Pod Weight Research Articles

Effects of GA3 on Growth, Yield and Pigments Content of Mungbean (Vigna Radiata l. Wilczek)

A field trial was carried to explore the effect of GA3 (foliar, seed soaking or both) on growth, yield and photosynthetic pigments content of BARI Mung-6. The trial comprised of ten treatments viz. T0 = Control (Distilled water), T1, T2 and T3 = seed soaking with 25, 50 and 100 ppm GA₃ respectively; T4, T5 and T6 = foliar spray of 25, 50 and 100 ppm GA₃ respectively; T7 = 12.5 ppm GA₃ as seed soaking + 12.5 ppm GA₃ as foliar spray, T8 = 25 ppm GA₃ as seed soaking + 25 ppm GA₃ as foliar spray and T9 = 50 ppm GA₃ as seed soaking + 50 ppm GA₃ as foliar spray. Results revealed that foliar spray of 50 ppm GA₃ produced significantly taller plant (48.0 cm) than all other treatments although statistically identical to 25 ppm foliar treatment. The maximum number of branches (5.17) and leaves per plant (17.33), highest dry weight of leaves (0.73 g) and roots were noted from 25 ppm foliar application. Foliar application of 25 ppm GA3 also produced higher shoot-root ratio, biomass duration, absolute growth rate and relative growth rate than control. Outcome indicated that the highest number of pods per plant (5.50), longest pod (8.01cm), highest fresh (3.60 g) and dry weight (2.99 g) of pods, maximum number of seeds per plant (49.00), 1000-seed weight (47.72 g), yield per plant (2.34 g), yield per hectare (0.78 ton) and harvest index (62.46%) were obtained from 25 ppm foliar GA3 treatment. Increase in yield per plant due to foliar application of 25 ppm GA3 was 42.88% higher than control followed by seed soaking with 50 ppm (18.29%), 50 ppm foliar + 50 ppm seed soaking (13.42%) and seed soaking with 25 ppm (10.37%) treatments, respectively. Pigments content of leaves was remarkably influenced by GA3 treatments but varies depending on the methods application, concentration and plant growth. Out of ten treatments, foliar spray of 25 ppm GA3 produced better stimulation. J. Asiat. Soc. Bangladesh, Sci. 50(1-2): 113-123, June-December 2024

Effect of irrigation systems on the growth parameters of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) cultivars in N’Djamena city, Chad

The study was conducted during the winters of 2021 and 2022 at the research farm of the Higher Teachers Training School of N’Djamena, Chad. The aim of the present investigation is to evaluate the growth and productivity traits of four cultivars of cowpea plant (white, black, red, and versicolor) in response to two different irrigation periods (3 and 6 days). The experiment is a factorial with four cowpea cultivars (White, Black , Red and versicolor) in the main plot in a Randomize Complete Block Design (RCBD) and irrigation intervals (3 and 6 days) as the subplot with three replications. Our data demonstrated that the black variety was much superior in leaf surface area (15942.37 cm2), wet weight (343.75 g), dry weight (96 g), number of pods (71.50), weight of pods (137.50 g), number of seeds (475), and total productivity was 2.47 tons/ha. On the other hand, the versicolor variety was superior in the plant height (197 cm), number of leaves (138.75), pod length (15.50 cm), number of seeds in the pod (8.25), while the white variety had the highest average weight for 100 seeds (26.30 g). The same results also, indicated that the irrigation rate for three days was better than that for six days in terms of plant height (162.75 cm), number of leaves (108.37), leaf surface area (12553.72 cm2), wet weight (309.37 g), dry weight (73.25 g), pod length (14.50 cm), weight of seeds per pod (72 g), number of seeds per plant (241.50) and the productivity was 1.29 tons/ha. Finally, the study suggests planting the black and versicolor varieties in N'Djamena city during winter season in order to get the maximum yield by surface irrigation every three days.

Selection criteria and yield stability in a large collection of African yam bean [Sphenostylis stenocarpa (Hochst ex. A. Rich) Harms] accessions

Abstract African yam bean (AYB) is an underutilized legume with significant potential for food security in sub-Saharan Africa, yet limited research exists on optimizing its seed yield through selective breeding. In this study, the seed yield (SY) performance and relative importance of some yield-related traits on SY in AYB were assessed. One hundred and ninety-six accessions of AYB were evaluated for 2 years in three agro-ecologies of Nigeria. The experimental design was a 14 × 14 lattice design with three replicates. Data were recorded on SY and 13 SY-related traits. Positive significant genotypic correlations were found between SY and 11 of these traits. Pod length (PL) had a negative significant relationship (rg = −0.44**) with SY. Path coefficient analysis identified days to maturity (DM), pod weight (PW), shelling percentage (SP), number of seeds per pod (NSPD), 100-seed weight (HSW) and seed thickness (ST) as traits with positive direct effects on SY. The additive main effect and multiplicative interaction analysis revealed highly significant accession, environment, accession × environment interaction and interaction principal components effects for SY. Accessions TSs-119, TSs-101, 138A, TSs-4, TSs-157A and TSs-61 were identified as superior and stable, and should be considered for further breeding purposes. Selection criteria for improved SY in AYB should include DM, PW, SP, NSPD, HSW and ST. The identified stable, high-yielding accessions and key yield-related traits provide a framework for accelerating AYB improvement across diverse agro-ecologies.

Effects of Different Types of Pinching in Growth and Yield of Two Varieties of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) in Pokhara, Kaski, Nepal

This study was conducted in Pokhara, Kaski, Nepal in 2023 to investigate the effects of different pinching types and okra varieties on various growth and yield parameters. Treatments were arranged under a two-factor Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The treatments includes two okra varieties (Arka Anamika and Parbati) and 4 pinching types (apical bud pinching (P1), ABP along with 1 leaf pinching (P2), and ABP along with 2 leaf pinching (P3) and control (P4)). Parbati has exhibited a higher plant height (80.78 cm) than Arka Anamika (72.35 cm). Similarly, the P4 pinching type resulted in the tallest plant (85.91 cm). The P1 pinching type demonstrated the highest number of primary branches (4.87), while the control plots had the lowest (3.00). Arka Anamika showed a higher leaf count (40.77) than Parbati (37.19). Notably, the P1 recorded the highest leaf count (43.41), followed by P2 (37.19), with the control plots showing the lowest leaf count (32.76). The findings reveal the significant impact of pinching treatments on yield. Pinching type P1 produced the highest yield of 15.45 mt/ha, whereas the control group yielded the lowest at 9.31 mt/ha, which was comparable to the yield observed for pinching type P3 at 10.83 mt ha-1. P1 also exhibited the highest number of pods per plant (15.90). Varieties and pinching methods exhibited notable interactions in average pod weight, diameter, and length. P1 displayed the widest pods (5.97 cm), whereas P2 had the longest (13.18 cm). Additionally, it can be noted that P3 yielded the heaviest pods at 16.16g when compared to P2, which yielded 14.09 g. Pinching treatments significantly influenced number of days to flowering, with P3 demonstrating the longest duration. Economic analysis was performed for evaluating technical efficiency, facilitating informed and sustainable decisions. Economically, P1 demonstrated superior performance, yielding a higher gross return of NPR 540,808.3, a net return of NPR 418,708.3, and a benefit-cost ratio of 4.43.

Characterization of 20 Mung bean (<i>Vigna radiata</i> L.) genotypes in Owerri, South Eastern Nigeria

The problem of protein deficit in the diets of individuals in South-eastern Nigeria led to exploring affordable plant-based protein sources, hence, the introduction of Mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) to curb this issue. Mung bean seeds were sown on ridges and the experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design replicated thrice. Data generated on agronomical and morphological characters were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) which revealed significant differences (p<0•05) amongst characters and Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) was utilized for the separation of means. Results showed higher variations existed in agronomic characters like: days to 50% seedling emergence, seedling vigour, number of pod cluster, plant height at maturity, 10 pod weight(g), 100 seed weight(g), seed yield/plant(g), yield/plant(g) and yield in kg/ha. Considerable variations subsisted for characters including: number of primary branches, plant height at maturity, pod length, and number of seeds per pod. However, low to no variation was present in days to 50% seedling emergence, days to 50% flowering, days to first pod maturity, primary leaflet length and width and terminal leaflet length and width. Euclidean Distance Cluster Analysis grouped the genotypes in six clusters; Cluster IV had maximum genotypes (six), while Clusters V and VI possessed only one genotype in each. The closest intra-cluster distance was observed between Tvr1172 and Tvr125 and the maximum inter-cluster distance existed between Tvr10 and Tvr161. We recommend that more research should be done in other agricultural areas to give more universally acceptable findings.

Influence of Nano Urea on Growth Yield and Nutrient Uptake of Blackgram

Background: There is no doubt that the enormous increase in global food production is a direct result of greater use of inorganic fertilizers. However, a number of research studies indicate that the rising use of conventional fertilizers has resulted in major environmental risks, including soil and water body contamination. Nanotechnology and nano-fertilizers have recently been used in agriculture to create healthier solutions. Therefore, there is a pressing need to improve the N availability for plants, while reducing its harmful effects to the soil and environment. Methods: Keeping this point of view, the pot culture experiment was carried out to study the “Impact of nano-urea (Liquid) on blackgram (VBN 8) (Vigna mungo L.) Productivity” with an objective of study the influence of Nano-Urea on growth and yield attributes of Blackgram. The experiment was conducted at Vanavarayar Institute of Agriculture, Pollachi during the Kharif (June-September) season of 2022 and 2023. The treatment includes application of various level of nano urea (1.25 litres ha-1) as foliar spray and soil application along with recommended dose of P and K in comparison with RDF and control (without any nutrient). The treatments were replicated three times in a completely randomized block design. Result: Among the different treatment combination, application of nano-urea (Liquid) 1.25 litres ha-1 as Foliar Spray (FS) (IFFCO) + P and K RDF (T2) resulted in higher pod weight (4.1 and 6.2 g plant-1) and seed weight (3.2 and 3.6 g plant-1) in 2022 and 2023, respectively. Application of nano-urea (Liquid) 1.25 litres ha-1 as Foliar Spray (FS) + PandK RDF responded equally with RDF + Urea 1% foliar spray on better growth and development of blackgram. At the critical juncture, adequate nitrogen from nano-urea would have ensured a steady supply of nitrogen, stimulating meristematic activity and cell elongation in plants and improving the crop performance.

Synergistic Impact of Biochar and Organic Amendments on Field Bean (Vicia faba) Growth and Soil Characteristics

Many studies have explored the effects of various biochar types and their combinations with inorganic fertilizers, but few have focused on identifying the most effective organic amendments when used with biochar in sandy loam soil. This study aims to determine the impact of different biochar doses combined with organic amendments on plant growth and yield (Vicia faba) in sandy loam soil. Biochar doses of 15, 20, and 25 t/ha were applied in combination with organic amendments such as farmyard manure (FYM), vermicompost (VC), Ghanajeevamruth (GA), and their various combinations. The effectiveness of these treatments was compared to the use of biochar alone. Results indicated that the combination of biochar and organic amendments significantly increased average pod number (by 36.19% to 88.63%) and pod weight (by 24.11% to 83.18%) compared to biochar alone. Higher biochar doses consistently resulted in increased pH levels in the soil, regardless of the organic amendment used. Additionally, biochar combined with organic amendments led to higher nutrient levels, including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sulfur, compared to biochar alone. The study concluded that biochar, particularly in combination with Ghanajeevamruth, had superior effects on plant growth and yield. The choice of amendment and biochar dose significantly influenced soil pH, nutrient availability, bulk density, and water holding capacity. These findings confirm the potential of combining biochar with organic amendments to enhance soil fertility and agricultural productivity, offering valuable strategies for sustainable nutrient management in sandy loam soils.

Effects of soil physicochemical properties on sweet corn quality in western Thailand

Thailand exports the greatest amount of sweet corn globally; however, its value per unit is low. Soil property knowledge can help to produce sweet corn with the best nutrition and taste qualities that could improve its value. This study investigated the association between soil properties and sweet corn qualitative attributes in western Thailand. Soils and sweet corn samples were taken from 8 soil series at 47 sites in the dry season. Disturbed and undisturbed soil samples were collected and analyzed using physicochemical methods. Five selected sweet corn samples were determined for pod weight without husk, ß carotene concentration, and total soluble solids. Principal component analysis with varimax rotation was used to determine the most important variables and patterns among the physicochemical properties. Three components with eigenvalues greater than 1 explained more than 66% of the total variance. The linear mixed model showed that ß carotene concentration and total soluble solids were linearly correlated with only one principal component factor (R2 = 56.6 and 64.6%, respectively), whereas there were no significant associations for total yield nor pod weight without husk with any of the principal component factors. Cluster analysis indicated that most of the soil sites were Oxyaquic Haplustalfs, Aeric Endoaqualfs, and Typic Haplustalfs with moderately well drained, and producing high-quality sweet corn. These findings should inform land use planning to improve the quality of sweet corn plantations in the dry season in western Thailand.

The role of nano fertilizers and compost in improving agricultural soil properties and their impact on faba bean productivity

The research aimed to assess the effects of NPK nano-fertilizers and compost, with or without NPK mineral fertilizers, on soil properties and the productivity of local beans. The results showed that when nano-fertilizers and compost were applied, there were increases in plant height (cm), number of branches per plant, number of pods per plant, pod weight (ton/acre), and 100-seed weight compared to when mineral fertilizers were used at different concentrations. The interaction of NPK nano-fertilizers with organic manure, along with NPK mineral fertilizers, increased protein levels with the increasing rate of NPK mineral fertilizers. Additionally, the interaction of NPK nano-fertilizers with organic manure increased proline content in seeds with the increasing rate of different mineral fertilizers. Overall, the application of NPK nano-fertilizers was found to improve soil fertility and increase crop productivity.

Correlation and Path Coefficient Studies of Yield and Its Contributing Traits in Groundnut (Arachis hypogea L.)

Groundnut is currently a major industrial oilseed crop with good commercial significance. It is highly variable in phenotypic characters and thus it is important to investigate the variations and associations of these morphological features. Ten confectionary type advanced breeding lines along with two checks (Kadiri chitravathi and Kadir-7) were raised in a randomized block design with three replications and they were evaluated for 15 characters. Significant variations were observed among the genotypes for all the characters studied. The highest genotypic coefficient of variation was observed for hundred pod weight and hundred pod kernel weight indicating the presence of wide range of variation for this character. The dry pod yield per plant had significant positive association with hundred pod kernel weight, kernel yield per plot and positive association with plant height, no. of pods per plant and hundred pod weight. Path coefficient analysis revealed that, hundred pod weight reported the highest positive direct effect on pod yield per plot followed by hundred pod kernel weight, kernel yield per plot, days to maturity, days to 50 % flowering, plant height, final plant count and initial plant count indicating that the selection for these characters was likely to bring about an overall improvement in pod yield per plot directly.

Determining the optimal gamma irradiation dose for developing novel cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) genotypes

Purpose Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) is a major legume crops for human consumption and livestock feed in tropical regions. Although its importance, the crop’s production is subjected to numerous constraints, raising the need to develop outstanding genotypes. In this line, this study assesses the effects of gamma irradiation doses on cowpea genotypes to determine the LD50 and its effects on agro-morphological parameters. Materials and methods Healthy dry seeds of three cowpea genotypes, Bambey 21, Me51-M4-39M9, and Ndout violet pods (VP), were exposed to four doses of gamma-rays 0, 200, 300, and 400 Gy. Qualitative and quantitative parameters were evaluated since germination, and a two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed on the means of quantitative traits using R software. Results The results revealed that the LD50 on seed germination and plant survival ranged from 579 and 446.25 Gy, in Me51-M4-39M9, respectively. These values varied significantly among genotypes and revealed that low doses of gamma irradiation stimulated germination speed and had a positive effect on the early flowering of Ndout VP. Higher doses of gamma irradiation induced more severe mutations, causing visible effects such as changes in leaf color (albino, xantha, viridis, and variegation) and phyllotaxis. The frequency of chlorophyll mutants induced by gamma irradiation was found to be dose-genotype/dependent, with Bambey 21 being the most sensitive variety. Lower doses induced desirable mutations such as stem pigmentation and seed hilum coloration on Bambey 21 and Me51-M4-39M9. It has also had a positive impact on seedling height and leaf number in Bambey 21 and Ndout VP. However, high irradiation doses lead to a significant reduction in certain quantitative traits, such as plant height (PH), leaf length (LL), leaf width (LW), pod width (PWD), pod weight (PW), seed width (SWD), and seed weight. Analysis of the phenotypic performance of quantitative traits allowed us to cluster the four doses by genotype into three groups. Conclusions The optimum dose of gamma-irradiation in cowpea mutation breeding is genotype-dependent. The effects of gamma-irradiation on these traits and their relationships are highly dependent on the specific crop and genotype. Further research is needed to understand these effects underlying mechanisms and develop crop improvement strategies using gamma irradiation.

Unravelling the Genetic Complexity: Enhancing MYMV Resistance in Blackgram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper] Through Trait-based Selection

Background: Limited genetic diversity in blackgram, stemming from its common ancestry with greengram, presents challenges in combating Mungbean Yellow Mosaic Virus (MYMV), leading to yield stagnation. To address this, genetic screening and selection of segregating generations in F2 are essential for refining resistance traits with enhancing productivity. Methods: A two-season experiment was conducted in Panpoli, Tamil Nadu, during the Kharif 2021 and Kharif 2022 in a randomized block design using, F2 seeds from specific crosses (MDU 1 × Mash 114 and ADT 3 × PU 31), along with F1 and parent plants. MYMV disease scores were recorded using the infector row method for all the genotypes studied. Result: The study unveiled a complex genetic basis of MYMV resistance in blackgram, characterized by di-genic dominant genes displaying duplicative dominance type of epistatic interaction. This complexity underscores the insufficiency of simple selection methods. Estimates of genetic variability for “number of pods per plant” exhibited high genetic advance and moderate heritability, indicating control by additive genes. Positive correlations were observed between plant height, number of clusters per plant and number of pods per plant with yield. Path analysis revealed that traits like number of seeds per pod, 100 seed weight and number of pods per plant directly and positively influenced yield, which exhibit minimal influence from MYMV. These traits offer crucial selection criteria for enhancing MYMV resistance in blackgram.

Genetic Variability and Association Analysis for Various Quantitative Traits in Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik. ssp. culinaris)

Background: Lentil (microsperma) is the earliest domesticated grain legume grown for its lens shaped seeds. The current study was carried out to assess genetic variability, trait association between seed yield and its attributing components and to assess the direct and indirect effects of various attributing components on seed yield. Methods: The current experiment evaluated hundred lentil germplasm lines with three checks in augmented design across two environments viz., timely sown (E1) and late sown (E2) during rabi 2022-23. The data was recorded on 11 quantitative traits and all the statistical analyses were done using R studio. Result: High PCV and GCV coupled with high heritability and genetic advance as percent of mean was observed for seed yield per plant, biological yield per plant, 100 seed weight and number of pods per plant suggesting that these traits are genetically controlled by additive gene action and their direct selection is effective. Path analysis revealed that biological yield per plant, harvest index, number of primary branches, seeds per pod and days to flowering were the highest positive direct contributors to the seed yield. Based on the observations of the present study, genotypes PL 105, LH 18-03, IPL 406, LH 18-38, LH 18-42, LH 18-45 and LH 18-46 were found to be better performing under timely sown conditions. Similarly, genotypes LH 09-18, LH 09-19, LH 09-20, LH 09-26, LH 09-27, WBL 77 and Kota Masoor 2 were found superior under late sown conditions.

The Effect of doses of Natural Super Phospate Fertilizer and Potassium on the Growth and Yield of Peanut Plants (Arachis hypogaea L.)

The purpose of the study was to determine the proper dosage of natural phosphate and potash fertilizers for peanut growth and yield. This research was conducted in Tanjung Village, Darul Hasanah District, Southeast Aceh Regency from October to December 2020. This study used 3x3 factorial randomized block design (RBD) with 3 repeats. The results showed that the dose of Natural Super Phosphat fertilizer had a significant effect on the weight of 100 dry seeds of peanut plants. The highest growth and soaking of dried peanut seeds tends to be obtained at a dose of Natural Super Phospat 100 kg P205 I ha. The dose of potash fertilizer had no significant effect on plant height at the age of 15, 30 and 45 watersheds, the number of well-fused pods per clump, the number of empty pods per clump, the weight of dry pods per clump, the weight of 100 dry seeds, the weight of dry seeds per net plot and the weight of dry seeds per hectare. Better growth and yield of dry seeds in peanut plants tend to be obtained with a dose of potash fertilizer of 75 kg K20 I ha. There is an insignificant interaction between the dose treatment of Natural Super Phosphate fertilizer and the dose of potassium fertilizer.

GROWTH AND YIELD RESPONSES OF SOYBEAN (Glycine max L.) TO ZINC OXIDE (ZnO) NANOPARTICLES FOLIAR APPLICATION

Aim. This study was purposed to investigate the effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) on the growth and yield performance of two soybean (Glycine max L.) varieties, TGX1904-6F and TGX1951-3F, under controlled experimental conditions. Methods. Zinc oxide nanoparticles were synthesized and characterized following standard protocols, and their effects were evaluated across five treatment levels (20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 ppm) in a completely randomized design with five replicates. Growth parameters, including plant height, leaf morphology, stem diameter, and branch number, were assessed alongside phenological and yield traits such as days to flowering, flower production, pod metrics, and seed weights. The results revealed significant improvements in plant growth and yield metrics at intermediate ZnO NP concentrations, with enhancements observed in plant height, branch number, pod weight, and seed yield. Specifically, 60 ppm ZnO NP treatment resulted in the highest branch production, while 40 and 80 ppm treatments significantly promoted floral and pod development. Conversely, higher concentrations (100 ppm) exhibited inhibitory effects on plant height and leaf morphology, suggesting potential toxicity at elevated ZnO NP levels. Statistical analyses, including one-way ANOVA and Pearson’s correlation, confirmed significant treatment effects (P ≤ 0.05) on growth and yield parameters, highlighting the critical role of dose optimization. Conclusions. The findings underscore the potential of ZnO NPs as a novel agricultural supplement to enhance soybean productivity while emphasizing the need for balanced application to mitigate toxicity risks. This study contributes valuable insights into sustainable farming practices, leveraging nanotechnology to optimize crop performance and address global food security challenges.

Efficacy of rhizobacteria to enhance the growth of Vigna mungo (L.)

Vigna mungo (L.), commonly known as black gram, is a highly nutritious crop most commonly found in Asia. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of the Bacillus strains on the growth parameters of the plant. Biochemical characterization of the bacterial strains was carried out. After that, a seed germination assay was carried out in vitro. For this purpose, seeds were treated with the monocultures and mixed cultures (Z-06+Z-43, Z-06+Z-07, Z-02+Z-43, Z-02+Z-07) of bacterial strains for 1 week. Monocultures showed a germination percentage in the range of 14%-50% while the mixed cultures showed a germination percentage in the range of 33%-100%. Auxin bioassay was carried out in which strains were inoculated in the medium containing tryptophan and also without tryptophan. Z-07 and Z-43 gave 83.3% and 62.5% more promising results than Z-02 and Z06. Analysis of auxin-producing strains was done by FTIR (Fourier Transformed Infrared spectroscopy). A pot trial was carried out of the auxin-producing strains in monocultures and mixed cultures. Two harvestings were done after 1 month and 2 months, respectively. In both harvestings, plant parameters were measured including shoot length, fresh weight, dry weight, and number of pods. It was shown that plant growth parameters were improved after treating the seeds with the bacterial cultures. Z-07 and Z-43 gave more promising results in auxin bioassay and increase in plant growth parameters. So, these strains can be used in agricultural applications.

Cultivar’s Response to Rhizobium and Phosphorus Solubilizing Bacteria for Nodulation, Growth and Yield in Garden Pea (Pisum sativum var. Hortense)

Background: The research, conducted throughout the 2019-20 period, aims to investigate the response of garden pea cultivars to rhizobium and phosphorus solubilizing bacteria (PSB) in terms of nodulation, growth and yield. The objectives included examining the influence of rhizobium and PSB on nodulation ability and studying the yield response of different cultivars under co-inoculation. Additionally, the research attempted to investigate nitrogen and phosphate uptake in several garden pea cultivars. Methods: The experiment utilized a Split-Split plot design, with main plots comprising five pea cultivars (P-89, AP-3, Bonneville, Arka Kartliik and Arka Apoorva), sub-plots with rhizobium inoculationand sub-sub plots with PSB inoculations. Each variety had four treatments: Uninoculated control, rhizobium, PSB and rhizobium+PSB. Result: In terms of growth and yield metrics, AP-3 exhibited the quickest days to 50% flowering, whereas Arka Apoorva displayed the tallest plant height (109.93 cm). P-89 stood out in yield characteristics, including pod weight (7.34 g), number of pods per plant (41.99) and green pod yield (126.75 q/ha). Rhizobium and PSB co-inoculations were found to have a considerable impact on yield gains. Regarding quality metrics, Bonneville pods had the greatest TSS content (16.90 Brix) and AP-3 had the highest dry matter content (23.60%). Nodulation experiments found that P-89 had the maximum number of nodules per plant (75.56) and demonstrated the highest uptake of both nitrogen and phosphorus. Overall, the dual inoculation of Rhizobium + PSB outperformed single inoculation and the uninoculated control in all recorded parameters.

Maternal organokines throughout pregnancy as predictors of neonatal anthropometric characteristics and adiposity.

To evaluate the relation between maternal concentrations of progranulin (PGRN), adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein (AFABP), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) throughout pregnancy with neonatal weight and length at birth and at one month of age, as well as with the percentage of fat mass at one month of age. Besides, we evaluated the association between maternal organokine concentrations with pregestational nutritional status and gestational weight gain (GWG). Longitudinal study of 100 healthy pregnant women and their neonates. Conventional biochemical tests were performed and maternal organokine concentrations were measured by ELISA. Neonatal percent fat mass was determined using the PEA POD system, and weight and length were measured using a soft tape measure and a baby scale. Multiple linear regression models were made to predict neonatal anthropometric measurements and adiposity. In all women, PGRN concentrations significantly increased as pregnancy progressed, while AFABP concentrations increased until the third trimester and the highest BDNF concentrations were observed in the second trimester of pregnancy. In contrast, FGF21 concentrations did not change during pregnancy. Only maternal obesity was associated with some differences in AFABP and FGF21 concentrations. Gestational age at birth, maternal age and third-trimester PGRN concentrations predicted weight (gestational age at birth: β=0.11; maternal age: β=-0.033; PGRN: β=0.003, p<0.001) and, together with first-trimester BDNF concentrations, length (gestational age at birth: β=0.76; maternal age: β=-0.21; PGRN: β=0.24; BDNF: β=0.06, p<0.001) at birth. Maternal age and third-trimester BDNF concentrations predicted one-month-old neonate length (maternal age: β=-1.03; BDNF: β=0.45, p<0.001). Pregestational body mass index (pBMI), GWG, second-trimester FGF21 concentrations, and third-trimester AFABP concentrations predicted neonatal fat mass percentage (pBMI: β=-0.58; GWG: β=-0.32; FGF21: β=-0.004; AFABP: β=-1.27, p<0.001) at one month of age. Maternal PGRN, AFABP, and BDNF concentrations, but not FGF21, vary throughout pregnancy. These organokines and maternal characteristics can be useful in the prediction of neonatal weight, length, and percentage fat mass.

Assessing the genetic landscape of Kapok (Ceiba pentandra L. Gaertn) progeny trial: a cluster analysis for sustainable natural fibre resources

Ceiba pentandra, commonly known as the kapok tree or silk-cotton tree, exhibits diverse ecological roles, medicinal properties, economic value, and cultural significance. In this context, thirty-plus C. pentandra (kapok) trees were selected from various locations in the Theni and Dindigul districts of Southern Tamil Nadu based on superior traits by using the comparison tree method. Harvested pods provided seeds for establishing a progeny trial to evaluate seed source variation and other associated studies. Eleven traits were examined, including pod length, pod diameter, pod weight, shell weight, lint weight, floss weight, seed weight, number of seeds, tree height, girth at breast height, and number of branches. After two years and seven months, significant variations were observed among the genotypes in terms of biometric parameters and pod attributes of C. pentandra. Most characters, including pod weight, pod length, pod diameter, and floss weight, exhibited high heritability values and substantial genetic advances as a percentage of the mean. Cluster analysis categorized the thirty genotypes into four clusters. Notably, considering floss weight as a pivotal trait due to its significance as an alternate source of natural fibres, genotypes g28, g29, and g30 (originating from Sirumalai, Dindigul) were identified as superior to other genotypes. These genotypes can be utilized for further research programs to study genetic diversity at the genome level using advanced molecular tools.

Possible Impacts of Elevated CO2 and Temperature on Growth and Development of Grain Legumes

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the most abundant greenhouse gas (GHG) in the atmosphere and the substrate for the photosynthetic fixation of carbohydrates in plants. Increasing GHGs from anthropogenic emissions is warming the Earth’s atmospheric system at an alarming rate and changing its climate, which can affect photosynthesis and other biochemical reactions in crop plants favorably or unfavorably, depending on plant species. For the substrate role in plant carbon reduction reactions, CO2 concentration ([CO2]) in air potentially enhances photosynthesis. However, N uptake and availability for protein synthesis can be a potential limiting factor in enhanced biomass synthesis under enriched [CO2] conditions across species. Legumes are C3 plants and symbiotic N fixers and are expected to benefit from enhanced [CO2] in the air. However, the concurrent increase in air temperatures with enhanced [CO2] demands more detailed investigations on the effects of [CO2] enhancement on grain legume growth and yield. In this article, we critically reviewed and presented the online literature on growth, phenology, photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, productivity, soil health, and insect behavior under elevated [CO2] and temperature conditions. The review revealed that specific leaf weight, pod weight, and nodule number and weight increased significantly under elevated [CO2] of up to 750 ppm. Under elevated [CO2], two mechanisms that were affected were the photosynthesis rate (increased) and stomatal conductivity (decreased), which helped enhance water use efficiency in the C3 legume plants to achieve higher yields. Exposure of legumes to elevated levels of [CO2] when water stressed resulted in an increase of 58% in [CO2] uptake, 73% in transpiration efficiency, and 41% in rubisco carboxylation and decreased stomatal conductance by 15–30%. The elevated [CO2] enhanced the yields of soybean by 10–101%, peanut by 28–39%, mung bean by 20–28%, chickpea by 26–31%, and pigeon pea by 31–38% over ambient [CO2]. However, seed nutritional qualities like protein, Zn, and Ca were significantly decreased. Increased soil temperatures stimulate microbial activity, spiking organic matter decomposition rates and nutrient release into the soil system. Elevated temperatures impact insect behavior through higher plant feeding rates, posing an enhanced risk of invasive pest attacks in legumes. However, further investigations on the potential interaction effects of elevated [CO2] and temperatures and extreme climate events on growth, seed yields and nutritional qualities, soil health, and insect behavior are required to develop climate-resilient management practices through the development of novel genotypes, irrigation technologies, and fertilizer management for sustainable legume production systems.