Randomized Block Design Research Articles

The Role of Endophyte Bacteria in The Growth and Yield of Various Rice Varieties in Rainfed Rice Lands

Rainfed land typically lacks essential nutrients, including nitrogen. An endophytic bacterial consortium can fix nitrogen from the air, potentially enhancing the growth and yield of lowland rice varieties. The aim of this research was to assess the growth and yield of various lowland rice varieties when treated with a consortium of diazotrophic endophytic bacteria in rainfed land. This study was conducted in rainfed rice fields in Demangan, Sambi, Boyolali, Central Java, Indonesia, to evaluate the growth of rice varieties at different doses of the endophytic bacterial consortium. A completely randomized block design was employed, featuring two factors and three replications. The first factor was the endophytic bacterial consortium, applied at doses of 0, 20, 30, and 40 L/ha/application. The second factor consisted of three rice varieties: Situbagendit, Ciherang, and Mekongga. The results indicated that (1) the dose of endophytic bacteria had a very significant effect on dry shoot weight, dry plant weight, 1,000 grain weight, and panicle length; (2) rice varieties had a significant effect only on fresh shoot weight; and (3) the interaction between the dose of endophytic bacteria and rice varieties did not significantly affect any of the observed parameters. This research suggests that to enhance rice growth and yield in rainfed rice fields, a dose of 40 L/ha/application of the diazotrophic endophytic bacterial consortium is recommended, along with the use of the Situbagendit, Ciherang, or Mekongga varieties.

Comparative Efficacy of Insecticides against Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) in Baby Corn

Aims: The fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) is a major pest threatening baby corn production, significantly impacting yield and profitability. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of various insecticides and their combinations in managing fall armyworm populations while ensuring sustainable crop production. Study Design: Randomized Block Design (RBD). Place and Duration of Study: Maize Research Centre, Agricultural Research Institute, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, during the rabi season of 2022–2023. Methodology: Field experiments were conducted to assess the impact of seed treatments, foliar sprays, and their combinations on pest control, crop performance, and natural enemy conservation. The experiment followed a Randomized Block Design with three replications and eight treatments, T1 (tetraniliprole 480 FS and cyantraniliprole 10.26% OD spray, T2 (cyantraniliprole 19.8% + thiamethoxam 19.8% FS and spinetoram spray), T3 (cyantraniliprole 600 FS and chlorantraniliprole 9.3% + lambda-Cyhalothrin 4.6% ZC spray), T₄ (chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC), T₅ (emamectin Benzoate 5% SG), T₆ (flubendiamide 480 SC), T₇ (dimethoate 30 EC) and T8 (untreated control). Insecticides were applied twice at a 14-day interval. Observations on leaf injury rating (LIR) and percent infestation were recorded using the standard 1–9 scale given by modified Davis and Williams. Pre-treatment observations were taken one day before spraying, and post-treatment observations were recorded at 7 and 14 days after each application. Parameters such as percent reduction over control, dehusked cob yield, green fodder yield, and cost-benefit ratio were calculated to evaluate treatment efficacy. Results: Results indicated that seed treatments followed by foliar sprays provided superior control of fall armyworm, with T2 (cyantraniliprole 19.8% + thiamethoxam 19.8% FS and spinetoram spray) demonstrating the lowest leaf injury ratings and highest yield benefits. T3 (cyantraniliprole 600 FS and chlorantraniliprole 9.3% + lambda cyhalothrin 4.6% ZC spray) exhibited comparable performance, followed by T1, T4, T5, T6 and T7. The study underscores the importance of integrating effective pest management strategies to enhance baby corn productivity and profitability. Conclusion: The study highlights the effectiveness of integrating seed treatments with foliar sprays for managing S. frugiperda in baby corn. T3 and T2 emerged as the most effective treatments, both in terms of pest control and economic viability, underscoring their potential for sustainable pest management and enhanced crop productivity.

Carbon and Nitrogen Accumulation in Roots of Signal Grass–Forage Peanut Intercropped Pastures at Varying Planting Spacings

This study highlights the potential of grass–legume intercropping systems in enhancing soil carbon sequestration and cycling nutrientes, providing ecological support for sustainable agriculture. This study evaluated the chemical composition and root biomass of signal grass (Urochloa decumbens cv. Basilisk) pasture grown in monoculture or intercropped with forage peanut (Arachis pintoi cv. Belmonte) under different row spacings (40, 50, 60, 70, and 80 cm), 4–5 years after establishment. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with four replicates under intermittent sheep grazing. Results (p < 0.05) indicated that root biomass was higher in the intercropped pastures (6752 to 11,167 kg OM ha−1) than in the monoculture (3696 kg OM ha−1). Carbon (C) and N stored in root biomass were also influenced by the row spacings, with narrower spacings, particularly 40 cm (1282 kg C ha−1) and 50 cm (1424 kg C ha−1), showing higher C storage than in the monoculture (509 kg C ha−1). Similarly, the 40 cm (122 kg N ha−1) and 50 cm (138 kg N ha−1) spacings showed higher N accumulation in root biomass than the monoculture (38.9 kg N ha−1). These spacing also reduced C/N and lignin/ADIN ratios, which enhanced nitrogen cycling efficiency. Based on these results, 40 and 50 cm spacings are recommended for intercropped pastures, as they optimize C and N accumulation and nutrient cycling, and support sustainable pasture management.

Comparative study on agricultural extracts for brood management in Indian bees (Apis cerana indica) in tropical ecosystems

The performance of worker bees fed with different agricultural extracts such as nectar and pollen substitutes compared to the naturally fed workers was determined on (Apis cerana indica Fab.) was evaluated using a randomized block design (RBD). The results revealed that the worker bee fed with nectar and pollen substitutes was significantly superior to the naturally fed workers. The maximum consumption of nectar substitutes was 199.7, and 199.5 ml out of 200 ml were observed in T8 (black gram flour + sugar syrup) and T2 (soybean flour + sugar syrup). The maximum consumption (84.5 g) of pollen substitutes, maximum population (35.66/5 cm2), the maximum length of a worker bee (9.73 mm) and the maximum egg-laying capacity (103.5/5 cm2) were observed in T8 (black gram flour + sugar syrup). The minimum population of 29.08/5 cm2 and the minimum egg-laying activity (83.33/5 cm2) was observed in T1 (naturally fed colony), and the minimum length of worker bee of 9.63 mm was observed in T7 (soybean flour + tender coconut). These findings suggest that black gram flour and sugar syrup can significantly enhance colony productivity during dearth periods.

Impact of Phytoremediated Sewage Water and Organic Inputs on the Growth and Yield of Okra

Okra belongs to family Malvaceae, it is a good source of nutrition as well as for farmer economy. This experiment was based on two years field work. During the year 2021-22 and 2022-23 it was aimed to study the Effect of phytoremediated sewage water irrigation, organic manures & biofertilizers on growth and yield of okra var. Kashi chaman in Prayagraj agro climatic condition. The experiment was designed as Randomized block design consist of 16 treatments and 3 replicates of each. Among which the treatment T15 with the combination of Azotobacter @4 kg/ha + PSB(Pseudomonas) @2 kg/ha +Vermicompost + treated sewage water, emerged as most effective in promoting highest Number of branches (4.61) number of leaves (28.52) leaf area LAI (124.12 cm2) Root length per plant (15.15 cm) maximum fruit yield (464.72 g) was found significant at 0.05 level of critical difference. Whereas maximum plant height (127.11 cm) was recorded in T9 (Vermicompost+ Azotobacter @4 kg/ha and TSW). So it can be concluded that this treatment combination can enhance plant growth and yield attributes of okra variety Kashi chaman along with sustaining nutrient levels in the soil. Ultimately, by applying these practices it offers an alternative way for resource-limited farmers to achieve long-term productivity.

Strategic Switching from Conventional Urea to Nano-Urea for Sustaining the Rice–Wheat Cropping System

In the face of declining crop yields, inefficient fertilizer usage, nutrient depletion, and limited water availability, the efficiency of conventional NPK fertilizers is a critical issue in India. The hypothesis of this study posits that nano-nitrogen could enhance growth and photosynthetic efficiency in crop plants compared to conventional fertilizers. For this, a randomized block design (RBD) field experiment was conducted with six treatments: no nitrogen (T1), 100% N through urea (T2), and varying levels of N replacement with nano-nitrogen (33%: T3; 50%: T4; 66%: T5; and 100%: T6). Morphological and physiological traits and yield attributes were measured at physiological maturity, and yield attributes were measured at harvest. Results showed that 33% nitrogen replacement with nano-nitrogen (T3) outperformed conventional urea (T2) in physiological traits and achieved higher grain yields (3789 kg/ha for rice and 4206 kg/ha for wheat) compared to T2 (3737 kg/ha for rice and 4183 kg/ha for wheat with 100% urea). Although T4 and T5 showed statistically similar yields, they were lower than T2 and T3 for rice, while 50%, 66%, and 100% replacements reduced wheat yield by 2.49%, 8.39%, and 41.26%, respectively, compared to T2. Key enzymes of N metabolism decreased with higher nano-nitrogen substitution. Maximum nitrogen availability was observed in T2 and T3. This study concludes that nano-nitrogen is an effective strategy to enhance growth, balancing productivity and environmental sustainability.

Assessment of Combining Ability for Yield and Yield Contributing Traits in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

The current study was carried out with an objective to study Combining ability studies for yield and yield contributing traits in Rice (Oryza sativa L.) to identify superior crosses for commercial cultivation after testing over years band locations. Rice production plays an integral role in the national economy of India and has the maximum share in grain production, accounting for 22% of the world’s rice production. Agricultural Polytechnic, Polasa, Jagtial, during Kharif, 2021 and Rabi, 2021-22. Where, crossing programme was carried out during Kharif, 2021 and evaluation of the crosses was taken up during Rabi, 2021-22. Twenty-four (24) experimental hybrids were developed using eight lines and three testers and randomized block design was utilized for the evaluation studies. The variance due to the crosses, variance due to the parent’s vs crosses were also found highly significant for all the characters. Lines, testers and line x tester effects, the interaction effects (lines x testers) were found to be significant for all the traits studied. This indicates that the material under investigation has adequate variability. The study revealed that the line, CMS 46B and KNM 7787 among the testers were identified as good general combiners for grain yield per plant while, JMS 18A x RNR 21278 were identified as best specific combiners for the trait.

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.

Effect of Drinking Saline Water on Physiological, Haematological and Biochemical Parameters of Blackhead Ogaden Sheep and Somali Goats.

This study aimed to determine the effect of drinking saline water on the physiological, haematological and biochemical parameters of sheep and goats in Ethiopia. A total of 100 male growing and mature Blackhead Ogaden sheep and Somali goats with average initial body weights of 18.17 ± 0.5 and 22.22 ± 0.52 kg and 17.99 ± 0.50 and 21.99 ± 0.54 kg, respectively, were used. The design of the experiment was a three-way factorial with completely randomized block design with three-factor combinations (five treatment levels, two species and two age groups). Water treatments were Lake Basaka water (control); low saline water (LSW), moderate (MSW), high (HSW) and very high (VHSW), with NaCl, added to Lake Beseka water at concentrations of 7.95, 11.93, 15.90 and 19.88 g of total dissolved solids per litter (TDS/L). The physiological and blood parameters of the experimental animals were measured. The results show that rectal temperature (RT) and respiration rate (RR) were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the H and VHSW groups. RT and RR also showed significant differences between species and age groups. Haemoglobin (Hb) and PCV levels were higher in the control group (p < 0.05). Increasing drinking saline water significantly reduced the concentration of glucose, total protein, albumin and triglycerides but increased the concentration of BUN, creatinine, ALT and AST. Glucose, albumin, and triglycerides were significantly higher (p < 0.05), while BUN, creatinine, ALT and AST concentrations were lower in sheep and mature animals than in goats and growing animals. Except for sodium and potassium, all blood electrolytes did not significantly differ within the treatment. Sodium and calcium significantly varied (p < 0.05) between species and age groups. The results indicated that drinking saline water above 11 g TDS/L affected the physiological and blood parameters of Somali goats and Blackhead Ogaden sheep. A Study revealed that sheep and mature animals performed better than goats and growing ones.

The role of nutrient solutions on Phosphate-solubilizing bacteria population, Phosphorus availability, Phosphorus uptake, growth and yield of Red Chili (Capsicum annuum L.)

Red chili consumption in Indonesia has increased every year. However, with large chili production to meet large consumption, land conversion for various purposes has reduced the harvested area. The efforts to increase the harvested area of chili using Inceptisols soil by providing nutrient solutions to overcome the infertility of the soil using its nutrients. This experiment aims to determine the effect of nutrient solution application on the population of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria, phosphorus availability, phosphorus uptake, growth, and yield of Red Chili (Capsicum annuum L.) in Inceptisols. The experiment was conducted from August 2023 to February 2024 at Ciparanje Experimental Field, Faculty of Agriculture, Padjadjaran University, and the analysis process was conducted at the Laboratory of Soil Biology and Soil Chemistry and Plant Nutrition, Department of Soil Science and Land Resources, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Padjadjaran., using a factorial randomized block design with two factors, nutrient solutions concentrates (1200, 1600, 2000 ppm) and nutrient solutions doses (200, 400, 600 mL), resulting in nine treatments and three replications. The results showed that the treatment of nutrient solution concentration and dose increased the number of fruits per plant, fruit weight per plant, and yield of chili with grade A. Treatment with 2000 ppm concentrate + 600 mL dose gave the best results on the number of fruits per plant (44.7 fruits), fruit weight per plant (725g), and grade A chili yield (73 fruits).

Varietal Evaluation of Tuberose for Commercial Traits

Aims: To evaluate the tuberose varieties for growth, yield and smart farming application. Study Design: The experiment was laid out in Randomized block design with three replications. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Agriculture, Padannakkad, Kasargod during 2019-2020. Methodology: Ten genotypes of tuberose viz. A. Shringar, A. Niranthara, A. Prajwal, A. Sugandhi, A. Suvasini, A. Vaibhav, Culcutta Single, Culcutta Double, Bidhan Ujwal and Phule Rajani were assessed for further evaluation in smart farming. Treatments were replicated thrice. The accessions were screened for vegetative, floral, quality and post-harvest parameters. Results: The result of the study showed that out of the ten genotypes of tuberose A. Prajwal has been found suitable for commercial farming with highest plant height (54.27 cm), minimum days to 50% flowering (108.38 days), longest floret (6.97 cm), highest diameter of floret (3.53 cm), longest spike (111.80 cm), maximum yield per unit area (2125. 50 gm-2) and good aroma. Tuberose needs an improved package of practices for better yield in smart farming systems. Conclusion: The genotype A. Prajwal was found superior for growth and yield characteristics and will, therefore, be considered for further research and development.

Hybrid Soybean as Green Manure for Improving Soil Properties and Subsequent Crop Growth

The rapid increase in fertilizer use has led to the degradation of soil quality, nutrient imbalances, reduced biodiversity, and soil compaction. To address these challenges, hybrid soybeans with efficient biological nitrogen fixation capabilities and broad environmental adaptability were selected as green manure to reduce fertilizer application, thereby improving soil fertility and structure. This study utilized the varieties “Forage Soybean S001” (S001), “Neinong S002 Forage Soybean” (S002), “Mengnong S003 Forage Soybean” (S003), “Mengnong S004 Forage Soybean” (S004), “Mengnong S005 Forage Soybean” (S005), and “Mengnong S006 Forage Soybean” (S006) as green manure materials. The clean tillage (CK) treatment served as the control, ensuring a residue-free soil surface while maintaining consistent practices in soil preparation, irrigation, and field management across all treatments. Field planting of green manure and subsequent crops was conducted at the M-Grass Ecology and Environment (Group) Company’s experimental site in Hohhot in early May of 2023 and 2024. The plots each measured 20 m2, with three replications arranged in a randomized block design. A combination of field experiments and laboratory analyses was utilized to investigate the effects of incorporating various hybrid soybean varieties as green manure on soil nutrient levels, soil enzyme activity, soil microbial communities, and the subsequent growth of oats. The results indicated that incorporating various hybrid soybean varieties as green manure into the soil significantly improved soil nutrient levels and enzyme activity. The diversity and richness of soil bacterial communities increased significantly, accompanied by alterations in community structure and composition. These changes enhanced soil fertility and optimized the microbial community structure, promoting the growth of subsequent crops. Among all the treatments, S001 and S004 were particularly effective in enhancing the soil environment, indicating their potential as superior green manure resources for broader application.

Evaluation on the Influence of Cropping Systems and Nutrient Management Practices in Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum) Growth, Crop Nutrient Uptake and Soil Fertility Status

Background: At the present situations, sole croppingand generalized fertilization recommendations could not produce advantageous results for neither profitable crop production nor for a sustainable environment. Therefore, the study focuses on evaluating the response of pearl millet to various cropping systems and different nutrient management techniques for enhancing crop productivity and sustaining soil fertility. Methods: The field trial took place at the instructional farm of Karunya Institute of Technology and Science in the Coimbatore district of western Tamil Nadu, India. The trial spanned over two growing seasons and followed a factorial randomized block design, with 2 factors: cropping systems and nutrient management, replicated three times. The design resulted in a total of 12 treatment combinations, comprising 3 levels of cropping system viz., sole cropping of pearl millet, pearl millet with black gram and cowpea intercropping systems; and 4 levels of nutrient management comprising different doses of fertilizer levels in combination with biofertilizers such as Azospirillum and PSB and foliar sprays of 2% Urea and 3% Panchagavya. Result: The experimental findings indicated that intercropping treatment, Pearl millet + Black gram at a 1:1 ratio, exhibited superior results in enhancing plant growth, improving the crop nutrient uptakeand enriching soil fertility. In the case of nutrient management treatments, application of 75% of recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) + Azospirillum and phosphate solubilizing bacteria + foliar application of 2% urea at 15 and 35 days after transplanting (DAT) resulted in producing higher plant height, enhanced dry matter production, efficient crop nutrient uptake, improved soil fertility status for sustainable agriculture.

Physiological characteristics and transcriptomic analyses of alfalfa root crown in wintering

BackgroundAlfalfa, scientifically identified as Medicago sativa, is repeatedly referred to as the “king of forages”. Because of its tight relationship to winter hardiness, the alfalfa’s root crown plays a significant role as a storage organ over the winter. At present, it is still unknown what molecular process makes the alfalfa root crown resistant to cold. This study was aimed to study these knowledge gaps. Using RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) technology, significant genes associated with cold hardiness were found.MethodsAccording to the random block design, Longmu 806 alfalfa and Sardi alfalfa were planted in regional experiments. Under the condition of low-temperature treatment in winter, the differentially expressed genes (DEGs), winter survival rate (WSR), and physiological characteristics were, in turn, calculated by RNA-Seq, chemical analysis, and field investigation.ResultsThe WSR of the Longmu 806 alfalfa was 3.68-fold greater than that of the Sardi alfalfa. The jasmonic acid (JA), soluble sugar (SS), proline (Pro), and glutathione (GSH) concentration in the roots of Longmu 806 alfalfa was more than the same amount in Sardi alfalfa in other words P is less than 0.05. An entire set of 878 DEGs related to winter hardiness was found by statistical analysis. Among them, 463 DEGs showed an increase in expression, whereas 415 DEGs showed a decrease in expression. The metabolic pathways’ examination presented that the DEGs (MsERF1, MsCHIB, MsJAZ, MsAOC, MsGST, MsINV, MsTPS, and MsOAT) were linked to the pathways of “plant hormone signaling transduction”, “Amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism”, and “glutathione metabolism”. Furthermore, the physiological changes in JA, SS, Pro content, and GSH were influenced by the dynamic transcription profile of LT (low- temperature) resistance-related genes.

Enhanced Carbon Sequestration and Microbial Activities Under Apple‐Based Agroforestry Systems in Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh

ABSTRACTBackgroundIntegrating fruit trees is among the promising agroforestry technologies. Intercropping of fruit trees with remunerative crops, particularly vegetables, could generate higher income for farmers.AimThe present study involves the assessment of apple‐based agroforestry systems integrated with various agricultural crops such as black gram, capsicum, tomato, and brinjal and evaluated the effect of integrated farming on soil properties, microbial biomass, and enzyme activities.MethodsThe experiment was conducted in Randomized Block Design by considering sole apple, sole tomato, sole brinjal, sole capsicum, sole black gram, apple + tomato, apple + brinjal, apple + capsicum, and apple + black gram as treatments.ResultsThe study revealed the performance of the agroforestry system where apple and tomato in combination perform better than others and sole cropping. The competition for moisture, nutrients, and other limiting resources in agroforestry system where apple trees are grown in combination with brinjal, capsicum, and black gram resulted in poor plant's growth and yield. This combination of crops also significantly affected the organic carbon, porosity, bulk, and particle densities. The available N, P, and K contents decreased with the increased soil depth. It was observed that microbial biomass in terms of carbon (Cmic), nitrogen (Nmic), and phosphorus (Pmic) was higher where tomato was grown in apple‐based agroforestry systems than in sole cropping. Higher enzymatic activities for acid and alkaline phosphatase, catalase, and dehydrogenase were recorded in agroforestry system where tomatoes were grown in the presence of apple trees.ConclusionsThe results reported that a combination of apple and tomato is the most successful system as tomato crop performs better under the apple tree canopy, possibly due to the favorable microenvironment and tree‐crop compatibility.

Unveiling Key Correlation Studies in Local Germplasm of Green Gram [Vigna radiata (l.) Wilczek

The present investigation entitled “Unveiling key correlation studies in local germplasm of green gram [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek]” was conducted at Agricultural Botany section farm, College of Agriculture, Dhule during kharif-2022. The experimental material included 42 genotypes of mungbean which were evaluated in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with two replications, representing different eco-geographic regions and the source of material was Assistant Pulse Breeder, Oilseed Research Station, Nimkhedi, Jalgoan and local collection from Dhagdaon, Akkalkua, Nandurbar of Maharashtra state. Genotypes were evaluated for twelve diverse characters and correlation coefficient studies were conducted. The weight of 100 seeds (0.5054), the number of seeds per pod (0.4168), the thickness of the pods (0.339), the number of clusters per plant (0.2602), the number of pods per plant (0.2232), and the seed output per plant were the most significant and favourable relationships. It has a negative and non-significant correlation with the number of pods per cluster (-0.0534), but a positive correlation with plant height (0.1748), pod length (0.1737), protein content (0.159), 50 per cent flowering (0.0282) and days to maturity (0.0071). Based on the results, the highest yield of mungbean may be obtained from genotypes with higher protein content, early flowering and ripening, maximum plant height, long and thick pod size, more seeds per pod, and superior seed weight.

Growth and Yield Performance of Strawberry Cultivars under Different Growing Conditions in Maharashtra, India

A study was conducted at the Horticulture Nursery, College of Agriculture, Dhule, during 2023–24 to evaluate the growth and yield performance of three strawberry cultivars (Florida Beauty, Winter Dawn, and Sweet Sensation) under three growing conditions: open field, shade net, and polyhouse. The factorial randomized block design experiment recorded growth and yield parameters such as plant height, leaf area, flowering time, and fruit yield. Open field condition (C1) with Sweet Sensation variety (V3) exhibited significantly maximum plant height (25.63 cm), plant spread (41.82 cm EW and 42.03 cm NS), maximum leaf area (134.33 cm2) and least number of days were taken for first flower initiation (26.67 days). Whereas, as regards to fruit and yield characters i.e. greater number of fruits per plant (21.00), the maximum weight of fruit (21.01 g), yield per plant (0.44 kg/plant) and yield per hectare (11 MT/ha) the results were significantly higher in open field condition with Sweet Sensation variety. According to the study, strawberries' vegetative development, floral characteristics, and fruit quality were all improved by open field conditions, which also increased net income returns by producing the most fruits. It was discovered that the open field environment helped strawberries' vegetative growth, blossom characteristics, and fruit quality while optimising net income returns through the largest fruit output.

Effect of Different Edible Coatings on Physical and Physiological Characters of Acid Lime (Citrus aurantiifolia Swingle) cv. Sai Sharbati

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of different edible coatings on physical and physiological characters of acid lime (Citrus aurantiifolia Swingle) cv. Sai Sharbati from October, 2023 to November, 2023 under Completely Randomized Block Design (CRBD) with three replications and nine treatments at ambient room temperature. The parameters recorded were fruit length (mm), fruit diameter (mm), fruit firmness (kg/cm2), physiological loss in weight (%) and shelf life (days) in every 3 days interval till 21st day. The maximum fruit length (36.16), fruit diameter (34.36) and fruit firmness were observed in fruits treated with coconut oil 100%. Minimum percentage of physiological loss in weight (5.36%) was found in the fruits treated with coconut oil 100%. Whereas, shelf life was found maximum (21 days) in fruits treated with coconut oil 100 % while, it was only 10 days in control fruits. Coconut oil coating increases the shelf life of acid lime by reducing physiological loss in weight and maintaining the fruit firmness.

RESPON PERTUMBUHAN DAN HASIL TANAMAN BAWANG MERAH (ALLIUM ASCALONICUM L.) TERHADAP BERAT BIBIT DAN KONSENTRASI ZAT PENGATUR TUMBUH (ZPT) ATONIK

Shallots (Allium ascalonicum L.) is a horticultural commodity that is often used as a food flavoring. This research aims to determine the effect of seed weight and concentration of Atonik Growth Regulatory Substance (ZPT) and their interaction on the growth and yield of shallot plants (Allium ascalonicum L.). The research was carried out in Sulanyah Village, Seririt District, Buleleng Regency, Bali Province from 13 November 2022 to 27 January 2023. The design used was a Randomized Block Design, namely a combined treatment. Seed weight is the first factor with three levels of weight, namely light seeds (2,1 - 4 g) (B1), medium seeds (4,1 - 6 g) (B2), heavy seeds (6,1 - 8 g) (B3 ). The second factor is the concentration of Atonik Growth Regulatory Substance (ZPT) consisting of four levels of concentration, namely control (without atonic solution) (A0), Atonik ZPT concentration 0,5 cc liter-1 water (A1), Atonik ZPT concentration 1 cc liter-1 water (A2) and Atonik ZPT concentration of 1,5 cc liter-1 water (A3). The combination treatment was repeated three times. The results showed that the interaction between seed weight treatment and Atonik ZPT concentration had no significant effect (P≥ 0,05) on almost all parameters observed, except for the parameters when shoots emerged (hst) and oven dry weight of leaves and roots-1 (gram) which had a very significant effect (P&lt;0,01). The highest wet weight of clump tubers-1 gram was achieved by using heavy seeds (B3) at 46,44 gram and the lowest was obtained when using light seeds (B1), namely 39,56 gram or an increase in yield of 17, 39%. Atonic ZPT concentration treatment obtained the highest wet weight of tubers tubers-1 at a concentration of 0,5 cc liter-1 of water (A₁) which was 61,78 g and the lowest result without giving atonic ZPT concentration (A₀) was only 49,56 g or an increase in yield of 24,66%.

Coastal carbon storage in degraded, natural, and restored mangrove ecosystems of Guyana

Mangroves are among the most carbon-rich forests in the tropics due to their capacity to sequester and store carbon within their ecosystems. However, the combination of natural and human-induced phenomena causes changes in these ecosystems which can affect the flow of carbon within them. In the wet and dry seasons, we examined and compared the carbon content stored in aboveground biomass, standing litter, and soil in natural, degraded, and restored mangrove ecosystems located along the Guyana coastline. During a one-year period, a point-centred quartered method was used for tree sampling, while a randomised block design was used for standing litter and soil sampling. Our study revealed that the natural ecosystems exhibited higher carbon pool levels (29.58–35.14 Mg ha−1), followed by the degraded ecosystems (30.49–32.27 Mg ha−1), and then the restored ecosystems (22.81–27.63 Mg ha−1). Significant differences were documented only in carbon found in aboveground biomass between ecosystem states, particularly within the natural ecosystems, due to the presence of mature trees with larger diameters at breast height. While seasonal fluctuations exist between the various carbon pools, particularly within the degraded ecosystems, our findings yielded insignificant differences between seasonality for all three carbon pools. However, linear mixed-effect models revealed that seasonality may influence the soil and standing litter carbon concentrations to an extent. Positive correlations in the restored ecosystems suggest that the larger carbon stocks in aboveground biomass may be associated with carbon stocks in soil and standing litter, unlike the negative correlations seen in the natural and degraded ecosystems. Our study provides some evidence that the overall carbon storage capacity of mangroves is influenced by the current state of their ecosystem, that is, ecosystems characterised by minimum disturbances may possess a greater capacity for carbon storage in comparison to ecosystems that are currently experiencing or have recovered from disturbances.