Vegetable Cultivation Research Articles

Challenges and Opportunities in Pineapple and Cabbage Cultivation in Nagaland: A Garrett Ranking Analysis

India’s horticulture sector, a significant contributor to the nation’s economy has experienced substantial growth, particularly in states like Nagaland. This study examines the growth and challenges faced by the horticulture sector in Nagaland, with a particularly emphasis on fruit and vegetable cultivation. Despite horticulture sector being a significant component of the state’s economy, the sector has experiences periods of negative growth particularly between 2011-12 and 2017-18. Taking a sample survey of 120 farmers, the study aims to analyse the farm sizes, productivity and the challenges faced by the farmers associated with the decline. Both Pineapple and Cabbage farmers face common challenges such as pest and disease management and ineffective pricing systems. However, pineapple farmers also struggle with inadequate credit facilities, while cabbage farmers face additional issues with irrigation infrastructure. The findings suggest that targeted interventions, such as upgrading infrastructure, improving farm practices, and expanding market access, are crucial for revitalising the sector. The research provides valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders to formulate strategies that can address these challenges, support sustainable growth, and ultimately strengthen the horticulture sector in Nagaland.

Rooftop Gardening as a Supplement to Urban Household Food and Nutrition Resilience of Dhaka City in Bangladesh

Increasing food demands along with shrinkage of agricultural lands make urban dwellers vulnerable to food insecurity. This leads to practice rooftop gardening (RTG) by the dwellers living in an urban area. The present research assessed the potentiality of rooftop gardening as a supplement to urban household food and nutrition resilience in Dhaka city of Bangladesh. The study follows a mix-method approach (i.e. qualitative and quantitative) to fulfill the objectives. Currently, the city has 257.95 ha area of RTG (i.e. 0.32% of 80,220 hectares of continuous roofs), which can fulfill the demand of about 0.3% fresh vegetables and fruits of the dwellers of Dhaka city. Moreover, yearly practices of RTG by the inhabitants of the city can contribute about 362 million BDT. The present study shows that contribution to household level resilience for vegetables and fruits produced from RTGs are about 6% and 18% respectively. The RTG practitioners consume about 75% cultivated fruits and vegetables. Utilization of rooftop spaces for gardening could be a potential solution to household food and nutrition insecurity in DMA. The Dhaka University Journal of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Vol. 13(1), 2024, P 59-67

A 2-year pure biochar addition enhances soil carbon sequestration and reduces aggregate stability in understory conditions

The enhancement of soil aggregate size and stability is crucial for mitigating climate change and improving carbon sequestration in forest ecosystems. Biochar, derived from rice husks, has been suggested as an effective mean to increase soil carbon storage. However, isolating biochar’s specific effects on soil aggregate formation and carbon sink capacity can be complex due to the overlapping influences of fertilization and understory vegetation cultivation. Our study circumvented these variables by incorporating different amounts of biochar into plantation soil without any additional cultivation or fertilization, conducting a detailed two–year field experiment. The findings revealed that biochar significantly increased the organic carbon content and density in the uncultivated under–forest Ferralsols, thus enhancing its carbon sink function. Intriguingly, while biochar raised the proportion of small soil aggregates (< 0.25 mm) and their organic carbon levels, it decreased the fraction of larger aggregates (> 0.25 mm), adversely affecting soil aggregate stability. These results suggest that biochar may compromise soil aggregate structure and stability in the absence of plant growth. The positive impact of biochar on soil carbon storage was found to depend more on its inherent inert carbon content than on soil type. Moreover, biochar alone was insufficient to increase the quantity of soil macroaggregates without the binding action of plant root exudates. Biochar’s key function appears to be in enhancing the soil aggregate–forming processes facilitated by plant roots and microorganisms. Therefore, for optimal carbon sequestration in forest soils, integrating biochar application with appropriate agricultural practices is advisable.

Comprehensively assessing the effects of exogenous proline on nutritional and flavour quality of celery (Apium graveolens L.) under salt stress

Salt stress is one of the constraints limiting high-yield and high-quality cultivation of vegetables, currently, the effect of exogenous proline on the quality of celery under salt stress is rarely reported. The study aimed to explore the comprehensive effects of exogenous proline application on the quality of celery (Apium graveolens L.) under salt stress. The affiliation function method was used to comprehensively analyze the effects of foliar application of 0.3 mM proline on celery mineral nutrients, amino acids, organic acids, nitrate, dietary fiber, and volatile components under 100 mM NaCl stress. Results showed that exogenous proline application inhibited Na content and nitrate enrichment in celery, and promoted the accumulation of other mineral elements (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn), glycine, oxalic acid, malic acid, citric acid, lignin, dietary fiber, and aromatic compounds in leaves and petioles under salt stress. In addition, the results of a comprehensive evaluation analysis of the affiliation function indicated that the application of exogenous proline to salt-stressed seedlings was an effective treatment which significantly mitigated the salt-induced detrimental effects. Overall, exogenous proline played a positive role in regulating the balance of mineral elements, accumulation of glycine, accumulation of organic acids, and enrichment of aromatic substances in celery under salt stress. Results from this study provides a theoretical basis for cultivating cultivation of high quality celery under saline conditions.

Growth and Decomposition Analysis of Major Fruits Grown in Punjab

Background: Punjab has been gifted with the suitable agro climatic conditions and topography for the cultivation of horticultural crops, particularly fruits and vegetables. Due to its easy cultivation on sandy loam soils, increased profitability and good market value in comparison to several other crops in the state, Punjab has gained popularity among fruit growers. Methods: The study was based on secondary data obtained on the basis of the largest area sown over the period of 13 years i.e., from 2010-11 to 2022-23. Statistical tools like Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR), instability index and decomposition analysis were used to analyze the trends in area, production and productivity of major fruits in Punjab. Result: Results revealed that growth rates of area, production and productivity had shown positive and significant in all the major fruits during the study period. The growth rate of area and production under kinnow was found to be lowest due to decline in area and production during the last three years. Cuddy-Della Valle Index indicates that fluctuations in area and production was found to be tremendously high under lemon and litchi. Decomposition analysis revealed that area under kinnow was the major contributing factor causing the change in production but it was the yield that played a major role in other fruits.

Automatic Vegetable Watering System Using Fuzzy Logic with Integration of Soil Moisture, Rain Sensors, and RTC

Conventional vegetable watering often presents challenges, particularly in ensuring that plants receive adequate water without excessive manual intervention. This research proposes a solution in the form of an automatic watering system using fuzzy logic, which integrates soil moisture sensors, rain sensors, and an RTC (Real-Time Clock) for scheduling. The system is designed to replace manual watering methods with an automated process, thus improving the efficiency and effectiveness of vegetable cultivation. The developed device uses a soil moisture sensor to monitor soil conditions, a rain sensor to detect rainfall, and an RTC to determine the optimal watering times. The Arduino Uno acts as the main controller that activates the water pump via a relay driver based on data received from the sensors. Test results show that the system operates according to the established criteria, with a satisfactory accuracy level. The system successfully waters the plants at 07:00 WIB and 15:00 WIB, based on dry soil conditions and no rain. The trials showed that the device has an average soil moisture measurement error of 5%, and a time discrepancy of about 22 seconds on the RTC module. Each 1% increase in soil moisture requires approximately 1 second of watering duration. Watering times are adjusted to prevent the plants from drying out or dying, with a soil moisture threshold of below 40% set as the condition for requiring watering.

Microbiological contamination of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) reared with tilapia in aquaponic systems and use of bacillus strains as probiotics to prevent diseases: A systematic review.

Aquaponic systems are food production systems that combine aquaculture and hydroponic in a closed recirculation system where water provides nutrients to plants while plants purify water for fish. In this system, tilapia is the most commonly cultured fish and can be easily integrated with vegetable cultivation. However, tilapia host a diverse microbiota some of which are pathogenic and can infect humans. Previous studies have reported contamination of lettuce by pathogenic bacteria which can cause human diseases. Thus, there is an urgent need to employ effective methods to control those bacteria, and Bacillus strains have been successfully used in this context. This systematic review aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of lettuce contamination by pathogenic bacteria and the use of Bacillus as probiotics to prevent diseases in aquaponics systems. This systematic review was performed using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Statement (PRISMA) Guidelines. A total of 1,239 articles were retrieved and based on eligibility criteria, six articles were included after screening. The review revealed that Enterobacteriaceae, Coliforms, and Shiga Toxin-producing E. coli are the predominant bacteria contaminating lettuce leaves in Aquaponic systems, and Shiga Toxin-Producing E. coli can internalize in the lettuce leaves, putting public health at risk. The included studies did not report the presence of V. cholerae in lettuce grown in aquaponic systems, and the use of Bacillus as probiotics to control Escherichia coli and Vibrio Cholerae. Further research is needed to explore the potential of tilapia to act as a source of pathogenic bacteria that can contaminate lettuce, as well as to investigate the effectiveness of Bacillus strains as probiotics to control these bacteria and ensure food safety.

Understanding the Factors Influencing Generation X Consumers' Purchase Intention Towards Organic Vegetables in Chiang Mai: A Focus on Health Consciousness and Subjective Norms

Background and Aim: The escalating use of agrochemicals in vegetable cultivation has raised concerns about potential harm to human health and the environment, thus fueling a rising demand for organically grown vegetables. Notably, Generation X consumers, demonstrating a heightened awareness of the health and environmental consequences of their food choices, are at the forefront of this movement. This study investigates the impact of health consciousness and subjective norms on the purchase intention of organic vegetables among Generation X consumers in Chiang Mai province, Materials and Methods: This study investigates the influence of health consciousness and subjective norms on the purchase intention of organic vegetables among 400 Generation X consumers in Chiang Mai, Thailand. A quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted using a structured questionnaire. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and multiple regression analysis. Results: The findings reveal that both health consciousness and subjective norms significantly influence the purchase intention of organic vegetables. Subjective norms, particularly the perceived social pressure to consume organic produce, emerged as a slightly stronger predictor of purchase intention compared to health consciousness. Conclusion: This study underscores the importance of considering both health-related concerns and social influences in promoting organic vegetable consumption among Generation X consumers. Targeted marketing strategies that emphasize the health benefits of organic produce and leverage social reinforcement can effectively enhance purchase intention.

Economic-ecological assessment of multi-crop small-scale model farms in the Republic of Armenia (piloting results from Gegharqunik region)

Background: Biogenic elements such as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) are major pollutants of Lake Sevan's water, causing eutrophication and deterioration of water quality. Untreated wastewater, sewage, agriculture, fish farming, and other activities are significant sources of these pollutants. Vegetable cultivation, heavily reliant on mineral fertilizers and chemicals, and livestock breeding contribute substantially to nitrogen pollution in the lake. However, improved vegetable growing practices, including small-scale agriculture using organic fertilizers, natural soil improvers, and eco-friendly bio-liquids as growth stimulants, can enhance the socio-economic conditions for farmers in the Lake Sevan basin. These practices promote environmentally friendly, water-saving land-use methods, reducing nitrogen leaching into the lake. Objective: This study aims to demonstrate the socio-economic and environmental benefits of applying innovative agro-technology to small-scale farming in the Lake Sevan watershed (Gegharkunik region). Specifically, the study objectives are to determine the quality characteristics of crops grown in small-scale farms and compare these quality indicators between yields obtained through the proposed technology and traditional cultivation methods. Methods: Field trials of multi-crop systems were conducted on 0.25 ha land plots in four variations across four different locations in the Lake Sevan watershed. The trials were evaluated for various parameters. Nitrate content, dry matter, starch, vitamin C, and sugar levels were determined in potatoes, cabbage, broccoli, beets, and green beans, while fat content was measured in green beans and green peas. Results: Economic efficiency calculations revealed that utilizing the proposed innovative agro-technology in a multi-crop small-scale farm (0.25 ha) yielded a 20-25% increase compared to traditional cultivation with synthetic fertilizers, accompanied by notable environmental benefits. Conclusions: The study demonstrates that small-scale agricultural practices employing the proposed agro-technology have significant socioeconomic and environmental impacts on local farmers. Keywords: Cultivation of non-traditional crops, organic farming, small-scale farming, activities, economic and ecological evaluation, and food quality characteristics.

Effect of different concentrations of Copper (Cu) on growth sttributes and bioaccumulation in &lt;em&gt;Celesia argentea&lt;/em&gt; and &lt;em&gt;Amaranthus hybridus&lt;/em&gt;

Cultivation of vegetables in polluted soil has been on the increase following the perceived fertility of such soil. This study investigated the growth performance and bioaccumulation of copper (Cu) in Amaranthus hybridus and Celosia argentea planted in Cu polluted soil. The research was conducted at the University of Ilorin botanical garden. Vegetable seedlings were transplanted into soil pots pre-treated with Cu - 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg; denoted as T1, T2 and T3 respectively, and a control pot without Cu treatment. Amaranthus hybridus grown in soil polluted with 200 mg/kg of Cu gave the highest stem length at 1, 2 and 3 weeks after transplanting (WAT) i.e., 3.98, 5.00 and 7.05 cm respectively. There was no significant difference in stem girth and leaf length and breadth of Celosia argentea grown in 200 mg/kg Cu (P&lt;0.05). However, leaf length and breadth and number of leaves were significantly higher (P&lt;0.05) in C. argentea grown in soil with same Cu concentration at 3 WAT i.e., 4.63 cm, 2.27 cm and 9.17 respectively. Bioaccumulation pattern recorded in A. hybridus indicated that those grown in soil polluted with 100 mg/kg of Cu have the highest elemental Cu accumulation (73.77 mg/kg). Amaranthus hybridus and Celosia argentea recorded highest wet and dry weights in those planted in soil polluted with 200 mg/kg of Cu.

Genetic Variation Study of Several Romanian Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) Varieties Revealed by Molecular Markers and Whole Genome Resequencing.

Numerous varieties of Capsicum annuum L. with multiple valuable traits, such as adaptation to biotic and abiotic stress factors, can be found in south-east Romania, well known for vegetable cultivation and an important area of biodiversity conservation. To obtain useful information about sustainable agriculture, management, and conservation of local pepper varieties, we analyzed the genetic diversity and conducted deep molecular characterization using whole genome resequencing (WGS) for variant/mutation detection. The pepper varieties used in the present study were registered by VRDS in the ISTIS catalog between 1974 and 2019 and maintained in conservative selection; however, no studies have been published yet using WGS analysis in order to characterize this specific germplasm. The genome sequences, annotation, and alignments provided in this study offer essential resources for genomic research as well as for future breeding efforts using the C. annuum local varieties.

Socialization of aquaponics techniques for business efficiency at Aling Hydroponic Farm, Sandakan Sabah Malaysia

Aquaponics is the application of integrated agricultural techniques between the cultivation of fish and vegetables that are environmentally friendly with efficient use of inputs and optimizing production. Aling Hydroponics Farm has long applied hydroponic techniques for cultivating vegetables, apart from also cultivating fish using fiber ponds. However, the application of these two techniques has not been integrated so that it is not efficient in using production inputs. This international collaborative community service activity aims to socialize aquaponic techniques to Aling Hidroponik Farm partners as an effort to increase the efficiency of resource use in farming. The method of implementing activities uses visits and discussions at hydroponic cultivation and fish cultivation locations. This activity was attended by lecturers from the Faculty of Agriculture, Muhammadiyah University of Makassar and lecturers from the Faculty of Sustainable Agriculture, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, students and the community. The results of the activity showed that the participants were very enthusiastic about taking part in the activity, the participants actively asked questions and expressed opinions regarding the opportunities and obstacles to implementing the aquaponic system from economic and social aspects.

Profitability of Vegetable Cultivation under Groundwater Condition in Karnataka, India

The study assessed the profitability and water use efficiency of vegetable crops, specifically cabbage and cauliflower, in comparison to cereal crops like ragi and maize in Karnataka during 2020-2021. Data were collected from 120 farmers using a multistage purposive sampling design. The results indicated that vegetable crops had significantly higher gross and net returns than cereal crops. Additionally, the water use efficiency of cabbage and cauliflower was superior, meaning they utilized water more effectively to generate economic returns. The benefit-cost ratio also favoured the vegetable crops, demonstrating that they were more profitable compared to ragi and maize. Overall, the findings highlighted that under groundwater conditions, vegetable crops performed better in terms of profitability and water efficiency, suggesting that promoting vegetable cultivation could enhance farm incomes and optimize water use in Karnataka.

Integrated Assessment and Agricultural Planning in Selenium-Rich Hilly Soils: A Case Study on Land Use, Heavy Metal Contamination, and Nutrient Element Distribution

The strategic development of selenium-enriched soil cultivation is essential for effective agricultural land management. This research explores the sustainable utilization of selenium-rich soils in Qiongzhong County, Hainan Island. An extensive evaluation was conducted on 7266 surface soil samples, assessing the selenium concentrations, nutrient levels, heavy metals, pH values, and soil organic matter (SOM). In addition, analyses of 70 samples for organochlorine compounds and PAHs were performed. The results indicated average selenium content of 0.46 mg/kg, with 55.2% of the samples surpassing the selenium enrichment threshold of 0.4 mg/kg. According to the GB15618-2018 standards, 127 samples (1.75%) showed medium or high chromium-associated risks. No contamination from organochlorine compounds or PAHs was found, including the 16 priority-controlled PAHs with an average concentration of 30.3 µg/kg, confirming the soil’s high quality. The correlation and factor analysis identified surface enrichment as the main factor influencing selenium accumulation, presenting minimal environmental risks. Consequently, three categories of selenium-rich soil were defined: selenium-rich, pollution-free, and high-nutrient selenium-rich soil. Recommendations based on the soil characteristics and existing agricultural practices were made for the cultivation of selenium-rich vegetables, rubber, and nuts. This study lays a foundation for the sustainable management of selenium-rich soils, providing insights for further research and decision-making to optimize these resources, thus promoting environmental protection and agricultural sustainability.

Validating the place of Underutilized Indigenous Vegetable (UIV) Marketers: A case of Agrarian Communities, Southwestern Nigeria

Over the years, staple crops have faced several challenges, and a step away from over-reliance on them is very important to achieve food security in Nigeria. Indeed, underutilized vegetables are usually indigenous ancient crops that are still used reasonably in local, national, and even international communities. Hence, this study validates the spatial pattern and network of underutilized indigenous vegetable (UIV) marketers in Ondo State, southwestern, Nigeria with emphasis on fluted pumpkin (Telfaria occidentalis), African eggplant (Solanum macrocarpon) and Amaranth (Amaranthus virides). A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select a total of 120 UIV marketers from 5 villages. Primary data were collected and gathered using structured questionnaires and responses from the interview were coded and analyzed with STATA and UCINET. The study further examines the factors influencing the performance of the UIV marketers and determines the predictors driving association membership using multiple linear regression and binary logistic regression, respectively. The analysis results revealed that the majority (90.83%) of the UIVs marketers are female with a large proportion of the marketers within the age range of 51-60 years. The primary occupation of most of the respondents is trading (51.67%). From the regression results, belonging to a vegetable association is not statistically significant and thus it can be concluded that being a member of a vegetable association does not affect the income of the marketers. This is in sync with the information gathered from the focus group interviews that the association only serve as a medium to get firsthand information on price, product quality, and vegetables demanded. However, from social network analysis, it can also be concluded that the major actors involved in UIV marketing are interrelated and that they transfer information between themselves with the association being the common ground for such exchange. The study recommends that the government should consciously push for the wide acceptance of vegetable cultivation and provide good network roads in rural areas.

Effects of gender and agricultural cooperatives on biodiversity conservation farming practices: evidence from an emerging economy

PurposeThis study explores the effects of gender and participation in agricultural cooperatives on biodiversity conservation farming practices in vegetable production.Design/methodology/approachThis study used data collected from a survey of 627 vegetable farmers in Viet Nam and employed the Ordered Probit regression model to examine the effects of gender and participation in agricultural cooperatives on biodiversity conservation farming practices.FindingsWe find that female vegetable farmers are more likely to conduct biodiversity conservation farming practices than male farmers. This gender difference is, however, removed when participation in agricultural cooperatives is controlled, suggesting that agricultural cooperatives effectively facilitate biodiversity conservation farming practices.Research limitations/implicationsIt is noted that our study is not free from some limitations. First, we conducted our study on vegetable farmers only. The biodiversity conservation practices in vegetable cultivation might be different from other types of farming. Future studies should be conducted with other types of agricultural cultivation. Second, we do not have enough data to explain why female farmers are more likely to adopt biodiversity conservation practices than male farmers. Future studies should capture biological and social aspects of gender differences to address this limitation.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the literature on biodiversity conservation by presenting empirical evidence on the effects of gender and agricultural cooperatives. Participation in agricultural cooperatives is revealed to facilitate the adoption of biodiversity conservation practices. In addition, we find that the education of farmers, the number of years that farmers have been living in the local area and the quality of land and water are positively related to the adoption of biodiversity conservation practices in vegetable production.

Economic Analysis of kharif Vegetable Cultivation in Palghar District of Maharashtra State, India

The study was undertaken with the specific objective to workout costs, returns and profitability in vegetables production of a sample of 90 vegetable cultivators of three tahsil of Palghar viz. Vasai, Palghar and Dahanu during 2023.Simple statistical tools such as arithmetic mean, average, percentage, ratios and frequency distribution were worked out. For working out cost of production, standard cost concepts viz., cost-A1, cost-A2 cost-B1, cost-B2, cost-C1, cost-C2, cost-C3 were used. The cost of cultivation of kharif brinjal, okra, cowpea, tomato, cucumber, bottle gourd and bitter gourd was Rs.130880, Rs.172317, Rs.74835, Rs.145956, Rs.166815, Rs.220387and Rs.209361for respectively. The gross returns obtained from kharif brinjal, okra, cowpea, tomato, cucumber, bottle gourd and bitter gourd was Rs.141240, Rs.271560, Rs.77532, Rs.280280, Rs.227850, Rs.337506 and Rs.345345 respectively. The benefit-cost ratio for kharif brinjal, okra, cowpea, tomato, cucumber, bottle gourd and bitter gourd was 1.08, 1.58, 1.04, 1.92, 1.37, 1.53 and 1.65 respectively. The promising benefit-cost ratios indicate a favorable environment for vegetable farming in Palghar, suggesting that with strategic crop selection and enhanced agricultural practices, the future of vegetable cultivation in the region is likely to be both profitable and sustainable.

Nutrient Use Efficiency and Cucumber Productivity as a Function of the Nitrogen Fertilization Rate and the Wood Fiber Content in Growing Media.

A peat substrate is made from peat from drained peatlands, which is a limited resource. A realistic estimate is that 50% of the world's wetlands have been lost. Peat is used in horticulture, especially for the cultivation of vegetables in greenhouses. The consequences of peatland exploitation are an increase in the greenhouse effect and a decrease in carbon stocks. Wood fiber can be used as an alternative to peat. The chemical properties of growing media interact and change continuously due to the small volume of growing media, which is limited by the growing container. This study aims to gain new knowledge on the impact of nutrient changes in the microbial degradation of carbon compounds in wood fiber and mixtures with a peat substrate on the content and uptake of nutrients required by plants. The cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) variety 'Dirigent H' developed in the Netherlands was cultivated in growing media of a peat substrate and wood fiber: (1) peat substrate (PS); (2) wood fiber (WF); (3) wood fiber and peat substrate 50/50 v/v (WF/PS 50/50); (4) wood fiber and peat substrate 25/75 v/v (WF/PS 25/75). The rates of fertilization were the following: (1) conventional fertilization (CF); (2) 13 g N per plant (N13); (3) 23 g N per plant (N23); (4) 30 g N per plant (N30). The experiment was carried out with three replications. As the amount of wood fiber increased, the humidity and pH of the growing media increased. The fertilization of the cucumbers with different quantities of nitrogen influenced the nutrient uptake. The plants grown in the 50/50 and 25/75 growing media had the best Cu uptake when fertilized with N23. When the plants grown in the wood fiber media and the 50/50 media were fertilized with N13, N23, and N30, the Mn content in the growing media at the end of the growing season was significantly lower than the Mn content in the media with conventional fertilization. Thus, nitrogen improved the uptake of Mn by the plants grown not only in the wood fiber, but also in the combinations with a peat substrate. Growing plants in wood fiber and fertilizing them with N13 can result in the optimum uptake of micronutrients. The number and biomass of cucumber fruits per plant were influenced by the amount of wood fiber in the growing media and the application of nitrogen fertilizer. The highest number of fruits and biomass of fruits per plant obtained were significantly higher when the cucumbers were grown in WF/PS 50/50 growing media with additional N13 fertilization.

Techniques for increasing tomato yield in Astrakhan region

Relevance. The use of mineral fertilizers in the cultivation of tomato in the first place should ensure the best conditions for the nutrition of plants during the entire growing season in accordance with their need.The research methodology was based on generally accepted methods for vegetable growing. The main goal of this study was to improve the zonal technology for cultivating tomato in open ground using leaf dressing with KCL and KNO3 preparations, aimed at increasing the level of yield during irrigation in the north of the Astrakhan region. Field experiments were carried out at the experimental irrigated land use area of the Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution "Caspian Agrarian Federal Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences" in the period from 2021 to 2023. The scientific novelty of the study was the theoretical and practical justification for the use of leaf dressing with KCL and KNO3 in the cultivation of vegetables, aimed at the formation of highly productive commercial products.Results. During the research work, a comparative analysis of various standards of use of drugs was carried out, highlighting the most promising option. Three-year studies found that the use of potassium fertilizer KCl with a concentration of 0.5%), 30... 40 days. after planting (flowering), 50 days. after planting and 60 days. after planting gave a significant increase in yield relative to the control option. Conclusions. Based on the results of the analysis, an average of five charges, the KCl treatment variant Background + 3 (concentration 0.5%) was identified, which had the highest yield of 130.56 t/ha. This option was significantly different from both control and other options under study. The increase relative to the control was + 4.08 t/ha or + 3.2%.

Advantages of compost tea: Promotion of nitrogen influx into the fruit and improvement of fruit nitrogen metabolism in tomato

The use of compost tea is important to improve food safety. However, the effect of compost tea on N uptake and partitioning in tomato is unclear. In this study, we measured temporal and spatial changes in nitrogen content, enzyme activities, and expression levels of nitrogen transporters genes in different organs of tomato treated with five nutrient solutions. The results showed that the expression levels of ammonium transporter protein genes (AMT1s) increased and that of a nitrogen transporters gene (NRT2.1) decreased under treatment with compost tea, which promoted NH4+ transport to the fruit and reduced nutrient wastage compared with the response to chemical fertilizers. In addition, the lowermost leaves on the stem showed reduced nitrate content, faster metabolism, and decreased chlorophyll a content, but fruit yield was not increased, in compost tea-treated plants. These changes were dependent on the expression level of the glutamine synthetase gene (GS1.1), which was increased in leaves and decreased in fruit. Compost tea influenced the expression of critical genes in the fruits and leaves, and improved the competitiveness of sexual reproductive growth as a sink for nitrogen. However, the benefits of compost tea were reduced when it was mixed chemical fertilizers. This research establishes a theoretical framework for optimization of organic vegetable cultivation and promoting the widespread production of organic crops.