Seed Weight Plant Research Articles

Performance of Zero Tillage Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) under Different Irrigation Schedules and Nutrient Levels in Northern Telangana Zone (NTZ)

An experiment was carried out at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Polasa, Jagtial in Northern Telangana Zone during rabi (winter season), 2023-2024 where the performance of zero tillage safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) was tested under different irrigation schedules and nutrient levels. The experiment was executed using a factorial randomized block design with 15 treatment combinations, with three replications. The treatments consisted of two factors i.e., factor-1 included irrigation schedules-; I1: Irrigation at rosette and flower initiation stages, I2: Irrigation at rosette and seed development stages, I3: Irrigation at branching and flower initiation stages, I4: Irrigation at branching and seed development stages and I5: No irrigation (residual moisture) and factor-2 included nutrient levels, S1: 75% Recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), S2: 100% RDF and S3: 125% RDF. The results revealed that irrigation at branching and seed development stages(I4) reported significantly highest seed (1199 kg ha-1), stalk yield (4724 kg ha-1) and yield attributing traits viz.; number of heads plant-1(22.5), number of seeds head-1(23.4), seed weight plant-1(19.8 g), 100-seed weight (7 g), whereas the lowest yield were observed with no irrigation (residual moisture) (I5) treatment. Among different nutrient levels, application of 125% RDF (S3) resulted in the highest seed (1105 kg ha-1) and stalk yield (4429 kg ha-1) and yield attributing traits viz.; number of heads plant-1(21.4), number of seeds head-1(22.6), seed weight plant-1(19.5 g), 100-seed weight (6.7 g) over 75% RDF (S1). Among different treatments, irrigation at the branching and seed development stages combined with the application of 125% RDF gave the best results.

Ozone-induced oxidative stress alleviation by biogenic silver nanoparticles and ethylenediurea in mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) under high ambient ozone.

Ground-level ozone (O3) is the most phytotoxic secondary air pollutant in the atmosphere, severely affecting crop yields worldwide. The role of nanoparticles (NP) in the alleviation of ozone-induced yield losses in crops is not known. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated the effects of biogenicB-AgNPs on the mitigation of ozone-induced phytotoxicity in mung bean and compared its results with ethylenediurea (EDU) for the first time. Two mung bean cultivars (Vigna radiata L., Cv. SML-668 and PDM-139) were foliar sprayed with weekly applications of B-AgNPs (0 = control, 10 and 25ppm) and EDU (0 = control, 200 and 300ppm) until maturation phase. Morphological, physiological, enzymatic, and non-enzymatic antioxidant data were collected 30 and 60days after germination (DAG). The mean O3 and AOT40 values (8hday-1) during the cultivation period were approximately 52ppb and 4.4ppm.h, respectively. More biomass was accumulated at the vegetative phase due to the impact of B-AgNPs and EDU, and more photosynthates were transported to the reproductive phase, increasing yield. We observed that the 10ppm B-AgNPs treatment had a more noticeable impact on yield parameters and lower Ag accumulation in seeds for both cultivars. Specifically, SML-668 cultivar treated with 10ppm B-AgNPs (SN1) showed greater increases in seed weight plant-1 (124.97%), hundred seed weight (33.45%), and harvest index (37.53%) in comparison to control. Our findings suggest that B-AgNPs can enhance growth, biomass, yield, and seed quality, and can improve mung bean ozone tolerance. Therefore, B-AgNPs may be a promising protectant for mung bean.

Investigating the influence of elevated temperature on nutritional and yield characteristics of mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) genotypes during seed filling in a controlled environment.

Rising temperatures impact different developmental stages of summer crops like mung bean, particularly during the crucial seed-filling stage. This study focused on two mung bean genotypes, categorized as heat-tolerant [HT] or heat-sensitive [HS]. These genotypes were grown in pots in an outdoor natural environment (average day/night temperature 36°C/24.3°C) until the onset of podding (40 days after sowing) and subsequently relocated to controlled-environment walk-in growth chambers for exposure to heat stress (42°C/30°C) or control conditions (35°C/25°C) until maturity. For all measured attributes, heat stress had a more pronounced effect on the HS genotype than on the HT genotype. Heat-stressed plants exhibited severe leaf damage, including membrane damage, reduced chlorophyll content, diminished chlorophyll fluorescence, and decreased leaf water content. Heat stress impeded the seed-filling rate and duration, decreasing starch, protein, fat, and mineral contents, with a notable decline in storage proteins. Heat stress disrupted the activities of several seed enzymes, inhibiting starch and sucrose accumulation and consequently decreasing individual seed weights and seed weight plant-1. This study revealed that heat stress during seed filling severely impaired mung bean seed yield and nutritional quality due to its impact on various stress-related traits in leaves and enzyme activities in seeds. Moreover, this research identified potential mechanisms related to heat tolerance in genotypes with contrasting heat sensitivity.

Understanding the effect of heat stress during seed filling on nutritional composition and seed yield in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Increasing temperature affects all food crops, thereby reducing their yield potential. Chickpea is a cool-season food legume vital for its nutritive value, but it is sensitive to high temperatures (> 32/20 °C maximum/minimum) during its reproductive and seed-filling stages. This study evaluated the effects of heat stress on yield and qualitative traits of chickpea seeds in a controlled environment. Chickpea genotypes differing in heat sensitivity [two heat-tolerant (HT) and two heat-sensitive (HS)] were raised in pots, initially in an outdoor environment (average 23.5/9.9 °C maximum/minimum), until the beginning of pod set (107–110 days after sowing). At this stage, the plants were moved to a controlled environment in the growth chamber to impose heat stress (32/20 °C) at the seed-filling stage, while maintaining a set of control plants at 25/15 °C. The leaves of heat-stressed plants of the HT and HS genotypes showed considerable membrane damage, altered stomatal conductance, and reduced leaf water content, chlorophyll content, chlorophyll fluorescence, and photosynthetic ability (RuBisCo, sucrose phosphate synthase, and sucrose activities) relative to their corresponding controls. Seed filling duration and seed rate drastically decreased in heat-stressed plants of the HT and HS genotypes, severely reducing seed weight plant–1 and single seed weight, especially in the HS genotypes. Yield-related traits, such as pod number, seed number, and harvest index, noticeably decreased in heat-stressed plants and more so in the HS genotypes. Seed components, such as starch, proteins, fats, minerals (Ca, P, and Fe), and storage proteins (albumin, globulins, glutelin, and prolamins), drastically declined, resulting in poor-quality seeds, particularly in the HS genotypes. These findings revealed that heat stress significantly reduced leaf sucrose production, affecting the accumulation of various seed constituents, and leading to poor nutritional quality. The HT genotypes were less affected than the HS genotypes because of the greater stability of their leaf water status and photosynthetic ability, contributing to better yield and seed quality traits in a heat-stressed environment.

Effect of Inorganic Fertilizer and Organic Foliar Spray on Growth, Yield Attributes and Yield of Linseed

Aims: To evaluate the effect of fertilizer and organic foliar spray on growth, yield attributes and yield of linseed.
 Study Design: The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with four replications.
 Place and Duration of Study: A field experiment was carried out at College Farm, N. M. College of Agriculture, Navsari during rabi season of 2019-20.
 Methodology: The study comprised of nine different treatments viz., T1(50% RDF),T2 (50% RDF + Foliar spray of 1% vermiwash at 30 and 60 DAS), T3 (50% RDF + Foliar spray of 1% banana pseudostem sap at 30 and 60 DAS), T4(75% RDF), T5 (75% RDF + Foliar spray of 1% vermiwash at 30 and 60 DAS), T6 (75% RDF + Foliar spray of 1% banana pseudostem sap at 30 and 60 DAS), T7(100% RDF),T8 (100% RDF + Foliar spray of 1% vermiwash at 30 and 60 DAS) and T9(100% RDF + Foliar spray of 1% banana pseudostem sap at 30 and 60 DAS).
 Results: From the results, it was observed that an application of 100% RDF + Foliar spray of 1% banana pseudostem sap at 30 and 60 DAS (T9) resulted in significantly higher values of plant height (63.37 cm at 90 DAS), number of branches plant-1 (6.94 at 90 DAS), number of capsules plant-1 (51.85), number of seeds capsules-1 (8.95) and seed weight plant-1 (1.89). Significantly higher seed yield (1157 kg ha-1) and stover yield (2051 kg ha-1) of linseed were observed with the application of 100% RDF + Foliar spray of 1% banana pseudostem sap at 30 and 60 DAS (T9).
 Conclusion: It can be concluded that, application of 100% RDF (60-30-00 N- P2O5-K2O kg ha-1) + Foliar spray of 1% banana pseudostem sap or vermiwash at 30 and 60 DAS was found to be the most viable option for getting higher growth and yield in linseed.

Evaluation of Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) Cultivars under Different Sowing Dates on Yield and Yield Attributes in Non Traditional Area of Northern Telangana Zone (NTZ)

The field experiment entitled “Evaluation of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) cultivars under different sowing dates on yield and yield attributes in non traditional area of Northern Telangana Zone (NTZ)”, an experiment was conducted at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Polasa, Jagtial during Rabi, 2022. The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design with ten treatment combinations by replicating thrice. The treatments includes two factors i.e., factor - 1 having two genotypes G1: ISF-764, G2: TSF-1 and factor -2 having five sowing dates D1: 15th October, D2: 30th October, D3: 15th November, D4: 30th November, D5 : 15th December. Among the genotypes of safflower, TSF-1 recorded higher seed yield (1243 kg ha-1) and yield attributing characters viz.; number of heads plant-1 (26.34), number of seeds head-1 (32.34), seed weight plant-1 (42.01 g), seed index (3.71 g), Stover yield (5386 kg ha-1) and biological yield (6629 kg ha-1) over ISF-764. The result showed that among the different sowings of safflower 30th October sowing was recorded significantly higher Yield and Yield attributing characters viz.; number of heads plant-1 (31.24), number of seeds head-1 (35.16), seed weight plant-1 (47.84 g), seed index (3.77 g), seed yield (1412 kg ha-1), Stover yield (6415 kg ha-1) and biological yield (7827 kg ha-1) as compared to 15th November and 30th November, 15th December sowing date respectively and it is on par with safflower crop sown on 15th October. From the study it can be concluded that the genotype TSF-1 sown on 15th and 30th October performed best among all other treatment combinations.

Performance of garden pea (Pisum sativum L.) genotypes for growth and yield characters at Dailekh, Karnali Province, Nepal


 
 
 
 Fourteen garden pea genotypes (13 improved genotypes and 1 was standard released variety) were evaluated for their morpho-agronomic characters, powdery mildew (PM) disease resistant, and yield performance. The genotypes were evaluated in randomized complete block design with three replications at Horticulture Research Station (HRS), Dailekh in 2018 and 2019. The results revealed that genotypes were significantly (P<0.01) different for pod length (cm), pod diameter (mm), green pod plant-1 (no.), green pod weight plant-1 (g), seed pod-1 (no.), dry pod plant-1 (no.), dry seed weight plant-1 (g), hundred seed weight (g) and seed yield (mt ha-1) except days to 50% flowering, plant height (cm) and branch/plant (no.). Green pod weight was significantly (P<0.01) higher in genotypes HRSDGP-11-18-10 (233.1 g plant-1) and HRSDGP-11-18-1 (224.1 g plant-1) than Sikkim Local (198.3 g/plant). Genotypes HRSDGP-11-18-10, HRSDGP-11-18-13 and HRSDGP-11-18-1 showed moderate resistant (3.0) reaction to PM disease. Green pod weight plant-1 showed significant (P<0.01) positive correlation with seed number/plant (r=0.74**), dry pod number/plant (r=0.52**), dry seed weight (r=0.58**) and seed yield (r=0.57**). Genotypes HRSDGP-11-18-10, HRSDGP-11-18-1 and HRSDGP-11-18-13 showed 32.3%, 20.5% and 2.9% seed yield advantage over the standard variety, Sikkim Local. Based on this result, HRSDGP-11-18-10, HRSDGP-11-18-1 and HRSDGP-11-18-13 are selected as high yielding and PM resistant genotypes which can be used for commercial production as well as breeding lines for garden pea improvement program.
 
 
 

Influence of Different Planting Dates on the Quantitative and Qualitative Traits of Soybean (Glycine max L.) under Coastal Environments

A pot experiment was conducted in spring season during 2018 under the coastal environmental conditions of Lasbela University of Agriculture, Water and Marine Sciences to examine the effect of planting date on seed yield and quality traits of soybean. In this study three sowing dates (T1 = Mid-January, T2 = Early February and T3 = Mid- February) were tested against three soybean varieties (NARC-I, NARC-II and Rawal) in CRD with four replicates. The results revealed that the effect of sowing dates on seed germination percentage was non-significant (p>0.05) but significant (p<0.05) on rest of the growth, yield and other quality traits of soybean. Similarly, varietal effect on all the growth, yield and its contributing traits were significant (p<0.05). Apart from germination percentage (79.79, 80.33, 81.35 %), significant difference between Mid-January, Early February and Mid-February sowing was determined for plant height (46.89 cm), pods plant-1 (74.79), pod length (4.90 cm), seed weight plant-1 (6.15 g), total biomass weight plant-1(22.91 g), harvest index (26.95 %), number of nodules plant-1 (15.09), root length (8.90 cm), protein content (44.11 %) and oil content (23.64 %), respectively. In case of soybean varieties, NARC- I, NARC-II and Rawal showed significant variation for seed germination (85.35 %), plant height (49.68 cm), pods plant-1(82.07), pod length (5.15 cm), seed weight plant-1 (6.27 g), plant biomass weight plant-1 (23.16 g), harvest index (28.33 %), number of nodules plant-1 (15.87), root length (9.36 cm), protein content (43.36 %) and oil content (23.99 %), respectively. It was concluded that sowing of soybean in first fortnight of February resulted in optimistic results in relation to seed weight plant-1. Too early (Mid-January) or too late (Mid-February) sowing showed similarity (p>0.05) for pods plant-1 and seed weight plant-1. Insignificant (p>0.05) difference between early February and mid- February sowing was observed for pod length, harvest index, nodules plant-1 and root length. On the basis of overall performance, variety NARC-I ranked 1st, NARC-II ranked 2nd and Rawal ranked 3rd; while interactive effect of NARC-II × Early- February sowing maximized seed weight plant-1; while variety Rawal × Early-February sowing resulted in maximum biomass weight. Similarly, interaction of variety ‘NARC-II’ × Mid-February sowing resulted in highest protein content; while interactive effect of variety ‘NARC-II’ × Early-February sowing resulted in highest oil content.

Impact of Tillage on Growth, Productivity and Economics of Soybean Grown in Vertisols of Western Madhya Pradesh, India

The investigation entitled, “Impact of Tillage on Growth, Productivity and Economics of Soybean Grown in Vertisols of Western Madhya Pradesh, India’’ was conducted during the kharif season of the year 2019-20 in the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, R.V.S.K.V.V., College of Agriculture, Indore. The objective of the experiment was to study the effect of tillage practices on the growth and productivity of soybean and to evaluate the effect of tillage on the economics and energy use efficiency of soybean. The experiment conducted in randomized block design and replicated five times. There were four treatments T1-Sub Soiling (SS) + Sowing by precision seed drill, T2- Tillage by Cultivator twice (CT), T3- Deep Tillage by M.B. plough (DT) and T4- Reduced Tillage + Crop Residues (RT+CR 30 % of previous crop). The results indicated that T1-Sub Soiling (SS) treatment was recorded maximum value of growth parameters, yield attributes ,seed yield, test weight, seed weight plant-1, Nodules Weight per plant, net returns and B:C which was statistically at par with treatment T2 Cultivator twice (CT). The overall conclusion drawn from the study is that due to continuous mechanization and use of heavy machinery a compact layer was observed in Vertisols at 20-30 cm soil depth which restricts root growth, reduces infiltration rate, thereby, causes water logging during rainy season. The poor soil aeration results in reduction in soybean productivity in Madhya Pradesh.

Effect of Fertilizer Levels and Foliar Nutrition on Growth and Yield of Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill)

Improper nutrition being the major constraint of soybean fields in the state of Maharashtra, an investigation entitled “Effect of fertilizer levels and foliar nutrition on growth and yield of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill)” was conducted during Kharif 2019 at Agronomy farm, College of Agriculture, Pune. The seven treatment combinations were laid out in factorial randomized block design and was replicated thrice. The results revealed that application of 100% GRDF has recorded significantly higher all the growth and yield contributing characters viz., plant height (58.94 cm), number of branches plant-1(6.67), leaf area plant-1 (29.10 dm2), dry matter plant-1 (24.30 g), number of pods plant-1 (62.80), number of seeds pod-1 (2.46), seed weight plant-1 (29.87 g), seed and straw yield (21.73 and 29.63 q ha-1, respectively). From the treatments chosen for the investigation, 1% foliar spray application with 19:19:19 recorded significantly higher growth and yield contributing characters namely, plant height (59.46 cm), number of branches plant-1 (6.95), leaf area (10.63 dm2), dry matter plant-1 (26.07 g), number of pods plant-1 (68.25), number of seeds pod-1 (2.70), seed weight plant-1(35.37 g), grain and straw yield (25.53 and 33.51 q ha-1, respectively).

SUPPRESSION OF IRRIGATION WATER DEFICIT STRESS AFFECTING SOYBEAN PRODUCTION

Drought phenomena have been frequenting in Egyptian history. So, the drought in the agricultural sector is a particularly important area to be examined. Therefore, a field experiment was carried out to evaluate three irrigation intervals as main factor [irrigation every 7, 9 and 11 days], soil addition of some conditioners [ control ( without), compost, zeolite and biochar ] as subplots and foliar application of magnesium silicate (sprayed or not) as sub-subplots on the performance and productivity of soybean plants as well as soil fertility after harvest. The main results showed that the soybean plants irrigated every 9 & 11 days had a low values of growth and production criteria compared to the soybean plants irrigated every 7 days which had the highest values of both growth criteria (e.g., plant height, fresh and dry weights and chlorophyll content) and yield components ( i.e., pod weight plant-1, seed weight plant-1, stover weight plant-1, 1000 seed weight, seed and stover yield). The addition of all studied soil amendments improved all studied growth and production criteria compared to the corresponding soybean plants grown on un amending soil, where the superior amendment was compost followed by zeolite and lately biochar conditioner. On the other hand, foliar application of magnesium silicate improved all studied growth and production criteria compared to the corresponding soybean plants grown without foliar application. Also, all studied soil amendments differed among them in their positive effect on soil fertility as well as their vital role in saving irrigation water.

Yield and Yield Components of White Lupine Under Different Ecological Conditions

White lupine (Lupinus albus L.), with its favorable agrotechnical specifications, is a very important legume. Its water demand is relatively low, yet fluctuations in water amount and/or distribution during its life cycle might influence its performance. An experiment was carried out at 3 locations in Hungary; “Debrecen”, “Jobbágyi” and “Nyalka” in 2020 to investigate certain yield components performance; namely pod number plant-1, seed number plant-1, seed weight plant-1 and 1000-seed weight, as well as the final seed yield of white lupine (cv. Nelly). In addition, the average seed size (calculated as a percentage from the final seed yield) was also calculated. Soil was slightly alkaline in “Nyalka”, whereas it was acidic in the other 2 locations. Precipitation was higher in “Debrecen” from April to July. Results showed that “Debrecen” location had significantly higher pod number plant-1, seed number plant-1 and seed weight plant-1, leading to significantly higher seed yield compared to “Jobbágyi” and “Nyalka” locations. Seed yield was strongly-positively correlated with most of the seed component traits. In addition, “Debrecen” location had the highest average of bigger seeds (over 9 mm) and the lowest average of smaller seeds (between 3.5 – 9 mm). It could be concluded that white lupine performance in the study areas is highly associated with both the precipitation amount and distribution throughout the plant’s vegetative period, as well as with the soil pH. More thorough studies concerning potential enhancements in white lupine’s growth and yield with the availability of specific nourishers might be an additional database enrichment, especially with the lack of such data in the studied areas

Effect of row spacing and organic weed management practices on growth and yield of sweet basil in northern western Himalayan region : Influence of row spacing and weed management on sweet basil

Research on sweet basil was conducted in a field experiment during the kharif season of 2019 at Faculty of Agriculture, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Wadura, Sopore to study the effect of spacing and organic weed management on growth and development of sweet basil under temperate conditions of Kashmir. Results revealed that among weed management practices walnut hull aqueous solution spray (1:10) at the time of planting + hand weeding 20- 25 DAT + walnut hull aqueous solution sprays just after hand weeding / hoeing (W6) have recorded significantly higher plant height, number of functional leaves, leaf area index, number of primary and secondary branches, dry matter accumulation, spike length, number of spikes plant-1, number of spikelets spike-1, number of spikelets plant-1,number of seeds spike-1,number of seeds plant-1,seed weight plant-1,test weight, fresh herbage yield, dry herbage yield per hectare, seed yield, harvest index. Spacing of 30cm × 30cm (S30) recorded significantly higher pant height as compared to other spacing however spacing of 40cm × 30cm (S40) spacing recorded significantly higher no. of functional leaves, LAI, dry matter accumulation and fresh herbage yield. Spacing of 50cm × 30cm (S50) recorded significantly higher no. of primary and secondary branches spike length, number of spikes plant-1, number of spikelets spike-1, number of spikelets plant-1,number of seeds spike-1,number of seeds plant-1,seed weight plant-1 and test weight.

Response of Some Soyabean Genotypes to Spraying with Potassium Silicate and Its effect on Yield and its Components, as Well as on Pod Worm Infestation Rate

A field experiments were conducted at Mallawy Agric. station, (latitude of 28 N, longitude of 30 E and altitude of 49 m above sea level), El-Minia Governorate, Egypt, during two successive growing seasons (2019 /2020) to study the effect of different concentrations of potassium silicate (P.Si), 0,3,6 and 9cm3/L foliar spray, under four soyabean genotypes, i.e. Giza 111, Giza22, Line3(H3L119 selected from Giza82) and Line7(H4L130 selected from Giza83) on yield ,its attributes and seed chemical analysis as well as pod warm infestation. The results indicated that, in both seasons foliar spraying of potassium silicate had highly significant effect on all studied character except seed index (S.I.). The concentration (6 cm3/L.) gave the highest values of seed yield (S.Y./F.) at 31.8 and 31.2% in the two seasons, respectively, as compared to control, as well as decreased the pod worm infestation (P.W.%) by 64.85% average both seasons. In the other hand Giza 22 surpassed the other genotypes regarding most characters, also the interaction between potassium silicate and soyabean genotypes had significant effect for all studied traits in both seasons, except seed weight/plant(S.W.) in the first season, the best values for all traits were obtained by foliar spraying of potassium silicate(6 cm3/L.) with Giza 22, furthermore the interaction ships among seed yield and its attributes through simple correlation( r) and regression(b) analysis were evaluated. Regarding correlation coefficients the seed yield was positively and significantly correlated with number of seeds /plant (No.S/P), number of pods plant-1 (No.p/p), Seed weight/ plant and seed index A strong correlation of seed yield with these traits indicated that, simultaneous improvement of these traits is possible. These findings indicate that selection for each of number of seeds plant-1, number of pods plant-1, seed weight/ plant and 1000-seed weight would be accompanied by high yielding ability under such conditions. Also, the seed yield was positively and significantly correlated with quantity traits Protein percent, oil percent, chlorophyl a (chl,a) + b (chl,b) and carotin(crt.), using silicon may be involved in cell elongation and/or cell division. negative and significant correlations were observed between seed yield (ton/fed.) and each of Infestation pods (P.W.%) and seeds (S.W.%) with pod worm percent. Decrease in these traits will ultimately Increase the seed yield. Regression procedure indicated that 6cm3/L. of potassium silicate gave the highest yield and yield components and reduce the pod worm infestation.

Effect of Nitrogen and Sulphur Levels on Growth and Yield of Linseed (Linum usitatissimum) Under Rainfed Condition of Nagaland

Background: Linseed is an annual herbaceous plant belonging to the family of Linaceae, having well developed fibrous root system with several lateral roots. It has been grown since ancient times for fibre (flax) and seed, which is rich in oil. The crop has narrow leaves and alternate with shiny yellow or light brown colored seeds. The current investigation was carried out to determine the suitable level of nitrogen and sulphur and their interaction effect on growth and yield of linseed.Methods: A field study was conducted in the experimental site of SASRD, NU during the rabi season with four levels of nitrogen (0,20,40 and 60 kg ha-1) and sulphur (0,20,40 and 60 kg-1) under three replications following RBD, five random plants were tagged from each plot for field observation.Conclusion: Application of 60 kg N ha-1 resulted in highest plant height, number of branches plant-1, bolls plant-1, seed (799.87 kg ha-1) and stover yields (1619.87 kg ha-1), similarly, incorporation of 40 kg S ha-1 recorded significantly higher plant height, number of branches plant-1, bolls plant-1, seed boll-1, yield (797.54 kg ha-1) and stover yields (1557.58 kg ha-1). The combination of 60 kg N and 40 kg S recorded highest plant height, number of branches plant-1, bolls plant-1, seeds boll-1, seed weight plant-1, seed (840.72 kg ha-1) and stover yields (1713.3 kg ha-1)

Genetic variability and selection criteria of some sesame genotypes for their agronomic traits and seed quality

The identification of genetic variation, mean performance, and selection criteria for twelve sesame genotypes is required for the genetic enhancement of agronomic traits and seed quality. Thus, using a randomized complete block design with three replications, these genotypes were evaluated in a field trial at the Kafr-El-Hamam Agricultural Research Station, Agricultural Research Center, Sharkia Governorate, Egypt, and laboratory experiments at the Seed Technology Research Department, ARC, Giza, Egypt, during the two consecutive seasons of 2018 and 2019. For earliness in flowering, N.A.130 and Shandweel3 were the most promising sesame genotypes, while N.A.114 and RH1F3 had the heaviest weight of seed plant-1 and one or more yield-related traits, and NA114, Shandweel3, and Zahar12 had the best seed quality traits. Furthermore, Shandweel3 and M1A12 had the highest proportion of seed oil, Shandweel3 and Zahar12 had the largest amount of oleic acid, N.A.114 and RH1F3 had the highest content of linoleic acid, and Zahar12 and N.A.114 had the highest proportion of linolenic acid. Seed weight plant-1 can be improved through selecting genotypes having the lengthiest fruiting zone, more branches and capsules, and the high electrical values of seed conductivity, accelerated aging germination as demonstrated by selection criteria. Moreover, the oleic acid proportion had the greatest direct and indirect effect on seed oil content, demonstrating its relevance as sesame oil quality selection criteria.

Growth and Yield of Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] as Influenced by Organic Manures and Superabsorbent Polymers

Aims: The study aimed to assess soybean response to organic manures and superabsorbent polymers along with recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF: 25-60-25 kg N-P2O5-K2O ha-1).
 Study Design: The experiment was tested with a randomized complete block design (RCBD).
 Place and Duration of Study: The field experiment was carried out during 2017-2018 at Zonal Agricultural Research Station (ZARS), All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on soybean, University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), GKVK, Bengaluru-560065, Karnataka, India.
 Methodology: The field experiment was having eight treatments with three replications. The treatments comprised RDF in combination with farmyard manure (FYM) at the rate of 3.0 t ha-1, potassium polyacrylate at the rate of 5.0, 7.5, and 10.0 kg ha-1, pusa hydrogel, humic acid and vermicompost at the rate of 7.5 kg ha-1, 3.0 kg ha-1 and 3.0 t ha-1, respectively.
 Results: The results revealed that RDF with potassium polyacrylate at the rate of 7.5 kg ha-1 recorded significantly higher with respect to growth parameters viz., plant height (74.6 cm), number of branches plant-1 (14.2), leaf area (2394 cm2 plant-1) and total dry matter (57.3 g plant-1) and yield attributes like number of pods plant-1 (58.4), seed weight plant-1 (28.62 g), seed yield (2707 kg ha-1), stalk yield (4370 kg ha-1) and harvest index (0.38). The net returns (Rs. 68255 ha-1) and B:C ratio (3.58) were also recorded higher in the treatment having potassium polyacrylate at the rate of 7.5 kg ha-1 and RDF.

HALF DIALLEL ANALYSIS FOR F3 GENERATION OF PEA (Pisum sativum L.) UNDER SULAIMANI CONDITION-IRAQ KURDISTAN REGION

This study was carried out at Qlyasan location in Sulaimani region (Lat 35 º 34' 307''; N, long 45º 21' 992; E, 765 masl) for F3 generation of seven pea varieties (1-Avolla, 2-Americana, 3-Jeza, 4-Joneor, 5-Packland, 6-Arvena and 7-Samara). The seeds of 21 F3 crosses and their parents were sown in Completely Randomized Block Design (CRBD).With three replicates. The results showed that the mean squares of genotypes, gca and sca were highly significant for seed weight plant-1 and most its important components. The parents Americana and Jeza recorded maximum values for all studied characters. The cross AvollaxAmericana recorded the highest value for seed weight plant-1 and pod weight plant-1. The cross AvollaxPackland had the highest value for heterosis due to seed weight plant-1 122.114% and whole plant weight 147.111%. The parent Americana recorded maximum positive gca effect value for seed weight plant-1 and some its components pod length, pod weight plant-1 and 100-seed weight. The crosses JezaxArvena recorded maximum positive sca effect value for seed weight plant-1, while the cross AvollaxArvena showed maximum positive sca effect value for pod length and pod plant-1. The average degree of dominance was more than one for all characters indicating to the importance of non additive gene effect in controlling the inheritance of these characters. Heritability in broad sense was high for seed weight plant-1 and some its components pods number plant-1, pod weight plant-1 and 100-seed weight, while it was low in narrow sense for all characters.

THE GENETIC SYSTEM CONTROLLING AGRONOMIC TRAITS IN CANOLA

To determine the types of combining abilities, heterosis and genetic behavior of agronomic traits, six divergent canola genotypes were crossed using a half diallel mating design (excluding reciprocal crosses). The parents and their crosses were evaluated using a randomized complete block design with three replicates at Kafr-El-Hamam/Sharkia and Etay-El-Baroud/Behaira Agricultural Research Stations, Agricultural Research Center, Egypt. The preponderance of dominance gene action was observed for most studied traits as verified by the average degree of dominance and narrow-sense heritability. The GGE biplot revealed that N.A.36 and N.A.39 at Kafr-El-Hamam and N.A.39 and N.A.14 at Etay-El-Baroud were the best general combiners for seed weight plant-1 and N.A.36, N.A.38 and N.A.39 at Kafr-El-Hamam and N.A.36, N.A.39 and N.A.14 at Etay-El-Baroud for seed oil content, which associated with proportion of desirable genes either dominant or recessive. Superior crosses than better parents for seed weight plant-1 were observed in four crosses [N.A.36 and N.A. 37] x [N.A.38 and N.A.14] at Kafr-El-Hamam and two crosses [N.A.37] x [N.A.38 and N.A.14] at Etay-ElBaroud as well as for seed oil content in four crosses [N.A.39 and N.A.14] x [N.A.37 and N.A.38] at Kafr-El-Hamam and two crosses in [N.A.18] x [N.A.37 and N.A.38] at EtayEl-Baroud.

Two years of a field study on sesame growth and yield, nutrient uptake by PGP bacteria application and capsule type

A two-year field experiment was conducted to study PGP bacteria on growth and yield productivity of sesame. Factors were control, Nitroxin, Biophosphor, and an equal combination of biofertilizers along with sesame capsule type. 1000-seed weight and oil content increased in the second year, but, seed yield reduced (-12.6 g m2), which represented a negative relationship between seed weight and yield. The effect of year on No. of single and multi-cap node plant−1 was reversed. Seed yield, chlorophyll, protein, and N increased in the multi-cap seed, whereas, 1000-seed weight and seed weight plant−1 was decreased. Maximum yield and yield components were achieved in the second and first year, respectively, along with the multi-cap seed. Nitroxin, after the equal combination, was approximately showed the maximum enhancement of growth and yield productivity of sesame. The most seed yield (4261 k ha−1) was performed in the first year, combined biofertilizers and multi-cap seed, whereas, the highest oil content was gained in the second year and single-cap that it was due to the higher N and P use efficiency in the first year. No. of node plant−1 and capsule No. plant−1 showed the most correlation with the other parameters. Seed yield was correlated with No. of node plant−1 (r = 0.925) and leaf dry weight (r = 0.885). The N and P use efficiency had been higher in the first year, multi-cap, and equal combination. Nitrogen Use efficiency was higher compared to phosphorous. The uptake of N and P by sesame increased with the integrated application of different bacteria.