Stem Fresh Weight Research Articles

Impact of organic mulch and exposure to shallow groundwater levels on Cnidoscolus aconitifolius in a tropical wetland, South Sumatra, Indonesia

Agricultural land in Indonesia is decreasing due to its conversion for various non-agricultural interests, which are economically more profitable. The remaining land available for agricultural activities is a suboptimal wetland. The reduction in cultivable areas has led to the evaluation of alternative crops in suboptimal land conditions. Chaya (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius) is a fast-growing perennial plant, its leaves are edible and rich in vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. However, the chaya plant has not been intensively tested for its adaptation to shallow groundwater tables in tropical lowlands. This study aimed to assess chaya’s adaptability to shallow groundwater table conditions and the benefits of using organic mulch. This research consisted of two separate parts, one part was related to organic mulch benefits (planting media without watering, with organic mulch but not watered, and with organic mulch and watering), while the other one was related to shallow groundwater table tolerance. The study followed a randomized complete block design consisting of three replications. Results showed that chaya plants negatively responded to the shallow groundwater table conditions. Growth retardation due to shallow groundwater levels is reflected in the averages of leaf length, leaf width, leaf area, canopy diameter, and canopy area; fresh and dry weight of stem, petiole, and leaf blade; development of roots; SPAD value at 7 weeks after transplanting and it was based on visual appearance. However, despite the increase in substrate humidity due to the application of organic mulch, the effects were not significant on most of the measured morphological traits. In conclusion, chaya plants are not able to adapt to shallow groundwater levels and do not require organic mulch on the soil surface.

The role of biochar nanoparticles in reducing salt stress in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) plants grown in fields

Soil salinization is a major threat to global food security, affecting over 20 % of cultivated land and reducing yields of important crops like tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). This field study explored the potential of biochar nanoparticles (BNPs) derived from rice straw to mitigate salt stress in tomato plants. The BNPs, prepared by pyrolysis at 350 ℃ and ball milling, had an average size of 130.32 nm. Tomato plants were grown for 12 weeks in soil with 0.2 % NaCl (w/w) and BNPs at 0.5, 1, or 2 ‰ w/w. Controls included unamended soil, soil with NaCl only, soil with BNPs only, and regular biochar with and without NaCl. BNPs significantly improved growth, biomass, and fruit yield of salt-stressed tomato plants. The 2 ‰ BNP treatment increased fruit yield by 115.05 % compared to salt stress alone. Stem fresh and dry weights increased by 35.64 % and 79.71 %, respectively, while root fresh and dry weights increased by 138.27 % and 68.35 %, respectively. BNPs enhanced fruit quality, with higher concentrations showing better effects. BNPs alleviated salt stress by regulating ion homeostasis, limiting Na translocation to leaves and fruits (reducing Na content by 35.15 % in leaves and 16.06 % in fruits), improving K content and Na/K ratio, and influencing Mg and P absorption and translocation. The nanoscale size, high surface area, and enhanced reactivity of BNPs allow them to penetrate plant tissues and interact with ion transport components. This study demonstrates the potential of BNPs as a sustainable approach for enhancing tomato salt tolerance in the field. Using crop residues for BNP production supports circular economy and sustainable agriculture. This approach holds potential for enhancing sustainable crop production under saline conditions, contributing to food security and the development of resilient agricultural systems in challenging environments.

Foliar application of micronutrient formulations for enhanced growth and yield of cabbage

Cabbage is a prominent leafy vegetable belonging to the cole group of vegetables. To increase its productivity, nutrient management involving use of micronutrients is one of the most important practices. Consequently, the present study was conducted to assess the efficacy of four laboratory-prepared micronutrient formulations (Micromix A; Mix-A, Micromix B; Mix-B, Micromix C; Mix-C and Micromix D; Mix-D) on growth and yield of cabbage. For comparison two micronutrient formulations available in the market, Arka Vegetable Special and Agromin were also undertaken in this study. The results revealed a significant improvement in morphological parameters like fresh stem weight, fresh root weight, root length, head weight per plant and open leaf weight per plant as a result of foliar application of micronutrient formulations as compared to the control. Additionally, it was discovered that foliar application of Mix-A, Mix-B, Mix-C and Mix-D increased the yield of cabbage by 14.04 %, 20.25 %, 27.14 % and 23.14 %, respectively over the control. Furthermore, among different formulations, Mix-C proved more effective as compared to the rest of the treatments. Thus, it can be inferred that foliar application of micronutrients has great potential in improving the yield and yield characteristics of cabbage.

Evaluation of new sorghum varieties for grain production cultivated in mineral soil

Sorghum bicolor L. (Sorghum) has been recognized as the fifth largest cereal crop in the world, following maize, wheat, rice, and barley, with a mean annual production of more than 5.89 million tons over the past five years. Grain sorghum is one of the cultivated varieties of the sorghum genus. It is primarily used as human food and animal feed due to the beneficial effects of bioactive compounds in the grain. Sorghum is less popular and unrecognizable in Malaysia, as it was not included in the reports by the Agriculture Department regarding plantation areas. In Malaysia, sorghum is limited because this crop is considered new, and no studies were conducted on the adaptability of its varieties to Malaysian soil and local climatic conditions. Crop production practices such as variety selection, planting density and fertilization will affect yield production. Therefore, a study on grain sorghum varieties (Brachy Sorgho, Jumbo Super, India and Pacific Seed 99) was conducted to evaluate the growth and yield performance of sorghum. Jumbo Super had a significantly higher value for plant height, followed by Brachy Sorgho, India and Pacific Seed 99. India showed the highest value of leaf fresh and dry weight, but no significant difference compared with Brachy Sorgho. Brachy Sorgho recorded the highest value of stem fresh and dry weight, while the least was recorded for Pacific Seed 99. Brachy Sorgho and India showed significantly higher grain yields than Jumbo Super and Pacific Seed 99 in terms of panicle length, panicle weight without grain, grain weight without panicle per plant, number of grains per panicle, and 100-grain weight. The highest gross weight of grain sorghum is Brachy Sorgho (140.00 g/plant), which showed no significant difference compared to the India variety (131.13 g/plant). Meanwhile, Jumbo Super and Pacific Seed 99 varieties showed the lowest grain weight, 77.27 g/plant and 80.16 g/plant, respectively. Overall, all four varieties are adaptable in mineral soil and are considered potential alternative crops for grain production. Bachy Sorgho and India varieties showed the best performance on grain yield compared to Jumbo Super and Pacific Seed 99 varieties. Thus, Brachy Sorgho and India varieties can be recommended for future grain production in mineral soil.

Development of a root-zone temperature control system using air-source heat pump and its impact on the growth and yield of paprika.

By developing and implementing a local temperature control system, such as a root zone, with a high energy efficiency heat source, we can ensure both yield and energy efficiency against extreme temperatures. This system, designed with practicality in mind, has a remarkably positive impact on paprika plants' growth and yield in greenhouse cultivation. In the summer season, paprika plants were grown with no cooling, nutrient solution cooling (NSC) and the combination of NSC and substrate surround cooling (SSC) (NSC + SSC). In the case of SSC, cooled water circulated through the pipe surrounding the substrate to lower the substrate temperature. The cooling system maintains the nutrient solution temperature at 18 °C and the circulating water temperature at the system in the winter season; the paprika plants were grown with no heating (NH), nutrient solution heating (NSH) and the combination of NSH and substrate surround heating (SSH) (NSH + SSH). The heating system maintains the nutrient solution temperature at 25 °C and the circulating water temperature at 30 °C. In the summer, the root fresh and dry weights, stem fresh and dry weights, stem length and node number were increased in the NSC + SSC. In the winter season, the stem fresh and dry weights, leaf area and leaf fresh and dry weights were increased in the NSH + SSH. In both seasons, root-zone temperature control increased the fruit quality and yield. The result indicates that this easy-to-install root-zone temperature control system can be applied to the commercial greenhouse to secure paprika growth and yield in year-round cultivation.

Evaluation the impact of silicon nanoparticle on growth and water use efficiency of greenhouse tomato in drought stress condition

This study focused on the effect of silicon nanoparticles (Si-Nps) use on growth and water use efficiency (WUE) of tomato in hydroponic cultivation under drought stress. Experimental treatments included full irrigation, supplying 85 and 70% of crop water requirement (I100, I85 and I70) and use of Si-Nps in three levels of 0, 50 and 100 ppm (N0, N50 and N100) which was performed in a completely randomized design with three replications. Si-Nps were applied in two ways: leaf feeding (L) and root feeding (R). Data analysis showed that different levels of irrigation, Si-Nps and the interaction effect of theirs had a significant effect on fruit weight, leaf fresh and dry weight, stem fresh weight and WUE at 1% level. Si-Nps had a significant effect on stem dry weight at 1% and fruit sugar at 5%. The interaction effect of irrigation and Si-Nps had a significant effect on stem dry weight and fruit sugar at 1%. The maximum fresh fruit weight was related to treatment I85LN100 and compared to the control treatment, it was 7.9% more. The maximum WUE was observed in I70RN50 treatment, which was 56.3% higher than control treatment. Generally, applying irrigation I70RN50 gives the best result for hydroponic tomato cultivation in greenhouse conditions.

Growth and production of cat's whiskers plant biomass (Orthosiphon aristatus Bl. Miq.) In various accessions and harvest intervals

Cat's whiskers plant is an ornamental plant used as a medicinal plant. The part of the cat's whiskers plant used is leaves. Accessions and harvest intervals are essential for increasing optimal yields to plant biomass growth and results. This study aims to determine the effect of differences in accession, intervals, and interactions between accession differences and intervals on the growth and production of a cat's whiskers biomass. The design used in this study is a complete group design of being randomized with two treatment factors. The first factor has two treatment levels: white flowering accessions (A1) and purple flowering accessions (A2). The second factor is a harvest interval with four treatment levels, namely a 1-week harvest interval (P1), two weeks (P2), three weeks (P3), and six weeks (P4). The results showed that accession treatment significantly affected the number of books, number of branches, flowering ages, leaf fresh weight, leaf dry weight, and leaf simplicia yields. Harvest interval treatment significantly affects the height of the shoots, number of shoots, number of branches, number of leaves, flowering ages, leaf fresh weight, stem fresh weight, flower fresh weight, leaf dry weight, stem dry weight, flower dry weight, and leaf simplicia yield. Accession interactions with harvest intervals significantly affect the height of the shoots, number of shoots, number of branches, number of leaves, flower fresh weight, stem dry weight, and leaf simplicia yields.

Dynamics of industrial hemp vegetative growth and metabolite accumulation in response to light intensity

Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is a high-yielding cash crop with strong stress resistance, and its fibrous and metabolic profile holds significant development potential. In this study, we measured various agronomic traits, amino acids, saccharides, and their derivatives under four different light intensities (30 μmol·m−2·s−1, 80 μmol·m−2·s−1, 130 μmol·m−2·s−1, 180 μmol·m−2·s−1). Results showed that plant height decreased with increasing light intensity and reached a minimum at 180 μmol·m−2·s−1, which was 27 % less than the control treatment. Further, stem diameter increased by 52 %, leaf fresh weight by 130 %, stem fresh weight by 116 %, and root fresh weight by 264 % were at their maximum at 130 μmol·m−2·s−1. Plant dry weight of leaf (113 %), stem (214 %), and root (427 %) were also found to be maximum at 130 μmol·m−2·s−1. Metabolic results revealed that the free amino acid content was 10 %, 61 %, and 60 % higher under 30 μmol·m−2·s−1 compared to 80, 130, and 180 μmol·m−2·s−1. Additionally, soluble protein contents were 42 %, 81 %, and 77 % higher under 30 μmol·m−2·s−1 compared to 80, 130, and 180 μmol·m−2·s−1. In contrast, the soluble sugar contents were 42 %, 61 %, and 75 % higher than in the other three treatments. In conclusion, industrial hemp morphological characteristics and metabolite profiles exhibit distinct responses to different light intensities. To achieve desired outcomes, it is imperative to carefully choose an optimized light intensity specifically tailored to align with the defined objectives. These findings provide a foundation for a deeper understanding of the characteristics of industrial hemp, optimizing cultivation techniques, and investigating the impact of light intensity on industrial hemp vegetative period growth, amino acids, and saccharides.

Biocontrol Potential of Trichoderma asperellum CMT10 against Strawberry Root Rot Disease

Strawberry root rot caused by Neopestalotiopsis clavispora is one of the main diseases of strawberries and significantly impacts the yield and quality of strawberry fruit. Currently, the only accessible control methods are fungicide sprays, which could have an adverse effect on the consumers of the strawberries. Biological control is becoming an alternative method for the control of plant diseases to replace or decrease the application of traditional synthetic chemical fungicides. Trichoderma spp. are frequently used as biological agents to prevent root rot in strawberries. In order to provide highly effective biocontrol resources for controlling strawberry root rot caused by Neopestalotiopsis clavispora, the biocontrol mechanism, the control effects of T. asperellum CMT10 against strawberry root rot, and the growth-promoting effects on strawberry seedlings were investigated using plate culture, microscopy observation, and root drenching methods. The results showed that CMT10 had obvious competitive, antimycotic, and hyperparasitic effects on N. clavispora CMGF3. The CMT10 could quickly occupy nutritional space, and the inhibition rate of CMT10 against CMGF3 was 65.49% 7 d after co-culture. The inhibition rates of volatile metabolites and fermentation metabolites produced by CMT10 were 79.67% and 69.84% against CMGF3, respectively. The mycelium of CMT10 can act as a hyperparasite by contacting, winding, and penetrating the hyphae of CMGF3. Pot experiment showed that the biocontrol efficiency of CMT10 on strawberry root rot caused by Neopestalotiopsis clavispora was 63.09%. CMT10 promoted strawberry growth, plant height, root length, total fresh weight, root fresh weight, stem fresh weight, and root dry weight by 20.09%, 22.39%, 87.11%, 101.58%, 79.82%, and 72.33%, respectively. Overall, this study showed the ability of T. asperellum CMT10 to control strawberry root rot and its potential to be developed as a novel biocontrol agent to replace chemical fungicides for eco-friendly and sustainable agriculture.

Minimizing the Effect of Low Moisture Stress in Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) by Regulating Growth, Yield and Antioxidant Defense System Via Foliar Applied Silicon

Most abundant element on earth crust is silicon (Si), easily available and mostly used in farming against low moisture stress in arid regions. Thus, a pot experiment was accomplished for identifying the beneficial effects of Si on the growth, productivity and activity of antioxidants in pearl millet. The millet plant was arranged in complete randomized design (CRD) under normal and drought stress condition and treated with four level of Si (0.0, 2.5, 5.0, and 7.5 mmol/L). The results revealed that foliar 5.0 mmol/L of foliar applied Si improved the growth traits (leaf fresh weight 18.99%, stem fresh weight 9.34%, root fresh weight 28.75%, root dry weight 33.11%, plant height 21.7%, and stem diameter 28.26%) and yield traits (no. of grains per spike 9.22%, and grain yield 15.89%). While it enhances the activity of antioxidants as (catalase 8.1%, peroxidase 36.84%, and ascorbate peroxidase 17.16%). In short, foliar application of Si is an effective strategy for improving all the growth and yield traits as well as some of the antioxidants in the presence of low moisture stress in pearl millet crop. In this manner, foliar applied 5.0 mmol/L of Si will be recommended as the best doze for controlling the negative impact on pearl millet crop. Hopefully, the findings of this research will be helpful for the future research against stress related challenges.

Colonization of Raphanus sativus by human pathogenic microorganisms.

Contamination of vegetables with human pathogenic microorganisms (HPMOs) is considered one of the most important problems in the food industry, as current nutritional guidelines include increased consumption of raw or minimally processed organic vegetables due to healthy lifestyle promotion. Vegetables are known to be potential vehicles for HPMOs and sources of disease outbreaks. In this study, we tested the susceptibility of radish (Raphanus sativus) to colonization by different HPMOs, including Escherichia coli PCM 2561, Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica PCM 2565, Listeria monocytogenes PCM 2191 and Bacillus cereus PCM 1948. We hypothesized that host plant roots containing bactericidal compounds are less prone to HPMO colonization than shoots and leaves. We also determined the effect of selected pathogens on radish growth to check host plant-microbe interactions. We found that one-week-old radish is susceptible to colonization by selected HPMOs, as the presence of the tested HPMOs was demonstrated in all organs of R. sativus. The differences were noticed 2 weeks after inoculation because B. cereus was most abundant in roots (log10 CFU - 2.54), S. enterica was observed exclusively in stems (log10 CFU - 3.15), and L. monocytogenes and E. coli were most abundant in leaves (log10 CFU - 4.80 and 3.23, respectively). The results suggest that E. coli and L. monocytogenes show a higher ability to colonize and move across the plant than B. cereus and S. enterica. Based on fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) approach HPMOs were detected in extracellular matrix and in some individual cells of all analyzed organs. The presence of pathogens adversely affected the growth parameters of one-week-old R. sativus, especially leaf and stem fresh weight (decreased by 47-66 and 17-57%, respectively). In two-week-old plants, no reduction in plant biomass development was noted. This observation may result from plant adaptation to biotic stress caused by the presence of HPMOs, but confirmation of this assumption is needed. Among the investigated HPMOs, L. monocytogenes turned out to be the pathogen that most intensively colonized the aboveground part of R. sativus and at the same time negatively affected the largest number of radish growth parameters.

Schizolobium parahyba var. amazonicum seedling growth by Trichoderma spp. strains under nitrogen rates

This study evaluated the initial development of paricá (Schizolobium parahyba var. amazonicum) seedlings under different nitrogen rates with the application of Trichoderma spp., using a randomized complete block design in a 4x5 factorial scheme (strains and rates) with seven replications. The evaluated traits were plant height, stem diameter, leaf and stem fresh weights, leaf and stem dry weights, and aerial part dry and fresh weights. Trichoderma spp. strains did not satisfactorily promote paricá seedlings (Schizolobium parahyba var. amazonicum) under high nitrogen rates. However, the Trichoderma harzianum IBLF 006 WP strain was efficient only under low nitrogen availability.

Performance of Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) for Morphological and Economic Traits under Different Ecologies of Ethiopia

The experiment was conducted to assess the adaptability of Lemon balm in different ecologies of Ethiopia during 2017/2018 and also during the 2022/2023 cropping seasons. The RCBD design in four replications was used and two harvesting cycles were considered for evaluation of the performance of the lemon balm for agronomic and economic traits. Data on plant height, fresh leaf weight per plant, fresh stem weight per plant, fresh leaf-to-stem ratio, fresh leaf yield per hectare, and dry leaf yield per hectare were recorded and the recorded experimental data were statistically analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) using SAS PROC GLM (2002) at P < 0.05. Differences between means were assessed using the least significance difference (LSD) test at P < 0.05. During the 2017/18 cropping season, ANOVA showed lemon balm performance varied significantly due to the harvest cycle and location. The first harvest cycle was superior in all traits considered for evaluation compared to the second harvest cycle. At the Debrezeit testing location there were very highly significant (p<0.001) results for fresh leaf weight per plant, fresh stem weight per plant, fresh leaf yield per hectare, and dry leaf yield per hectare except fresh to stem ratio. Similarly, the harvest cycle and location exerted significant variation during the 2022/2023 cropping season. The first harvest cycle was significantly higher in all traits again, while the Manche experimental site was significantly higher in dry leaf yield per hectare (2.83 tons per hectare). Therefore, the results of the current experiment showed that lemon balm can be produced in Ethiopia at various locations similar to the current testing site and we recommend the production of the existing lemon balm for similar agro-ecologies.

Optimization of salicylic acid concentrations for increasing antioxidant enzymes and bioactive compounds of Agastache rugosa in a plant factory.

Salicylic acid (SA) plays a crucial role as a hormone in plants and belongs to the group of phenolic compounds. Our objective was to determine the optimal concentration of SA for enhancing the production of bioactive compounds in Agastache rugosa plants while maintaining optimal plant growth. The plants underwent SA soaking treatments at different concentrations (i.e., 0, 100, 200, 400, 800, and 1600 μmol mol-1) for 10 min at 7 days after they were transplanted. We observed that elevated levels of SA at 800 and 1600 μmol mol-1 induced oxidative stress, leading to a significant reduction across many plant growth variables, including leaf length, width, number, area, shoot fresh weight (FW), stem FW and length, and whole plant dry weights (DW) compared with that in the control plants. Additionally, the treatment with 1600 μmol mol-1 SA resulted in the lowest values of flower branch number, FW and DW of flowers, and DW of leaf, stem, and root. Conversely, applying 400 μmol mol-1 SA resulted in the greatest increase of chlorophyll (Chl) a and b, total Chl, total flavonoid, total carotenoid, and SPAD values. The photosynthetic rate and stomatal conductance decreased with increased SA concentrations (i.e., 800 and 1600 μmol mol-1). Furthermore, the higher SA treatments (i.e., 400, 800, and 1600 μmol mol-1) enhanced the phenolic contents, and almost all SA treatments increased the antioxidant capacity. The rosmarinic acid content peaked under 200 μmol mol-1 SA treatment. However, under 400 μmol mol-1 SA, tilianin and acacetin contents reached their highest levels. These findings demonstrate that immersing the roots in 200 and 400 μmol mol-1 SA enhances the production of bioactive compounds in hydroponically cultivated A. rugosa without compromising plant growth. Overall, these findings provide valuable insights into the impact of SA on A. rugosa and its potential implications for medicinal plant cultivation and phytochemical production.

Effect of Indole-3-Butyric Acid (IBA) on Hardwood Cutting of Grapes (Vitis vinifera L.) cv. Pusa Navrang

Aims: The study aims to investigate the influence of different IBA concentration on the rooting and subsequent growth of hardwood cuttings of "Pusa Navrang" grapevine.
 Study Design: The study was performed in RBD design with replicate 5 times.
 Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at Research Farm, College of Horticulture, Mandsaur, during the period November 2020- March 21.
 Methodology: Polybags size of 5 X 7 inch was used for experiment. After the filling of growing media in poly bags, the hard wood cuttings of Pusa Navrang with uniform size having 4-5 functional bud was taken from one year matured canes from research farm, College of Horticulture, Mandsaur. The diameter of cutting about 0.75 to 1 cm (pencil thickness) were taken and before planting cuttings were treated with IBA solution by quick dip method.
 Results: The significant result were found for shoot parameter like shoot length, number of nodes per shoot, internodal length, number of buds per shoot, stem diameter, stem fresh weight, stem dry weight. Root Parameters like number of primary and secondary roots, root length, root thickness, whole root volume, fresh weight of root and dry weight of root. Leaf Parameters like number of leaves per plant, fresh weight of leaf, dry weight of leaf, leaf area, leaf area index, specific leaf weight, minimum days taken to emergence of 1st leaf and water content of leaf found in IBA @ 6000 ppm (G3).
 Conclusion: Among four concentration of growth regulator (IBA), the application of IBA @ 6000 ppm (G3) responded well in terms of rooting and shooting in hard wood cutting of grapes.

Effect of Different Growing Media on Hardwood Cutting of Grapes (Vitis vinifera L.) cv. Pusa Navrang

Aims: The study the influence of different growing media on the rooting and subsequent growth of hardwood cuttings of the "Pusa Navrang" grapevine.
 Study Design: Randomized block design were used.
 Place and Duration of Study: Conducted at Research Farm, College of Horticulture, Mandsaur, during the period November 2020- March 21.
 Methodology: Filling of Poly Bags: Before the cutting planting the 5 X 7-inch poly bags will be filled with different growing media. Three hundred sixty (360) poly bags of each growing media should be filled i.e., 360 bags of Soil, 360 bags of Soil + Sand (1:1 ratio), 360 bags of soil + sand + cocopeat (1:1:1 ratio), 360 bags of Soil + Sand + FYM (1:1:1 ratio) and 360 bags of Soil + Sand + Vermicompost (1:1:1 ratio).
 Preparation of Cutting: After the filling of growing media in poly bags, the hardwood cuttings of uniform size having 4-5 functional buds will be taken from healthy plants of Grapes variety Pusa Navrang from one year matured shoots planted at the grapes orchard at the research farm, College of Horticulture, Mandsaur.
 Planting: The cutting about 0.75 to 1 cm thick diameter will be taken and planted in poly bags with 2-3 functional buds below the ground. Before planting, the hole should be done from the planting place with the help of a stick to prevent the buds from injuries.
 Results: The ideal outcome was discovered for shoot parameters like shoot length (6.75 cm, 48.15 cm), number of nodes per shoot (6.23, 14.75), internodal length (2.31 cm, 5.36 cm), number of buds per shoot (10.16, 23.72), stem diameter (14.15 mm, 24.20 mm) at 60 and 90 DAP, stem fresh weight (13.79 g), stem dry weight (5.68 g) at 90 DAP. Root Parameters like number of primary (20.11, 28.12) and secondary roots (14.74, 25.37), root length (17.98 cm, 19.69 cm), root thickness (1.81 mm and 1.95 mm), whole root volume (16.97 cm2 and 21.72 cm2) at 60 and 90 DAP, fresh weight of root (5.15 g), dry weight of root (2.14 g) at 90 DAP. Leaf Parameters like number of leaves per plant (9.73, 22.20) at 60 and 90 DAP, fresh weight of leaf (1.51 g), dry weight of leaf (0.63 g), leaf area (49.21 cm2), leaf area index (3.61), specific leaf weight (23.08 mgDw.cm-2) at 90 DAP, while minimum days taken to emergence of 1st leaf (22.92 DAP) found in soil + sand + vermicompost (M5).
 Conclusion: Among five growing media the application of soil + sand + vermicompost 1:1:1 responded well in terms of rooting and shooting in hardwood cutting of grapes. The experiment needs to be accurately reproduced over a wider range of years, locations, and seasons in order to establish the reliability of the findings.

Assessing The Impact Of Drought Stress On Morpho-Physiological Traits In Wheat (Triticum Aestivum L.) Genotypes In Jammu Region

In many regions of the world, particularly in arid and semi-arid climates, drought is a frequent abiotic stress that significantly affects the productivity of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). As a result, maintaining an adequate yield during drought has taken on importance, especially in light of ongoing environmental changes and an increasing worldwide population. The present study was carried out on three wheat genotypes in the acrylic pipe in the Division of Plant Physiology SKUAST, J. The acrylic pipe experiment was carried out simultaneously in the control and treated conditions. The stress was imposed by holding water irrigation for 10 days at the booting stage. Sampling was taken at the booting stage after the exposure to drought stress. Analysis of Plant height, No. of tillers, Fresh weight of stem, roots, and leaves, Dry weight of stem, roots, and leaves SPAD, Relative leaf water content (%) and Relative stress injury (%)were recorded. The result showed that drought stress induced at the booting stage declined the Plant height, No. of tillers, Fresh weight, Dry weight, SPAD, and Relative leaf water content (%)in stress conditions. It was concluded that the PBW644 variety was tolerant followed by WH1080 and the PBW175 variety was susceptible to drought stress. This study implies that in wheat genotypes, drought stress has a significant impact on morphological and physiological processes that regulate plant growth and yield production. In drought-prone areas, this research has the potential to significantly increase wheat productivity, and in the face of climate change, it can improve food security.

Effects of nanoparticle applications on seedling survival and morphological characteristics in Scots pine afforestation

This study was conducted in the afforestation area, using bare-root 2+0-year-old Scots pine seedlings from Kastamonu. The study aimed to determine the impact of nanoparticle (NP) applications on seedling morphological characteristics and seedling survival success. Three different concentrations (low, medium, high) and four different nanoparticle types [Fe₃O₄, CuO, ZnO, TiO2] were applied to the plant root-dipping method in the study. The effects of NP treatments on seedling height (SH), root collar diameter (RCD), stem fresh weight (SFW), root new weight (RFW), seedling fresh weight (SEFW), root dry weight (RDW), stem dry weight (SDW), seedling dry weight (SEDW), sturdiness quotient (SI), root: shoot ratio (R/S), and seedling survival in the field were evaluated. The study results revealed that NP types significantly affected all seedling variables except RFW, SDW, RDW, and SEDW, and NP doses significantly affected all seedling variables except RFW. The binary interaction effects of NP types and doses had a significant effect on all seedling variables, and higher values were obtained compared to the control treatment. Medium and high NP doses were more effective in seedling growth than low doses; the percentage of seedling survival was 61.4% in the control treatment and 95% in the TiO2-Medium NP treatment combination.

The Responses of Stem and Leaf Functional Traits of Medicago sativa and Bromus inermis to Different Mixed Planting Patterns

This study investigated the differences in stem and leaf growth characteristics of Medicago sativa and Bromus inermis in the Jiaozhou region of China during 2019–2020 under three different planting modes of the two forages: monoculture, mixed species sowing in the same rows, and mixed species sowing in alternating rows. No special management of the experimental plots was carried out in this study to simulate as much as possible the growth of forages in their natural state. The stem and leaf characteristics influencing the dry matter weight were calculated using grey correlation. These characteristics included leaf length, leaf width, leaf thickness, leaf area, leaf fresh weight, stem length, stem diameter, stem fresh weight, stem–leaf ratio, fresh matter yield, dry matter yield, and protein yield of M. sativa and B. inermis under different sowing methods in different years. The results showed that the weight pattern of the characteristics affecting the yield of M. sativa and B. inermis production was leaf area > stem diameter > leaf length > stem length > leaf width > leaf thickness, leaf area > leaf length > stem length > leaf width > leaf thickness > stem diameter. Considering all the growth factors, the production capacity was ranked as mixed sowing in alternating rows > mixed sowing in same rows > monoculture. Thus, the suitable mode for M. sativa–B. inermis sowing was mixed sowing in alternating rows.

The impact of smash-ridge tillage on agronomic traits of tobacco plants, soil enzymatic activity, microbial community structure, and functional diversity

ABSTRACT Smash-ridge tillage is a novel cultivation technique that significantly influences the quality of arable land and crop yield. In this study, we employed high-throughput 16S rRNA sequencing and Biolog-ECO methods to systematically investigate the impact of smash-ridge tillage on soil microbial community structure and functional diversity. The results demonstrate that both ST30 and ST50 treatments significantly enhance the average plant height, average plant diameter, average fresh root weight, stem fresh weight, and leaf area of tobacco plants, with the ST50 treatment exhibiting superior performance. Furthermore, both ST30 and ST50 treatments exhibit significantly higher soil enzyme activity and microbial community diversity compared to the CK treatment. They also improve the soil microbial utilization of carbon sources. Additionally, the ST50-treated soil samples demonstrate 15 microbial functional pathways that exceed those of the CK and ST30 treatments. In conclusion, the Smash-ridge tillage treatment at a depth of 50 cm yields more favorable results. This study provides a theoretical foundation for enhancing soil quality in Smash-ridge tillage by elucidating the mechanisms through which it impacts soil microbial ecology.