Randomized Complete Block Design Research Articles

Influence of fertigation on soil-plant nutrition and crop productivity of shade grown Robusta coffee (Coffea canephora) in India

Coffee in Western Ghats grown under shade, soils are enriched with all the nutrients except phosphorus. The areas receive high rainfall, which leads to leaching loss and surface runoff of applied nutrients causing low fertilizer use efficiency. Improved agronomic practices are essential to address these issues. Fertigation is one such practice, having the potential to reduce extra chemical load by improving nutrient use efficiency. Hence, an attempt was made to study the impact of long-term fertigation on soil-plant nutrition and productivity of Robusta coffee. The trial was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with six treatments and four replications. Data on yield parameters and coffee yield indicated that significantly higher total number of nodes/branches, number of bearing nodes/branches, number of fruits/branches and coffee yield (49.1, 35.0, 758, and 2117 kg ha−1, respectively) were recorded in fertigation block supplied with 100% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) as water soluble fertilizer (WSF) which were statistically on par with 75% RDF (44.1, 29.4, 679, and 1821 kg ha−1, respectively). Similarly, higher major, secondary, and micro-nutrient content were noticed in leaf with fertigation at 75 and 100% RDF and also it was observed that, leaf Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K) content played a highly significant role in increasing coffee yield. The study results revealed that the quantum of N, P, and K fertilizer requirement could be brought down to the tune of 25% through fertigation as compared to the conventional soil application.

Mulching practices alter soil moisture, physico-chemical properties and pineapple (Smooth cayenne) yield

This field experiment was conducted in Chichu Kebele in the Dilla Zuria area from 2020 to 2023. The objective of the experiment was to determine the optimal mulching strategy for enhancing soil fertility and pineapple production by comparing three treatments (grass mulch, plastic mulch, and farmers’ practices without any mulch) using a RCB (Randomized Complete Block) design. The study’s findings showed that the treatments with plastic mulch had the greatest soil moisture content values (18.41%), while the treatments with no mulch had the lowest values (11.39%). Compared to mulched treatments, pineapple planted without mulch had the greatest bulk density values (1.43 g/cm3). Total nitrogen and organic carbon has increase by 34 and 25%, respectively due to plastic mulching. However, total nitrogen and organic carbon has increase by 43 and 37.5%, respectively due to grass mulching. Fruit length was larger by 42.7 and 33.2%, respectively due to plastic and grass mulch compared to the control. However, fruit girth was wider by 54.1 and 43.8%, respectively due to plastic and grass mulches compared to the control. The pineapple with the most fruit yield (71.39 t/ha), fruit length (17.4 cm), fruit girth (46.67 cm), and sucker number (15 pieces) was obtained using plastic mulching. However, pineapple grown without mulch had the lowest yield ever noted. Plastic mulch outperformed farmers’ practices and grass mulching in terms of conserving soil moisture, which increased yield and yield characteristics. For the baseline, the marginal rate of return generated by the plastic and grass mulch treatments was 118.5 and 93.65%, respectively. Thus, the study’s best recommendation for improving soils and achieving a high pineapple fruit yield is to grow pineapples using plastic mulch.

Endophytic actinomycetes promote growth and fruits quality of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum): an approach for sustainable tomato production.

Tomato, a fruit with a high vitamin content, is popular for consumption and economically important in Thailand. However, in the past year, the extensive usage of chemicals has significantly decreased tomato yields. Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) is an alternative that can help improve tomato production system growth and yield quality while using fewer chemicals. The present study aimed to determine whether endophytic actinomycetes promote growth and fruit quality of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). The experiment was conducted in a net-houses at the Center for Agricultural Resource System Research, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai province, Thailand. The randomized completely block design (RCBD) was carried out for four treatments with three replications, which was control, inoculation with TGsR-03-04, TGsL-02-05 and TGsR-03-04 with TGsL-02-05 in tomato plant. Isolated Actinomycetes spp. of each treatment was then inoculated into the root zone of tomato seedlings and analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The height of tomato plants was measured at 14, 28, 56, and 112 days after transplanting. Final yield and yield quality of tomato was assessed at the maturity phase. The SEM result illustrated that the roots of tomato seedlings from all treatments were colonized by endophytic actinomycetes species. This contributed to a significant increase in plant height at 14 days after transplanting (DAT), as found in the TGsR-03-04 treatment (19.40 cm) compared to the control. Besides, all inoculated treatments enhanced tomato yield and yield quality. The highest weight per fruit (47.38 g), fruit length (52.37 mm), vitamin C content (23.30 mg 100g-1), and lycopene content (145.92µg g-1) were obtained by inoculation with TGsR-03-04. Moreover, the highest yield (1.47 kg plant-1) was obtained by inoculation with TGsL-02-05. There was no statistically significant difference in the number of fruits per plant, fruit width, brix, and antioxidant activity when various inoculations of endophytic actinomycetes were applied. Therefore, the use of endophytic actinomycetes in tomato cultivation may be an alternative to increase tomato yield and yield quality.

Effect of Effective Microorganisms on Vegetative Growth of Wheat

Background: environmental pollution has led to climate change and agriculture is an aspect of this pollution, Pesticides, fertilizers and plant growth regulators are pollutants in soil and water. Therefore, beneficial microorganisms found in nature to provide plants with nutrients, resist pests and reduce mineral fertilizers is an ambitious goal for researchers. On the environment. Pseudomonas bacteria, baker’s yeast and mycorrhizal fungi are known for their ability to increase a group of nutrients’ organic and amino acids, as well as plant hormones that stimulate growth. Methods: A field experiment was conducted at University of Baghdad to assess the impact of beneficial microorganisms on wheat growth traits during winter Of 2019-2020., using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with eight treatments.: Pseudomonas fluorescens bacteria (Pse), Mycorrhizae Glomusspp. (Gl.), Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast (Sa.), Ps+Gl, Gl+Sa, Ps+Sa, Ps+Sa+Gl and control. Result: Experimental indicated that treatments significantly outperformed in plant height, tiller number, CGR (crop growth rate) and total dry weight. Additionally, the Ps+Sa+Gl treatment demonstrated a significant superiority over all other treatments in terms of plant height and tiller number. These observations suggest that the combination of biological factors within a single treatment resulted in a synergistic interaction, that led to enhancement of the vegetative growth indices in wheat plants.

Determining Critical Weed Competition at Different Weed Free Periods in Linseed in Holeta District Central Ethiopia

A substantial proportion of linseed yield is lost due to weeds in the Holeta area of Central Ethiopia. The weeds infest the crop fields during the early growth stage and consume growth resources. To protect the crops from weeds, farmers manage their fields using cultural practices. However, there is a knowledge gap between farmers on critical weed removal time for the management of the weeds from the crop. Therefore, it is assumed that determining the weed-free period after the sowing of linseed to control the weeds is necessary. The experiment was designed to determine the suitable weed-free period for the control of weeds and increasing linseed production. The trial was treated with different weed-free periods before 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 days of sowing; and after 20, 30, 40, 40, and 60 days of sowing, twice hand weeding, weed-free, and control. The treatments were organized in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) replicated three times. It was found that Galinsogapulviflora was the most dominant weed, contributing to 18% of the total weeds present in the fields. Plots treated with weed-free after 20 days of sowing produced superior results in terms of reduction of weed dry weight by 100%, increased number of bolls per plant by 3.08 folds, stand count by 245%, and grain yield by 11 folds as compared to untreated check respectively. Hence, making weed free of linseed after 20 days of sowing is recommended for the management of various weeds in linseed.

Effect of Organic Manure on Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) Yield, Runoff and Soil Loss at Tahitay-Adiabo District, Tigray, Ethiopia

A field experiment was carried out in Tahitay Adiabo district, Tigray, Ethiopia to study the impact of organic manure on soil erosion, runoff, and sorghum yield during the cropping seasons of 2019 and 2020. The experiment utilized a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with tri replicates. The treatments included control, compost, animal manure, compost with mulch, animal manure with mulch, and recommended NP fertilizer. Each plot measured 6m x 4m and was situated on a 4% sloped terrain. The findings indicated significant differences (P<0.01) among the treatments in terms of their influence on runoff volume, soil erosion, and sorghum yield. The application of compost with mulch and animal manure with mulch was particularly effective in reducing soil erosion and runoff compared to treatments using inorganic fertilizer and manure without mulch. Moreover, the control, animal manure, and inorganic fertilizer (NP-fertilizer) treatments exhibited high levels of soil loss and runoff volume, highlighting the effectiveness of compost with mulch and animal manure with mulch in mitigating soil erosion and runoff under the prevailing slope and rainfall conditions of the study area.

Pengaruh Jenis Biochar dan Jarak Tanam Terhadap Pertumbuhan dan Hasil Padi Gogo (Oryza sativa L.)

Upland rice has the potential to be cultivated on land that has limited water. Plant spacing needs to be done as a strategy so that upland rice can absorb light and water optimally. Apart from that, biochar can be used to improve soil properties so that it is suitable for supporting the growth of upland rice plants on dry land. The study aims to examine the response of biochar application and plant spacing on the growth and yield of upland rice. The study was conducted in the experimental garden of the Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Perjuangan Tasikmalaya at an altitude of 359 meters above sea level. This study used a factorial Randomized Completely Block Design (RCBD). The first factor is a type of biochar consisting of coconut shells and rice husks charcoal. The second factor is the plant spacing consisting of 20 x 20 cm and 30 x 30 cm. The results showed that there was no interaction between the two treatments on the growth and yield of upland rice. The application of biochar had a significant effect on the number of panicles per hill, while plant spacing had a significant effect on the root length, root wet weight, 1.000 seed weight, and yield. The coconut shell was able to increase the number of panicles per hill, while the wider plant spacing caused an increase in root length, root wet weight, 1.000 seed weight, and yield. In general, the application of biochar can improve crop yields, while regulating the plant spacing has the potential to increase the growth and yield of upland rice.

Effect of Growth Stage-based Water Stress on Yield and Water Use Efficiency of Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicon L.) in Semi-arid Regions of Tigray, Ethiopia

Water availability is a major concern in regions with limited water resources. Implementation of best irrigation water management methods can maximize crop yields and irrigation water use efficiency. An experiment was conducted in Laelay Koraro district, Tigray, Ethiopia for two consecutive years (2018 and 2019 off seasons) to investigate the effect of growth stage-based deficit irrigation on tomato yield, yield characteristics and water usage efficiency. The experiment used a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The treatments were three irrigation levels (100%, 50%, and 25% of crop irrigation requirement) and four FAO-defined tomato growth stages (initial, developmental, mid, and late seasons). Data on agronomic parameters and irrigation water were collected and analyzed statistically. The results revealed that reducing irrigation amount by up to 75% during the development growth stage significantly decreased marketable yield by up to 66.5%. However, the highest water use efficiency (9.2kgm-3) was achieved by reducing irrigation amount by 75% at the end-growth stage of tomato. Treatments with the lowest water use efficiency (3.5kgm-3) were those receiving 75% less irrigation amount than the full requirement during the development growth stage. Irrigation deficit up to 75% of the full requirement during tomato development stages greatly affect marketable yield and water use efficiency. Therefore, the tomato crop is highly susceptible to water stress when receiving more than a 50% reduction in full irrigation requirement during its developmental growth stage.

Effects of biochanin A on lactational performance, nitrogen metabolism, and blood metabolites in dairy cows

Optimizing nitrogen utilization efficiency and mitigating nitrogen losses in cows plays a pivotal role in fostering economic sustainability within contemporary agricultural systems. Biochanin A (BCA), a natural component in red clover, has the potential to improve nitrogen metabolism in dairy cows. The primary objective of this study was to probe the impact of biochanin A supplementation on lactational performance, nitrogen metabolism, and blood metabolites in dairy cows. A complete randomized block design experiment was conducted over 28 d, involving 36 multiparous Holstein cows (comparable milk yield = 37.1 ± 2.90 kg, BW = 642 ± 70.0 kg, days in milk = 92 ± 8.0 d, and parity = 2.4 ± 0.50), which were allocated to three treatment groups: the Control group (with 0 g/d BCA), the Low group (with 10 g/d per cow BCA), and the High group (with 40 g/d per cow BCA). Biochanin A supplementation improved the lactational performance of cows by increasing milk yield by 6.3% (P = 0.007) and feed efficiency by 12.7% (P = 0.009). Total intestinal apparent digestibility was unaffected by BCA supplementation (P > 0.05), but microbial nitrogen was increased by 30.0% (P = 0.002) for promoting nitrogen utilization efficiency by 20.7% (P = 0.004). Milk competent yields (protein, lactose, and non-fat milk solid) were increased with increasing BCA supplementation (P < 0.05). Urea nitrogen levels in plasma and milk were both decreased by BCA supplementation (P < 0.05). Blood routine parameters and plasma biochemical parameters both received no effect by BCA supplementation (P > 0.05). BCA did not affect body health of dairy cows. Additionally, none of the plasma endocrine hormones were affected (P > 0.05). A total of 95 significantly different metabolites were screened from the plasma metabolites of cows in the BCA-added and non-added groups. After performing an enrichment analysis of the metabolic pathways associated with the different metabolites, six specific pathways were identified: bile acid biosynthesis, aspartate metabolism, pyrimidine metabolism, arginine and proline metabolism, the urea cycle, and ammonia recycling. The inclusion of BCA is suggested to enhance milk yield and modulate nitrogen metabolism by influencing relevant metabolites within the metabolic pathways.

Compost as an Alternative to Inorganic Fertilizers in Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] Production

ABSTRACTSoil fertility management is essential to sustain agricultural production in smallholder farming systems. An experiment was carried out to assess the viability of the combined use of compost and inorganic fertilizers as an alternative to conventional inorganic fertilization under greenhouse conditions. The 10 treatments, arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with six replications, consisted of a control, conventional mineral fertilization (150 kg NPK ha−1), composts added to the soil alone (2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10 t ha−1), and their combination with 50% of recommended rate of inorganic fertilizers (75 kg NPK ha−1). Application of 7.5 t ha−1 of compost and 50% of the recommended dose of inorganic fertilizer (75 kg NPK ha−1) gave the significantly highest seed yield, corresponding to a 30% increase over NPK‐fertilized plants. The combined application of 2.5 or 10 t ha−1 compost with 75 kg NPK ha−1 increased plant height by 38% compared with the NPK treatment. Additionally, stem diameter increased by 53% when 5 t ha−1 of compost and 75 kg NPK ha−1 were mixed. As expected, control plants produced the most nodules (108), 85% more than inorganic fertilization. Plants fertilized with 7.5 or 10 t ha−1 of compost and 75 kg NPK ha−1 produced 17% more pods, seeds per pod, and seeds per plant than NPK treatments. However, fertilization treatments had no significant effects on cowpea fresh and dry biomass or SPAD values. The results reveal that combining compost with inorganic fertilizer reduced synthetic fertilization by 50%, while producing growth and yields comparable to, or even higher than, recommended inorganic fertilization. This experiment demonstrated that integrated soil fertility management can be used as an alternative to the use of inorganic fertilizers in cowpea cultivation.

Comparative Study Effect of Different Urea Fertilizers and Tomato Pomace Composts on the Performance and Quality Traits of Processing Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.).

Processing tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) is regarded amongst the most dominant horticultural crops globally. Yet, due to its elevated water and fertilization needs, its environmental footprint is significantly high. The recent efforts to reduce the footprint of agriculture have rekindled the search for optimized fertilization regimes in tomato. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of different urea fertilizers and tomato pomace-based composts on the performance and quality traits of processing tomato. A two-year field experiment was conducted in the Larissa region, Central Greece, during 2018-2019. The experiment was set up in a randomized complete block design (RCBD), with five treatments: control, urea (Urea), urea with nitrification and urease inhibitors (Urea + NI + UI), processing tomato pomace with farmyard manure (TP + FM), and processing tomato pomace with compost from plant residues (TP + CM). Measurements included soil total nitrogen (STN), soil organic matter (SOM), root length density (RLD), arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi (AMF) colonization, dry weight per plant, fruit yield (number per plant, total yield, weight, diameter), fruit firmness, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), lycopene content and yield, and fruit surface color (L*, a*, b*, CI). Overall, the best results in soil properties and quality traits were reported in the organic fertilization treatments (STN, SOM, AMF, TSS, TA, lycopene content, L*, a*, b*) and the differences among TP + FM and TP + CM were insignificant in their majority. On the contrary, fruit yield and its components were significantly improved in Urea + NI + UI.

Agronomic performance and technological quality of sugarcane submitted to different poultry litter dosages

Sugarcane is a central crop for sugar and ethanol production. Investing in sustainable practices can enhance productivity, technological quality, mitigate impacts, and contribute to a cleaner energy future. Among the factors that help increase the productivity of sugarcane, the physical, chemical and biological parameters of the soil are amongst the most important. The use of poultry litter has been an important alternative for soil improvement, as it acts as a soil conditioner. Therefore, this work aimed to verify the best doses of poultry litter for the vegetative, reproductive and technological components of sugarcane. The experiment was carried out at Usina Denusa Destilaria Nova União S/A in the municipality of Jandaia, GO. The experimental design used was a complete randomized block design with four replications: 5 × 4, totaling 20 experimental units. The evaluated factor consisted of four doses of poultry litter plus the control (0 (control), 2, 4, 6 and 8 t ha−1). In this study, were evaluated the number of tillers, lower stem diameter, average stem diameter, upper stem diameter, plant height, stem weight and productivity. The technological variables of total recoverable sugar, recoverable sugar, Brix, fiber, purity and percentage of oligosaccharides were also evaluated. It was observed, within the conditions of this experiment, that the insertion of poultry litter did not interfere significantly in most biometric, productive and technological variables of the sugarcane. But it can also be inferred that there was a statistical trend toward better results when the sugarcane was cultivated with 4 t ha-1 of poultry litter.

Productivity, nutrient uptake and nitrogen economy of wheat (Triticum aestivum) in a conservation agriculture-based cotton (Gossypium herbaceum)–wheat system

Conservation agriculture (CA) practices like zero-till and residue retention along with nitrogen management is vital for improving degraded soil health and optimizing the yield potential of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) crop. Present study was carried out during winter (rabi) seasons of 2021–22 and 2022–23 at ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi for optimizing wheat productivity in a conservation agriculture-based cotton (Gossypium herbaceum L.)-wheat system. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications consisting of combination of 3 different crop establishment methods, viz. permanent broad bed (PBB), permanent narrow bed (PNB) and zero-till flatbed (ZTFB) with residue (R) and without residue along with 2 doses of nitrogen (75N, 100N) and conventional tillage (CT). The CA-based practices showed overall superior response in terms of growth, yield and nutrients uptake of wheat than CT. Among them, the PBBR100N resulted in significantly higher plant height, leaf area index, dry-matter accumulation, crop growth rate, and relative growth rate compared to PNB, PBB, ZTFB and CT. This treatment led to significantly higher grain (16.2–19.4%) and straw (9.6–11.6%) yields than CT. The net returns and benefit cost ratio (23.4% and 27.9%) were also higher than that in CT. Again, in this treatment, N uptake by wheat crop was higher by 85%, P uptake by 53.1%, and K uptake by 40.1%, and available soil N, P and K by 16.1, 25.3 and 43.7%, respectively than CT. Therefore, the study suggests that the adoption of CA-based practices with broad bed in Indo-Gangetic Plains will not only enhance the productivity of wheat but also result in improved soil health by restoring soil fertility.

Effect of Biological Products on Yield, Production Economics and Soil Nutrient Status of Transplanted kharif Rice (Oryza sativa L.) in Gangetic Alluvial Soil of West Bengal, India

Field experiment was conducted during kharif season of 2017 and 2018 at Instructional Farm under Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, West Bengal in sandy loam soil to study the growth and yield of transplanted kharif rice variety Satabdi (cv. IET 4786) as influenced by biological products. The experiment was laid down in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with seven treatment combinations replicated thrice. Results revealed that RDF + soil applied Bolt GR @ 10 kg/ha produced higher growth attributes and yield of tested rice cultivar. The same treatment registered significantly higher total N and K uptake in tested cultivar; while the highest P uptake was recorded with RDF + Seed treatment with JumpStart2.0 @ 0.83 ml/kg seed. The treatment RDF + soil applied Azospirillum @ 2 kg/ha brought about significant positive changes of available N content in post-harvest soil over control situation (only RDF). However, significantly higher available P content was estimated in plots with RDF + soil applied PSB @ 2 kg/ha. Application of bio-products failed to exert any significant influence on residual soil K. The crop receiving RDF + soil applied Bolt GR @ 10 kg/ha gave highest gross return, net return and B:C ratio. Hence, application of RDF (60-30-30 kg N, P2O5 and K2O/ha) along with Bolt GR @ 10 kg/ha or Azospirillum @ 2 kg/ha may be recommended to achieve higher grain yield of tested cultivar Satabdi (cv. IET 4786).

Potassium, Zinc, and Boron Nutrients Effect on Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) Yield in Wag-Lasta, Northern, Ethiopia

In Ethiopia using inorganic fertilizer started in the early 1970s. But it still depended solely on urea and DAP. Today, according to ATA and Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources K, Zn, B, S, and Cu are in deficit in Ethiopia and Amhara Region as well as in Wag-Lasta areas. But some studies conducted in Wag-Lasta and throughout the region in different crops indicate that these nutrients had no response on crop yields. So, this experiment was conducted in 2017 rain feed cropping season on five farmers’ parcels per location to verify the response of sorghum to potassium, zinc, and boron nutrients. The treatments were: NPS, NPSK, NPSZnB, and NPSZnBK, with the recommended rate of 46 and 23 kg ha-1 N and P2O5,respectivelyfor Sekota,23 kg ha-1N, andP2O5 for Lasta. Moreover, 150, 1.47, and 0.07 kg ha-1 KCl, Zn, and B, respectively used uniformly in both locations. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The collected data were analyzed by SAS software version 9.0. Analysis of variance revealed that the application of potassium, zinc, and boron had no significant effect (P ≤0.05) on sorghum yield and yield components at all sites. The exchangeable potassium content in the soil of the study sites is above the critical value level. The result disagrees with the soil fertility map which showed more than 98% of potassium deficiency and more than 80% NPSZnB deficiency. Hence, the application of K, Zn, and B nutrients had no yield advantage over the recommended N and P nutrients in the Wag-Lasta areas. Therefore, currently to increase production and productivity of crops in Wag-Lasta areas using of recommended rate of nitrogen and phosphorous with organic fertilizer sources for each district is the best option rather than using K, Zn, and B nutrients.

The Influence of Shade on the Growth and Production of Butterfly Pea Plants (Clitoria ternatea)

Butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea L.) is a medicinal plant known for its anthocyanin pigment content, which imparts a blue color to its flowers. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of shading on butterfly pea flower growth and production. The research design utilized a randomized complete block design (RCBD) for shading treatments. We replicated each treatment level four times, resulting in 20 experimental units, each containing four plants, for a total population of 80 plants. We conducted the experiment at the Experimental Garden of Gunadarma University Campus F7, implementing shade nets at different intensity levels (55%, 65%, 75%, and 85%), along with a control treatment without shading. We made observations on various plant growth parameters such as leaf count, plant length, days to first flower appearance, flower count, fresh weight, and dry weight. The results indicated that shading significantly influenced butterfly pea plants' growth. Plants without shading tended to exhibit better growth in several parameters, such as increased leaf count, higher plant length, and earlier days to first flower appearance. These findings underscore the importance of sunlight in supporting the growth and production of butterfly pea plants. Therefore, careful consideration of shade management is essential in agricultural practices to ensure optimal growth and maximum yield from butterfly pea plants.

Impact of NPK and Cytokinin on Growth Characteristics and Chemical Composition of Ficus Nitida Plants

Abstract The research was conducted in a greenhouse at the Department of Horticulture and Garden Engineering, College of Agriculture, University of Anbar, Ramadi City, to study the impact of NPK supplementation and CPPU cytokinin spraying on the vegetative and root growth characteristics of Ficus nitida L. The study encompassed two primary factors. The first factor comprises the NPK chemical fertilizer in four distinct concentrations: F0 (no addition), F1 (1g urea, 3g DAB, 2g potassium sulfate), F2 (2g urea, 6g DAB, 4g potassium sulfate), and F3 (3g urea, 9g DAB, 4g potassium sulfate). The second factor involves the cytokine CPPU at three concentrations: C0 (no addition), C1 (3 mg L-1), and C2 (6 mg/liter). The study was designed using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) consisting of three replications, with three pots allocated to each experimental unit. Each replicate consisted of 36 treatments, meaning the experiment contained 108 experimental units in all blocks. The results indicated a significant increase in the interaction coefficients between the study factors in plant height, leaf area, nitrogen percentage in the leaf, total chlorophyll content, root surface area, and root length.. Specifically, these parameters were measured at 21.333 cm, 30.837 cm2, 2.666%, 1.384 g, 55.223 cm2, and 13.947 cm, respectively.

Effect of different soil compositions and growth conditions on the corm production of Gladiolus grandiflorus L.

ABSTRACT Gladiolus grandiflorus L. is widely grown in most regions of Pakistan. However, propagules production per unit area is not sufficient. Therefore, pot experiments were undertaken at the Centre of Plant Biodiversity, University of Peshawar during 2021–2022 and 2022–2023 with the aim of investigating the effect of different soil compositions (substrates) and growth conditions on corms and cormels production. The experiment was performed according to two factorial Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD), repeated twice. For the first time four substrates, i.e. Clay+Silt (2:1), Farmyard manure (FYM)+Clay+Silt (1:1:1), Poultry manure (PM)+Clay+Silt (1:2:2) and PM+FYM+Clay+Silt (1:1:2:2), were used at different growth conditions, i.e. Control, Single lath, Double lath, Plastic and Double lath+Plastic, to explore their effects on corms yield. The FYM+Clay+Silt substrate significantly stimulated number of leaves per plant, leaf area, chlorophyll content, spikes emergence, spike length, plant height, flowers opening, number of florets per spike, number of corms and cormels per plant, fresh weight and diameter of corms in both seasons. The PM+Clay+Silt substrate had shown negative results in the first season. However, this noxious effect was minimised during the second trial. Among growth conditions, Single lath shade significantly enhanced spike length and all corm yielding parameters. Thus, treatments of FYM+Clay+Silt (1:1:1) and Single lath shade were found to be effectual in obtaining the maximum number of corms and cormels of Gladiolus grandiflorus L. in the agro-climatic conditions of Peshawar.

Influence of higher levels of NPK fertilizers on growth, yield, and profitability of three potato varieties in Surma, Bajhang, Nepal

Potato is a crucial food and cash crop with high yield potential in many parts of the Bajhang district. However, achieving optimal yields can be hindered by inconsistent NPK fertilizer application rates and suboptimal potato variety selection, including instances where no fertilizers are used at all by the farmers. To address these challenges and determine the most effective NPK fertilizer rates and potato varieties, a field experiment was conducted in Surma rural municipality of Bajhang district. The experiment utilized a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications, to evaluate the effects of four NPK fertilizer rates (0:0:0, 50:50:50, 100:100:60, and 150:150:90 kg NPK/ha) and three potato varieties (Khumal Seto, Cardinal, and Bajhang Local), on growth, yield, and economic profitability. Statistical analysis, including analysis of variance and Duncan's multiple range test (DMRT), indicated that the highest values for plant height, canopy diameter, number of leaves, number of main stems, tuber weight, fresh weight of leaves and stems, average tuber diameter and number of marketable tubers per hill were consistently observed higher in either the Khumal Seto or Bajhang Local potato varieties. Similarly, these results were particularly prominent with the application of 150:150:90 kg NPK/ha. Economic analysis demonstrated that the Khumal Seto variety showed superior performance in terms of gross benefit, net benefit, and benefit-to-cost ratio (NPR 1,805,714.29, NPR 1,306,168.83, and 3.61, respectively) when compared to other varieties. Similarly, the application of 150:150:90 kg NPK/ha resulted in higher economic returns (NPR 1,645,714.29, NPR 1,129,908.83, and 3.19). In conclusion, using higher levels of mineral fertilizers (150:150:90 kg NPK/ha) with high yielding and well adapted potato varieties such as Khumal Seto and Bajhang Local significantly enhances growth, yield, and profitability in potato cultivation, as demonstrated by the findings of this study.

Chemical properties, sensory characteristics, and antibacterial activity to Staphylococcus aureus of tempeh gembus fermented with Mosaccha inocula

The study examined the impact of varying concentrations of Mosaccha inocula (0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5% w/w) on the chemical properties, sensory characteristics, and antibacterial activity of tempe gembus. Employing a Complete Randomized Block Design with four replications, the research used 0.2% Raprima inoculum (tempeh inoculum commonly used in making tempeh in Indonesia) as a control. The best treatment was determined using Least Significant Difference analysis and the de Garmo weighting effectiveness test. Results revealed that Mosaccha inocula concentration significantly influenced the chemical properties (excluding fat content), sensory attributes, and antimicrobial efficacy of tempe gembus. Optimal outcomes were achieved with 0.3% Mosaccha inoculum, yielding tempe gembus that was favorably received by sensory panelists. Specifically, this formulation produces tempeh with β-glucan content (0.62%), antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (inhibition diameter 9.42 mm), protein content (8.75%), and crude fiber content (4.36%) higher than controls (0.07%, 8.52 mm, 5.03%, and 3.33% respectively).