Number Of Pods Research Articles

Assessment of Genetic Variability and Component Relationship of Seed Yield and Its Contributing Traits in Greengram (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek)

After pigeonpea and chickpea, greengram is the third most significant pulse crop in Asia. Pulses are the primary source of protein needed to satisfy both the daily need and the daily consumption for a balanced diet. Pulses are essential to achieving the diet's protein requirements for humans. Because they are the least expensive type of protein, they are referred to as poor people's meat. It is the primary source of vital amino acids for India's vegetarian population. There are twenty genotypes of Greengram in this experiment, plus one check. Three replications of the experiment were carried out at RBD during the month of Zaid in 2023. Thirteen characters' worth of data were collected in order to investigate genetic advancement, variability, heritability, correlation, and path analysis. The majority of the traits under study have significant genetic diversity in the available germplasm, according to analysis of variance. According to the mean performance of grain yield and its constituents, CO-7 performed better than AMULYA, SML-20-10, and IPM-2-14. A detailed examination of the variability coefficients showed that there was no environmental influence on the expression of the traits under study, as evidenced by the small difference between PCV and GCV. For biological yield, number of pods per plant, and number of seed yield per plant, high to moderate estimations of GCV & PCV were noted. For the seed index, plant height, harvesting index, and quantity of seeds per pod, high estimates of heritability were noted. Since they are less affected by environmental factors and have a greater potential for genetic determination, high heritability estimates can be used for genetic improvement. For the seed index, number of branches per plant, and number of clusters per plant, low estimations of genetic advance were noted. According to correlation, plant height, major branches per plant, clusters per plant, pods per plant, biological yield, and harvest index all positively and significantly correlated with grain yield per plant. Path analysis revealed that plant height, cluster size per plant, biological yield, and harvest index have a direct impact on yield at both the phenotypic and genotypic levels. These characteristics are therefore acknowledged as the effective and prospective characteristics for direct selection in order to increase Greengram productivity in the current experimental materials.

Exploring population genetics for mutant mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek] lines: Insights from augmented block design

AbstractThe current study was initiated to assess mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek] mutant lines for yield and their attributes in the mutation generation third (M3) generation using an augmented block design. Note that 1200 mutated mungbean lines were selected from the γ‐irradiated (400–700 Gy) population and distributed into 21 blocks, along with three popular varieties (checks) replicated in each block. To evaluate mean performance, variance, and population genetics, the observations on days to flowering, days to maturity, plant height (cm), number of clusters per plant, number of pods per plant, pod length (cm), protein percentage, seed index, and seed yield (g) were measured and analyzed. All the lines under consideration showed highly significant variations for all the variables, except for days to flowering. Seventy‐nine mutant lines were found to have significantly better yield attributes than checks and are currently being evaluated under station trial. Skewness and kurtosis analysis unveiled the presence of gene interactions, offering opportunities for targeted improvement and efficacy of γ rays as a mutagen, facilitating the release of variability within the population. Future mungbean breeding programs will benefit from the successful isolation of mutant plants with yield‐enhancing traits, such as up to 20 clusters per plant, 71 pods per plant, 8.55 cm pod length, 26.69% protein content (5% higher than parent), and 29 gram seeds per plant. In early selection cycles without the need for replicated trials, this study demonstrated the effectiveness of the mutagen and augmented design in creating novel variations, evaluating and identifying superior genotypes with improved yield potential.

Effect of Transient Waterlogging Stress on Growth, Physiology and Yield of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) in Semi-Arid Region

Cowpea cultivation during rainy season is highly affected by the waterlogging stress due to unpredicted high-intensity rains. The studies on assessment of waterlogging effect on different growth stages of cowpea are necessary for planning mitigation strategies. Hence study was conducted during kharif (June to September) 2022 under factorial randomized block design (FRCBD) set up. The first factor consisted of seven waterlogging durations (3 to 15 days), and second factor was three growth stages of cowpea (15 DAE; Days after emergence, 25 DAE and at 50% flowering). The results revealed that regardless of growth stages, growth and yield attributes were drastically decreased with increased duration of waterlogging. The highest plant height (25.07 cm), number of branches plant–1 (5.33) and leaf area (205.27 cm2 plant–1), and number of pods plant–1 (4.27), pod length (15.24 cm), number of seeds pod–1 (14.27), grain (6.27 g plant–1) and haulm yield (15.62 g plant–1) were recorded with 3 days of waterlogging, whereas lowest values were reported with 15 days of waterlogging. Regarding growth stages, highest growth, and yield attributes were recorded with waterlogging during 50% flowering, followed by 25 DAE and 15 DAE. Moreover, the correlation study indicated that physiological parameters such as leaf protein content (r = 0.95) and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index NDVI (r = 0.97) were positively related to grain yield. It was found that, cowpea is sensitive to high-intensity waterlogging (beyond 3–5 days) especially during the early growth stage (15 DAE).

Assessment of Genetic Variability, Correlation, and Path Coefficient for Yield and Its Contributing Traits in Pigeon Pea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millspaugh

The experimental material consisted of 155 pigeon pea genotypes sown in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications during the Kharif, 2023-2024 crop season at the N. E. B. Crop Research Centre of G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand. The genetic variance components, correlation, and path coefficient for seed yield and its components were estimated using these 155 pigeon pea genotypes. The highest phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) values (> 20%) were recorded for traits such as the number of pods per plant (26.45%), number of secondary branches per plant (22.72%), and seed yield per plant (20.27%). In contrast, the lowest PCV estimates (< 10%) were found for days to maturity (7.39%) and days to 50% flowering (6.73%). High estimates of the genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) (> 20%) were recorded only for the number of pods per plant (23.6%). The lowest GCV estimates (< 10%) were observed for hundred seed weight (9.63%), number of seeds per pod (9.55%), plant height (9.49%), pod length (7.18%), days to maturity (6.85%), and days to 50% flowering (6.5%). The hundred seed weight showed a high positive direct effect on seed yield per plant (Genotypic = 0.58, Phenotypic = 0.47) along with a positive and significant correlation (Genotypic correlation coefficient, (rg = 0.599); Phenotypic correlation coefficient, (rp = 0.485)). Based on this investigation, it is evident that exploring genetic variability, correlations, and path analyses provides a more effective approach for selecting superior cultivars for yield and related traits.

Agronomic performance of cowpea cultivars in first crop in Southwest of Minas Gerais, Brazil

The cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) is well adapted to high temperatures, water deficits and low fertility soils, being widely cultivated in regions less favorable to common beans. Its grains are rich in proteins, vitamins and minerals, representing an important food source and a promising alternative for producing protein at low cost, in a short space of time, given the precocity of its cycle. However, in the state of Minas Gerais there is only a recommendation for one cowpea cultivar, the Poços de Caldas cultivar. In addition to being quite old, it is no longer found in crop production fields. The aims of study was to evaluate the agronomic performance of cowpea cultivars and to recommend cultivars adapted to cultivation in edaphoclimatic conditions of Southwest Region of Minas Gerais State, Brazil. The experiments were carried out in Passos city, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, during the first crop period, in 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 years, with 10 commercial cowpea cultivars, in a randomized block experimental design, with five replications. The mass of a thousand seeds and the grain index correlated directly with the yield. Cultivars with the lowest grain yields promoted the highest pod lengths and number of grains per pod. The best morphophysiological results for cowpea were obtained in 2021/2022 year. The most adapted cowpea cultivars for period of first crop in edaphoclimatic conditions of Southwest Region of Minas Gerais State, Brazil, were BRS Novaera, BRS Guariba, and BRS Xique-Xique and least indicated was BRS Marataoã. More studies are needed to consolidate cowpea cultivation in the Southwest Region of Minas Gerais, mainly in second-crop crops.

Synergistic effects of melatonin and 24-epibrassinolide on chickpea water deficit tolerance

BackgroundWater deficiency stress reduces yield in grain legumes, primarily due to a decrease in the pods number. Melatonin (ML) and 24-epibrassinolide (EBL) are recognized for their hormone-like properties that improve plant tolerance to abiotic stresses. This study aimed to assess the impact of different concentrations of ML (0, 100, and 200 µM) and EBL (0, 3, and 6 µM) on the growth, biochemical, and physiological characteristics of chickpea plants under water-stressed conditions.ResultsThe study's findings indicated that under water-stressed conditions, a decrease in seed (30%) and pod numbers (31%), 100-seed weight (17%), total chlorophyll content (46%), stomatal conductance (33%), as well as an increase in H2O2 (62%), malondialdehyde content (40%), and electrolyte leakage index (40%), resulted in a 40% reduction in chickpea plants grain yield. Our findings confirmed that under water-stressed conditions, seed oil, seed oil yield, and seed protein yield dropped by 20%, 55%, and 36%, respectively. The concurrent exogenous application of ML and EBL significantly reduces oxidative stress, plasma membrane damage, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) content. This treatment also leads to increased yield and its components, higher pigment content, enhanced oil and protein yield, and improved enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant activities such as catalase, superoxide dismutase, polyphenol oxidase, ascorbate peroxidase, guaiacol peroxidase, flavonoid, and carotenoid. Furthermore, it promotes the accumulation of osmoprotectants such as proline, total soluble protein, and sugars.ConclusionsOur study found that ML and EBL act synergistically to regulate plant growth, photosynthesis, osmoprotectants accumulation, antioxidant defense systems, and maintain ROS homeostasis, thereby mitigating the adverse effects of water deficit conditions. ML and EBL are key regulatory network components in stressful conditions, with significant potential for future research and practical applications. The regulation metabolic pathways of ML and EBL in water-stressed remains unknown. As a result, future research should aim to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by employing genome editing, RNA sequencing, microarray, transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic analyses to identify the mechanisms involved in plant responses to exogenous ML and EBL under water deficit conditions. Furthermore, the economical applications of synthetic ML and EBL could be an interesting strategy for improving plant tolerance.

CARACTERIZACIÓN AGROMORFOLÓGICA Y DIVERSIDAD FENOTÍPICA DE LA COLECCIÓN DE GERMOPLASMA DE PALLAR (Phaseolus lunatus L.) DEL INIA, PERÚ

<p><strong>Background:</strong> Pallar (<em>Phaseolus lunatus</em>) is a grain legume of great socioeconomic importance in Peru, which has been domesticated in the past by pre-Hispanic cultures. <strong>Objective:</strong> Carry out the agromorphological characterization of 36 accessions from the Pallar National Collection of the Germplasm Bank of the National Institute of Agrarian Innovation (Peru). <strong>Methodology:</strong> 16 qualitative characters and 10 quantitative characters were compared using descriptive analysis, ANOVA and Scott Knott test, correlation, principal components and hierarchical grouping. <strong>Results:</strong> There was a positive correlation between the length of the main stem and the average number of mature pods per plant, average number of seeds per plant, average weight of seeds per plant and average weight of seeds; Likewise, a negative correlation was found between the number of locules per mature pod and the length and average weight of the seeds. <strong>Implications: </strong>The agromorphological characterization of the pallar is necessary for the conservation of genetic resources originating in Peru. <strong>Conclusions:</strong> Phenotypic variability was found among the Pallar accessions; Thus, the existence of three groups was established among the accessions in relation to quantitative characters, highlighting the high values of average number of seeds per plant, seed thickness, number of locules per mature pod, length of the main stem and average number of seeds. mature pods per plant. The promising accession was 14ac with respect to the highest average number of mature pods, average number of seeds and average weight of seeds per plant.</p>

Potassium Application Impacts Chickpea Yield and Nutritional Status

ABSTRACT As one of the three primary plant nutrients, plant growth and development depend on soil potassium (K) availability. However, plants often face K deficiency in the soil. Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is an excellent source of vegetable protein. However, optimum chickpea growth is affected by K limitation. This study evaluated whether K application in an Oxisol influences chickpea growth, grain yield, and nutritional status. We conducted a greenhouse experiment in an Oxisol with four K application rates (0, 40, 80, and 150 kg ha−1) and four replicates. Our results showed that K application significantly increased chickpea grain yield (R2 = 0.968), shoot weight, root dry weight, and the number of pods. In addition, the K application rate in the soil increased with increasing K application rate. In addition, the concentrations of K and P in the grain are affected by K application. In addition, K improved the K concentration in the shoot (R2 = 0.756) and grain (R2 = 0.833). However, the application of high levels of K did not increase K accumulation in the seeds, indicating that the use of low doses of K (≤80 kg ha−1) is sufficient to support plant growth and nutrition and avoid K loss. Finally, the benefits of K in plants are more than an increase in the grain yield of crops. However, K plays a dominant role in the root system. For instance, this benefit enhances K acquisition from the soil for plants.

Influence of Urea Foliar Nutrition and Leaf Harvesting Intensity on Growth, Yield Attributes and Yield in Cowpea [Vigna unguiculta (L.) Walp.

A field experiment was undertaken at Farming Systems Research Station (FSRS), Sadanandapuram, Kollam district, Kerala Agricultural University in summer 2022 for studying the effect of growth, yield attributes and yield of cowpea through foliar application of 2% urea and intensity of leaf harvesting. Experimental treatments comprised of 4 levels of foliar nutrition management (2% urea spray at vegetative stage (f1), 2% urea spray at flowering stage (f2), 2% urea spray at vegetative stage and flowering stage (f3), water spray control (f4) and 3 levels of leaf harvest (20% leaf harvest (l1), 40% leaf harvest (l2), and no leaf harvest (l3). Among the foliar nutrition management treatments, f3 showed significantly the taller plants (91.97 cm), more number of branches (15.13), leaves (34.76), leaf area/ plant (884.29 cm2), leaf area index (1.96) dry matter production (42.39 g) and chlorophyll content (3.544 mg/g) and were comparable with f1. The nodule parameters such as nodule number (37.44) and effective number of nodules (32.11) were the highest in treatment f3 and was on par with f1. Further, days to 50 per cent flowering (53.65 days), pod length (17.27 cm), 100 seed weight (12.40 g), pod number (24.58), foliage yield (1484.57 kg ha-1), grain yield (925.85 kg ha-1) and haulm yield (2722.70 kg ha-1) were the highest in treatment f3 and was on par with f1 except for pod weight (21.19 g). Among the leaf harvest intensity, treatment l3 recorded the taller plants (92.45 cm), leaf area per plant (902.71cm2) leaf area index (2.01), less days to 50% flowering (47.60 days) and haulm yield (2754.85 kg ha-1). It was on par with l1 pertaining to plant height. The number of branches (15.03), dry matter production per plant (40.78g), pod weight/plant (19.43 g), pod number/plant (23.59) and grain yield (925.85 kg ha-1) were the highest in treatment l1.

Exploring intra-allelic and inter-allelic gene interactions influencing seed yield and its components in inter-varietal crosses of Mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek)

Mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) is a versatile legume widely cultivated for its nutritional value and adaptability. Meeting the increasing global demand for nutritious food requires the development of high-yielding varieties. Therefore, understanding the inheritance of yield and component traits is crucial for defining effective breeding strategies. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the genetic effects and interactions governing inheritance through generation mean analysis. The four crosses viz., IPM409-4×VGG18-002, IPM409-4×WGG42, COGG13-39×VGG16-058 and COGG13-39×VGG18-002 and their five generations (P1, P2, F1, F2, and F3) were evaluated for nine yield and yield component traits during 2023 summer season. The significance of additive, dominance, and epistatic components viz.,additive×additive [i] and dominance×dominance [l] of each trait was found to be different among all the crosses. Mungbean is a self-pollinated crop, so only fixable gene effects can be exploited for trait improvement. In the IPM409-4×VGG18-002 cross, all the traits exhibited additive or additive × additive gene action except for plant height and seed yield per plant (dominance). The scaling test was significant in IPM409-4×WGG42 cross for all the traits, except for the number of pods per cluster. Except for the number of branches per plant in which the dominance effect was evident, additive or additive×additive gene effects were observed for the other traits. In COGG13-39×VGG16-058 and COGG13-39×VGG18-002 crosses, all the yield traits recorded fixable (additive and additive×additive) gene effects except for number of pods per plant in COGG13-39×VGG18-002. Considering the results of all four crosses, gene actions that exhibit consistency across crosses revealed that epistatic interaction (additive×additive) significantly influenced the expression of various mung bean traits. Therefore, the later generation selection of short-duration segregants with high yield, bold seeds, and resistance to yellow mosaic disease from the above populations can be carried out to develop commercially valuable mung bean varieties.

Cluster Front Line Demonstrations on New Chickpea Varieties in Western Parts of Kurnool District of Andhra Pradesh

Background: Cluster Front Line Demonstrations were conducted to study the comparative performance of new chickpea varieties in the western parts of Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh. These demonstrations were conducted at twenty five locations during the Rabi season of two consecutive years (2019-20 and 2020-21). Methods: Three improved chickpea varieties (Nandyal Gram-3, Nandyal Gram-49 and Nandyal Gram-452) were selected to implement these demonstrations and the improved varieties were compared with the locally grown JG-11 variety. Result: During two years of assessment, the pooled results revealed that the highest mean number of pods (51.3) per plant and average pod yield (2234 kg ha-1) were recorded in Nandyal Gram-452 compared to local variety JG-11 (41.2 pods per plant; 1862 kg ha-1). The lowest incidence of fusarium wilt was recorded in Nandyal Gram 452 (6.14%) followed by Nandyal Gram 49 (9.73%) and Nandyal Gram 3 (12.04%) compared to JG-11 (15.83%). The lowest dry root rot was also observed with Nandyal Gram-452 variety (10.92%) compared to JG-11 (18.19%). The higher average net income (80486 Rs ha-1) and benefit cost ratio (2.9) were realized in the demonstration with the improved Nandyal Gram-452 variety in comparison to lower net income (58370Rs ha-1) and benefit cost ratio (2.3) with JG-11. These results clearly indicated that the improved chickpea variety Nandyal Gram 452 is the best alternative old variety JG-11 which is being cultivated since 2005.

Results of evaluating the early maturity and yield potential of wild vetch varieties growing in Moscow Oblast

Wild-growing varieties are used in the breeding of Vicia sativa L. in order to expand genotypic diversity and improve the environmental stability of created varieties. In order to find wild-growing vetch possessing valuable breeding traits, 22 specimens from 15 countries were evaluated. Tests were conducted in a field experiment in the south of Moscow Oblast in 2018, 2020, and 2021. The ‘Vera’ variety served as the reference. On the basis of three-year data and in accordance with the International Classification of Vicia sativa L., the specimens were evaluated for early maturity, crop and seed production, seed size, leading shoot length, branchiness, number of pods per plant, and number of seeds in a pod. All the specimens were characterized by early maturity of fodder mass and seeds. The three-year average duration of the “sprouting- crop ripeness” period amounted to 34.7-46.3 days, while that of “sprouting-seed maturity” reached 59.0-67.5 days. In wild-growing specimens, the dry weight of the plant in the phase of crop ripeness ranged from 1.0 to 5.0 g (18-92 % of the reference). The fodder mass yield per plant was lower than that of the reference variety due to the poorer development of lateral shoots. Nineteen specimens were at the same level as or superior to the reference variety in terms of plant height. The three-year average seed yield of the specimens varied from 1.3 to 3.2 g (28-70 % of the reference). An analysis of seed yield showed that all specimens produced fewer pods than the reference. However, seven specimens were identified to be annually superior to the reference in terms of other traits: seed size (kk-36830, 36831, 36837, 36848, and 36850); the average number of seeds in the pod (kk-36871); the maximum number of pods in a node; the number of pods and the number of productive nodes on the leading shoot (kk-36879). These specimens are of interest for use in breeding vetch for seed yield.

Correlation and Path Analysis in Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.)

This study, conducted at Horticultural Research Farm of Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, India, over 2020-21 and 2021-22, aimed to examine coefficient of correlation and direct and indirect effects of yield contributing traits on economic yield among 30 diverse cowpea genotypes. The research employed a Randomized Block Design (R.B.D.) with three replications, assessing twenty-six quantitative traits. Genotypic correlations exceeded phenotypic correlations, underscoring genetic influence over environmental factors. Key findings included plant height's positive correlation with branches per plant and days to first flowering, while negatively correlating with nodes on main branches and pod diameter. Traits such as number of pods per plant and average pod weight showed strong positive correlations with pod yield, highlighting their importance in breeding programs. Path coefficient analysis revealed significant positive direct effects on pod yield per plant from traits including plant height, branches per plant, and average pod weight. Indirect effects through traits like days to first flowering and non-reducing sugars also contributed to pod yield. These insights into trait correlations and effects are crucial for developing superior cowpea genotypes with enhanced yield and agronomic traits. The findings emphasize the importance of genetic variability in breeding programs, enabling the selection of superior genotypes to improve cowpea productivity.

Characterization of a Bacterial Keratinolytic Protease for Effective Degradation of Chicken Feather Waste into Feather Protein Hydrolysates.

Chicken feathers contribute to large quantities of keratinaceous wastes that pose serious environmental problems and must be catered to properly. Chicken feathers are also a potential source of vital proteins, peptides, and amino acids, which could be used as low-cost animal feeds. Therefore, there has been increasing interest in keratinase-producing microbes for reprocessing and using keratinous biomaterials. Among the five isolated keratinolytic microorganisms, one microbe, Bacillus XT 01, produced a significant amount of enzyme activity, which was partially characterized. The potential of this protease-producing microbe was investigated for converting feather keratin waste to valuable protein hydrolysate. Maximum keratinase production was observed after 5 days of incubating Bacillus XT 01 at an optimum temperature of 45 °C and pH 8.5. Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate-Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and zymogram of ammonium sulfate precipitated culture supernatant showed the presence of several proteolytic enzymes with molecular weights between 30 and 60 kDa. The Bacillus strain caused almost complete feather degradation (98%) after 7 days of incubation at 45 °C in a shake culture medium. Antioxidant and reducing activities of the feather protein hydrolysate (FPH) elevated with increased cultivation time. Investigation of the effect of feather protein hydrolysate on plants indicated improved plant growth regarding the agronomic parameters, such as plant height, number of trifoliate leaves, number of pods, pod length, number of seeds per pod, and root length, which increased by 30.84%, 49.32%, 70.90%, 53.27%, 60.03%, and 54.71%, respectively. The prospective of Bacillus XT 01 for degrading feather waste keratin to highly valued hydrolyzed feather protein offers effectiveness in the poultry industry and ultimately decreases environmental pollution hazards.

Response of Blackgram (Vigna mungo L.) Cultivars for Nipping and Graded Levels of Nitrogen for Higher Productivity under Irrigated Conditions

Blackgram (Vigna mungo L.) holds significant importance among grain legumes, particularly in terms of its production and productivity. Over the years, the decline in the cultivation area of this crop has become increasingly evident due to its persistently low yields. Many technologies are being implemented to improve the yield, and nipping is one of them. The main objective of this paper was to standardize the nipping timing and graded levels of nitrogen (N) application on growth and seed yield in blackgram cultivars under irrigated conditions. A study with three blackgram cultivars (cv.), three levels of N, and three intervals of nipping was taken up during the winter and monsoon seasons of 2018 and 2019, respectively. The study revealed that blackgram cv. VBN8 recorded a higher plant height of 49.52 cm, a higher number of branches (4.08), a higher number of pods per plant (47.75), a higher seed yield of 882 kg.ha−1, and a benefit cost ratio (B:C ratio) of 2.49. Among the graded levels of nutrients, applications of 125% N and 100% phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) recorded the highest growth and yield attributes, with a B:C ratio of 2.33. Nipping at 25 days after sowing (DAS) registered a higher number of branches (4.08), more pods per plant (48.14), and a seed yield of 902 kg.ha−1 with a B:C ratio of 2.36. Higher N, P, and K uptake was observed in blackgram VBN8, with an application of 150% recommended N and 100% P and K and nipping at 25 DAS. To conclude, application of 125% recommended N and 100% P and K and nipping at 25 DAS were found to be significant in enhancing the productivity of blackgram and NPK uptake, and resulted in 14% more profit than no nipping treatments.

Molecular selection of soybean towards adaptation to Central European agroclimatic conditions.

Europe is highly dependent on soybean meal imports and anticipates an increase of domestic plant protein production. Ongoing climate change resulted in northward shift of plant hardiness zones, enabling spring-sowing of freezing-sensitive crops, including soybean. However, it requires efficient reselection of germplasm adapted to relatively short growing season and long-day photoperiod. In the present study, a PCR array has been implemented, targeting early maturity (E1-E4, E7, E9, and E10), pod shattering (qPHD1), and growth determination (Dt1) genes. This array was optimized for routine screening of soybean diversity panel (204 accessions), subjected to the 2018-2020 survey of phenology, morphology, and yield-related traits in a potential cultivation region in Poland. High broad-sense heritability (0.84-0.88) was observed for plant height, thousand grain weight, maturity date, and the first pod height. Significant positive correlations were identified between the number of seeds and pods per plant, between these two traits and seed yield per plant as well as between flowering, maturity, plant height, and first pod height. PCR array genotyping revealed high genetic diversity, yielding 98 allelic combinations. The most remarkable correlations were identified between flowering and E7 or E1, between maturity and E4 or E7 and between plant height and Dt1 or E4. The study demonstrated high applicability of this PCR array for molecular selection of soybean towards adaptation to Central Europe, designating recessive qPHD1 and dominant Dt1, E3, and E4 alleles as major targets to align soybean growth season requirements with the length of the frost-free period, improve plant performance, and increase yield.

Performance de crescimento do feijão caupi sob diferentes concentrações iônicas da solução nutritiva

ABSTRACT: Cowpea is a food crop representing an important source of proteins and income, mainly for people living in the north and northeast of Brazil. This study aimed to evaluate the growth performance of two cowpea cultivars under four different ionic concentrations of the growth solution. Thus, a pot experiment was performed using the sand culture technique and set up in a completely randomized design with a 2 x 4 factorial scheme, using four replications and one plant per plot. After the period of growth, the parameters such as length of the shoot, stem diameter, number of leaves, number of secondary branches, number of pods, fresh weight of the stem, stem dry mass, leaf dry mass, shoot dry mass, and root/shoot ratio were obtained. The results pointed out that there was a significant interaction effect on parameters like stem diameter, leaf dry mass, shoot dry mass, and number of leaves. Both cultivars were strongly responsive to changes in ionic concentration, indicating a greater biomass production at ionic concentrations of 90% and 120%. A greater growth performance for BRS Rouxinol than BRS Itaim was observed, while the second cultivar indicated a high tolerance as exposed to the highest ionic concentrations.

Field evaluation of biostimulants on growth, flowering, yield, and quality of snap beans in subtropical environment

The cultivation of snap beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in subtropical regions faces environmental challenges leading to potential declines in yield. This study explores the efficacy of biostimulants as a solution, specifically investigating spraying treatments with 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BA), chitosan (Ch), triacontanol (TRIA), and potassium silicate (KSi) on the snap bean cv. Paulista. Over two growing seasons with late sowing and elevated summer temperatures, the research assesses growth, flowering, yield, and quality. Notably, 5 ppm TRIA demonstrates the most significant impact on plant growth and leaf nutrient content. Treatments with 40 ppm 6-BA, 5 ppm TRIA, or 200 ppm KSi exhibit notable effects on inflorescence flower count and flowers per plant. These treatments prove most effective for crucial green pod yield measures, including the number and weight of marketable pods. Moreover, 40 ppm 6-BA or 5 ppm TRIA significantly enhances pod characteristics, such as length, diameter, and weight, consistently improving over both seasons. Particularly, 5 ppm TRIA outperforms in enhancing the chemical quality of pods throughout the study. Overall, the findings suggest that the application of 5 ppm TRIA offers the most favorable enhancements for the growth, flowering, productivity, and quality of snap bean plants in subtropical field conditions.

On-farm Pre-extension Demonstration of Newly Released Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) Technology with Proper Agronomic Practices in Gamo and Konso Zones of Southern Ethiopia

Pigeon pea is widely cultivated by Ethiopian farmers, but its production remains low despite suitable conditions. This is partly due to inadequate demonstration of new pigeon pea varieties with proper agronomic practices. To address this, Arba Minch Agricultural Research Center released a new variety, Ashenafi, which showed promise in adaptation trials. However, its farmer preference and socio-economic benefits were not assessed. Therefore, a pre-extension demonstration of Ashenafi and a local check was conducted in 2024 at Karat Zuria and Boreda districts to improve pigeon pea production. The demonstration covered 20 farmers’ fields and 2 Farmers Training Centers, with 10m x 50m plots for each variety, using a spacing of 1.2m between rows and 0.5m between plants, a seed rate of 3 kg/ha, and a fertilizer rate of 100 kg/ha NPS. Grain yield data and farmer preferences were collected and analyzed. Ashenafi yielded 1,860 kg/ha compared to the local variety's 1,065 kg/ha at Karat Zuria, and 1,785 kg/ha compared to 890 kg/ha at Boreda. Results at the Farmers Training Center were similar. The significant yield gap of 787 kg/ha suggests a need to encourage adoption of the new variety. Ashenafi proved more profitable and was preferred by farmers for its earliness, quick branch emergence, seed size, grain yield, and pod number. Thus, Ashenafi is recommended for wider production with proper agronomic practices.

Effects of Spacing and Varieties on the Growth and Yield of Cowpea (Vignauguiculata L.). Grown in Makurdi, Benue State. Nigeria

A field experiment was carried out at the Agronomy Teaching and Research Farm of Joseph Sarwun, Tarka, University Makurdi, Benue State Nigeria at 70 41N and Longitude 80 37E, 400m above sea level in Southern Guinea Savannah Agro-ecological zone of Nigeria to investigate the Effects of Spacing and Variety on the Growth and Yield of Cowpea (Vignauguiculata L.). Two spacing were used 25 and 30cm intra row spacing and three medium maturing varieties of IT07K-274-2-9, IAR-07-1050 and UAM-1051-1 were used for study. The treatment were combined and laid in a randomized complete block design with three replications. During the research, growth characters such as plant height, number of leaves, days of maturity, 50% flowering were measured. Other yield and yield related characters like number of pod, number of seed, 1000 seed weight and seed yield were also recorded. The use of 30cm intra row spacing produced significantly (P=0.05) in both growth and yield related parameters except in plant height where 25cm spacing had taller plants (61.21), days to maturity (79.45) and 50% flowering (60.21) while spacing 30cm had higher number of leaves (50.11) higher number of pod per plants (46.01), number of seeds per pod (10.99), weightier pod (900.11), weightier 100 seeds (120.56) and over all yield (681.16) The use of medium maturing varieties was also observed to produce significantly (P=0.05) with 1T07K-274-2-9 recorded early days of maturity (79.11), 50% days of flowering (61.21) and number of pod (47.21) while UAM-1050-1 produced taller plant (62.01), higher number of leaves (51.21) higher number of seeds per pod(11.50) pod weight(1084.01),100 seed weight (22.68) and overall yield (698.82).Form the result cowpea farmers in Makurdi are advice to grow UAM-105-1 at 30cm intra row spacing for optimum yield.