Bunch Yield Research Articles

Fertigation of ‘BRS Princesa’ banana with humic substance and saponin-based plant extracts

ABSTRACT The use of humic substances and plant extract has been increasing mainly in organic crop systems without scientific-based recommendations. Research is necessary to evaluate the feasibility and the recommendations of these substances. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of humic substances (humic and fulvic acids) applied by fertigation with and without saponin-based plant extracts on growth and yield of ‘BRS Princesa’ banana. The experiment was carried out using the banana cultivar ‘BRS Princesa’, at a spacing of 2.0 × 2.5 m, fertigated by drip irrigation in a Dystric Densic Xantic Ferralsol, at the Recôncavo da Bahia, Brazil. Treatments consisted of five doses of humic substances (0.0; 70; 105; 140, and 210 L ha-1cycle-1) applied with and without a saponin-based plant extract in a randomized block design in split-plot scheme. The following growth variables were evaluated: number of leaves, pseudostem height, pseudostem diameter, and length and width of the third leaf. The number of fruits/hand and hands/bunch, hand and bunch yield, and length and fruit diameter of the second central hand were evaluated during harvest. The doses of humic substances influenced only pseudostem height. Hand yield, as well as fruit length and diameter of ‘BRS Princesa’ banana were higher in plants fertigated with humic substance and plant extract in comparison with plants fertigated with only humic substance.

Characteristics of Fresh Fruit Bunch Yield and the Physicochemical Qualities of Palm Oil during Storage in North Sumatra, Indonesia

This study examines the fresh fruit bunch (FFB) yield and the effect of fruit storage on the quality of palm oil in Bangun Bandar Estate, Dolok Masihul, North Sumatra, with special reference to the physicochemical parameters. The quality of palm oil is mostly determined by the color, free fatty acids (FFAs), moisture, impurities, carotene content, and deterioration of bleachability index (DOBI). The palm fruits were stored in a refrigerator for 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days after harvesting before analyzing their carotenoid content, DOBI, FFAs, moisture, and impurities. The results showed that the potency of the crude palm oil (CPO) types, dura, pisifera, and tenera, were 23.5, 26.2, and 23.6%, respectively. The carotenoid content and DOBI of the palm oil types, dura, pisifera, and tenera, were decreased significantly by lengthy storage of the fruit. By contrast, lengthy storage of the fruit significantly increased the FFA, moisture, and impurity contents of these palm oil types, indicating that this reduced the quality of the palm oil. Oil processed from FFB has excellent quality with a high carotene content and DOBI, and a low concentration of FFA, moisture, and impurities. The present study contributes to palm oil stability and nutritional value.

In vitro production of banana plantlets and their validation at hill valleys

Performances of tissue cultured (TC) plantlets of BARI Kola-3 and BARI Kola-4 were evaluated against transplanting of conventional (CON) sucker at hill valleys during July 2011 to December 2014. The plantlets were produced at Biotech Lab, BARI Gazipur and validation trial was conducted at Ramgarh, Khagrachari hill district during March-April and September-October planting seasons (2011-14). Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal medium supplemented @ 3 mg 1-l and 5 mg l-1 BAP showed the best performance for multiple shoot production in BARI Kola-3 and BARI Kola-4, respectively. Both the varieties produced well developed roots in ½MS medium supplemented @ 0.5 mg 1-l IBA. Among the plantlets 98.5% plantlets were survived when hardened 7 days under polyethylene tunnel after 5 days hardening at room temperature but 100% plantlets died when transplanted plantlets were kept in open conditions at the nursery. 45 day - old healthy plantlets were planted at hill valleys in September-October and April-May planting seasons. BARI Kola-3 produced the highest 45.67 and 44.05 t ha-1 bunch yield at April-May and September-October planting, respectively. The highest 55.89 t ha-1 bunch yield was recorded from TC BARI Kola-4 in March-April planting followed by 49.67 t ha-1 in September-October Planting. TC BARI Kola-3 and BARI Kola-4 produced 3.68 and 12.52% higher yields in March-April planting, respectively than September-October planting. In case of planting materials, TC BARI Kola-3 and TC BARI Kola-4 produced 23.43 and 20.33% higher yield over CON suckered plant in March-April planting. On the other hand, TC BARI Kola-3 and TC BARI Kola-4 also produced 12.34 and 9.35% higher yield than CON Suckered plant in September-October planting. Similarly, TC BARI Kola-4 produced 28.33% higher yield than CON suckered BARI Kola-4 in March-April planting. In every case, TC plants showed better performances than the CON suckered plant.SAARC J. Agri., 15(1): 67-76 (2017)

The strong effect of pollen source and pollination time on fruit set and the yield of tissue culture-derived date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) trees cv. Barhee

Generally, abnormal fruit set mostly in the form of setting parthenocarpic triple fruitlets is one of the most economically important disorders, which appears in trees of numerous TC (tissue culture)-derived date cultivars including cv. ‘Barhee'. To improve normal fruit set, fruit yield and fruit quality of such Barhee trees, effect of five pollen sources (three endogenous sources; ‘Beraim’, ‘Shahani’ and ‘Zahidi’ and two internationally recognized varieties; ‘Fard No. 4’ and ‘Jarvis No. 1’) at two pollination times (day of natural spathe cracking (DNC)11DNC; day of natural spathe cracking. and two days later (DNC+2)22DNC+2; two days after DNC.) was investigated on young TC-derived ‘Barhee’ trees. The study was conducted as split-plot in a randomized complete block design (RCBD), replicated three times, in hot, arid region of the southwest of Iran during the year 2013. The results indicated that the ‘Zahidi’ pollen had caused the highest percentage of normal fruit set (avg. 50.1%) and bunch yield (3.55kg) significantly (P≤0.05) superior than the other pollen sources, followed by Jarvis No. 1 (36.6%). The pollination with ‘Beraim’ pollen produced the lowest percentage of normal fruits (21.3%). The pollination at DNC was significantly (P≤0.05) higher in normal fruit set and bunch yield. The pollination with ‘Zahidi’ pollen at DNC brought the highest percentage of normal fruit set (57.5%) and maximum bunch yield (4.59kg) with acceptable fruit weight and size. Both mentioned factors and the interactive effect significantly (P≤0.05) influenced bunch ripeness. The pollen of ‘Jarvis No. 1’ at DNC yielded the highest percentage of bunch ripeness (96.91%). This pollen which had the second best normal fruit set and bunch yield was superior in showing off key metaxeic effects i.e. fruit volume, fruit weight, and pulp to seed ratio (w/w). The pollination at DNC significantly (P≤0.05) led to higher fruit length, diameter, volume and weight. Ultimately, we concluded ‘Zahidi’ pollen as the best choice for increasing normal fruit set and economical yield, ‘Jarvis No. 1’ pollen as the most suitable pollen source to benefit metaxenic effects and DNC as the best time for pollination of the TC-derived Barhee trees exhibiting abnormal fruit set and poor yield.

Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) genetic resources for abiotic stress tolerance: A review

Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) once grown widely in forests and adjoining areas was subsequently domesticated as a plantation crops. Global oil palm area has quintupled from 1990 and it is grown in an area of 17 million ha with a palm oil production of 59.42 million tonnes. Oil yield is dependent not only on genotypes but also on environmental factors. The growth of common oil palm varieties is suppressed at temperatures below 15°C. Oil palm is a drought tolerant crop as it is surviving in locations with a dry season of several months. Nevertheless water deficit stress reduces the palm fresh fruit bunch yield to less than 5 tonnes/ ha along with significant reduction (up to 26.30%) in vegetative growth. Excess soil moisture and continuous water logging are detrimental to oil palm fresh fruit bunch production. The important parameters, viz. the root biomass, potential root extraction ratio (PRER), rate of stomatal conductance and photosynthesis can be used for screening oil palm genotypes for drought tolerance. The progenies of Bamenda × Ekona and Tanzania × Ekona hybrids had drought tolerance and produced 40-42 tonnes of fresh fruit bunch during initial three years. The progenies of crosses between Deli × Yangambi (NIFOR, Nigeria), Bamenda × Ekona (ASD Costa Rica), Tanzania × Ekona and IRHO7010 were reported to adapt to prolonged drought conditions in Nigeria, Costa Rica and Colombia, respectively. Cameroon and Tanzanian genetic sources had cold tolerance and hybrids of Dami Deli × Cameroon /Tanzania crosses and Amazon (variety) are available with Agricultural Services Development, Costa Rica. Elaeis oleifera has inherent characteristics to tolerate drought and water stagnation, pest and disease resistance and exhibits slow vertical growth. ASD Costa Rica had developed compact palm utilising the genetic resources of E.oleifera. Varieties with short leaves and slow vertical growth are most preferred traits in oil palm industry to increase the productivity per unit area as they can be planted at high density. Information on early maturing varieties, dwarfness, rapid and quality planting material production technologies in relation to abiotic stress tolerance for oil palm are scanty.

IMPACT OF PACLOBUTRAZOL ON THE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF NURSERY GROWN CLONAL OIL PALM (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.)

The economic life of an oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) plant is associated with the stature of the palm as the height of each oil palm affects the cost of harvesting. Shorter palm allows ease of harvesting and better fruit recovery hence contributes to the increase of the fresh fruit bunch (FFB) yield. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of paclobutrazol (PBZ), an inhibitor of gibberellin (GA) biosynthesis, on the growth and development of clonal oil palms maintained under nursery conditions. Application of PBZ significantly reduced the growth of clonal palms with the optimal concentration of PBZ being 50 mg litre-1 when applied as a foliar spray. PBZ-treated palms exhibited shorter fronds that were dark green in colour and plants had a more compact structure as compared to untreated controls. Longitudinal sections of PBZ-treated oil palm clones revealed that both leaves and stems comprised of fewer cells each with a smaller volume. PBZ-treated plants exhibited a higher rate of photosynthesis compared to controls and this was correlated with an accumulation of starch in stem cells. These results provide evidence that the vegetative growth of oil palm is regulated by GA levels and that by manipulating the concentration of these hormones it may be possible to attenuate the oil palm height and ultimately increase productivity.

Management of Radopholus similis and Helicotylenchus multicinctus in Ratoon Banana Grown under High Density Planting Systems

ABSTRACTCultivation of banana in modified high density planting systems with more crop cycles is widely followed in Gujarath, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu states of India due to its higher productivity and lower cost of production. In this system, three suckers were planted in a pit spaced at 1.8 × 3.6 m accommodating 1542 mats or 4626 plants/ha. Nematode pests remain a threat to this modified system of banana cultivation especially in ratoon cycles. Investigations were undertaken in ratoon banana grown under a high density planting system on effect of cartap hydrochloride 4G, carbofuran 3G, Glomus mosseae, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Sunhemp, Coriander, Marigold, and neem cake on control mixed populations of burrowing nematode, Radopholus similis, and spiral nematode, Helicotylenchus multicinctus. Application of cartap hydrochloride @ 20 g/mat twice at the time of ratooning followed by 4 months later gave greater control of R. similis and H. multicinctus in soil and root with lesser damage in root and corm than untreated plants. The banana plants in this treatment were taller with a larger number of leaves and thicker pseudostem girth resulting in 33.4–37.3% more bunch yield than other treatments including control. The effect of cartap hydrochloride at 20 g/mat was similar at higher dose (40 g/mat) but significantly superior than 10 g/mat dose. Carbofuran 3 G @ 80 g/mat twice, Neem cake @ 250 g/mat twice and growing Marigold around the basin and incorporating before flowering were the next best treatments on nematode control and growth promotion. The P. fluorescens and G. mosseae applied were not established well and caused lesser nematode control in ratoon banana grown under high density planting system. Hence application of cartap hydrochloride @ 20 g/mat or neem cake @ 250 g/mat or growing Marigold around the basin and incorporating before flowering could rectify the damage caused by R. similis and H. multicinctus in ratoon banana crops growing under a high density planting system.

Learning from commercial crop performance: Oil palm yield response to management under well-defined growing conditions

Farmers learn from their own experiences. However, they are rarely sure if an exceptionally good or bad outcome is due to chance effects or whether it is due to a given combination of management practices and environmental conditions. We surmised that, if each harvest event is adequately characterized and a large number of these events are analyzed together, it should be possible to associate crop response to management within a particular set of growth conditions. We tested this hypothesis using the perennial crop, oil palm.The characterization of the harvest events can be divided into factors the grower can control (CFs), and non-controllable factors (NCFs). Expert opinion, coupled with literature reviews, indicated that the most important NCFs for oil palm in the humid tropics were surplus water and water deficits in the three-year period before and including the year of harvest. Water deficit was assessed using a simplified water balance model with inputs on inherent soil characteristics and rainfall. Surplus water was evaluated from the rainfall, inherent soil characteristics and the topographical position of the block in question. Homologous events (HEs) with similar NCFs were determined from weather and soil data for 141 blocks covering >6000ha over the period 2007–2013 on a commercial plantation.The yield of fresh fruit bunches (FFB) of 262 blocks over the period 2009–2013 was analyzed on the conceptual basis that if HEs can be defined in terms of growing conditions and used to account for part of the yield variation (NCFs), then the remaining variation within these events can be attributable to controllable factors (CFs) or management practices. Inclusion of HEs for the three years before the harvest year improved models used to explain yield variation. The variations in yield were in accordance with the expected effects of the distinct HEs confirming their validity as an analytical tool with normal conditions giving the highest yields, either deficit or surplus water giving intermediate yields, and a combination of both deficit and excess water the lowest yields.We chose the CF of fertilizer response to associate variation of management practices and yield within and across HEs. The overall response to fertilizer at 12.8kgFFB·kg−1, without including HEs in the model, was much greater than that obtained when HEs were included (5.9kgFFB·kg−1). As most data were from blocks with sup-optimal growing conditions, the response to fertilizer over the ranges used was small and under the poorest HEs was not detectable.

Bunch yield of interspecific hybrids of American oil palm with oil palm in the juvenile phase

To identify superior genotypes, 42 progenies of interspecific hybrids between American oil palm and oil palm were evaluated in an area with incidence of bud rot. The following variables were assessed: total bunch yield (TBY), number of bunches (NB) and mean bunch weight (MBW) from the third to the sixth year of cultivation and estimates of genetic parameters obtained by REML/BLUP procedures. High heritability values ​​of the evaluated traits were observed. The gain estimates for TBY were 14.49% for the selection of the five best progenies and 33.36% for the selection of the five best trees, considering multiplication by cloning. A medium correlation was observed between TBY and NB, a high correlation between TBY and MBW and a negative high correlation between NB and MBW. The results indicate a high expectation of gains with selection for TBY.

An investigation of age and yield of fresh fruit bunches of oil palm based on ALOS PALSAR 2

The objective on this study is to investigate age and yield of FFB of oil palms based on ALOS PALSAR 2. Study areas in oil palm plantations areas of Jerantut, Pahang Malaysia. Methodology consists collecting of ALOS PALSAR 2 and tabular data on the study area, processing of ALOS PALSAR 2 including of converting digital numbers to normalize radar cross sections (NRCS), topography correction and filtering, making of regions of interest according to areas of age and yield of FFB of oil palms and making of relationship analysis between backscatter value of HH, HV and age and yield of FFB of oil palm. The results have showed relationship between HH, HV and age of oil palm which R2 of 0.63 for HH and 0.42 for HV that indicated increasing of age of oil palm as increasing of HH and HV value. Also relationship between HH, HV and yield of FFB of oil palm which R2 of 0.26 for HH and 0.15 for HV, that indicated increasing of yield of FFB as decreasing of HH and HV value.

Selection of cooking banana genotypes for yield and black Sigatoka resistance in different locations in Uganda

It is imperative to systematically evaluate new banana genotypes in different locations before national release. This enables selection and recommendation of superior genotypes as new varieties for a wider range of environments. The objective of the present study was to select banana genotypes with stable and high performance for bunch yield and leaf black Sigatoka resistance. Eleven cooking banana genotypes developed by the Uganda National Agricultural Research Organization in collaboration with Bioversity International, and two check varieties were evaluated in multi-location preliminary yield trials in Uganda. Data collected were analyzed using Additive Main Effects and Multiplicative Interaction (AMMI) model, AMMI Stability Value, and Genotype Selection Index (GSI). Genotype × location interaction was significant for all the traits assessed. Most of the new genotypes had low interaction effects with locations for bunch yield (69.2%) and black Sigatoka (92.3%). The most stable genotypes for bunch yield were NABIO815, NABIO1117, NABIO216 and NABIO306 whereas for black Sigatoka resistance, were NABIO1011, NABIO815, NABIO1009 and NABIO216. Using the GSI that defines the most desirable genotypes as those that combine high agronomic performance and stability across environments, four genotypes (NABIO306, NABIO1011, NABIO808 and NABIO1009) were selected. These genotypes, in addition to their high performance for agronomic traits and stability, had soft and yellow fruit pulp on cooking, and will be advanced on farm for further evaluation. Key words: Banana breeding, AMMI, AMMI stability value, genotype selection index.

Yield components and water use efficiency in coriander under irrigation and nitrogen fertilization

ABSTRACT Among the determining factors of yield, nitrogen (N) fertilization and the correct supply of water play an important role in the quality and yield aspects of coriander. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the yield components and the water use efficiency (WUE) in coriander subjected to different depths and N doses. A completely randomized design in split plot was used. Water depths were applied in the plots at the rates of 25, 50, 75, 100 and 125% of the Required Real Irrigation (RRI). N doses were distributed within the subplots at the following proportions: 50, 100 and 150% of the recommendation for the crop (70 kg ha-1). The N dose of 94 kg ha-1 and irrigation depth of 115% of RRI promoted the greatest yield (29.0 t ha-1) and number of bunches (29 bunches m-2). The highest number of leaves per plant was obtained with the N dose of 103.2 kg ha-1 and irrigation depth of 68% of the RRI. The maximum plant height (43 cm) was obtained with N dose of 105 kg ha-1 and irrigation depth of 121% of RRI. The highest WUE in coriander (71 kg m-3) occurred at the irrigation depth of 26% of RRI and N dose of 105 kg ha-1.

ACC oxidase and miRNA 159a, and their involvement in fresh fruit bunch yield (FFB) via sex ratio determination in oil palm.

Oil palm (Elaeis guineesis Jacq.) is the most productive oil-bearing crop, yielding more oil per area than any other oil-bearing crops. However, there are still efforts to improve oil palm yield, in order to serve consumer and manufacturer demand. Oil palm produces female and male inflorescences in an alternating cycle. So, high sex ratio (SR), the ratio of female inflorescences to the total inflorescences, is a favorable trait in term of increasing yields in oil palm. This study aims to understand the genetic control for SR related traits, such as fresh fruit bunch yield (FFB), by characterizing genes at FFB quantitative trait loci (QTLs) on linkage 10 (chromosome 6) and linkage 15 (chromosome 10). Published oil palm sequences at the FFB QTLs were used to develop gene-based and simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. We used the multiple QTL analysis model (MQM) to characterize the relationship of new markers with the SR traits in the oil palm population. The RNA expression of the most linked QTL genes was also evaluated in various tissues of oil palm. We identified EgACCO1 (encoding aminocyclopropane carboxylate (ACC) oxidase) at chromosome 10 and EgmiR159a (microRNA 159a) at chromosome 6 to be the most linked QTL genes or determinants for FFB yield and/or female inflorescence number with a phenotype variance explained (PVE) from 10.4 to 15% and suggest that these play the important roles in sex determination and differentiation in oil palm. The strongest expression of EgACCO1 and the predicted precursor of EgmiR159a was found in ovaries and, to a lesser extent, fruit development. In addition, highly normalized expression of EgmiR159a was found in female flowers. In summary, the QTL analysis and the RNA expression reveal that EgACCO1 and EgmiR159a are the potential genetic factors involved in female flower determination and hence would affect yield in oil palm. However, to clarify how these genetic factors regulate female flower determination, more investigation of their down regulation or target may be essential. Additionally, if more sex determination genes controlled by plant hormones are identified, it may possible to reveal a crosstalk of sex determination genes with hormones and environment factors.

Torrefaction of Empty Fruit Bunches in Inert Condition at Various Temperature and Time

Malaysia is overdependence on fossil fuels as the primary source of energy. The issues related to environmental effects and energy security has driven the nation towards renewable energy, specifically biomass. The lignocellulosic biomass such as empty fruit bunches is potentially seen to replace fossil fuels because of its availability in Malaysia. In this study, torrefaction of empty fruit bunches was conducted in a tubular vertical reactor in inert atmosphere. The effect various torrefaction temperature (220, 260 and 300°C) and time (30, 60 and 90min) on the mass yield, calorific value and CHN analysis of empty fruit bunches was investigated. The activation energy for torrefaction of empty fruit bunches was 30.81kJ/mol.

A Mixed Model Analysis of a Fertilizer Experiment on Oil Palm in Nigeria

Mixed model analysis procedure was used to analyze the effect of fertilizer application on the Fresh Fruit Bunch (FFB) yield of oil palm. This was with a view to achieve the most appropriate and a robust model for analyzing yield response for fertilizer application in oil palm. In this study, a mixed model analysis procedure was used to analyze yield data obtained from a fertilizer trial conducted between 1997 and 2005. In mixed effect model, replicates and years were used as block. In contrast the fixed effect ANOVA model usually lumped up replicates and years as a random error. In the model replicates were used as block with no block interaction, replicates as block with allowance for block-fertilizer interaction, years as block with allowance for block-fertilizer interaction, and years and replicates as block with allowance for year fertilizer and replicate-fertilizer interaction. Mixed model theory was also used to provide the explicit description of the design matrices in the models. Also, hypotheses relevant to each model were formulated and used to test for specific effects in the models such as, fixed part, random part and interacting parts using appropriate error terms as determined by the derived Expected Mean Squares (EMS). The results revealed that at 5% significant level (p

Determinants for Fresh Fruit Bunch Yield among Small Scale Oil Palm Farmers: Based on Rural Survey Results in Riau Province, Indonesia

Determinants for Fresh Fruit Bunch Yield among Small Scale Oil Palm Farmers: Based on Rural Survey Results in Riau Province, Indonesia

Assessment of the Diversity in Fruit Yield and Fruit Components among Sri Lanka Tall Coconut Accessions Conserved Ex-Situ

Characterization of conserved coconut germplasm has been undertaken globally for identification of important features of different accessions for them to be effectively used in coconut breeding. One hundred and fifty seven accessions comprising of local and exotic material have been conserved in ex-situ field genebanks of Coconut Research Institute in Sri Lanka. The objective of this study is to quantitatively characterize nut yield and fruit components by weights among Sri Lanka Tall (Typica) coconut accessions. Twenty local tall coconut accessions were characterized for nut yield and fruit components following Bioversity International descriptors for coconut. Bunch wise nut yield was recorded in all the coconut phenotypes in the six most mature bunches in 25 randomly selected palms from each accession. Sampled nuts were scored for weights of fresh nut, husked nut, split nut and kernel and the weights of husk, water and shell of each nut were derived from the scored data. Analysis of variance by general linear models procedure and mean separation by Duncan’s multiple range test were performed in SAS v8 and principal component analysis and cluster analysis using squared Euclidean distances were performed in Minitab V17. General linear models procedure revealed significant differences for nut yield and all the fruit components at 5% probability level. Walahapitiya recorded the highest average nut yield followed by the Razeena with statistically equal performances. Clovis recorded the highest values for most of the parameters for fruit component analysis followed by the accession Margaret, grouping together in Dendogram and the scatter plot. The highest per nut kernel producer, Clovis, was followed by Margaret with statistically equal performances and this is important because kernel is the main economically important component followed by the husk. Results revealed that there is no significant correlation between nut yield and all the fruit components in tall accessions indicating the importance of taking these two parameters separately to formulate germplasm conservation strategies.

Bio-Fortification with Iron and Manganese for Enhanced Bunch Yield in 'Robusta' Banana through Direct Nutrient-Feeding

Enhancement of bunch weight together with bio-fortification with Fe and Mn was attempted in 'Robusta' banana by enriching with 0-1.25g bunch-1 each of FeSO4 (heptahydrate) and MnSO4 (monohydrate). Bunch yield and content of Fe and Mn in the pulp substantially increased by direct nutrient feeding of bunches with 7.5g each of urea and SOP besides 0.75g each of FeSO4 and MnSO4. The improved technique holds promise for combating anemia in humans by bio-fortification of banana with Fe besides supplemental Mn in diet.

Direct Nutrient-Feeding to 'Ney Poovan' Banana (Musa Sp. AB) Bunch under Organic or Conventional Farming for Yield, Fruit Quality and Profitability

Three types of direct nutrient-feeding methods [applying 500g fresh cow-dung and 100ml water enriched with (i) 2.5g each of urea + SOP; (ii) 100ml of panchangavya; and (iii) 100ml of cow urine] were evaluated in 'Ney Poovan' banana grown under organic or conventional farming. Plants grown under conventional farming were more robust in girth and length of their pseudostem and number of leaves retained on the plant at harvest. Conventional farming produced 62.6% and 59.0% higher fruit and bunch weight than plants grown under organic farming. Quality-wise, fruits from organic farming were superior in pulp:peel ratio and pulp total soluble solids (TSS). Conventional farming significantly increased P, S, Fe, Mn and Zn content of the pulp over organic farming. Benefit:cost ratio was significantly higher at 3.61 under conventional farming, while, it was 2.15 under organic farming. All the methods of direct nutrient-feeding of banana bunch tested were significantly superior to 'Control' where the male bud was retained on the bunch until harvest. Increase in fruit and bunch weight was in the following order of blend: urea + SOP > panchangavya > cow urine, with fresh cow dung. Improvement in pulp:peel ratio and benefit:cost ratio was maximum when direct nutrient-feeding was done using cow-dung blended with urea + SOP, while, TSS of the pulp declined to 24.0oB from 25.1oB when pancahgavya was used. Results indicated that conventional farming with adequate organic manuring, and, adopting direct nutrient-feeding of the banana bunch using cow-dung slurry enriched with 2.5g each of urea and SOP, achieved high bunch yield, pulp:peel ratio, and was profitable.

Genetic Variation and Heritability Estimates for Bunch Yield, Bunch Components and Vegetative Traits in Oil Palm Interspecific Hybrids

Progeny testing of oil palm interspecific hybrids was conducted in four trials in Kluang, Ulu Paka, Teluk Intan and Carey Island, Malaysia. The interspecific hybrids (O  P) were created according to the North Carolina Model I (NCM I) mating design, using Elaeis oleifera (O) and Elaeis guineensis var. pisifera (P) as the maternal and paternal parents, respectively. Differences among O, P and O-within-P were determined by the performance (bunch yield, components and vegetative traits) of the progenies. There were significant differences among P for fresh fruit bunch (FFB) yield, bunch number (BN) and average bunch weight (ABW) in Kluang, Ulu Paka and Teluk Intan, but not in Carey Island. FFB yield was generally higher on coastal soils (Teluk Intan and Carey Island) than inland soils (Kluang and Ulu Paka). Heritability was calculated based on the intraclass correlation. Heritability estimates for these three yield components were variable, depending on the breeding material and environment in which the materials were tested. Fruit to bunch (F/B) and oil to bunch (O/B) of parthenocarpic fruits were important in determining the overall O/B of the interspecific hybrids. The O  P hybrids in Kluang showed the lowest height increment with only a mean of 14.0 cm/year, whereas in Ulu Paka and Teluk Intan, the values were higher at 24.0 cm/year and 25.0 cm/year, respectively. The study showed that the FFB yields of oil palm interspecific hybrids performed better in coastal soils than inland soils.