Seed Yield Components Research Articles

Investigating the Synergistic Effects of Using Nitrogen and Sulfur Fertilizers on the Growth of Safflower (<i>Carthamus tinctorius</i> L.)

Nutrient imbalance is one of the prevalent problems in the semi-arid region. The study aimed to investigate the effects of sole and simultaneous application of nitrogen and sulfur on safflower yield in a semi-arid region. A field trial was designed to explore the combined use of sulfur (S0: control, S1 and S2: 25 and 50 kg ha-1 S via sulfur phosphate composites, S3 and S4=: 25 and 50 kg ha-1 of S via elemental sulfur, S5 and S6: 25 and 50 kg ha-1 of S via zinc sulfate) and nitrogen (0, 40 and 80 kg ha-1) on the growth and seed production of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) in a west of Iran with mesic active calcixerepts soil that had medium to low fertility. The utilization of large amounts of nitrogen greatly increased the height of the first pod from the ground surface (P ≤ 0.05), and the highest amount was recorded in S 6+ N80 conditions (65%). Leaf chlorophyll content was significantly affected by nitrogen consumption (P ≤ 0.01) and the highest chlorophyll was recorded in S4, S5, and S6 treatments having high levels of nitrogen. A similar trend was observed for the canopy width and the application of nitrogen, zinc sulfate, and elemental sulfur could increase this component by 33%. The highest number of heads was achieved with the use of S5 + N80 and S2 + N80, which was 15% more compared to the control. The application S2 + N80 increased seed number in capitulum by 25% over the control. The application of S along with high levels of nitrogen improved the seed yield by 45% (1334 ± 78.35 kg ha-1). However, only the application of sulfur could improve the harvest index (P ≤ 0.05). The results indicated that applying moderate to high amounts of zinc sulfate and elemental sulfur, in combination with N80, enhanced safflower growth characteristics and improved seed yield components, likely due to synergistic interactions between the elements. Altogether the use of zinc sulfate or elemental sulfur as a logical and effective management solution can increase the efficiency of nitrogen fertilizer and improve nutritional balance.

Growth, forage yield and seed yield components responses of some bitter vetch (Vicia ervilia) varieties to different seeding rate in Sula-mani Region

A field trial investigated the impact of varying seeding rates; 60 kg ha-1, 80 , 100 , and 120 Kg ha-1 on the growth, forage yield, and yield components of three bitter vetch (Vicia ervilia) varieties (Perper from Serbia, Larnaca, and Tarsan-2). The experiments were conducted during the winter season of 2022-2023 in the Sulaimani governorate at Qlyasan locations. A factorial design was employed, and the experiment was arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Mean comparisons were performed using the Duncan test. Results indicate that a seeding rate of 60 Kg ha-1 resulted in optimal plant height (96.644 cm). The parameters Days to 50% flowering and days to maturity reached maximum values of 121.831 and 157.614, respectively, with an 80 Kg ha-1seeding rate. Dry leaf weight peaked at 1.129 g with the same seeding rate. Tarsan-2 exhibited the highest dry leaf weight (1.045 g), while variety number 2 showed the highest dry stem weight (3.746 g). Additionally, a seeding rate of 60 kg/ha combined with variety number 1 yielded the tallest plants (103.800 cm).Tarsan-2, in conjunction with a seeding rate of 120 , demonstrated the longest durations for Days to 50% flowering (127.300 days) and days to maturity (164.240 days), as well as the highest dry leaf weight (4.153 g). The maximum fresh yield was recorded at 24.699 ton/ha and 24.456 ton/ha with seeding rates of 100 Kg ha-1 and 120 Kg ha-1, respectively. Variety number 2, seeded at 60 Kg ha-1, exhibited the highest number of pods per plant (22.110). Conversely, variety number 1, when seeded at a rate of 100 Kg ha-1, yielded the highest 100-seed weight (22.073 g), seed yield (5.801 Mg ha-1), and harvest index (0.326).

Flowering Periods, Seed Yield Components, Seed Quality, and Patterns of Seed Shattering in Paspalum: Effect of Taxonomy and Nitrogen Fertilization.

Perennial warm-season grasses typically have reduced seed yield, making it essential to identify the critical seed yield components. An induced increase in nitrogen could help determine which components are most limiting. This research aimed to estimate seed yield components in Paspalum; evaluate N fertilization effects on the reproductive phase, seed yield components, and seed quality; and establish the pattern of seed shattering over time. Nine genotypes covering different reproductive periods were used. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design in a split-plot arrangement with three replications. The main plots had two nitrogen levels (0 and 150 Kg N ha-1), and the sub-plots contained different genotypes. Seed yield variation was mainly related to reproductive tiller density among germplasm with different flowering periods. Early-flowering germplasm showed an extended flowering period (159%), greater tiller density (27.7%), greater reproductive tiller density (157%), and higher yield (302%) in response to nitrogen fertilization. Seed-quality traits and seed retention were not affected by nitrogen fertilization. Seed retention over time followed an inverted sigmoid pattern, though there was considerable variation among taxonomic groups. Early-flowering germplasm exhibited superior seed retention. Seed yield in Paspalum is mainly influenced by the density of reproductive tillers and seed retention.

Evaluation of the stability of quantitative traits of winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) by AMMI analysis

Agronomical traits of crop plants exhibit quantitative variation that is controlled by multiple genes and is dependent on environmental conditions. The main objective of this study was to decipher the genotype-by-environment interaction (GEI) for six yield-related traits of 25 winter oilseed rape (WOSR) genotypes using the additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) model. The genotypes chosen included canola cultivars, our newly developed WOSR breeding lines, yellow-seeded, semi-resynthesized and mutant genotypes, together with ogu-INRA F1 hybrids and their parental lines. These were tested in field trials at two locations over three growing seasons. Field experiments were conducted in a randomized block design with four replicates. We recorded the beginning of flowering, seed yield (SY) and SY components, the number of siliques per plant, the length of siliques, the number of seeds per silique, and the weight of 1000 seeds. The average SY in six environments varied from 16.55 to 41.64 dt·ha−1. The AMMI analysis showed significant effects of both G and E, as well as GEI, for the above traits. In this study, we observed that the climate condition, especially precipitation in addition to the soil type were the most influential factors on the SY and SY-trait value. Seed yield was positively correlated with: the number of siliques per plant, the length of siliques, the number of seeds per silique and the weight of 1000 seeds. We also found that our new ogu-INRA F1 hybrids, as well as cultivars Monolit, Mendel, Starter and Sherlock, showed stability for the analyzed traits.

Effects of Sowing Dates and Phosphorus Application on Seed Yield and Yield Components of Alfalfa

Background: Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is a globally important cool-season forage grass for semiarid regions and the demand for seeds is increasing with the increase of alfalfa planting area. However, its seed yield is often low or inconsistent. Methods: A field experiment was conducted to investigate the response of seed yield and yield components of alfalfa to different sowing dates and phosphorus (P) fertilization levels from 2020 to 2022. This research was conducted using a split-plot design in a randomized complete block, with four replications. The main plots were three sowing dates (20 July, 5 and 20 August) and subplots were five different rates (0, 40, 70, 100 and 130 kg P2O5 ha-1). Result: Our results revealed that delaying the sowing dates reduced seed yield, by influencing its yield components, except for the 1000-seed weight, but P fertilization enhanced the seed yield components affected by late sowing and increased seed yield, it is recommended to apply P fertilizer at 77.6~144.8 kg ha-1. Stem density and seeds per pod were the primary factors determining seed yield and they may be useful to consider in developing traits for high-seed-yield alfalfa.

Seed germination demonstrates inter-annual variations in alkaline tolerance: a case study in perennial Leymus chinensis

Background and aimsThe escalating issue of soil saline-alkalization poses a growing global challenge. Leymus chinensis is a perennial grass species commonly used in the establishment and renewal of artificial grasslands that is relatively tolerant of saline, alkaline, and drought conditions. Nonetheless, reduced seed setting rates limit its propagation, especially on alkali-degraded grassland. Inter-annual variations have an important effect on seed yield and germination under abiotic stress, and we therefore examined the effect of planting year on seed yield components of L. chinensis.MethodsWe grew transplanted L. chinensis seedlings in pots for two (Y2), three (Y3), or four (Y4) years and collected spikes for measurement of seed yield components, including spike length, seed setting rate, grain number per spike, and thousand seed weight. We then collected seeds produced by plants from different planting years and subjected them to alkaline stress (25 mM Na2CO3) for measurement of germination percentage and seedling growth.ResultsThe seed setting rate of L. chinensis decreased with an increasing number of years in pot cultivation, but seed weight increased. Y2 plants had a higher seed setting rate and more grains per spike, whereas Y4 plants had a higher thousand seed weight. The effects of alkaline stress (25 mM Na2CO3) on seed germination were less pronounced for the heavier seeds produced by Y4 plants. Na2CO3 caused a 9.2% reduction in shoot length for seedlings derived from Y4 seeds but a 22.3% increase in shoot length for seedlings derived from Y3 seeds.ConclusionsOur findings demonstrate significant differences in seed yield components among three planting years of L. chinensis under pot cultivation in a finite space. Inter-annual variation in seed set may provide advantages to plants. Increased alkalinity tolerance of seed germination was observed for seeds produced in successive planting years.

Oilseed Radish: Nitrogen and Sulfur Management Strategies for Seed Yield and Quality—A Case Study in Poland

Oilseed Radish: Nitrogen and Sulfur Management Strategies for Seed Yield and Quality—A Case Study in Poland

Lespedeza potaninii Vass seed yield response to plant density and phosphate fertilization in Northwest China

Lespedeza potaninii Vass is a highly drought-resistant China native legume plant, which plays an important role in animal husbandry and ecological restoration. However, there are few reports on the agricultural practices of its seed production. We evaluated the effect of four plant densities (33,333, 44,444, 66,666, and 133,333 plants ha−1) and five phosphate fertilizer rates (0, 45, 90, 135, and 180 kg ha−1) on seed yield, seed yield components and agronomic traits from the year 2020–2022. Correlation and structural equation model (SEM) analyses were used to determine the contribution of yield components to seed yield per plant. Year, plant density, phosphorus fertilizer rate and their interaction (P<0.05) significantly influenced the seed yield of L. potaninii Vass. The maximum average seed yield over 3 years (570 kg ha−1) occurred at the plant density of 44,444 plants ha−1 and phosphate fertilizer rate of 90 kg/ha. All the yield components, except 1000-seed weight, were significantly correlated with seed yield per plant. The racemes per stem, florets per raceme and pods per raceme had significant positive correlation, and stems per square meter and biomass had significant negative correlation with seed yield per plant. Increasing phosphorus fertilizer increased seed yield per plant. However, increasing plant density decreased seed yield per plant. Our findings enable further understanding of the mechanism of seed yield response to plant density and phosphorus fertilization in L. potaninii Vass and provide a reference for appropriate agronomic measures to improve seed yield of L. potaninii Vass and similar shrubs.

Growth and yield models for black beans under magnetization and pH variation in a greenhouse

Objective: To estimate growth and yield variations in common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) treated with a magnetized nutrient solution considering two factors: magnet exposure time and pH level. The significance of this crop lies in its nutritional and economic value.&#x0D; Design/Methodology/Approach: We used a hydroponic system with magnetized Steiner nutrient solution. The design was completely randomized, with a 4 x 6 factorial treatment arrangement and three replications. Factor A comprised exposure times (0.333 hours, 2 hours, chronic, and without magnetization), while Factor B covered solutions with different pH levels (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8). We then applied a multiple regression analysis using the SAS software.&#x0D; &#x0D; Results: Models for vegetative growth variables (plant height, root length, root dry weight, and foliar biomass) and seed yield components (number of pods, number of grains per pod) were statistically significant (p&lt;0.0001). Coefficients of determination ranged from 59.7 % to 82 %, percentages considered appropriate to explain the observed variability.&#x0D; Study limitations/Implications: While the models showed acceptable coefficients of determination, it is essential to consider other factors that were not assessed in this study: exposure to sunlight, insect influence, and diseases that could impact the responses of the bean crop.&#x0D; Findings/Conclusions: Appropriate models to describe vegetative growth and seed yield of the common bean, concerning magnetization time and nutrient solution acidity, include variables such as plant height, root length, root dry weight, foliar biomass, total biomass, number of pods, and number of grains per pod.

Unraveling Diversity and Character Association in Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) using Different Agro-Morphological Traits

Sesame is an important oilseed crop, carrying several beneficial properties to human kind. Given its wide-ranging applications, there is a constant need for enhancing the seed yield. Evaluation of genetic diversity and character association among various seed yield components is considered as the fundamental steps in any breeding program. Thus, the present study has been focused to investigate the diversity and character associations of twenty different sesame genotypes, using different agro-morphological traits. The diversity analysis conducted in this study, unveiled the presence of two distinct clusters. The first cluster encompassed three genotypes, while the remaining seventeen genotypes belonged to the second cluster. Furthermore, character associations were explored through correlation analysis, and subsequently partitioned into direct and indirect effects through path analysis. Correlation study revealed that seed yield per plant (SYP) was positively correlated with the capsules per plant (CPP), biological yield per plant (BYP) and harvest index (HI), while negative correlation was observed with days to 50% flowering (DFF) and days to maturity (DM). Through path analysis, we found that positive direct effects on SYP were observed for BYP, HI, DM, plant height (PH) and test weight (TW). Conversely, negative direct effects on SYP were noted for CPP, BPP and DFF. These findings highlighted the importance of focusing on BYP, HI, and CPP during the selection process, as these factors were identified as important components for seed yield. The insights gained from this study will not only aid in the selection of suitable parents for hybridization, but also assist in determining the key seed yield components for sesame improvement.

Agronomic Comparisons of Herbicides with Different Active Ingredients and Mechanical Hoeing for Weed Control in Oleic and Linoleic Type Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) Hybrids

Weeds cause serious yield losses in sunflower production. The most common methods for weed control are herbicide application and mechanical hoeing. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of five traditional herbicides containing different active ingredients compared with mechanical hoeing for weed control on seed yield components, seed oil content, and fatty acid composition in sunflower. Field experiments were conducted in the sunflower growing seasons of 2014 and 2015 on farmer fields in Karamusul village of Lüleburgaz, Kırklareli, located in the Northwest of Turkey (40°24’ N, 27021 E and elevation 46 m). Pre-plant herbicide Bonoflan WG with benfluralin, pre-emergence herbicide Stomp®Extra with pendimethalin, and post-emergence herbicides Challenge600 with aclonifen and Targa Super with quizalofop-p-ethyl active were applied on non-Clearfield sunflower hybrids (P64LL05–Linoleic and P64H34–High oleic) while post-emergence herbicide Intervix®Pro with imazamox was applied on Clearfield hybrids (LG5542CL-Linoleic and Colombi–High oleic). In the results, the year effects were statistically significant on plant height, head diameter, number of days from planting to 50% flowering, and percentage of stearic acid of Clearfield cultivars while it was significant on plant height, head diameter, stem diameter, 1000 seed weight, number of days from planting to 50% flowering, seed yield, seed oil content, percentage of oleic and linoleic acids of non-Clearfield cultivars. The effect of genotype was significant for all seed yield and oil components except seed weight and seed yield for both groups’ cultivars. Intervix®Pro caused significant decreases in plant height, stem diameter, and percentage of stearic acid. Stomp®Extra decreased the number of days from planting to 50% flowering. Challenge 600 had a negative effect on the seed oil content of P64H34 in 2015. There was no significant difference between herbicide applications and mechanical hoeing for seed yields except for increasing seed yield of P64H34 by Bonaflan WG in 2015. For all herbicide applications, residue in seeds was not exceeded international acceptable limits. According to the results, herbicides especially post-emergence applications under stress conditions can adversely affect agronomic yield and seed oil components in sunflower.

The Impact of Sowing Time and Biostimulant Application on Seed Production in Italian Ryegrass

This research was performed to determine the effects of different sowing times (ST1, ST2, and ST3) and biostimulant (Pi-NFS) doses (0, 100, 250, 500 ml da-1) on seed yield components of Italian ryegrass ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum L.) in the continental condition of Eskişehir, Turkey. The results indicated that the main factors significantly affected the seed yield components except for the effect of sowing time on plant height, however, the interaction effect of these factors was significant only on the number of the reproductive tillers and seed yield. There was no significant difference between the ST1 and ST2 in terms of the number of the reproductive tillers, thousand seed weight, and seed yield. Likewise, the values of these components did not differ significantly in the doses of 250 and 500 ml da-1. The highest seed yield was derived from the dose of 500 ml da-1 at ST2 and the values obtained from the doses of 250 and 500 ml da-1 at the ST1 were in the high seed yield group. It was concluded that early sowing time and the doses of 250 to 500 ml da-1 biostimulant application resulted in high seed yield in Italian grass. On the other hand, the dose of 500 ml was more effective in case of delayed sowing time like ST2.

Deciphering the Genetic Variability for Seed Yield Components in Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

The present study conducted an analysis of genetic variability for components traits of seed yield in 20 sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) genotypes at the Research Farm of S.K.N. College of Agriculture, Jobner. The experiment followed a randomized block design with three replications during kharif, 2018. The main objective of this study was to assess the genetic variability among the genotypes. The results of analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed significant genotypic variation for all traits, indicating their potential for breeding programs. In the present study, RT - 384, RMT - 447 and RMT - 486 were identified as high yielding genotypes with per plant seed yield of 6.75, 6.7 and 6.01 g, respectively. Among the traits studied, plant height exhibited the highest variability with range of 83.13 to 108.40 cm, while test weight had the least variability having range of 3.00 - 3.51 g. Furthermore, phenotypic coefficients of variation (PCV) were higher than genotypic coefficients of variation (GCV) for all the traits, suggesting the influence of environmental factors on them. Among them, seed yield per plant had maximum value of GCV and PCV with magnitude of 20.32 and 24.07%, respectively; while, days to maturity had minimum value of GCV and PCV i.e., 2.07 and 3.15%, respectively. Notably, traits such as capsules per plant, seeds per capsule, biological yield per plant and seed yield per plant exhibited high heritability with magnitude of 85.96%, 64.18%, 63.68%, and 71.33%, respectively. Additionally, these traits displayed substantial genetic gains, with magnitudes of 33.46%, 21.29%, 26.19%, and 35.35%, respectively. This makes them promising for selection and eventually; these traits can be efficiently explored in different breeding programs for genetic improvement of sesame.

Effects of foliar spray of nano-micronutrient and growth regulators on safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) performance

Nanoparticles have unique properties and providing nutrients in the form of nanoparticles may increase the effectiveness of chemical fertilizers. The current study aimed to streamline the relevance between soil nutrient management and the efficiency of foliar spray by growth regulators or nano micronutrients. A field trial was performed to evaluate the impacts of different fertilizers (control, 20 t ha−1 farmyard manure: FYM, 200 kg ha−1 NPK fertilizer) and foliar spray (distilled water as control, choline, salicylic acid, chitosan, and nano Zn+Fe) on growth and seed yield component of safflower. The results showed that most of the assessed agronomic traits showed different responses to fertilizers and foliar sprays. The utilization of FYM and chemical fertilizers increased the plant height (by 5.38% and 7.26%) over the control. Foliar spray of choline and nano Zn+Fe increased the number of primary branches under inorganic by 49% and 21% and their improved number of primary branches under FYM applied condition by 54% and 39%. The largest lateral growth of the canopy and the highest number of capitula was obtained by applying FYM and foliar spray of chitosan and nano Zn+Fe and these foliar treatments increased the lateral growth of the canopy by 23% and 18% over control. The highest seed number in the secondary capitula was obtained by utilization of NPK fertilizer and foliar spray of chitosan and choline. The highest seed yield was related to plants grown by NPK fertilizer and sprayed with chitosan, choline, or nano Zn+Fe (1145, 1231, and 985 Kg ha−1, respectively). Overall, the positive effect of Zn+Fe nanoparticles is strongly dependent on soil conditions, and the best efficiency of nanoparticles was observed in soils that have previously received suitable organic and chemical fertilizers.

Foliage-Sprayed Nano-Chitosan-Loaded Nitrogen Boosts Yield Potentials, Competitive Ability, and Profitability of Intercropped Maize-Soybean

The progressive reduction of synthetic agrochemical fertilizers is one of the key factors in the shift from conventional agriculture to sustainable farming. Nitrogen (N) is the ruling element in the development of agricultural production, but its use in the mineral form or its excessive use causes several environmental issues. Since the release of N nanocomposites coincides with their uptake by crops, N loss reduces while enhancing plant uptake due to nano fertilizers application. Additionally, an intercropping legume with cereal as an eco-friendly pattern could improve and rationalize the nitrogenous inputs. Therefore, a two-year field trial was conducted to determine the efficacy of nano-chitosan-loaded N (CS-NNPs) for saving mineral N amounts applied in maize-based on maize-soybean intercropping and enhancing land productivity. Methods In a randomized split-plot design in three replicates, three intercropping patterns, in addition to the sole crops, and three N levels were implemented. Intercropping involved three intercrop configurations [planting maize rows (M) alternated with soybean rows (S) in patterns of 4M:2S, 2M:4S, and 3M:3S)], in addition to planting sole maize crop (SMC) and sole soybean crop (SSC). N fertilization treatments included adding 288 kg N ha−1 (MN100%) and two levels of CS-NNPs composite involving 216 kg N ha−1 + 2 foliar sprays of CS-NNPs (MN75% + 2CS-NNPs), and 144 kg N ha−1 + 3 foliar sprays of CS-NNPs composite (MN50% + 3CS-NNPs). Under the tested treatments, the agronomic traits, intercropping indices, and economic benefits were estimated. Results Findings revealed that the application of SMC × MN75% + 2CS-NNPs, followed by 4M:2S × MN75% + 2CS-NNPs showed the highest growth, biological yield, and grain yield of maize. The interaction of SSC × MN75% + 2CS-NNPs, followed by 2M:4S × MN75% + 2CS-NNPs resulted in the highest seed yield components, biological yield, straw yield, and seed yield of soybean. Application of 2M:4S × MN100%, 2M:4S × MN50% + 3NNPs, and 3M:3S × MN100% recorded the maximum total land equivalent ratio. While applications of 2M:4S × MN100%, 2M:4S × MN75% + 2CS-NNPs, and 3M:3S × MN100% achieved the highest land equivalent coefficient, land-use efficiency, area time equivalent ratio, and percent yield difference. Likewise, both interactions of 2M:4S × MN75% + 2CS-NNPs and 3M:3S × MN100% recorded the highest system productivity index. Better yield advantage of maize-soybean intercrop compared with the monocrop since total actual yield loss values were positive and higher than zero in all interactions of intercropping pattern × N fertilization. Fertilizing maize with MN50% + 3CS NNPs grown under the 2M:4S pattern had the highest positive aggressivity values. Conclusion The productivity shortfall accompanying the 25% N reduction was compensated by the application of CS-NNPs. Thus, N applied to the maize intercropped with soybeans can be rationalized. This undoubtedly has a good economic payoff for the maize growers with the conservation of the agricultural environment. In maize production systems, it is advisable to fertilize the plants using 216 kg instead of 288 kg nitrogen ha−1 when nano chitosan-loaded nitrogen composite twice (0.48 kg nitrogen ha−1) applied.

Waterlogging stress reduces cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) genotypes growth, seed yield, and quality at different growth stages: Implications for developing tolerant cultivars under field conditions

Waterlogging is a significant abiotic stress that reduces the oxygen supply to roots in the rhizosphere, impairing plant growth and development. Cowpea is highly sensitive to waterlogging, and their grain yield is affected by genotype and growth stage. Understanding the growth and physiological responses of cowpea to waterlogging stress is crucial for developing strategies to improve crop yield in waterlogged environments. In this two-year field trial, we quantified the impact of ten days of waterlogging on morpho-physiological attributes, seed yield components, and seed quality of two cowpea genotypes (UCR 369 and EpicSelect.4) at different growth stages. Waterlogging during the reproductive (R2) growth stage had the most substantial impact on cowpea, with an average reduction of leaf area by 65%, chlorophyll content by 39%, stomatal conductance (gs) by 93%, and photochemical efficiency by 32% compared to non-waterlogged plants. These effects were less pronounced during the vegetative (V4) and physiological maturity (R7) growth stages. Lower photosynthetic capacity resulted in reduction of biomass accumulation, pod dry weight, number of pods per plant, and seed weight under waterlogging. EpicSelect.4 was more sensitive to waterlogging at the R2 stage, showing a greater reduction in seed yield (58%) compared to UCR 369 (46%). Additionally, UCR 369 maintained seed protein content under waterlogging conditions, while it decreased by 8% in EpicSelect.4 seeds. Overall, UCR 369 was more tolerant to waterlogging stress than EpicSelect.4, with the most apparent effect of waterlogging on yields occurring at the R2 stage due to the high energy demands of the cowpea reproductive process. Our study highlights the importance of selecting cowpea genotypes with greater tolerance to waterlogging stress during the reproductive stage to mitigate the negative effects of waterlogging on seed yield in flood-prone environments. These results provide valuable insights into the mechanisms of cowpea's responses to waterlogging stress and can aid in developing strategies for improving cowpea yield in waterlogged environments, which are expected to become more frequent due to climate change.

Biological control of Fusarium-wilt and quality improvement of Sesamum indicum cv. ST-1 using fluorescent Pseudomonas

Seven plant growth-promoting bacterial strains (LES1-LES7) were isolated from rhizosphere of Lycoperscion esculentum Mill. (Tomato) and further screened based on colony morphology, carbon source utilization and biochemically characterized as fluorescent Pseudomonads. Among the isolates prominent strain identified as Pseudomonas aeruginosa LES4 produced maximum siderophores in vitro besides indole acetic acid, hydrocyanic acid, solubilized insoluble inorganic phosphate and secreted β-1, 3-glucanase urease and chitin solubilizing enzymes chitinase. It also exhibited a strong antagonism against Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. sesami when co-cultured on nutrient agar medium and inhibiting the growth of the pathogen by 69% after 5 days incubation at 28 ± 1°C. Sesame (Sesamum indicum L. cv. ST-1). When surface sterilized seeds bacterized with P. aeruginosa LES4 showed enhancement in seedling sprouting early vegetative growth, and increased seed yield components viz. biomass accumulation, and all other yield and quality improving components. Strain LES4 significantly reduced the wilt disease of sesame in F. oxysporum f.sp. sesami-infested soil. Moreover, Tn5 induced streptomycin resistant trans-conjugants of spontaneous tetracycline-resistant LES4 (designated LES4tetra+strep+) used to exhibit efficient rhizosphere colonization of sesame. Such properties of fluorescent P. aeruginosa LES4 prove it as a beneficial and potential microbial agent against wilt causing sesame.

The effect of cutting management on seed yield, seed yield components, and seed quality of red clover (Trifolium pratense L.)

Red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) is the second most important perennial forage legume in the Republic of Serbia, cultivated on 90-120.000 ha. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of cutting management on seed yield, some seed yield components, and seed quality of the NS red clover variety Una during the second and third year of growing. Five cutting managements with variable dates of initial cutting were tested in the 2019-2020 period. The first cutting was used for seed production in the C1 management and the second growth in the C2-C5 managements (C2-budding, C3-start of flowering, C4-mid of flowering, and C5-full flowering). In all cutting systems, significantly higher seed yields were achieved in the second year of growing. Unfavourable environmental conditions for pollinators as well as thinning of red clover crops in the third year of growing are the main reasons for low seed yields. The highest seed yield (539 kg/ha) was achieved in the C2 cutting management in the second year of growing. The cutting management had no significant effects on red clover seed quality.

Combination of meta-analysis of QTL and GWAS to uncover the genetic architecture of seed yield and seed yield components in common bean.

Increasing seed yield in common bean could help to improve food security and reduce malnutrition globally due to the high nutritional quality of this crop. However, the complex genetic architecture and prevalent genotype by environment interactions for seed yield makes increasing genetic gains challenging. The aim of this study was to identify the most consistent genomic regions related with seed yield components and phenology reported in the last 20 years in common bean. A meta-analysis of quantitative trait locus (QTL) for seed yield components and phenology (MQTL-YC) was performed for 394 QTL reported in 21 independent studies under sufficient water and drought conditions. In total, 58 MQTL-YC over different genetic backgrounds and environments were identified, reducing threefold on average the confidence interval (CI) compared with the CI for the initial QTL. Furthermore, 40 MQTL-YC identified were co-located with 210 SNP peak positions reported via genome-wide association (GWAS), guiding the identification of candidate genes. Comparative genomics among these MQTL-YC with MQTL-YC reported in soybean and pea allowed the identification of 14 orthologous MQTL-YC shared across species. The integration of MQTL-YC, GWAS, and comparative genomics used in this study is useful to uncover and refine the most consistent genomic regions related with seed yield components for their use in plant breeding.

Stability analyses of sunflower (&lt;em&gt;Helianthus annuus&lt;/em&gt; L.) hybrids for oleic acid and yield traits under multi location trials in Pakistan

The development of a hybrid with high oleic acid is an important breeding goal for sunflower. High oleic acid sunflower has better cooking quality due to low oxidation and rancidity. Hence, inbred lines differing for oleic acid content were selected, alongside the development of hybrids where one or both parents exhibited high oleic acid content in edible oil, and then evaluated at various sites (i.e. with comparatively low temperature during sunflower reproductive phase at Sargodha and Faisalabad; while high temperature and low humidity at Bhawalpur and Multan) in Pakistan during spring season. Moreover, autumn season was relatively cool and high humid for sites (Faisalabad and Sargodha, Pakistan). DNA profiling of hybrids differing for oleic acid content using N1-3F/N2-1R confirmed the presence of a high oleic acid allele in the hybrids. Oleic acid content and seed yield components were increased at high temperature and low humidity to a greater extent in spring than in autumn season. Among the hybrids, one (H5) had stable high oleic acid content during the spring season with higher seed yield and kernel to seed percentage than the check cultivars (Hysun-33 and FH-331). Analysis of the combining ability of two locations revealed a relationship between mean oleic acid contents and combining ability, thereby suggesting the effectiveness of selection in developing high oleic acid inbred lines. Newly developed inbred C.112.P was a positive combiner for oleic acid at all sites except Sargodha, while restorer populations such as RH.344, RH.345 and RH.347 were positive male combiners.