Randomized Complete Block Design Research Articles

Effect of maize (zea mays l.) and cowpea (vigna unguiculata l.) intercropping on agronomic performance, yield and nutritional values of maize and cowpea under supplementary irrigation

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of maize (Zea mays L.) and cowpea (Vigna Unguiculata L.) intercropping on agronomic performance, yield, and nutritional values at Arba Minch University. Treatments were only maize crop (T1), only cowpea (T2), intercrop (maize and cowpea) in a 1:1 ratio (T3) and alternative rows of 2:2 (T4) as treatments. Treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD). Data on plant morphology, yield, nutritional composition, and economic return were recorded. The height of the plant (145.5 cm) of maize was significantly (P<0.001) higher at 1:1 intercropping than the height of the sole while the height of the cowpea was higher at the sole cropping. Higher number of branches (P <0.05) per plant (5.28) of cowpea was recorded in pure stands of cowpea than intercropping. The grain yield of maize (6.9 t/ha) and cowpea (4.2 t/ha) was significantly (P<0.05) higher in sole cropping than in intercropping. A higher dry matter yield of 9.06 t/ha of maize was obtained in a 1:1 maize- cowpea intercropping ratio than sole maize. Significantly (P<0.001) highest dry matter cowpea yield of 5.77 t/ha was obtained at sole cultivation than intercropping. The intercropping of maize with cowpea had an advantage of resource utilization in terms of land equivalent ratio (LER) 41.7% to 62.5%. The marginal rate of return (MRR) of intercropping in the ratio of 1:1 was as high as 48.23% in intercropping maize-cowpea, which was much better than sole cropping. Therefore, it could be recommended that the ratio of 1:1 maize-cowpea intercropping for land resource use and economic food and feed production in Arba Minch and similar agro-ecology zones.

Partial replacement of inorganic fertilizer with organic inputs for enhanced nitrogen use efficiency, grain yield, and decreased nitrogen losses under rice-based systems of mid-latitudes

In the rice-based system of mid-latitudes, mineral nitrogen (N) fertilizer serves as the largest source of the N cycle due to an insufficient supply of N from organic sources causing higher N losses due to varying soil and environmental factors. However, aiming to improve soil organic matter (OM) and nutrients availability using the best environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable cultural and agronomic management practices are necessary. This study aimed to enhance nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and grain yield in rice-based systems of mid-latitudes by partially replacing inorganic N fertilizer with organic inputs. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) was employed to evaluate the effects of sole mineral N fertilizer (urea) and its combinations with organic sources—farmyard manure (FYM) and poultry compost—on different elite green super rice (GSR) genotypes and were named as NUYT-1, NUYT-2, NUYT-3, NUYT-4, NUYT-5, and NUYT-6. The study was conducted during the 2022 and 2023 rice growing seasons at the Rice Research Program, Crop Sciences Institute (CSI), National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC), Islamabad, one of the mid-latitudes of Pakistan. The key objective was to determine the most effective N management strategy for optimizing plant growth, N content in soil and plants, and overall crop productivity. The results revealed that the combined application of poultry compost and mineral urea significantly enhanced soil and leaf N content (1.36 g kg− 1 and 3.06 mg cm− 2, respectively) and plant morphophysiological traits compared to sole urea application. Maximum shoot dry weight (SDW) and root dry weight (RDW) were observed in compost-applied treatment with the values of 77.62 g hill− 1 and 8.36 g hill− 1, respectively. The two-year mean data indicated that applying 150 kg N ha⁻1, with half provided by organic sources (10 tons ha⁻1 FYM or poultry compost) and the remainder by mineral urea, resulted in the highest N uptake, utilization, and plant productivity. Thus, integrated management of organic carbon sources and inorganic fertilizers may sustain the productivity of rice-based systems more eco-efficiently. Further research is recommended to explore root and shoot morphophysiological, molecular, and biochemical responses under varying N regimes, aiming to develop N-efficient rice varieties through advanced breeding programs.

PRODUCCIÓN Y RENTABILIDAD DE MAÍCES NATIVOS AZULES BAJO DIFERENTES DENSIDADES DE POBLACIÓN Y RÉGIMENES HÍDRICOS

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background:&lt;/strong&gt; It is necessary to increase maize production due to the increase in global food demand. Producers in Mexico prefer to grow native varieties of maize, which have a wide genetic diversity that has not been fully studied. These native maize are being lost due in part to their low yields, as well as their low or no profitability. Despite this, in this germplasm it is possible the presence of genotypes that show high grain production and economic gains. Increasing plant density can be a viable strategy that contributes to improving the production systems of these native maize. &lt;strong&gt;Objective&lt;/strong&gt;: To analyze the agronomic behavior and profitability of blue native maize genotypes in two population densities and two water regimes. &lt;strong&gt;Methodology&lt;/strong&gt;: The study was carried out in the spring summer 2022 cycle in Nuevo León, Mexico (24°19'11.4"N, 99°56'34.8"W, 1980 m.a.s.l.). The treatments were the combination of four genotypes (Mimbres, Ascensión, Siberia and a Hybrid as a control), two water regimes (irrigated and rainfed) and two population densities (62,500 and 83,333 plants ha&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt;), which were distributed in a random complete block design with split-split plot design. Analysis of variance, Pearson correlation and principal components were carried out to understand the behavior and relationship between variables. &lt;strong&gt;Results&lt;/strong&gt;: Grain yield was 38% higher in irrigation compared to rainfed. Increasing the density to 83,333 plants ha&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt; also contributed to increasing grain yield and economic profitability, only in native maize. The number of grains per m&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt; and grain weight per ear were the components that were mostly associated with the benefit-cost ratio and grain yield. &lt;strong&gt;Implications&lt;/strong&gt;: The native maize studied are important genetic resources with a favorable response to high plant density, therefore, increasing the density to 83,333 plants ha&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt; is a strategy that could be explored to increase grain production and profitability of native maize, in addition, this proposal could be more easily adopted by producers, since it would not significantly affect their production cost. &lt;strong&gt;Conclusions&lt;/strong&gt;: It was feasible to cultivate native maize at a density of 83,333 plants ha&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt; both under irrigation and rainfed conditions, since only with this density and such maize genotypes was it possible to obtain the highest grain yield and economic gains.&lt;/p&gt;

Relationships between flowering behavior and seed yield in mungbean mutants

Flower is the prime sink that produces pods and yield depends on numbers and size of pods in legume crops. Flowering behavior affects the synchrony of pod maturity, which is crucial for efficient harvesing that regulates the yield. Thus, it is essential to study the relationship between flowering behavior and pod yield in mungbean mutants. This experiment was conducted using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications at the BINA headquarters physiology pot yard. The aim was to assess the relationship between flowering patterns, flowering duration, and seed yield in ten mungbean mutants/varieties. Results indicated that high-yielding mutant (MM-1) produced more opened flowers (38.0 flowers per plant) and had a longer flowering duration (12 days) compared to low-yielding varieties/mutants (13.1-18.0 flowers per plant and 7-9 days). Additionally, high-yielding varieties exhibited higher flower production rates over time, with peak flower production occurring within 5-8 days, while low-yielding varieties peaked within 3-4 days. High-yielding mungbean mutants/varieties exhibit lower pod set and reproductive efficiency (48.7-55.0%) compared to low-yielding ones (63.2-70.9%), indicating potential for yield improvement in high-yielding genotypes through enhanced pod set. Pod number, a key yield parameter, has a significant positive correlation with flower number (r = 0.56**), while pod number is also dependent on flowers per plant (r = 0.68**). Additionally, seed yield shows a strong positive relationship with the harvest index (r = 0.62**). These findings suggest that future breeding efforts should focus on synchronizing flower production to increase mungbean yield. Bangladesh J. Nuclear Agric, 38(1): 111-117, 2024

Effect of Gamma Irradiation and Ems on Germination and Survival of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) cv Arka Nikita

The present investigation was devised to observe different doses of chemical and physical mutagen on the germination and survival percentage of okra variety Arka Nikita. Seeds of okra variety Arka Nikita were treated with different doses of gamma rays and EMS. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with thirteen treatments and three replications. It was clearly observed that germination and survival percentage decreased with increase in doses of gamma rays and EMS. Results revealed that among different treatments, treatment T1 (Control) recorded maximum germination (85) and survival per cent (98.82) and observed dose-dependent reduction in biological factors such as germination and survival, the LD50 values for gamma rays and EMS were 0.4% and 60 kR, respectively.

Relative Benefits of Aqueous Extract of Sorghum Residues with Herbicide on Weed Control and Yield of Wheat Varieties

Reducing herbicide use in agriculture is key for sustainability, addressing costs, environmental issues, and resistance problems. Using non-chemical methods like allelopathy in weed management offers a viable alternative. In this phenomenon, a field study was carried out at the Agronomy Field Laboratory (AFL) of Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Mymensingh, from November 2021 to March 2022, to assess the phytotoxic effects of herbicides combined with aqueous extract of sorghum (AES) on weed management and yield of wheat. This study used three wheat varieties viz. BARI Gom (wheat)-32, BARI Gom-33, and BWMRI Gom-1 and six treatment levels such as, no weeding, recommended dose of herbicide (RDH), 90% RDH + AES (1:20 w/v), 80% RDH + AES (1:20), 70% RDH + AES (1:20), and 60% RDH + AES (1:20). The experiment followed a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The RDH with AES and wheat variety significantly influenced weed population (WP) and dry weight (DW) of weeds. BARI Gom-32 produced the highest grain yield (GY) and other yield-contributing characteristics. The best results, including the highest numbers of tillers (NET) hill-1 (6.47), spike length (SL) (15.10 cm), number of spikelet spike-1 (NSS) (19.38), 1000-grain weight (TGW) (57.67g), GY (5.10 t ha-1), and straw yield (SY) (7.07 t ha-1) and harvest index (HI) (41.95%) were observed in plots treated with the RDH and the BARI Gom-32 variety, followed closely by those receiving 90% RDH + AES (1:20). The results demonstrate that varying concentrations of AES crop residue can effectively suppress weed growth and enhance wheat yield, suggesting that sorghum residues might be utilized to manage weeds effectively and sustainably while boosting wheat production. The study supports the potential of AES crop residue as an effective means to control weeds and significantly improve wheat yields. J Bangladesh Agril Univ 22(3): 326-334, 2024

Effect Of Animal And Plant Organic Fertilizers On Growth And Yield Of Rice In Tana Delta, Kenya

Rice is the 3rd most consumed cereal in Kenya while production is merely 20% of the demand making the country a net importer of the commodity. With increased global concern on healthy foods, producing more rice to contribute to achieving food secure nation while conforming to environmental sustainability remains a subject of concern in the country. In this case, good agricultural practices are needed to strike the balance. This study was carried out during rice growing season (February – June, 2024) to investigate the effect of basal organic fertilizers; Rich Farm (RF), Han Daebak (BK) and Han Yoobak (MK) on growth and yield of AT054 and Komboka rice varieties in Tana Delta Irrigation Project-Rice (TDIP-R) Scheme during the trial Phase undertaken by Agri All Africa (AAA) in preparation for a Public Private Partnership (PPP) project programme. The study was conducted in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Rich Farm (RF) at 200 Kg/Ha, Han Daebak (BK) at 200 Kg/Ha and Han Yoobak (MK) at 200 Kg/Ha were applied as basal fertilizers. Conventional fertilizers (200 Kg/Ha DAP + 120 Kg/Ha MOP) was applied as the positive standard check (CF). Data collected was subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA). The basal application of Rich Farm, Han Daebak and Han Yoobak organic fertilizers had significant positive effects on grain yield. Among the tested basal fertilizers, Rich Farm performed better at 4.9 and 5.3 ton/ha, followed by Han Yoobak at 4.7 and 4.1 ton/ha and Han Daebak at 4.3 and 3.9 ton/ha in AT054 and Komboka variety, respectively. Therefore, Rich Farm and Han Yoobak can be recommended as basal organic fertilizers in both AT054 and Komboka varieties, while Han Daebak can be used in AT054 variety for rice production. Further studies are of need to investigate the effects on these organic fertilizers on the soil properties of the area, as well as evaluating the optimal rates for higher rice production

Effect of replacing concentrates with cassava root-top silage on feed utilization, rumen fermentation, blood parameters and growth performance in beef cattle.

This experiment aimed to evaluate the effects of replacing concentrates with cassava root-top silage (CARTOS) on feed intake, digestibility, rumen fermentation, blood parameters, and growth performance of beef cattle. Twenty crossbred bulls with a body weight (BW) of 226±56 kg were randomly assigned to one of five treatments for 90 d in a randomized complete block design having four blocks based on BW. The concentrates were replaced by CARTOS at levels of 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% dry matter (DM). Animals were fed dietary treatments at 1.8% BW, with rice straw offered ad libitum. The DM and crude protein (CP) intake were decreased (p<0.01, p = 0.04) when the diet's CARTOS level was increased. The digestibility of DM, OM, and CP were not different among treatments, while fiber digestibility was increased with the inclusion of CARTOS (p = 0.03). The addition of CARTOS to replace concentrates did not change ruminal pH or volatile fatty acid proportions except for acetic acid, which increased with the addition of CARTOS (p = 0.03). The ruminal ammonia-nitrogen (NH3-N) was decreased (p<0.01) with increasing levels of CARTOS. The blood glucose and blood urea nitrogen decreased (p = 0.01) with the addition of CARTOS at 100%, whereas total protein and hematological parameters did not change with increasing levels of CARTOS. The use of CARTOS to substitute concentrates at 75% and 100% decreased average daily gain (ADG) and gain to feed ratio (G:F) (p<0.01); therefore, the addition of CARTOS up to 50% maintained ADG and G:F in beef cattle. CARTOS can replace concentrates up to 50% in beef cattle diets without adversely affecting feed intake, nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation characteristics, blood parameters, or growth performance of beef cattle.

Influence of various organic nutrient management technologies on microbial abundance, growth, and yield of rice (Oryza sativa L.) under field conditions

A field study (three years) was carried out to evaluate the outcome of various organic nutrient management technologies including farmyard manure (FYM) and poultry manure (PM) integrated with chemical fertilizers for microbial dynamics and growth and yield of rice at Experimental Farm of Nuclear Institute of Agriculture (NIA), Tandojam, Sindh, Pakistan. The most broadly grown rice variety, NIA-Shandar was selected for this study. The experiment involved integrating organic technologies, specifically Farm Yard Manure (FYM) and Poultry Manure (PM), each applied at 10 tons per hectare. These organic technologies were combined with varying levels of inorganic fertilizers: half (60 kg N ha-1 and 45 kg P2O5 ha-1) and full (120 kg N ha-1 and 90 kg P2O5 ha-1) recommended doses. Additionally, zinc was applied at 10 kg ha-1. The study employed a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications to assess treatment effects. Both organic technologies perform better for microbial dynamics and rice growth and yield enhancement either alone technology or combined with chemical fertilizers during three rice seasons. The maximum general microbial abundance (9.70 log10 CFU g soil-1), N2 fixing (7.37 log10 CFU g soil-1), P solubilizing (7.97 log10 CFU g soil-1) and Zn solubilizing(6.75 log10 CFU g soil-1) population was recorded in FYM alone or with half N and P2O5 fertilizer application. The highest plant height (106 cm), tiller numbers(17.10), panicle numbers (26.53), panicle length (26.32 cm), one thousand grainweight (26.53 g) and rice grain yield (7.92 t ha-1) were perceived in FYM with full rate N and P2O5 fertilizer application. Both technologies along with chemical fertilizer induced soil properties and soil nutrients which reflected to increase soil microbial abundance and growth and yield of rice however, FYM showed higher potential than poultry manure during the three years rice cultivation seasons. Hence, it was indicated that a significant contribution to the development of sustainable agricultural technologies that prioritize soil health,environmental stewardship, and food security.

Effects of period and type of storage on germination test of Acacia polycantha seeds in South Kordofan State, Sudan

The study aimed to investigate the effect of storage type and period of Acacia polycantha (Kakamout) on seeds germination and to attain an appropriate method of seed storage. The experiment was conducted at the Regional Tree Seed Centre-Elobied during the year 2016, and the seeds were collected from Kadugli site. Some tests were applied (purity, number of seeds/kg, moisture content, germination, viability) on seeds before and after their storage in three stores under different status (normal, cold and deep) and in four periods of time (3, 6, 9 and 12 months) for each sample. Experiment design by Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replicates in storages by repeating three samples. The experiment used the Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replicates in storages by repeating three samples. The data was analyzed by SAS software using ANOVA table, while LSD test used for means separation. The results showed a significant differences )α = 0.05 (in the normal store and high significant difference (p&lt; 0.0001) in the deep store. Also, seeds revealed a decrease in the moisture content of the deep store by 4%, and a decrease in the number of seeds by11747 seeds for the cold store in the fourth period resulting in the weight gain of the seeds and the decrease in the number of seeds/kg. The study recommends the storage of Acacia polycantha seeds in deep, cool and normal storage at any period of the year.

Response of Two Cowpea Cultivars to Spraying with Moringa Leaf Extract and Jasmonic Acid in Growth Yield Components

A field experiment was conducted at the Research Station of the College of Agriculture, University of Kufa/Najaf, for the spring season of 2023, to determine the growth and yield response of two cowpea varieties to spraying with Moringa leaf extract and jasmonic acid (JA). The experiment included three factors, the first factor was two varieties of cowpea: American Ramshon and Dutch variety, the second factor was foliar spray with Moringa leaf extract at three concentrations of 0.2 and 4 g L-1, and the third factor was foliar spray with three concentrations of JA at 0, 10 and 20 mg L-1. The spraying was applied three times during the growing season, with an interval period of 14 days. The experiment was split-split-plots based on Randomized Complete Blocks Design (R.C.B.D) and three replicates. The results showed that the Dutch variety was significantly superior in the vegitative growth indicators, while the American cowpea Ramshon had the highest response in quantitative and chemical indicators, especially the total plant yield of green pods recording 7.470 tons ha-1 compared to 5.886 tons ha-1 for the Dutch variety. Spraying with Moringa leaf extract at a concentration of 4 g L-1 recorded significantly higher indicators in the shoot dry weight 65.59 g plant-1, number of pods 25.61 pods plant-1, and leaf and pods content of carbohydrates and protein 2.65 and 12.95%. On the other hand, foliar spray with JA at 20 mg L-1 recorded a significant increase in plant length 45.88 cm. Most of the studied indicators in the experiment recorded higher rates in the interaction treatment of the Dutch variety and spraying 4 g L-1 Moringa leaf extract and 10 mg L-1 of JA compared to all individual and interaction treatments.

Effect of zeolite application on soil enzyme activity of potted sandy soil cultivated with Swiss chard and cabbage

A zeolite pot experiment was conducted at the Agricultural Research Council Infruitec-Nietvoorbij in Stellenbosch, South Africa, under greenhouse conditions. The experiment aimed to investigate the impact of zeolite application on soil enzyme activities in sandy soils cultivated with Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris Var. cicla) and cabbage (Brassica oleracea Var. capitata L.) over two years (2018-2019). Different zeolite-to-soil ratios (0:1, 1:9, 2:8, and 3:7 w/w) were used, with each pot containing 12 kg of soil. The experiment involved 72 pots for each vegetable, arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD). Soil enzyme activities, including acid phosphatase, β-glucosidase, and urease, as well as soil chemical properties (pH, total plant-available nitrogen, organic carbon, and phosphorus), were analyzed. Key findings indicate that the effect of zeolite application on enzyme activities varied between the vegetable species. Zeolite application significantly increased (P

Architecture Pruning Technique (Pollarding) of Moringa (Moringa oleifera)

Moringa is a fast-growing, deciduous tree that can reach a height of 10–12 m and is not traditionally pollarded in agriculture production. A field experiment was conducted between May 2023 and Jun 2024 in MARDI, Serdang to determine the effect of pollarding at different levels of pruning heights on vegetative growth and yield of Moringa. The trial was laid down in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications and five plants per plot and the data was analyzed using ANOVA in SAS (SAS 9.4) software. Differences between means were compared using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at P≤0.05. Five months after being cultivated on field condition, trees were pruned pollarding at four levels: 30, 60, 90 cm and control (unpruned). Subsequently, the growth performance was evaluated by collecting data on plant height, diameter of the main stem, length of the secondary branch, number of budbursts, diameter of the secondary branch and leave area. Meanwhile, the yield components were recorded based on the fresh weight and dry weight of the leaves. Results showed that different levels of pruning heights significantly affected overall dependent variables. Unpruned trees produced an optimal response for all dependent variables, but it is not suggested due to the trees growing erratically, challenging to harvest, and having an uneven canopy structure. Meanwhile, for the yield components' pruning at 60 and 90 cm from the ground level was comparable and did not differ significantly from unpruned trees. Therefore, pruning at 60 cm was suggested as an architecture pruning technique for moringa production cultivated on mineral soil under tropical climates. Pollarding can be a way to improve the productivity of agricultural produce, but further evaluation of yield trends must be conducted to ensure the consistency of production.

Soil Test-Based Crop Response Phosphorus Calibration Study on Bread Wheat (Triticum Aestivum L) in Liban Chukala District, East Shewa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia

Nutrient mining due to sub-optimal fertilizer use on one hand and unbalanced fertilizer use on the other have favored the emergence of multi-nutrient deficiency in Ethiopian soils. Therefore, the study was conducted on twenty-one farmers’ fields in the Liban Chukala District of East Shewa Zone of Oromia, during the main cropping seasons of 2019-2022. The study aimed to determine the economically optimum rate of nitrogen fertilizer in the first year. However, in the second two consecutive years the experiment was conducted to determine phosphorus critical (Pc) and phosphorus requirement factor (Pf and the treatments consisted of six levels of phosphorus (0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50) kg ha-1 combined with a single level of nitrogen (69 kg ha1) that gave a total of seven treatments. The experiments were laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with two replications and the gross plot, size was 4 m x 5 m (20 m2) was used to determine phosphorus critical (Pc) and also harvested from 4m2 plot areas. The analysis of variance indicated that, thousand kernels weight, and harvest index were not significantly (p&lt;0.05) influenced by applied NP fertilizers. On the other hand, the analysis of variance indicated that Plant height, spike length, number of seeds per spike, biomass yield, and grain yield were highly significantly (p &lt;0.01) influenced by soil test-based phosphorus fertilizer application. The result indicated that the highest (87.82 cm) plant height, the highest (1013 kg ha-1) biomass, and the highest (4517 kg ha-1) grain yield were recorded by 40 kg P ha-1. Moreover, 23ppm phosphorus critical (Pc) and 9.86ppm phosphorus requirement factor (Pf) were identified for bread wheat production for the farmers of Liban Chukala District.

Comparative analysis of lowland rice (Oryza sativa L. var. PSB Rc18) performance across different farming systems

Organic farming is gaining recognition as a viable alternative to conventional methods, promising soil health preservation and sustained crop productivity with economic benefits. This study evaluated the physiological, growth, and yield responses of the PSB Rc18 rice variety and appraised its economic feasibility under different production systems. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replications and three treatments: T1-best bet organic production system, T2-farmers’ organic production system in Leyte, and T3-farmers’ conventional production system in Leyte. The crop growth rate (CGR) of PSB Rc18 remained consistent across the different systems. However, the Net Assimilation Rate (NAR) peaked significantly between 42-56 days after transplanting (DAT) in the T2. Additionally, the Leaf Area Index (LAI) in T1 was comparable to that of T3. Rice grown under T1 reached heading and maturation earlier than T3. Although T3 produced the highest fresh straw, most productive tillers, and heaviest total biomass, the grain yield was similar across all production systems. Economically, T2 outperformed with a superior benefit-cost ratio of $0.55 and $0.94 per USD invested, considering both regular and premium prices for organic palay. These findings highlight organic farming practices' economic and agronomic viability, suggesting that promoting organic farming can be a beneficial alternative to conventional methods in Leyte. This study underscores the potential for integrating organic practices to enhance sustainability and economic outcomes in rice production, making both T1 and T2 significant options for farmers in Eastern Visayas.

Fruit Characteristics and Yield Quality of Two Apple Varieties As Affected By O DAP Fertilization and Spraying With Moringa Plant Extract

This study was carried out in one of the private orchards in the Hashimiya district in Babil Governorate during the 2023 growing seasons to study the effect of the organic O-DAP fertilizer and Moringa leaves extract on the vegetative and chemical characteristics of the Sharabi variety and the Anna variety at 5 years of age. The treatments in the experiment were distributed using a split-split plot design system with three replicates in a randomized complete block design (R.C.B.D). The main plots were represented by the varieties, symbolized by A (the Anna variety and the Sharabi variety), and the spraying with Moringa leaves extract, symbolized by M, as the secondary plots. - Plots at three concentrations (0, 150, 200) ml l-1 and the addition of O-DAP fertilizer, symbolized by D in the sub-sub-plots, and at three levels (0, 500, 1000) gm tree-1, as 27 trees were selected. Each variety is homogeneous in growth and age, and the total of both varieties is 54 trees, and each replicate contains 18 treatments. Each treatment was repeated three times, with one tree per experimental unit (2×3×3). The results were as follows

Response of Two Cowpea Cultivars to Spraying with Moringa Leaf Extract and Jasmonic Acid in Growth Yield Components

A field experiment was conducted at the Research Station of the College of Agriculture, University of Kufa/Najaf, for the spring season of 2023, to determine the growth and yield response of two cowpea varieties to spraying with Moringa leaf extract and jasmonic acid (JA). The experiment included three factors, the first factor was two varieties of cowpea: American Ramshon and Dutch variety, the second factor was foliar spray with Moringa leaf extract at three concentrations of 0.2 and 4 g L-1, and the third factor was foliar spray with three concentrations of JA at 0, 10 and 20 mg L-1. The spraying was applied three times during the growing season, with an interval period of 14 days. The experiment was split-split-plots based on Randomized Complete Blocks Design (R.C.B.D) and three replicates. The results showed that the Dutch variety was significantly superior in the vegitative growth indicators, while the American cowpea Ramshon had the highest response in quantitative and chemical indicators, especially the total plant yield of green pods recording 7.470 tons ha-1 compared to 5.886 tons ha-1 for the Dutch variety. Spraying with Moringa leaf extract at a concentration of 4 g L-1 recorded significantly higher indicators in the shoot dry weight 65.59 g plant-1, number of pods 25.61 pods plant-1, and leaf and pods content of carbohydrates and protein 2.65 and 12.95%. On the other hand, foliar spray with JA at 20 mg L-1 recorded a significant increase in plant length 45.88 cm. Most of the studied indicators in the experiment recorded higher rates in the interaction treatment of the Dutch variety and spraying 4 g L-1 Moringa leaf extract and 10 mg L-1 of JA compared to all individual and interaction treatments.

Characteristics of liquid sugar from old oil palm trunk sap as affected by processing methods

The sap of old oil palm trunks contains appreciable sugar, but it has not been considered a potential sugar source. This study aimed to find the best method for producing oil palm liquid sugar that complies with the Indonesian National Standard (SNI) The non-factorial experiment was arranged in a Completely Randomized Block Design (CRBD) with 6 replications. The treatments were a combination of lime-rotary vacuum evaporation (P1), without lime-vacuum rotary evaporation (P2), lime-atmospheric evaporation (P3); without lime-atmospheric evaporation (P4). The parameters observed were pH, °brix, reducing sugar, color, aroma, and overall acceptance. The data were subjected to ANOVA to determine the effects of the treatments and then, continued testing using HSD at α 0,05 for means separation. The best treatment was found on liquid sugar processed using lime, and atmospheric evaporation with brix of 68.75%, pH of 5.4, moisture content of 17.74, ash content of 0.86%, reducing sugar of 44.31%, sensory score of color, aroma, and overall acceptance were f 3.42 (brownies yellow), 4.4 (like), and 4.04 (like).Keywords: lime, liquid sugar, old oil palm trunk, sensory, vacuum rotary evaporator

Response of the flag leaf for Moroccan bread wheat varieties in the field, highlighting its biochemical composition in its resistance mechanism against yellow rust

This investigation aimed to assess the responsiveness of fourteen Moroccan bread wheat varieties to yellow rust induced by Puccinia striiformis tritici (Pst) in comparison with a susceptible variety ‘Amal’ through natural inoculation in the field, employing a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). A comprehensive evaluation, encompassing 20 variables related to epidemiological, phenological, morphological, and physicochemical parameters, was conducted. In elucidating the role of the leaf in wheat resistance to stripe rust, the mineral and organic composition was scrutinized using sophisticated molecular detection techniques—Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). These two methodologies, recognized for their efficacy, facilitated the measurement of varying concentrations of lipids and carboxylic esters in the epicuticular wax on the adaxial flag leaf. Additionally, the quantity of essential minerals was determined. The outcomes revealed distinct responses among bread wheat varieties to stripe rust, with ‘Faiza’, ‘Bandera’, and ‘Resulton’ demonstrating heightened resistance, manifesting severity values below 15%. Conversely, ‘Amal’ exhibited the lowest level of resistance. Furthermore, lipid concentration reached its pinnacle in ‘Faiza’, ‘Bandera’ and ‘Resulton’ while ‘Amal’ displayed the lowest lipid levels. Severity exhibited a very weak correlation with Zn, weak correlations with Cu, and moderate correlations with Ca and K (p&lt;0.05). This study provides valuable insights guiding future research endeavours aimed at enhancing the genetic traits of these elite cultivars for integration into Morocco’s cereals program.

Evaluation of Efficacy of Certain Pesticides and Black Plastic Mulch as an Approach of Developing Integrated Pest Management for Melon Fruit Fly (Bactrocera cucurbitae)

A field experiment was conducted at Pyuthan Municipality, Pyuthan district of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal to develop an integrated pest management strategy against melon fruit fly (Bactrocera cucurbitae). The experiment was laid out in two factorial Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). The first factor was different doses of pesticides; Spinosad (45% SC) @ 1ml/3l water, Cypermethrin (10% EC) @5ml/20l water and, botanical Jholmol @ 1:3 ratio (1 part Jholmol and 3 part water). The second factor was Black plastic mulch and no mulch. The pesticides were applied at 9 day intervals and data on fruit infestation, ovary damage, yield and, post-set damage were collected at 3 day intervals and the data analysed using R Studio. The result revealed highly significant differences among mulching and non-mulching plots. Mulching plots had the lowest fruit infestation (3.95%), lowest ovary damage (0.88%), lowest post-set damage (2.38%) and, higher yield per plot (21.25 kg) than non-mulched plots. Highest protection against melon fruit fly was observed by Spinosad at the third spray; percentage of fruit infestation (3.71%), ovary damage (0.76%) and yield (20.20 kg/plot) followed by Cypermethrin and Jholmol. The highest protection was obtained by the application of Cypermethrin (1.78%) at the post-set stage followed by Spinosad and Jholmol. The application of Spinosad, Cypermethrin alone with black plastic mulch provided superior protection than Jholmol and control. However, the pest reduction and yield observed on the treatments with the combination of Jholmol and black plastic mulch was satisfactory (21.87 kg/ha) than control (14.58 kg/ha). Int. J. Appl. Sci. Biotechnol. Vol 12(3): 126-136.