Randomized Complete Block Design Research Articles

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< 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.

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<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.

Foliar application of IAA and GA3 on growth and yield attributes of mungbean (Vigna radiata L. R. Wilczek)

A field experiment was conducted to assess the effects of foliar application of Indole acetic acid (IAA) and Gibberellic acid (GA3) on the growth and yield of mungbean (BARI Mung-6) plants. Nine treatments were administered, including various concentrations of IAA and GA3, applied individually and in combination. The experiment followed a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications, data were recorded on growth and yield parameters at 30 days after sowing (DAS) and at harvest. Results indicated that treatment T8 (IAA 50 mg/l + GA3 50 mg/l) significantly enhanced growth and yield attributes. Notably, T8 exhibited the highest values for plant height (57.50 cm), number of leaves per plant (47.33), number of branches per plant (7.67), chlorophyll content (55, SPAD value), shortest duration to 80% flowering (27.33) with 80% pod maturity (55.33), number of pods per plant (37.67), pod length (14.99 cm), number of seeds per pod (13.78), weight of 1000 seeds (54.95 g), seed yield (1.68 t/ha), biological yield (3.52 t/ha), and harvest index (47.73%). Conversely, the untreated control (T0) exhibited the lowest performance across all parameters. Therefore, foliar application of IAA and GA3, particularly at 50 mg/l concentration each, demonstrated significant improvements in growth, yield, and related attributes of mungbean. Bangladesh J. Bot. 53(3): 459-464, 2024 (September)

Effects of Vermicompost and Blended NPSB Fertilizer on Major Physicochemical Properties of Soil and Economy of Maize Production at Bako, Central Ethiopia

Integrated vermicompost and blended NPSB inorganic fertilizer are needed to improve the soil's fertility status, which can raise output and revenue. Thus, the purpose of the experiment was to ascertain how major physicochemical properties of the soil at Bako were affected by the application of blended NPSB fertilizer and vermicompost. Factorial combinations of four levels of vermicompost (0, 2, 4 and 6 tons ha<sup>-1</sup>) and four levels of NPSB blended inorganic fertilizer (0, 50, 100 and 150 kg ha<sup>-1</sup>) were laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The interaction of vermicompost and NPSB blended inorganic fertilizer had significant effects on ear diameter, grain yields, and harvest index and cob weight. The maximum grain yield (7503.7 kg ha<sup>-1</sup>) was obtained from application of blended NPSB fertilizer at the rate of 100 kg NPSB ha<sup>-1</sup> and 4 tons ha<sup>-1</sup> vermicompost rate with a net profit of 104850 birr and 6143% MRR with values to cost ratio of 3.47 birr profit per unit investment for midland maize production at Bako. Therefore, it can be said that the application of 100 kg NPSB ha<sup>-1</sup> and 4 t vermicompost ha<sup>-1</sup> was shown to be superior in terms of both grain yield and economic advantage, and it is therefore tentatively advised for use. To come to a definitive decision, the experiment needs to be repeated across a number of years, as this study was only conducted during one season at one site.

Analyzing Sunflower Trait Patterns Using MANOVA, PCA, and Correlation Across Seasons and Locations

Sunflower is an important agricultural crop valued for its high oil yield, versatility in culinary and industrial applications and adaptability to diverse environments. Eight advanced sunflower genotypes were tested in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications at six locations over the 2018 and 2019 seasons. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of environmental and genotypic variations using MANOVA, PCA, and correlation analysis to discover trait patterns and relationships. The MANOVA results revealed highly significant effects of genotype, environment, and their interaction on the 11 dependent variables (p < 0.001). The four principal components account for 74.23% of the total variation, with key traits such as seed yield per hectare, oil yield per hectare, days to maturity, plant height, and grain filling period significantly contributing to the overall variability. Oil yield per hectare and seed yield per hectare exhibited a very strong association (0.974). Days to maturity (DM) and grain filling period (GFP) showed a strong correlation (0.666), suggesting that longer grain filling periods may enhance both maturity and yield. Additionally, plant height (PH) and seed yield per hectare (YELDK) had a moderate correlation (0.491). Breeding programs should target traits with strong correlations to boost sunflower productivity and adaptability. Future research should prioritize selecting genotypes that perform well across diverse environments, focusing on seed yield, oil yield, and traits such as maturity and grain filling period. Additionally, breeding should incorporate disease resistance and optimize days to flowering to develop more robust and productive sunflower varieties.

Optimizing Biochemical and Phytochemical Attributes in Peaches through Foliar Applications of Silicon and Zinc

Peach production faces significant pre-harvest challenges, including low moisture, nutrient deficiencies, flower drop, physical damage, and surface discoloration, which can limit yield and fruit quality. To mitigate these issues, the present study hypothesized that foliar applications of silicon and zinc could enhance peach growth, yield, and quality due to their known roles in improving stress tolerance, nutrient uptake, and antioxidant activity. Therefore, this research aimed to identify optimal concentrations of silicon and zinc for quality peach production. Ten-year-old peach trees of uniform size were sprayed with four levels of silicon (0%, 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.3%) and zinc (0%, 0.25%, 0.50%, and 0.75%) for two consecutive growing seasons, at the berry and pit hardening stages, using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The averaged data from the two years showed that the pre-harvest foliar application of silicon significantly improved all yield and quality attributes of peaches. The foliar application of silicon at 0.3% notably enhanced fruit growth, yield, and biochemical attributes. Additionally, the highest fruit growth, yield, and quality of peach fruits were observed at the 0.75% zinc concentration. Maximum antioxidant activity, flavonoid content, proline content, and catalase activity were observed in fruits from plants treated with 0.3% silicon, which were statistically on par with 0.2% silicon. However, peroxidase activity was highest at 0.2% silicon. Regarding zinc levels, antioxidant activity, flavonoid content, proline content, and peroxidase activity were highest in fruits treated with 0.75% zinc, while catalase activity was superior when fruits were sprayed with 0.50% zinc. The interaction between silicon and zinc concentrations was found to be non-significant for most parameters, except for titratable acidity, TSS–acid ratio, ascorbic acid content, antioxidant activity, flavonoid content, and peroxidase activity. In conclusion, the foliar application of 0.3% silicon and 0.75% zinc independently enhanced all yield and quality characteristics of peaches. For the agro-climatic conditions of Peshawar, 0.2% silicon and 0.50% zinc are recommended for optimal peach production.

Breeding Rice to Increase Anthocyanin Yield Per Area through Small, Black Grain Size and Three Grains per Spikelet

Rice varieties with high anthocyanin content are often recognized for their vibrant colors and health benefits. The demand for rice with high anthocyanin is increasing domestically and internationally due to consumers becoming more health-conscious. However, the current increase in yield might not raise the anthocyanin content due to its location in the grain pericarp and seed coat, which are relative to the grain surface area. This study aims to develop rice lines to increase anthocyanin yield per production area by improving rice varieties with small, black, and three grains per spikelet. Accordingly, six rice recombinant inbred lines (RILs) were bred by crossing Niaw Dam Chaw Mai Pai 49 (NDCMP49) with Khao Nok (LLR059). The grain color, size, and number of grains per spikelet were selected from the F1 to the F4 population through the pedigree selection method. Six RILs and their parents were assigned in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications under field conditions during the rainy season of 2021 and 2022 in four locations. The results showed statistically significant differences in environmental conditions, affecting productivity and the yield components of rice lines. Consequently, the rice lines adapted to a specific environment, and there were significant differences in genotype. This study identified three RILs with higher yield performance (13-1 (3842 kg/ha), 374-1 (3699 kg/ha), and 903-3 (3550 kg/ha)) compared with the parent NDCMP49 (1996 kg/ha). However, the grain yields were unstable in the three top-yielding RILs due to varying environmental conditions, indicating that selective breeding requires a specific, narrow environment. Based on grain yield and grain size, the RILs performed better in the grain surface area than in the parent NDCMP49. Moreover, only two RILs (374-1 and 903-3) produced the highest anthocyanin content and yield, although this was lower than in the parent NDCMP49. However, the 374-1 and 903-3 RILs produced more grains, black grains, and three grains per spikelet with high yield and moderate anthocyanin content. They can, therefore, be backcrossed to the parent NDCMP49 to increase the accumulated anthocyanin content with a stable, high yield. This work provides a resource of small grains, black grains, and three grains per spikelet in the rice breeding line for breeding programs in the future.

Stability analysis of dry matter and seed yield of cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) walp.] genotypes in humid and lowland areas of southwestern Ethiopia

Cowpea is a multi-purpose legume interested in dealing with genotype and genotype-by-environment interaction which has a significant impact on the success of breeding method. Twelve cowpea genotypes were examined across three experimental sites in Southwest Ethiopia through the cropping seasons in 2020 and 2021. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications for each location was applied to complete the trials, and the dry mater and seed yields were recorded and analyzed using AMMI and GGE biplot models. Dry matter yield (DMY) was significantly influenced by genotype (35.51 %), environment (34.25 %), and genotype by environment (G × E) interface (24.82 %), according to the combined analysis of variance. On the other hand, seed yield (SY) was highly influenced by the environment (39.93 %), genotype-environment (G × E) (19.08 %), and genotype (11.88 %). For both dry matter and seed yield, the investigated genotypes were divided into four mega-environments using AMMI and GGE biplot. The initial mega-environment contain E6, the subsequent contain E3 and E5, the third one has E1 and E2, and the final mega-environment hold E4 for dry matter and E3, E4, and E6, E5, as well as E1, and E2 for seed yield. The GGE biplot revealed that the three vertex genotypes for dry matter yield, G6, G7, and G10 whereas, six vertexes for seed yield G2, G6, G8, G7, G11, and G10, scored higher yield in corresponding environment, while the AMMI model showed G4, G6, G9, and G10 were comparably stable and high yielders for DMY and G4, G5, and G9 were for SY, whereas G6 and G7 had the highest SY but were unstable genotypes. Based on the AEC line, genotypes represented by G4, and G9 were relatively stable and high yielders for both DMY and SY. The selected genotypes could be suggested for variety development in the region.

Induction resistance of fig plants to rust by dynamised high dilutions

ABSTRACT The study aimed to investigate the impact of dynamised high dilutions on the pathogenesis of Cerotelium fici with resistance expression in fig plants (Ficus carica L.). The experiment investigating disease severity and incidence was conducted in a complete randomised block design in split plots, and four replications. The treatments were Thuya occidentalis, Belladonna, and nosode of fig rusted leaves, at 30CH (CH Hahnemannian centesimal dilution order), and distilled water as control. The five applications of treatments were performed weekly. Seven assessments were performed weekly. The enzymatic activity experiment was conducted in a randomised complete block design in a double factorial scheme, with six replications. The treatments were Thuya occidentalis 30CH, Belladonna 30CH, and distilled water as control, applied twice weekly. Six harvests were performed: 0 h, 24 h, and 48 h after each of the two applications. The enzymes guaiacol peroxidase, catalase, polyphenoloxidase, and β-1,3 glucanase were analysed. The data were analysed using the R software, and the means were compared using Tukey’s test at 5%. Thuya occidentalis and Belladonna decreased the rust severity and Belladonna reduced the incidence of the disease. Both treatments activated the enzymes polyphenoloxidase, guaiacol peroxidase, and β-1,3-glucanase. The dynamised high dilutions were shown to have the potential to induce resistance in fig plants against Cerotelium fici.

Effect of different organic manures on the growth and yield of Zucchini in Khotang, Nepal

This experiment was conducted from February 2022 to May 2022 in ward no 1 of Diktel Rupakot Majuwagadi Municipality, Khotang district of Nepal to evaluate the efficacy of different organic manures in the growth and yield of zucchini in Khotang. We aimed to identify the most effective organic manure (goat manure, poultry manure, farm yard manure (FYM), vermicompost experiment, and control), and the research was carried out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with five treatments and four replications. The Cheongma variety of zucchini was used as a test crop. The recommended dose of manure (goat manure at 20 t/ha, poultry manure at 15 t/ha, FYM at 20 t/ha, vermicompost at 6 t/ha, and control) was applied to each treatment. There is no significant difference observed between treatments and vegetative parameters but a significant difference was found in yield. Furthermore, results showed that the highest yield was obtained from the field treated with poultry manure (1.84 kg), followed by FYM (1.40 kg) and 1.38 kg on vermicompost, respectively. The minimum yield was recorded at 1.09 kg from control, followed by goat manure (1.29 kg). The study by (Farhan, 2021; Eifediyi, 2010) found that the application of poultry manure and FYM significantly increased fruit yield and our research study also demonstrated the same findings.

Comparative analysis of manures and fertilizer on okra growth, yield and its economics in Baitadi, Nepal

Embracing organic techniques can minimize environmental impacts and promote practices that enhance soil and ecological health. A field experiment to study, “Comparative Analysis of Manures and Fertilizer on Okra Growth, Yield and its Economics in Baitadi, Nepal” was conducted at Gokuleshwor Agriculture and Animal Science College in 2023. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 3 replications and 7 treatments. The variety used in this experiment was ‘Arka Anamika’. The treatments used in the experiment were FYM, Goat manure, Poultry manure, Vermicompost, Sesame cake, RDF, and Control (no fertilizer). The fertilizer provided the necessary nitrogen, while the insufficient phosphorus and potassium were supplemented with single super phosphate and muriate of potash, respectively. Results revealed that the application of different fertilizers significantly affected various vegetative and reproductive parameters such as germination days, plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, number of branches, number of buds, number of open flowers, number of pods, pod’s length, girth of pods, weight of pods and yield. The results obtained were minimum germination days(4.64) for RDF. Maximum plant height(208.43cm), maximum stem diameter(9.4cm), and number of branches(24.27) were obtained by application of poultry manure at 60 DAS. A maximum number of buds, open flowers, and pods were recorded in poultry manure and RDF application at 75 DAS. The maximum length of the pod(12.52cm) in vermicompost and the maximum girth of the pod(1.59cm) in poultry manure were obtained while the maximum wt. of the pod(14.1gm) in sesame cake. The application of poultry manure obtained a maximum yield per hectare(15.51t/ha). Also in the B: C ratio, Poultry manure exhibited higher(2.65) as compared to other treatments. From this study, we can conclude that poultry manure could contribute to the higher yield and overall attributes of okra.

IMPACT OF VARIED AMOUNTS OF NITROGENOUS FERTILIZERS ON GRAIN YIELD AND RELATED AGRO-PHYSIOLOGICAL TRAITS IN SPRING WHEAT (TRITICUM AESTIVUM L.)

The application of nitrogen (N) is a critical factor influencing grain yield and agro-physiological traits in spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). This study aimed to evaluate the impact of varied nitrogen levels on grain yield and associated traits under field conditions. The study was conducted in Chak No. 136 / 6.R Haroonabad, District Bahawalnagar under the supervision of the Institute of Soil Fertility (Field) during the crop year 2022-23. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) was used, with five N treatments (160, 145, 131, 117 and 103 kg ha⁻¹) applied across three replicates. Key parameters, including flag leaf area, thousand-grain weight, spikelets per spike, number of grains per spike, chlorophyll a, stomatal conductance, net photosynthetic rate, biological yield and gain yield, were measured. The results showed a significant increase in flag leaf area, thousand-grain weight, spikelets per spike, number of grains per spike, chlorophyll a, stomatal conductance, net photosynthetic rate, biological yield and gain yield with increasing nitrogen application, with the highest yield observed at 160 kg ha⁻¹. The results unveiled the presence of highly significant variations among nitrogen treatments in wheat variety based on the agro-physiological parameters including flag leaf area, thousand-grain weight, number of spikelets per spike, number of grains per spike, chlorophyll a, stomatal conductance, net photosynthetic rate, biological yield and gain yield. Furthermore, the results also unveiled that treatments with higher nitrogen dosage produce better results for almost all the study parameters including grain yield. The correlation coefficient analysis also confirmed the results and suggested that any wheat breeding program aimed at improving wheat yield must select its parental genotypes based on traits having the highest correlation with yield i.e., flag leaf area, thousand-grain weight, number of grains per spike, chlorophyll a, stomatal conductance and net photosynthetic rate except the number of spikelets per spike and biological yield for which the correlation was positive but non-significant. The results suggest that nitrogen in higher amounts up to a certain level is necessary for obtaining maximum output from wheat crops under semi-arid conditions.