Plant Dry Matter Yield Research Articles

Nitrogen Application Alters Growth and Yield of BRRI dhan28

Nitrogen is not only a major nutrient but the most limiting nutrient element for rice production. The present study was conducted to examine the effect of different doses of nitrogen on growth and yield of BRRI dhan28. The experiment was conducted in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replications. The treatments include six doses of nitrogen, 0 - 175 kg N ha-1 with an interval of 35 kg N ha-1 as urea. Data on growth and yield contributing characters of rice were collected and analyzed statistically. The optimum dose for BRRI dhan28 was estimated 140 kg N ha-1. Results showed that plant height (cm), tillers m-2 and dry matter (kg ha-1) yield increased significantly with increasing levels of N. However, at 60 DAT, plant height (cm), tillers m-2 and dry matter (kg ha-1) production with 140 kg N ha-1 were statistically similar to that displayed by other nitrogen doses. The yield contributing parameters especially the panicle m-2 and test weight (g) were found superior with the treatment of 140 kg N ha-1. Application of 140 kg N ha-1showed AE and PFP for N as 14.5 kg kg-1 and 23.31, respectively. Application of N fertilizer @ 140 kg ha-1 increased grain yield by about 62% compared to N-control treatment in BRRI Dhan 28.

Adaptabilidade e estabilidade de genótipos de sorgo biomassa pelo método GGE Biplot

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the agronomic performance and select biomass sorghum genotypes for growing in different regions of Brazil based on adaptability and stability analysis using the GGE biplot method. The 25 genotypes evaluated were from trials of value for cultivation and use (VCU) of biomass sorghum of the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa Maize and Sorghum) Breeding Program, conducted in eight locations across Brazil (Sobral, CE; Jaguariúna and Narandiba, SP; Nova Porteirinha and Sete Lagoas, MG; Planaltina, DF; Vilhena, RO; and Terra Rica, PR) during the 2021-2022 crop season. A randomized block experimental design with three replications was used. The following traits of were subjected to joint analysis of variance: plant height, flowering, and fresh and dry matter yields. The confirmation of genotype-by-environment interaction (G×E) was followed by adaptability and stability analysis using the GGE biplot method for all traits. The adjusted means were used to obtain the mean clustering using the Scott-Knott test (p < 0.05). Biomass sorghum genotypes showed a longer growth cycle, taller plants, and higher biomass yield than forage sorghum genotypes. The experimental sorghum hybrids 202129B014 and 202129B016 and the commercial hybrid BRS 716 can be recommended for fresh and dry matter production in all tested environments due to their high adaptability and stability.

Effect of Chemical Weed Control on Growth, Herb Yield and Oil Content of Mentha (Mentha arvensis L.) Across Northern Eastern and Central Highlands of India

A field experiment was carried out during the summer season of 2015 at Crop Research Farm of Sam Higginbottom Institute of Agriculture, Technology & Sciences, Allahabad to study the effect of various weed management options on weed dynamics and production of mentha. In the experiment six treatments namely, propaquizafop 10% EC @ 50 ml/ha, propaquizafop 10% EC @ 62.5 ml/ha, propaquizafop 10% EC @ 75 ml/ha, fenoxaprop-p-ethyl 9.3% EC @ 100 ml/ha, hand weeding and un-weeded control were laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replications. The results revealed that a significantly lower weed density and weed dry matter weight, weed index and higher weed control efficiency were recorded under hand weeding which was found at par to fenoxaprop-p-ethyl 9.3% EC @ 100 ml/ha and propaquizafop 10% EC @ 75 ml/ha. The higher plant height, herbage yield (21.8 t/ha) and dry matter yield (6.00 t/ha) and oil yield (136.9 l/ha) of mentha were also obtained with hand weeding which was found at par to fenoxaprop-p-ethyl 9.3% EC @ 100 ml/ha and propaquizafop 10% EC @ 75 ml/ha. fenoxaprop-p-ethyl 9.3% EC @ 100 ml/ha also resulted in the most effective herbicide against grassy weed and generated maximum net return (Rs. 92303/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (2.30) followed by propaquizafop 10% EC @ 75 ml/ha.

Studies on the Efficacy of AGMA-Foliar (Kazuki Gold/Yoshi Gold) for Growth Development and Yield of Paddy (Oryza sativa)

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a principal staple food, with significant production worldwide. In 2021, rice covered 161.77 million hectares globally, with India as the second-largest producer. For sustained output, rice (Oryza sativa L.), a major crop around the world, needs balanced fertilization. Overuse of fertilizers degrades the soil, requiring the use of bio stimulants as an alternative. This study evaluates AGMA Foliar (Kazuki Gold/Yoshi Gold) and AGMA Energy on rice cultivar IET 4786 (Satabdi) during the kharif season of 2021-22 at C-block farm, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Kalyani, Nadia, and West Bengal. A randomized block design with seven treatments and three replications was used. Treatments included AGMA Kazuki Gold and Kazuki Energy applied at various stages. AGMA treatments significantly enhanced plant height, dry matter, grain count, and yield. Results indicated that T3 treatment (Kazuki Gold applied twice at 25-30 and 40-45 DAT) achieved the highest plant height (93.00 cm), dry matter (983.66 g m-²), grain count (180.05 grains panicle-1), and grain yield (5.26 t ha-1), with statistical significance confirmed by F-tests at 5% level. T6 treatment (AGMA Foliar (Kazuki Energy) showed comparable results. Chlorophyll content was also highest in T3. Control plots consistently showed the lowest values. The study emphasizes the effectiveness of AGMA Foliar bio stimulant applications, which significantly improve rice growth, yield, and nutrient efficiency. It highlights their potential as sustainable agricultural inputs and suggests optimal application stages for maximizing benefits.

Effect of Liquid Nano Urea Fertilizer on Periodical Growth and Yield of Sugarcane

A field experiment was carried out during rabi of 2021-22 as plant crop and 2022-23 as ratoon crop, at Navsari, Gujarat. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design including treatment comprising of nitrogen levels for soil application with foliar spray of nano urea and urea in both plant-ratoon system of sugarcane. The results recorded in respect to the periodical plant height and dry matter yield (DMY) from 90 to 180 days after planting (DAP) of plant crop and days after ratooning (DAR) of ratoon crop were significantly higher with the application of 100 % RDN (T2) which was at par with treatments T3 and T4. However, at 210 DAP of plant crop and DAR of ratoon crop as well as at harvest plant height and DMY were recorded significantly higher with the application of 75% RDN + 2 spray of liquid nano urea at 90 and 180 DAP which was at par with T2 and T4. In case of No. of tillers/hill at 180 DAP of plant and DAR of ratoon crop was significantly higher when with 75% RDN + 2 spray of liquid nano urea at 90 and 180 DAP which was at par with T2 and T4. In plant crop and ratoon crop of sugarcane, millable cane yield and green top yield were found to be significant highest with the application of 75% RDN + 2 spray of liquid nano urea at 90 and 180 DAP which was at par with T2 and T4. Based on the results, it concluded that for achieving higher growth and yield in sugarcane plant-ratoon cultivation should be fertilized with 100 % of recommended P2O5 and K2O + 75 % RDN + two sprays of either liquid nano urea @ 4 ml/L or 2 % urea at 90 and 180 DAP of plant crop and DAR of ratoon crop. This application effectively replaces the 25% of recommended dose of nitrogen while matching the performance of the 100% RDN treatment.

Enhancing Lettuce Drought Tolerance: The Role of Organic Acids in Photosynthesis and Oxidative Defense

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of maleic acid (MA), salicylic acid (SA), and citric acid (CA) on alleviating the drought stress of a lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) hydroponic culture. The effect of these organic acids was tested under stress conditions induced by polyethene glycol (PEG 6000) at 5% and 7.5% concentrations. Drought stress reduced the fresh and dry matter yields of plants. The acid treatment caused increasing tendencies in the fresh weight yield:control (SA, MA), PEG 7.5% (SA, MA, CA)) and dry weight yield (control (SA, MA), PEG 5% (MA), PEG 7.5% (SA, MA)). The acid treatment also enhanced the nutrient uptake of stressed plants: SA: N (PEG 7.5%), K (PEG 5 and 7.5%); MA: N, P, K, Ca (PEG 5 and 7.5%). This work found that chlorophyll a and b amounts did not change under applied experimental conditions. Most parameters of chlorophyll fluorescence did not depend on either the level of applied water stress (PEG level) or the type of spraying. Drought stress increased leaf superoxide anion (O2•−) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels but decreased H2O2. Proline (Pro) and phenolic compounds (TFC), including flavonols (Fla), accumulated more in stressed plants. Drought stress also affected the chlorophyll fluorescence. Our results suggest that acids can improve plant tolerance to drought stress by boosting the antioxidant defence system and reducing the oxidative damage caused by reactive oxygen species.

Nitrogen Fixation and Growth of Potted Olive Plants through Foliar Application of a Nitrogen-Fixing Microorganism

Given the importance of biological nitrogen (N) fixation in agroecosystems, using inoculants with phyllosphere N fixers effective across various crops would revolutionize agriculture. In this study, the application of an inoculant prepared from Methylobacterium symbioticum was tested on young olive trees. The pot experiment was arranged in a factorial design, with inoculant (Yes and No) and mineral N applied to the soil [0 (N0), 25 (N25), 50 (N50), and 100 (N100) kg ha−1], and four replicates. The inoculant application did not increase plant dry matter yield (DMY), whereas the application of mineral N had a significant and pronounced effect. The inoculant also did not significantly increase N concentration in tissues, unlike the strong increase observed with N applied to the soil. The inoculant significantly increased plant N recovery, a cumulative effect resulting from small increases in DMY and N concentration in tissues. This increase represented 5.2% more N in plants receiving the inoculant compared to untreated ones. However, only treatments receiving mineral N recorded positive values of fixed N, with the highest value observed in the N50 treatment (12.4%), whereas a negative value (−7.7%) was observed in the N0 treatment. Overall, these low values of fixed N question the economic rationale of using this inoculant by farmers and especially render it unsuitable for organic farming systems, where plants tend to have lower N levels in tissues.

Effect of Crop Establishment Methods and Weed Management Practices on Productivity and Bioenergetics of Rice

Background: SRI and aerobic rice are one of the techniques of growing rice under water scarcity areas where meeting water requirement is becoming a global threat. Weeds are another threat to yield of rice irrespective of different establishment methods. Until checked, it can decline rice yield and quality up to more than 70%. SRI and aerobic rice have different densities of weeds and integrated weed management can be applied to suppress the weeds. Considering the current scenario, research was conducted to investigate growth, yield and bioenergetics of rice under different establishment methods and weed management. Methods: The experiment entitled “Effect of crop establishment methods and weed management practices on productivity and bioenergetics of rice” was carried out in split plot design with main plots, viz., M1- aerobic rice (AR) and M2- system of rice intensification (SRI) and five subplots W1- pre-emergence (pendimethalin @1 kg a.i ha-1) fb post-emergence (bispyribac-sodium @20g a.i ha-1) (PE+POE), W2- pre-emergence (pendimethalin @1 kg a.i ha-1) fb cono weeding at 15, 30, and 45 DAT/ DAS (PE+CW), W3- weed free (WF), W4- weedy check (WC), W5- stale seedbed followed by post-emergence herbicide (bispyribac-sodium 10% SC 20 g a.i ha-1) (SSB+POE) in split plot design with three replications taking the variety ‘Pusa Basmati-1121’ as a test crop. Result: Among the establishment methods, SRI recorded significantly higher growth attributes like plant height and dry matter production and yield attributes like number of panicles per hill, panicle length, number of grains per panicle, test weight, grain yield, straw yield, biological yield, and harvest index. Among the weed management treatments, WF recorded significantly higher growth attributes like plant height, number of tillers per hill, dry matter production and yield attributes like number of panicles per hill, panicle length, number of grains per panicle, test weight, grain yield, straw yield, biological yield, and harvest index that was followed by treatment PE+CW. Maximum net return and B:C ratio was observed in the treatment combinations M2W2- SRI + (PE+CW). The maximum total energy input was found in the treatment combination M1W1- AR+ (PE+POE) and the maximum total energy output was found in the treatment combination M2W3- SRI + WF. The energy intensiveness was observed to be maximum in the treatment combination M1W4- AR + WC and the maximum energy efficiency index was observed in the treatment combination M2W3- SRI+WF.

Soil zinc application decreases arsenic and increases zinc accumulation in grains of zinc-biofortified wheat cultivars

Context Arsenic (As) is a noxious metalloid for plants, animals and humans. Elevated levels of As in soils may cause it to accumulate to above-permissible levels in wheat grains, posing a threat to human health. Moreover, vulnerable population groups in developing countries have inadequate dietary zinc (Zn) linked to cereal-based diets. Aims The present study evaluated the effect of soil Zn application on accumulation of As and Zn in grains of two Zn-biofortified wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars (Akbar-2019 and Zincol-2016). Methods Wheat plants were grown on an alkaline calcareous soil spiked with three levels of As (0, 5 and 25 mg kg−1). Before sowing, two rates of Zn (0 and 8 mg kg−1) were also applied to the soil. Key results Arsenic spiking in soil decreased plant dry matter yield, chlorophyll pigments, and phosphorus (P) and Zn accumulation, and increased As accumulation in wheat. By contrast, soil Zn application enhanced crop yield and increased P and Zn accumulation, with a simultaneous decrease in As accumulation in both cultivars. Compared with the Zn control, soil Zn application decreased grain As concentration by 26%, 30% and 32% for plants grown in soil spiked with 0, 5 and 25 mg As kg−1, respectively. Conclusions Applying Zn to As-spiked soil mitigates the harmful effects of As by increasing Zn and decreasing As concentrations in wheat, resulting in improved grain quality for human consumption. Implications Zinc application to crop plants should be recommended for addressing the health implications associated with As-contaminated crops and human Zn deficiency.

Biomass yield and chemical composition of the cassava plant over two vegetative growth cycles

The objective of this work was to study the biomass production and chemical composition of the different parts of the cassava plant during the first and second vegetative cycles, with the aim of providing data that can contribute to the understanding of the response of cassava cultivars to different harvest ages. The experimental design consisted of randomized blocks in split plot scheme. Plots were represented by cultivars IAC 90 and IAC 118-95 and subplots by crop age (2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, and 18 months after planting). Our results showed that the ‘IAC 90’ allocated a higher proportion of assimilates to the leaves, stem and planted cutting than the ‘IAC 118-95’, which was more efficient in allocating dry matter to the storage roots. Storage roots showed an increase of more than 50% in starch content 14 months after planting. The cultivar IAC 118-95 is distinguished by the higher harvest index, allowing earlier harvesting, with possible valorisation of the leaves as industrial raw material. Variables showed different degrees of inter-relationships amongst themselves. Total plant fresh matter and dry matter yields were positively correlated with growth parameters and root starch for both cultivars. Harvest time and cultivar are key factors that should be considered to increase profits in the cassava agro-industrial chain.

An assessment of the agronomic effectiveness of N‐(n‐butyl) thiophosphoric triamide (nBTPT) - treated urea on the production of clover-based pastures, pastures, grasses and crops.

Approximately 50% of the world’s population depends on nitrogen (N) fertiliser to secure a sustainable food supply. Improving the efficiency of nitrogen fertiliser – the nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) - is a major goal both nationally and internationally, driven by the need to reduce the environmental footprint of farming. One of the technologies developed for this purpose is the addition of the urease inhibitor, N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide (nBTPT), to urea, to reduce the volatilisation of ammonia from the soil. In this paper we report the results from field trials, recorded in the national and international literature, comparing the effects of nBTPT treated urea, relative to untreated urea, on plant dry matter (DM) yields (cloverbased pasture, grasses and arable crops) from 45 studies summarizing the results on a site × year × crop basis. For the aggregated data (n = 348) the marginal yield results were normally distributed around a mean of about 3% (95% confidence interval 0.9), with a range from -23% to +32%. The results for the various subsets (based on different crop types) of data were very similar. The size of the effect of nBTPT was related to the rate of N application.

Acceptable Salinity Level for Saline Water Irrigation of Tall Wheatgrass in Edaphoclimatic Scenarios of the Coastal Saline–Alkaline Land around Bohai Sea

Saline water irrigation contributes significantly to forage yield. However, the acceptable salinity levels for saline water irrigation of tall wheatgrass remains unclear. In this study, field supplemental irrigations of transplanted-tall wheatgrass with saline drainage waters having salinities of electrical conductivity (ECw) = 2.45, 4.36, 4.42, and 5.42 dS m−1 were conducted to evaluate the effects of saline water irrigation on forage yield and soil salinization. In addition, the effects of plastic film mulching, fertilization, and saline water irrigation on sward establishment of seed-propagated tall wheatgrass were determined. Finally, a pot experiment was carried out to confirm the above field results. The results showed that two irrigations with ECw = 2.45 and 4.36 dS m−1 saline waters produced the highest dry matter yield, followed by one irrigation with ECw = 4.42 or 5.42 dS m−1. After rainfall leaching, the soil EC1:5 was reduced by 41.7–79.3% for the saline water irrigation treatments. In combination with saline water irrigation, plastic film mulching promoted sward establishment and enhanced the plant height and dry matter yield of seed-propagated tall wheatgrass, while fertilization played a marginal role. However, two irrigations with ECw = 7.13 and 4.36 dS m−1 saline waters resulted in rates of 3.2% and 16.0% of dead plants under the mulching and no mulching conditions, respectively. Furthermore, a pot experiment demonstrated that irrigation with ECw = 5.79 dS m−1 saline water led to the lowest reduction in forage yield and the highest crude protein content in leaves. However, the plants irrigated with ECw ≥ 6.31 dS m−1 saline water enhanced soil salinity and reduced the plant height, leaf size, and gas exchange rate. Conclusively, one irrigation with ECw ≤ 5.42 dS m−1 and SAR ≤ 36.31 saline water at the end of April or early May could be acceptable for tall wheatgrass production and minimize the soil salinization risk in the coastal saline–alkaline land around the Bohai Sea.

Effect of Foliar Spray of Iron (Fe)- Fortified Humic Substances and Humic Acid on Growth, Nodulation and Yield of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) in a Calcareous Vertisol

The response to foliar application of Fe-fortified humic substances (HS) and humic acid (HA) on the growth, nodulation and yield characteristics of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) var. TMV 2 in a calcareous Vertisol was studied in a pot culture experiment. There were 16 treatments viz., Absolute control (T1), only RDF (T2), RPP: RDF +FYM @ 7.5 t + FeSO4 @ 25kg ha-1+ ZnSO4 @ 25 kg ha-1 (T3), RDF + Foliar FeSO4.7H20 @ 0.5% (T4), and T5 to T16, where two different concentrations, 0.25 and 0.50 % of humic substances (HS) (Humic acid + Fulvic acid) and humic acid (HA) were fortified separately with 250, 500 and 750 ppm Fe. Among all treatments, higher values of growth parameters like number of leaves, branch count and yield parameters like number of pods (19.33 pods plant-1), pod weight (18.84 g plant-1), kernel yield (12.85 g plant-1), shelling % (68.25 %) and 100 kernel weight (33.28 g) were recorded in the treatment RDF + Foliar Fe- fortified HS (0.50 % HS+ Fe @ 500 ppm) (T9) followed by treatment with RDF + Foliar Fe- fortified HA (0.50 % HA+ Fe @ 500 ppm) (T15). The plant height and dry matter yield were recorded maximum under foliar spray of 0.25 % HS fortified with 500 ppm Fe (T6) (21.83 cm and 6.27 g plant-1 at 60 DAS; 33.83 cm and 36.75 g plant-1 at harvest, respectively). For nodulation parameters, T3 (only RPP) recorded the best results and remained statistically on par with treatment T9.

Zinc Foliar Application Mitigates Cadmium-Induced Growth Inhibition and Enhances Wheat Growth, Chlorophyll Contents, and Yield.

Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic heavy metal that significantly threatens plants and the environment. Its toxicity in plants can result in various adverse effects, including reduced growth, altered metabolism, and cell damage. Cadmium can also interfere with nutrient uptake, particularly zinc (Zn), leading to Zn deficiency and further exacerbating Cd toxicity. On the other hand, foliar application of zinc might be a useful strategy to mitigate cadmium (Cd) toxicity in plants. Hence, a pot experiment was conducted with three replications. The wheat plants were treated with various concentrations of Zn as a foliar spray (control, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, and 0.5%) in Cd-spiked soil in pots. The results showed that foliar use of Zn at 0.4 or 0.5% resulted in higher plant height, grain yield, and dry matter yield than the control group. Using Zn as foliar spray enriched shoot and grain Zn content while reducing Cd content in the shoot and grain. The leaf's electrolyte leakage (EL) decreased by 15.4, 29.8, 40.7, and 45.9% in the Zn 0.1%, Zn 0.2%, Zn 0.4%, and Zn 0.5% treatments, respectively, compared to the control treatment. Regarding superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, Zn 0.5% treatment showed a decrease of 42.9% over control. Specifically, the Zn 0.1% showed a 27.2%, Zn 0.2% showed a 56.8%, Zn 0.4% showed a 91.1%, and Zn 0.5% showed a 133.7% increase in total chlorophyll content than control. Based on the results, it is recommended that 0.4% Zn solution may be used for foliar application for enhancing crop productivity and Zn concentration in plants under high Cd stress. Additionally, continued research on the mechanisms of cadmium uptake, transport, and detoxification in plants may lead to the identification of new targets for intervention.

Comparative efficacy of silicon and iron oxide nanoparticles towards improving the plant growth and mitigating arsenic toxicity in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Nano-enabled agriculture has emerged as an attractive approach for facilitating soil pollution mitigation and enhancing crop production and nutrition. In this study, we conducted a greenhouse experiment to explore the efficacy of silicon oxide nanoparticles (SiONPs) and iron oxide nanoparticles (FeONPs) in alleviating arsenic (As) toxicity in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and elucidated the underlying mechanisms involved. The application of SiONPs and FeONPs at 25, 50, and 100 mg kg−1 soil concentration significantly reduced As toxicity and concurrently improved plant growth performance, including plant height, dry matter, spike length, and grain yield. The biochemical analysis showed that the enhanced plant growth was mainly due to stimulated antioxidative enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase, peroxidase) and reduced reactive oxygen species (electrolyte leakage, malondialdehyde, and hydrogen peroxide) in wheat seedlings under As stress upon NPs application. The nanoparticles (NPs) exposure also enhanced the photosynthesis efficiency, including the total chlorophyll and carotenoid contents as compared with the control treatment. Importantly, soil amendments with 100 mg kg−1 FeONPs significantly reduced the acropetal As translocation in the plant root, shoot and grains by 74%, 54% and 78%, respectively, as compared with the control treatment under As stress condition, with relatively lower reduction levels (i.e., 64%, 37% and 58% for the plant root, shoot and grains, respectively) for SiONPs amendment. Overall, the application of NPs especially the FeONPs as nanoferlizers for agricultural crops is a promising approach towards mitigating the negative impact of HMs toxicity, ensuring food safety, and promoting future sustainable agriculture.

Forage peanut genetic variability: Multi-trait selection for forage production and ornamental purposes

The selection of superior genotypes considering several traits simultaneously allows the release of more adapted, productive, and nutritive cultivars. To select forage peanut genotypes for use as animal feed and for ornamental purposes, 67 genotypes were evaluated. Twelve agronomic and nutritive value traits were evaluated in three temporally separated trials: a randomized complete block design. The mixed model method (Restricted Maximum Likelihood/Best Linear Unbiased Prediction (REML/BLUP)) was employed for estimating genetic parameters and predicting genotypic values, which were used in the selection indexes. The selection criteria considered vegetative and seed propagation traits corresponding to the use of forage peanut as animal feed and for ornamental purposes. Seed productivity was also evaluated and correlated with other traits. Genetic variability with high heritability in seed production was observed. Plant vigor, ground cover, and dry matter yield were negatively correlated with seed production. Among the genotypes evaluated, there is a possibility of selecting 14 and 16 genotypes corresponding to seed propagation for animal feed and ornamental purposes, respectively. For vegetative propagation, there are 16 and 14 promising genotypes for animal feed and ornamental purposes, respectively. Vegetatively propagated genotypes generally performed better in terms of agronomic traits related to feed production.

Soybean Tolerance to ultra-low doses of dicamba: Hormesis or not

The widespread use of dicamba across the soybean growing regions of the United States resulted in increased off-target movement of this herbicide to susceptible vegetations. There are speculations that a drift of sublethal (ultra-low) doses of dicamba can enhance soybean growth and yield through a phenomenon called hormesis. Field studies were conducted during 2018 and 2019 to determine whether soybean growth and yield can be enhanced with ultra-low doses (0.0112–56 g ae ha−1) of dicamba, applied at three growth stages (V2, R1 and R2). There was no evidence that the ultra-low doses of dicamba (0.0112–56 g ae ha−1) increased any of the observed parameters, irrespective of the application timing. Doses of 0.56 g ae ha−1 and lower did not have a negative impact on plant dry matter, height and grain yield, even if causing visible symptomology. The estimated effective doses for 50% reduction in various growth parameters and yield (ED50) indicate that soybean is more sensitive at the R1 compared to the V2 or R2 stages. The estimated visual injury threshold that caused 5% yield loss were 53, 36 and 21% for V2, R1 and R2 stage of dicamba exposure, respectively. The proposed “No Observed Adverse Effect Level” (NOAEL), which is a safe exposure threshold, ranged from 0.0003 to 0.033 g ae ha−1. However, efforts should be made to avoid dicamba drift to susceptible soybean as there is no evidence of enhanced growth and yield with the ultra-low doses.

Agronomic Performance, Yield, and Nutritional Value of Grasses Affected by Agroecological Settings in Ethiopia

One of the major limiting factors of livestock production in Ethiopia is the very low quantity and quality of livestock feeds supplied in the country. This calls for seeking forages that complement poor quality feeds in the country. Hence, the target of this article was to compare three types of grass agronomic performance, yield, and chemical composition under three different agroecologies and three harvesting dates (60, 90, and 120 days). The field experiment was carried out in selected three districts in 2017/2018 in the main cropping season. The treatments were laid out in a factorial RCBD (the randomized complete block design) arrangement with three replications. The treatments contained the combinations of three altitudes and three harvesting dates. Agronomic, yield, and chemical composition data were collected from the current study and subjected to analysis of variance procedures with a P < 0.05 significance test. In most agronomical and chemical compositions, the interactions of altitudes and harvesting dates were significant for all tested grasses (Mulato II, Napier, and Rhodes grasses). The highest plant height (PH) and dry matter yield (DMY) by Napier and the number of tillers per plant (NTPP) by Mulato II were recorded. There were significant values ( P < 0.05 ) for DMY and CP for all grasses at the interactions of harvesting dates and altitudes. The significant difference in DMY was observed as the harvesting date advanced, but CP was contrariwise. Of all tested species, the highest crude protein value and the least value of NDF and ADF (best forage quality parameters) were recorded by Mulato II. Thus, the results of this study revealed that Brachiaria hybrid cv. Mulato II has great potential to fulfil the demands for quality feeds for livestock production, especially at low altitudes. Nevertheless, in areas where, Napier and Rhodes grass are available, they can be alternative forage for Mulato II grass. Generally, for effective utilization of the tested grasses, the comparative feed value for animals must be conducted.

Salinity Threshold of Tall Wheatgrass for Cultivation in Coastal Saline and Alkaline Land

Tall wheatgrass (Elytrigia elongata) has the potential to be utilized on marginal land, such as coastal saline-alkaline soils, to meet rising ruminant feed demand. However, the salinity threshold for cultivation of tall wheatgrass remains unclear, which restricts its extensive application. Here, a tall wheatgrass line, Zhongyan 1, was grown in saline-alkaline soils in the Yellow River Delta region to determine its salinity threshold. The results showed that the soil salinity of AM = 1.23, measured with a PNT3000 activity meter, led to only 5% dead plants of tall wheatgrass. Four grades of seedling plants were classified according to the morphological response of Zhongyan 1 to saline soils. The soil salinity declined while the survival rate and forage yield increased from grade 1 to grade 4 plants. Plant height and dry matter yield were negatively related to soil salinity. When the salinity in the soil depth of 0–10 cm was over 1%, the survival rate of tall wheatgrass declined dramatically with the increase in soil salinity. Under saline-alkaline stress, the plant height during 12–31 May was positively related to forage yield, which can be used as an indicator of productivity. The tall type (70–120 cm) produced 5627.2 kg ha−1 of dry matter, which was 3.32 times that of the dwarf type (20–69 cm). The forage yield of tall wheatgrass in saline-alkaline land was largely affected by the proportion of highly saline soil. Collectively, the soil salinity of 1% at a depth of 0–10 cm and the AM values of 1.23 measured with a PNT3000 activity meter can be used as the salinity threshold for cultivation of tall wheatgrass in coastal saline-alkaline land.

Evaluation of forage yield potential of Stylosanthes species on acid soils of southwestern Ethiopia

In the current study, 100 accessions belonging to four species of the genus Stylosenthes were evaluated for adaptation and preliminary forage yield in an augmented block design at the forage nursery site of the Jimma Agricultural Research Center during the main cropping season of 2018 to 2021 under a rain-fed condition. Data on plant vigor, fresh and dry matter yields were collected and analyzed. The result revealed a significant difference among the genotypes for field plant vigor, fresh and dry matter yields. These results indicated that the test treatments were significantly different from checks. Among the accessions, 11755 scored the highest mean fresh and dry matter yields (t/ha).