Nursery Beds Research Articles

Soil Solarization: an Eco-friendly Management Technique of Damping-off of Tomato

The present study was conducted at experimental farm and laboratory of Dept. of Plant Pathology of Dr. YSPUHF, Nauni, Solan Himachal Pradesh in May 2017–November 2018. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of thermal water bathas well as soil solarization on soil temperature and viability of soil borne pathogens of tomato. The disease occurs in two phases i.e. pre-emergence and post emergence that leads to severe infection and crop loss. These pathogens are more likely to influence the development of damping-off disease and their eradication remains a difficult task. Among various eco-friendly methods of disease management, soil solarization is a recourse technique and has been attempted in the present study in mulched and un-mulched beds at three depths i.e., 5, 10 and 20 cm to check the effect of soil solarization on soil temperature. Nursery beds covered with polythene mulch noticed rise in soil temperature and data was recorded for two consecutive crop seasons i.e., 2018 and 2019, where average/ mean weekly temperature was recorded in range of 35.99º to 43.87ºC and 29.25º to 41.68ºC, respectively. The highest temperature was recorded for the nursery beds with 5 cm depth and vice-versa. Overall, conclusive evidence of the survival and killing of pathogens F. oxysporum and R. solani was observed for the corresponding 10 to 20 days and 30 to 40 days schedule of the soil solarization that represents the existence of pathogens.

Studies on the biological methods for the management of Coffee (Coffea arabica L.) collar rot (Rhiozoctonia solani khun) by Coffee bio-capsules

Coffee is an important plantation crop in India. Arabica and Robusta coffee are susceptible to fungal disease. Coffee plants propagated through seeds. Rhiozoctonia solani khun is known to cause collar rot/damping off of coffee seedlings in the nursery beds and lead to 10-25 % mortality of seedlings under favourable conditions. For effective management of this disease by bio capsule methods the present study was carried out, ten Rhiozoctonia solani khun isolates were collected from different regions. The pathogenicity effect to produce collar rot symptoms showed that R.s tn 4 is high virulent compared to other isolates during the period of April- June were noticed. In case of bio control agents such as Bacillus subtilis (58.65%) inhibition found to be maximum mean per cent inhibition compared to untreated control (70.50%)

Influence of Media and Sowing Condition on Field Emergence of Palmyrah (Borassus flabellifer L.)

Studies were carried out to find the influence of media and sowing conditions on the field emergence of Palmyrah seeds. The seeds were sown in a sunken nursery bed, raised nursery bed, and direct sowing to observe field emergence. The experiment was conducted in a Randomized Block Design with eight replications of 50 seeds sown in each treatment. The observations were recorded at monthly intervals up to 24 months after sowing. The results revealed that Palmyrah seeds sown in a raised bed containing red earth, sand and farmyard manure 2:1:1 ratio recorded the highest field emergence of 78.67 % followed by seeds sown in sand and field conditions. This study concluded that Palmyrah seeds sown in raised bed containing red earth, sand and farmyard manure 2:1:1 ratio used for sowing/multiplication purpose.

Aeration Quality of Root Trainer and Rooting Media in the Artificial Regeneration Studies of Myristica malabarica Lam.

Tropics are known for the species richness and the evergreen rain forests are blessed with many tree species, which are of economic importance. Myristica malabarica is an important evergreen tree species, which urgently require artificial regeneration technology for plantation trials. Hence this work has great importance. The present study was carried out using seeds from two forest localities (L1 and L2) and sown in four sowing media (SM1-SM4) and control (SM5) in root trainers and reusable poly-pots. Germination trials using fresh and stored seeds with and without seed treatments were also performed. Higher germination percentage of 44% was exhibited by seeds collected from L1 and sown in perlite and soil in root trainer (SM3). Least germination percentage of 12.75 % was found in seeds collected from L2 and sown in garden soil in nursery bed (SM5). Higher germination value (GV) of 0.515 was recorded in seeds collected from L1 and sown in perlite and soil (SM3) and least value of 0.024 in seeds collected from L2 and sown in garden soil (SM3). Seeds soaked in water (T3) and sown in perlite and soil (SM3) and nutmeg pericarp and soil (SM4) showed higher germination percentage of 84.5 % and 83.5 % respectively while seeds without pretreatment (T1) and sown in vermiculite and soil (SM2) exhibited 21.75 % of germination in root trainer. Germination percentage was higher in seeds sown in perlite and soil in root trainer. Seeds sown in vermiculite and soil in pots recorded greater MGT of 40.57 days and least in seeds sown in perlite and soil in root trainer. Germination rate and CVt was higher in all sowing medium in root trainer compared to that in pots. Greater germination value of 3.085 were recorded in seeds sown in perlite and soil in root trainer and least values in seeds sown in vermiculite and soil in pots. Thus the results directly proves the ability of root trainers in environmentally safe artificial generation of seedlings for plantation purpose.

The importance of farm management training for the African rice Green Revolution: Experimental evidence from rainfed lowland areas in Mozambique

The effectiveness of basic farm management training (e.g., seed selection, nursery bed setup, field leveling, bund construction, and transplanting) for the African rice Green Revolution has not been fully examined. This study evaluated a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of such training in the remote rainfed lowland areas of Mozambique. The training taught these practices without introducing modern varieties or inorganic fertilizers. The intention-to-treat (ITT) effect on paddy yield was 447–546 kg/ha (29 %–36 % of the control group average yield), with statistical significance at 7 %–8%. The results indicate that the adoption of these basic practices alone can improve paddy yield without relying on modern purchased inputs, which are usually not readily available in remote local markets or affordable to cash-constrained farmers. Complementarity among these basic practices is also suggested in that the yield increase had the highest statistical significance when all five practices were adopted.

Influence of rooting media, number of nodes and seedling growing methods on rooting, seedling establishment and early growth of Chaya (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius McVaugh) stem cuttings at Dire Dawa, Eastern Ethiopia

Establishment of seedling growing method(s) is priority activity to the distribution of newly introduced vegetable crops. Chaya is proposed as candidate vegetable crop to distribute in eastern Ethiopia. However, recommendation is lacking for rooting media and type of cutting to produce seedlings. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess effect of rooting media and number of nodes on rooting, seedling establishment and early growth of chaya at Dire Dawa from February 2018 to July 2018. Three level of rooting media (top soil only, 3:2:1 top soil: farmyard manure: sand, 3:1 top soil: farmyard manure), three levels of node number (2, 3, 4) and two seedling growing methods (seedbed/bare root and polyethylene bag) in factorial combinations were evaluated in completely randomized and randomized complete block designs with three replications for nursery and field experiments, respectively. Seedling growing methods significantly influenced all traits, rooting media, number of nodes and interaction of the main factors had significant effect on percentage of root initiated cuttings. Fresh and dry weight of leaves and roots, dry weight of leaves and root significantly influenced by interaction of the three factors. The seedlings raised on seedbed filled with 3:1 top soil: farmyard manure (91.6%) and stem cuttings with four nodes (92.7%) showed high percentage survival. Generally, either one or more of the three main factors rooting media, number of nodes and seedling growing method or one or more of the possible two and three main factors interactions significantly influenced the seedlings growth and establishment of seedlings at the field. In conclusion, chaya seedlings from cutting responded well to type of rooting media containing top soil: farmyard manure: sand, cutting length with three and four nodes and growing method (seedbed). Therefore, in the study area it could be advised to use combined mixtures of 3:2:1 top soil: farmyard manure: sand and stem cutting with four nodes grown on nursery bed and field establishment.

Knowledge Gap Causing Discontinuance of SRI: A Study in Tribal Region of Odisha

System of Rice Intensification (SRI) method is being ideally suited to the small farmers in India where rice productivity is comparatively low. But, it has been observed that the farmers are not enthusiastic to continue the practice in spite of all efforts made. Inadequate knowledge about the practices might be the reasons for the discontinuance of the method. A study was therefore, conducted with 96 farmers in the tribal region of Sundargarh district in Odisha to assess the knowledge deficiencies that causing discontinuance of SRI. The findings revealed that the farmers had inadequate knowledge on raising nursery bed at 80-100 cms height, putting single sprouted seed in line in nursery bed, sub-matting at two meters distance, putting seedlings in a thin metal sheet for easy transplanting, use of recommended quantity of well decomposed FYM/manure per hectare, green manuring and vermicomposting to supplement organic manure, minimum of four weeding at ten days interval, alternate drying and wetting of the main field, light irrigation during hair line cracks and keeping 2-3 cms standing water after flowering. Socio – economic attributes like family size, housing pattern, social participation, education, use of agricultural implements, extension contact and annual income had significant influence in increasing knowledge level of the respondents. It is therefore suggested that the extension officials of the state department of Agriculture and Non- Government Organizations promoting SRI have to take possible approaches to expose the respondents further particularly with poor knowledge on practices enabling them to realize the benefits of all these practices and may continue SRI method of rice cultivation for better production till they get better technology.

Integrated management of Meloidogyne graminicola in nursery beds of rice

Integrated management of Meloidogyne graminicola in nursery beds of rice

Impact of Spent Mushroom Substrate Enriched with Trichoderma harzianum on Damping off Disease in Chilli and Tomato

A study was undertaken to evaluate the impact of soil application of spent mushroom substrate (SMS) and farm yard manure (FYM) enriched with T. harzianum on pre-emergency damping off (PED) and post-emergence damping off (POED) in chilli and tomato seedlings in nursery beds containing naturally infested soil with Pythium aphanidermatum and Rhizoctonia solani in the experimental field area of Department of Plant Pathology, CCSHAU Hisar during 2018-19, 2019-20and 2020-21.The observations on disease incidence (%) were recorded up to 30 days after germination. A control without soil amendment was also maintained. The maximum damping off was at 22.5, 23.4 and 22.9% in controland minimum at 15.7, 15.8 and 16.6% during 2018–19, 2019–20, 2020–21, respectively in chilliwhen SMS enriched with T. harzianum was applied. The mean of damping off disease incidence was minimum at 16.0% when SMS enriched with T. harzianum was applied and maximum at 22.9% in control. The maximum damping off was at 18.1, 19.4 and 18.7% in control and minimum at 12.2, 12.6 and 14.8% during 2018–19, 2019–20, 2020–21, respectively in tomato when SMS enriched with T. harzianum was applied. The mean of disease incidence (%) was minimum at 13.2% when SMS enriched with T. harzianum was applied and maximum at 18.7% in control.

Control of leaf anthracnose of peach palm with fungicides: a valid strategy for seedling nurseries, but not for young plantations

This work aimed to evaluate the efficacy of fungicides for controlling anthracnose (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides) on peach palm (Bactris gasipaes var. gasipaes) seedlings in nursery beds and in newly planted peach palms in the field. The nursery experiment included two fungicide combinations: [thiophanate-methyl + chlorothalonil (TM + C) and pyraclostrobin + epoxiconazole (P + E)], three application intervals (7, 14, and 21 days), and an additional nontreated control. The two field experiments with newly planted peach palms tested the fungicide combinations TM + C at 15-day intervals for 12 months after transplanting, comparing to the control without fungicide application. The severity of anthracnose was assessed, and it was used for calculating the area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC). The fungicides TM + C and E + P applied at 7-days intervals were effective in the control of anthracnose in peach palm seedlings, resulting in the lowest severities and AUDPC. The fungicide TM + C reduced the maximum disease severity and AUDPC under field conditions. However, differences in the final severity of anthracnose and stem diameter were not significant compared to the control. Therefore, the use of fungicides for control of anthracnose in the field is not necessary.

Exploring Varietal Mixtures as a Strategy for Sustainable Management of Insect Pests Associated with Cabbage [Brassica oleraceaVAR. capitata L. (Brassicaceae)

Cabbage is a highly nutritious vegetable, yet faced with pest challenges. At present, synthetic pesticides are the major control measure and this has some side effects such as; resistance by pest, adverse effect on non-target organisms and hazardous effects on environment. All these problems bring the sustainability of ecosystem to danger. Exploring varietal mixture of cabbage as an alternative for sustainable pest management of cabbage was investigated during the rainy (April, – August 2020) and dry (November, 2020 – March, 2021) seasons. Treatments consisted of Purple-ball, GloriaF1, Oxylus (sole each and mixture) in ratio 1:1 respectively, all raised in nursery beds and transplanted to treatment plots, given a total of 7 treatments, all laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replicates each. The insect associated with the crop were sampled using sweep net, pitfall traps and the mechanical hand-picking methods. The phytochemical components of each variety were also carried out. Results showed that cabbage which was mixed with purple-ball variety showed reduced attack by insects as compared with Gloria and Oxylus planted sole. This could be attributed to the higher value of cardiac glycoside, tannins, steroids and anthraquinone in Purple-ball variety than other varieties. These compounds are responsible for plant defence which may have caused the low insect population in Purple-ball variety. The yields from Purple-ball variety plots in both seasons were however significantly lower compared with other varieties in both seasons. Notwithstanding, the yield from the mixture of purple-ball with other varieties was not significantly different from others. Therefore, the inclusion of Purple-ball variety in GloriaF1 and Oxylus production is recommended as this may serve as a natural defence against insect pests. Also, the use of this cropping system is not only effective but inexpensive and safe for human health and the environment relative to synthetic insecticides.

Effect of Maturity Indices on Quality, Storability and Seedling Performance of Prinsepia utilis Royle (Bhekal) Seed

Background: Prinsepia utilis Royle is a wild woody oil yielding shrub of Rosaceae, commonly known as bhekal. Plant whole parts are all precious; their root, stem, leaf, fruit, and seed oil are used as medicine. Its tender stems, leaf and fibrous root decoction, are used in toothache and throat inflammation. Besides all this, the plant is also commonly used as bio-fence, apple grafting, a substitute for soap and cosmetics, and performing different ritualistic/holistic practices. Material and methods: The fruits were collected from Chakrata forest Division (Uttarakhand), India, in mid-May 2017. Fruits are collected directly from branches and separated according to their color into three sub-lots, i.e., green, purple-green and violet. Seeds were tested under controlled conditions for their viability and vigour at different storage intervals viz 0 days (fresh), 30, 60, 90, 120 and 150 days. In the nursery, seeds were sown as fresh 0 and 30 days after collection to see the storage effect on seedling performance. Seeds were sown in four replications of 100 seeds of each lot in a nursery bed prepared with compost, sand, and soil (1:1:1). Results: Fresh seeds obtained from violet fruit showed 94.50% germination, followed by purple-green and green fruit with 90.25 and 77.75%, respectively. The germination declined during storage in all types of fruit colors. It is evident from the survival curve that violet fruit retained a maximum period of mean viability (P50) (71 days) as compared to purple-green fruits (59 days) and green fruit (42 days). The violet exhibited a higher mean germination percentage (50.88) after 150 days of storage period as compared to purple-green fruit (44.17) and green fruit (26.75). The seedling performance was significantly affected by fruit colors. The violet seeds significantly exhibited good values of as compared to green and purple, green seeds. Conclusion: Seeds obtained from violet fruits may be preferred for longer storage of seeds and remaining fruit seed color should be avoided for storage purposes.

Effect of graded levels of NPK on growth and leaf nutrient content of apple (Malus × domestica) nursery plants

An experiment was conducted during 2017–18 to study the effect of different N, P and K doses on vegetative growth and leaf nutrient content of apple nursery plants of cultivar Starking Delicious and to find out the optimum dose of nutrients for production of healthy planting material for Merton 793 rootstock. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design comprising 12 combinations of N, P2O5 and K2O {3 levels of N (12, 15 and 18 g/m2 nursery bed), 2 levels of P (3 and 6 g/m2 nursery bed) and 2 levels of K (4.5 and 9 g/m2 nursery bed)}, Jeevamrut and control. The results revealed that maximum linear growth of plant, number of leaves, leaf area, length of main root, total root length, fresh and dry weight of roots, leaf P, Mg and Ca contents were recorded in the plants fertilized with NPK @18:6:4.5 g/m2. However, radial growth of plant, internodal length, fresh and dry weight of shoots, total biomass, leaf N and K were highest in the plants treated with NPK @18:6:9 g/m2 nursery bed. NPK @18:6:4.5 g/m2 nursery bed and NPK @18:6:9 g/m2 nursery bed were found statistically at par with each other with respect to plant growth and leaf nutrients. Thus, nursery bed with 18.0 g N, 6.0 g P and 4.5 g K per m2 was found most suitable for production of quality nursery plants of apple plantlets on Merton 793 clonal rootstock.

Effect of biostimulant and biofertilizers on soil bio-chemical properties and plant growth of apple (Malus x domestica Borkh.) nursery

Aim: To assess the effect of biostimulant and biofertilizers on soil properties and plant growth of apple nursery under eco-friendly production system. Methodology: The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design comprising 18 treatments of biostimulant, biofertilizers and their combinations. Each treatment was replicated thrice. Nursery beds of apple seedling rootstocks were prepared and Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, PGPR (Bacillus sp.) were applied by soil drenching method and commercial formulations of granular bio-stimulant containing humic acid (39%) + kelp extract (25%) + amino acids (9.0%) + ascorbic acid + thiamine + inositol + tocopherol (27%) were applied in two split doses by broadcasting in root zone. The effects of these various formulations were investigated during the course of studies. Results: Linear growth, radial growth of scion (6.66 mm), number of leaves per plant, leaf area, success rate, saleable plants, total root length, fresh weight of shoots, dry weight of shoots, fresh weight of roots, dry weight of roots and total plant biomass of apple nursery plants were significantly increased with the combined application of biostimulant (200 g m-2 nursery bed) + AM fungi (20 g per plant) + PGPR (50 ml per plant). This treatment also significantly improved the status of available soil N, P, K and population of fungi, bacteria as well as actinomycetes in the rhizosphere. Interpretation: Application of biostimulant (200 g m-2 nursery bed) + AM fungi (20 g per plant) + PGPR (50 ml per plant) proved to be the most effective combination of eco-friendly inputs for the production of good quality apple nursery plants with well developed shoot and root system and improved the soil bio-chemical properties.

Determinants of Improved Vegetable Seed Propagation Technologies in Tanzania: Evidence from Arumeru and Mvomero Districts

Improved seed propagation technologies (ISPTs) curb the shortage of quality seedlings for vegetable farmers. This study examines factors that influence the choice of improved vegetable seed propagation technologies in Arumeru and Mvomero districts, Tanzania for nursery beds and seedling trays. Descriptive statistics and a logit model are used to analyse data from 240 randomly sampled farmers. The results show that seedling trays are used by only 13% of all vegetable farmers, despite the technology’s higher productivity and efficiency; and nursery beds are used by 87% of all farmers. The binary logit model results show that the choice of ISPTs is determined by access to seedling trays, credit, extension services and marital status. Thus, to increase the efficiency of transplant production and yield, the use of seedling trays for propagating vegetable seedlings should be promoted by increasing the availability of seedling trays and availing credit and extension services to vegetable farmers.
 JEL Classification: Q12, Q16, Q18

Effect of seed size on germination and seedling performance during storage of bhekal (Prinsepia utilis) seeds

The present study was conducted to determine the effect of various grades of Prinsepia utilis (bhekal) seeds on germination and seedlings performance during storage. Freshly collected seeds were grouped into three sub-lots viz. large size seeds (size 10 mm or > 10 mm), medium size seeds (size < 10 mm and > 7 mm), and small size seeds (size < 7 mm) with the help of specified sieves. Seeds of all grades were sown in nursery beds as fresh and after 35 days of storage. Various grades of seeds had shown significant effect on germination percentage as fresh and after 35 days of storage. Large size seeds exhibited significantly higher germination percentage, lower mean germination time, and higher germination values as compared to medium and small size seeds. Only small size seeds significantly exhibited lower germination percentage, higher mean germination time (MGT), and lower germination values as compared to large and medium-size seeds. However, no significant difference was observed in Germination Value (GV) and germination percentage between large and medium size seeds. The large size seeds exhibited a significantly good value of seedling length, the number of leaves, collar diameter, total biomass, vigour index, sturdiness quotient, volume index and quality index as compared to medium and small size seeds.

Phosphorus management strategies to increase lowland rice yields in sub-Saharan Africa: A review

Phosphorus (P) deficiency is one of the major yield-limiting factors for lowland rice production in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Therefore, improved P management could be an effective strategy to increase lowland rice yields in SSA. The study reviews on historical and recent efforts for improving P management for lowland rice production in SSA together with their limitations and prospects for future research. Special focuses are on following three aspects: (1) suitable soil tests to assess the indigenous soil P supply and the yield response to P application in lowlands; (2) organic inputs and localized P application to the nursery bed (nursery P) and to the seedling roots at transplanting (P-dipping); (3) the interaction between P application and climate-induced stresses via its impact on phenological development. For the first aspect, we demonstrate the importance of considering the P adsorption and desorption kinetics in SSA soils, where large amounts of insoluble P complexes are bound to iron and aluminum oxides while these insoluble P pools are solubilized under submerged soil culture. We propose using the oxalate-extractable P, which extracts insoluble P pools bound to amorphous iron-oxide minerals, as a reliable test for measuring the indigenous soil P supply for lowland rice production. With respect to the second aspect, the efficient use of organic inputs—an important nutrient resource for smallholder farmers in SSA—can be reconsidered not only as a source of P but also as a substance to accelerate the chemical reaction and P solubilization in soils for lowland rice production. Several studies have demonstrated significant effects of nursery P and P-dipping to increase rice yields and agronomic P use efficiency (AE P ) as the yield gain per unit of P applied. Excess yield gains with a micro-dosing nursery P may have a risk of P mining from soils. The P-dipping retains the P input-output balance and achieves a consistently high AE P at 74–152 kg kg −1 . The third aspect has received little attention in the previous studies, although recent observations indicate that P management affects rice yields via its impact on phenological development. The time to heading under P deficiency can extend beyond three weeks, which allows plants to accumulate more biomass production while increasing the risk of biotic and abiotic stresses at the reproductive and ripening stages. Further attention should be paid to changes in phenological development and their interactions with climate-induced stress to develop improved P management practices in SSA. • Improved P management strategies can increase rice yield in sub-Saharan Africa. • Organic amendment increases effectively available P in soils and rice growth. • Localized P at nursery and transplanting stages increases rice yields with high AE P . • Improved P management should take into account the effect of P on rice phenology.

Growth of Cutting Plants in the Tea Cultivar ‘Sunrouge’ in a Nursery Bed

Growth of Cutting Plants in the Tea Cultivar ‘Sunrouge’ in a Nursery Bed

Livelihood enhancement of Farm women through vegetable nursery raising

Good quality healthy seedlings are very much needed for getting bumper yield and higher returns in vegetable production. Farm women often reported problems in quality nursery production during Kharif season. The high mortality of vegetable seedling results in huge losses of farm women. Keeping these facts in mind JNKVV Krishi Vigyan Kendra Shahdol conducted FLD on income enhancement of Farm women through improved nursery raising of vegetables. The study was conducted during Kharif 2019 and Kharif 2020 at two locations in two Nutrismart villages. The results revealed that farm women had a huge gap in the knowledge of selection of quality seeds (78%) and preparation of nursery bed and nutrient management (72%). The healthy seedling production under recommended practices and farmer practise was 1860/5 sqm in comparison to 1110/5 sqm respectively. The gross returns, net returns and B: C ratio under recommended practices and farmer’s practice were Rs 9300, Rs 6890 and 3.85 as compared to Rs 5550, Rs 3690 and 2.98 respectively.

Small Farmers Large Field (SFLF): a synchronized collective action model for improving the livelihood of small farmers in India

This study pilots the collective action model “Small Farmers Large Field (SFLF)” to overcome the disadvantages faced by millions of small and marginal farmers due to diseconomies of scale and lack of bargaining power in the supply chain. This model is participatory and flexible and allows small farmers to benefit from achieving economies of scale by organizing themselves into groups and synchronizing and harmonizing selected operations. It was piloted in two villages of Odisha, an eastern Indian state, with 112 farmers (35 females and 77 males). These farmers organized themselves into groups and synchronized their operations such as nursery bed management, transplanting, and harvesting collectively to achieve economies of scale. The SFLF farmers purchased inputs (seed and fertilizer) and sold paddy as a group to increase their bargaining power in price negotiations. The results from this pilot study showed that the participating farmers almost doubled their profits. Apart from the monetary benefits, these farmers saved time in many joint activities, including input (seed and fertilizer) purchase, paddy sale, and nursery bed management. Other important benefits of the harmonization and synchronization of farming operations were social harmony and sustainability of the farming system.