Randomized Complete Block Design Research Articles

Determination of Soil Carbon Pools in Selected Soils of Abia State, Nigeria

Soil carbon pools exist in Abia State soils but variation, quantification and speciation remain unascertained. This study was carried out on soils collected from two locations (Umuahia North and Ikwuano LGAs) under three land use systems: arable land (AL), forest land (FL) and palm plantation (PP). The aim of the study was to assess carbon pools in the study soil. Laboratory data was subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Significantly different means were separated using Fisher’s least significant difference (F-LSD) at 5% level of probability (p≤0.05). Correlation analysis was used to assess the relationship between the selected soil properties. It was observed that organic carbon increased significantly (p<0.05) 2.47 under forest land in Umuahia North and decreased to 0.97 under arable land in Ikwuano, permanganate oxidizable carbon (POC) increased significantly in Umuahia North (p<0.05) while decreasing in Ikwuano, the POC interaction on the both locations were significant, water soluble organic carbon (WSOC) and microbial biomass carbon (MBC) were neither significant in location, land use or their interaction.

Potential of Neem (Azadirachta indica) Extract in Managing Fall Armyworm on Maize

This research assessed the effect of neem leaf extract on the larval population of the fall armyworm and the level of damage, growth, and yield of maize. A Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four treatments (Control, 50 g per L, 100 g per L and 200 g per L of neem leaf extract) applied within the two seasons of 2022A and 2022B. The findings showed that a higher concentration (200 g per L) of neem leaf extract-treated maize plants registered the least leaf damage (0.15), severity (0.15), and larvae population (0.1). This effect was most attained during the 1st season of maize production and at the earliest vegetative weeks of maize growth (3 WAP to 5 WAP, i.e., weeks after planting). The higher neem leaf extract concentration of 200 g per L produced the most significant (p < 0.001) effect on maize growth traits. A higher plant height (162.51 cm), longer leaf length (112.5 cm), wider leaf width (11.7 cm), and broader stem girth (11.91 cm) were attained under 200 g per L of neem leaf extract treated plots during the 1st season of maize production and 11 WAP. The findings of this showed that a relatively high concentration of neem leaf extract produced a higher cob weight (200 g per L = 180.1 g) followed by 100 g per L (174.1 g), 50 g per L (140.9 g) and control (139 g). The weight was optimised during the 1st season of maize production (163.8 g). The grain yield was higher under 200 g per L (153.7 g) of neem extract. The above findings demonstrated that a high concentration of neem leaf extract reduced fall armyworm infestation and increased maize plant growth and yield. Farmers should, therefore, be encouraged to apply 200 g per L of neem leaf extract in the management of fall armyworms and improve plant growth and yield because it contains antifeedant and insecticidal properties against the fall armyworm.

Effect of Salt Concentration and Fermentation Time In The Development of Anchovy (Stolephorus Sp) Bekasam as Tempura Raw Material

Purpose: This study aimed to analyze the effect of salt concentration and fermentation time on the chemical characteristics and lactic acid bacteria of anchovy bekasam, and the sensory evaluation of anchovy bekasam as a raw material for tempura. Methodology: The tests conducted included water content (thermogravimetry), pH (pH meter), fat content (soxhlet), bacterial count (TPC), and sensory evaluation (hedonic). The study used a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with two factors: salt concentration (15% and 20%) and fermentation time (4 days and 7 days).Results: The results indicated that both salt concentration and fermentation time significantly affected the water content, pH, and total lactic acid bacteria. The fat content was not significantly affected by the two factors but showed a decrease. Findings: Variations in salt concentration and fermentation time influenced the panelists' sensory preferences for color, aroma, taste, texture, and overall acceptability. The highest overall liking score was achieved by the sample with 15% salt concentration and 7 days of fermentation (K1L2). Novelty: This research provides insight into the optimal conditions for producing anchovy bekasam with desirable chemical and sensory properties, specifically for its use as a raw material for tempura. Originality: The study highlights the impact of different salt concentrations and fermentation times on both the chemical and sensory characteristics of bekasam, offering new information on improving its production process. Conclusions: The sample with 15% salt concentration and 7 days fermentation time yielded the most favorable results in terms of both chemical characteristics and sensory evaluation. Paper Type: Experimental Research Article Keywords: Bekasam; fish; fermentation; salt; tempura

Application of Liquid Organic Fertilizer to Improve Yields in System of Rice Intensification (SRI).

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Organic fertilizer is a source of nutrition for plants which is an alternative to inorganic fertilizer. Liquid organic fertilizer (LOF) which comes from coconut fiber and banana LOF which comes from banana stems from which the fruit has been removed, so that wasted plant residue can be used as fertilizer. The study aimed to obtain the best type of LOF and concentration in increasing the growth and yield of the Batang Piaman rice variety using the SRI method. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> The research was conducted from June to December, 2023 in Padang City, West Sumatra. The method used was an experiment with a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) in nested with each treatment consisting of 3 groups. The treatment consisted of LOF types at two levels (banana stems and coconut fiber) and LOF concentrations at seven levels (0, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250 and 300 mL/L). Observational data were analysed by variance analysis with F test at 5% real level, but if there were differences, it was continued with DMRT further test at 5% real level by STAR IRRI Philippine software (Philippine). <b>Results:</b> The results obtained were that LOF coconut fiber provided better growth components, yield components and physiological components than banana stem LOF with the best concentration, on the provision of LOF coconut fiber 100 mL/L on the number of rice plant tillers and stomatal density and concentration of 200 mL/L on the number of productive tillers. <b>Conclusion:</b> The application of LOF coconut fiber is better for the growth and yield of rice plants of the Batang Piaman variety compared to the administration of LOF banana stems by applying coconut fiber liquid organic fertilizer with a concentration of 100 mL/L, it is recommended to add coconut fiber LOF to rice fields to increase growth and yield.

Influence of Simulated Erosion on Soil Properties and Maize Yield in the Southern Guinea Savanah Zone of Nigeria I

Long term studies were initiated to study topsoil loss and its effects on soil properties and crop yield. This study was conducted during the 2016 through 2019 cropping seasons to assess the influence of artificial topsoil loss on soil properties and grain yield of maize. Three geo- referenced sites within the Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi, Nigeria namely: Site 1, Site_2 and Site_3 were used for the experiment. Erosion levels were established in June 2016 only by the incremental removal of topsoil at various depths. The study of crop productivity using simulated erosion was conducted using Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with desurfaced soil depths of 0cm (control), 5cm, 10cm, 15cm and 20cm as treatments. One profile pit was also dug in each of the three sites for soil characterization and soil type establishment. Data collected on soil physical and chemical properties as well as crop growth parameters and grain yield were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) using R Statistical Software. Results of the study showed that the soils of the three sites were classified as Kandic Paleustepts for Site_1, Typic Plinthustalfs for Site_2 and Typic Hapluderts for Site_3. We report the effects of topsoil loss on soil characteristics in this paper for two years only.

Weather Parameter’s Impact on Natural Parasitization by Campoletis chlorideae Uchida in Chickpea Ecosystem - New Alluvial Zone of West Bengal

Background: A major biotic constraint in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) production is gram pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner). However, the population of this pest is reduced to some extent by a solitary endo-larval parasitoid, Campoletis chlorideae Uchida under field conditions. Climate change has a greater impact on natural enemies’ effectiveness used in field-level pest management. Therefore, the present study was conducted to understand the impact of weather factors on C. chlorideae parasitization rate of H. armigera in chickpea grown in the new alluvial agro-climatic zone of West Bengal. Methods: Chickpea was grown in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications during Rabi 2017-18, 2018-19 and 2019-2020, at Mondouri farm, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Visawavidayala, Mohanpur, West Bengal. To know the most significant weather parameter which influences C. chlorideae parasitization or parasitoid incidence, H. armigera larvae (2nd instar) collected from the field experiment were reared until cocoon formation and parasitization % was correlated with weather parameters and subsequently subjected to stepwise regression analysis. Result: The larval endo-parasitoid, C. chlorideae marked its first appearance from 3rd SMW after the appearance of H. armigera and its activity was high (68% to 72% parasitization) during the flowering to pod initiation stage and thereafter declined gradually. Among the weather variables, only temperature (maximum and minimum) had a consistent and significant negative correlation with C. chlorideae incidence and was responsible for nearly 50% C. chlorideae incidence. An increase in 1°C temperature results in a decrease of 4% parasitoid incidence. Thus, climate change in the near future will have a considerable influence on the overall survival, development and rate of parasitization of parasitoids.

The trade-off between grain weight and grain number in wheat is explained by the overlapping of the key phases determining these major yield components.

Enhancing grain yield is a primary goal in the cultivation of major staple crops, including wheat. Recent research has focused on identifying the physiological and molecular factors that influence grain weight, a critical determinant of crop yield. However, a bottleneck has arisen due to the trade-off between grain weight and grain number, whose underlying causes remain elusive. In a novel approach, a wheat expansin gene, TaExpA6, known for its expression in root tissues, was engineered to express in the grains of the spring wheat cultivar Fielder. This modification led to increases in both grain weight and yield without adversely affecting grain number. Conversely, a triple mutant line targeting the gene TaGW2, a known negative regulator of grain weight, resulted in increased grain weight but decreased grain number, potentially offsetting yield gains. This study aimed to evaluate the two aforementioned modified wheat genotypes (TaExpA6 and TaGW2) alongside their respective wild-type counterparts. Conducted in southern Chile, the study employed a Complete Randomized Block Design with four replications, under well-managed field conditions. The primary metrics assessed were grain yield, grain number, and average grain weight per spike, along with detailed measurements of grain weight and dimensions across the spike, ovary weight at pollination (Waddington's scale 10), and post-anthesis expression levels of TaExpA6 and TaGW2. Results indicated that both the TaExpA6 and the triple mutant lines achieved significantly higher average grain weights compared to their respective wild types. Notably, the TaExpA6 line did not exhibit a reduction in grain number, thereby enhancing grain yield per spike. By contrast, the triple mutant line showed a reduced grain number per spike, with no significant change in overall yield. TaExpA6 expression peaked at 10 days after anthesis (DAA), and its effect on grain weight over the WT became apparent after 15 DAA. In contrast, TaGW2 gene disruption in the triple mutant line increased ovary size at anthesis, leading to improved grain weight above the WT from the onset of grain filling. These findings suggest that the trade-off between grain weight and number could be attributed to the overlapping of the critical periods for the determination of these traits.

The Effects of Rabbit Compost Tea and NPK Fertilizer on the Growth Parameters of Maize (Zea mays L.)

This study evaluates the effects of rabbit compost tea and NPK (15-15-15) fertilizer on the growth parameters of maize (Zea mays L.) at the Teaching and Research Farm of Ekiti State Polytechnic, Isan-Ekiti. The treatments were laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates. Each replicate consisted of four (4) treatments. Total land area measured 88 m2 (11 m by 8 m) with 12 plots, and each plot size measured 3 m by 2 m (6 m2) with 1 m alleyways between plots and replicates. The treatments and application rate were the control, rabbit compost tea at 400 l ha-1, a combination of NPK at 100 kg ha-1 and rabbit compost tea at 200 l ha-1, and the application of NPK (15-15-15) fertilizer at the rate of 200 kg ha-1, which was incorporated as the experiment's standard treatment. In the experiment, growth parameters of maize (Zea mays L.) were monitored and evaluated. Findings showed that the application of rabbit compost tea and NPK (15-15-15) fertilizer significantly (p < 0.05) increased the plant height, stem girth, number of leaves, and leaf area when compared with the control, especially when combined. According to this study, rabbit compost tea is an effective and sustainable organic amendment that smallholder maize farmers should consider using to improve growth and output.

Effect of Pruning Heights on Vegetative and Reproductive Response of Rosa Gruss-an-teplitz

Rosa Gruss-an-teplitz, belongs to Rosaceae family, commonly known as ‘Desi Rose’, is one of the beautiful red roses of the old garden rose section and produces flowers almost throughout the year. Roses are pruned regularly every year for regulating growth and flowering. This enhances the number, size, and quality of the flowers. Therefore, response of Gruss-an-teplitz to pruning heights at (Control, 01, 1.5, 02, 2.5, 03, 3.5 ft.), was evaluated in an experimental field. Pruning at 2.5 ft. had significant effects on studied parameters, including vegetative and reproductive plant growth, flower yield and gaseous exchange. This experiment was laid out under Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) using three replications per treatment. Pruning at (2.5 ft.) significantly improved growth, in terms of higher leaf area (129.55 cm2), plant height (77.01 cm), number of flowers (658.02), flower weight (4.51 g) and flower diameter (7.86 cm) with respect to other treatments. Chlorophyll a (1.57 mg/g), Chlorophyll b (2.73 mg/g), stomatal conductance (gs) (68.62) and photosynthetic rate (3.06) were also increased by pruning at (2.5 ft.). Pruning application at 2.5 ft. improved biomass, water preservation, pigments, enzymatic activity, leaf gaseous exchange, and flower yield of Gruss-an-teplitz.

Effect of Foliar Sprays of Phenylalanine, Nano-potash and Potassium Sulphate on Fruit Quality Attributes of Apple (Malus x domestica Borkh) cv. Ambri

The present investigation was carried out at Experimental field of Ambri Apple Research Centre (AARC), Shopian, SKUAST-Kashmir, during the year 2022-2023. Eight treatments, viz; control (water spray), potassium sulphate (5 g per litre of water), phenylalanine (@ 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3%), nano-potash (@ 1, 2 and 3ml/l of water) were selected for colour improvement. The treatments were applied 30 days prior to harvest. The experiment was laid in complete randomised block design with 3 replications having 3 trees per replication. The results showed that all the treatments outperformed control in terms of chemical characteristics. The treatment T4 (Phenylalanine @ 0.3%) significantly excelled in all the treatments applied. Significantly higher anthocyanin content (14.41 mg/100g), antioxidants (75.71 %), total sugars (12.98 %), TSS (16.23 %), fruit chlorophyll (0.59 mg/g fw) and fruit ascorbic acid (23.93 %) was recorded in T4 (Phenylalanine @ 0.3%) as compared to other treatments. According to the current study, apple cultivar Ambri responded favourably to the application of foliar phenylalanine in improving chemical traits, which otherwise lacks in this cultivar. The application of Phe @ 0.3% , 30 days prior to harvest proved superior in enhancing the quality attributes, notably the anthocyanin content of apple cv. Ambri.

Efficacy of Ethephon Doses on Vegetative and Reproductive Attributes of Watermelon [(Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. & Nakai

Watermelon is a widely cultivated cucurbitaceous crop with economic and dietary significance. The plant's ability to reproduce effectively relies on the harmonious growth and maturation of both its male and female flowers. At the farm level, determining the exact amount of ethylene required to regulate the development and sexual expression of individual floral buds remains uncertain, despite the known influence of exogenously applied ethylene on these processes. The goal of the research was to explore how the ethephon doses influence vegetative characteristics, sex expression, and watermelon yield. The experiment, employing a one-factorial Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) comprising five treatments and four replications, was conducted in a farmer's field in Buttabari, Jhapa. Using R-stat software, the data were analyzed at a 5% level of significance. Treatment consisted of Ethephon with four doses namely; 100ppm, 200ppm, 300ppm, 400ppm, and a control. Ethephon application was done twice, once at the two true-leaf stages and another at four true-leaf stages. The study revealed that plant height decreased with ethephon compared to the control, reaching a minimum of 280.1 cm at 400 ppm and a maximum of 307.1 cm in the control. Additionally, the highest branch numbers were observed with ethephon at 200 ppm. The plot treated with 200ppm ethephon was found to be more effective than alternative doses at increasing the total number of female flowers, bearing 15.25 female flowers per plant. Control (166.50 per plant) and 400 ppm (150.00 per plant) had the highest and lowest male flower counts per plant, respectively. A maximum yield of 25.12 t/ha and a minimum yield of 19.1 t/ha were determined at 200 ppm and control, respectively. Hence, farmers are found to benefit from ethephon doses of 200 ppm.

Comparative Efficacy of Organic Mulching and Organic Neem Oil in the Control of spotted and striped cucumber beetles affecting the growth and yield of Cucumber in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State

A research work was undertaken in the University of Uyo Teaching and Research Farm, Main Campus, Uyo, from March to May during the 2023 cropping season to assess the effect of Organic Mulching and Neem Oil in the Control of Cucumber Beetles (spotted “Diabrotica undecimpunctata” and striped “Acalymma vitatum”) affecting the growth and yield of Cucumber (Cucumis sativum, Saira F1 variety). The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). The experimental plot consisted of three (3) replicates with 2 treatments: organic mulch, organic Neem oil application and control. An early maturing variety of cucumber “Saira F1” was used as planting material sown in March which lasted till May. Data on insect pest population count, growth and yield parameters were studied and the data obtained were analyzed and subjected to analysis of variance using Fisher`s Least Significant Difference (LSD) at 5% probability level. The results from insect population count parameters revealed that Neem oil at 100ml application rate which recorded 10.50 and 6.00 was significantly effective in managing spotted and striped cucumber beetles respectively compared to organic mulch (3kg) which recorded 47.00 and 14.00 for spotted and striped cucumber beetles and control unit which had 61.00 and 42.00 for spotted and striped cucumber beetles respectively. Neem oil at 100ml application rate was also more effective in improving the growth and yield of cucumber plant compared to organic mulch. Hence, Farmers in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State should employ Neem oil in managing spotted and striped cucumber beetles in cucumber production as this is a promising botanical insecticide to check the activities of field cucumber beetles thereby bringing their destructive activities to a minimum and also improves yield.

Effect of different Nitrogen Levels on Yield and Quality of Forage Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench cv. Abusabien)

The present study was conducted at the Experimental Farm of the Department of Crop Science, Faculty of Natural and Environmental Studies, University of Kordofan, Elobeid, Sudan. To evaluate the effect of different nitrogen fertilizer levels on growth, yield and quality of Sorghum forage (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench. cv Abusabien). The treatments consisted of four levels of nitrogen: control, 43, 86 and 120 kg N/ha (0N, 1N, 2N and 3N). The treatments were arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with five replications. The parameters measured were: plant population, plant height (cm), number of leaves/plant, fresh weight (ton/ha), dry weight (ton/ha), crude protein (%) content, fat (%) content, fiber (%) content, ash (%) content and carbohydrates (%) content. the results revealed that there were significant differences among the treatments in most characters under study. Nitrogen fertilizer resulted in an increase in growth attributes as well as forage yield. Nitrogen fertilizer dose (120 kg N/ha) produced higher fresh and dry forage at harvest compared to the other treatments. Also the results showed that nitrogen fertilizer significantly increased the percentage (%) content of crude protein, fat, ash and carbohydrates while decreased fiber percentage (%) concentration compared to the control. The treatment 120 kg N/ha (3N) had highest values of protein (13.68), fat (2.04), ash (12.18) (%) content, while the lowest values (9.73, 1.32 and 10.07) % content respectively, were obtained in the control. Then, based on these findings we recommended that to obtain high growth, forage yield and quality from sorghum forage Abu-Sabeen, nitrogen at the level of (120 kg/ha ) should be applied.

ASSESSMENT OF COMBINING ABILITY FOR YIELD AND YIELD RELATED TRAITS IN SPRING WHEAT (TRITICUM AESTIVUM L.)

Grain yield and other related characters were studied in 18 F1 generations along with nine parents (six lines and three testers) which were evaluated for combining ability with three replications in a randomized complete block design (RCBD). The results indicated that among various lines, line 9479 was identified as a good general combiner for the traits, viz., spike length, spikelet’s per spike, and 1000-grain weight, whereas, Line 9486 appeared as a good general combiner for the characters, flag leaf area, plant height, peduncle length, number of tillers per plant and 1000-grain weight. Line 9515 for flag leaf area, plant height, and spike length. Line 9519 for the number of tillers per plant, grain yield per plant, and plant height; line 9520 for peduncle length, number of tillers per plant, grains per spike, grain yield per plant and 9521 was identified as good general combiner for the characters spike length, spikelet’s per spike, number of grains per spike and spike density. Tester Punjab-11 emerged as a good general combiner for the traits; peduncle length, plant height, flag leaf area, and number of tillers per plant, whereas, Tester Ass-11 appeared as a good combiner for the spike length, peduncle length, 1000-grain weight, and flag leaf area. Tester Chakwal-50 identified a good general combiner for the number of tillers per plant, plant height, grains per spike, spikelets per spike, grain yield per plant, 1000-grain weight, and spike density. Out of 18 cross combinations, seven crosses viz. 9479 × Aas-11, 9486 × Aas-11, 9515 × Aas-11, 9519 × Chakwal-50, 9520 × Punjab-11, 9521 × Punjab-11, and 9521 × Aas-11 emerged with significant positive SCA effects for grain yield per plant. Thus, these crosses can be exploited for grain yield per plant by using biparental mating system.

Response to Various Water Regimes of the Physiological Aspects, Nutritional Water Productivity, and Phytochemical Composition of Bush Tea (Athrixia phylicoides DC.) Grown under a Protected Environment

The influence of water regimes on plants is crucial for integrating bush tea (Athrixia phylicoides DC.) into strategies in Sub-Saharan Africa to tackle food and nutritional insecurity by considering physiological aspects, nutritional yield, nutritional water productivity, and metabolite composition. The objective of the study was to determine the physiological aspects, including leaf gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence, nutritional yield, nutritional water productivity, and metabolite composition of bush tea under varying water regimes. The tunnel experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with treatments consisting of three water regimes: 100% of crop water requirement (ETa), 30% of ETa, and a control (no irrigation), all replicated three times. The morphological aspects were recorded on a weekly basis. However, yield, nutrient content, nutritional water productivity (NWP), and phytochemical composition were determined at harvest. The phytochemical analysis by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS), coupled with visualization of the detected chemical spaces through molecular networking, indicated Athrixia phylicoides DC. to be rich in various bioactive compound derivatives, including methyl chlorogenate, flavonoids, tartaric acid, caffeoylquinic acid, and glutinane. The results showed that 30% ETa enhanced plant growth, nutrient content, and nutritional water productivity compared to other water treatments. Nevertheless, 100% ETa yielded more (95.62 kg ha−1) than 30% ETa (60.61 kg ha−1) and control (12.12 kg ha−1). The accumulation of chlorogenic acids was higher under 30% ETa compared to 100% ETa and control. Therefore, this study is the first to determine the accumulation of various bioactive compounds in bush tea leaf extracts under varying water regimes. This confirms that in areas with low water availability, bush tea is well adapted for production without limiting nutrients.

Combined Effect of Potassium Fertiliser, Saline Irrigation Water and Humic Acids On Soil Acidity and Yield Components of Pepper (Capsicum annuum L)

A field experiment was conducted to adapt seedlings of sweet pepper, also called “California Wonder”, to salinity and the role of humic acid and potassium fertiliser in reducing the effect of salinity on the plant. A three-factorial field experiment was conducted according to the Complete Random Block Design, with three replications during the spring season of 2018 to study the humic acid and potassium fertiliser role in enhancing the salt tolerance of pepper plants. The first factor included four levels of saline water irrigation, namely 2, 4, 6 and 8 dS.m-1. The second factor included a foliar application of three levels of humic acids i.e., 0, 25 and 50 kg.h-1. The third factor represents the addition of three levels of potassium fertiliser (potassium sulphate of 50% K2O according to the fertiliser recommendation of 0, 75 and 150 kg. h-1. The considered plant and soil traits were branch per plant, stem diameter (mm), percentage of protein in the fruits and soil pH. The results obtained from the experiment can be summed up above the treatment of air conditioning at saline level 6 ds m-1 in branch per plant with 12.3 and the most significant results obtained from the experiment can be summed up above the treatment of air conditioning at saline level 4 ds m-1 in stem diameter 2.03 mm. The results showed a decrease in branch per plant and stem diameter (mm) by increasing the salinity of irrigation water by 8 ds m-1 and the increase in the addition of humic acid and potassium fertiliser. The results showed a decrease in soil acidity (pH) increasing the salinity of irrigation and increasing fruit protein content by increasing the salinity.

Stability Assessment of Groundnut ABLs Using AMMI and GGE Biplot Analysis for Yield Performance under Multi-environments

The current study focused on Identification of stable line among the eight groundnut ABLs and two checks were assessed in three different environments in Karnataka during the 2020-2021 Kharif and Rabi seasons with randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The analysis of variance revealed significant differences (p≤0.01) among the genotypes, environments, and the genotype by environment interaction (G×E) for kernel yield. The AMMI analysis also showed highly significant differences (p≤0.01) for varieties, environments, and their interaction on kernel yield. The IPCA1 and IPCA2 components explained 72.72% and 25.00% of the total G×E sum of squares, respectively. The variations in kernel yield were attributed to the environment (16.44%), ABLs (81.87%), and ABLs by environment interaction (1.68%). ABLs T65, T77, T81, and T82 were identified as stable across all three environments based on ASV and SI for kernel yield per plant. These stable lines can be used as parents in breeding programs. The AMMI model and GGE biplots were effective tools for evaluating the adaptability and stability of groundnut genotypes in diverse environments.

Response of Mustard Yield (cv. BARI Sarisha-14) to Different Fertilizer Management Under Subtropical Condition

The yield of mustard can be significantly enhanced by the appropriate application of fertilizers. Utilizing fertilizers effectively holds considerable promise for improving mustard yields. To evaluate the effect of fertilizers on mustard yield, a study was carried out at the Agronomy Field Laboratory (AFL), Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Mymensingh, between November 2022 and February 2023. This study involved seven different fertilizers treatments: control (no fertilizer) and incremental additions of nutrients starting from nitrogen (N) alone to a full combination of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, Sulphur, zinc, and boron (N-P-K-S-Zn-B). The BARI (Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute) sarisha-14 variety was used as the crop under study. The study was conducted using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The findings suggested that, fertilizers application had a significant impact on several growth parameters and yields. The most comprehensive fertilizers mix (N-P-K-S-Zn-B) resulted in the maximum observed values for plant height (PH) (83.63 cm), number of branches plant-1 (NBP) (4.74), number of siliquae plant-1 (NSP) (63.17), and seed yield (SY) (2.19 t ha-1) and stover yields (7.27 t ha-1). This treatment also resulted in the highest biological yield (BY) (4.51 t ha-1), indicating a robust growth response. In contrast, control (no fertilizers) produced the lowest SY (0.19 t ha-1) and stover yield (0.70 t ha-1). It can be concluded that BARI sarisha-14 produced the highest yield of mustard with the recommended rate of N-P-K-S-Zn-B and farmers can cultivate this mustard variety at large scale with mentioned recommended dose of fertilizer.

Sustainable Methods for Growing Turmeric: Evaluating the Effects of Synthetic and Organic Fertilizers on vegetative and reproductive attributes

This study aimed to assess the influence of various bio-fertilizer sources on turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) cultivation in Eastern Nepal. The research was conducted at G.P Koirala College of Agriculture and Research Centre, Sundarharaicha, Morang, Nepal, from April 2023 to January 2024. The experiment utilized a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with seven treatments including T1: Recommended dose (RD) of NPK, T2: Goat manure, T3: Organic manure, T4: Poultry manure, T5: Vermicompost, T6: Farmyard manure, T7: Control, replicated three times. Turmeric cultivation practices were implemented following standard agronomic procedures. The recommended dose of synthetic fertilizer, NPK, exhibited the highest enhancement across multiple vegetative and reproductive growth parameters of turmeric, with notable increases in plant height, leaf number, tillers per plant, primary and secondary fingers per clump, fresh rhizome yield, dry yield, and dry recovery percentage. Among the organic sources, goat manure and poultry manure also showed promising results in enhancing turmeric yield and quality. Specifically, NPK recorded the highest fresh rhizome yield at 21.30 tons/ha, while goat manure and poultry manure yielded 20.35 tons/ha and 18.69 tons/ha, respectively. In contrast, the lowest fresh rhizome yield was observed in the control group, indicating minimal enhancement in yield without fertilizer supplementation. The results highlight how organic farming methods may be a good substitute for traditional chemical fertilizers in the context of sustainable turmeric production.

Estimating Missing values in Randomized Complete Block design using EM Algorithm

This research explores the application of the Expectation-Maximization (EM) algorithm to address missing data challenges in Randomized Complete Block Designs (RCBD). Traditional imputation methods often introduce biases, prompting the need for a robust solution. The EM algorithm, anchored in a mixed effects model, iteratively estimates missing values, demonstrating its efficacy in a practical RCBD scenario. Through 15 iterations, the algorithm converges to stable parameter estimates. Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and bias calculations validate the accuracy of imputations. This study establishes the EM algorithm as a powerful tool for enhancing the integrity of analyses in RCBD experiments with missing data.. KEYWORDS :Expectation-Maximization Algorithm, Randomized complete block design (RCBD), Mixed effects model, Root mean square error (RMSE), Machine learning approaches.