Tall Varieties Research Articles

Positive Effects of Growth Retardants on Castor (Ricinus communis L.)

The perennial growth habit of castor plants (Ricinus communis L.) limits mechanical harvest because the plant grows very tall, when the environmental conditions are favorable and produces green flush interfering with mechanical harvesting. In order to prevent excessive growth plant growth, retardant are applied to modifying crop architecture. Present investigation was designed to study the effect of growth retardants on growth and yield parameters. The experiment was conducted at the regional agricultural research station, Palem farm of Professor Jayashankar Telangana Agricultural University, Nagarkurnool district, Telangana, taking locally available tall variety PCH-111. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with three replicates in Kharif, 2019. Treatments comprises of water spray, ethrel@500 ppm, ethrel@1000 ppm, CCC@1.5ml/lit, CCC@2.0 ml/lit and CCC@2.5 ml/lit and sprayings were done at expanding leaf in the 6th node of the primary stem, expanding leaf on the 8th node of the primary stem, appearance of the first inflorescence, one expanding leaf in a secondary stem after the appearance of the first inflorescence, and appearance of the second inflorescence. Results revealed that, plant growth retardants are effective in reducing plant height, whereas no spray recorded significant superior value for plant height (70.73 cm). For leaf number, there is no much deviations though ethrel treatment enhanced senescence in older leaves, newly developed leaves compensated the number but there was reduction in LAI, which were 1.70 and 2.18, respectively, in ethrel spray of 1000 ppm and 500 ppm. The yield reduction is lower in ethrel treatment due to lower capsule formation and lower spike length at higher concentration of ethrel. Hence, it is concluded that, retardant accelerates natural senescence and thus, acting as defoliants overcoming difficulties in mechanical harvesting.

Exploring the potential of dwarf coconut: physicochemical properties and sensory evaluation of several coconut varieties

Abstract Dwarf coconut has not been widely used in many products as much as the tall varieties. In this research, dwarf coconut water was the subject of the research to elevate its economic value. Four different varieties of coconut, namely Nias Yellow Dwarf (NWD), Mapanget Tall (MT), Tebing Tinggi Dwarf (TTD), and Khina, were evaluated for their 9-month-old fruits regarding their physical characteristics, water volume, pH, Brix, and sensory evaluation. Overall, there were several attribute differences among those varieties, especially, between tall and dwarf coconuts. NYD and Khina have the highest overall likeness rating for their water. They were also highly rated for their sweetness attribute which could be provided by the relatively high content of sugar and amino acids in the waters. Nonetheless, the meats of all coconuts scored a medium rating in all attributes. In conclusion, NYD and Khina were recommended to be used in coconut water drink production. These findings may benefit coconut-based-beverage producer by giving unique characteristics to their product.

Economics of Silviculture: Insights from Coconut Seedling Production in Lagos State, Nigeria

Nigeria has a record of producing about 250,000 tons of coconut annually, this production capacity is not enough in satisfying the demand of coconut in the country. Coconut demand exceed its supply currently in Nigeria. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to 120 respondents selected purposively from the list of Lagos State Coconut Development Authority (LASCODA). Specifically, the study identified the variety of coconut seedling raised; examined the costs and returns of coconut seedling production; contribution of coconut seedling income to the total income of coconut seedling producers and identified the constraints on coconut seedling production. Descriptive statistics, budgetary analysis, and likert type scale were employed for analysis. The study revealed that, majority (64.17 percent) of the respondents raised the tall variety of coconut seedling. The budgetary analysis revealed that a typical coconut seedling producer makes a net profit ₦380,128.33/ha with a rate of return of 241.78 percent. Income from coconut seedling production contributed to the total income of the producers (66.3 percent) in the study area. Inadequate credit facilities, inadequate access to training among others were the constraints faced during production. Research recommends that prioritization of coconut seedling production to improve farmer’s accessibility to credit and training programs should be organized for farmers so as to embrace innovation.

Standardisation of Centrifugation Method for Virgin Coconut Oil Production and Comparison of Quality Parameters of the Recovered Oil

Virgin coconut oil is a finest edible oil having immense health benefits. Several methods are adopted for the extraction of virgin coconut oil. This experiment aims to provide a cost-effective and efficient method for small-scale production of high-quality virgin coconut oil. The objective of this study was standardisation of centrifugation method for virgin coconut oil production. Mature coconuts from West Coast Tall variety were collected and coconut milk was taken out by using coconut gratings with equal quantity of water and coconut water and two fold of water. The coconut milk was then chilled for 10 hours at 5-70C, followed by centrifugation at different revolutions per minute (rpm) and time. The colour, odour, taste, moisture content, free fatty acid content and total phenolic content of the resulting virgin coconut oil were assessed. The study revealed that the optimal conditions for maximum virgin coconut oil yield (28.087 percent) involve extracting coconut milk from coconut gratings with equal quantity of coconut water followed by chilling for 10 hours at 5-7ᵒC, centrifuged at 12000 rpm for 15 minutes and subsequently drying at 50°C.

Genome-wide identification of GRF transcription factors and their expression profile in stem meristem of broomcorn millet (Panicum miliaceum L.).

To understand the genome-wide information of the GRF family genes in broomcorn millet and their expression profile in the vegetative meristems, bioinformatic methods and transcriptome sequencing were used to analyze the characteristics, physical and chemical properties, phylogenetic relationship, chromosome distribution, gene structure, cis-acting elements and expression profile in stem meristem for the GRF family members. The results showed that the GRF gene family of millet contains 21 members, and the PmGRF gene is unevenly distributed on 12 chromosomes. The lengths of PmGRF proteins vary from 224 to 618 amino acids, and the isoelectric points are between 4.93-9.69. Each member of the family has 1-4 introns and 2-5 exons. The protein PmGRF13 is localized in both the nucleus and chloroplast, and the rest PmGRF proteins are located in the nucleus. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the 21 GRF genes were divided into 4 subfamilies (A,B,C and D) in broomcorn millet. The analysis of cis-acting elements showed that there were many cis-acting elements involved in light response, hormone response, drought induction, low temperature response and other environmental stress responses in the 2000 bp sequence upstream of the GRF genes. Transcriptome sequencing and qRT-PCR analyses showed that the expression levels of PmGRF3 and PmGRF12 in the dwarf variety Zhang778 were significantly higher than those of the tall variety Longmi12 in the internode and node meristems at the jointing stage, while the expression patterns of PmGRF4, PmGRF16 and PmGRF21 were reverse. In addition, the expression levels of PmGRF2 and PmGRF5 in the internode of Zhang778 were significantly higher than Longmi12. The other GRF genes were not or insignificantly expressed. These results indicated that seven genes, PmGRF2, PmGRF3, PmGRF4, PmGRF5, PmGRF12, PmGRF16 and PmGRF21, were related to the formation of plant height in broomcorn millet.

Comprehensive analysis of physicochemical, nutritional, and antioxidant properties of various forms and varieties of tender coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) water in Northern Sri Lanka

Tender coconut water is a beverage distinguished from mature coconut water as it's harvested during the early stages of coconut development. It's a well-liked natural drink in tropical regions where coconut trees are abundant. This study aimed to characterize the physicochemical, nutritional and antioxidant properties of different varieties of tender coconut water such as tall, dwarf, intermediate and hybrid varieties with a maturity stage of 5–7 months old. Standard assays assessed nutritional and antioxidant properties. The results of this study showed that the King coconut (Intermediate variety), had significantly higher total protein (0.59 mg BSA/ ml), Total soluble solids (5.0° Brix) and Total sugar content (63.58 mg/ml). The coconut water of Ran thembili (Tall variety) showed significantly higher antiradical activity (DPPH) (82.75 %), total tannin content (22.32 µg TE/ml) and reducing sugar content (43.80 mg/ml). Nawasi (Tall variety) showed significantly higher total flavonoid content (1.23 µg QE/ ml). Total phenolic content and total antioxidant activity were significantly higher for Ran thembili and King coconut. In essence, our findings illuminated the diverse and appealing attributes of tender coconut water. Importantly, the distinct coconut varieties examined in this study exerted a noticeable impact on the composition and properties of tender coconut water.

Recovery of Coconut Trees from Scale Insect Infestation with Salt and Trichoderma Microbial Inoculant (TMI)

This study showed the role of Trichoderma Microbial Inoculant (TMI) and salt in the fast recovery of mature coconut trees damaged by coconut scale insect, Aspidiotus rigidus Reyne, and in the growth of coconut seedlings. Four treatments with three replicates were laid out in a randomized complete block design. Treatments made were: T0 with 0 fertilizer, 0 TMI; T1 with full dose N, P, K fertilizers, NaCl, 0 TMI; T2 with ½ dose fertilizers + NaCl, + TMI; and T3 with NaCl + TMI. Fertilizers and salt were split delivered in T1. Ten 1-m tall coconut seedlings (Laguna Tall Variety) per replicate treatment were interspersed with the mature trees in each block. About 25 g TMI per tree and 15 g TMI per seedling were applied together with fertilizers. Numbers of green, yellow, and brown leaves, inflorescences, and fruits produced per mature tree were monitored for 27 months. New and mature green leaves were counted as measure of coconut seedling growth. Mature trees in T3 had significantly higher number of green leaves and fruits compared to other treatments. T3 seedlings had significantly higher number of mature green leaves than those of other treatments. Both mature trees and seedlings in T3 exhibited the fastest growth. These results highlighted the importance of salt and TMI for productivity of coconut trees and seedlings.

Genetic Relationships of Indigenous King Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) Populations as Determined by SSR Markers

King Coconut (KC) is an indigenous and highly valuable germplasm resource in Sri Lanka. Yet, KC populations' genetic diversity, relationships, and conservation strategies are not fully understood. Indigenous old KC populations have been dispersed across a few ancient villages in Sri Lanka. Five geographically dispersed locations were selected in Sri Lanka, and 20 KC individuals from each location were collected for the current study. Six randomly selected samples from every geographical location, together with the standard two Sri Lanka Red Dwarf and two Sri Lanka Tall varieties were initially genotyped using 21 SSR markers for polymorphism. Based on the results, ten polymorphic SSR markers were selected and used for genotyping. Power Marker, STRUCTURE, and GenAlex software were used for the SSR genetic analysis. Results revealed 0.62 mean Gene Diversity (Hs), 4.2 mean allele number, and 0.55 polymorphic information content (PIC). Clear differentiation of populations was observed with the STRUCTURE and UPGMA dendrogram. Single branching in the UPGMA dendrogram for Anuradhapura and Marandawila KC populations revealed high genetic uniformity over multi-branched Kadugannawa and Colambageara populations. According to AMOVA, 64% of the genetic variation has been partitioned among populations, indicating moderate population differentiation. Detail analysis, including a higher number of KC populations and systematic molecular analysis using more SSRs/SNPs needed in the future before implementing conservation and utilization strategies.

PROSPECTS FOR GROWING PLANTS OF THE GENUS EUSTOMA L. IN PROTECTED GROUND

The article presents the results of studies on the cultivation of Eustoma L. plants in closed ground conditions on different substrates. As a result of the cultivation, the influence of the substrate on the passage of the main phenological phases of plant growth and development was determined, as well as data on the effect on plant height and flower diameter of different varieties. Four substrates were used in the study, namely: Domoflor; Compo; Peatfield; Generous soil and seven varieties of the genus Eustoma were studied: Aurora, Echo, Heidi, Flamenco, Mermaid, LittleBell, Florida Pink. It was found that growing plants of Eystoma L. varieties on substrates increases the duration of flowering from 3.39 % to 8.96 %, and accelerates flowering by several days. The size of the flower is a characteristic feature of the Eustoma species. The larger the flower size, the better the growing conditions. Most Eustoma varieties are characterized by the formation of flowers with a relatively large diameter. As a result of growing Echo and Florida Pink varieties, the flower diameter was the smallest and amounted to only 5 cm and was 3 cm or 37% less than the flower diameter of Aurora. A slight increase in flower diameter, relative to Echo and Florida Pink, but less than Aurora, was found for Echo, Heidi, Mermaid and LittleBell. In these variants, the flower diameter was at the level of 6-7 cm. The large size of the flower and similar diameter relative to the control was characterized by the variety Flamenco. The flower diameter of this variety was 8 cm. The use of the Compo substrate for growing tall flowers gave the highest plant height of 98 cm (+18.8 %), and in the case of short flowers 15.3 cm (+15 %) relative to the substrates: Domoflor – 89.5 cm (+8.5 %) for tall varieties and 14.3 cm (+7.5 %) for short varieties, Peatfield – 91.2 cm (+10.6 %) for tall varieties and 14.3 cm (+7.5 %) for short varieties, and on the substrate Generous Earth the plant height was 88 cm (+6.6 %) for tall flowers and 14.3 cm (+7.5 %) for short varieties. Experiments have shown that the substrate does not have a significant effect on flower diameter, with the exception of the Compo. In this variant, an increase of +2.1 % was found in the overall study, while in other substrates the indicator increased only by +0.76 %. Despite the different plant heights, the number of peduncles and buds on the experimental plants was almost the same. Their total number was in the range of 25-34 pcs. The largest number of buds was characterized by the varieties Eustoma, Echo and Heidi. In these variants, the total number of buds was 33 pcs. The same number of buds was characterized by the varieties Flamenco, Mermaid and Little Bell. As a result of growing the Florida Pink variety, the number of buds was the smallest and amounted to only 25 pcs. In terms of substrate use, the best performance was characterized by the Compo substrate, which on average had 1 more bud than the control (+3.5 %), while other substrates had slightly lower rates of increase in the number of buds, where their value ranged from (1-2 %).

PROSPECTS OF CULTIVATION OF SPECIES OF THE GENUS EUSTOMA L. IN CLOSED SOIL BY CUT

The article presents the results of research on the cultivation of Eustoma L. plants in closed soil on various substrates. As a result of cultivation, their influence on the passage of the main phenological phases of plant growth and development was established, and data on the effect of substrates on plant height and flower diameter of different varieties were also given. Four substrates were used in the study, namely: Domoflor; Compo; Peatfield; Generous land and studied seven varieties of Eustoma: Aurora, Echo, Heidi, Flamenco, Mermaid, LittleBell, Florida Pink. It was established that growing Eystoma L. plants on substrates increases the duration of flowering from 3.39% to 8.96%, and accelerates flowering by several days. Flower size is a characteristic feature of Eustoma species. The larger its size, the more optimal are the growing conditions. Most varieties of Eustoma were characterized by the formation of flowers with a relatively large diameter. As a result of growing the Echo and Florida Pink varieties, the diameter of the flower was the smallest and was only 5 cm, which was inferior to the diameter of the flower of the Aurora variety by 3 cm, or by 37%. Insignificant increase in flower diameter relative to the Echo and Florida Pink varieties, but smaller than the Aurora variety, was found in the Echo, Heidi, Mermaid and LittleBell varieties. In the indicated variants, the flower diameter was at the level of 6-7 cm. The Flamenco variety was characterized by a large flower size and a similar diameter relative to the control. The flower diameter of this variety was 8 cm. The use of the Compo substrate for growing tall flowers gave the highest plant height indicator, which was 98 cm (+18.8%), and in low plants 15.3 cm (+15%) compared to the substrates: Domoflor - 89.5 cm (+8, 5 %) for tall varieties and 14.3 cm (+7.5 %) for short varieties, Peatfield - 91.2 cm (+10.6 %) for tall varieties and 14.3 cm (+7.5 %) for low-growing varieties, and on the Shchedra Zemlya substrate, the plant height index was 88 cm (+6.6%) for tall flowers and 14.3 cm (+7.5%) for low-growing varieties. Experiments have established that the substrate does not have a significant effect on the diameter of the flower, with the exception of the Compo substrate. In the specified variant, in general, an increase of the investigated indicator was established by +2.1%, in other substrates, the indicator increased only by +0.76%. Despite the different plant heights, the number of peduncles and buds on the recorded plants was almost the same. Their total number was in the range of 25-34 pcs. Eustoma Echo and Heidi varieties were characterized by the largest number of buds. In these variants, the total number of buds was 33 pcs. Flamenco, Mermaid and LittleBell varieties were characterized by the same number of buds. As a result of the cultivation of Floridfa Pink variety, the number of buds was the smallest and amounted to only 25 pcs. For the use of substrates, the Compo substrate was characterized by the best indicators, in which, on average, 1 more bud was established on the plants than in the control (+3.5%), other substrates had slightly lower indicators of an increase in the number of buds, where their value ranged from (1- 2%).

Evaluation of Silage Quality of Forage Maize (Zea mays L.) and Sweet Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) Varieties at Different Phenophases

Aim: To evaluate the green fodder production potential of forage maize and sweet sorghum varieties at different phenophases.
 Experiment Design: Factorial Randomized Block Design (FRBD).
 Place and Duration of Study: AICRP on Forage Crops and Utilization, Agricultural Research Institute. Duration from July 2022 to Nov 2022.
 Methodology: Field experiment was conducted at AICRP on Forage Crops and Utilization, Agricultural Research Institute (ARI), Rajendranagar, Hyderabad during kharif 2022. The treatments consisted of four maize varieties (African tall, J –1006, TSFM 15-5 and DHM-117) and two sweet sorghum varieties (CSH-22SS and CSV-49SS) and three harvest stages (S1: Milky stage, S2: Soft dough stage and S3: Dent stage) laid out in randomized block design with factorial concept with two factors. Factor (A) as six varieties and factor (B) as three harvest stages (phenophases) with three replications. Texture of the soil was sandy loam with the pH of 7.0, low in available nitrogen (199.3 kg ha-1), medium in available phosphorous (39.12 kg ha-1) and potassium (195.30 kg ha-1).
 Results: Fodder maize variety African tall recorded significantly higher plant height (265.8 cm) at dent stage, leaf-stem ratio (0.36) at milky stage, green fodder yield (438 q ha-1) at soft dough stage and dry fodder yield (122.7 q ha-1) at dent stage of harvest. while J-1006 recorded significantly highest dry matter content (29.8%) at the dent stage of harvest. CSH 22SS recorded significantly higher crude protein content (10%) in the milky stage.
 Conclusion: African tall variety has recorded significantly higher green fodder yield (438 q ha-1) at soft dough stage and dry fodder yield at the dent stage (122.7 q ha-1).

The agronomic performance of ratoon and modified ratoon salibu in the multi-canopy rice cultivation system

The use of multi-canopy technology by intercropping and modified ratoon techniques called “salibu” in rice cultivation is expected to have the benefit the increasing yield potency through a vertical harvesting area and cropping index. The purpose of this study was to investigate rice growth and production by the modified ratoon salibu on a multi-canopy cropping system. The multi-canopy was performed by planting a short variety (Inpari 33 and Inpari 43) intercrop with a tall variety (IPB 9G). The short varieties were transplanted with growing space 4:1 with a distance of 30 to 15 cm, and the tall type was transplanted in between rows. After the main-crops were harvested, conventional and modified ratoon salibu were conducted and observed on growth and production. The performance of multi-canopy showed a higher yield compared to that of monoculture. The modified ratoon salibu technique was better than the conventional ratoon in most of the morphological and physiological traits, as well as for grain yield. Utilizing taller rice as intercropping for multi-canopy combined with modified ratoon salibu could be recommended for gaining the benefit of the cropping index as a land utilization strategy.

Enhancing Coconut Productivity with Hybrid Varieties: A Community Service Initiative in Nusa Ela Village, Negeri Ureng

This study aimed to address challenges in coconut cultivation and enhance productivity in Nusa Ela Village, Negeri Ureng, through the implementation of a hybrid coconut cultivation method. Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.), a crucial tropical plant, demonstrates tremendous adaptability to various climatic and soil conditions. Despite Indonesia being the world's leading coconut producer, there exist significant issues affecting productivity, ranging from pests to socio-economic factors. To ameliorate these issues, our approach utilized superior varieties, specifically hybrid coconuts, known for their high adaptability and productivity. The hybrid coconut, a cross between dwarf and tall varieties, showed promising characteristics such as high oil content and the ability to produce approximately 140 fruits per tree annually, thus making it a potential solution for enhancing coconut productivity. The community service initiative involved conducting a hybrid coconut cultivation training program for the local farmers. The practical involvement of the community, coupled with continuous education and promotion of innovative and creative practices, manifested promising results. This approach could serve as a sustainable strategy to enhance coconut productivity and foster economic growth within the community, thereby contributing to the broader agro-industry field. The results of this study underscore the potential of hybrid coconut cultivation as a solution for the low productivity challenge in coconut farming, with implications for other tropical regions facing similar issues.Highlights:
 
 
 
 
 Hybrid coconuts boost productivity in tropical farming.
 Practical cultivation training empowers local communities.
 Innovative practices promote sustainable agro-industry.
 
 
 
 
 Keywords: Hybrid Coconut, Productivity, Tropical Agriculture, Community Service Initiative, Sustainable Farming

Enhancing Coconut Productivity with Hybrid Varieties: A Community Service Initiative in Nusa Ela Village, Negeri Ureng

This study aimed to address challenges in coconut cultivation and enhance productivity in Nusa Ela Village, Negeri Ureng, through the implementation of a hybrid coconut cultivation method. Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.), a crucial tropical plant, demonstrates tremendous adaptability to various climatic and soil conditions. Despite Indonesia being the world's leading coconut producer, there exist significant issues affecting productivity, ranging from pests to socio-economic factors. To ameliorate these issues, our approach utilized superior varieties, specifically hybrid coconuts, known for their high adaptability and productivity. The hybrid coconut, a cross between dwarf and tall varieties, showed promising characteristics such as high oil content and the ability to produce approximately 140 fruits per tree annually, thus making it a potential solution for enhancing coconut productivity. The community service initiative involved conducting a hybrid coconut cultivation training program for the local farmers. The practical involvement of the community, coupled with continuous education and promotion of innovative and creative practices, manifested promising results. This approach could serve as a sustainable strategy to enhance coconut productivity and foster economic growth within the community, thereby contributing to the broader agro-industry field. The results of this study underscore the potential of hybrid coconut cultivation as a solution for the low productivity challenge in coconut farming, with implications for other tropical regions facing similar issues.Highlights:
 
 
 
 
 Hybrid coconuts boost productivity in tropical farming.
 Practical cultivation training empowers local communities.
 Innovative practices promote sustainable agro-industry.
 
 
 
 
 Keywords: Hybrid Coconut, Productivity, Tropical Agriculture, Community Service Initiative, Sustainable Farming

Immature Nut Fall of Coconut and Incidence of Rugose Spiraling Whitefly <i>Aleurodicus rugioperculatus</i> Martin

Studies on the immature nut fall in Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin infested coconut palms with low (<10 spirals/ leaflet), medium (10-20 spirals/ leaflet) and high (> 20 spirals/ leaflet) incidence in Dr YSRHU- Godavari Ganga hybrid and local East Coast Tall (ECT) variety were undertaken at the Dr YSRHU- Horticultural Research Station (HRS), Ambajipeta and Kalavalapalli plantations. The overall dropped nuts (%) was 4.84, 27.48 and 35.32% at Ambajipeta, while it was 5.50, 28.11 and 36.01% in Godavari Ganga hybrid palms with low, medium and high incidence during 2020-21 at Kalavalapalli. The % of dropped nuts in ECT variety with low incidence, respectively was representing the general dropping with 4.06 and 4.68% at Ambajipeta and Kalavalapalli, respectively during 2020-21. In case of ECT palms with medium and high incidence, the nut dropping was 22.33 and 28.51% (Ambajipeta), and 23.49 and 30.58% (Kalavalapalli).

Control of the concentration of the macroelement phosphorus in the substrate when growing tomatoes in protected soil conditions

Although most tomatoes are grown in open ground, their cultivation in glass greenhouses or tunnel-typegreenhouses covered with plastic film is becoming more common to supply local markets with fresh fruit. In closed soil, mainly tall varieties of tomatoes are grown. They make it possible to use the area of greenhouses as efficiently as possible and get rich harvests. Tomatoes grown in greenhouses can be stored for 11 months, unlike those grown in open ground. Tomatoes are usually harvested unripe and ripen during transportation or on store shelves. Different types of tomatoes grown in greenhouses tend to have a longer shelf life, better taste and higher market value than those grown in the open field. Usually, plants are attached to the supports with a single wire, while the extra side shoots (stepchildren) are removed so that only one stem remains. The height of the tomato bushes can be gradually reduced for convenience immediately after the ripening of the first bunches of tomatoes. Shoots and inflorescences are removed to increase the length of the tomato bush, the number of fruits on it and their weight in order to meet the needs of the market. Taste, color, shape and texture are extremely important criteria for evaluating the quality of fresh tomatoes. Also, the fruits must be clean and contain no signs of decay or disease. Fresh tomatoes should be uniform in shape, symmetry and size. They should have a bright and uniform color, not contain green shoulders, spots and characteristic signs of immaturity. High concentrations of carbon dioxide (600–1000 ppm) are maintained in greenhouses to improve the process of photosynthesis, growth rate and yield. This practice is very common in low yield regions and intensive agricultural production systems. Although planting tomatoes in soil in tunnel-type greenhouses is still quite common, most intensive-type green-house tomato varieties are grown on substrates such as mineral wool. Fertigation provides adequate nutrient supply and eliminates most of the factors associated with heavy soil characteristics that are difficult to control. Growing tomatoes in greenhouses requires the use of a significant amount of water. To feed tomatoes, their producers also need to take into account the mass and degree of solubility of mineral fertilizers in water. Some elements or compounds present in irrigation water can affect the growth of plants, which is why there is a need to control their level. The paper investigates the influence of the concentration of the macroelement phosphorus in the mineral wool substrate on the growth and development of the Rosaletta (pink) tomato crop during the period of mass fruiting in protected soil conditions. It was established that the photoelectrocolorimetric method for determining the phosphorus content in mineral wool hoods is quite sensitive, simple and recommended for use in serial analyses. The determined average value of the phosphorus macroelement content (50.0 mg/l) turned out to be higher than that required for growing tomatoes in the period of mass fruiting. Controlling the phosphorus content allows you to significantly prevent tomato diseases and obtain high-quality crops.

Radiation use efficiency and canopy structure of contrasting elephant grass varieties grown as monocrops and intercrops with butterfly pea

AbstractThe objective of this study was to evaluate the radiation use efficiency (RUE) and canopy structure of elephant grass varieties (Cenchrus purpureus Schum.) of contrasting statures, under monocropping or intercropped with butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea L.) in cut-and-carry systems. Two tall varieties (elephant B and IRI-381), and two dwarf ones (Mott and Taiwan A-146 2.37), were evaluated as monocrops or binary intercrops with the legume in a 2-year trial with eight harvests. Greater annual leaf biomass accumulation was observed in the monocrops of the tall variety elephant B (7.76 t/ha per year) and dwarf Mott (8.08 t/ha per year). Greater herbage bulk density (59 kg/ha per cm) and leaf area index (3.83) were recorded in canopies of dwarf Mott than in those composed of IRI-381 (37 kg/ha per cm and 3.48, respectively). In the first year, dwarf varieties Mott and Taiwan A-146 2.37 showed less RUE (0.89 and 0.84 g dry matter (DM)/MJ, respectively) than the elephant B (1.46 g DM/MJ). Higher non-fibre carbohydrate (NFC) contents were found in dwarf Mott under monocrop (180 g/kg) and in the intercrop systems. Tall varieties elephant B and IRI-381 showed greater efficiency in intercepting the radiation to accumulate herbage via stem accumulation. Dwarf Mott variety exhibited short stems and great leaf biomass accumulation that favoured denser canopies with higher content of NFCs in vegetal tissue. Planting butterfly pea into rows of elephant grass varieties can be adopted with no significant losses in RUE caused by light extinction, regardless of the grass stature.

Developing Prediction and Forecasting modelfor coconut under weather parameters and external factors in Coimbatore district.

Coconut is the most important plantation crop, planted in nearly every country. Coimbatore is the major producer of coconut in Tamil Nadu, followed by Thanjavur and Kanyakumari, hence this research is focused on the Coimbatore district. West Coast Tall is the popular variety which gives better yield than other varieties. This study was carried out on West Coast Tall (WCT) variety. In this paper, Coconut yield prediction model is developed under weather and external factors such as Minimum temperature, Relative Humidity, Rainfall, Plant height, Stem girth, Female flowers in inflorescence, Leaf length and Copra content. Correlation and multiple regression analysis is carried out to obtain the final form of the yield prediction model. Further, we validate this model using field-level data from TNAU coconut research farm using MATLAB and python software. The actual yield in comparison with the predicted yield using software is found to be in satisfactory agreement. In addition, we developed forecasting model for coconut for forthcoming years using proposed model.

Effect of mineral and organic fertilizers on the growth and development of African millet

African millet is small, about 1000 seeds 5-10 gram and is the best feed for birds. The stalk is superior to all other fodder crops in silage and dry state in terms of its nutritive value and high protein content. Alcohol is extracted from grain and used in the production of beer in the food industry, flour is made from grain and added to wheat flour to make high-quality bread containing various minerals. Another fact is that grain yield is around 0.7-1.2 t/ha, and in some conditions, it reaches 1.8-2.0 t/ha. The root reaches more than 2 meters deep, which ensures drought resistance and wind resistance. The important biological properties of African millet are its high yield, disease resistance, rapid reproduction, high fodder and nutritional properties of the grain, drought resistance, high temperature deficiency resistance, green mass gives an abundant yield. Furthermore, it is less affected by pests and diseases than other cereal crops. African millet “HHVBC tall” and “EEBC” varieties were investigated in eight variants with three iterations according to feeding standards. According to the results, on May 22, 2015, the plant height was 44-45 cm in the EEBC variety and 47-48 cm in the HHVBC tall variety. It was found that when the phenological observations were made on June 20, the average plant height was 130-125 cm in the EEBC variety, whereas it was 95-120 cm in the HHVBC tall variety. It can be seen that the height of EEBC variety compared to HHVBC tall variety was greater.

Effect of Cropping Systems and Integrated Nutrient Management on Growth and Yield of Coconut in Littoral Sand

An experiment was carried out in a 38 years old coconut plantation of Sakhigopal Local Tall variety at All India Coordinated Research Project on palms, Konark (OUAT) during July 2017 to June 2019. The treatments comprised of three cropping system and three integrated nutrient management practices. The experiment was laid out in a Split Plot Design with three replications. The studies revealed that adoption of cropping system of coconut + sapota + pineapple with application of green manuring + biofertilizers + organic recycling + soil test based nutrients NPK (chemical fertilizers) application significantly increase the number of female flowers (245.83/palm/year), nut yield (65.21/palms/year), weight of whole nut (1206.54 g), weight of dehusked nut (603.01 g), kernel weight (293.41 g) and copra weight (168.33 g). Similarly minimum number of female flowers, nut yield, kernel weight and copra weight were recorded in treatment combination of monocrop of coconut with green manuring + biofertilizers + organic recycling. The study indicated that cropping coconut + sapota + pineapple cropping system with organic and soil test based nutrients NPK are suitable for better growth and development of coconut.