Randomized Complete Block Design Research Articles

Effect of Different Levels of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium Fertilizers on Yield of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) Under The Climatic Conditions of Takhar Province

The experiment was carried out in the research farm of Agriculture Faculty, Takhar University under the title of the effect of nitrogen fertilizer with different amounts of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers on cucumber yield under the climatic conditions of Takhar Province, Afghanistan. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications and four treatments. Treatments T1 without of any fertilizer, T2 nitrogen 80 kg ha-1, phosphorus fertilizer 100 kg ha-1, and potassium fertilizer 85 kg ha-1. T3 nitrogen fertilizer 80 kg ha-1, phosphorus fertilizer 120 kg ha-1 and potassium fertilizer 95 kg ha-1. T4 nitrogen fertilizer 80 kg ha-1, phosphorus fertilizer 140 kg ha-1 and potassium fertilizer 105 kg ha-1. In the order of information related to fruit length, fruit diameter, weight per fruit, weight per plant, fruit yield per hectare in tons was registered. The maximum fruit length (19.39 cm), fruit diameter (4.80 cm), weight per fruit (184.87 gr), fruit weight per plant (2.86 kg) and performance per hectare (61.37 tons) in T4 with nitrogen fertilizer 80 kg ha-1, phosphorus fertilizer 140 kg ha-1 and potassium fertilizer 105 kg ha-1 were found, while the lowest recorded data was from T1 i.e. control. From this experiment, it can be said that the use of NPK fertilizer with the use of 80 kg of nitrogen fertilizer ha-1, 140 kg of phosphorus fertilizer ha-1 and 105 kg of potassium fertilizer ha-1 for cucumber cultivation caused better growth and performance in the field of Takhar University.

Growth, Yield and Quality Attributes of Determinate Tomato Genotypes in Parwanipur, Bara of Nepal

With the aim of identifying suitable open pollinated determinate tomato genotypes, investigation was carried out at Directorate of Agricultural Research (DoAR), Parwanipur in two consecutive winter seasons of 2020/21 and 2021/22. Experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 16 treatments and replicated thrice. Crop geometry was maintained 75×60 cm and fertilizers and manure was applied at the rate of 200:150:120 kg N: P2O5:K2O kg + 20 tons FYM per hectare. Analysis of results showed significant variation in yield and yield attributing characters among genotypes. The maximum plant height (75.67 cm) was recorded on genotypes AVTO 0301.The genotypes AVTO 1716 and AVTO 0301 showed significantly earlier to 50% flowering (45 days) while AVTO 1711 recorded shortest days to first harvest (81 days). The highest plant vigour (5 scales) showed by AVTO 1712, AVTO 0302 and Pusa Ruby check variety. The maximum fruit diameter (7.52 cm), length (6.54 cm) and fruit weight (49.9 g) recorded on genotype AVTO 1711. The highest number of fruits/ plant (56.7) and marketable yield (58.08 t ha-1) was recorded in AVTO 1610 and AVTO 1711 respectively. The genotype AVTO 1712 showed the highest firmness (1.92 kg cm-2) and Vitamin C (59.36 mg/ 100 g). The maximum pericarp thickness of fruits (7.43 mm) obtained on AVTO 1610. The genotype Pusa Ruby showed the maximum total soluble solid (5.6 Obrix) and Titratable acid 0.75 %. Similarly, the highest colorimetric value of a* (12.62) was recorded on Pusa Ruby and the highest value of b* (19.37) was found on AVTO 1713 while the highest value of L* (30.56) was observed on AVTO 171. Considering the overall performance, genotypes AVTO 1711, AVTO 1702 and AVTO 1712 were performed better in terms of the highest yield and other horticultural traits.

Performance of Black gram (Vigna mungo L. Hepper) under Different Levels of Phosphorus at Bardiya, Nepal

A field experiment was conducted during the spring season of 2023 in Badhaiyatal Rural Municipality-7, Bardiya district to evaluate the performance of black gram at various levels of phosphorus. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) consisting of four treatments and five replications were used for the study. The treatments consisted of different levels of phosphorous viz. 0 Kg ha-1 (control), 20 Kg ha-1, 40 Kg ha-1 and 60 Kg ha-1. Black gram var. BLG 0093-1 was sown at spacing of 40 cm x 5 cm in the plots sized 8 m2. All the growth parameters and yield obtained from each treatment were compared at 5% level of significance. The results showed significantly greater number of branches (13.84), flower buds (11.33), root length (16.27 cm) and secondary roots (16.05) at 60 Kg phosphorus per ha followed by 40 Kg ha-1. However, plant height, pods per plant, seeds per pod, weight of pods per plant, biomass and grain yield showed non-significant results at similar levels of phosphorus (60 Kg ha-1). Though non-significant, higher number of fruiting branch, number of nodules, effective nodules, 1000 grain weight and harvest index were observed at 40 Kg ha-1 phosphorus. The findings suggested a gradual increase in the yield with increasing levels of phosphorus with the highest gross return from 60 Kg ha-1 phosphorus. However, since the variation in grain yield among the treatments was not significant, the cost involved with the 60 Kg ha-1 was greater as compared to 40 Kg ha-1 phosphorus, greater benefit was observed with the latter. So, on grounds of greater net return and better BC ratio, 40 Kg ha-1 phosphorus seems to be more profitable for the farmers.

Performance of Cambodia’s made vegetable transplanter for two-wheel tractors under tillage conditions

<p>In Cambodia, vegetable crops are planted by hand, making it hard to meet local market demands. However, this production can be boosted by using a mechanical transplanter with two-wheel tractors to cut input costs, when introduced to farmers, while production and productivity can be accelerated. Thus, this research aimed to (1) evaluate the working performance of a locally made vegetable transplanter against manual planting and (2) compare plant survival rates. The study included fabrication, testing, modification, and experiments with farmers, starting from January 2023 to July 2024. The transplanter was fabricated, tested, and improved by the Royal University of Agriculture. Then, two experiments were carried out with a vegetable farming community in Tram Kak District, Takeo Province, Cambodia. Tomato was selected for the testing, choosing seedlings aged four weeks. The randomized complete block design (RCBD) was applied for both experiments with two treatments, manual planting and transplanter use, replicated four times. The results show that the working performance of the transplanter was six times faster than manual planting. Its speed, total field capacity, and planting rate were 1.03 km/h, 0.052 ha/h, and 27 plants/min, respectively, but missed planting was about 4%. Within-row spacing was similar (0.58 m), while using the transplanter made the plants incline at a steeper angle (63°), but could save 81.9% of time, when compared to manual planting. Both treatments had 100% plant survival rates evaluated one week after the transplanting. In short, using the transplanter can save both time and labor, but further assessment should be made with more kinds of fruit vegetable based on different seedling ages, so that the specifications can be confirmed, which is good for actual adoption for farmers.<strong></strong></p>

Agronomic potential of four cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) varieties grown on soils fertilized with cocoa shell compost and chicken droppings compost in Côte d’Ivoire

This study was conducted in the Lamto area to evaluate the effect of cocoa shell compost and chicken droppings compost on cassava agronomic variables. The main aim is to increase cassava production, which is in relative decline due to soil impoverishment through organic amendments. The evaluation led to the monitoring of plant development until harvest by measuring some agronomic variables of growth and yield of four varieties of cassava, Alleda agba, Bonoua, Six mois and Yacé each grown on soil fertilized with cocoa shell compost or chicken droppings compost. The experimental design used for this study was a complete randomized block design with 3 replicates. The results showed that the two fertilizers used, being rich in mineral elements, improved the agronomic variables of cassava, superior to the control. This was reflected in a high number of stems per cutting (3.62). However, the chicken droppings compost gave the best development in stem length for the Six mois variety (121.10 cm). The Bonoua variety gave the largest diameter stems (21.98 mm). This variety gave the highest number of leaves (59) and a wider span (109 cm) with wider (16.75 cm) and longer (17.96 cm) leaves. As for yields, the best was obtained with the Bonoua variety, respectively 27.13 t/ha and 35.26 t/ha with cocoa shell compost and chicken droppings compost compared with 12.77 t/ha for the control. Thus, compost and chicken droppings compost can be recommended to improve cassava productivity in Côte d'Ivoire.

Investigating Different Planting Geometry and Nutrient Management to Enhance Teff Productivity in Eastern Dry Zone of Karnataka, India

A field experiment was conducted at Zonal Agricultural Research Station (ZARS), Gandhi Krishi Vignana Kendra, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka on red sandy loam soil to study the “Investigating different planting geometry and nutrient management to enhance teff productivity”. The experiment was laid out in Factorial Randomized Complete Block Design, consisting two factors viz., Factor 1: Two planting geometry (S1: 30 cm × 10 cm and S2: 45 cm × 10 cm) and Factor 2: Five Nutrient management (N1: 50 % RDF, N2: 75 % RDF, N3: 100 % RDF, N4: 125 % RDF and N5: Absolute control (6 t FYM ha-1 commonly applied to all except control treatments) and replicated thrice. The uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium was higher under 30 cm × 10 cm spacing (5.74, 1.04 and 3.29 kg ha-1, respectively) and among nutrient levels, application of 125 per cent RDF resulted in statistically higher uptake nitrogen (7.35 kg ha-1), phosphorous (1.33 kg ha-1) and potassium (4.28 kg ha-1). Significantly higher (12.58 %) grain protein content was obtained with application of 125% RDF. Maintaining 30 cm × 10 cm spacing recorded significantly higher grain (2.37 q ha-1) and straw yield (3.65 q ha-1). Application of 125 % RDF resulted in significantly higher straw yield, however significantly higher grain yield (2.73 q ha-1) was obtained under 100% RDF. Application of 100% RDF along with narrow spacing yielding substantially higher gross returns (₹90,776 ha-1), net returns (₹60,021 ha-1), and a commendable B:C ratio of 2.77.

Diversity analysis and evaluation of lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) accessions for morphological, oil yield and oil composition traits under different fertility levels for Uttarakhand region

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) is a highly valuable aromatic and therapeutic herb, well known for its essential oil content. The present study was carried out during 2021–2023 at Centre for Aromatic Plants, Selaqui, Dehradun, Uttarakhand to analyse the diversity of various lemongrass accessions collected from Uttarakhand for their morphological traits, oil yield, and oil composition traits. These various lemongrass accessions were further evaluated in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications under different fertility levels for their agro- morphological performance. Yield components such as herb yield and essential oil yield, including oil composition, were also determined. Statistical analysis and genetic parameters indicated significant variations among lemongrass accessions for the majority of morphological and yield traits. Accessions AC-16 and AC-37 performed superiorly for traits such as plant height, leaf length, and width, whereas accessions AC-51 and AC-37 showed higher herb and oil yields under an increased dose of fertilizer. The accessions showed wide variability with respect to oil composition; from our study, we identified each of the three citral-rich (AC-16, AC-37, and AC-51) and geraniol-rich (AC-20, AC- 71, and AC-65) accessions. The better-performing accessions for morphological, yield and oil composition related traits may also be used in breeding programmes as potential genetic stock.

Genetic diversity study of bacterial wilt-tolerant bell pepper (Capsicum annuum) genotypes using cluster and principal component analysis

The present study was carried out during summer and rainy (kharif) seasons of 2019 and 2020 at the research farm of Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh to study the genetic diversity among 43 bacterial wilt tolerant genotypes of bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L. var. grossum Sendt), focusing on 12 quantitative and 3 qualitative traits along with disease resistance. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 3 replications. Following hierarchical cluster analysis, the 43 unique genotypes were categorized into 5 separate clusters. Cluster I consisted of maximum number of genotypes (39), followed by clusters II, III, IV and V, each having only one genotype. The greatest inter-cluster distance was observed between cluster II and V (3090.70), while the smallest distance was noted between cluster II and III (1299.21). Cluster I displayed the greatest intra-cluster distance (803.75), while clusters II, III, IV and V showed the lowest distances (0.00). The primary contributors to genetic divergence were found to be capsanthin content (23.4%), followed by ascorbic acid (21.4%), fruit length (12.5%), plant survival (11.1%) and marketable fruit yield/plant (10.9%). Principal component analysis indicated that the initial six principal components, each possessing an eigen value surpassing one, jointly accounted for 70.62% of the total observed variability. PCA biplot revealed that, the traits namely, marketable fruits/plant, average fruit weight, harvest duration and plant height were the major yield contributing traits. The results underscored the importance of genetic characterization and the selection of diverse genotypes for hybridization, facilitating the development of improved bell pepper cultivars with enhanced productivity and quality.

Effects of NPS Fertilizer Rate on Yield and Yield Components of Bread Wheat Production in Degem District, North Shewa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia

Productivity of wheat was low due to depleted soil fertility and the blanket use of fertilizers. Fertilizer is the most vital input, contributing significantly to final wheat yields although wheat yields have long been low due to a lack of soil test-based site-specific fertilizer recommendations. This study aimed to determine an economically appropriate rate of NPS fertilizer based on calibrated Phosphorus for bread wheat production in the Degem district. The experiments laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The treatments were based on already determined Phosphorous critical and requirement factors and consisted of 100% Pc from TSP fertilizer, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% Pc from NPS fertilizer and control (without fertilizer). The phosphorus requirement factor (Pf) (5.85), phosphorus critical (Pc) (22 ppm), and optimum nitrogen optimum nitrogen (92 kg ha<sup>-1</sup>) were used from previous studies. Improved bread wheat variety senete was used at 150 kg/ ha seeds rate. The results of a statistical analysis of variance demonstrated that NPS fertilizer rates based on calibrated phosphorus had significant effects on bread wheat production. Partial budget analysis shows the maximum net benefit (101,570.65 Birr ha<sup>-1</sup>) with an acceptable marginal rate of return (MRR) (932’52 %) through the application of 75% of Pc from NPS with optimum nitrogen fertilizer use. Consequently, 75% Pc from NPS should be used in the Degem district for bread wheat production, with the optimum nitrogen. Thus, further scaled-up and demonstration of the technologies for bread wheat production in the Degem district.

Effects of subsurface drip fertigation on potato growth, yield, and soil moisture dynamics

AimsThis study aimed to evaluate the impact of subsurface drip fertigation (SDF) on soil moisture content, potato growth, and tuber yield in loam soils, and compare these results with conventional surface drip fertigation (CF). The focus was on determining whether SDF could improve water use efficiency and yield quality, particularly in water-scarce regions.MethodsThe experiment was conducted during the 2022 spring growing season in Xunyang, Ankang, Shaanxi Province, China. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) was used with three treatments: subsurface drip fertigation (SDF), conventional surface drip fertigation (CF), and a no-fertilization control (NF), with four replications per treatment. Soil moisture content at a 20 cm depth was monitored, and plant growth parameters such as plant height, stem diameter, leaf color index, and chlorophyll fluorescence index were measured during the flowering and harvest stages. Tuber yield characteristics, including tuber diameter, number of tubers per plant, total yield, and marketable yield, were also assessed.Important findingsThe results indicated that subsurface drip fertigation significantly improved soil moisture content, with up to 45.5% higher moisture retention compared to conventional fertigation, particularly in the early stages of fertilization. This improved moisture availability led to enhanced plant growth and tuber development. Tuber diameter increased by 6.9 mm, and the number of tubers per plant increased by 18.1% under SDF. Marketable tuber yield was approximately 10% higher in the SDF treatment compared to CF. However, the study found that soil texture plays a critical role in the effectiveness of SDF, and further research is needed to explore its application in other soil types.

Impact of Stage-Specific Irrigation on the Growth and Yield of Wheat

Stage-specific irrigation is essential for ensuring optimal water use at critical growth stages in wheat (Triticum aestivum), leading to increased yield and improved grain quality. Therefore, determining an appropriate irrigation schedule for wheat is crucial for enhancing productivity. Keeping this view in mind, an experiment was conducted at the farmer’s fields of Dinajpur Sadar Upazila, Dinajpur, Bangladesh from November 2020 to April 2021, aimed to evaluate the impact of irrigation schedules on the growth and yield of wheat (BARI Gom-33). A randomized complete block design (RCBD) with seven treatments and three replications was implemented. Treatments included varying irrigation timings: T0 (no irrigation), T1 (one irrigation at maximum tillering), T2 (one irrigation at booting), T3 (one irrigation at heading), T4 (two irrigations at maximum tillering and heading), T5 (milking dough), and T6(two irrigations at booting and milking dough). Key metrics assessed included plant height, leaf count, tiller number, dry matter, growth stages, grain number, thousand grain weight, and overall yield at different days’ intervals. Results indicated that irrigated treatments (T1-T6) significantly improved the parameters for growth and yield compared to the control (T0). Notably, T4, with two irrigations, yielded the highest grain production at 5.20 t/ha, followed closely by T6. These findings highlight the significance of proper irrigation scheduling for optimizing wheat yield, indicating that applying two irrigations at the maximum tillering and heading stages can significantly enhance agricultural productivity.

RESPONSE OF TWO MUSKMELON HYBRID TO SEAWEED AND LICORICE ROOT EXTRACT FOLIAR FERTILIZERS

A field experiment was conducted at Malta Dohuk government research farm in Dohuk province to investigate the impact of licorice root extract at three concentrations (0, 8, and 16 g.L-1) and Maxi Grow at three concentrations (0, 5, and 10 ml.L-1) on two muskmelon hybrids (ES 3111 F1 and ES 335 F1). Both hybrids received foliar sprays, and their combined effects on the growth and yield of the hybrids were examined. The experiment adhered to a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates. The results demonstrated that the influence of the muskmelon hybrids on growth and yield was not significant, except for Total Soluble Solids (TSS), which was higher in the hybrid ES 3111 F1 compared to ES 335 F1. In contrast, Maxi Grow at (10) ml.L-1 exhibited significant positive effects on all studied traits compared to the control group. Similarly, foliar application of licorice root extract at 16 g.L-1 significantly enhanced vegetative growth parameters (number of leaves per plant, number of branches per plant, with no effect on chlorophyll content), as well as stem diameter and yield-related traits such as the number and weight of fruits per plant. Notably, the combined interaction of licorice root extract at 16 g.L-1 and Maxi Grow at 10 ml.L-1 had the most favorable impact on the studied characters, particularly when applied to the ES 335 F1 hybrid. The results suggest that the use of licorice root extract and Maxi Grow is recommended for the organic production of the ES 335 F1 hybrid.

Integrated Nutrient Management for Growth, Yield and Economic Assessment in Black Gram in Dehradun Valley

The field experiment was carried out at a designated location on the Agricultural Research Farm of Graphic Era Hill University in Dehradun during the kharif season of 2023 to study the influence of integrating organic and inorganic sources of nutrients on growth and productivity of black gram (Vigna mungo). The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) consisting of nine treatments viz Control (T1), 100% RDF (20:40:20 Kg/ha NPK)(T2), Vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1 (T3) Bio nitrogen @ 20gm kg-1 seed (T4), 100% RDF+ Vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1 (T5), 100% RDF + Bio nitrogen @ 20gm kg-1 seed (T6), Vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1 + Bio nitrogen @ 20gm kg-1 seed (T7), 70% RDF + Vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1 + Bio nitrogen @ 20gm kg-1 seed (T8), 100% RDF+ Vermicompost @ 5 ha-1+ Bio-Nitrogen (T9) each replicated thrice. Integrated Nutrient Management had significantly affected growth, yield and economics of black gram. Maximum emergence count (13.3 m2) was recorded with 70% RDF + Vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1 + Bio nitrogen @ 20gm kg-1 seed which at par with 100% RDF + Bio nitrogen@ 20gm kg-1 seed (T6) and 100% RDF+ Vermicompost @ 5 ha-1+ Bio-Nitrogen (T9). Growth parameter viz. plant height, number of nodules/plant, dry matter accumulation/m2, branches/plant were reported to be significantly influenced by INM with 70% RDF + Vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1 + Bio nitrogen @ 20gm kg-1 seed. Similarly, maximum seed yield (36.33 q ha-1) was obtained under 70% RDF + Vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1 + Bio nitrogen @ 20gm kg-1 seed. Increase in seed yield with the application of by 358.1% and 233.3% was obtained over control (T1) and 100% RDF (T2). The study highlights that combining organic and inorganic sources of nutrients is a simple and effective strategy to improve initial plant stand of black gram crop, ultimately contributing to increased crop growth, yield and better economic returns.

Impact of Vermiwash on the Growth and Yield of Green Gram (Vigna radiata) MI6

Green gram (Vigna radiata) cultivation in Sri Lanka heavily relies on inorganic fertilizers, leading to environmental and health issues that necessitate the exploration of alternatives; therefore, a field experiment was conducted at the Adaptive Research Centre in Vavuniya, Sri Lanka, to evaluate the impact of vermiwash on the growth and yield of the green gram variety MI6. Vermiwash was prepared using cow dung, banana fruit waste, mold leaves, and red worms (Eisenia fetida). Six treatments were established in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD), including controls such as no fertilizer (T1) and 100% recommended inorganic fertilizer (T2). The remaining treatments combined half-doses of inorganic fertilizer with varying concentrations of vermiwash as a foliar spray: 25% (T3), 50% (T4), 75% (T5), and 100% (T6). The prepared vermiwash had a pH of 7.63 and contained total available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium at 0.014%, 0.355%, and 1.500%, respectively. The highest plant height, leaf area index, and number of branches were recorded in T5 (42.13±0.21 cm, 10.48±0.28, and 3.67±0.31, respectively), showing no significant difference (P > 0.05) from T2. The lowest days for 50% of flowering were observed in T5 (42±0). The highest number of pods per plant, pod length, pod girth, seeds per pod, 100 seeds weight, and total yield (27.17±0.78, 11.27±0.17, 2.29±0.02, 12±0.22, 7.18±0.10 g, and 212±1.49 g) were observed in T5, significantly different (P < 0.05) from T2. This study suggests reducing inorganic fertilizer by half and combining it with 75% vermiwash (T5) for optimal growth and yield.

Bioassay of Plant-based and Synthetic Insecticides for the Management of Tomato Leaf Miner, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) in Open-field Conditions in Salyan, Nepal

The tomato leaf miner, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), has invaded most parts of Nepal and threatens tomato production. Their management primarily relies on insecticides in Nepal. Market-available and locally-madeplant-based pesticides are not equally effective in managingT. absoluta. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of such potential insecticides in managing T. absoluta in open-field conditions. This study was carried out in the Salyan district of Nepal in 2021 and treatments were designed in a randomized complete block design (RCBD)with seven treatments and three replications. All treatments were sprayed at12-dayintervalsfor two times. The treatments used were Emamect in benzoate 5% SC, Imidacloprid 17.8 SL, Jholmol (botanical mixture extract and urine mixture), Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC, Spinosad 45 SC, Azadirachtin 300ppm and Control. The results showed that the lowest percentage of leaves and fruit damage was recorded in Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC and Spinosad 45 SC sprayed plots. Insecticide efficiency was ranked as Chlorantraniliprole > Spinosad>Ema-mectin Benzoate > Azadirachtin >Imidaclroprid>Jholmol>Control. Marketable yield was obtained highest in Chlorantraniliprole (85.26 t/ha) treated plots followed by Spinosad (79.26 t/ha); both were not significantly different. This study provides an opportunity to select the most suitable and effective pesticides for the management of tomato leaf miners and can be used in integrated pest management strategies as a selective insecticides.

Effect of Different Growing Media on Shoot Growth of Dragon Fruit Cuttings [Hylocereus undatus L. (Haworth) Britton & Rose

The present investigation was carried out under open field conditions at Horticulture Research Farm, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow,Uttar Pradesh, India, to determine the effect of different growing media on the shoot growth of dragon fruit cuttings (Hylocereus undatus L.) during the years 2022–23. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RBD) with three replications. There were 8 treatments, viz., T1-Soil, T2-Sand, T3-Vermicompost, T4-Coco Peat, T5-Farmyard Manure, T6-Soil+Sand+Farmyard Manure, T7-Soil+ Sand+ Vermicompost and T8-Soil+Vermicompost+Coco Peat. Treatments have shown significant differences among the growth parameters in terms of number of days taken for sprouting, percent sprouting, number of sprouts per cutting, shoot diameter, length of sprout, number of spines/areoles, fresh weight of shoot, and dry weight of shoot. Among the treatment combinations, the least number of days taken for sprouting, maximum percent sprouting, maximum number of sprouts per cutting, maximum sprout and shoot length of stem cutting, maximum increase in diameter of shoot, maximum number of spines/areoles, maximum fresh weight of shoot, and maximum dry weight of shoot were found in treatment T7-Soil+ Sand+ Vermicompost, followed by T8-Soil+ Vermicompost+. Coco peat, while the minimum has been recorded in T1-Soil.

Yield and Quality of Some Sugarcane Varieties as Affected by Row and Hill Spacing of Seedlings

The study was conducted in 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 seasons at Shandaweel Agricultural Research Station (latitude of 26 33° N and longitude of 31 41°E), Sohag Governorate, Egypt on a plant-cane grown and its 1st ratoon seasons. The main objective was to assess the advantage of growing some sugarcane varieties, using seedlings instead of cane cuttings, on their yield and quality. The experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) in a split-plot arrangement with three replications (r=3). Analysis was carried out using the computer "MSTAT-c", Eighteen treatments were applied, comprising combinations of three sugarcane varieties: Giza 2004-27 (commercially called G-4), Giza 2003-47, (G-3) and the commercial cultivar G.T.54-9 (C9 as a chek], These varieties were assigned to the main plots, while nine combinations of two row spaces (100 and 120 cm) and three hill spaces for cane transplants (30, 40, and 50 cm) were randomly allocated in the sub plots. Results showed that the tested sugarcane varieties varied significantly in stalk height, diameter and number of millable canes/fed, stalk weight kg/plant, cane and sugar yields (tons/fed), brix, sucrose, purity and sugar recovery percentages in both seasons. Sugarcane G.2004-27 variety exhibited the superiority in stalk weight (kg/plant) and cane yield while, sugarcane G.2003-47 showed a significant superiority in the brix, sucrose, and purity and sugar recovery percentages in both seasons. Data show that increasing row spacing from 100 to 120 and hill space 30, 40 to 50 cm significantly on stalk height, diameter and number of millable canes/fed, stalk weight kg/plant, cane and sugar yields (tons/fed), brix, sucrose, purity and sugar recovery percentages in both seasons. Under conditions of the present work, growing promising sugarcane variety G. 2004-27 in rows of 100 cm apart with 30 cm seedlings can be recommended to get the maximum cane yield/fed, this is due to its superiority over the other two varieties in number of millable canes/fed and stalk weight kg/plant under Sohag Governorate.

Utilization of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi for the Efficiency Development of Lead (Pb) Metal Absorption and Growth of Hanjuang Plants (Cordyline fruticosa)

Contamination of Pb metal into the soil is an environmental problem that has a serious impact on living things, so it needs to be addressed through phytoremediation, one of which is using hanjuang plants. Plant roots in symbiosis with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can increase plant growth and the phytoremediation ability of plants growing in polluted soil. This research aims to determine the effect of AMF application on the growth of hanjuang plants and the ability of hanjuang roots to absorb Pb metal. The research design used a single treatment with a Completely Randomized Block Design (CRBD) of 4 doses of AMF with 6 replications, namely control; 10 g polybag-1; 20 g polybag-1; and 30 g polybag-1. Planting was carried out for 8 weeks to see the growth and planting of hanjuang and the efficiency of Pb absorption in plant roots. The results showed that AMF had a significant effect on plant height aged 5 to 8 weeks, plant biomass, root wet weight, and root dry weight, but had no significant effect on the efficiency of Pb absorption in the roots of hanjuang plants. An AMF dose of 30 g polybag-1 provides the best results for the growth of hanjuang plants.

Effects of Different Levels of Irrigations on Yield and Yield Contributing Characters of Wheat at Bangladesh Condition

A field experiment was conducted at the Bangladesh Agricultural University's Department of Soil Science research site to investigate the impact of varying irrigation regimes on the growth, yield, and yield-related attributes of the wheat cultivar BARI Gom 21 (Shatabdi). The study employed a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The experiments consisted of 6 treatments designated as T0 = control or no irrigation, T1 = 1/ crown root initiation (CRI), T2 = 2/CRI+ tillering, T3 = 3/ CRI+ tillering + booting, T4 = 4/ CRI+ tillering + booting + earing, T5 = 5/ CRI+ tillering + booting + earing + milking number of irrigations at different growth stages. All irrigation treatments were shallow, with a depth of 2 cm. We applied irrigation treatments five times during the crown root initiation (CRI), tillering, booting, earing, and milking. We applied all irrigation treatments in chronological order based on the numbers. Treatment T5 (5 number of irrigations) exhibited superior performance across all measured agronomic traits. It significantly outperformed other treatments in terms of the highest plant height (90.80 cm), effective tillers number hill-1 (5.20), spike length (12.40 cm), grains number spike-1 (41.03), grain yield (4.067 t ha-1), 1000-grain weight (55.11 g), straw yield (5.067 t ha-1), and yield plot-1(9.133 t ha-1). In all cases, the non-irrigated or control treatment gave the lowest result. Ultimately, the experiment suggests that five times application of irrigation showed superior results compared to other treatments for successful wheat production.

Evaluating the Yield Performance of Released Sesame Varieties in Western Tigray, Northern Ethiopia

The experiment was conducted in western Tigray in Humera and Dansha (Kebabo) area during the main growing season of 2016 under rain fed condition with the aim of evaluating and identifying the well performing and high yielder sesame variety. The experiment consisted of nine varieties laid down in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications, Result of the combined analysis showed highly significant (p<0.01) difference among the varieties in days to flowering, days to maturity, number of branches per plant, number of pods per plant, thousand seeds weight and grain yield. Among the nine sesame varieties the highest mean grain yield was recorded on Setit-2 (1111.89 kg ha-1), Setit-1 (1070.58 kg ha-1), Humera-1(976.42 kg ha-1) and local check (970.20 kg ha-1) followed by Adi (755.42 kg ha-1) whereas the lowest mean grain yield was recorded on Borkena (548.67 kg ha-1), BaHa - Zeyit (548.69 kg ha-1) followed by BaHa- Necho (616.28 kg ha-1) and Gonder-1 (683.09 kg ha-1). This indicated that the verities released by Humera Agricultural Research Center and the local check (Hirhir) were highly performed in Humera. Therefore, even though they were statically similar; Setit-2 was recently released and it can be concluded that variety Setit-2 well performed and can be recommended for the growers in the study area.