Number Of Achenes Research Articles

Correlations and Path Analysis in Sunflower Grown at Lower Elevations

Sunflower cultivation has great importance in Brazil, mainly for production of oil and animal feed. Studies on sunflower cultivar selection are important for crop expansion, contributing to better cultivar adaptation to different environments. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the linear relations among sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) morphological traits in a subtropical region with lower elevations and to identify traits that may assist in cultivar selection based on agronomic performance and path analysis. The experiment was performed during the 2017/2018 agricultural year in Santa Maria (latitude 29º71′ S, longitude 53º70′ W and 90 m altitude), southern Brazil. The experimental design was a randomized block with four replicates and eight cultivars: Syn 045, BRS 323, BRS G58, BRS G59, BRS G60, BRS G61, Multissol 02 and Catissol 03. Assessed traits were plant height, stem diameter, head diameter, thousand achenes weight, yield of achenes per head and number of achenes per head. Hereafter, associations between morphological traits and achene yield were verified by means of linear relations and path analysis. Thousand achenes weight and number of achenes per head exhibited linear relations and direct effects on achene yield in subtropical region at lower elevations. Head diameter does not present direct effect on achenes yield but it has direct effect on the number of achenes per head, indicating cause-effect relation and becoming an important alternative for indirect selection of sunflower cultivars.

High Sunflower Densities as a Weed Control Strategy in an Integrated Crop-Livestock System

ABSTRACT: Sunflower is an important crop for Integrated Crop-livestock Systems (ILCS), and one of the main management difficulties identified in this crop is weed control, especially under no-till conditions when chemical weed control is not allowed. Therefore, the aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of greater sunflower population density on weed control, and its impact on sunflower yield, in an ILCS with eucalyptus in an Environmental Protection Area. Two population densities were tested (45 and 90 thousand pl. ha-1) in two crop systems (sunflower monoculture and sunflower-eucalyptus integration). An additional treatment was provided in the sunflower-eucalyptus integration, and 5 positions (2,4; 4,8; 7,2; 9,6; and 12 m) between the tree rows were evaluated. In a randomized block design, with eight repetitions, weed density and weed dry matter were determined at 40, 70 and 100 days after crop emergence. Also, phytosociological indices were calculated. The following yield components were evaluated: head diameter, number of achenes per head, and 1000-achene weight. There was lower weed infestation on the high density treatment in both systems. There was no difference of weed occurrence in the 5 positions between the tree rows. Sunflower yield was higher in the greatest population density in both systems. Increasing population density in sunflower crop is a practicable management to control weeds and to gain higher yield under free-herbicide conditions.

SUNFLOWER OIL YIELD RESPONSES TO PLANT POPULATION AND ROW SPACING: VEGETATIVE AND REPRODUCTIVE PLASTICITY

Attempts have not been made to increase the potential yield of sunflower via the combined use of high plant populations and crowding-tolerant cultivars, an approach that has been successful in maize -another strong apical dominance crop. This may be due to the negative effects of increased disease pressure and increased susceptibility to lodging at high sunflower plant populations. Information on crop yield responses to plant populations higher than usual recommended commercial plant populations is also limited. Wide inter-row spacing could shift crop water consumption towards later developmental stages with positive effects on yield in seasons of low rainfall, but might also limit crop yields in years with good rainfall. Here we report on studies aimed at examining yield (both oil and total biomass) responses to changes in plant population at two inter-row spacings: 0.7 and 1.4 m, in crops grown without restrictions due to water or nutrients, and protected from insects and diseases. Oil yields in the 0.7 m row spacing treatments increased over the whole of the 2.0-14.3 plants m-2 range, reaching values much greater than those obtainable at the current commercial plant population of around 5.1 plants m-2. This increase reflected a continuous increase with increased plant population for total crop biomass, together with an unchanging harvest index. Over the 2-7 plant m-2 range of plant populations shared between the two row spacing treatments yields were not affected by spacing. Vegetative and reproductive plasticities, as reflected in the responses of biomass and plant leaf area at mid-anthesis to ground surface area per plant (vegetative plasticity indicators) and oil yield per plant to ground surface area per plant (reproductive plasticity indicator) did not vary over the 2.0-14.3 plant m-2 plant population range in either row spacing. In the 0.7-m row-spaced crops, reproductive plasticity was less than vegetative plasticity and a similar tendency was observed at the 1.4-m row spacing. Floret number and achene number per plant together with unit achene weight decreased over the 2.0-14.3 plant m-2 range for both row spacings, while fertility ratio over the same range was stable. Over the same range of plant population, achene oil concentration fell slightly, while achene oil content increased slightly and then stabilised. The study of the genetic basis of the plasticities found in this work should contribute to breeding programs aimed at increasing crop tolerance to high plant population densities.

Novel crop, novel pests: Assessment of insect damage to achenes of cardoon grown in a Mediterranean environment

Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus var. altilis) has gained interest as a novel crop for bioenergy, multipurpose uses, and industrial bio‐based productions, also based on the achene yield. However, achenes can be affected by various insects, which are considered as minor pests in traditional Cynara crops. Nonetheless, very little information is available on these pests. The aim of this research was to identify the frequency of different insect species with particular regard to weevils, and to quantify the achene yields and losses caused by these spermophagous insects on cardoon. Field measurements were performed across three consecutive years in Sardinia (Italy). Mature cardoon heads of different insertion orders (primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary heads, respectively) were manually harvested. For each head, the achenes were counted and weighed, and bare receptacles were scored in terms of damaged areas by weevil larvae (i.e., the percentage of total area). The results highlighted a higher frequency of Larinus scolymi (90%) compared to Larinus cynarae. The total number of achenes per head and the 1000‐achene weight were markedly affected by head order. Actual achene yield ranged from 86.8 to 107.9 g per plant. The estimates of achene yield losses per plant due to Larinus weevils ranged from 36.3 in 2014 to 113.0 g per plant in 2015, corresponding to about 0.4 to 1.1 t per hectare, respectively. Our results showed that achene losses were caused mainly by L. scolymi, indicating that cardoon crop profitability could be jeopardised in the absence of insect controls. Based on the experimental data, appropriate strategies aimed at controlling weevil infestations are needed to preserve cardoon achene yields.

PRODUÇÃO DE GIRASSOL IRRIGADO COM ÁGUA RESIDUÁRIA SOB ADUBAÇÃO INORGÂNICA

The objective of this study was to evaluate the production of sunflower ( Helianthus annuus L., Catissol 01) under the effect of irrigation with water supply (A 1 ) and treated sewage effluent (A 2 ) associated with inorganic fertilization in the environment protected at the Federal University of Campina Grande Campus I, Campina Grande, PB. The experimental design was completely randomized and the treatments consisted of dosages of inorganic fertilization (D 1 : 60, D 2 : 80, D 3 : 100, D 4 : 120 and D 5 : 140% of the recommended N dose for the crop) and two sources of irrigation (A 1 and A 2 ) in a 5 x 2 factorial scheme with 5 replications, totaling 50 experimental units. The variables analyzed were: fresh shoot biomass (FSB), dry shoot biomass (DSB), number of petals (NP), internal diameter of the chapter (DI), external diameter of the chapter (IDC), weight of achenes (WA), total number of achenes (TNA) and weight of 100 achens (W100A). The wastewater showed efficacy for the irrigation of sunflower cv. Catissol 01, since the main production variables were not affected by their use, and can be used for the irrigation of this crop.

Patterns of Variation in the Seed Morphology of Iva annua var. macrocarpa, an Extinct North American Domesticate

Using measurements from archaeological achenes of the extinct North American cultigen marshelder (Iva annua var. macrocarpa [S.F. Blake] R.C. Jackson), we quantitatively explore patterns of variation of fruit length and width across mid-continental North America. Linear regression shows that while achene length and width increase significantly over time (length: p-value<0.0001, b=-126.04, r2=0.1037, width: p-value<0.0001, b=-230.85, r2=0.0964), overall, regions tend to show more variation. A high incidence of phenotypic variation among domesticated marshelder as measured by coefficient of variation may be a result of introgression with wild stands. An ANOVA Tukey post-hoc analysis of archaeological site samples resulted in homogeneous subsets which correspond to region with some overlap, interpreted as a cline. These results and the low numbers of wild-sized achenes in archaeological marshelder samples of eastern Kentucky support human introduction of domesticated marshelder into this region. Marshelder in the archaeological record reflects the long-standing mixed economies of hunting-gathering and agriculture used by indigenous communities of eastern North America.

Ridge sowing of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) in a minimum till system improves the productivity, oil quality, and profitability on a sandy loam soil under an arid climate.

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is a major oilseed crop grown for its edible oil across the globe including Pakistan. In Pakistan, the production of edible oil is less than the required quantity; the situation is being worsened with the increasing population. Thus, there is dire need to grow those sunflower genotypes which perform better under a given set of agronomic practices. In this 2-year study, we compared four sunflower genotypes, viz., Armoni, Kundi, Sinji, and S-278 for their yield potential, oil contents, fatty acid composition, and profitability under three sowing methods, viz., bed sowing, line sowing, and ridge sowing and two tillage system, viz., plow till and minimum till. Among the sunflower genotypes, the genotype Armoni produced the highest plant height, number of leaves, head diameter, 1000-achene weight, and achene yield; the oil contents and oleic acid were the highest in genotype Sinji. Among the sowing methods, the highest number of leaves per plant, head diameter, number of achenes per head, achene yield, and oil contents were recorded in ridge sowing. Among the tillage systems, the highest head diameter 16. 2cm, 1000-achene weight (57.2g), achene yield (1.8t ha-1), oil contents (35.2%), and oleic acid (15.2%) were recorded in minimum till sunflower. The highest net benefits and benefit to cost ratio were recorded in minimum till ridge sown Armoni genotype. In conclusion, the genotype Armoni should be grown on ridges to achieve the highest achene yield, oil contents, and net profitability.

A novel 3D imaging system for strawberry phenotyping

BackgroundAccurate and quantitative phenotypic data in plant breeding programmes is vital in breeding to assess the performance of genotypes and to make selections. Traditional strawberry phenotyping relies on the human eye to assess most external fruit quality attributes, which is time-consuming and subjective. 3D imaging is a promising high-throughput technique that allows multiple external fruit quality attributes to be measured simultaneously.ResultsA low cost multi-view stereo (MVS) imaging system was developed, which captured data from 360° around a target strawberry fruit. A 3D point cloud of the sample was derived and analysed with custom-developed software to estimate berry height, length, width, volume, calyx size, colour and achene number. Analysis of these traits in 100 fruits showed good concordance with manual assessment methods.ConclusionThis study demonstrates the feasibility of an MVS based 3D imaging system for the rapid and quantitative phenotyping of seven agronomically important external strawberry traits. With further improvement, this method could be applied in strawberry breeding programmes as a cost effective phenotyping technique.

Assessing the risk of stigma clogging in strawberry flowers due to pollinator sharing with oilseed rape

Strawberry and oilseed rape are economically important and co-flowering insect-pollinated crops that may affect each other via shared pollinators. One potential negative effect of pollinator sharing is stigma clogging, i.e. that pollen from one plant species covers the stigma and prevents pollination in the other. We tested if application of oilseed rape pollen on strawberry receptacles reduces pollination with subsequent effects on strawberry weight, number of malformations and ripening time. We simulated real pollination situations by using dead bees mounted on toothpicks to mimic flower-visitation of foraging bees. Six strawberry flowers, usually on different plant individuals, were hand-pollinated sequentially per simulated foraging bout. In half of these foraging bouts, we started with an oilseed rape flower, and in those foraging bouts the proportion oilseed rape pollen was expected to decline with increasing number of visited strawberry flowers. Oilseed rape pollen had no effect on any of the tested variables. Increasing number of previously visited strawberry flowers in the simulated foraging bout enhanced the number of developed achenes, but this was marginally non-significant when accounting for the total number of achenes. Strawberry weight increased and ripening time decreased with increasing number of pollinated achenes, whereas none of the tested factors had any effect on the number of malformations. Our results have implications for strawberry farmers, because shortened ripening time could reduce the risk of yield loss from pests, diseases and unfavourable weather conditions. In addition, we show that oilseed rape pollen is unlikely to disturb pollination success of strawberry flowers.

Distribution, competitive ability, and seed production of Bidens frondosa L. in the Middle Urals

The distribution, plant size and biomass allocation, leaf traits, and seed production of the invasive Bidens frondosa L. plant in the Middle Urals were studied. This species was found in disturbed riverside habitats in the upper stream of the Iset’ River in habitats extending approximately 100 km (from the city of Aramil’ to the city of Kamensk-Ural’sky). Comparative analysis showed that the B. frondosa plant was 35% taller than the native species of the genus Bidens. The dry mass of the B. frondosa plant exceeded the biomass of B. tripartita and B. radiata by 1.5 and 4.9 times, respectively. The large size and biomass of B. frondosa indicated a higher competitive ability of this species than the native species of the genus Bidens. Given the same leaf thickness in the three studied species, the smaller leaf density (LD) of B. frondosa determined a lower (by 1.2 times) dry leaf mass per unit area (LMA) than that of B. tripartita and B. radiata. These structural features of B. frondosa leaves contributed to the optimization of gas exchange processes within a leaf and made it possible to develop a greater assimilation area per unit plant weight (the leaf area ratio (LAR)), which should provide a high growth rate of this species. Analysis of seed production parameters showed that the number of capitula per plant increased in the series B. radiata–B. tripartita–B. frondosa; however, the number of achenes per capitulum and per plant decreased in this sequence. The mass of 100 achenes was 1.6 and 2.3 times higher in B. frondosa than in B. tripartita and B. radiata, respectively. On the whole, the frequent occurrence of B. frondosa in the extended area (approximately 100 km) in the upper stream of the Iset’ River and the values of production parameters (the size and weight of plants and the mass and number of seeds) indicate a successful naturalization of this species in the Middle Urals.

Biogeographical comparison of the emergent macrophyte, Sagittaria platyphylla in its native and introduced ranges

Understanding why some plant species become invasive is important to predict and prevent future weed threats and identify appropriate management strategies. Many hypotheses have been proposed to explain why plants become invasive, yet few studies have quantitatively compared plant and population parameters between native and introduced range populations to gain an objective perspective on the causes of plant invasion. The present study uses a biogeographical field survey to compare morphological and reproductive traits and abundance between the native range (USA) and two introduced ranges (Australia and South Africa) of Sagittaria platyphylla (Engelm.) J.G. Sm (Alismataceae), a highly invasive freshwater macrophyte. Introduced and native populations differed in sexual reproductive output with the number of achenes per fruiting head and individual achene weight found to be 40% and 50% greater in introduced populations respectively. However, no other morphological traits were found to be consistently different between the native and both introduced ranges, especially after taking into account differences in environmental conditions between the three ranges. Although populations in introduced regions were larger and occupied greater percentage cover, no differences in plant density were evident. Our results suggest that, apart from sexual reproduction, many of the trait patterns observed in S. platyphylla are influenced by environmental and habitat conditions within the native and invaded ranges. We conclude that the enemy release hypothesis best explains the results observed for sexual reproduction. In particular, we hypothesise that a release from natural enemies, specifically a pre-dispersal seed predator, may induce reproductive plasticity in S. platyphylla.

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) Hybrids Evaluation for Oil Quality and Yield Attributes under Spring Planting Conditions of Haripur, Pakistan

ABSTRACT Field experiment was conducted at the University of Haripur, Pakistan, to explore the role of photothermal units on oil contents, fatty acids profile, yield and yield traits of four sunflower hybrids viz SMH-0917, NK-S-278, SMH-0907 and Hysun-33. These sunflower hybrids were selected because the farmers of that area are mostly relying on these hybrids for sunflower production. Sunflower hybrids were sown in spring and arranged under Randomized Complete Block Design with 3 replications under field conditions. Significant variation (p 0.05%) was found among the sunflower hybrids for photothermal unit requirements for flower completion and physiological maturity. Highest photothermal unit accumulation was found in Hysun-33 followed by SMH-0917 and SMH-0907. Highest seed oil content and oil composition (linoleic and oleic acid were most abundant, whereas palmitic acid was least) was recorded in Hysun-33, SMH-0917 and SMH-0907. Overall Hysun-33, SMH-0917 and SMH-0907 performed better for plant height, head diameter, number of achenes per head and achene yield under field conditions. It was also observed that temperature and moisture availability positively influenced the oil quality of sunflower hybrids under spring planting conditions. The significant amount of variation within the sunflower population for photothermal unit accumulation, oil content, oil quality, and yield traits under these uniform field conditions reveals potential genetic variation that could be useful in breeding early maturing and high yielding local sunflower hybrids.

Genetic divergence studies for yield and its attributes in sunflower (Helianthus annuus l.)

The present study was undertaken at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Nandyal during rabi , 2016-17. Seventy genotypes of sunflower were evaluated in a randomized complete block design replicated thrice for assessment of genetic diversity. Highly significant differences were observed for all the characters studied. The results of PCA revealed that the traits viz. , plant height, head diameter, 100 achene weight, number of achenes per head, volume weight, and leaf area index can be utilized as selection criterion for increasing variability which can be harnessed in hybridization programmes to generate transgressive segregants.

IRRIGATION WITH SALINE WATER AND NITROGEN IN PRODUCTION COMPONENTS AND YIELD OF SUNFLOWER

ABSTRACT Due to the quantitative and qualitative limitation of water resources, saline water irrigation and nitrogen (N) fertilisation can contribute positively to the expansion of sunflower cultivation in the semiarid region of Northeast Brazil. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate production components and yield of sunflower, cv. "Embrapa 122-V2000‟, irrigated with waters of different salinity levels (electrical conductivity - ECw) and fertilised with varying amounts of N in a field experiment in a eutrophic Quartzarenic Neosol from November 2012 to February 2013. The experiment was performed in a completely randomised block design in split plots, in a 5 x 4 factorial scheme, which corresponded to five ECw levels (0.15, 1.5, 2.5, 3.5 and 4.5 dS m-1) and four N levels (60, 80, 100 and 120 kg ha-1), with three replicates and 30 plants per plot. The interaction between water salinity levels and N did not have significant effects on the studied variables; irrigation water salinity had isolated negative effects on the total number of achenes, number of viable achenes, productivity and oil yield of achenes. The increase in N levels stimulated the total number and the number of viable achenes, the mass of 1,000 achenes, capitulum diameter and productivity of achenes of sunflower, cv. "Embrapa 122-V2000‟, but had no effect on the oil content of achenes. N levels of up to 100 kg ha-1 promoted adequate oil content in the achenes of sunflower, cv "Embrapa 122-V2000‟.

From America to the Holy Land: disentangling plant traits of the invasive Heterotheca subaxillaris (Lam.) Britton & Rusby

Understanding which plant traits confer invasiveness has been a central question in biological invasions research. Heterotheca subaxillaris (camphor-weed), an American plant, is an important invader of coastal sand dunes in Israel. Nevertheless, there has been no comprehensive comparative analysis of H. subaxillaris plant traits from native versus introduced habitats that sheds light on the invasion success of this species in Israel. I studied H. subaxillaris from native (US) versus introduced (Israel) populations to identify functional traits that accorded this species invasion success in Israel. Plant traits considered were shoot and root biomass production, root–shoot ratio, shoot height, root length, number of inflorescences, achene number and mass, and life span. Achenes (seeds) of all populations were germinated under common growing conditions to produce F1 achenes. F1 seedlings were grown in a large-scale common garden aeroponic system until flowering and then harvested. Introduced populations exhibited marked differences in measured parameters than native populations. Notably, root length of introduced populations exceeded 5 m, almost fourfold greater than that of native populations, allowing access to soil moisture and nutrients from deep sand layers and late-summer flowering. Life span of introduced populations almost doubled that of American populations. To the best of my knowledge, this is the first documentation of adaptive micro-evolutionary change favoring deep root allocation and phenological change in an invasive species in sand dunes. Seemingly, a rapid evolutionary change favoring root resource allocation occurred within introduced populations, allowing establishment, expansion, and successful invasion in the harsh ecosystem of Israel’s coastal sand dunes.

Effect of Nitrogen, Boron, Zinc and Molybdenum Application on Yield of Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) on Greyic Phaeozem in the Czech Republic

AbstractThe sunflower is a newly planted crop in the Czech Republic, which represents the northern edge of the species’ range, and there is a lack of information about the effect of nutrient application on yield components. To fill this gap, we performed a fertilizer experiment on Greyic Phaeozem over the years 2008–2012 to evaluate the effects of N, B, Zn and Mo application on achenes yield. We compared the control (C) without any N fertilizer, N treatments (N 60, N 90, N120 kg N ha−1) and N treatments accompanied with micronutrients (N 90+B – 0.3 kg B ha−1, N 90+Zn – 0.35 kg Zn ha−1, N 90+Mo – 0.125 kg Mo ha−1). The mean achenes yield over all years ranged from 3.9 in C to 4.34 t ha−1 in N 60. Achenes yield over all treatments ranged from 3.04 in 2008 to 4.91 t ha−1 in 2010. We concluded that sunflower can be produced with application rate up to 60 kg N ha−1 on highly productive soils in the Czech Republic and for similar other soils in the region. The increase in N application above 60 kg N ha−1 can decrease achenes yield. Application of B and Zn achieved slightly higher, while the addition of Mo slightly lower achenes yields when compared to the treatment with the same level of N and without micronutrients addition. We concluded that the application of micronutrients at the sites with sufficient content of those micronutrients in soil has almost no effect on achenes and biomass yield. Achenes and biomass yield was primarily affected by weather conditions in particular years, affecting plant growth, disease and predatory occurrence. Fertilizer treatments did not significantly affect the weight of achenes per head, weight of thousand achenes, the number of achenes per head, the number of heads per ha and number of achenes per ha during the experiment. The significant effect of the year was recorded, showing major effect of weather conditions on above mentioned parameters.

Effect of nano-silicon foliar application on safflower growth under organic and inorganic fertilizer regimes

Abstract Silicon nanoparticles have distinctive physicochemical characteristics and are able to enter into plants and impact the metabolism of plants as well as improve plant growth and yield under unfavourable environmental conditions. Besides, low soil organic matter content, imbalanced nutrient and inadequate water supply may adversely affect crop productivity in semiarid areas. To understand the effects of foliar spray of silicon dioxide nanoparticles (nSiO2) with application of farmyard manure (FYM) or inorganic fertilizer on morpho-physiological traits and yield of safflower, a field experiment was carried out in a highland semiarid region of Maragheh, northwest Iran. The experiment consisted of two levels of nSiO2 (0 and 20 mM) and four fertilizer regimes (control, 15 t ha−1 FYM, 30 t ha−1 FYM, 90 kg ha−1 N-P-K chemical fertilizer). Safflower plants were treated with nSiO2 suspension at leaf development, branching and capitulum emergence stages. Although the nSiO2 significantly improved some growth parameters such as canopy spread, stem diameter, plant height, ground cover and the number of achenes in capitulum, it did not affect achene yield and harvest index. However, fertilizer treatments considerably affected most of morpho-physiological traits, achene yield and yield components. The result showed that the best growth and the highest achene yield were achieved by application of 30 t ha−1 FYM before sowing. Application of high FYM increased the achene yield by 48% compared to the control, however, application of N-P-K chemical fertilizer or of 15 t ha−1 FYM improved achene yield only up to 17% over the no fertilizer condition. Moreover, this work revealed some positive effects of exogenous application of nSiO2 on safflower growth. This finding suggests that application of organic fertilizers with foliar spray of nSiO2 can improve safflower production and is an advisable agronomic option.

English

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the production components of sunflower Embrapa 122-V2000, as a function of irrigation water salinity and nitrogen doses. The experiment was conducted in plastic pots with a capacity of 100 L under greenhouse conditions in Federal University of Campina Grande, during the period of April-July 2012, in an experimental design adopting factorial arrangement of 5 x 5, with five levels of irrigation water salinity, expressed by electrical conductivity of 0.7, 1.7, 2.7, 3.7 and 4.7 dS m-1 (25°C) and five nitrogen rates of 50, 75, 100, 125 and 150 mg N kg-1 soil, with three repetitions, totaling 75 experimental units. The evaluated parameters were: total number of achenes, percentage of viable achenes, percentage of biomass of viable achenes, the biomass and diameter of chapter, dry weight of 1000 seeds and production of achenes. Although, the interaction of water salinity and nitrogen levels did not show significant effects on the components of production, increase in the salt content of the water inhibited all the variables while elevation of nitrogen rates stimulated emission of achenes, chapter biomass and production of achenes. Key words: Marginal quality water, productivity, Hellianthus annus L.

English

The use of biomass can contribute to improve the soil properties. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of fertilization with poultry litter biochar in combination with mineral fertilizer on soil chemical attributes, growth and yield components of sunflower. For this purpose, a greenhouse experiment was carried out in pots with a capacity of 20 dm 3 under randomized design, with treatments arranged in a factorial 5 × 4 design with four replicates. The treatments consisted of five doses of mineral fertilizer (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% fertilization recommendation) with NPK (100, 300, and 150 mg kg -1 ) and four doses of biochar of poultry litter, 0; 5% (400 g/pot); 10% (800 g/pot) and 15% (1,100 g/pot) calculated based on the volume of the soil. The results showed that fertilization with poultry litter biochar of 400 g/pot, increased soil salinity of the experimental units. Besides, there was a reduction in the number of leaves (NL), plant height (PH), stem diameter (SD) and number of achenes for each head (NAH). Fertilization with 50% of NPK recommendation (50:150:75 mg kg -1 ) produced the highest growth and yield components of sunflower, compared with other NPK treatments. The combination from 50:150:75 mg kg -1 (50%) of NPK fertilization and 1,100 g/pot of poultry litter biochar

Genotypic variation in hip traits of Indian rose varieties

The study was carried out to characterize the hips of the Indian garden rose varieties. Hips of eleven varieties, viz., Jantar Mantar, Pusa Pitamber, Rose Sherbet, Jawani, Manmatha, Delhi Princess, Dr Benjamin Pal, Pusa Veerangana, Pusa Mohit, Jawahar and Surabhi were studied. Significant variation was found between varieties with respect to hip length, hip width, hip form index, hip weight, hip flesh weight, hip flesh ratio, total number of achenes per hip, total achene weight per hip, titrable acidity and ascorbic acid content. The rose hip form index was between 0.95–1.21. The flesh weight of hips and hip: flesh ratio ranged between 1.38–5.80 and 66.70–84.00%, respectively. The number of achenes per hip ranged between 9.20–27.60. The titrable acidity (%) and ascorbic acid content in the varieties ranged between 1.33–3.13 and 20.88- 68.97 mg 100 g−1, respectively. It can be concluded from the present study that garden varieties, viz., Pusa Veerangana, Pusa Mohit and Jawahar have favourable fruit traits like higher hip weight, better hip flesh ratio and higher vitamin C content among the selected garden varieties. These varieties have favourable traits that make them ideal candidates as donor parents for production of varieties suitable for processing.