October Planting Research Articles

Optimizing Gladiolus Production for Off-Season Cultivation by Mitigating High-Temperature Conditions

‌The study was conducted to investigate the effect of modified poly thene tunnel during staggered planting times on growth and vase life of gladiolus cut flowers. The polythene effectively reduces the internal temperature, particularly during extremely hot and humid planting times. Under the modified polythene conditions, high quality growht and vase life were observed during the months of September and October planting times. These included a higher number of leaves plant-1, larger leaf area, maxium spike length, maximum spike diameter, greater number of florets spike-1, heavier flower diameter and an extended vase life of the gladiolus cut flowers. Effectiveness of modified polythene tunnel is evident in reducing temperature of growing environment, leading to improved growth and enhanced vase life of the gladiolus flowers.

First Report of Leaf Spot Disease on Pineapple Caused by Fusarium solani in China.

Pineapple (Ananas comosus) is an economically important tropical fruit in Guangdong Province, China. The plants were seriously infected with a year-round leaf spot disease. During September to November 2022, the leaf spot disease of pineapple was found in Xuwen city and Zhanjiang city of Guangdong Province. A disease survey of 1 ha revealed that pineapple was affected at an incidence ranging from 30% to 50%. The disease caused economic loss to control plant diseases with chemicals. The initial symptoms were observed after 1 month of planting in October and included yellow spot and developed brown necrotic lesions. The leaves of pineapples showed symptoms of Large brown necrotic lesions appear on leaves especially on the tip of basal leaves. The diseased leaves were collected and surface-disinfested in 1% NaClO for 2-3 m, rinsed with sterilized water, air dried, placed on potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium, and incubated for 3 to 5 days at 28°C. Two isolates (PLF1 and PLF2) were collected and purified using the single-spore method. Colonies developing on PDA were in a circle with abundant white, densely fluffy aerial mycelium, pale to colorless after 3 d and pale orange 5-15 d later. Cultures of the isolates produced macroconidia which were falcate, 1-3-septate, hyaline, 18.2-43.4×4.8-6.8 µm(n=50). Cultures of the isolate also produced large amount of conidia which were hyaline, oblong, no septate, 5.2-10.6×2.7-5.2 µm (n=50). These characteristics were consistent with the description of Fusarium sp. (Chitrampalam et al. 2018). For molecular identification, the genomic DNA of the 2 isolates was extracted. The fragments of internal transcribed spacer (ITS), translation elongation factor 1α (EF1α) and β-tubulin were amplified and sequened using the primer pairs of ITS4/ITS5, EF1/EF2 (O'Donnell et al. 2008) and T1/T2 (O'Donnell et al. 1997). These sequences were deposited in GenBank (OR501466, OR501467 for the ITS; OR499874, OR499875 for elongation factor; OR499876, OR499877 for β-tubulin). Phylogenetic trees were constructed in MAGA 11 using the Maximum likelihood (ML) method based on the concatenated sequences of ITS, EF1α, and Tublin (Figure 1). The 2 isolates were grouped with F. solani A01-1 (GCA_027945525.1) with a bootstrap value of 100 in the phylogenetic tree. The morphology and multi-gene phylogenetic analysis indicated that the new isolates are F. solani. The 2 isolates were selected for pathogenicity tests to fulfill Koch's postulates. Six plants at seven- to ten-leaf stage were inoculated with each isolate separately. Three sites of each leaf were wounded with a sterile needle and covered with a piece of cotton drenched with 200 µl spore suspension (107 spores/ml) from each isolate cultured in PD medium. Leaves inoculated with PD medium served as negative controls. Inoculated plants were placed in an incubator at 28°C, and 80% humidity under a 12-h light/dark cycle for 7 days. After 7 days of incubation, necrotic spots were observed in all the inoculated plants except the negative control. The pathogenicity tests were conducted three times with similar results. The strains were then reisolated from the lesions and found to be Fusarium solani as those of the inoculum. F．ananatum， F. guttiforme and F. subglutinans have been reported to infect all parts of pineapplefusariosis disease (Jacobs et al. 2010; Stępień et al. 2013; Ventura et al. 1993). To our knowledge, this is the first report of fusariosis on Pineapple caused by F. solani. Identification of F. solani as a disease agent on pineapple will assist in disease management for this important fruit tree.

Assessing gladiolus varieties for planting time using a phenological model based on agro‐meteorological indices

AbstractPhenological models serve as a potent tool in management practices and determining flowering time in ornamental crops. Schwab's staging system for development of gladiola that relies on easily identifiable visual characteristics was used in the study to describe the detailed developmental stages and requirement of agrometeorological indices for each stage. The study was conducted with five gladiolus varieties planted at four different times to characterize the varieties for planting time. Plants under September and October plantings completed their phenological development in less time and accumulated fewer agrometeorological indices because of favourable temperature and short day conditions. The phenological model revealed that Punjab Lemon Delight and Punjab Glance could be planted in September as their blooming was delayed by 32 and 17 days, respectively and corm harvesting by 48 and 43 days respectively, when planted in December. The delay in blooming was 18 and 15 days respectively for Punjab Glad 3 and CPG and corresponding values for corm harvesting were 30 and 26 days when planting was done in December indicating that these varieties could be suitable for late planting. White Prosperity could be planted in October or November because when comparing planting in these 2 months, the number of days to bloom and the number of days to corm harvesting were similar.

Cover crop management strategies affect weeds and profitability of organic no-till soybean

Abstract Cover crop residue retention on the soil surface can suppress weeds and improve organic no-till soybean (Glycine max) yield and profitability compared to a tilled system. Appropriate cereal rye (Secale cereale) fall planting date and termination methods in the spring are critical to achieve these benefits. A plot-scale agronomic experiment was carried out from September 2018 to October 2021 in Kutztown, PA, USA to demonstrate the influence of cereal rye planting date (September or October) and mechanical termination method [no-till (I & J roller-crimper, Dawn ZRX roller, and mow-ted) and tilled (plow-cultivate)] on cover crop regrowth density, weed biomass, soybean yield, and economic returns. In one out of three years, the September rye planting accumulated more cover crop biomass than the October planting, but the regrowth of the rye after roller-crimping was greater with this planting date. Cover crop planting date had no effect on total weed biomass and demonstrated varying effects on soybean grain yield and economic returns. The Dawn ZRX roller outperformed the I & J roller-crimper in effectively terminating cover crops, while the I & J roller-crimper demonstrated more uniform weed suppression and led to greater soybean yields over a span of three years. Organic no-till strategies eliminated the need for tillage and reduced variable costs by 14% over plow-cultivated plots, and generated ~19% greater net revenue across the study period (no-till vs tillage = US $845 vs US $711 ha−1). Terminating cereal rye with roller-crimping technology can be a positive investment in an organic soybean production system.

Resistance risk assessment of six pyrethroids and acephate toward the resistant adult tarnished plant bug, Lygus lineolaris.

Due to rapidly developed resistance, pest management relies less on pyrethroids to control economically damaging infestations of the tarnished plant bug (TPB), Lygus lineolaris (Palisot de Beauvois) in cotton fields of Mississippi. Yet, pyrethroid resistance remains prevalent in TPB populations. This study assessed the resistance levels in adult TPB to six common pyrethroids and acephate. Resistant TBPs were collected from wild host plants in late October after harvest in the Mississippi Delta region of the United States. Based on LC50 values, the field-resistant TPBs displayed higher resistance to permethrin, esfenvalerate, and bifenthrin (approximately 30 fold) and moderate resistance to λ-cyhalothrin, β-cyfluthrin, ζ-cypermethrin, and acephate (approximately 15 fold). Further investigations showed that the inhibitors of three detoxification enzyme, triphenyl phosphate (TPP), diethyl maleate (DEM), and piperonyl butoxide (PBO) had synergistic effects on permethrin, λ-cyhalothrin, and bifenthrin in resistant TPBs. Furthermore, elevated esterase, GST, and P450 activities were significantly expressed in field-resistant TPBs. Additionally, GST and esterase were reduced after 48 h exposure to certain pyrethroids at LC50 dose. The synergistic and biochemical assays consistently indicated that P450 and esterase were involved in pyrethroid detoxification in TPBs. This study provides valuable information for the continued use of pyrethroids and acephate in controlling TPBs in cotton fields in the Mississippi Delta region of the United States.

GOAT PEA (SECURIGERA SECURIDACA L.) SEED YIELD AND PHYTOCHEMICALS IMPROVEMENT THROUGH CROP MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

The presented trial carried out at the District Baqubah, Diyala Governorate, Iraq, assessed the effects of three planting dates (15 October, 05, and 25 November 2018) and four levels of organic fertilizer (0, 150, 250, and 350 kg ha-1) on the seed yield and chemical composition of the goat pea (Securigera securidaca L.). The experiment in a randomized complete block design with a factorial arrangement had three replications. The results showed that the 15 October planting was significantly superior in the percentage and yield of oil and the total content of phenols and glycosides, which amounted to 3.86%, 14.17 kg ha-1, 1.23 mg g-1, and 29.44 mg g-1, respectively. The organic fertilizer treatment, 350 kg ha-1, proved superior and provided the highest oil yield (14.48 kg ha-1), while organic fertilizer, 250 kg ha-1, was higher in the oil content (3.90%) and phenols (1.21 mg g-1). The interaction between 15 October planting and organic fertilizer, 250 kg ha-1, revealed a significant increase in oil percentage and the total content of phenols and glycosides, which amounted to 4.01%, 1.24 mg g-1, and 29.68 mg g-1, respectively. However, the interaction of the 15 October planting with organic fertilizer, 350 kg ha-1, was superior in the oil yield (15.23 kg ha-1).

Carbon Sources for Anaerobic Soil Disinfestation in Southern California Strawberry

Anaerobic soil disinfestation (ASD) has been adopted in over 900 ha in California strawberry production as an alternative to chemical fumigation. Rice bran, the predominant carbon source for ASD, has become increasingly expensive. In 2021–22 and the 2022–23 field studies, we evaluated 20–30% lower-priced wheat middlings (Midds) and dried distillers’ grain (DDG) at 21,800 kg ha−1 (in 2021) and 17,000 kg ha−1 (in 2022) as alternative carbon sources to rice bran. The study was placed at Santa Paula, California in September of each season in preparation for strawberry planting in October. Soil and air temperatures were 18–26 °C during that time. After the incorporation of carbon sources into the top 30 cm of bed soil, beds were reshaped, and irrigation drip lines were installed and covered with totally impermeable film (TIF) to prevent gas exchange. Beds were irrigated to saturate the bed soil within 48 h after TIF installation. Anaerobic conditions were measured with soil redox potential (Eh) sensors placed at 15 cm depth in all plots. Both DDG and Midds plots maintained Eh at −180 to 0 mV during the two ASD weeks, while untreated soil was aerobic at 200 to 400 mV. Permeable bags with inocula of Macrophomina phaseolina, a lethal soil-borne pathogen of strawberry, and tubers of a perennial weed Cyperus esculentus were placed 15 cm deep in the soil at ASD initiation and retrieved two weeks later for analyses. Two weeks after that, holes were cut to aerate beds and ‘Victor’ or ‘Fronteras’ bare-root strawberries were transplanted into them. ASD with DDG reduced viable microsclerotia of M. phaseolina by 49% in the first season and 75 to 85% with both carbon sources in the second season. Both ASD treatments reduced tuber germination of C. esculentus 86–90% compared to untreated soil in one of two years. Additionally, Midds and DDG provided greater sufficiency of plant-available nitrogen and phosphorus compared to untreated soil with synthetic pre-plant fertilizer and improved fruit yields by 11–29%. ASD with these carbon sources can suppress soil pathogens and weeds and help sustain organic strawberry production in California.

Economics of Potato cv. Kufri Lima under Different Planting Dates and Nitrogen Levels

The experiment entitled “Effect of planting dates and nitrogen levels on potato cv. Kufri Lima” was conducted at Research Farm of the Department of Vegetable Science, Choudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar during winter season of 2020-21. The treatments comprising of three planting dates (25th September, 10th October and 25th October) and four levels of nitrogen (0, 75, 100 and 125% of recommended dose of nitrogen, RDN) were laid out in a randomized block design (factorial) with three replications. Results of study revealed that significantly increase in growth and yield on 10th October planting as compared to earlier and late planting. Total marketable potato tuber yield was recorded with 10th October planting with 100% RDN application (408 q/ha), closely followed by 125% RDN application (407.7 q/ha) and minimum was recorded under control. It can be concluded that 10th October with application of 100% of RDN (150 kg N/ha) provided with highest marketable yield and benefit to cost ratio (1.82). This may be due to higher marketable and total tuber yield under this treatment.

Inter-monthly Variability of Pineapple (Ananas comosus, MD2) Plant Water Requirement in Ghana: Implications for Planting Period Adjustment Field Experience Program

CROPWAT 8.0 model was used to estimate the water requirement of pineapple for the 2021/22 cropping period, considering all the months in the year. This was done to ascertain which months in the year have lower irrigation water requirements and where water savings can be made. For the months of December to August, irrigation requirement (mm) of 140, 145.1, 113.3, 110.8, 110.9, 145.9, 107.6 and 114, respectively was determined at the study site. However, sucker planting in September, October and November has shown requirements (mm) of 72.8, 61.3, 61.4 respectively, and adjusting the planting calendar to accommodate these months is recommended.

Optimum and late sowing of mustard varieties show similar seed yield

Appropriate planting time of mustard (Brassica sp.) during winter determines the growth yield and quality of a particular cultivar. Since the shift of winter period over the last few years driven by climate change, a transformation in mustard cultivation is also observed. Thus, to study the extent of these variations we studied 6 mustard varieties (V1- Binasarisha-4, V2- Binasarisha-9, V3- Binasarisha-10, V4- BARI Sarisha-14, V5- BARI Sarisha-16 and V6- BARI Sarisha-17) under 3 different planting dates (D1-31st October, D2-10th November and D3-20th November) in the Magura district of Bangladesh to evaluate yield differences over sowing times. Field experimentation was set followed RCB (Randomized complete block) design. Data on growth and yield parameters were collected at various days after sowing. Outcomes noted that, most number of siliqua/plant was obtained with treatment combination D3 × V5 (190.33), siliqua length with D3 × V2 (7.95 cm), number of seeds per siliqua by D3 × V6 (36.30), thousand grain weight by D1 × V1 (3.90 g). Hence, correlation study suggested that, seed yield was positively related to number of siliqua/plant, siliqua length and number of seeds/siliqua. Though, BARI Sarisha-16 (V5) delivered top seed and stover yield in all sowing dates. But interaction effects depicted that planting on 10th (2.00 t/ha) and 20th November (1.99, 1.94 t/ha) gave similar seed yield like 31st October planting (2.31 t/ha); in addition, stover yield (6.70, 6.83 t/ha) also remained at peak with the later plantings (D2, D3). An increase in the tendency of life duration was noticed when sown on 20th November for most treatment combination. Overall, delayed sowing of mustard didn’t affect the yield and related attributes rather it accelerated to some attributes. Hence, rescheduling of optimum sowing time for mustard is now a time demanding concern with regard to weather change.

Response of Some Sugar Beet Varieties to Different Sowing Dates Under Two Seasonal Conditions in Khabat

The research was conducted in the field of Khabat Technical Institute / Erbil Polytechnic University during winter season of 2019-2020 and summer season of 2020. It shows the effect of planting date, varieties on growth and yield component of sugar beet under two different seasonal conditions. A factorial experimental design was applied in randomized complete block design with three replication; the first factor represents three planting dates (1st October, 16th October and 31th October, 2019) in winter and (1st March, 16th March and 31th March, 2020) in summer season, the second factor was three varieties of sugar beet (Germany, Turkish and Iranian), had been applied in both seasons. The combined effect of planting in 1st October and the Turkish variety produced the highest value of all study traits; No. of leaf.plant-1, leaf area (cm2), leaf area index (LAI), root length cm, root diameter cm, root weight kg.plant-1, root yield t.ha-1, sugar % and sugar yield t.ha-1in winter season, but the Germany variety surpassed in length of root (cm) in summer season. The interaction between planting date from 1st October with Turkish variety recorded the highest value of all study traits, in winter season achieved the lowest value in number of leaf.plant-1, root length cm, root diameter cm, root weight kg.plant-1, root yield t.ha-1, sugar% and sugar yield, were recorded from the interaction between planting in 31th March and Iranian variety in summer season. On the other hand, the interaction treatment 31th March with Turkish variety recorded the lowest value in leaf area and leaf area index.

Seasonal Variations in the Starch Properties of Sweet Potato Cultivars

Starch is widely used in the food and non-food industries, and this is related to its physicochemical characteristics. In the coming years, climate changes will become unpredictable, and these conditions may affect the process of starch biosynthesis and polymer properties. The sweet potato starch market has grown substantially in recent years and understanding the environmental impacts on starch characteristics will contribute to advances for the sector. Herein, the effects of the growing season on the structural, morphological, and physicochemical properties of sweet potato starches were evaluated. Sweet potato trials with two Brazilian cultivars (Canadense and Uruguaiana) were installed in the dry season (planting in March and harvesting in July) and rainy season (planting in October and harvesting in March). Regardless of the cultivar, starches isolated from plants grown in the rainy season have a more ordered structure, with higher gelatinization temperatures, thermal stability, and resistant starch content. Starches from plants grown in the dry season have a higher percentage of small granules with lower crystallinity and lower gelatinization temperatures. These findings can be useful as early knowledge of these changes can help the supply chain to better plan and target suitable markets for naturally modified sweet potato starches.

Integrated management of late blight of potato in Pokhara, Kaski, Nepal

A field experiments was carried out in Pokhara, Kaski, Nepal, to identify integrated disease management options against late blight of potato under natural epiphytotic conditions.Twelve genotypes of potato, including Janakdev as resistant and Cardinal as susceptible, were evaluated in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Similarly, a two-factor randomized complete block design experiment with three replications was carried out to investigate the interaction effect of planting date and application of chemical, botanical extracts, and a biocontrol agent.Susceptible variety Cardinal was planted in three different dates starting from October 11 at a 15-day interval and received five sprays each of the chemical fungicide Krilaxyl Gold (mancozeb 64% + metalaxyl 8%), 10% V/V extracts of garlic (Allium sativum), neem (Azadirachta indica), and bakaino (Melia azedarach), and Phytoderma (Trichoderma viride) 109 CFU/mL) and water spray as an untreated control.Among the genotypes, CIP384321.15 and Khumal Ujjwal showed the significantly (p<0.01) the lowest mean value of AUDPC (the area under the disease progress curve), whereas susceptible check Cardinal and Khumal Laxmi showed the significantly (p<0.01) the highest mean AUDPC values. Similarly, the 11 October planting with the application of Krilaxyl Gold showed the lowest total AUDPC value (382.65) and the highest total AUDPC value (1533.41). Besides the chemical fungicide, the application of extracts of garlic, bakaino, neem, and phytoderma could significantly reduce the disease and increase tuber yield. These botanical extracts and biocontrol agents can be used in the integrated disease management of potato late blight.

Evaluation of PhenoGlad model on phenological development of gladiolus varieties under subtropical conditions of Punjab

Gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflorus Hort.) is a commercially important open field crop, cultivated for elegant spikes. The development rate is dependent upon temperature so planting date is crucial factor to regulate flower production around the specific days. The present investigation was to validate the application of PhenoGlad model on different varieties grown in Punjab, India so that it could be used as a management tool for meeting market requirements. Five varieties of gladiolus with different developmental cycles were procured from Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, PAU, Ludhiana and planted at monthly interval from September to December at the research farm of Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, PAU, Ludhiana. Punjab Lemon Delight and Punjab Glance took minimum days to reach phenostages whereas Punjab Glad 3 and CPG took maximum days and White Prosperity took intermediate days under all planting dates. Observed days to reach a particular phenostage in our results was close to simulated days under October planting for Punjab Lemon Delight, Punjab Glance and White Prosperity and November planting for Punjab Glad 3 and CPG. Thus, these results validated the use of PhenoGlad model to simulate flowering time of different varieties to regulate the market demand.

Effect of Sowing Dates and Varieties on Growth and Yield of Broccoli under Acidic Soil Condition of Sylhet

This experiment was conducted during October, 2013 to March, 2014 in the experimental field of Department of Horticulture, Sylhet Agricultural University (SAU), Bangladesh. The objective was to evaluate the effect of three planting dates (30 October, 15 November and 1 December) on growth, yield and yield attributes of three broccoli varieties (Premium, BR001 and BR002) under acidic soil condition of Sylhet. The two factors field experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Broccoli planted on 30 October recorded the minimum number of days to first curd harvest (64.77), the tallest plants at harvest (62.76 cm) with denser leaves (17.90), the highest primary curd weight (142.75 g) with increased curd length (11.93 cm), the maximum curd yield of both primary (5.29 t/ha) and secondary (5.24 t/ha). Variety Premium was the earliest in curd initiation (50.33 days) and curd harvest (64.44 days). Premium had the highest number of leaves at harvest (16.07), the maximum primary curd weight (207.59 g) with increased curd length (12.18 cm) and curd diameter (14.28 cm). The highest primary curd yield (7.70 t/ha) and secondary curd yield (4.02 t/ha) of Premium variety out yielded the other two varieties in this experiment. Interaction effect showed that the variety Premium planted on 30 October showed the best performance in primary curd weight (274.13 g), primary curd yield (10.17 t/ha) and secondary curd yield (8.43 t/ha). Therefore, the variety Premium can be recommended to cultivate at 30 October planting date under acidic soil condition of Sylhet.

Impact of Cultivars, Planting Dates And Chicken Manners on Vegetative Growth And Yield of Onion (allium Cepa L.)

The study was examined the effects of three planting dates (1st October, 15th October, and 1st November) and three levels of chicken manures (0, 1000, and 1500 g.m-1) on two cultivars of onion (Texas Early white and Early white Grano) during the growth season 2021–2022 at the vegetable research farm of the Protected Cultivation Department, Zakho Technical Institute/Dohuk Polytechnic University. The results showed that there were no significant differences between two cultivars in all traits excepted the cultivar Texas was superior over cultivar Grano in number of leaves plant-1. Planting date at 1st October led to significant differences in plant length (cm), number of leaves plant-1, mean bulb weight (g), number of stored leaves bulb-1, total yield (t.ha-1), N%, P%, K% and S% in bulbs. Application chicken manures especially 1000 g.m-1 significantly increased all traits. The combination among (cultivar Texas, 1st October planting date and 1000 g.m-1 chicken manure significantly enhanced the plant length (66.14 cm), number of leaves plant-1 (18.18), mean bulb weight (328.51 g), number of stored leaves bulb-1 (13.11), total yield (38.55 t.ha-1), N% (2.64%), P% (0.432%), K% (4.32%) and S% (0.661% in bulbs

Productivity, nutrient use efficiency, energetic, and economics of winter maize in south India.

The winter maize area is rapidly spreading in south India in response to rising demand from the poultry and fish feed industries due to the absence of major environmental constraints. Further farmers' are using the winter environment to expand maize area and production. Hence there is immense potential to increase the area under winter maize cultivation. There were no planned field experiments to explore and optimize the right time of sowing and quantity of fertilizer to be added previously due to the presence of negligible winter maize area. Farmers used to cultivate maize as per their choice of sowing time with the application of a quantity of fertilizer recommended for rainy season maize. There were no efforts made towards working on economic analysis including energy budgeting. And hence the investigation was conducted with the objective to explore the optimal planting period and fertilizer levels for winter maize through economic and energy budgeting. Planting windows (1st week of October, 2nd week of October, 3rd week of October, 4th week of October, and 5th week of October) and fertility levels (100 percent recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), 150 percent RDF, and 200 percent RDF) were used as factors in Factorial Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The present investigation revealed that significantly higher winter maize productivity was achieved from the first and second week of October planting along with the application of 200% RDF (recommended dose of fertilizer) followed by 150% RDF. Planting of winter maize during the first week of October recorded significantly higher grain yield (8786kg ha-1) and stover yield (1220 kg ha-1) and was found on par with sowing during the second week of October. Among fertility levels, significantly higher grain yield (8320 kg ha -1) and stover yield (1195 kg ha-1) was recorded with the application of 200% RDF and were found on par with the application of 150% RDF. Further interaction effect showed that higher dry matter production, more days for physiological maturity, higher accumulation of growing degree days, photothermal units, and heliothermal units were recorded from crops planted during the first and second week of October along with the application of either 200% or 150% RDF. However, higher nutrient use efficiency was recorded from the first and second week of October planted crop supplied with lower fertility level (100% RDF). Similarly, significantly higher net returns and gross returns, output energy, net energy, and specific energy were higher from crops planted during the first week of planting along with the application of 200% RDF. Whereas, energy use efficiency and energy productivity were higher with the first week of October planted crop applied with 100% RDF. From the overall interaction, it is recommended to plant winter maize during the first fortnight of October with the application of 150 percent RDF for sustaining higher maize productivity, energy output, and economics in the maize growing area of south India.

Growth and Yield Performance of Potato Clones under Different Planting Dates

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is the fourth most important crop of Nepal. However, variety and planting methods have been catered for its low productivity in the country. A field trial was conducted at Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science, Lamjung Campus, Nepal from October 2016 to February 2017 to identify the suitable planting time and the best genotype. The trial was laid out in two factorial RCBD with three replications. Planting factors included four planting dates (5th October, 20th October, 4th November and 19th November), while genotypes were two potato clones (Khumal Seto and Kufri Jyoti). The result revealed that the mean effect of planting date and clones both significantly affected percentage emergence, plant height, number of leaves/plant, number and weight of tuber/plant. The maximum yield was obtained from 5th October planting (31.55 t/ha) which was statistically similar to 20th October planting (30.94 t/ha), but the lowest yield was found on 19th November (22.27 t/ha) and was at par with 4th November (22.77 t/ha). The yield of clone Khumal Seto (27.68 t/ha) was at par with Kufri Jyoti (26.09 t/ha). However, interaction effect of two factors significantly influenced percentage emergence, plant height and number of small size (<25 g), medium size (25-50 g) and large size tubers (>50 g), but had no significant difference on overall yield. Delayed planting (19th Nov) of both clones produced the highest percentage of small size unmarketable tuber number. Thus, planting of both clones either on 5th October or 20th October helps to maximize the productivity.

A daylength-neutral winged bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus) for Southern Australian latitudes

Abstract. Eagleton GE. 2022. A daylength-neutral winged bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus) for Southern Australian latitudes. Asian J Agric 6: 68-78. In the summer of 2019, on the central coast of NSW, Australia (at Latitude 34°S), an early-maturing genotype of the tropical legume crop, winged bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus (L.) DC.), was detected among a range of late-maturing accessions. The performance of this accession, MY0-01 from Bago in Myanmar, was evaluated in staked plots alongside one other accession from Myanmar and two from the island of New Guinea planted on three successive occasions between October and late November 2020 in a split-plot experiment. Across the three planting dates, the mean number of days from planting to the first open flower for MYO-01 ranged from 68 to 82 + s.e. 3.2 compared with a range of 119 to 167 for the other three accessions. The mean accumulated seed yield of MYO-01 obtained from the October planting equated to 3.1 t ha-1, but by the third planting in late November, the yield was only half as much. Among the four accessions, MYO-01 was second in the amount of lower stem branching and tuber yield, with the smallest pods and hardest seeds. Hard seededness creates difficulties for germination and plant establishment and is a limitation in MYO-01, as are its small pods, which lowers its potential for vegetable production. Investigating genetic control of photoperiod insensitivity in MYO-01 and combining the ability for pod and seed characteristics is relevant to sub-tropical latitudes and for developing stable early maturity cultivars for the tropics.

Effect of Planting Date on Phenotypic Characters, Harvested Leaves and Seed Yield of Mustard Green (Lai Shak) In Sylhet Region

A field trial was conducted at farming system research and development (FSRD) site, South SurmainSylhet under AEZ-20 during two consecutive years of 2017- 18 and 2018-19 to find out the suitable planting date for successful and economic production of leaves and seed yield of mustard green (Brassica juncea). The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design having five different dates of seedling transplant viz. 15 October, 30 October, 15 November, 30 November and 15 December with four dispersed replications.The seedlings transplanted on 15 November recorded significantly the highestnumber of harvested leaves plant-1, weight of single leaf, harvested leaf yield (35.07 t ha-1), siliqua plant -1 and weight of 1000-seed and seed yield (1.38 t ha-1) of mustard green. The highest gross return (Tk. 862800 ha-1) and net return (Tk. 627300 ha-1) with benefit cost ratio (BCR) of 3.66 was obtained from 15 November planting followed by 30 October planting. Conversely, the lowest gross return (Tk.611620 ha-1), net return (Tk. 376120 ha-1) and BCR (2.59) were recorded from 15 December planting. So, last October to mid-November planting would be suitable for economic production of leaves and seed yield of brown mustard in Sylhet region of Bangladesh.
 Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 45(2): 165-174, June 2020