Plant Dry Matter Content Research Articles

Comparative Analysis of Water Stress Regimes in Avocado Plants during the Early Development Stage.

The avocado cv. Hass requires a suitable rootstock for optimal development under water stress. This study evaluated the performance of two avocado rootstocks (ANRR88 and ANGI52) grafted onto cv. Hass under four water stress conditions, 50% and 25% deficit, and 50% and 25% excess during the nursery stage. Plant height, leaf area (LA), dry matter (DM), and Carbon (OC) content in the roots, stems, and leaves were measured. Root traits were evaluated using digital imaging, and three vegetation indices (NDVI, CIRE, and MTCI) were used to quantify stress. The results showed that genotype significantly influenced the response to water stress. ANRR88 exhibited adaptation to moderate to high water deficits. ANGI52 adapted better to both water deficit and excess, and showed greater root exploration. LA and DM reductions of up to 60% were observed in ANRR88, suggesting a higher sensitivity to extreme changes in water availability. More than 90% of the total OC accumulation was observed in the stem and roots. The NDVI and the MTCI quantified the presence and levels of stress applied, and the 720 nm band provided high precision and speed for detecting stress. These insights are crucial for selecting rootstocks that ensure optimal performance under varying water availability, enhancing productivity and sustainability.

Productive and Qualitative Traits of Sorghum Genotypes Used for Silage under Tropical Conditions

The aim of this study was to evaluate the productive potential, chemical composition, and fermentation profile of 24 genotypes of forage sorghum after ensiling. For this agronomic evaluation, a completely randomized block design with six replicates and twenty-four treatments was employed. Genotype 5 had the highest dry matter (DM) yield of 22.24 t/ha. The plant DM content ranged (p < 0.001) from 271.8 g/kg of fresh matter (FM) in genotype 9 to 330.0 g/kg FM in genotype 3, averaging 302.9 g/kg FM. The crude protein and non-fibrous carbohydrates differed significantly (p < 0.001) in the evaluated silages, with mean values of 61.0 and 275.3 g/kg DM, respectively. The pH of the sorghum silages also differed (p < 0.001), despite having an average of 3.94, with values ranging from 3.68 to 4.27. No changes were observed (p > 0.05) for the dry matter recovery of the sorghum genotype silages, which averaged at 853.9 g/kg FM. In the present study, genotype 5 resulted in being the most recommended genotype because it demonstrated a higher yield and higher nutritional value in both its fresh form and its ensiled form; had the lowest losses; and showed an ideal dry matter recovery after ensiling of 880 g/kg.

Agronomic Behaviour and Chemical Composition of Three Varieties of Pennisetum sp in the Peruvian Tropics

Livestock production in the Peruvian tropics is mainly based on grazing and cutting grasses, which have variable productive and nutritional characteristics according to the variety of grasses, agronomic management, and climatic conditions. The objective of this research was to compare the agronomic behaviour and chemical composition of three varieties of Pennisetum sp (Pennisetum purpureum Schum cv. Cameroon or Cameroon grass, Pennisetum sp. or Maralfalfa, and Pennisetum purpureum × Pennisetum typhoides or King grass). The experiment was carried out at the Estación Experimental Agraria “Campo Verde,” Ucayali, Peru, under a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with a 3 (Pennisetum sp. variety) × 3 (cutting age) factorial arrangement and 4 replicates each. Thirty-six subplots were installed, and treatments were randomly assigned, using vegetative seed with three buds each. Measurements of agronomic behaviour and chemical analysis were carried out in the 8th, 12th, and 16th week. The data were subjected to ANOVA and multiple comparisons with the Duncan and Kruskal–Wallis tests ( p < 0.05) and correlations using Pearson coefficients ( p < 0.05). The agronomic behaviour did not vary between Pennisetum sp. varieties, but according to cutting age, Cameroon grass produced greater plant height, biomass, dry matter, and Mg content at the 8th week. The highest concentrations of N (2.38 ± 0.11%), P (0.18 ± 0.01%), and Ca (0.70 ± 0.03%) were recorded at the 8th week, Zn (27.33 ± 1.91 mg/kg) at the 12th week, and Mg (0.26 ± 0.02%) at the 16th week. A negative correlation was found between biomass and the stem-leaf ratio at the 12th week because the first leaves of plants died, but the stems increased in size. It is concluded that, at an early cutting age in varieties of Pennisetum sp., lower biomass and dry matter result, but higher content of N, P, Ca, and Fe; and at a late cutting age, it shows greater biomass, dry matter, Cu, and Mg content.

Quality of Tanzania grass (Panicum maximum) haylage in relation to plant dry matter content

This study aimed to evaluate the quality of Tanzania grass (Panicum maximum) haylage with varying contents of dry matter (DM) and stored for 90 days. The quality of this grass was evaluated through the lens of a variety of physiochemical properties (e.g., chemical composition, aerobic stability, pH, microbial profile, etc.). A completely randomized design was used with four treatments (in natura, 400, 500, and 600 g kg-1 DM) and five replicates. Treatment with 600 g kg-1 DM yielded the highest DM haylage (p < 0.01) and soluble carbohydrate content (p < 0.01). Treatment in natura resulted in the highest O2concentration inside the bales (p < 0.01), whereas treatments with 500 and 600 g kg-1 DM resulted in the highest CO2 values. The highest acetic acid concentrations of 36.4 ± 1.6, 38.2±1.6, and 48.9 ± 1.6 g kg-1 DM (p < 0.01) were observed post the in natura, 500 g kg-1 DM, and 600 g kg-1 DM treatments, respectively. Treatment with 600 g kg-1 DM yielded the highest pH value at hour zero (p < 0.01). Tanzania grass with 500 and 600 g kg-1 DM produced the highest quality haylage. Highlights: Haylage can be defined as stored pre-dried forage with a dry matter (DM) content of approximately 400 to 800 g/kg. Aerobic stability was affected by the interaction between the different plant DM contents and hours of exposure of the Tanzania grass haylage to air after opening the bales. Haylage surface temperature has a linear relationship with the length of time the materials are exposed to air. Higher plant DM yields Tanzania grass haylage of high quality. Tanzania grass with 500 and 600 g kg-1 DM for haylage production is indicated.

Ibuprofen and Ketoprofen—Inert Drugs or Potential Environmental Hazard?

Ibuprofen (IBU) and ketoprofen (KET) are among the world’s most popular and widely used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Due to their high usage, these drugs have entered the environment, including the soil, and, like any other chemical compound, can have a negative effect on it. Therefore, an attempt was made to evaluate the effects of these two popular drugs on soil bacteria and fungi, the bivalve crustaceans (Heterocipris incongruens) and the growth and development of spring barley. The tested drugs did not show any negative effects on the total bacterial abundance. Effects were observed on the growth and survival of H. incongruens and on the abundance of fungi in the soil at the highest concentrations tested. The presence of IBU and KET in the soil in which spring barley was cultivated caused an increase in the activity of antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and guaiacol peroxidase (POD); an increase in the content of proline and ascorbic acid (AsA) in the seedlings of this grain; and a decrease in the yield of fresh plant weight, especially at the application of concentrations of 100 and 1000 mg·kg−1 of soil’s dry weight (DW). Effects on barley seed germination potential and germination capacity, plant dry matter content, assimilation pigment content and malondialdehyde (MDA) were also observed at the highest concentrations.

Effect of maleic hydrazide and pinching on growth and flowering behaviour of African marigold (Tagetes erecta L.)

An experiment was carried out at Experimental Research Farm, R.B.S College Bichpuri, Agra (U.P.) during rabi season of 2016-18 to study the effect of pinching and Maleic Hydrazide on growth and flowering behavior of African marigold (Tagetes erectaL.). The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design with three replications comprising of four different concentrations of Maleic Hydrazide (0, 250,500 and 750 ppm) and three pinching levels viz., no pinching, pinching at 20 and 40 (DAT). The results revealed that the application of 750 ppmMH recorded significantly maximum value of diameter of main stem (2.0 cm), plant spread N-S and E-W (44.7cm and 47.5cm), primary branches/plant (11.1), length of flower (7.0 cm), diameter of flowers(7.3 cm),flower/plant (79.5), and flower yield (170.9 qha-1 ), weight of flower/ plant (273.6 g), and dry matter content of plant (39.6g). The maximum plant height (72.4cm) and minimum days required for bud initiation (46.0days) were noticed under the control.Among the pinching treatments, pinching at 40 DAT recorded significantly maximum diameter of main stem (2.2 cm), plant spread N-S and E-W (47.0cm and 48.2cm), primary branches/plant (10.9), length of longest primary branches (38.6 cm), length of flower (7.6 cm), diameter of flowers(7.9cm),flower/plant (83.2), and flower yield (185.8qha-1 ), weight of flower/ plant (275.4g)and dry matter weight of plant (38.2g). Themaximum plant height (69.5cm) and minimum days taken to first flower bud initiation (47.4days)were recorded under no pinching. The interaction (P2xM3)recorded maximumnumber of primary branches (11.2), number of flowers per plant (86.3), size of flower (8.0cm) and yield of flowers (195.48qha-1 ) while minimumvalue were recorded under P0M0 treatment.

Deficit mulched drip irrigation improved yield and quality while reduced water consumption of isatis indigotica in a cold and arid environment.

Deficit irrigation is an effective alternative to traditional irrigation, as it improves crop productivity and conserves water. However, crops may be sensitive to deficit irrigation-induced water stress at different periods. To access the effect of deficit irrigation on the growth, water consumption characteristics, yield, and quality of Isatis indigotica (woad), we performed a three-year (2017-2019) mulched drip irrigation field experiment. Woad plants were provided adequate water supply at the seedling stage but were subjected to mild (65–75% field water capacity FC), moderate (55–65% FC), and severe (45–55% FC) water deficit at the vegetative growth, fleshy root growth and fleshy root maturity stages, respectively; plants supplied with adequate water throughout the growth period served as a control (CK, 75–85% FC). The water consumption characteristics, agronomic traits, dry matter content and distribution, yield, and quality of these plants were measured at various growth stages. The results showed that the total water consumption in water deficit was significantly less than that in CK by 4.44–10.21% (P< 0.05). The dry matter content of plants treated with moderate (WT2 and WT5) and severe (WT3) water deficit was reduced by 12.83–28.75%. The economic yield of mild water deficit-treated plants was higher during vegetative growth (WT1) and fleshy root growth (WT4), while the water use efficiency of these plants was significantly increased by 7.84% and 6.92% at the two growth stages, respectively. Continuous mild water deficit (WT4) enhanced the contents of indigo, indirubin, (R,S)-goitrin, polysaccharides, and soluble proteins during vegetative growth and fleshy root growth, while moderate and severe water deficit were detrimental to the quality of woad plants. Thus, continuous mild water deficit during vegetative and fleshy root growth periods (WT4) is optimal for the cultivation of woad in the cold and cool irrigation district of the Hexi Oasis region.

Photosynthetic Pigments and Stomata Characteristics of Cowpea (Vigna sinensis savi) under the Effect of X-Ray Radiation

This study was conducted in the field and laboratories of the faculty of science and health-Koya university by exposing the seeds of cowpea plant (Vigna sinensis Savi) var. California black-eye to X-ray radiation in two different locations (In target or 30 cm out of target) inside the radiation chamber, for four different exposure times (0, 5, 10, or 20 min), to study the effect on some characteristics of seedling components. Results show that the exposure location to X-ray had non-significant effects on cowpea leaves content of photosynthetic pigments, whereas each of time of exposure with interaction between location and time of exposure had significant effects on chlorophyll a, total chlorophylls, and total carotenoids pigments. Regarding the X-ray effects on stomata characteristics, the results detect that there were non-significant differences between the location of exposure on stomata number on abaxial leaves surfaces and stomata length on adaxial leaves surfaces, whereas a significant effects on number of stomata on the adaxial leaves surfaces, abaxial stomata length, abaxial, and adaxial stomata width were detect. Exposing cowpea seeds to X-ray radiation in the target of the radiation source increased significantly stem and leave dry matter percent compared with the one out of the target location, whereas increasing the time of exposure decreased the percent of dry matter of stem and leaves. It is concluded that exposing cowpea seeds to X-ray leads to changes in photosynthetic pigments, stomata characteristics, and plant dry matter content.

EVALUATION OF NODULE AND NITROGEN PRODUCTION PERFORMANCE OF Vicia faba L. VARIETIES ON SOIL FERTILITY IN HADIYA ZONE, SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA

Nitrogen-fixing legumes are an essential component of healthy soil for long-term crop Reduced soil fertility and deterioration of agricultural production potential are major impediments to poverty alleviation in many impoverished areas. Nitrogen-fixing legumes are an important part of a healthy soil for long-term crop production systems. To improve soil fertility, an experiment was carried out to evaluate the nodulation and N fixation potential of faba bean variety legumes grown in two districts. Six composite soil samples were collected from each site at depths ranging from 0 to 30 cm. The soil samples were taken from fields that were known to grow continuous cereal crops. As a result, the experiment was carried out in the RCBD under field conditions, with three field replication soils. Before and after sowing, soil parameters were investigated. The effect of two district levels revealed that soil properties prior to planting were significant (P&lt;0.05) for all parameters investigated. Nodule, atmospheric nitrogen, nodule color inside soil N and N, and plant dry matter content were measured for Hachalu and Dosha. The study revealed a significant value (P&lt;0.05), and Hachalu had a higher value for the parameters studied under Duna soil than Dosha with the same parameters. Similarly, Dosha recorded higher values for the parameters studied in Lemo District soils than in Hachalu soils. As a result of this research, we can conclude that growing Hachalu on the Duna District soil and Dosha on the Lemo District soil would improve soil fertility quickly and inexpensively, thereby increasing crop productivity.

The relationship between biodiversity and the biomass of grasslands in the Zagreb area (NW Croatia)

Research into the floristic and ecological characteristics of grasslands in the Zagreb area was conducted in June and July 2020. Eight localities were processed, each containing two 1m2 plots. The floristic composition of each quadrat was analysed and the presence of two vegetation communities, Festuco-Brometea and Molinio-Arrhenatheretea, was determined. Although indigenous taxa dominate, two invasive plants: Echinocystis lobata (Michx.) Torr. et A. Gray and Erigeron annuus (L.) Desf. have been recorded. Based on the functional traits of taxa, the functional diversity of plots was calculated and compared with the number of taxa and the weight of plant biomass collected within the plots. Functional diversity values ranged from 1.121 to 2.060 and dry biomass from 251.4 to 586.8 g m-2 per quadrat. Correlation analyses linked a decrease in the number of taxa and functional diversity with an increase in biomass and specific leaf area. Functional diversity is positively correlated with the number of taxa, plant dry matter content and leaf dry matter content. It is necessary to conduct this type of research in other grassland communities in Croatia to obtain more detailed insights into the relations of these parameters.

Effect of Previous Crops and Fertilizers Management of Stem Amaranth in Vegetables – Vegetables - Rice Cropping System

Aims: To determine the effect of previous crops and fertilizers management on yield and yield parameters of stem amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor L.) in vegetables-vegetables-rice cropping system.&#x0D; Study Design: A randomized complete block design (RCBD) with six treatment combinations having four replications was used for the experiment.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: The field experiment was conducted in kharif-1 seasons (April to June) 2018 and 2019 at the research field of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur, Bangladesh.&#x0D; Methodology: The layout was kept undisturbed for the cropping sequence over two years. Factor-A had three previous crops under the cropping system as P1= Potato (Potato - Stem Amaranth - T. Aman rice), P2= Garlic (Garlic -Stem Amaranth -T. Aman rice), P3= Cauliflower (Cauliflower -Stem Amaranth - T. Aman rice) and Factor-B had two level of fertilizers management as F1= Organic fertilizer (N based organic compost), F2= Inorganic fertilizer (Estimated inorganic fertilizer dose based on the soil test value without cow dung). The data were recorded on plant height, leaves per plant, stem diameter, stem yield (t ha-1) and stem dry matter content (%) during harvesting time.&#x0D; Results: Significantly maximum plant height was observed (93.5cm) in inorganic fertilizer treated plot under previous crop cauliflower which was followed by (93.0cm and 75.0cm) under garlic and potato, respectively. Whereas, minimum plant height (61.8cm) receiving organic source of fertilizers when the previous crop was potato in 2019. The interaction of previous crops and fertilizer application showed significant variation on leaves per plant of stem amaranth both in 2018 and 2019. Stem diameter showed the same trend as that of stem dry matter and resulted insignificant influence due to previous crops and fertilizers management over the two years. In 2018, significantly higher stem yield was observed (38 t ha-1) in inorganic fertilizer treated plot under previous crop cauliflower which was followed by (36.1 t ha-1and 35.5 t ha-1) under garlic and potato, respectively. Whereas, lower stem yield (20.0 t ha-1) receiving inorganic source of fertilizers when the previous crop was cauliflower. Higher stem yield was observed (51.4 t ha-1) in (F2P2) treated plot which was followed by (44 t ha-1) under F2P3 and F2P1, respectively. Whereas, lower stem yield (22.0 t ha-1) receiving F1 source of fertilizers when the previous crop was P3 in 2019.&#x0D; Conclusion: The experimental results of this study have shown that previous crops had a positive impact on the yield parameters of stem amaranth like plant height in 2018 and leaf numbers of plant both in 2018 and 2019. Interaction effect of previous crops and fertilizers management exerted significant variations only on leaves per plant of amaranth both in 2018 and 2019. Moreover, fertilizers management showed significant variation for plant height in 2019 and for stem yield both in 2018 and 2019.Therefore, it was concluded that stem amaranth after previous crop garlic with soil test based inorganic fertilizer could be high yielding and N based organic compost could be moderate yielding under Garlic- Amaranth – T. Aman cropping system.

Growth and biomass production of chicory (Cichorium intybus L) planted in intercropping system with Pennisetum purpureum cv. Mott and cut at different ages

This study aimed to determine the growth and biomass production of chicory planted in intercropping system with Pennisetum purpureum cv. Mott (odot grass) and on different ages. Planting were carried out on plots measuring 2.5x2.5 m with 40x40 cm of sub plots for chicory. Odot grass stems were planted, 9 stems in 1 plot and chicory seeds were spread on the sub plots between the odot grass. Experimental treatments were three different cutting ages, i.e. 30, 45 and 60 days (U1, U2, and U3 respectively). Each treatment was replicated 3 times, resulting in 9 plots in total. The observed variables were plant height, fresh production, dry matter, and organic matter content. The results of the study showed that different cutting ages produced significant differences on height, fresh production, dry matter content, and organic matter content (P value <0.05). The highest production of chicory and odot grass was observed highest on cutting age of 60 days, namely 7.95 ton/ha and 15.14 ton/ha. However, the dry matter content of odot grass was not significantly different. It can be concluded that chicory planted on intercropping system with odot grass and cut on 60 days old yields the highest production.

Stimulation action of mefenpyr-diethyl on soybean, wheat, and signal grass plants

Mefenpyr-diethyl is a safener used for protection of cereal plants under applications of ACCase and ALS inhibitor herbicides. Current studies are describing safeners using a new approach, relating these products to stimulation action on plants. The objective of this work was to evaluate the stimulation action of mefenpyr-diethyl on soybean, wheat, and signal grass plants. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse, under a completely randomized design, with four replications, in two seasons. Mefenpyr-diethyl (50 g a.i. ha−1) was applied on soybean plants (at V4 stage), and wheat and signal grass plants (both with 15 cm height). The variables evaluated were plant height, dry matter, and lipid content of the three species, and number of tillers of wheat and signal grass plants. The application of mefenpyr-diethyl in the first season increased the number of tillers of wheat and height of soybean plants. The soybean presented 24 and 14% more dry matter than the control in the first and second season, respectively, and 0.5% more lipid content in plants treated with mefenpyr-diethyl. These results show the stimulation action of mefenpyr-diethyl on wheat and soybean plants, denoting its potential for growth promotion and indicating the need for studies with this approach. No effect was found for the signal grass plants.

Response of Basil Growth and Morphology to Light Intensity and Spectrum in a Vertical Farm.

Vertical farming is becoming increasingly popular for production of leafy vegetables and herbs, with basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) as one of the most popular herbs. In basil most research has focused on increasing secondary metabolites with light spectra. However, knowledge about the effect of light intensity (photosynthetic photon flux density, PPFD) and spectra on growth and morphology is key for optimizing quality at harvest. The impact of PPFD and spectrum on plant growth and development is species dependent and currently few studies in basil are available. Understanding the response to End-Of-Production (EOP) light of growth and morphology is important for successful vertical farming. We performed a comprehensive series of experiments, where the effects of EOP PPFD, fraction of blue and their interaction on the growth and morphology were analyzed in two green and one purple basil cultivar. In addition, the impact of different EOP intensities and duration of far-red were investigated. We found that increasing the PPFD increased fresh mass, dry matter content and plant height in all three cultivars. The responses were linear or quadratic depending on the cultivar. A high fraction of blue (>90%) increased plant height and decreased the dry mass partitioning to the leaves. The only interaction found between the fraction of blue and overall PPFD was on plant height in the green cultivar whereas other growth parameters and morphology responded stronger to PPFD than to the fraction of blue light. Plant dry matter production was increased with the addition of far-red. Far-red EOP intensity treatments enhanced the fraction of dry mass partitioned to the leaves, whereas a prolonged far-red treatment enhanced partitioning to the stem. Both plant fresh mass and dry matter content were improved by applying high PPFD shortly before harvest. Light spectra were found to be of less importance than PPFD with respect to plant dry matter content. Light use efficiency (LUE) based on fresh mass decreased with increasing PPFD whereas LUE based on dry mass increased with increasing PPFD, when given as EOP treatments. The overall physiological mechanisms of the light intensity and spectral effects are discussed.

Influence of Different Nitrogen Application Levels on Dry Matter Accumulation and Distribution of Silage Corn

The clarification of the dry matter accumulation, distribution law and yield differences of silage corn under different nitrogen application rates will provide theoretical basis for determining the optimal nitrogen application rates of silage corn under drip irrigation in central Inner Mongolia. In this study, Zhongxing silage 1 was selected as the experimental variety. This paper systematically analyzes the dry and fresh weight accumulation and growth rate, dry matter distribution and yield index of silage corn in the whole growth period under the condition of six different nitrogen application amount in two consecutive years of 2018 and 2019. The results indicated that the application of nitrogen fertilizer increased the whole plant fresh weight and dry matter content in different growth stages after the seedling stage of silage corn, and the whole growth period from the seedling stage to the harvest stage, the fresh weight and dry matter accumulation rate of N16 and N20 treated plant were higher than other treatments in 2018 and 2019. Except for the leaves at the trumpet period, the dry matter distribution ratio of each organ was not affected by nitrogen application level before tasseling stage. In the silage harvest period, the biological fresh weight and biomass yield of silage corn were the highest in N16. It can be concluded that N16 (240kg N ha−1) is the best nitrogen application rate for silage corn under drip irrigation in central Inner Mongolia by means of comprehensively comparing the dry matter accumulation rate, distribution and yield under different nitrogen rates.

Molecular characterization of native pink pigmented facultative methylotrophs of chilli and their induced systemic resistance mechanism in management of anthracnose

Aim: This study aimed to assess the plant growth promotional ability and biocontrol efficiency of native pink pigmented facultative methylotrophs (PPFMs) of chilli for management of chilli anthracnose disease through induced systemic resistance mechanism under pot culture experiments. Methodology: The selected native PPFMs were identified by analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequence. These isolates along with reference strain (Methylobacterium extorquens AM1) were inoculated to healthy chilli plants. The pathogen (Colletotrichum capsici) was later inoculated to these chilli plants, and induced systemic resistance (ISR) molecules were estimated at different intervals from one day after challenge inoculation of pathogen (DAI) upto 7 DAI. Influence of PPFM on plant growth parameters, yield, capsaicin content and PPFMs population load on phyllosphere and rhizosphere was studied. Results: The results of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed selected isolates as Methylobacterium populi (PPFM6) and Methylobacterium radiotolerans (PPFM170). The ISR molecules tested were significantly influenced by PPFM isolates. The peroxidase and phenyl alanine ammonia lyase (PALase) activity increased from 1 DAI to 7 DAI whereas chitinase, polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and phenol contents increased upto 5 DAI, after which gradual decrease was noticed. Inoculation of PPFMs to chilli crop significantly improved plant height, dry matter and chlorophyll content. Significantly lesser disease incidence, more yield and more capsaicin content was observed with application of M. populi as compared to control. Interpretation: The present study highlights native M. populi (PPFM6) of chilli as an effective plant growth promoter, exhibiting significant biocontrol efficiency against C. capsici.

Agronomic and qualitative characterization of multi-cut berseem clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) cultivars.

Berseem clover is the main forage crop grown in Mediterranean regions. There are plenty of cultivars that possess variability in their productivity and quality among the different cuts. Therefore, accurate agronomic and qualitative characterization is crucial for selecting the most promising cultivars for breeding and feeding purposes. In the present study, the agronomic characteristics, ruminal degradability and fermentation measures of five cuts of the five most prominent Egyptian beseem clover cultivars (Helaly, Serw, Giza6, Gemmeza1 and Sakha4) were evaluated. The Giza6 cultivar produced a significantly higher fresh yield and high whole plant dry matter content on the 3rd cut. Giza6 was among the superior cultivars in crude protein content and had the highest values of gas production at the 3rd cut, and ruminal degraded acid detergent fiber and propionate concentrations at the 2nd cut, at the same time as presenting the lowest ammonia concentrations at the 3rd and 5th cuts. Overall, the 3rd cut produced significantly higher fresh yield across all cultivars, except for Sakha4. The 3rd cut also produced a higher leaf to stem ratio compared to the 4th and 5th cuts. The 1st three cuts had higher degraded neutral detergent fiber than the 4th and 5th cuts. The 1st cut was characterized by low propionate concentration in the Helaly and Gemmeza1 cultivars compared to the other cuts. Expanded production of the high-yielding, high-quality cultivar Giza6 is recommended. When harvesting, three cuts is optimal for berseem clover cultivation for breeding and feeding programs. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of nano-boron spraying on the concentration of some nutrients in leaves and dry matter of two Vicia faba L. (Partim) cultivars

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of spraying the nano-boron on the concentration of certain nutrients, chlorophyll in the leaves and dry matter of plants of two faba bean cultivars. The field experiment was carried out in one of the agricultural fields of Al-Muthanna Governorate in Iraq (30°12'N, 45°21'E) during the seasons 2016/2017–2018/2019. The experiment was carried out in a dependent, split-plot system, in triplicate, where the first-order factors were cultivars (‘Aquadlegi’, ‘Aquadols’), and the second-order factor was boron fertilization (5, 10 mg·dm–3 and control object without boron fertilization). Foliar fertilization with boron at a concentration of 10 mg·dm–3 in-creased the content of nitrogen, phosphorus, boron and chlorophyll in faba bean leaves and dry matter content of plants, as compared to the control object. The chlorophyll content in faba bean leaves was significantly increased only after using a double concentration of nano-boron in the sprayed solution compared to the control object. The ‘Aquadols’ cultivar was characterized by higher content of dry matter, nitrogen and chlorophyll in the leaves than the ‘Aquadlegi’ cultivar. Depend-ing on results, we can recommend applying a twice supplementation of faba bean with nano-boron fertilizer at a concentration of 10 mg·dm–3 in a broad agricultural practice.

Polymerization degree-dependent changes in the effects of in vitro chitosan treatments on photosynthetic pigment, protein, and dry matter contents of Ipomoea purpurea

Abstract Morning Glory (Ipomoea purpurea (L.) Roth.) is a climbing plant known for its ornamental properties and ease of cultivation in temperate climates. Quality and colour of flowers and leaves, especially in the production of ornamentals, are important parameters both for producers and for customers. This study aimed to investigate the changes in photosynthetic pigment, protein and dry matter content of in vitro-propagated I. purpurea following chitosan treatment with different polymerization degrees (DP) and to determine the indirect effect of this biopolymer on leaves of the plant. Nodal explants of I. purpurea were cultured in medium supplemented with 5, 10 and 20 mg L−1 concentrations of a chitosan oligomers mixture with a variable degree of polymerization (DP) ranging from 2 to 15 or chitosan polymer with DP of 70. It was found that both oligomeric and polymeric chitosan treatments increased chlorophyll-a contents in the leaves when compared to the chitosan-naïve control group. Polymeric chitosan stimulated chlorophyll-b and carotenoid synthesis more effectively than the oligomer mixture. Also, 10 mg L−1 polymeric chitosan better triggered total protein production and plant dry matter content in I. purpurea. The results of this study showed that, due to their stimulatory effects on photosynthetic pigment, protein and plant dry matter production, chitosan oligomers at low concentration and polymers at moderate concentration might be considered as safe and natural biostimulants for ornamental plants which could affect the plant’s attractiveness and commercial success.

Efficiency of the CL, DRIS and CND Methods in Assessing the Nutritional Status of Eucalyptus spp. Rooted Cuttings

The efficiency of methods in adequately interpreting the nutritional status of Eucalyptus spp. rooted cuttings remains unknown. The aim was to evaluate the quality of diagnoses obtained using the critical level (CL), diagnosis and recommendation integrated system (DRIS) and compositional nutrient diagnosis (CND) methods to assess the nutritional status of Eucalyptus spp. rooted cuttings, based on two different yield indicators. The data were obtained from commercial nursery and calibration experiments, using seven nutrients as treatments (N, P, K, Mg, Ca, B and Fe) and four concentrations per nutrient, arranged in randomized blocks, with four repetitions. The Eucalyptus spp. clone used in the experiments was AEC 0144. A total of 222 rooted cuttings were obtained from the experimental area and commercial nurseries and the following were determined: leaf nutrient content, whole plant dry matter (DM) content and the Dickson quality index (DQI). Diagnostic accuracy in the experimental plots was ascertained by comparing the diagnosis with plant response as a function of adding the corresponding nutrient. Five measures of accuracy were used to test the efficiency of the diagnostic methods: total accuracy, accuracy for deficiency and sufficiency, deficiency ratio, efficiency ratio, and the net increase in in DM and DQI. The performance of diagnostic methods varied between CL, DRIS and CND, and among the nutrients studied. Given that the seedling production system is largely more controlled, where environmental variations are minimal, and considering that the different diagnostic methods exhibited distinct performance in terms of assessing the true nutritional status of eucalyptus rooted cuttings, the CL method is the most indicated for this situation, due to its better performance in evaluating the nutritional status of most nutrients and easy implementation.