Weeks Of Planting Research Articles

Growth Performances and Productivities of Kappaphycus alvarezii and Eucheuma spinosum Cultivated with Long-line Method in PT. Sea Six Energy Indonesia

Indonesia is the second largest producer of seaweed in the world. Different cultivated seaweed commodities may have different production results. This study aimed to determine the effect of cultivation time and different types of seaweed on total weight and Specific Growth Rate (SGR) of Kappaphycus alvarezii and Eucheuma spinosum cultivated with the long-line method. The study was conducted in one cultivation area, PT. Sea Six Energy, Bali, Indonesia. Data collection was carried out through observations in 2 sites. Every site contained 3 square frame seaweed Kappaphycus alvarezii and Eucheuma spinosum. The sample used in this study was one thallus of seaweed taken randomly from 3 different ris ropes in each square frame. The average weight of thallus, total weight, and specific growth rate were performed in this study. After 51 days, the total weight of K. alvarezii was 1348.5 kg. The total weight of E. spinosum was 1398.7 kg. Both, K. alvarezii (8.4 ± 0.34 %.day-1) and E. spinosum (8.3 ± 0.02 %.day-1) showed higher Spesific Growth Rate (SGR) in the first 2 weeks of planting but not in the last 3 weeks of cultivation. There was no difference in productivity between K. alvarezii and E. spinosum cultivated using the long-line method. However, this research showed that the SGR value decreased as cultivation time increased.

Mitigating the Impact of Climate Change on Vegetable Farming: An Evaluation of Artificial Planting Technique

A worldwide issue, global warming results from human activity changing the climate and having a negative impact on people, animals, and plants. However, in terms of plants, the sun provides the primary elements required for healthy growth of photosynthetic plants, which use the energy from the sun to create food for themselves. Light with varying wavelengths that serve distinct functions during the photosynthetic process are the essential elements that are captured from the sun. The wavelength of the ultraviolet (UV) component of sunlight varies, characterized as UV A (315–400 nm) and UV B (280–315 nm) are the primary components that must be precisely proportioned for a profitable farming. In order to lessen the impact of climate change on vegetable farming, this research suggests integrating light emitting diodes (LEDs) in artificial growing machines as well as planned irrigation systems as an alternate source of ultraviolet sunshine. To provide the necessary UV light combination, blue, red and white colours of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) were combined using diffusers. The red, blue, and white LEDs were used for two weeks, each 12 hours a day, to influence the plants growth, with red promoting photosynthesis, white improving it, and blue encouraging stem and leaf growth. An Arduino Uno was used to program both the hardware and software components of the automated growth machine. The outcome of planting varied vegetable plant under LED lights was contrasted with the outcome of planting the identical set of plants under direct sunlight. After the first and second weeks of planting, the plants' performances under both circumstances are comparable.

Physio-biochemical Changes during Adventitious Root Formation in Gmelina arborea Roxb. Bud Sprout Cuttings

Changes in the endogenous moisture content and biochemical viz., soluble sugar), phenols, o-phenol and peroxidase activity at different stages of adventitious rooting in auxin-treated (5 mM IBA) and non-treated miniature bud sprout cuttings of Gmelina arborea Roxb. were investigated at 0 h, 24 h, 3 days, 7 days, 2 weeks and 3 weeks of planting to elucidate the process of adventitious root formation at physio-biochemical level. Simultaneously adventitious rhizogenesis parameters viz., proportion of live green sprouts (%), callusing (%) and rooting (%) were recorded. Two weeks after planting, the marked difference for adventitious rhizogenesis was noticeable between treated and non-treated sprout cuttings. More than 20% rooting and 75% callusing were recorded in treated sprout cuttings. In contrast, only 7.4% non-treated sprout cuttings exhibited callusing. At the end of Week 3, more than 90% rooting was observed in treated sprout cuttings while it was absent in non-treated ones. All biochemicals exhibited changes in the first 24 h, indicating early incidence of consequential process(s), which influenced the differential response of cuttings to adventitious rhizogenesis in auxin-treated and non-treated state. Overall, the results indicate two possible phases of adventitious rhizogenesis – Phase I of Induction -the initial phase exhibiting low endogenous moisture and o-phenol but elevated phenol and peroxidase activity and Phase II of Initiation – the later phase coinciding with higher endogenous moisture and low phenol content and peroxidase activity. Both phases appear to be separated by an intervening unstable duration (Gap Phase of Stabilization) which may vary among different types of cuttings/species.

Relative impact of vermiwash against phytophagous insects and growth properties of yardlong bean (<em>Vigna unguiculata</em>)

Due to severe insect infestation, yardlong (Vigna unguiculata) bean expansion and production have been declining in Sri Lanka. This experiment tested the effectiveness of several vermiwash against phytophagous insects in yardlong bean. Ten distinct types of vermiwash were generated by alternately and separately feeding exotic (Eudriluseuginea) and indigenous types earthworm with the specified botanicals, viz. onion and garlic peel, marigold and neem leaves, and the materials given for mass culturing. Eleven treatments including 10 vermiwash and untreated control and three blocks were laid on Randomized Complete Block Design. Since the third week of planting, vermiwashes have been administered to the corresponding plots at weekly intervals. Before each application of treatment, the total number of insects in each treated and untreated plot were carefully counted. ANOVA assessed treatment effects, and Duncan's Multiple Range Test compared mean separation values at 5% significance using SAS software. Plots treated with vermiwash made from indigenous earthworm varieties with garlic peel (1.33), exotic varieties with onion peel (2.33), and native varieties with onion peel (3.00) had the significantly similar fewest epilachna beetles. Further, vermiwash of an indigenous variety with neem leaves, where the maximum yield of yardlong beans was also discovered, had a considerably lower population of epilachna beetles. Furthermore, with the exception of the vermiwash of exotic species with onion peel, practically all treatments were less harmful to ladybird beetles. As demonstrated by this experiment, vermiwash has a beneficial effect on plant development in terms of both plant height and leaf area. Vermiwash made from combining an indigenous species of earthworm with neem leaves was potentially suggested for yardlong bean production since it was both environmentally and economically efficient.

Effect of Soil Amendments on the Growth Parameters of Okra Infested with Root-Knot Nematode (Meloidogyne incognita)

Aims: To evaluate the efficacy of Trichoderma harzianum, Neem cake, and poultry manure on the growth performance of okra infected with Meloidogyne incognita.
 Study Design: The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design.
 Place and Duration of Study: Department of Botany, University of Calabar, between April 2022 and August, 2022.
 Methodology: Soil samples were collected at the depth of 0-15cm using auger, heat sterilized and spread out in a shade for 7days to cool before use for planting okra seed. Galled roots of okra plants were blended and emptied into 1000ml beaker. This was the inoculum used for plant inoculation. Pure culture of T. harzianum inoculated into a steril petri dishes and allowed to sporulate. Neem cake and poultry manure were applied at the rate of 10g and 20g per planting pot. Holes were excavated around the base of the okra plant and 1g of T. harzianum spores was used for inoculation. Data were collected on plant height, number of leaves, petiole length, and percentage leaf abscission.
 Results: Number of leaves on pot treated with M. incognita, T. harzianum and 20 g of neem cake was significantly (p≤ 0.05) different from all other pots. Data obtained indicates that after 3 weeks of planting all the treatment combinations had significant (p≤0.05) impact on the crops grown in pots treated with 10 g of neem cake which was not significantly (p>0.05) different. Data obtained on plant height in pots with the treatment combinations (M1T1N0, M1T0N1, M1T0N2, M0T0N2, M0T0N0, M0T0P1 and M0T0P0) were significantly (p≤ 0.05) different. Results on petiole length grown in pots with treatment combinations (M1T1N2, M0T1N1 and M0T0P1) were not significantly (p> 0.05) different from the control.
 Results shows that the highest percentage of abscised leaves was observed on plant treated with T. harzianum and Neem cake with 66.4%. Results from other treatments were as follows, M0T0N1 (62.3%), M1T1N0 (58.6%), M0T0N2 (56.3%), M1T0N1 (52.9%) and M1T1N2 (51.2%). Result obtained on soil amendment with poultry manure revealed that pots treated with 20t/ha of poultry manure had impact on plant height which was significant (p≤ 0.05).
 Conclusion: Based on the data obtained on the growth parameters, it can be concluded that T. harzianum and neem cake significantly increased the growth of okra infested with M. incognita and the impact was significantly shown on the plant height and petiole length. Number of leaves were significantly different at 3 and 5 weeks after planting. T. harzianum has be proven to be of economic value in agriculture both as biocontrol agent and soil nutrient booster.

Screening of Vigna subterranean L. Verdc. accessions for waterlogging stress tolerance

<p>This study evaluated the influence of waterlogging stress on the growth of six (6) accessions (TvSu-1, TvSu-2, TvSu-3, TvSu-4, TvSu-5, and TvSu-10) of <em>Vigna subterranean</em> in a pot experiment. The experiment was setup in a complete block design (CBD) with 3 replicates per treatment. Results of growth parameters of <em>V. subterranean</em> accessions under waterlogging stress, such as plant height, leaf area, petiole length, and number of nodes, were significantly (<em>p </em>= 0.05) decreased when compared to their controls after 8 weeks of planting. For shoot length, TvSu-2 (1.60 ± 0.20 cm) and TvSu-4 (1.60 ± 0.20 cm) recorded the highest values, while TvSu-5 (1.23 ± 0.03) and TvSu-10 (1.23 ± 0.03) had the lowest values, respectively. TvSu-5 (19.03 ± 0.59 cm<sup>2</sup>) and TvSu-10 (19.03 ± 0.59 cm<sup>2</sup>) recorded the highest values in leaf area (LA), while TvSu-3 (14.40 ± 0.51 cm<sup>2</sup>) had the lowest LA. For total photosynthetic pigment (TPP), TvSu-2, TvSu-4, and TvSu-10 had the highest values, with 57.35 ± 1.82 mg/kg, 55.80 ± 2.70 mg/kg, and 55.77 ± 1.90 mg/kg, respectively. TvSu-3 (41.50 ± 8.29 mg/kg) maintained the lowest value. In petiole length, TvSu-5 (15.23 ± 0.33 cm) and TvSu-4 (14.20 ± 0.66cm) had the highest values, while TvSu-3 (8.97 ± 0.33 cm) had the lowest. For the number of nodes, TvSu-2 (15.00 ± 1.76) and TvSu-4 (12.00 ± 1.73) recorded the highest values, while TvSu-10 (10.00 ± 1.00) had the lowest value. Biomass yield analysis of the stressed <em>V. subterranean</em> showed that total fresh weight (TFW), root length (RL), root fresh weight (RFW), shoot fresh weight (SFW), leaf fresh weight (LFW), leaf turgid weight (LTW), total dry weight (TDW), root dry weight (RDW), shoot dry weight (SDW), and leaf dry weight (LDW) of the six accessions were significantly (<em>p </em>= 0.05) decreased when compared to their control. Tvsu-5 had a better biomass yield when compared to other accessions, recording the highest values in SDW (1.62 g), RDW (0.55 g), LFW (0.75 g), SFW (10.31 g), and RL (18.53 ± 0.66). Conclusively, waterlogging stress negatively impacted <em>V. subterranean</em> accessions, but Tvsu-5 had a better waterlogging stress tolerance than other accessions, especially TvSu-3, which was generally poor.</p>

Propagación de plantas de cannabis sativa (L.) mediante esquejes y uso de fitorreguladores auxínicos

Cannabis sativa (L.) is an annual herbaceous species which has been extensively cultivated and used as a medicinal plant and for recreational purposes. Its medicinal value is primarily attributed to a group of secondary metabolites called phytocannabinoids, which are mainly concentrated in the essential oils of unfertilized female flowers. Asexual reproduction allows for the offspring of plant material while maintaining the genetic characteristics of the mother plant. The aim of the research was to improve the vegetative propagation process of Cannabis sativa (L.) cv. Eco-2, which has characteristics of medicinal phytocannabinoid producers, using auxin plant growth regulators (NAA and IBA) at different doses. The study was conducted under greenhouse conditions in the municipality of Pesca (Colombia). Doses of 400, 800 and 1,000 mg L-1 and a control without application were evaluated for plant height, stem diameter, number of branches, root volume and length, and rooting percentage. The best treatment was obtained with the application of NAA at a dose of 800 mg L-1, which resulted in a rooting percentage of 86.6%, a root length and volume of 9.0 cm and 5.0 cm3, and an increase in the length of the cutting by 3.8 cm, with significant differences compared to the treatment without application, after 4 weeks of planting. The use of auxin plant growth regulators becomes an alternative with high potential for the propagation of medicinal cannabinoid-producing plants.

Effects of Nitrogen Concentration on Growth, Yield and Phytochemical Content of Persicaria minor Cultivated Using Hydroponics System

Persicaria minor or locally known as kesum from the family Polygonaceae is a common herbal plant found in Malaysia. Hydroponic cultivation of kesum using deep water culture (DWC) system can be an alternative option for kesum growers in increasing crop yields. The deep water culture system is a method in which liquid fertiliser solution is given directly to the plant roots without any medium and water flow. The study’s main objective was to determine the effects of nitrogen concentration on growth, yield and phytochemical content of kesum cultivated using hydroponic system. Plants were grown under one of four nitrogen concentration solution regimes and the experiment was conducted under a side netted rain shelter. The four treatments comprised of 200 mg/L, 100 mg/L, 50 mg/L and 0 mg/L of nitrogen concentrations. The experiment was arranged in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 4 replications. Plants were selected randomly and harvested eight weeks after planting. Plants grown supplemented with 100 mg/L of nitrogen concentration gave the best growth performance and biomass yield. They produced the highest plant height (78 cm) and fresh biomass yield (174 g per plant). Meanwhile plants supplemented with 50 mg/L of nitrogen concentration produced the highest Quercetin-3-glucuronide (Q3G) (98.261 mg/mL) and Quercitrin (61.367 mg/mL) compound compared to the other treatments. However, plants treated with 0 mg/L of nitrogen concentrations exhibited major nutrients deficiencies symptoms and die after 3 weeks of planting. Hence, it can be concluded that the kesum plants cultivated using hydroponics’ deep water culture system supplemented with 100 mg/L of nitrogen concentration gave the highest plant growth and biomass yields. However, to obtain higher Quercetin-3-glucuronide and Quercitrin compound, 50 mg/L of nitrogen concentration is recommended.

Organic Nutrient Solutions for Hydrophonic Spinach (<em>Basella alba</em>) Production in Urban Agriculture

Purpose: Macro and micronutrients rich vegetable and fish wastes are generated hugely in Sri Lanka, but not recycled properly into valuable byproducts. It is a serious problem and needs to be managed to make environment free from pollution. Extraction of nutrients from organic wastes can be used as liquid fertilizers for hydroponic crop production even in congested urban cities. Research Method: Organic hydroponic medium using vegetable waste extracts (M2), fish emulsion (M3), vermi tea (M4), the mixture of M2+M3+M4, and Albert’s solution (M1-control) were prepared and tested on Spinach. The experimental setup was arranged in a CRD with four replicates. The nutritional qualities of formulated liquid fertilizers (N, P, K, Ca, Na), pH, EC, spinach growth parameters such as plant height, number of leaves per plant, leaf area, root length, weight (Fresh /Dry) were measured eight weeks after planting and subjected to ANOVA using SAS 9.1. Tukey's HSD multiple comparison test to identify the best treatment combination at P <0.05. Findings: The results revealed that the amount of each N, P, K, Na, and Ca was significantly different between treatments (P <0.05). The highest quantity of each N (11.1mg/L), P (37.99mg/L), and K (145,5 mmol/L) was detected in M2. Whereas, Na and Ca quantities were highly significant in M4 with the values of 208.7 and 96.2 mmol/L, respectively. Plant height and root length in M1, M2 and M3 were significantly higher than those of other treatments. Fresh and dry weights were also significantly higher in M3, M1 and M2 treatments when compared with other treatments. The highest leaf number and leaf area were also recorded in M3 treatment after 8 weeks of planting. Originality/Value: This study shows that fish emulsion solution was found to be more promising and both fish emulsion and vegetable waste hydrophonics medium can be used as alternatives to Albert’s solution.

Phenotypic Diversity of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) Based on Shorter Cooking Time and Canning Quality Traits

Cowpea is a leguminous crop rich in protein. Despite its nutritional quality, the crop is underutilized due to its prolonged cooking time requiring energy to make it palatable. This study investigated the adaptation capacity, cooking time and canning quality of a panel of 94 accessions of cowpea obtained from the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture IITA, Ibadan and Rumukoro Market Port Harcourt Nigeria. Seeds were planted at the Department of Crop and Soil Science Research Farm and Allu Town, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria. The experimental design was randomized complete block design (RCBD) in three replicates for three seasons (early wet, late wet and dry season). Agronomic Parameters such as plant height, number of leaves, number of branches, leave length, leave width, and the flowering date was collected at two weekly intervals after weeks of planting. The cooking evaluation was carried out using a digital cooker (Tower Product), while canning quality was evaluated using a cost-effective sealer. Results obtained showed that cowpea adapted to the three seasons with optimal performance observed in the late wet season. The cooking results showed that TVU-2, TVU-8, TVU-9, TVU-13, TVU, 21, TVU29, TVU-36, TUV-38, iron white, akara bean, iron brown and honey bean had short cooking time while TVU-2, TVU-13, TVU-26, TVU-37, TVU-38, TVU-45, TVU-50 and TVU-51 had good canning quality. It is recommended that the selected accessions for better agronomic and culinary quality traits can be used for cowpea breeding programmes.

Effects of two contrasting potting media on the leaf development index, photosynthetic rate, and metabolite profile of camphor (Dryobalanops aromatica) seedlings

Camphor (Dryobalanops aromatica C. F. Gaertn.) is a vulnerable tropical tree species that has been exploited for its timber as well as its resin, which is used for medicinal uses. The use of camphor in Indonesia is limited owing to the decreasing size of the species' population in its native habitat. Therefore, replanting programs have been encouraged for this species owing to its adaptability to mineral soils and shallow peatlands. However, experimental evidence of the effect of different growing media on morphology, physiology, and biochemistry is very limited, which is needed to evaluate the replanting program's success. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the responses of camphor (D. aromatica) seedlings grown in two different types of potting media i.e. mineral and peat, for 8 weeks of planting. In particular, the types of bioactive compounds produced in camphor leaves and their levels were assessed by analyzing their metabolite profiles. Leaf growth was evaluated morphologically using the plastochron index, while photosynthetic rates were measured with LI-6800 Portable Photosynthesis System. Metabolites were identified by using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The percentage of LPI of 5 or more was lower in the peat medium at 8% than in the mineral medium at 12%. The photosynthetic rate of camphor seedlings was 1–9 μmol CO2 m⁻2 s⁻1, with a higher rate in the peat medium than in the mineral medium, suggesting that the peat medium was better for growth. Lastly, the metabolomic analysis in the leaf extract revealed the presence of 21 metabolites, which were dominated by flavonoid compounds.

Drying kinetics, modelling and total flavonoid content of Phyllanthus niruri L. under different drying temperature

Phyllanthus niruri L. drying kinetics were empirically examined at the temperature of 40 °C, 45 °C, 50 °C, 55 °C, and 60 °C in an air-drying oven. The herbs’ aerial components (stems, leaves, and flowers) were picked after 9-10 weeks of planting. The drying procedure ended when the sample weights remained unchanged. The drying time varied from 7 to 20.5 hours. CurveExpert Professional was utilized to establish the optimal modeling fit. According to the statistical analysis, notably for the root mean square error (RMSE), determination coefficient (R2 ), and residual chi-square (χ2 ), Midilli-Kucuk has deemed the optimal function for characterizing the kinetics of P. niruri drying. The effective diffusivity and drying activation energy of P. niruri were reported to be 4.050x10-9 m2/s – 1.620x10-8 m2/s and 55.23 kJ/mol, respectively. UV-VIS spectrophotometry was also employed to analyze the effects of the temperature on flavonoid content. The measurement showed that the flavonoid content from all dried herbs varied from 1.18-1.69 %, which already meets the Farmakope Herbal Indonesia’s standard. The highest flavonoid content was found at the lowest drying temperature.

Ameliorative Effects of Indole Acetic Acid and Naphthalene Acetic Acid on Some Biochemical Parameters of Soybean Exposed to Lead Toxicity

Lead (Pb) is a potential pollutant that readily accumulates in soils. IAA and NAA belongs to plant hormone auxin that promote plants growth. This work aim at examining possible ameliorative effects of Indole acetic acid (IAA) and Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) on some biochemical parameters of soybean exposed to Pb toxicity. Seeds of soybean (TGX 1835-10E) genotype were sown in 5kg bags of soil containing 1000mg/L of Lead nitrate (PbNO3). 40mg/L, 80 mg/L and 120mg/L each of IAA and NAA were prepared and applied by foliar method after 5 weeks of planting. Photosynthetic pigments, mineral elements and antioxidant enzymes were determined on the root, stem and leaf after 7 weeks of planting. Data were analysed using anova at 5% level of significance. The results showed that the level of chlorophyll a, b and carotenoid, mineral elements and antioxidant enzymes significantly increased in the root, stem and leaf of soybean treated with different concentration of Indole acetic acid (IAA) and Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) as compared with the control (C+ve). All bioregulators (IAA and NAA) concentrations significantly decreased in the level of Pb2+ (except 40mg/L IAA in the root and leaf while all concentration have significant effects in the stem) and also all concentration of (IAA and NAA) significantly increased in the level of biochemical parameters to different extent as compared to control(C+ve). These results show that Indole acetic acid (IAA) and Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) could ameliorate the Pb toxicity and therefore will be of relevance to agricultural producers.

Effect of Organic Waste Fertilizers on Growth and Development of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus)

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) is an important vegetable crop grown with high demand and economic value. Thus, to improve the growth and development of okra, organic fertilizer can minimize inorganic fertilizer usage. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse for 6 weeks to compare the growth rate of okra between a combination of organic waste fertilizers and NPK fertilizer and to determine the most suitable organic waste fertilizer combination with NPK fertilizer for the growth and development of okra. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 4 replications consisting of 5 treatments, where T0: no fertilizer, T1: NPK 12:12:17:2 (20 g), T2: NPK 12:12:17:2 (10 g) + vermicompost (25 g), T3: NPK 12:12:17:2 (10 g) + biochar (25 g), T4: NPK 12:12:17:2 (10 g) + chicken manure (25 g), respectively. Parameters assessed were plant height, number of leaves, chlorophyll content, number of fruits, fresh and dry weight, and soil pH. Results indicated that the growth and development of okra were significantly the lowest in T0 and T1 while the highest in T4. Okra in T4 showed the best performance by achieving the highest value for all parameters assessed after 6 weeks of planting. It can be deduced that NPK 12:12:17:2 (10 g) + chicken manure (25 g) might be the most suitable fertilizer combination to promote the higher growth of okra while reducing the dependency on inorganic compound fertilizers.

Assessment of gamma radiation through agro-morphological characters in camellia sinensis L. (O.) kuntze

Purpose To study the effects of gamma radiation on tea seed germination, morphological changes, and genetic variation by using gamma radiation. Material and Method Fresh Tea seed material were irradiated with twenty different doses of gamma radiation such as 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 90, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 Gy from Cobalt 60Co source from Regional Nuclear Agriculture Research Center, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya (BCKV), West Bengal, in between 2019 and 2020. Result and Conclusion The growth behavior of tea seedling was recorded under varying levels of gamma radiation and its performance at nursery stages. It was observed seed irradiated with doses from 35 Gy to 100 Gy could germinate but could not survive beyond five (05) months. When treated with higher doses as 200 Gy, 500 Gy and 1000 Gy, no seed germination takes places due to possible damages occur in the DNA structure. Screening of growth characteristics of tea plant generally monitored by the characteristics like plant height, number of leaves, number of primary branches, base diameter, and total leaf area of plants and we found that these characteristics significantly increased with the progress of time and increasing levels of gamma radiation; however, the plant height showed decreasing trend with the increasing levels of gamma radiation, which could be due to the change in chromosomal structure and genetic alteration. After 90 weeks of planting, the plant height, no. of primary branches, the number of leaves, plant base diameter, and total leaf area per plant recorded were 36.42 cm, 1/plant, 7.11/plant, 0.62 c.m, 22.92 cm2/plant respectively under the radiation level 30 Gy, whereas the corresponding figures of the above parameters at the control treatment were 85.32 cm, 1/plant, 18.84/plant, 1.18 c.m and 26.68 cm2/plant, respectively. The total plant height, no. of primary branches, the number of leaves, plant base diameter, and total leaf area per plant were significantly influenced by the rising levels of gamma radiation (up to 100 Gy), finally, after 90 weeks of planting, the maximum no. of branching was observed in the treatment of 8 Gy, 10 Gy and 15 Gy respectively. The study reveals a hitherto open the possibility of using gamma radiation on tea plant for creation of variation in the tea seed planting materials. Further studies on mutation using tea planting materials would give an insight into its mutable gene behavior.

Effect of Alkaloids Extracted from Local Lupine Plant on Growth and Yield in Pepper

One of the most important modern strategies to increase agricultural productivity is the recycling of wastes rich in important components that stimulate different physiological and biological activities in plants. Alkaloids removed from bitter lupine (Lupinus termis L.) seeds may be a good alternative natural source of industrial chemicals and may encourage plant growth and productivity as the recent global trend "aims to use natural materials to preserve the environment and avoid side effects. Due to the increased demand of sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) for its nutritional content and high acceptance, the study goal is to improve the growth and productivity of the locally produced pepper crop by using active biological substances such as alkaloids (free of carbohydrates) extracted from bitter lupine. Bitter lupine seeds were used to extract the alkaloids free of sugar, which were subsequently dried at a temperature no higher than 50 °C. Alkaloids extract was added to each plant at concentrations (0, 500, 100, 1000, 2000) mg dw/200 ml water and its effect on vegetative evolution, output, and quality of fruit cultivar Rumi Suez were evaluated. The experiment was conducted under greenhouses in the Agricultural Research Center/Ismailia Station during the winter agricultural seasons 2019/2020 in sandy soil using three replications, Randomized Complete Block Design (R.C.B.D) and the differences among the means were tested according to Duncan's test at p≤0.05. The results showed a considerable increment in the vegetative development indicators, including plant height, main branches number, leaf area, leaves number, wet and dried weight of leaves and stems and leaves chlorophyll levels, in addition to productivity yield per plant, total yield, vitamin C, and phenols when treated with alkaloids extracted. It was found that the mean number of fruits, yield per plant, total yield, vitamin C content, phenols, and fruit quality increased with increasing concentrations of alkaloids used. In order to achieve the highest production and quality of pepper fruits, it is recommended to add alkaloids extracted from bitter lupine seeds, free of sugars, at a concentration of 2000 mg for each plant, dissolved in an appropriate amount of water around the plant once after two weeks of planting and then repeating it a month after planting.

EFFECT OF DIFFERENT RATES OF BIOCHAR ON NODULATION AND YEILD OF SOYBEAN (Glycine max.L.merill)

The experiments were conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm, Faculty of Agriculture, Nasarawa State University, Shabu-Lafia Campus during 2018 and 2019 cropping seasons to evaluate the effect of different rates of biochar on nodulation and yield of soybean in Lafia, Southern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria. The experiments were laid in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Biochar at the rates of 0, 4, 8 and 12 tons/ha was incorporated into ridges at planting. Four seeds of soybean were planted per hole at a spacing of 5cm between plants on four manually prepared ridges of 2 m long spaced at approximately 75cm. The seedlings were thinned to two plants after two weeks of planting (WAP). All data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using GENSTAT statistical package while least significant difference was used to separate treatment means at 5% level of probability. The results obtained showed that biochar at the rate of 8 tons/ha significantly (p<0.05) produced the highest number of nodules (20.8 and 16.4), recorded the heaviest weight per 100 seeds (16.9 and 14.9g) and grain yield of soybean (1304.0 and 1316.7 kg/ha) in both cropping seasons. The results further revealed that the highest dose of biochar (12 tons/ha) in this study did not necessarily influence and increase any parameter tested except over the control (0.0 tons/ha) in both cropping seasons. Therefore biochar at the rate of 8 tons/ha is hereby considered to be the optimum rate for sustainable soybean production in the study area.

Productivity, nutrient use efficiency, energetic, and economics of winter maize in south India.

The winter maize area is rapidly spreading in south India in response to rising demand from the poultry and fish feed industries due to the absence of major environmental constraints. Further farmers' are using the winter environment to expand maize area and production. Hence there is immense potential to increase the area under winter maize cultivation. There were no planned field experiments to explore and optimize the right time of sowing and quantity of fertilizer to be added previously due to the presence of negligible winter maize area. Farmers used to cultivate maize as per their choice of sowing time with the application of a quantity of fertilizer recommended for rainy season maize. There were no efforts made towards working on economic analysis including energy budgeting. And hence the investigation was conducted with the objective to explore the optimal planting period and fertilizer levels for winter maize through economic and energy budgeting. Planting windows (1st week of October, 2nd week of October, 3rd week of October, 4th week of October, and 5th week of October) and fertility levels (100 percent recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), 150 percent RDF, and 200 percent RDF) were used as factors in Factorial Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The present investigation revealed that significantly higher winter maize productivity was achieved from the first and second week of October planting along with the application of 200% RDF (recommended dose of fertilizer) followed by 150% RDF. Planting of winter maize during the first week of October recorded significantly higher grain yield (8786kg ha-1) and stover yield (1220 kg ha-1) and was found on par with sowing during the second week of October. Among fertility levels, significantly higher grain yield (8320 kg ha -1) and stover yield (1195 kg ha-1) was recorded with the application of 200% RDF and were found on par with the application of 150% RDF. Further interaction effect showed that higher dry matter production, more days for physiological maturity, higher accumulation of growing degree days, photothermal units, and heliothermal units were recorded from crops planted during the first and second week of October along with the application of either 200% or 150% RDF. However, higher nutrient use efficiency was recorded from the first and second week of October planted crop supplied with lower fertility level (100% RDF). Similarly, significantly higher net returns and gross returns, output energy, net energy, and specific energy were higher from crops planted during the first week of planting along with the application of 200% RDF. Whereas, energy use efficiency and energy productivity were higher with the first week of October planted crop applied with 100% RDF. From the overall interaction, it is recommended to plant winter maize during the first fortnight of October with the application of 150 percent RDF for sustaining higher maize productivity, energy output, and economics in the maize growing area of south India.

Effects of Conservation and Conventional Tillage on some Soil Hydraulic Properties

The aim of the study is to compare the effects of both conservation tillage and conventional tillage on soil physical properties, such as soil water content, soil porosity, bulk density, and soil organic matter. The majority of farmers in Iraq apply conventional tillage for grain production, by using different types plow for land preparation before planting, which increases the cost of production. On the other hand, some farmers use conservation tillage as known as no-tillage system that involves the cultivation without tillage, the only soil disturbance being during the planting time. The research was conducted in Erbil Agriculture Research Directorate for planting bread wheat for three growing seasons (2017 – 2018), (2018 – 2019), (2019-2020) and (2020 – 2021). The land was divided into two parts, the first part was planted with no-tillage tillage, and the second part was planted with conventional tillage by using chisel plow and disk plow before planting. The results indicated that the soil physical properties and soil organic matter were influenced by tillage system. There are no significant differences between both tillage systems on soil moisture content from the sowing time until eight weeks of planting. However, no-tillage system has higher soil moisture content after eight weeks of sowing until flowering stage at 10cm depth. The no-tillage system decreases of soil bulk density and increases soil porosity and soil organic matter compared to conventional tillage system.

Nutrient loading Artemisia cana seedlings in greenhouse increases nitrogen tissue content and post‐outplanting survival

Sagebrush (Artemisia) is a vital habitat component for many grassland species and continued loss, fragmentation, and degradation of sagebrush habitats has increased the need for their restoration. Conventional revegetation methods have resulted in extremely low plant establishment and survival inhibiting the success of sagebrush restoration efforts. During greenhouse production, we sought to improve Artemisia cana seedling quality and post‐planting growth and survival by increasing tissue nutrient content. We conducted a preliminary 12‐week greenhouse study and a subsequent 26‐week greenhouse + 2‐season field study, investigating 12 nutrient loading treatments (application of 70, 105, 175, and 245 mg nitrogen [N] plant−1 at single, constant, exponential, and modified exponential rates). Nitrogen content of seedling leaves and roots at 26 weeks indicated that application of 175 and 245 mg N plant−1 on exponential or modified exponential dosing schedules resulted in nutrient‐loaded seedlings. Seedlings were planted into a cleared plot in Grasslands National Park, SK. After 60 weeks in the field, nutrient‐loaded seedlings had significantly greater survival (75%) than non‐loaded seedlings (65%) and greater crown area (1,351 vs. 1,004 cm2). Rhizomatous reproduction (sprouting) occurred within 4 weeks of planting. New sprouts had disproportionately larger crown areas (2,237 cm2) and greater survival (86%) than planted seedlings. Nutrient loading was an effective method to overcome high mortality that has inhibited restoration outcomes. Where plant materials and resources are limited, nutrient loading could be especially useful by improving seedling survival and crown area without increasing planting densities.