Pod Dry Weight Research Articles

Impact of partially burnt paddy husk with coir peat on growth and yield of bean (<em>Phaseolus vulgari</em>s)

French beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), recognized as a good source of protein. Growth and yield are low in beans due to unfavorable weather and soil conditions. A field experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of partially burnt paddy husk with coir peat on the growth and yield attributes of beans. The experiment was laid out in a Complete Randomized Design with seven treatments with thirty replicates. Partially burnt paddy husk was prepared in two different methods (methods 1 and 2). The treatments were, soil (T1-control), coir peat: partially burnt paddy husk 3:1 (T2-method 01), 2:2 (T3-method 01), 1:3 (T4-method 01), 3:1 (T5-method 02), 2:2 (T6-method 02) and 1:3 (T7-method 02).The results reveal that there were no significant differences (p>0.05) among the tested treatments on growth parameters. However, significant variations (p<0.05) were observed on yield attributes such as number of pods per plant, length and girth of pod and fresh and dry weights of pod. The highest fresh and dry weights of pods were in T1 followed by T3. However, there was no significant variation (p>0.05) between T1 and T3. This study concludes that coir peat: partially burnt paddy husk in 2:2 ratio (T3) could be used as a growth medium for french bean cultivation instead of soil.

Influence of Bioformulation on Growth, Yield and Quality of Black Cumin (Nigella sativa L.)

Panchagavya, an organic product has the potential to play the role of promoting growth and providing immunity in plant system. Panchagavya consists of nine products viz. cow dung, cow urine, milk, curd, jaggery, ghee, banana, Tender coconut and water. When suitably mixed and used, these have miraculous effects. Nigella sativa L. is an annual herb possessing wide range of medicinal uses apart from its commercial significance as a spice-yielding plant. It is used in folk (herbal) medicine all over the globe for the treatment and prevention of a number of diseases and its organic cultivation has gained importance in recent times. Keeping this in view, a field experiment was conducted. The treatments composed of T1 (Panchagavya foliar spray @ 4%), T2(Panchagavya foliar spray @ 8%), T3(Panchagavya foliar spray @ 12%), T4(Panchagavya foliar spray @ 16%), T5(Panchagavya foliar spray @ 20%) and T6 (water spray- Control) were evaluated. Among treatment T5 (Panchagavya as foliar spray @ 20%) recorded the maximum plant height of 29.95cm, 60.45cm and 73.09cm respectively at 60,90 and 120 DAS, the maximum number of primary branches and secondary branches of 7.18/plant and 24.54/plant were recorded at 120 DAS. Highest projected seed yield of 566.39 kg/ha along with highest dry pod weight (0.32g) pod diameter (0.93cm), seed yield/plant (2.62g), 1000 seed weight (2.10g) along with the maximum essential oil content (1.06%) and highest B:C ratio of 1.88 with a highest net return of Rs.52982/ha recorded under the same treatment. T4 (Panchagavya as foliar spray @ 16%) recorded 2nd highest plant height of 29.51cm, 59.26cm and 72.71 cm at 60,90 and 120 DAS and 2nd highest Projected seed yield of 547.73 kg/ha with other characters like dry pod weight (0.30g), pod diameter (0.92cm), seed yield/plant (2.09g) and 1000 seed weight (2.09g) along with essential oil content of 1.01% and 2nd highest cost benefit ratio of 1.84 and net return of Rs.49850/ha which were at par with T5(Panchagavya foliar spray at 20%).

ANALISIS LINTAS KARAKTER AGRONOMI TERHADAP KOMPONEN PRODUKSI KACANG TANAH (Arachis hypogaea L.)

The peanut has been one of the most important commercial crops in Indonesia and its yield still needs to be improved. Peanut yield can be increased genetically through plant breeding programs. Indirect selection in peanut plant breeding programs requires information related to the relationship between its characters, especially the relationship between growth and yield characters through correlation and path analysis. This study aims to determine the relationship between growth and yield characteristics of peanuts based on correlation values, direct effects, and indirect effects using path analysis, so that selection criteria for high-yielding peanuts are obtained. This study was conducted using a survey method. 50 peanut plant samples were taken randomly as observation units, then path analysis was carried out. The results showed that the 12 DAP canopy width was positively and significantly correlated with peanut yield characters, such as fresh pod weight and number of pods. The 12 DAP canopy width also had the highest direct and indirect influence on the character of fresh and dry pod weight, and the number of pods. Indirect selection to increase peanut yield can be done using the 12 DAP canopy width character as selection criteria.

Physiological Maturity and Harvesting Date on Seed Yield and Quality of Indigo (Indigofera suffruticosa Mill.)

Background: Indigo is used to dye many fabrics, which also needs a lot of indigo plants enough to dye the fabric. Indigo seeds were used for propagation, but the seed of indigo is not simultaneous. The physiological maturity and optimum harvesting date affected the yield and quality of indigo seeds. This research aims to study the physiological maturity and harvesting date of indigo on seed yield and quality. Methods: Indigo plants were grown in the dry season. The experiment was a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 4 replications, consisting of 4 harvesting dates; 140, 150, 160 and 170 days after planting (DAP). Result: The results showed that the first indigo flower was at 51 DAP and matured to pods at 59 DAP. It takes 113 DAP for the indigo color to change from green to brown. The appearance of the pods changed from green to yellowish green, brown and black, respectively. As the indigo pods became 50% brown, they started harvesting. The weights of a dry pod, a fresh pod and a seed were different. When harvesting at 140 DAP, the fresh pod weight had the maximum of 82.60 g/plant and dropped as the indigo harvesting date grew (P less than 0.01). The dry pod weight was the lowest, at 27.58 g/plant (P less than 0.05). The seed weight per plant for harvesting at 170 DAP was 25.57 g. The harvesting date, however, did not differ statistically. The highest percentage of germination and vigor were from the indigo seeds, which were harvested at 140 DAP, 31.94% and 38.81%, respectively (P less than 0.01). Therefore, the optimum harvesting date at 140 DAP is the physiological maturity stage and harvesting of the pods when they turn brown for the highest seed quality.

Performance of Seaweed Extracts on Yield and Quality of Black Cumin (Nigella sativa L.) with Organic Input Management

A field experiment was conducted during the rabi season of the two consecutive years of 2020-21 and 2021-22 at the Horticultural Research Station, Mondouri, BCKV, Nadia, West Bengal to examine the effectiveness of seaweed extract on yield and quality of black cumin. The treatments were composed of 9 different doses of seaweed extract granule soil application, liquid foliar spray and control. Among the 10 treatments, T5 (e.g., SWE granules @4kg ha-1) recorded the highest average plant height of 29.80 cm, 59.45cm and 73.30 cm, at 60, 90 and 120 DAS and the highest number of primary branches (7,10) and secondary branches (24,10) plant-1 respectively at 120 DAS. Similarly, the highest seed yield of 536 kg ha-1 along with different yield attributing characters like the highest mean fresh pod weight (1.40g), dry pod weight (0.36 g) and pod diameter (0.91cm), seed yield plant-1 (2.76g) and 1000 seed weight (2.45 g) were recorded under the treatment T5. The highest B: C ratio (1.97) and highest net return (Rs.52816 ha-1) were also recorded under T5 during the same period of experimentation. From the above experiment, it may be concluded that the soil application of Seaweed Extract in granular formulation @ 4kg ha-1 has a positive influence on growth, yield and quality of black cumin.

Growth and Yield of Komak Beans (Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet) with Application of Photosynthetic Bacteria PNSB under Shade

The research was conducted to determine the effect of the application of PNSB on the growth and yield of komak beans under shade. The experiment was arranged in a Split Plot Design, consisting of two factors, namely shade as the Main Plot and concentration of PNSB as Sub-Plots. The shade consists of two levels (no shade and 50% shade). The PNSB concentration consists of three levels (0; 5; and 10 mL L-1). Each treatment was carried out with four replications. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance and continued with Duncan's Multiple Range Test at a 5% significance level. The results showed that the effect of shade was significantly different on stem diameter at 70 DAP, chlorophyll content (a, b, and total), and the number of dry seeds, very significantly different to stem diameter at 105 DAP, dry pod weight, number of dry pods, dry seed weight, and light intensity. 50% shade reduces the yield component even if PNSB is provided. The effect of PNSB was not significantly different on all variables, except for the number of leaves at 35 DAP and total N content. Application of PNSB 10 mL L-1 increased the number of leaves aged 35 DAP and the total N content, both without shade and with shade, increased total chlorophyll content with 50% shade, but decreased without shade.

Behavior of Several Peanut Genotypes Under Sunlight and Water Deficit Condition

Drought and shade stress often occur together in peanut plants. Sunlight and water are the main factors that determine the growth of peanut plants. This study aimed to determine the behavior of several peanut genotypes under conditions of sunlight and water deficit. This research was conducted using a Completely Randomized Design-Split Plot Design with three replications. The treatments to be tested were double stresses (sun light and water deficit) and no stress (control) factors as the main plot and peanut genotype factors, namely Takar-1, Domba, Bison, G2T5, and G19-UI as subplots. The results showed that the peanut genotypes had different behaviors under double stresses (sunlight and water deficit). Peanut plants under double stress caused a reduction in pod dry weight, number of pods, root dry weight, and chlorophyll-a levels compared to those without stress. Peanut genotype G19-UI resulted in the lowest percentage reduction in pod dry weight and number of pods per plant, namely 58.79% and 43.75% under double stresses, respectively

Screening and evaluation of bacterial endophytes of cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] for plant growth promotion and biocontrol potential

Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp], is a popular leguminous vegetable crop grown in the wetland fallows of Kerala, India. Web blight caused by Rhizoctonia solani has turned out to be a problem in cowpeas, leading to substantial yield loss. We isolated 22 endophytic bacteria from fodder cowpea var. Aiswarya and 16 from bush cowpea var. Bhagyalakshmi, and evaluated their plant growth promotion ability and potential for web blight pathogen suppression. Initially, the isolates were screened in vitro for their plant growth promotional traits and antagonism against R. solani. The potential isolates were identified as Bacillus subtilis, B. amyloliquefaciens and B. velezensis through 16S rDNA cataloguing. Plant growth-promoting traits like the production of IAA (Indole acetic acid), ammonia, phosphorus, and siderophore by the promising isolates were also investigated. B. amyloliquefaciens CBSE5 recorded the highest IAA (3.54 microgram/mL) and siderophore production. B. velezensis CBRE5 showed the highest ammonia (177.29 micro moles/mL) production and phosphate solubilization. In the in vivo assay, seed biopriming along with foliar application on 20 and 40 days after sowing, of a consortium of B. amyloliquefaciens CBSE5 and B. velezensis CBRE5 recorded maximum values for all growth parameters viz. shoot length, root length, shoot fresh weight, root fresh weight, shoot dry weight, root dry weight, pod yield and number of pods per plant. The present study reports for the first time the use of endophytic Bacillus spp. isolated from cowpeas as plant growth-promoting bacteria, with biocontrol potential against the web blight pathogen R. solani.

Influence of Growth Regulators Application on Seed Development and Maturation in Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan (L.)

The experiment was carried out at National Pulses Research Centre (NPRC), Vamban, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University to assess the effect of growth regulators foliar sprayon seed development and maturation in Pigeonpea VBN (Rg) 3. Plant growth regulators viz., GA3 (200 ppm) and chlormequat chloride(CCC) 200 ppm were sprayed at vegetative (65 DAS) and flowering stage (80 DAS). The plants without any foliar spraying treatment considered as control. When 50 percent of the plants in a population have reached bud initiation stage, the buds were tagged and collected at five days interval from 5th day upto45th days after initiation (DAI). The variation in pod colour, changes in pod length and weight, seed fresh and dry weight, moisture content, germination and seedling vigour were recorded at regular intervals of five days up to 45 days after flower initiation. The results revealed that the maximum pod length, fresh and dry weight of pod and seed, seed germination and seedling vigour was observed in pigeonpea at 30 days after floral initiation (DAI) in chlormequat chloride (CCC) 200 ppm foliar treatment. The control i.e. without any foliar treatment had attained the physiological maturity at 35 DAI by recording all the physiological parameters viz. maximum pod length, fresh and dry weight, seed germination and seedling vigour. In pigeonpea, application of CCC @ 200 ppm as foliar treatmentleadsto attain physiological maturity at 30 days after initiation of flowering (DAI) by recording the highest seed weight, germination and seedling dry weight over control.

Physiological and Morphological Response of Heavy Metal Stress in Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper

Introduction: Heavy metals such as manganese (Mn), magnesium (Mg), chromium (Cr), and nickel (Ni) negatively impact plant growth and productivity. Understanding plant responses to heavy metal stress is crucial for developing strategies to mitigate these effects in agriculture. Aim/Objectives: This study aims to investigate the impact of various heavy metals (Mn, Mg, Cr, and Ni) on the physiological and morphological responses of Vigna Mungo (L.) Hepper. Key objectives include evaluating the effects of different concentrations of these heavy metals on plant growth, productivity and photosynthetic efficiency. Method/Materials: A field experiment was conducted using a series of pots filled with soil, treated with different concentrations of MnCl2 , MgSO4 , Cr2 O3 , and Ni. Control samples without heavy metals were also maintained. Key parameters, including plant height, number of branches, number of pods, pod length, fresh and dry weight of pods, number of seeds per pod, weight of 100 seeds, root nodules, and chlorophyll content, were recorded and statistically analysed. Results: Heavy metal stress significantly inhibited plant growth and productivity, with decrease in plant height, number of branches, pods per plant, pod length, fresh and dry pod weight, and seeds per pod. High chromium concentrations prevented pod formation. Root nodules decreased, affecting nitrogen fixation. Chlorophyll content decreased in Mn, Ni, and Mg-treated plants but unexpectedly increased at higher Cr concentrations, indicating complex interactions with chlorophyll synthesis. Discussion: The findings show that heavy metal stress significantly inhibits plant growth and productivity, consistent with previous studies. Symptoms such as stunting, and chlorosis indicate disruptions in metabolic processes. This study underscores the need to monitor and manage heavy metal levels in agricultural soils to protect crop health and productivity. Developing soil remediation strategies and heavy metal-tolerant plant varieties is crucial for sustainable agriculture. Further research is needed to understand plant responses to heavy metal stress and enhance plant tolerance.

Research progress and mitigation strategies for pod shattering resistance in rapeseed.

Mature rapeseed pods typically shatter when harvested, resulting in approximately 8-12% yield loss. Adverse weather conditions and mechanized harvesting can diminish pod yield by up to 50%, primarily owing to delays in harvesting and mechanical collisions. The pod shatter resistance index (PSRI) assesses pod damage. Recent research focused on comparing pod shatter resistance among varieties, evaluating methods, and studying gene knockout mechanisms. However, there remains a pressing need to broaden the scope of research. In particular, it is essential to recognize that pod shatter, a complex trait, influenced by genetics, environment, agronomic practices, and harvest techniques. Future studies should integrate these factors to develop comprehensive strategies to mitigate pod shatter, enhancing rapeseed yields and agricultural mechanization. This review explores factors affecting pod shatter resistance and strategies to improve it. Scoping literature review that adhered to the methodological framework for systematic reviews was performed using search engines such as Google Scholar, Web of Science, and the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure. This review aimed to identify pertinent articles, which were subsequently subjected to thorough screening and evaluation. The protocol for this literature review involved the following key steps: definition of research questions, development of a search strategy, development of data extraction strategy, synthesis of the extracted data, and organization and analysis of the extracted data. The review presents strategies for enhancing rapeseed yield during mechanized harvesting, focusing on four key areas: (i) selecting and breeding shatter-resistant varieties using DNA markers to establish a robust germplasm resource; (ii) optimizing cultivation technologies and agronomic measures to elicit favorable interactions between compact plant-type genotypes and the environment, thereby facilitating nutrient-related regulatory mechanisms of rapeseed pods to improve pod dry weight and resistance; (iii) innovating combine header design and structure to better suit rapeseed harvesting; and (iv) providing training for operators to enhance their harvesting skills. These comprehensive measures aim to minimize yield loss, increase production efficiency. To effectively reduce yield loss during mechanized harvesting of rapeseed, it is crucial to enhance resistance to pod shattering by addressing both internal physiological factors and external environmental conditions. This requires a holistic approach that includes genetic improvements, optimization of ecological conditions, careful cultivation management, and precise harvesting timing, along with ongoing research into traits related to machine harvesting to boost production efficiency and sustainability.

Field Assessment of Morphometric and Agronomic Characteristics of Fifteen Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) Varieties Under Agroecological Conditions of INERA Gimbi station, Democratic Republic of Congo

Aim: To evaluate morphometric and agronomic traits of fifteen groundnut varieties from germplasm of the National Pulses Program of Institut National pour l’Etude et la Recherche Agronomiques.
 Study Design: This study was conducted using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with fifteen treatments repeated three times.
 Place and duration of the study: The trial was conducted at Gimbi research station from March 9 to June 13, 2022. 
 Methodology: This study was conducted using fifteen varieties (treatments) replicated three times. Data collected concerned the percentage of seedlings that emerged, morphometric and agronomic parameters. 
 Results: Seeds emerged varied from 80.6 to 93.5%. Collar diameter varied from 8.7 to 10.1mm, and stem height from 40.5 to 55.1cm. Groundnut varieties flowered on 30 to 35 DAS, and pod maturity is reached on 90 to 98 DAS. Number of pods per plant varied from 10.2 to 16.6, and number of seeds per pod from 2.0 to 2.3. The weight of fresh pods per plot varied from 1,002.3 to 1,043.2g, and the weight of dry pods per plot from 742.3 to 858.7g. The 100-seed weight varied from 49.4 to 53.4g. Dry pods yield varied from 1,546.5 to 1,816.1kg/ha, and seeds yield from 1,376.8 to 1,642.4kg/ha. The principal component analysis figure explains reality with 55.32% information. The first axis explained explains 33.54% of the information, and the second axis explained explains 21.78% of the information. Ascending hierarchical classification grouped groundnut varieties into five classes.
 Conclusion: This study shows high variability in the behaviour of groundnut varieties used. Collar diameter and plant height development are continuous from the second to the eighth WAS, then practically fade from the tenth WAS. Groundnut varieties flowered, and pods reached maturity at the same time. Yield is positively correlated with the weight of dry pods and the weight of seeds per plot. Hierarchical classification revealed five distinct classes of groundnut varieties.

Impact of organic liquid fertilizers on growth and yield performance of Green Bean (<em>Phaseolus vulgaris</em> L.) in non-circulating hydroponic system

Non-circulating hydroponic systems are a type of soilless production system that has been found to be extremely productive, low-cost, water, land efficient, and well-suited to avoid fertilizer leaching and groundwater contamination. The experiment was conducted to study the effect of liquid organic nutrient solutions on Green Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivation in non-circulating hydroponic system. The experiment was laid out in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with seven treatments having fifteen replicates. The treatments were recommended inorganic fertilizer application (T1), ½ doses of Albert’s solution with 0.5% vermiwash (T2), 1% vermiwash (T3), 1.5% vermiwash (T4), 0.5% vegetable waste solution (T5), 1% vegetable waste solution (T6), 1.5% vegetable waste solution (T7) was used as media. The results revealed that plant height, number of leaves and branches per plant, leaf area, dry weight of leaves and length of pods were significantly (P<0.05) varied at 6th week after planting and it was high in T5. However, number of pods per plant, girth of pods, fresh and dry weight of pods and yield were high in T2 at 3rd picking while yield at 1st and 2nd picking were high in T5. This result suggests that ½ doses of Albert’s solution with 0.5% vegetable waste solution (T5) and ½ doses of Albert’s solution with 0.5% vermiwash (T2) would be the potential source of plant nutrients for sustainable crop production of bean in Non-circulating Hydroponic system.

The Application of Compost Extract and Biopesticide in Three Different Varieties of Soybean (Glycine max L.)

Soybeans are high in protein and vegetable oil. However, soil fertility, among other factors, has resulted in low production. This study aimed to compare the effects of shrimp shells compost extract (EKKU) and Mushroom Substrate Media Compost Extract (EKMTJ) fertilizers in combination with bio-insecticides with active ingredients from Beauveria bassiana on the growth and production of soybean. This was a factorial randomised design study with two factors. The first factor was compost extract, with P1: EKKU and P2: EKMTJ. Furthermore, the second factor is a dosage of bioinsecticides with B. bassiana active ingredients of 1 litre/ha (B1) and 2 litres/ha (B2). The results showed that the application of shrimp shell compost extract (EKKU) combined with 2 litres/ha bioinsecticide gave the best results in plant height and shoot weight. On the other hand, the application of mushroom substrate medium compost extract (EKMTJ) gave the best results for wet and dry weight of plant pods and canopy dry weight.

Effect of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria on growth and yield of Arachis hypogaea L. in varied soil types

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is widely cultivated both in monoculture and polyculture (usually with corn) on dry land in Madura. Generally, the soil types of Madura are grumusol, regosol, and mediterranean. These three types of soil each have different physical and chemical properties. The effect of the addition of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria on the three soil types is unknown. The study aimed to determine the response of peanut plant growth due to the addition of phosphate solubilizing bacteria, Pseudomonas fluorescens, in three different soil types. The research was conducted in the experimental garden of Agroecotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Trunojoyo Madura. The research design used a non-factorial completely randomized design (CRD) with six treatments and four replications. The treatment consisted of three types of soil, namely regosol, grumosol, and mediteran as well as with and without the addition of P. fluorescens. The results showed that the treatment had a significant effect on the parameters of plant height, number of leaves, number of pods, pod dry weight, seed weight, above-ground biomass, root dry weight, and plant P content. The treatment did not show a significant effect on the root-canopy ratio and P. fluorescens population parameters.

Evaluation of Moringa (Moringa oliefera. Lam) Genotypes for Seed Oil Yield and Quality

A study was carried out at the Department of Vegetable Science, Horticultural College and Research Institute, Periyakulam,2022 in ten moringa genotypes to assess pod, seed characters, seed oil yield, and quality. In pod characters, among ten genotypes PKM MO-3 recorded the highest pod length (75 cm) & fresh pod weight (154 g), PKM MO 7 recorded the highest dry pod weight (37 g), PKM MO 2 recorded the highest pod girth (7.7 cm) and PKM MO 9 recorded the lowest pod length, fresh pod weight, Number of seeds per pod and pod yield per tree. In seed characters PKM MO 3 registered the highest seed length (0.92 cm), seed width(0.79cm), seed diameter(1.20cm) and PKM MO 10 recorded the lowest highest seed length (0.72 cm), seed width (0.64 cm) and seed diameter (0.96 cm). The moringa seed oil composition extracted with different methods such as the expeller pressed method, soxhlet extraction method, and Clevenger extraction method were compared. The oil yield obtained by expeller, soxhlet, and Clevenger was 27.84, 26.1, and 25.35 percent respectively. Also, specific gravity, density, viscosity, and refractive index were measured by different methods of oil extraction in ten genotypes. These results promoted the use of expeller expeller-pressed method for the extraction of high-quality moringa oil.

Study the Genetic Performance of Some Faba Bean Genotypes Under Mosul Condition, Iraq.

Throughout the agricultural season fall 2020/2021, research has been carried out in the vegetable research field of the Dept. of Horticulture and Landscaping, Univ. of Mosul, to investigate the genetic performance of several Faba bean genotypes under consideration of Mosul conditions. Seeds of 7 bean cultivars were sown (S2009-175, FBSPN2, Aguadulce, ILD1814, Histal, Favada Orio, and Luzde otono). The genotypes differed considerably in all of the examined variables at a probability threshold of 5%, according to the results of an ANOVA table analysis of sources of variance. The genotype FBSPN2 has been superior in characteristics of plant height and seed yields regarding each of the experimental units. S2009-175 produced the maximum number of dry pods for each plant, Favada Orio in the trait of seed length and pod weight, and Histal produced the maximum diameter of a pod and number of seeds in each one of the pods and diameter of seed for each experimental unit. The genetic and phenotypic variance was high for the weight of the pods for each one of the plants, the weight of 100 seeds, and the height of the plant, according to the results of the genetic parameter analysis, and the percentage of heritability in a broader sense had exceeded 60% for the traits, number of pods, and plant length. For the experimental unit, dry pod weight for each plant, dry pods per plant, seed diameter, pod length and diameter, dry seed yield, and 100-seed weight were all high, and genetic improvement for pod weight, seed weight, and weight of a 100-seeds was high as well. Keywords: Faba bean, Seed properties, Genetic parameter, Genotypes, Heritability

Soybean breeding in southwestern China improved P and N utilization efficiencies by increasing phosphorus and nitrogen partitioning to pods

IntroductionSoybean breeding in southwestern China has vastly improved soybean yields with the increasing demand for nutrients such as phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N). This study aimed to assess the impact of soybean breeding on P and N utilization efficiencies.MethodsField experiments with split-plot experimental designs were conducted at two locations [Dafang (DF) and Shiqian (SQ)] in the 2019 growing season to determine the agronomic efficiency of P fertilizer (AEp), P and N utilization efficiencies, and P and N accumulation and partitioning in different soybean organs under 0 (P0) and 35 (P35) kg ha−1 P supply.ResultsThe results showed that soybean breeding targeting high seed yield also improved AEp (p < 0.05) and P (p < 0.05) and N utilization efficiencies (p < 0.05), with the improvement in AEp associated with the high yield response to P supply. P and N accumulation significantly increased in pods (p < 0.05) and leaves (p < 0.05) but not in stems or roots with year of release, while P and N concentrations did not change in any organ with year of release. In addition, only pod dry weight significantly increased (p < 0.01) with year of release, and P and N partitioning increased to pods (p < 0.05) but decreased to stems (p < 0.05) with year of release. Correlation and PCA analyses revealed P and N utilization efficiencies positively correlated with P and N partitioning to pods but negatively correlated with P and N partitioning to stems. While P supply increased P and N accumulation, it reduced P utilization efficiency.DiscussionWe conclude that (1) soybean breeding improved AEp and P and N utilization efficiencies; (2) the increased P and N partitioning to pods but decreased partitioning to stems contributed to the high P and N utilization efficiencies in new soybean cultivars, reducing the demand for N and P; (3) P supply increased nutrient accumulation but reduced P utilization efficiency. These results highlight the significance of appropriate resource allocation among organs and efficient P management for enhancing nutrient utilization and reducing fertilizer requirements.

The Impact of Chitosan and Tithonia Diversifolia Compost on the Growth and Yield of Peanut Plants (Arachis hypogaea L.)

This study aims to investigate the combined impact of Chitosan and Tithonia (Tithonia diversifolia) Compost on the Growth and Yield of Peanut Plants (Arachis hypogaea L.). A factorial randomized block design (RBD) was utilized for the experiment. The first factor was Tithonia compost in quantities of 0 tons/ha-1, 5 tons/ha-1, and 10 tons/ha-1. The second factor was Chitosan, applied at three dosage levels: 0 ml/l water, 3 ml/l water, and 6 ml/l water. The results suggest that the use of Tithonia compost effectively enhances plant height, flowering age, harvest age, 100-seed weight, and dry pod weight per hill when applied at a dose of 10 tons/ha. Furthermore, Chitosan administration was found to increase the number of effective root nodules when used at a concentration of 6 ml/l water. The interaction between Tithonia compost and Chitosan also resulted in an extended flowering life and an increase in dry pod weight per hill of peanut plant. Based on these findings, we recommend using 10 tons/ha of Tithonia compost and 3 ml/l water of Chitosan in peanut cultivation for optimal results.

Seed molybdenum concentration and yield of cowpea as influenced by foliar application of sodium molybdate and soil application of simple superphosphate

Cowpea is a legume rich in amino acids and proteins, cultivated worldwide. However, the crop has low grain yield, which is attributed to inadequate management of fertilizers. Therefore research was conducted to evaluate the effect of phosphorus applied via soil and molybdenum via leaves on productivity and seed molybdenum concentration of cowpea. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse, in a 4 x 4 factorial scheme: Molybdenum doses (Mo) (0, 100, 250 or 500 g ha−1 of sodium molybdate) and doses of phosphorus (0, 50, 100 or 150 kg P2O5 ha−1), in a randomized block design, with four replications. Mo applications were split in the flowering and maturation phase to ensure the best absorption of micronutrients. At the end of maturation, pod length, pod mass, number of grains per pod, 100 grain mass, grain yield, seed molybdenum and concentration were measured. There was a significant interaction between the doses of phosphorus and molybdenum for pod length and number of grains per pod with increments in production and optimal dose estimated at 374.15 g ha−1 of molybdenum and 123.43 kg ha−1 of phosphorus. Phosphate fertilization increases grain yield, pod dry weight and 100-grain weight by 41%, 51% and 20%, respectively, compared to the control treatment. The splitting of molybic fertilization is an effective way to increase the nutrient concentration in the seed, which leads to a reduction in the cost of producing Mo-rich seeds, without causing toxic effects on plants.