Plant Productivity Research Articles

Deriving Vegetation Indices for 3D Canopy Chlorophyll Content Mapping Using Radiative Transfer Modelling

Leaf chlorophyll content is a major indicator of plant health and productivity. Optical remote sensing estimation of chlorophyll limits its retrievals to two-dimensional (2D) estimates, not allowing examination of its distribution within the canopy, although it exhibits large variation across the vertical profile. Multispectral and hyperspectral Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) instruments can produce three-dimensional (3D) chlorophyll estimates but are not widely available. Thus, in this study, 14 chlorophyll vegetation indices were developed using six wavelengths employed in commercial TLS instruments (532 nm, 670 nm, 808 nm, 785 nm, 1064 nm, and 1550 nm). For this, 200 simulations were carried out using the novel bidirectional mode in the Discrete Anisotropic Radiative Transfer (DART) model and a realistic forest stand. The results showed that the Green Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (GNDVI) of the 532 nm and either the 808 nm or the 785 nm wavelengths were highly correlated to the chlorophyll content (R2 = 0.74). The Chlorophyll Index (CI) and Green Simple Ratio (GSR) of the same wavelengths also displayed good correlation (R2 = 0.73). This study was a step towards canopy 3D chlorophyll retrieval using commercial TLS instruments, but methods to couple the data from the different instruments still need to be developed.

Comparative Study on the Response of Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis L.), Salvia (Salvia officinalis L.), and Oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) to Drought Stress Under Foliar Application of Selenium

Drought is one of the most important abiotic factors limiting plant productivity. Although the aromatic plants of the Lamiaceae family often grow in arid regions, drought tolerance varies greatly among the different species of this family. The effect of induced drought stress can be reduced by the application of selenium. The current study aims to compare the growth and biochemical responses of three species of the Lamiaceae family (hyssop, salvia, and oregano) to drought stress and the possibility of reducing the effect of stress in these plants by foliar treatment with selenium. Drought stress reduced the fresh and dry biomass of hyssop (by 35% and 15%), salvia (by 45% and 41%), and oregano (by 51% and 32%). Se treatment did not affect the growth of plants under drought stress, but it improved relative water content in hyssop and salvia under moderate drought conditions. A reduction in the content of chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b (in hyssop and salvia). In addition, an increase in the content of hydrogen peroxide (in oregano and salvia), malondialdehyde, and proline in plants cultivated under drought conditions was observed. Se treatment led to reduced levels of hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde, along with an increase in chlorophyll a content (in hyssop and oregano) and proline content. The response of the antioxidant system depended on the plant species. Hyssop exhibited a significant increase in glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and peroxidase activities. Oregano showed enhanced catalase activity. Salvia experienced a sharp increase in ascorbic acid content. Se treatment stimulated the accumulation of phenolic compounds and increased glutathione peroxidase activity in all studied species.

Rice, lamb and tuna. Food processing and acquiring strategies in the medieval harbour city of Qalhât (Oman): Bioarchaeological evidence from the twin houses' building (B94)

The rise of the kingdom of Hormuz during the 13th–15th c. CE led to the development of harbour cities such as Qalhât (Sultanate of Oman), considered as the kingdom's second capital. However, although some textual sources are available, a lack of bioarchaeological analysis means that the food-processing activities and subsistence strategies set up to feed this urban population are still largely unknown. Multi-proxy analyses, including zoological, ichthyological, and botanical, have therefore been undertaken on the twin house building (B94) at the site of Qalhât. Cross-referencing these data allowed for the identification of several food processing activities and the function of some rooms due to their spatial distribution. In addition, these data give new insights into fishing practices (intensively exploited pelagic zone) and the composition and management of agropastoral systems (in the form of oasis date palm gardens, using a combination of crops, weeds and livestock), as well as food acquiring strategies that relied on the importation of plant products via the long-distance maritime trade networks of the western Indian Ocean. The study of building (B94) has provided major data to understand the way of life of the inhabitants of this region for this period, still too little studied.

Quantitative Proteomic Analysis of Brassica Napus Reveals Intersections Between Nutrient Deficiency Responses.

Macronutrients such as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and sulphur (S) are critical for plant growth and development. Field-grown canola (Brassica napus L.) is supplemented with fertilizers to maximize plant productivity, while deficiency in these nutrients can cause significant yield loss. A holistic understanding of the interplay between these nutrient deficiency responses in a single study and canola cultivar is thus far lacking, hindering efforts to increase the nutrient use efficiency of this important oil seed crop. To address this, we performed a comparative quantitative proteomic analysis of both shoot and root tissue harvested from soil-grown canola plants experiencing either nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium or sulphur deficiency. Our data provide critically needed insights into the shared and distinct molecular responses to macronutrient deficiencies in canola. Importantly, we find more conserved responses to the four different nutrient deficiencies in canola roots, with more distinct proteome changes in aboveground tissue. Our results establish a foundation for a more comprehensive understanding of the shared and distinct nutrient deficiency response mechanisms of canola plants and pave the way for future breeding efforts.

Asymmetric temperature effect on leaf senescence and its control on ecosystem productivity

Abstract Widespread autumn cooling occurred in the northern hemisphere (NH) during the period 2004–2018, primarily due to the strengthening of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation and Siberian High. Yet, while there has been considerable focus on the warming impacts, the effects of natural cooling on autumn leaf senescence and plant productivity have been largely overlooked. This gap in knowledge hinders our understanding of how vegetation adapts and acclimates to complex climate change. In this study, we utilize over 36,000 in situ phenological time series from 11,138 European sites dating back to the 1950s, and 30 years of satellite greenness data (1989–2018), to demonstrate that leaf senescence dates (LSD) in northern forests responded more strongly to warming than to cooling in autumn. Specifically, a 1°C increase in temperature caused 7.5 ± 0.2 days’ delay in LSD, whereas a 1°C decrease led to an advance of LSD with 3.3 ± 0.1 days (P < 0.001). This asymmetry in temperature effects on LSD is attributed to greater pre-overwintering plant-resource acquisition requirements, lower frost risk, and greater water availability under warming than cooling conditions. These differential LSD responses highlight the nonlinear impact of temperature on autumn plant productivity, which current process-oriented models fail to accurately capture. Our findings emphasize the need to account for the asymmetric effects of warming and cooling on leaf senescence in model projections and in understanding vegetation-climate feedback mechanisms.

Using breeding indices for evaluating collection samples of spring barley Hordeum vulgare L.

The article presents experimental data on determination of adaptive properties and productivity of Hordeum vulgare L. ssp. distichon (L.) Körn. and H. vulgare L. ssp. vulgare samples of different ecological and geographical origin on the basis of breeding indices. Under contrasting conditions of the growing seasons, 2022 and 2023, 35 samples were studied for elements of grain productivity (ear length, number of grains in the ear and their weight, plant height). The field study was carried out at the experimental site of the biostation University of Tyumen “Lake Kuchak” (Nizhnetavdinsky District, Tyumen Province). The evaluation of productivity in the relationship “genotype — environment” showed that the following breeding indices are the most informative: Canadian, Mexican, linear ear density, plant productivity. On the basis of point ranking on the complex of indices, the best samples were: Zernogradsky 813, k-30453, Abalak, k-31201, Russia; Knezsa 65, k-22809, Hungary (var. erectum, nutans); Rokkaku-yabane, k-10986, Japan (var. brachyatherum). Higher yields were obtained under relatively favorable growing conditions in 2022, up to 439.8 g/m2 for double-row and up to 454.8 g/m2 for multi-row barley accessions; under stress conditions, up to 455.4 and 218.1 g/m2, respectively. Under stress conditions in 2023 compared to 2022, the multi-row barley samples showed an increase in the strength of correlation of yield with Canadian index (r = 0.73), plant productivity index (r = 0.66), linear ear density index (r = 0.58), Mexican index (r = 0.52). Two-row samples showed weaker correlation of yield with these indices. The exception was the Mexican index, characterized by a stable correlation coefficient over the years (r = 0.35).

Reindeer carcasses modulate vegetation composition and greenness in High-Arctic tundra.

Vertebrate carrion is an integral part of foodwebs in ecosystems and can impact biodiversity at the local as well as the landscape scale. However, very little knowledge currently exists about the ecological role of carrion in the Arctic ecosystems. We conducted a ground survey on the cover of five plant functional groups at paired reindeer carcass and control sites and analysed the relationship between cover and carcass presence in the Arctic tundra of Svalbard. Vegetation indices from Red-Green-Blue (RGB) imagery captured by drones complemented this, assessing plant productivity in terms of ‘spectral greening’ and modelling the relationship between vegetation index values and carcass distance. We show that graminoids capitalised most from carcass presence, whereas bryophytes and lichen showed decreases in cover. Woody plant and forb covers were not significantly impacted by carcass presence. The Red Green Blue Vegetation Index decreased locally at fresh carcasses (i.e. <1 year old) but showed an increase at more established carcass sites (i.e. >1 year). We show that carcasses have differential impacts on the plant functional groups of Svalbard’s tundra and induce a local ‘green-up’ through secondary succession within 2 metres of the carcass. Given their non-random distribution, carcasses may contribute to vegetation heterogeneity at landscape scales. This is relevant for understanding how climate change-induced reindeer mortalities will impact tundra plant community composition in the future.

Quality indicators of new sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) varieties for high oleic and oilseed use under different growing conditions

Purpose. To study the influence of steppe and forest-steppe climatic conditions on the yield, oil content in seeds and fatty acid composition of oil in new sunflower varieties of high oleic and oilseed use. Methods. The research was conducted in accordance with “Methods of qualification examination of plant varieties for their suitability for distribution in Ukraine (general part)” and “Methods of qualification examination of plant varieties for their suitability for distribution. Methods of determining quality indicators of plant production”. The following methods were used in the research: laboratory, comparison, generalisation, mathematical statistics, analysis and synthesis to draw conclusions. Results. The fatty acid composition of the seeds of new varieties of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) of high oleic and oilseed use, grown in different soil and climatic conditions, was studied. According to the results of the analysis in the steppe zone, the variety ‘LG50648’ has the highest economic and value characteristics: oil content (51,0%), oleic acid (85.1%), yield (3.11 t/ha); varieties ‘SULIANO’ and ‘MAS 908HOCP’ – yield (3.40 and 3.91 t/ha) and oleic acid content (85.8 and 86.1%) regardless of the gro­wing conditions. It was found that high oleic sunflower varieties ‘MAS 908HOCP’, ‘LG50648’, ‘SULIANO’ grown under steppe and forest-steppe conditions yielded higher quality oil. The maximum content of oleic acid in 2022–2023 was characteristic of the seeds of the varieties ‘MAS 908HOCP’ (86.1% in the steppe and 85.8% in the forest steppe) and ‘SULIANO’. The hi­ghest linoleic acid content was obtained in the seeds of the oilseed use varieties ‘STK104’ (62.9% in the steppe and 58.5% in the forest steppe) and ‘STK103’ (61.2% in the forest steppe). Among the high oleic varieties, the best results were obtained with ‘LG50648’ (5.7% in the steppe and 5.9% in the forest steppe). Conclusions. Oil content of sunflower varieties and fatty acid composition are determined by varietal characteristics of sunflower and environmental conditions. Modern sunflower varieties, which are included in the State Register of Plant Varieties of Ukraine, have high yield potential and can provide a large yield of vegetable oil per unit area. Agroclimatic conditions have different effects on the gross seed yield and oil quality in the conditions of the forest steppe and steppe of Ukraine.

Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of the REF Genes in 17 Species

Natural rubber production currently relies heavily on a single species, Hevea brasiliensis, underscoring the urgent need to identify alternative sources to alleviate the strain on natural rubber production. The rubber elongation factor (REF) and small rubber particle protein (SRPP), both members of the REF/SRPP gene family, are crucial for natural rubber biosynthesis. However, research on the REF gene has predominantly focused on H. brasiliensis and Taraxacum kok-saghyz. We conducted a comprehensive genome-wide identification and characterization of the REF gene, identifying 87 REF protein sequences across 17 plants species. We observed a significant increase in the copy numbers and expression of REF genes in rubber-producing plants. Notably, in H. brasiliensis, T. kok-saghyz, Eucommia ulmoides, Lactuca sativa, and other rubber-yielding species, the number of REF genes has markedly increased. Furthermore, some REF genes in H. brasiliensis form a distinct clade in phylogenetic analyses and exhibit differences in conserved motif arrangements and tertiary protein structures compared to other REF genes. These findings suggest that REF genes in rubber-producing plants may have undergone independent evolution, leading to changes in copy number and structure. These alterations could contribute to the production of natural rubber in these species. The results of this study provide a scientific basis for further research into the mechanisms of rubber production in plants and for identifying potential rubber-producing species.

Methods for determination of antioxidant capacity of traditional and emergent crops of interest in Mexico: An overview

Reactive oxygen species are produced by aerobic organisms, including humans, because of metabolism. They can oxidise biomolecules and cause degenerative and cardiovascular diseases (diabetes, atherosclerosis, and neurological damage, among others). However, the consumption of different plant products is related to the prevention of reactive oxygen species–mediated damage because they contain various antioxidants that inhibit the oxidation of biomolecules. Some important natural antioxidants are carotenoids, flavonoids, polyphenols, and vitamins. These molecules are found in various crops produced in Mexico, some of which have been cultivated for a long time, while others have emerged in recent years. The study of the antioxidant capacity of these crops has increased over time. Different methods are used to determine this capacity, depending on the type of antioxidants. In this review, we analyse the antioxidant quantification methods of various crops of interest in Mexico (traditional and emergent), as well as their relationship to prevent the oxidation of biomolecules.

Effects of Microplastics, Fertilization and Pesticides on Alien and Native Plants

Plastic mulches, fertilizers and pesticides have been extensively employed in agriculture to increase crop yields, though it has also led to the inadvertent accumulation of them over time. These accumulations have the potential to disrupt the soil ecological process and subsequently impact the plant community composition. Alien plants always benefit from environmental variability, thus whether the accumulation of fertilizer, plastic, and pesticide in soil promotes the dominance of alien plants in an invaded community. Here, five aliens and co-occurring natives were selected as study materials, and a full factorial experiment was conducted to answer this question. Our study found that microplastics promote the biomass production of native plants at higher nutrient availability while having marginal influence on growth of alien plants. Alien plants exhibited a lower root mass fraction (RMF) with increased nutrient availability and a higher specific leaf area (SLA) in response to the addition of nutrients and microplastics. Pesticide residues in the soil also significantly decreased the root mass fraction of three species, but there was no significant difference between the effects on alien and native species. Overall, our results revealed that alien species adjusted their functional traits more quickly, but native species gained more growth advantages in response to fertilization and microplastics.

Hydropower Plant Available Energy Forecasting Using Artificial Neural Network and Particle Swarm Optimization

Accurate forecasting of the available energy portion that corresponds to the reservoir inflow of the month(s) ahead provides important decision support for hydropower plants in energy production planning for revenue maximization, as well as for environmental impact prevention and flood control upstream and downstream of a basin. Therefore, a reliable forecasting tool or model is deemed necessary and crucial. Considering the fluctuation and nonlinearity of data which significantly influence the forecasting results, this study develops an effective hybrid model by integrating an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) called “PSO-ANN” model based on the hydrological and meteorological data pre-processed by cross-correlation function (CCF), autocorrelation function (AFC), and normalization techniques for predicting the available energy portion corresponding to the reservoir inflow mentioned above for a case study hydropower plant in Laos, namely, the Theun-Hinboun hydropower plant (THHP). The model was evaluated by using correlation coefficient (r), relative error (RE), root mean square error (RMSE), and Taylor diagram plots in comparison with popular single-algorithm approaches such as ANN, and NARX models. The results demonstrated the superiority of the proposed PSO-ANN approach over the other two models, in addition to being comparable to those proposed by previous studies.

Behavioral responses of Araecerus fasciculatus (Coleoptera: Anthribidae) to volatiles of selected stored Chinese medicinal plant products.

The olfactory responses of Araecerus fasciculatus Degeer to the volatiles of 5 traditional Chinese medicine plant products (CMPPs; i.e., Codonopsis pilosula Franch., Ophiopogon japonicus Linn. f., Astragalus membranaceus Fisch., Dendrobium nobile Lindl., and Angelica dahurica Fisch.) were studied using Y-tube, 4-arm, and 6-arm olfactometers. The volatile components of these CMPPs were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A. fasciculatus significantly preferred the CMPPs volatiles in the order of O. japonicus > C. pilosula > A. membranaceus ≥ D. nobile = A. dahurica. In the volatile profiles of O. japonicus, C. pilosula, A. membranaceus, D. nobile, and A. dahurica, GC-MS identified 27, 61, 63, 52, and 71 components, respectively, and β-elemene (30.58%), hexanal (12.69%), selina-3,7(11)-diene (12.31%), d-limonene (18.59%), and α-curcumene (8.88%) were the most abundant volatile components. A. fasciculatus were attracted to β-elemene, α-selinene, and β-selinene (main components of the volatile profiles of the most preferred CMPPs of O. japonicus) at different concentrations, with 1, 50, and 25 µg/µl being the most attractive, respectively. The olfactory preferences of A. fasciculatus were β-elemene > α-selinene = β-selinene based on the 4-arm olfactometer bioassays for comparisons at their most attractive concentrations. Therefore, differences in the volatile profiles among CMPPs significantly influenced the olfactory responses of A. fasciculatus, offering insight into the mechanisms of host preferences in stored-product pests based on chemical ecology. β-elemene showed the greatest potential to be developed as an attractant for the monitoring and control of this pest.

Shotcreting with Cement–Sand Mixtures Under the Influence of an Electrostatic Field

One of the primary and still unresolved problems of shotcreting is the high rebound rate of the material, which reaches over 20% in “dry” shotcreting. There is a practical need to improve the very principle of shotcreting and methods for optimizing the movement of torch particles. Materials and Methods: The purpose of this study was to justify the use of the electrostatic treatment of cement–sand mortar in the process of performing shotcreting works using the dry method. It was proposed that the binder and then the finished mixture be ionized step-by-step (by passing it through a non-uniform electrostatic field formed by corona electrodes). As a result, the shotcrete will be held on the fence. Results: Analysis of the modeling results shows that the presence of an electrostatic field slows down the particle and reduces the kinetic energy of the rebound. After theoretical calculations, experiments were conducted, during which, the torch size and the plant productivity were changed, and the rebound mass was weighed. After application to the surface, prototypes were formed and subjected to strength tests. It was determined that gunning in a sharply non-uniform electric field demonstrates its practical and economic efficiency due to the uniform deposition of charged particles on the treated surface and low power consumption. Conclusions: It was established that the electrostatic treatment of a cement–sand mixture during application allows concrete particles to be retained on the shotcrete surface, the rebound of the material to be reduced and the strength of concrete to be increased.

Hydraulic traits exert greater limitations on tree-level maximum sap flux density than photosynthetic ability: Global evidence

Transpiration is a key process that couples the land-atmosphere exchange of water and carbon, and its maximum water transport ability affects plant productivity. Functional traits significantly influence the maximum transpiration rate; however, which factor plays the dominant role remains unknown. SAPFLUXNET dataset, which includes sap flux density of diverse species worldwide, provides fundamental data to test the importance of photosynthetic and hydraulic traits on maximum tree-level sap flux density (Js_max). Here, we investigated variations in Js_max of 2194 trees across 129 species using data from the SAPFLUXNET dataset, and analysed the relationship of Js_max with photosynthetic and hydraulic traits. Our results indicated that Js_max was positively correlated with photosynthetic traits at both leaf and tree level. Regarding hydraulic traits, Js_max was positively related to xylem hydraulic conductivity (Ks), leaf-specific hydraulic conductivity (Kl), xylem pressure inducing 50 % loss of hydraulic conductivity (P50), xylem vessel diameter (Vdia), and leaf-to-sapwood area ratio (AlAs). Random forest model showed that 87 % of the variability in Js_max can be explained by functional traits, and hydraulic traits (e.g., P50 and sapwood area, As) exerted larger effects on Js_max than photosynthetic traits. Moreover, trees with a lower sapwood area or depth could increase their sap flux density to compensate for the reduced whole-tree transpiration. Js_max of the angiosperms was significantly higher than that of the gymnosperms. Mean annual total precipitation (MAP) were positively related to Js_max with a weak correlation coefficient. Furthermore, Js_max showed a significant phylogenetic signal with Blomberg's K below 0.2. Overall, tree species with acquisitive resource economics or more efficient hydraulic systems show higher water transport capacity, and the efficiency of xylem hydraulic system rather than the demand for carbon uptake predominantly determines water transport capacity.

Towards full autonomy in mobile robot navigation and manipulation

AbstractRobot autonomy is a key for automatizing industrial production plants, facilitating responsive search and rescue (SAR), and for interacting in urban settings. This work presents mobile systems capable of carrying out these tasks and summarises experience from practical deployments in three different domains for navigation. For industry, a mobile manipulator is presented, which is used for dynamic precise docking and object handling. For SAR, a semi-autonomous system is presented which is used for sampling hazardous materials, manipulating tools, and for localizing nuclear radiation sources. To improve urban logistics, a mobile robot autonomously navigates complex outdoor environments using semantic mapping techniques. Future work will explore further advancements that strive toward increased flexibility, reasoning and universal applicability of mobile robots. The goal is to reduce training, onboarding and tool changing times to reduce manual interfacing times.

Utilizing the IFS Standard for the Implementation of Sustainable Development Practices in Juice Production

The aim of this study was to identify the most common threats and non-compliances occurring during the production of unpasteurized fruit juices in relation to the requirements of the IFS standard. Additionally, this study aimed to demonstrate how the IFS standard supports the introduction of sustainable practices in the production of fruit juices. The research material was data from internal audits conducted in three plants producing unpasteurized fruit juices and final product microbial assessment and swabs from the production environment taken from the three plants. These plants are located in western Poland. Based on the assessment carried out, it was found that most non-compliances were identified in the areas covered by prerequisite programs, but the final product and production environment met product and production safety requirements. It was also stated that the corrective actions proposed and approved by the auditors correct the existing non-compliance without the aspect of continuous improvement. The research and audits carried out as part of this work allowed us to conclude that international standards, such as the IFS, are an excellent tool for introducing the principles of a sustainable approach to production plants.

Volatile Constituents of Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf Grown in Greenhouse in Serbia: Chemical Analysis and Chemometrics

The present study investigated the volatile constituents of Cymbopogon citratus (lemongrass) grown in a greenhouse environment in Serbia, marking the first commercial cultivation of the plant for essential oil production in the region. The essential oils and hydrolates obtained through steam distillation were analyzed via gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and the resulting chemical data were further processed using chemometric methods. This study applied quantitative structure retention relationship (QSRR) analysis, employing molecular descriptors (MDs) and artificial neural networks (ANNs) to predict the retention indices (RIs) of the compounds. A genetic algorithm (GA) was used to select the most relevant MDs for this predictive modeling. A total of 29 compounds were annotated in the essential oils, with geranial and neral being the dominant components, while 37 compounds were detected in the hydrolates. The ANN models effectively predicted the RIs of both essential oils and hydrolates, demonstrating high statistical accuracy and low prediction errors. This research offers valuable insights into the chemical profile of lemongrass cultivated in temperate conditions and advances QSRR modeling for essential oil analysis.

Optimization of Potato Cultivation Through the Use of Biostimulator Supporter

Seed potato treatment is vital for plant protection, yield enhancement, and product quality. In the conducted research, the plant biostimulator Supporter was applied to evaluate its impact on potato yields and its structure. Supporter contains both synthetic and SL amino acids, which promote plant growth by enhancing nutrient utilization and fostering the development of a more effective root system. Such a formulation allows to maintain better resistance to environmental stresses, which may include drought or nutrient deficiency, among others. The field study was conducted in 2015–2017 in four towns located in different regions of Poland (Barankowo, Głubczyce, Kędrzyno, and Ryn) using a randomized complete block design with a split-plot design. Varieties (‘Innovator’, ‘Lilly’, ‘Lady Claire’, and ‘Verdi’) were tested. The experiment compared the cultivation technology using Supporter biostimulator with which seed potatoes were treated compared to conventional cultivation (control object) by soaking the tubers in distilled water before planting. The total yield of potato tubers after Supporter application was higher by 13.3%, while the commercial yield increased by 21.1% compared to the traditional cultivation method. The most productive, regardless of cultivation technology and years of research, in terms of total tuber yield was the ‘Lilly’ variety with an average yield of 47.95 t∙ha−1, while the least productive variety was the ‘Innovator’ variety with an average yield of 29.93 t∙ha−1. The ‘Lady Claire’ variety had the highest commercial tuber yield, while the ‘Innovator’ variety had the lowest.

Management of sterility mosaic disease in pigeonpea caused by pigeonpea sterility mosaic virus (PPSMV)

Sterility Mosaic Disease (SMD) caused by Pigeonpea Sterility Mosaic Virus (PSMV) is one of the major threats to pigeonpea productivity in India. The incidence of disease under favorable conditions may reduce the yields by up to 80-90%. The virus is transmitted through the eriophyid mite Aceriacajani. Plant viral diseases are managed either through vector control or by the application of antiviral principles. Therefore the present investigation was carried out to find effective acaricides and plant products for the management of SMD. Among all the treatments tested, seed treatment with imidacloprid 70% WS @ 5 g/kg seed+foliar spraying of fenpyroximate 5 EC @ 0.1% (1 ml/L of water) was found to be the most effective in controlling vector and in turn reduced the incidence of sterility mosaic disease with the lowest mean of 22.1% disease incidence as compared with the control (61%).