Seed Growth Rate Research Articles

Effective Detoxification of Olive Mill Wastewater Using Multi-Step Surfactant-Based Treatment: Assessment of Environmental and Health Impact.

Olive mill wastewater (OMW) poses a significant environmental challenge and health concern in olive-producing countries, including Jordan. Surfactant micelles are frequently employed as solubilizing agents to enhance the water solubility of chemical compounds. This study aims to leverage the sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) micelles in a multi-step process to detoxify OMW for agricultural and industrial uses and reduce its impact. The OMW was treated in multiple steps: screening, coagulation with different chemicals, and distillation with different surfactants. The treatment steps were monitored using LC-MS, GC-MS, ICP-MS, chemical oxygen demand contents, and total phenolic compounds. The detoxification of OMW was evaluated using standard germination assays, MTT assays using tissue culture, and toxicity assays using fluorescence bacteria. Following the treatment, the seed growth rate improved significantly from 0% to 100%. The GC-MS revealed a substantial decrease in pollutants. The concentration of polyphenols was reduced to 2.5%, while the COD level decreased to 35%. The toxicity in bacteria was significantly reduced in a time-dependent manner, and the toxicity in human cells decreased by 95%. Additionally, between 50% and 95% of metals in OMW were removed. The multi-step SDS-based approach successfully detoxified the OMW and enhanced water quality, which would pave the road for its direct application in industry and agriculture.

Effect of Corona Discharge Plasma Radiation on the Viability of True Shallot Seeds (Allium cepa L. var. aggregatum)

TSS (True Shallot Seed) need to be developed to address the quality and quality of shallot seeds. The seeds, however, still has constraints on its viability and germination. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of corona discharge plasma radiation on the viability of true shallot seeds. The research was conducted in March - April 2023 at the Plasma Laboratory, Faculty of Science and Mathematics, Diponegoro University, and the germination test experiments at the the Agricultural Technology Research and Assessment Installation (IP2TP Ungaran). The experiment was designed completely randomized with 6 treatments of radiation time consisting of P0 (without radiation), P1 (5 min), P2 (10 min), P3 (15 min), P4 (20 min), and P5 (25 min). All treatments were carried out with 5 replications. The collected data were processed using ANOVA and then continued with the DMRT test. The results showed that the corona plasma radiation treatment for 15-25 min affected the parameters of germination, germination rate, seed growth rate, vigor index, seed uniformity, and sprout length. Keywords: Plasm, Radiation, Shallots, TSS.

The effect of different lighting times on survival and growth rate of gurami seeds (Oshpronemus gouramy)

This study aims to determine the effectiveness of different photoperiods on maturity and the effect of different light durations on survival and growth of gourami (Ospronemus gouramy) fry. The study was conducted on August 22th - September 22th in the Green House Samudra University.Test fish used is seed of gouramy measuring 5-6 cm. The methods used in this study was Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 4 treatments and 3 replications. The treatments in this study were P1 (4 hours light, 20 hours dark), P2 (8 hours light, 16 hours dark), P3 (12 jam hours light, 12 hours dark), and P4 (16 hours light, 18 hours dark). Seeds of fish was put in a containing 20 liters of water volume with a stocking density of 10 tails each container. The frequency of feeding is done 4 times a day at 06.00 am, 12.00 am, 18 pm and 24.00 pm. The results showed that different natural feeding teratments had a significant effect on the absolute weight, absolute length growth, daily growth rate, survival, FCR, and water quality. The best treatment in this study was P1 treatment (4 hours light, 20 hours dark) because it had a high value compared to other treatments.Keywords: Gouramy; Growth; Photoperiod; Survival; Weight

Synergistic enhancement of maize crop yield and nutrient assimilation via zinc oxide nanoparticles and phosphorus fertilization.

Low recovery of conventional fertilizers remains a significant bottleneck for maize production globally. In particular, with phosphate fertilization, zinc (Zn) is prone to precipitation in soil, reducing recovery of both phosphorus (P) and Zn by maize. The present study was designed to investigate the synergistic effect of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) and P on maize crop growth, yield, and nutrient uptake under ZnO seed coating and foliar application in a randomized complete block design. However, plants were subjected to two ZnO NPs levels (0.5 and 12 kg ha-1) amended with two P levels (45 and 90 kg ha-1). ZnO NPs, especially in the form of foliar application, with a P dose of 90 Kg ha-1 significantly (P < 0.05) improved maize crop growth, yield, and nutrient uptake compared with control. In comparison with the control group, plants grown in these conditions absorbed higher levels of Zn and P. Zn uptake rose to 16.34 g ha-1, 137.88 g ha-1, and 166.89 g ha-1 in roots, grains, and stover respectively, and P uptake increased to 0.80 mg kg-1, 10.066 mg kg-1, and 12.17 mg kg-1 respectively. Additionally, seed emergence rate, plant height, and cob length increased by up to 2%, 1177 cm2, and 3.3 cm respectively compared with control. Furthermore, Zn use efficiency was increased up to 38.55% in ZnO NPs foliar application. Application of ZnO NPs at 0.5 kg ha-1 in the form of foliar application with 90 kg ha-1 P dose produced a more pronounced increment in the parameters studied than ZnO NPs seed coating did. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

高速作业种肥播深可控的花生播种机的设计与试验研究

Aiming at the traditional peanut planter seed and fertilizer sowing depth inconsistency caused by seed burning and injury, fertilizer waste and low seed emergence rate, the design of a peanut planter with high-speed operation and controllable seed and fertilizer sowing depth was performed. The laser sensor is added to detect the height of the ridge and the furrow opener position feedback, and the speed sensor detects the operating speed of the peanut planter. The mechanical analysis of the four-link rod clarifies the control principle, improves the PID algorithm of the integral term, designs the control strategy based on the operating speed of the planter, controls the electro-hydraulic system, and realizes the sowing and fertilizing depth adjustment of the furrow opener. Through the design of three-factor three-level orthogonal simulation test, it is concluded that the vehicle speed and height deviation value are significant factors affecting the sowing and application depth, and under the verification of the field test, it is obtained that when the sowing depth is 50 mm under the speed of 3 km/h, the dynamic sowing depth qualification rate is 96.26%, and the maximum coefficient of variation of the sowing depth is 2.58%, which improves the effect of the existing control of the sowing depth of the peanut by 6.05%, and reduces the variation of the sowing depth by 2.85%. The research has demonstrated superior performance compared to traditional mechanical adjustment in regulating the planting depth of peanuts, thereby achieving the intended design objective.

Improvement in the quality and productivity of Codonopsis pilosula seedlings by dazomet soil fumigation

Dazomet is a dry powder formulation that releases toxic gas containing methyl isothiocyanate, which controls soil-borne pests and weeds, improving crop yields when applied to moist soils. To explore the efficacy of dazomet fumigation in the cultivation of the perennial herb Codonopsis pilosula, four typical cultivars (G1, G2, W1 and TCK) in Gansu Province were selected for seedling cultivation after soil fumigation (F) by dazomet, and non-fumigated soil was used as a control (CK). The experiments took 2 years to complete. The functional diversity of the soil enzymes and microorganisms, seedling emergence and physiological characteristics, and the quality and yield of Codonopsis seedlings and Radix were assessed. The results showed that the seed emergence rate, seedling re-green rate and several antioxidant enzymatic activities improved in the treatments involving soil fumigation with dazomet, and membrane lipid peroxidation in the seedlings decreased. On average, compared with those of the respective controls, the root viability and yield of the seedlings of the tested cultivars also increased by 34.87% and 42.4%, respectively, and the incidence of root rot in the seedlings was reduced by 83.9%, compared with their respective controls. After harvest, the yield increased by 23.9%, the incidence of root rot decreased by 61.3%, increase in yield and a 61.3% reduction in incidence, and the medicinal materials were determined to be safe and residue-free. The effects of fumigation were cultivar-specific and were especially prominent in G2. Therefore, soil fumigation with dazomet could improve the quality and productivity of Codonopsis pilosula seedlings. Taken together, these findings suggest that when herbs are bred by seedling transplantation, especially cultivars of good quality but poor resistance or species with rare germplasm resources, soil fumigation provides a way to improve cultivation effectiveness and, more importantly, ensures the probability of successfully breeding the species.

Effect of Feeding Black Soldier Fly Larvae (Hermetia illucens Linnaeus, 1758) and Commercial Feed on the Growth Rate of Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio Linnaeus, 1758)

Feed is an important element in supporting the growth and survival of fish. Availability and quality of feed is a factor that determines the success of cultivation. So far, some fish farmers still rely on feed directly from nature, such as small fish and leaves. The price of commercial feed is currently very expensive, so the costs incurred for feed are felt by fish farmers. To reduce feed prices, looking for alternative protein sources that are cheaper and easier to obtain is necessary. Therefore, it must provide other alternatives such as natural feed whose availability does not depend on the season, for example Maggot or black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens) which are alternative feeds because they meet the requirements as a source of protein. The purpose of this study was to determine the comparative effect of feeding maggot (Hermetia illucens) and commercial feed on the growth rate of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) seeds, as well as to find out the best feeding on the growth rate and survival of common carp seeds. This study used a Complete Randomized Design (CRD) with 5 treatments and 4 replications. The frequency of feeding is 2 times a day at 08.00 and 16.00 morning and evening as much as 5% of fish biomass. Weight, length, survival rate and water quality measurements were carried out every 7 days. The results of the study showed that the highest growth in length and weight was found in the P3 treatment with a combination of 25% commercial feed and 75% maggot, namely 9.33 cm and 10.23 grams, and a survival value of 90% -100%.

Research on the development of digital technologies and agriculture

The aim of the work is to study the coordination of the growth rates of the use of digital technologies in agricultural organizations and the efficiency of agricultural production in farms of all categories of the Russian Federation. Based on Rosstat data and our own calculations, the chain growth rates of indicators for 2019-2022 have been studied. With the growing number of organizations by type of activity, agriculture, forestry, hunting, fishing, fish farming in the Russian Federation, their costs for information and communication technologies, and for the purchase of telecommunications equipment are increasing. but they reduce the cost of purchasing software in the face of anti-Russian sanctions, a pandemic and shock effects. The instability of the development of organizations in the information infrastructure is associated with a decrease in the number of personal computers per 100 employees and the number of organizations using broadband Internet access. The coordination of the growth rate of potato, sugar beet, and sunflower seeds yields with the growth rate of organizations’ costs for the purchase of telecommunications equipment has been established. The dynamics of vegetable yields is coordinated with the dynamics of organizations’ expenditures on information and communication technologies.

Influence of Chicken Manuer Compost on Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) Field Production in the South Cameroon Region

The objective of the present field work in southern Cameroon was to test the effect of chicken dung compost on growth parameters and yield of cowpea. Two cowpea varieties (Lori and Komcalle) and four treatments (T= control; C= compost; CF= chemical fertilizer; CCF= mixture of compost and chemical fertilizer) were used in a completely randomized block design with three replications. Seed emergence rate, height, number of leaves, leaf area, crown diameter, number of nodules per plant and grain yield were evaluated. The results show that the Komcalle variety recorded an emergence rate of 94.85% and the Lori variety a washout rate of 91%. At 60 DAS, the chicken droppings compost shows the optimum values on height of (60.6±11.73 and 63.93±9.39 cm), number of nodules (73.63±1.60 and 72.7±1.62 nodules) and number of leaves (76.13±23and 60.41±18 leaves) for Lori and Komcalle variety respectively. The best seed yields were provided by chicken droppings compost (230±3.7 and 243±2 kg/ha) for Lori and Komcalle varieties respectively, compared to synthetic chemical fertilizer which recorded values of 217±4.7 and 214±2 kg/ha for Lori and Komcalle respectively. Based on the results, it appears that chicken dung compost is beneficial for cowpea cultivation due to improved growth and yield in the Southern Cameroon region.

Persilangan Ikan Nila (Oreochromis niloticus) Dari Berbagai Varietas Serta Ikan Mujahir (Oreochromis mossambicus) Untuk Mendapatkan Benih Bersifat Unggul

This research aims to produce seeds from the crossbreeding of nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) of the jabir, nirwana, and sultana strains, as well as Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus). The crosses involved using male jabir nile tilapia with female nirwana nile tilapia and male mozambique tilapia with female sultana nile tilapia. The breeding was conducted in a 1:3 ratio of male to female. The spawning process occurred over a 16-day cycle, followed by a 28-day period of larval rearing. Crossbreeding between jabir and nirwana resulted in a higher spawning rate (17%) compared to the crossbreeding of mozambique and sultana (7%). The specific growth rate of seeds from the jabir and nirwana cross (14%) was not significantly different from the mozambique and sultana cross (13%). The survival rate of seeds from the jabir and nirwana cross (80%) was higher than from the mozambique and sultana cross (70%). Crossbreeding between male jabir nile tilapia and female nirwana nile tilapia exhibited better performance compared to the crossbreeding of male mozambique tilapia and female sultana nile tilapia.

Evaluation of the Potential Seed Dispersal Effectiveness of Malus sieversii (Lebed.) M. Roem. by Cattle

The success of plant reproduction is highly dependent on effective seed dispersal. This study aimed to evaluate the potential seed dispersal effectiveness of cattle for Malus sieversii. The impact of cattle on the dispersal quantity and dispersal quality of M. sieversii seeds was explored based on camera trapping, GPS tracking, and germination trials. The results showed that, on average, cattle visited M. sieversii trees 477.33 times during a two-month observation period. Out of these visits, 315 were specifically for fruit removal. The fruit removal rate per cattle visit was as high as 96.67%. Additionally, cattle were able to disperse M. sieversii seeds up to a maximum distance of 533.67 m, with an average dispersal distance of 134.62 m. The average distance of cattle movement was recorded as 176.95 m/h, with peak activity observed during 11:00–13:00 and 19:00–21:00. The germination rate of M. sieversii seeds that passed through the digestive tract of cattle was significantly higher than that of control seeds. Finally, the emergence rate and survival rate of seeds dispersed by cattle to forest edges and gaps were significantly higher than those dispersed to understory. These findings suggest that cattle can serve as effective long-distance dispersers of M. sieversii seeds and may play a crucial role in the regeneration and expansion of M. sieversii populations in the Ili Botanical Garden.

Effectiveness of viterna supplements in feed to speed growth and minimize feed conversion rate in Batak fish seeds (Neolissochilus thienemanni)

Batak fish (Neolissochilus thienemanni) is a type of fish endemic to North Sumatra which is categorized as endangered by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Natural) (IUCN, 2017). This fish is a type of fish that has quite high economic value but its growth rate is relatively slow. One way to stimulate the growth of this fish is to increase the nutrition of the feed by using viterna supplements. Viterna is a supplement derived from various natural ingredients which is useful for increasing the nutritional content of feed, increasing appetite, increasing endurance, stimulating digestive enzymes and accelerating fish growth. The aim of this research was to determine the effect of adding viterna supplements to feed on the specific growth rate (SGR) and Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) of Batak fish fry. This research was conducted from July to August 2022 at the P2MKP Ampibi Padang Lancat Center, South Tapanuli Regency. Viterna supplements are given with 4 different treatments, namely P0 (Control), P1 (10 ml/kg), P2 (15 ml/kg), P3 (20 ml/kg). Fish were fed ad-satiation with a frequency of 3 times/day. The research was carried out for 50 days with sample data taken every 10 days. The results of the research showed that the highest specific growth rate of Batak fish seeds was in the P3 treatment at 0.65%. The lowest feed conversion yield (FCR) of Batak fish seeds obtained during the research was in the P3 treatment at 2.33.Keywords: Batak Fish, FCR; SGR; Viterna.

Pengaruh Wadah dan Lama Penyimpanan Terhadap Viabilitas dan Vigor Benih Hotong (Setaria italica (L) Beauv)

The aim of this research is that hotong seeds can be preserved for a long time so that they can be stored and used for cultivation in the next planting season. This research was conducted at the Tissue Culture Laboratory and Plant Physiology Laboratory at the Faculty of Agriculture, Pattimura University, Ambon, which took place from February to May 2021. Completely randomized design method, two factors, three replications. The first factor was seeds in open space (A0), seeds in aluminum foil (A1), seeds in glass bottles (A2), seeds in clear plastic (A3), and seeds in white cloth (A4). Another factor is the retention time (B) which consists of three stages, namely: 1 month (B1), 2 months (B2), and 3 months (B3) storage. BNJ test and Anova analysis at 95% confidence level. The treatment to maintain the quality of the hotong seeds was the 3rd month storage aluminum foil (A3B3) which could maintain a moisture content of 9.4%, PTM 80.67%, and the growth rate and vigor of hotong seeds at 81%, and the worst treatment in maintaining the quality of viability and vigor. seeds were calico fabric treated in the 3rd month of storage (A1B3).

Effect of seed size and pod position of clove (Syzigium aromaticum) to seed viability

Cloves are commonly propagated generatively using true seed. One of the factors causing the lack of qualified clove seeds is farmers^ low awareness of using high-quality seeds. Farmers usually do not produce seeds- in particular, they obtain seeds from their trees without exclusively separating trees for making seeds and flowers. The seeds are randomly harvested from all the flowers without considering the pod position and size. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of pod position and size on clove seed viability. The research was conducted at the Glass House of Indonesian Spices and Medicinal Crops Research Institute, Indonesia, from August to December 2018. The study was arranged in a completely randomized design with two factors. The first factor was the seed size: large (≥ 0.9 g) and small (< 0.9 g). The second factor was pod position : (a) the pods exposed to the morning sun, (b) the pods exposed to the afternoon sun, and (c) the pods’ unexposed sun (hidden). The pods originated from selected mother trees from Kayu Aro, West Sumatra. The results showed that seed size ≥ 0.9 g and pods exposed to the morning sun had higher viability, as indicated by the high seed growth rate, vigor, and better plant growth than other treatments.

Seed biopriming using saline soil rhizobacteria from the coast of Kolaka Regency for enhancing seed viability and vigor of tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum L.)

The research was conducted to identify indigenous rhizobacteria that can be useful as growth promoters and adapted to saline soils. The isolate was isolated from saline soil rhizosphere on the coast in Kolaka district. The research was conducted in the Lab of Agronomy, on Agricultural Faculty in Halu Oleo University. The research carry out from April to September 2022. The study arranged in a completely randomized design (CRD) using of 15 test isolates. The test was carried out using a seed biopriming technique, then the seeds were germinated using a standard germination procedure. The results showed that all tested rhizobacterial isolates increase the viability and vigor of tomato seeds. There was an increase in maximum growth potential, seed germination, vigor index, and relative growth rate of seeds in the range of 85% to 89% when compared to control. There were 3 isolates of rhizobacteria which were more capable of reducing T50 and increasing seed germination of tomato seeds, namely KL6, KL10 and KL14 isolates. Further research is still needed to test the effectiveness of this isolate to increase tomato growth and yield under conditions of salinity stress in the field.

Flower bagging affects seed quality and dormancy period in Na-Oogst tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L. var H-382)

Seeds of tobacco plants are unable to germinate immediately after harvest because they have a dormancy period. The seed dormancy period may be shortened by bagging methods to affect the hormone content in the seeds. The bagging flower makes the dark conditions in the process of flowering and seed development, affecting the content of the hormone’s auxin and ABA. This study aimed to determine the effects of different bag colors on the dormancy period of tobacco seeds as evidenced by their vigor and viability. The research was conducted from March to August 2022 at PT. Dwi Light Tobacco Green House, Lombok Wetan, Bondowoso, Indonesia. Four crepe colors of paper were used as bagging treatments (black, red, yellow, blue) and control (without bagging) and replicated four times. The results showed that the bagging treatment significantly affected one hundred-seed weight, seed germination, seed growth rate, and seedling height. Black crepe paper resulted in the highest seed germination percentage (98.5%) and seed growth rate (11.68). &#x0D; Keywords: bag color, seed germination, viability, vigor

Effect of different feed pellet on growth rate and survival levels of tilapia seeds (Oreochromis niloticus)

Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus, Linnaeus, 1758) is a dominant commodity in the Indonesian freshwater fishery industry, and its growth relies on feed. Pellet are feed that is processed through a factory mechanism or human intervention, based on the cultivators’ needs. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the effect of pelleted feed with varying protein content on growth and survival of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fry. This was conducted from April 2022 to June 2022, in Tasiwalie Village, Suppa District, Pinrang Regency. The test animals used were tilapia aged 30 days, and feed include omega-3, Hi-Pro-vite 781, and Prima feed 500 grams each. An experimental method was employed using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three treatment and replications, where treatment A, B, and C were Prima Feed (39 – 41%), Hi-Pro Vite (protein 31 – 33%), and Omega feed (protein 13 – 16%), respectively. Artificial feed was given at a dose of 5%/body weight 3 times a day. Also, water quality management was carried out by measuring temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, and ammonia. The results showed that different feed affected protein retention with the highest average value of 43.23%, the highest average fat retention of 48.56%, absolute weight growth of 1.58 g, absolute length growth of 2.33 cm, daily specific weight growth rate of 3.75%, daily specific length growth rate of 5.56%, and feed utilization efficiency 70.60%. Furthermore, the best growth was obtained in treatment A, involving Prime Feed from 39 – 41%. This study showed that the percentage of protein had a significant effect on growth and survival of tilapia. Therefore, the feed industry is needed to formulate requirements based on tilapia fish, to increase production.Keywords:TilapiaFeedGrowthSurvival

Phytochemical screening and allelopathic potential of phytoextracts of three invasive grass species

Undoubtedly, it is important to remain vigilant and manage invasive grasses to prevent their spread and mitigate their negative impact on the environment. However, these aggressive plants can also play a beneficial role in certain contexts. For example, several invasive grasses provide valuable forage for livestock and have disease control potential. Therefore, a research experiment was conducted to explore the pros and cons of this approach, not only for surrounding vegetation but also for human and animal disease control. The study is primarily focused on developing livestock feed, plant-derived herbicides, and an understanding of the phytotoxic effects of invasive species. All plant parts of Cenchrus ciliaris L., Polypogon monspeliansis L., and Dicanthium annulatum (Forssk.) Stapf, were tested for their phyto-chemical screening, proximate, and toxicity analysis which was caused by the methanolic extract of these grass species. Qualitative phytochemical screening tests were performed for proximate composition analysis and toxicity assessment essays. The phytochemical analysis revealed the positive results for alkaloids, flavonoids, coumarins, phenols, saponins, and glycosides, while negative for tannins. Comparison of proximate analysis intimated maximum moisture (10.8%) and crude fat (4.1%) in P. monspeliensis, whereas maximum dry matter (84.1%), crude protein (13.95%), crude fiber (11%), and ash (7.2%) in D. annulatum. Five (10, 100, 500, 100, 10,000 ppm) and three (10, 1000, 10,000 ppm) different concentrations of methanolic extract prepared from C. ciliaris, P. monspeliansis, and D. annulatum were used respectively for root inhibition and seed germination essay. Furthermore, three different concentrations (10, 30, 50 mg) of plant fine powder were used for sandwich method test. There was a significant decline in the growth rate of experimental model radish seeds (P > 0.005), and results from sandwich method tests showed suppressed growth of root hairs, inhibiting the anchoring of the radish seed. In comparison, results manifest that; P. monspeliansis indicated an upsurge of inhibition (66.58% at 10,000 ppm), D. annulatum revealed soar germination (75.86% in controlled conditions), and C. ciliaris exhibited dramatic shoot up of inhibition because of sandwich method test (14.02% at 50 mg). In conclusion, although grasses are toxic, it is important to consider the beneficiary account.

Synthesis of Graphene Quantum Dots by Liquid Phase Exfoliation Method and its Applications

The synthesized graphene quantum dots (GQDs) by liquid phase exfoliation (LPE) method using sonication were structurally characterized by XRD, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Fast Fourier transform (FFT). The quantum dots were characterized optically by UV–vis spectroscopy, fluorescence microscopy, and photoluminescence spectroscopy. TEM analysis indicated size, shape, and crystalline nature. The optical properties reveal the light blue luminescent nature of GQDs and an energy gap of approximately 3.086 eV, confirmed by the Effective Mass Approximation (EMA) model. The prepared GQDs featuring hydrophobicity may be the amide groups are evenly functionalized with graphene quantum dots which significantly enhances moisture stability. Sustainable agriculture is an important concept to address the increased need for adequate and safe food and the ongoing environmental degradation associated with conventional farming practices. Nanomaterials are being developed in agriculture to improve the growth rate and protect plants. Here we report the studies to increase the growth rate of seeds used in our daily nutrition by treating that with 0.1 mg/ml and 0.2 mg/ml of GQDs for 3 h before planting. The GQDs-treated seeds were observed to increase the growth rate in these plants including leaves, and roots which opens up the possibility of using GQDs as a plant growth regulator that can be used in a variety of other food crops for high yields.

Adapting the CROPGRO model to simulate growth and yield of guar, Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L, an industrial legume crop

Guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.) is a relatively unexplored seed legume crop with a high interest for production of galactomannan (guar gum), which is highly valued for industrial purposes. Until now no crop simulation models exist for guar. This paper describes the adaptation of the CROPGRO module of the Cropping System Model (CSM) to simulate guar growth and yield based on literature knowledge as well as optimization against growth analysis and yield data collected in multiple field experiments conducted in Texas and New Mexico. CSM-CROPGRO is a mechanistic model that simulates daily crop growth and development dependent on daily weather, soil properties, crop management, and genetic parameters. Model adaptation started with CROPGRO-Soybean as the template and involved setting tissue compositions, and especially the cardinal temperature dependencies of processes including the rate of leaf appearance, rate of progress to reproductive events, photosynthesis, pod addition, and seed growth rate, all parameterized in the species file. Adapted cultivar parameters include life cycle phase durations, duration to end of leaf area expansion, pod adding duration, leaf photosynthesis, seed size, seed protein, seed lipid, and individual seed filling duration. Compared to soybean, guar appears more sensitive to cold temperature because the cardinal base temperatures for photosynthesis, rate of leaf appearance, leaf area expansion, and seed growth had to be increased by 2–4 ˚C. The model adaptations highlight the drought tolerance of guar, with slower leaf and root senescence and greater tolerance of N-fixation under drought. The model simulated well the time-series growth of two cultivars under irrigated and rainfed conditions at Chillicothe, TX and gave acceptable simulations of end-of-season biomass, pod, and seed yield of guar in response to different weather, irrigation, soils, and seasons across three sites. This is the first creation of a crop model for guar and will be released in DSSAT.