Significant Differences In Yield Research Articles

Intelligent fertigation improves tomato yield and quality and water and nutrient use efficiency in solar greenhouse production

Intelligent fertigation is a sustainable solution for optimising water and fertiliser input, thus minimising environmental pollution in vegetable cultivation facilities and reducing labour costs in agricultural practices. It is important to optimise irrigation scheduling parameters to specific crops to ensure water and nutrient use efficiency. A field experiment was conducted in Shouguang, Shandong Province, to investigate the effects of irrigation scheduling with different treatments (farmer drip irrigation FI, intelligent irrigation II1, and intelligent irrigation II2) on tomato growth, irrigation water and nutrient use efficiency over two growth seasons. Intelligent irrigation II1 and II2 utilised FDR sensors to control the moisture range within 80–95% and 80–85% field capacity (FC) for automatic irrigation scheduling, respectively. Intelligent irrigation (II1 and II2 treatments) reduced irrigation rate by 24.3–63.8% in comparison with FI treatment, significantly increasing total dry matter accumulation, nutrient uptake, yield and fruit quality of tomato. II2 treatment further reduced the irrigation rate by 31.6–32.3% compared to II1 treatment, with no significant difference in tomato yield and quality. Root dry matter, root-shoot ratio, 0–2mm diameter root length and root surface area, 0–1.5mm diameter root tips, and >3.5mm diameter root volume were significantly increased under intelligent irrigation treatments. Positive correlations between irrigation water productivity; nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium use efficiency; and the indices of length, surface area, tips, and volume of roots were highly significant. Intelligent fertigation system (IFS) maintained soil moisture within a suitable range through high-frequency irrigation scheduling, promoted the growth of 0–2mm diameter roots, which were responsible for absorbing, acquiring, and transporting water and nutrients in the soil, and reduced water loss and nutrient leakage. Taken together, the intelligent fertigation system presented herein is an effective fertigation strategy to improve irrigation water and nutrient use efficiency.

Yields, Postharvest Storage, and Response to Pruning of Eggplant Cultivars Grown in High Tunnels in New Hampshire, USA

We grew eight cultivars of eggplant (Solanum melongena) over 2 years in four experiments conducted in high tunnels located in Durham, NH; North Haverhill, NH; and Ossipee, NH, USA. The marketable yields of eggplant harvested over 14 to 15 weeks ranged from 925 to 3269 g per plant (2.5–8.8 kg⋅m–2), depending on year and cultivar. Significant differences in marketable yield among cultivars were observed in three of the four experiments, but trends were not consistent. Parthenocarpic cultivars developed for greenhouse production, including Angela, Annina, Aretussa, Jaylo, and Michal, did not produce significantly greater yields than the cultivars developed for field production (Nadia, Traviata, and White Star). In two experiments, using a subset of cultivars, we explored the effects of training plants to four leaders compared with the standard practice of no pruning. Pruning treatment did not impact significantly the number or weight of marketable fruit, or the percentage of cull fruit, and there was no cultivar-by-pruning treatment interaction. In three separate experiments in Durham NH, USA, weight loss, browning, and softness were evaluated after 2 weeks of storage in one of three conditions: within the ideal range of temperatures (average of 50–64 °F), too warm (63–73 °F), and too cool (38–49 °F). Overall, responses to conditions that were warmer or cooler than ideal were as predicted, and weight loss, softness, and browning were all minimized when fruit were stored at 50 or 60 °F. We did, however, see some differences among cultivars in susceptibility to common postharvest storage problems. In conclusion, we found that cultivar choice can be important for high-tunnel eggplant producers, especially if postharvest storage conditions are not ideal. We also found that pruning and parthenocarpy did not enhance marketable yields, allowing growers to reduce labor and seed costs without impacting yield or fruit quality negatively.

Impact of Prebiotic on Viability of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum D-2 by Encapsulation through Spray Drying and Its Commercialization Potential.

This study investigated the impact of inulin (INL) on viability of L. plantarum D-2 (LPD2) by encapsulation through spray drying (SD) and its commercialization potential to alternative of conventional wall material maltodextrin (MD). LPD2, derived from sea tangle (Saccharina japonica) kimchi, is probiotics exhibiting significant attributes like cholesterol reduction, antioxidant properties, and resilience to acidic and bile environments. To enhance storage viability and stability of LPD2, encapsulation was applied by SD technology. The optimum encapsulation condition with MD was 10% MD concentration (MD10) and inlet temperature (96°C). The optimum concentration ratio of MD and INL was 7:3 (INL3) for alternative of MD with similar encapsulation yield and viability of LPD2. Viability of LPD2 with INL3 exhibited almost 8% higher than that with MD10 after 50 days storage at 25°C. Physicochemical characteristics of the encapsulated LPD2 (ELPD2) with MD10 and INL3 had no significant different between flowability and morphology. But, ELPD2 with INL3 had lower water solubility and higher water absorption resulting in extension of viability of LPD2 compared to that with MD10. The comprehensive study results showed that there was no significant difference in the encapsulation yield and physicochemical properties between ELPD2 with MD10 and INL3, except of water solubility index (WSI) and water absorption index (WAI). INL have the potential to substitute of MD as a commercial wall material with prebiotic functionality to enhance the viability of LPD2 by encapsulation.

Effects of Nitrogen Fertilizer Management on Dry Matter Accumulation and Yield of Drip-Irrigated Sugar Beet in Arid Areas

Clarifying the optimal combination of N fertilizer application rate and application method can maximize the yield of drip-irrigated sugar beet in arid areas, which is of great significance for reducing farmland N pollution and achieving sustainable agricultural development. In this three-year field experiment in Xinjiang, China, the effects of three N application rates [75 kg ha−1 (N1), 150 kg ha−1 (N2), and 225 kg ha−1 (N3)] and three N application methods [the proportion of N applied at canopy rapid growth stage, taproot expansion stage, and sugar accumulation stage were (M1) 100%: 0%: 0%, (M2) 70%: 30%: 0%, and (M3) 50%: 30%: 20%] on the dry matter accumulation (DMA) and distribution, leaf senescence, yield, and agronomic N use efficiency (aNUE) of drip-irrigated sugar beet were explored. The results showed that N application (N1, N2, and N3 treatments) increased the shoot DMA by 27.7% (three-year average), 52.6%, and 83.1%, and the taproot DMA by 28.3%, 43.2%, and 61.6%, respectively (p < 0.05), compared with CK (no N supply) treatment. The N application methods M2 and M3 increased the shoot DMA by 5.6% (three-year average) and 1.0% (p > 0.05), respectively, and the taproot DMA by 7.2% and 3.6% (p < 0.05), respectively, compared with M1. In addition, M2 could delay the end of shoot and taproot growth (te) and the occurrence of maximum growth rate (tm). In particular, the N3M2 treatment increased the leaf area index (LAI) by 20.4–75.9% (p < 0.05) compared with other treatments by increasing the leaf area duration (LAD) and decreasing the leaf senescence rate (LSR). The taproot yield and sugar yield of N3M2 treatment reached the maximum at harvest time, but there was no significant difference in taproot yield and sugar yield between N3M2 treatment and N2M2 treatment. The aNUE in N2M2 treatment was the highest (p < 0.05), which was 1.29–7.85 times higher than that of other treatments. Therefore, reducing the N application rate from 225 kg·ha−1 to 150 kg·ha−1 and applying 70% and 30% of 150 kg N ha−1 at the canopy rapid growth stage and the taproot expansion stage, respectively, could achieve the goal of increasing sugar beet yield and N use efficiency. This study will provide an important reference for the sustainable production of sugar beet under drip irrigation in Xinjiang, China.

A Prospective Study of the Efficacy of Endofascial Axillary Dissection to Reduce Axillary Seroma Formation

Abstract Introduction Seroma formation is a common complication following axillary dissection. The pathogenesis of seroma is poorly understood. Various chemical and mechanical methods have been tried to reduce seroma with varying results. In this study, we look at a novel method of axillary dissection to reduce seroma and its attendant morbidity. The objective of the study is to compare endofascial axillary lymphadenectomy with routine axillary lymphadenectomy regarding axillary drain output following breast conservation surgery. Methods We did a prospective interventional study of endofascial axillary dissection in patients undergoing breast conservation surgery. Comparison was done with historical controls who underwent breast conservation surgery with routine axillary lymphadenectomy before the study period. All patients were operated by the same surgeon. Results Breast conservation surgery with endofascial axillary dissection was performed in 36 patients and compared with 36 patients who underwent routine axillary dissection before the study period. The mean total axillary drain output in the endofascial and routine groups were 796.8 and 1,259.3 mL, respectively (p = 0.001). The average day of drain removal in the endofascial and routine groups were 10.8 and 14.9 days, respectively (p = 0.001). The nodal yield of the endofascial and routine groups were 15.3 and 16.4 nodes, respectively (p = 0.449). The duration of surgery of the endofascial and routine groups were 89.3 and 85.1 minutes, respectively (p = 0.366). Conclusion Endofascial axillary dissection significantly reduced the mean total axillary drain output and resulted in early drain removal compared with routine axillary dissection. There were no significant differences in the nodal yield, operative time, seroma aspirations, and wound complications between the endofascial and routine axillary dissection groups.

Estimating yield stability and predicting the response of sesame genotypes to climate change using the SALTMED model

AbstractClimate change (CC) could lead to many crises. Therefore, increasing the number of cultivated varieties represents a low‐cost factor in confronting this problem. The effect of the genotype × environment (G × E) interaction on yield stability was estimated for 28 new sesame lines in the Beni Suwef, El‐Beheira and El‐Menoufia governorates in Egypt across 15 environments from 2019 to 2022 using AMMI analysis. The SALTMED model was used to predict the yield of sesame plants under five increasing air temperature scenarios (CC factor) to obtain future projections of sesame yield to determine the lines that are most genetically stable and facing CC. Variance analysis revealed significant differences in yield between the G and E groups and between the G × E interaction group. Fifteen genotypes yielded better control, and C6.4, C5.8 and C9.6 were selected as genetically stable according to AMMI analysis. The SALTMED model predicted that the yields of lines C3.8 and C6.2 were not affected under the high‐temperature scenarios across the three governorates, moreover lines C1.8, C2.3, and, C6.12 productions were not affected under Beni Suwef and El‐Beheira governorates. of lines C1.8, C2.3 and C6.12 were also not affected by the Beni Suwef or El‐Beheira governorates. It is now possible to establish a hybridization programme in sesame that combines parents with high productivity and high resilience to CC.

COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF THE PRODUCTIVITY OF VARIOUS GRAIN CROPS

COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF THE PRODUCTIVITY OF VARIOUS GRAIN CROPS

A meta-analysis of probiotic interventions to mitigate ruminal methane emissions in cattle: implications for sustainable livestock farming

In recent years, the significant impact of ruminants on methane emissions has garnered international attention. While dietary strategies have been implemented to solve this issue, probiotics gained the attention of researchers due to their sustainability. However, it is challenging to ascertain their effectiveness as an extensive range of strains and doses have been reported in the literature. Hence, the objective of this experiment was to perform a meta-analysis of probiotic interventions aiming to reduce ruminal methane emissions from cattle. From 362 articles retrieved from scientific databases, 85 articles were assessed independently by two reviewers, and 20 articles representing 49 comparisons were found eligible for meta-analysis. In each study, data such as mean, SD, and sample sizes of both the control and probiotic intervention groups were extracted. The outcomes of interest were methane emission, methane yield, and methane intensity. For the meta-analysis, effect sizes were pooled using a fixed effect or a random effect model depending on the heterogeneity. Afterward, sensitivity analyses were conducted to confirm the robustness of the findings. Overall pooled standardized mean differences (SMDs) with their confidence intervals (CIs) did not detect significant differences in methane emission (SMD = −0.04; 95% CI = −0.18–0.11; P = 0.632), methane yield (SMD = −0.08; 95% CI = −0.24–0.07; P = 0.291), and methane intensity (SMD = −0.22; 95% CI = −0.50–0.07; P = 0.129) between cattle supplemented with probiotics and the control group. However, subgroup analyses revealed that multiple-strain bacterial probiotics (SMD = −0.36; 95% CI = −0.62 to −0.11; P = 0.005), specifically the combination of bacteria involved in reductive acetogenesis and propionate production (SMD = −0.71; 95% CI = −1.04 to −0.36; P = 0.001), emerged as better interventions. Likewise, crossbreeds (SMD = −0.48; 95% CI = −0.78 to −0.18; P = 0.001) exhibited a more favorable response to the treatments. Furthermore, meta-regression demonstrated that longer periods of supplementation led to significant reductions in methane emissions (P = 0.001), yield (P = 0.032), and intensity (P = 0.012) effect sizes. Overall, the results of the current study suggest that cattle responses to probiotic interventions are highly dependent on the probiotic category. Therefore, extended trials performed with probiotics containing multiple bacterial strains are showing the most promising results. Ideally, further trials focusing on the use of probiotics to reduce ruminal methane in cattle should be conducted to complete the available literature.

CRISPR-mediated BnaNRAMP1 homologous copies editing create a low Cd-accumulation oilseed rape germplasm with unaffected yield

Brassica napus, one of the most important oil crops cultivated globally, is severely impacted by prolonged soil contamination with cadmium (Cd), resulting in decreased yields and poor seed quality. This crop exhibits a high adsorption capacity for Cd, thereby making the creation of seed resources with low Cd-accumulation as an essential strategy to alleviate this challenge. To address this issue, we genetically edited BnaNRAMP1 in B. napus by targeting three different exon regions, resulting in new germplasm resources with significant differences in Cd accumulation capacity and unaffected yield. Among these, the mutant K140-22, specifically targeting the seventh exon, is distinguished by its substantially reduced Cd accumulation. Further, enzyme assays of the antioxidant defense system in both roots and shoots of K140-22 revealed its enhanced antioxidant activity, which contributes to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of plant tolerance to heavy metal stress. Remarkably, this mutant also maintained equivalent agronomic traits and seed quality, which highlights its potential as a germplasm resource for rapeseed breeding for low Cd accumulation, as well as for elevating rapeseed economic value in Cd contaminated soil.

Evaluation of yield and tuber functionality in short-term cultivation of Chinese artichoke using propagated cuttings

ABSTRACT The Chinese artichoke (Stachys affinis) is a vegetable that is also used as a medicinal plant. There are two major problems in growing Chinese artichoke. One is the re-infection of viruses when propagating virus-free seed tubers, and the other is too long a cultivation period before harvest. The application of rooted cuttings technology to tuber production could allow virus-free cuttings to be propagated annually and planted at any time of the year. We showed that 100% of the cuttings were rooted within 14 days when the electrical conductivity of the nutrient solution was less than 0.42 dS·m−1. There was no significant difference in yield or tuber size between tubers derived from rooted cuttings and those derived from seed tubers (the conventional method of cultivation). Although the yield of rooted cuttings planted in July, August and September decreased slightly with delayed planting time, tubers of marketable size were harvested even when planted in September, the shortest growing season. The stachyose content, polyphenol content and antioxidant activity of the tubers did not differ significantly with planting time. In conclusion, short-term cultivation of Chinese artichoke using rooted cuttings is feasible for commercial tuber production.

Comparison of Different Soil Tillage Methods for Sustainable Agriculture in the Transition Climate Zone in Terms of Seedbed Quality and Green Grass Yield of Triticale-Vetch Mixture

In the research conducted under the conditions of Tokat, silage triticale-vetch mixture-second crop silage corn rotation was applied. The study used four different tillage methods to compare the quality and product yield of the seedbed prepared for silage triticale-vetch mixture. Conventional tillage method (M1), conservation tillage method (M2), reduced tillage method (M3), and direct sowing (M4) methods were applied. Seedbed quality: It was evaluated regarding soil moisture content, bulk density, penetration resistance, degree of soil fragmentation, and surface roughness for depths of 0-10 cm and 10-20 cm. The effect of soil tillage methods on porosity, surface roughness, and green grass yield were statistically insignificant. Although there were statistical differences between the methods regarding soil moisture content (MC), bulk density (BD), penetration resistance (PR), and mean weight diameter values (MWD), the values are within the limit values determined for plant growth. However, crop yield is the same between soil tillage methods. This result shows that alternative tillage methods are applicable when evaluated in sustainable agriculture, which does not create a statistically significant difference in crop yield compared to conventional tillage.

Eastern Gamagrass Responds Inconsistently to Nitrogen Application in Long-Established Stands and within Diverse Ecotypes

Eastern gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides) is a highly productive, highly palatable native grass tolerant to both drought and flooding. It has frequently shown great response to nitrogen (N) applications, but the responses of southern native ecotypes in upland and bottomland sites have yet to be reported. The objectives were to measure the responses of long-established eastern gamagrass with different N application rates in two bottomland hay pastures and two upland grazed sites, and to measure the N responses for six diverse ecotypes in a common garden. A randomized block design was used with ecotype as the main block and fertilizer rate as the subplot. In the long-established sites, 75 N peak yields were not statistically different to those of 0 N, while upland yields across the season were consistently higher for 150 N but varied for the bottomland. The common garden ecotypes had no significant difference in yield between treatments when averaged across years. Roaring Springs showed the most consistent and greatest benefit to additional N, more than doubling the dry weight of the control. All remaining ecotypes, however, had more modest responses. Eastern gamagrass responds inconsistently to applications of 75 N, whereas most applications of 150 N generally result in higher yield, though significant increases are not guaranteed.

Prevalence of FSH-R Asn680Ser and Ala307Thr receptor polymorphism and their correlation with ART outcomes among infertile Indian-Asian women-a prospective cohort study.

The present prospective cohort study evaluated the prevalence of FSH-R receptor Asn680Ser and Ala307Thr among infertile Indian women and the correlation of these polymorphisms with ART outcomes. Total 804 infertile and 209 fertile controls were enrolled for FSH-R analysis. Correlation of different genotypes with ovarian reserve markers, IVF parameters, and cumulative live birth rates (CLBR) was done among women undergoing IVF. In fertile controls, at 680 position GG (Ser/Ser) was the most common genotype; but among infertile women, all the genotypes were equally distributed. There was no significant difference in ovarian response parameters, oocyte yield, and CLBR among the three genotype groups. Empty follicle syndrome (EFS) was highest in women with AA or AG type at both positions. On categorisation of unexpected poor responders according to POSEIDON stratification; GG genotype at both positions had the lowest risk ratio of low-oocyte yield in ART cycles, but these differences were not statistically significant. This is the largest study from Indian ethnicity showing GG (Ser/Ser) genotype is most common among fertile women. The effect of FSH-R genotypes is very marginal on IVF parameters and is not reflected in CLBR. More prospective data may be required on the correlation of these genotypes with genuine EFS, thus stratifying the next cycles with self or donor oocytes. Routine genetic testing of FSH-R polymorphism should not be done except in a research setting. As both 680 and 307 positions are in linkage disequilibrium, only 680 position analysis may be done in a research setting.

A Study on the Effects of Selected Micronutrients, Locations, and Their Interaction on Cassava Yield Based on the Two-Way ANOVA Model with Interaction

<p dir="ltr"><span>The paper investigated the effects of fertilizer (Zinc, Iron and Manganese), location of farm land and their interaction on cassava yield. The secondary data used for the study were collected from the National Cereal Research Institute of Nigeria Outstanding Farm, Nung Udo, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. The data comprised of cassava yield (Hectares) for 2016 planting season, five separate farms where three types of fertilizer were applied. The two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) technique with interaction was used in the analysis of the data. Furthermore, the Tukey HSD test was conducted to compare the treatment means. The result of the study showed that there is significant mean difference in the yield of cassava based on the three types of fertilizer applied. On the basis of farm locations, the result shows that there is no significant mean difference in cassava yield while the interaction between fertilizer and farm location affects cassava yield significantly at 5% level of significance.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span>Keywords: </span><span>two-way analysis of variance with interaction; Tukey test; fertilizer; cassava yield; farm location</span></p><div><span><br /></span></div>

Determination of Morpho-Physiological Traits for Assessing Drought Tolerance in Sugarcane.

Drought is a significant constraint to sugarcane productivity. Therefore, understanding how different varieties of sugarcane respond to drought stress can facilitate breeding programs and set up criteria for selecting drought-tolerant varieties. In the present study, we examined eight morpho-physiological traits to distinguish 40 sugarcane genotypes categorized into four groups based on significant differences in cane yield under non-stressed conditions and reduction of cane yield under drought-stressed conditions. The study was conducted during the formative stage in a greenhouse, encompassing both control and drought conditions. Drought treatments resulted in significant changes and differences in the mean values of various morpho-physiological traits. The hierarchical clustering analysis, utilizing stay-green traits such as higher chlorophyll fluorescence ratio (Fv/Fm), leaf chlorophyll content (SPAD), leaf relative water content (RWC), and lower leaf rolling score (LR), leaf drying score (LD), and drought recovery score (DR), successfully grouped 40 sugarcane genotypes into four major clusters, similar to the previously categorized groups. Correlation analysis showed significant relationships among cane yield, reduction of cane yield under drought conditions, and the stay-green traits. Our results demonstrated that morpho-physiological traits contributing to the "stay-green" phenotypes could be useful as selection criteria for drought tolerance in sugarcane.

Enhancing Sesame Yield in Arid Conditions through NPK Fertilizer Optimization

Sesame, an important oilseed crop and valuable source of protein, plays a central role in global agriculture. This study, conducted during the 2021-2022 Kharif season at Karor Adaptive Research Farm (ARF), Layyah, Pakistan, aimed to optimize the use of NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) fertilizers to increase sesame yield under dry conditions. Our research aimed to determine the most effective application rates of NPK fertilizer (34:24:12) kg/acre for sesame variety TH-6 in the region, consistent with the objectives of maximizing sesame yield and biomass accumulation. The experimental design RCBD included multiple treatments, with meticulous attention to plot sizes, replicates, and robust data collection and analysis methods. These measures ensure the reliability of our results and their potential applicability to similar agroclimatic conditions. The use of NPK fertilizer at the rate of (113:113:60) kg ha-1 in ARF gave promising results. A maximum grain yield of 765.3 kg ha-1 was observed in 2021, exceeding the yield of 738.6 kg ha-1 in 2022. Similarly, the use of NPK (113:113:60) kg ha-1 in a farmer's field resulted in a maximum grain yield of 828.6 kg ha-1 in 2021, as opposed to 702.6 kg ha-1 in 2022. These results highlight the potential of NPK fertilizer application combined with optimal field practices to increase sesame yield and its components under the challenging agro-climatic conditions of Karor, Layyah. The discussion interprets the results and emphasizes the importance of NPK fertilizers for sesame cultivation. Although our primary focus is not on climate discussions, the consistent methodology in both years, from sowing to harvesting, revealed significant differences in yield and growth parameters, leading to climate change being considered as a potential contributing factor. This study shows that the application of NPK fertilizer at the rate of (113:113:60) kg ha-1 can significantly increase sesame yield under adverse conditions.

Effect of pruning intensity and picking on Acacia senegal for gum arabic yield in Northern Jigawa State, Nigeria

Climate significantly impacts dryland trees, influencing their adaptation, survival, production, and role in the ecosystem. Acacia senegal is a valuable dryland tree planted for gum arabic production and ecological benefits. However, gum arabic production has declined due to the adverse effects of climate and improper management. Thus, silvicultural intervention such as pruning is essential for the health, growth, and gum yield of A. senegal. This study investigates the effects of different pruning intensities and pickings on gum arabic yield at Madana and Garin-ladan in the Gumel district of northern Jigawa State, Nigeria. The experiment involved five levels of pruning intensity and eight pickings, conducted using a randomized complete block design with three replicates. The gum yield was collected, dried, and weighed, and ANOVA was performed using Statistix 10.0 software, with Shapiro-Wilk and Turkey tests for data normality and mean comparison. The result showed significant differences (p < 0.05) in gum yield among the pruning intensities for most of the pickings at the two sites. The 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 6th, and 3rd, 5th, 8th pickings are significantly different except 4th, 7th, 8th; and 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 6th, and 7th at Madana and Garin-ladan respectively. The highest gum yield is 52.5a, 46.7a, 50.1a, and 43.5a g/picking, respectively. The lowest is 0.8a and 0.9a g/picking, respectively. Pruning intensity significantly differs (p< 0.05) in total gum yield per tree. Pruning intensities B3 and B4 demonstrated the highest total gum yield (251.8a and 147.6a g/tree) at both sites, respectively. At the same time, B0 exhibited the lowest gum arabic yield (97.2c and 38.5b g/tree) at both locations. These findings prove that pruning intensities B3 and B4 are the most effective in promoting gum yield and may enhance the gum productivity of A. senegal trees in northern Jigawa State.

Profile and accumulation of essential oils from guayule (Parthenium argentatum A. Gray) accessions and hybrids

For guayule (Parthenium argentatum A. Gray) to become a viable market option, it will be necessary to exploit not only the rubber and resin components, but also other high-value plant products such as essential oils (EOs). A detailed EO profiling study was conducted on 16 guayule accessions for first time, which revealed significant differences in EO yield and profile among them. Accession AZ-2 had the highest yield up to 0.9% (dry weight), followed by CFS18–2005, CAL-7, and CFS17–2005. These yields were comparable with those of aromatic plants used in the industry, providing valuable economic insights. The volatile EO composition of the accessions was unique and discriminating. Volatile sesquiterpenes were the most abundant compounds at the beginning of the flowering stage (S1-June sampling), while monoterpenes became more abundant as flowering progressed (S2-July and S3-August sampling). At S1, it was possible to distinguish between hybrid (mariola and non-mariola) and other accessions by the EO profile. By the end of the summer season (S3, August 2023), the EO volatile profile could more easily distinguish the accessions according to their genetic origin, enabling the separation of pure guayule accessions. The extraction of guayule EOs on an industrial scale (1.2 Mg fresh biomass) demonstrated high yield and consistency in terms of volatile profile, underscoring its potential for commercial exploitation.

Pre-extension Demonstration and Evaluation of Improved Food Barley Varieties in Chora and Gechi Districts of Buno Bedele Zone Southwestern Oromia, Ethiopia

The experiment was conducted in 2022 main rainy cropping season in Chora and Gechi districts of Buno Bedele zone with the objectives to evaluate the yield performance and economic profitability of food barley varieties, to identify farmers’ varietal selection criteria and to improve the targeted farmers` knowledge and skills towards improved selected food barley production and management practices. Based on barley production potential and road accessibility, five kebeles were selected where two improved barley varieties (Adoshe and HB 1307) were demonstrated and evaluated alongside the local variety (Torja) replicated on 14 demonstration sites. The 100 m2 plot size was used for each variety where all the recommended agronomic practices were followed. Data like grain yield, farmers’ varietal selection criteria’s, number of training and field day participants, cost incurred and profit obtained were collected where descriptive statistics, one way ANOVA, matrix raking and partial budget were used to analyze the collected data. Both list-wise deletion and single imputation methods were used in order to fix non-equal treatment as missed data among the fourteen demonstration sites. Accordingly, the descriptive result of list-wise deletion revealed that, the mean grain yield of 37.14, 39.79and 19.49 qt ha-1 were obtained from Adoshe, HB1307 and local varieties respectively whereas the mean grain yield of 34.04, 39.79 and 19.69 qt ha-1 were obtained from Adoshe, HB1307 and local varieties respectively. The list-wise deletion and imputation method analysis of variance among the yield of demonstrated barley varieties shows that there is statistically significant yield difference at (P&lt;0.05) and (P&lt;0.01) between the varieties respectively. The matrix raking shows Adoshe variety was preferred first by farmers. About 69 and 96 participants were participated on the training and field day respectively. The economic analysis result revealed that, the 3.55 ETB marginal rate of return by list-wise deletion and 3.51 ETB by imputation methods were obtained from HB1307 variety whereas, the 3.1 ETB marginal rate of return by list-wise deletion and 2.51 ETB by imputation methods were obtained from Adoshe variety indicating that farmers can recover all the incurred costs and gain 3.55/3.51 and 3.10/2.51 ETB for every 1 ETB they invest when they use HB1307 and Adoshe varieties respectively. HB1307 variety had high performance in terms of yield and economic profitability whereas Adoshe variety was favored by the farmers and therefore, HB1307 and Adoshe varieties were recommended for further scaling up in the study areas and similar agro ecologies.Key words__ Buno Bedele, Demonstration, Farmers, Food Barley, Participatory, Yield.

Combined Application of Chemical and Organic Fertilizers: Effects on Yield and Soil Nutrients in Spring Wheat under Drip Irrigation

In this study, we established a feasible fertilization programming method for wheat production by exploring the effects of the combined application of chemical and organic fertilizers on wheat yield, nutrient uptake, soil nutrient content, and fertilizer utilization. Six treatments, no fertilizer (CK), conventional fertilizer (CF), optimized fertilizer (with reduced fertilizer amount) (RF), chemical fertilizer with organic fertilizer extract (RPAE), partial replacement of chemical fertilizer with raw amino acid powder (RAF), and partial replacement of chemical fertilizer with raw humic acid powder (RHF), were set up for a field experiment. The fertilizer application rates for the RF treatment were calculated based on fertilization-monitoring techniques (30.3% nitrogen and 24.8% phosphorus reductions in 2022 and 23.0% nitrogen and 1.5% phosphorus reductions in 2023). The effects of different fertilizer treatments on yield, dry matter accumulation, plant nutrient accumulation, soil nutrients, and nutrient utilization in wheat were investigated. The results showed that, on the basis of 23% nitrogen and 1.5% phosphorus reductions, there was no significant difference in wheat yield between the RF and CF treatments and that the utilization rate of nitrogen fertilizer was improved. The application of organic fertilizer promoted dry matter accumulation in different organs of wheat; increased plant nutrient accumulation; improved soil nutrient content, nutrient utilization rate, nutrient partial productivity, and nutrient agronomic use efficiency; and ensured stable and increased crop yield. Specifically, compared with CF, the RPAE, RAF, and RHF organic fertilizer treatments increased wheat yield by 3.85%, 1.97%, and 0.67%, respectively, and the utilization of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers induced by these treatments significantly increased by 40.46%, 39.28%, and 37.46% (nitrogen) and by 9.83%, 8.91%, and 7.46% (phosphorus), respectively. As a result of our experiment, we concluded that RPAE exerted the best effects among the three organic fertilizer treatments (RPAE, RAF, and RHF) and that its use can result in a higher wheat yield and fertilizer utilization rate in drip-irrigated wheat fields. The results of this study provide a theoretical basis for the combined application of chemical and organic fertilizers, which is conducive to sustainable agriculture development.