Plant Height Research Articles

Estimation of genetic variability parameters and trait association in cherry tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L. var. cerasiforme)

Cherry tomatoes are the smaller version of classic tomatoes but are valued for their sweet taste and captivating colors. They are highly favored by the urban elite and the chefs catering to high-profile restaurants. To formulate selection criteria for utilization in breeding programs, variability parameters, an association between different characters, and direct and indirect effects of component traits of 29 cherry tomato genotypes were assessed under polyhouse conditions. Sufficient genetic variability was found for the morphological and yield traits studied, as revealed by the variance analysis. Plant height, primary branches per plant, days to 50 percent flowering, flower clusters per plant, flowers per cluster, fruits per cluster, days to first harvest, fruits per plant, fruit length, fruit girth, fruit weight, locules per fruit, pericarp thickness, days to final harvest, yield per plant, total soluble solids, lycopene, ascorbic acid, reducing sugars and non-reducing sugars showed high estimates of heritability and genetic advance as percent of the mean. Correlation analysis demonstrated a significant positive relationship between fruit yield per plant and pericarp thickness (0.727), fruit length (0.685), fruit girth (0.536), fruit weight (0.530), and the number of fruits per cluster (0.386). Principal component analysis identified the primary component (PC1) as the main contributor to variance. Path analysis revealed that fruit length, pericarp thickness, number of fruits per plant, flowers per cluster, and fruit weight had the highest direct effect on yield. These traits were the key factors influencing fruit yield per plant in cherry tomatoes.

Integrating dynamic high-throughput phenotyping and genetic analysis to monitor growth variation in foxtail millet

BackgroundFoxtail millet [Setaria italica (L.) Beauv] is a C4 graminoid crop cultivated mainly in the arid and semiarid regions of China for more than 7000 years. Its grain highly nutritious and is rich in starch, protein, essential vitamins such as carotenoids, folate, and minerals. To expand the utilisation of foxtail millet, efficient and precise methods for dynamic phenotyping of its growth stages are needed. Traditional foxtail millet monitoring methods have high labour costs and are inefficient and inaccurate, impeding the precise evaluation of foxtail millet genotypic variation.ResultsThis study introduces a high-throughput imaging system (HIS) with advanced image processing techniques to enhance monitoring efficiency and data quality. The HIS can accurately extract a range of key growth feature parameters, such as plant height (PH), convex hull area (CHA), side projected area (SPA) and colour distribution, from foxtail millet images. Compared with traditional manual measurements, this HIS improved data quality and phenotyping of the key foxtail millet growth traits. High-throughput phenotyping combined with a genome-wide association study (GWAS) revealed genetic loci associated with dynamic growth traits, particularly plant height (PH), in foxtail millet. The loci were linked to genes involved in the gibberellic acid (GA) synthesis pathway related to PH.ConclusionThe HIS developed in this study enables the efficient and dynamic monitoring of foxtail millet phenotypic traits. It significantly improves the quality of data obtained for phenotyping key growth traits. The integration of high-throughput phenotyping with GWAS provides new insights into the genetic underpinnings of dynamic growth traits, particularly plant height, by identifying associated genetic loci in the GA synthesis pathway. This methodological advancement opens new avenues for the precise phenotyping and exploration of genetic resources in foxtail millet, potentially enhancing its utilisation.

Environment, Soil, and Digestate Interaction of Maize Silage and Biogas Production

In this study are presented the possibilities of using maize silage for biogas production. An experiment with maize silage took place over three years (2016–2018) in two localities, Ilandža, Alibunar municipality (L1—Locality 1) and Dolovo (L2—Locality 2), Serbia, and using two variants: a control with no digestate (C) and a variant with digestate, which was organic manure from biogas facilities (AD). In the AD variant, 50 t ha−1 of digestate was introduced into the soil just before sowing the maize. The following traits were examined: plant height (PH), biomass yield (BMY), biogas yield (BGY), and methane yield (MY). The effects of the studied factors (year, fertilization, and locality) on the biogas yield were significant (p < 0.5). The most favorable year for biogas production was 2016 (207.95 m3 ha−1), while the highest values of maize plant height, biomass, and methane yield were recorded in 2018 (2.48 m, 51.15 t ha−1 dry matter, and 258.25 m3 ha−1). The digestate exerted a significant influence (p < 0.5) on the values of all the tested maize parameters in all three experimental years. The biomass yield was positively associated with the plant height, biogas, and methane yield (r = 0.62 *; r = 0.70 *; r = 0.81 **) and positively but nonsignificantly associated with temperature (r = 0.42) and precipitation (r = 0.12). The application of the digestate before sowing improves the anaerobic digestion of maize silage and biogas production.

Approaches for Genetic Analysis of Chickpea Genotypes under Late Sown Condition

Investigation of the genetic potential of chickpeas is crucial in order to achieve durable and high-yielding genotypes. The goal of this study is to identify the genetic potential and personality traits associated. Evaluation of thirty-six desi genotypes of chickpea under late sown condition revealed that substantial degree of variation was present, while three traits viz., Leaf pattern, flower colour, seed shape and plant pigmentation were found monomorphic, whereas foliage colour, seed surface were dimorphic,polymorphic traits were noted in leaflet size, plant growth habit, plant height, seed colouring, days to 50% flowering and days to maturity. Magnitude of genotypic coefficient ofvariations, high heritability along with high genetic advance as percentage of mean recorded forharvest index, number of seeds per plant, number of pods per plant and number of effective pods per plant.Correlation and path analysis revealed biological yield, 100 seed weight, seed per plant, harvest Index and plant height are the mostimportant characters,while imparting selection as these exhibited strong association and maximum positive direct effects on seed yield per plant.Intra cluster D2 values showed that most diverse genotypes were Phule G13110 and PG 0104, hybridization program between these genotypes may generate desirable sergeants for various yield attributing traits. Genotypes GL 12021, PG 158, PG 0104, JG 24, H 12-62, IPC 2010-134, GNG 2261, GL29098, BG 3067, IPC 2012-98, Phule G13110 and RVSSG 38 were present in more than one PCs hence contributed maximum towards yield and can be used in various breeding programmes for yield improvement under late sown condition.

Identifying genetic determinants of forage sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (Moench)] adaptation through GWAS

BackgroundForage sorghum is a highly valued crop in livestock feed production due to its versatility, adaptability, high productivity, and resilience under adverse environmental conditions, making it a crucial option for sustainable forage production. This study aimed to investigate ninety-five forage sorghum genotypes and identify the marker – trait associations (MTAs) in adaptive traits, including yield and flowering through genome-wide association studies (GWAS).ResultsUsing 41,854 polymorphic SNPs, a GWAS involving the GLM, MLM, and FarmCPU models was performed to analyse fourteen adaptive traits. The population structure revealed the presence of two subpopulation groups. Linkage disequilibrium (LD) plots showed varying degrees of LD decay across the chromosomes, with an average LD decay of 19.49 kbp. Twelve common significant QTNs, encoding 17 putative candidate genes, were simultaneously co-detected and studied by at least two or more GWAS methods. Three QTNs were associated to days to 50% flowering; two each to leaf-to-stem ratio and number of nodes per plant; and one each to plant height, leaf width, number of leaves per plant, stem girth, and internodal length. Six candidate genes were associated with days to 50% flowering, two each with leaf width, stem girth, leaf-to-stem ratio, and number of nodes per plant, and one each with plant height, number of leaves per plant, and internodal length.ConclusionFarmCPU was identified as the most suitable and effective among all the models for controlling both false positives and false negatives. Further in-depth analysis of the newly discovered QTNs may lead to the identification of new candidate genes for the trait of interest. These studies elucidate gene functions and could transform forage sorghum breeding through marker-assisted selection and transgenic approaches, accelerating the development of superior forage sorghum varieties and enhancing global food security.

The Effects of Seed Inoculation with Bacterial Biofilm on the Growth and Elemental Composition of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Cultivated on a Zinc-Contaminated Substrate

Biofilm obtained from Bacillus subtilis subsp. spizizenii inoculated on vegetable seeds has been shown to have plant growth-promoting capacity. Seed inoculation with biofilm produced by this strain could also reduce the adverse effects on plant growth caused by soil or substrate heavy metal overabundance. Therefore, the objective of this work was to evaluate the impact of biofilm inoculated on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) seeds, which were planted on a substrate with artificially added zinc. First, seeds of the Río Grande tomato variety were exposed to increasing zinc concentrations, namely: 50, 100, 200, and 400 ppm, with and without bacterial biofilm inoculation. Zinc addition and seed inoculation affected germination parameters. For example, an extra 200 and 400 ppm of zinc led to high toxicity. Biofilm inoculation, however, reduced the noxious effects of excess zinc, bringing acute toxicity down to moderate. Then, tomato plants growing from inoculated and non-inoculated seeds were cropped for 4 months in both substrates with 400 ppm zinc and without added zinc. Extra zinc addition significantly (p < 0.05) reduced tomato root and shoot biomass, plant height, and fruit number at harvest time. However, seed biofilm inoculation avoided the harmful effect of zinc on plant growth parameters, fruit yield, and fruit quality. The roots and shoots of plants growing on contaminated substrates showed very noticeable increases in zinc levels compared to the control, while fruits only showed a much weaker zinc gain, even if this was significant (p < 0.05). Moreover, root shoot and fruit concentrations of elements other than zinc, (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, iron, manganese, copper, lead, and cadmium) were not or only weakly affected by the addition of this metal to the substrate. In summary, the biofilm of B. subtilis proved to be effective as a bioinoculant to alleviate negative effects on tomatoes cropped in a substrate with excess zinc.

Ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) mediated dwarfing mutation provides a basis for CaCO3 accumulation by enhancing photosynthetic performance in Ceratostigma willmottianum Stapf.

Ceratostigma willmottianum Stapf is a unique chalk gland (salt-excreting) plant from China, with a salt gland structure that excretes white crystals of calcium carbonate (CaCO3), which has potential biomineralization and carbon sequestration functions. Due to the narrow distribution of wild germplasm resources, there is a lack of diversity of new varieties to satisfy commercial development and scientific exploration. Therefore, we used ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) mutagenesis to obtain new dwarf mutant germplasm, and analysed it in terms of morphology, growth, photosynthesis, salt glands, and excretion traits. All four dwarfing mutant strains (DM1, DM2, DM3, and DM4) exhibited extreme dwarfing (62.28%, 62.28%, 74.55% and 61.68% reduction in plant height, respectively), faster growth, increased belowground root biomass, and earlier bud differentiation and flowering. Photosynthetic capacity was enhanced: chlorophyll content, maximum quantum yield of PSII (Fv/Fm), effective quantum yield of PSII (ΦPSII), photochemical quenching coefficient (qP), electron transfer rate (ETR), net photosynthesis (Pn), intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci), stomatal conductance (Gs), and transpiration (Tr), were significantly higher in leaves of DM mutants. The density of salt glands per unit leaf area and average Ca2+ excretion rate of individual salt glands increased significantly (especially in DM2), and CaCO3 accumulation per unit leaf area was 28.57% higher than that of the wild type. Pearson correlation analysis showed that photosynthetic capacity was significantly and positively correlated with CaCO3 excretion. The above study not only provided enriched new germplasm of C. willmottianum, but also important research material for studying the mechanism of CaCO3 excretion by salt glands and carbon sequestration capacity of biomineralization.

MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF PIGEON PEA [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millspaugh] ACCESSIONS FOR AGRONOMIC TRAITS IN ASSOSA DISTRICT, NORTHWESTERN ETHIOPIA

<p><strong>Background:</strong> Pigeon pea is a tropical grain legume being cultivated as important pulses for human food, feed and soil fertility improvement. Pigeon pea research in terms of crop improvement is still at a low level in Ethiopia. <strong>Objective: </strong>To estimate the Genetic variability of pigeon pea accessions with respect to important qualitative and quantitative traits and select high yielding grain and promising traits for variety development. <strong>Methodology</strong>: Treatments consisted in twenty two pigeon pea accessions (MPG1, MPG2, MPG3, MPG4, MPG5, MPG6, MPG7, MPG8, MPG9, MPG10, MPG11, MPG12, MPG13, MPG14, MPG15, MPG16, MPG17, MPG18, MPG19, MPG20, MPG21 and MPG22) collected from Assosa area. Treatments were laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. <strong>Results:</strong> Qualitative characteristics recorded for accessions showed different modalities and frequencies at vegetative growth stage with the qualitative traits dominated were semi-spreading growth habit 65 %, leaflet shape with lanceolate 70 %, color about 44 % of the accessions exhibited yellow, seed size where 55 % accounted large sized, seed color pattern: 52% of accessions showed plain, pod color where 56 % genotypes had purple, seed with red dominated was 50 % and 71 % of accessions had totally pigmented pod. With respect to quantitative traits, genotypes accessions MPG11 and MPG15 had relatively higher grain yield (> 4000 kg/ ha) with the highest grain yield recorded for genotype MPG18. <strong>Implications:</strong> The investigation of the present study for morphological evaluation of genotype Pigeon pea exhibited genetic variability among accession. <strong>Conclusion</strong>: Agronomic traits such as plant height, branches per plant, pods per plant, seeds per pod, pod length, pod width, hundred seed weight and grain yield for accessions were exhibited significant differences which suggest high yielding accessions could be directly recommended for production while others could be utilized effectively to develop high yielding varieties through hybridization followed by selection. </p>

Photoperiodic Effect on Growth, Photosynthesis, Mineral Elements, and Metabolome of Tomato Seedlings in a Plant Factory

The duration of light exposure is a crucial environmental factor that regulates various physiological processes in plants, with optimal timing differing between species and varieties. To assess the effect of photoperiods on the growth and metabolites of a specific truss tomato cultivar, three photoperiods (12 h, 16 h, and 20 h) were tested in a plant factory. Growth parameters, including plant height, stem diameter, fresh and dry weights of shoots and roots, photosynthetic characteristics, mineral content, and metabolome profiles, were analyzed under these conditions. The results indicated that prolonged light exposure enhanced plant growth, with the highest photosynthesis and chlorophyll content observed under a 20 h photoperiod. However, no significant correlation was observed between the photoperiod and the mineral element content, particularly for macro minerals. Metabolome analysis revealed that different photoperiods influenced the accumulation of metabolites, particularly in the lipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and membrane transport pathways. Long periods of light would enhance photosynthesis and metabolism, improving the rapid growth of tomato seedlings. Overall, this study provides a theoretical basis for understanding the responses of truss tomato cultivars to varying photoperiods in plant factories and proposes an optimizable method for accelerating the progress of tomato seedling cultivation.

Estimating coffee crop parameters through multispectral imaging and machine learning algorithms

Abstract. Brazil plays a crucial role in the global economy due to its significant contribution to the agricultural sector, particularly in coffee production, where it stands out as the largest producer and exporter of processed coffee. Various disturbances can influence coffee plants, causing abnormalities that can hinder their successful growth. Parameters such as plant height and canopy diameter play an essential role in assessing the health and productivity of the plants, reflecting their growth, development, and ability to capture sunlight. Additionally, height is also related to the balanced distribution of nutrients and water, providing valuable information about overall performance and the capacity for healthy production. In this regard, the application of methodologies involving remote sensing and machine learning algorithms has shown promising results in the rapid and safe acquisition of information about agricultural systems. This study evaluates different machine learning algorithms, using radiometric values from multispectral images obtained by remote sensing platforms as input datasets for estimating plant height and canopy diameter in coffee cultivation. The best performance was observed for architectures that showed lower RMSE and RMSE% values. For the plant height parameter (m), the RGB sensor exhibited the best performance using the Random Tree algorithm, with an RMSE (0.27) and RMSE% (8.80). For the canopy diameter (m), the sensor showed the best performance using the Random Forest algorithm, with an RMSE (0.15) and RMSE% (8.16).

Phenotypic characterization of Echinochloa species in California rice

AbstractTwo independent greenhouse experiments were conducted in December 2020 and July 2021 in Davis, CA to characterize Echinochloa crus‐galli (L.) P. Beauv., Echinochloa colona (L.) Link, Echinochloa oryzicola (Vasinger) Vasinger and Echinochloa walteri (Pursh) A. Heller found in California rice systems based on their morphological traits. Phenotypic data was collected on 10 vegetative traits including plant height, number of tillers, flag leaf length, flag leaf width, flag leaf angle, the colour of leaf sheath, leaf blade colour, internode colour, node colour, growth habit and nine reproductive traits including number of days to heading, number of panicles, length of panicle, length of panicle branches, seeds per panicle, panicle weight, seed colour, awn length and awn pattern. High plasticity was observed in all species characterized in both experiments for both vegetative and reproductive traits, indicating potential inter‐specific hybridization. Awn length, days to heading, length of the panicle, length of the panicle branches, plant height, flag leaf angle, and growth habit were significantly higher in the fall experiment for all species indicating photoperiod could play a role in the expression of these traits. Also, high variation was observed for plant height, number of tillers, awn length, panicle weight, seeds/panicle, length of panicle branch, and number of panicles for all species in both experiments. The results from this study indicate morphological diversity currently present in Echinochloa species could contribute to their adaptation to selection pressure imposed by different management tools in California, emphasizing the need for a diversified management approach to effectively control this weed species.

The Optimum Mixed Cropping Ratio of Oat and Alfalfa Enhanced Plant Growth, Forage Yield, and Forage Quality in Saline Soil

The forage shortage is more aggravating than ever before, with husbandry development accelerating and meat and dairy product demand increasing. Salinized soils are important reserve land encouraged to be used for forage production in China. However, the salt-tolerant cultivation techniques for forage crops are still inadequate. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted to study the effects of the mixed cropping ratio of oat and alfalfa on plant growth and physiological traits, forage yield, and forage quality in saline soils. Oat (Avena sativa L.) variety of Canadian Monopoly and alfalfa variety of WL525HQ were used, and five mixed cropping ratios (T1 = 100% oat + 0% alfalfa, CK, T2 = 75% oat + 25% alfalfa, T3 = 50% oat + 50% alfalfa, T4 = 25% oat + 75% alfalfa, and T5 = 0% oat + 100% alfalfa) were evaluated. The results showed that plant height, chlorophyll, soluble sugar, starch, antioxidant enzymes, and crude fat were increased firstly and then decreased prominently with decreased oats and increased alfalfa sowing rate; the maximum values showed under T2 but the minimum value under T5 at evaluated growth periods. On the contrary, malondialdehyde and acid detergent fiber were significantly decreased and then increased; the lowest contents were recorded under T2 and highest under T5. Furthermore, the relative growth rate, forage yield, neutral detergent fiber, and crude ash were decreased prominently with decreased oats and increased alfalfa sowing rate, and the highest and lowest values showed under T1 and T5, respectively. Oppositely, the contents of sucrose, proline, N, P, K, relative feeding value, and crude protein were all increased, with the highest contents generated under T2 and the lowest under T1. On the whole, the mixed cropping treatment of T2 showed the best performance in improving both biomass yield and forage quality by enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity, osmotic regulatory substances, and nutrient uptake and utilization. Therefore, this study indicates that 75% oat mixed cropping with 25% alfalfa can be recommended as a salt-tolerant cultivation technique for forage high-yield and high-quality production in moderately saline soil.

Enhancing Across-Population Genomic Prediction for Maize Hybrids

In crop breeding, genomic selection (GS) serves as a powerful tool for predicting unknown phenotypes by using genome-wide markers, aimed at enhancing genetic gain for quantitative traits. However, in practical applications of GS, predictions are not always made within populations or for individuals that are genetically similar to the training population. Therefore, exploring possibilities and effective strategies for across-population prediction becomes an attractive avenue for applying GS technology in breeding practices. In this study, we used an existing maize population of 5820 hybrids as the training population to predict another population of 523 maize hybrids using the GBLUP and BayesB models. We evaluated the impact of optimizing the training population based on the genetic relationship between the training and breeding populations on the accuracy of across-population predictions. The results showed that the prediction accuracy improved to some extent with varying training population sizes. However, the optimal size of the training population differed for various traits. Additionally, we proposed a population structure-based across-population genomic prediction (PSAPGP) strategy, which integrates population structure as a fixed effect in the GS models. Principal component analysis, clustering, and Q-matrix analysis were used to assess the population structure. Notably, when the Q-matrix was used, the across-population prediction exhibited the best performance, with improvements ranging from 8 to 11% for ear weight, ear grain weight and plant height. This is a promising strategy for reducing phenotyping costs and enhancing maize hybrid breeding efficiency.

Combined Effect of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Bradyrhizobium japonicum on Growth, Yield and Nodulation in Soybean

Response of soybean for combined application of AM fungi and Bradyrhizobium japonicum were studied in pot culture experiment in completely randomized design (CRD). Dual inoculation of AM fungi and B. japonicum improved growth, yield, AMF colonization and nodulation in soybean plant, in comparison to single inoculation. Increase in the level of AMF inoculation promoted the growth significantly. Dry weight of the plant was 5.54 g/ plant and 6.02 g/ plant in plants treated with B. japonicum and AMF respectively, which significantly increased to 7.36 g/ plant up on combined application. Similar results were obtained in plant height, No. of pods /plant, seed index, nodulation, AMF density and colonization and chlamydospore population in soybean rhizosphere. Thus, the experiment signifies the importance of combined application for the improvement of crop growth and yield.

Integration of Biochar with Vermicompost and Compost Improves Agro-Physiological Properties and Nutritional Quality of Greenhouse Sweet Pepper

Applying organic fertilizers is an issue that is acquiring high attention in modern agriculture. This study aims to evaluate the impact of the co-application of vermicompost and biochar on the growth performance and productivity of sweet pepper plants grown under greenhouse conditions. The applied treatments were as follows: 100% vermicompost (T1), 75% vermicompost + 25% biochar (T2), 50% vermicompost + 50% biochar (T3), 50% biochar + 50% compost (T4), 75% compost + 25% biochar (T5), and 100% compost (control-T6). All applied treatments were distributed randomly, and each treatment was repeated three times over two seasons. The data analysis revealed that the application of vermicompost—alone or in combination with biochar—significantly increased the plant growth measurements (plant height, SPAD value, leaf area, No. of leaves, and No. of branches), leaf nutrient content (N, P, K, and Ca), and total yield in both seasons. The application of vermicompost—alone (T1) or in combination with biochar (T2 and T3)—on average over both seasons significantly increased the total yield by 31.12%, 26.47%, and 22.53%, respectively, compared with the control treatment (T6). Furthermore, the aforementioned treatments also increased the physical quality (fresh fruit weight, fruit length, fruit diameter, and flesh thickness) and chemical quality of sweet pepper fruits [total phenol content (TPC), total soluble solids (TSS), ascorbic acid (AsA), β-carotenoids (β-Carot), and titratable acidity (TA)]. In addition, the co-application of biochar with vermicompost and compost caused a significant reduction in the fruit nitrate concentration compared with the control (T6) over two seasons. In conclusion, the simultaneous application of biochar with vermicompost and compost is a promising strategy to improve the growth performance, nutrition status, total yield, and fruit quality of pepper plants, as well as to reduce the nitrate concentration in the fruits.

Trait Interactions and Yield Enhancement in Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.): Insights from Correlation and Path Analysis

Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) is a self-pollinated (2n = 30) annual Rabi season crop mainly cultivated for flax fiber and oil due to its commercial use. The present investigation was carried out to study an association analysis among the yield and yield attributes using 75 linseed genotypes including 10 checks in a randomized block design with three replications at Oilseeds Research Farm, Kalyanpur, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, (India) during Rabi season of 2019-20. The correlation analysis revealed that the traits number of secondary branches per plant followed the number of primary branches per plant and number of capsules per plant at both the genotypic and phenotypic levels. The results of the path coefficient analysis revealed that traits such as the number of secondary branches per plant, number of capsules per plant, number of seeds per capsule, and plant height exhibited a strong and positive direct effect on seed yield per plant at both the genotypic and phenotypic levels. The seed yield can be improved by selecting traits such as number of primary branches per plant, number of secondary branches, number of capsules per plant, and plant height. It is recommended that the breeder focus on these traits in linseed to enhance its commercial value for the farming community.

Morphological Diversity of “Tuni” and “Afo” Cloves, Endemic to the Maluku Islands, Indonesia

“Tuni” and “Afo” cloves are endemic clove varieties from the Maluku islands. Until now, there is still little information on morphological diversity in plant populations and information on the characteristics between the two varieties. The research aims to provide information on the morphological diversity and characteristics of “Tuni” and “Afo” cloves from the Maluku Islands. Morphological characterization of the “Tuni” variety of cloves was carried out at its distribution location on Ambon Island, Maluku Province. In contrast, “Afo” cloves were characterized at their distribution location on Ternate Island, North Maluku Province. The research was carried out in July 2023-May 2024. The used for morphological identification was the modified Tropical Fruit Descriptors. The characterized clove plants consisted of 30 “Tuni” clove plants and 30 “Afo” clove plants, so a total of 60 plants were characterized. The results of the Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) based on 54 morphological characters that were carried out showed two groups with a dissimilarity coefficient of 44%. The first group is a group of “Tuni” clove accessions, which are clustered with a similarity of 91%, and the second group is a group of “Afo” clove accessions, which are clustered with a similarity of 90%. The results of Principle Component Analysis (PCA) obtained a total diversity of 75.4%, where the specific characteristics of “Tuni” cloves obtained were stem bark color, crown shape, branching angle, leaf thickness, old leaf color, shoot color, leaf petiole tip color, flower stalk weight, flower length, flower tube diameter. The specific characteristics of “Afo” cloves obtained from PCA are plant height, stem circumference, North-South canopy width, East-West canopy width, leaf length, leaf texture, leaf spiciness, ripe picked flower color, picked ripe flower crown color, ripe fruit color, and color seed.

Effect of Land Configuration and Rainfall on Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br. under Saline Irrigation

Field experiment was conducted in Eastern Block Farm of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore to evaluate the effect of land configuration and rainfall on growth and yield of pearl millet under saline water irrigation in summer, 2024. The study was carried out in split plot design with three main plots (flatbed (M1), ridges and furrows (M2) and raised bed paired row planting (M3)) along with four subplot treatments (direct sowing (S1), 10 Day Old Seedlings (DOS) (S2), 15 DOS (modified dapog) (S3) and 20 DOS (S4)) which was replicated thrice. Water availability is a critical factor in influencing the length of the growing period while water quality significantly influences crop growth and yield. Consequently, rainfall received during the growing period affects plant height, Leaf Area Index (LAI), effective tillers and yield. The cumulative rainfall received 208 mm in 22 days and with 10 rainy days during the crop growth period. Rainfall between 40 to 60 Days After Sowing/Planting (DAS/P) corresponded with Crop Growth Rate (CGR). Among main plot treatments, ridges and furrows (M2) recorded higher plant height (173 cm) and effective tillers (2.6) at harvest. Grain and stover yields (t ha-1) were also higher in ridges and furrows (M2) (3.31 and 6.12, respectively) which was statistically on par with raised bed paired row planting (M3) (3.31 and 6.12, respectively).

The Effect of Varying Compaction Levels on Soil Dynamic Properties and the Growth of Canola (Brassica napus L.)

Extremely low field emergence rates for canola are primarily attributed to soil compaction from field traffic during and after planting. This study aimed to determine the critical compaction level for canola emergence across different soil types. A laboratory experiment was conducted using sandy loam, silt clay, and clay soils, compacted to five levels (zero to four) using Proctor hammer drops after sowing canola (Brassica napus L.). The lab results were validated through two years of field experiments in sandy loam, applying four compaction levels (zero to three) using a tractor. Soil properties (bulk density and surface resistance) and canola growth parameters (plant emergence rate, count, height, and above-ground biomass) were measured. Zero compaction resulted in lower bulk density and surface resistance across all soil types. Laboratory results showed maximum emergence rates of 95% for sandy loam, 100% for silt clay, and 60% for clay, while field emergence rates were 63% and 87.59% in the first and second years, respectively, both at zero compaction. Recommendations include light or no compaction for sandy loam, and zero compaction for silt clay, while clay soil did not achieve the 80% emergence target at any compaction level. These results can assist agricultural producers in optimizing their seeding equipment setup and managing field traffic for canola production.

Evaluation of Genetic Variability for Yield and Associated Traits in Breeding Lines Derived from the Cross RNR-15048 × Tunga

Aims: To evaluate the genetic variability of 45 rice breeding lines for 12 quantitative and 2 qualitative traits, aiming to identify and enhance traits that contribute to improved crop yield and nutritional quality in rice. Study Design: The experiment was carried out in Randomised Complete Block Design with two replications. Place and Duration of Study: During kharif 2023 at Agricultural and Horticultural Research Station, Kathalagere, Davangere. Methodology: The research utilized 45 breeding lines resulting from the cross RNR15048 × Tunga, sourced from the Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture Shimoga, along with 5 checks. Data was recorded and analyzed statistically using R software. Results: The significant differences among the breeding lines identified through the analysis of variance highlight the potential for selecting superior genotypes within the studied rice breeding lines. High to moderate values of the genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) and phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) suggest that there is substantial genetic diversity for the traits evaluated, indicating a promising opportunity for genetic improvement through selective breeding. Conclusion: The findings of this study highlight the importance of focusing yield improvement programs on specific traits, including plant height, number of tillers per plant, productive tillers per plant, grains per panicle, filled grains per panicle, test weight, protein content, and overall grain yield. Emphasizing these traits is essential for enhancing the productivity and nutritional value of rice, ultimately supporting food security efforts.