Rachis Length Research Articles

Ceratozamia alba (Zamiaceae): A new cycad species from the Selva El Ocote Biosphere Reserve in Chiapas, Mexico

Ceratozamia alba sp. nov., a new cycad species from the Selva El Ocote Biosphere Reserve in northern Chiapas, Mexico, is described and compared to its congeners. Our earlier observations led us to think that these populations belonged to C. robusta, given their geographic location and the general morphological resemblance of adult individuals. However, seedlings and juveniles are more similar to C. santillanii, another geographically proximal species with which it has a sister relationship. We have determined that C. alba is easily distinguishable from other Ceratozamia species by the whitish-green emerging leaves that turn bluish green upon maturation, and the bluish green male and female mature cones. In addition, C. alba possesses several morphometric trait variations that are significantly different from the two geographically proximal species mentioned above, such as leaf number, leaflet number, petiole and rachis length, and median leaflet width. Ceratozamia alba should be considered as a critically endangered species (CR) due to its low population size, ongoing habitat destruction, and extremely narrow distribution range.

Optimizing the Growth and Flowering of Gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflorus L.) cv. Arka Amar: Date of Planting & Gibberellic Acid Effects

Twelve treatment combinations of the date of planting and gibberellic acid treatment of the corm were replicated three times in the Randomized Block Design (RBD) factorial concept investigation conducted in Gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflorus L.) cv. Arka Amar during the 2022–2023 rabi season at SOADU, Bhubaneswar (Odisha). The findings showed that on September 15, the planting date and dipping the corms with 150 ppm GA3 concentration resulted in the maximum number of sprouting (2.56), plant height (62.42 cm), number of floret per spike (20.72), floret length (11.56 cm), rachis length (68.41 cm), vase life (7.33 days), and diameter of harvested corm (5.71 cm). Comparably, on November 15th planting with a 100 ppm GA3 concentration of corm treatment, the number of leaves/plant (14.47) and spike length (88.49 cm) demonstrated the greatest results; on October 15th planting, with a 150 ppm GA3 concentration of corm treatment, the least number of days required for spike initiation (72.73) and total number of corms per plot (67) was concluded. Maximum flowering time of 10.2 days was noted in planting on September 15th, using corms bathed in 100ppm GA3. The optimal way to maximize gladiolus cv. Arka Amar flowering and yield was determined in treatment 15th of September planting with dipping corms at 150 ppm GA3 concentration. In general, the research of maximizing gladiolus development by taking into account planting dates and the impacts of gibberellic acid is crucial for raising scientific understanding of gladiolus agriculture as well as yield, quality, and resource efficiency.

The agronomic characteristics and combining ability of glutinous Thermo-sensitive Genic Male Sterile rice (Oryza sativa) lines

Glutinous rice (Oryza sativa), despite its unique culinary qualities, typically yields less than other rice varieties, posing agricultural and economic challenges. The construction of a glutinous thermo-sensitive genic male sterile (TGMS) rice variety could indeed be a way to improve the yield and cultivation efficiency of glutinous rice. Among them, the two-line system operates by crossing a TGMS line, which is sterile at high temperatures but fertile at lower temperatures, with a normal fertile line. In this study, we conducted to access morphological characteristics and combining ability of some glutinous TGMS lines. The parental lines were characterized on 13 agronomic traits including growth duration, plant height, flag leaf width, flag leaf length, panicle length, rachis length, number of primary branches, number of secondary branches, number of panicles per plant, percentage of filled grains, P1000 seeds, grain yield, and amylose content. The obtained results revealed significant variations in growth traits, yield, and amylose content of studied rice lines. Hierarchical clustering based on principal component analysis of rice lines on all measured traits showed three major clusters with high genetic diversity. Furthermore, fifteen glutinous TGMS rice lines and three testers were used in a Line x Tester mating system to produce 45 hybrids. The 45 hybrids were evaluated on 6 traits related to grain yield and morphology in a randomized complete block design experiment with three replications. A line x tester analysis was conducted to estimate the combining ability, genetic variance, and the contribution of parental lines to genetic variation in hybrids. These findings were valuable for rice breeders to orient the strategy for breeding of hybrid glutinous rice varieties with high efficiency.

Study on the Evaluation Genetic Variability of Gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflorus) Cultivars Under Agro –Climatic Conditions of Prayagraj

Aims: A field experiment was carried out to “Study on Evaluating Genetic Variability of Gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflorus L.) Cultivars under Agro –Climatic conditions of Prayagraj”. Place and Duration of Study: An experiment was carried out in the Department of Horticulture during the Rabi season of 2023-2024. Study Design: Randomized Block Design. Methodology: The analysis of the data showed that phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was higher than genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for all characters studied, indicating that environmental factors had a significant influence on these characters. In addition, positive and highly significant correlations were observed in between tuber yield per plant (gm) and various other traits including the No. of leaves at 30DAS, 60DAS and 90DAS and No. of shoots per plant, days for the first flowering, peduncle length, No. of florets per spike, No. of ears per plant, length of floret, diameter of floret, No. of corms per plant and diameter of corms, weight of corms and No. of corms per hectare and No. of corms per hectare. Results: The mean sum of squares due to genotypes showed significant differences for all characters under study for except days taken for emergence of flower spike and days taken to show color of basal floret. High magnitude of GCV were recorded for No. of leaves (52.70), Corm yield/plant (46.40), No. of cormels/hectare(39.12), Cormel diameter(38.36), No. of corms/hectare(28.97), No. of corms per plant(28.97), No. of leaves at 60DAS(26.64), No. of shoot(26.64). The genotypic and phenotypic correlation coefficient of different characters with Corms yield/plant (g) and their relationship among themselves Conclusion: Genotypic and Phenotypic correlation revealed that corms weight/plant (g) showed positive significant association with plant height, number of leavesper plant, number of shoots per plant, rachis length, no. of cormels per hectare and corm yield/ plant at both levels genotypic and phenotypic.

Melatonin differentially refines the metabolome to improve seed formation during grain developmental stages and enhances yield in two contrasting rice cultivars, grown in arsenic-contaminated soil

The manuscript revealed the ameliorative effects of exogenous melatonin in two distinct reproductive stages, i.e., developing grains (20 days after pollination) and matured grains (40 days after pollination) in two contrasting indica rice genotypes, viz., Khitish (arsenic-susceptible) and Muktashri (arsenic-tolerant), irrigated with arsenic-contaminated water throughout their life-cycle. Melatonin administration improved yield-related parameters like rachis length, primary and secondary branch length, number of grains per panicle, number of filled and empty grains per panicle, grain length and breadth and 1000-grain per weight. Expression of GW2, which negatively regulates grain development, was suppressed, along with concomitant induction of positive regulators like GIF1, DEP1 and SPL14 in both Khitish and Muktashri. Melatonin lowered arsenic bioaccumulation in grains and tissue biomass, more effectively in Khitish. Unregulated production of reactive oxygen species, leading to cellular necrosis caused by arsenic, was reversed in presence of melatonin. Endogenous melatonin level was stimulated due to up-regulation of the key biosynthetic genes, SNAT and ASMT. Melatonin enhanced the production of diverse antioxidants like anthocyanins, flavonoids, total phenolics and ascorbic acid and also heightened the production of thiol-metabolites (cysteine, reduced glutathione, non-protein thiols and phytochelatin), ensuring effective chelation and arsenic detoxification. Altogether, our observation, supported by principal component analysis, proved that melatonin re-programs the antioxidative metabolome to enhance plant resilience against arsenic stress to mitigate oxidative damages and reduce arsenic translocation from the soil to tissue biomass and edible grains.

Effect of plant growth regulators on vegetative and floral of gladiolus (Gladiolus hybrid L. ) cv. Pusakiran

A experiment was carried out on the Effect of Plant Growth Regulators on the Vegetative and Floral of Gladiolus (Gladiolus hybrid L. ) cv. PusaKiran at Horticulture farm, Department of Horticulture, School of Agricultural Sciences, Dabok, Udaipur from October 2022 to February 2023, The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design. Replicated thrice with 10 treatment combinations, comprising three plant growth regulators with 3 levels T1-GA3 100 ppm, T2-GA3 150 ppm, T3-GA3 200 ppm, T4-NAA 100 ppm, T5-NAA 150 ppm, T6-NAA 200 ppm, T7-CCC 200 ppm, T8-CCC 400 ppm, T9-CCC 600 ppm, T10-Control (water dipping) for corm dipping for 24hours. The maximum plant height was observed in treatmentT3-GA3 200 ppm (94.40 cm),Among the treatments, T3- GA3 200 ppm recorded a greater number of leaves per plant (9.90), the days to spike emergence was a significant difference on days to spike emergence. Among the treatments, the earliest days to first floret show color was observed in treatment T4-NAA 100 ppm (90.40). Days to last floret show color was a significant difference on days to last floret show color. Among the treatments.Among the treatments, maximum spike length was observed in treatment T3-GA3 200 ppm (88.20 cm). T3-GA3 200 ppm (73.80) corm dip planting recorded the highest rachis length.

Genetic parameters and selection gains in open-pollination progenies of bacabi palm tree (Oenocarpus mapora)

The Bacabi (Oenocarpus mapora Karsten) is an Amazonian palm whose fruit is widely used in the food industry due to its organoleptic properties and excellent nutritional quality. The objective of this work was to estimate genetic parameters and selection gains in the selection of open pollinated bacabi progenies. The experiment was carried out in the district of Campo Limpo, in the municipality of Santo Antônio do Tauá, state of Pará. The study assessed 38 progenies from open‑pollination under an agroforestry system in a randomized block design with five replicates and two plants per plot. At Seventeen, Twenty-four and Thirty months after planting, data were collected on the following traits: stem height (SH), plant diameter (DIAM), number of live leaves (NLL), length of the leaf rachis (LLR), number of leaflet pairs (NLP) and leaflet length (LL). Genetic variety was observed among and within progenies for all evaluated traits. The broad‑sense heritability estimates varied between 0.13 and 72.81%. High values were found for NLP (72.81%), DIAM (52.01%), LLR (62.64%), and SH (66.16%). Selection gains can be achieved for all the traits evaluated, with selection of 30% among progenies and 20% inside progenies.

Effect of Intercropping with Leafy Vegetables on the Growth, Yield and Quality of Gladiolus Under Agro-Climatic Conditions of Prayagraj

Intercropping brings diversity of species in the cropping systems and is considered to make them more resilient against environmental stresses. It can significantly enhance the efficient use of land, water and solar energy besides assuring insurance against failure of one or the other crops. Therefore, an attempt was made to include leafy vegetable crops as intercrops in gladiolus cv. Novalux, for higher productivity and profitability per unit area. The experiment consists of seven treatments with three replications. From the present investigation, it was concluded that the intercrops significantly affected the performance of gladiolus. The intercropping combination T6: Gladiolus + Fenugreek gave the best results in terms of plant height (91.40 cm), number of leaves per plant (18.53), number of shoots per corm (4.93), days to spike initiation (64.33), spike length (73.93 cm), rachis length (49.47 cm), number of florets per spike (12.93), floret size (11.27), vase life (18.53 days), weight of corms (63.67g) and cormlets (6.77g), yield of corms (2385.00kg/ha) and cormlets (225.50kg/ha). The herbage yield per plot was recorded the highest in T3: Fenugreek sole (880.00. g), and intercropping combination of Gladiolus and fenugreek (T6) gave 665.83g. Based on the recent findings, intercropping of fenugreek with gladiolus can be recommended and expanded on a larger scale for additional yield.

Genetic variability and association studies of marketable traits in gladiolus (Gladiolus hybridus)

The experiment was conducted during 2017–18 and 2018–19 at instructional farm, College of Horticulture, Banda University of Agriculture and Technology, Banda, Uttar Pradesh, to study the genetic variation, correlation and path analysis in gladiolus (Gladiolus hybridus Hort.) in Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh. 14 varieties of gladiolus, viz. Black Star, Peter Pears, Gold Star, Trader Horn, Pink Rose, White Prosperity, Red White, Novalux, Yellow Gold, Candyman, Willas Pink, Jester, Nathan Red and Punjab Morning were planted in randomized block design (RBD). All parameters showed significant differences indicating that genotypes have a lot of variation. Length of the spike varied from 65.07 to 110.65 cm and size of the floret from 8.27 to 9.66 cm. Mean values for time to flowering, size of floret and vase life were 109.38 days, 8.95 cm and 8.95 days, respectively. Length of rachis (19.97 and 15.90), spike (18.49 and 14.40) and florets/spike (14.88 and 12.05) showed moderate values for PCV and GCV. Maximum heritability value was oberved in days to flowering (68.22) and minimal in floret size (35.63). Positive and significant correlations were found between plant height, length of spike and rachis, florets/spike and days to flowering. Path coefficient study revealed that length of spike (1.162), days to spike initiation (0.881) and blooming time (0.392) had biggest positive direct effects on plant height.

Genetic variability and association studies of marketable traits in gladiolus (Gladiolus hybridus)

The experiment was conducted during 2017–18 and 2018–19 at instructional farm, College of Horticulture, Banda University of Agriculture and Technology, Banda, Uttar Pradesh, to study the genetic variation, correlation and path analysis in gladiolus (Gladiolus hybridus Hort.) in Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh. 14 varieties of gladiolus, viz. Black Star, Peter Pears, Gold Star, Trader Horn, Pink Rose, White Prosperity, Red White, Novalux, Yellow Gold, Candyman, Willas Pink, Jester, Nathan Red and Punjab Morning were planted in randomized block design (RBD). All parameters showed significant differences indicating that genotypes have a lot of variation. Length of the spike varied from 65.07 to 110.65 cm and size of the floret from 8.27 to 9.66 cm. Mean values for time to flowering, size of floret and vase life were 109.38 days, 8.95 cm and 8.95 days, respectively. Length of rachis (19.97 and 15.90), spike (18.49 and 14.40) and florets/spike (14.88 and 12.05) showed moderate values for PCV and GCV. Maximum heritability value was oberved in days to flowering (68.22) and minimal in floret size (35.63). Positive and significant correlations were found between plant height, length of spike and rachis, florets/spike and days to flowering. Path coefficient study revealed that length of spike (1.162), days to spike initiation (0.881) and blooming time (0.392) had biggest positive direct effects on plant height.

Leaf-based characterization of intermediate forms between Cuban and Honduran mahogany

The genus Swietenia includes two mahogany species, Swietenia macrophylla (King.), commonly known as Honduran mahogany, and Swietenia mahagoni (L.) Jacq, commonly known as Cuban mahogany. There are reports of morphologically intermediate forms between Cuban and Honduran mahogany that have been localized in some Caribbean islands. The main objective of this research is to distinguish morphologically intermediate forms between the parental species S. mahagoni and S. macrophylla based on leaf morphological characters. Phenotypic data from a total of 357 mahogany trees were collected in the province of Sancti Spiritus, Cuba. Rachis length, petiole length, leaflet length, leaflet width, number of leaflets and number of nerves were evaluated. Morphological descriptor analysis revealed significant differences in the morphometric variables of the evaluated leaves, with rachis length, number of leaflets, leaflet length, petiole length, leaflet width, and number of nerves being significantly higher in S. macrophylla than in S. mahagoni. ANOVA reflected the variance between all leaf morphological parameters evaluated between the two pure species with statistically significant difference. Using the function obtained in the first DC of the two species, the individuals in the mixed stands were classified into 71 morphologically intermediate forms, 45 S. macrophylla and 64 S. mahagoni. In the second DC with the two species and the morphologically intermediate forms, Wilks’ partial lambda indicates that the variable "leaflet length" with 0.67 contributed most to the overall discrimination.

Effect of ionizing radiated gladiolus (Gladiolus grandifloras) on vase life attributes of various cultivars

An experiment was conducted during winter (rabi) seasons of 2018–19 (vM2), 2019–20 (vM3) and 2020–21(vM4) at Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand to evaluate the effect of gamma rays treated gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflorus Andrews) on the post-harvest of different varieties along with their interaction for different qualitative traits The result showed that Praha was best cultivars for days to first floret opening, highest number of florets per spikes, highest number of open florets per spikes, rachis length and weight loss followed by cultivar Candyman for highest diameter of lowest floret, highest vase life and highest water uptake by spikes. Among the different gamma doses, the minimum days to first floret opening, the highest diameter of first floret, the days to first floret withering, the number of florets, the number of open florets, the rachis length, vase life, water uptake by spikes and the weight loss were recorded in non-irradiated corms. Among interaction, V2G0 (Praha + control) showed best result for days to first floret opening, total number of florets per spike, total number of open florets/spike and rachis length. Most important characters, vase life was positively correlated with rachis length at 5.0 and 6.0 Kr respectively, total number of florets/spike and total number of open florets/spike at 5.0 Kr. Study concluded that gamma rays affect the qualitative as well quantitative traits of gladiolus and do not have positive effect on vase life attributes.

Evaluation of cultivated gladiolus varieties of Bangladesh and radio sensitivity test for varietal improvement

The study was conducted at the research field of Nalitabari Sub-station, BINA, Sherpur during the period November 2019 to May 2020 to characterize, evaluate and select promising gladiolus varieties suitable for Bangladesh and to determine the optimum dose of radiation for LD50 for varietal improvement. The parameters studies were plant height, days to 1st flowering, number of leaves per plant, leaf length, leaf breadth, length of spike, length of rachis, number of flower per spike, flower diameter, number of corms per plant, weight of single corm, vase life, per cent germination, per cent survivability, shoot length and root length. The longest plant (154.2 cm) was observed in White Prosperity, while the shortest plant (101.7 cm) was in Regency. The longest leaf (70.3 cm) was found in Red Cascade and the shortest leaf (48.0 cm) was found in Her Majesty. The highest number of floret per spike was produced by Red Cascade (17.3) followed by White Prosperity (17.0). The Regency produced the lowest number (8.0) of floret per spike. The longest vase life (9.3 days) was observed in American Beauty followed by (8.7 days) Red Cascade, while the shortest vase life (5.7 days) was recorded in Wine and Roses. In radio sensitivity test, 30-40 Gy of gamma irradiation would be the optimal dose for inducing useful mutation in gladiolus. Bangladesh J. Nuclear Agric, 37(2): 43-56, 2023

Bio-efficacy and Phytotoxicity of Gibberellic Acid (GA3) Technical 90% for Improving Yield and Quality in Grapes (Vitis vinifera L.)

The experiment was conducted on Thompson Seedless grapevines grafted on dog ridge rootstock to study its response towards the application of gibberellic acid (GA3) Tech. 90% at different time intervals. The experiment was designed in a randomized block design (RBD) having five treatments with four replications were carried out at Maharashtra Rajya Draksha Bagaitdar Sangh, Pune during 2020-2021 & 2021 - 2022. Significant differences were observed with the applications of GA3 at different developmental stages (pre-bloom and fruit set) resulted in to increased bunch weight, berry weight, berry length, berry size, pedicel thickness, rachis length, and quality parameters viz. total soluble solids along with the highest yield per vine exogenous application of different concentrations of GA3 at different time interval schedules was beneficial for the quality and yield of Thompson Seedless grapevines.

Simulação da colheita de gladíolos com o modelo phenoglad para diferentes períodos de comercialização

ABSTRACT Gladiolus is a species that presents cultivars with flowers of different colors, and these floral stems can be produced using simple and low-cost management practices. Its growth is not widespread in the São Francisco Valley, in Brazil, thus requiring research to guide growers regarding its production and commercialization. The PhenoGlad program was developed to simulate gladiolus production based on temperature data from the previous year. Therefore, the objective of this work was to produce gladioli at different times, assess stem quality, and validate the PhenoGlad model for the region. The experiment was conducted between 2020 and 2021 at the Federal University of Vale do São Francisco, using a complete randomized block design, in a 4×3 factorial arrangement. The treatments consisted of four cultivars (Red Beauty, Jester, T704, and White Friendship) and three harvest peaks (H1: Feast of the Petrolina Patron Saint's Day, August 15, 2020; H2: All Souls' Day, November 2, 2020; and H3: International Women's Day, March 8, 2021). The parameters evaluated were total stem length, rachis length, stem diameter, and postharvest longevity at the R2-R5 stage. The interaction between cultivars and harvest peaks was significant for total stem length and stem diameter. All cultivars grown for H1 performed well and showed a low simulated error compared to field observations, validating the PhenoGlad model. Growing gladiolus in the region is feasible, as the stems meet quality standards and have a suitable shelf life for commercialization.

Assessment of Vegetative, Floral and Corm Characteristics in Gladiolus Genotype at Malepatan, Pokhara, Nepal

Gladiolus (Gladiolus grandifloras L.), recognized for its bright, distinctively textured blossoms, is first commercially grown cut flower in Nepal. A study was carried out to assess vegetative, floral, and corm characteristics in gladiolus genotypes in Maltepatan, Pokhara. Twelve genotypes namely NGRV0130 (ARSDG-04), RARSLG-014-1.1, RARSLG-014-1.11, RARSLG-014-2.8, RARSLG-014-3.10(A), RARSLG-014-3.11, RARSLG-014-6.8, RARSLG-014-6.12, RARSLG-014-6.13, RARSLG-014-7.27(A), RARSLG-014-8.22, RARSLG-014-9.10 were evaluated from March 02-August 07, 2022. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized complete block design with three replications. The crop geometry was maintained at 50 cm × 28.5 cm in a four-meter square plot containing twenty-eight corms per plot. The genotype RARSLG-014-3.11 was found earliest on days to 50% sprouting, spike initiation, and floret opening. The genotype RARSLG-014-6.12 was noted to have maximum number of florets per spike and number of spikes per hill, longest rachis length, and a maximum number of cormels. Similarly, the genotype RARSLG-014-1.11 was a promising genotype in having a maximum number of corms. The longest length of the spike (140.66 cm) was found for genotype RARSLG-014-6.8.

FLOWER DEVELOPMENT OF MALE AND FEMALE INFLORESCENCE OF OIL PALM, Elaeis guineensis Jacq.

Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) is monoecious plants that relies on cross pollination to ensure the production of viable seeds and prevent parthenocarpy. Understanding the phenology of Elaeis guineensis flower development enables to optimize the timing of assisted pollination and harvesting. The aim of this study is to describe the development of male and female inflorescence of oil palm, Elaeis guineensis var. Tenera. The frequency of observation of development was daily, starting from pre-anthesis until post-anthesis for female inflorescence and spikelet degradation for male inflorescence. The flower developments were coded according to Biologische Bundesantalt Bundessortenamt und Chemische Industrie (BBCH) scales. The anthesis period for male inflorescence occurs around four to five days. A male inflorescence consists of spikelets that accommodate almost 30% of rachis. Spikelets are full with yellow flowers and contains millions of pollen grains in form of dust particles during anthesis. Spikelet are arranged in spiral around the rachis in one direction and are fully elongated and exposed. The size of spikelet is between 102 mm and 215 mm in length. Female flowers are fully receptive for three to four days where rachillae are elongated and fully exposed. The total number of rachillae cover 36% of rachis length. Each rachilla composes of eight to 25 flowers in a female inflorescence. Anthesis phase of male inflorescence is longer than female inflorescence. The phenological information about inflorescences can be used to enhance the pollination techniques and optimize fruit formation.

Response of Different Irrigation Scheduling and Nutrients on Growth, Flowering and Corm Traits of Gladiolus (Gladiolus hybridus Hort.) under Delhi Condition

The present experiments were undertaken for standardization of irrigation interval and nutrients on the performance of gladiolus variety under Delhi condition. The field experiments were conducted at the research farm of the Division of Floriculture and Landscaping, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, during the winter season of the year 2021 and 2022. The experiment was laid out in factorial completely randomized block design with three replications and consisting of four irrigation regimes and five nutrients’ levels including bio-fertilizers. The results of two year experiments showed that maximum plant height (120.56 cm), spike length (97.26 cm), rachis length (63.13 cm) and single corm’s weight (50.73 g) and P content % in plant before flower emergence was found maximum with the application of seven irrigations at 15 days intervals along with treatment N4 i.e. application of Azotobacter + Bio-phosphorous +Bio-potash + Bio-iron +Bio-Zn each 3 litre per hectare foliar spray at 30 and 60 days after planting. Number of florets per spike (21.20), estimated benefit cost ratio (1:2.86), P and K content in plant before flower emergence was found maximum with the application of five irrigations at the interval of 25 days after planting with 50 % RDF + organic manure @ 5 tonnes/ha + Azotobacter + VAM +PSB + KSB @ 2 g per plant.

Principal component analysis of agronomic and yield traits of six tenera oil palm progenies in Southern Thailand

Agronomic and yield traits of oil palm progenies are regularly analyzed by plant breeders and farmers. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the agronomic and yield traits of six tenera oil palm progenies collected in Southern Thailand, and to group the progenies based on their agronomic and yield traits. The experiment used a completely randomized design with 6 treatments (progenies), where each treatment consisted of 3 replications. The agronomic and yield traits were analyzed for variances and principal components. The results found show that most agronomic and yield traits exhibited significant differences among the oil palm progenies. In the biplot of agronomic traits between PC1 and PC2 with two groups of oil palms, the first group dominated in petiole diameter, leaf dry weight, leaf length, rachis length, petiole width, and leaf area, while the second group dominated in leaf number and leaf width. In the biplot of yield traits between PC1 and PC2 with two groups of oil palms, the first group dominated in bunch number, kernels per fruit and bunch, and average kernel weight, while the second group dominated in amount of oil per fruit and bunch, average fruit weight, and oil yield.

Comparative Performance of Planting Materials and Standardization of Nutrient Requirement for High Yield, Quality and Early Spike Development in Tuberose (Agave amica Medik.) cv. Arka Prajwal

The study was carried out at Vegetable Research Station, TNAU, Palur, Tamil Nadu during 2021to2022. The experiment was laid out in Factorial Randomized Block Design (FRBD) with eight treatments and three replications. Planting materials used for the study were bulbs and bulblets. The eight nutrient combinations were tried with foliar application of micronutrient like zinc sulphate (0.2%), Ferrous sulphate (0.5%), Copper sulphate (0.4%) and Boric acid (0.2%) on 30, 60 and 90 DAP, individually and in combination with 25 t ha-1 FYM and recommended dose of fertilizer (200:200:200 kg ha-1 NPK). The control was maintained with RDF. Various biometric observations on growth and flowering attributes of tuberose were observed for all the treatments at different stages. The result of the present investigation revealed that among the interaction effects,B1N8[RDF + ALL 19 (NPK) + GA3@ 200 ppm (2 spray at 30 days intervals) + ZnSO4 (0.2%) + FeSO4 (0.5%) + H3BO3 (0.2 %) + CuSO4 (0.4 %)] recorded the highest plant height (95.12 cm), leaf length (51.85 cm), leaf width (2.4 cm), number of leaves per plants (42.67), rachis length (34.87cm), number of floret/spikes (46.66), flower duration (18.12 days), floret length (6.92 cm) and floret diameter (4.39cm) followed by the treatment B2N8 which recorded the highest height (90.44 cm), leaf length (48.48 cm), leaf width (2.2 cm), number of leaves per plants (39.78), rachis length (30.42 cm), number of floret/spikes (44.95), flower duration (19.93days), floret length (6.45cm) and floret diameter (4.21cm). From the interaction effect, the treatment combinationB2N1 [control (RDF) 200:200:200 NPK] recorded the lowest plant height (72.36 cm), leaf length (42.81 cm), leaf width (1.12 cm) and number of leaves per plants (43.00), rachis length (25.11cm), number of floret/spikes (37.00), flower duration (15.23days), floret length (5.04 cm) and floret diameter (3.02 cm).