Plant Height Research Articles

Effect of common horsetail extract on growth characteristics, essential oil yield and chemical compositions of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.)

To investigate the effect of horsetail extract containing high silicon on morphological traits, growth, content, and compositions of essential oil of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) an experiment turned into carried out in the shape of a randomized complete block design with three replications. Foliar treatment of horsetail extract with zero, 0.5, 1, and 2% concentrations was applied on 6–8 leaf plants. The assessed traits include plant height, number of leaves per plant, number of sub-branches, leaf area index, plant fresh weight, plant dry weight, total anthocyanin, the content of total phenol and total flavonoid, antioxidant activity, essential oil content, and compounds were measured. The findings demonstrated that the increase of silicon-containing horsetail extract enhanced the improved increase in growth and phytochemical trait values. The use of horsetail extract in the 2% treatment increased plant height, the number of leaves per plant, the number of sub-branches, leaf area index, fresh weight, and dry weight of the plant by 49.79, 45.61, 91.09, 99.78, 52.78 and 109.25%, respectively, compared to the control. The highest content of total phenol (2.12 mg GAE/g DW), total flavonoid (1.73 mg RE/g DW), total anthocyanin (0.83 mg C3G/g DW), and antioxidant activity (184.3 µg/ml) was observed in the 2% extract treatment. The content of essential oil increased with increasing the concentration of horsetail extract, so the highest amount of essential oil was obtained at the concentration of 2%, which increased by 134.78% compared to the control. By using GC–MS, the essential oil was analyzed. The main components of the essential oil include methyl eugenol (12.93–25.93%), eugenol (17.63–27.51%), 1,8-cineole (15.63–20.84%), linalool (8.31–19.63%) and (Z)-caryophyllene (6.02–14.93%). Increasing the concentration of horsetail extract increased the compounds of eugenol, 1,8-cineole, and linalool in essential oil compared to the control, but decreased the compounds of methyl eugenol and (Z)-caryophyllene. Foliar spraying of horsetail extract, which contains high amounts of silicon, as a stimulant and biological fertilizer, can be a beneficial ingredient in increasing the yield and production of medicinal plants, especially in organic essential oil production.

Comparative transcriptomic and physiological analyses unravel wheat source root adaptation to phosphorous deficiency

Phosphorus (P) is a crucial macronutrient for plant growth and development. Basic metabolic processes regulate growth; however, the molecular detail of these pathways under low phosphorous (LP) in wheat is still unclear. This study aims to elucidate the varied regulatory pathways responses to LP stress in wheat genotypes. Phenotypic, physiological, and transcriptome analyses were conducted on Fielder (P efficient) and Ardito (P inefficient) wheat genotypes after four days of normal phosphorous (NP) and LP stress. In response to LP, Fielder outperformed Ardito, displaying higher chlorophyll content-SPAD values (13%), plant height (45%), stem diameter (12%), shoot dry weight (42%), and root biomass (75%). Root structure analysis revealed that Fielder had greater total root length (50%), surface area (56%), volume (15%), and diameter (4%) than Ardito under LP. These findings highlight Fielder’s superior performance and adaptation to LP stress. Transcriptome analysis of wheat genotype roots identified 3029 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in Fielder and 1430 in Ardito, highlighting LP-induced changes. Key DEGs include acid phosphatases (PAPs), phosphate transporters (PHT1 and PHO1), SPX, and transcription factors (MYB, bHLH, and WRKY). KEGG enrichment analysis revealed key pathways like plant hormones signal transduction, biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, and carbohydrate biosynthesis metabolism. This study unveils crucial genes and the intricate regulatory process in wheat’s response to LP stress, offering genetic insights for enhancing plant P utilization efficiency.

Overexpression of wheat spermidine synthase gene enhances wheat resistance to Fusarium head blight

Polyamines, such as putrescine, spermidine, and spermine, are crucial for plant defense against both abiotic and biotic stresses. Putrescine is also known as a significant inducer of deoxynivalenol (DON) production in Fusarium graminearum, the primary causal agent of Fusarium head blight (FHB). However, the impact of other polyamines on DON production and whether modifying polyamine biosynthesis could improve wheat resistance to FHB are currently unknown. In this study, we demonstrate that key precursor components of putrescine synthesis, including arginine, ornithine, and agmatine, can induce DON production, albeit to a lesser extent than putrescine in trichothecene biosynthesis-inducing (TBI) culture under the same total nitrogen conditions. Intriguingly, spermidine and spermine, downstream products of putrescine in the polyamine biosynthesis pathway, do not induce DON production under the same conditions. Additionally, externally applying either spermidine or spermine to wheat heads significantly reduces the diseased spikelet number caused by F. graminearum. Furthermore, our results show that overexpression of the wheat spermidine synthase (SPDS) gene TaSPDS-7D1 significantly enhances the spermidine content and wheat resistance to FHB. In addition, the TaSPDS-7D1-overexpressing line OE3 exhibited a 1000-grain weight and plant height increase compared to the wild type. Our findings reveal that overexpression of the spermidine synthase gene can enhance wheat resistance to FHB without compromising wheat yield.

Optimum intra-row spacing and clove size for the economical production of garlic (Allium sativum L.) in Northwestern Highlands of Ethiopia

Abstract Garlic is one of the most important cash crops cultivated by smallholder farmers throughout Ethiopia. However, due to inappropriate agronomic practices including clove size and intra-row spacing, the productivity of the crop is low in the country. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted during the 2019 main cropping season under rain feed conditions to identify the optimum clove size and intra-row spacing for the economical production of garlic in Lay Gayint district, Northwestern Ethiopia. Local garlic cultivar obtained from farmers was used as a test crop. A factorial combination of three clove sizes and four intra-row spacings was used in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The results revealed that the main as well as the interaction effects of clove size and intra-row spacing influenced most of the tested growth and yield parameters of garlic. The longest plant height (73.77 cm) was recorded from garlic plants grown at 5 cm intra-row spacing, while the shortest plant height (66.98 cm) was from plants grown at 12.5 cm. The treatment combination of large-sized clove and 12.5 cm intra-row spacing recorded the longest leaf length (61.07 cm), the highest leaf number (7.79), bulb diameter (4.98 cm), bulb weight (33.83 g), and clove weight (2.71 g) of garlic. However, the treatment combination of large-sized cloves and 7.5 cm intra-row spacing produced the highest marketable (13.44 t ha−1) bulb yield. Based on the partial budget analysis, however, medium-sized cloves (1.5–1.99 g) planted at 10 cm intra-row spacing recorded the highest net benefit (723,205 Eth-Birr ha−1) with an acceptable marginal rate of return (3277.3%). Therefore, growing garlic using medium-sized cloves (1.5–1.99 g) at 10 cm intra-row spacing is recommended for economical production of garlic by smallholder farmers in the study area and areas with similar agroecology.

Morpho-physiological studies of sandalwood-host interaction under individual and interactive water and salt stress.

To find out the possibilities of growing white sandalwood in sub-tropical regions of India where farmers facing the problem of water deficit and salinity stress, a RBD experiment was conducted. Sandalwood grown alone and with five selected hosts (Alternanthera sp., Neem, Shisham, Dek and Agarwood) on the basis of prior study under water deficit, salinity stress and combined water deficit and salinity stress. Sandalwood plants were harvested after 180days of imposing stress treatments. Morphological traits (plant height, collar diameter, shoot fresh and dry biomass) showed significant reduction under water deficit and salinity stress, which were further aggravated under combined water deficit and salinity stress. Studied plant water traits, ionic balance and gas exchange attributes were also reduced by these stresses. While among studied host, Shisham and Dek identified as the best host species under water deficit, salinity and interactive stress by maintaining ion homeostasis, osmotic adjustments and plant water regulation. Results depicted that sandalwood plants cultivated alone were not able to survive under salinity and combined stress conditions and showed poor growth under water deficit and control conditions. Different indices were also calculated based on morpho-physiological and ionic traits and also indicated that sandalwood grown with Dalbergia sissoo and Melia dubia showed higher drought, salt and stress tolerance potential, which made sandalwood adaptable under these stresses. Therefore, the present study signifies the importance of host especially D. sissoo and M. dubia which might be excellent long-term host species for sandalwood cultivation under sub-tropical conditions to thrive under changing environments.

Effect of FYM and Different Levels of Panchgavya on Growth and Establishment of Papaya (Carica papaya L.) cv. Red Lady

Today, with the advancement of environment pollution and health that is obtained from the improper use of inorganic fertilizer, production and use of organic fertilizer is considered as an important approach in the field of soil science in the world’s interest to investors. Research was conducted during the period 2023 on central research farm of department of horticulture, (NAI) SHUATS, Prayagraj. Field trial was designed on Randomized Block Design with three replications and ten treatments. Seedling were raised in polybag and 45 days old seedling were transplanted to the main field. Manure and fertilizer were applied as per treatment in ten equal split doses at 30,60 and 90days intervals. The treatment T9 (RDF) FYM+ Panchgavya (90ml/l) registered significantly maximum vegetative growth, chlorophyll content and survivality %. On the basis of our experimental findings, it can be concluded that the best result was found in treatment T9 (RDF) FYM+ Panchgavya (90ml/l) in term of vegetative growth parameters viz., plant height (cm), Number of leaves per plant, stem diameter (mm), leaf area (cm2) and root to shoot ratio, leaf area index (LAI), chlorophyll content and survivality % of papaya (Carica papaya L.) cv. Red lady.

Bacillus velezensis B63 and chitosan control root rot, improve growth and alter the rhizosphere microbiome of geranium

The root rot complex of geranium plants caused by Rhizoctonia solani and Macrophomina phaseolina is a major threat, and control of these pathogens predominantly relies on chemicals. This study explored multifaceted applications of Bacillus velezensis (strain B63) and chitosan, assessing their biocontrol efficacy against root rot, and their subsequent effects on rhizosphere communities. Strain B63 was antagonistic to R. solani and M. phaseolina. Under field conditions, greatest efficacy was obtained with strain B63 (36% and 33% disease reductions in, respectively, two growing seasons), chitosan soaking + foliar spray 0.2% (CSF 0.2%) (33 and 27% reductions), and 0.1% chitosan soaking + foliar spray (CSF 0.1%) (33 and 26% reductions). These treatments also changed rhizosphere microbiota, as shown by numbers of colony-forming units (CFU) and 16S rRNA gene microbiome analyses. Concomitant with rhizosphere shifts, essential oil yields and composition were positively affected, as shown by gas chromatography analyses. Chitosan soaking + foliar spray 0.2% increased concentrations of citronellol (1.36-fold), geraniol (1.37-fold), citronellyl formate (1.54-fold), and geranyl formate (1.94-fold) in geranium essential oil, compared with the experimental controls. Strain B63 also increased these essential oils by 1.04- to 1.27-fold. B63 also enhanced eugenol levels by 1.35-fold. Treatments with B63 were more effective than chitosan in improving the geranium plant morphological parameters (plant height, numbers of branches, biomass). These results show that B. velezensis strain B63 treatments have potential for enhancing yields and product quality from geranium plant under root rot infection.

BRRI Dhan107: High Protein Premium Quality Rice Variety for Irrigated Ecosystem in Bangladesh

A newly released high protein enriched, premium quality type high yielding, extra-long slender grain containing rice variety BRRI dhan107 which suitable for irrigated ecosystem of Bangladesh, is an improvement over existing high protein enriched and premium quality type rice varieties for Bangladesh. The variety has satisfactorily passed the Proposed Variety Trial (PVT) conducted in the farmers’ field in Boro 2022-23 season. As a result National Seed Board (NSB) approved this variety for commercial cultivation in the Boro season (dry season) in 2024. It has modern plant type with 103 cm plant height and matures by 148 days. The proposed variety showed 1.20 t/ha higher yield than check variety BRRI dhan50. Identifying characters of this variety are green leaf, intermediate plant height, semi-erect flag leaf, extra-long slender grain, intermediate leaf senescence. On an average it can produce 8.19 t/ha grain yield, although with appropriate management under favorable environment it can give up to 9.57 t/ha yield. Thousand grain weight of the variety is 26.1 gm and head rice yield is 60.1%. High protein (10.02%) enriched BRRI dhan107 has high amylose (29.1%) with extra-long slender (7.6 mm) type grain. The high protein enriched, premium quality type rice variety BRRI dhan107 is a superb variety for cultivating in the Boro season (dry) and farmers as well as the country can be nutritionally and economically benefited by the cultivation of BRRI dhan107.

The Effect of Saltwater Stress on the Performance of Cherry Tomatoes

Rising sea levels and saltwater intrusion in aquifers pose significant challenges for South Florida agriculture, leading to increased groundwater salinity and potential crop losses. Utilizing salttolerant crop species presents a potential solution for saline soils and regions with active saltwater intrusion. However, the effects of soil salinization through groundwater alone remains less studied. This research investigates the impact of short-term, below-ground saltwater stress on the growth, survival, and overall health of commonly grown cherry tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum). The objectives of the study are to: 1) determine the impact of saline groundwater on tomato plant health and 2) compare the nutrient content of soil and tomato plant tissue exposed to varying concentrations of saline water. Established cherry tomato plants were exposed to varying concentrations of NaCl solution, simulating saltwater intrusion into groundwater. Over 28 days, plant height, leaf chlorophyll levels, and disease occurrences were monitored. It was found that the NaCl treatments did not significantly affect cherry tomato performance under the parameters of height, chlorophyll levels, or leaf nutrition when compared to the control group. This study suggests that cherry tomatoes can tolerate short-term exposure to NaCl in groundwater. Further exploration of more intense salt stress conditions from groundwater could be beneficial for utilizing this crop in areas with saline soils or polluted groundwater. Identification of salt-tolerant cherry tomato varieties can provide alternative crop options for non-arable land affected by high soil salinity.

The Effect of Mannitol and Nano Urea on Terminal Heat Stress on Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

The present investigation was conducted during Rabi season, 2022-23 & 2023-24 at the student instructional farm (SIF) of Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya- 224229 (U.P.). The experiment was conducted in randomized block design with three replications, seven treatments and wheat variety (HD 2967). The treatment was comprised of control distilled water spray, Mannitol 25, 50, 100 ppm and Nano urea 25, 50, 100 ppm respectively, which was foliar sprayed at 30 DAS. The observations have been studied on growth, bio-chemical, yield and yield attributes of wheat. Observations were recorded at 60, 90 DAS and at maturity stages for timely sowing (15 November) and late sowing (15 December). However, yield and yield parameters were taken at the time of harvesting of the crop. Foliar spray of mannitol and nano urea were performed well at 60, 90 DAS and at maturity parameters. Foliar application of nano urea with 25 ppm was recorded superior on plant height (cm), dry weight plant-1 (g), chlorophyll content in leaves (SPAD value), Catalase activity (g-1 fresh weight min-1), Peroxidase activity (mg g-1 fresh weight min-1), Super oxide dismutase activity (mg g-1 fresh weight min-1) However, yield and yield attributes viz length of spike, number of tillers plant-1, number of grains spike-1, grain yield plant-1 It is concluded from the result that foliar spray of nano urea 25 ppm was found most effective to increasing all characters and yield parameters of wheat.

Effect of Irrigation Water Quality and Soil Compost Treatment on Salinity Management to Improve Soil Health and Plant Yield

Increasing soil salinity and degraded irrigation water quality are major challenges for agriculture. This study investigated the effects of irrigation water quality and incorporating compost (3% dry mass in soil) on minimizing soil salinization and promoting sustainable cropping systems. A greenhouse study used brackish water (electrical conductivity of 2010 µS/cm) and agricultural water (792 µS/cm) to irrigate Dundale pea and clay loam soil. Compost treatment enhanced soil water retention with soil moisture content above 0.280 m3/m3, increased plant carbon assimilation by ~30%, improved plant growth by >50%, and reduced NO3− leaching from the soil by 16% and 23.5% for agricultural and brackish water irrigation, respectively. Compared to no compost treatment, the compost-incorporated soil irrigated with brackish water showed the highest plant growth by increasing plant fresh weight by 64%, dry weight by 50%, root length by 121%, and plant height by 16%. Compost treatment reduced soil sodicity during brackish water irrigation by promoting the leaching of Cl− and Na+ from the soil. Compost treatment provides an environmentally sustainable approach to managing soil salinity, remediating the impact of brackish water irrigation, improving soil organic matter, enhancing the availability of water and nutrients to plants, and increasing plant growth and carbon sequestration potential.

Performance of ZZ (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) Cultivars on Different Organic Potting Mixture

An experiment was carried out at the research cum instructional farm, Department of Horticulture, School of Agricultural Sciences, Nagaland University, Medziphema, India (2022-2023). The experiment was laid out in completely randomized design (CRD) with 14 treatments and 3 replications. The treatments consisted of organic substrates (T1: FYM, T2: Vermicompost, T3: Used tea leaves, T4: Forest litter, T5: Cocopeat, T6: Perlite and T7: Rice husk) and 2 cultivars (C1: Super Nova and C2: Black Raven). The rooted plants of ZZ cultivars were planted in different organic substrates along with garden soil and sand in the ratio of 1:1:1. Among the cultivars, C1 (Super Nova) was found to be significantly better than Black Raven. Amongst the organic substrates, T5 (Garden soil + sand + cocopeat) was found to be statistically superior in all observed parameters except for plant height which was found to be in maximum in T4 (Garden soil + sand + forest litter). The same treatment of T5 exhibited the highest profit (Rs. 12250) and benefit cost ratio (1.89) on ZZ cultivar Black Raven.

Enhancing barley yield potential and germination rate: gene editing of HvGA20ox2 and discovery of novel allele sdw1.ZU9.

Several dwarf and semi-dwarf genes have been identified in barley. However, only a limited number have been effectively utilized in breeding programs to cultivate lodging resistant varieties. This is due to the common association of dwarf and semi-dwarf traits with negative effects on malt quality. In this study, we employed gene editing to generate three new haplotypes of sdw1/denso candidate gene gibberellin (GA) 20-oxidase2 (GA20ox2). These haplotypes induced a dwarfing phenotype and enhancing yield potential, and promoting seed dormancy, thereby reducing pre-harvest sprouting. Moreover, β-amylase activity in the grains of the mutant lines was significantly increased, which is beneficial for malt quality. The haplotype analysis revealed significant genetic divergence of this gene during barley domestication and selection. A novel allele (sdw1.ZU9), containing a 96-bp fragment in the promoter region of HvGA20ox2, was discovered and primarily observed in East Asian and Russian barley varieties. The 96-bp fragment was associated with lower gene expression, leading to lower plant height but higher germination rate. In conclusion, HvGA20ox2 can be potentially used to develop semi-dwarf barley cultivars with high yield and improved malt quality.

The Influence of Container Types and Potting Media on the Biometric, Phenological and Yield Parameters of Strawberry Cv. Winter Dawn

Strawberry being an annual herbaceous plant with delicious fruit can be easily grown in a container filled with a potting media and suitable for growing in terrace garden or rooftop gardening in urban areas where the area for cultivation is less. This intends to augment the farmer’s income and increase the overall production of strawberry. The study was conducted in the experimental field, Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology, and Sciences, Prayagraj (U.P.) during 2023-2024. The aim of the experiment was to determine the effect of container types and potting media on the biometric, phenological and yield parameters of strawberry cv. Winter Dawn. The experiment was laid out according to a factorial completely randomized block design. Observations on the biometric, phenological, and yield parameters of each plant were recorded during the study. The result of the statistical analysis revealed that among all the combinations of potting media, the combination of cocopeat, perlite and vermicompost in the ratio of 1:1:2 was found to be superior. Better biometric, phenological, and yield parameters were observed in plants grown in earthen pots. Based on the interaction effect, plants raised in PVC pots with a growing media ratio of 1:1:2 cocopeat + perlite + vermicompost (C2M1) result in maximum plant height (18.10 cm), plant spread (16.10 cm), number of leaves (26.67), number of fruits per plant (15.91) and total yield per plant (341.00 g). The study revealed that the minimum days to initiate first flower (47.10), flowering to harvest duration (27.67) and days to first fruiting (68.13) was reported in C2M1: PVC pots {(cocopeat + Perlite + Vermicompost) (1:1:2)}. Thus, strawberry production using cocopeat + perlite + vermicompost in 1:1:2 ratio in PVC Pots will ensure greater success in plant establishment and produce healthy and disease-free strawberries.

Differences of Maize Fodder Yield and Crop Attributes under Different Irrigation and Nutrient Management

Irrigation and nutrient management are two vital components of modern agriculture playing crucial roles in ensuring optimal plant growth, maximizing crop yields and sustaining agricultural productivity. A field trial was conducted to evaluate how irrigation and nutrient management affect the growth characteristics and dry fodder yield of maize. The experiment involved four irrigation levels viz. no irrigation (I0), one irrigation at 20 days after sowing (DAS) (I1), two irrigations at 20 and 40 DAS (I2) and three irrigations at 20, 40 and 60 DAS (I3) and four fertilizer levels viz. recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) (275-125-80-125-8 kg ha-1 of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, gypsum and sulphur) (F1), poultry manure (PM) (5 t ha-1) (F2), 75% RDF + PM (2.5 t ha-1) (F3) and 50% RDF + PM (5 t ha-1) (F4). The study was conducted with a split-plot layout and included three replications. Research results demonstrated significant impacts of both irrigation and nutrient management on growth metrics and the production of dry forage. At harvest, the highest plant height (177.72 cm), number of leaves plant-1 (12.16) and chlorophyll content (47.15) were recorded with three irrigations at 20, 40 and 60 DAS fertilized with 75% RDF + PM @ 2.5 t ha-1 whereas the highest total dry matter (40.60 g) and dry fodder yield (4.51 t ha-1) was recorded with two irrigations at 20 and 40 DAS along with RDF. These results emphasize that maize can produce maximum dry fodder yield with two irrigations at 20 and 40 DAS along with RDF whereas three irrigations at 20, 40 and 60 DAS fertilized with 75% RDF + PM @ 2.5 t ha-1 obtained the superior growth traits of maize.

Screening of Onion (Allium cepa L.) Genotypes for High Yield Potential in Mid Hills Region of Himachal Pradesh

Onion (Allium cepa L.) is one of the most important bulbous vegetable crops, belongs to the family Amaryllidaceae. Thirty genotypes were taken under study. Sufficient significant variation was observed among all the genotypes for all the characters under study. The maximum plant height was seen in the genotype UHF-ONI-13 (69.08 cm) while, minimum in the genotype UHF-ONI-7 (34.15 cm). Highest polar diameter and equatorial were represented by the genotype UHF-ONI-13 (5.59 cm) and Bhima Kiran (5.99 cm), respectively. There were nine genotypes which exhibited globular shape, three showed torpedo shape and eighteen showed flat shape. The majority, comprising 18 genotypes, exhibited a dark red color for their bulb skinThe genotype recorded to have earliest 50 per cent neck fall was UHF-ONI-4 (129.67 days). Maximum bulb weight was recorded by the genotype UHF-ONI-13 (82.95 g). Bulb yield per plot and per hectare was observed maximum in UHF-ONI-13 (8.19 kg and 436.86 q). UHF-ONI-13, UHF-ONI-15 and UHF-ONI-16 performed better than other genotypes for yield and other imperative horticultural characters. Thus, these genotypes can be used for further breeding improvement programmes of onion for different traits.

Genetic variability, correlation and path analysis in the BC2F2 population of groundnut

The present study was carried out in the backcross population of groundnut involving TMV 7 and ICG 15419. Allele-specific primers were used to screen the population for high oleic acid and a total of 11 yield-contributing traits were included in this study. The number of primary and secondary branches had higher estimates of PCV and GCV whereas pod yield per plant had moderate PCV but low GCV. Along with the variability parameters, plant height, number of primary and secondary branches, pod width, 100 pod weight, oleic acid content and linoleic acid content had good estimates of heritability and genetic advance as a percent of the mean, whereas pod yield per plant had moderate and low, heritability and GAM respectively, with a negatively significant skewed distribution. Association analysis exhibited a positive correlation between the number of primary branches, number of secondary branches, pod length and 100 pod weight with pod yield per plant and it was evident that oleic acid was indirectly proportional to linoleic acid content. Hundred pod weights had the highest direct effect on pod yield per plant. Selection based on traits with a better relationship with pod yield per plant and moderate to high estimates of PCV, GCV, heritability and genetic advancement would help in accelerating the groundnut improvement program. High oleic, low linolenic lines of BC2F2 with better pod yield would be forwarded to the next generation.

Evaluation of Sunflower Hybrids Variability in Response to Drought Stress: Implications for Oil and Protein Content Optimization

Oilseed crops are third most important for human being after cereals and sugars. Sunflower is a vital oilseed crop, which is grown globally for its oil purposes. Sunflower seeds are also the most important protein source. Sunflower contains two primary protein types: water-soluble albumins and salt-soluble globulins. The genotype plays a crucial role in determining the fatty acid composition of oil. However, environmental factors like water availability and temperature fluctuations during the grain-filling stage can also significantly impact on oil content. That’s why this study was aimed to investigate the impact of water deficit environments on seed yield and related traits of sunflower hybrids. In this study seven sunflower hybrids (SF-177, Pl-64 A 93, Hysun-33, Hysun-39, US-666, FSS-64 and Agsun-5264) were sown according to RCBD by using three replications. Data was recorded days taken to initiation of flowering, plant height, 1000 seed weight, oil content and protein content. Results showed that drought stress adversely affected all the parameters in this experiment, but some hybrids perform better for yield and oil content under drought conditions. Such as hybrid SF-177 and Hysun-39 represented least difference in 1000 achenes weight under normal and drought conditions. Hybrid FSS-64 (44.33%) and Hysun-33 (43.66%) showed highest oil content under drought conditions. While hybrid Agsun-5264 and Hysun-39 showed maximum protein content under drought stress.

Field response and genetic variability of elite spring bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes for septoria tritici blotch under natural infection in Northwest Ethiopia

AbstractFungal diseases cause significant yield loss to wheat production. Septoria tritici blotch (STB), caused by the ascomycete fungus Zymoseptoria trtici, is one of the major fungal diseases affecting wheat production worldwide. In Ethiopia, STB is a severe problem that causes significant yield loss in high and mid‐altitude wheat‐growing areas. The use of resistant varieties is one of the sustainable disease management strategies, particularly for resource‐poor farmers in developing countries. Two hundred and fifty bread wheat genotypes were evaluated to identify septoria tritici resistant genotypes and estimate the extent of genetic variability for resistance to STB and other economically important traits using alpha lattice design under natural infestation in two STB hotspot environments. Analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences among genotypes, environment, and genotype × environment interaction for all traits measured. The genetic coefficient of variance was lower than the phenotypic coefficient of variance for all traits studied, and both test environments showed the influence of the environment on trait expression. High and moderate heritability values were observed for the septoria disease severity parameters, indicating that the STB resistance trait was less influenced by the environment. The days to heading and plant height were inversely correlated with disease severity. This suggests that genotypes with tall plant height and long maturity period could be resistant to septoria tritici blotch through escape mechanisms. Four of the genotypes, namely, G‐215, G‐255, G‐257, and G‐258, were found to be resistant across all locations. These and other promising genotypes will be used in future breeding programmes to select or develop high‐yielding and STB‐resistant bread wheat genotypes that can be deployed in septoria tritici blotch‐prone areas. Highly susceptible genotypes will also be used as controls for STB resistance breeding programmes.

Nitrogen Gradient Optimization with Kharif Legumes on Agronomic Parameters in Zero-till Rabi Maize

Background: With the SDG goals of using the generated output of one season on other season for managing the resource potential so to unlock the crop productivity is being the best alternative that need to be looked out in present climate change scenario. So, the present trial is focuses on the lines of residue management of legumes on maize sequence with nitrogen as the driving gradient in 2021-22 and 2022-23. Methods: The experiment is laid out in split-plot design with 18 treatments consisted of C1N1: groundnut100% RDN-maize, C1N2: groundnut75% RDN-maize, C2N1: soybean100% RDN-maize, C2N2: soybean75% RDN-maize, C3N1: greengram100% RDN-maize, C3N2: greengram75% RDN-maize as main-plots and 3 subplots viz.100% RDN, 125% RDN, 150% RDN (kharif and rabi respectively) during two years of study. Result: Among the different cropping systems, the preceding kharif greengram with 100% RDN on rabi zero-till maize showed higher growth parameters i.e. plant height, leaf area, leaf chlorophyll content (SPAD reading), dry matter at 30,60,90 DAS and at harvest and yields in both years. However, with respect to nitrogen levels, application of 150% RDN to rabi maize showed significantly higher growth and yields followed by 125% RDN and lowest was seen in 100% RDN in rabi respectively. On the other hand, the interaction effect was found significant at only 60 DAS in both years.