Crop Technology Research Articles

CRISPR/Cas technology in vegetable crops for improving biotic, abiotic stress and quality traits: Challenges and opportunities

CRISPR/Cas technology in vegetable crops for improving biotic, abiotic stress and quality traits: Challenges and opportunities

CHARACTERIZATION OF SOME MAIZE HYBRIDS BASED ON HECTOLITER WEIGHT

The study analyzed a collection of 20 corn hybrids based on the hectoliter weight of the grains. The hybrids were tested in culture within ARDS Lovrin, in the 2023-2024 agricultural year. The biological material came from ARDS Suceava. In the case of the experiment, the hybrids were marked SV1 to SV20. The experimental variants, given by corn hybrids, were cultivated in repetitions. Adequate crop technology was provided to ensure uniform conditions for corn hybrids. Seed samples were taken from each hybrid, on repetitions for analysis. The values ​​of the HW parameter varied between HW = 71.55±0.68 kg hl-1 (SV2) and HW = 83.70±0.68 kg hl-1 (SV7, SV18). The series of experimental data showed normal distribution, with r = 0.976. Anova Test confirmed the safety of the data and the presence of variance in the data set (p = 0.000662; F > Fcrit). The mean value calculated at the level of the experiment was HW_m = 77.448 kg hl-1. Compared to the mean value, 11 hybrids showed values ​​above the average, and nine hybrids showed values ​​below the mean. Values ​​above the mean were presented by hybrids SV7, SV15 and SV18 (p<0.001), and hybrid SV13 (p<0.05). Values ​​below the mean were presented by SV2, SV12, and SV19 hybrids (p<0.001), SV6 hybrid (p<0.01), and SV1 and SV10 hybrids (p<0.05). The cluster analysis led to the grouping of hybrids based on similarity (Coph.corr. = 0.833). In relation to the thresholds of the quartiles, the hybrids SV2, SV19, SV12, SV6, SV10 were included in quartile 1. The SV1, SV5, SV16, SV14, SV11, SV8, SV20, SV9, SV17, SV3 hybrids were included in the 2nd and 3rd quartiles. In the 4th quartile were the hybrids SV4, SV13, SV15, SV7, SV18.

EVALUATION OF SOME MAIZE GENOTYPES BASED ON THE TKW PARAMETER

The study made a comparative analysis between twenty maize hybrids based on a seed quality index. The corn hybrids were created within ARDS Suceava. The comparative crop of the twenty hybrids was done within ARDS Lovrin. Maize crop was organized in randomized repetitions, in a non-irrigated system. The experimental name of the hybrids was SV1 to SV20. Adequate crop technology ensured uniform vegetation conditions for the maize hybrids studied. The weight of thousand seeds (TKW) was considered as an index of seed quality. The Anova test (PHC) was applied for the comparative analysis of the twenty hybrids. 190 combinations were made in the comparative analysis. According to the recorded results, in the case of 71 comparative analyses, differences were recorded in terms of statistical safety; 31 positive differences and 40 negative differences. Compared to the mean value calculated at the experiment level (TKW = 195.95 g), 12 hybrids presented values ​​above the mean, and eight hybrids presented values ​​below the mean. Positive growth of the TKW parameter associated with the genotype potential (compared to the mean value), was between DTKW = 0.23 g (SV2) and DTKW = 33.17 g (SV13). Negative growth of the TKW parameter, associated with the potential of the hybrid, was included between DTKW = -0.90 g (SV11) and DTKW = -60.04 g (SV5). The cluster analysis facilitated the grouping of hybrids based on Euclidean distances in the cluster dendrogram (Coph.corr. = 0.837). The hybrids were grouped based on similarity, in relation to the recorded TKW values. Independent positioning was recorded in the case of the SV5 hybrid with the lowest TKW value. Subcluster C2-A contained four hybrids, with high values ​​of the TKW parameter (((SV8,SV12),SV6),SV13). Based on similarity, the other hybrids were grouped into two other subclusters (C2-B, and C2-C). The highest level of similarity was recorded between SV7 and SV15 hybrids (SDI = 0.11).

Edible film: A future thrust in packaging technology for horticultural crops

The significance of edible film in food packaging is increasingly recognized, especially in preserving perishable items such as fruits and vegetables. Packaging serves crucial functions, including containment, protection and facilitation of product transportation. However, conventional plastic packaging poses significant environmental challenges due to its non-biodegradable nature, contributing to pollution and heightened carbon footprints. In contrast, edible films, derived from natural ingredients like proteins, lipids and polysaccharides, offer a sustainable alternative. These films extend the shelf life of food products and improve food quality by reducing waste and minimizing environmental impact. Adopting edible films in the horticultural sector could significantly enhance post-harvest preservation, ensuring the freshness and quality of produce. As the food industry evolves, the development and application of edible film packaging present a promising avenue for future research, emphasizing sustainability and efficiency in food preservation.

The effects of the adoption of forest cropping technologies on sustainability dimensions: a multi-stakeholder perspective

New technologies are an important instrument to face the global challenges and reach sustainability. Their adoption triggers different perspectives, interests and discourses of different stakeholders’ groups involved in this phenomenon. Therefore, analyzing the different perspectives of diverse stakeholders’ groups through their respective discourses is a fundamental instrument to assess the potential barriers and the viability of its adoption. This article analyzes how different stakeholders perceive the impacts on sustainability regarding the andadoption of new harvesting technologies in the forest industry in Brazil, through the dimensions of triple bottom line. The combination of qualitative and quantitative approach is used to analyze a set of stakeholders’ documents that reflect their perception and positions on the adoption of these technologies. As a result, the different stakeholders’ perspectives are mapped in a two-dimensional framework, based on the discursive focus (narrow versus broad), and the discourse valence (negative, neutral or positive). As contribution, this article shows the possibility to map the different stakeholders’ perspectives about a same phenomenon, which is a useful tool for perceive the possibilities of action of stakeholders through the intentions expressed in their discourse.

Electrochemical Detection of DNA in Agriculture Using Lamp-Based Amplification

The variety and complexity of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are increasing, which makes their detection harder than ever before. This impacts the traceability, safety, and monitoring of food. Current research indicates that GM crop technology may pose risks to human health and the environment. The aim of this study is the development of a LAMP-based GMO electrochemical detection device. LAMP amplification of P-35S, P-FMV, and T-NOS regions (three elements that are most often present in genetically modified plants as part of the transgenic construct) is done using gBlocks, synthetic dsDNA fragments that have an identical DNA sequence to that of the targeted part of a transgenic construct.Using single-stranded DNA probes containing methylene blue as a redox probe, the electrochemical DNA sensor detects LAMP products that are complementary to the target DNA. The probes were attached to the gold electrodes functionalized by gold nanoparticles, and 2D nanomaterials (MoS2, Mxenes, and reduced graphene oxide). The electrochemical methods, such as alternating current voltammetry, square wave voltammetry, and differential pulse voltammetry were employed in testing the electrochemical detection response of the DNA probes immobilized on 2D nanomaterials.The research has shown that the obtained DNA detection signal depends significantly on the methods (and setup parameters) used in electrochemical detection, and the nanomaterials used on electrodes. The electrochemical detection resulted in a signal decrease consequential to the conformational changes of the DNA probes upon attachment of the target DNA. The methylene blue molecules attached at the top of the DNA probes get higher resistance in the electron transfer to the electrode materials, which makes the target DNA detection quantitatively and qualitatively visible. These results are promising for the development of a device that will enable a specific, sensitive, fast, cost-effective, and precise in-field detection system for the routine detection of GMOs.**Acknowledgments:*This project is supported by The Science Fund of the Republic of Serbia DEVELOPMENT Program - Green program of cooperation between science and industry - LABOUR project (grant agreement No. 6710), and The Ministry of Science, Technological Development and Innovation of the Republic of Serbia (451-03-66/2024-03/200358).*This work is supported through the ANTARES project that has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement SGA-CSA. No. 739570 under FPA No. 664387. https://doi.org/10.3030/739570 Figure 1

Winter barley productivity in the southern part of the Rostov region when sowing sunflower as a forecrop with different seeding rates

The current study was conducted in the southern part of the Rostov region in the agrotechnical crop rotation of the laboratory for cultivation technology of grain and row crops of the FSBSI Agricultural Research Center “Donskoy” in 2021–2023. The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of seeding rates on productivity of various winter barley varieties sown after sunflower. The conducted study allowed identifying the response of winter barley varieties to different seeding rates. The winter barley variety ‘Marusya’ on average over the years of research formed the mean maximum grain productivity of 6.43 t/ha when sowing with the lowest seeding rate (3 million pcs. of germ. grains per 1 ha). For the varieties ‘Vivat’ and ‘Foks 1’, the optimal seeding rate was 4 million pcs. of germ. seeds per 1 ha, and the obtained productivity was 6.31 and 5.81 t/ha, respectively. The response of the studied winter barley varieties to seeding rates was different through the years, but the effect of this factor was 4.6–10.5 %. Reliable differences in the experiment were obtained only for the variety ‘Vivat’ for all seeding rates. The winter barley productivity was determined by the choice of a variety, and the effect of this factor ranged from 32.5 to 78.1 %. There was determined that when sowing with the lowest seeding rate (3 million pcs. of germ. grains per 1 ha), all winter barley varieties in the trial had the largest number of grains per ear and grain weight per ear with 36.3–43.2 g and 1.62–2.10 g, respectively. There was established that in the variant with this seeding rate, the varieties formed a heavy, large-size grain (nature weight of 637–660 g/l) with ‘1000-grain weight’ of 42.1–43.8 g and 10.8 to 11.3 % of protein in grain. There has been established an economic efficiency of cultivating the varieties ‘Vivat’, ‘Marusya’ and ‘Foks 1’ when sowing them with the lowest seeding rate of 3 million pcs. of germ. grains per 1 ha. With a low cost price of produced grain (5405–6136 rubles/t), in this variant of trial, the varieties obtained the maximum conditional net income (34378–45499 rubles/ha) and production profitability (108–147%).

Evaluation of cultivation technology package and corn variety based on agronomy characters and leaf green indices

Abstract This study aimed to identify the best combination of corn technologies and varieties to increase yield, a study case in Torowang, South Sulawesi. The findings of this study used a split-plot design with three replications. The cultivation technology package is composed of planting spacing, chemical fertilizer, and biofertilizer, with three levels of treatment. Meanwhile, varieties treatment as subplot consisted of six varieties of treatment: Nasa 29, Bisi 18, Sinhas 1, NK7328, Pioneer 27, and ADV 313. The study determined the effectiveness of six agronomy and three chlorophyll pigment characters. Based on the results, varietal diversity dominates the differences in growth traits, both morphological and physiological. Varietal potential differs from the diversity of crop technology packages, which show no significant effect on all growth traits. However, the interaction between the growth package and varieties shows a significant effect, indicating that the crop technology package significantly affects the growth response. Yield was significantly correlated with plant height, 1,000 grain weight, peeled ear weight, chlorophyll content meter (CCM) chlorophyll, and NDVI-UAV. The total chlorophyll trait based on CCM showed a significant correlation with yield but did not correlate with NDVI-UAV. The study concluded that Pioneer 27 and ADV 313 varieties are recommended for cultivation in Takalar, with the combination of planting space of 75 × 20 cm + N:P:K fertilizer dose of 200:100:50 kg ha−1 + 25 kg of KNO3 + 5 cc L−1 of Eco-Farming fertilizer to Pioneer 27 (Pc2V5) recommended. Further dissemination is required in other regions.

Plasma processed Zn fortification: The next generation sustainable technology for the improvement of agronomic traits of paddy

Zinc performs different metabolic functions in human body and its deficiency is a major concern mainly in the third world countries. Fortification of Zn in grain crops may have the possibility to meet the challenge. The present study was designed utilizing plasma technology for paddy crop in two ways: (i) seed treatment with gliding arc argon-oxygen-ZnSO4-H2O discharge plasma jet in combination with nebulizing system for the fortification of Zn in the seeds, and (ii) plasma treated water (PTW) was sprayed to the plants cultivated from treated seeds and thereby investigated the growth and development of paddy plants defence system, nutritional composition and yield of paddy. Gliding arc argon-oxygen-ZnSO4-H2O discharge plasma jet was employed to treat paddy seeds with nebulizing system for the duration of 2-, 4-, 6-, and 8 min and the 4 min treatment condition provided the maximum 98 % germination among the conditions considered. Seedlings germinated from the 4 min treated seeds were resettled in the research area and PTW were applied two, four, and six times at the time of their growing period. The results reveal that the growth parameters, and the plants defence mechanisms were enhanced. Further, Zn concentration in the grains and the yield of paddy were increased by 59.07 %, 24.06 % and 38.94 %, 22.27 % respectively, compared to control and the plants grown from the treated seeds where no PTW foliar spray was applied. This investigation exposed that the fortification of Zn in seed by plasma processing and PTW spray to the plants which in turn improved seed germination, enzymatic activities, Zn accumulation in rice, and yield. It is fascinating that the paddy harvesting time was reduced more than two weeks compared to control.

Psychological Factors Influencing Willingness to Purchase Wild–Edible Plants and Food Products from Wild–Edible Plants

Modern agriculture faces many challenges. At the same time, it is necessary to provide healthy and sustainable food for humanity in growing conditions that are facing numerous problems, including climate change. Different strategies can be applied to deal with climate change, such as using different crop technologies. In this context, the application of wild–edible plants as a source of biodiversity, vitamins, and minerals for the human diet is interesting. Consumers’ behaviour toward wild–edible plants is a relatively new topic in marketing research, so this paper investigated the impact of certain psychological factors on consumers’ willingness to purchase wild–edible plants and food products. The study was performed on a sample of consumers of produce from farmers’ markets in Istria County, Croatia, and the data were collected via a questionnaire. The univariate and multivariate analyses provided evidence that consumers’ purchase intentions are determined mainly by their positive attitudes regarding trying new and unfamiliar foods. Furthermore, customers’ intentions to purchase food products containing wild–edible plants were determined by their attitudes regarding wild–edible plants and their subjective knowledge.

A Review of the Application of Hyperspectral Imaging Technology in Agricultural Crop Economics

China is a large agricultural country, and the crop economy holds an important place in the national economy. The identification of crop diseases and pests, as well as the non-destructive classification of crops, has always been a challenge in agricultural development, hindering the rapid growth of the agricultural economy. Hyperspectral imaging technology combines imaging and spectral techniques, using hyperspectral cameras to acquire raw image data of crops. After correcting and preprocessing the raw image data to obtain the required spectral features, it becomes possible to achieve the rapid non-destructive detection of crop diseases and pests, as well as the non-destructive classification and identification of agricultural products. This paper first provides an overview of the current applications of hyperspectral imaging technology in crops both domestically and internationally. It then summarizes the methods of hyperspectral data acquisition and application scenarios. Subsequently, it organizes the processing of hyperspectral data for crop disease and pest detection and classification, deriving relevant preprocessing and analysis methods for hyperspectral data. Finally, it conducts a detailed analysis of classic cases using hyperspectral imaging technology for detecting crop diseases and pests and non-destructive classification, while also analyzing and summarizing the future development trends of hyperspectral imaging technology in agricultural production. The non-destructive rapid detection and classification technology of hyperspectral imaging can effectively select qualified crops and classify crops of different qualities, ensuring the quality of agricultural products. In conclusion, hyperspectral imaging technology can effectively serve the agricultural economy, making agricultural production more intelligent and holding significant importance for the development of agriculture in China.

Microalgae-Based Crop Support Technologies Show Multifaceted Promise Well-Suited to Looming Threats

This review summarises the available evidence on the prospects for using microalgae or their extracts to support crop production. The evidence is limited but suggests technological promise in several distinct ways, namely, higher core productivity, enhanced resilience to biotic and abiotic stresses, and better-quality produce. The different efficacy pathways of these microalgal technologies were examined to assess their scope to help address key farmer priorities. Their scope to help farmers face climate change and land degradation was a particular focus, given the magnitude of these threats. These microalgal technologies are framed in terms of their pertinence to farmer priorities due to the centrality of farmers to food systems. Notably, farmers’ technology adoption decisions are key to food system outcomes. The findings reported suggest that these crop support technologies could potentially deliver major benefits to farmers, consumers, and the environment. For the moment, however, this emerging literature remains largely neglected. Possible reasons for this are considered, as are potential ways forward. The review focuses particularly on the two most researched and widely available microalgae, the genera Arthrospira and Chlorella, in the interest of highlighting options farmers could adopt rapidly while research on the wider body of microalgae-based crop technologies continues.

Energy-saving technology for harvesting root crops and potatoes

The purpose of the work is to empirically determine the temperature of the exhaust gases when changing the load on the power plant of a beet harvester with a separating system that provides better harvesting quality in conditions of high soil moisture. Have been developed: classification of methods for increasing the separating ability of slot-hole devices for cleaning root crops; laboratory installation for determining the quality indicators of a separation system with thermal energy for exhaust gas purification with a star-shaped cleaning device; a method for assessing the process of heat transfer from the exhaust gases of the power plant of the self-propelled harvester for harvesting sugar beets Holmer Terra Dos T3 to the separating system, which involves determining the temperature using thermocouples installed at various points in the gas exhaust system of the internal combustion engine. An experimental study of the temperature of the exhaust gases of the power plant of a harvesting machine was carried out using thermocouples at maximum rotation speed with a change in the thermal load index of the external environment from 5 to 30°C. The heat of the exhaust gases from the Mercedes-Benz power plant of the Holmer Terra Dos T3 self-propelled harvester, aimed at blowing the working surface of the separating device at the outlet of the first and fourth, as well as the second and third cylinders, has minor discrepancies exceeding the error limits (65 ± 5.8; 63.2 ± 1.5 and 74.9 ± 2.4; 75.2 ± 2.0°C, respectively), which leads to a uniform distribution of heat flow on the device for cleaning sugar beet roots.

Solar Drying Technology for Agricultural Products: A Review

The application of solar drying technology for fruits, vegetables and other crops is one of the most attractive, cost-effective and eco-friendly. Many types of solar dryers have been designed and developed in different parts of the world, having different degrees of technical performance. There are four types of solar dryers: (1) direct solar dryers, (2) indirect solar dryers, (3) mixed-mode dryers and (4) hybrid solar dryers. A synthesis view of the classification of solar energy dryers is also presented. Two groups of solar energy dryers can be identified: Passive or natural-circulation solar energy dryers and active or forced convection solar energy dryers. This paper is a review of all these types of solar dryers, including aspects of the various designs, details of construction and operational principles. Therefore, the selection of dryers for a particular situation is primarily based on what is available and the types of dryers currently used are widely based on available circumstances. Some recent developments in solar drying technology and the appropriateness of each design type for application by farmers in developing countries are also discussed.

Impact of Integrated Agricultural Productivity Project on the Smallholder Beneficiaries in Mithapukur Upazila, Rangpur District of Bangladesh

In Bangladesh, plenty of development projects are assumed, though success of very few is evaluated. This study was aimed to evaluate the impact of Integrated Agricultural Productivity Project (IAPP) on the smallholder beneficiaries. The proportionate random sampling technique was used to select 90 smallholder beneficiaries from seven project villages implemented. Data were collected during 2018 to 2019 using a predesigned interview schedule. The perceived advantages of the project and the beneficiaries' annual income change were utilized to assess the impact of the project on the smallholder beneficiaries. Majority (58.8%) of the smallholder project farmers were under young to middle age category, with literacy belonged to moderate family size, small farm category, average annual income of BDT 134989 and 227633 during before and after the project intervention, respectively. They showed moderate contact with the extension source (95.6%) and moderate organizational participation (64.5%). Benefits derived from different components of the project were caused change in the usages of different agricultural improved technologies by the beneficiaries. The technologies implemented were improved fish, crop, livestock and water technology. All technologies had statistically significant contributions to the beneficiaries. The changes were significant for all the cases, viz. improved fish technology (t=13.65), improved crop technology (t=24.36), improved livestock technology (t = 20.43) and improved water technology (t= 22.29). There was also significant change in annual income comparing before and after the project intervention. Major problems faced during the intervention of the project were poor coordination of activities followed by training, poor quality deliverables and inadequate supply of project incentives. It is recommended that the authority needs to consider necessary measures to sustain the tempo and resolve the problems experienced by the beneficiaries in the future interventions.

THE EFFECT OF TILLAGE TECHNOLOGY ON THE AMOUNT OF WEEDS AND THE YIELD OF POTATOES

Weeds deprive agricultural plants of life factors and deteriorate their productivity and quality indicators. Therefore, agricultural experts try to reduce the amount of weeds to minimize the damage caused by it. First of all, it is important to know their biological characteristics, extent of spread, species composition, which is reflected in the article, in order to carry out the measures against weeds correctly. It is known from the species composition of weeds spread in potato crops that it is possible to eliminate the damage caused by applying the correct soil cultivation technology. In the research work, when the intermediate plant (field pea + oat mixture) planted under rotation conditions is disked and mixed with the soil and plowed as a result of soil cultivation measures, the reduction of the amount of weeds significantly increases the productivity. Here, the yield increase was 58.5 q/ha or 37.55% compared to the variant that was left fallow after wheat, plowed 25-30 cm and sprayed with herbicide. This suggests that it is possible to significantly increase productivity while minimizing the use of herbicides by applying the correct tillage technology in potato crops.

Assessment of kharif oilseed crop varieties and technologies disseminated through cluster frontline demonstrations in Chhattisgarh

Assessment of kharif oilseed crop varieties and technologies disseminated through cluster frontline demonstrations in Chhattisgarh

The mutagenic effect of cold plasma on Medicago sativa L.

To explore the feasibility of using cold plasma as a mutagenesis breeding technology for forage crops, in this study we used the Medicago sativa L. cultivar, Zhongcao No. 3, as the experimental material. The effects of plasma treatments on Medicago sativa L. were analyzed through the use of plasma and activated water. Treatments with plasma and activated water inhibited plant height but promoted root growth. By creating a closed environment, adding a dielectric barrier plate, and combining these two treatment methods, the greatest impact can be had on the growth of Medicago sativa L. seeds. After treatment, the plant heights were approximately half those of the control group, and the root lengths were approximately 1.6 times those of the control group. Through emission spectroscopy, it was found that active particles such as O, NO2, and N2* were present and could be considered to have produced plasma-activated water through contact with the water surface, thus affecting the survival and growth of the seeds. Whole-genome resequencing (WGRS) was performed on the wild-type and selected mutants after treatment, with an average sequencing depth of 115.93×, an average genome alignment rate of 91.72 %, and an average genome coverage rate of 91.85 %. Various types of mutations were detected and annotated. After filtering, 7,822,324 SNP (single nucleotide polymorphisms) sites, 2,161,917 indel sites, 200,544 SV sites, 238 CNV (copy number variation) sites. The SNPs, indels (insertions/deletions), and SVs (structural variations) were mainly heterozygous, with heterozygosity rates of 87.13 %, 92.16 %, and 83.49 %, respectively. The CNVs were dominated by low copy numbers, accounting for 53.77 %. These results indicate that plasma treatment has significant effects on plant growth and genome of Medicago sativa L.

PRODUCTION AND SOME QUALITY INDICES VARIATION IN CORN - CASE STUDY IN FARM CONDITIONS

The study comparatively analyzed the production results and the values ​​of some quality indices for two corn hybrids, in the specific crop conditions of the Western Plain of Romania. Corn crops was carried out in the area of ​​Grabaț locality, Timis County, Romania. Corn hybrids P9889 and DKC5092 were cultivated, in a non-irrigated system, between 2021 and 2023. Adequate plant growth conditions were ensured through crop technology. In the case of the P9889 hybrid, the productions were 8500 kg/ha (2021), 5350 kg/ha (2022), and 11000 kg/ha (2023). In the case of the DKC5092 hybrid, the productions were 7900 kg/ha (2021), 5800 kg/ha (2022) and 10800 kg/ha (2023). Based on mean grains samples, the crude protein content (CP) showed values ​​between 8.5% (year 2021) and 10.05% (year 2023); the starch content (ST) presented values ​​between 54.09% (year 2021) and 59.04% (year 2023); the crude cellulose content (crude fibers, CF) presented values ​​between 1.99% (year 2021) and 2.25% (year 2023); the proportion of broken grains (BG) showed values ​​between 0.98 (year 2023) and 1.3% (year 2022), with an mean value BG = 1.10%. A very strong positive correlation was recorded between CP and M (r = 0.955), between ST and M (r = 0.900), and between ST and CP (r = 0.989). Very strong negative correlation was recorded between Y and BG (r = - 0.926). A strong, positive correlation was recorded between CF and Y (r = 0.834), and between CF and M (r = 0.865). According to PCA, PC1 explained 60.307% of variance, and PC2 explained 39.693% of variance. The decrease in production in 2022 (extremely dry year), compared to the mean value, was DY = -2933.33 kg/ha for the P9889 hybrid, respectively DY = -2366.67 kg/ha for the DKC5092 hybrid. From the analysis of the obtained values, the hybrid P9889 recorded a greater decrease in production (difference of 566.66 kg/ha) compared to the hybrid DKC5092, under the conditions of 2022, specific to the study conditions.

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF SOME SOYBEAN GENOTYPES BASED ON BIOMETRIC PARAMETERS

The study made a comparative analysis regarding the behavior of some soybean genotypes in non-irrigated crop system. Experiments were carried out within ARDS Lovrin, on a chernozem type soil with medium fertility. The following genotypes were cultivated: 'Calma', 'Caro', 'Isa', 'Karavukovo', 'Perla', and 'Ziana'. Sowing was done at the optimal time, at a distance of 70 cm between rows, and the crop technology ensured favorable conditions for plant growth. At physiological maturity, plant samples were taken and determinations were made regarding: plant density (PD, plants/m2), plant weight (PW, kg/m2), soybean pod weight (SpW, kg/m2), soybean grain weight (SgW, kg/m2), soybean pods shells weight (SpsW, kg/m2). Based on the recorded values, the yield of soybeans in relation to pods (Y, %) was calculated. PW/SpW, PW/SgW, and PsW/SgW ratios were also calculated. Very strong, positive correlation was recorded between SgW and SpW (r = 0.998), between Y (%) and SpW (r = 0.923), and between Y and SgW (r = 0.944). According to PCA, PC1 explained 74.369% of variance, and PC2 explained 14.769% of variance. The Cluster Analysis generated the dendrogram of soybean genotypes based on similarity (Coph.corr = 0.972), and a high level of similarity was recorded between 'Calma' and 'Isa' genotypes (SDI = 1.6926). In relation to the average value of the experiment, the 'Perla' genotype stood out for the PW parameter, the 'Ziana' genotype for the SpW parameter, the 'Ziana' genotype for the SgW parameter, and the 'Perla' genotype for yield (Y, %).