Varieties V1 Research Articles

Effect of Fruit Load on Seed Quality of Cowpea Varieties [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. (Fabaceae)

Background: The development of cowpea cultivation needs to be given priority because, in developing countries, cowpeas make up for many protein deficiencies. Producing quality seeds of this legume would be an essential objective if food security is to be achieved. This study aimed to establish the appropriate fruit load for optimum production of quality cowpea seed. Methods: To achieve this, the impact of five different fruit loads (10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 pods per plant) on the yield of four cowpea varieties (KVx745-11P (V1), KVx775-33-2G (Tiligré) (V2), Gourgou (V3) and KVx780-6 (V4)) was assessed. The seeds’ germination capacity and the seedlings’ vigor were then assessed for each of the four varieties. Result: Findings showed that seed length, width, thickness and weight changed significantly with increasing load in all varieties. The shortest time to emergence was recorded in the V1 variety for seeds from fruit loads of 20, 30, 40 and 50 pods per plant. For the ten pods per plant fruit load, the shortest emergence time was achieved with the V4 variety. The varieties V1, V2 and V4 studied produced excellent agronomic quality seeds when the pod was harvested with a load of 10 pods per plant. The fruit load significantly affected the seed quality and yield across all four varieties. Seeds from the minor C10 load for varieties V1, V2 and V4 and C20 for variety V3 exhibit high seedling vigour.

Influence of Date of Planting on Total Sugars and Titratable Acidity of Strawberry Varieties in Vertical Farming

The research using vertical towers was carried out at Centre of Excellence (COE) for vegetables and flowers, Jeedimetla, Medchal Malkajgiri district of Telangana during Rabi 2022-23 and 2023-24 in Factorial Completely Randomized Design (FCRD) evaluating four varieties V1- Nabila (Short day), V2- Flaminia (Short day), V3- Murano (Everbearing), V4-Vivara (Everbearing) and four planting dates D1- planting on October 15th D2-Planting on October 30th, D3- planting on November 15th, D4- planting on November 30th. The vertical tower was divided into three tiers, namely the top tier, middle tier and lower tier and the observations were taken accordingly. The results revealed that, the top tier of the vertical tower has exhibited higher percentage of total sugars and lower percentage of titratable acidity than subsequent tiers of the vertical tower among all the varieties, dates of planting and interactions. Among varieties, Shortday varieties V1 (Nabila) and V2 (Flaminia) has revealed highest percentage of total sugars and lowest percentage of titratable acidity than everbearing varieties V3 (Murano) and V4 (Vivara) in all the tiers of the vertical tower. Among planting dates, D2 (Planting on October 30th) has registered with highest percentage of Total sugars and lowest percentage of titratable acidity in all the tiers of the vertical tower. The interaction of V1 (Nabila) and V2 (Flaminia) with D2 (planting on October 30th) indicated highest percentage of total sugars and the lowest percentage of titratable acidity in all the tiers of the vertical tower.

Actual Evapotranspiration, Water Expense Efficiency and Grain Yield of Chickpea under Varying Irrigation Regimes

Background: Chickpea crop is water sensitive amongst the pulse crop. It can grow leftover moisture with lifesaving water supply through irrigation during grain filling stage. Timely irrigation is important at crucial growth stages to achieving higher chickpea yield. In present study, the actual seasonal evapotranspiration, water expense efficiency and grain yield of Chickpea varieties under varying irrigation have been evaluated. Methods: The field trial was laid out at the AB block farm of BCKV, Kalyani with a split-plot design with two chickpea varieties (i) V1- Bidisha and (ii) V2- Purva, in the main plots and three irrigation frequencies (i) I1-irrigate once only at 30 days after sowing (DAS); (ii) I2- irrigate twice on 30 and 50 DAS and (iii) I3- irrigate thrice on 30, 50 and 70 DAS replicated thrice during the rabi season of 2020-21 and 2021-22. Result: The water expense efficiency was highest (1.32 kg m-3) under I1 irrigation frequency by Bidisha variety followed by Purva variety recorded highest WUE 0.95 kg m-3. The maximum chickpea yield (2040 kg ha-1) was harvested from Bidisha and was 23.04% greater than Purva mean over two years in I3 irrigation regime. Considering the output of the study cultivation of Bidisha with three irrigations can be suggested to the farmers of the region.

Parataxonomy and diversity of local varieties of taro (Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott) and macabo (Xanthosoma sagittifolium (L.) Schott) grown in Benin (West Africa)

Taro and macabo are plants with high food, medicinal and economic value, but are under-utilized in Benin. The aim of this study was to identify local varieties of taro and macabo grown in Benin, with their vernacular names, farmers' recognition criteria and distribution. Data were collected between May 2021 and May 2023, through interviews using semi-structured questionnaires. The sample surveyed consisted of 349 taro/macabo producers, distributed in 40 villages belonging to 9 departments. The variables collected concerned producers' socio-demographic characteristics, local appellations, farmers' recognition criteria and the distribution of local varieties of the two species, and were processed by calculating relative citation frequencies and establishing a generalized linear model in R software. In addition, QGIS software was used to represent the distribution of the varieties surveyed. A total of 42 local appellations have been registered to designate all local varieties. Ten local varieties, including six of C. esculenta (V1 to V6) and four of X. sagittifolium (V7 to V10), were identified on the basis of seven (07) farmers' criteria, the main ones being tuber color (41.88 %) and leaf blade color (23.30 %). Local varieties V1, V3, V4 and V5 were the most widespread for C. esculenta, while varieties V7 and V9 were the most widely distributed from the south to the north of the country for X. sagittifolium. The socio-demographic parameters such as age category, occupation and ethnic groups tested had a significant influence (p < 0.05) on the number of local varieties held by growers. Agro-morphological characterization will provide data for the selection of elite varieties.

Evaluation of Mulberry Germplasm for Growth and Yield Parameters during Different Seasons

Evaluation of mulberry germplasm for growth and yield parameters was carried out during the rainy and winter seasons of 2019-2020 in the Department of Sericulture, University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bengaluru-65. The experimental material for the present study comprised of Seventy-one mulberry accessions and two check varieties M5 and V1. Among Seventy-one mulberry accessions evaluated the leaf yield of different genotypes differed significantly among different seasons. Among the elite mulberry genotypes, no single genotype was superior in respect of all the traits in different seasons. However, during rainy and winter season MI-232 and MI-143 recorded highest leaf yield.

Performance of different Varieties of French Bean (Phaseolus Vulgaris L.) under Prayagraj Agro-Climatic Condition

The present investigation was carried out at the Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology &amp; Sciences, Prayagraj (UP) during the rabi season 2022-23 to check the performance of different varieties of French Bean under Paryagraj agro -climate condition and to estimate economics of French Bean using different varieties. The experiment comprised of total 7 varieties V1 (IET/2022/FBBVAR-1), V3 (IET/2022/FBBVAR-3), V4 (IET/2022/FBBVAR-4), V5 (IET/2022/FBBVAR-5), V6 (IET/2022/FBBVAR-6), V7 (Lakshmi), V8 (Ellora No.11) consisting 3 replication which was laid out in randomized block design. From the above experiment finding it is concluded that all the parameter varied significantly. Further, while studying the plant height, no. of leaves and pod length was found maximum in (Lakshmi). Day to germination days, first flowering, 50% flowering and first pod picking were found minimum in (IET/2022/FBBVAR-1). Number of branches, pod girth, pod per plant, average pod weight, ascorbic acid, yield per ha and benefit-cost (B: C) ratio was found maximum in (IET/2022/FBBVAR-3). The maximum TSS, fiber and protein was found in (IET/2022/FBBVAR-1).

Relationship between weather factors and planting dates with references to growth and yield of potato (Solanum tuberosum) varieties

A field experiment was conducted during the winter season of 2016–17 and 2017–18 at the research farm of the Department of Agricultural Meteorology, College of Agriculture, Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana to quantify the effect of different planting dates on the growth and yield of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) cultivars. The experiment comprised 12 treatment combinations involving 4 date of sowing, viz. D1 , 8 October; D2 , 22 October; D3 , 5 November and D4 , 15 November as main plot treatment and viz. 3 varieties V1 , ‘Kufri Bahar’, V2 , ‘Kufri Pushkar’ and V3 , ‘Kufri Surya’, as sub-plot treatment in a split-plot design, replicated 4 times. The maximum tuber yield was recorded in D2 (21.9 tonnes/ha) as compared to the other sowing dates and the lowest in D4 (16.5 tonnes/ha). Among the varieties, ‘Kufri Pushkar’ had a significantly higher tuber yield (23.2 tonnes/ha) than ‘Kufri Bahar’ (18.0 tonnes/ha) and ‘Kufri Surya’ (16.6 tonnes/ha) during the crop season. Plant height, dry matter accumulation and biological yield were positively correlated with wind speed, rainfall and rainy days. The number of leaves/plant and leaf-area index (LAI) was significantly, negatively correlated with maximum and minimum temperatures, whereas it showed significant positive correlations with wind speed. Evening relative humidity was also positively correlated with LAI and tuber yield of potatoes. However, improved cultivars along with ideal planting windows at micro-level identification were the best way to mitigate the challenges posed by the climate in potatoes in near future.

Enhancing Wheat Tolerance to Cadmium Stress through Moringa Leaf Extract Foliar Application.

Cadmium, a hazardous heavy metal prevalent in plants and soil, poses a significant threat to human health, particularly as approximately 60% of the global population consumes wheat, which can accumulate high levels of Cd through its roots. This uptake leads to the translocation of Cd to the shoots and grains, exacerbating the potential health risks. However, promising results have been observed with the use of moringa leaf extract (MLE) foliar spray in mitigating the adverse effects of Cd stress. The current experiment was conducted to find out the Cd stress tolerance of wheat varieties V1 = Akbar-19 and V2 = Dilkash-2020 under exogenous spray of MLE. The treatments of this study were T0 = 0% MLE + 0 µM Cd, T1 = 3% MLE + 0 µM Cd, T2 = 0% MLE + 400 µM Cd, and T3 = 3% MLE + 400 µM Cd. Cd stress demonstrated a significant reduction in morphological attributes as shoot and root fresh weight (22%), shoot and root dry weight (24.5%), shoot and root length (22.5%), area of leaf and number of leaves 30.5%, and photosynthetic attributes (69.8%) in comparison with control. Exposure of wheat plants to Cd toxicity cause oxidative stress, increased H2O2, and MDA up to 75% while foliar application of MLE reduced the activities of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The activity of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and ascorbic acid (AsA) increased up to 81.5% as well as organic osmolytes such as phenolics, total soluble proteins, and total soluble sugars were improved up to 77% by MLE applications under Cd stress. Higher accumulation of ionic contents root Na+ (22%) and Cd (44%) was documented in plants under Cd stress as compared to control, while uptake of root mineral ions Ca2+ and K+ was 35% more in MLE-treated plants. In crux, Cd toxicity significantly declined the growth, photosynthetic, and biochemical parameters while 3% MLE application was found effective in alleviating the Cd toxicity by improving growth and physiological parameters while declining reactive oxygen species and root Na+ as well as Cd uptake in wheat.

Estimation of seaweed extract and micronutrient potential to improve net returns by enhancing yield characters in tomato using correlation analysis

In recent days, seaweed extracts are being used as biostimulants in agriculture. Various studies define that it enhances the growth of horticultural crops, but there is still a dearth of information regarding their biostimulant effect on yield and net returns of tomatoes. Hence, this research aims to explore the efficacy of seaweed extract in conjunction with micronutrients to enhance tomato yield, ultimately maximizing the economic returns. A field experiment using a factorial randomized block design with three replications was carried out comprising two factors, factor A, i.e., 12 treatment combinations of Ascophyllum nodosum extract (0.2% and 0.4%), Zinc (0.2%), and Boron (0.2%) applied at 15, 30, and 45 days after transplanting as a foliar spray and factor B, i.e., two hybrid varieties of tomato viz., Tomato no. 575 (red) and Yellow Jubilee (yellow). As per the results obtained, the treatment T12 (Zn @ 0.2% + B @ 0.2% + ANSE @ 0.4%) significantly improved the plant average weight of fruit, number of fruits/plant, equitorial and polar diameter of fruit, yield/plant, average yield/ha and harvest duration for both the studied varieties V1 (Tomato no. 575) and V2 (Yellow Jubilee). Moreover, it positively increased the net returns of tomato crops by enhancing marketable yield to fetch better returns. All the studied yield traits showed a significant positive correlation with the economic traits. The findings indicate significant improvements in key yield parameters, including fruit size, weight, and overall plant health. Moreover, the economic assessment underscores the financial viability of adopting these enhanced agricultural practices.

Effect of Varying Thermal Regimes on Yield and Yield Attributes of Mustard Varieties (Brassica juncea L.)

A field experiment was conducted at Agro-meteorological Research Farm, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya, India during 2019-20. The experiment was conducted with Factorial Randomized Complete Block Design and replicated four times with nine treatment combinations consisting of three different sowing time D1 (31st October/23.5oC), D2 (10th November/23oC) and D3 (20th November/21oC) and three varieties V1 (Bio-902), V2 (NDR-8501) and V3 (Varuna). Results showed that higher growth and yield was observed when crop was sown on 31st October than other sowing times. Different thermal regimes were found to have a substantial impact on the yield attributes. Among the varieties Varuna gave highest growth and maximum yield as compared to other varieties due to fulfillment of congenial thermal Regime. Maximum utilization of heat from sowing to maturity was obtained when crop was sown on 31st October while minimum utilization of heat was obtained when the crop was sown on 20th November. Hence it can be concluded that the best sowing date of mustard is on 31st October in the early sowing. This study may help to select suitable sowing time under climatic condition of eastern Uttar Pradesh.

Effect of genotype by environment interactions on quality parameters and grain yield of durum wheat

Abstract. Bouchetat F, Ghana R, Himour S, Bouaroudj S, Benfikh LA. 2023. Effect of genotype by environment interactions on quality parameters and grain yield of durum wheat. Biodiversitas 24: 5565-5571. Two experimental trials were conducted at different bioclimatic levels, with the aim to investigate the effect of genotype x environment (Gx E) interaction on grain yield and technological parameters of eight durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) varieties. The experiment was set up in a randomized complete block with three replications. The results showed a high Gx E effect on the expression of all evaluated traits. Varieties V4 and V1 with respectively, (24.95 q/ha and 24.73 q/ha) exhibited the highest average yield values across targeted environments. Averaged over the variety main effect, a significant difference of 42 q/ha, in favor of a humid environment, came out for yield. Varieties V3 (84.1 kg/hl) and V6 (83.36 kg/hl) demonstrated the best average specific weight values ??per hectolitre. Similarly, V2; V3; V5 and V7 had the highest rates of black point, while V2 shawled resistance to vitreous kernels (4.33 %). The V3 variety was strongly resistant to grain scalding (2.16 %). The highest levels of protein content were obtained in V6 and V4 (13.38 %; 13.3 %). Varieties: V3; V6 and V1 expressed the best wet gluten content (27.7 %; 26.15 % and 26.13 %). Indeed, the results obtained indicate that each variety is expressed by a particular behavior in relation to environmental diversity.

Influence of Varieties and Nutrient Levels on Growth, Yield and Profitability of Palak (Beta vulgaris var. Bengalensis)

A field experiment was conducted at the Department of Vegetable Science, College of Horticulture, Mandsaur (M.P.) during Rabi season of year 2019-20 to study the “Influence of varieties and nutrient levels on growth, yield and profitability of palak (Beta vulgaris var. bengalensis)”. The experiment comprised of two varieties V1 (Pusa Bharati), V2 (All Green) and 6 different nutrient levels (N1- 00:00:00 NPK kg/ha, N2- 40:30:20 NPK kg/ha, N3- 60:40:30 NPK kg/ha, N4- 80:50:40 NPK kg/ha, N5- 100:60:50 NPK kg/ha and N6- 120:70:60 NPK kg/ha). The experiment was laid out in a factorial randomized block design with three replications. The variety Pusa Bharati was found significantly better plant height (26.87 cm, 31.88 cm and 32.12 cm), maximum number of leaves per plant (8.18, 13.70 and 14.02), maximum leaf area (31.28 cm2, 76.53 cm2 and 79.88 cm2), maximum fresh green yield per plant (19.12 g, 20.64 g and 21.79 g), maximum fresh green yield per hectare (191.19, 206.36 and 217.90 q/ha) at 1st, 2nd and 3rd cuttings, respectively. The significantly higher economic performance in terms of gross income (Rs. 246180.00/ha), net income (Rs. 196695.63/ha) and B:C ratio (3.95) was observed with variety Pusa Bharti.Among nutrient levels, N6 (120:70:60 NPK kg/ha) found better for growth, yield and economics i.e., plant height (30.92 cm, 35.04 cm and 35.66 cm), maximum number of leaves per plant i.e. 9.60, 16.10 and 17.99, maximum leaf area i.e. 34.16 cm2, 83.31 cm2 and 88.76 cm2, maximum fresh green yield per plant i.e. 20.27 g, 22.31 g and 24.46 g, maximum fresh green yield per hectare i.e. 202.72, 223.12 and 224.62 q/ha at 1st, 2nd and 3rd cuttings, respectively, highest gross income (Rs. 268180/ha), net income (Rs. 215587.30 /ha) and B:C ratio (4.10) was found with nutrient level N6 (120:70:60 NPK kg/ha). It may be concluded that variety V1 (Pusa Bharati) and nutrient level N6­ (120:70:60 NPK kg/ha) showed better performance for growth, yield and economics in spinach.

The effect of varieties of true shallot seed and paclobutrazol concentrations on growth and production of shallot plant

The increasing demand for shallots is inversely proportional to the quality of the current production. Efforts to improve and increase quality of production are selection of good varieties and add plant regulatory substances has also become the focus of many researchers in their effect on plant growth. Therefore, research was carried out on the effect of the varieties and also plant regulatory substances namely paclobutrazol on the growth and production of shallot plants. This research was carried out at the Teaching Farm, Faculty of Agriculture, Hasanuddin University from August to November 2021. This research was carried out as a factorial experiment in a split plot design, as the main plot, namely the botanical seed varieties of shallot (v) consists of 3 varieties, namely the Lokananta varieties (v1), Maserati varieties (v2), and Sanren varieties (v3), as a sub-plot, namely the concentration of paclobutrazol consists of 4 levels, namely 0 ppm (k0), 100 ppm (k1), 200 ppm (k2) and 300 ppm (k3). The research results showed that the interaction of the Sanren varieties with paclobutrazol concentration of 100 ppm gave the best results on the weight of fresh stover per plant (26.04 g), weight of dry stover per plant (19.23 g) and production per hectare (9.20 ton/ha). The Sanren varieties gave the best results on chlorophyll a (387.23 μmol.m−2), chlorophyll b (187.12 μmol.m−2), total chlorophyll (564.14 μmol.m−2) and number of tubers (1.81). Paclobutrazol concentration of 100 ppm gave the best results on plant height (43.07 cm) and number of leaves (6.24 strands), while paclobutrazol concentration of 200 ppm gave the best results on tuber diameter (23.13 mm) and paclobutrazol concentration of 300 ppm gave the best results on the number of tubers (1.54).

Development of algorithm for variable nitrogen rate application in cotton crop by implementing tractor mounted nitrogen sensor

To produce cotton, growers must regulate nitrogen (N) during the growing season, which is one of the most essential considerations. Any new methods, techniques, or technologies that might help farmers regulate N, a crucial choice in crop productivity, will be of great use to them. In the present study, by utilizing tractor-mounted nitrogen sensor (TMNS) technology, field experiments were conducted to design an algorithm for variable nitrogen rate application for cotton crop varieties V1 (NCS 855 BG-II) and V2 (RCH 773 BG-II). Under node formation, fruit squaring, squaring, early, mid, peak flowering, and maturity crop growth stages, relationships between the attributes of TMNS and variable nitrogen application rate (VNAR) were also created for V1 and V2. The coefficient of determination between NDVI and N content (%) in leaves was 0.933 and 0.711 at the mid-flowering stage for varieties V1 and V2, respectively. Both varieties differ significantly in their N response, with mid-flowering (76 DAS) being a crucial growth period. So, algorithms were developed for converting sensor sufficiency index values to N application rates for V1 and V2 at the mid-flowering stage. For cultivars V1 and V2, the crucial sensor-based sufficiency index thresholds for initiating VNAR were 0.960 and 0.860, respectively. The developed mid-blooming phase algorithms were useful to predict mid-season N-application rates for cotton crops.

Performance Evaluation of Low-cost Grain Dryer

Paddy is India’s most significant agricultural crop, accounting for more than 40% of the nation’s overall production of food grains. The moisture content of 10.0 to 12.0 %, which is suitable for safe storage, must be achieved after the drying of paddy. Drying of materials having high moisture content is complicated process, involving simultaneous heat and mass transfer. In this study the performance of grain dryer was evaluated for paddy grains for two different paddy varieties, Rajshree weighed 372 kg and Rajendra Kasturi weighed 366 kg with Initial Moisture Content IMC of Rajshree 14.00 % w.b. (V1) and of Rajendra Kasturi 13.40 % w.b. (V2). Initial Moisture Content (all in w.b.) of variety V1 was 14.00 % and of variety V2 was 13.40 %. It was reduced to the Final Moisture Content (all in w.b.) of 10.10 % for variety V1 and 9.60 % for variety V2. It was found that 1000 grains weight of paddy grains was reduced due to loss of moisture. It is also observed that average length and average breadth of grains decreases with decrease in moisture content for both the varieties of paddy grains. It was found that the bulk density of paddy grains after drying was 578.9 kg/m 3 and 555.58 kg/m3 V1 and V2. Decrease in bulk density is natural phenomenon during drying which was also observed here. It was observed that percent moisture reduction was lower at initial stage of drying for variety V1, which became higher at later stage of drying. However, the percent moisture reduction was higher at initial stage of drying for variety V2, which became lower at later stage of drying. Paddy was dried up to 10.10 % and 9.60 % for variety V1 and V2 respectively during this time. The drying efficiency for both varieties V1 and V2 was found as 35.36 % and 36.85 % respectively. The heat utilization factor and coefficient of performance was found as 0.948 and 0.052 for variety V1 and 0.960 and 0.040 for V2. Grain dryer is capable of drying paddy grains within reasonable time. Temperature and moisture profiles during paddy drying are found well accepted for drying of paddy. The quality of dried paddy grains was reasonably good and acceptable. Considering the level of technology and the capacity, the dryer meets the requirements of paddy traders and farmers of Bihar.

Influence of Varieties and Spacings on Growth, Yield Attributes and Productivity of Pigeonpea

Background: The field experiment was conducted to evaluate pigeon pea varieties viz., AL 882 and Pusa Arhar 16 under different spacing in Amritsar region” during kharif season 2019-2020 at Students’ Research Farm, Department of Agriculture, Khalsa College, Amritsar. Methods: The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (factorial), replicated thrice. There were six treatments of spacing S1 (30 × 12.5), S2 (40 × 12.5), S3 (50 × 12.5), S4 (30 × 25), S5 (40 × 25), S6 (50 × 25cm) and two varieties V1 (Pusa Arhar 16) and V2 (AL 882). All the cultural practices were performed to get maximum productivity of pigeonpea from each plot. Result: The results revealed that cv. AL 882 performed better under spacing 30 × 12.5 cm for growth parameters such as plant height and LAI whereas dry matter accumulation, crop growth rate and number of primary and secondary branches were significantly higher in spacing 50 × 25 cm. Among yield attributes, cv. AL 882 showed significantly higher number of pods per plant, pod length (cm), number of seeds per plant and 100 seed weight (g) under spacing 50 × 25 cm than cv. Pusa Arhar 16. However, seed yield was maximum in wider spacing (50 × 25 cm) and narrow spacing (30 × 12.5 cm) with cv. AL 882 and Pusa Arhar 16, respectively. However, both varieties produced highest stover and biological yield under narrow spacing 30 × 12.5 cm.

Response and growth of some maize varieties (Zea mays L.) at various KNO3 concentrations

This study aimed to determine the interaction effects of several maize varieties and KNO3 concentrations on maize production. The research was carried out from December 2020 to April 2021 at the Indonesian Cereal Research Institute Facility, Bajeng District, Gowa Regency, South Sulawesi (5°18'21.5"S, 119°28'38.6"E). The study was designed using a split-plot experimental design, where the main plot was variety (V) which consisted of 4 varieties V1 (NASA-29), V2 (JH-37), V3 (BISI-2), and V4 (Pioner P-35). The subplots were KNO3 (K) concentration which consisted of 4 concentrations, namely Control (K0), 2.5 g.L–1 (K1), 5 g.L–1 (K2), and 7.5 g.L–1 (K3). Observational data were processed using ANOVA, and if there was a significant difference in the treatment, it was further tested with a 0.05 LSD follow-up test. The results showed that the JH-37 variety gave the best response, such as plant height, cob length, and production. The 7.5 g.L–1 KNO3 concentration gave the highest effect on all parameters of maize production; The interaction between the JH-37 variety with 7.5 g.L–1 KNO3 concentration gave the highest maize production; Parameters that have a positive correlation with maize productivity are expressed by plant height and weight of 1000 seeds.

Heat Unit and Heat Use Efficiency under Different Growing Environments of Mustard Crop (Brassica juncea L.)

A field experiment was conducted at Agro-meteorological Research Farm, A.N.D. University of Agriculture &amp; Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya, India during 2019-20. The experiment was conducted with Factorial Randomized Complete Block Design and replicated four times with nine treatment combinations consisting of three different sowing times D1 (31st October) (23.5oC), D2 (10th November) (23oC), and D3 (20th November) (21oC) and three varieties V1 (Bio-902), V2 (NDR-8501) and V3 (Varuna). Results showed that higher growth and yield was observed when crop was sown on 31st October than other sowing times. Among the varieties Varuna gave highest growth and maximum yield as compared to other varieties due to fulfillment of congenial Heat unit/GDD, HUE. Maximum heat use efficiency and heat unit requirement from sowing to maturity was obtained when the crop was sown on 31st October while minimum heat use efficiency was obtained when the crop was sown on 20th November. Hence it can be concluded that the best sowing date of mustard is on 31st October in the early sowing. This study may help to select suitable sowing time under climatic condition of eastern Uttar Pradesh.

Salinity Induced Antioxidant Defense in Roots of Industrial Hemp (IH: Cannabis sativa L.) for Fiber during Seed Germination.

Global climate change induced sea level rise, rainfed agriculture, poor quality irrigation water, and seawater intrusion through interconnected ditches and inland waterways cause soil salinity in inland and coastal areas. To reclaim and prevent further soil erosion, salt tolerant crops are required. Industrial Hemp (IH: Cannabis sativa L.) is used for food, fiber, and medicinal purposes throughout the world. In spite of that, little is known about the salt tolerance mechanisms in IH. Seed germination and development of the roots are the primary events in the life cycle of a plant, which directly interact with soil salinity. Therefore, in vitro germination experiments were conducted on the roots of 5-day-old seedlings using four varieties (V1: CFX-2, V2: Joey, V3: Bialobrzeskie, and V4: Henola) of IH for fiber. Five salinity treatments (0, 50, 80, 100, 150, and 200 mM NaCl) were used to screen the IH varieties on the basis of I: seed germination percent (SGP), II: quantitative morphological observations (root length (RL) and root fresh weight (RFW)), III: oxidative stress indices (hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and lipid peroxidation), and IV: antioxidant defense system comprises of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), guaiacol peroxidase (GPOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APOD), glutathione reductase (GR). The varieties V1 and V3 showed salt tolerance up to 100 mM by maintaining higher SGP, less reduction in RL and RFW. These roots in V1 and V3 showed lower levels of H2O2 and lipid peroxidation by displaying higher activities of SOD, CAT, GPOD, APOD, and GR while a reciprocal trend was observed in V4. However, roots in V2 showed higher activities of antioxidant enzymes with lower levels of H2O2 and lipid peroxidation, but showed declines in RL and RFW at 80 mM NaCl onward. Roots in V4 were the most susceptible to NaCl stress at 50 mM and onward.

Adaptation Responses to Early Drought Stress of West Africa Sorghum Varieties

Sorghum is the fifth most important cereal crop world-wide and feeds millions of people in the Sahel. However, it often faces early-stage water deficit due to false onsets of rainy seasons resulting in production decrease. Therefore, developing early drought tolerant material becomes a necessity but requires a good knowledge of adaptation mechanisms, which remains to be elucidated. The present study aimed at assessing the effects of early drought stress on ten elite sorghum varieties tested over two years (2018–2019) at the National Agronomic Research Centre (CNRA) of Bambey (Senegal, West Africa). Two different water regimes (well-watered and drought stress) were applied during the dry season. Water stress was applied by withholding irrigation 25 days after sowing for one month, followed by optimal irrigation until maturity. Soil moisture measurements were performed and allowed to follow the level of stress (down to a fraction of transpirable soil water (FTSW) of 0.30 at the end of stress). An agro-physio-morphological monitoring was carried out during the experiment. Results showed highly significant effects of early drought stress in sorghum plants growth by decreasing leaf appearance, biomass, height but also yield set up. The combined analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences (p ≤ 0.01) between varieties in the different environments for most characters. Under water deficit, the variability was less strong on leaf appearance and plant height at the end of stress. The adaptation responses were related to the capacity of varieties to grow up fast and complete their cycle rather, increase the dead leaves weight, reduce photosynthesis rate, stomatal conductance, leaf transpiration and increase the roots length density. However, varieties V1, V2, V8 and V9 showed promising behavior under stress and could be suitable for further application in West Africa for sorghum breeding and farming.