Yield Component Parameters Research Articles

Response of Food Barley and Bread Wheat to the Application of Lime, in Organic and Organic Fertilizer on Acidic Nitisols of West Shewa Zone, Ethiopia

Acidic soils limit the production potential of crops because of low availability of basic cations and excess of hydrogen (H+) and aluminium (Al3+) in exchangeable forms. Lime and Organic amendments can contribute to correct soil acidity and soil degradation. The combined application of lime and VC onwheat has not been investigated in the area, in which wheat and barley was one of the potential cereal crops in the area. A field experiment was conducted on acidic nitisols of west shewa zone of two districts (Jibat and Ilfata) in two locations at 2020 cropping season to evaluate the role of integrated soil acidity management, including applications of lime and Vermicompost on food barley and wheat growth and grain yield integrated with the use of inorganic fertilizer alone. The treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design. Growth, yield and yield components result showed a significant effect (p<0.05) on plant height, spike length, number of seed per plant, above ground biomass of wheat and barley. Most of treatment receive amendments were statistically equal, however the combined application of lime at 50% + 50% VC and 50% RSSF ha-1 gave the highest growth and other yield and yield components parameters equally with full dose application whereas the lowest was from control plots for both test crops. Generally, integrated use of properly managed lime, organic (VC) and inorganic/mineral fertilizer could be used for soil acidity management and crop production in acid soil of the study area.

Evaluation of the yield and photosynthetic parameters of corn by some amendatory materials under deficit irrigation conditions

Abstract Irrigation is essential for corn plants. Because this plant is a summer crop, irrigation is critical to its production, and an absence of moisture is a significant constraint on its development. This study aimed to investigate the impacts of hydrophilic polymer (HP) and fulvic acid (Fu-A) as amendatory materials on yield, yield component, and photosynthetic parameters of corn plants under the deficit irrigation (DI) situation. The treatments were performed by mixing two water provision groups, including complete irrigation (CI) and DI, two soil improvements, including the application of without HP or with HP, and two foliar amendments, including spraying without Fu-A or with Fu-A, with four replications. According to the results, under DI and CI situations, the co-treatment of two amendatory materials, Fu-A and HP, enhanced corn yield significantly. These enhancements were higher than enhancements attained by using them alone. Besides, the moisture and leaf proline available for the plant during DI circumstances were increased by utilizing both amendatory materials. Under DI treatment, using Fu-A and HP amendatory materials together may thus be more significant and beneficial for increasing production and boosting photosynthetic mechanisms.

Diagnostic accuracy of milk components for pregnancy diagnosis in mid and late lactation cows

The aims of this study were to establish a cut-off point by evaluating the usability of the somatic cell count (SCC) and milk components (fat, fat-free dry matter (FFDM), protein, lactose, freezing point, electrical conductivity and pH) to observe the pregnancy status, and to determine the practical usage of these parameters as diagnostic biomarker of pregnancy status. In the present study, primiparous Holstein cows (n=133) were included in the mid and late lactation. Milk samples were collected in sterile tubes for SCC and milk components analysis. In each lactation period, SCC, milk yield and milk component parameters were analysed by Student's t test according to pregnancy status. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to determine the predictive threshold using SCC and milk component parameters to discriminate between pregnant and non-pregnant cows. SCC levels were similar for all cows in the mid and late-lactation. In the mid lactation, FFDM, protein, lactose and electrical conductivity were higher and milk yield, fat, freezing point and pH were lower in pregnant cows (p<0.05). In the late lactation, FFDM, protein, lactose and electrical conductivity were significantly higher and milk yield, fat and pH were significantly lower in pregnant cows (p<0.05). Furthermore, fat, FFDM, protein, lactose, freezing point, electrical conductivity, and pH were the best predictors for pregnancy diagnosis in mid-lactating cows with the AUC values of 0.840, 0.768, 0.780, 0.772, 0.693, 0.792, and 0.901 respectively. Furthermore, fat, FFDM, protein, lactose, electrical conductivity, and pH could be useful diagnostic tools for pregnancy determination in late lactating cows with the AUC values of 0.869, 0.684, 0.661, 0.689, 0.756, and 0.841 respectively. In conclusion, the milk components could be used as rapid, easily accessible, and inexpensive markers for the evaluation of the diagnosis of pregnancy status in primiparous Holstein cows.

Effects of Varieties and Different Environments on Growth and Yield Performance of Shallot (Allium cepa var. aggregatum)

Shallot (Allium cepa var. aggregatum) is one of the major cash crops produced in the Amhara region, including East Gojjam Zone, Ethiopia. However, the shallot is being out of production, and there are limited research efforts concerning the influence of the growing environment on shallot varieties. Thus, the objective of the study was to identify adaptable and high-yielding shallot varieties across different agroecologies/location in the East Gojjam Zone of Ethiopia. The experiment was conducted at three locations (Debre Markos, Wonka, and Yelam Gej) during 2019/20 and 2020/21 growing seasons. The study consists of four shallot varieties (Minjar, Huruta, Negelle, and local). The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Data on growth, yield, and yield component parameters were recorded and analyzed using SAS Computer Software version 9.0. The present results indicated that the highest plant height, leaf length, number of shoots per plant, number of bulblets per bulb, average bulb weight, total yield, and marketable yield per hectare were recorded from improved shallot varieties Minjar, Negelle, and Huruta. Thus, Minjar, Negelle, and Huruta were better performed for growth, yield, and yield components at all testing locations. Thus, Minjar, Negelle, and Huruta were found to be superior in yield and yield components at all testing locations and were thus suggested to be used by the growers in the study area. It would be advisable to evaluate the varieties in the participatory varietal trail for further dissemination of varieties to shallot growers in the study area.

Maize (Zea mays L.) Productivity as affected by different ratios of fertilizer (blended NPS) and inter row spacing at West Omo, South-West Ethiopia

One of the principal food crops in almost all of Ethiopia is maize (Zea mays L.).However, It has very low production when compared to that of Africa and the rest of the world. Because of poor agronomic practices, such as inappropriate row spacing and fertilizer management practice. Therefore, the experiment was conducted during the 2020 main cropping season at Maenit goldia district in South-West Ethiopia to decide the response of maize yield by inter-row spacing and blended NPS fertilizer rats. A factorial combination of 4 levels of blended NPS fertilizer (0, 50,100 and 150 kg) and 3 levels of between row spacing (70, 75 and 80 cm) were laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 3 replications. Data on crop phenology, growth yield components and yield parameter were collected and analyzed using SAS version 9.3 (SAS Institute Inc., 2015). The result of this experiment show that combined use of blended NPS fertilizer and row spacing significantly influence growth and yield and yield components parameters of maize. As the Use of blended NPS fertilizer and row spacing increased the days to tasseling, plant height, ear length, ear diameter and leaf area increased whereas, decreased days to maturity and days to silking. And also use of 150 kg ha-1 of NPS blended fertilizer and row spacing (80 cm) increased number of grain yield, 100 grain weight , above ground biomass and harvesting index by 39.85, 35.20, 32.93 and 35.02%, respectively. Accordingly, it should be noted that, based on an analysis of the partial budget, combinations of the widest row spacing (80 cm) and 150 kg ha-1 of blended NPS fertilizer were promising for maize production in the main cropping season of the Chat Kebele Mea’nit Goldia district and other similar agro-ecologies.

Combination of irrigation systems in several soil types using principal component analysis

This study aims to determine the effectiveness of Principal Component Analysis in evaluating irrigation systems in different soil types and to obtain information on the best method and combination of factors for rice cultivation. The study was carried out in Soppeng Regency in April-September 2019. A nested design was used with different replication of soil texture levels (S), namely sandy (S1), loam (S2), and clay (S3). The second factor was water management (W), which consists of farmers' watering practice (W1), as well as intermittent (W2), dry-wet application (W3), and semi-puddled (W4) irrigation systems. Each combination treatment was replicated three times to obtain 36 experimental units. Subsequently, observations were carried out on seven yield component parameters, analyzed with multivariate evaluation, correlation, and principal component analysis. The principal component analysis effectively assessed irrigation methods and soil types with an eigenvalue of 0.9286. The intermittent irrigation system was the best method for rice cultivation, specifically in loam and clay soils, where the latter had the best combination. These results are expected to be a basis for future studies or practical activities on the crop's cultivation

Seed Quality of Transplanted Aman Rice as Impacted by Rainfed in the Ripening Phase

Rainfall is the main contributor to provide soil moisture for rainfed rice (Transplanted Aman) cultivation. The aim of the study was to investigate the seed quality of different transplanted Aman rice cultivars that are influenced by rainfed during ripening phases. For this, several experiments have been performed during the transplanted Aman season of 2014, 2015, and 2016 at the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute, Gazipur. Two planting dates and three rice varieties were used in the treatment, and the treatments were organized in a randomized complete block design with three replications. T. Aman rice received huge rainfall up to vegetative phage resulting no irrigation demand in all three tested years. In all the parameters of yield and yield components, the association between planting dates and variety was not significant. Also the relationship between planting dates and variety did not greatly affect the germination percentage, seedling vigor index, high density grain shoot dry weight, and root dry weight. Sixteen august planting produced a greater number of tillers m-2, panicles m-2, grain panicle-1, 1000-grain weight, grain and straw yield in the case of yield and yield components. While, the 1000-grain weight of panicles m-2, grain panicle-1, was greatly influenced by the variety. The highest 1000 grain weight and grain yield were produced by BRRI dhan46. The SVI, HDG percent, SDW and RDW were greatly influenced by planting dates in terms of seed quality. All of these criteria were higher for planting on 16 August than for planting on 12 September. Early transplanting received more rainfall in reproductive phase than late planting. Varieties were greatly influenced by all the seed quality parameters. BRRI dhan46 received the highest GM percent, SVI, HDG percent, SDW and RDW. Specific suitable transplanting dates were selected considering minimum irrigation at reproductive phage and maximun seed quality and grain yield. Delay in transplanting demanded more irrigation and reduced seed quality and grain yield.

ASSESSMENT OF SOME RECENTLY INTRODUCED BARLEY CULTIVARS IN RESPONSE TO SOIL AND FOLIAR FERTILIZATION

Barley can be cultivated and gives better yields in a large number of environments under various fertilization practices. This experiment was conducted in two growing seasons 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 under rainfall condition. Four new introduced cultivars of barley (Arta, Tadmor, Clipper and Furat2) along with two commonly grown cultivars (Local-1 and Local-2) were represented in the current study; Soil (DAP) and foliar fertilization treatments were also involved; the treatments were arranged through Split Plot Design in RCBD with four replications where the seasons considered the main plots, barley genotypes sub plots and fertilization sub-sub plots. The results of the present study demonstrated that each of Arta and Furat2 cultivars performed better in respect to growth and final grain yield under the multi environment conditions of the study. Additionally, the soil application of DAP and foliar fertilization treatment influenced significantly on the yield and growth parameters in various proportions. Application of both DAP and foliar treatments on barley that were grown under the rainfed condition resulted in the highest grain yield, better yield components and most of the growth traits during both growing seasons compared to control treatment. The GGE biplot analysis also showed the alignment of the introduced barley cultivars to the side of DAP and foliar fertilizers for final grain yield and most of yield component parameters demonstrating the importance of both fertilizers and mainly soil (DAP) for enhancing the yield of barley under rainfed environments.

Plant Growth and Yield Response to Salinity Stress of Rice Grown under the Application of Different Nitrogen Levels and Bacillus pumilus Strain TUAT-1

Rice is an important food crop, and its production is significantly affected by salt stress under the changing climate. Soil-inhabiting microbial inoculants as well as efficient nitrogen (N) nutrition may have ameliorative effects on rice growth and yield under salt stress. However, the effects of the interaction between N application and microbial inoculants on the growth and grain yield of rice under salt stress is not yet fully understood. This study aimed to clarify whether the use of the Bacillus pumilus strain TUAT-1 biofertilizer, along with the right amount of N fertilizer, would alleviate salt stress in lowland rice production. We applied the Bacillus pumilus strain TUAT-1 as a biofertilizer in combination with different rates of N fertilizer: control (0% N), 2.64 g (NH4)2SO4 per nursery tray (100% N: the farmer-recommended amount), and 3.96 g (NH4)2SO4 per nursery tray (150% N). Salinity (100 mM of NaCl) was applied at the heading stage of rice plants in pot culture in the greenhouse, and the growth and yield components were accessed at harvest. In the nursery phase, the application of the biofertilizer TUAT-1 significantly increased seedling vigor and the root development of 21-day-old seedlings. Salinity stress at the heading stage significantly reduced chlorophyll content, panicle number, straw biomass, and grain yield; however, either the application of N alone or in combination with TUAT-1 ameliorated the salinity-related reduction in grain yield and yield component parameters. Plants receiving a high amount of N fertilizer (150% N) showed similar straw biomass and grain yield with or without TUAT-1 inoculation, regardless of saline or non-saline conditions. In both saline and control conditions, straw biomass and grain yield were higher in the plants inoculated with TUAT-1 than in those without TUAT-1. Specifically, the combined application of TUAT-1 and the farmer-recommended N level (100% N) led to an increase of 8% in straw biomass and 15% in grain yield under saline stress when compared with their respective plants without TUAT-1. Straw biomass and grain yield were similar in the (un-inoculated) plants grown under normal conditions and TUAT-1 + 100% N under salinity treatments, because TUAT-1 enhanced root development, which may promote soil nutrient uptake. Our results indicated that combined nursery application of TUAT-1 biofertilizer and 100% N fertilizer rate has the potential to boost the capacity of this bacteria to increase seedling vigor, which subsequently ameliorated the salt-induced reduction in the grain and straw yield.

Estimating Genetic Analysis Using Half Diallel Cross Underlying Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) Fibre Yield in Tropical Climates.

Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) is a natural fibre crop that can be used for a variety of purposes and has various applications in industry. Despite this, its potential has not been fully exploited because of low yields and a narrow genetic base, limiting hybrids' development. Based on this background, eight kenaf mutants and one commercial cultivar were selected and crossed in a half-diallel for general and specific combining abilities (GCA and SCA) to get the desired results done in this investigation. The 36 hybrid offspring and their parental lines were tested in the field over two environments. Diallel results based on Griffing B method 2 indicated significant differences for all characters studied except for GCA in top diameter and plant height and top diameter SCA, indicating the existence of both additive and nonadditive gene actions for the inheritance of the traits. The amplitude of GCA variation was much higher than that of SCA variation for all parameters except top diameter and node number, showing the additive gene's prevalence and the likelihood of genetic advancement through selection. In both conditions, Hayman and Jinks graphical studies demonstrated that partial dominance controlled various fibre yield component parameters such as plant height, middle diameter, stick weight, and fibre weight. On the other hand, fibre yield and the majority of physical features indicated either dominance or overdominance gene action. Plant height, base diameter, core diameter, middle diameter, fresh stem weight, and stick weight all strongly positively correlated with fibre yield. These traits also had a higher proportion of additive effects, a moderate narrow-sense heritability, and a higher baker ratio, indicating successful indirect selection for fibre yield. The parents P1, P3, and P4 had the most dominant alleles for most of the features, while the parents P2, P7, and P9 had the most recessive alleles. The hybrids P1 × P4, P1 × P9, P2 × P3, P2 × P5, P4 × P6, P4 × P7, P4 × P9, P5 × P8, and P7 × P9 outperformed the parents in terms of heterotic responses and showed that they have a lot of genetic potential for kenaf enhancement in tropical climates.

Yield and yield components of facultative wheat are affected by sowing time, nitrogen fertilization and environment

Production of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is affected by changing weather conditions, which are difficult to predict especially under climate change. Therefore, facultative varieties can be beneficial, because of their high adaptability in sowing time. Information on yield and yield components of facultative wheat in temperate climate, however, is limited. Therefore, a two-factorial experiment with the factors sowing time (autumn versus spring) and nitrogen fertilization (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 g m−2) was conducted on a chernozem soil under Pannonian conditions in Eastern Austria in two seasons to assess the effects of sowing time, nitrogen fertilization and environment on yield and yield components of one facultative wheat variety. The experimental data were analyzed using principal component analysis and quantitative mixed model analysis. Grain yield of autumn-sown wheat was higher at 0 g N m−2 and featured a higher increase with additional nitrogen fertilization compared to spring-sowing. At high nitrogen fertilization rates above 15 g m−2, grain yield showed no response to further nitrogen fertilization. Based on ear density, grains per ear, thousand kernel weight and harvest index, the other yield and yield component parameters investigated in this study can be calculated. Ear density showed an increase with additional nitrogen fertilization, which was higher for autumn-sowing than spring-sowing. Differences in environmental conditions resulted in higher variation of grains per ear and thousand kernel weight for spring-sowing compared to autumn-sowing. Ear density, grains per ear, thousand kernel weight and harvest index featured dependencies among each other and were affected by environmental conditions during relevant developmental stages, e.g., tillering until anthesis for ear density and grains per ear as well as grain filling period after anthesis for thousand kernel weight and harvest index.

Ratooning Response of Lowland Rice (Oryza sativa L.) var. PSB Rc22 to Production Management Practices

This study aimed to determine the ratooning ability of lowland rice to production management practices. It assessed the profitability of rice ratooning to the abovementioned objectives. The experiment was set out in a split-plot organized in a Randomized Complete Block Design with production management practices as the main plot and cutting heights of ratoon crop as the subplot treatment. Production management practices notably affected all agronomic characteristics, yield, and yield component parameters evaluated except the grain yield. Cutting height remarkably influenced all growth and yield parameters tested except panicle weight. Economic analysis revealed that the improved method achieved a higher gross margin (PHP21,321.60) than the farmer’s practice (PHP15,419.40) because of the former’s high productivity (1.64 t ha <sup>-1</sup>). A cutting height of 45.0 cm under the improved method obtained the highest gross margin (PHP28,677.00). Moreso, this approach is considered a good measure in adapting to the problematic scenario relative to climate change.

Effects of minimum tillage and liming on maize (Zea mays L.) yield components and selected properties of acid soils in Assosa Zone, West Ethiopia

Soil acidity is a serious threat to crop production in Ethiopia. However, liming and soil management practices are effective for restoration of acid soils. The study was conducted to evaluate effects of different tillage practices, liming materials, and liming rates on maize (Zea mays L.) yield components as well as soil physicochemical properties in Assosa and Bambasi Districts of Assosa Zone. A split-split plot design of 2 tillage practices * 2 liming materials * 4 liming rates with three replications for one year was used on each location on farmer-managed plots. The study revealed that the tillage practices showed significant differences on grain per cob at both sites; BD (bulk density), available Cu and Zn at Amba-2 Kebele; whereas, thousand grain weights, CEC (cation exchange capacity), exchangeable Al 3+ , total acidity, exchangeable Mg 2+ , available Mn and Zn at Mender-49 Kebele. The liming materials used had shown significant difference on thousand grain weights, Av-P, exchangeable Mg 2+ , available Fe, Cu and Zn at Amba-2 Kebele; whereas, pH, exchangeable Al 3+ , total acidity, exchangeable Na + and Mg 2+ , available Cu and Zn at Mender-49 Kebele. Furthermore, different liming rates significantly affected all maize yield and yield component parameters as well as soil property parameters except BD and soil texture at both sites, OC (organic carbon) and exchangeable K + at Amba-2 Kebele were not significant. The interaction effects of the treatments showed significant differences on available micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn) at both Kebeles. Accordingly, the interaction of minimum tillage with recommended rate of dolomitic lime had improved maize productivity through ameliorating the physicochemical properties of acid soils in the study area. • Soil acidity drastically decline maize crop yield. • Minimum tillage has positive effect on soil acidity over the traditional tillage management. • Reclamation of acid soils with calcitic and dolomitic lime improves maize crop yield and yield components. • Minimum tillage and liming improve the physicochemical properties of acid soils.

Impact of Different Nitrogen Amount and Seeding Rates on Growth and Yield of NERICA 4 Rice Varieties in Upland Conditions

With the recent breakthrough in the development of the New Rice for Africa (NERICA) for the upland production system and the high demand for rice, farmers’ interest in growing upland rice has increased. A field experiment was conducted at Tsukuba International center, Japan from May to October 2019 to evaluate the response of rice to seed rate and nitrogen fertilizer application and also determine economically optimum seed rate and nitrogen level for NERICA-4 upland variety. The experiment contained factorial combination of four levels of nitrogen (0, 30, 60, 90 kg ha -1 and two seed rates (60& 80 Kg ha -1 ). The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design plot arrangement with three replications. The results from this study indicated that seed rate showed no significant effect on total dry matter weight, plant length, SPAD value, Leaf area index, panicle number, spikelet number, ripening ratio and grain yield while the total number of tillers was significant. However, nitrogen fertilizer rates significantly (p < 0.05) affected in plant length, tiller number, SPAD value, dry matter and Leaf area index. Except 1000grain, all the yield and yield component parameters have also shown a significant increase up to the rate of 90 kg N ha−1. The highest grain yield (3340 kg∙ha−1) was recorded using 90 kg N ha −1 followed by 60 kg N ha −1 (3200 kg ha −1) and the lowest yield (2100 kg ha −1 ) was recorded from control . Marginal rate of return analysis is also showed that the treatment with N fertilizer rate of 90 kg N ha −1 and seed rate 60 kg ha −1 gave the highest Marginal rate of return 1217 % followed by the treatment with N fertilizer rate of 60 kg N ha−1 and seed rate 60 kg ha−1.The general trend of the data indicated that the fertilizer rate has a greatest impact on grain yield compared to the seed rate of rice crop. Based on this study using 60 kg/ha seed rate and application of 90 kg N ha −1 gives high grain yield for rice crop production at experimental site. Keywords: Economic profit, Seed rate, N fertilizer rate, Optimum grain yield, Marginal rate of return DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/12-9-04 Publication date: May 31 st 2022

Decomposition Dynamics of Leaf Litter Mixtures Enriched with NPS Fertilizer and Resultant Effects on Common Bean Productivity in Nutrient Depleted Soil

Organic materials have a nonreplaceable role to improve soil quality and productivity. Yet, processes related to decomposition and nutrient supply capacity are restricted under nutrient-depleted soils. Thus, a field experiment was conducted to evaluate the decomposition rate of leaf litter mixtures treated with mineral nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), and sulfur (S) fertilizer in the form of NPS (19N38P2O57S), and their effects on agronomic performance of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). The mixtures of croton (Croton macrostachyus) and erythrina (Erythrina brucei) leaf litters (LLs) were placed at 20 cm depth in a litterbag at a rate equivalent to 2.5 and 5 t/ha, and treated with four NPS rates (0, 50, 100, and 150 kg/ha). The leaf litters have low carbon (C) to N ratio. The experiments (litterbag and crop response) were laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The decomposition pattern was monitored at a two week interval (15, 30, 45, and 56 days after application) and assessed for daily decomposition rate (k), weight loss, and time required to decompose half of the residue (t50). For the crop response experiment, selected growth and yield component parameters, and grain yield data were recorded. The results indicated that NPS fertilizer and the amount of LL were significantly ( p < 0.01 ) influenced the k values and weight loss. The k at 14 days varied from 4.47% day−1 (150 NPS kg/ha × 2.5 t LL/ha) and 2.75% day−1 (sole 2.5 t/ha LL) in which application of mineral NPS fertilizer enhanced k by 62.5%. The k values, averaged over 56 days, revealed 2.68% day−1 (150 kg NPS/ha × 2.5 t LL/ha), and 1.78% day−1 in the unfertilized 2.5 LL. The decay rate was faster within 14 days and declined afterward. Over 56 days, 60.4% and 46.6% of the original mass remained in litters without NPS fertilizer, and 150 NPS kg/ha x 2.5 t LL/ha, respectively. The residue weight loss also significantly decreased with time (r2 > 0.98). Half-lifetime was significantly ( p < 0.001 ) decreased with the increasing rate of NPS application (r = −0.86). The t50 values, averaged over 56 days, were between 38.9 days (nontreated LL) and 27.8 days (150 kg NPS/ha), respectively. The result regarding agronomic performance indicated that the application of NPS fertilizer on the leaf litters significantly ( p < 0.01 ) increased the growth, yield component, and grain yield of common bean. For instance, 150 kg NPS/ha on 2.5 t/ha LL has resulted in a 79% grain yield advantage over LL without NPS. Grain yield also showed significant relationship ( p < 0.01 ) with k (r = 0.67), mass loss (r = −0.67), and t50 (r = −0.66). The finding suggests that for plant residues with a narrow C/N ratio in nutrient-depleted soils, the addition of mineral NPS fertilizer is advantageous for increased decomposition and yield of legume crops.

Response of black cumin to vermicompost and nitrogen fertilizer

AbstractAn experiment was conducted to evaluate the response of black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) to vermicompost and nitrogen (N) fertilizer rates. Four rates of vermicompost and four rates of N were laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The results showed that the interaction effects of nitrogen fertilizer and vermicompost rates significantly influenced black cumin growth, yield, and yield component parameters. The maximum seed yield (1,090 kg ha–1) was obtained from the combined application of 5 Mg ha–1 vermicompost and 60 kg ha–1 urea‐N. Therefore, it can be concluded that the combination of these treatments gives a better yield and yield components of black cumin in the study area.

Effect of Planting Dates and Nitrogen Fertilizer on Growth and Yield of Safflower

A field experiment was carried out during winter agricultural season 2020/2021 in Babylon Governorate in at Tajieh region, southeast of Hilla city, to study the effect of planting dates and nitrogen fertilizer on the growth and yield of safflower. The experiment included two factors: planting dates (1 and 15 November and 1 December), and nitrogen fertilizer at levels (0, 90, 120 and 150 kgN.ha-1), the treatments were distributed in a factorial experiment with a randomized completely block design (RCBD) with three replicates. The results showed significant superiority of planting date at December 1 on most growth and yield components parameters, it recorded the highest averages on seed yield, dry matter yield and harvest index amounted to 1576.2, 6126.0 kg.ha-1 and 25.6% respectively. However, nitrogen fertilizer at concentration 150 kg N.ha-1 affected all growth and yield and its components, it gave the highest averages for seed yield, dry matter yield and harvest index amounted to 1762.2, 6626.8 kg.ha-1 and 26.6%, respectively.

Cytological and molecular characteristics of delayed spike development in wheat under low temperature in early spring

Low temperature in early spring impairs wheat growth and grain yield. However, little is known about the cytological and molecular mechanisms underlying low temperature regulation of wheat spike development. Microstructure observation and transcriptome sequencing of wheat spikes under low temperature were conducted. Low temperature slowed spike development, reduced the yield-component parameters of wheat spikes at the harvest stage, delayed the formation of lateral spikelets and tissue development, and induced the early differentiation of terminal spikelets. Low temperature increased the content of abscisic acid and caused the upregulation of genes in the abscisic acid signaling pathway, including those encoding PP2Cs, SnRK2s, and bZIP transcription factors. Low temperature also induced the upregulation of 33 cold-responsive genes involved in wheat response to low-temperature stress and regulation of abscisic acid biosynthesis and metabolism of other substances. The wheat spike adapted to cold conditions by changing the expression levels of genes involved in spike morphogenesis, including the transcription-factor genes MADS6, ERF4, ERF78, WOX6, and NAC48. These findings suggest that low temperature in early spring delays wheat spike development by increasing abscisic acid content or affecting the expression of genes involved in morphogenesis.

Field performance of heat tolerant mutant rice lines generated from Oryza sativa and Oryza glaberrima

This study evaluated mutant lines developed from two cultivated species of upland rice, Oryza sativa, and Oryza glaberrima, in field experiments conducted during the hot and dry seasons of 2014/2015 in Morogoro, Tanzania. The growth yield and yield components of 34 and 14 Gamma induced mutant upland rice lines developed from O. sativa (Kihogo red) and O. glaberrima were evaluated, respectively. The mutant lines were selected based on variable expression of heat shock protein genes (HSPs) in previously conducted heat tolerance studies. The minimum and maximum temperatures and rainfall during the field performance experiment were measured between 20 oC and 35 oC, and 32.7 mm and 155.5 mm, respectively. The data for 12 yield and yield component parameters such as days to early and 50% flowering, days to physical maturity, plant height, number of tillers, number of panicles, spikelets, filled grains, unfilled grains and 1,000 grain weights were collected and analysed using ANOVA and Principal Component Analysis. Significant differences (P≤0.05) were obtained among the mutant lines in terms of grain yield, spikelet sterility and other variables, which were further used as criteria for selection of heat and drought tolerant rice lines. Eight heat and drought tolerant mutant rice lines with high yields (over 3.5 ton/ha) and low spikelet sterility were selected for further advancement in breeding programmes

Effect of Foliar Application of Nano-NPK Fertilizer on Growth and Yield of Broad bean (Vicia Faba L.)

A field research was conducted during season 2019/2020 in Gradrasha field, collage of agricultural Engineering sciences at Salahaddin University, to evaluate the effect of foliar application of Nano- NPK fertilizer at different levels (0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 mg.l-1) for one and two times on growth and yield of  (Vicia faba L.). The research was applied as foliar application of Nano-NPK at different levels (0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 mg.l-1). The results shows significant effect on most studied treatment. The results indicated that number of foliar application had significant influence on most vegetative, yield and yield component parameters, the best results were obtained from twice foliar application, the best values of number of branches.plant-1, chlorophyll content in leaves%, and dry matter of leaves (334.416, 5.381, 46.949 %, 22.789 % respectively) were obtained at the twice foliar application of Nano-NPK. However, the highest results of plant height, number of branches. plant-1, number of leaves. plant-1, leaves chlorophyll content %, dry matter in leaves and TSS in seed (131.448cm, 365.995, 6.120, 51.592%, 25.435ghighes and 16.107% respectively) were recorded from (120mg.l-1) of Nano- NPK. Moreover the foliar application of (120mg.l-1) Nano-NPK for two times gave highest significant effects on vegetative growth, yield and yield component.