Randomized Complete Block Design Research Articles

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.

Systematic review for optimizing sample size in dairy cow methane emission studies in temperate regions: a comprehensive methodological approach.

This research introduces a systematic framework for calculating sample size in studies focusing on enteric methane (CH4, g/kg of DMI) yield reduction in dairy cows. Adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we conducted a comprehensive search across the Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed Central databases for studies published from 2012 to 2023. The inclusion criteria were: studies reporting CH4 yield and its variability in dairy cows, employing specific experimental designs (Latin Square Design (LSD), Crossover Design, Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD), and Repeated Measures Design) and measurement methods (Open-circuit respirometry chambers (RC), the GreenFeed system, and the sulfur hexafluoride tracer technique), conducted in Canada, the United States and Europe. A total of 150 studies, which included 177 reports, met our criteria and were included in the database. Our methodology for using the database for sample size calculations began by defining 6 CH4 yield reduction levels (5, 10, 15, 20, 30, and 50%). Utilizing an adjusted Cohen's f formula and a power analysis we calculated the sample sizes required for these reductions in balanced LSD and RCBD reports from studies involving 3 or 4 treatments. The results indicate that within-subject studies (i.e., LSD) require smaller sample sizes to detect CH4 yield reductions compared with between-subject studies (i.e., RCBD). Although experiments using RC typically require fewer individuals due to their higher accuracy, our results demonstrate that this expected advantage is not evident in reports from RCBD studies with 4 treatments. A key innovation of this research is the development of a web-based tool that simplifies the process of sample size calculation (samplesizecalculator.ucdavis.edu). Developed using Python, this tool leverages the extensive database to provide tailored sample size recommendations for specific experimental scenarios. It ensures that experiments are adequately powered to detect meaningful differences in CH4 emissions, thereby contributing to the scientific rigor of studies in this critical area of environmental and agricultural research. With its user-friendly interface and robust backend calculations, this tool represents a significant advancement in the methodology for planning and executing CH4 emission studies in dairy cows, aligning with global efforts toward sustainable agricultural practices and environmental conservation.

Use of biochar and NPK fertilizer in soybean cultivation in Alfisol to improve soil physical properties and plant growth

Abstract The decrease in soil properties due to using artificial fertilizers requires finding a solution, one of which is using biochar. This research aims to assess the effect of the application of rice husk biochar and NPK compound fertilizer on the physical properties of Alfisols and soybean growth. The study was conducted from March to June 2023 on Alfisol of Kwangsan Village, Jumapolo, using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 10 treatments and 3 replications. The study showed that combining rice husk biochar and NPK compound fertilizer improved soil physical properties: soil C-Organic levels, field capacity, soil porosity, and soil water retention levels, and reduced soil bulk weight. The treatments also increased soybean growth: plant height, number of leaves and branches. Application of 25% NPK compound fertilizer (75kg ha-1) and 100% rice husk biochar (10 tons ha-1) is suggested to progress soil physical properties and soybean plant development in Alfisols.

Experimental Analysis of Various Implementations Quantity of Hollow Circular Fins on Solar Still Seawater Desalination

This present study conducted an experimental analysis of the use of hollow circular fins (HCF) within the conventional single-slope solar still (CS4) chamber. To enhance energy absorption, the optimal HCF numbers were increased by the available chamber space. The three identical CS4 testing chambers were examined in the climatic conditions of the Sebelas Maret University Faculty of Engineering, located in Kentingan, Surakarta, Indonesia. The HCF absorber is implemented with 176 HCF, 176 HCF, and 216 HCF within the chamber space. The findings indicate that there is a direct correlation between the increased HCF numbers and both productivity and efficiency. The efficiency for 117 HCF, 176 HCF, and 216 HCF is 27.04%, 35.20%, and 42.16% respectively. Therefore, it was determined that correlation analysis significantly contributed to the relationship between the HCF implementation and the different radiation intensities in day-to-day testing. To obtain a more comprehensive analysis, the randomized complete block design (RCBD) experiment in collaboration using least squares regression was conducted to compare the experimental production of CS4 with its predicted value.

Effect of spraying with different concentrations of the growth regulator paclobutrazol on the yield characteristics of three varieties of oat crop Avena sativa L.

The experiment was conducted at the Research Station of the College of Agriculture, University of Basrah,located north of Basrah city, during the winter season of 2022-2023, in a loamy soil. The study aimed toinvestigate the response of three varieties of oats (Avena sativa L.) to foliar spraying with differentconcentrations of the growth regulator paclobutrazol. The study included three oat varieties (Ganzania,Shafa, and CarlIoup) under the influence of spraying three concentrations of paclobutrazol (25, 50, and100 mg/L) and a control treatment. The interaction between the two factors was also studied. Thespraying was carried out in two stages, the first at the beginning of branching, and the second after threeweeks from the first spray.The experiment was arranged using a randomized complete block design(RCBD) with three replicates. The results showed the superiority of the paclobutrazol treatment (50 mg.l-1), which recorded the highest averages for most of the studied yield characteristics, as the lowestaverage number of panicles m-2was recorded at 458.05 dalia - and the highest average number of grainsper dalia was 55.45 grains g-1, and the highest average weight was recorded. 1000 grains amounted to37.33 g, while the Ganzania variety was superior in terms of the number of days and the number ofgrains in of panicl and 1000 grains amounted to 458.05 and amounted to 55.45 grains in of panicl-1 and 34.93 g and its components, protein content in grains, and chlorophyll in leaves were studied. Theresults showed the superiority of the paclobutrazol treatment (50 mg/L), which recorded the highestmeans for most of the studied growth traits. It had the lowest average plant height, reaching 70.75 cm. Italso recorded the highest average chlorophyll content, reaching 143.90 mg/100 g, and the highest averagefor the number of tillers, reaching 488.97 tillers/m². Additionally, it recorded the highest average for stemdiameter, reaching 4.49 mm.

Infection of Phakopsora pachyrhizi Rust Fungus on Seven Soybean Varieties in Pine and Mahogany Agroforestry

Abstract Pine and mahogany agroforestry systems are a few alternatives to increase soybean production. However, soybeans in agroforestry systems have problems with disease infection. One of the most important diseases is leaf rust caused by Phakopsora pachyrhizi. The study aims to compare the infection index and rate of P. pachyrhizi on seven soybean varieties in pine and mahogany agroforestry. The research was conducted at KHDTK (Kawasan Hutan dengan Tujuan Khusus) Alas Bromo in Karanganyar, Central Java, Indonesia, using a Completely Randomized Block Design and seven soybean varieties (Anjasmoro, Argomulyo, Dena-1, Dena-2, Denasa-1, Denasa-2, and Devon-1) with three repetitions. The results represented that infection of P. pachyrhizi rust fungus in the mahogany agroforestry system had a higher index and faster infection rate.

Selection of Local Maize Resistance to Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda J. E. SMITH)

Abstract One of the obstacles in increasing corn production is the attack of Spodoptera frugiperda. The resistance of each maize variety to this pest attack varies greatly. This research aims to obtain local types of maize that are resistant to attacks by corn armyworms. The research was conducted in Kediri, East Java. The research used a Complete Randomized Block Design with treatment of various maize varieties local and with rivers. The varieties tried consisted of Kebo Bima, Lameran-Latim, Madura Kuning, Madura Putih, Manik Liu, Seraye-Bali and Sumbawa. The results showed that there was no difference in plant height between all the local corn varieties tested, while the highest number of leaves was produced in the Madura-kuning and Madura-putih varieties. The Manik-Liu variety produces the smallest leaf length and leaf angle compared to other varieties, while the widest leaves are produced by the Sumbawa variety. The flowering period and harvest time were the longest for the Manik-Liu variety, while the fastest for the Kebo Bima variety. The highest shoot root ratio was produced in the Seraye-Bali variety. Based on the maize of grains yield per hectare obtained, the Sumbawa and Seraye-Bali varieties are the most resistant varieties compared to the others and able to provide the highest maize seed yield per hectare.

Leaf Rust Infection Phakopsora pachyrhizi on Seven Soybean Varieties in Pine Agroforestry System

Abstract The agroforestry farming system is an alternative to increasing soybean production in Indonesia. However, in its cultivation, there are obstacles in the form of attacks by leaf rust pathogens. Leaf rust caused by the P. pachyrhizi fungus can reduce soybean production, depending on the variety and environmental conditions. This research was conducted from June to September 2023 on the KHDTK (Kawasan Hutan dengan Tujuan Khusus) Forestry Alas Bromo, Karanganyar, Central Java, Indonesia, to explore the leaf rust incidence in soybean varieties. This research used a completely randomized block design (CRBD) consisting of seven soybean variety treatments: Anjasmoro, Argomulyo, Dena-1, Dena-2, Denasa-1, Denasa-2, and Devon-1, and repeated three times. The variable observed was disease incidence. The results showed that all soybean varieties tested could be infected with the leaf rust pathogen. The lowest leaf rust infection was found in the Devon-1 variety (6.0%), and the highest infection occurred in the Dena-1 variety (20.0%). This is thought to be related to genetic traits and environmental conditions strongly influencing the growth and development of the P. pachyrhizi pathogen.

The effect of shade and drought on the growth and proline content of Medinilla speciosa and Medinilla verrucosa plants

Abstract Medinilla is a cultivated wild plant because it has medicinal properties. This research aims to determine the level of resistance and growth of Medinilla speciosa and Medinilla verrucosa plants in drought and shade conditions. The research was carried out in April 2022 – April 2023 in Pakem District Sleman Regency. Analysis of proline and chlorophyll content was carried out at the Gadjah Mada University Laboratory. This study used a nested complete factorial randomized block design, with the types of Medinilla speciosa, Medinilla verrucosa and the volume of water given, 1750 ml, 1500 ml, 1250 ml per polybag nested in 25%, 50% and 75% shade. Each treatment was repeated three times, resulting in a total sample of 54 plants. The results of the study showed that the volume of water provided in the shade suppressed growth, that is number of leaves, leaf area, root volume, fresh weight of stover, chlorophyll except plant height, dry weight of stover and proline content. Water is one of the essential factors needed by plants to grow and develop well. Appropriate light intensity impacts plant growth and production. Light intensity stress and water supply volume stress are part of abiotic stress that can affect growth morphology productivity.

Effect of Water Application and Zeba Products on The Growth of Palm Oil Plants (Elaeis guineensis Jacq) on Main Nursery

The requirement of water for plants absolutely must be realized hence, it is necessary to make efforts in order to plants can still provide their water needs even though the availability of water for watering is less or even not available continuously. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of water application and zeba products on the growth of oil palm seedlings in the main nursery. The study arranged as a randomized completely block design (RCBD) with 5 treatments: without Zeba with 2 times watering; without Zeba with 1 time watering; Zeba 10 g/polybag with 1 time watering; Zeba 20 g/polybag with 1 time watering and Zeba 20 g + Rock Phosphate 75 g with 1 time watering. Watering is carried out in accordance with the treatment at the time from 07.00-09.00 WIB in the morning and 16.00-18.00 WIB in the afternoon using a paddle with a volume of 2 liters of water. There were three replications for each treatment. Variables observed plant height, stem diameter, leaf number, leaf color, soil pH values. The results showed that Zeba application affects the height of oil palm seedlings in the main nursery, stem diameter, soil pH and leaf color, but does not affect the number of leaves. Twenty grams of zeba on soil showed the similar response of stem diameter, soil pH and leaf green color with 20 g zeba + Rock Phosphate fertilizer. Zeba application can save water use in the main nursery of oil palm plants