Randomized Complete Block Design Research Articles

Effect of transplanting dates on growth, yield and quality of broad leaf mustard (Brassica juncea L. var. rugosa) varieties at Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal

Broad Leaf Mustard, one of the most popular, highly commercialized, and widely grown green vegetables due to its richness in vitamin and minerals with peculiar taste. The precise knowledge of ideal planting time with right selection of variety provides suitable environmental conditions at all growth stages that increase the yield. The field experiment was carried at Horticulture Farm, Faculty of Agriculture, Agriculture and Forestry University, Rampur, Chitwan to evaluate the effect of transplanting dates on growth, yield and quality of Broad Leaf Mustard (Brassica juncea L. var. rugosa) varieties in Terai condition of Nepal during October 2021 to March 2022. The experiment was laid out in two factorial randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. There were sixteen treatment combination comprising four varieties (Khumal Broad Leaf, Marpha Broad Leaf, Manakamana and Mike Giant) with four transplanting dates (October 25, November 9, November 24 and December 9). The results revealed that transplanting dates and varieties along with interaction significantly influenced the growth, yield and quality of Broad Leaf Mustard. Among the varieties, Khumal Broad Leaf was significantly superior on growth parameters like plant height, leaf length and breadth, plant canopy but on yield attributes the superior variety was Mike Giant based on number of leaves harvested per plot (226.08) and leaf yield (26.43 mt ha-1). However, the organoleptic test result revealed that the Mike Giant had excellent taste (74%) along with highest recovery percentage of Gundruk (27.62 %). Among the date of transplanting, mid transplanting on November 9 was better in terms of growth and leaf yield of 28.92 mt ha-1. While poorest performance was recorded on last transplanting on December 9 in all growth, yield and quality parameters with leaf yield of 17.36 mt ha-1. The interaction effect of different varieties and transplanting dates resulted better growth and quality in Khumal Broad Leaf and Manakamana varieties when transplanted on November 9. So based on the results of the experiment, Mike Giant transplanted on November 9 produced better growth and yield than others for the optimum yield production in Chitwan, Nepal.

Effect of varying levels of achichi (Cannabis sativum L.) seed oil extract in the inhibition of bacteria spot disease of scotch pepper (Capsicum annum L.)

Negative food safety reports over the use of synthetic pesticides in controlling bacteria disease of pepper caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv is increasing in Nigeria, hence the need for friendly options. An experiment was carried out at the Teaching and Research Farm of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, located on latitude 70 12N and longitude 50 35E at 350m above sea levels, to evaluate the effect of varying levels of achichi (Cannabis sativum L.) seed oil extract in the inhibition of bacteria spot disease of scotch pepper (Capsicum annum L.). Treatments include; Positive control (Synthetic Rindomil gold), Negative control (distill water), 2 ml ASO (Achichi seed oil), and 4ml ASO (Achichi seed oil) which were randomly distributed into plots, arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Results showed that the application of ASO had bactericidal inhibition potential against the bacteria spot diseases comparable to the synthetic ridomil powder. Application of between 2 – 4 ml / 1 liter of water of ASO was found to significantly influence the general performance of sprayed pepper in the study area. Further investigation should be carried out to determine the right volume between the ranges of 2 ml – 4 ml of ASO that can effectively control the bacteria spot disease in the study area.

Supplementary Effect of Ensiled Ficus Fruit [Ficus nota (Blanco) Merr.] on The Growth Performance in Mallard Ducks [Anas platyrhynchos (Linnaeus), 1758

A study was conducted to determine the effects of supplementing the ensiled ficus (EFF) fruit on the growth performance of mallard ducks. One hundred seventy-five (175) day old straight-run mallard ducklings were assigned with the following diets: A (control), B (5% EFF inclusion), C (10% EFF inclusion), D (15% EFF inclusion), and E (20% EFF inclusion) following Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with cage location as blocking factor. Data were run in general linear model of SAS v.9.4. TS1M8 and difference among treatments were determined using trend comparison and declared significant at =0.05. Results showed the ensiling can improve the chemical composition of the ficus fruits and make it favorable to mallard ducks when supplemented. The effect of supplementing EFF in mallard ducks showed a general increase in VFI with higher inclusion rate of EFF with comparable BW and WG. However, FCR was a bit higher with ducks given increasing EFF supplement. Lastly, RFCC was also lower in diets with EFF compared to the control group.

DIFFERENT LEVELS OF SALICYLIC ACID AND DROUGHT IMPACTS ON MAIN PHYTOCHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OF SUNFLOWER (HELIANTHUS ANNUUS L.)

This study covered 2 locations, using 3 replications with randomized complete block design (RCBD) as a split-plot factorial arrangement, to determine the effect of both irrigation (I1, I2, & I3) and salicylic acid application (S1), and non-SA (S0) treatments, respectively, on sunflower seed oil % and main phytochemical components %, at ache-forming, flowering, and vegetative stages, compared to complete irrigation (I4). SA applied with full irrigation resulted in the highest values of seed oil % and overwhelming majority phytochemical components. On the contrary, the lowest values were noted by none (SA) application with skipping irrigation at the flowering-stage (I2S0).

EFFECT OF DE-TOPPING ON VARIOUS DATES OF GROWTH PARAMETERS OF PEACH NURSERY PLANTS

The research study was carried out to examine the effect of de-topping parameters of peach nursery plant. The experiment layout was Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) at “Nuclear Institute for Food and Agriculture Peshawar” (NIFA) Research Farm during the year 2021. On different dates de-topping were practiced (24 June, 30 June, 6 July and 12 July). The data revealed that the de-topping practice on 6 July showed significant results on days to sprout (65.33), bud success Percentage (94.83 %), number of leaves (251), number of branches (22) and internode length (7.36 cm), while practicing of de-topping on 12 July found better results in plant height (59.66 cm). The minimum results showed in days to sprout (54), bud Success percentage (94.64), plant height (32.33 cm) and number of leaves (225.67) which were de-topped on 24 July. Hence for better bud take success on peach rootstock the de-topping were practice on 6 July is recommended.

Enhancing Roselle Growth and Yield through Planting Density and Fertilization Strategies: A Study on BRIS Soil Area

Optimizing planting density and fertilization practices are crucial factors influencing the micro-environment of agricultural fields, thereby profoundly impacting the growth, development, and yield formation of Roselle plants. This study investigates the combined effects of planting density and Sesbania grandiflora integration on nitrogen dynamics within the BRIS soil area, aiming to enhance Roselle growth and yield. Employing a randomized complete block design (RCBD), three fertilizer treatments—control, green manure, and organic fertilizer—were implemented. Nitrogen content was analyzed using the Kjeldahl method, while phosphorus and potassium contents were determined via UV spectrometry and atomic absorption spectrophotometry, respectively. Within an agroforestry model employing a spacing of 20 cm between plants, results revealed that Roselle plants treated with organic fertilizer exhibited higher nitrogen (N: 3.54 %), phosphorus (P: 0.54 %), and potassium (K: 1.61 %) content in their leaves, and similarly in their roots (N: 1.93%, P: 0.45%, K: 2.11%). However, soil analysis indicated that green manure fertilizer treatment led to higher nitrogen (0.11 %), phosphorus (44.67 %), and potassium (0.17 %) content within the BRIS soil. In conclusion, the green manure fertilizer treatment demonstrated a propensity to enhance nitrogen dynamics within the poorly structured BRIS soil, thereby promoting growth and development. Conversely, the integration of Sesbania grandiflora along with suitable plant spacing appeared instrumental in sustaining Roselle yield productivity. This research sheds light on the interplay between planting density, fertilizer strategies, and soil dynamics, providing valuable insights for optimizing Roselle cultivation practices in similar agroecological contexts.

Weed Biology and Ecology Studies: Diversity, Dominance, Population and Weed Growth and Land Use Efficiency in Intercropping Corn (Zea mays l.) with Leguminous Crops in Dryland

The aim of the research is to examine the effect of intercropping corn with leguminous crops on weeds and land use efficiency. The experimental research method was designed using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three blocks. The treatments tested were monocrop planting patterns and intercropping between corn and leguminous crops. The results of the research showed that 16 weed species were found with high species diversity, evenness, dominance, and abundance, so that there were six dominant species that existed during plant growth. Peanuts and cowpeas are suitable for intercropping with corn because they can suppress the population and growth of weeds. Soybeans, green beans, and red beans are not suitable because they are not effective in suppressing the population and growth of weeds and compete with corn, so that corn yield losses due to competition are 38.20%–40.96% and due to weed competition, they reach 62.37%–63.77%. The best ecological and agronomic land use efficiency was obtained by intercropping corn with peanuts and cowpeas, with NKL values based on dry biomass weights of 1.90 and 1.89 (NKL > 1) and dry seed weights of 1.79 and 1.78 (NKL > 1).

Stability assessment of selected chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflora Tzvelev) hybrids over the years through AMMI and GGE biplot in the mid hills of North-Western Himalayas

Dendranthema grandiflora is an important cut flower with high economic importance in the floriculture industry. Identification of stable and high yielding genotypes of Dendranthema grandiflora, hence becomes paramount for ensuring its year-round production. In this context, the genotype by environment interaction effects on 22 chrysanthemum hybrids across six test environments were investigated. The experiment was conducted using Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications for 6 years and data on various agro-morphological and yield-contributing traits were evaluated. Our analysis revealed significant mean sum of squares due to environmental, genotypic and genotype by environment interaction variations for all examined traits. A 2D GGE biplot constructed using first two principal components computed as 59.2% and 23.3% of the differences in genotype by environment interaction for flower yield per plant. The GGE biplot identified two top-performing genotypes, G2 and G5, while the AMMI model highlighted genotypes G17, G15, G6, G5, and G2 as the best performers. Genotype G17 ranked highest for multiple traits, while G2 displayed high mean flower yield as well as stability across all environments. According to AEC line, genotypes G2 and G5 exhibited exceptional stability, whereas genotypes G4, G18 and G19 demonstrated lower stability but maintained high average flower yields. Hence, our findings provide valuable insights into chrysanthemum hybrids that were not only best performing but also hold promise to meet the growers demand of the cut flower industry and can be recommended for large scale commercial cultivation.

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

Aims: Long-term studies have been launched to assess the influence of artificial topsoil loss and its effects on soil properties and grain yield of cultivated maize. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted during the 2016 to 2019 agricultural seasons at the Federal University of Agriculture in Makurdi, Nigeria. Methodology: Three geo- referenced sites within the Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi, Nigeria namely: Site 1, Site_2 and Site_3 was 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 carried out 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 was subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) using R core Statistical Software. Results: The study revealed 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. These has brrn reported in drtail in paper I. In comparison with the 0cm (control), maize grain yield was reduced by 7%, 89%, 100% and 100% at Site_1, 5%, 64%, 82% and 85% at Site_2 and 6%, 71%, 82% and 92% at Site_3 for the 5cm, 10cm, 15cm and 20cm topsoil depth removal respectively. The topsoil loss greatly lowered the grain yield of maize. We report the effects of topsoil loss on crop productivity for two years.

Effect of coffee husk biochar and inorganic NP fertilizer on soil properties, growth and yield of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) on acidic soil of southwest Ethiopia

Soil acidity and low soil fertility due to nutrient leaching coupled with low inorganic fertilizer usage is a major cause of low crop yields across Southwest Ethiopia. Recently, biochar potential to improve soil fertility has gained significant attention but there are limited studies on the use of biochar in combination with inorganic fertilizers. A field experiment was, therefore, conducted to investigate the effect of combined application of biochar and inorganic NP nutrient on soil physicochemical properties, growth and yield of potato in Andiracha district, Southwestern Ethiopia. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) and replicated three times. The treatment consisted of four levels of biochar rates (0, 2.5, 5 and 7.5 t ha−1) and four fertilizer rates of (0, 75,100 and 125% of recommended N P rates). Data were analyzed using SAS version 9.3 Software. Analysis of variance showed that combined application of biochar and inorganic NP fertilizer had highly significant (p < 0.01) effect on days to flowering, stem number, plant height, total leaf area, total dry biomass, marketable tuber number per hill and harvest index and significant (p < 0.05) effect on marketable tuber weight and total tuber weight ha−1. Combined application of 7.5 ton ha−1 biochar with 165 kg N and 60 kg P ha−1 resulted highest tuber yield (42.64 t ha−1), that increased yield by 28.99% compared with recommended NP fertilizer alone (165 kg N ha−1 and 60 kg P ha−1), and by 76.6% compared to the control. The increase was mainly attributed to the improvement in soil physico-chemical properties especially soil pH, CEC, organic matter, total N and available P which is a reflection of increase in soil fertility. Consequently, it was determined that the best course of action for potato production in the area was to apply 7.5 tons of biochar ha−1 together with 165 kg N and 60 kg P ha−1. Therefore, the study recommends adoption of low cost biochar production techniques and capacity building to ensure satisfactory knowledge of biochar use and its adoption by potato growers for soil fertility management and enhanced crop productivity.

Toxicological assessment of invasive Ageratina adenophora on germination and growth efficiency of native tree and crop species of Kumaun Himalaya.

The present study was designed to assess the allelopathic potential of invasive weed Ageratina adenophora leaf extracts on seed germination and seedling development efficiency of native tree [viz. Quercus leucotrichophora A. Camus (Oak) and Pinus roxburghii Sarg. (Pine)] and crop [(Triticum aestivum L. (Wheat) and Lens culinaris Medik. (Lentil)] species of Kumaun Himalaya. Pot experiments were conducted in the glasshouse of the Botany Department, D.S.B. Campus, Kumaun University Nainital, following a Completely Randomized Block Design (CRBD) with three treatments (C1-25%, C2-50%, and C3-100% of aqueous leaf extract) and one control, each with five replicates. The experiment lasted one year for tree species and continued until the seed maturation phase for crop species. Parameters such as seed germination proportion, root and shoot measurements, biomass, and crop productivity traits were recorded accordingly. Our bioassay results indicated that the inhibitory effect of leaf extracts on the measured traits of the selected native species was proportional to the applied extract concentrations of A. adenophora. Overall, lentil among crops and oak among tree species exhibited more inhibition compared to wheat and pine, respectively. At the highest concentration, reductions of 44%, 34%, 36%, and 24% in biomass production capacity were recorded for wheat, lentil, pine, and oak, respectively, while wheat and lentil productivity decreased by up to 33% and 45%, respectively. These results suggest that water-soluble allelochemicals produced by A. adenophora may impede the establishment of selected crop and tree species in agroecosystems and forest ecosystems invaded by this weed species. However, further studies on the characterization of phytochemicals and their specific role in seed germination and growth are warranted. Furthermore, the allelopathic potential of A. adenophora can be explored for the preparation of biopesticides and nature-friendly option to improve soil health, crop productivity, and reduce environmental pollution and management of this invasive weed.

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&lt;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&lt;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 &amp;lt; 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).

&lt;b&gt;Background and Objective:&lt;/b&gt; 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. &lt;b&gt;Materials and Methods:&lt;/b&gt; 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). &lt;b&gt;Results:&lt;/b&gt; 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. &lt;b&gt;Conclusion:&lt;/b&gt; 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 &lt; 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.