Randomized Complete Block Design Research Articles

The Effects of Different Plant Growth Regulators and Nutrient Solutions on Leaf Bud Propagation in Different Cassava Varieties

Cassava mosaic virus is a growing threat to cassava cultivation, and the rapid propagation of disease-free cassava stems offers an alternative approach to producing planting material. This study investigated the effects of different plant growth regulators and nutrient media on leaf bud propagation among different cassava varieties. A 3 x 4 factorial with a randomized complete block design (RCBD) was used with three replications. Three cassava varieties, Kasetsart 50 (KU50), Rayong 9 (RY9), and Huay Bong 60 (HB60) were assigned as factor A, and four different media, i.e., control treatment (distilled water), indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) at 500 mg/L, Semi-Autotrophic Hydroponic (SAH) nutrient solution, and IBA+SAH, were assigned as factor B. Data were recorded for growth and survival traits at 30 days. The results showed that the RY9 variety exhibited superior growth parameters, whereas the KU50 and HB60 varieties showed a higher survival rate. Applying IBA, alone or with SAH, negatively affected cassava plantlet growth and survival rate. On the other hand, applying SAH alone yielded results comparable to the control treatment, significantly differing from the IBA and IBA+SAH treatments. This study also noted that IBA applications enhanced root traits in the RY9 variety but not in other varieties. The HB60 variety outperformed the survival rates and dry shoot weights of RY9 and KU50 under SAH treatment. This finding can be used to select an effective method for leaf bud multiplication in response to the demand for disease-free cassava planting materials.

Effect of Different Doses of Ethephon on Vegetative Characters, Sex Expression and Yield of Cucumber [Cucumis Sativus] In Rainas Municipality, Lamjung, Nepal

This study was carried out at the research field of Rainas Municipality, lamjung, Nepal from February to June 2022. It was conducted to evaluate the effect of different doses of ethephon on vegetative character, sex expression and yield of cucumber. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 4 replications and 5 treatments (four different doses of ethephon @ 100 ppm, @ 300 ppm, @ 400 ppm and @ 500 ppm as well as water spraying as control). Spraying was done twice, the 1st at two true leaf stage and the 2nd at four true leaf stage. The observed data were analyzed using Gen stat and Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) to find out the significant differences between the mean values at 5% level of significance. Among various concentration of ethephon, the most potent doses of ethephon to increase female flower were 100 ppm, 300 ppm and 400 ppm. The treatment with 300 ppm ethephon result early emergence of female flower, higher number of female flower and lower sex ratio followed by 400 ppm. Yield of cucumber was found higher with 300 ppm ethephon comparison to other treatment. The benefit-cost ratio (B:C ratio) was found highest at 300 ppm ethephon treatment and lowest in the control group. Considering various impacts of different doses of ethephon, treatment with 300 ppm ethephon is recommended.

Sowing Dates Effects and Varieties Comparison and Their Interaction on Yield and Yield Components of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) growth is directly affected by sowing dates. However, the yield of wheat in Afghanistan is significantly lower than the global standard. Several factors including fertilizers, sowing dates, seeds and cultivation methods, contribute to this low yield. The objective of this research was to address this critical issue by comparison of the effects of different sowing dates on wheat yield and its components under Kabul climatic conditions. The same experiment was conducted at two sites in 2020 using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications and twelve treatments. The varieties used were Darolaman-07 (V1), Mazar- 99 (V2), and Chunta-1 (V3) as factor one, and sowing dates of November 10th (S1), November 18th (S2), November 26th (S3), and December 4th (S4) as factor two. Growth and yield parameters measured and analyzed included plant height, number of leaves plant-1, total number of tillers plant-1, leaf area index (LAI), leaf nitrogen content (N), spike length, number of spikelets spike-1, number of grains spike-1, grain weight spike-1, thousand- grain-weight, days to maturity, number of spikes plant-1, biological yield, grain yield, straw yield, and harvest index. Sowing dates had significant effects on some wheat growth and yield parameters. Sowing on November 10th, 2020, resulted in the highest plant height and leaves number per plant compared to later sowing dates. There was a significant interaction between sowing date and variety at (P˂0.01) in both growth and yield parameters. ANOVA analysis highlighted significant differences among wheat varieties in spike length, grain weight spike-1, thousand grain-weight, and harvest index, with notable variations observed among different varieties. Based on the results, the longest duration to maturity and the highest grain yield were observed on sowing date of November 10, 2020.

Role of bio health extract on wheat growth according to Zadoks decimal scale

Combating climate change and promoting sustainability are agricultural experts' priorities in Iraq. Using environmentally friendly fertilizers on strategic crops is considered a milestone for accomplishing that. This study aimed to determine the effect of Bio Health fertilizer spraying on some growth qualities of two wheat cultivars (Triticum aestivum L.). A field experiment was conducted at the Agricultural Research Station, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering Sciences - University of Baghdad, during the winter season 2023-24. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) was used in a split-plot arrangement with three replicates, and the experiment included two factors, the first in the main plots such as two wheat cultivars (Ibaa 99 and Adina), while the second factor in the secondary plots was spraying with Bio Health at concentrations of 800, 1600 and 2400 mg/L, in addition to the control treatment (without spraying). The results showed the superiority of the Ibaa 99 cultivar in plant height, the area of the flag leaf, the number of total branches, chlorophyll content, dry weight of the flag leaf, dry weight of the plant, crop growth rate and biological quotient with an increase of 3.64, 15.77, 5.01, 3.38, 7.33, 3.31, 3.34 and 5.73%, respectively. The results also showed the superiority of spraying with Bio Health at a concentration of 1600 mg/L compared to the comparative treatment, the number of total branches, the dry weight of the plant, the growth rate of the crop and the biological yield, with an increase of 28.39, 48.88, 13.21, 12.10 and 23.19%. As for the study's two factors overlap, the results demonstrated a considerable superiority between the two qualities, the height of the plant as well as its dry weight, and the combination of Bio Health spraying at a concentration of 1600 mg/L for the Ibaa 99 cultivar achieved the highest averages.

Growth and Yield of Summer Squash (Cucurbita pepo var. sunny house) in Response to Organic and Inorganic Mulching Materials at Rampur, Chitwan

Mulching, a widely employed agricultural practice, has been recognized for its influence on soil moisture retention, temperature regulation, and weed suppression, thereby improving growth and yield of crops. An experiment was conducted to study the effect of mulching materials on growth and yield attributes of summer squash under water constraint condition during March to May 2023 in Chitwan, Nepal. The experiment was laid in single factor Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four different mulches (rice straw, wheat straw, rice husk and silver on black plastic mulch 30 microns) and control replicated 4 times. All the Plant growth parameters, including plant height, number of leaves per plant and plant spread, were highest in silver plastic mulch and the poorest in the un-mulched plots. Mulching also significantly influenced floral characters, with plastic mulch demonstrating superiority in traits such as days to flowering, number of flowers per plant, and sex ratio compared to organic mulches and the control. Fruit length, diameter, and weight exhibited the highest values under plastic mulch and the lowest values under the control, while all organic mulches showed similar results. The highest yield of 41.44 Mt ha-1 was achieved with silver plastic mulch, highlighting its effectiveness in enhancing crop productivity, while the lowest yield of 11.77 Mt ha-1 was recorded in the control plots. Despite its higher cost, silver pastic mulch exhibited highest net return and benefit-cost ratio. Rice husk mulch, with the second highest benefit-cost ratio and relatively low cost of production, emerged as promising alternative. Although mulching did not notably affect the soil pH, the varying soil organic matter percentages were observed, with the highest on rice straw mulch and the lowest on silver plastic mulch. The study suggests that while plastic mulch can significantly boost productivity during water scarcity, rice husk mulch offers a cost-effective alternative with substantial economic benefit.

Effect of Different Edible Coatings on Physical and Physiological Characters of Acid Lime (Citrus aurantiifolia Swingle) cv. Sai Sharbati

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of different edible coatings on physical and physiological characters of acid lime (Citrus aurantiifolia Swingle) cv. Sai Sharbati from October, 2023 to November, 2023 under Completely Randomized Block Design (CRBD) with three replications and nine treatments at ambient room temperature. The parameters recorded were fruit length (mm), fruit diameter (mm), fruit firmness (kg/cm2), physiological loss in weight (%) and shelf life (days) in every 3 days interval till 21st day. The maximum fruit length (36.16), fruit diameter (34.36) and fruit firmness were observed in fruits treated with coconut oil 100%. Minimum percentage of physiological loss in weight (5.36%) was found in the fruits treated with coconut oil 100%. Whereas, shelf life was found maximum (21 days) in fruits treated with coconut oil 100 % while, it was only 10 days in control fruits. Coconut oil coating increases the shelf life of acid lime by reducing physiological loss in weight and maintaining the fruit firmness.

Evaluation of drought and salinity tolerance potentials of different soybean genotypes based upon physiological, biochemical, and genetic indicators

The present study has evaluated different soybean genotypes to understand the salt and drought tolerance mechanisms based on physiological traits (photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, chlorophyll, and cell membrane stability), antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase), reactive oxygen species (H2O2 and O2•−), osmolytes (glycine betaine, proline, and Na+/K+), plant water relations (relative water content, water potential, and solute potential) and expression of related genes (GmCAT1, GmPOD1, GmSOD, GmP5CS, GmNHX1, GmAKT1, GmDREB1, and GmARF1). The experiment was conducted in a two-factorial arrangement using randomized complete block design (RCBD) with genotypes as one factor and salt, drought, and control treatments as the other factor. All physiological traits, relative water content, and water potential decreased significantly in all soybean genotypes due to individual and combined treatments of drought and salt stress, with significantly less decrease in soybean genotypes G4620RX, DM45X61, and NARC-21. Besides that, the activity of antioxidant enzymes, production of ROS, accumulation of osmolytes, solute potential, and Na+/K+ ratio were increased significantly in all soybean genotypes under salt and water deficit conditions. As a whole, the soybean genotypes G4620RX, DM45X61, and NARC-21 showed the maximum enzymatic activity with less increase in ROS and Na+/K+ in addition to a high accumulation of osmolytes and an increase in solute potential. Correspondingly, the genotypes exhibiting high physiological and biochemical tolerance to drought and salt stresses showed the high expression of genes imparting the stress tolerance. Moreover, correlation, heatmap, and principal component analysis further confirmed the varying physiological and biochemical responses of all soybean genotypes under individual and combined applications of drought and salinity stresses. Overall, the present study confirmed that plants opt for the integrated physiological, biochemical, and genetic approaches to counteract the harmful effects of environmental stresses.

Effects of dietary supplementation of shrimp head and shell by-products on growth performance and incidence of diarhea in fattening pigs from 96 to 164 days of age

The objective of this study was to evaluate effects of dietary supplementation of shrimp head and shell by-products on growth performance and incidence of diarhea in fattening pigs from August 2023 to October 2023 at the pig farm in Thoai Son district, An Giang province. A total of 90 crossbred pigs [(Duroc x Pietrain) x (Landrace x Yorkshire); 96 days old] were assigned to 1 of 3 treatments with 5 replicate pens of 6 pigs each according to sex, litter origin, and weight in a randomized complete block design (RCBD). The 3 dietary treatments included (1) Basal diet (control), (2) Basal diet + 3 g/kg shrimp hydrolysate powder (SH) and (3) Basal diet + 10 g/kg shrimp heads and shells meal (SM). The results showed that there were no significant differences in the average body weight (BW) and average daily gain (ADG) among the 3 treatments (P > 0.05). Similarly, pigs fed the SH diet (2.99) and SM diet had the same feed conversion ratio (FCR) of pigs (P = 0.767) as those fed the control diet (3.04) during the whole period from 96 to 164 days of age. Furthermore, no significant differences (P > 0.05) were found in the average daily feed intake (ADFI) and the diarrhea incidence among the 3 treatments. Briefly, the results in the current study suggest that dietary supplementation of shrimp head and shell by-products (shrimp hydrolysate powder, or shrimp heads and shell meal) seem to have no positive effects on growth productivity (BW, ADG, ADFI and FCR) and incidence of diarrhea in fattening pigs during 96 - 164 days of age.

Assessment of Harvest Losses in Mejhoul Date Variety in Northwest Mexico

Objective: To assess date losses during harvest and identify the factors causing them. Design/methodology/approach: A complete randomized block design with ten repetitions was used; the different farms where data on the evaluated variables were taken were the treatments. In each treatment, 10 plants were selected from which data on average fruit weight, polar and equatorial fruit diameter, fruit weight, number of clusters per plant, and yield in tons per hectare were taken. Results: For yield in tons per hectare of good fruits during the date harvest in the 2023 cycle, an average of 11 t ha-1, 14 t ha-1, 8 t ha-1, and 15 t ha-1 was found for the plantations of El Pólvora, El Pino, Las Palmas and Cucapah respectively. In losses during the harvest, Cucapah Farm presented the highest losses with an average of 1.2 t ha-1, while El Pino was the one that presented the lowest losses with an average of 0.7 t ha-1. Fruits with a percentage greater than 10% of peeled skin are also considered losses during the harvest, because they cannot be marketed for fresh consumption. Limitations on study/implications: Data were collected only from the harvest; exact dates of irrigation and fertilizer application are not available as the study was conducted with cooperating producers. This factor is crucial for the quality and yield of date palm cultivars. Findings/conclusions: The age of the plant represents a significant difference in the yield per hectare due to the number of clusters it has; the more clusters it has, the higher the yield. The relative humidity directly affects the quality of the dates, and there are a more significant number of bulging fruits (with peeled skin). In this evaluation, we found that the rains during August and September 2023 significantly affected the losses during the date harvest in that season.

Thrips (Megalurothrips usitatus Bagnall) Infestation in Mung Bean: Integrated Control with Chemical and Neem-based Insecticides

This study aimed to manage thrips (Megalurothrips usitatus Bagnall) infestation in mung bean fields and evaluate the efficacy of different chemical insecticides and neem oil. The experiment, conducted at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Bangladesh from March to May 2020, employed a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with ten treatments, including Decis 5EC, Ripcord 10EC, Marshal 20EC, Sevin 85SP, Dursban 20EC, Neem oil, Talstar 2WP, Actara 25WG, Confidor 70WG, and an untreated control. Talstar 2WP proved to be the most effective treatment, achieving the lowest thrips population (1.25 plant⁻¹) and the highest percent reduction (93.26 %) in thrips infestation over control treatment. Talstar 2WP also produced the maximum number of flowers (16.67 plant⁻¹), pods (34.27 plot⁻¹), seeds (885.3 plant-5), seed weight (36.19 g), and the highest mung bean yield (2.05 kg/plot) compared to rest other treatments. On the other hand, Confidor 70WG showed 2nd most promising results across all parameters, while neem oil was comparatively less effective. The findings suggest that Talstar 2WP is the most effective insecticide for managing thrips infestation in mung bean, offering improved growth and yield.

Effect of Chemical Weed Control on Growth, Herb Yield and Oil Content of Mentha (Mentha arvensis L.) Across Northern Eastern and Central Highlands of India

A field experiment was carried out during the summer season of 2015 at Crop Research Farm of Sam Higginbottom Institute of Agriculture, Technology & Sciences, Allahabad to study the effect of various weed management options on weed dynamics and production of mentha. In the experiment six treatments namely, propaquizafop 10% EC @ 50 ml/ha, propaquizafop 10% EC @ 62.5 ml/ha, propaquizafop 10% EC @ 75 ml/ha, fenoxaprop-p-ethyl 9.3% EC @ 100 ml/ha, hand weeding and un-weeded control were laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replications. The results revealed that a significantly lower weed density and weed dry matter weight, weed index and higher weed control efficiency were recorded under hand weeding which was found at par to fenoxaprop-p-ethyl 9.3% EC @ 100 ml/ha and propaquizafop 10% EC @ 75 ml/ha. The higher plant height, herbage yield (21.8 t/ha) and dry matter yield (6.00 t/ha) and oil yield (136.9 l/ha) of mentha were also obtained with hand weeding which was found at par to fenoxaprop-p-ethyl 9.3% EC @ 100 ml/ha and propaquizafop 10% EC @ 75 ml/ha. fenoxaprop-p-ethyl 9.3% EC @ 100 ml/ha also resulted in the most effective herbicide against grassy weed and generated maximum net return (Rs. 92303/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (2.30) followed by propaquizafop 10% EC @ 75 ml/ha.

Effect of Powdered Lemon Grass (Cymbopogon citratus) as Feed Supplement on the Growth Performance of Native Chicken

This study was conducted to determine the growth performance of the native chicken using different levels of powdered lemon grass as feed supplement in the diet. The study utilized 128 unsexed native chickens were randomly distributed into 4 experimental treatments with 4 replications and 8 birds per treatment using Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). The different levels of powdered lemon grass in treatments were T1 (Control) – 0%, T2 –1%, T3 –1.5%, and T4 - 2.5% powdered lemon grass, respectively. The results revealed that there is no significant difference in the body weight gain and feed conversion ratio of the native chicken among the experimental animals. In the feed consumption, there is a highly significant difference among the treatment mean during week 2 and 8, and significant difference on week 4, 11 and 12. These findings suggest that the inclusion of powdered lemongrass influenced the feed consumption of the chickens, particularly in certain periods of the study. This implies that while powdered lemongrass, particularly at 1%, appeared to enhance feed consumption during specific weeks. In terms of the average daily gain, results revealed a significant difference only in week 14. The result suggests that while the inclusion of powdered lemongrass in the diet did not significantly affect ADG during the early and middle stages of growth, it exhibited a notable positive effect in the later stages. This indicate a cumulative or delayed impact of lemongrass supplementation on growth performance, which becomes evident as the birds approach maturity. Based on the findings stated above, it can be concluded that the body weight, feed consumption, FCR and ADG of the experimental birds were affected by the different inclusion levels of powdered lemon grass. Inclusion of 1% lemon grass powder in feedstuff is recommended as it enhanced the overall growth performance of native chickens.

Modulation of the Plasma Lipidomic Profile in Piglets Fed Polar Lipid-Rich Diets

Background: Polar lipids from dairy are novel sources of energy that may replace other dietary lipids and impact plasma lipidomic profiles in piglets. This study evaluated the impact of feeding diets rich in polar lipids on the plasma lipidome of piglets during the weaning period. Material and Methods: Weaned male piglets (n = 240; 21 days of age; 6.3 ± 0.5 kg of BW) were blocked by initial weight and distributed into 48 pens of five animals each in a complete randomized block design with a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments as follows: a plant-based diet rich in neutral lipids from soybeans (24 pens; SD) or a polar lipid-rich diet by-product of cheese making (24 pens; PD) from weaning until the 21st day of the nursery phase. Within each diet group, animals received one of three milk replacers (MR; 0.5 L/d/animal) for the first 7 days after weaning: (1) commercial MR containing animal and coconut lipids (CO); (2) polar lipid-based MR (PO); or (3) soybean lipids-based MR (SO). Results: The PD diet group increased the plasma concentrations of sphingolipids, phospholipids, and cholesterol esters, but did not impact the concentrations of glycerolipids (GLs). Both the PO and CO milk replacers increased the plasma concentrations of ceramide, acyl-chain phosphatidyl choline, and cholesterol esters. The plasma concentrations of GLs containing 18-carbon fatty acids such as 18:0, 18:1, 18:2, and 18:3, were higher in SD, whereas GLs containing 16:0 and 20:3 were higher in PD. Conclusions: In summary, the diet lipid type significantly modulated the plasma lipid composition in piglets 7 days after weaning. The dietary inclusion of polar lipids in diets for growing pigs can modulate the plasma lipidomic profile, relative to plant-based diets rich in soybean lipids. Cost may be a major consideration when using these lipids in pig diets. Their health benefits need to be further characterized in other models of stress and inflammation.

Comparative Assessment of the Effect of Three Plant Spacing on the Performance of Maize (Zea mays L.) Varieties in the Humid Tropics of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Experiments were conducted in the late (dry) season and early (wet) season to determine the comparative growth response of maize varieties using various plant densities (spacings) at the Rivers State University Teaching and Research Farm Port Harcourt. The treatments consisted of four maize varieties (Bendel white, Oba super 6, Oba super 98 and Provit A) and three plant densities/spacings (60cm x 15cm, 60cm x 30cm, 60cm x 45cm). Treatments were combined in a split plot arrangement with maize varieties fitted in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) replicated three times. Parameters evaluated were plant height, leaf area, and number of leaves at 4, 6, and 8 weeks after planting (WAP). Insect infestation and stem girth were determined 8 weeks after planting. Results show that Provit A produced highest performance (P<0.05) in early (wet) season cropping in terms of plant height (70.2cm), number of leaves (9.3), leaf area (304.9cm). Bendel white was high in stem girth (7.8cm). Comparing growth in late (dry) season and early (wet) season showed that growth was better in the early (wet) season cropping. However, there was more insect infestation in the late (dry) season cropping than in the early (wet) season cropping. Oba super 6 had the highest incidence of insect pest infestation in late (dry) season cropping with a mean of 7.3%. Also spacing of 60cm x 30cm produced highest growth performance. Thus, Provit A variety is recommended for cultivation by farmers in Port Harcourt agroecological zone. Spacing of 60cm x 30cm is recommended for maize production in Port Harcourt agroecological zone.

The effect of applied micronutrients (Cu, Zn, Mn, and B) and chloride on annual canarygrass

Annual canarygrass is highly responsive to chloride (Cl−) fertilizer for increasing grain yield. This responsiveness to Cl− raises the question of whether annual canarygrass is similarly responsive to other micronutrients. The effect of micronutrients, Cu, Zn, B, and Mn with the basal rate of N, P, K, S, and Cl−, on annual canarygrass was studied using two application methods, soil (sideband at seeding) and foliar (3–6 leaf and flag-leaf emergence). Over 4 years, field research was conducted at two Saskatchewan locations, Indian Head and Melfort using a randomize complete block design (RCBD). A foliar application after flagleaf emergence of either Cu, Zn, or Mn provided the best method to increase the concentration of that micronutrient in the leaf tissue during seed filling. Boron concentrations in the leaf were increased during seed filling by soil or foliar treatments containing B at different site-years. Zinc, Cu, and B application had no impact on grain yield. A foliar application of Mn affected grain yield at one of six site-years and requires further investigation. As expected, soil application of macronutrients + Cl− increased grain yield between 29% and 187% compared to unfertilized treatment in five of six site-years. Melfort in 2015 and 2016 had low levels of tissue Cl− in control treatment. The largest grain yield increases occurred at these sites, suggesting the potential of early season tissue testing in identifying Cl− responsive fields of annual canarygrass. Annual canarygrass is not responsive to Cu, Zn, and B but may be responsive to Mn.

The effects of spraying with onion and garlic extracts on the growth of the plant Anethum graveolens L. and its antioxidant effectiveness

This experiment was conducted during the 2022–2023 agricultural season in a mixed clay soil at one of the fields of the Faculty of Agriculture, Basra University. The aim of the experiment was to investigate the effect of spraying dill plants (Anethum graveolens L) with aqueous extracts of onion and garlic on their growth. The plants were sprayed with garlic aqueous extract at three concentrations (0, 20, 30 g L-1) and onion aqueous extract at three concentrations (0, 15, 25 g L-1), with three applications at a 15-day interval between each spray. The experiment was designed using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). The obtained results showed that the plants sprayed with garlic aqueous extract exhibited significant improvements in most characteristics, except for the fruit content of total dissolved carbohydrates and the yield of fruits from volatile oil. Specifically, the plants sprayed with a concentration of 30 g L-1 outperformed the other two concentrations in terms of plant height (cm), number of branches per plant, and 1000-seed weight for each experimental unit. On the other hand, the plants sprayed with a concentration of 20 g L-1 significantly outperformed in terms of floral inflorescence number per plant and seed yield. Additionally, the plants sprayed with a concentration of 30 g L-1 had the highest chlorophyll content and antioxidant effectiveness of dill leaves (%). However, spraying with garlic extract did not have a significant effect on the fruit content of total dissolved carbohydrates and the yield of fruits from volatile oil. Regarding the plants sprayed with onion extract, they showed overall superiority in most traits, except for the chlorophyll content of the leaves. Specifically, the plants sprayed with a concentration of 15 g L-1 significantly excelled in plant height, while the plants sprayed with a concentration of 25 g L-1 outperformed in terms of floral inflorescence number per plant and seed yield. The plants sprayed with a concentration of 25 g L-1 also had the highest content of total dissolved carbohydrates in fruits and the highest antioxidant effectiveness of dill leaves and seeds (%). However, the plants sprayed with a concentration of 15 g L-1 had the highest yield of volatile oil. The interaction between the two factors (garlic and onion extracts) had a significant effect on all studied traits, except for the chlorophyll content of the leaves.

Determination of growth potentials of two chicken strains using day old phenotypic markers

This study focused on assessing one day old effect of some phenotypic markers on production traits in Ross broiler chickens (ROBROS) and Southern ecotype breeds of chicken (SEC) as an alternative for genetic markers. The study was conducted at the Akenten Appiah Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED) Animal farm unit in Asante Mampong Campus of Ghana from June to December, 2022. One hundred and eighty (180) Ross broiler and 180 Southern ecotype breeds of chicks were used for the research. For each breed, the chicks were put into four groups with 45 chicks in each group. Breast length (BRL), Back length (BL), Circumference of the head (CH) and day-old body weight (DOBW) were taken on the chicks at one day old in group 1, 2, 3, and 4 respectively using a tailor’s tape and a weighing scale. Chicks within each group were classified into three (3) sub groups and considered as treatments (T) 1, 2 and 3. The treatments were described as higher (T1), medium (T2), and lower (T3) ranges based on the values obtained from the measurement and reared under randomised completely block design (RCBD). Data on production traits were taken up to week 8 for the Ross broiler and 18 weeks for the Southern ecotype chicken. The results from ANOVA using Statistix indicated that for the Ross broiler chickens, T1 in all the groups were significantly (P < 0.05) superior over T3 for feed intake, body weight, body weight gain and feed conversion ratio. T2 were significantly better than T3 in terms of body weight. For the Southern ecotype chickens, T1 were significantly (P < 0.05) better than T3 for feed intake, body weight, and body weight gain. However, for feed intake and body weight gain, T2 were significantly (P < 0.05) better than T3. Pearson correlation analysis also indicated a high, strong and significant (P < 0.05) correlation between day-old phenotypic markers with body weight. Regression equations of day-old phenotypic markers with body weight were positive and significant (P < 0.05) with coefficient of determination (R2) ranging from 0.64 to 0.76 for Ross broilers and 0.81 to 0.95 for Southern ecotype chickens. CH and DOBW had the highest R2 values and thus the best predictors of body weight. Breast length, back length, circumference of the head, and day-old body weight taken on the chicks at one day old were effective in predicting final body weight. It was concluded that, the four (4) phenotypic markers could be used for selection purposes efficiently.

EFFECT OF ALBIT AND NPK ON THE GROWTH AND YIELD OF MAIZE (Zea Mays. L) IN MUBI NORTHERN GUINEA SAVANNAH OF NIGERIA

The study determined the Effect of Albit and Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) on the growth and yield of maize (zea mays L) in mubi northern guinea savannah of Nigeria. To investigate the critical effect of albit and N.P.K on the growth and yield of maize, a field experiment was carried out at the Adamawa State University Research farm Mubi in the rainy seasons of 2023. The effect of Albit and N.P.K were evaluated. The experiment was laid in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) replicated three times. Data were taken on nine parameters; plant height, plant leaves, stem girth, dry matter weight, length of cob, diameter of cob, 100 seed weight, days to 50% tasseling, and yield per plot. Results were obtained after subjecting the data to analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results shows that the application of Albit + NPK produced a significant higher grain yield of 2.74 t/ha. Maize with Albit alone gave 2.4 t/ha and maize planted with NPK 2.4 t/ha which show no significant difference. In-terms of growth, application of Albit alone shows a promising result where it shows the same result with the application of NPK on plant and showed maize plant has more resistant ability to drought and plant viguor compared to NPK fertilizer. The research concludes that the planting of maize + Albit should be adopted in the northern guinea savannah region of Nigeria.

Assessment of local plant materials for the management of nematode (Nematoda) infestation in tomato (Lycompersicum esculentus) production

Tomato (Lycopersicum esculentus) is an important global vegetable crop that contributes to nutrient security. Production of this crop is constrained by many factors of which nematode (Nematoda) infestation is observed to be quite threatening. The efficacy of three local plant materials namely: Neem (Azadirachta indica), Siam weed (Chromolaena odorata) and African marigold (Tagetes erecta) were assessed to suppress soil infested nematode for management strategy. This was achieved by conducting field trials at Lower Nursery, Njala campus through establishment of experimental plots of tomato host plant in a factorially Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replicates in each treatment, repeated twice in 2022 and 2023. Data were collected on percentage survival rate, morphological parameters, phenology and yield parameters of tomato host plant respectively. The Data collected were analyzed using Statistical Analysis System (SAS). Differences between mean values of the various parameters were determined by two-way ANOVA analysis while significantly different means were separated using the Student-Newman-Keuls (SNK) test at p ≤ 0.05 level of significance. Azadirachta indica and Chromolaena odorata treatments proved to be highly effective in managing nematode in tomato production. Azadirachta indica and Chromolaena odorata treatments were the most efficient in managing nematodes among the options tested, as they recorded the highest percentage survival rates, agronomic parameters and shorter durations for both flowering and fruit setting compared to other treatments. Moneymaker and Mongal tomato varieties generally showed better survival rates, growth parameters and higher yields to Roma tomato variety. The neem treatment showed its extraordinary effectiveness with the highest survival rate as a percentage. This therapy is the most effective at suppressing nematodes among all those studied. With a higher percentage survival rate, the greatest fruit number and weight, and an effective treatment, Siam weeds have been demonstrated to be a viable substitute for neem. The neem and Siam weed therapy proved to be more beneficial than the marigold therapy, despite its mediocre success.

Variability of Agro Morphological Traits in <i>Vignea subterranean</i> Seedling Stage through Induced Mutation using Colchicine

Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea) a drought-tolerant legume with significant nutritional value, remains underutilized in genetic improvement programs. This study evaluated the mutagenic effects of colchicine on two Bambara groundnut landraces (MOK-01 and PTG-01) to enhance agronomic traits. Seeds were treated with colchicine at 0.025%, 0.05%, and 0.075% concentrations for 24 hours, while control seeds were soaked in distilled water. A Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) was employed, with seeds sown in sandy loam soil and evaluated four weeks after planting. Germination rates, seedling height, root length, lateral root formation, and leaf production were recorded. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Duncan's Multiple Range Test at P ≤ 0.05. The results showed a reduction in germination rates with increasing colchicine concentrations. MOK-01 exhibited enhanced lateral root formation and stable seedling height at higher concentrations, while PTG-01 demonstrated improved root length and leaf production at moderate colchicine levels. Colchicine at 0.05% produced the most consistent improvements across traits. This study highlights colchicine’s potential for genetic enhancement of Bambara groundnut. It is recommended that future studies focus on large-scale field trials and assess the long-term genetic stability of colchicine-induced traits to optimize its application in crop improvement programs.