Randomized Complete Block Design Research Articles

Spacing, Fertilizer and PGPR on Yield and Nutrient Uptake in Industrial Hemp (Cannabis sativa ssp. sativa) and Chemical Properties of Soil

A field experiment was conducted to assess the influence of spacing, fertilizer levels and PGPR on yield and primary nutrients accumulation in different parts of industrial hemp and on chemical properties of soil. The experiment was laid out in Factorial Randomized Complete Block Design, spacing and fertilizers levels with or without PGPR were the factors. The results revealed, plants spaced at 15cm × 10cm registered significant yield of leaves, stems and roots (7.84, 9.80 and 4.20 t ha-1 respectively). The uptake of nitrogen and potassium (450.32 and 159.13 kg ha-1 respectively) was highest in this spacing, while, the phosphorous uptake (75.74 kg ha-1) was maximum in 10cm × 5cm spacing. Among nutrition, 125 percent RDF plus PGPR recorded a significant yield of stem and seed, also, this treatment resulted in maximum uptake of nitrogen and phosphorus (440.33 and 72.58 kg ha-1 respectively) by the plants. It can be inferred that spacing of 15cm × 10cm and application of 10 tonnes FYM with 250:125:250 kg N, P2O5, K2O ha-1 (125% RDF) plus PGPR consortia (Azospirillum brasilense, Pseudomonas fluorescens and Bacillus megaterium @ 5kg each) was found to be optimum to produce higher yields.

Yield, Yield Attributes and Weed Biomass of Rice (Oryza sativa L) as Influenced by Weed Control Treatments

The present investigation was conducted during the Kharif of 2019 at Research cum Instructional Farm, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur, Chhattisgarh. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications and ten weed management treatments viz. Pretilachlor (PE )750 g ha-1 , BispyribacNa (PoE ) 25 g ha-1 , Fenoxaprop-p-ethy (PoE) l 56.25 g ha-1 , Cyhalofop-buty (PoE ) l 80 g ha-1 ,Penoxsulam+ Cyhalofop butyl (PoE ) 135 g ha-1, Penoxsulam(PoE ) 22.5 g ha-1 , Metsulfuronmethy ( early PoE ) l 4 g ha-1 , 2,4-D Ethyl Ester (PoE ) 750 g ha-1 ), weed free (HW) , at 20, 40 and 60 days after sowing and weedy check . Result was found that among the weed management treatments, the weed free treatment registered significantly highest value and was at par the application of Penoxsulam+ Cyhalofop butyl 135 g ha-1 , yield attributing characters, grain and straw yield and dry matter of Alternanthera sessilis it was found the lowest value in the application of Penoxsulam+ Cyhalofop butyl 135 g ha-1 (T5).

Evaluation of the Digestibility of Diets Containing Soy Okara in Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) Fries Raised in a Controlled Environment in Benin

Aims: To evaluate the digestibility of diets containing soy okara in Clarias gariepinus fries. Study Design: Random complete block design. Place and Duration of Study: Laboratory of Hydrology and Wetland Research, Faculty of Sciences and technics, University of Abomey-calavi, between June 2019 and July 2019. Methodology: Four diets containing different levels of soy okara (0%, 10%, 20% and 30%) respectively noted T0, T1, T2 and T3 were tested. Twelve 40L tanks were randomly distributed into 04 batches with 03 repetitions for each of the 04 diets. The fries with an initial average weight of 10.47 +/- 2g were fed ad libitum three times a day (8 A.M., 12 P.M., 4 P.M.) for 30 days. Survival rate, cannibalism rate, average daily gain, specific growth rate, weight-length relationship, condition factor, consumption index, ingested protein, protein efficiency coefficient and digestive utilization coefficients were measured. Results: The specific growth rates (SGR) ranged between 2.25 +/- 0.165 and 2.58 +/- 0.115 with the best rate for the treatment containing 0% soy okara. The consumption index varied from 1.18 +/- 0.009 to 1.41 +/- 0.132 with the best index for the T3 treatment. Furthermore, the mortality rates were 0% for treatments containing 20% and 30% soy okara. The results indicate that it is possible to incorporate up to 30% soybean okara into the diet of Clarias gariepinus fry without hindering their zootechnical performance. The digestive protein utilization coefficients of the diets were calculated and are 95.12; 88.47; 92.21 and 90.37 for diets containing 0%, 10%, 20% and 30% soy okara respectively. Conclusion: The results demonstrate that among the different diets tested, treatment T2, containing 20% soy okara, proved to be the most favorable in terms of zootechnical performance. These results suggest that T2 treatment can be considered as a promising option for feeding Clarias gariepinus fries.

Effect of Different Levels of Nitrogen on Growth, Yield and Productivity of Wheat (Triticum estivum L.) Cv. Koshan-02

The field experiment was conducted to study the effect of different levels (0, 50, 70, 90 & 110 kg N ha-1) of Nitrogen (N) on growth, yield and yield related parameters of wheat (cv. Koshan-02) in Kabul agro-climate condition at the Agricultural Research Farm of Kabul University, during spring 2020-21. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications, each replication consisted of five treatments. Total treatments were (15). The size of each plot was (2mx3m=6m2). The result of our study revealed that the plots treated with highest level (110 kg N ha-1) of N fertilizers produced the highest plant height (85.97cm). maximum number of grains spike-1 (35.74), the highest dry matter (3.937t ha-1), The highest number of tillers m-2 (152.76 m-2), 1000-grain weight (48.94g), grain yield (2891.1kg/ha) large spike length (10.52), number of grains spikelet-1 (2.98), Spikelet number spike-1 (11.54), followed by T4, T3 and T2. It was concluded that all treatments have ranked regarding their efficient effects as ((T5 (110 kg N ha-1> T4 (90 kg N ha-1> T3 (70 kg N ha-1> T2 (50 kg N ha_1> TControl) for all growth, yield and yield helping attributes such as plant height, number of grains spike-1, dry matter (kg ha-1), number of tillers plant-1, 1000-grain weight(g), grain yield (kg ha-1), spike length (cm), number of grains spikelet-1, number of spikelet spike-1, spike number m-2 and number of leaves plant_1. So, for obtaining aimed and desirable yield the application of (110 kg N ha-1) is recommended under research area conditions (Agro-Climatic Condition).

291 An evaluation of soybean meal inclusion rate in pigs fed from wean to market

Abstract Soybean meal (SBM) supply may result in decreased relative costs of SBM compared with other ingredients. Net energy of SBM closer to the NE of corn has been reported which may increase its relative value in formulations (Boyd and Gaines, 2023). To evaluate the effect of SBM level in two common diet formulation strategies, Corn-DDGS-SBM (DDGS) or Corn-SBM (SBM) in wean-to-market pigs (WTM). A total of 540 pigs (PIC X Duroc, 18 d of age, 5.3 kg) were weaned and blocked by body weight (BW) and sex for allocation. Six dietary treatments were assigned to 90 pens to give 15 replications per treatment in a randomized complete block design (RCBD). Individual BW for average daily gain (ADG) and pen feed disappearance (ADF) were collected every 2 wk for 18 wk and carcass data were collected at average market weight of 129 kg (18 to 20 wk after placement). The mash diets were formulated to a SID lysine:NE target in 7 phases using current NE estimates for SBM, 2087 Kcal/kg, and to meet or exceed NRC requirements (2012). The NE level used for DDGS was 2,343 Kcal/kg. The treatments consisted of Low (LO), Medium (MED), and High (HI) SBM levels by providing 0.5%, 0.25% and no added lysine (AA) in SBM- or DDGS (30%)-based diets. Data were analyzed using pen as the experimental unit for performance data and the pig as the experimental unit for carcass data. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure (SAS Inst. Inc., Cary, NC) and P < 0.05 was considered significant and 0.05 ≤ P < 0.10 considered a tendency. The ADF tended to be less from wk 0 to 18 for pigs fed SBM than DDGS diets. SBM diets increased wk 6 BW and ADG compared with DDGS (P < 0.05). HI and MED SBM additions increased wk 6 BW and wk 0 to 6 ADG vs LO SBM (P < 0.05). SBM diets increased wk 14 and 18 BW, gain to feed ratio (G:F) and ADG compared with DDGS (P < 0.05) except for MED in DDGS diets, which was not different. HI and MED SBM additions increased wk 14 and 18 BW and 0 to 18 wk ADG vs LO SBM (P < 0.05). Carcass data indicated SBM diets increased hot carcass weight by 2 kg, loin depth, back fat and calculated lean weight, compared with DDGS (P < 0.05). LO SBM resulted in more back fat, less loin depth and lean weight compared with the use of HI or MED SBM (P < 0.05). SBM improved growth, feed and caloric conversion, and increased carcass value in high-performance WTM pigs compared with the use of DDGS. MED and HI SBM level tended to improve ADG and carcass characteristics.

133 The effect of sire lines and endpoint cooking temperature on consumer eating experience and visual appeal in pork loin chops

Abstract Prior research and public perception of pork suggest breed influence visual characteristics like color and size and palatability traits like tenderness and flavor of pork chops. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess consumer perception of visual appeal and palatability of pork loin chops from three sire lines cooked to two different degrees of doneness (DOD). Boneless pork loins from three sire lines (Duroc, Berkshire, and Synthetic) were aged to 14 d post-mortem. Loin quality was then measured, and 2.54-cm chops were frozen from each loin. Chops from each sire line were overwrap-packaged in sets of two and displayed in a retail case with two representative packages per sire line. Panelists rated each package for color, marbling, and size on a just about right (JAR) scale and then indicated their overall liking of each package. Chops from each sire line were cooked to either 63°C or 71°C, cut into 1-cm cubes and two samples from each chop were served to each consumer. Panelists rated 6 samples, each sire line and DOD, for tenderness, flavor, and juiciness on a JAR scale and then rated overall liking. Data were analyzed as a randomized complete block design (RCBD) in SAS 9.4 with panelist age range serving as an influence effect for all panel data. Berkshire chops did not differ (P > 0.08) in redness from other chops, but required 0.13 kg less force to shear, and had a 16.23 cm2 smaller LEA compared with Synthetic and Duroc chops (P < 0.02). Duroc chops had the greatest marbling (P < 0.04) but did not differ in visual color score from other treatments (P > 0.10). There were no differences in consumer visual evaluations (P > 0.45), with traits from all sire lines averaging between 43 and 57 (JAR = 50). Sire line also did not alter visual liking (P = 0.94). There were tendencies for interactions (P > 0.09) between DOD and sire line for consumer sensory evaluation. In general, consumers rated Berkshire chops cooked to 63°C more favorably than other sire line and DOD combinations. Consumers rated chops with different DOD similarly for tenderness and flavor, but tended to score juiciness of chops cooked to 63°C closer to JAR (P = 0.07). Duroc chops were the least tender and least acceptable (P < 0.05). Berkshire chops were juicer than Duroc and Synthetic chops (P < 0.02). Overall, consumers scored all chops between 3.1 and 12.3 units below the JAR line (100-unit scale) regardless of sire line or DOD for tenderness, juiciness, and flavor with overall acceptability within 10 units of neither like nor dislike, which may be indicative of consumers general negative perceptions of pork loin chops.

PSV-16 Effect of precision feeding and functional amino acids on immune response and protein metabolism of growing pigs raised in poor sanitary conditions

Abstract The activation of the immune system reduces the nutrient availability for growth and increases the variability among pigs. Functional amino acids (AA) supplementation can reduce the negative effects of immune activation. Additionally, providing daily tailored diets using individual precision feeding (IPF) was shown to account for individual variability. Therefore, we hypothesized that the association of IPF and functional AA supplementation could reduce the negative effect of immune-challenged pigs fed with daily tailored diets. The aim of this study was to assess performance and blood parameters variation of growing pigs under poor sanitary conditions while being fed functional AA 120% above the estimated INRA AA ratios within IPF, compared with a conventional group-phase (GP) feeding system. The sanitary condition was characterized by oral inoculation of 2 × 109 cfu of Salmonella typhimurium and manure spreading on the pen floor on d 0. Sixty gilts (23 ± 2.8 kg body weight; BW) were distributed in a complete randomized block design in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement composed of 2 diets: CN with 100% INRA AA ratio or AA+ with 120% of the ratio for Met, Thr and Trp; and 2 feeding systems: GP or IPF. GP pigs received a single diet matching the SID Lys requirement of the 80th-percentile pig at the beginning of the trial whereas IPF pigs received a diet tailored daily to each pig requirement. All pigs were group-housed and fed ad libitum for 28 d by automatic feeders. Body weight was measured at d 0 and 28 and feed intake was recorded daily. Blood samples were collected at d 0, 7 and 28. Data were analyzed with diet and feeding systems and their interactions as fixed effects and BW blocks as random effect. Blood parameters were analyzed as repeated measurements over time. The pig was considered the experimental unit. No diet effect or interactions were observed for any variable (P > 0.05), suggesting that only supplementing Met, Trp, and Thr is not enough to support growth during a sanitary challenge (Table 1). Haptoglobin and IgG increased linearly whereas IgA, urea, and creatinine had a quadratic increase over time (P < 0.05; Table 2). The IPF decreased growth performance and increased serum IgA and creatinine (P < 0.05), mostly due to the fact that IPF reduces AA provision compared with GP system. The IPF model, as most mathematical models, does not account for the AA and energy costs related to the immune challenge. Therefore, IPF might have underestimated the requirements of the pigs, and limited the amount of nutrients provided. In conclusion, the combined effect of IPF and functional AA supplementation was not able to reduce the negative effect of the sanitary challenge.

Spacing and Tomatotone Influence on Yield of Rain Fed Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) in Sudan Savanna of Nigeria

Some scientific reports indicated that Tomatotone (4-Chlorophenoxy acetic acid (4-CPA) is one of the plant hormones that can be used to increase fruit setting and yield of tomato. The aim of the research is to evaluate the efficacy of 4-chlorophenoxy acetic acid at different plant population density. Field trials were therefore conducted during the rainy season of 2020 at two locations. The treatments consisted of three population density (22,222, 26,666 and 33,333) and four concentrations of 4-CPA (0, 50, 75 and 100 mgL-1 of distilled water). The experiment was laid out in a Complete Randomized Block Design and replicated three times. The data collected on yield and yield components were subjected to analysis of variance. The result showed that 4-CPA had a significant effect on fruit length, fruit weight, marketable fruit yield and total fruit yield. Plant population density was obtained also to have significantly influenced total fruit yield and marketable fruit yield. Based on the results of the study, it could be suggested that farmers in the areas of study can be advised to grow UC82B tomato and apply 4-CPA at a density of 22,222 plants ha-1 for higher yield of the crop during rainy season

PSV-21 Pediococcus acidilactici survives an in vitro simulated digestion

Abstract In the swine industry, probiotics are recognized for optimizing growth performance and production efficiency by modulating host physiology, and the response across studies is not consistent. One area of focus is probiotic mitigation of post-weaning diarrhea, and further mechanistic understanding of probiotic and host physiology could help with consistent performance outcomes. An essential attribute of a probiotic is the ability to survive the harsh environments of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). The aim of this study was to determine if Pediococcus Acidilactici PECh3A (PA) that has been previously genome sequenced for determining gut physiology mechanisms can survive an in vitro simulated digestion. In the in vitro digestion PA concentrations that were investigated included 108, 109, and 1010 colony forming units (CFU)/mL. The in vitro digestion (n = 4/concentration) consisted of 5 phases with incubation times simulating the GIT; initial inoculation (0 h), gastric (2 h), upper intestinal (4 h), lower intestinal (9 h) and extended lower intestinal phase (9 h). For the initial inoculation concentrations of PA were added into 25 mL of sterile milk replacer representing dietary requirements of a suckling pig. In the gastric phase pepsin was added and pH was adjusted to 2.5. In the upper intestinal phase bile and pancreatin were added, along with a pH adjustment to 6.8. In the lower intestinal phase, the multi-enzyme complex consisting of carbohydrase enzymes was added and pH adjusted to 4.8. There was no addition during the extended lower intestinal phase. At each sample collection at the end of a phase 1 mL was collected from each flask. For each sample, 100 µL were serially diluted, plated on deMan, Rogosa, and Sharpe (MRS) plates, and incubated at 37°C for 24h. Survivability was determined by counting CFUs and comparing the concentration with the initial CFU/mL at 0 h and reported as percent survival (%S). Data for the in vitro digestion were analyzed according to a randomized complete block design (RCBD) in a split plot using the Repeated Measures Glimmix Procedure of SAS. Additional orthogonal contrasts were analyzed across PA concentrations. Data showed survival for 108,109, and 1010CFU/mL at all sample phases (108 - 44.24, 60.14, 58.36, 55.69%S; 109 - 40.56, 55.60, 49.35, 50.7%S; 1010 - 32.98, 52.55, 46.72, 43.71%S ± 2.98 respectively; phase P < 0.01 and concentration P < 0.01). There is evidence of a phase and concentration effect on survivability, but no interaction. A linear concentration response was observed across concentrations (54.61, 49.05, 43.99%S ± 1.23; P < 0.05) indicating that as concentration increases the survivability decreases. These findings indicate that PA PECh3A can survive a simulated GIT and potentially impact swine intestinal physiology.

Effect of Organic Nutrient Solutions on Growth and Yield Performances of Green Bean (<em>Phaseolus vulgaris</em> L.) in Red Yellow Podzolic Soil in Sri Lanka

Purpose: Liquid Organic Fertilizer (LOF) is one of the essential ways to add extra quantities of minor and major nutrients, plant hormones, stimulants, and other useful ingredients for soil cultivation.Research Method: The experiment was set up using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with seven treatments and four replicates. The treatments were recommended basal and topdressing (Control T1), 5t/ha poultry manure as basal with foliar spray of 0.5% (T2), 1% (T3), 1.5% (T4) of Vermiwash, 0.5% (T5), 1% (T6), 1.5% of vegetable waste solution (T7). Vermiwash and vegetable waste solution were applied at 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th week after planting.Findings: The study showed that leaves per plant and number of branches per plant, plant height, number of flowers per plant, dry weight of leaves, and dry weight of stem and roots were significantly (P<0.05) increased in T2 at the 8th week after planting. The total pick yield achieved in T2 was higher than in tested treatments.Originality/ Value: This study suggests that the application of 5t/ha poultry manure with 0.5% vermiwash (T2) would be preferable for growing green beans in red-yellow podzolic soil.

Foliar Application of Moringa Seed Extract Alone or in Combination with Salicylic Acid Enhanced Growth, Bioactive, and Phytohormone Compositions of Cancer Bush Plants under Heat Stress

Cancer bush (Lessertia frutescens L.) is an important medicinal plant that is rich in health beneficial compounds. It is commonly used in traditional medicine and as an ornamental plant. Heat stress is the most threatening abiotic factor restricting plant growth, thus causing crop yield and economic losses worldwide. The application of plant-derived biostimulant is as an innovative and promising approach for improving plant growth and productivity. The study was aimed to investigate the effect of moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.) seed extract (MSE; 5%) either alone or in combination with salicylic acid (SA; 40 mg/L) on the growth, bioactive, and phytohormone attributes of cancer plants subjected to heat stress (38 °C for 2 hours for 5 days). Plants that were not treated were used as control. Plant pots were arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) for treatments (MSE, SA, and MSE + SA) at 7-day intervals during the experiment. Both MSE and MSE + SA foliar application effectively increased plant growth characteristics and total carotenoids contents, and reduced electrolyte leakage and had no symptoms of wilting compared with SA and control. Plants treated with MSE showed higher number of branches and concentrations of abscisic acid (ABA), jasmonic acid (JA), and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), and lower superoxide and hydrogen peroxide compared with other treatments and control. Also, plants treated with MSE + SA showed higher total chlorophylls and glutathione concentrations compared with other treatments and control. Overall, the application of MSE either alone or in combination with SA enhanced plant growth and productivity of heat-stressed cancer bush plants.

Effect of long-term compost fertilization on the distribution of organic carbon and nitrogen in soil aggregates

Soil fertility is mainly related to soil total organic carbon (C) that should be preserved in order to optimize soil quality and functionality. Consequently, the use of organic amendments could be a possible strategy to increase soil C and nitrogen (N) storage particularly in orchard systems where the disturbance of soil is reduced thus making favorable conditions for C and N stabilization.The aim of this study was to evaluate the distribution and stabilization of organic C and total N in aggregate fractions after a 14-years-period of compost application to a peach orchard. The trial was conducted in the south-eastern Po valley, on a commercial nectarine orchard and the following treatments were compared in a complete randomized block design with four replicates: 1. unfertilized control; 2. mineral fertilization; 3. compost at a rate of 10 Mg dry weight ha−1 yr−1. At the end of orchard lifetime, soil was sampled from the row at four depths (0–0.15, 0.16–0.25, 0.26–0.45, and 0.46–0.65 m) and physically fractionated to separate macroaggregates (> 250 μm), microaggregates (250–50 μm) and silt and clay (< 50 μm) that were analyzed for organic C, total N, δ13C, and δ15N.Compost addition induced a significant increase of macroaggregates (66%), no changes in microaggregates and a decrease of silt and clay (22%) compared to control and mineral fertilization. With compost the accumulation of organic C and total N content in the macroaggregates was four-five times higher than the other two treatments in all the depths, therefore almost 50% of the soil organic C was in this fraction, compared to 20–24% in the control and mineral. In the micro-aggregates more C and N accumulated only in the two top layers, while no effect was observed in the silt and clay fraction. From macro-to microaggregates to the silt and clay fraction, the C/N ratio shifted from 9 to 7.5 to 6 on average indicating that the C and N stabilized in the finer fractions is mainly of microbial origin. The enrichment in C and N isotopic composition from macro-to micro to silt and clay is also indicative of the isotopic fractionation due to microbial metabolism and the consequent stabilization of microbial residues in the finer fractions. In the control and mineral, only receiving orchard litter, this change was observed in all the layers, on the contrary, with compost similar δ13C and δ15N values characterized the fractions in the top soil layer suggesting the occlusion of compost in all the fraction. With depth the macroaggregates maintained the same δ13C and δ15N values indicating consistent redistribution of compost in deep soil layers, while the finest fractions showed a progressive enrichment of δ13C due to the presence of C fractionated during microbial metabolism and progressively stabilized. In conclusion, compost supply leads to positive effects on C and N accumulation and stabilization also in the deeper layers favoring the increase of long-term soil fertility and C storage.

Evaluation of Spring Season Local and Improved Rice Genotypes on Growth, Yield, and Yield Attributing Characters in Gorkha District, Nepal

Rice cultivation faces challenges related to varietal selection, limiting the potential yield of spring rice crops. This study was conducted in the Rice Zone of Gorkha, Nepal during the spring season of 2022 with aim to evaluate the growth, yield, and yield attributing characters of different rice genotypes. The study hypothesized that significant differences exist among different rice genotypes in terms of their growth, yield, and yield attributing characters. The experiment employed a one-factor randomized complete block design (RCBD) with seven genotypes, including local varieties (Hardinath Hybrid 1, Chaite-5, CH 45, Salijudi) and pipeline genotypes (IR16L1919, IR10N118, IR86515), and replicated three times. Results indicated significant variations among genotypes in response to similar growing conditions and nutrient availability. Notably, CH 45 exhibited the highest plant height (113.50 cm), while IR16L1619 demonstrated the longest panicle length (28.56 cm) and the highest number of effective tillers (23.10). IR16L1619 also displayed the highest number of leaves (97.27 leaves) and leaf area index (8.00). Chaite-5 had the longest flag leaf (33.13 cm), while IR16L1619 recorded the highest panicle length (28.56 cm) and number of grains per panicle (270.10). Salijudi exhibited the lowest sterility percentage (7.52 %), and CH 45 displayed the highest thousand grain weight (26.40). Moreover, IR16L1619 demonstrated superior performance in terms of grain yield (8.19 t/ha), straw yield (7.12 t/ha), and biological yield (15.25 t/ha). The findings underscored the genotype-specific responses to environmental conditions, highlighting the importance of tailored varietal selection for optimal productivity.

Response of spring rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties to different nitrogen application methods at Nawalparasi West, Nepal

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivation necessitates an adequate supply of nitrogen to achieve optimal growth and yield. This study, conducted in Nawalparasi West from February to June 2023, aimed to assess the effects of nitrogen management through a foliar spray of nano urea, compared to need-based nitrogen management using the Leaf Color Chart (LCC) and the Recommended Dose of urea Fertilizer (RDF) application. The experiment followed a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications, incorporating four nitrogen management levels (Control, RDF through urea fertilizer (120 kg/ha), 25% of RDF through basal urea (30 kg/ha) + nano urea, and 25% of RDF through basal urea (30 kg/ha) + (LCC) and two rice varieties (Chaite-5 and Hardinath-1). The results indicated that the LCC-based treatment produced the highest grain yield at 5.18 mt/ha, statistically similar to the yield of the nano urea-based treatment (5.04 mt/ha). The enhanced yields were attributed to more effective tillers per m² (260.17 tillers/m² and 253.17 tillers/m², respectively), longer panicle length (28.12 cm and 25.99 cm), more filled grains per panicle (210.03 and 215.73), and lower sterility percentage (24.93% and 26.95%). Despite comparable yields, nano urea application proved to be more cost-effective [97,926.10 Nepalese Rupees (NRs)] with a higher benefit-cost ratio (1.78) and greater ease of application for farmers compared to the LCC. Varietal responses varied, with Hardinath-1 exhibiting the highest yield with LCC-based nitrogen application (5.37 mt/ha), and Chaite-5 demonstrating the highest yield (4.778 mt/ha); with nano urea-based nitrogen application (5.31 mt/ha). Chaite-5 displayed a greater effective number of tillers per m² (241.42 tillers/m²) and filled grains per panicle (224.56). Consequently, it is suggested that nano urea-based nitrogen application, particularly in conjunction with a variety of Chaite-5, holds the potential for improved productivity.

Effect of Seed Size on Growth, Yield and Seed Quality of Jack Bean (Canavalia ensiformis (L.))

This research aimed to investigate the effect of seed size on growth, yield and seed quality of Jack beans cultivated in field conditions. The experiment was conducted at Faculty of Natural Resources and Agro-Industry, Kasetsart University Chalermphrakiat Sakonnakhon Province Campus. The experimental design was Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 3 replications and 3 treatments, and consisted of 3 different seed sizes of Jack bean (small, medium and large). The results indicated that seed size had no significant effect on growth (plant height, leaf number and weight of canopy). However, statistically significant differences (P&lt;0.05) were found in fresh and dry biomass yields, whereas large seed size had the highest biomass yield without significant difference from seed yield. The 3 sizes of jack bean gave an average seed yield of 402.07 kg/rai. In term of seed quality, it was found that all 3 sizes of jack beans seed had no significant effect on physical quality and physiological quality in both standard germinations, germination index and a number of days used for germination. However, seed sizes had a significant effect on seedling biomass weight. The large seed had the highest weight (0.62 g/plant). Therefore, this study concluded that the three seed sizes (small, medium, and large) did not affect the growth, yield and seed quality of jack beans although the large size seed had the highest biomass yield.

Softwood Grafting of Clementine Mandarin as Affected by Thidiazuron Treatment and Rootstock Type

Background: Citrus are propagated on a commercial scale by budding on different rootstocks species; nevertheless, one of the main problems nurserymen encounter is the slow growth of these rootstocks in the early phases of their growth, which drives up production costs. Therefore, the process of softwood grafting is one of the promising methods for quick propagating species of citrus. Methods: The present study on softwood grafting in clementine mandarin was conducted under lath house conditions during 2022-2023, to illustrate the impact of dipping the scion shoots in Thidiazuron at a concentration of 0, 10 and 20 mg L-1 and types of rootstocks (Sour orange, Rough lemon, Rangpur lime and Swingle citrumelo) on the percentage of grafting success and some vegetative characteristics of resultant saplings. A factorial experiment was executed out utilizing a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Result: The two factors of study, particularly the treatment with 20 mg L-1 of Thidiazuron and Rough lemon rootstock, showed significant superiority in all traits, such as earliness in the initiation and completion of sprouting, graft success per cent, graft survival per cent, plant height, scion and rootstock diameter, as well as the number of branches and leaves plant-1. On the other hand, the un-treated with growth regulator and Swingle citrumelo rootstock recorded the lowest values for these traits.

EFFECT OF HUMIC ACID AND MAXIGROW (ORGANIC FERTILIZER) ON GROWTH, FLOWERING AND YIELD OF SNAKE CUCUMBER (CUCUMIS MELO. L)

ABSTRACT: A field trial was implemented at the research center field at general directorate of agriculture, Dohuk Governorate, Iraqi Kurdistan region in summer season of (2022-2023) to find out the impact of foliar application of humic acid at three levels (0, 2, and 4) ml L-1 and Maxigrow (an organic fertilizer) with three levels (0, 1, and 2) ml L-1 and their combinations on outgrowth, flowering and harvest of local snake cucumber. The experiment was organized following a randomized complete block design (RCBD) including three replicates. The data displayed that the individual dose of humic acid at (4) ml.L-1 significantly enhanced foliage traits [number of branches, stem diameter (cm), Leaf area (cm2), plant fresh weight (g), and chlorophyll content (SPAD)] as well as increased flowering characters [number of flowers after 30 days and number of flowers after 40 days] and yielded components [fruit length (cm), fruit diameter (cm), and total yield (ton.ha-1)]. The same profound effect was exhibited by the singular dose of Maxigrow at concentration (2) ml.L-1. However, the highest mean values were produced from humic acid at concentration (4) ml.L-1 in combination with Maxigrow at concentration (2) ml.L-1 in comparison with control. The increased level of humic acid and Maxigrow is advised for organic productivity of local snake cucumber.

Native Liquid Biofertilizer Consortia of Staphylococcus equorum, Bacillus velezensis and Staphylococcus epidermidis Enhanced the Growth of Nutmeg Seedlings

Aims: The aim was to evaluate the three most distinct native liquid biofertilizer consortia on the growth of nutmeg seedlings under pot culture studies. Study Design:  Completely Randomized Block Design. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Agricultural Microbiology, College of             Agriculture, Vellanikkara, Thrissur, Kerala and Block 10, Regional Agricultural Research Station, Ambalavayal, Wayanad, Kerala. The pot culture experiment was conducted from February 2023 to August 2023. Methodology: The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized block design with three replications along with control. Each treatment was applied with a combination of NPK fertilizers (50% and 75% of recommended dose of fertilizer, based on soil test data). One treatment was composed of only organic fertilizers. Results: The biofertilizer inoculation had a positive impact on the population of soil microbes, which indicates good soil health. Application of Staphylococcus equorum + Bacillus velezensis + Staphylococcus epidermidis (consortium – 2) along with 50% of the recommended dose of NPK fertilizers, recorded the highest plant growth parameters viz., plant height, leaf length, leaf breadth, stem diameter, leaf area, shoot dry weight, and maximum number of secondary roots. In most of the treatments, nutmeg shoot growth was higher when compared to root growth. Conclusion: The present study indicated that inoculation of native liquid biofertilizer consortia enhanced the growth of nutmeg seedlings under pot culture studies in Wayanad. Hence liquid biofertilizer consortia can be utilized for earlier establishment of nutmeg seedlings and thereby reduce the dependency on the quantity of chemical fertilizers.

Growth and yield performance of X-ray irradiated cucumber

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) is a very important fruit which makes its demand and consumption continually on the increase all over the world. X-ray is an ionizing radiation and a physical mutagen with great potentials in creating artificial variability in crops. The employment of x-ray irradiation has been underutilized in plant mutagenesis, hence this study sought to determine its effect on the germination and agro-morphological traits of cucumber. Cucumber seeds were obtained from an agro-allied store and exposed to x-ray radiation from a source 70 KVA at a distance of 90cm and doses 10, 20, 30 and 40mAs. The field experiment was carried out in duplicate using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Irradiated and unirradiated (control) seeds were sown directly on a total of ten prepared plots measuring 2.44 by 1.50 m. The result generated in this study show a positive shift at the higher doses (30 and 40 mAs) with reduced number of days to fruit maturity and increased number of fruits per plant when compared to the control and other doses. A strong positive correlation was observed among some traits studied, indicating the possibility of such traits being under the influence of the same gene and the ability to be inherited together. Zonata, a chlorophyll mutant was observed at 30 mAs indicating how successful the dose was in inducing beneficial mutation on the Cucumber. Higher doses of x-ray irradiation as used in this study is therefore recommended for the genetic improvement of other vegetable and under developed crops.

Utilization of Ensiled Cassava Leaf and Taro Mixed with Waste of Soybean Meal as Protein Sources Fed Different Sources of Energy on Fattening Crossbred Pigs

The experiment was carried out at the station of Agricultural Research of Svay Rieng University, and was carried out from 15th April to 17th June 2023 with the title “Utilization of ensiled cassava leaf and taro mixed with waste of soybean meal as protein sources fed different sources of energy on fattening crossbred pigs”. This research has 3 objectives: 1. To compare DM feed intake of crossbred pigs, 2. To compare the growth rate of crossbred pigs, and 3. To compare the feed conversion of crossbred pigs. There were 12 pigs were arranged within 2*2 factorial design through Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 3 replications. The factor with the energy source: rice bran or broken rice and the factor with the protein source: Ensiled taro mixed with waste of soybean meal or Ensiled cassava leaf mixed with waste of soybean meal. The treatments of the study are: T1: Ensiled Taro 30% + Waste of Soybean Meal 20% + Rice Bran 49% + Premix 1%; T2: Ensiled Taro 30% + Waste of Soybean Meal 20% + Broken Rice 49% + Premix 1%; T3: Ensiled Cassava Leaf 25% + Waste of Soybean Meal 25% + Rice Bran 49% + Premix 1%; and T4: Ensiled Cassava Leaf 25% + Waste of Soybean Meal 25% + Broken Rice 49% + Premix 1%. The period of experiment were 60 days only. All data were collected daily such as feed offer and feed refusals. Those pigs were weighed at every 10 days from the starting of the experiment until the end of experiment. The experiments’ results were found that total intake on the energy sources were higher significant differently in broken rice compared with the rice bran (P&lt;0.01) as total intake on the protein sources were higher significant differently on the ensiled taro mixed with waste of soybean meal (P&lt;0.01). Growth rate on the energy sources were higher significant differently in broken rice as compared to the rice bran (P&lt;0.01) while growth rate for the ensiled taro plus waste of soybean meal was slightly high if compared with the ensile cassava plus waste of soybean meal (P&gt;0.05). Feed conversion ratio on the energy sources was better significant in broken rice compared to the rice bran (P&lt;0.01) while feed conversion for ensiled taro mixed with waste of soybean meal was slightly better as compared with the ensile cassava plus waste of soybean meal (P&gt;0.05). In conclusion, the use of the protein source from the ensiled taro mixed with waste of soybean meal plus the energy source of broken rice or rice bran, the pigs were increased on total intake, live weight gain and good improvement of feed conversion rather than the use of ensiled cassava leaf mixed with waste of soybean meal plus broken rice or rice bran. The research outcome indicated that efficiency of protein offering is asked to use the ensiled taro with waste of soybean meal combination with basal diet of broken rice or rice bran on reproduction of sows in the next trial.