Yield Index Research Articles

Перспективы развития краудлендинговых платформ в современной российской экономике

Introduction. The changes in the economic situation, which happened after certain events of February 2022, required significant investment in the development of small and medium-sized businesses. Parallel imports, new market niches to be fulfilled after foreign producers had left, the desire to preserve and increase capital while experiencing ruble devaluation– these and other reasons formed the basis of crowdlending studying in this paper. Theoretical analysis. The growth rates of the crowdlending market in Russia are analyzed and the dynamics of crowdlending and bank loans to small and medium-sized businesses are compared. Empirical analysis. Based on the example of the company “JetLend” LLC, an analysis of the requirements for borrowers and investors, the stages of potential borrowers’ business checking were carried out. A comparative characteristic of the JetLend, IFX Cbond, Cbonds-CBI RU High Yield indices is presented, which suggests that during 3 years, an average investor of the JetLend platform had a higher yield than if he owned a portfolio of high-yield bonds or bonds of the most liquid companies in Russia. Results. Positive and negative aspects of using crowdlending for both investors and borrowers are summed up. It is concluded that crowdlending is a promising tool for small and medium-sized businesses, especially for those economic entities which do not have collateral, credit history or other factors necessary for a bank loan.

Genetic variation, genotype × environment interaction, and correlation among drought tolerance indices in cowpea

Drought tolerance indices serve as valuable indicators for selecting cowpea genotypes with improved drought tolerance. However, there is a limited understanding of the variability and the impact of genotype (G) × environment (E) interaction (I) on these drought tolerance indices. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the extent of genetic variability and the influence of GEI on drought tolerance indices in cowpea. The experiment was conducted over two seasons under controlled conditions in a screen house. The results revealed that seed yield and all drought tolerance indices were significantly influenced by genotype, environment, and GEI. When the data from both years were combined, the yield under non-stress conditions ranged from 10.47 g in G2 to 17.27 g in G7, while under drought stress, it ranged from 2.19 g in G3 to 6.89 g in G1. Through mean rank analysis, principal component (PC) analysis, and clustering, highly tolerant accessions (G1 and G6) and highly susceptible ones (G2, G3, and G8) were identified. This study identified several indices, including geometric mean (GM), yield index (YI), mean productivity (MP), stress tolerance index (STI), modified stress tolerance index for non-stress (MST1), and stress (MST2), GMP, and HM, as effective in selecting high-yielding and drought-tolerant accessions under non-stress and drought conditions. Additionally, the drought resistance index (DRI) and yield stability index (YSI) were found to be reliable indicators under drought stress. Most of the indices exhibited moderate (≥ 30%) to high heritability (≥ 60%) and high genetic advance (≥ 20%), except for MST2, which had low heritability (12.73%).

Can revenue index insurance outperform yield index insurance?

AbstractIndex insurance programs in developing countries have focused almost entirely on agricultural production risk (i.e., yield) while largely avoiding output marketing risk (i.e., price). This omission may miss an important constraint on smallholder investment and may partially explain underwhelming demand for yield‐based insurance policies. Here, we explore the viability of an area‐revenue index insurance policy and how its performance may compare to that of an area‐yield index insurance policy. Using data from Ghana, we estimate reduced‐form regression analysis and calibrate a simulation model, generating several important results. We show that there is a negative correlation between farm investment and covariate price risk. Moreover, our simulation predicts that in many market contexts, area‐revenue index insurance suffers from less basis risk, exhibits higher demand, and is more effective at crowding in advanced input adoption compared to area‐yield index insurance. Our results also demonstrate important contexts in which area‐yield index insurance outperforms area‐revenue index insurance. We therefore find that revenue insurance may be a valuable and impactful product in Ghana but would not outperform area‐yield index insurance in all contexts.

Evaluation of food and fodder based cropping systems for sustaining productivity, resource use efficiency and profitability in western plain zone of Uttar Pradesh

A field experiment was conducted during 2015–16 to 2018–19 at the research farm of ICAR-Indian Institute of Farming Systems Research, Modipuram, Uttar Pradesh to assess the potential yield (PY), sustainability and resource use efficiency (RUE) of 7 cropping systems (CS), viz. maize + blackgram–pea–sorghum; cluster beanwheat-teosinte; stylo-berseem-maize + cowpea; clitoria-mustard–greengram; rice–chickpea–okra; rice–wheat and sugarcane–wheat system. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design (RBD) with 3 replications. Among the different cropping systems, rice (Oryza sativa L.)–chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)–okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) was found to be most superior in terms of wheat equivalent yield (WEY) (19.77 t/ha/year) and sustainable yield index (SYI=0.894). The highest land use efficiency (LUE) was recorded with cluster bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.)–wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)–teosinte (Zea spp.) cropping system (95.16%) with 347 days of ground cover. Production efficiency was registered maximum with maize (Zea mays L.) + blackgram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper]–pea (Pisum sativum L.)–sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] system (66.91 kg/ha/ day), followed by rice–chickpea–okra system (62.25 kg/ha/day). Nevertheless, the highest net return (` 300.8×103 / year) was realized with rice–chickpea–okra system. Total soil organic carbon (SOC) content was highest (1.34%) under stylo-berseem- maize + cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] cropping system in comparison to other cropping systems. Thus, it can be concluded that rice–chickpea–okra system proved more productive, remunerative (` 824/ha/day) and sustainable cropping system than the existing sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.)–wheat/ rice–wheat cropping system in the western plain zone of Uttar Pradesh, India.

Performance of tomato grown under different water replacement depths and silicon application forms

Water management has a direct impact on plant development, and under deficit conditions, it often results in reduced yields. Silicon (Si), however, has the potential to alleviate stress and enhance plant performance under unfavorable conditions. This study aimed to analyze the performance of tomato plants cultivated under different water replacement depths and forms of silicon application. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design with a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement represented by two water replacement depths (60% and 100% of crop evapotranspiration - ETc) and four forms of silicon application (without application, soil application - full dose, soil application - split dose, and foliar applications). Four replications were used. The plants were cultivated in a protected environment using drip irrigation for water replacement, and silicon oxide served as the source of the element. The analyzed parameters included daily evapotranspiration, leaf spectral reflectance, mass accumulation (root, stem, and leaf), yield indices (fruit weight, plant yield, and defective fruits), water productivity, and post-harvest fruit weight loss. The imposition of water deficit (60% of ETc) in tomato leads to reduced crop development and yield, with the effects partially mitigated by the application of silicon. Conversely, under conditions of adequate water replacement (100% of ETc), silicon application contributes to increased development and yield of tomato. The application of silicon in the soil, whether in a full or split dose, demonstrates a more favorable response in vegetative indices and yield for tomato.

Yield sustainability through micronutrient management in Guava

A field study conducted with soil and foliar application of ZnSO4 and borax at different phenological stages of guava cv. Shewta in sandy loam soil, revealed that highest sustainable yield index (0.80) was recorded with two sprays of 0.4% ZnSO4 + 0.2% borax during fruit growth at one month interval, followed by 0.63 with three sprays of 0.4% ZnSO4 + 0.2% borax before flowering, fruit set and during fruit growth. Highest TSS (13.13°Brix), acidity (0.652%) and ascorbic acid (262.21 mg/100 g) was recorded in two sprays of 0.4% ZnSO4 + 0.2% borax at fruit growth in one month interval. Significant differences in Zn and B content in guava fruit pulp was recorded. It was noted that Guava fruit pulp had Zn content of 13.7 mg kg-1 in control tree fruits while 14.6 to 16.5 mg kg-1 in treated trees. Moreover, guava fruit pulp enriched with B (14.3 to 17.3 mg kg-1) in treated tree fruits as compared to 12.4 mg kg-1 in control trees. Micronutrient contents in leaf tissues showed significant difference in Zn and B concentration, whereas, Fe, Mn and Cu contents were statistically non-significant. The index suggested for attaining the sustainability and to economize the nutrient application, technology package consisting of two sprays of 0.4% ZnSO4 and 0.2% borax during fruit growth at one month interval should be adopted at growers’ field.

Evaluation of farmland soil health and optimization of evaluation system under different green manure applications in a semi‐arid irrigation area

AbstractHealthy soil is essential for maintaining food security and enhancing ecosystem functions. Green manure application improves soil fertility and is an alternative to chemical fertilizers; however, research on optimizing soil health assessment systems and providing comprehensive and accurate information for local farmland green manure management models remains limited. In this study, we used maize and potato intercropped with green manure farmland in the main crop production area of a semi‐arid irrigation area in Northwest China as the research object, integrated the regional soil environment characteristics, and used principal component analysis and other methods to establish a minimum index data set including physicochemical, biological, and yield indices. A soil health assessment system applicable to the study region was constructed and optimized by drawing the scoring curve. The results showed that green manure treatment exerted a positive effect on the soil bulk density, nutrient content, extracellular enzyme activity, and the yield of maize and potato fields. This evaluation method showed that both green manure treatments could improve the soil health index of two major crop fields, with scores of 6.9 (3.7–8.6) and 6.2 (4.5–7.0) for maize and potato farmland, respectively, with a greater positive effect caused on maize. This evaluation system can not only reflect the soil conditions of farmland accurately given the application of green manure in the semi‐arid irrigation areas of northwest China but also provide reference for the promotion of organic fertilizers such as green manure and the resolution of regional soil health differences.

Quantitative and qualitative yield in sweet maize hybrids.

Today, sweet corn is considered an important vegetable due to its high sugar content and low starch content. Cluster analysis and variance analysis showed that hybrids had variations in yield indices. GB, DE and GS hybrids had similar performance on indices. SE hybrid that has significant performance on zeaxanthin. Biplot showed that fructose, glucose, sucrose and potassium had stability value on hybrids. All the hybrids had the best performance on fructose, glucose, sucrose and potassium factors. Factor biplot positively correlated with yield indices, including calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, α-Carotene, 9Z-β-Carotene, phosphorus, and β-carotene. On the other hand, there is a positive correlation with fructose, glucose, potassium, lutein, sucrose, β-Cryptoxanthin, and zeaxanthin. So, to evaluate or increase lutein and zeaxanthin, the other parameters like sugar content (fructose, glucose, and sucrose) are important factors and have an effect together. Factor analysis and biplot showed that ME hybrid had a maximum performance on the first factor of yield indices. Also, the second factor of yield indices had a maxi-mum effect on NO hybrids. SE hybrids had maximum performance in zeaxanthin and GS hybrid had maximum performance in zinc, phosphorus, and iron. The dry matter had stability on DB hybrid.

Stability yield indices on different sweet corn hybrids based on AMMI analysis.

Currently, sweet corn is considered an important crop due to its high sugar content and low starch content. Important sugars in sweet corn include sucrose, fructose, glucose, and maltose. The purpose of the present study was to use the yield indices of the eight examined sweet corn hybrids and the correlation of the yield indices together. Concentration is important for consumers in terms of yield indices. The research site was located at the Látókép Experimental Station of the University of Debrecen. The small plot experiment had a strip plot design with four replications. The previous crop was sweet corn; the plant density was 64 thousand/ha. The obtained result indicates that Biplot AMMI based on IPCA1 showed that the DB, NO, GS, and GB hybrids had stability and high performance in terms of yield indices. At the same time, fructose and glucose had stable parameters for the hybrids involved in the study. IPCA1 AMMI biplot showed that the ME hybrid had stability and high performance in terms of iron and zinc as well. IPCA2 AMMI biplot showed that DE, GB, and GS hybrids had stability and the highest performance on yield parameters in the scope of the research. Fructose, glucose, and sucrose had stable parameters on hybrids based on IPCA2. The DB and SE hybrids had desirable performance in Lutein and Zeaxanthin based on the biplot. The DE hybrid had a maximum performance on iron and zinc parameters.

Yield indexes and effective productivity in corn hybrids of different fao groups for different sowing periods in the Northern Steppe of Ukraine

Yield indexes and effective productivity in corn hybrids of different fao groups for different sowing periods in the Northern Steppe of Ukraine

Agronomic and disease responses of three watermelon (citrilus lanatus l.) varieties to fungicide spraying regimes in a tropical environment

usarium wilt disease is a major biotic factor limiting watermelon production in the derived savanna agroecology of southeast Nigeria. The study hypothesized that variety could interact with the fungicide spraying regime to improve the agronomic performance of watermelon (Citrulus lanatus (Thunb) Matsum and Nakai). The objectives of the study were: to assess the effect of fungicide spraying regimes on disease incidence, severity, and agronomic performance of three watermelon varieties; and to identify and characterize the fungal causal organism of Fusarium wilt of watermelon in the derived savanna agroecology of southeast Nigeria. Three varieties of watermelon (Jubaly, red diamond, and sweet sangaria) and four fungicide spraying regimes (No spray, weekly, bi-weekly, and tri-weekly spray) were evaluated for agronomic performance, and disease incidence and severity in a 3 × 4 factorial in a randomized complete block design replicated thrice. Data were collected on phenological, growth and yield indices, and disease incidence and severity. Analysis of variance was done using Genstat 16th edition and GraphPad Prism 9 was used to construct the graphs. Variety significantly affected agronomic traits as well as disease incidence and severity. The Jubaly variety performed better than other varieties in most of the growth and yield parameters measured despite recording higher disease incidence and severity scores. Weekly application of fungiforce recorded the lowest disease incidence (16.67, 16.67, and 50%) and severity (6.7, 6.7, and 10%) at 9, 10, and 11 weeks after planting, respectively. The interaction effect of the Jubaly variety and weekly spray was consistently higher in vine length, node number, fruit number, and fruit yield. Morphological isolation and identification of the fungal causal organism showed the presence of Fusarium species. Further molecular characterization by DNA extraction from the Fusarium isolate and sequencing using the Sanger sequencing method confirmed the presence of Fusarium equiseti. The basic local alignment search tool result showed 94–100% similarity with F. equiseti strain WZ-98 from the NCBI Gene bank. The organism was identified as F. equiseti based on the Phylogeny.

Multi-trait selection for agronomic performance and drought tolerance among durum wheat genotypes evaluated under rainfed and irrigated environments

Summary Durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. subsp. durum) is a major crop in the Mediterranean region, widely grown for its nutritional value and economic importance. Durum wheat breeding can contribute to global food security through the introduction of new cultivars exhibiting drought tolerance and higher yield potential in the Mediterranean environments. In this study, 25 durum wheat genotypes (23 elite breeding lines and two national checks) were evaluated for five drought-adaptive traits (days to heading, days to maturity, plant height, 1000-kernel weight and grain yield) and eight drought tolerance indices including stress tolerance index (STI), geometric mean productivity (GMP), mean productivity (MP), stress susceptibility index, tolerance index, yield index, yield stability index and drought response index under rainfed and irrigated conditions during three cropping seasons (2019–2022). Multi-trait stability index (MTSI) technique was applied to select genotypes with higher grain yield, 1000-kernel weight, plant stature and early flowering and maturity simultaneously; as well as for higher drought tolerance in each and across years. A heat map correlation analysis and principal component analysis were applied to study the relationships among drought tolerance indices and the pattern of variation among genotypes studied. Factor analysis was applied for identification of traits that contributed most in stability analyses. Significant and positive correlations were observed among the three drought tolerance indices of STI, GMP and MP with mean yields under both rainfed and irrigated conditions in each and across years, suggest the efficiency of these indices as selection criteria for improved drought tolerance and yield performance in durum wheat. The genotypes ranked based on MTSI varied from environment to environment, showing the impact of environment on genotypes performance, but several of the best performing lines were common across environments. According to MTSI for agronomic traits, the breeding lines G20, G6, G25 and G18 exhibited highest performance and trait stability across environmental conditions, and the selected genotypes had strength towards grain yield, 1000-kernel weight and earliness. Using the MTSI, breeding lines G20, G5, G16 and G7 were selected as drought tolerant genotypes with high mean performance. Breeding line G20 from ICARDA germplasm showed highest trait stability performance and drought tolerance across environments. The MTSI was a useful tool for selecting genotypes based on their agronomic performance and drought tolerance that could be exploited for identification and selection of elite genotypes with desired multi-traits. Based on the results, breeding lines G20 and G6 should be recommended for short-term release programme and/ or utilized in durum wheat population improvement programme for agronomic performance and drought tolerance traits that tolerate climate variations.

Evaluation of Yield Indices and Identification of Yield Responsive Genes (Gn1a and Gs3) of Selected Rice Genotypes

This research aimed at evaluation of yield Indices and identification of yield responsive Genes (Gn1a and Gs3) of selected rice Genotypes. A total of ten rice genotypes including four improved rice (high yielding) genotypes and six local rice (landraces) genotypes obtained from Maslaha seeds limited Gusau, Zamfara State were collected. The Data was collected for plant height, tiller number, number of panicles, panicle length, panicle weight and days to 50% flowering were recorded, grain length and seed dimension was measured. The genomic DNA of the Rice accession was extracted using a standard DNA extraction Kit (Plant/Seed Miniprep kit). The PCR reaction was set using a total of 40 ul reaction mixture containing 4ul 10x dream taq green buffer, 1.0 ul of dNTPs, 2.0 ul of each primer, 0.4ul of dream taq total nucleic acid polymerase, 2ul total nucleic acid template and 28.6 ul of molecular grade water. The Data collected for grain yield attribute and seed germination was subjected to one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) using statistical analysis system (SAS Version 9.4). The results were expressed as mean + Standard Deviation (SD) of three replicates and the differences between the means were separated using Duncan’s new multiple range test (DNMRT). The result showed that significant differences exist amongst entries for plant height at maturity. Panicle length observed in this study was significantly different in all the entries with FARO67 (25.92cm) recorded the highest compared to genotype Bvfort (20.37cm) which had the lowest. PCR products revealed the presence of Gn1a and Gs3 genes in the ten rice cultivars screened. Eight rice cultivars (FARO44, FARO59, FARO67, Bvfort, Fanjim, Kamrun, Maikwalli and Jamila) have Gn1a and Gs3 gene and shows during PCR Analysis while the remaining two cultivars (FARO60 and Danruwa) have the gene but do not show during the PCR analysis. This investigation therefore, recommends that accessions like Danruwa, kamrun and FARO60 which showed desirable yield, quantitative and qualitative traits in this study should be used for further rice improvement programmes.

GROWTH AND YIELD CAPACITY OF QUINOA (CHENOPODIUM QUINOA WILLD.) DEPENDING ON THE SOWING RATE IN THE CONDITIONS OF THE NORTH-EASTERN FOREST-STEPPE OF UKRAINE

The paper presents aimed research results of the density level effect on quinoa plant development, yield and yield components to ensure maximum efficiency of crop rowing under regional conditions. Research was carried out for 2020-2022 in area of North-Eastern Forest-Steppe of Ukraine with the quinoa variety of Quartet. Several sowing rates 0.8; 1.2; 1.6 and 2.0 million seed per ha) were studied. According to the results a continuous sowing technology with a sowing rate of 1.6 million similar seeds per ha is recommended. It provides a pre-harvest density of 1.37 million plant/ha and yield of 2.12 t/ha. Development and formation of the main crop of seeds ensures the main inflorescence of the central stem. The average yield index and weight of 1000 seeds were 27.9% and 2.82 g, respectively. For obtaining larger seeds (1000 seed weight > 3.0 g), it is advisable to reduce the sowing rate to 1.2 million seed/ha. Yield shortage at this sowing rate in some years can be up to 0.08 t/ha.

Impacts of Long-Term Nutrient Management Based on Soil Test and Crop Response on Soil Health and Yield Sustainability in Typic Haplustalf

We studied the effect of soil tests and crop response-based long-term nutrient management on yield sustainability and soil health under rice-rice system in a Typic Haplustalf. The experiment was designed in randomized block design having five treatments, viz, control, the recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), STCR–NPK for target yield of 6 t ha–1 for kharif rice and 5 t ha–1 for rabi rice (STCR–NPK6), STCR–NPK for 7 t ha–1 for kharif rice and 6 t ha–1 for rabi rice (STCR–NPK7), and STCR–IPNS for 7 t ha–1 for kharif rice and 6 t ha–1 for rabi rice (STCR–IPNS7), and these treatments were replicated thrice. The 10-year mean data suggested that minimum yield was observed from control whereas highest was achieved in STCR–IPNS7 in both kharif as well as rabi seasons. The highest sustainable yield index (SYI) was 0.93 in kharif and 0.77 in rabi rice was observed under STCR–IPNS7, and lowest in control. Soil fertility status revealed that disregard for external application of nutrients resulted in depletion of 108 kg N, 11.6 kg P, and 200 kg K ha-1 and intensity of nutrient depletion was lowest in STCR–IPNS followed by STCR–NPK7, STCR–NPK6, and RDF. The urease, phosphatase, and dehydrogenase activities and microbial biomass C were found to be higher in STCR–IPNS when compared with other nutrient management practices while minimum values were recorded in the control.

Evaluation of CGMS-based chilli F1 hybrids for morphometric, fruit quality and yield traits

Chilli is a significant vegetable cum spice crop having broader applications in the food, phytogenic feed,cosmeceutical and pharmaceutical industries. To meet the demand, there is a need to develop F1 hybrids withtolerance/ resistance to major threatening diseases and higher yields. The present investigation was conductedto study the diversity of morphometric, fruit quality and yield traits and their reaction to chilli leaf curl diseaseamong thirteen CGMS-based high-yielding F1 hybrids. The hybrids Arka Nihira, Arka Yashasvi, H-25, H-26, andArka Tanvi excelled for most of the traits contributing to yield enhancement. The yield increment potential inthese hybrids is attributed to high morphometric and fruit biometric. In relation to the local check (HPH-3351),hybrid Arka Nihira exhibited enhanced green fruit yield by about sixty-two per cent. The cluster plot partitionedthese hybrids into four primary groups, revealing genetic similarities and differences among the hybrids. Further,a character association study indicates that traits such as days to 50 per cent flowering, plant spread, fruitgirth, and the number of fruits per plant can be leveraged as indirect selection indices for green fruit yield whileselecting a commercial hybrid cultivar in chilli breeding programs. The hybrids, Arka Nihira and Arka Tanvi, inparticular, have the potential to be commercial cultivars in terms of yield, agronomic characteristics, and leafcurl disease tolerance in shallow basaltic soils of the Deccan plateau of Indi

Effect of date of sowing and weather factors on infestation of Atherigona soccata (Rondani) and yield parameters of forage sorghum

Ecofriendly strategies for the management of sorghum shoot fly, helps in addressing the Atherigona soccataissues related to insecticides load on forage crop. The present study was carried out to know the suitable date of sowing on damage indices of sorghum shoot fly and green fodder yield in sorghum. The staggered sowing technique at a different time intervals was used, starting from 2 fortnight of March (12 SMW) to 1 fortnight of ndthstJuly (27 SMW). Oviposition in terms of eggs per 10 plants and dead heart percentage was recorded to be low thin 18 SMW (1 fortnight of May) sown crop (eggs: 6.66 and dead heart: 25.46%), but it was found to be highest thstin 1 fortnight of July (27 SMW) sown crop (eggs: 21.95 and dead heart: 65.45%). The correlation of shoot fly stthinfestation in relation to weather parameters revealed that egg load and dead hearts were negatively correlated with maximum temperature and positively correlated with minimum temperature, relative humidity and rain fall. Green fodder yield was recorded to be highest and lowest for the crop sown on 18 SMW (409 q/ha) and 27 ththSMW (302 q/ha), respectively. The study indicated that 1 fortnight of May was the best time to escape from the stsorghum shoot fly attack.

Heat tolerance indices as tools for characterizing resilient wheat (<i>Triticum aestivum</i>) RILs population under thermal stress

The escalating impact of heat stress on agriculture due to climate change has necessitated the development of heat- tolerant crop varieties. To address this, a study was carried out at research farm of CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana during winter (rabi) seasons of 2018–19 and 2019–20 under two different environments (normal and late sown). Evaluation of multiple stress indices and their relationship with grain yield per plot was done using 200 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Positive correlation was observed between grain yield and stress tolerance index, mean productivity, geometric mean productivity, harmonic mean and mean relative performance, while negative correlations existed with heat susceptibility index, tolerance, stress susceptibility index and reduction under stress conditions. Stepwise regression analysis revealed the importance of mean productivity, yield index, geometric mean productivity, stress tolerance index, and reduction in predicting grain yield. Principal Component Analysis highlighted the significance of tolerance and reduction in explaining the variance, with PC-1 labeled as the resilience and stress tolerance component and PC-2 as the yield stability and performance component. These findings were able to select 13 most heat tolerant RILs, performing better than national level check genotype WH730 and emphasized the role of stress indices especially HSI and TOL in characterizing genotypic responses to heat stress and guiding the selection of heat-tolerant genotypes for sustainable crop improvement. In the context of heat stress tolerance, understanding and harnessing transgressive segregants could lead to the development of crop varieties that not only tolerate, but thrive in challenging environments, ensuring sustainable food production under changing climatic conditions.

EFFECT OF DIFFERENT RATES OF COW DUNG ON YIELD INDCES OF GROUNDNUT IN ABRAKA, DELTA STATE, NIGERIA

This experiment was conducted in 2022 and repeated during 2023 farming season at the Teaching and Research Farm of Delta State University, Abraka to assess the response of selected varieties of groundnut to different rates of cow dung in Abraka, Delta State. It was a 5 x 2 factorial experiment carried out in randomized complete block design with three replications. The rates of cow dung in tha-1 were 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20, while the varieties were Samnut-21 and Samnut-22. After analysis of variances and means separation with Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) of the data collected on yield indices of groundnut, the results indicated that Samnut-21 was outstanding in all the parameters assessed. Manure application rate of 20tha-1 gave the highest values with respect to yield of groundnut in Abraka ecology. It was therefore recommended that 20tha-1 of cow dung be applied to Samnut-21 for increased yield of groundnut in Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria.

Potentiality of Sustainable Maize Production under Rainfed Conditions in the Tropics by Triggering Agro-Physio-Biochemical Traits Ascertained from a Greenhouse.

A major portion of maize is produced under rainfed conditions in the tropics with relatively poor yield because of the unpredictable and irregular distribution of seasonal rainfall, as well as a decline in pre-rainy season rainfall due to climate change, so identification of sustainable production options is utmost needed. Thus, the present studies were conducted in a greenhouse (GH) to ascertain the water stress-tolerant traits of maize and at the field level in the tropical environment of Thailand to see the stimulating possibility of the ascertained traits in a locally popular cultivar using ethephon. Depending on tolerance level, three maize genotypes (Suwan 2301 > Suwan 4452 > S 7328) were tested under different water conditions-well-watered, short-term, and long-term water stress-in the GH. At the field level, the locally popular maize cultivar Suwan 5819 was examined with six ethephon levels (doses in g a.i. ha-1 of ethephon, i.e., T1, 281 at V6 stage; T2, 281 at V6 + 281 at V10 stage; T3, 281 at V10 stage; T4, 562 at V6 stage; T5, 562 at V6 + 562 at V10 stage; T6, 562 at V10 stage) against no ethephon application (T0) under rainfed conditions. Maize suffered from the scarcity of sufficient rainfall during 26-39 days after planting (DAP) and 43-63 DAP in the field. The yield index (YI) was identified from biplot analysis as one of the suitable standards for drought tolerance checks for maize at GH as well as at field level in the tropics. The YI value of observed agro-physio-biochemical traits of maize in GH showed that relative water content (RWC, 1.23), stem base diameter (SBD, 1.21), total soluble sugar (TSS, 1.15), proline (Pr, 1.13), aboveground plant biomass (APB, 1.13), root weight (RW, 1.13), relative growth rate (RGR, 1.15), specific leaf weight (SLW, 1.12), and net assimilation rate (NAR, 1.08) were the most desirable. Efforts were made to stimulate these traits under water stress at the field level. Ethephon application as T1 helped to gain higher kernel yield (KY) (5.26 t ha-1) with the support of higher RWC (90.38%), proline (24.79 µmol g-1 FW), TSS (1629 mg g-1 FW), SBD (24.49 mm), APB (271.34 g plant-1), SLW (51.71 g m-2), RGR (25.26 mg plant-1 day-1), and NAR (0.91 mg cm-2 day-1) compared to others, especially no ethephon application. Furthermore, the attributes SLW, SBD, Pr, heat utilization efficiency (HUE), 100-kernel weight, TSS, electrolyte leakage, and lodging percentage showed a substantial direct effect and significant correlation with KY. Aside from higher KY, ethephon application as T1 tactics resulted in higher values of energy efficiency (1.66), HUE (2.99 kg ha-1 °C days-1), gross margin (682.02 USD ha-1), MBCR (3.32), and C absorption (6.19 t C ha-1), indicating that this practice may be a good option for maize sustainable production under rainfed conditions.