Fresh Pod Yield Research Articles

Review: Winged bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus) cropping systems

Abstract. Eagleton GE. 2020. Review: Winged bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus) cropping systems. Biodiversitas 21: 5927-5946. Winged bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus (L.) DC.) is a rambling, nitrogen-rich, leguminous crop of the Old-World tropics. This review of winged bean (WB) within cropping systems of Southeast Asia and Melanesia revisited four traditional roles that the crop has played: as a minor courtyard vegetable of villages and suburbs throughout the region; as a popular tuber crop in the irrigated plains of Tada-U township in Central Myanmar; as a companion crop in the mixed garden fields of Wamena in Indonesian New Guinea; and as a niche tuber crop in rotation with sweet potato near Goroka in Papua New Guinea (PNG). Drawing upon such traditions, researchers since the 1970s have identified potential new roles for winged bean. In Malaysia, vegetable pod yields up to 35 t ha-1 over a 25-week growing period have been obtained from solidly trellised, branching cultivars. Ratooning the crop through a further two cycles covers the cost of the trellising. Tubers from un-trellised field crops in Myanmar, and of staked, pruned garden crops in highland PNG have been estimated to produce crude protein yields of at least 300 kg ha-1 and 600 kg ha-1, respectively. Synergies between the gene-pools and cultural traditions would be expected to expand the range, raise the yield and stabilize the quality of tuber crop production. Researchers in Sri Lanka intercropped maize with winged bean. At optimal plant densities, they recorded a corn cob yield of 5 t ha-1 together with a cumulative winged bean fresh pod yield of 27 t ha-1. In Kentucky (380N), the combination of maize with winged bean to produce silage resulted in 11-18% greater biomass with 39-67% greater nitrogen per hectare than maize monocrop control plots. Branching winged bean cultivars have significant potential for benign, high-nitrogen cover and forage crops. Promiscuous nodulation and the development of storage root-systems compensate for slow initial top growth which then accelerates to produce a substantial yield of highly digestible leaf protein and vitamins. Hard-seededness and daylength-sensitive phenology are significant, surmountable, barriers to an expanded role for winged beans.

Comparative Assessment of Different Crop Rotation Schemes for Organic Common Bean Production

The aim of the current study was to contribute to the establishment of sustainable organic crop rotation schemes for common bean under mild-winter climatic conditions. Common bean was cultivated according to organic or conventional farming practices during spring-summer in two successive years with crop and treatment during the preceding winter as either: (a) organic broccoli, (b) conventional broccoli, (c) organic faba bean used as green manure, or (d) fallow. Common bean was either inoculated with Rhizobium tropici CIAT 899 or non-inoculated, while faba bean was inoculated or non-inoculated with Rhizobium laguerreae VFLE1. Inoculating faba bean with rhizobia enhanced dry biomass production and biological N-fixing ability in both experimental years. Furthermore, organic farming did not restrict the yield of broccoli compared to conventional practices during the first year, while the reverse was the case in the second year, due to reduced soil N availability. Furthermore, green manure enhanced the fresh pod yield in the following organic crop of common bean in both years. The lowest yield was recorded in organically grown common bean when the preceding winter crop was organically grown broccoli in both years. Rhizobia inoculation of the common bean during the first year slightly increased atmospheric N fixation by common bean.

Evaluation of Yard Long Bean (Vigna unguiculata ssp. sesquipedalis) Genotypes for Commercial Production in the Central Mid hills Region of Nepal

The experiment on evaluation of open pollinated genotypes of Yard long bean (Vigna unguiculata ssp. sesquipedalis) was conducted during summer season of 2016 and 2017 at Horticulture Research Division, Khumaltar Lalitpur to assess the variability in the genotypes and yield potentiality for commercial production. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Six genotypes viz. Great Wall 01, Great Wall 02, Great Wall 03, Great Wall 04 and Great Wall 08 were compared with Khumal Tane. Observations were recorded on fresh pod yield and yield attributing parameters. The plant vigor and plant uniformity score (1-5 scale) was not found significantly different among the tested genotypes. The highest number of pods per plant (46) was observed on the variety Great Wall 03 and the lowest number of pods (33) on Great Wall 01 followed by Khumal Tane (39). The fresh pod yield was noted the highest with Great wall 03 (24 t/ha) followed by Great Wall 2 (19.4 t/ha). The lowest yield was observed with Khumal Tane (12.7 t/ha). Likewise, Great Wall 03 was found tender whitish with green color when it matures and spongy type of fruit with mid early maturity (85-95 days) along with long harvesting period of 30-35 days. Although Great Wall 02 scored 4.7 in plant uniformity (1-5 scale) and 4.4 in plant vigor (1-5 scale) it was characterized as thick fleshy and whitish green color at maturity with smooth straight type flesh having early maturity (70-80 days) which could gain the demand of the market early compared to most popular Khumal Tane. Thus, among all genotypes Great Wall 03 and Great Wall 02 were recorded best for further evaluation and recommendation.

Evaluation of French Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Varieties for Summer Season Production in the Mid–Hills of Central Region of Nepal

The experiment on evaluation of open pollinated genotypes of French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L) was conducted during the summer season of 2016 and 2017 at HRD, Khumaltar, Lalitpur, Nepal to assess the variability in the genotypes and yield potentiality for commercial production. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with five replications. The two new genotypes viz. Semi Light Long and Long Green Bean were compared with Trishuli and Four Season. Fresh pod yield and yield attributing parameters were recorded. The pooled analysis of both years’ data showed significant differences among the genotypes on plant uniformity, number of pods/plants, single pod weight, fresh pod yield/plant and total yield. The number of pods per plant was observed the highest in Semi Light Long (113) followed by Long Green Bean (82) whereas the lowest in Trishuli (73). Similarly, the average pod weight was the highest (12 g) in Long Green Bean and the lowest in Trishuli (9.65 gm). The highest fresh pod yield per plant was observed in Semi Light Long (1188.5 g) followed by Long Green Bean (1015.00 g) and the lowest in Trishuli (768.50 g). The highest total pod yield was observed in Semi Light Long (30.97 t/ha) followed by Long Green Bean (27.02 t/ha) which were statistically at par. The lowest yield was observed in Four seasons (20.58 t/ha). Semi Light Long was also found to be early maturing (70-75 DAS), having long harvesting period (28 days) and thin flesh having pod length of 18-20 cm. Long Green Bean was late in maturity (75-78 DAS), second highest yielder (27.02 t/ha) with thick flesh and light green color at maturity. Based on the two years’ data, Semi Light Long and Long Green Bean genotypes seemed promising during summer season in the central mid hills of Nepal. So, it is suggested that these two genotypes may be considered for registration by the Seed Quality Control Center.

Genetic improvement in glory lily (Gloriosa superba L.): A review

Glory lily (Gloriosa superb L.) is an herbaceous perennial climber belonging to the family Liliaceae. Its tuber and seeds contain an alkaloids viz., cochicine and colchicoside; among which colchicine act as an anti-mitotic agent used for inhibiting mitotic cell division. The variability of genetic stocks could be increased by increasing the collection from diversified origin and geographical distribution. The phenotypic and genotypic variances, estimated from the total variance were used to assess the variability among the genotypes. The genotypic coefficient of variance helps to measure the range of diversity in a character and provides the means to compare genetic variability in quantitative characters. The genotypic coefficient of variance along with phenotypic coefficient of variation was used to ascertain the value of diversity among the genotypes. The variability study revealed that higher phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) and genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) were recorded for fresh seed yield per plant, dry seed yield per plant and fresh pod yield per plant. The higher estimates of heritability and genetic advance as per cent of mean were obtained for number of leaves, fresh pod yield and fresh seed yield. Thus, selection for these traits is likely to accumulate more additive genes leading to further improvement in their performance. In context to the associations between characters; positive phenotypic and genotypic correlations of dry seed yield were found with plant height, days to 50% flowering, number of flowers per plant, number of pods per plant, pod length, fresh pod yield per plant and fresh seed yield per plant. These correlated yield components suggested that it may be good selection criteria to improve seed yield of this crop. The traits viz., total sugar, mean leaf area, leaf area index and relative water content exhibited negatively and non-significantly correlation with dry seed yield per plant both at phenotypic and genotypic levels. Fresh seed yield per plant had highest positive effect on seed yield followed by number of pods per plant and fresh seed weight per pod. These yield components suggested that it may be good selection criteria to improve seed yield of glory lily crop. Gloriosa superba usually multiply by corm and seeds but due to low germination capability it restricts for the regeneration. Therefore, in order to safeguard and preserve this important plant biotechnological approach would be very useful. Different workers suggested different protocols for in vitro regeneration of plant. Now a day’s molecular diversity also play a vital role in crop improvement programme. RAPD and SSR markers were frequently used to identify molecular diversity in this crop.

Evaluation of edamame genotypes suitable for growing in Florida

AbstractEdamame, or vegetable soybean, has gained popularity in the United States, likely due to its nutritional quality, purported human health benefits, and flavor. Little information is available about the performance of current edamame cultivars in Florida areas. The objective of this study was to evaluate yield and production potential of edamame genotypes in northern Florida. Nineteen genotypes (based on preliminary study) were selected and planted at two locations (Jay and Citra) to evaluate phenotypic performance, including emergence, plant height, nodes per plant, 100‐green seed weight, fresh pod yield, percentage of 1‐, 2‐, and 3‐seeded pods, total lipid concentration, and total protein content. Genotypes and locations showed a significant effect on most of the traits studied. Edamame grown at Jay produced significantly higher yield and 100‐green seed weight than the plants grown at Citra. Two early maturing genotypes (PI614832 and PI584470) and one late maturing genotype (PI633424) showed high yield potential, >30 g of 100‐green seed weight, and high protein content at Jay. In addition, PI417206 showed the highest 100‐green seed weight across locations (50.81 g) and demonstrated moderate yield potential with high protein content and low lipid concentration and may be a suitable candidate for cultivation in different areas in Florida after further evaluation. Number of pods per plant and 100‐green seed weight significantly correlated with pod yield, could be considered as selection tool for edamame yield under Florida growing conditions. This study has established a basic knowledge on edamame production for Florida growers and selected lines suitable for the region.

Response to planting date, stress tolerance and genetic diversity analysis among okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench.) varieties

Six okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench.] varieties were studied for the growth and yield at two different planting dates in 2016 and 2017 in the Research Farm of Department of vegetable crops, Faculty of Agriculture, Assiut University, Egypt. The experiments were carried out in a split-plot design. The results revealed that the measured growth, yield attributes and yield parameters (days to flowering, plant height, no. of branches/plant, no. of fresh pods/plant, weight of fresh pods/plant, length of fresh pods and total yield of fresh pods) of the studied varieties were significantly affected by planting dates. The early planting date ‘15th of March’ enhanced growth and yield parameters of the okra variety ‘Pusa Sawani’. The varieties ‘Iraqi’ and ‘Hala’ were less adapted to Upper Egypt weather. The okra variety ‘Pusa Sawani’ showed the highest performance under Assiut weather and was suggested to cultivate at summer season in Upper Egypt. The six okra varieties were grouped into four clusters based on agro-morphological traits. Among these varieties, ‘Pusa Sawani’ variety was separated only in a cluster which had the highest mean values for most of agro-morphological traits. The six varieties were screened for drought, salinity and heat stress at early growth seedling. Significant variation was observed among the varieties. These varieties were grouped into two main clusters based on tolerance indices. Three molecular marker techniques, ISSR, SRAP and SSR were used to study the genetic diversity among the six varieties and to detect markers related to agro-morphological traits and drought, salinity and heat stress tolerance. These results revealed at least one marker related to agro-morphological traits and/or drought, salinity and heat tolerance.

Optimizing Resource Allocation in a Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) Landrace Through Whole-Plant Field Phenotyping and Non-stop Selection to Sustain Increased Genetic Gain Across a Decade.

Cowpea is a warm-season legume, often characterized as an orphan or underutilized crop, with great future potential, particularly under the global change. A traditional cowpea landrace in Cyprus is highly valued for fresh pod consumption in the local cuisine. In order to improve the yield potential of the landrace, the long-term response to direct selection for fresh pod yield and the associated changes in fodder and root biomass were investigated in a variety of fertility regimes under real field conditions. The non-stop selection process employed comprehensive pod, fodder, and root phenotyping at the level of the individual plant and resulted in the creation of a range of highly improved sibling lines with differential adaptation to micro-environments and with an improved ratio of pod to shoot and root biomass. The average rate of increase per year for fresh pod yield is at the level of 180 g per plant despite the relatively narrow genetic base of a single landrace and it is seemingly inexhaustible testifying to the great plasticity of the cowpea genome and the potential of the methodology to capture it. The corresponding high genetic gain was also confirmed under dense stands where the difference in pod yield between the best selection and the control amounted to 31.37%. Thus, the new focus apart from the simple variety maintenance should also include the continuous improvement and exploitation of micro-adaptation processes specific for individual fields that allow quick responses to environmental and climatic changes. This work presents also a novel approach to the multiple challenges encountered in root phenotyping and a method to meaningfully associate it with whole-plant performance in field conditions.

Effect of biofertilizer, zinc and boron on growth and yield of okra under the agro climatic conditions of Swat

The experiment titled “Effect of biofertilizer (Trichoderma harzianum) and micronutrients zinc and boron on growth and yield of okra” was conducted in (ARI) Agriculture Research Institute North Mingora Swat, during 2017. Research work was performed in a Randomized Complete Block Design with split plot arrangement in three replications. Two factors were used in the experiment i.e. Trichoderma ( 0, 10, 20 kg ha-1) and micronutrients; zinc and boron (0, zinc 10 kg ha-1, boron 5 kg ha-1, zinc+boron). The analyzed data showed that Trichoderma significantly enhanced all the growth parameters. Minimum days to emergence (5.85), days to flowering (39.88), number of days to first picking (46.69), maximum plant height (131.60 cm), number of leaves plant-1 (35.82 ), pod length (15.96 cm), pod weight (24.33 g) and fresh pod yield (14.50 tons ha-1) were recorded in plots treated with 20 kg ha-1trichoderma. Zinc and boron combination significantly affected the growth and yield of okra. Plants treated with zinc + boron resulted in minimum days to emergence (5.63), days to 50 % flowering (39.45), number of days to first picking (47.12) maximum plant height (131.25 cm), number of leaves plant-1 (35.71), pod length (15.63 cm), pod weight (24.98g) and pod yield (14.73 tons ha-1). It was found that Trichoderma is the best biofertilizer and should be used at the rate of 20 kg ha-1, while micronutrients (Zinc 10 kg ha-1 and Boron 5 kg ha-1) should be utilized for good growth and yield of okra in swat climate. Keywords: Biofertilizer; Boron; Okra; Zinc http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2019.80055

Impact of foliar spraying of nano micronutrient fertilizers on the growth, yield, physical quality, and nutritional value of two snap bean cultivars in sandy soils

BackgroundNanotechnology introduces smart agricultural products which may be a milestone in solving many common economic and ecological issues. Nano-fertilizers show unique characters which do not exist in their conventional counterparts.This work aimed to determine the effects of three foliar spraying of nano micronutrient fertilizers iron, manganese, and zinc as well as the controlon the vegetative growth, productivity, physical quality, and pod nutritional value of two snap bean cultivars Bronco and Flantino and also their interactions.ResultsFlantino cultivar recorded the highest values of vegetative growth, fresh pod yield, pod physical quality (length, diameter, and fresh weight), dry weight, and pod nutritional value content expressed as P, K, Zn, Mn, Fe, Cu, crude protein, total soluble solids, and fiber.ConclusionFoliar application of zinc nano-fertilizer increased the studied characteristics significantly compared with other nano micronutrients. Also, the combined effect of Flantino cultivar with zinc nano-fertilizer treatment recorded the highest values of vegetative growth, fresh pod yield, pods physical quality and nutritional value.

Improving Water Use Efficiency and Insect Pest Exclusion on French Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Using Different Coloured Agronet Covers

French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is important in the socio-economic farming systems of East and Central Africa. It is a crop with great potential for addressing food insecurity, income generation and poverty alleviation in the region. Enhanced French bean productivity is hindered by a number of biotic and abiotic constraints as the crop is predominantly grown in open fields. The crop is mostly grown under irrigation and cannot withstand prolonged dry spells. Farmers rely heavily on insecticides to control insect pests. This increases the risk of rejection of their produce due to stringent maximum residue levels (MRLs) in export markets. This study was undertaken in the Horticulture Research and Teaching Field, Egerton University, Kenya to determine the potential of coloured net covers in improving French bean water use efficiency and insect pest exclusion. The experiment was set in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with six treatments replicated four times. French bean ‘Source’ was grown under different coloured nets (white, blue, yellow, grey, and tricolour) and control (open field). Variables measured included; pest population, fresh pod yield, total plant biomass, leaf relative water content (LRWC) and water use efficiency for plant growth (WUE DW). Covering French bean with different coloured net covers reduced the numbers of silverleaf whitefly and black bean aphids. Coloured net covers enhanced crop performance marked by higher fresh pod yield and total plant biomass as well as improved LRWC and WUE DW of the crop. Results of this study present the potential of coloured net covers to be used as part of integrated French bean management programme(s) to reduce insect pest population and pesticide application while enhancing water use efficiency and crop performance under tropical field conditions.

Genetic interrelationship among quantitative traits and path analysis of some West African okra (Abelmoschus caillei) genotypes

Abstract. Thirty-six entries of a half diallel cross were evaluated at the Teaching and Research Farm, Adamawa State University, Mubi in 2012 and 2013 under rain fed conditions. The investigation was conducted to study inter-character correlations and path coefficient analyses of yield related traits in West African okra. Fresh pod yield exhibited highly significant (P≤0.01) positive correlation with pods/plant, pod length, branches/plant, pod diameter and leaves/plant. Pod length recorded a highly significant positive correlation with plant height, pod diameter, number of leaves/plant, branches/plant and pods/plant. Similarly, pod diameter had a highly significant positive correlation with plant height, number of leaves, branches and pods/plant. Furthermore, number of pods/plant and branches/plant recorded highly significant positive correlation among yield related traits except plant height. The path coefficient analysis of fresh pod yield and yield related traits showed that number of pods/plant gave the highest direct contribution and percentage yield contribution of 47.83%, followed by pod diameter which contributed 4.58%. Also the highest combined contribution of 14.43% came from pods/plant and pod diameter. Residual percentage contribution was 30.64% revealing that pod yield attributes in this study explained 69.36%. This investigation suggests that pods/plant and pod diameter can be considered as selection criteria for the improvement of West African okra genotypes.

INFLUENCE OF SOWING DATES AND IRRIGATION SCHEDULING ON SOME WATER RELATIONS, SNAP BEAN (PHASEOLUS VULGARIS L.) PRODUCTIVITY AND APHID, PISUM APHID (ACYRTHOSIPHON PISUM HARRIS ) POPULATIONS

Snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is one of the most important exporting vegetable crops in Egypt. The experiment was done for two Nili seasons 2014 and 2015 in split plot design. Main plots were assigned to sowing dates and the sub plots were irrigation scheduling treatments. This study aims to investigate the effect of three sowing dates (1st, 16th of August and 1st of September); irrigation scheduling regime by using cumulative pan evaporation C.P.E. from Class A Pan evaporation ( 1.0, 0.8 and 0.6 C.P.E. ) on the population fluctuations of pisum aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum Harris and growth parameters of snap bean. Results showed that the combination of third sowing date and irrigation at 0.8 C.P.E. (about 18-21 days irrigation interval) gave a low density of A. pisum comparing by the first and second sowing dates; highest averages of fresh pod yield (10196 and 10482 kg ∕ha in 2014 and 2015, respectively) as well as it achieved the greatest net farm income (28653 L.E. ha-1 ) for the third date comparing by anther two dates.

Response of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) Varieties to Sole and Combined Organic and Inorganic Fertilization in the Sudan Savanna Ecological Zone of Kebbi state

Field experiments were conducted in two locations at the University Teaching and Research Farms during 2016/2017 dry season. The two locations were: Fadama Teaching and Research farm at Jega (lat. 12°12.99’ N; long. 4° 21.90’; 197m above sea level) and the University orchard at Aliero (lat. 12°18.64’N; long. 4°29.85’; 262 above sea level). Both Jega and Aliero are located within Sudan Savanna ecological zone of Nigeria. The aim was to determine the response of Okra (Abelmoschus Esculentus L. Moench) Varieties to sole and combined application of organic and inorganic fertilizer. The treatments consisted of factorial combination of three Okra varieties (LD 88, NHAE47-4 and Dogo variety) and six (6) fertilizers levels, each designed to supply the recommended dosage of 120 kg N ha-1 using a compound fertilizer NPK [15:15:15], poultry manure and cow dung. Results revealed that growth and yield parameters such as plant height (8WAP), number of branches (8WAP), number of pods per plant, pod mean weight (g), pod mean length (cm) and fresh pod yield (ha-1) were significantly increased when the recommended nitrogen dose of 120kgNha-1 was applied using 100% NPK (800kg NPK [15:15:15/ha]) or a combination of NPK and PM at 50:50 ratio in conjunction with NHAE47-4. Based on the results of this study, it was concluded that the integration of organic and inorganic fertilizer in form of NPK compound fertilizer and poultry manure combination at 50:50 ratio in conjunction with NHAE47-4 could be adopted for higher Okra pod yield, considering the complimentary role of poultry manure in improving the physical quality of the soil.

Production system effects on growth, pod yield and seed quality of organic faba bean in southern Italy

Abstract A research was carried out in southern Italy in order to evaluate the effects of two farming systems (open field, greenhouse) and five transplanting times (27 September, 11 October, 25 October, 8 November, 22 November) on plant growth, harvest precocity, fresh pod yield and seed quality of organic faba bean. Crop biomass and root expansion were higher in open field than in greenhouse. The fourth planting time resulted in the highest crop biomass, whereas the second crop cycle showed the highest leaf area index. Greenhouse crops showed higher precocity than the open field ones by about two weeks, as well as the first transplant; the delay in harvest beginning increased from the second to the fourth planting time. Both fresh pod and seeds yield were significantly higher in open field than under protected environment with the third and fourth planting times. Seed fiber and protein content showed higher values in greenhouse compared to open field and increased with the transplant delay. Seed polyphenols attained higher concentration in open field and with the two earliest planting times. Overall, 25 October to 8 November planting times in open field best fitted the southern Italy growing conditions in terms of pod yield, but the 27 September to 11 October planting times resulted in the highest harvest precocity, remarkably enhanced under greenhouse growing, whereas seed quality was controversial.

Evaluation of the field performance, nitrogen fixation efficiency and competitive ability of pea landraces grown under organic and conventional farming systems

ABSTRACTIn the present study, three pea Greek landraces Schinousa (AUASCHIN001), Andros (AUAANDRO001), and Amorgos (AUAAMORG001), and the commercial variety Onward were grown following either conventional or organic farming practices. The main objective of the study was to assess the suitability of these three landraces for organic cultivation as compared with a standard commercial variety. The total fresh pod yield produced by AUASCHIN001 and AUAAMORG001 was significantly lower than that obtained from ‘Onward’ and AUAANDRO001. Furthermore, the three landraces exhibited a higher competition to weeds than the commercial variety. Under organic farming conditions, AUASCHIN001 and AUAAMORG001 produced appreciably less shoot biomass than ‘Onward’ and this resulted in commensurate decreases in the total amount of BNF (biological nitrogen fixation) in their plant tissues, although the percentage of nitrogen (N) fixed from the atmosphere was significantly lower in ‘Onward’. AUAANDRO001 rendered the highest amounts of BNF in the organic farming systems, which was similar to that produced by ‘Onward’ in the conventional system. These results indicate that the tested landraces and especially AUAANDRO001 are more adaptable to low soil N levels and high weed competition, and thus they are more suitable for organic cultivation than ‘Onward’ which performs best in conventional cropping systems.

English

This work identifies the combining ability of 10 hot pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) parents and 45F1 hybrids obtained from 10 x 10 half diallel. The work aims to identify the parents with the best general combining ability (gca) and crosses with high specific combining ability (sca) for yield, quality and nature of gene action involved. The study was conducted during 2015-2016 at six environments in Southern Ethiopia using RCBD with three replications. The combined analysis of variance showed that variance for gca and sca was highly significant for all the traits studied. This indicates that both additive and non-additive gene actions were operating in the inheritance of these traits. Parental level of gca revealed that introduced genotype (AVPP0514) had highest (1843.87) effect followed by Ethiopian variety 'Mareko fana' (930.97) for fresh pod yield and other related traits. The highest sca for hybrids was exhibited by AVPP0514 x AVPP59328, 'Marekofana' x AVPP0514, 'Melkaawaze' x AVPP0206 and AVPP9813 x AVPP0105 for yield and quality traits. This indicates the existence of immense potential for population improvement and heterosis breeding for enhancing productivity and qualities. The ratios of gca mean square to sca mean square were higher than unity for traits, indicating that additive gene action plays a predominant role in the inheritance of most of the traits. Key words: Additive gene action, hybrid, improvement, parents, quality, yield. &nbsp

Genome-wide marker-trait association analysis in a core set of Dolichos bean germplasm

AbstractAssociation mapping (AM), an alternative method of quantitative trait loci (QTL) discovery, exploits historic linkage disequilibrium (LD) present in natural populations. AM is effective in self-pollinated crops such as Dolichos bean as LD extends over longer genomic distance driven-by low rate of recombination and thereby requiring fewer markers for exploring marker-traits associations. A core set of Dolichos bean germplasm consisting of 64 accessions was evaluated for nine quantitative traits (QTs) during 2014 and 2015 rainy seasons and genotyped using 234 simple sequence repeats (SSR) markers. Substantial diversity was observed among the core set accessions at loci controlling QTs and 95 of the 234 SSR markers were found polymorphic. The structure analysis and low magnitude of fixation indices suggested weak population structure, which in-turn indicated the low possibility of false discovery rates in the marker-QTs association. The marker allele's scores were regressed onto phenotypes at nine QTs following general linear model and mixed linear model for exploring marker-QTs associations. Significantly higher number of SSR markers was found associated with genomic regions controlling nine QTs. A few of the markers such as KT Dolichos (KTD) 200 for days to 50% flowering, KTD 273 for fresh pod yield per plant and KTD 130 for fresh pods per plant explained ≥10% of the trait variations. The study could also identify a few SSR markers such as KTD 273, KTD 271 and KTD 130 linked to multiple traits. These linked SSR markers are suggested for validation for their use in marker-assisted Dolichos bean improvement programmes.

Multicriteria land suitability assessment for growing underutilised crop, bambara groundnut in Peninsular Malaysia

Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea L.) is a high potential indigenous legume with origins from East Africa. Desirable characteristics such as high tolerance to drought, and a more complete nutritional profile nutritional profile has made this legume, a candidate underutilised crop. Underutilised or forgotten crops play an important role in food and nutrition security, agricultural diversification, minimising environmental impacts and mitigating climate variability. Despite having full potential, Malaysia, with fairly established agricultural industry, is not exploiting bambara groundnut or Kacang Poi benefits. Malaysia is predicted to face hotter climates in the future which may affect with potential impact on oil palm and rice production. Therefore, research on alternative or complementary crops such as bambara groundnut is relevant. Major challenge that is limiting the full utilisation of this crop is limited knowledge on where it is suitable to grow based on soil and climate conditions. In this study we delineated suitable areas for the bambara groundnut in Malaysia using available soil, climate, land use/land cover and topography factors. The combination of GIS-based Multi Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) with a novel joint soil-climate suitability criteria for bambara groundnut was used in Land Suitability Assessment (LSA) on the areas that are suitable to grow bambara groundnut. Data on soil physical and chemical properties were acquired from ISRIC global soil database. Climate dataset was retrieved from Worldclim which includes monthly temperature and rainfall. The suitability of bambara groundnut was field tested in a highly suitable area (more than 70%) in Semenyih, Malaysia where fresh pod yield of 2.54 MT/ha is reported. The result shows the LSA technique provides an effective assessment tool for land managers and farmers to identify potential areas for potential underutilised crops in agriculture to support Malaysian agriculture.

Response of yield and nutrients uptake of pea plants to silicate under sandy soil conditions

ABSTRACTDesertic soils in Egypt are mostly sandy soils and have issues, due to their sandy nature, related to physical properties and the low potential for productivity. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of silicon as potassium silicate on yield and nutrient uptake of pea (Pisum sativum L.) plant in sandy soil during the growth seasons of 2014–2015. Spraying of different rates of silicon significantly increased yield, biomass, 100 seed weight and nutrients accumulation as compared to unsprayed plants. The greatest values of photosynthetic pigments, plant height, and nutrients accumulation of plants were observed with 500 mg L−1 silicon. Also, the highest percentage increase in fresh pod yields and protein of 82.5% and 45%, respectively, was recorded from 500 mg L−1 silicon.