Significant Increase In Yield Research Articles

NUTRITIONAL INTERVENTIONS ON DAIRY PERFORMANCE AND PROFITABILITY

Dairy production plays a pivotal role in meeting the global demand for high-quality milk and dairy products, which are essential sources of nutrition for populations worldwide. The primary aim of the study is to find the nutritional interventions on dairy performance and profitability. This research article follows a controlled experimental design to assess the impact of specific dietary interventions on dairy performance and profitability. The study was conducted at a commercial dairy farm, and data were collected over 12 months.The study utilized 120 lactating Holstein dairy cows from the commercial herd. Cows were selected based on similar lactation stages, parity, and health status to minimize potential confounding factors. The experimental Group 1, which received the custom-blend dietary supplements, showed a significant increase in daily milk yield compared to the Control Group (P < 0.05). On average, cows in Group 1 produced 2.5 liters more milk daily. It is concluded that improved milk production and profitability, achieved without compromising health or welfare, underscores the importance of optimizing nutrition for dairy cows. These findings contribute to the evolving field of dairy nutrition and have practical implications for enhancing dairy farm sustainability and economic viability.

Tertiary amine oxides as perovskite nanocrystal ligands and components of polymeric nanocomposites

AbstractAs a class of semiconductor nanocrystals that exhibit high photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) at tunable wavelengths, perovskite nanocrystals (PNCs) are attractive candidates for optoelectronic and light‐emitting devices. However, attempts to optimize PNC integration into such applications suffer from PNC instability and loss of PL over time. Here, we describe the impact of organic and polymeric N‐oxides when used in conjunction with PNCs, whereby a significant increase in PNC quantum yield is observed in solution, and stable PL emission is obtained in polymeric nanocomposites. Specifically, when using aliphatic N‐oxides in ligand exchange with CsPbBr3 PNCs in solution, a substantial boost in PNC brightness is observed (~40% or more PLQY increase), followed by an alteration of the perovskite chemistry. When N‐oxide substituents are positioned pendent to a poly(n‐butyl methacrylate) backbone, the optically clear flexible nanocomposite films obtained have bright PL emission and maintain optical clarity for months. X‐ray diffraction is useful for characterizing the PNC crystalline structure following exposure to aliphatic N‐oxides, while electron microscopy (EM) and small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) measurements of the PNC‐polymer nanocomposites show this polymeric N‐oxide platform to cleanly disperse PNCs in flexible polymer films.

Stepwise transform sugarcane bagasse into xylooligosaccharides and fermentable glucose by hydrothermal-xylanase-acid-cellulase hydrolysis

Hydrothermal pretreatment can effectively degrade the hemicellulosic xylan into xylooligosaccharides; however, the low degree of polymerization (DP) oligomers are dissatisfied. Considering the significance of low DP, one approach to enhance the levels of low DP xylooligosaccharides is to utilize endo-xylanase for degrading the high DP xylooligosaccharides. Therefore, a combination method of hydrothermal and post endo-xylanase hydrolysis was employed in this study to enhance XOS yields. As a result, a maximum XOS of 54.5% with low DP was achieved from sugarcane bagasse, and the ratio of (DP2+DP3)/XOS was remarkably improved. Following the preparation of XOS, an additional acidic hydrolysis using dilute sulfuric acid was performed to enhance the saccharification efficiency of cellulose, resulting in a significant increase in yield of enzymatic hydrolysis to over 90%. Overall, biomass-derived sugar products (XOS and glucose) can be co-produced for adding the value of the sugarcane bagasse by sequential hydrothermal-endo-xylanase-acid-cellulase hydrolysis.

Effect of Calcium Cyanamide as an Alternative Nitrogen Source on Growth, Yield, and Nitrogen Use Efficiency of Short-Day Onion

Effective nitrogen (N) management in agriculture is vital to optimize crop growth and yield while minimizing environmental impact. Conventional nitrogen (N) sources, such as urea, have limitations in promoting growth and reducing N leaching. A two-year field experiment was carried out to investigate the effects of calcium cyanamide (CaCN2) as a slow-release N source on short-day onion growth, yield, and N use efficiency (NUE). Six types of N sources were administered: (i) an initial application of 80 kg ha−1 N in the form of CaCN2 before planting; (ii) an initial application of 80 kg ha−1 N in the form of CaCN2 before planting, followed by a topdressing of 50 kg ha−1 N in the form of limestone ammonium nitrate (LAN); (iii) an initial application of 80 kg ha−1 N in the form of CaCN2 before planting, followed by a topdressing of 50 kg ha−1 N in the form of urea; (iv) an initial application of 80 kg ha−1 N in the form of LAN before planting, followed by a topdressing of 50 kg ha−1 N in the form of LAN; (v) an initial application of 80 kg ha−1 N in the form of urea before planting, followed by a topdressing of 50 kg ha−1 N in the form of urea; and (vi) control (0 kg ha−1 N). Preplant CaCN2 (80 kg ha−1 N) outperformed the standard fertilizers used in onion as an N source (urea and LAN) by improving growth and yield, and reducing N leaching. Preplant CaCN2 topdressed with either LAN or urea led to a significant increase in plant growth and total yield compared to using LAN or urea alone. The application of CaCN2, followed by topdressing with either LAN or urea, decreased onion bolting by 1.6% and 1.83%, respectively, compared to the control. The study suggests that applying LAN or urea as a topdressing to preplant CaCN2 enhances N utilization efficiency, leading to increased onion bulb yield and quality while reducing N leaching. This approach can help mitigate farm-level environmental pollution and provide valuable insights for improving onion production and sustainable agriculture practices in South Africa.

Effect of Different Nitrogen and Potassium Levels on Yield and Nutrient Uptake of RNR 15048 during Summer Season in Southern Odisha

Background: The low glycemic rice variety RNR 15048 was introduced in Southern Odisha recently but the nitrogen and potassium requirement was not worked out for rabi / summer season. Methods: In this study, RNR 15048, a low glycemic index rice variety, was conducted in a split plot design with four main plots at 0, 50, 100 and 150 kg of nitrogen per hectare and three subplot levels at 0, 30 and 60 kg of potassium per hectare, each of which was reproduced three times. Result: A significant increase in yield, yield components and NPK uptake was noted with increase in nitrogen levels from 0 to 50, 100 and 150 kg/ha and potassium levels from 0 to 30 and 60 kg/ha.

Productivity of oat (Avena sativa L.) as affected by fertilization

Purpose. To identify varieties of oat (Avena sativa L.) by yield in the northern part of the Right Bank Forest Steppe of Ukraine, establish the efficiency of sulfur in the fertilization system and the specifics of the impact of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sulfur application rates on crop productivity. Methods. Field studies were carried out at the Agronomic Research Station of the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine (Kyiv region) in 2021–2023 in typical low-humus chernozem soils according to the scheme of a two-factor experiment: factor A: variety [‘Neptun’ (control), ‘Lehin Nosivskyi’, ‘Svitanok’, ‘Zakat’, ‘Zubr’, ‘Albatros’, and ‘Aivori’]; factor B: fertilization system. According to the scheme of the experiment, the application of NPK) and N8P24K24S9 fertilizers was foreseen. Equalization of the nitrogen dose with the introduction of N8P24K24S9 was carried out by the introduction of ammonium nitrate. Ammonium nitrate was also used for nitrogen fertilization at the microstage BBCH 31–32. Results. The yield of oat varieties on average over three years yielded from 2.28 t/ha in the control option for the cultivation of the ‘Neptun’ variety to 5.54 t/ha for the cultivation of the ‘Aivori’ variety and the introduction of N120P120K120S45 + N30. A yield increase ranged from 0.32 to 2.83 t/ha, depending on fertilizers. Among the seven studied oat varieties, the most productive was the 'Aivori' variety, the yield of which, depending on the year and the fertilization system, varied from 2.38 t/ha in the control version in 2022 to 5.98 t/ha when applying N120P120K120S45 + N30 in 2023. The yield increase on average for the application of N120P120K120S45 + N30 was 2.73 t/ha compared to the control and 0.66 t/ha with the option where an equivalent rate of macronutrients was applied, but without sulfur. All oat varieties show a positive reaction to sulfur by increasing productivity, but its growth varies against the background of different rates of fertilizer application. Yield increases in varieties ‘Zakat’, ‘Zubr’ have a positive correlation dependence on the use of sulfur against the background of increasing rates of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium application. Conclusions. Oat varieties are characterized by a specific reaction; however, all respond positively to increasing rates of fertilizers and the introduction of sulfur into the nutrition system, which increases the resistance of oats to lodging and the level of nitrogen use. The combined introduction of sulfur with macroelements provides a significant increase in yield, which is due to more efficient use of nitrogen by plants. Optimizing nitrogen-sulfur nutrition ensures increased efficiency of mineral fertilizers.

The effect of the ethylene phytohormone on the growth, development and yield of potatoes

. In 2021–2022, experiment on growing potatoes with preliminary seed tubers storage in the environment of the ethylene phytohormone was conducted at the Russian Potato Research Centre. The aim of the research was to determine the influence of seed tubers treatment with phytohormone ethylene on growth, development and yield of potatoes, taking into account the preplant doses of mineral fertilizers and variety specificities. Ethylene appliance at a concentration of 15 ml/m3 was carried out in the potato storage from November till the end of April at a temperature 4 0C and a relative humidity 90-95%. As a result of research, it was found that the use of ethylene while seed potatoes storing of varieties Grand and Vympel provided the 2-3 days earlier emergence of seedlings; an increase in plant height by 1.5-12.4%; an increase in number of stems per plant by 11.4-26.3%; an increase in leaf surface area by 5.5-11.3%. The total potato yield due to ethylene appliance increased by 5.6-12.9% or 1.3-1.8 t/ha (Grand) and by 5.6-27.7% or 1.1-3.6 t/ha (Vympel). The most significant increase of yield was noted when growing potatoes with mineral fertilizers dose N30P30K45. Ethylene seed treatment did not have a significant effect on the percentage of commercial tubers. The Grand variety, compared with the Vympel, turned out to be more responsive to the use of high doses of mineral fertilizers. It was found that the most significant factor that provided an increase in total yield by 4.2-12.4 t/ha or by 25.3-93.9% (depending on the variety and ethylene treatment) was the dose of fertilizers.

Novel approaches for lemon grass essential oil extraction: Ultrasound sonication and sparger‐based microwave assisted extraction as a combined technique

AbstractThe utilization of essential oils spans across various industries, encompassing food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. Lemongrass, an herb renowned for its high essential oil content, was the focal point of this research. The objective was to explore a novel approach to extract essential oil from lemongrass by employing ultrasonic sparger‐based microwave‐assisted extraction (U Sp‐MAE) coupled with ultrasound sonicator pretreatment. The findings revealed that the application of the U Sp‐MAE technique, combined with ultrasound sonicator pretreatment, resulted in a significant increase in lemongrass essential oil yield. At a mixing ratio of 80 g of chopped lemongrass per 500 mL of deionized water, a remarkable yield of 1.87% was achieved. This study demonstrates the potential of the U Sp‐MAE technique, with ultrasound sonicator pretreatment, as a promising and efficient method for extracting essential oil from lemongrass. Furthermore, its potential applications extend to industrial settings, offering new avenues for utilization.

Effect of nitrobenzene on the growth and yield of rice

A field experiment was conducted at two locations (Gazipur and Satkhira) during the Boro (dry) season in 2020 to study the performance of Nitrobenzene on the growth and yield of rice. Four different concentrations of Nitrobenzene (2.0 mL L-1, 2.5 mL L-1, 3.0 mL L-1 and 3.5 mL L-1) as foliar spray with recommended chemical fertilizer (RF) were tested on BRRI dhan89 under wetland condition. Application of Nitrobenzene at different concentrations with RF showed significant effect on rice growth and yield. At both locations, foliar application of Nitrobenzene (2 mL L-1) + RF gave higher number of tiller/m2, panicle/m2 and grain/panicle over RF. At Gazipur site, Nitrobenzene (2 mL L-1) + RF resulted in significant increase of grain and straw yield of BRRI dhan89 over the RF only whereas, at Satkhira site, no significant yield benefit with Nitrobenzene was found over RF. In terms of rice growth, yield and economic point of view, foliar application of Nitrobenzene at low concentration (2 mL L-1) with recommended fertilizer showed positive effect on the growth and yield of BRRI dhan89 in this study. However, since Nitrobenzene is a new type of plant stimulant, detailed studies on its mode of action, interaction with other plant growth hormones and environmental effects are required to get an insight on rice response to Nitrobenzene and its widespread application in rice cultivation. Bangladesh Rice J. 26 (2): 63-72, 2022

Recycling of gas-to-liquid sludge as a potential organic amendment: Effect on soil and cotton properties under hyperarid conditions

Gas-to-liquid (GTL) sludge is a specific wastewater treatment by-product, which is generated during the industrial process of natural gas conversion to transportation fuels. This least studied sludge is pathogen-free and rich in organic carbon and plant nutrients. Therefore, it can be reused for soil enhancement as a sustainable management strategy to mitigate landfill gas emissions. In this field study, we compared the performance of soil treatments with GTL sludge to the more conventional chemical fertilizers and cow manure compost for the cultivation of cotton under hyperarid conditions. After a complete growing season, GTL sludge application resulted in the enhancement of soil properties and plant growth compared to conventional inputs. As such, there was a significant dose-dependent increase of soil organic matter (4.01% and 4.54%), phosphorus (534 and 1090 mg kg−1), and cumulative lint yield (4.68 and 5.67 t ha−1) for GTL sludge application rates of 1.5% and 3%, respectively. The produced fiber quality was adequate for an upland cotton variety (Gossypium hirsutum var. MAY 344) and appeared more dependent on the prevailing climate conditions than soil treatments. On the other hand, the adverse effects generally related to industrial sludge reuse were not significant and did not affect the designed agro-environmental system. Accordingly, plants grown on GTL sludge-amended soils showed lower antioxidant activity despite significant salinity increase. In addition, the concentrations of detected heavy metals in soil were within the standards’ limits, which did not pose environmental issues under the described experimental conditions. Leachate analysis revealed no risks for groundwater contamination with phytotoxic metals, which were mostly retained by the soil matrix. Therefore, recycling GTL sludge as an organic amendment can be a sustainable solution to improve soil quality and lower carbon footprint. To reduce any environmental concerns, an application rate of 1.5% could be provisionally recommended since a two-fold increase in sludge dose did not result in a significant yield improvement.

Genetic improvement of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grain yield in the Northern Great Plains of North America, 1959–2021

AbstractPlant breeding progress is often based on assessments of genetic gain, a measure of year‐on‐year improvement of newly developed varieties for important traits of interest. Herein, we present data from the USDA‐coordinated hard winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Northern Regional Performance Nursery (NRPN) collected from 1959 to 2021 for grain yield, grain volume weight, days‐to‐heading, and plant height and use it to estimate absolute and relative rates of genetic gain (loss) of the control cultivar "Kharkof" for winter wheats adapted to the Northern Great Plains of North America. Regression analyses revealed significant relative grain yield increases of 0.67% Kharkof year−1 or 39.2 kg ha−1 year−1 for the NRPN over the 63‐year period. From 2008 to 2021, however, negative linear relationships were observed for relative grain yield for all NRPN entries and the five highest yielding NRPN lines each year, with genetic grain yield losses estimated at −0.95 and −0.79% Kharkof year−1, respectively. Surprisingly, genetic progress for grain yield in the NRPN was limited to just 8.9 kg ha−1 year−1 over the past 13 years. Moreover, linear‐plateau models significantly (p < 0.0001) fit all relative and absolute yield datasets from 1959 to 2021, with yield plateaus beginning by 2008 for all groups. These results support that winter wheats adapted to the Northern Great Plains have reached an upper yield plateau and could be nearing a yield potential ceiling due to global warming or other combined abiotic and biotic environmental stressors that are straining the biophysical limits of the crop.

Performance of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under different planting patterns and nitrogen levels

The field experiment was conducted on the research farm of Department of Agronomy, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara (Punjab) on, “Performance of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under different planting patterns and nitrogen levels”. The field study was conducted in Split Plot Design with three planting patterns viz. 2 rows/bed, cross sowing, flat sowing in main plots and five nitrogen levels viz. 0 kg/ha, 40 kg/ha, 80 kg/ha, 120 kg/ha, 160 kg/ha in sub plots. The result revealed that significantly higher grain yield was obtained from two rows/bed (43.86 q/ha) followed by cross sowing (42.48 q/ha) and flat sowing (40.77 q/ha). Also bed sowing increased grain yield of wheat by 4.2 and 7.6 % than cross and flat sowing respectively. Also cross sowing method recorded significantly more grain yield than line sowing method. Grain yield was significantly higher with use of 160 kg N/ha (54.95 q/ha) as compared to all other nitrogen levels. There was subsequent and significant increase in grain yield of wheat with successive increase in nitrogen level from 0 to 160 kg/ha. Grain yield of 0 kg N/ha was significantly less than all other nitrogen levels. There was 100.4, 92.7, 60.0 and 19.6 percent increased in grain yield of wheat with the application of 160 Kg, 120 Kg, 80 kg and 40 kg N respectively as compared to 0 kg N/ha (control).

Optimizing Sugarcane Growth, Yield, and Quality in Different Ecological Zones and Irrigation Sources Amidst Environmental Stressors.

The imbalanced use of fertilizers and irrigation water, particularly supplied from groundwater, has adversely affected crop yield and harvest quality in sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.). In this experiment, we evaluated the impact of potassium (K) and micronutrients [viz. Zinc (Zn), Iron (Fe), and Boron (B)] application and irrigation water from two sources, viz. canal, and tube well water on sugarcane growth, yield, and cane quality under field trails. Water samples from Mardan (canal water) and Rahim Yar Khan (tube well water) were analyzed for chemical and nutritional attributes. The results revealed that tube well water's electrical conductivity (EC) was three-fold that of canal water. Based on the EC and total dissolved salts (TDS), 83.33% of the samples were suitable for irrigation, while the sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) indicated only a 4.76% fit and a 35.71% marginal fit compared with canal water. Furthermore, the application of K along with B, Fe, and Zn had led to a significant increase in cane height (12.8%, 9.8%, and 10.6%), cane girth (15.8%, 15.6%, and 11.6%), cane yield (13.7%, 12.3%, and 11.5%), brix contents (14%, 12.2%, and 13%), polarity (15.4%, 1.4%, and 14%), and sugar recovery (7.3%, 5.9%, and 6%) in the tube well irrigation system. For the canal water system, B, Fe, and Zn increased cane height by 15.3%, 13.42%, and 11.6%, cane girth by 13.9%, 9.9%, and 6.5%, cane yield by 42.9%, 43.5%, and 42%, brix content by 10.9%, 7.7%, and 8%, polarity by 33.4%, 28%, and 30%, and sugar recovery by 4.0%, 3.9%, and 2.0%, respectively, compared with sole NPK application. In conclusion, the utilization of tube well water in combination with canal water has shown better results in terms of yield and quality compared with the sole application of canal water. In addition, the combined application of K and B significantly improved sugarcane yields compared with Zn and Fe, even with marginally suitable irrigation water.

Potential of plant-growth regulators and nutrients sprays on yield and yield components in lucerne (Medicago sativa)

An experiment was conducted at the Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, during the winter (rabi) seasons of 2017–18 and 2018–19, to evaluate the effects of different plant-growth regulators and nutrients applied as foliar sprays on yield and yield components of lucerne (Medicago sativa L.). The treatments comprised foliar applications of 0.25% ZnSO4 , 1.0% K2 SO4 , 1.0% (monoammonium phosphate) MAP, 100 ppm salicylic acid, 500 ppm mepiquat chloride and 1.0 ppm brassinolide at pre-flowering stage and 10 days after the first spray along with the control. Plant-growth regulators and nutrient sprays significantly increased the seed yield of lucerne over control by 22.4 to 31.0% in 2017–18 and by 5.5 to 17.8% in 2018–19. The highest seed yield of 122.4 and 167.5 kg/ha in 2017–18 and 2018–19 respectively, was obtained with application of 1.0 ppm brassinolide. The significant increase in yield was obtained mainly owing to increase in number of pods/plant and number of seeds/pod. None of the foliar applications showed any effect on lucerne seed quality, i.e. 1,000-seed weight and seed germination. The monetary returns were also significantly higher with 1.0 ppm brassinolide application. Hence, plant-growth regulators may be used to enhance lucerne seed production while maintaining its seed quality.

Impact of foliar spray with Se, nano-Se and sodium sulfate on growth, yield and metabolic activities of red kidney bean

Sulfur (S) is an essential microelement for plants. Based on the chemical similarity between Se and S, selenium may affects sulphur uptake by plants. This work aimed at investigating the effect of foliar spray with sodium selenate, gum arabic coated selenium nanoparticles (GA-SeNPs ≈ 48.22 nm) and sodium sulfate on red kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) plants. Each treatment was used at 0.0, 1, 5, 10 and 50 µM, alone or combination of sodium sulfate with either Se or nano-Se, each at 0.5, 2.5 and 5 µM concentrations. The effect of foliar spray on vegetative growth, seed quality, and some metabolic constituents of red kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) plants were investigated. Selenium nanoparticles have been synthesized through the green route using gum arabic (as a stabilizing and coating agent. Foliar application of different concentrations of Se, nano-Se, Na2SO4 up to 10 μM and their interaction were effective in increasing the growth criteria (i.e. shoot and root lengths, plant fresh and dry weights, number of leaves and photosynthetic area (cm2 plant−1).There was also a significant increase in photosynthetic pigment contents, yield (i.e., 100-seed weight), total carbohydrate, crude proteins and mineral contents in both leaf as compared to their untreated control plants. Furthermore, interaction between sodium sulfate with nano-Se or Se, each at 5 µM significantly increased the vegetative growth, 100-seed weight, and pigment contents in leaves and improved the nutritional value and quality of red kidney bean seeds.

Bump Feeding Improves Sow Reproductive Performance, Milk Yield, Piglet Birth Weight, and Farrowing Behavior.

The late gestation period is crucial for fetal growth and development, impacting swine enterprises' profitability. Various nutritional strategies have been explored to enhance reproductive performance in sows, but findings regarding birth weight and litter size have been inconsistent. This study investigated the effects of increased feeding allowance during the late gestation period on the reproductive performance and farrowing behavior of primiparous and multiparous sows. A total of 28 sows (Landrace × Yorkshire) were used in this experiment, and fed 2.50 kg/d or 3.50 kg/d from 84 days of gestation until farrowing. Farrowing behavior was monitored using a DeepEyesTM M3SEN camera. The data were analyzed using the 2 × 2 factorial within Statistical Analysis System (SAS, 2011, Version 9.3) software. The results indicated that regardless of the parity number, sows fed a high diet exhibited a numerical increase in the total number of born piglets and a significant increase in milk yield (p = 0.014) and piglet birthweight (p = 0.023). Backfat thickness loss was significantly higher in sows with a 2.50 kg feeding allowance (p = 0.022), and the total number of piglets born, live births, and litter size were numerically higher in sows fed 3.50 kg per day. Moreover, stillborn piglets, mortality rate, and re-estrus days were numerically lower in sows with a high feeding allowance. The diet and parity did not individually affect the average duration of farrowing and farrowing intervals. However, the duration of postural changes in sows after farrowing was significantly reduced (p = 0.012). The principal component analysis revealed 81.40% and 80.70% differences upon partial least-squares discriminant analysis. Therefore, increasing feeding allowance during the late gestation period, regardless of parity, could positively influence sows' reproductive performance and piglets' growth performance during the lactation phase.

Increasing yield of several varieties of zero-tillage sorghum through additive intercropping with soybean on permanent raised-beds

Sorghum is getting popular because of its potential use as food, feed, and bio-ethanol production. However, there are competing interests for growing sorghum because rice and maize are two most important crops in Indonesia, so intercropping could be a solution. This study aimed to examine the effects of additive intercropping several varieties of sorghum with soybean grown during a dry season on permanent raised-beds mostly used to grow rice. The experiment was established on farmers’ paddy fields in West Lombok (Indonesia) from June to September 2022, which was arranged according to Split Plot design, with two treatment factors, namely sorghum varieties (V1= Numbu, V2= Samurai-1, V3= Super-1) and intercropping (I0= monocropped sorghum, I1= additive intercropping with soybean). The results indicated that additive intercropping with soybean relay-planted between rows of sorghum significantly increased growth and yield of sorghum but sorghum varieties showed significant differences only in weight of 100 grains. However, there was a significant interaction effect on leaf number prior to anthesis and at seed filling stage and growth rate of leaf number. Among the varieties, Numbu showed a significant and highest increase (16%, equivalent to 477 kg/ha) in dry grain yield due to additive intercropping with soybean.

A promising product: Abscisic acid-producing bacterial agents for restricting cadmium enrichment in field vegetable crops.

Soil heavy metal contamination and its enrichment in the edible parts of crops have gained global concern. In this study, a compound bacterial agent possessing the ability to produce the plant hormone, abscisic acid (ABA), was applied to contaminated farmland in Hunan province. Its application reduced the concentration of Cd in radish, cabbage, mustard, and lettuce by 15-144%. Accordingly, the Cd contents in these vegetables were found to be below the maximum limits set by GB 2762-2017. Meanwhile, bacteria agents also led to a significant increase in crops yield by 45-82%. Furthermore, the nutritional indices, including soluble sugar and soluble protein increased by 18-66%, as well as the antioxidant indices, including total phenolic, ascorbate content, and DPPH capacity, enhanced by 12-76%, 10-49% and 50-140%, respectively. In conclusion, the use of ABA-producing bacteria is anticipated to be a novel approach for the safe use of soil with moderate and low pollution.

One-time application of controlled-release bulk blending fertilizer enhances yield, quality and photosynthetic efficiency in late japonica rice

Controlled-release urea (CRU) releases nitrogen (N) at the same pace that rice takes it up, which can effectively improve N use efficiency, increase rice yield and improve rice quality. However, few studies have described the effects of CRU application on the photosynthetic rate and endogenous enzyme activities of rice. Accordingly, a two-year field trial was conducted with a total of seven treatments: CK, no N fertilizer; BBF, regular blended fertilizer; RBBF, 20% N-reduced regular blended fertilizer; CRF1, 70% CRU+30% regular urea one-time base application; CRF2, 60% CRU+40% regular urea one-time base application; RCRF1, CRF1 treatment with 20% N reduction; and RCRF2, CRF2 treatment with 20% N reduction. Each treatment was conducted in triplicate. The results showed that the N recovery efficiency (NRE) of the controlled-release bulk blending fertilizer (CRBBF) treatments was significantly greater over the two years. There were significant yield increases of 4.1–5.9% under the CRF1 treatment and 5.6–7.6% under the CRF2 treatment compared to the BBF treatment, but the differences between the reduced-N treatments RBBF and RCRF2 were not significant. Photosynthetic rates under the CRF1 and CRF2 treatments were significantly higher than under the other treatments, and they had significantly greater RuBPCase, RuBisCO, glutamate synthase (GOGAT) and glutamine synthetase (GS) enzyme activities. Additionally, the soil NH4+-N and NO3−-N contents under the CRBBF treatments were significantly higher at the late growth stage of rice, which was more in-line with the fertilizer requirements of rice throughout the reproductive period. CRBBF also led to some improvement in rice quality. Compared with the BBF and RBBF treatments, the protein contents under the CRBBF treatments were reduced but the milling, appearance, eating and cooking qualities of the rice were improved. These results showed that the application of CRBBF can improve the NRE, photosynthetic rate and endogenous enzyme activities of rice, ensuring sufficient N nutrition and photosynthetic material production during rice growth and thereby achieving improved rice yield and quality.

Cutting Dipping Application of Flupyradifurone against Cassava Whiteflies Bemisia tabaci and Impact on Its Parasitism in Cassava.

The cassava whitefly Bemisia tabaci causes damage in cassava through the feeding and vectoring of plant viruses that cause cassava mosaic and cassava brown streak diseases. This study sought to explore the efficacy of cutting dipping in flupyradifurone for whitefly control and the impact of the mode of application on whitefly parasitism under farmer field conditions. The insecticide treatment significantly reduced adult whiteflies by 41%, nymphs by 64%, and cassava mosaic disease (CMD) incidence by 16% and increased root yield by 49%. The whitefly parasitism rate by Encarsia spp. parasitoids was 27.3 and 21.1%, while Eretmocerus spp. had 26.7 and 18.0% in control and flupyradifurone, respectively, and these differences were not significant. Electropenetrography recordings of whitefly feeding behaviour on flupyradifurone-treated plants showed significantly reduced probing activity and a delay in reaching the phloem as compared to the control. The findings from this study demonstrated that cassava cutting dipping in flupyradifurone significantly reduces whitefly numbers and cassava mosaic disease incidence, thus contributing to a significant root yield increase in cassava. Flupyradifurone applied through cutting dips does not significantly impact parasitism rates in cassava fields. Routine monitoring of parasitoids and predators in insecticide-treated versus control fields should be emphasized to determine the impact of pesticides on these beneficial non-target organisms.