Randomized Complete Block Design Research Articles

Effects of Nitrogen Concentration in Nutrient Solution on Growth, Yield and Phytochemical and Aromatic Compounds of Persicaria minor Cultivated Using Hydroponics System

Persicaria minor, locally known as kesum and belonging to the family Polygonaceae, is a widely used aromatic herb in Malaysia. Cultivating kesum hydroponically using a deep-water culture (DWC) system presents an alternative method for growers to enhance crop yields. This system delivers a liquid fertilizer solution directly to the plant roots, eliminating the need for a growth medium or water flow. Kesum contains phytochemical compounds such as quercetin-3-glucuronide and quercitrin, which have medicinal properties. The primary objective of this study was to assess the effects of nitrogen concentration on the growth, yield, phytochemical (quercetin-3-glucuronide and quercitrin) and aromatic (aldehyde and caryophyllene) content of kesum cultivated in a hydroponic system. Plants were grown under four nitrogen concentration regimes: 200 mg/L, 100 mg/L, 50 mg/L, and 0 mg/L. The experiment was conducted under a side-netted rain shelter and arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replications. The plants were harvested eight weeks after planting. The result indicted those supplemented with 100 mg/L of nitrogen exhibited the best growth performance and biomass yield, along with the highest levels of aromatic compounds (aldehyde C-10: 5.80% and aldehyde C-12: 12.23%). Plants treated with 50 mg/L of nitrogen produced the highest amounts of quercetin-3-glucuronide (98.261 µg/mL) and quercitrin (61.367 µg/mL) compared to other treatments. Additionally, plants receiving 200 mg/L of nitrogen had the highest caryophyllene content (12.53%). In conclusion, the deep-water culture system in hydroponics can effectively cultivate kesum, allowing for adjustments in nitrogen concentration to achieve optimal yields, phytochemical levels, or aromatic compound production based on specific objectives.

Enhancing Green Bean Production on Acid Oxisols Using Basalt Fines in the Cameroon Western Highlands

Rock fines have been proposed as alternative to chemical fertilizers, but their application rates and performances on various crops are still poorly understood. This work aims to test the fertilizing potential of basalt fines for Green beans production on acid Oxisols. A field experiment using a completely randomized block design (CRBD) was conducted on a 60 m² plot.". Treatments were: T0(0), T1(5 t ha₋1 basalt fines), T2(10 t ha₋1 basalt fines), T3(15 t ha₋1), T4(20 t ha₋1 basalt fines), T5(5 t ha₋1 poultry manure), T6 (110 Kg. ha₋1 NPK 14₋23₋14). Fieldwork was followed by laboratory analysis of soils before and after treatment of the experimental units. The main results revealed that T0 was very acidic, but basalt and poultry manure (PM) application reduced acidity while NPK further increased soil acidity. The exchangeable bases and base saturation also increased after treatment with basalt and PM. The yield of green beans was such that T4>T1>T6>T3>T5>T0 >T2. Economically, all treatments were negative except T1 (Benefit-to-cost ratio, BCR=1.35<2), suggesting that none of the treatments can be popularized for green beans production. Nevertheless, production could be increased based on appropriate farming and chemical techniques aimed at reducing soil acidity and boosting nutrient capital reserves. This study addresses a critical need for environmentally friendly alternatives to chemical fertilizers, aligning with sustainable agriculture goals. To increase its applicability and impact, more focus should be placed on the long-term environmental advantages and real-world uses.

Estimation of Genetic Diversity Using D\(^2\) and PCA in Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)

The current investigation was carried out on brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) during autumn winter season 2021 -2022 with the aims to study the genetic diversity with the help of D2 and principle component analysis. The experimental material for study consisted of 38 genotypes including one check (NDB-2) and laid out in Completely Randomized-Block Design with three replications. Based on D2 the genotypes were grouped into seven different non-overlapping clusters. Cluster I had highest number of genotypes (23) followed by cluster II (10) and cluster III, IV, V, VI and VII (1). The maximum inter-cluster distance was observed between cluster III and VII. Maximum percent contribution in genetic divergence was showed by fruit circumference, TSS, number of primary branches per plant and minimum contribution by fruit yield per plant. Based on the PCA with 13 traits, it formed 6 principal components (PCs) with more than 1 Eigen value apart from PC6 (0.80). These components indicated maximum variation among the variables with a diversity percentage of 79.30 per cent. The first PC showed 23.43 per cent variation, while the second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth PCs showed the variation of 16.89 per cent, 14.11 per cent, 10.37 per cent, 8.31 per cent and 6.17, respectively. Therefore, the traits coming under the 6 PCs manifest a high degree of genetic variation and they add up the genetic diversity between the genotypes which could be exploited in crop improvement programmes. Thus, there is a great potential for effective crop modification for improved yield and yield-attributing traits in present brinjal germplasm.

Assessment of Character Association in Pole Type French Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Genotypes

The present investigation was carried out at Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS), Vijayapura during Rabi 2022-23. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with two replications. To study the association studies in 32 pole type French bean genotypes. The correlation studies revealed that pod yield per plant was found positively and significantly associated with number of pods per plant (rg=0.668 and rp=0.620), pod length (rg= 0.526 and rp =0.431), average 10 pod weight (rg= 0.657 and rp = 0.660), number of pods per cluster (rg=0.373 and rp= 0.344) and number of clusters per plant (rg =0.365 and rp= 0.345) at both genotypic and phenotypic level. The direct selection for these traits would be rewarding for improvement of pod yield per plant in pole type French bean.

Phenotypic Trait Analysis of Tomato (Solanum lysopersicum) Genotypes in Qatar and Indian Agro-climatic Conditions

Background: The study included four genotypes of tomato (EC620378, EC620380, EC620383, EC620534) which were cultivated to find out their similarities and differences based on phenotypic traits when they were grown under different soil zones of Doha (Qatar) and Meerut (India) to find out that which of the genotypes can be cultivated better in Qatar and India. Methods: The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RBCD) with two replications. Statistical analysis for variation in quantitative characteristics among genotypes was done by collecting data in 15 qualitative and quantitative traits. Data showed great variation for almost all the traits. The principal component analysis involved plant height and days to marketable maturity as the most discriminating trait that accounted for greater variability in genotypes in both zones, and they should be considered in tomato improvement programs. The correlation analysis showed that fruit yield per plant was positively and significantly correlated with number of fruits per plant and fruit width. Present findings suggest that the identified superior genotypes may be utilized by different farms to further improve their breeding and cultivation strategies. Result: In Indian soil zone, genotype EC620534 performed extremely well in terms of maximum yield per plant. Similarly, in Qatar soil zone, EC620534 and EC620380 performed well. The phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was higher than its corresponding genotypic counterpart (GCV) for all characters studied showing environmental influence. High broad-sense heritability were recorded for days to marketable maturity, fruit shape index and fruit weight in both agro-climatic zones, they were associated with low genetic advance indicating non-additive gene action and environmental influence, hence, heterosis breeding is recommended.

Growth and yield responses of maize to different tillage practices and straw incorporation under different levels of gypsum in a saline-sodic soil

Soil salinity is one of the significant issues in crop production and its adverse effects have been noticed at various stages of a crop life cycle therefore to assess the remedies for mitigation of soil salinity, the present study was conducted in Khipro district, Sanghar, Sindh, Pakistan during 2018-19. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD), to evaluate the growth and yield responses of maize to different tillage practices and straw incorporation under different levels of gypsum in a saline-sodic soil. The factorial study was consisted of three factors including: Tillage practices (shallow tillage [ST] and deep tillage [DT], Wheat straw incorporation (3, 7, and 10 ton. ha-1) and gypsum rates (13.5, 9 and 4.5-ton ha-1). The comparative results showed that Deep Tillage DT with wheat straw incorporation at 10-ton ha-1 (DTWS10) had significantly higher result in term of growth and yield traits followed by shallow tillage ST at 10-ton ha-1 (STWS10). Moreover, the lowest results regard growth and yield attributes were observed in Shallow tillage ST with no wheat straw incorporation (STCK) Additionally, It was also observed that gypsum application did not have significant effect (P > 0.05) on maize growth and yield, but it mitigated soil salinity and sodicity, contributing to improved crop growth and yield. Therefore, incorporating straw into saline-sodic soils can significantly (P < 0.05) enhance maize yield and its attributes, with notable effects observed after two years of treatment.

Seed Yield, Seed Attributes and Economics of Alfalfa Seed Production as Influenced by Integrated Nutrient Management During kharif Season under Southern Dry Zone of Karnataka, India

The field experiment was carried out at the farm field of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Konehalli, Tiptur taluk, Tumkuru, Karnataka during Kharif season of 2017-18 to examine the effect of integrated nutrient management on seed yield, seed attributes and net benefit of alfalfa. The experiment was laid out Randomized complete block design (RCBD) comprising nine treatments viz T1 : RDF (25:50:25 kg NPK/ha + 10 t/ha FYM); T2 : 75% RDF + 25% N through FYM; T3 :75% RDF + 25% N through Vermicompost; T4 :75% RDF + 25% N through Poultry manure; T5 : 50% RDF + 25% N through FYM + Rhizobium + PSB+VAM ; T6 :50% RDF + 25% N through Vermicompost+ Rhizobium + PSB+VAM; T7 :50% RDF + 25% N through Poultry manure+ Rhizobium + PSB+VAM ;T8 : RDF + Rhizobium + PSB+VAM ;T9 : 10 t/ha FYM + 100% N through FYM and replicated four times. The results of experiments revealed that the plants supplied with of 50 % RDF + 25 % N through vermicompost + Rhizobium + PSB + VAM shown highest fresh herb yield at first harvest (160.65 q/ha), herb yield after harvest of seeds (187.50q/ha), 50% flowering (35.00 days), pod initiation (48.50days), pod maturation (73.05 days), while, lower fresh herb yield, pod initiation, pod maturation were recorded when 10 t/ha FYM + 100 % N through FYM was applied. The maximum pod (56.78 %), number of pods (228.75/plant), pod yield (19.90/plant), pod length (6.25 mm), pod weight (87.61 mg), seed set (56.50 %), number of seeds (5.50/pod), test weight (3.33g), seed yield per hectare (223.38kg/ha) and highest net return per hectare were recorded with 50 % RDF + 25 % N through vermicompost + Rhizobium + PSB + VAM. while, poor performance with regard to these parameter were recorded with application of 10 t/ha FYM + 100 % N through FYM. Therefore, application of 50 % RDF + 25 % N through vermicompost + Rhizobium + PSB + VAMmay be recommended for commercial seed productionin Alfalfa during kharif season under southern dry zone of Karnataka.

Evaluation of Genetic Variability for Yield and Associated Traits in Breeding Lines Derived from the Cross RNR-15048 × Tunga

Aims: To evaluate the genetic variability of 45 rice breeding lines for 12 quantitative and 2 qualitative traits, aiming to identify and enhance traits that contribute to improved crop yield and nutritional quality in rice. Study Design: The experiment was carried out in Randomised Complete Block Design with two replications. Place and Duration of Study: During kharif 2023 at Agricultural and Horticultural Research Station, Kathalagere, Davangere. Methodology: The research utilized 45 breeding lines resulting from the cross RNR15048 × Tunga, sourced from the Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture Shimoga, along with 5 checks. Data was recorded and analyzed statistically using R software. Results: The significant differences among the breeding lines identified through the analysis of variance highlight the potential for selecting superior genotypes within the studied rice breeding lines. High to moderate values of the genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) and phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) suggest that there is substantial genetic diversity for the traits evaluated, indicating a promising opportunity for genetic improvement through selective breeding. Conclusion: The findings of this study highlight the importance of focusing yield improvement programs on specific traits, including plant height, number of tillers per plant, productive tillers per plant, grains per panicle, filled grains per panicle, test weight, protein content, and overall grain yield. Emphasizing these traits is essential for enhancing the productivity and nutritional value of rice, ultimately supporting food security efforts.

Evaluating the Efficacy of Insecticide on the Management of Onion Thrips (Thrips tabaci, Lindemann) in Northwestern Zone of Tigray

Ethiopia has enormous potential to produce the onions throughout the year both for domestic use and export market. It is also the most cultivated and high market value of vegetable crops in Tigray Northern Ethiopia. However, the productivity of onion is highly constrained such as insect pests, diseases, lack of improved verities, lack of improved management practices etc. The major insect pest of onion is Onion thrips and important pests especially in areas where onions are grown under irrigation. The purpose of this study was to test the insecticide chemicals application and application frequency on the Onion production technologies. Therefore, field experiment was conducted to evaluate the insecticide chemical applications with frequency application in 2017 and 2018 under irrigation conditions. Thirteen treatments were used three different insecticide types namely Karatae 5% EC, Dimethote 40%EC, Profit72%EC with four different spraying frequency and untreated (control) laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The current findings showed that the profitable yield was obtained Karatae 5% EC (1st spray) (14.25 t ha-1) followed by Profit72%EC (4th spray) that is (20.25 t ha-1) and the obtained profit was 128053 &181788 birr per ha with the maximum Marginal Rate of Return of 3025 & 2417% respectively in Tselemti woreda. In Medebaayzana woreda also, the profitable yield was obtained Karatae 5% EC (1st spray) (25.79 t ha-1) followed by Karatae 5% EC (4st spray) at (27.75 t ha-1) & Dimethote 40% EC (3rd spray) at (25.78 t ha-1) and 231976, 249463 & 231544 birr per ha obtained profit with the maximum Marginal Rate of Return of 2634, 2395 & 2311 % respectively. Therefore, Karatae 5% EC (1st spray) in Tselemti & Medebayzana woreda & Profit72%EC (4th spray) in Tselemti woreda and Dimethote 40% EC (3rd spray) in Medebayzana woreda was profitable preventive Onion Thrips for Onion production in the studies area.

Impact of Providing Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) Hay, Wheat Bran, and Their Mixes on Begait Lambs' Skin and Leather Quality

Aims: To evaluate the impact of adding wheat bran (WB), cowpea hay (CPH), or mixes of the two on the chemical and physico-mechanical properties of leather. To determine the ideal ratio for supplementing wheat bran and cowpea hay on the chemical and physico-mechanical properties of leather. Study Design: The study employed a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with five treatments and blocks. Place and Duration of Study: Northern Ethiopia, Humera Agricultural Research Center farm, starting from December 2016 until November 2017. Methodology: 25 intact male Begait lambs were bought from the local market, weighing an average of 28.02 ± 1.49 kg (mean ± SD) at 5 to 6 months of age. Based on their starting body weight, they were split into five groups and assigned randomly to each of the five treatments. The standard diet for T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5 consisted of giving natural grass hay ad libitum plus supplements of 300 g CPH, 225 g CPH + 75 g WB, 150 g CPH + 150 g WB, 75 g CPH + 225 g WB, and 300 g WB DM day-1. Three lambs per treatment were randomly chosen, slaughtered, and dressed down using standard commercial techniques at the end of the feeding trial to assess the quality of skin and leather. Results: Compared to the other treatment groups, the Begait lambs in T2 and T3 exhibited increased tensile strength, elongation strength, and thickness. However, the chemical makeup of skin was comparable between treatment groups. Conclusion: Therefore, this study concluded that all test diets generated skin and leather that largely complied with the chemical and physico-mechanical quality standards demanded by the leather industry.

Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) Response to Nitrogen Fertilizer and Earthing Up Practices in the Tigray Region of Ethiopia

To increase groundnut yields, integrated agronomic techniques must be implemented. The current study focuses on using starter nitrogen fertilizer in conjunction with earthing up for groundnut cultivation. Three replications and a factorial combination were used in the complete randomized block design of the experiment. Two types of earthing up (no earthing up and earthing up) and four levels of nitrogen fertilizer (0, 15, 30, and 45 kg ha-1) were used in the treatment combinations. For each of the Hamedo 1 and Hamedo 2 experimental sites, two undisturbed and two disturbed composite soil samples were collected at a depth of 20 cm before sowing. The data analysis showed that neither the combination application of N fertilizer and earthing up nor the individual independent applications of N fertilizer and earthing up had a significant effect on groundnut flowering and maturity. Groundnut plant height, number of branches per plant, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per plant, seed weight per plant, and haulm yields were not significantly affected by earthing up alone or by the co-application of nitrogen fertilizer and earthing up. On the other hand, the exclusive use of nitrogen fertilizer significantly affected groundnut plant height, the number of branches per plant, the number of pods per plant, the number of seeds per plant, seed weight per plant, and haulm yield. Applying 45 kg ha-1 of nitrogen fertilizer to the Hamedo 1 and Hamedo 2 trial sites enhanced the haulm yield by 70.53% and 78.76%, respectively, compared to the unfertilized plots. Individual applications of nitrogen fertilizer, earthing up, or a combination of both had a significant effect on groundnut pod and kernel yields. In comparison to plots that received a combined application of 45 kg ha-1 of nitrogen fertilizer and earthing up, the Hamedo 1 and Hamedo 2 trial sites exhibited increases in pod yields of 57.73% and 55.97%, respectively, when earthing up was combined with 15 kg ha-1 of nitrogen fertilizer. In the same way, applying 15 kg ha-1 of nitrogen fertilizer to the earthing-up soil in the Hamedo 1 and Hamedo 2 experimental sites boosted the kernel yields by 70.05% and 75.43%, respectively, in comparison to soil earthing-up plots that received 45 kg ha-1 nitrogen. The findings of the economic and agronomic analyses showed that applying nitrogen fertilizer and earthing up together greatly increases groundnut yields and revenues. Therefore, to increase groundnut yields and receive more financial advantages, farmers can consider the combined application of 15 kg ha-1 of nitrogen fertilizer and earthing-up.

Heterosis, combining ability and genetic component in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) genotypes

ABSTRACT Information on gene action controlling the inheritance of quantitative traits is essential for selecting parents for hybridization and multiline varieties. Twenty hybrids obtained through 5 × 5 diallel mating with their parents were established on Teaching and Research Farm, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria, in September 2018 using Randomized Complete Block Design in three replicates. The plants were observed for numbers of days to 50% flowering, plant height at flowering, stem girth, number of branches per plant, plant height at maturity, number of fruits per plant, fruit weight, fruit length, fruit width, and fruit yield per plant. Data were subjected to variance analysis, General and Specific Combining abilities were estimated, and gene effects and parameter ratios were done using Hayman’s method. Mid- and better-parent heterosis were estimated using Allard’s procedure. Genotype ‘NGB00356’ was the most desirable parent for earliness and the number of fruits per plant, while hybrid ‘NGB00347’ × ‘NGB00356’ was the best hybrid for fruit yield per plant. ‘NGB00356’, with its significant and positive general combining ability value for the number of fruits per plant, can be used as a parent in a hybridization program for yield improvement in okra.

Nutrient and energy conservation through nano-fertilizers in maize

In the current scenario, achieving food security while conserving resources and energy is a significant challenge. Maize is a widely cultivated but nutrient-exhaustive crop. The adoption of nanotechnology-based nano-fertilizers offers a pathway to achieving sustainable yields while reducing fertilizer requirements and conserving energy. A field experiment was conducted during the Kharif season of 2021 to explore nutrient and energy conservation through nano-fertilizers in maize at the University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bengaluru. The experiment involved nine treatments comprising various combinations of the recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) with nano-urea and nano Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) under a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). The results indicated that Treatment T5 - 75% of the Recommended Dose of Nitrogen (RDN) + Nano-N—achieved a higher yield (10.20% higher than the conventional practice, T1-RDF + Farmyard Manure (FYM)) and improved nutrient uptake at harvest [299.22, 55.56, and 208.26 kg of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) per hectare, respectively]. This treatment also demonstrated greater physiological efficiency (36.11, 200.66, and 52.70 kg of maize per kg of N, P, and K, respectively), higher energy output (260,851 MJ ha?¹), improved energy use efficiency (16.93), enhanced energy productivity (0.627 kg MJ?¹), and better energy profitability (15.93). Using 75% of RDN + Nano-N increases yield while reducing fertilizer use and conserving energy.

Missing Data Imputation in Balanced Construction for Incomplete Block Designs

Observational data with massive sample sizes are often distributed on many local machines. From an experimental design perspective, investigators often desire to identify the effect of new treatments (even ML algorithms) on many blocks of experimental data. With time requirements or budget constraints, assigning all treatments to each block is not always feasible. This creates incomplete responses with respect to a randomized complete block design (RCBD). These incomplete responses are missing by design. However, whether they can be estimated with missing imputation methods is not well understood. Thus, it is challenging to correctly identify the treatment effects with missing data. To this end, this paper provides a method for imputation and analysis of the responses with missing data. The proposed method consists of three steps: Reconstruction, Imputation, and `Complete’-data Analysis (RICA). The incomplete responses are imputed with the expectation-maximization (EM) algorithm. The RCBD model is then fitted by the resulting dataset. The identifiability result suggests that the missing may be nonignorable for each block, but the whole data of an incomplete design are missing by design when the design is balanced. Theoretical results on relative efficiency also inform us when the missingness should be imputed for incomplete designs with the role of balanced variance. Applications on real-world data verify the efficacy of this method.

The types of growing media and plant density on the growth and yield of kailan (Brassica oleracea L.) In a floating raft system hydroponic

This research aimed to know the effect of the type of growing media and population density on the growth and yield of kailan (Brassica oleracea L.) hydroponically. The research was conducted in the greenhouse of the integrated agricultural system area at Curug Serang Banten Province. This research used a Randomized Completely Block Design (RCBD) as factorial with two factors. The first factor was the type of growing media (J) which consisted of 3 levels, J1 (Rockwool), J2 (Zeolite), and J3 (Sponge). The second factor was population density (K), which consisted of 3 treatment levels, K1 (3 plants per tub), K2 (4 plants per tub), and K3 (5 plants per tub). The results showed that the type of growing media had a significant effect on plant height growth 7 Day After Plating (DAP) of (4.67cm), 14 DAP (11.58 cm), 21 DAP (17.09 cm), 28 DAP (22.29 cm), 35 DAP (37.57 cm), number of leaves 14 DAP (4.59), 28 HST (6.96), 35 DAP (8.59) and the root weight of your plants was 35 DAP (3.43gram). Population density treatment had a significant effect on plant height growth 28 DAP (22.26 cm), 35 DAP (37,37 cm) and there was an interaction between media type treatment and population density on plant height parameters 35 DAP.

Interrelationship Between Emergence and Yield Parameters in Mung Bean: Implication for Selection

Abstract Rapid and uniform seed germination and seedling emergence have been associated with grain yield under diverse environmental conditions. Twenty-one (21) mung bean accessions were evaluated at Ile-Ife and Kishi out-stations of the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR & T), Nigeria, to identify the emergence parameter(s) that could be selected for improvement of mung bean for yield. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) in three replications. Data were collected on emergence and yield parameters and analysed using the Statistical Analysis Software (SAS). Mean, heritability, and correlation coefficient were estimated. Path coefficient analysis was used to partition correlations into direct and indirect effects using seed yield as the dependent variable. Heritability estimate was moderate to high for most of the traits. Accessions 3, 6, 14 and 15 with high pod and seed yield had also high values of coefficient of velocity of emergence (CVE) and emergence percentage (E%). All emergence parameters except emergence energy had significant correlation with yield traits. CVE and Emergence Index (EI) had strong positive correlation with number of seeds.pod-1 and pod yield. When only the emergence parameters were considered, CVE had highest direct effect (0.74) on seed yield followed by E% (-0.73) and EI (0.70). Total indirect effects of EI and CVE accounted for only 6.06% and 11.9% of the total correlation, respectively. It therefore suggests that EI and CVE are emergence parameters that could be selected for at early stage in improvement of mung bean for yield.

Effect of Spacing and Planting Time on Growth, Yield and Yield Components of Mustard (Brassica nigra L.) Cultivar in Unwana, Ebonyi State, Nigeria

A field experiment was conducted at the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Technology teaching and research farm during 2022 cropping season, to investigate the effect of spacing and planting time on the growth, yield and yield components of mustard in Unwana agro-ecology of Southeastern Nigeria. Two (2) planting time and six (6) plant spacings were evaluated in a split-plot fitted in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three (3) replications. The factor A was time of planting (March and August), which occupied the main plot while factor B which was plant spacing (20x15cm, 30x15cm, 40x15cm, 50x15cm, 60x15cm and 70x15cm) occupied the sub-plots. Data were collected on plant height, leaf number, total yield, straw yield, oil yield and oil content at harvest. Result obtained showed that the growth, yield and yield components of mustard were significantly (P˂0.05) improved by time of planting and plant spacing used. March time of planting increased seed yield and yield components seed yield (102.90gha-1), straw yield (25.97gha-1), oil yield (654.10kg/ha), and oil content (41.56%) than August planting time (39.40gha-1, 20.93gha-1, 477.50kg/ha and 39.02% seed yield, straw yield, oil yield and oil content, respectively. On the other hand, result revealed that the plot planted with 20x15 plant spacing significantly increased the plant height and leaf number (18.98cm and 16.62) at 4WAP, respectively with the corresponding total yield (103.20gha-1) than other plant spacing used. The result showed that it was more productive to grow mustard at closer spacing (20x15cm) as depicted by the yield and yield components advantages.

NUTRITIONAL COMPOSITION OF WHEAT STRAW ENSILED WITH ADDITIVES ON DIFFERENT FERMENTATION DAYS

The proximate analysis and fiber fractions of wheat straw ensiled with urea (2.5%), poultry litter, watermelon peels and pineapple peels at 25% inclusion each for 0, 6, 12, 18, 24 and 30 fermentation days were determined. The experiment was laid out in a Factorial arrangement in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with five treatments and 3 replications for each treatment. Wheat straw (SWS) was ensilage without additives served as the control. All the treatments were conducted in an open mouthed kilner jar which were opened following the fermentation of 0, 6, 12, 18, 24 and 30 days for sample collection and determination of CP, CF, EE, Ash, DM, NFE, ADF, NDF, Cellulose, Hemicellulose and Lignin. The results obtained shows significant difference (P<0.05) in all the additives across the fermentation days. PLWS shows highest values of CP at 30 FDs (11.07%), CF (35.98%), Ash (5.12%), ADF (35.04g/100g), NDF (55.40g/100g), Cellulose (13.06g/100g), and Lignin (12.00g/100g) while WPWS and PPWS have ranging values CP (5.99-8.50%), CF (24.16-29.87%), EE (1.51-2.03%), Ash (4.45-5.03%), ADF (23.56-29.56g/100g), NDF (35.40-45.42g/100g), Cellulose (8.48-10.59g/100g) and Lignin (7.89-9.88g/100g) across the fermentation days. Ensiling wheat straw with poultry litter (PLWS) for 30 FDs is recommended for ruminant feeding because it yields better proximate composition and fiber fractions.

Variety of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) Growth and Yield in Response to Various Organic Fertilizers in Makurdi, Nigeria

This study was conducted in 2023 at the nursery of the Teaching and Research farm of the Department of Crop production of Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria. The experimental treatments were two (2) varieties of lettuce (ice berg and Butter head) and three (3) organic manure sources (Poultry dropping, cow dung, goat manure) and a control. An experiment was set up as a 2 x 4 factorial design using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Data were collected from the following parameters, plant height, plant diameter, number of leaves, leaf area index (LAI), crop growth rate (CGR), roof weight, and fresh weight. All the study parameters of lettuce were significantly (P<0.05) different, on both organic manure, and variety. The iceberg variety surpassed the butter head variety, with statistically significant (P<0.05) differences observed in several parameters: plant height (20.32 cm), number of leaves (23.85), leaf area index (15.19 cm³), сrop growth rate (1.54 g m³ per day), chlorophyll content (23.32 mg/g), fresh weight (83.86 g), root weight (20.23 g), and yield (3.19 t/ha) Similarty, poutry droppings obtained significantly (P<0.05) better results in terms of plant height (21.73 cm), number of leaves (23 92), leaf area Index (16.75 cm²), crop growth rate (3.70 g m³ per day), chlorophyll content (25.73 mg/g), fresh weight (632.02 g), root weight (22.13 g) and yield (3.75 t/ha) as compared to other organic manure sources such as cow dung, goat manure and control. In addition, a significant difference (P<0.05) was observed in the interaction between lettuce varieties selection and organic fertilizers at various levels, particularly with the high level of iceberg x poultry manure

RESPONSE OF LIQUID MANURES AS ALTERNATIVE NUTRIENT ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF TOMATO

An experiment was conducted on response of Liquid Manures as alternate nutrient on growth and yield of tomato at the Horticulture Farm, Department of Horticulture, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, Bangladesh during the period from November 2023 to March 2024. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The treatments were used in the study were T1; Control, T2; Vermi Tea, T3; SAU-MLM, T4; SAU-NLM, T5; SAU-PLM and T6; RFD (Recommended Fertilizer Dose). In this study, the treatments showed significant variation on growth and yield of tomato production. The tallest plant (109.63cm), highest number of leaves per plant (25.0), maximum fruit weight (127.2g), maximum fruit weight per plant (3.48kg), maximum yield per plot (20.8kg) and maximum yield per hector (56.5t/h) were recorded with treatment T6 (RFD) and it was statistically identical with treatment T5 (SAU-PLM). Whereas the minimum plant height (92.03 cm) and number of leaves per plant (17.0), lowest fruit weight (62.8g), lowest fruit weight per plant (1.53kg), lowest yield per plot (9.1kg) and lowest yield (22.9t/h) were recorded in T1 (Control). Furthermore, treatment 5 (SAU-PLM) produced highest brix (5.7), that is highest sweetness tomato were produced with T5 treatment. That’s why it can be said that different liquid manure has good impact on growth and yield of tomato with environment friendly impact.