Terms Of Plant Height Research Articles

Enhancing pakchoi (Brassica chinensis L.) agriculture with magnetized-ionized brackish water and organic fertilizers: A sustainable approach to soil quality and crop yield optimization

The scarcity of freshwater, the increasing use of brackish water (B) for irrigation, and the judicious application of organic fertilizers have significant research and practical value for environmental science, water resource management, and clean production. This study investigated the combined impact of B, magnetized-ionized brackish water (MIB), and organic fertilizer on pakchoi (Brassica chinensis L.) growth, yield, and soil quality. Over a two-year period (2022–2023), this study explored the impacts of two types of irrigation water (B and magnetized-ionized brackish water, MIB) in combination with varying rates of water-soluble bio-organic fertilizer (0, 20, 40, 60, and 80 kg/ha, corresponding to treatments 0 through 4, respectively). The findings indicated that the application of 60 kg/ha of organic fertilizer greatly improved the growth rate of pakchoi in terms of plant height, leaf area index, and fresh weight. Moreover, under MIB irrigation, the fresh weight growth rate of pakchoi was superior to that observed under B irrigation. Notably, B irrigation necessitated additional fertilizer to maintain elevated levels of alkali-hydrolyzed nitrogen (AN) and soil quality. Furthermore, the use of organic fertilizer substantially enhanced soil quality, with AN, available phosphorus (AP), organic matter (OM), and soil quality index (SQI) demonstrating a strong positive correlation (P < 0.05). Mantel test analysis showed significant correlations (P < 0.05) between soil OM, SWC, AP, and pakchoi growth and yield. According to the partial least squares path modeling analysis, the use of organic fertilizer had a relatively minor effect on the yield and quality of pakchoi under B irrigation, with path coefficients of 0.088 and 0.298, respectively. However, under MIB irrigation, organic fertilizer enhances yield and quality by improving soil quality (path coefficients of 0.914). In conclusion, the application of MIB irrigation coupled with organic fertilizer contributed to sustainable soil fertility, enhanced crop productivity, and mitigated the environmental impacts associated with conventional irrigation and fertilization methods. Our research underscores the importance of supporting agricultural research and development focused on sustainable irrigation and fertilization methods for farmers and policymakers. This integrated approach offers a harmonious solution for optimizing crop yields and enhancing water use efficiency, and the reduction of in chemical pollutants within agricultural production systems.

Response of Mustard (Brassica juncea L.) to Different Bio-Regulators under Varying Fertility Levels

A field experiment on “Response of mustard (Brassica juncea L.) to different bio-regulators under varying fertility levels” was carried out at Agronomy Instructional Farm, Chimanbhai Patel College of Agriculture, S. D. Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar during rabi 2017-18. With regard to the effect of different bio-regulators on mustard, all growth attributes studied during the course of investigation such as dry matter accumulation per plant, number of primary branches and secondary branches per plant showed significant improvement due to application of cycocel (CCC) @ 1500 ppm (B3). Whereas significantly the lowest plant height was exhibited under treatment B3. Similarly, treatments B3 (Cycocel @ 1500 ppm) and B1 (Brassinosteroid @ 0.5 ppm) remained comparable and exhibited significantly higher values of yield components and quality parameters viz., number of seeds per siliqua, number of siliquae per plant, test weight, seed yield per plant, protein content and oil yield. Application of cycocel @ 1500 ppm (B3) also significantly increased N and S content in seed and stover and also resulted in significant improvement in uptake of N, P, S and Zn in seed, stover and total uptake followed by treatment B1 (Brassinosteroid @ 0.5 ppm). However, harvest index, phosphorus and zinc content in seed and stover as well as available nutrients status in the soil (N, P2O5, S and Zn) did not influenced due to application of different bio-regulators. Treatment B3 (Cycocel @ 1500 ppm) realized the highest net return (₹ 64,090/ha) followed by treatment B1 (Brassinosteroid @ 0.5 ppm). The results of the present investigation indicated that all the growth attributes in terms of plant height, number of primary and secondary branches per plant; yield attributes viz., number of seeds per siliqua, number of siliquae per plant, test weight, seed yield per plant, seed, stover yield and quality parameters viz., oil content, oil yield and protein content showed significant improvement due to application of balanced fertilization treatment N4 (N50P50S40Zn1.7), though it was at par with treatment N3 (N50P50S40). Application of N50P50S40Zn1.7 (N4) registered significantly higher N, P2O5, S and Zn content (%) in seed and stover and seed, stover and total uptake by mustard followed by treatment N3 (N50P50S40). Similarly, application of N50P50S40Zn1.7 (N4) noted significantly higher available N (180.38 kg/ha), P2O5(39.68 kg/ha), S (8.49 mg/kg) and Zn (0.46 mg/kg), being at par with treatment N3 (N50P50S40) except available Zn status in soil. From economic point of view, the maximum net return (₹ 64,897/ha) and benefit cost ratio (3.13) were received with application of 50 kg N + 50 kg P2O5+ 40 kg S + 1.7 kg Zn/ha (N4) followed by treatment N3 (N50P50S40).

Effect of High Temperature on Growth and Yield Attributes of Indian Mustard Genotypes Due to Late Sown

The present investigation entitled “Effect of high temperature on growth and yield attributes of Indian mustard genotypes due to late sown” was conducted in randomized block design (RBD) with 12th new promising mustard genotypes viz., Vardan, Ashirwad, NPJ-207, NPJ-208, RGN-403, PBR-417, DRMRIJ 16-3, DRMR-2035, RRN-911, RH-1556, RGN-368 and BPR 541-4 widely differing in their growth behavior during two consecutive years (2017-18 and 2018-19). Study their genotypic variability for morphological, yield, and its attributes under late sown conditions. Results revealed that growth in terms of plant height, biomass accumulation, branching behavior, leaf area, growth parameters, yield, and its components varied significantly among tested mustard genotypes during both years of study under late-sown conditions. Findings indicated that mustard genotypes viz., DRMRIJ 16-3, RGN-403, and RH-1556 recorded higher values of total branches plant-1, leaf area (cm2), dry matter accumulation at harvest (g), siliquae on different branches, number of seeds/siliqua, seed yield/plant, biological yield per plant, test weight, harvest index as compared to other genotypes under late sown condition.

Effect of Sowing Environment and Varieties on Growth Attributes of Rain-fed Wheat under Sub-tropical Foothills of Jammu

A field experiment was conducted at the Research Farm Advanced Centre for Rain-fed Agriculture (ACRA), Rakh-Dhiansar of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu. The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design with three replications at during Rabi season of 2018-19 to study the effect of six dates of sowing (31st October, 15th November, 30th November, 15th December, 30th December and 14th January) on growth attributes of two wheat varieties (PBW-175 and JAUW-598). The sowing of rain-fed was done at spacing of 20 cm in sandy loam soil. The observations were recorded on plant height, total dry matter accumulation, crop growth rate and relative crop growth rate of wheat crop. Growth of wheat in terms of plant height, dry matter accumulation, crop growth rate and relative growth rate at periodic intervals revealed that at all the growth stages, the growth characters of wheat showed a pronounced improvement with varieties and sowing environments. The data showed significant effects of different sowing time on plant height, total dry matter and crop growth rate while relative crop growth rate found to be non-significant. Among varieties total dry matter found to be significant at 90, 120 DAS and at harvest as well as CGR at 60-90 DAS and 90-120 DAS while plant height and RGR showed to be non-significant at periodic intervals. In addition, the interaction effects were significant in some of observations.

Enhancement of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Growth and Yield Attributes in a Subtropical Humid Climate through Treated Ganga Sludge-based Organic Fertilizers.

Sewage sludge is a by-product of urbanization that poses environmental and health challenges. However, it can also be a valuable source of organic matter and nutrients for agriculture. This study aimed to assess the potential of five types of organic fertilizers derived from treated Ganga sludge on the growth of wheat plants. The Patanjali Organic Research Institute has developed five types of granulated organic fertilizer from the stabilized Ganga sludge. The results showed that the organic fertilizers significantly improved the wheat performance in terms of plant height, biomass accumulation, chlorophyll content, leaf area and other yield parameters. Furthermore, the fertilizers ameliorated soil physicochemical attributes and augmented the availability of macro- and micronutrients. Importantly, levels of heavy metals in soil and wheat grains remained within permissible limits, affirming the safety and appropriateness of these fertilizers for wheat cultivation. This study underscores the efficient utilization of treated Ganga sludge as a valuable organic fertilizer source, proposing a sustainable and ecologically sound approach for sewage sludge management and enhancement of agricultural productivity.

Evaluation on Integrated Method of Fall Army Worm Pest Management in Maize Hybrid in Namakkal District of Tamil Nadu, India

Maize (Zea mays L.) on farm trials were conducted by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Namakkal to assess the management modules against Fall Army Worm (FAW) in maize crop in terms of plant height, number of cob/ plant, cob length (cm), number of grain row/cob, 100 grain weight (g), grain yield, stalk yield and net return, first incidence of FAW days after sowing (no.), damage percentage, natural enemies occurrence (no./sq.m), number of adult moth trapped in sex pheromone trap per day per hectare during Kharif 2019 in Namakkal district. The treatment T6 followed is summer ploughing, seed treatment with Fortezaduo (Cyantraniliprole +Thiamethoxam) @ 4ml/kg, Border crop with grain sorghum as trap crop (advance sowing) and legume intercrop (cowpea) to promote natural enemies (few rows at interval), Collection and destruction of egg masses, installation of sex pheromone trap @ 10 numbers per hectare, Azadirachtin 10000 ppm @ 1 per cent spray at 10 to 15 days after sowing; spraying of Emmamectin Benzoate 5SG @ 0.4g/ litre on 24 days after sowing and Metarhizium anisophilae(1x107) @ 2 ml/ litre on 35 days after sowing and farmers practice on application of pesticides four to five times in crop period revealed that maize hybrid (NK 6240) recorded highest plant height of (105.7 and 194 cm) on 60 and 90 DAS, yield attributes viz., number of cobs per plant is 1.7; cob length is 14.4 cm; number of grain row/cob is 10.8; number of adult moth trapped in pheromone trap (1.3 number), natural enemies occurrence 3.2 number per m2, and found to be non significant in plant height and growth attributes of Maize followed by Treatment T4 and T5, whereas higher grain yield of 64.25 quintal ha-1 and Stalk yield of 94.8 tonnes ha-1, and first incidence of fall army worm larvae 17 days after sowing, lesser damage of fall army worm percentage (7.2%), were found to be significant as compared to farmers practice. The lesser plant height of 89 cm, 171.3 cm, number of cob/ plant 1.3, cob length 11.4 cm, number of grain row/ con is 8.5, and 100 grain weight is 19.1 gm and grain yield of 56.6 quintal ha-1, stalk yield of 61.5 quintal ha-1 and net return of Rs. 10550 /hand first incidence of FAW days after sowing on 11 days, and damage percentage of 11.4 % was recorded under treatment T7. Treatment T6 plot recorded higher net return of Rs.21,575/ ha, respectively by cultivating maize hybrid (NK 6240) as against the T7 with net return of Rs. 10, 550/- with higher damage of cob, respectively by cultivating Maize hybrid (NK 6240). Farmers were very satisfied with Maize hybrid (NK 6240), as crop find fewer incidences of fall army worm and higher return compared to other practices. Maize hybrid (NK 6240) followed under T6 recommended practices would be a better option for management of Fall Army Worm in kharif season in Namakkal district of Tamil Nadu. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of cultural practices, insecticide application at different plant growth stages between seedling emergence and flowering on yield loss caused by FAW in maize.

Isolation and Inoculation Effect of Trichoderma reesei on Growth and Yield of Barley

In today’s world, usage of chemical fertilizers has become necessity for betterment of crop yield; however they have negative impact on the environment, quality of soil and human health. Therefore, involvement of substitute for chemical fertilizers is an essential requirement of present time. Plant growth promoting fungi (PGPF) serves as a best alternative in place of chemicals to enhance plant growth, crop productivity and improve nutrients availability for plants. They also show an involvement in ceasing growth of plant pathogens, hence acting as a bio control agent. The aim of our study is to screen and examine plant growth promoting fungi effect on barley crop. A total seven fungal strains were isolated from wheat rhizosphere. The isolated fungal strains were screened for their In vitro plant growth promotional traits. Among total, one isolate 14F found positive for five different plant growth promoting traits. This isolate was further identified at molecular level by amplification and sequencing of ITS gene region and was identified as Trichoderma reesei. Trichoderma reesei was inoculated with barley seeds and its effects were analyzed. Significant increase was observed in terms of plant height (root length and shoot length), plant weight (Dry and wet weight) as compared to un-inoculated plants. This Trichoderma strain could become a fantastic bio-fertilizer for sustainable agriculture.

Physiological and transcriptomic analysis provides novel insight into growth in Kam sweet rice under different nitrogen supplies

AbstractKam Sweet Rice (KSR) is a rice cultivar cultivated for thousands of years in China. Proper and balanced use of nitrogen sources is essential for achieving optimal growth and yield in KSR. This study was carried out to find the most effective hydroponic nutrient solution for cultivating and promoting the growth of KSR. Different nitrogen treatments were applied to KSR cultivars GouDan (GD), GouHa (GH), HongHe (HH), LeiLongGang (LG), and ZaiBianXiaoXiangHe (ZH), resulting in noticeable changes in both growth and physiological traits. Our findings revealed that D3 treatment [1.2 mM NH4Cl + 2.4 mM NaNO3+ neutral amino acids (0.1 mM Ser + 0.2 mM Thr + 0.2 mM Gly + 0.2 mM Pro +0.3 mM Ala)] had a notable positive impact on the growth of GH and ZH which showed the best performance in terms of plant height, root length and fresh weight when compared to the control (CK). Through transcriptome analysis, we discovered that these treatments altered the expression levels of genes associated with carbon metabolism, photosynthesis, and nitrogen pathways within 40 days. Interestingly, by altering the growth and tillering in rice transgenic plants, we validated the role of amino acid transporter OsAAP13 identified in transcriptome profiling, underscoring its significance. Our results are helpful for large‐scale production of KSR with the key methods for controlling the growth of KSR. It is a valuable asset for future investigations aimed at unravelling the intricate mechanisms governing plant growth in the context of different nitrogen supplies.

It takes two to Tango: Plant height and nutrient level determine the diet selection of wintering geese in Poyang Lake, a Ramsar wetland

In Poyang Lake, the largest and one of the most important wintering sites in the East Asian-Australasian Flyway, Carex (Carex cinerascens Kük) meadows provide the primary food source for the wintering geese. However, due to intensified river regulation and more frequent extreme climatic events such as drought, observational evidence suggests that the synchrony of geese migration and Carex phenology could not be maintained without human interventions, imposing a great risk of food shortage during the wintering period. Consequently, the current conservation priority in this Ramsar site is shifted to wet meadow improvement to ensure optimal food quality. Understanding the food preferences of wintering geese is the key for effective wet meadow management. As the growth stage and nutrient level of food plants are the decisive factors influencing the diet selection of herbivores, in this study, we sampled the preferred food items by tracking the foraging paths of the Greater White-fronted Goose (n = 84) and Bean Goose (n = 34) to quantify the “foraging window” in terms of plant height,protein level, and energy content. Further, we established relationships between the above three variables of Carex based on in-situ measurements. The results show that the geese prefer plants with height ranging from 2.4 to 25.0 cm, with protein content from 13.9 to 25.2 %, and energy content from 1440.0 to 1813.6 KJ/100 g. While plant energy content increases with height, the height-protein level relationship is negative. The opposite growth curves signify a conservation challenge to maintain the delicate balance between the quantity and quality requirements of wintering geese. Carex meadow management, such as mowing, should focus on optimizing the timing of action to maximize energy supply while maintaining the right protein level for the long-term fitness, reproduction and survival of the birds.

The efficiency of salicylic acid and poultry manure on growth and volatile oil production of Coriandrum sativum L. plants.

This research was conducted during the two experimental seasons 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 to explore the effect of salicylic acid (SA) concentrations at 0.75.150 and 300 ppm, fertilization of poultry manure (PM) on rats 0, 5, 10/ and 20 m3/ha as well as their interactions on growth, yield and volatile oil components of Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.). It resulted in a significant increase in plant growth traits in terms of plant height, number of branches, fresh and dry weed weight, number of threads, and seed yield per plant and hectare, when plants were treated with fine particles at a high concentration (300 ppm). While the highest values for volatile oil production were when spraying at a concentration of 200 parts per million, it was also proven that poultry manure at all levels was more effective in increasing the previously studied traits. All tested variables were significantly affected by the interaction coefficients. In this respect, most of the combination therapies significantly increased all aspects examined. Moreover, foliar application at 300 ppm SA plus high level (20 m3/ha) was the most effective treatment for growth and yield characteristics while oil production was better at 200 ppm concentration with the same level of poultry manure. GC-MS analysis of the volatile oil indicated that poultry manure and foliar applications with salicylic acid concentrations also affected the major constituents. The combination of SA at 200 and 300 ppm plus PM at the higher level (20 m3/ha) resulted in increased percentages of major components compared to the untreated plants and the other treatments.

Investigation on Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) and Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) Cultivation in Aquaponic Aquaculture (Carp, Cyprinus carpio L.)

Aquaponic production system, which creates a sustainable production ecosystem by bringing water, fish, and plants together in a closed system, is a reflection of sustainable economic activities in aquaculture. In this context, the aim of the study was to investigate the cultivation possibilities of carp, lavender, and basil in two different grow beds (water and mollusc shell) created in the aquaponic production system. Basil and lavender as plant material and carp as fish material were used in the study. The experimental design was formed from 12 pots of 90 L volume, and the experiment was continued for 60 days with 3 replications. In the study, reasonably high values for specific growth rate (1.96±0.01 g), condition factor (1.5), and survival rate (97.05%) were obtained in carp. While basil (23.5 cm, 23.5 cm, and 16.5 cm) and lavender (16.57 cm, 15.14 cm end 9.73 cm) grown in water media performed better in terms of plant height, root length, and dry herb yield, the green herb yields of basil (49 cm) and Levander (19 cm) were found to be high for both plants in the mollusc shell media. The maximum NH4, NO3+NO2, and PO4 values were determined as 1.30 mg L-1 (in 3. quarter and fish tank), 40.07 mg/L (in 3. quarter and Levander shell group), and 0.37 mg L-1 (in 1. quarter and basil shell group) respectively.

Growth and Yield of Soybean Plants (Glycine Max (L.) Merrill) in Podsolic Soil With Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Synthetic Zeolite From Fly Ash as Soil Amendments

This research aims to understand the interaction between Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) and zeolite fly ash (FA) from coal and their impact on soybean productivity in Podzolic soil. The study was conducted in Aur Sakti Village, Tambang District, Kampar Regency, and the Soil Science Laboratory and Plant Ecophysiology Laboratory of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Riau, over a four-month period from March to June 2022. The experiment employed a completely randomized design (CRD) with two factors: FA zeolite doses (Z0-Z3) and AMF doses (M0-M2). The results of the study indicate that the interaction of AMF Glomus sp or Gigaspora sp at 10 g per plant with FA zeolite at a dose of 1.5 g per plant enhances plant growth and soybean yield most optimally. FA zeolite at a dose of 1 g per plant also effectively improves soybean yield in terms of the weight of 100 seeds. Specifically, the application of FA zeolite at a dose of 1.5 g per plant yields the best results in terms of plant height, number of productive branches, flowering and harvesting age, number of seeds per plant, weight of seeds per plant, and weight of 100 seeds, compared to treatments without zeolite, with zeolite FA doses of 0.5 and 1 g per plant. The application of AMF Glomus sp and Gigaspora sp, each at 10 g per plant, also enhances the growth and yield of soybeans compared to treatments without AMF.

Effect of Micronutrients on Growth and Yield of Chrysanthemum (Dendrathemum grandiflorum Tzeuleu) cv.CO 1

Micronutrient is considered as one of the constraints in the optimum production of crops. A field experiment entitled “Effect of micronutrients on growth, yield and quality of chrysanthemum (Dendrathemum grandiflorum Tzeuleu) cv.CO 1” was carried out at Faculty of Agriculture, Annamalai University, during 2008-2010 in Randomized Block Design with seventeen treatments and three replications. The treatment comprised of various combination of micronutrients viz., Zinc sulphate 0.5 %, Ferrous sulphate 0.5 %, Borax 0.5 %, Manganese sulphate 0.5 %, Copper sulphate 0.5 %, Mixture of all micronutrients 0.5 % and micronutrients mixture at 12.5 kg ha-1, different concentrations with recommended 25 t FYM ha-1 + Recommended Dose of Fertilizer (RDF) and a control at 5 different interval. The results of present investigation indicated that, the vegetative growth in term of plant height (54.62 cm), number of branches (10.23), number of leaves (52.15), stem girth (3.33 cm) and flower yield per plant (201.74 g) were found superior under, soil application of micronutrients mixture @ 12.5 kg ha-1 in split as basal, 25, 50 and 75 DAT days after transplanting (T17).

Effect of different treatments to reduce the salinity of irrigation water on the growth and yield of wheat

A field experiment was conducted under the conditions of Muthanna Governorate during the 2022-2023 agricultural season in one of the fields belonging to a farmer in the Al-Bandar area (3 km from the center of Samawah city), which is located at longitude 45.18 east and latitude 31.19 north. The experiment aimed to study the effect of different treatments in reducing the impact of irrigation water salinity on the growth and yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Variety Abaa 99 The experiment was conducted using a split-plot design with complete randomized blocks with three replications. The main plots included levels of irrigation water salinity with concentrations of (6, 9 and 12) dS m -1 in addition to the control treatment of normal river water (3) dSm-1 . The secondary plots included some salinity reduction treatments, namely (Kamasol, Clean Salt, magnetic irrigation water). The results of the experiment showed that the Clean Salt treatment significantly outperformed the control treatment in terms of plant height (95.50 cm), flag leaf area (34.07 cm2 ), number of tillers (412.50 tillers m2 ), and grain yield (6.210 t ha-1 ). While salinity levels significantly affected some of the studied traits, the irrigation water treatment (control) was superior in the flag leaf area, recording 35.61 cm2 . The 6 dS m treatment, on the other hand, outperformed the other treatments in terms of biological yield, recording the highest yield of 13.458 t ha-1 . The interaction between the factors of the experiment had a significant effect on some of the studied traits.

Effect of Seed Tuber Size on Growth and Yield of Potato (Solanum Tuberosum L.) Variety Desiree in Dadeldhura

A field study was carried out on potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) variety Desiree to determine the effect of seed tuber size on growth and yield performance in Dadeldhura district in 2023. The experiment was carried out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) using four replications and five treatments. Treatments used were different weighed seed tubers viz.T1:(11-20g),T2:(21-30g), T3:(31-40g), T4:(41-50g), and T5:(51-60g) . The results showed significant effect of the size of seed tubers on the growth and yield of potato. The treatment 51-60g seed tuber proved to be superior in terms of plant height, number of leaves/plant and tuber weight/hill followed by the treatment 31-40g seed tuber. Similarly, at harvest, 31-40g seed tubers yielded maximum number of tubers/hill, number of tuber/m2, total yield, total marketable yield, and average number of stem/hill followed by the treatments 51-60g and 21-30g seed tubers respectively. On the basis of potato tuber grading 21-30g seed tuber yielded bigger sized potato tubers followed by 31-40g and 51-60g respectively. The treatment 31-40g proved to be the best among all the treatments in yielding maximum total yield, total marketable yield and less number of unmarketable tubers. Similarly, the benefit cost ratio obtained from 31-40g seed tuber is significantly higher (3.82) than all other treatments. Hence, 31-40g seed tuber is suggested to farmers for profitable production of potato.

Genotype × Environment Interaction for Genotype Cotton Upland Gossypium hirsutum L.

A field experiment was conducted in the summer of 2022 at the Agricultural Research Station / Daquq site, using six upland cotton genotypes (Lachata, Coker 310, pack coat, Spiro, Montana, and IK259), three levels of potassium sulfate fertilizer (0, 100, and 200) kg.h-1, and two distances between the lines (40 and 60) cm, to study growth, yield, its components, and qualitative traits. We conclude that the genotype Spiro was stable in terms of the number of fruiting branches, while the genotype Coker 310 was more stable in terms of plant height and span length at 2.5%, and the genotypes IK259 were more stable in terms of the number of bolls per plant, the index lint, and the index of uniformity, and the two genotypes Lachata and Coker 310 in terms of boll weight. Cocker 310 and Spiro genotypes were more stable in seed cotton yield per plant and uniformity index, Spiro and Montana genotypes in ginning outturn, and Lachata and Spiro genotypes in seed index, while Lachata genotype was more stable in staple length at 50% and staple strength.

Response of Growth, Yield and Quality of Two Industrial Potato Cultivars to the Addition of some Nutrients

The experiment was conducted in Abu Ghraib District, Baghdad, during the spring season of 2022 to study the response of two potato varieties, Agria and Arsinal, to eight different fertilizer levels [1-Control, 2-Full recommended dose, 3-½ recommended dose + phosphoric acid + humic acid, 4-½ recommended dose + potassium, 5-½ recommended dose + calcium, 6-½ recommended dose + phosphoric acid + humic acid + potassium, 7-½ recommended dose + humic acid + calcium, 8-½ recommended dose + phosphoric acid + humic acid + potassium + calcium]. The experimental trial was conducted according to a factorial experiment in randomized complete block design with sixteen treatments and three replications. The results revealed the superiority of the Agria variety in terms of plant height, with the highest average of 77.72 cm. The results also showed the superiority of the Arsinal variety in terms of the number of stems, with the highest average of 2.50 stems plant-1. However, the Agria variety excelled in terms of the percentage of chlorophyll in potato with 66.586 SPAD. Regarding the treatments, the treatment with half recommended fertilizer + phosphoric acid + humic acid showed the highest average plant height of 80.22 cm and 3.65 stems plant-1. In terms of yield characteristics, the same treatment outperformed others with a yield of 124.60 g plant-1 for average tuber weight. It also produced the highest plant yield of 0.52 kg plant and 25.098 tons hectare-1. In terms of qualitative traits, the Arsinal variety showed superiority in most traits, with the highest average dry matter content of 20.58 % and 14.29% starch content.

Effect of Shade Regimes and Plant Extracts on the Vegetative Growth and Yield of the Natural Sweetener Plant Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni)

A field experiment was conducted in the fields of the College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences / University of Baghdad in the spring of 2021-2022. Stevia (sugar leaf) seedlings propagated from tissue culture method of the Spanish variety Spanti were planted in the field on the mid of March, which were previously acclimated and 6 weeks old, with the aim of studying the role of shading and spraying some plant extracts on growth and leaf yield in sugar leaf (stevia) plant. Randomized Complete Bock Design (RCBD) with three replications was used, using split plot arrangement. The experiment included two factors, the main factor includes two levels of shading, the first without shading (exposed) and the second 50% shading and they are denoted S1, S2 respectively, and the secondary factor is spraying with aqueous plant extracts of Moringa at a rate (10%) and (15%), denoted M1 and M2 respectively, and licorice extract at a rate (3%) and (6%), denoted G1 and G2 in addition to the M0G0 control treatment which was sprayed with distilled water on three dates, 15 days after establishing, 30 and 45 days from planting and measurements are taken after each spray. The results showed that S2 was significantly superior to S1 in terms of plant height (68.87 cm), and in the number of leaves branches-1 at (232.72 leaves branch-1), while S1 was significantly superior to S2 in number of branches (8.53 branches plant-1) and number of leaves (1674.80 leaves plant-1) and in leaf area (246.84 dm2 plant-1) as well as in dry weight of leaves (41.49 g plant-1). While M2 was significantly superior in plant height (65.51 cm), followed by G2 (64.55 cm) and also excelled in the number of leaves branches-1 (234.20 leaves branch-1) followed by G2 (225.65 leaves branch-1). The G2 extract also outperformed significantly in number of leaves (1358 leaves plant-1) followed by M2 (1317.50 leaves plant-1) and M1 (1309 leaves plant-1) and in dry weight of leaves (38.21 g plant-1), followed by G2 (36.30 gm plant-1), which was significantly superior in leaf area (217.30 dm2 plant-1), while in terms of number of branches, G1 treatment was superior with 6.42 branches plant-1. As for the interaction between the study factors, it showed that spraying M2 extract on exposed plants S1 gave the largest leaf area and highest dry weight for stevia plant, and also showed the same concentration M2 highest plant height and highest percentage of number of leaves branche-1 for stevia plant when sprayed on shaded plants S2 under the conditions of the central region of the country.

Quantitative and Qualitative Traits of Five Local Maize Varieties for Baby Corn Variety Breeding

In Indonesia, the production of baby corn is generally derived from composite varieties because not many varieties have been exclusively bred for baby corn purposes. This study aimed to determine the quantitative and qualitative traits of five local maize varieties to obtain potential parent materials for baby-corn-purposed lines. The research was conducted at the Experimental Field of State Polytechnic Jember using a non-factorial randomized block design with five local maize varieties (‘Kretek Madura’, ‘Bisma’, ‘Provit A1’, ‘Srikandi Kuning’, and ‘Sukmaraga’). The data obtained were analyzed with ANOVA and followed by the Fisher’s Least Significant Difference Test at a 5% error level. The results indicated that all five varieties tested met the standards of Codex for baby corn in terms of diameter, length, and qualitative traits. In terms of plant height, female flowering, and number of ears, V1 ‘Madura Kretek’ was observed to have the most potential as it had the shortest plant height (173.60 cm), the fastest female flowering (43.64 days), and harvest age (47.67 days), as well as the highest number of ears (2.55). However, this variety showed a lower baby corn weight, which might affect the total yield. It is suggested that the next quest of parent material for the baby-corn-purposed line can be also focused on the weight of the baby corn.

Effect of gamma irradiation on growth and corm yield of gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflorus) varieties

The data analysis has revealed distinct performance trends among different aspects of gladiolus cultivation. Specifically, Arka Kesar, a gladiolus variety, demonstrated superior growth characteristics, excelling in terms of plant height, the length and width of the longest leaf at both 30 and 60 days after planting (DAP). On the other hand, Arka Tilak outperformed in the number of corms and cormels per plant. Furthermore, the application of gamma irradiation at a level of 1.25 kr was found to be advantageous for several growth parameters. It positively influenced plant height, the number of leaves per hill, the length and width of the longest leaf at both 30 and 60 DAP, as well as the number of corms and cormels per plant. In conclusion, the study suggests that the Arka Kesar variety, when subjected to 1.25 kr gamma irradiation, displayed significant superiority across multiple growth parameters in gladiolus cultivation in the Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh, India. However, for corm yield specifically, Arka Tilak irradiated with 1.25 kr demonstrated better performance. These findings provide valuable insights for optimizing gladiolus cultivation practices in the region.