Upland Conditions Research Articles

Grain quality attributes of an on-farm Thailand's highland rice germplasm directly beneficial to the farming households

Rice (Oryza sativa) from the highlands of Northern Thailand where the crop is predominantly planted with local varieties was examined for grain quality features having direct benefits for the local population. Un-husked rice seed provided by farmers of 10 minority groups had large grains, in contrast to the slender grain type found in the lowlands. The highland-grown rice directly benefits the local population by providing a higher dietary intake of Fe but not of Zn. The highlands have been identified as a rich source of pigmented rice with a high anthocyanin content and an environment favouring the production of premium quality rice. On-farm experiments confirmed the effects of genotype (G) and environment (E) and the G × E interaction on grain quality. The local rice with high grain Zn exhibited higher concentrations under the upland conditions, while the high anthocyanin variety produced greater levels under wetland conditions. The pigmented rice had a higher anthocyanin content at high altitudes than at lower altitudes. The information concerning the value of local rice germplasm benefits the local population and should facilitate more sustainable on-farm conservation efforts than rewards offered to the farmers from external funding sources.

Plant Characteristics and Bulb Yield of Onion as influenced by Farmyard Manure and Potassium Application Under Maize-based Cropping System at Dailekh

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of different levels of farm yard manure (FYM) (0, 10 and 20 t/ha) and potassium (K2O) fertilization (0, 30, 60 and 90 kg/ha) on plant characteristics and bulb yield of onion cv. ‘Red Creole’ at Horticulture Research Station (HRS), Dailekh during two consecutive years (2019 and 2020). Experiments were laid out in factorial randomized complete block design with three replications. The combined analysis revealed that FYM significantly affected on plant height, number of leaves/plant, leaf length, bulb diameter, bulb weight and bulb yield. But the significant effect of K2O was observed on plant height, number of leaves/plant, leaf length, bulb weight and bulb yield. The highest bulb yield (37.4 t/ha) was recorded at the treatment of 10 t/ha FYM, whereas K2O fertilization at 90 kg/ha produced the highest (39.9 t/ha) bulb yield. The combined application of 10 t/ha FYM and 30 kg/ha K2O produced the highest (41.7 t/ha) bulb yield and found the best treatment combination from the benefit cost ratio analysis. Therefore, the combination of 10 t/ha FYM with 30 kg/ha K2O can be recommended to apply at the soils having medium organic matter and high K2O content to get the highest bulb yield at maize-based cropping system of upland condition in Dailekh.

Genetic Evaluation of Advanced Breeding Lines of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) for Grain Yield and Nutrient Characters in Upland Condition

Genetic Evaluation of Advanced Breeding Lines of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) for Grain Yield and Nutrient Characters in Upland Condition

Effect of localized fertilizer application on deep root development during early growth in upland rice under upland condition

ABSTRACT The effects of localized fertilizer (LF) application on changes in root system architecture (RSA) of upland rice seedlings under upland condition were evaluated, and root traits important for deep root development were identified using three root box experiments (Exps). Fertilizer was homogeneously mixed and broadcasted on the soil surface in two control treatments, while in three LF treatments, it was point-placed at 2.5, 7.5 and 12.5 cm below the soil surface. Nitrogen (N) fertilizer in Exp. 1, phosphorus (P) fertilizer in Exp. 2 and compound fertilizer with nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) in Exp. 3 were used to compare the effects of LF. Localized N and NPK application altered the RSA through root proliferation and increasing root length percentage around the fertilizer-applied area, whereas localized P application had no effect on both root and shoot development. Deep root and shoot development were decreased with localized NPK application compared to homogeneously mixed control treatment but were maintained with localized N application, when applied at deeper soil depths. Furthermore, the increase in deep root length (DRL) was closely related to the increase in both total root length (TRL) and deep root length ratio (DRR). DRR increased with TRL in Exps. 2 and 3, while it was independent from TRL in Exp. 1, suggesting that DRL can be promoted by increasing DRR regardless of TRL. These results showed that localized N application at deeper soil depths could modify RSA of upland rice seedlings grown under upland condition without affecting shoot growth.

Persistent invasion by non-native species and transition to an upland community after removal of invasive Tamarix in a Californian cienega

The targeted removal of a non-native species can result in secondary invasions and other unexpected shifts in plant community composition, but the persistence of these effects is less well known. We investigated how the plant community changed at three time points including before removal (pre-removal), in the years directly following removal (post-removal), and 16 years following Tamarix removal (recent) in an arid depressional wetland. Non-native species cover increased and several non-native species invaded the study area in the years between post-removal surveys and the recent time period, suggesting Tamarix removal may have been a catalyst for increases in non-native species abundance. We also found an increase in the cover of species tolerating upland conditions, and these species were largely non-native. Overall, interactions between targeted removal and shifts in the abiotic environment due to climate change are important drivers of persistent shifts in the plant community. Hydrogeomorphic restoration is likely needed in tandem with invasive removal to see improvements in riparian health, particularly when the invasive species to be removed is a passenger in addition to being a driver of change.

Performance of some improved rice varieties under direct seeded rainfed upland condition of Nagaland

A field experiment entitled “Performances of some improved rice varieties under direct seeded rainfed upland condition of Nagaland” was conducted to study the growth and yield performance under rainfed condition of Nagaland, at the School of Agricultural Sciences, Medziphema, Nagaland University, during kharif season of 2022-23. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications. Treatments viz., Kopilee, Jyoti Prasad, Dikhow, Joya, Chilarai, Kolong, Disang, Bishnu prasad, Luit, Lachit, and Leikhumo were studied. All the tested varieties were found to be semi-dwarf and dwarf varieties developed by Assam Agricultural University except Lekhimo (Nagaland local). In terms of growth and yield attributes, there were significant variations among different rice varieties. Leikhumo recorded significantly higher plant height (115.27 cm) among the tested varieties with the lowest, recorded in Bishnu prasad (74.01 cm). Chilarai showed superior parameters in terms of number of green leaves plant-1 (8.17), plant population m-2 (158), number of panicles m-2 (130), number of filled grains panicle-1 (124.33), test weight (25.55 g) and harvest index (42.95%), with Disang being the lowest viz., number of green leaves (6.06), plant population (110), number of panicles m-2 (91), number of filled grains (70.33), test weight (19.36 g) and harvest index (28%). In terms of crop growth rate and relative growth rate, Leikhumo performed the best whereas Disang variety was found inferior amongst all the varieties. Panicle length was also found to be highest in Leikhumo (26.20 cm) and the lowest in Disang (19.46 cm). Maximum grain yield was recorded in Chilarai (34.37 q ha-1 ) followed by Joya (31.92 q ha-1 ) and Leikhumo (29.62 q ha-1 ).

Cultivar-Specific Growth and Yield of Mukunuwenna (<em>Alternanthera sessilis</em>) in the Low Country Wet Zone, Sri Lanka

Joyweed/Mukunuwenna (Alternanthera sessile) is a globally significant leafy vegetable, yet its maximum yield potential remains largely unrealized due to the limited genetic diversity of existing varieties. Farmers frequently lack precise knowledge about the yield potential, growth characteristics, and quality of the produce. Few attempts of research attentions were given to assess its growth characteristics, susceptibility to diseases and pests, consumer acceptability, and yield potential. Therefore, this study aims to comprehensively evaluate growth and yield traits, sensory qualities and morphological features of eight carefully selected Mukunuwenna cultivars. Thus, identifying the most suitable Mukunuwenna cultivars for the Low Country Wet Zone, Sri Lanka. In this investigation, we assessed four Mukunuwenna selections, including one wild (red) variety, alongside three local Mukunuwenna cultivars, focusing on their growth, yield and morphological characteristics under upland field conditions at the Agriculture Research Station, Thelijjawila, Sri Lanka. The study followed a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates. Data were meticulously collected for eight growth parameters and two yield parameters including average internodal distance, average leaf length, average leaf width, average number of shoots per unit area, average number of leaves per stem, average number of flowers per stem, average shoot height, average chlorophyll content, average leaf to stem ratio, and average yield per plot. The results, analyzed through ANOVA and mean separation demonstrated significant differences (P< 0.05) among Mukunuwenna cultivars across various attributes, To assess the diversity in growth and yield, a principle component analysis was conducted. A sensory evaluation was performed to assess the consumer preference. Notably, the Piliyandala selection exhibited the most promising growth and yield traits, particularly excelling leaf to stem ratio and gaining the highest consumer preference. Other notable performers were the Colombo selection, Weda Mukunuwenna and Cultivar M7 showing preferable growth and yield traits with strong consumer appeal. Considering these findings, we conclude that Piliyandala selection, Colombo selection, and Cultivar M7 exhibit preferable growth and yield traits for commercial cultivation, while Weda Mukunuwenna stands out as an ideal choice for home garden cultivation under upland conditions in the Low Country Wet Zone, following recommended agronomic practices. This study’s outcomes hold significant promise for further research endeavors, focusing on enhancing desirable growth and yield traits.

Actinomycete inoculant improves the growth and yield of rainfed lowland and upland rice under field conditions

This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of actinomycete inoculant in enhancing the growth and yield of rainfed lowland and upland rice across wet and dry seasons in real field conditions. This field assessment took place at four sites, comprising two rainfed lowland and two rainfed upland ecosystems, over two cropping seasons (dry and wet seasons). The experiments involved testing both soil-based and carbonized rice hull (CRH) inoculants. Actinomycetes were found to be effectively carried by CRH and soil, and evidence from field studies in rainfed lowland and upland conditions showed that the actinomycete inoculant significantly improved rice production even under stressful environmental conditions. Regarding plant height, root depth, and tiller number, the inoculated treatments outperformed both the control and the full fertilization rates. Rice yield significantly increased with the application of actinomycete inoculum in both lowland and upland experiments. Inoculation alone led to substantial improvements, with yield increases of up to 48% in Lowland Site 1, 50% in Lowland Site 2, 78% in Upland Site 1, and 43% in Upland Site 2. Similarly, growth was enhanced by inoculation alone, reaching up to 50% in Lowland Site 1, 75% in Lowland Site 2, 24% in Upland Site 1, and 26% in Upland Site 2. When added to the full rate of fertilization, the inoculant significantly boosted yield by up to 16% in Lowland Site 1, 82% in Upland Site 1, and 40% in Upland Site 2. Additionally, growth substantially improved with inoculation in conjunction with the full rate of fertilization, reaching as much as 50% in lowland site 1, and 24% in upland site 1. Actinomycete inoculant proves to be a valuable alternative and addition to agricultural fertilizer management, as it was found to significantly increase growth and yield even in adverse weather conditions.

Can the marsh migrate? Factors influencing the growth of Spartina patens under upland conditions

The high elevation salt marsh plant Spartina patens can potentially cope with accelerated sea level rise by migrating inland, but the ability to do so may differ among plant ecotypes. We compared performance among ecotypes collected from three different sites within mesocosms in which we manipulated soil type, plant litter and salinity. Half of our treatment levels simulated conditions plants would encounter when expanding into terrestrial environments (i.e., upland soil, litter present and low salinity); the other half expansion into tidal creeks (i.e., marsh soil, litter absent, and high salinity). Plant litter and salinity did not significantly affect aboveground biomass or rhizome growth and only affected flowering in a three-way interaction with site. However, all three parameters were significantly affected by soil conditions and the site × soil interaction. Upland soil conditions reduced aboveground biomass, rhizome growth and flowering, as compared to marsh soil conditions, for ecotypes from some sites but not others. When just comparing plant performance in the upland soil treatment, ecotypes from some collection sites did better than others. One plausible explanation for this ecotypic variation is pre-adaptation to differences we found in organic matter content among our collection sites, with the ecotype collected from the site with the lowest organic matter content generally being least impacted by upland soil conditions. Our results indicate that S. patens ecotypes can vary in their capacity to successfully expand into uplands, and thus we suggest prioritizing conservation of such ecotypes, as well as their use in restoration efforts. Consideration of ecotypic variation might also prove useful in deciding where to focus conservation efforts for marsh migration.

Effect of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Different Combination of Foliar Application of Nutrients on Nutrient Uptake and Yield of Aerobic Rice

Background: In Aerobic rice cultivation, crop would faces water and nutrient deficiency; it would be a difficult for roots to reach in those situation. During that stress situation VAM fungi helps to observe water along with essential nutrients results out of efficiently increases the nutrient uptake. Methods: The field experiment was conducted during 2022 at wetland farms, Department of Agronomy, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. The experiment consisted of thirteen treatments, which includes different recommended doses of VAM 50, 62.5 and 75 kg ha-1 together with different combinations of foliar application of 0.5% of urea, 0.5% of ZnSO4 and 1% of FeSO4. Conclusion: The experiment results concluded that the combined application of 150 % of recommended dose of VAM and foliar application of 0.5% urea + 0.5% of ZnSO4 + 1% of FeSO4 at 25 and 45 DAS, significantly increased the nutrient uptake, by improving the morphology of shoot and root biomass under upland condition.

Agro-morphological Characterization for Evaluation of Potential Upland Red Rice Cultivars in Manipur, India

The present investigation was carried out during the two consecutive kharif seasons of 2020 and 2021 at Tamenglong district, Manipur. The aim of the research was to determine the high-yielding upland red rice cultivars in Manipur. The study materials consisted of twelve red rice cultivars that thrived in upland conditions, sourced from various districts in Manipur. The experiment was laid out in a randomised block design (RBD) with twelve cultivars and three replications. The soil of the experimental field was silty clay loam in nature, having an acidic reaction (pH 3.9), low in available nitrogen (237.96 kg/ha) and available phosphorus (14.8 kg/ha), medium in available potassium (263.66 kg/ha) and high in organic carbon (1.0%). The crop received a total rainfall of 2344.2 mm during the cropping season. The values of growth attributes such as plant height and LAI were found to be maximum in the cultivar Mariumiu kahengbo, and the number of tillers was found to be maximum in the cultivar Chatee. The number of effective tillers was found to be at its maximum in Chatee. The highest grain yield was recorded in the cultivar Chatee. The research findings recommend that farmers focus on cultivating the Chatee cultivar among the studied cultivars.

Assessment of Soil Quality Conditions for the Cultivation of Upland Rice in Bwari Area Council, Abuja Nigeria

1 2., 3 & 4 Department of Geography and Natural Resource Management University of Uyo Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria Phones: 1+234802-303-3114, 2+234803-781-0411; 4+234803-104-9807 Email: 1meansa1@yahoo.com; 2uwemituen@gmail.com; 4udyudofia07@gmail.com ABSTRACT This study examined the suitability of the soil chemical properties in selected communities of Bwari Area Council, FCT, Nigeria for the cultivation of upland rice. The communities which include Igu, Gyeyidna, Kuchiko, Piawe, Dutse, Jikoko, Shere, Piko, Ushafa and Jigo, were selected as non-contiguous pair from five geographical wards (Igu, kuduru, Dutse, Shere and Ushafa) in the Area Council. They were purposively selected using the criteria of 500 metres and above elevation (upland condition) and agricultural preponderance. The soil samples were collected from farmland in each of the communities using systematic sampling techniques, which involved measuring out a 100 by 100 metres quadrat and dividing it into sixteen equal grid squares with a dimension of 25 by 25 metres. Soil samples were taken at the mid points of each grid square at a depth of 0 – 30cm. The sixteen soil samples for each quadrat were uniformly mixed into one bulk composite sample for each community. The soil results were compared with the standard land quality requirements for upland rice cultivation for Southern Guinea Savanna. To the first study objective, pH, organic carbon, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and cation exchange capacity (CEC) were assessed. Results show that there was no significant difference between the soil quality of the study area and standard soil quality requirements for the cultivation of upland rice. Based on these, it was concluded that the chemical soil properties of the sampled communities in Bwari Area Council will support the cultivation of upland rice, even though there are spatial variation in the soil chemical properties of the study area. Some strategic recommendation were made such as: the need to reduce the soil pH of the study area from its fairly alkaline state to moderately acidic level suitable for upland rice cultivation in Bwari Area Council. Keywords: Soil, Quality, Condition, Upland, Rice, Cultivation, Bwari Area Council, Abuja, Nigeria Aims Research Journal Reference Format: 1Ansa, Iniubong E. 2Ituen, Uwem J., 3Igomah, Maxwell M. & 4Udofia, Uduak-Obong O. (2023): Additive Manufacturing: A Paradigm Shift For Industrialization In Africa . Advances in Multidisciplinary and Scientific Research. Vol. 9. No. 2, Pp 1–16. www.isteams.net/aimsjournal. dx.doi.org/10.22624/AIMS/V9N2P1

Optimum Application Rate of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium Fertilizers for Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) Yield and Soil Chemical Properties in a Reclaimed Paddy Soil: A Pot Experiment

Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) has been considered one of the alternative crops for bioenergy production, potentially replacing fossil fuel. However, there are few studies available on systematically investigating kenaf growth characteristics and its fertilization conditions so far. Our study investigated its biomass productivity and soil properties at the different fertilization regimes including three major treatments (N, P2O5, and K2O) with four application levels [0%-50%-100% (as recommended), and 200%] in a reclaimed paddy soil during pot experiment under upland condition in 2021. The results showed the maximum of kenaf biomass productivity was observed when 158 kg ha-1 of N, 156 kg ha-1 of P2O5 and 102 kg ha-1 of K2O were applied, showing 62.6 g d.w pot-1, 64.1 g d.w pot-1, and 64.9 g d.w pot-1, respectively. Our study revealed that kenaf biomass mainly showed positive correlations with electrical conductivity (EC) and total N contents in soils, suggesting that these could be major growth limiting factors for kenaf production. Our study provides a better understanding for producing the maximum kenaf biomass, filling the gap on a promising nutrient management strategy for its optimum production in southern reclaimed paddy soils.The effect of kenaf biomass productivity at different inorganic fertilization regimes in a reclaimed paddy soil during the pot experiment.

Rice genetic resources for organic agriculture under hill ecology: evaluation and usefulness

AbstractRice cultivation in hills is challenged by sub-optimum weather conditions, low soil fertility, low temperature and moisture stress which impedes in attaining high productivity. To address this, four studies were carried out at ICAR Sikkim Centre, Gangtok, India to evaluate relative performance of local organic cultivars and conventionally bred varieties under an organic farming system. Conventionally bred varieties yielded significantly higher (45%) than local cultivars under recommended timely sown conditions whereas local cultivars showed superiority in grain yield under late sown conditions coinciding with low temperature during flowering to grain filling. Genotypes did not show significant interaction when organic or conventional production conditions were compared. For grain yield, there was a significant variation for variety × year interaction under organic system. Local organic cultivars had reduced grain yield and associated traits under rainfed upland conditions. Panicles per unit area had a significant positive association with grain yield in all production environments (organic lowland, organic upland, conventional lowland and conventional upland). Overall, the study indicates using local cultivars as donors for specific stress tolerance traits in background of high yielding genotypes to enhance rice yields sustainably under organic system in hills.

Subsurface fertilization boosts crop yields and lowers greenhouse gas emissions: A global meta-analysis

The subsurface application (SA) of nitrogenous fertilizers is a potential solution to mitigate climate change and improve food security. However, the impacts of SA technology on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and agronomic yield are usually evaluated separately and their results are inconsistent. To address this gap, we conducted a meta-analysis synthesizing 40 peer-reviewed studies on the effects of SA technology on GHG and ammonia (NH3) emissions, nitrogen uptake (NU), crop yield, and soil residual NO3-N in rice paddies and upland cropping system. Compared to the surface application of N, SA technology significantly increased rice yields by 32 % and crop yield in upland systems by 62 %. The largest SA-induced increases in crop yield were found at low N input rates (<100 kg Nha−1) in rice paddies and medium N input rates (100–200 kg Nha−1) in upland systems, suggesting that soil moisture is a key factor determining the efficiency of SA technology. SA treatments increased yields by more at reduced fertilizer rates (~30 % less N), a shallow depth (<10 cm), and with urea in both cropping systems than at the full (recommended) N rate, a deeper depth (10–20 cm), and with ammonical fertilizer. SA treatments significantly increased NU in rice paddies (34 %) and upland systems (18 %), and NO3-N (40 %) in paddyland; however, NO3-N decreased (28 %) in upland conditions. Ammonia mitigation was greater in paddyland than in upland conditions. SA technology decreased the carbon footprint (CF) in paddyland by 29 % and upland systems by 36 %, and overall by 33 %. Compared with broadcasting, SA significantly reduced CH4 emissions by 16 %, N2O emissions by 30 %, and global warming potential (GWP) by 10 % in paddy cultivation. Given SA increased grain yield and NU while reducing NH3, CF, and GWP, this practice provides dual benefits – mitigating climate change and ensuring food security.

English

The yield of rice landraces in the Sudan has been low due to genetic ceiling in the existing varieties. It is necessary to carry out breeding programs that deal with the production of high yielding, adaptable new varieties. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate genetic variability, heritability, genotypic performance and interrelationships among the traits. 18 upland rice genotypes and two checks evaluated at White Nile Research Station Farm, Kosti, of the Agricultural Research Corporation (ARC), Wad Medani Sudan were planted in a randomized complete block design with three replications during the two seasons of 2017 and 2018. All evaluated genotypes exhibited a wide and significant variation in the 13 measured traits. Genotypic coefficient of variation and genetic advance were recorded for days to 50% flowing, panicle length (cm), number of filled grain/panicle and 1000 grain weight in both seasons. High heritability and genetic advance were recorded for the number of tillers/plant, number of unfilled grains/panicle, biomass yield (t/ha) and grain yield (t/ha). Moreover, there was a highly significant and positive correlation of grain yield with biological yield (0.764), number of tillers per plant (0.439) and number of filled grain per panicle (0.423). The highest yielding five genotypes across the seasons were NERICA3 (5.2 t/ha), NERICA4 (5.1 t/ha), NERICA6 (4.9 t/ha), PAKIST-ck (4.7 t/ha) and NERICA12 (4.6 t/ha). It is recommended to be grown in White Nile state under irrigation upland condition after testing for seed yield stability. Key words: Genetic variability, NERRICA, rice, yield.

Performance of Rice Varieties under Rainfed Upland Condition in South Eastern Ghat Zone of Odisha

Performance of Rice Varieties under Rainfed Upland Condition in South Eastern Ghat Zone of Odisha

Breeding and selection of taro (Colocasia esculenta) for improved disease‐resistance in Hawaiʻi

Societal Impact StatementTaro is a root crop with wide geographic range and high cultural significance to Indigenous peoples of Hawaiʻi and the Pacific. Taro Leaf Blight (TLB) is a worldwide disease of taro, and Hawaiian taro varieties exhibited little resistance to it. To improve TLB‐resistance, conventional breeding was conducted by hand‐pollination. Out of ~3500 taro seedlings, 18 varieties were selected and evaluated under non‐flooded conditions at four locations in Hawaiʻi over 5 years. Four varieties were identified as high yielding and disease‐resistant. Further, to prevent confusion of new taro varieties with traditional Hawaiian taro, we developed DNA fingerprints to differentiate them. Taken together, these results have provided information regarding new plant material and new tools for those interested in conservation and breeding across the Pacific.Summary Breeding and evaluation of taro (Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott) was conducted in Hawaiʻi to increase resistance to Taro Leaf Blight (TLB), caused by oomycete pathogen Phytophthora colocasiae Racib., while maintaining high yields and desirable eating qualities. When breeding Indigenous crops such as taro, it is important to consider issues of Indigenous, intellectual property rights. In response to concerns by cultural practitioners about potential confusion of new taro genotypes with traditional landraces, we also sought to develop DNA fingerprints using single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to identify the new genotypes. Conventional breeding of taro was conducted by hand‐pollination of Hawaiian taro landraces with sources of TLB‐resistance from multiple countries. The most promising lines were multiplied and evaluated under upland (i.e., non‐flooded) conditions on four major Hawaiian Islands over 5 years. DNA was extracted from these new genotypes, analyses of SNPs conducted, and results compared to those of traditional Hawaiian landraces. Bayesian yield analysis of these multi‐year and multi‐location trials identified taro genotypes 1016‐003, 1016‐019, 1024‐215, and 1005‐084 as producing twice the fresh weight corm yield as control “Maui Lehua” and exhibiting disease‐resistance across years and environments. DNA fingerprints of new genotypes were able to differentiate them from traditional Hawaiian landraces that make up a portion of their parentage. Conventional breeding of taro in Hawaiʻi and multi‐year, multi‐location field trials have resulted in high yielding, disease‐resistant genotypes that maintain desirable qualities of some traditional Hawaiian landraces. DNA fingerprints of these new genotypes distinguish them from these traditional landraces, helping to preserve heritage germplasm.

Agronomic Performance of Madre De Agua (Trichantera Gigantean Nees) Under Upland Area in Abucay, Bataan

Madre de Agua (Trichantera gigantean Nees) is forage and considered a Multiple Purpose Tree Species used for ruminants and poultry animals with a good potential source of protein and contain good amino acid. Few studies were conducted in terms of the agronomic characteristics of the Madre de Agua prior to utilization as feeds and most studies conducted were mainly conducted to feed monogastric animals. The study intends to produce data for the agronomic characteristics of Madre de Agua as planted and produces a shaded portion of the upland area in BPSU Abucay Campus, Abucay, Bataan. The following parameters were gathered; Plant Height, Leaf to Stem Ratio, Herbage Yield, and Dry Matter Yield and Soil Analysis. Moreover, the following baseline data were used: the area with an elevation of 141.1 feet above sea level with an average rainfall of 296.45mm and temperature ranges from 26oC to 30oC during the duration of the study. Fertilizer requirements are based on the result of BSWM soil analysis (30g/tree ammonium phosphate, 169g/tree Urea, and 4kg/tree organic fertilizer) applied during and after transplanting with adequate irrigation. The study was carried out using systematic random sampling for plants. The result of agronomic characteristics in upland conditions showed that the average plant height of Madre De Agua was 110.50 cm, Leaf to Stem Ratio was 65.82%/34.18% per plant, herbage yield was 556.50 grams per plant, dry matter yield (oven dry) was 87.57% per plant. The established area for the production of the Madre de Agua will be utilized to provide a continuous source of feed to small ruminants and other monogastric species for future research in animal production.

Study on gene action and combining ability for yield and its attributes in upland rice lines of Himachal Pradesh

The present study was conducted to estimate gene action and combining ability of 12 rice lines bred for upland conditions and 3 testers along with 36 cross combinations developed through line x tester mating design in Kharif 2019 and 2020. The crossing was done in Kharif 2019, and the material developed was grown and evaluated along with its parents in randomized block design in Kharif 2020. Statistical analysis of the observed data for 14 yield and yield related traits revealed that the dominance variance was higher than the additive variance for all the traits studied except total tillers per plant, grain breadth and L: B ratio. Moreover, the average degree of dominance was greater than 1 for most of the traits, indicating the preponderance of non- additive gene action in governance of these traits and the scope of exploitation of non- additive gene action for further improvement. Significant GCA and SCA effects were found for the lines and crosses, respectively. The lines showing significant GCA effects were HPR 2884, HPR 2871, HPR 2873, and HPR 2889, while the crosses HPR 2866 x HPR 2656, HPR 2866 x HPR 1156, and HPR 2840 x HPR 1156 showed high SCA for various traits.