Randomized Complete Block Design Research Articles

Impact of goat manure application on growth of wild watermelon under shade house cultivation

The continuous use of inorganic fertilizers in agriculture poses detrimental effects on soil health and future crop yields. Therefore, alternative sources of plant nutrients that are environmentally friendly and cost-effective for use in crop production, especially with the escalating cost of inorganic fertilizers, are necessary. A shade-house study was designed to determine the effect of different quantities of goat manure applications on growth attributes and yield of wild watermelon (Citrullus lanatus subsp.). A randomized complete block design (RCBD) was used to arrange the treatments, with fourteen (14) replications (n = 84). Six (6) treatments consisting of various quantities (v/v) of river sand, Hutton soil, and goat manure (T0 -1:3:0, T1 -1:3:1, T2 -1:3:2, T3 -1:3:3, T4 -1:3:4, and T5 -1:3:3) were used, with T0 -1:3:0 constituting the control. Treatments had a highly significant (P ≤ 0.01) effect on dry shoot mass (65%), fruit weight (75%), and fruit diameter (75%) except for the dry root mass (44%), vine length (47%), chlorophyll (47%), number of fruit (27%) and stem diameter (22%) of wild watermelon plants. Dry shoot mass was the highest (11.14 g) in T4 -1:3:4, and the lowest dry shoot mass (6.57 g) was obtained in T1 -1:3:1 when compared to the control. The fruit fresh weight of the wild watermelon was reduced in all the treatments, when compared to the control. The biggest fruit diameter (66.66 mm) was observed in T4 -1:3:4, and the lowest (14.4 mm) was observed in T5 -1:3:5. In conclusion, T4 -1:3:4 enhanced greater vegetative growth (dry shoot matter) and yield attributes (fruit diameter and weight) of the wild watermelon.

Rooting and shooting of Coffea canephora stem cuttings in response to clonal chamber conditions and rooting hormone in Ghana

Mass propagation of Coffea canephora through stem cuttings using various rooting hormones and clonal chambers is an innovative practice to hasten and mass produce planting materials of coffee for commercial production. The study was conducted to determine the rooting and shooting performance of C. canephoracuttings in response to rooting hormone and the clonal chamber using semihardwood stem cuttings. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four treatments and replicated four times. The different treatments were: cuttings treated with hormone + propagated off clonal chambercondition), control (cuttings without hormonal treatment + propagated off clonal chamber condition), cuttings treated with hormone + propagated under clonal chamber condition), and cuttings without hormonal treatment + propagated under clonal chamber condition. Data collection started on the 8 th week after propagation and data were collected on leaf number, root number, root length and mortality of cuttings for a period of ten weeks. The study indicated that, the effect of rooting hormone on the number of roots, root length and cutting mortality was significant (p 0.05) with the exception of the number of newly developed leaves. More so, the clonal chamber had a significant effect on the number of leaves, root number and root length as well as mortality (p 0.05). The cuttings treated with rooting hormone propagated under clonal chamber conditions significantly improved the number of roots, root length, number of leaves with the least mortality. However, cuttings propagated off the clonal chamber conditions had the highest mortality, least root number, least root length and least leaf number. Therefore, it is recommended that the ideal treatment for C. canephora cuttings for mass propagation is to treat cuttings with rooting hormone and propagated under clonal chamber condition.

Performance of Wheat Genotypes under Irrigated Conditions in Far Western Terai of Nepal

Wheat, the most important food crop in terms of food and nutrition security in Nepal, production could not meet the demand of growing population due to limited use of high yielding variety and use of inappropriate variety in the context of increasing heat stress during ripening. For assessing the performance of different wheat genotypes, this study was carried out during November 2022 to April 2023 at Agronomy Farm of Far Western University, Kailali, Nepal. The study was designed in Randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Eleven genotypes with nine Nepal lines and two Bhairhawa lines were evaluated and compared with a popular variety, Vijay for their performance at Tikapur condition. The result revealed the highest grain yield from NL 1506, recording 3.36 t/ha, which was statistically at par with NL 1452, NL 1488 and BL 5116 at 5% level of significance. The popular variety Vijay yielded only 3.02 t/ha which was statistically at par with NL 1638, but was inferior to NL 1450. Statistically poor performance was observed in the genotypes NL 1445 and BL 4984.

Assessing the effects of high-carvacrol oregano oil on rumen microbial fermentation, gas production, and methane production in vitro

The objective of this in vitro study was to assess the effects of high-carvacrol oregano oil (ORE; 50 g/kg oregano oil, 800-802 g/kg carvacrol), on microbial fermentation and CH4 production. In the experiment (a complete randomized block design), treatments included a negative control (CTL, no additive), a positive control (monensin, MON, 10 mg/L), and ORE (20, 40, 80, 120, 200, 160, and 1000 mg/L). Compared with CTL, MON shifted (p < 0.05) volatile fatty acid (VFA) profile from acetate and butyrate to propionate production, thereby reducing (p < 0.05) CH4 production (-26%). Monensin decreased (p < 0.05) NH3 and branched-chain VFA concentrations. Of the doses evaluated, only the highest dose (1000 mg/L) affected ruminal microbial fermentation and CH4 production. At this dose, ORE reduced (p < 0.05) gas production, total VFA, acetate, propionate and NH3 concentrations, and CH4 production (-22%). The reduced gas production and total VFA is an indication of feed digestion inhibition. These results suggest that ORE may decrease CH4 production and improve ruminal N utilization. However, these findings need to be validated in vivo to determine the optimal dose to benefit from the positive effects while avoiding the negative impact of ORE on feed digestion.

Optimizing NPK Fertilization for Enhanced Performance of Chinese Wheat Hybrids under Agro-Climatic Condition of Peshawar Valley

The goal of this study is to identify the optimum NPK fertilization to maximize yield and productivity under local environmental constraints. To address this concern, a field experiment was conducted at Agronomy Research Farm, The University of Agriculture, Peshawar, during the rabi seasons of 2019–2020 and 2020–2021 in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) withthree replications. Treatments consisted of five Chinese wheat hybrids (18A-1, JM-1215, JM-1683, JM-1216, H-1) and one Australian hybrid (WS-1) with two local checks (Wadan-17 and Pirsabak-15) and two NPK levels, i.e., basal dose (120-90-60 NPK kg ha−1) and 25% higher thanbasal dose (150-112-75 NPK kg ha−1). The results of the two years’ experimentation exhibited that wheat hybrid WS-1 produced higher tillers (444 and 423 m−2), leaf area (32.7 and 30.7 cm2), leaf area index (5.0 and 5.4), plant height (105.3 and 103.1 cm), spike length (21.9 and 21.5 cm), spikes (329 and 322 m−2), grains spike−1 (59 and 58), thousand grain weight (62.2 and 62.2 g) and biological yield (9769 and 9906 kg ha−1) as compared to local check varieties. Wheat hybrids WS-1, JM-1683, H-1 and 18A1 produced 31%, 27%, 26% and 26% higher grain yield than local check Pirsabak-15, respectively, while a higher harvest index (61 and 59%) was noted for JM-1683 in both years. Application of NPK at the rate of 150-112-75 kg ha−1 increased emergence (87 m−2), tillers (421 and 407 m−2), leaf area (23 and 20.5 cm2), leaf area index (3.3), plant height (98.2 and 96.9 cm), spike length (15.9 and 16.3 cm), spikes (317 and 314 m−2), grains spike−1 (43), thousand grain weight (56.5 and 56.3 g), biological yield (9057 and 9163 kg ha−1) and grain yield (3702 and 3778 kg ha−1) compared to the lower level of NPK (120-90-60 kg ha−1). It is concluded that Chinese wheat hybrid JM-1683 and Australian hybrid WS-1 responded better to the higher level of NPK (150:112:75 kg ha−1) in terms of grain yield and its components and are therefore recommended for the agro-climatic condition of the Peshawar valley.

Optimizing Lettuce Growth in Nutrient Film Technique Hydroponics: Evaluating the Impact of Elevated Oxygen Concentrations in the Root Zone under LED Illumination

Evaluating different concentrations of oxygen on lettuce physiology, growth, and biochemical assays is pivotal for optimizing the nutrient film technique (NFT), boosting yields, and enhancing resource efficiency in sustainable greenhouse cultivation. Two lettuce varieties Lactuca sativa var. Lolo Bionta (Lugano) and Lolo Rosa (Carmesi), were grown using NFT in a greenhouse for two consecutive years during the months of December and January. A comparative methodology was adopted under a randomized complete block design (RCBD) to study plant growth under three different oxygen concentration levels: natural oxygen concentrations (NOC); elevated oxygen concentrations (EOC); and elevated oxygen concentrations under LED light (380–840 nm) (LED + EOC). The plants were exposed to EOC levels of 8.1–8.7 mg L−1 in December and 8.7–9.0 mg L−1 in January. Under LED + EOC conditions, the levels were 8.2–8.3 mg L−1 in December and 8.8–9.0 mg L−1 in January. The NOC levels were 6.8–7.1 mg L−1 in December and 7.2–7.8 mg L−1 in January for Lugano and Carmesi, respectively. The applied light intensity, measured as photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD), ranged from 463 to 495 µmol m−2 s−1 for the Lugano and from 465 to 490 µmol m−2 s−1 for the Carmesi. The dissolved oxygen concentration and LED light exposure under greenhouse conditions had significant effects (p < 0.05) on the plant growth parameters. The biochemical and physiological attributes, including transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, nitrate, chlorophyll, sugar contents, net photosynthesis, and respiration rates, varied significantly across different oxygen concentrations. Data were analyzed using a two-way ANOVA with post hoc Tukey’s HSD tests for significance (p < 0.05) using IBM SPSS Statistics (version 29.0.2.0). Both EOC and LED + EOC treatments significantly improved growth attributes compared to NOC in Lugano, with increases in plant height (16.04%, 0.85%), fresh mass (110.91%, 29.55%), root length (27.35%, 29.55%), and root mass (77.69%, 34.77%). For Carmesi, similar trends were observed with increases in plant height (5.64%, 13.27%), fresh mass (10.45%, 21.57%), root length (37.14%, 47.33%), and root mass (20.70%, 41.72%) under EOC and LED + EOC. In the intertreatment analysis, the effect of LED + EOC was more pronounced compared to EOC. In view of the intertreatment response, Lolo Bionta (Lugano) appeared to have a high overall horticultural performance (growth and yield in both EOC and LED + EOC compared to Lolo Rosa (Carmesi). The practical significance of these results lies in their potential to inform strategies for optimizing greenhouse environments, particularly through the manipulation of oxygen levels and light exposure. The significant increases in growth metrics, especially under the LED + EOC conditions, suggest that targeted environmental adjustments can lead to substantial improvements in lettuce yield and quality. The findings also contribute to the advancement of sustainable agricultural technologies aiming to enhance food security and sustainability.

Nano-Biochar Suspension Mediated Alterations in Growth, Physio-Biochemical Activities and Nutrient Content in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) at the Vegetative Stage.

Nano-biochar is a source of blackish carbonaceous material, a prerequisite for sustainable crop productivity. By using a variety of feedstock materials, nanobiochar synthesis can be employed via pyrolysis. Therefore, a project was initiated to explore the morpho-physio-biochemical alteration at the vegetative stage of wheat crops after the foliar application of nanobiochar suspension (NBS). This investigation was conducted at the Botanical Research Area of the University of Lahore in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) arrangement, with four treatments (0, 1, 3, and 5% NBS) by maintaining three replications for each treatment using the wheat variety "Zincol". Nano biochar suspension in above mentioned concentrations were foliarly applied at the end of tillering/beginning of leaf sheath elongation of wheat seedlings to assess the morphological changes (root length, shoot length, number of leaves, fresh biomass/plant, dry biomass/plant), physio-biochemical alterations (total free amino acids, total sugars, chlorophyll content, protein, phenols, flavonoids), and nutrient uptake (Na, K, Ca, Mg, N, P contents. Our findings indicate that the foliar application of 3% NBS yielded the most favorable results across all measured attributes. Furthermore, Treatment-4 (5% NBS) specifically improved certain traits, including leaf area, total soluble proteins, and leaf calcium content. Finally, all NBS resulted in a decrease in carotenoid and sodium content in wheat seedlings.

Effects of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on Soil Properties of Lowland Rice on Vertisols of Fogera District, Northwestern Ethiopia

Declining land productivity due to low soil fertility status as a result of continuous cultivation, inadequate use of organic and inorganic fertilizers is a major cause for decline crop productivity. Hence, a field experiment was conducted at Fogera National Rice Research and Training Center (FNRRTC) during the 2021 cropping season to determine the effects of integrated use of farmyard manure (FYM) and nitrogen fertilizer on soil properties and yield of lowland rice on the vertisols of Fogera district. The treatments were factorial combination of three levels of FYM (0, 5, and 7.5 t ha<sup>-1</sup>) and four levels of Nitrogen (0, 46, 92, and 184 kg ha<sup>-1</sup>). The experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Representative soil samples were collected at a depth of 0-20 cm before treatment application and after crop harvest, and analyzed following the standard laboratory procedures. All collected soil data were analyzed by using SAS software (version 9.4). After crop harvest the results showed that soil pH, OC, TN, CEC, Exc. K, Ca, Mg and Av.P were significantly (p<0.01) affected by the main effects of FYM. The combined applications of FYM and N fertilizer also significantly (p<0.01) affected CEC, OC and Exc.Mg. The highest soil CEC, OC and Exc.Mg were recorded from the combine effects of 7.5 t/kg with 92 kg/ha. From the results of this experiment, it could be concluded that combined application of FYM and inorganic N fertilizers improved the chemical and physical properties, which may lead to enhanced and sustainable production of rice in the study area.

Micropropagation of three ginger cultivars and the subsequent growth and rhizome yield assessment and phytochemical composition analysis

Farmers have turned to biotechnology techniques to produce ginger, due to disease issues. Micropropagation is a proven and effective means for mass production of disease-free plants. Our research focused on ginger cultivar specific reactions (from culture initiation to rhizome harvest) to plant growth regulators (PGRs) to determine if plant response to PGRs is cultivar specific. Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) cultivars studied were: Chinese White (CW), Hawaii Yellow (HY), and Khing Yai (KY) under benzylaminopurine (BA) versus kinetin (KT) treatments using MS basal medium to micropropagate ginger seedlings and subsequent growth and yield performance and phytochemical composition analysis. In vitro culture data were collected every month for number of buds and shoots (and shoot length) produced per initiating bud and shoot growth. Mature seedlings were subsequently transplanted in a greenhouse with a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 4 replications, 18 plants per replication (Main Plot = Cultivar, Sub Plot = PGR) for a total of 72 pots/plants. Growth data included number of stems per seedling, stem length, and stem diameter. Rhizome yield data included number of pieces of rhizome per seedling, and rhizome weights (biological, edible, and total rhizome weights respectively). Phytochemical composition analysis of ginger rhizome/PGR treatment included average amount of 6-gingerol, 8-gingerol, 10-gingerol, 6-shogoal, 8-shogoal, and 10-shogoal. Data was analyzed using SAS OnDemand for Academics with PROC GLM at α=0.05 level of significance. As ginger tissue culture seedlings progressed in culture, KT was more suitable for multiplication of buds, BA more suitable for proliferation of shoots, and KT matured ginger tissue culture seedlings at a higher rate than BA. CW had the highest rhizome yield and least amount of biological roots in comparison to other cultivars. CW produced the least amount of 8-gingerol, 10-gingerol, 8-shogoal and 10-shogoal of all three cultivars and with no significant change between two PGR treatments. In comparison, HY produced the highest amount of 6-gingerol, 8-gingerol, 10-gingerol, 6-shogoal, and 8-shogoal, followed by KY and CW, when micropropagated with BA. KY produced the highest amount of 10-shogoal when micropropagated with BA and the highest amount of 6-gingerol, 6-shogoal, 8-shogoal, and 10-shogoal when micropropagated with KT.

Adaptation Test and Genetic Parameters Estimation of Chili (Capsicum spp.) by Automation Drip Irrigation System in UG Technopark, Cianjur

Bean stew efficiency in 2019-2021 is vacillated because of the utilization of improper assortments and ecological variable. This study plans to decide assortments that have ideal development and creation at UG Technopark and to decide the hereditary variety between bean stew assortments. This study used a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three blocks and one factor made up of eight chili varieties. The information examination utilized in this review was investigation of varians (ANOVA) at 5 and 1% level and the post hoc test utilized Duncan's Various Reach Test at 5%. Noticed information additionally were broke down utilizing coefficient of hereditary difference, coefficient of phenotypic change and heritability examination. The results showed that the Bonita variety has the highest plant height, dichotomous height, and the largest stem diameter. Bishop's crown variation had the biggest character of crown width, length and width of leaves meanwhile Ayesha variety had the fastest flowering time. On the fruit characters, Bishop’s crown variety had the highest fruit weight per plant and fruit diameter. Reisa varieties had the highest fruit weight. Each character had a wide range of genetic coefficients of variation with values ranging from 16.50 to 77.96%, high phenotypic coefficents of variation with values ranging from 13.93 to 86.38% and high broad meaning heritability values ranging from 0.43 to 1.00.

Influence of Plant Spacing and Bio-fertilizers on Yield and Yield Attributing Characters of Rain-fed Soybean at Damazin in Blue Nile State, Sudan

This study had the objective of evaluating the effect of biofertilizers on the performance of soybean plants under different planting spacing. It was conducted during the summer seasons of 2018 and 2019at one site at Demonstration Farm of Damazin Agricultural Research Station, Sudan. The different plant spacing designated as D1, D2, and D3 (5, 10, and 15 cm between plants) under three types of bio-fertilizers as Rhizobacteria (B1), Azotobacter (B2), Bacillus (B3) and control (B0). The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block design (RCBD) with three replications as split-plots trail. The result revealed that the improvement due to the application of fertilizers with wider, spacing D3 stimulated plant growth and caused an increase in dry matter accumulation and high leaf area and gave the higher number of pods and seeds/pod, particularly at inoculation with B1 and B2 bacteria. While sowing seeds inoculated with B1or B2 under closer spacing resulted in higher seed yield per unit area. To achieve optimum results in soybean variety Sudan 1, the crop may be sown in plant spacing of 10cm with inoculation seeds with B1or B2 to achieve a high plant population per unit area to obtain higher seed yield.

EFFECT OF PACLOBUTRAZOL AND ABSCISIC ACID APPLICATION ON MORPHO-PHYSIOLOGICAL GROWTH AND PRODUCTIVITY OF CANOLA (Brassica napus L.)

Canola (Brassica napus L.) is an important non-conventional oilseed crop that can be grown in diverse soil and climatic conditions. However, seed shattering after maturity is a major problem in canola production as it can cause up to 50% yield loss if harvesting is delayed due to adverse conditions. Different agronomic and physiological interventions can be opted to enhance yield stability and shattering resistance in canola. A field study was conducted to analyze the effect of paclobutrazol and abscisic acid on growth and yield attributes of canola. Two canola cultivars Hybrid (45S42) and Inbred Sandal Canola were sown and paclobutrazol and abscisic acid were applied with the dose of 50 mg L-1 and 0.5 mM respectively, alone or in combination. The experiment was laid out under Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with factorial arrangement having three replications. The results showed that exogenous application of paclobutrazol and abscisic acid alone or in combination posed significant effects on both canola cultivars. The plant height decreased significantly, however, leaf area index, seed weight, number of seeds per silique and number of branches per plant were increased compared with control. Moreover, the combination of paclobutrazol and abscisic acid recorded a higher increase in leaf area index, dry matter accumulation plant yield and number of seeds per pod. The effects of the combined application of paclobutrazol and abscisic acid recorded higher effects compared with their individual application. Between cultivars, the Hybrid cultivar (45S42) recorded better yield as compared to the Inbred Sandal Canola. These results thereby suggest that Hybrid (45S42) cultivar under combined application of paclobutrazol and abscisic acid can be a suitable option for gaining high yield and productivity.

Evaluating the effect of plantlet age and Trichoderma spp. application on acclimatization of Boehmeria nivea L. Gaud

One of the crucial stages in the ramie plant (Boehmeria nivea L. Gaud) tissue culture is the acclimatization phase, which transitions between the in vitro and ex-vitro environments. Determining the appropriate age of plantlets and providing nutrients in the substrate play significant roles in the success of acclimatization. This research is conducted to determine the most suitable age of plantlets for acclimatization and assess the impact of providing nutrients through Trichoderma spp. application on the growth of ramie seedlings during the acclimatization phase. The experiment was conducted between January and March 2023 at the Screenhouse Bale Tatanen, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jatinangor, Sumedang. The experimental design used was a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with two factors: plantlet age with three levels (4, 8, and 12 weeks old) and Trichoderma spp. fertilizer application with two levels (without and with Trichoderma) with 4 replications. The results showed that the 4-week-old plantlets exhibited the best height, root number, root length, and leaf number growth. Additionally, the application of Trichoderma spp. increased the stem diameter of the ramie seedlings during the acclimatization phase.

Quality and resistance optimization of banana (Musa acuminata L.) vegetative seeds through the addition of indole butyric acid with biological agents induction against fusarium wilt disease intensity

Banana plants are a vital agricultural commodity in Indonesia, but Fusarium wilt disease (Fusarium oxysporum) significantly hampers production. This research aims to improve the quality and resilience of vegetative banana seedlings by selecting superior seedlings and vegetative propagation techniques such as budding, shoot cutting, and tissue culture management. The research used a randomized complete block design (RCBD) factorial with a combination of two factors, namely the addition of IBA and biological agents, with nine treatment combinations and three replications. IBA treatment significantly affected the initial emergence of shoots and leaf area, with the best result from treatment Z2 (IBA concentration of 1.5 g/l). The biological agent factor treatment significantly affected plant height, lower stem diameter, number of leaves, and hypothetical vigor index, with the best value shown by treatment B1. The use of IBA and biological agents can optimize the quality and resilience of vegetative banana seedlings, aiding farmers in enhancing the productivity and quality of agricultural products sustainably.

Effects of Seed Proportion on Forage Yield of Greenleaf Desmodium (<i>Desmodium intortum)</i> and Guinea Grass (<i>Panicum maximum)</i> Mixture at Adami Tulu Agricultural Research Center

Establishing of grass-legume pastures is one of the recognized strategies for enhancing both quantity and quality of feed resources. Therefore, determining the impact of seed proportion on the nutritional qualities and forage yield of combinations of guinea grass and green leaf desmodium is the goal of this study. A Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications was used to arrange five seed proportions of desmodium and guinea grass. Analysis of variance revealed that variations in treatments have significant differences (p<0.05) on panicum heights, desmodium tillers, and Desmodium height. In addition, the effects of years showed significant (p<0.05) effects on panicum tiller, desmodium height, and percentage of coverages. Interaction of treatments with years showed a significant effect on tiller per plant and plant heights while the other parameters weren’t influenced. The combined mean of dry matter and percentage of coverage have showed significant differences (p<0.05) between the treatments. This result reveals that the seed proportion have effect on the dry matter and percentage of plant coverages. The aggressivity index also has significant mean differences (P<0.05) between the treatments. Legumes with the lowest proportion (25%) performed less competently than those with the highest proportions (75%) and 50% D. intortum. The crowding coefficient of P. maximum and D. intortum mixed forage showed significance differences (P<0.05). However, the value of seed proportion on crowding coefficient of panicum maximum and desmodium intortium were more than one. The LER has significant differences (P<0.05) due to ratio of P.maximum and D.intortium mixture and its value at T2, T3, and T4 showed as to be (LER>1) that revealed the yield advantages. Cobined mean results showed that there is significance difference (P<0.05) of CP, Ash, ADF, NDF and ADL due to different seed proportion mixture. In addition the CP of panicum incurred from 8.24% to 18.55% by mixing different seed proportion of D.intortium. An integration of legume forage with grasses improves the feed quality and quantity. Thus, based on the dry matter, yield advantage and nutritive values the integration of 75% and 50% desmodium is recommended for use in the study areas and similar agro-ecologies.

Soil Fertility Dynamics and Identify the Most Limiting Nutrients Affecting Walnut Productivity in Nepal

This study aimed to assess the soil nutrient status in walnut orchards of different ages in Jajarkot district, Nepal, to understand soil fertility dynamics and identify the most limiting nutrients affecting walnut productivity. The research employed a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three treatments representing different age groups of walnut orchards (1-5 years, 6-10 years, and 11-15 years), each replicated seven times across various municipalities. The study was conducted in Jajarkot district, Karnali Province, Nepal, encompassing municipalities including Nalgad, Junichadey, and Barekot, from March to April 2023. Soil samples were collected from multiple depths (1, 2, and 3 feet) in each orchard and analyzed for pH, soil organic matter (SOM), total nitrogen, available phosphorus, and available potassium. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and correlation analyses to explore relationships between soil parameters and orchard age. The study showed that significant variations were observed among different age groups of walnut orchards for soil pH, SOM, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels. Soil pH decreased with orchard age, while SOM, nitrogen, and phosphorus tended to increase with orchard age. Phosphorus was identified as the most limiting nutrient across all sampled soils, followed by nitrogen and potassium. Moreover, strong correlations were found between orchard age and soil N (r = 0.894, p < 0.01) and P (r = 0.776, p < 0.01), underscoring age-dependent nutrient dynamics. The study highlights the critical role of orchard age in shaping soil nutrient dynamics in walnut orchards. Older orchards exhibited higher levels of SOM, nitrogen, and phosphorus, indicating the accumulation of organic matter and nutrients over time. Phosphorus emerged as the primary limiting nutrient, essential for root growth, flowering, and fruiting in walnut trees. These findings underscore the importance of targeted fertilization strategies to optimize soil fertility and sustain long-term walnut productivity in the region.

Effect of foliar application of plant growth regulators on incidence of insect-pests and diseases in autumn planted seed potato (Solanum tuberosum)

A field experiment was conducted during 2019–20 and 2020–21 at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab to study the effect of foliar application of plant growth regulators on insect-pest and disease incidence in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) under subtropical conditions. A total of 11 treatments including control were tested in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications on the potato cv. Kufri Pukhraj. The results indicated that plant growth regulators, like GA3, IBA, NAA, ethrel, jeevamrit and waste decomposer were not producing any significant effect on the incidence of aphid, jassid and whitefly population in comparison to untreated control. However, diseases such as scab and scurf did not reveal any significant differences among the plant growth regulator’s treatments except in late blight. Foliar application of gibberellic acid (200 ppm) at 45 and 60 days after sowing (DAS) significantly reduced the late blight incidence and severity in seed potato cv. Kufri Pukhraj.

Evaluation of Physiological and biochemical traits of selected soybean line in Makurdi

Twelve genotypes of soybean were selected for physiological and seed biochemical evaluations at Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi. These seeds were collected from NCRI Badegi; Niger State- Nigeria. Ten of these genotypes S1075-6-93, S1179-6-58, S1239-6-135, S1240-6-288, S1252-6-277, S1252-6-156, S1268-6-15, S1273-6-65, S1365-6L-20 and SC SENTINEL is newly introduced to Makurdi while SC SIGNA and SLO1 used as checks have been released. The seed crop field was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications in 4-rows of 5m long. Seed samples were collected and subjected to seed quality tests at the Department of Plant Breeding and Seed Science Laboratory of the University. Data were collected on germination count which was expressed as germination percentage and its (germination rate and germination rate index) were consequentially obtained. These seeds were also subjected to proximate analysis and percentage protein, fat, ash, moisture content and crude fibre were determined using soxhlet method. The result showed that significant differences existed for germination rate index (GRI) and germination index (GI) while other seedling traits were not different in magnitude from each other. Protein was highest in three varieties (S1075-6-93, S1239-6-135 and S1252-6-156) with 40.25%, respectively and significantly different from others and the checks. SC SENTINEL had the least protein content (37.19) and highest oil content (20.82). Meanwhile, genotype S1239-6-135 had the least oil content (18.83). Compositionally, an inverse relationship existed between protein oil in genotypes studied. Biochemical composition has more effect on seed quality of these soybean genotypes than physiological traits. Genotypes (S1075-6-93, S1239-6-135 and S1252-6-156) had higher protein content than the checks. Also, Sc SENTINEL, S1365-6L-20, S1273-6-65, S1268-6-15 and S1240-6-288 had higher oil content than the checks. Soybean oil producers could use SC SENTINEL for their productions and (S1075-6-93, S1239-6-135 and S1252-6-156) could be used for protein-based products.

Replacing Inorganic Source of Zinc with Zinc Hydroxy Chloride: Effects on Health Status, Hemato-biochemical Attributes, Antioxidant Status, and Immune Responses in Pre-ruminant Crossbred Calves.

The current research aimed to assess the feasibility of using Zn hydroxy chloride (ZnOHCl) as an alternative to ZnSO4 in pre-ruminant crossbred calves. Twenty-four male crossbred calves (Tharparkar × Holstein Friesian) were categorized into four groups according to body weight and age (body weight 31kg; age 10days). Experimental calves were kept on a similar feeding regimen except that different groups were supplemented with either 0mg Zn/kg DMI (Zn-0), 80mg Zn/kg DMI as ZnSO4 (ZnS-80), 40mg Zn/kg DMI as ZnOHCl (ZnH-40), or 80mg Zn/kg DMI as ZnOHCl (ZnH-80). All the calves were fed for 90days as per ICAR (2013) feeding standard to fulfill their nutrient requirements for growth rate of500g/day. The study observed the influence of different sources and varying levels of Zn supplementation over a 90-day experimental period on health status, hemato-biochemical attributes, antioxidant status, immune responses, and plasma minerals and erythrocyte Zn concentrations. The data was examined using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with fixed effects of treatment, period, and their interaction. The results indicated that irrespective of the sources and levels of Zn, supplementation did not lead to significant changes in health status as assessed by fecal score, nasal score, ear score, and eye score. Hematological parameters remained unchanged following supplementation with different sources and levels of Zn. Zn-supplemented groups showed higher levels of total protein, globulin, and alkaline phosphates (ALP) compared to the non-supplemented group. However, no significant variations were detected within the Zn-supplemented groups. Zinc supplementation significantly increased total antioxidant capacity (TAC), antioxidant enzyme activity, total immunoglobulin (Ig), immunoglobulin G (IgG), cell-mediated immunity (CMI), and humoral immunity (HI); however, no significant variations were detected among Zn-supplemented groups. Zn supplementation enhanced plasma and RBC Zn concentration without affecting the plasma concentration of other minerals. However, among the Zn-supplemented groups, 80mg Zn/kg DMI as ZnOHCl resulted in the highest RBC Zn concentration. The study results demonstrate that Zn supplementation enhanced biomarkers of zinc status, antioxidant levels, and immune responses in pre-ruminant crossbred calves. Nevertheless, no significant variations were observed between the different Zn sources (ZnSO4 and ZnOHCl) utilized in this study. Research suggests that ZnOHCl could be a feasible alternative to ZnSO4 in the diet of pre-ruminant crossbred calves.

Multistoried woodlot based agroforestry system for improved resource utilization and incomes for farmer

Diversification of cropping pattern coupled with the development of suitable technology packages is crucial to meet the ever-increasing demand for diversified products and sustained farmers’ incomes. We evaluated different woodlot-based multistoried agroforestry systems for their effectiveness to mitigate the devastating effects of climate change by offering multifaceted benefits. Specifically, the present study aimed to assess the yield and probability of woodlot based multistoried agroforestry system with two vegetables, i.e., potato and brinjal during the period of 2019–2020. The vegetables were planted on the floor of the orchard where pineapple were planted in the same row with the trees. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The results revealed that the upper-storied woody plants and sole vegetables received 100 % Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) but incident light gradually decreased for brinjal and potato, which were grown at the floor of woody trees. The vegetables experienced 55.85(T3), 60.70(T2), 66.38(T1), and 100 (T4) % PAR under different tree crop combinations respectively. In both cases the highest BCR (3.75) and (3.09) was obtained in the ghoraneem + pineapple based multistoried agroforestry system for potato and brinjal production, respectively, which may considered as the best technique for higher production, crop diversification, and maximization of land use efficiency.