Pod Weight Research Articles

IMPACT OF SPRAYING 19:19:19 AS A DROUGHT MITIGATION TECHNIQUE ON YIELD AND B:C RATIO OF RAINFED GROUNDNUT IN CHITTOOR DISTRICT

The on-farm trial was conducted in the farmer’s fields of Chittoor district to assess the impact of spraying of 19:19:19 during water stress conditions of groundnut crop on yield and profitability during kharif, 2021 and kharif, 2022. Treatments assessed comprised of spraying of 0.5% 19:19:19 twice during the water stress conditions, spraying of 2% urea twice during water stress conditions and farmers practice (without spraying). Results of the study revealed that spraying of 0.5% 19:19:19 and 2% urea recorded 9.9% and 7.4% enhancement in the pod yield than the farmers practice (9.42 q ha-1). It was also recorded that spraying of 19:19:19 improved the number of filled pods per plant, 100 pod weight and seed weight by 25.1 g, 93.6 g and 38.9 g and by spraying of 2% urea by 24.9 g, 91.5 g and 37.0 g. Economic analysis revealed that additional cost of spraying of 19:19:19 (Rs.300/-) and urea (Rs.625/-) resulted in additional income of Rs.5005 ha-1 and Rs.3596 ha-1, respectively with a B:C ratio of 1.09 and 1.08, whereas, in farmers practice B:C ratio was found to be 1.00.

Impact of organic liquid fertilizers on growth and yield performance of Green Bean (<em>Phaseolus vulgaris</em> L.) in non-circulating hydroponic system

Non-circulating hydroponic systems are a type of soilless production system that has been found to be extremely productive, low-cost, water, land efficient, and well-suited to avoid fertilizer leaching and groundwater contamination. The experiment was conducted to study the effect of liquid organic nutrient solutions on Green Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivation in non-circulating hydroponic system. The experiment was laid out in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with seven treatments having fifteen replicates. The treatments were recommended inorganic fertilizer application (T1), ½ doses of Albert’s solution with 0.5% vermiwash (T2), 1% vermiwash (T3), 1.5% vermiwash (T4), 0.5% vegetable waste solution (T5), 1% vegetable waste solution (T6), 1.5% vegetable waste solution (T7) was used as media. The results revealed that plant height, number of leaves and branches per plant, leaf area, dry weight of leaves and length of pods were significantly (P<0.05) varied at 6th week after planting and it was high in T5. However, number of pods per plant, girth of pods, fresh and dry weight of pods and yield were high in T2 at 3rd picking while yield at 1st and 2nd picking were high in T5. This result suggests that ½ doses of Albert’s solution with 0.5% vegetable waste solution (T5) and ½ doses of Albert’s solution with 0.5% vermiwash (T2) would be the potential source of plant nutrients for sustainable crop production of bean in Non-circulating Hydroponic system.

The Application of Compost Extract and Biopesticide in Three Different Varieties of Soybean (Glycine max L.)

Soybeans are high in protein and vegetable oil. However, soil fertility, among other factors, has resulted in low production. This study aimed to compare the effects of shrimp shells compost extract (EKKU) and Mushroom Substrate Media Compost Extract (EKMTJ) fertilizers in combination with bio-insecticides with active ingredients from Beauveria bassiana on the growth and production of soybean. This was a factorial randomised design study with two factors. The first factor was compost extract, with P1: EKKU and P2: EKMTJ. Furthermore, the second factor is a dosage of bioinsecticides with B. bassiana active ingredients of 1 litre/ha (B1) and 2 litres/ha (B2). The results showed that the application of shrimp shell compost extract (EKKU) combined with 2 litres/ha bioinsecticide gave the best results in plant height and shoot weight. On the other hand, the application of mushroom substrate medium compost extract (EKMTJ) gave the best results for wet and dry weight of plant pods and canopy dry weight.

Genetic Variability in Vegetable Pea (Pisum sativum var. hortense) Genotypes in Bundelkhand Region

This study aimed to assess the genetic variability in vegetable pea (Pisum sativum var. hortense L.) under the Bundelkhand region. A total of 25 pea accessions were collected from different regions of Uttar Pradesh and Bundelkhand and evaluated for various traits. The estimates of the mean sum of squares due to genotypes were highly significant for all the characters showing the existence of genetic variation in the source material. For the majority of the quantitative characteristics and qualitative traits, high phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation were observed. Most of the traits showed high heritability together with high genetic advance. Based on the mean performance the genotypes/variety Narendra Matar 2, VVP 1, JVP 1 and JVP 2 had the highest yield. The variety VVP 1 has good plant height, high seed and pod weight. The varieties JVP 1 and Kashi Nandini have taken fewer days to maturity and also yielded well so these varieties can be also recommended for use a parent for improvement of local material in the Bundelkhand region.

Effect of Prohexadione Calcium Application Timing and Rate on Peanut (Arachis hypogaea) Growth and Yield in Mississippi

Excessive vegetative growth in peanut can lead to decreased harvest efficiency. Peanut vegetative growth is often managed with the plant growth regulator prohexadione calcium. Although application of prohexadione calcium is recommended at 50% and 100% canopy closure (CC) as defined by lateral vines touching, research on the optimal application timing and rate has been minimal. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of prohexadione calcium application timing and rate based on percent canopy closure. Experiments were conducted at 6 different sites in Mississippi over 2 years. Treatments in 2020 included prohexadione calcium applied at 50% CC + one application at 100% CC (recommended by product label), two applications in one week at 100% CC, and three applications in one week at 100% CC. In 2020, all prohexadione calcium applications were made at 140 g a.i./ha. Treatments in 2021 included application timings at 50% and 100% CC and multiple application rates at each timing including 70 g a.i./ha, 140 g a.i./ha, and 280 g a.i./ha. Peanut response was evaluated based on pod weight after digging, pod count after digging, dry plant weight, pod loss, and peanut yield. Dry plant weight, pod loss, and pod weight were unaffected by prohexadione calcium application. Peanut yield ranged from 6200 kg/ha to 7300 kg/ha across years, locations, and prohexadione calcium treatments. Yields following all prohexadione calcium application timings and rates were similar to those following applications at the recommended timings and rate. With the exception of two applications in one week at 100% CC, yield response following prohexadione application was similar to that of the untreated check. Therefore, prohexadione calcium application timings and rates are likely more flexible than the labelled recommendation with respect to vegetation management; however, yield enhancement following application was inconsistent.

Respon Pertumbuhan dan Produksi Kacang Tanah (Arachis hypogea L.) Terhadap Pemberian Pupuk Organik Asam Humat

Peanuts are a crop with a large demand in Indonesia after soybeans and will increase every year in the projected development of peanuts even until 2025. In Indonesia, especially in the East Java region as a center for Indonesian peanuts, production fluctuates due to inadequate land availability. . This study aims to assess the response of growth and production of peanut plants to doses of humic acid in Antirogo Village, Sumbersari District, Jember Regency. It was carried out from October 25 2022 to January 2023. This study was designed using a non-factorial randomized block design with a single factor, namely humic acid dose. The treatment consisted of 6 levels namely Control, 5kg/ha, 10kg/ha, 15kg/ha, 20kg/ha, 25kg/ha. These results were analyzed using ANOVA if they showed significantly different results then further tested using the BNJ level of 5%. The results showed that the application of humic acid at a dose of 25 kg/ha had a significant effect on the number of branches, fresh pod weight, and the SPAD value. The application of humic acid at a dose of 10 kg/ha had a significantly different effect on the parameter number of rich pods with an average of 36.38 rich pods.

Penggunaan Konsentrasi dan Interval Penyemprotan Pupuk Daun Terhadap Produksi Benih Kacang Hijau (Vigna radiata L.)

Mung bean has an economically competitive value, namely a selling price that is more stable orhigher than other bean crops. Demand for mung bean commodities increases from year to year in line withpopulation growth and increased public awareness for nutrition and health improvements. This study aims todetermine the interaction effect of foliar fertilizer concentration and spraying interval on mung bean seedproduction. This research was conducted from September to December 2022 at the Jember State Polytechnic.This study used a factorial randomized block design (RBD) with 3 replications. The first treatment of foliarfertilizer concentration (P) consisted of 3 levels namely P0 (6g/l), P1 (8g/l) and P2 (10 g/l). The secondtreatment was the interval of foliar spraying which consisted of 3 levels, namely I1 (once every 5 days), I2(once in 10 days) and I3 (once in 15 days). The data obtained were then analyzed using the F test (ANOVA),if the results showed a significantly different effect then it was continued with the 5% level DMRT test. Theresults showed that the interaction of concentration treatment and foliar spraying intervals had a verysignificant effect on the parameter of the amount of production per hectare with the best treatment P1I3(0.655 tons), then had a significantly different effect on the parameter number of pods per plant with thehighest average P1I3 (10.67 fruit) and pod weight parameter per plant P1I1 (8.42 gram)

Effect of Different Doses of Sulfur on Growth and Yield of Rapeseed (Brassica campestris var. Lumle Tori)

Sulfur plays an important role in the growth and yield of rapeseed plants. A field experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with seven levels of sulfur (60 kg/ha, 50 kg/ha, 40 kg/ha, 30 kg/ha, 20 kg/ha, 10 kg/ha, and 0 kg/ha in three replicates) to evaluate the effect of different doses of sulfur on the growth and yield of rapeseed (Brassica campestris var. Lumle Tori) in Khairahani, Chitwan. Plant height, number of branches per plant, number of pods per plant, pod length, grain per pod, pod weight, fresh weight, dry weight, stover weight, harvest index, and grain yield were recorded. Significant differences were observed in plant height, yield-related traits, and grain yield. The results showed significant differences between the growth and yield-related traits of the different treatments. Plant height and number of branches increased with increasing sulfur dose, reaching a maximum of 60 kg/ha. The maximum number of pods per plant was observed at 20 kg/ha, and the maximum pod length and grain per pod were observed at 60 kg/ha. Grain yield and harvest index were maximum at 20 kg/ha. The results showed that the maximum grain yield could be obtained by applying 20 kg/ha of sulfur. These findings provide valuable guidance for optimizing agricultural practices to meet the increasing global demand for oilseeds.

Performance of Horse Gram [Macrotyloma uniflorum (L.) Verdc] Germplasm for Seed Yield and Its Component Characters

The present investigation was carried out with 78 diverse horse gram [Macrotyloma uniflorum (L.) Verdc] genotypes along with 4 checks during the late Kharif season. Data was recorded on days to 50 percent flowering, days to maturity, plant height, number of branches per plant, pod length, number of seeds per pod, number of pods per plant, pod weight (g), seed yield per plant (g), and 100-seed weight (g). Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among all the genotypes for all the characters studied. A wide range of variations had been observed for all the characters except for the number of seeds per pod. The highest coefficient of variation was observed in the number of pods per plant followed by 100 seed weight and seed yield per plant. The phenotypic coefficients of variation (PCV) were higher than the genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for all the traits but the differences were narrow. The highest magnitude of PCV and GCV were recorded for seed yield per plant (g) followed by pod weight (g) indicating a wide range of variation which provides a chance for yield improvement. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was observed for plant height, number of branches per plant, number of pods per plant, pod weight, seed yield per plant, and 100 seed weight indicating additive gene action and the abundant scope for improvement in these traits through simple selection. This study provides information about the performance of the genotypes and identifies some prominent genotypes. Thirty-three genotypes recorded significantly higher seed yield per plant as compared to the best-performing check. These genotypes were IC 426292, IC 470167, IC 426471, IC 470229, IC 470206, IC 470262, IC 426464, IC 107247, IC 108076, IC 426550, IC 426540, IC 108078, IC 426537, IC 470166, IC 467865, CRHG-1, IC 426539, IC 426478, IC 426524, IC 426549, IC 426522, IC 470170, IC 261278, IC 470188, IC 426535, IC 107222, IC 226533, IC 426574, IC 426523, IC 526965, IC 426571, IC 426517 and IC 426538. These genotypes may be further used for parental selection in breeding programs for the improvement of yield and its attributes in horse gram.

Evaluation of Moringa (Moringa oliefera. Lam) Genotypes for Seed Oil Yield and Quality

A study was carried out at the Department of Vegetable Science, Horticultural College and Research Institute, Periyakulam,2022 in ten moringa genotypes to assess pod, seed characters, seed oil yield, and quality. In pod characters, among ten genotypes PKM MO-3 recorded the highest pod length (75 cm) & fresh pod weight (154 g), PKM MO 7 recorded the highest dry pod weight (37 g), PKM MO 2 recorded the highest pod girth (7.7 cm) and PKM MO 9 recorded the lowest pod length, fresh pod weight, Number of seeds per pod and pod yield per tree. In seed characters PKM MO 3 registered the highest seed length (0.92 cm), seed width(0.79cm), seed diameter(1.20cm) and PKM MO 10 recorded the lowest highest seed length (0.72 cm), seed width (0.64 cm) and seed diameter (0.96 cm). The moringa seed oil composition extracted with different methods such as the expeller pressed method, soxhlet extraction method, and Clevenger extraction method were compared. The oil yield obtained by expeller, soxhlet, and Clevenger was 27.84, 26.1, and 25.35 percent respectively. Also, specific gravity, density, viscosity, and refractive index were measured by different methods of oil extraction in ten genotypes. These results promoted the use of expeller expeller-pressed method for the extraction of high-quality moringa oil.

Effects of Nano-copper Oxide on Physiobiochemical Properties of Brassica chinensis L. and Its Heavy Metal Accumulation Under Cadmium Stress

To investigate the effects of nano-copper oxide (CuO NPs) on plant growth, physio-biochemical characteristics, and heavy metal content under cadmium stress, a hydroponics experiment was conducted on the effects of single and combined treatments of CuO NPs (0, 10, 20, and 50 mg·L-1) and Cd (0, 1, and 5 μmol·L-1) on the fresh weight, photosynthetic pigment content, MDA content, antioxidant enzyme activity (CAT, POD, SOD, and GR), and Cu and Cd contents in Brassica chinensis L. The results showed that under the single addition of CuO NPs, the fresh weight and activities of CAT, POD, and GR were inhibited as a whole. Photosynthetic pigment content and SOD activity increased first and then decreased with the increase in CuO NPs concentration, whereas MDA content in leaves and roots, and Cu content in subcells of B. chinensis L. increased with the increasing of CuO NPs. As compared with that in the control, CuO NPs promoted the growth of B. chinensis L., and the fresh weight increased by 8.70%-44.87% at 1 μmol·L-1 Cd. When the content of Cd was up to 5 μmol·L-1, a low content (10 mg·L-1) of CuO NPs promoted the growth of B. chinensis L., whereas a high concentration (50 mg·L-1) showed an inhibitory effect. The addition of CuO NPs could increase photosynthetic pigment and MDA contents under different Cd stress, and MDA content in leaves and roots of B. chinensis L. increased by 4.34%-36.27% and 13.43%-131.04%, respectively, than that in the control groups. Under the same concentration of 1 μmol·L-1 Cd, the addition of CuO NPs decreased the activities of CAT and GR, whereas the activity of POD increased. When the content of Cd was up to 5 μmol·L-1, CuO NPs increased the POD activity and inhibited the activity of SOD and GR. The activities of CAT and CAT in the leaves of B. chinensis L. initially showed an increasing and then decreasing trend. CuO NPs and Cd showed antagonistic effects, the maximum reduction of Cd content in leaves and roots of Brassica chinensis L. under 1 μmol·L-1 Cd treatment was 45.64% and 33.39%, and that under 5 μmol·L-1 Cd treatment was 18.25% and 25.35%, respectively. The content of Cu and Cd in subcellular organs of the plants decreased, but the proportion of soluble components increased. These results indicated that CuO NPs at low concentrations promoted plant growth under Cd stress and further inhibited the absorption of Cd but increased the oxidative damage to B. chinensis L.

GJG-9: A high yielding and stem rot tolerant Spanish bunch groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) variety for Gujarat state

A Spanish bunch groundnut genotype GJG-9 was identified based on the mean pod yield from the state level trials. It has recorded higher pod yield of 1632 kg/ha as compared to the checks viz., GG-2 (1255 kg/ha), GG-5 (1355 kg/ha) and GG-7 (1413 kg/ha). The genotype was also tested in Spanish bunch trials of AICRPG and performed better than GG-2 by 9.95% and 12.20% during kharif, 2007 and 2008, respectively with a mean increase of 11.00%. But, it was comparable with GG-7 and TG-37A. Average kernel yield of GJG-9 was 1183 kg/ha as against the checks viz., GG-2 (935 kg/ha), GG-5 (997 kg/ha) and GG-7 (1026 kg/ha). GJG-9 had recorded an average 100 kernel weight of 36.89 g, average 100 pod weight of 96.70 g and average shelling out-turn of 72.49%. The reaction against tikka, rust and collar rot, the variety was comparable to the check varieties under field conditions. However, GJG-9 was found tolerant to the stem rot as compared to the check varieties. Whereas, the damage due to thrips and jassids of GJG-9 was comparable to the check varieties. Based on the superior performance, GJG-9 has been released in 2010 for general cultivation in the kharif bunch groundnut growing areas of Gujarat State.

Effect of Foliar Spray of Iron (Fe)- Fortified Humic Substances and Humic Acid on Growth, Nodulation and Yield of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) in a Calcareous Vertisol

The response to foliar application of Fe-fortified humic substances (HS) and humic acid (HA) on the growth, nodulation and yield characteristics of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) var. TMV 2 in a calcareous Vertisol was studied in a pot culture experiment. There were 16 treatments viz., Absolute control (T1), only RDF (T2), RPP: RDF +FYM @ 7.5 t + FeSO4 @ 25kg ha-1+ ZnSO4 @ 25 kg ha-1 (T3), RDF + Foliar FeSO4.7H20 @ 0.5% (T4), and T5 to T16, where two different concentrations, 0.25 and 0.50 % of humic substances (HS) (Humic acid + Fulvic acid) and humic acid (HA) were fortified separately with 250, 500 and 750 ppm Fe. Among all treatments, higher values of growth parameters like number of leaves, branch count and yield parameters like number of pods (19.33 pods plant-1), pod weight (18.84 g plant-1), kernel yield (12.85 g plant-1), shelling % (68.25 %) and 100 kernel weight (33.28 g) were recorded in the treatment RDF + Foliar Fe- fortified HS (0.50 % HS+ Fe @ 500 ppm) (T9) followed by treatment with RDF + Foliar Fe- fortified HA (0.50 % HA+ Fe @ 500 ppm) (T15). The plant height and dry matter yield were recorded maximum under foliar spray of 0.25 % HS fortified with 500 ppm Fe (T6) (21.83 cm and 6.27 g plant-1 at 60 DAS; 33.83 cm and 36.75 g plant-1 at harvest, respectively). For nodulation parameters, T3 (only RPP) recorded the best results and remained statistically on par with treatment T9.

Genetic Variability Analysis for Growth and Yield Parameters in Cluster Bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.) under Rainfed Conditions

The experiment was carried out to study the genetic variability among 56 genotypes of cluster bean at Central Horticultural Experiment Station (ICAR-CIAH), Godhra, Gujarat during the year 2020, 2021 and 2022. Significant inter- genetic differences were recorded for all the plant characters. The highest estimates of genotypic co- efficient of variation (GCV) and phenotypic co- efficient of variation (PCV) were observed in case of pod yield per plant (86.50 and 86.30), pods per plant (65.27and 64.98) followed by pod weight (51.34 and 50.90), pods per plant (65.27and 64.98) and pod length (31.14 and 31.00) indicating that a greater amount of genetic variability which allow greater scope for selection in these traits. High heritability was recorded all the character under study viz., for plant height (98.60%), number of pods plant (99.10%), pod length (99.60%), pod girth (95.10%), pod weight (98.40%), days to first flowering (99.30), days to first harvest (95.60) and pod yield per plant (99.60%). High genetic advance as per cent mean was observed for plant height at (31.98%), number of pods per plant (133.30%), pod length (63.88%), pod girth (27.81%), pod weight (104.08%) and pod yield per plant (177.45%) whereas, the moderate genetic advance as per cent of mean was observed for days to first flower (14.83%) and days to first harvest (11.38%). Both high heritability (broad sense) and genetic advance were high for pod yield/ plant (99.60% and 177.45%), number of pods/ plant (99.10% and 133.30%) followed by pod weight (98.40% and 104.08%). Such high heritability, followed by such rapid genetic advancement, suggests that selection may be beneficial for such qualities. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as per cent of mean traits were under the strong influence by additive gene action and hence simple selection based on phenotypic performance of these traits would be more effective and genetic improvement for these characteristics might be considered.

Yield Components of Red Yardlong Bean Pod Genotypes (Vigna unguiculata (L.) ssp. sesquipedalis)

One of the legume plants with development potential is the yardlong bean. Because they have a high anthocyanin content, yardlong bean red pods are crucial for maintaining human health. There are multiple red-purple pod lines as a result of the crossing of the two parents purple pod and green pod. The purpose of this study was to assess the yield component of bean lines that were thirteen yards long. The study was carried out in Tembalang, Semarang, Central Java’s Agrotechno Park. Using genotype as the only component, the experiment used a randomized complete block design (RCBD). Agronomic characteristics such as harvesting time, number of pods, pod weight, length, number of seeds per pod, and weight of 1000 seeds were observed. The result showed that one genotype from F7 generation FPT A 3-4-10-1 had superior characters compared to the cultivar check in harvesting time, the number of pods, pod weight, and the number of seeds per pod. The agronomic characters that has been characterized can be may be used as potential donors for future hybridization programs to develop superior yard long bean variety with good yield components.

Growth Response of Two Soybean (Glycine Max (L.) Merr) Varieties Denna 1 And Rajabasa Subjected to Radiation Mutation Technique

One of the national initiatives to lessen reliance on imports of soybeans and attain soybean self-sufficiency by 2022 is soybean production. Gamma rays are used to irradiate the Denna 1 and Rajabasa kinds of soybean seedlings. The treatments utilized were planted in metal trays and varied from 0 to 1000 Gy. The germination rate was 40% in Rajabasa at 900 and 1000 Gy, which was the lowest, and 88.35% at 0 Gy on Denna 1. Denna 1 had the highest plant height at 0 Gy (34.53 cm), while Denna 2 had the lowest at 800 Gy (1.30 cm). Denna 1 had the most leaves (6.40 cm) at 200 Gy, whereas Rajabasa had the fewest at 400 Gy (0.50). Rajabasa-2 had the highest flowering age at M3 generation (44,33 days) and Denna-1.3 had the lowest (300 Gy) (41,67 days). Rajabasa mutant line had the maximum weight of full pods at 200 Gy (55,33 g), whereas Rajabasa-1 showed the lowest weight at 300 Gy (33 g). The outcome of this dosage orientation experiment may assist in determining the ideal dose for post-irradiated plants.

Growth and Production of Soybean (Glycine Max L.) Due to Urea Fertilization, Rhizobium sp. Inoculation and Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria in Saline Soil

The study aimed to examine the dose of urea fertilizer, the inoculation dose of Rhizobium sp., and the doses of phosphate solubilizing bacteria, as well as the interaction between the two in soybean cultivation in saline soils. The study was carried out from July to November 2021 at the Ecology and Plant Production Laboratory, Greenhouse, and Chemical Analysis, Faculty of Animal and Agriculture, Diponegoro University, Semarang. A factorial 3 x 4 Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 3 replications was the research methodology used. The dosage of urea fertilizer, with N0 = 100%, N1 = 90%, and N2 = 80%, is the first factor. The second factor is the dosage of Rhizobium sp. and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria that are inoculated, with P0 = No inoculum (control), P1 = 3 g/seed, P2 = 6 g/seed, and P3 = 9 g/seed. According to the research, it can be concluded that Rhizobium sp. and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria, along with urea fertilization, had a significant impact on plant height and early flowering but had no significant on the number of leaves and wet weight of pods generated in saline soil.

The effect of vermicompost treatments on yield and yield components of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

This study was conducted to determine the effects of vermicompost treatments on yield and yield components of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) under Osmaniye ecological conditions, in Türkiye, in 2020-2021. It was designed according a complete randomized block with three replications. The NC-7 peanut variety was treated with eight different treatments of vermicompost plus a control. The treatments T1 through T4 included soil and leaves applications at different plant development stages, and treatments T5 through T8 were similar to the previous four but included only application to leaves. The number of pods per plant, pod weight per plant, 100-pod and seed weight, shelling percentage, first quality pod ratio, first quality pod weight ratio, protein content, and pod yield were determined. The number of pods per plant varied between 23.3 (control) and 33.4 (T1). The lowest pod weight per plant was 37.7 g in control treatment, and the highest in T1 (51.4 g). Pod yield was between 3579 kg∙ha-1 (control) and 4873 kg∙ha-1 in T1. The 100-pod weight was the lowest from the control treatment (208.4 g) and the highest from the T6 treatment (254.2 g); the weight of 100 seeds was minimum in the control treatment with 88.5 g and maximum in T5, with 102.3 g. The protein content varied between 24.11% (control) and 26.01% (T5). These results indicate that under the ecological conditions of Osmaniye province, there is a significant effect of vermicompost on most productive and quality variables of peanut.

Effect of Co-application of Different Biochars and Inorganic Fertilizers on the Growth and Yield of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.)

To manage necessary amount of food for the growing world population, it is very important to maintain fertility of usual arable land as well as to bring problem soils including sandy soil under coverage of regular crop cultivation. In this context, biochar is a very promising option as soil conditioner and therefore, a plant growth trial in pot was operated at the net house of the Department of Agroforestry and Environmental Science, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet to evaluate the influence of tea waste and sugarcane bagasse biochar on the morphology, yield and yield contributing traits of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) in sandy soil. The experimental set-up was arranged following randomized complete block design with three replications under eight treatments. The treatments were: T0 (CK, Control, no amendment), T1 (CF, Chemical fertilizers), T2 (2.5 % TWB (tea waste biochar) + CF), T3 (5% TWB + CF), T4 (10% TWB + CF), T5 (2.5% SBB (sugarcane Bagasse biochar) + CF), T6 (5% SBB + CF); and T7 (10% SBB + CF). The results revealed that the different morphological characteristics like plant height (PH), number of leaf plant-1 (NLP), leaf length (LL), plant fresh weight (PFW), and stem diameter (SD) showed no significant difference among the treatments. The highest PH (107.33 cm) and RL (70.67 cm) were found in T0 (CK) whereas the maximum LL (27.33 cm), SD (10.38 mm), and fresh root weight (FRW) (19.67g) were noted in T3. The maximum number of leaves plant-1 (NLP) (20) and PFW (110.67 gm) of okra were observed in T2 and T6, respectively. In case of total leaf chlorophyll content (TLCC), the maximum value was determined in T4 (47 µmol m-2), but the treatments were not significantly different from each other. The number of pod plant-1 (NPP) (23.7), pod length (PL) (18 cm), individual pod weight (IPW) (18 g), number of seed pod-1 (NSP) (45) and pod weight per plant-1 (PWP)(425 g) of okra were found to be highest in T7, followed by T4 and T6. The yield and yield contributing characters of okra showed significantly higher value for biochar treatments (T2 - T7) over to the control (T0) and sole chemical fertilizer treatment (T1). After the cultivation of okra, the highest pH value (7.2) was found in T7, followed by T6. The results of this study might contribute to enlarge the prospects of biochar application in the production of okra and other crops in both normal and less fertile soils.

Effect of Fruit Peel Biochar on Growth and Yield of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicon Mill.) and Country Bean (Lablab purpureus) in Acidic Soil of Sylhet, Bangladesh

The potential of biochar as a soil conditioner has been approved by scientists worldwide due to its large surface area, high water retention capacity, slow nutrient releasing nature and liming ability; and it might also help to get desirable crop yield in problem soil like acidic soil. Hence, an experimental field trial was operated at the research field of the Department of Agroforestry and Environmental Science, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet to evaluate the performance of banana peel biochar (BB) and orange peel biochar (OB) in the growth and yield of tomato (Solanum lycopersicon Mill.) and country bean (Lablab purpureus) under acidic soil conditions. In case of tomato, plant height (PH), number of leaves plant-1 (NLP), leaf length (LL), and stem diameter (SD) in treatments having different levels of biochar were significantly higher than the control. The maximum PH (72.20 cm), NLP (21), LL (35.66 cm), SD (9.05 cm), and total leaf chlorophyll content (TLCC) (50.56 µmol m-2) of tomato were found in T7 (3% OB w/w + CF) followed by T4 (3% BB w/w + CF) whereas in country bean, the PH (373 cm), NLP (34), branch number (BN) (3), and TLCC (36.65 µmol m-2) were also recorded in T7 followed by T4. The root length (RL) (43.5 cm) and fresh root weight (FRW) (14 g) of country bean were the maximum at T7, followed by T5 (1% OB w/w + CF). According to the results, positive effects of BB and OB application were observed on all the yield parameters of country bean and tomato. The number of pod plant-1 (NPP) (384), individual pod weight (IPW) (5.78 g), total pod weight plant-1 (TPWP) (2220 g), and pod length (PL) (10.57 cm) of country bean were also found to be highest in T7, followed by the T4. Similarly, the highest NFP (37), IFW (55 g), and TFWP (1980 g) of tomato were noted in T7, followed by T4. After the cultivation of country bean and tomato, a significant increase in the soil pH was noticed at T3 (2% BB w/w + CF), T4, T6 (2% OB w/w + CF) and T7 in respect of the control. Therefore, the findings of the study suggest that both BB and OB could have a positive impact on growth and yield components of tomato and country bean by altering soil pH of acidic soil.