Fresh Pod Yield Research Articles

Response of Pole Type French Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Genotypes to Sowing Dates in the Mid Hills of Western Nepal

Three pole-type French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) genotypes (Four season, Trishuli & Makwanpur) were sown in different three dates, i.e., August 16, 31 and September 15 during autumn seasons of 2010 and 2011 at the Agriculture Research Station, Malepatan, Pokhara (848 msl) to assess the fresh pod yield and yield attributes of the genotypes in different dates of sowing. The experiment was conducted in randomized complete block design with three replications. The temperature ranged from 14° to 32°C during the growth period. The results showed significant variations in fresh pod yield and yield attributes. Flowering was earlier in Makwanpur genotype. About 50% plants flowered within 39 days in Makwanpur while it took more than 48 days for Trishuli. Tallest plants were produced by Makwanpur (271.7 cm) and shortest by Trishuli (256.2 cm). The pod length was highest (18.34 cm) in Four season and lowest in Makwanpur (15.07 cm). Pod width was highest in Trishuli (9.04 mm) and lowest in Makwanpur (7.10 mm). Highest fresh pod yield was produced by Four season (25.08 t/ha) followed by Makwanpur (23.11t/ha) and the lowest by Trishuli (19.97 t/ha). Sowing date also showed significant effect on yield and yield attributes. Earliest sowing (16 August) showed better results in early flowering (42.63 days), tallest plants (280.4 cm), longest pods (18.51 cm), widest pods (9.21 mm) and the highest fresh pod yield (31.13 t/ha) than 31 August and 15 September sown conditions. Fresh pod yield was highest in 16 August sown (31.13 t/ha) followed by 31 August (21.74 t/ha) and lowest in 15 September (15.29 t/ha). Four season sown on 16 August produced the highest fresh pod yield with an average of 35.35 t/ha. The result revealed that Four season is the best genotype and mid August is the appropriate sowing time for higher fresh pod yield of French bean in the mid hills of western Nepal. Nepal Journal of Science and Technology Vol. 13, No. 2 (2012) 15-20 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njst.v13i2.7708

Participatory evaluation and promotion of cereals and grain legumes for enhancing food security at Bajura district, Nepal

Participatory varietal selection (PVS) trials in maize, wheat, finger millet, buckwheat, pigeon pea and field pea, mixed cropping legumes with maize were implemented and farmer-preferred varieties of those crops disseminated in Barabish VDC (900-1600 m) of Bajura district during 2007/08 to 2009/10 with a view to enhance the local level food security. Results from PVS trials showed that maize variety Deuti produced the highest mean grain yields of 3625 kg/ha which was 25% higher than the local variety, wheat variety WK-1204 was the highest yielder (3901 kg/ha), with 48% more yields than the popular and check variety RR-21. Fingermillet variety KK -1 was the highest yielder (2459 kg/ha) in midhills, whereas ACC # 2827-1, NF1703-34, and performed better in high hills. This variety showed wider adaptation both in the mid and high hills. Sweet buckwheat genotype IR-13 was most preferred by farmers. For bitter buckwheat, genotypes ACC #- 2223-1 (4813 kg/ha), Sample # 8 (2333 kg/ha) and ACC # -2227-1 (1354 kg/ha) were high yielding. Field pea variety Sikkime produced the highest fresh pod yield of 4185 kg/ha and was superior to Kalaam Local. Seed yields of medium duration pigeonpea variety Rampur Rahar-1 evaluated for the first time in the locality, ranged between 250-1500 Kg/ha. Extra short duration variety of pigeonpea suitable for growing in pigeonpea-wheat rotation in rainfed uplands has been selected by farmers. The economic benefit of intercropping groundnut with maize was higher than intercropping pigeonpea or soybean, due to higher selling price of groundnut. On-farm seed saving and seed procurement of selected varieties had been initiated to ensure adequate seed supply at the local level. More than 1829 kg seed of wheat variety WK-1204 was produced and 40 % of it was used as seed in 2010 winter season. A total of 328 farmers comprising 28% females and 72% males were benefited through participation in crop and seed production trainings organized at the villages. Up-scaling of selected varieties / technologies has been suggested. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajn.v2i0.7522 Agronomy Journal of Nepal (Agron JN) Vol. 2: 2011 pp.75-87

Effects of spacing on the growth and yield of Okra ( Abelmochus esculentus ) L. Moench in Obubra, Cross River state

The effects of plant population on growth and yield of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) was investigated for two planting seasons (2008 and 2009) in the teaching and research farm, Department of Agronomy, Cross River University of Technology, Obubra . Treatments were five Okra plant populations : 111,111, 55,555,35,714, 27,77 and 23,810 Okra plants/ ha. High plant population significantly( P< 0.05) reduced number of leaf blades per plant, number of branches per plant and dry matter of plant fraction. The highest plant height of 1.01.3cm and leaf area index of 5.1 were obtained from plant population of 111, 111 plants/ha and this was significantly( P<0.05) higher than values obtained from others. The least plant population of 23,810 plant/ha produced more higher okra fresh pods and weight per pod and seeds per plant as compare with other higher plant population of 55, 555 and 35,714 Okra plants /ha. The highest Okra fresh pod yield of 7.36 and 7.43 tons/ha were obtained from plots treated with 111,111/ha during 2008 and 2009 planting seasons respectively ,The lowest yield values of 3.45 and 3’36 tons/ha were obtained from 23,810 okra plants/ha in the two planting seasons (2008 and2009)respectively.

English

Field experiments were conducted in 2007 and 2008 at Calabar in the south eastern rainforest zone of Nigeria to evaluate the response of okra ( Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench ) to four rates of nitrogen (0, 40, 80 and 120kg/ha) and three rates of lime (0, 5 and 10t/ha). Factorial combinations of the treatments were laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Nitrogen had significant effects on plant height, number of leaves and branches/plant, number of pods/plant, fresh pod weight and total fresh pod yield. The 80kgN/ha rate maximized all the growth and yield attributes. Lime application had no consistent effect on plant height and number of branches/plant; but significantly improved all other growth and yield attributes. Total fresh pod yield was highest at 5t/ha lime rate, and this was 91% higher than the control. Significant interactions were recorded between nitrogen and lime on number of leaves/plant and fresh pod yields, with the combination of nitrogen and lime at 80kg/ha and 5t/ha giving the highest values.

Estimativas de parâmetros genéticos em genótipos de feijão-caupi avaliados para feijão fresco

O objetivo deste trabalho foi estimar parâmetros genéticos em caracteres associados com a produção de feijão fresco em 14 genótipos de feijão-caupi de vagem roxa e grãos brancos. Foram conduzidos três experimentos: dois sob irrigação (2004 e 2005) e um em condições de sequeiro (2005), no campo experimental da Embrapa Meio-Norte, em Teresina-PI, em delineamento de blocos completos casualizados com quatro repetições. Foram avaliados os seguintes caracteres: número de dias para a colheita de vagens frescas (NDCVF), comprimento de vagens frescas (CVF), número de grãos por vagem fresca (NGVF), peso de cem grãos frescos (P100GF), produtividade de vagens frescas (PVF), produtividade de grãos frescos (PGF), índice de grãos frescos (IGF), valor de cultivo (VC) e porte da planta (PP). As correlações genotípicas foram superiores às fenotípicas e ambientais, destacando-se as correlações entre VC e PVF (100%). O coeficiente de variação genético variou de 6,58% (IGF) a 31,62% (PGF), com destaque também para PVF (30,16%). No geral, todos os caracteres exibiram alto componente genético na expressão do caráter, com destaque para o CVF (98,72%). Existe um alto componente genético na expressão fenotípica de todos os caracteres estudados, com grande probabilidade de ganhos genéticos em ciclos adicionais de seleção com base no fenótipo. A seleção de genótipos de feijão-caupi de alta produtividade e precoces é mais fácil do que a seleção de genótipos de alta produtividade e tardios, para o melhoramento do feijão fresco.

Effect Of Different Rates Of Pig Manure On The Growth And Yield Of Phaseolus vulgaris (Green Beans)

A study was carried out to assess the response of Phaseolus vulgaris to various rates of pig manure application with respect to growth and yield. The study was carried out in a completely randomized design replicated four times. The rate of pig manure application did not affect plant height throughout the period of plant growth. Plant height and girths of plant increased with time, but the former was not affected by the rate of pig manure application. Number of leaves and leaf area increased up to 5 week after sowing and declined thereafter. At 5 weeks after sowing, 20 and 30 t/ha of pig manure application produced comparative and significantly higher values of number of leaves. With respect to leaf area, 30 and 40 t/ha produced the comparatively and the highest values. Pig manure applied at the rate of 40 t/ha significantly produced the highest yield of fresh pod yield of green beans. The pod yields generally declined with lower rates of pig manure application.

SOME FOLIAR APPLICATIONS FOR IMPROVING SNAP BEAN (Phaseolus vulgaris, L.) QUALITY AND YIELD AT FALL SEASON.

Understanding the impact of ambient environmental condition is a concern for agricultural production. This work was undertaken to study the responses of two snap bean cultivars (Giza3 and Bronco) to some stimulant substances, i.e., Cu- EDTA 8% Cu 1 ml/l; Mg-EDTA/Cit 10% Mg, 5ml/l and Fe-EDTA/Cit 10% Fe, 2ml/l in chelated forms, Ca-citrate 25% Ca, 2.5ml/l and KP/AA, 45/33.2 K2O, P2O5, 8.2% amino acids, 2.5ml/l; yeast extract, 25ml/l; seaweeds extracts, 5 ml/l and amino acids, 5ml/l as a foliar applications, throw two experiments conducted at El-Baramoon Res. Station, El-Dakahllia Governorate, Hort. Res. Inst. during the fall seasons of 2006 and 2007. Previous information showed that Bronco cv. display a physiological disorder at fall season (pale color of pods) which in turn negatively affects the economical value for the exportation of product, thereby, this work was suggested to improve yield and qualities, as well as growth and pigments of leaves and pods of snap bean plants, growing under abiotic stress conditions of fall season. Results indicated that Bronco cv. surpassed Giza3 in most vegetative growth parameters. Also, chlorophyll a and b of leaves, as well as pod chlorophyll a, b and TSS showed the same trends as vegetative growth aspects, though; Giza3 had the greatest concentrations of leaf and pod carotenoids in the two seasons. In addition, the highest number of pods/plant and consequently fresh pod yield were collected by Bronco plants. in the two seasons. On the other hand, the tallest, thickness and heaviest pod were gathered from Giza3 plants. The enhanced yield was associated with pod performance and number of pods/plant, regarding genotype responses under such condition. The applied treatments differed among them and were superior the control in all characteristics. The best applications with the two bean cvs. in most cases were Cu + Mg + Fe combination, KPaa, Mg, Fe, yeast, Ca, Cu, seaweeds extract and at least amino acids respectively, these increased the yield over control by, 24.8, 18.4, 17.3, 16.8, 13.7, 13, 12.1, 10.8 and 8.8% (mean of two seasons) respectively. It can be concluded that sprayed snap bean plants with the combination between Cu 0.5ml/l (Cu- EDTA 8% Cu), Mg 2.5ml/l (Mg-EDTA/Cit 10% Mg) and Fe 1.0ml/l (Fe-EDTA/Cit 10% Fe) and K 2.5ml/l (KPaa, 45/33.2 K2O, P2O5, 8.2% amino acids) for the best growth and maximum productivity under fall season conditions.

Influence of NPK 20-10-10 Fertilizer on the Pod Yield and Root Growth of Okra in the Humid Tropics

The influence of NPK 20-10-10 on the fresh pod yield and root growth of okra variety, V 35 grown in the lowland humid tropics was investigated during the 2002 and 2003 cropping seasons. Four rates (0,150, 300 and 450 kg/ha) of the fertilizer were applied to the crop. The treatments were replicated three times in a Randomized Complete Block design. The results showed significant differences (P=0.05) among treatment means for pod yield and dry root weight during the 2002 and 2003 trials. The root weight was positively correlated (r =0.99 and 0.96) to the fertilizer rates. The results suggest that the optimum NPK 20-10-10 level for okra variety, V 35 in the study area lies between 300-450 kg NPK 20-10-10/ha. Therefore, application rates above 450 kg NPK 20-10-10/ha for okra production in the study area will not be economical.

EFFECT OF SOME NATURAL ESSEENITAL OILS ON COWPEA PRODUCTIVITY AND STORABILITY

Field and storage experiments were conducted on cowpea cv. El- Balady during 2004/2005 and 2005/2006 seasons, to study the influence of some hybr-distillated essential oils and or their aromatic major components as natural antioxidants and safe botanical insecticides on the agronomical performance of it's plants under high temperature condition of late summer season and on the subsequent storability and insect damage of it 's 5 month stored dry seeds on ambient temperature . In this work , seven natural essential oils of thyme, eucalyptus ,clove , pepper mint, marjoram, lemonine and onion were applied in the field as emulsion foliar sprays. Also, three aromatic major components, i.e. thymol, camphor and menthon (crystal volatiles) and three essential oils, of garlic, majoram and MS were applied during storage as natural fumigants in comparison with Al – phosphide synthetic one. The obtained results of field exp. and it's storage one revealed that, all the applied essential oils greatly improved the agronomical performance of their plants and storability of their 5 months stored seeds in the two seasons. The most significantly effective ones were thyme, lemonine and pepper mint, respectively, those increased dry wt. of their plants by 32.5,31.4 and 27.1%, total fresh pod yield by 50.7, 46.6 and 28.00% , total seed yield by 198.3, 145.5 and110.0% over those of the control. Also, greatly improved storability and viability of their seeds reduced damage from 100% (control) to 2.2, 3.5 and 4.8%, inf. perforated seeds from 100% (control) to 2.7, 6.6 and 8.2% and wt. losses from 60% (control) to 2.0, 4.2 and 5.8% respectively .Regarding the effect of the fumigants during storage, Al-hposphide was the most effective treatment followed by MS. and thymol (natural ones) those respectively reduced seed damage from 100% to 0%, 0% and 7.5%, inf . perforated seeds from 100% to 1.0% , 2.0% and 8.0% , wt. losses from 60% to 0.4%, 1.5 % and 3.0% respectively. For the best yield and storability of cowpea , foliar sprays of theyme or lemonine oils (2m1/L) 4 times during the growing seasons , also for the best storability of 5 month stored seeds , methyl salicylate (MS) oil 0.5 ml/kg seed applied twice as a storage fumigant were the most recommended natural and safe applications.

Evaluation Of Okra Cultivars And Breeding Lines For Agronomic Traits In Umudike In Southeastern Nigeria

Six (6) genotypes comprising two (2) cultivars and four (4) breeding lines of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L) Moench) were studied in a randomized complete block design with three (3) replicates to determine their performance under Umudike environmental conditions in 2002 and 2003 cropping seasons. With respect to fresh pod yield, all the genotypes performed very well in both years, although the breeding lines performed better than the two (2) varieties. Breeding lines LD88/1-8-16-2 and LD88/1-8-13-2-4 recorded fresh pod yields of 3.6 and 3.2 t/ha in 2002, 3.5 and 3.3 t/ha in 2003 respectively, which are well above the fresh pod yields recorded for Okra in the tropics. The early maturing Okra genotypes used in the present study with 3 to 4 months duration present a possibility of growing two crops of Okra (early and late croppings) in one year, unlike the indigenous photoperiod sensitive varieties with eight to nine months duration. Keywords: Okra, cultivars, breeding lines, and Agronomic traitsGlobal Journal of Agricultural Sciences Vol. 7 (1) 2008: pp. 11-15

EFFECT OF FOLIAR APPLICATION WITH SOME ANTIOXIDANTS ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF PEA (Pisum sativum L.) UNDER EARLY PLANTING CONDITIONS.

Two field trials were conducted at Sherbin area, Dakahlia Governorate, Egypt, during the two successive seasons of 2006 and 2007 to study the effect of some antioxidant foliar treatments on growth and productivity of pea (cv. Master-B). Ascorbic acid (vitamin C), vitamin E (α–Tocopherol), salicylic acid and their combinations were used as antioxidants foliar treatments at 0, 100, 150 and 200 ppm concentrations. The main findings showed that spraying Formula 2, which contains ascorbic acid + vitamin E + salicylic acid (each at 150 ppm) increased plant growth i.e. fresh and dry weight per plant. Using formula 2 or formula 3 which contains ascorbic acid + vitamin E + salicylic acid (each at 200 ppm) gave significantly the highest values of leaf chlorophyll, shoot N content, pods setting percentage, average weight of pod, number of seeds/ pod, 100 green seeds weight and fresh pod yield (ton/fed) under early planting conditions.

Effects of planting season and plant cultivar on growth, development, and pod production in snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

The effects of cultivar and planting season on growth development and pod yield of snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) were analysed in a 2-year, 2-location experiment in Spain. Phenology, pod production, and quality differed significantly among snap bean cultivars. Planting season had a significant effect on most pod traits except the number of seeds per pod, length, thickness, soluble solids content, tenderness, and string, and this effect varied markedly among environments. High and negative correlations for vegetative growth traits between early and late planting seasons confirmed the strong planting season influence on those traits. Fresh pod yields were highest in the early planting season, and the longer pod maturation phase could be considered to be one of the main factors. Planting of snap bean earlier in the season should thus contribute to a longer growing vegetative cycle and greater productivity than normal or summer and late autumn planting. The earliest maturing snap bean cultivars would have the highest fresh pod yields in late planting seasons, while the latest maturing snap bean cultivars would have the highest yields in early and normal planting seasons. These results will allow breeders to optimise the level of earliness for each planting season without reducing the yield. This is a key requirement for snap bean crops, and it is the first step towards selecting parental lines with stability of pod traits to be used in breeding programs for different growing areas and planting seasons.

Effect of pruning on growth, leaf yield and pod yields of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus(L.) Moench)

SUMMARYYoung leaves and pods of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus(L.) Moench) are edible, and so a crop management strategy for removing edible leaves while sustaining good pod yields is required. Pruning treatments were imposed on apically debudded okra plants for 3 years to assess effects of removing a quarter, half or three-quarters of the primary branches on growth and fresh leaf and pod yields. Pruning significantly (P&lt;0·05) delayed fruiting by 8–10 days, extended length of harvest duration by 12–15 days and increased number of pods/plant by 10–40% and pod yield by 9–36% more than the control plants which had neither apical bud removal nor pruning. However, no difference in pod weight or pod length was found between these treatments and the control. Three-quarters pruning significantly (P&lt;0·05) increased fresh leaf yield by 29–49%, but not all the leaves were desirable for consumption because of high fibre content. Decreases were seen in the numbers of secondary branches, shoot dry weight and pod yields (by 40–57, 22–36 and 22–30%, respectively, more than a quarter or half pruning). Although early production of pods in the control plants is often important for early maturity and high market prices, the present study found that a delay in fruiting, an extension in length of harvest duration and an increase in pod yield in plants with a quarter or half pruning enhanced staggered production and maximal pod yield. This helps to ensure a better market price and to enable growers avoid a glut on the market. A direct promotional effect of pruning on pod yields provides a possible strategy for growing okra for both leaf and pod harvests. A quarter or half pruning from the upper parts of the main stems of apically debudded plants to ensure good production and quality of leaves and pods is therefore recommended if okra is to be grown for both leaf and pod yields.

Effects of Green Manures on Growth, Yield and Quality of Green Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) Har Lium Cultivar

This green manure experiment with the use of okra crop as indicator plant was carried out at Mahasarakham University Experimental Farm, Mahasarakham province, Northeast Thailand during May to September 2005 to investigate four types of green manure legume crops on growth, yield and quality of edible fresh pods of okra crop when grown on Roi-Et soil series (Oxic Paleustults). The four types of green manure plants include Jack bean, Cowpea, Green gram, and Giant sensitive plant. The experiment consisted of five treatments, i.e., T1 (Control), T2 (Jack bean), T3 (Cowpea), T4 (Green gram) and T5 (Giant sensitive plant). The experiment was laid in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with four replications. The results showed that Roi-Et soil series (Oxic Paleustults) contained some considerable mean values of organic matter (1.64-1.66%) but soil available phosphorus and exchangeable potassium were relatively low, particularly potassium. Green manures of the four legume plants slightly improved soil property of the Roi-Et soil series (tested at the end of the experimental period). The most effective green manure on stem diameter, bushy diameter, leaf numbers plant(-1) and leaf area of the fifth leaf of the okra plants, in most cases, was found with Jack bean and Cowpea ranked the second. However, in most cases, Cowpea gave a similar effect as that of Green gram and Giant sensitive plant. Pod length and weight pod(-1), pod diameter and edible fresh pod yields (5941.86 kg ha(-1)) were highest with Jack bean green manure treatment (T2), whilst the rest, in most cases, were similar. Green manure treatments gave highly significant effect on total soluble solids of pods over the control treatment, whilst total acidity, fibre and pectin contents were unaffected by green manure treatments. Green manure of Jack bean was the best legume crop for green manure to be used in improving soil fertility, particularly for Roi-Et soil series (Oxic Paleustults).

Effect of Chemical Paclobutrazol on Growth, Yield and Quality of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) Har Lium Cultivar in Northeast Thailand

This investigation was carried out at Mahasarakham University Experimental Farm, Mahasarakham University, Northeast Thailand in the late rainy season of the 2003 to 2004 with the use of Roi-Et soil series (Oxic Paleustults). The experiment aims to search for more information on the effect of different rates of chemical Paclobutrazol (PBZ) application on growth, yield and quality of edible okra pods. A Randomised Complete Block Design (RCDB) with four replications was used for the experiment. The experiments consisted of five treatments, i.e., 0 (T1), 4000 (T2), 8000 (T3), 12,000 (T4) and 16,000 ppm ha(-1) (T5) of chemical PBZ. The results showed that an increase in PBZ application rate highly decreased plant height, harvesting age and significantly decreased leaf area of the fifth leaf but highly increased pod length, fresh weight/pod and fresh pod yield ha(-1) of the okra plants. PBZ had no significant effect on stem diameter and diameter of pods of the okra plants. Total soluble solid, fibre content, titratable acid, vitamin C and pectin contents in pods were not affected by chemical PBZ application. Pod yield highly increased with an increase in rate of PBZ application. The highest edible pod yield reached a value of 4501 kg ha(-1) for the highest rate of PBZ application (T5).

Response of Lima Bean to Inorganic Nitrogen and Broiler Manure Sources and Rates

Applying animal manure to crops is a good disposal practice that also recycles nutrients. A 2‐year study was conducted involving lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus L.) and two N sources, ammonium nitrate (AN, 340 g N kg−1), and broiler chicken manure (BM, 10 g N kg−1). The sources were tested at five N rates (0, 67, 135, 202, and 269 kg N ha−1) in a split‐plot design with N source as the main plot and N rate as the subplot. Treatments were replicated three times in 2000 and four times in 2001. Leaf tissue (early flowering stage) was analyzed for nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn). Although most nutrients were within or above the sufficiency range, K and Cu limited crop production for all treatments. There was no difference between N sources for fresh pod yields. The highest fresh pod yield occurred at 213 kg N ha−1, but the critical point was obtained with 100 kg N ha−1, a rate agreeing with current University of Florida recommendations.

Cassava Cultivation Management for Sustainable Vegetable Production in Intercropping with Okra

ABSTRACT A five-year field experiment evaluated the effects of growing okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] in inter-row spaces of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) and at three sowing dates on yield of both crops. Two contrasting cassava cultivars (TMS 30572-early maturing, short with full-branch and dense canopy and Odongbo-late maturing, tall with less-branch and sparse canopy) were evaluated. In the first experiment, okra was sown on 30 July, 20 August and 3 September as a late-season crop in 1999 and on 27 May, 10 June and 24 June as an early-season crop in 2000. In the second experiment, okra was sown on 29 May, 21 June and 12 July as an early-season crop in 2001 and on 13 August, 29 August and 12 September as a late-season crop in 2002. Leaf area index (LAI), days to 50% flowering and first pod harvest, yield and yield components of okra in mixed stands were the same as in monoculture in both experiments. However, cassava Odongbo/okra intercrop resulted in an increase in fresh pod yield and economic returns of okra by 19-21% and 20-26%, respectively, compared with monoculture and cassava TMS 30572/okra intercrop. LAI of okra was significantly increased by 20-45% in the first and second sowing dates, but it took 2-10 days longer for the first and second-sown okra plants to reach 50% flowering and first pod harvest over those of the third-sowing date in any experiment. Mean increase in okra fresh pod yield with first and second sowing dates was 2.4-5.6 tha−1 over the third sowing date in either experiment. The mean economic returns with the first and second sowing dates were 105% and 50% in the first experiment and 125% and 50% in the second experiment, respectively, over those of the third sowing date regardless of cropping system. The cassava yields were not affected by cropping system and okra sowing date. For sustainable okra production in wide inter-row spaces of cassava, growing both crops in May for the early-season crops and in early August for the late-season crops and using tall, sparse canopy cassava is recommended.

Effect of Fish Pond Effluents Irrigation on French Beans in Central Kenya

When fish are recovered from ponds, the effluent is often drained presenting both an environmental challenge and an agricultural opportunity. The effects of irrigation with pond effluent and its interaction with applied fertilizer were assessed in a field experiment using French bean (Phaseoulus vulgaris) over two growing seasons near Sagana, Kenya. Fresh yield of beans was recorded at harvest, and leaf samples were collected for determination of tissue nutrient concentration. In the first season plots receiving canal water and fertilizer at recommended rates had the highest yield (9.1 Mg fresh pod ha−1), while those receiving no fertilizer or irrigation had the least yield (1.3 Mg fresh pod ha−1). In the second season, the highest (4.4 Mg ha−1) fresh pod yield was observed in pond effluent irrigated and fertilized plots, while the lowest (1.3 Mg ha−1) was observed in nonirrigated/unfertilized plots. Low nutrient status in the pond water was responsible for low yield where it was substituted for canal water. Pond water from the Sagana Fish Farm supplied low amounts of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) for crops, indicating that recommended rates of mineral fertilizers should be used when pond water is used for irrigation.

Aerated subsurface irrigation water gives growth and yield benefits to zucchini, vegetable soybean and cotton in heavy clay soils

SummaryInadequate oxygen concentration in the root zone is a constraint to plant performance particularly in heavy, compacted and/or saline soils. Sub‐surface drip irrigation (SDI) offers a means of increasing oxygen to plant roots in such soils, provided irrigation water can be hyper‐aerated or oxygenated. Hydrogen peroxide (HP) at the rate of 5 litre ha−1 at the end of each irrigation cycle was injected through SDI tape to a field‐grown zucchini (courgette) crop (Cucurbita pepo) on a saturated heavy clay soil in Queensland, Australia. Fruit yield, number and shoot weight increased by 25%, 29% and 24% respectively due to HP treatment compared to the control. Two pot experiments with vegetable soybean (Glycine max) and cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) compared the effectiveness of HP and air injection using a Mazzei air injector (a venturi), throughout the irrigation cycle in raising crop yield in a heavy clay soil kept at saturation or just under field capacity. Fresh pod yield of vegetable soybean increased by 82–96% in aeration treatments compared with the control. The yield increase was associated with more pods per plant and greater mean pod weight. Significantly higher above ground biomass and light interception were evident with aeration, irrespective of soil water treatment. Similarly cotton lint yield increased by 14–28% in aeration treatments compared with the control. The higher lint yield was associated with more squares and bolls per plant which accompanied greater above ground biomass and an increase in root mass, root length and soil respiration. Air injection and HP effected greater water use, but also brought about an enhancement of water use efficiency (WUE) for pod and lint yield, and increased leaf photosynthetic rate in both species but had no effect on transpiration rate and stomatal conductance per unit leaf area. Aeration‐induced enhanced root function was arguably responsible for greater fruit set and yield in all three crops, while in vegetable soybean greater canopy cover, radiation interception and total vegetative biomass were responsible for additional yield benefit. Increased aeration of the root zone in heavy clay soils employing either air injection or HP proved beneficial to SDI irrigated crops, irrespective of the soil water conditions, and can add value to grower investments in SDI.

Fresh Pod Yield and Some Pod Characteristics of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) Genotypes from Turkey

Fresh Pod Yield and Some Pod Characteristics of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) Genotypes from Turkey