Pod Dry Weight Research Articles

Genetic Variability, Heritability, and Clustering Pattern Exploration of Bambara Groundnut (Vigna subterranea L. Verdc) Accessions for the Perfection of Yield and Yield-Related Traits.

Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea L. Verdc.) is considered an emerging crop for the future and known as a crop for the new millennium. The core intention of this research work was to estimate the variation of landraces of Bambara groundnut considering their 14 qualitative and 27 numerical traits, to discover the best genotype fitted in Malaysia. The findings of the ANOVA observed a highly significant variation (p ≤ 0.01) for all the traits evaluated. There was a substantial variation (7.27 to 41.21%) coefficient value, and 14 out of the 27 numerical traits noted coefficient of variation (CV) ≥ 20%. Yield (kg/ha) disclosed positively strong to perfect high significant correlation (r = 0.75 to 1.00; p ≤ 0.001) with traits like fresh pod weight, dry pod weight, and dry seed weight. The topmost PCV and GCV values were estimated for biomass dry (41.09%) and fresh (40.53%) weight with high heritability (Hb) and genetic advance (GA) Hb = 95.19%, GA = 80.57% and Hb = 98.52%, GA = 82.86%, respectively. The topmost heritability was recorded for fresh pod weight (99.89%) followed by yield (99.75%) with genetic advance 67.95% and 62.03%, respectively. The traits with Hb ≥ 60% and GA ≥ 20% suggested the least influenced by the environment as well as governed by the additive genes and direct selection for improvement of such traits can be beneficial. To estimate the genetic variability among accessions, the valuation of variance components, coefficients of variation, heritability, and genetic advance were calculated. To authenticate the genetic inequality, an unweighted pair group produced with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) and principal component analysis was executed based on their measurable traits that could be a steadfast method for judging the degree of diversity. Based on the UPGMA cluster analysis, constructed five distinct clusters and 44 accessions from clusters II and IV consider an elite type of genotypes that produce more than one ton yield per hectare land with desirable traits. This study exposed an extensive disparity among the landraces and the evidence on genetic relatives will be imperative in using the existing germplasm for Bambara groundnut varietal improvement. Moreover, this finding will be beneficial for breeders to choose the desirable numerical traits of V. subterranea in their future breeding program.

Selection of the Root Endophyte Pseudomonas brassicacearum CDVBN10 as Plant Growth Promoter for Brassica napus L. Crops

Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) is an important crop worldwide, due to its multiple uses, such as a human food, animal feed and a bioenergetic crop. Traditionally, its cultivation is based on the use of chemical fertilizers, known to lead to several negative effects on human health and the environment. Plant growth-promoting bacteria may be used to reduce the need for chemical fertilizers, but efficient bacteria in controlled conditions frequently fail when applied to the fields. Bacterial endophytes, protected from the rhizospheric competitors and extreme environmental conditions, could overcome those problems and successfully promote the crops under field conditions. Here, we present a screening process among rapeseed bacterial endophytes to search for an efficient bacterial strain, which could be developed as an inoculant to biofertilize rapeseed crops. Based on in vitro, in planta, and in silico tests, we selected the strain Pseudomonas brassicacearum CDVBN10 as a promising candidate; this strain produces siderophores, solubilizes P, synthesizes cellulose and promotes plant height in 5 and 15 days-post-inoculation seedlings. The inoculation of strain CDVBN10 in a field trial with no addition of fertilizers showed significant improvements in pod numbers, pod dry weight and shoot dry weight. In addition, metagenome analysis of root endophytic bacterial communities of plants from this field trial indicated no alteration of the plant root bacterial microbiome; considering that the root microbiome plays an important role in plant fitness and development, we suggest this maintenance of the plant and its bacterial microbiome homeostasis as a positive result. Thus, Pseudomonas brassicacearum CDVBN10 seems to be a good biofertilizer to improve canola crops with no addition of chemical fertilizers; this the first study in which a plant growth-promoting (PGP) inoculant specifically designed for rapeseed crops significantly improves this crop’s yields in field conditions.

PENGARUH PUPUK FOSFAT DAN INOKULASI CENDAWAN MIKORIZA ARBUSKULAR TERHADAP PERTUMBUHAN DAN HASIL KEDELAI HITAM (Glycine soja) VARIETAS MUTIARA-2

The purpose of this research was to know the interaction effect from phosphate fertilizers and mycorrhizal arbuscular fungi inoculation to the growth and yield of black soybean (Glycine soja) Varieties of Mutiara-2 and to know relationship between growth and yield component of black soybean (Glycine soja) Varieties of Mutiara-2. This research was conducted at Wanasaba Kidul, Talun Sub-District, Cirebon Regency, West Java, Indonesia from June until September 2018. This research is located at altitude of 20 meters above sea levels (masl) and rainfall type method is rainfall type C (rather wet). This research was arranged by Completely Randomized Block Design Factorial, with two factors and repeated three times. First factor is phosphate fertilizers rate with three levels (50, 100, 150 kg ha-1) per plots. Second factor is mycorrhizal arbuscular fungi inoculation rate with three levels (200, 400, 600 kg ha-1). The result showed that phosphate fertilizers gave significantly effect to flowering age, weight of dry pods per plant and weight of dry seeds per plant. Mycorrhizal arbuscular fungi inoculation gave significantly effect number of trifoliate leaves at 28 Days After Planted (DAP). There were interaction between phosphate fertilizers and mycorrhizal arbuscular fungi inoculation to plant height 21 DPA and 28 DPA, root volume and weight of dry seeds per plot.

Assessing the Pattern of Seed Development and Maturation in Yard Long Bean [Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis (L.) Verdcourt

Background: Seed maturation is genetically controlled process involves a sequence of morphological and physiological changes extending from fertilization to total independence from the mother plant. Yard long bean (Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis (L) verdcourt) is an important leguminous vegetable crop which meets greater demand of the vegetable especially in South India and some parts of North India. However, information on optimum harvest time of yard long bean seeds are still limited. Hence, this study was carried out to determine the physiological maturity of yard long bean to obtain good quality of seeds for better planting value. Methods: The laboratory experiment was carried out at Department of Seed Science and Technology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, India to determine the appropriate time of harvesting yard long bean cv. Arka Mangala seeds. The crop was raised as bulk in the field during kharif season of 2019 and the pods were harvested at three days interval from 3 days after anthesis (DAA) to 30 DAA and subjected for determinations of pod and seed characteristics. Result: The results revealed that pod length, pod fresh weight and pod dry weight increased rapidly during 3 DAA to 12 DAA and showed maximum pod length (67.7 cm), pod fresh weight (28.56 g/pod) at 12 DAA. The seeds attained physiological maturity at about 24 DAA with 22 per cent moisture content concurred with maximum dry weight (18.80 g/100 seeds), protein content (18.6%) and maximum physiological parameters viz., speed of germination (7.1), germination per cent (94%), root length (23.5 cm), shoot length (20.5 cm), dry matter production (0.949 g/10 seedlings), vigour index I (4136) and vigour index II (89).

Responses of naphthalene acetic acid and Pseudomonas inoculum on growth, yield and some biochemical parameters of sesame (Sesamum indicum L. var. BARI TIL-4)

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the responses of various concentrations of NAA (25, 50, 75 ppm) and Pseudomonas inoculum on growth, yield and some biochemical parameters of sesame (Sesamum indicum L. var. BARI Til-4). Results revealed that application of NAA treatments and Pseudomonas inoculum reduced plant height non-significantly. Significant result was recorded on number of branches per plants from 50 ppm NAA treated plants. Plants treated with 75 ppm NAA produced maximum number of leaves, fresh and dry weight of leaves and roots, leaf area per plant and specific leaf weight whereas significant variation was found on leaf area. Seeds treated with Pseudomonas inoculum exhibited maximum shoot and root ratio which showed non-significant variation with the results of NAA treated plants. Yield contributing parameters viz., number of pods per plant, fresh and dry weight of pods per plant, 1000-seed weight were recorded maximum from 75 ppm NAA which were statistically similar to control. Maximum length of pod and number of seeds per pod were also recorded from 75 ppm NAA treated plants which eventually produced 32.54% higher yield than control. Harvest index was significantly influenced by all the treatments. Foliar NAA treatments and Pseudomonas inoculum had stimulatory effects on pigment contents of fresh leaves at vegetative stage where, Pseudomonas inoculum treated plants produced significantly higher chlorophyll a and carotenoids content than control. Significantly higher protein content of fresh leaves and seeds were also recorded from 75 ppm NAA treated plants. Out of four treatments, 75 ppm NAA produced better responses in most of the parameters.

Interaction effect of Bacillus subtilis co-inoculation and mine water irrigation on cowpea's growth, physiology and nutritional quality

This study evaluated the interaction of Bacillus subtilis (BD233) co-inoculation and mine water (75% MW) irrigation on the growth, nodulation, physiology and nutritional quality of cowpea. Three cowpea genotypes were exposed to four treatments namely i) Co-inoculation with B. subtilis (B+) and irrigation with 75% MW, ii) Co-inoculation with B. subtilis (B+) and tap water irrigation (0% MW), iii) No B. subtilis co-inoculation (B-) and irrigation with 75% MW and iv) No co-inoculation with B. subtilis (B-) and irrigation with tap water (0% MW) (control). A factorial experiment was repeated once in a glasshouse using a randomized complete block design with five replications. The results showed that at 125 DAP, Nyira and Asetanapa, not co-inoculated with B. subtilis (B-) and irrigated with 0% MW showed significantly higher number of branches per plant whilst Soronko irrigated with 0% MW but co-inoculated with B. subtilis (B+) had the tallest plants with a corresponding higher biomass compared to the other treatments. With 0% MW irrigation, Soronko and Nyira co-inoculated with B. subtilis (B+) had the highest nodule counts, plant pod counts, pod fresh weight, pod dry weight, number of seeds and seeds fresh weight per plant compared to Asetenapa and control. Co-inoculation with B. subtilis affected heavy metals (Ca, Fe, Zn, Mn & Al) accumulation in shoot and grain of the tested cowpea genotypes. These findings clearly suggest that B. subtilis has ability to sequester heavy metals in soils polluted with mine water and also enhance the growth, nodulation and yield of an important economic crop.

Zinc application improves the yield and nutritional quality of three green bean genotypes grown in a Red Latosol

Zinc (Zn) deficiency affects a large part of the world’s population. Agronomic biofortification is an important tool used to address this situation. This work aimed to: (i) evaluate the effect of Zn application on soil Zn availability using Mehlich-1 and DTPA extractants; (ii) evaluate the effect of Zn fertilization on green bean growth; and (iii) correlate Zn availability with the nutritional quality and agronomic biofortification of pods. Three green bean genotypes were grown in Red Latosol using two Zn fertilizers (ZnO and ZnSO4) at five rates (0, 5, 10, 20, and 30 mg Zn kg−1), with three replicates. Zinc application significantly increased soil Zn availability, regardless of the fertilizer used. On average, 22.8 % more Zn was extracted with Mehlich-1 than with the DTPA method. High genotypic variation in shoot, pod, and root dry weight production was observed for the different treatments. Compared to the control, the application of ZnSO4 in Manteiga and Torino genotypes increased the pod dry weight by 41.4 % and 91.0 % at 14.0 and 14.6 mg Zn kg−1, respectively, while in the Favorito genotype there was no significant increase. The highest Zn concentrations in bean pods of Favorito and Torino genotypes were obtained at 17.5 and 19.9 mg Zn kg−1 as ZnSO4, respectively. Although there was high variability of responses to the Zn treatments, the application of Zn-containing fertilizers in Zn-deficient soil increased both pod production and the agronomic biofortification of pods.

Effect of Waterlogging Stress on Dry Matter Accumulation, Photosynthesis Characteristics, Yield, and Yield Components in Three Different Ecotypes of Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Waterlogging has a negative effect on peanut production, but few studies have focused on the relationship between the geographical origin and waterlogging tolerance of peanut varieties. To explore this problem, three different peanut ecotypes (Zhanhong 2, Zhongkaihua 1, and Huayu 39) were waterlogged for 5, 10, and 15 days at seedling stage (S), flowering and pegging stage (F), and pod-filling stage (P), respectively. The relationship between the ecotype and waterlogging tolerance was determined by analyzing the effects of waterlogging on dry matter accumulation, photosynthetic characteristics, yield, and the yield components of peanut. The soil and plant analysis development (SPAD), net photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (Gs), transpiration rate (Tr), and intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci) values in leaves decreased under waterlogging stress, which led to a significant decrease in yield and yield components. The most noticeable effect of waterlogging stress appeared at the P stage and deleterious effects increased with an extension of the duration of waterlogging, where the yield loss was mainly attributed to the decrease in the number of total pods (TP) and the number of full pods (FP). Significant relationships were found between total dry weight (TDW), leaf dry weight (LDW), pod dry weight (PDW), TP, and FP, and the waterlogging stress tolerance index (WTI). Additionally, the waterlogging tolerance of peanut ecotypes is closely related to their geographic origin, where the most waterlogging-resistant ecotype was Zhanhong 2, followed by Zhongkaihua 1 and Huayu 39. Finally, breeding backgrounds and screening indices (SPAD, Pn, dry matter accumulation, and pod characteristics) beneficial to waterlogging tolerance breeding are suggested.

Comparative Effects of Different Levels of Kolgrace Organic Fertilizer on the Growth and Yield Attributes of Greengram (Vigna radiata (L) Wilczek) in the Screenhouse

Aim: To investigate growth and yield response of greengram to different levels of Kolgrace organic fertilizer with a view to determining the most favorable application rate for greengram production.
 Study Design: Completely randomized design (CRD) with treatments replicated five (5) times.
 Place and Duration of Study: Screenhouse of the Department of Agronomy, University of Ibadan, Nigeria, between July to November 2016.
 Methodology: Six levels of kolgrace organic fertilizer were used (0.00, 0.50, 1.00, 2.00, 4.00 and 8.00 t ha-1). Top soil (0 -15 cm) was collected from the Teaching and Research Farm of the Department of Agronomy, and leached of nutrients by soaking and washing in water for 24 hours. 2 kg of air-dry soil was mixed with the appropriate fertilizer rate and filled in each pot. 3 seeds were sown per pot and thinned to 1 seed at 2 weeks after sowing (WAS). Chemical analysis of air-dry soil sample and Kolgrace fertilizer were done at the soil chemistry laboratory of the Department of Agronomy, University of Ibadan, Nigeria, to ascertain their elemental composition. Soil particle size distribution [1], Soil pH [2], exchangeable K and Na [3], exchangeable Mg and Ca [4], exchangeable acidity [5], organic matter and organic carbon [6], available P [7], Nitrogen [8] and micronutrients (Mn, Fe, Cu and Zn) [4] were determined.
 Results: Application rates were significant (p<0.05) for all the traits measured. 0.5 t ha-1 was significantly higher in plant height (39.5), number of pods (7.0) and dry pod weight (4.98). Application rate of 1 t ha-1 was higher in number of leaves (18.0) although was comparable to application rate of 0.5 t ha-1.
 Conclusion: Application rate of 0.5 t ha-1 was best for three of the five traits measured and is hereby recommended.

The Effect of Plant Density at the Maize-Soybean Intercropping Pattern Inoculated With Mycorrhizae and Organic Fertilizer to the Growth and Yield in Dry Land North Lombok, Indonesia

To avoid the risk of crop failure in a dry land, which is poor in organic matter and at the same time can increase the yield of maize and soybeans, intercropping cultivation techniques and the provision of organic materials are needed. This research aimed to determine the effect of plant density on the intercropping pattern of maize soybean inoculated with mycorrhizae and the addition of organic fertilizers to the growth and yield of maize soybean in dryland North Lombok. This research was conducted at Akar-Akar village in Bayan district of North Lombok. The experimental design with Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three blocks and five treatments intercropping patterns, i.e., P1 = 2 rows of corn: 2 rows of soybeans, P2 = 3 rows of corn: 2 rows of soybeans, P3 = 3 rows of corn: 3 rows of soybeans, P4 = 4 rows of corn: 2 rows of soybeans, P5 = 4 rows of corn: 3 rows of soybeans. Data were analyzed using two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's HSD (Honestly Significant Difference) means-tested at a 5% level of significance. The results showed that the intercropping density of 3 maize rows: 3 rows of soybean show the best growth and yield. Growth and yields on intercropping plant density treatment of 3 rows of maize : 3 rows of soybeans gave the highest yields on the wet and dry weight of maize cobs and soybean pods per plant, as well as the wet and dry weight of biomass, maize cobs and soybean pods per plot with the best results if compared to the density of other intercropping plants. The intercropping density of 3 maize rows: 3 rows of soybeans can also increase the number of spores and the percentage of mycorrhizae infections compared to other intercropping treatments.

EFFECT OF SPRAYING ASCORBIC ACID AND SALICYLIC ACID ON THE GROWTH AND YIELD OF FABA BEAN(VICIA FABA L.) GROWING IN SALT SOIL

A pot experiment was conducted in the Department of Soil Sciences and Water Resources at the College of Agriculture / Diyala University for the agricultural season 2018-2019. The seeds were planted in saline soils (EC = 8.1 dS m-1 ). The results showed that the treatments used in the research exceeded the comparison treatment in improving the growth and yield characteristics of the faba bean plant. All the treatments were significantly increase of plant height, fresh weight of shoot, dry weight of shoot and fresh weight of the pod comparison with control, all treatments were significantly increase of dry weight of pod except for the treatment of the first concentration of salicylic acid (SA1). While the treatment of the first level of both acids (AsA1SA1) and the interaction between the second concentrations of ascorbic acid with the first concentration of salicylic acid (AsA2SA1) were significantly superior compared to the comparison treatment in increasing the number of branches / plant.

ORGANIC FERTILIZATIONTO INCREASE YIELD OF SOYBEAN VAR. ANJASMORO INTERCROPPED WITH VARIOUS VARIETIES OF RED RICE UNDER AEROBIC IRRIGATION SYSTEM

This study aimed to examine the effect of organic fertilization and red rice varieties on growth and yield of soybean grown together with various red rice varieties under aerobic system irrigation. The pot experiment, carried out in the plastic house of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Mataram in the Narmada experimental farm, was arranged according to the Completely Randomized Design, with three replications and two treatment factors, namely organic fertilization using bokashi of cattle manure (16 ton/ha) applied at rice planting (P0 = without; P1 = with organic fertilizer), and red rice varieties (V1= AM-G2, V2= AM-G4, V3= AM-G9, V4= AM-G10, V5= Inpari 24, V6= Inpago Unram-1), under aerobic irrigation system through sub-irrigation. Pre-germinated soybean seeds (“Anjasmoro” variety) were relay-planted 18 days after planting rice. The results indicated that organic fertilization only significantly increased weights of dry stover, dry pods and grain yield of soybean, whereas rice varieties only affected dry pod weight, and the interaction effect was significant only on soybean grain yield, with the highest average of 17.77 g/pot (equivalent to 2.84 ton/ha) in soybean relay-planted with organic-fertilized rice of “Inpari 24” variety, which grain yield was the lowest (11.1 g/pot or 1,78 ton/ha), indicating that there were below-ground competitions between rice and soybean grown in one pot. However, in the treatment producing the highest rice grain yield (40.9 g/pot or 6.54 ton/ha), the average soybean grain yield was 13.7 g/pot (or 2.19 ton/ha), which is still quite high (far above the national productivity), so relay-planting soybean with rice crop in aerobic irrigation systems supplied with organic fertilizer is still feasible.

Foliar-applied Amcoton® and potassium thiosulfate enhances the growth and productivity of three faba beans varieties by improving photosynthetic efficiency

Amcoton® [a mixture of 0.45% naphthalene acetic acid and 1.25% naphthalene acetamide] and potassium thiosulfate (KTS) play a crucial role in growth and productivity enhancement of faba beans plants. The current study aimed to evaluate the potential impact of Amcoton® and KTS foliar application on growth, yield, and photosynthetic efficiency in three faba beans varieties (i.e. Giza-843, Nubaria-3, and Sakha-4) during 2016-17 and 2017-18 seasons. Results exhibited that Amcoton® and/or KTS significantly increased growth indices (e.g., plant height, number of leaves and branches, leaves area, shoot dry weight), yield component, and chlorophylls contents and photosynthetic efficiency in comparison with untreated control plants. Giza-843 showed significantly higher growth and productivity when compared to Nubaria-3 and Sakha-4. Seed yield significantly positive correlated with leaves area, chlorophyll content, plant height, number of branches, pods and seeds per plant, pod dry weight and biological yield. Results obtained through this study highlighted the potential impact of Amcoton® and/or KTS on enhancing the growth and productivity of faba beans plants by improving leaf chlorophylls contents and photosynthetic efficiency.

Response of Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr) to PS-Foundation 1-0-1 Biostimulant, Triple Super Phosphate, and Rhizobium Inoculant

ABSTRACTSoybean yields in Ghana are low and stagnant in spite of the trio of recommendations: (1) improved seed, (2) rhizobium inoculant and (3) phosphorous fertilizer application being promoted by government to boost productivity. This study evaluates the response of soybean to Pro-soil biostimulant, triple super phosphate (TSP), and rhizobium inoculant in the interior savanna of Ghana. A treatment structure comprising two mainplot factors (biostimulant and conventional), and four subplots factors; TSP, inoculant, TSP+Inoculant and unamended control arranged in a split-plot design was used for this study. Apart from dry matter which increased by 42%, Pro-soil biostimulant as a stand-alone management practice did not significantly increase agronomic parameters measured in this study. Biostimulant did not have a significant effect on grain yield, nodule weight, nodule number, canopy diameter, and plant height. Application of TSP alone, and in combination with inoculant, significantly increased yield, plant dry matter, nodule weight, nodule number, and dry pod weight. Highest soybean yield was obtained from TSP + Inoculant treatment, averaging 3.6 t ha−1 compared to 1.8 t ha−1 for control. Biostimulant, TSP+Inoculant combination resulted in yields as high as 4 t ha−1. Overall, the results indicate that neither PS-Foundation biostimulant nor rhizobia inoculation can be used as stand-alone management practices to increase soybean yield. However, an integrated application of PS-Foundation biostimulant, TSP, and inoculant could double current soybean yields in Ghana.

Single-seed sowing increased pod yield at a reduced seeding rate by improving root physiological state of Arachis hypogaea

Double-seed sowing (two seeds per hole) is the dominant pattern of peanut sowing in China, but within-hole plant competition usually limits their growth and yield formation. Besides, the traditional double-seed sowing method does not facilitate mechanization during sowing. The objective of this study was to determine if single-seed sowing at a proper seeding rate yielded better than traditional double-seed sowing pattern and the differences of physiological metabolism of roots. A field experiment was conducted in two consecutive years to compare pod yields of single-seed sowing at 180 000 (S180), 225 000 (S225), and 270 000 seeds ha−1 (S270) with that of double-seed sowing at 270 000 seeds ha−1 (D270) using a completely randomized block design with four replications. And the root bleeding sap rate, nutrient content, and the main hormone contents in root bleeding sap were also comparatively investigated. Although the pod yields of single-seed sowing at the three densities were higher than that of traditional double-seed sowing (D270), S225 yielded better than the other two single-seed sowing treatments (S180 and S270). The increased pod yield in single-seed sowing at 225 000 seeds ha−1 was mainly due to the higher pod dry weight per plant and harvest index. The improved pod dry weight and shoot growth had closely relationship with the enhanced root physiological traits such as the increased root bleeding sap rate, content of free amino acids, soluble sugars, K+, Mg2+, Zn2+, and Ca2+ of the individual plant root. The improved activity of root reductive, nitrate reductase (NR) and ATPase and higher zeatin and zeatin riboside (Z+ZR) content of root bleeding sap were also crucial to the pod and shoot growth of peanut. Single-seed sowing at a moderate seeding rate (S225) is a potential practice to increase pod yield and to save seed cost.

Response and adaptation to the accumulation and distribution of photosynthetic product in peanut under salt stress

To clarify the response and adaptability of peanut under salt stress, Huayu 25 was used as the material, and non-salt stress (CK), 0.15% salt stress (S1), and 0.3% salt stress (S2) were applied as three treatments. The study analysed the effects of salt stress on photosynthetic characteristics, photosynthetic substances accumulation and distribution as well as the ecological adaptability of peanuts. The results showed that net photosynthetic rate (Pn), SPAD value, leaf area, and peanut yield were reduced under salt stress. Pn in CK was 13.71 and 28.72% higher than that in S1 and S2 at the 50th day after planting, respectively. At the same growth period, the SPAD value among treatments was ranked as follows: CK>S1>S2. The 100-pod mass, 100-kernel mass, kernel rate to pod, and pod mass per plant were reduced under salt stress, and the trend was CK>S1>S2. The distribution proportion of dry matter in different organs of peanut plant was changed to adapt to such stress. Roots under salt stress intensively distributed in a 0–40 cm soil layer for salt resistance. Dry mass proportion in stems and pods increased during the vegetative stage and early period of reproductive stage, respectively. The maximum growth rates of the pod volume, pod dry weight, and seed kernel dry weight all declined, and the pod and kernel volume at harvest were reduced, improving the seed plumpness under salt stress. This finding could be useful in growing peanut in saline soil.

Biochar affects growth and shoot nitrogen in four crops for two soils.

To address the need for information on biochar effects on crop growth and nitrogen (N), a greenhouse study was conducted with carrot, lettuce, soybean, and sweet corn using sandy loam (Coxville series) and loamy sand (Norfolk series) soils and a variety of biochars. Biochar was produced from pine chips (PC), poultry litter (PL), swine solids (SS), switchgrass (SG), and two blends of PC plus PL (50/50% [55] and 80/20% [82], wt/wt), with each feedstock pyrolyzed at 350, 500, or 700 °C. The results confirmed that biochar can increase crop growth; however, the responses varied with crop, soil, and feedstock and to a lesser extent with pyrolysis temperature. In general, lettuce had large increases in shoot and root dry weights vs. no-biochar controls with many biochars, primarily the SS and 55 blend and to a lesser extent with 82 followed by PL, and then PC and SG, especially when grown in the Coxville soil. Biochar had more limited effects on carrot, sweet corn, and soybean weights. Some biochars decreased crop growth (e.g., PL at 700 °C) for soybean shoot and pod dry weights with the Norfolk soil. Shoot N concentrations decreased with SS, 55, and 82 for carrot, lettuce, and sweet corn with the Norfolk soil but tended to increase for soybean. Shoot N uptake increased or decreased depending on biochar feedstock and temperature, crop, and soil. These results confirm that biochar can increase crop growth and affect shoot N, which is essential for crop growth.

Selection criteria for genetic improvement of sugar snaps (Pisum sativum var. saccharatum) based on components of genetic variability

The present investigation was conducted on newly generated material of sugar snaps comprising of 29 advanced breeding lines (F7) developed from 4 interspecific crosses at HP Agricultural University, Palampur along with 7 lines collected from different institutes in randomized complete block design over three replications during winter 2016-17. The phenotypic (PCV) and genotypic (GCV) coefficients of variation were high for straw yield/plant while branches/ plant, internodal length, pods/plant, dry pod weight and seed yield/plant showed high PCV with moderate GCV. High heritability and genetic advance was recorded for internodal length, plant height, straw yield/plant, dry pod weight and seed yield/plant, indicating additive gene effect for their inheritance. Seed yield/plant was positively associated with pod length, seeds/pod, protein content of seed, straw yield/ and 100-seed weight both at phenotypic and genotypic levels. Harvest index and straw yield contributed maximum via their direct and indirect contributions towards totalassociation of these traits with seed yield while, nodes/ plant, internodal length, 100-seed weight and seeds/pod also contributed to some extent. Therefore, these traits would be of great significance for achieving enhanced performance of genotypes for seed yield.

Limiting Nutrients for flower and Seed Formation of Viola (Viola cornuta L.)

Hara fosfat dan atau kalium menjadi faktor pembatas pada pembentukan bunga dan produksi benih tanaman viola (Viola cornuta L). Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh hara pembatas terhadap jumlah bunga dan komponen hasil benih tanaman tetua betina viola. Penelitian dilaksanakan pada Juni sampai Agustus 2018 di kebun PT. Selektani Horticulture, Magelang. Penelitian ini dilakukan dengan pendekatan Minus One Element Technique dengan 5 perlakuan yaitu Standar Sub Tropis, modifikasi tropis, P, K, PK yang diulang sebanyak 5 kali sehingga didapatkan 25 satuan percobaan. Hasil pengamatan dianalisis dengan metode sidik ragam dengan akurasi 95%. Untuk mengetahui perbedaan antar perlakuan digunakan Uji DMRT dengan tingkat probabiltas 5%. peubah pengamatan meliputi jumlah bunga, jumlah polong, bobot basah polong, bobot kering polong, bobot kering benih, jumlah biji per polong. Dari sisi mutu meliputi daya berkcambah benih (DB), kecepatan perkecambahan (KCT) dan keserempakan perkecambahan (KST). Tanpa pemupukan P dan K, tanaman hanya menghasilkan jumlah bunga, jumlah polong, benih bersih per tanaman dan daya berkecambah berturut-turut 76.62%, 73%, 57.95% dan 53% dibandingkan perlakuan Standar Sub Tropis.
 Kata kunci: minus one element technique, produksi benih, tanaman hias, unsur P dan K.

DAMPAK RESIDU LUMPUR SAWIT DAN DOLOMIT TERHADAP PERTUMBUHAN DAN HASIL KACANG TANAH (Arachis hypogaea L.) DI ULTISOL

[THE IMPACT OF PALM OIL SLUDGE RESIDUES AND DOLOMITE RESIDUES ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF PEANUT (Arachis hypogaea L.) IN ULTISOL]. This study aims to determine the best interaction between palm oil sludge (POS) residues and dolomite residues, determine the best POS residue, and determine the best dolomite residue in the growth and yield of peanut plants. This research was conducted from March 2018 to June 2018, the design used was a Complete Randomized Block Design (RCBD) with two factors. The first factor is POS residue with 3 levels, 0, 10, and 20 tons/ha. The second factor is dolomite residue with 4 levels, namely 0, 2, 4, and 6 tons/ha. The results showed that the best treatment combination was obtained from oil POS residue of 10 tons/ha and dolomite residue of 2 tons/ha which produced the highest total root nodule weights of 0.2417 g. POS residue of 20 tons/ha gives the highest yield on the growth component, which is an average plant height of 16.72 cm. POS residue of 10 tons/ha gave the highest yield on the growth component, namely dry stover weight of an average of 9.57 g, as well as the yield component of 45.20 total pods, 32.84 pods, total pod weight 43.47 g, and the weight of pith pods weighing 36.60 g. The highest total dry pod weight was 2.71 tons/ha. Dolomite residue gave a higher yield on all growth variables and observed results, with the highest total dry pod weight being 2.68 tons/ha.