improve flower initiation; thus the standard practice is to cease nitrogen application two weeks prior to beginning a photoperiod regime. The growing media used in this study did not have a significant effect on days to flowering or percent panicle emergence. In our study, the control fertilizer treatment showed a flowering percentage across all growing media types of 21.2% less than a continuous fertilization regime. Furthermore, a significant trend was observed between fertilization treatments and days to flowering, with the continuous treatment producing panicles, on average across growing media, four days earlier than the control treatment, and six days earlier than the partial treatment. Evidence across this three-year experiment indicates that we should consider modifying plant nutrition management as soil fertility was found to be inadequate.

EFFECT OF SPATIAL ARRANGEMENT AND FOLIAR APPLICATION OF GROWTH REGULATING HORMONE ON THE FLOWER HEAD DEVELOPMENT OF COCKSCOMB UNDER THE TROPICAL ARID ENVIRONMENT OF SOUTHERN PUNJAB, PAKISTAN

This investigation was carried out at Experimental Farm, Faculty of Agriculture Science and Technology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan (Pakistan). The objective of this study was to produce high quality Celosia flower head as cut flower under the harsh environmental conditions of southern Punjab by using different plant spacing and different concentrations of Gibberellin (GA3). The seedlings were grown by seed and then transplanted in the field in the first week of August. Seedlings were irrigated daily and fertilized with 100 ppm NPK solution with alternate irrigation before transplanting. Field was well prepared by irrigation and spading twice and adding about 1.5 kg Diammonium phosphate (DAP) at the rate of 150 kg/hectare as phosphorus source, about 2 kg Muriate of Potash (MOP) at the rate of 200 kg/hectare as potash source and about 1kg urea at the rate of 100 kg/hectare as nitrogen source prior to transplanting. Then, seedlings were transplanted in randomized complete block design. There were three levels/concentrations of GA3 (0, 25 and 50 mg/l) and three levels of plant spacing (22.50, 30.00 and 37.50 cm) making overall 9 treatments and these treatments were tested in 3 replications. The analysis of variance indicated that best results were achieved when plant spacing of 37.5cm was used in combination with GA3 application (at the rate of 50 mg/l) where significant increase in chlorophyll contents, leaf area and number of leaves, fresh and dry weight of stem, flower diameter and fresh and dry weight of flower of Celosia cristata were found compared to all other treatments tested.

Sistem Budidaya Rumput Laut Gracilaria verrucosa di Pertambakan dengan Perbedaan Waktu Perendaman di Dalam Larutan NPK

Seaweed, Gracilaria verrucosa, is a plant that could be live in the brackishwater pond also requires nutrients in sufficient quantities and balanced in order to achieve optimal production. Therefore, fertilizer treatment on this commodity is very necessary for increasing production. This study was designed by Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with immersion period treatment the G. verrucosa of the NPK solution. The treatments, namely used: A. Control, B. 10 minutes, C. 20 minutes, D. 30 minutes, E. 40 minutes, F. 50 minutes, G. 60 minutes immersion. This study used N organic total (nitrite, nitrate and ammonium) that was obtained from NPK fertilizer with concentration of 0,6 mg/L. Planting was done by using longline method of 72 ties and was reared for 35 days. The results showed that there was significant effect of NPK immersion time on the growth rate of G. verrucosa (p<0,01). The highest average of specific growth rate of G. verrucosa in the treatment G, which was 2,13% per day and average of specific growth rate G. verrucosa lowest in treatment A, which was 1,67% per day.

Influence des matières végétales et des engrais NPK sur la biologie deAedes aegypti(Diptera : Culicidae)

In this laboratory study, we investigated the attractiveness of gravid Aedes aegypti females for aquatic habitats containing either NPK fertilizer or plant matter or a mixture of both. The development of larvae, adult emergence and weight of emerged adults were measured for each group and physicochemical analysis of water was made for the dosage of minerals and organic compounds. After 23 days experiment, NPK solution remained as attractive as the mixture of NPK + plant matter but did not ensure suitable development of larvae. The plant matter infusion showed less attractiveness for laying eggs than NPK but provided larvae with sufficient organic nutrients for their development. The combination of both NPK + plant matter provided the greatest attractiveness for gravid females and sufficient organic substance allowing mosquito larvae to grow. Physicochemical analyses of water containing NPK showed minerals only (NH4(+)+NO3(-)+P+K) whereas plant matter showed high content of carbon and nitrogen. The NPK + plant matter mixture contained both organic and minerals elements that favoured the proliferation of bacteria and then the development of mosquito larvae. These findings could lead to the development of new traps that could attract females mosquitoes and killed hatched larvae if mix with appropriate larvicides.

SCREENING VITIS SPECIES FOR USE IN BREEDING MAGNESIUM TOLERANT ROOTSTOCKS

Magnesium deficiency is not uncommon in the world’s vineyards, however cases where Mg levels are high (Mg above 15mg/100g soil), are less common. California’s serpentine soils in the Coastal Range are high in Mg. We established a two step trial to determine if sources of Mg tolerance exist in Vitis. To initiate the project we propagated 15 rootstocks: Riparia Gloire; Rupestris St. George; T.K. 5BB, T. 5C, 420A Mgt; 110R, 1103P; 3309C, 101-14Mgt; 1616C; Borner; Fercal; Freedom; and Ramsey. These rootstocks were treated with K2SO4 solution (30; 60; 120 mg/100g soil) until magnesium deficiency symptoms occurred on the plants. We discarded the rootstocks that displayed a low degree of Mg deficiency (T. 5C, 110R, 1103P, 3309C, 1616C, Borner), they preferred to take up Mg regardless of how high the K concentration in the soil was. We then screened the following genotypes for Mg tolerance: Riparia Gloire, St. George, Ramsey, V. longii, V. monticola, V. cordifolia, V. rufotomentosa, V. simpsonii, V. shuttleworthii, V. vulpina, V. labrusca, 101-14Mgt., T.K. 5 BB, 420A Mgt, Berlandieri x Riparia x Rupestris hybrid cv. Georgikon 103, 44-53 Malegue, Freedom, and Fercal. Two concentrations of MgSO4 solutions (1 % and 2 %) were applied by spraying the leaves. Before the plants were treated leaf samples were taken for analysis of K and Mg content. A 0.5 % NPK solution was added to each pot three times and the leaves were treated with the Mg solutions at the same time. We evaluated the number and percentage of symptomatic leaves. The fresh weight of the roots, shoots and leaves, and the dry weight of the leaves was measured and the leaf samples analyzed for K and Mg. The root weight of all genotypes decreased except V. longii, V. vulpina, St. George, and Fercal after the 2 % MgSO4 foliar application. The shoot weight of the pure Vitis species increased compared to the control, while the rootstock varieties, except Freedom decreased. Leaf weights increased in general, but decreased for Ramsey, St. George, Dog Ridge, 101-14Mgt, Fercal, and Georgikon 103. The K content of increased with treatment in the following genotypes: V. simpsonii, V. rufotomentosa, V. monticola, T.K. 5BB, 420A Mgt, Dog Ridge, 44-53 M, and Georgikon 103. The Mg content increased in all genotypes, but the differences were small. Vitis vulpina, Riparia Gloire, St. George, Concord, 101-14 Mgt, and Fercal took up the most Mg and were the most sensitive. Genotypes with the smallest change compared to their untreated controls were V. monticola, V. longii, and Georgikon 103. The K/Mg ratio was 1.1 – 3.1 times higher in the 2% Mg treated plants compared to controls. The least affected were V. simpsonii, V. longii, 420A Mgt, and Georgikon 103. The results suggest that 101-14 Mgt, Fercal, St. George, and Riparia Gloire are not useful for further Mg tolerance breeding. However, hybridization with V. simpsonii, V. longii, V. monticola and Georgikon 103, T.K. 5BB, 420 A Mgt and 44-53 M might lead to rootstocks with high Mg tolerance.

INTERACTION BETWEEN MYCORRHIZATION WITH DIFFERENT SELECTED FUNGI AND MINERAL FERTILIZATION OF VACCINIUM CORYMBOSUM L. MICROPROPAGATED PLANTS

Different results have been obtained by numerous authors in fertilization trials on blueberry. The role of macro and micro-elements has been scarcely investigated in soil-less systems, where the interference of abiotic (pedologic) and biotic (mycorrhiza) factors is prevented. This research was initially carried out using micropropagated plants grown on sterile peat, not contaminated with mycorrhizal fungi. In subsequent trials, groups of plants were fertirrigated every 15 days with solutions containing N, P, K, alone or in combinations. Fertilization with P alone significantly promoted the emission of basal shoots. The number and length of the secondary shoots increased in plants supplied with P and was highest when a complete NPK solution was applied. The trials show a fundamental role of P in the nutrition of aseptically propagated plants cultivated on peat and particularly when it was supplied in association with ammonium. K alone did not affect the growth of plants nor did ammonium alone, while nitrates depressed growth. When potted plants of the cultivars Atlantic and Berkeley mycorrhized with different fungal strains were treated during the vegetative growing season with water solutions containing N, P and K in a factorial association, P proved to be the most effective element for root and shoot growth for both cultivars. A strong interaction was observed between mineral fertilization and mycorrhizal fungus: some of the tested strains doubled the effect of fertilizers as compared to others. Interaction was also confirmed between cultivar and fungus strain: the best result of mineral fertilization was obtained with different mycorrhizae in the two tested cultivars. It can be concluded that there are multiple interactions between cultivar, fungus and fertilizer. The effect of mineral fertilization on blueberry growth depends both on the blueberry cultivar and on the mycorrhizal strain.

Wood decay and phosphorus translocation by the cord‐forming basidiomycete Phanerochaete velutina: the significance of local nutrient supply

Mycelial cord systems of Phanerochaete velutina (DC.: Pers.) Parmasto grown from 4 cm3 inocula on a nutrient‐depleted non‐sterile soil in compartmentalized laboratory microcosms were baited after 13 d of growth with either fresh, non‐sterile 4 cm3 wood blocks or control Perspex® blocks of the same contact area. After 112 d, mature mycelial systems, which were in senescent phase, were subjected to disturbance by supplying a new fresh wood bait diametrically opposite the existing bait and, after 126 d, to nutrient regime amendment by application of NPK solution. At harvest (186 d) there was a significant (P0·001) linear relationship between extra‐resource mycelial biomass and total wood decay over the preceding 74 d. Nutrient amendment alone did not significantly (P&gt;0·05) affect extra‐resource mycelial biomass production or wood decay rates in either disturbed or undisturbed cord systems. However, both mycelial biomass production and resource decay were significantly (P0·05) enhanced when nutrient amendment and disturbance treatments were applied concurrently. Bi‐directional phosphorus translocation to inocula and wood baits (determined non‐destructively) was assessed by labelling the NPK solution applied distal or proximal to the initially supplied bait with 32P. In both disturbed and undisturbed cord systems the rate of 32P uptake from a local supply was two orders of magnitude higher than from a distal supply. In disturbed cord systems uptake of 32P by inocula, which were midway between the two radiotracer supply points, was significantly (P0·05) higher when the supply point contained a newly supplied wood bait. Net translocation of 32P to newly supplied wood baits increased with time at the expense of translocation to inocula and existing wood baits. The switch in direction of net phosphorus translocation, the importance of localized nutrient scavenging and the partitioning of wood decay are discussed in relation to the ecological significance of mycelial cords.

On the improved vigour of the root-knot nematode infected cowpea plant with phenols of palmyrah wood sawdust extract, fortified with gibberellic acid and indoleacetic acid

With NPK solution as the basic nutrient applied to the root-knot nematode infected cowpea plants, amendments were made with 100 ppm of phenol prepared from alcoholic extract of palmyrah wood sawdust. Further amendments consisted in adding gibberellic acid or indole acetic acid or gibberellic acid+indole acetic acid. Amended nutrient applications reduced galling, fecundity of the pathogen, pathogenic impact, improved root weights and synthesis of metabolites which signified the improved vigour of the infected host.

Synthesis of Ectomycorrhizae on Container-Grown Oak Seedlings

Abstract Growth and ectomycorrhizal development of container-grown black (Quercus velutina) and white (Q. alba) oak seedlings innoculated with Pisolithus tinctorius were studied in relation to growth-medium moisture, temperature, fertility, and fungal inoculum density. Daily watering of seedling growth medium suppressed ectomycorrhizal development. Colonization of seedling root systems by P. tinctorius increased with increasing growth medium temperature up to 87°F. Weekly fertilization of seedlings with a 375 ppm NPK solution did not adversely affect ectomycorrhizal development, while a 750 ppm NPK solution depressed infection. Ectomycorrhizal colonization success was partially influenced by fungal inoculum density. Results indicate the need to alter seedling cultural practices when producing ectomycorrhizal oaks in an artificial growth medium in containers.1

Results from two sets of experiments with spring barley, the first comparing injected with broadcast nitrogen granules, the second comparing injected and combine-drilled NPK solutions with broadcast NPK granules

SUMMARYSix experiments from 1969–71 compared yields of, percentages of N in, and removals of N by barley given 63 or 126 kg N/ha either as urea or as ‘Nitro-Chalk’ which were either broadcast or injected into the seed bed. Both fertilizers were equally effective and each gave a slightly larger yield when injected.Eleven more experiments compared yields of, percentages of N in, and removals of N by barley given either NPK solution fertilizers or NPK granules supplying 63 or 126 kg N/ha. One liquid (14–6–8) supplied the whole of the N and was either sprayed, combine-drilled or injected mid-way between the seed rows (15 cm apart). The other liquid (4–10–10) supplied one-fifth of the N and was either combine-drilled or injected; ‘Nitro-Chalk’ supplied the remainder of the N. The granular fertilizer (20–10–10) was broadcast.The 14–6–8 solution always gave a smaller yield than comparable granules. Yields with injected dressings were no larger than with sprays, but each was safe. Combine-drilled dressings were harmful and often killed the barley and decreased yields especially when 126 kg N/ha was given.The 4—10–10 solution was harmless when combine-drilled and gave a larger yield than the granules when 63 kg N/ha was given and the same yield when 126 kg N/ha was given. It gave a smaller yield than the granules when it was injected.Grain percentage N tended to be larger with the injected liquids and smaller with the sprays than with the broadcast granules though the amount of N recovered by the barley from the injected liquids was no larger than from the granules.