Panicle Length Research Articles

AGRONOMIC AND ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF LOWLAND RICE CULTIVATION USING THE INTEGRATED CROP AND LAND MANAGEMENT APPROACH

The research investigated the implementation of Integrated Crops and Land Management (ICLM) model, a holistic farming approach combining various technological elements to enhance productivity. Conducted from April to September 2022 in Bhuana Jaya Village, Tenggarong Seberang Sub-District, Kutai Kartanegara Regency, East Kalimantan Province, on an 8-hectare site, the research focused on key components: utilization of superior rice varieties (Mekongga, Cakrabuana Agritan, and Ciherang Janger), spaced planting methodology (Jajar Legowo), and a balanced fertilization approach encompassing chemical, organic, soil conditioner, and biological fertilizers (50 kg Urea, 300 kg NPK Phonska, 400 kg Petroganik, 10 kg Antazam, and 10 kg Petrobio ha-1, respectively). Liquid Organic Biofertilizer (LOB) were introduced at a rate of 10-20 liters ha-1. The research assessed vital parameters such as plant height, tiller count, panicle length, branch number per panicle, panicle weight, and rice productivity. Statistical analyses included t-tests for plant response and F-tests to evaluate the model's impact on productivity. Economic viability was gauged using the Benefit-Cost (B/C) ratio. The findings revealed substantial productivity gains: 4.13-6.03 t MDG ha-1 (Mekongga), 7.02 t MDG ha-1 (Cakrabuana Agritan), and 7.85 t MDG ha-1 (Ciherang Janger). Moreover, the economic analysis resulted in a favorable ratio of 2.15, indicating the model's financial viability or increased by 69-73%.

Zinc-exchanged montmorillonite clay: A promising slow-release nanofertilizer for rice (Oryza sativa L.)

This study is to examine zinc exchanged montmorillonite (Zn-MMT) as a potential slow release nanofertilizer for rice crop. The effective intercalation of zinc within the montmorillonite inter layers was firmly established via analytical techniques including Zeta potential, FE-SEM (Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy) with Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis (EDAX), Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR). The efficacy of Zn-MMT was examined by evaluating its ability to facilitate controlled zinc release, as confirmed through an incubation study. Subsequently, the kinetics of zinc release was analyzed by different mathematical models such as Zero-order kinetics, First-order kinetics, the Higuchi model, and the Korsmeyer-Peppas model. From the pot culture study spanning 90 days the results indicated that Zn-MMT had significantly high plant height, Leaf Area Index (LAI), Dry Matter Production (DMP), number of tillers per hill, panicles length, increased grain and straw yield, in comparison with conventional zinc sulphate (ZnSO4). Total phenol, total protein and total chlorophyll content were significantly at higher levels with Zn-MMT treated rice crops as compared to conventional fertilizers and control. A similar trend was seen with phytochemicals such as Indole Acetic Acid (IAA), Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and Carbonic Anhydrase (CA). Notably, rice grains harvested from Zn-MMTtreated crops exhibited significantly higher zinc content than those using other treatments. This Zn-MMT can be confirmed as a better alternative to conventional zinc sulphate fertilizers owing to its slow-release of nutrient into the soil and thus increased zinc use efficiency.

Genome wide association studies on seven yield-related traits of 183 rice varieties in Bangladesh.

Rice genetic diversity is regulated by multiple genes and is largely dependent on various environmental factors. Uncovering the genetic variations associated with the diversity in rice populations is the key to breed stable and high yielding rice varieties. We performed genome wide association studies (GWASs) on seven rice yielding traits (grain length, grain width, grain weight, panicle length, leaf length, leaf width, and leaf angle) based on a population of 183 rice landraces of Bangladesh. Our GWASs reveal various chromosomal regions and candidate genes that are associated with different traits in Bangladeshi rice varieties. Noteworthy was the recurrent implication of chromosome 10 in all three grain-shape-related traits (grain length, grain width, and grain weight), indicating its pivotal role in shaping rice grain morphology. Our study also underscores the involvement of transposon gene families across these three traits. For leaf related traits, chromosome 10 was found to harbor regions that are significantly associated with leaf length and leaf width. The results of these association studies support previous findings as well as provide additional insights into the genetic diversity of rice. This is the first known GWAS study on various yield-related traits in the varieties of Oryza sativa available in Bangladesh-the fourth largest rice-producing country. We believe this study will accelerate rice genetics research and breeding stable high-yielding rice in Bangladesh.

Genetic Variability and Cause-Effect Relationship in Aromatic Rice

Twenty diverse rice genotypes, mostly aromatic landraces, were grown during warm wet season of 2022 to analyse the genetic variability, correlation and path coefficients for sixteen agro-morphological characters. The results of genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variability, heritability, and genetic advance indicated that improvement through selection for flag leaf angle, panicle exertion, secondary branches per panicle, test weight, spikelet number, and number of filled grains would be effective. Correlation coefficients of grain yield with flag leaf area, spikelet fertility percentage, test weight and harvest index were positive and significant, while with flag leaf angle it was negative and significant indicating the importance of these characters on grain yield. Path analysis revealed that selection for larger flag leaf area, greater test weight and narrow flag leaf angle, reduced plant height and early flowering would increase grain yield. However, restrictions are required to be imposed on panicle number, panicle length and filled grain, so that a balance between morphological architecture and physiological rhythm is maintained to optimize source-sink relationship.

Identification and characterization of drought-tolerant rice (Oryza sativa L.) genotypes using morpho-physiological and biochemical traits

Drought stress is a major constraint and the primary cause of low rice production in rainfed ecosystems. The results obtained from the study revealed the existence of significant variation among all the genotypes studied for different physiological and biochemical parameters. Genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation were wide-ranging, with traits like PC and grain yield showing higher values. Moderate to high heritability and genetic advance percentage of mean suggested the feasibility of selection for improved traits. The mean performance of genotypes revealed specific genotypes, such as Gin, excelling in root-related traits and filled grains per panicle. Leaf rolling and drying responses varied among genotypes, providing insights into drought tolerance. Positive correlations between grain yield and traits like flag leaf length, panicle length, and spikelet fertility were observed. Path coefficient analysis identified direct relationships between yield and traits such as flag leaf breadth, chlorophyll content, and root volume. So, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of genetic variability and trait relationships among rice genotypes, offering valuable insights for the selection of resilient varieties with improved root, shoot, and yield traits, particularly crucial for addressing drought stress.

Performance of sorghum varieties with various fertilizer doses in peatlands of West Aceh Regency

West Aceh Regency is one of the regions in Indonesia with quite extensive peatlands, but the diversity of food crop commodities is still very low. To enhance food diversification programs of rice, sorghum production is important. The purpose of this research was to test several varieties of sorghum in the peatlands of West Aceh Regency. This research was carried out from July to November 2023. Several new varieties of sorghum released by the Indonesian Cereals Research Institute (ICERI) were evaluated in the peatland of West Aceh. The research method used a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with two factors and three replications. The first factor was different varieties of sorghum, and the second factor was various doses of fertilizers. The varieties used were Soper 7 Agritan, Bioguma 1, and Suri 3. The doses used Control (no treatment), Dose I (75 kg Urea ha-1 + 50 kg SP-36 ha-1 + 50 kg KCl ha-1), Dose II (150 kg Urea ha-1 + 100 kg SP-36 ha-1 + 100 kg KCl ha-1), and Dose III (225 kg Urea ha-1 + 150 kg SP-36 ha-1 + 150 kg KCl ha-1). The results showed that the Bioguma 1 variety adapted better than the other varieties, where the plant height was 187.97 cm, the number of leaves was 15.08, the panicle diameter was 35.92 mm, and the panicle weight was 79.52 g. Meanwhile, fertilizer dose II is better on the character of the number of leaves and panicle length. The interaction effect between the two factors only showed a significant influence on panicle length. Therefore, the Bioguma 1 sorghum variety can be a recommended variety for planting in the shallow peatlands of West Aceh. Keywords: Acidic soil; alternative food; food diversification

What is the potential of sugarcane borer in reducing sorghum fitness and grain production?

AbstractPest attack is an important biotic threat to sorghum productivity, and one of the main insect pests of grain sorghum is sugarcane borer (SCB) Diatraea saccharalis. Despite the importance of this insect species, little is known about the relationship between SCB infestation and reduction in sorghum grain yield, as well as on the gain threshold and economic injury level for decision making of pest control. This study evaluated the influence of SCB infestation on plant performance and grain production in three commercial grain sorghum hybrids. Hybrids AG1090, BRS 373, and DKB 590 were planted in three crop seasons in Sete Lagoas, Brazil, and six treatments were assessed in the experiments, consisting of three grain sorghum hybrids with and without the insecticide chlorantraniliprole at 52.5 g a.i. ha−1 under SCB natural infestation. The parameters evaluated on sorghum plants were the length of tunnels, plant height, length and weight of panicles, stem borer injury, and grain yield. The infestation of SCB was higher when sorghum plants were not treated with insecticide, resulting in lower productivity. The use of insecticide increased plant height, reduced tunnel length, and increased panicle length and weight. Hybrids only affected panicle weight. The hybrid that presented the highest panicle weight when using the insecticide was AG 1090. Hybrids AG 1090 and DKB 590 showed reduced grain production with increasing gallery length, whereas BRS 373 did not show a significant correlation, which may suggest a certain level of tolerance to SCB attack. This is the first study that determines the gain threshold and economic injury level and that effectively shows how much grain yield is lost by SCB attack in grain sorghum hybrids.

The Role of Net Assimilation Rate and Nitrogen Management in Optimizing Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Yield

Background: The net assimilation rate (NAR) is a physiological parameter related to leaf area and dry weight per unit of time. It is used to figure out how much grain a plant will produce. This study aims to explain the net assimilation rate of several types of rice at different doses and nitrogen application times. Methods: The research was conducted from December 2021 to April 2022. The experimental design was a split-plot design consisting of two treatment factors: the variety (main plot) and the time and dose of fertilization N (subplot). The variety factor consists of four varieties: IPB 3S (new type varieties), Inpari 33 (new high-yielding varieties), Hipa 21 (hybrids) and Mentik Wangi (local) at nitrogen 4 levels, namely 0 kg ha-1 (N0), 45 kg ha-1 applied when planting (N1), 90 kg ha-1 applied twice [45 kg at planting and 45 kg at panicle initiation (N2)] and 90 kg ha-1 applied three times, namely 45 kg at planting, 22.5 kg at the age of panicle initiation and 22.5 kg at heading (N3). Result: Results demonstrated that applying 90 kg ha-1 nitrogen fertilizer in three split applications (N3) improved agronomic performance by increasing tiller number, leaf area, dry matter accumulation, leaf nitrogen content and grain yield compared to other nitrogen regimes. Our findings newly highlight the vital influence of net assimilation rate (NAR) on panicle development, as NAR was positively correlated with panicle length. Uniquely, among all four varieties tested, the local cultivar Mentik Wangi recorded the highest NAR across N treatments.

OsEXPA7 Encoding an Expansin Affects Grain Size and Quality Traits in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

BackgroundYield and quality are the two most important traits in crop breeding. Exploring the regulatory mechanisms that affect both yield and quality traits is of great significance for understanding the molecular genetic networks controlling these key crop attributes. Expansins are cell wall loosening proteins that play important roles in regulating rice grain size.ResultsWe investigated the effect of OsEXPA7, encoding an expansin, on rice grain size and quality. OsEXPA7 overexpression resulted in increased plant height, panicle length, grain length, and thousand-grain weight in rice. OsEXPA7 overexpression also affected gel consistency and amylose content in rice grains, thus affecting rice quality. Subcellular localization and tissue expression analyses showed that OsEXPA7 is localized on the cell wall and is highly expressed in the panicle. Hormone treatment experiments revealed that OsEXPA7 expression mainly responds to methyl jasmonate, brassinolide, and gibberellin. Transcriptome analysis and RT-qPCR experiments showed that overexpression of OsEXPA7 affects the expression of OsJAZs in the jasmonic acid pathway and BZR1 and GE in the brassinosteroid pathway. In addition, OsEXPA7 regulates the expression of key quantitative trait loci related to yield traits, as well as regulates the expression levels of BIP1 and bZIP50 involved in the seed storage protein biosynthesis pathway.ConclusionsThese results reveal that OsEXPA7 positively regulates rice yield traits and negatively regulates grain quality traits by involving plant hormone pathways and other trait-related pathway genes. These findings increase our understanding of the potential mechanism of expansins in regulating rice yield and quality traits and will be useful for breeding high-yielding and high-quality rice cultivars.

Комбинационная способность новых дигаплодных линий кукурузы в условиях Правобережья Саратовской области

Dihaploid lines, or lines obtained on the basis of doubled haploids, are a valuable material for the creation of high-heterosis corn hybrids. The most effective method of evaluating the starting material when selecting parental couples for obtaining hybrids is diallell analysis. The article presents the results of the analysis of indicators of 6 dihaploid corn lines and 30 simple corn hybrids of the dialle scheme. The combinative ability of lines along the stem length, the cob attachment height, and the panicle length was studied. The effects of the GCA and SCA dispersion, as well as the components of genetic dispersion for the above characteristics were revealed. Lines with high GCA and SCA rates were identified. The variation of the indicators of combinative ability during the years of the study indicates that the degree of strength of the effects of GCA and the dispersion of SCA morphometric parameters in certain lines varies to some extent under the influence of growing conditions. The analysis of the components of genetic dispersion showed that, depending on the growing conditions, the formation of stem length was influenced by 1 to 3, cob height by 1 to 3, and panicle length by 1 to 2 genes or groups of genes. A pattern has been revealed: in more favorable conditions in 2021 and 2023, the number of genes that control the manifestation of the stem length and the panicle length traits increases. A significant impact of dominance components (H1, H2) has been established. Dominance in stem length, ear height and panicle length is directed towards the parental forms with greater expression of the trait.

Uji Efektivitas Kombinasi Pupuk Kandang Sapi dan Ayam untuk Meningkatkan Pertumbuhan dan Hasil Padi (Oryza sativa L.) Varietas Lampai Sirandah

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is the main commodity in the agricultural sector in Indonesia, especially in Sijunjung Regency, West Sumatra Province. Rice production in this region is influenced by several factors, including increasingly limited land, suboptimal cultivation techniques, and lack of attention to the use of high-yielding varieties. One of the superior varieties being developed in Sijunjung Regency is the Lampai Sirandah variety of rice, which has several advantages including resistance to pests or diseases and high productivity. The purpose of the study was to get the best results from the combination of cow manure with chicken manure for Lampai Sirandah rice plants. Research with the Group Randomized Design (RAK) method at 5 treatment levels and 5 repeats, so that there are a total of 25 experimental units. The treatment given consists of 5 levels of fertilizer doses, namely A = control B = Cow Manure 0.504 g + Chicken Manure 0.504 g, C = Cow Manure 0.576 g + Chicken Manure 0.576 g, D = Cow Manure 0.648 g + Chicken Manure 0.648 g, E = Cow Manure 0, 72 g + Chicken Manure 0.72 g. The results showed that the E treatment reached a maximum height of 56±1.57 cm and the longest panicle (23±0.5 cm). The conclusion of the study showed that the combination of cow and chicken manure had a significant impact on the growth of rice plants of lampai sirandah varieties in treatment E reaching a maximum height of 56±1.57 cm and the longest panicle (23±0.5 cm) while the best results in treatment A and C (66±4.5), number of panicles (3±0.5), panicle length (23±0.5a), grain weight/panicle (8.00±4.0), and the weight of grain/clump (20.80±15) in treatment E and for the weight of 1000 grains found in treatment C (0.38±0.0). In addition, the results showed that the optimal dose for chicken manure mixture lies in treatment E at a dose of 0.72 kg/m2. Keywords: organic fertilizer, growth, yield lampai sirandah

EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF ORGANIC FERTILIZER PLUS INDIGENOUS MICROORGANISM (IMO) ON THE GROWTH AND YIELD OF LOWLAND RICENSIC RC 160 VARIETY

The use of organic fertilizers has become increasingly popular due to their potential to improve soil fertility, reduce environmental pollution, and enhance crop yields. This study was carried out at Purok 2, Kipalili San Isidro Davao del Norte, Philippines, from December 2021 to April 2022. This experimental study aimed to investigate the effect of different organic fertilizers plus Indigenous microorganism (IMO) in the lowland with 160 rice variety, specifically, the study aimed: (1.) to determine the effect of different organic fertilizers plus Indigenous Microorganism (IMO) on the characteristics of rice NSIC RC 160 variety and yield components. (2.) to identify which treatment will give the optimum yield of rice NSIC RC 160 variety as affected by different organic fertilizer plus Indigenous Microorganism (IMO). (3.) to evaluate the economic profitability of rice NSIC RC 160 variety as affected by different organic fertilizer plus Indigenous Microorganism (IMO). Additionally, the study was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design with five treatments and three replications, Treatments were as follows. T1 (RR of NPK) T2 (Vermicast + IMO), T3 (Pig manure + IMO), T4 (Chicken Manure + IMO), T5 (Vermicast + Pig Manure + Chicken Manure + IMO). The different data gathered were statistically analyzed using the Analysis of Variance for comparison of means. However, results revealed that Organic Fertilizer plus Indigenous Microorganism (IMO), showed highly significant result in 2 of the data weight of 1000 grains and grain yield. The plant height, number of Panicle length and number of tillers, number of productive tillers showed no significant difference. In terms of economic analysis result revealed that treatment 4 with an RPC Value of 105. 64 % obtained the highest percentage of return on Production while T3 obtained the lowest RPC value. These findings suggest that organic fertilizer can be a viable alternative to chemical fertilizers in promoting sustainable rice production. Further studies on the long-term effects of organic fertilizer on soil quality and plant health are recommended. KEYWORDS: rice, organic fertilizer, Indigenous Microorganism (IMO), NSIC RC 160 variety

Agronomic biofortification of basmati rice (Oryza sativa L.) through iron and boron under varying seedling densities

At present, we have adequate production of rice to fulfill the needs of humans. Now it is time to produce biofortified rice, whose grains contain enough amounts of nutrients like iron and boron. Two field experiments were carried out in Kharif 2019 and 2020 at Meerut (Uttar Pradesh), India, to find the effect of iron and boron nutrition on rice with different planting densities. The main plot treatment consists of three planting densities, and the subplot treatment consists of five foliar applications of micronutrients. They were tested in a split-plot design (SPD) with three replications. The results revealed that the rice transplanted with one seedling/hill gave the highest iron and boron content in grains and/or the crop fortified with iron and boron at 0.1 and 0.04% applied at the maximum tillering (MT) and panicle initiation (PI) stages of rice, respectively. The higher values of yield-contributing characters such as effective tillers/m2, panicle length (cm), grain weight/panicle (g), and test weight (g), as well as quality parameters such as nutrient content in grain (mg/kg), volume expansion ratio, protein content in grains (%), and amylose content (%) of rice were noticed in one seedling/hill except effective tillers/m2 during the first and second years. Application of Fe and B at the MT and PI stages of rice improved almost all the yield attributes and quality parameters. Planting density of two and three seedlings/hill was recorded at par values of grain yield, followed by one seedling/hill. Rice transplanted with three seedlings/hill obtained an average of 10.1 and 10.6% more grain yield than one seedling/hill during the first and second years, respectively. However, the application of Fe at 0.1% and B at 0.04% during both stages through foliar spray resulted in the highest seed yield and showed parity with the application of iron at 0.1% at the MT stage and boron at 0.04% at the PI stage. Economics revealed that the planting density of three seedlings/hill gave the maximum net returns of 61,585 and 66,752 ₹/ha with a benefit–cost ratio of 2.12 and 2.19 during 2019 and 2020, respectively. Furthermore, the highest net returns (62,188 and 67,938 ₹/ha) and benefit–cost ratio (2.15 and 2.23) were observed from the treatment of iron at 0.1% and boron at 0.04% at the MT and PI stages during the first and second years, respectively.

Effect of Productive Tillers on Seed Yield and Seed Quality of Sorghum (<i>Sorghum bicolor L</i>.) Varieties in Assosa District, Western Ethiopia

Poor management of sorghum tillers is a significant problem in the Benishangul-Gumuz region of Ethiopia, affecting seed yield and quality. An experiment was conducted to determine the impact of sorghum productive tillers on seed yield and quality. The study involved two Sorghum varieties (Assosa-1 and Adukara) and three plant types per spot. The treatments were aligned as RCBD and CRD in factorial combination, replicated three and four times for field and laboratory experiments respectively. Varieties influenced TSW (P < 0.0001), Number of tiller influenced by number plants head matured for seed production (P ≤ 0.0001), plants height (P ≤ 0.0004), The interaction effects of varieties and number of tillers per plant influenced yields, Panicle length (P < 0.0001). For laboratory experiments varieties influenced Speed of germination (P < 0.0001), number of Dead seeds (P < 0.0001). Number of tiller influenced Speed of germination (P < 0.0001), number of Dead seeds, shoot length (P < 0.004), Vigor index one and Vigor index two (P≤0.05). The interaction effects of varieties and number of tillers per plant influenced Standard germination (P < 0.001). The main shoot plants had the highest number of fertile sorghum heads (86.5), followed by primary tillers (27.08). Secondary tillers had the highest plant height (96.52 cm). The main shoot plant yielded more seeds than primary and secondary tillers, with the shoot exceeding these yields by 302.96% and 1333%, respectively. Primary and secondary tillers had higher percentages of dead seeds than the main shoot plant, 53.5% and 45.2%, respectively. The primary and secondary tillers experienced a decline in seedling vigour index one over different periods, while the main sorghum plant varieties, Adukara and Assosa-1, showed an upward trend. The germination percentages of the primary and secondary tillers were less than the 85% Ethiopian seed standard requirement. Because sorghum tillers lower seed quality, they should be eliminated for seed production. If sorghum is grown for grain production, secondary tillers have the benefit of raising overall yield production.

MpNAC1, a transcription factor from the mangrove associate Millettia pinnata, confers salt and drought stress tolerance in transgenic Arabidopsis and rice

Pongamia (Millettia pinnata Syn. Pongamia pinnata), a mangrove associate plant, exhibits good stress tolerance, making it a treasure of genetic resources for crop improvement. NAC proteins are plant-specific transcription factors, which have been elucidated to participate in the regulation and tolerance of abiotic stresses (such as salt and drought). Here, we identified a salt-induced gene from Pongamia, MpNAC1, which encodes an NAC factor sharing five highly conserved domains with other NACs and exhibits close homology to AtNAC19/AtNAC55/AtNAC72 in Arabidopsis. MpNAC1 showed nuclear localization and transcriptional activator activity. MpNAC1-overexpressing Arabidopsis exhibited significantly stronger salt and drought tolerance compared with wild-type plants. The expression levels of stress-responsive genes were activated in transgenic Arabidopsis. Furthermore, the heterologous expression of MpNAC1 also enhanced the salt and drought tolerance of transgenic rice. The major agronomic traits, such as plant height and tiller number, panicle length, grain size, and yield, were similar between the transgenic lines and wild type under normal field growth conditions. RNA-Seq analysis revealed that MpNAC1 significantly up-regulated stress-responsive genes and activated the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, resulting in increased stress tolerance. Taken together, the MpNAC1 increased salt and drought stress tolerance in transgenic plants and did not retard the plant growth and development under normal growth conditions, suggesting the potential of MpNAC1 in breeding stress-resilient crops.

Growth, yield and nutrient uptake of browntop millet (Brachiaria ramosa) under varying sowing dates and nitrogen levels

A field experiment was conducted during rainy (kharif) season of 2019 at research farm of Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, Telangana to study the effect of sowing dates and nitrogen levels on growth, yield and nutrient uptake of browntop millet [Brachiaria ramosa (L.) Stapf]. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design (RBD) on sandy loam soil with factorial concept consisting of 4 dates of sowing (June 15th, June 30th, July 15th and July 30th) and 4 nitrogen levels (0, 20, 40 and 60 kg/ha) with 3 replications. Results showed that leaf area (683, 1530 and 1412 cm2 /plant), dry-matter production (248, 540, 622 g/m2 ), number of panicles/m2 (6.52), panicle length (17.82 cm), grains/panicle (147.92), grain (2,003 kg/ha) and straw yield (3,930 kg/ha); and nutrient uptake (N, P and K) at tillering, flowering and harvest (grain and straw) were significantly higher with June 15th sowing. Among N levels, application of 60 kg N/ha recorded highest leaf area (735, 1,560 and 1,437 cm2/plant), dry-matter production (243, 523 and 619 g/m2 ), number of panicles/m2 (6.48), panicle length (19.08 cm), grains/panicle (152.42), grain (1,921 kg/ha) and straw yield (3,949 kg/ha), and nutrient uptake (N, P and K) at tillering, flowering and harvest (grain and straw) but was at par with 40 kg N/ha over 20 and 0 kg N/ha.

Productivity and profitability of rice (Oryza sativa) influenced by customized fertilizers under rice-wheat cropping system

A field experiment was conducted at Agronomy Research Farm, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, on silty loam soil during 2016–17 and 2017–18 to study the productivity and profitability of rice (Oryza sativa L.) influenced by customized fertilizers in rice-wheat cropping system. The experiment comprised of 6 nutrient management practices, viz. T1, control; T2, recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF); T3, Soil test-based recommendation (STR); T4, Indo-Gulf customized fertilizer; T5, TCL customized fertilizer and T6, Farmer’s practice. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with 4 replications. Results revealed that soil test-based recommendation showed significantly higher grain yield (4.88 t/ha), straw yield (7.53 t/ha) of rice, maximum number of effective tillers (438.6/m2), higher length of panicle (25.05 cm), maximum number of grains/panicles (135.10) and test weight (23.81g) over farmer’s practice and RDF, while it was at par with TCL customized fertilizer and Indo-Gulf customized fertilizer. The higher buildup of organic soil carbon (0.43%) and available N (174.11 kg/ha), P (18.98 kg/ha), S (14.88 ppm), DTPA-Zn (0.65 ppm) and B (0.55 ppm) in was maintained or slightly increased in soil test-based recommendation and customized fertilizers applied plots. While higher availability of K (259.80 kg/ha) was found in RDF. The higher net returns (32.58 × 103 `/ha) per rupee investment and B:C ratio (0.82) was also recorded in Soil test-based recommendation followed by Indo-Gulf customized fertilizer and TCL customized fertilizer.

Climate change and crop yield of oats (Avena sativa L.) in Yakutia

Background. Yakutia lies within a risky farming region, where both low temperatures and insufficient moisture are the limiting factors. Oat is the main cereal fodder crop in Yakutia. Climate warming observed in recent decades has been affecting oat cultivation in different climatic areas of Yakutia. The objective of the study was to analyze weather and climate factors affecting oat yield in the republic during the past decade.Materials and methods. The study covered the data of 2014–2021 on the yield of zoned oat cultivars in three Yakutian variety trial sites located in the Central, Transfluvial and Middle Lena agroclimatic zones, and agronomic characteristics of three oat cultivars in the Central zone in 1999–2021. Variance, correlation, and regression analyses were applied.Results and conclusion. The study showed that in 2014–2021 there was a decrease in oat yields in Yakutia. The correlation analysis showed that this was due to climate changes: active warming, and a tendency towards a decrease in precipitation during the oat growing season. The regression analysis of the oat crop structure in the Central Zone in 1999–2021 confirmed that all yield components depended on the moisture availability, and it was the decrease in precipitation that led to a reduction in such indicators as 1000 grain weight, plant height, panicle length, and yield. A significant dependence on humidification conditions indicates the need to continue breeding work towards the development of drought-resistant oat cultivars adapted to the specific agroclimatic environments of Yakutia.

Performance of some improved rice varieties under direct seeded rainfed upland condition of Nagaland

A field experiment entitled “Performances of some improved rice varieties under direct seeded rainfed upland condition of Nagaland” was conducted to study the growth and yield performance under rainfed condition of Nagaland, at the School of Agricultural Sciences, Medziphema, Nagaland University, during kharif season of 2022-23. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications. Treatments viz., Kopilee, Jyoti Prasad, Dikhow, Joya, Chilarai, Kolong, Disang, Bishnu prasad, Luit, Lachit, and Leikhumo were studied. All the tested varieties were found to be semi-dwarf and dwarf varieties developed by Assam Agricultural University except Lekhimo (Nagaland local). In terms of growth and yield attributes, there were significant variations among different rice varieties. Leikhumo recorded significantly higher plant height (115.27 cm) among the tested varieties with the lowest, recorded in Bishnu prasad (74.01 cm). Chilarai showed superior parameters in terms of number of green leaves plant-1 (8.17), plant population m-2 (158), number of panicles m-2 (130), number of filled grains panicle-1 (124.33), test weight (25.55 g) and harvest index (42.95%), with Disang being the lowest viz., number of green leaves (6.06), plant population (110), number of panicles m-2 (91), number of filled grains (70.33), test weight (19.36 g) and harvest index (28%). In terms of crop growth rate and relative growth rate, Leikhumo performed the best whereas Disang variety was found inferior amongst all the varieties. Panicle length was also found to be highest in Leikhumo (26.20 cm) and the lowest in Disang (19.46 cm). Maximum grain yield was recorded in Chilarai (34.37 q ha-1 ) followed by Joya (31.92 q ha-1 ) and Leikhumo (29.62 q ha-1 ).

Association Analysis in Rice Germplasm Lines for High Temperature Tolerance

Background: Relative to other abiotic factors like salinity and drought, breeding rice cultivars that are resistant of high temperatures has received a little attention. The purpose of this study is to find parents and genotypes that are suitable for utilizing in high temperature stress breeding program. Methods: The genetic material for this study comprised of a set of germplasm collections (293 accessions) from different sources such as International Rice Research Institute germplasm. These populations were raised at the Department of Rice, Centre for Plant Breeding and Genetics, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. The Heat tolarance Indices (TOL) viz., Heat tolerance index (HTI) and Heat susceptibility index (HSI) and association analysis were estimated among germplasm lines for yield attributes under normal and high temperature stress condition. Result: Out of 293 genotypes, sixty nine genotypes significantly exceeded for both HTI and HSI. Association studies revealed that, single plant yield had highly significant and positive association with panicle exertion, number of total tillers per plant, number of productive tillers per plant, panicle length, number of filled grains per panicle and total dry matter production. Spikelet sterility and high temperature susceptibility index had highly significant and negative association with single plant yield. Number of productive tillers had significant and positive correlation with total dry matter production, panicle length, number of filled grains per panicle, days to maturity, hundred grain weight, grain breadth and high temperature susceptible index. Hence these traits may be considered as selection indices for yield and high temperature tolerance improvement programme. Hence it may be possible to combine single plant yield and heat susceptibility index by specific breeding programme for high temperature tolerance in rice.