Varietal Effects Research Articles

Integrated effect of bio-slurry with chemical fertilizers on the performance of mustard varieties

To assess the importance of bio-slurry in combination with chemical fertilizers on the yield of mustard, a field experiment was conducted at the Agronomy Field Laboratory, Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Mymensingh. Four varieties of mustard (BARI sarisha-14, BARI sarisha-11, BARI sarisha-13, Tori-7) along with four fertilizers treatments i.e. control, recommended dose of inorganic fertilizer, bio-slurry @ 5 t ha-1 + inorganic fertilizer, farmers’ practice (average of 15 farmers) was included in this study. The experiment was set up employing randomized complete block design with three replications. The result revealed significant varietal effects on all the yield and yield contributing characteristics. BARI sarisha-13 exhibited the highest seed yield (2.37 t ha-1), which can be attributed to increased branches plant-1, siliqua plant-1 and seeds siliqua-1. Fertilizer treatments significantly affected different yield parameters and yield. Among them, bio-slurry @ 5 t ha-1 + inorganic fertilizer produced the highest seed yield (1.83 t ha-1), while the control yielded the lowest (1.63 t ha-1). The integrated effect of varieties and fertilizers showed promising results. BARI sarisha-13 with bio-slurry @ 5 t ha-1 + inorganic fertilizer produced the highest seed yield (2.56 t ha-1). Therefore, it could be concluded that BARI sarisha-13 with bio-slurry @ 5 t ha-1 + inorganic fertilizer has the potential for maximizing mustard yield. Res. Agric. Livest. Fish. Vol. 11, No. 2, August 2024: 149-157

The Role of Indigenous Yeasts in Shaping the Chemical and Sensory Profiles of Wine: Effects of Different Strains and Varieties.

The microbial terroir is an indispensable part of the terroir panorama, and can improve wine quality with special characteristics. In this study, eight autochthonous yeasts (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), selected in Huailai country, China, were trailed in small-scale and pilot fermentations for both white (Riesling and Sémillon) and red (Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah) wines and evaluated by GC-MS analysis and the rate-all-that-apply (RATA) method. Compared to commercial yeast strains, the indigenous yeasts were able to produce higher concentrations of ethyl esters and fatty acid ethyl esters, and higher alcohol, resulting in higher odor activity values of fruity, floral attributes. Marked varietal effects were observed in the pilot fermentation, but yeast strains exerted a noticeable impact in modulating wine aroma and sensory profile. Overall, indigenous yeast could produce more preferred aroma compounds and sensory characteristics for both white and red wines, demonstrating the potential for improving wine quality and regional characteristics.

Non-invasive exploration of malting barley (Hordeum vulgare) in vitro germination and varietal effects using short wave infrared spectral imaging and ANOVA simultaneous component analysis

ANOVA-simultaneous component analysis (ASCA) was applied to short-wave infrared spectral fingerprints of 5 malting barley varieties collected using a hyperspectral imaging system to determine the effect of germination, the influence of time and the influence of barley by means of a full factorial experimental design. ASCA indicated that there was a significant (p < 0.0001) effect of the germination status, the germination time and interaction on the spectral data for all varieties. The biochemical and physiological modification of the samples were characterised by visualisation of the longitudinal scores obtained from simultaneous component analysis for the germination time factor. This resulted in the visualisation and explanation of biochemical change over the course of barley germination as a factor of time. The relevant loadings indicated a significant change to the proteome, lipid and starch structure as driven by the uptake of water over time. The ASCA model were extrapolated to include the effect of barley variety to the already mentioned germination status and germination time factors, resulting once again in all the effects being significant (p < 0.0001). Here it was shown that all the barley varieties are significantly different from one another pre- and post-modification, based on the molecular vibrations observed in the short wave-infrared (SWIR) spectra, suggesting that the detection of biotic stress factors, such as pre-harvest germination, also differ for each variety, by indicating that the germination profile of each barley variety varies as a function of germination time. Thus, also the malting performance, germinative energy and chemical profile of each barley variety tested will vary before, during and after imbibition and germination – indicating the importance of malting commercial barley malt true to variety. These results indicate that (SWIR) spectral imaging instrumentation can possibly be used to monitor controlled germination of barley grain. Due to the shown ability of SWIR spectral imaging to detect small biochemical changes over time of barley grain during germination.

Evaluation of Okra Varieties under Sub-humid Plains of South-East Rajasthan for Morphological and Phenological Traits

Vegetable crop okra is well known for its Indian vegetable export and household consumption, contribution and thus should be explored for cultivation under various agro climatic zones. Enhanced production of this crop is only possible via improved and high yielding cultivars in comparison to other cultivars grown at same time or under same condition. Hadoti region of South-East Rajasthan, can serve a okra production in better way if the productive varieties can be screened for this region, which is lacking till date. Hence an experiment is made to recommend a variety, which performs better under South-East climatic conditions of Rajasthan. The present study was conducted in the summer season during 2022 and 2023 at the Instructional Farm, Department of Horticulture, School of Agricultural Sciences, Career Point University, Kota, Rajasthan. 12 varieties of okra viz. Parbhani Kranti, Parbhani Bhindi, Arka Anamika, Shahiba, Shan, No. 55, Harita, Jhilmil, No. 64, Sonal, Shakti, and Punjab Selection were evaluated in Randomized Block Design, with three replication. Analysis of variance revealed that all varieties differed significantly for all the traits. The results concluded that, variation for earliness, growth, yield and quality parameters as well. These results showed presence of significant varietal effect. However, the present study demonstrated the superiority of Arka Anamika over other varieties in terms of maximum mean plant height (89.07 cm), number of leaves per plant (25.64), number of branches per plant (13.88), leaf length (19.03 cm), leaf width (25.32 cm) and leaf area (250.04 cm2) while minimum mean days taken to flowering opening to fruit picking (5.51 DAS) and days taken to first picking (47.16 DAS) was recorded in variety Punjab Selection under soil and climatic condition of Hadoti region of Rajasthan.

Genetic and environmental effects on processing productivity and food product yield: drudgery of women's work.

Cassava processing is a crucial source of livelihood for rural farmers and processors in Nigeria and Cameroon. This study investigated the varietal effect on the processing productivity of women farmer processors within their working environment and compared this with the food product quality as evaluated by the processors and the field yield. Field trials were established in Nigeria (Benue and Osun state) and Cameroon (Littoral region). Eight cassava genotypes were evaluated. These eight varieties included newly bred genotypes, commercial checks and varieties provided and preferred by the processors. The roots of these genotypes were harvested and processed into gari and eba by processors. The time of each processing step was recorded. Processors assessed the quality of the roots and food products using pairwise ranking. In the field trials in Cameroon and Nigeria (Benue state), the newly bred genotypes showed superior performance in terms of dry matter content and fresh and dry yield. During processing, genotypes showed significant variation for most assessed parameters in both countries. Some newly bred varieties exhibited lower productivity that can make them more prone to drudgery than the local commercial checks and the varieties provided and preferred by the processors. Newly bred varieties were mostly ranked higher or equal to processors' preferred varieties concerning fresh root and food product quality. In the Cameroon location there were significant varietal differences in processing productivity and drudgery index which suggest that the particular processing methods there - such as pressing methods and fermentation time - cause these varietal differences to matter more. The varieties that were tested were observed to differ in yield, product quality, processing productivity, and potential drudgery levels. Some breeders' germplasms displayed a combination of increased yields and good product quality and good processor productivity. Those varieties that showed low processor productivity should be avoided during selection to avoid increased labour burden and associated drudgery of women processors. Further research is recommended to enhance food product color, latent culinary qualities, and processing productivity of newly bred varieties to improve acceptability and reduce processing drudgery for women. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Assessment of Different Okra Varieties for Yield, Quality and, Economical Feasibility Cultivated in the Hadoti Region of South-East Rajasthan, India

The study focuses on the cultivation of okra, a prominent Indian vegetable with significance in both export and family consumption. Emphasizing the potential for increased okra production through the selection of high-yielding varieties, the research specifically targets the Hadoti region, aiming to identify varieties suitable for its agro-climatic conditions. The lack of such screening in the region prompted the study. The trial was conducted during the summer of 2022 and 2023 at the Instructional Farm of Career Point University, Kota, Rajasthan and the research evaluated 12 okra varieties using a randomized block design with three replications. The analysis of variance revealed significant differences among all varieties for various traits, including yield, quality and economical feasibility. The study underscores the presence of a substantial varietal effect, offering insights into optimizing okra cultivation in the Southeast climatic conditions of Rajasthan's Hadoti region. The results showed the presence of a significant varietal effect. However, the present study demonstrated the superiority of Punjab Selection variety over other varieties in terms of maximum mean fruit length (13.07 cm), fruit diameter (3.77 cm) and fruit weight (15.56 g), minimum mean titratable acidity (0.22%), maximum TSS (3.18 °B), ascorbic acid (19.64 mg/100g) and mucilage content (0.91%), maximum mean fruit yield per plant (0.53 kg), fruit yield per plot (11.68 kg) and fruit yield per hectare (124.30 q). However, the net return of Rs. 248575 Rs./ha and 249325 Rs./ha along with benefit-cost ratio 5.02 and 5.05 in 2022 and 2023 respectively was also obtained from okra variety Punjab Selection.

Varietal Effect on Plant Growth and Soil Moisture Content of Cabbage under Drip Irrigation Levels

An experiment was conducted for two Rabi seasons of year 2021-22 and 2022-23 on four irrigation levels (60 per cent, 80 per cent, 100 per cent and 120 per cent PE) and four varieties of cabbage (Golden Acre, Pusa Mukta, Pusa Cabbage -1 and Pusa Cabbage Hybrid-81) at College of Agriculture, SKRAU, Bikaner. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three replications. Results showed that irrigation at 100 per cent PE was recorded significantly increased plant height (26.15, 25.66 and 25.91 cm)over 60 per cent and 80 per cent PE. The weight of head with unfolded leaves (1179.06, 1161.40 and 1170.23 g plant-1) and soil moisture content at 60 DAT(11.63, 11.30 and 11.46 per cent) were recorded significantly higher with 120 per cent PE over 60, 80 and 100 per cent PE irrigation levels in 2021-22 and 2022-23 and pooled mean basis, respectively. Among the varieties, plant height (25.62 cm) was recorded significantly higher with Pusa Mukta over the Pusa Cabbage -1 and Pusa Cabbage Hybrid -81 during both the years and pooled mean basis. The significantly maximum weight of head with unfolded leaves (940.65 g plant-1) was recorded under the variety of Pusa Mukta campared to other varieties on pooled mean basis. Soil moisture content was not significantly affected with different cabbage varieties during both the experimental years.

Characterization of varietal effects on the acidity and pH of grape berries for selection of varieties better adapted to climate change.

Climate change is drastically modifying berry composition and wine quality across the world. Most wine regions with a history of winemaking are suffering from a loss of typicity and terroir expression because of climate change impact on berry components at harvest, including wine acidity, with total acidity decreasing and pH increasing. Such changes can have a major impact on wine stability and quality. One important option for adaptation is the selection of grapevine varieties better adapted to warmer and drier conditions. Weekly measurement of tartaric acid, malic acid, pH and titratable acidity from veraison until maturity were carried out on 51 varieties over seven years in two experimental plots. Varietal differences were shown for the rate of malic acid degradation during the ripening period, with some varieties metabolizing malic acid faster per unit of thermal time than others. Some varietal differences were also noticed regarding tartaric acid modulation, which can occur under exceptionally high temperatures. Differences in the dynamics of pH evolution in grape must over the growing season were evaluated and varieties characterized with regard to organic acids (tartaric acid and malic acid), inorganic compounds (cations) as well as pH levels and stability. This multi-trait approach allows the selection of grapevine varieties based on parameters linked to their acidity, which is of particular importance in the context of climate change.

Combination Effect of Temperature and Salinity Stress on Germination of Different Maize (Zea mays L.) Varieties

Temperature and salinity stress are currently spreading widely across the globe and have been proven to have a negative impact on maize (Zea mays L.) crops as early as the germination stage. However, more research must be conducted on the interactive or combined effects of salinity and temperature stress on maize germination. This study aims to determine the impact of combined temperature and salinity stress on 16 different maize varieties. The maize seeds were incubated at three different temperatures (15 °C, 20 °C, and 35 °C) and two sodium chloride (NaCl) levels (0 mM and 100 mM) simultaneously. Germination percentage, root and shoot growth, root:shoot length ratio, and seed vigor index (SVI) were recorded and analyzed. The presence of salinity reduced maize germination qualities at all three temperatures tested. However, at high 35 °C temperatures, significant reductions in germination performances were observed compared to lower temperatures with salt stress. Three varieties (V1, V10, and V16) had the best overall germination performance in all three temperatures under saline stress, while V4, V5, V12, and V14 showed higher salt tolerance at 35 °C than at lower temperatures. In conclusion, increased temperature amplifies the salt stress in maize germination, and the varietal effect influences the seed tolerance towards a combination of salt and temperature stress.

Varietal effects on Greenhouse Gas emissions from rice production systems under different water management in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta

AbstractRice production accounts for 15% of the national Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions and Vietnam aims at reducing emissions from rice production by focusing on changing farming practices. However, the potential for mitigation through the selection of different rice varieties is still poorly understood. A two‐year field screening of 20 rice varieties under continuous flooding (CF) and alternate wetting and drying (AWD) irrigation was conducted in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta (VMD), Vietnam, employing the closed chamber method for assessing GHG emissions. The results confirmed that varietal variation was the largest for methane (CH4) emissions under CF. Across the varietal spectrum, CH4 emissions were more important than nitrous oxide (N2O) (accounts for less than 2% of the CO2e) with the lowest emitting variety showing 243 kg CH4 ha−1 and the highest emitting variety showing 398 kg CH4 ha−1 emissions as compared to 0.07 kg N2O ha−1 and 0.76 kg N2O ha−1 emissions, respectively. Under AWD, CH4 emissions were generally strongly reduced with the varietal effect being of minor importance. Compared with IPCC default values, the data set from the two seasons yielded higher Emission Factors (EFs) under CF (2.92 and 3.00 kg ha−1 day−1) as well as lower Scaling Factors (SFs) of AWD (0.41 and 0.38). In the context of future mitigation programs in the VMD, the dry season allows good control of the water table, so varietal selection could maximize the mitigation effect of AWD that is either newly introduced or practised in some locations already. In the wet seasons, AWD may be difficult to implement whereas other mitigation options could be implemented such as selecting low‐emitting cultivars.

New Insight on the Formation of 2-Aminoacetophenone in White Wines

This study aimed to improve the understanding of 2-aminoacetophenone (2-AAP) formation in white wines, a compound responsible for atypical ageing (ATA) associated with a rapid loss of white wine fruity aroma and to the development of unpleasant odors. Two surveys performed in 139 white wines from Central Europe investigated the varietal effect on wine tendency to form 2-AAP during ageing. The role of some antioxidants and important transition metal ions present in wine (Fe, Cu and Mn) in the formation of 2-AAP was also investigated. The surveys highlighted that Muscat and Riesling wines showed significantly higher concentrations of 2-AAP than Chardonnay and some other regional varieties found in Central Europe such as Grüner Veltliner, Welschriesling and Zelen. The origin of such varietal effects could not be related to the level of any 2-AAP precursor. On the other hand, some of the important wine matrix effects were highlighted. A certain variability in capacity of different antioxidants to limit 2-AAP formation was observed. Supplementations of commercial tannins in wines tended to be more efficient than glutathione in preserving wines from the formation of 2-AAP. Transition metal ions significantly impacted 2-AAP synthesis through complex interactions. Generally, Fe and Mn tended to promote formation of 2-AAP, while the presence of Cu limited it. The higher concentration of transition metal ions significantly improved the efficiency of antioxidants to reduce 2-AAP formation. Further studies investigating the origin of varietal effects and the complex matrix effects involving metal ions and antioxidants in 2-AAP production are warranted.

Varietal effects on methane intensity of paddy fields under different irrigation management

AbstractAlternate wetting and drying irrigation (AWD) has been shown to decrease water use and trace gas emissions from paddy fields. Whereas genotypic water use shows little variation, it has been shown that rice varieties differ in the magnitude of their methane emissions. Management and variety‐related emission factors have been proposed for modelling the impact of paddy production on climate change; however, the magnitude of a potential reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by changing varieties has not yet been fully assessed. AWD has been shown to affect genotypic yields and high‐yielding varieties suffer the greatest loss when grown under AWD. The highest yielding varieties may not have the highest methane emissions; thus, a potential yield loss could be compensated by a larger reduction in methane emissions. However, AWD can only be implemented under full control of irrigation water, leaving the rainy seasons with little scope to reduce methane emissions from paddy fields. Employing low‐emitting varieties during the rainy season may be an option to reduce methane emissions but may compromise farmers’ income if such varieties perform less well than the current standard. Methane emissions and rice yields were determined in field trials over two consecutive winter/spring seasons with continuously flooded and AWD irrigation treatments for 20 lowland rice varieties in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam. Based on the results, this paper investigates the magnitude of methane savings through varietal choice for both AWD and continuous flooding in relation to genotypic yields and explores potential options for compensating farmers’ mitigation efforts.

Alternative Development and Processing of Fermented Beverage and Tempeh Using Green Beans from Four Genotypes of Lupinus mutabilis

In this study, the nutritional characteristics of two formulations were studied: A fermented beverage and tempeh. Green seeds from four different cultivars of tarwi (Lupinus mutabilis) were used: Andino, Guaranguito, Ecuadorian, and Peruvian. The seeds were first debittered, and then, they were fermented, using two inoculum doses and two fermentation times. For the fermented beverage, Saccaromyces cerevisae was used at doses of 1.5 and 2.5% dry weight and fermentation times of 72 and 96 h. For the tempeh, the inoculum used was the Rhizopus oligosporus strain NRRL 2710 at doses of 0.015 and 0.025% dry weight and fermentation times of 48 and 72 h. The alcoholic strength, total solid soluble, and pH in the fermented beverage were analyzed, while proximal analysis was performed for both the fermented beverage and tempeh. The results indicate that, in all cases, the Andino cultivar produced a beverage with higher alcoholic strength, regardless of the inoculum concentration and fermentation time. In both the fermented beverage and tempeh, a varietal effect was found for protein and crude fiber. The Andino cultivar had the highest protein, fat, and fiber content. The alkaloid content was similar in the beverage and tempeh, but the effect of fermentation was markedly increased with the higher inoculum dose and longer fermentation time. The alkaloid content was highest in the Peruvian cultivar, while it was similar in the remaining three cultivars. Tarwi grains have a high nutritional value, but the grain is traditionally used dry. In this study, we used green grain, which contains lower alkaloid content. Moreover, the crop cycle is shortened, and it can be used in the manufacture of fermented drinks and tempeh. In this way, we show that it is valid to use green grain instead of dried grain, constituting an improvement in the traditional use of lupine grain, and our study shows that it is possible to make both fermented drink and tempeh with green grain, showing the influence of the genotype and dosage starter.

High-Power Ultrasound in Enology: Is the Outcome of This Technique Dependent on Grape Variety?

The disruptive effect exerted by high-power ultrasound (US) on grape cell walls is established as the reason behind the chromatic, aromatic and mouthfeel improvement that this treatment causes in red wines. Given the biochemical differences that exist between the cell walls of different grape varieties, this paper investigates whether the effect of the application of US in a winery may vary according to the grape variety treated. Wines were elaborated with Monastrell, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, applying a sonication treatment to the crushed grapes using industrial-scale equipment. The results showed a clear varietal effect. The wines made with sonicated Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes showed an important increase in the values of color intensity and concentration of phenolic compounds, and these increases were higher than those observed when sonication was applied to Monastrell crushed grapes, whereas Monastrell wines presented the highest concentration in different families of polysaccharides. These findings correlate with the differences in the composition and structure of their cell walls since those of Monastrell grapes presented biochemical characteristics associated with a greater rigidity and firmness of the structures.

Genetic analyses of stay green for tolerance to water stress and nitrogen deficiency in Algerian Saharan maize populations

Delayed senescence could contribute to maintain yield under water stress and low nitrogen stress. Landraces from arid areas can provide favorable alleles for stay green under stress. The objectives of this study were to estimate varietal and heterosis effects of Algerian Saharan populations and their crosses for stay-green under water stress and no-nitrogen fertilization and to identify the most promising populations as sources of stay-green under stress. Six Algerian maize populations were evaluated in a diallel under water stress (300 mm irrigation) versus control (600 mm) and no-nitrogen fertilization versus 120 kg/ha N fertilization. Both varietal and specific heterosis were involved in delayed senescence under stress. Breeding programs could capitalize additive components by using the populations IZM or IGS with favorable varietal effects for delayed senescence under nitrogen stress, or dominance effects by using the population AOR with favorable heterotic effects for plant color under water and nitrogen stresses. Based on specific heterosis, under water stress conditions with no-nitrogen supply, the most promising cross was AOR × IZM for delayed senescence, while IZM × BAH (with no-nitrogen supply), and SHH × BAH (with nitrogen fertilizer), will allow a longer maintenance of the plant coloration. We suggest reciprocal recurrent selection with these populations for developing drought-tolerant and low nitrogen hybrids to improve stay-green.

Response of different varieties of maize to nitrogen stress and diagnosis of leaf nitrogen using hyperspectral data

Spectral technology is theoretically effective in diagnosing N stress in maize (Zea mays L.), but its application is affected by varietal differences. In this study, the responses to N stress, leaf N spectral diagnostic models and the differences between two maize varieties were analysed. The variety “Jiyu 5817” exhibited a greater response to different N stresses at the 12-leaf stage (V12), while “Zhengdan 958” displayed a greater response in the silking stage (R1). Correlation analysis showed that the spectral bands more sensitive to leaf N content were 548–556 nm and 706–721 nm at the V12 stage in “Jiyu 5817” and 760–1142 nm at the R1 stage in “Zhengdan 958”. An N spectral diagnostic model that considers the varietal effect improves the model fit and root mean square error (RMSE) with respect to the model without it by 10.6% and 29.2%, respectively. It was concluded that the V12 stage for “Jiyu 5817” and the R1 stage for “Zhengdan 958” were the best diagnostic stages and were more sensitive to N stress, which can further guide fertilization decision-making in precision fertilization.

Bioactive Compounds Assessment in Six Moroccan Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) Varieties Grown in Two Contrasting Environments

Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) is the world’s second-largest oilseed crop after soybean. It contains functional compounds, including fatty acids and phenols, which are known for their health and nutritional benefits. In Morocco, rapeseed was introduced as a promising oilseed crop that has shown good adaptation and great potential. Six genotypes were registered and released as the most high-performance Moroccan varieties in terms of both seed yield and oil content. Apart from their ‘00′ quality, i.e., oil without erucic acid and meal with very low glucosinolate content, there is no information on other important quality traits. Therefore, this research aimed to characterize the lipochemical and phenolic attributes of those varieties, namely Baraka, Narjisse, Moufida, Lila, Alia, and Adila, grown at two contrasting sites (Allal Tazi and Douyet) so as to assess the environmental impact on oil quality. A set of 14 parameters were analyzed, comprising seed yield, oil content (Oil C), protein content (PC), acidity index (IA), peroxide index (IP), refractive index (IR), iodine value (IO), total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoids, total carotenoid contents, free-radical scavenging activity (FRSA), half-maximal inhibitory concentration, fatty acid composition, and omega 6/omega 3 ratio. The results displayed significant differences (p &lt; 0.001) between the two sites for all the abovementioned traits, except for IA, with an outperformance of Allal Tazi over Douyet. Additionally, variety and variety by site interaction had a significant effect on all the studied parameters, except for IA, IP, IR, and TPC. Over both environments, the varietal effect generated variations in yield of 10.9 to 17.1 q/ha, Oil C of 36.7 to 39.9%, PC of 21.3 to 25.9%, IO of 94.1 to 100 g I2/100 g, FRSA of 22.7 to 42.9%, and an omega6/omega3 ratio of 1.8 to 2.3%. It is noteworthy that the Moufida and Alia varieties displayed a low-magnitude effect of the environment, as they maintained similar high performance over both sites. They, thus, represent Moroccan genetic material of interest from an agronomic and nutritional perspective. Therefore, they should be promoted and encouraged for cultivation in Morocco, mainly in the Allal Tazi area and similar regions.

Influence of Different Planting Dates on the Quantitative and Qualitative Traits of Soybean (Glycine max L.) under Coastal Environments

A pot experiment was conducted in spring season during 2018 under the coastal environmental conditions of Lasbela University of Agriculture, Water and Marine Sciences to examine the effect of planting date on seed yield and quality traits of soybean. In this study three sowing dates (T1 = Mid-January, T2 = Early February and T3 = Mid- February) were tested against three soybean varieties (NARC-I, NARC-II and Rawal) in CRD with four replicates. The results revealed that the effect of sowing dates on seed germination percentage was non-significant (p&gt;0.05) but significant (p&lt;0.05) on rest of the growth, yield and other quality traits of soybean. Similarly, varietal effect on all the growth, yield and its contributing traits were significant (p&lt;0.05). Apart from germination percentage (79.79, 80.33, 81.35 %), significant difference between Mid-January, Early February and Mid-February sowing was determined for plant height (46.89 cm), pods plant-1 (74.79), pod length (4.90 cm), seed weight plant-1 (6.15 g), total biomass weight plant-1(22.91 g), harvest index (26.95 %), number of nodules plant-1 (15.09), root length (8.90 cm), protein content (44.11 %) and oil content (23.64 %), respectively. In case of soybean varieties, NARC- I, NARC-II and Rawal showed significant variation for seed germination (85.35 %), plant height (49.68 cm), pods plant-1(82.07), pod length (5.15 cm), seed weight plant-1 (6.27 g), plant biomass weight plant-1 (23.16 g), harvest index (28.33 %), number of nodules plant-1 (15.87), root length (9.36 cm), protein content (43.36 %) and oil content (23.99 %), respectively. It was concluded that sowing of soybean in first fortnight of February resulted in optimistic results in relation to seed weight plant-1. Too early (Mid-January) or too late (Mid-February) sowing showed similarity (p&gt;0.05) for pods plant-1 and seed weight plant-1. Insignificant (p&gt;0.05) difference between early February and mid- February sowing was observed for pod length, harvest index, nodules plant-1 and root length. On the basis of overall performance, variety NARC-I ranked 1st, NARC-II ranked 2nd and Rawal ranked 3rd; while interactive effect of NARC-II × Early- February sowing maximized seed weight plant-1; while variety Rawal × Early-February sowing resulted in maximum biomass weight. Similarly, interaction of variety ‘NARC-II’ × Mid-February sowing resulted in highest protein content; while interactive effect of variety ‘NARC-II’ × Early-February sowing resulted in highest oil content.

Influence of Organic and Inorganic Nitrogen on the Growth and Yield of Wheat

To assess the effects of organic and inorganic N fertilizers regarding wheat yield and growth a field experiment was carried out from November 2019 to March 2020 at the Agronomy Field Laboratory, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh. There were three replications of the experiment, which was set up using a randomized full block design. The experiment comprises four varieties viz. BARI Gom-28, BARI Gom-30, BARI Gom-31, BARI Gom-32 and five levels of N viz. Control, 90 kg N ha-1 from prilled urea (PU), 57 kg N ha-1 from prilled urea (PU) + 3 t ha-1 poultry manure (PM) as organic N source, 62 kg N ha-1 from PU + 5 t ha-1 cowdung as organic N source, 29 Kg N ha-1 from PU + 4 t ha-1 vermicompost as organic N source. The outcome of the experiment revealed that there were substantial differences in the growth and yield of wheat due to different varietal effects and application of organic and inorganic nitrogen fertilizers, although some of the attributes were not found significant. At growth, BARI Gom-32 produced the highest number of total tillers hill-1 and leaf area index, while the highest number of total tillers hill-1 and leaf area index were obtained from 57 kg N ha-1 from PU and 3 t ha-1 PM at 20, 40, 60 and 80 DAS. At harvest, the highest number of effective tillers plant-1 (2.82), filled grain spike-1 (32.06), 1000-grain weight (61.07 g), grain yield (3.94 t ha-1), straw yield (5.85 t ha-1) and harvest index (40.11%) were obtained from BARI Gom-32. While, application of 57 kg N ha-1 from PU and 3 t ha-1 PM produced the tallest plant (95.49 cm), number of total tillers plant-1 (3.96), number of effective tillers plant-1 (3.20), filled grain spike-1 (36.61), 1000-grain weight (60.18 g from T5), grain yield (4.34 t ha-1), straw yield (6.23 t ha-1) and harvest index (41.07%). Again, the maximum number of total tillers plant-1 (4.06), number of effective tillers plant-1 (3.46), filled grain spike-1 (39.13), 1000-grain weight (64.62 g), grain yield (4.38 t ha-1), straw yield (6.27 t ha-1 ) and harvest index (41.16%) were found from BARI Gom-32 in combination with 57 kg N ha-1 from prilled urea and 3 t ha-1 poultry manure. Therefore, it can be concluded that BARI Gom-32 in combination with 57 kg N ha-1 from prilled urea and 3 t ha-1 poultry manure was more potential in terms of yield and would be suggested for the cultivation of wheat.

Varietal Effect on Composition and Digestibility of Seedless Table Grapes (Vitis vinifera L.) under In Vitro Conditions.

Grapes are one of the richest sources of polyphenols in the Mediterranean diet and, therefore, a very good source of antioxidants in the human diet. For practical reasons, in recent years the market for seedless grape varieties has grown exponentially. These varieties are not well characterized yet, and therefore it is necessary to study the changes in composition that these new varieties bring in. Likewise, the effect of digestion on the bioavailability of polyphenols in foods of plant origin is well known, which, consequently, will also affect antioxidant activity and, in general, bioactivity. In this work, we studied the effect of the grape variety on the initial grape composition and on the absorbable fraction, as it would reach the intestine after in vitro digestion. Our results showed that black and red varieties have great potential for increasing the antioxidant content of the diet. Additionally, we have concluded that all polyphenols, with the exception of flavanols, see their bioavailable fraction diminished under in vitro conditions.