Yield Parameters Research Articles

Effect of Nitrogen Management and Biofertilizer on Productivity and Profitability of Rapeseed

A field experiment was conducted at the experimental farm, Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences, Mewar University Gangrar, Chittorgarh (Rajasthan) during Rabi season of 2023-24 to effect of nitrogen and bio-fertilizer on growth and yield characters of Rapeseed variety “T-9” was used in this study. The required quantities of fertilizers were applied as per treatments. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications consisting of nine treatments combinations i.e. T1-Azotobacter + 60 kg ha-1 N through inorganic Fertilizer (RDF), T2-Azotobacter + 45kg ha-1 N through inorganic Fertilizer + 15kg ha-1 N through poultry Manure (PM), T3-Azotobacter + 30kg ha-1 N through inorganic Fertilizer + 30kg ha-1 N through poultry Manure (PM), T4-PSB + 60kg ha-1 N through inorganic Fertilizer (RDF), T5-PSB + 45kg ha-1 N through inorganic Fertilizer + 15kg ha-1 N through poultry Manure (PM), T6-PSB + 30kg ha-1 N through inorganic Fertilizer + 30kg ha-1 N through poultry Manure (PM), T7-Azotobacter + PSB + 60kg ha-1 N through inorganic Fertilizer (RDF), T8-Azotobacter + PSB + 45kg ha-1 N through inorganic Fertilizer +15kg ha-1 N through poultry Manure (PM) and T9-Azotobacter + PSB + 30kg ha-1 N through inorganic Fertilizer + 30kg ha-1 N through poultry Manure (PM). The increased yield parameter such as a number of per siliqua, seed yield, stover yield harvest index was recorded with T9 (Azotobacter + PSB + 30 kg ha-1 N through inorganic Fertilizer + 30 kg ha-1 N through poultry manure).

Enhancing Seed Yield of Daincha (Sesbania aculeata L.) New Variety TRY1 Through Optimum Spacing and Nutrient Management

Background: Increasing demand for leguminous green manure crop daincha seed is being noticed throughout the country mainly to restore the soil fertility. For maximizing seed production of newly released daincha variety, an optimum plant density per unit area and fertilizer application are an important management tool. The study was conducted to optimize the plant spacing and fertilizer dose for achieving higher seed yield of daincha variety TRY 1. Methods: Field experiments were conducted during Summer and Kharif 2023 to study the effect of different spacing and fertilizer doses on growth, yield and economics of new daincha variety TRY1. The treatments consisted of five different spacing (S1-75×30 cm, S2-60×30 cm, S3-75×45cm, S4-60×45 cm and S5-90×30 cm) in main plots and three fertilizer levels (F1-12.5:25:12.5 kg N, P2O5, K2O ha-1, F2-18.75:37.5:18.75 kg N, P2O5, K2O ha-1, F3-25:50:25 kg N, P2O5, K2O ha-1 and control) in sub plots were tested. The treatments were replicated thrice in split plot design. Result: Growing of daincha variety TRY 1 at 60×45 cm spacing produced significantly taller plants (223 cm), more number of branches per plant (15.9) and dry matter production (1766 kg ha-1), yield parameters viz., higher mean number of pods per plant (114), pod length (22.4 cm) and seeds per pod (36.7), seed yield (567 kg ha-1), mean net returns (Rs.24512 ha-1) and benefit cost ratio (2.36) than other spacing. Application of 25:50:25 kg N, P2O5, K2O ha-1 recorded significantly mean taller plants (217 cm), more number of branches per plant (19.3), dry matter production (1831 kg ha-1), nodules/plant (40.7), more number of pods /plant (121), pod length (23.7 cm) and seeds per pod (37.8), seed yield (572 kg ha-1), net returns (Rs.23369 ha-1) and benefit cost ratio (2.20) over other fertilizer doses. Thus, the optimum spacing of 60×45 cm and fertilizer dose of 25: 50:25 kg N, P2O5, K2O ha-1 could be recommended for getting higher growth, yield parameters, seed yield, net returns and benefit cost ratio of newly released daincha variety TRY 1.

Alleviation of Drought Stress in Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merril] by Foliar Application of Thiourea on Productivity and Profitability under Rainfed Condition

Background: In changing climatic scenario, plants often face periods of soil and atmospheric water deficits because of scarcity of water availability and deteriorating quality across the globe. Drought stress is the one of the major abiotic factors that reduce plant water status, obstructs photosynthesis, brings oxidative stress hindering soybean productivity. In view of this, bioregulators (thiourea) are innovative agricultural technique used to protect plants, minimizing the adverse effects caused by environmental stress. Therefore, an alternative to improve crop yield under rainfed condition by application of bioregulators like thiourea and suitable varieties are important in order to mitigate stress in soybean production. Methods: The field experiments were conducted in Factorial RBD with three replications. To know the impact of foliar spray of thiourea on growth, physiological parameters, yield parameters, yield and economics of two soybean varieties were carried out during kharif 2020, 2021 and 2022. Result: Long term results showed that, by using MACS 1188 variety of soybean and foliar spray of thiourea at 500 ppm and 750 ppm during the 25 and 55 DAS is a commendatory option and most remunerative for farmers to improve the productivity and profitability of soybean in Northern Transition Zone of Karnataka.

Effects of the integrated use of organic and inorganic phosphorus sources in micro-doses on the yield and profitability of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) Cultivation

An experiment was conducted in the field to evaluate the effect of phosphorus fertilization in microdose using organic and mineral fertilizers on the yield and profitability of cowpea cultivation. To achieve this, a balanced application of NPK and granular compost was provided to supply the same amount of phosphorus to the cowpea. Three treatments were compared in a split-plot design with three replications, where the treatments were in large plots and the cowpea varieties, numbering four (4), were in small plots. The three treatments are as follows: (i) T0 control treatment without fertilizer application, (ii) T1 application of two grams of NPK per hole, and (iii) T2 application of 9.375 grams of granular compost per hole. The results show a significant difference in yield parameters between treatments (pod yield, grain yield, and straw yield). The mean comparison test revealed that the control treatment and NPK are quite similar for these parameters. Thus, with compost, an increase of 69.17% in grain yield, 55.47% in pod yield, and 41.67% in straw yield was noted compared to the control. The VCR (value-cost ratio) and gross income were significantly improved by compost. The application of organic or mineral fertilizers for cowpea cultivation is profitable due to relatively high VCRs: 3.34 for NPK and 6.79 for compost. Therefore, the use of compost for cowpea cultivation proves to be economically more profitable, as it yields higher returns.

New okra genotypes for the management of aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in the diverse ecological landscapes of Central Africa.

Various aphid species, including Aphis gossypii Glover (Hemiptera: Aphididae), are considered important pests of okra and other vegetables. Previous studies under 1 environment in Cameroon, Central Africa, had found multiple okra genotypes with resistance to A. gossypii. However, the stability and yield performance of the "resistant" genotypes across different environments were unknown. Ten previously identified aphid-resistant okra genotypes along with 1 commercial variety and a local landrace (specific to a given location) were compared during 2 seasons in replicated trials in 4 agro-ecological zones of Cameroon that also represent large areas of Central Africa. Aphid populations and okra yield parameters were evaluated. Breeding values were predicted using a linear mixed model for all data, and genotypes by location interactions were identified. The area under the infestation pressure curve (AUIPC) was calculated using aphid count data and subjected to resistance analysis. The Local-the most susceptible with the highest breeding value (+2.33)-and VI060794-one of the moderately resistant-genotypes had the highest yield per hectare. The only resistant genotype VI036213 had the lowest breeding value (-2.20). Genotype × location interactions were significant for yield, pod width, and plant height, while location variance was significant for all parameters evaluated. When considering that higher aphid densities could lead to greater pesticide use and, therefore higher production and environmental costs, the high-yielding VI060794-with moderate aphid resistance across multiple environments-presents an alternative or substitute for local landraces across multiple agro-ecologies of Cameroon and (by extension) Central Africa.

Effect of Fertilizer With Potassium Humate and the Method of Addition to the Growth and Yield of Red Cabbage

Background: The application of potassium humate has been recognized for its potential to enhance plant growth and yield due to its nutrient enrichment properties. Specific Background: Despite extensive research on various fertilizers, the specific effects of potassium humate on red cabbage (Ruby King cultivar) growth and yield, especially concerning the method of application, remain underexplored. Knowledge Gap: Limited studies have addressed the comparative impact of foliar spraying versus soil addition of potassium humate on cabbage vegetative growth and yield characteristics. Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different concentrations of potassium humate (0, 50, 100, 150 g.l-1) and application methods (foliar spraying and soil addition) on the growth and yield of red cabbage. Results: A randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications was implemented during the 2022-2023 agricultural season. Significant improvements in vegetative growth and yield were observed with the highest concentration (150 g.l-1) of foliar spraying. Key vegetative and yield parameters, such as plant height, stem length, number of leaves, leaf chlorophyll content, average head weight, and total yield, were positively influenced. Novelty: This study uniquely highlights the superior efficacy of foliar spraying with potassium humate at 150 g.l-1 over soil addition, providing insights into optimizing fertilization strategies for red cabbage. Implications: The findings advocate for the use of potassium humate, particularly via foliar spraying, as a beneficial organic fertilizer to enhance red cabbage growth and yield. This practice could lead to improved agricultural productivity and better tolerance of plants to environmental stresses, supporting sustainable agriculture initiatives. Highlights: Superior Growth: Foliar spraying with 150 g.l-1 potassium humate boosts growth. Yield Increase: Highest humate concentration yields maximum red cabbage. Effective Strategy: Foliar spraying outperforms soil addition for fertilization. Keywords: Potassium humate, foliar spraying, red cabbage, vegetative growth, yield enhancement

Exogenously applied nano-zinc oxide mitigates cadmium stress in Zea mays L. through modulation of physiochemical activities and nutrients homeostasis

The increasing levels of cadmium (Cd) pollution in agricultural soil reduces plant growth and yield. This study aims to determine the impact of green synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) on the physiochemical activities, nutrition, growth, and yield of Zea mays L. under Cd stress conditions. For this purpose, ZnO-NPs (450 ppm and 600 ppm) synthesized from Syzygium aromaticum were applied through foliar spray to Z. mays and also used as seed priming agents. A significant decline in plant height (35.24%), biomass production (43.86%), mineral content, gas exchange attributes, and yield (37.62%) was observed in Cd-spiked plants compared to the control. While, 450 ppm ZnO-NPs primed seed increased plant height (18.46%), total chlorophyll (80.07%), improved ascorbic acid (25.10%), DPPH activity (26.66%), and soil mineral uptake (Mg+2 (38.86%), K+ (27.83%), and Zn+2 (43.68%) as compared to plants only spiked with Cd. On the contrary, the foliar-applied 450 ppm ZnO-NPs increased plant height (8.22%), total chlorophyll content (73.59%), ascorbic acid (21.39%), and DPPH activity (17.61%) and yield parameters; cob diameter (19.45%), and kernels numbers 6.35% enhanced compared to plants that were spiked only with Cd. The findings of the current study pave the way for safer and more cost-effective crop production in Cd-stressed soils by using green synthesized NPs and provide deep insights into the underlying mechanisms of NPs treatment at the molecular level to provide compelling evidence for the use of NPs in improving plant growth and yield.

Onopordum platylepis (Murb.) Murb. as a novel source of thistle rennet: First application to the manufacture of traditional Italian raw ewe’s milk cheese

In this study, for the very first time, aqueous extracts obtained from flowers of spontaneously grown or cultivated Onopordum platylepis (Murb.) Murb. thistles were used as coagulating agents for the pilot-scale manufacture of Caciofiore, a traditional Italian raw ewe’s milk cheese. Cheese prototypes were compared to control cheeses curdled with a commercial thistle rennet obtained from flowers of Cynara cardunculus L. After 45 days of ripening under controlled conditions, both the experimental and control cheese prototypes were analyzed for: cheese yield, physico-chemical (pH, titratable acidity, aw, proximate composition), morpho-textural (color and texture), and microbiological parameters (viable cell counts and species composition assessed by Illumina sequencing), as well as volatile profile by SPME-GC–MS. Slight variations in titratable acidity, color, and texture were observed among samples. Based on the results overall collected, neither the yield nor the proximate composition was apparently affected by the type of thistle coagulant. However, the experimental cheese prototypes curdled with extracts from flowers of both spontaneous or cultivated thistles showed 10 % higher values of water-soluble nitrogen compared to the control prototypes. On the other hand, these latter showed slightly higher loads of presumptive lactococci, thermophilic cocci, coliforms, and eumycetes, but lower counts of Escherichia coli. No statistically significant differences were revealed by the metataxonomic analysis of the bacterial and fungal biota. Though most volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were consistent among the prototypes, significant variability was observed in the abundance of some key aroma compounds, such as butanoic, hexanoic, and octanoic acids, ethanol, propan-2-ol, isobutyl acetate, 2-methyl butanoic acid, and 3-methyl butanal. However, further investigations are required to attribute these differences to either the type of coagulant or the metabolic activity of the microorganisms occurring in the analyzed cheese samples. The results overall collected support the potential exploitation of O. platylepis as a novel source of thistle coagulant to produce ewe’s milk cheeses.

Influence of sowing dates and fertilisation on yield and quality of winter wheat grain

New wheat varieties exhibit a high adaptive potential for productivity. The question of improving cultivation technologies, specifically sowing dates, optimised fertilisation systems, and micronutrient application, remains relevant to fully realise the genetic potential of these varieties under specific soil and climatic conditions. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of sowing dates, fertilisation, and foliar application of micronutrients on the yield and quality parameters of winter wheat grown in the Western Forest-Steppe zone. A field experiment was conducted on grey forest surface-gleyed soils during 2021-2023. The study evaluated the yield formation parameters and quality indicators of the winter wheat varieties Estafeta myronivska, Dovira odeska, and Akhim under sowing dates of 20 September, 5 October, and 20 October. It was determined that the yield and grain quality of the studied wheat varieties varied under the influence of sowing dates, fertilisation, and foliar micronutrient application. Sowing winter wheat on 5 October resulted in the highest yields over the years of the study: on average, 5.29 t/ha for the Estafeta myronivska, 4.78 t/ha for Dovira odeska, and 5.05 t/ha for Akhim. The highest productivity (5.83 t/ ha) was achieved by sowing Estafeta myronivska with N120P90K90 fertilisation and foliar application of the Aidamin complex. Across all wheat varieties, protein content, gluten content, and vitreousness increased from the earliest to the latest sowing dates. The findings of this study can be applied to enhance the productivity of winter wheat agroecosystems and produce high-quality grain under production conditions

Effect of Different Fertigation Scheduling Methods on the Yields and Photosynthetic Parameters of Drip-Fertigated Chinese Chive (Allium tuberosum) Grown in a Horticultural Greenhouse

This study investigated the performance of four different fertigation scheduling methods in greenhouse-grown, drip-fertigated Chinese chive (Allium tuberosum) cultivation. These methods were based on (1) the use of a timer (control), (2) accumulated radiation (AR), (3) estimated evapotranspiration (ET), and (4) measured soil moisture (SM), with fertilizer application proportional to the supplied water. These methods caused considerable variations in the amount of fertigation water (I), soil volumetric water content (θ), and bulk soil electrical conductivity, leading to variations in the harvested fresh weight (FW). The SM-based method maintained the target θ and achieved the highest irrigation water productivity (WP; the ratio of FW to ΣI), while the ET-based method led to insufficient I and FW loss. The AR-based method over-fertigated, but no FW loss was observed. Compared to the WP of the control, those of the SM-, ET-, and AR-based methods varied by +1%, −14%, and −57%, respectively. Different fertigation methods did not significantly affect leaf photosynthetic capacity, but under-fertigation caused a significant decline in stomatal conductance. Compared to the ET- and AR-based methods, the SM-based method seemed to have a lower risk of under-/over-fertigation because I in the SM-based method could be adjusted according to θ.

Application of the Modified Universal Soil Loss Equation (MUSLE) for the prediction of sediment yield in Agewmariam experimental watershed, Tekeze River basin, Northern Ethiopia

The study utilized the Modified Universal Soil Loss Equation (MUSLE) to predict sediment loss and evaluate the model's performance in the Agewmariam experimental watershed in order to support the planning, management, and appropriate use of the soil and water resources in the watershed. The natural resources conservation service (NRCS) curve number method was used to model runoff energy factor. By overlaying maps of runoff energy, soil erodibility, slope length and steepness, cover management, and support practice factors with assigned values, the cumulative effect of these parameters for the suspended sediment yield was calculated using the ArcGIS raster calculator. The runoff energy factor was the most sensitive parameter, followed by slope length and steepness factor. To improve the model's fit to the local conditions, the initial abstraction to storage ratio (λ) of the runoff energy factor was reduced to 0.023, and the MUSLE model coefficient and exponent were adjusted to 1 and 0.59, respectively. During calibration, the mean observed and estimated suspended sediment yields were 0.2 and 0.23 ton/ha, respectively, while during validation, they were 0.7 and 0.53 ton/ha, respectively. The model evaluation showed that the MUSLE model, without calibration, was not appropriate for estimating runoff and sediment yield. However, with appropriate calibration, the model showed good performance with a coefficient of determination (R2), coefficient of efficiency (E), and index of agreement (d) of 0.85, 0.85, and 0.96 respectively, during calibration and 0.84, 0.65, and 0.83 respectively, during validation. Based on these findings, this study suggests that the calibrated MUSLE model can be used to prioritize soil and water conservation interventions within the watershed or can be extrapolated to neighboring similar watersheds. Further refinement of model input parameters using more data from the watershed is recommended to increase the prediction accuracy of the model.

Influence of Growth Regulators on Growth, Seed Yield and Qualty of Radish (Raphanus sativus L.)

The present investigation was carried out during 2021 at the experimental farm of Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, DAV University, Jalandhar. Radish is an important crop of Punjab region. Use of Plant Growth Regulators is one of the most recent trends in the field of agriculture science. Plant growth regulators are signal molecules, which occurs in plants naturally in very low concentration. In an attempt to find out the influence of growth regulators on growth, seed yield and quality of radish (Raphanus sativus L.) the experiment was planned and executed. It consisted of nine treatments viz., T1 (Control), T2 (GA3 @ 5 ppm), T3 (GA3 @ 10 ppm), T4 (GA3 @ 15 ppm), T5 (GA3 @ 20 ppm), T6 (NAA @ 5 ppm), T7 (NAA @ 10 ppm), T8 (NAA @ 15 ppm), T9 (NAA @ 20 ppm) and was laid in Randomized block design (RBD) with three replications. Punjab Safed Mooli variety was used for the experiment. Observations were recorded on number of leaves per plant, leaf area per plant (cm2), root length (cm), root diameter (cm), root weight (g), fresh weight of plant (g), dry weight of plant (g), plant height (cm), 100 seed weight (g), seed yield plant-1 (g), seed yield plot-1 (g), seed yield ha-1 (q ha-1), TSS (°Brix), ascorbic acid (mg 100 g-1), chlorophyll content (mg 100 g-1) and germination percentage (%). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed significantly differences among treatments for all the characters under study. It was concluded that the application of GA3 @ 20 ppm showed superior performance in all growth, seed yield and quality parameters of radish.

Sweet Pepper Farming Strategies in Response to Climate Change: Enhancing Yield and Shelf Life through Planting Time and Cultivar Selection

Climate change is an important concern worldwide. This huge change is causing a negative impact on crop productivity throughout the whole world and shows some drastic effects on sensitive crops including sweet pepper and other kinds of chilies. These stresses have a negative effect on vegetable growth, fruit quality, and fruit yield. Besides these stresses, accurate planting time is the utmost factor in increasing the crop potential and its productivity. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the optimal planting date and best-performing cultivar for sweet pepper to maximize crop productivity, growth, yield, and fruit shelf life under the impacts of climate change. The experiment was conducted in Multan, Pakistan (30° 25 N and 71° 30 E). In this experiment, four planting dates (10 January, 25 January, 10 February, and 25 February) with three cultivars (Ganga, Winner, and Savio) were grown with three replications (each year) during 2020 and 2021. Our findings showed that plant growth, fresh and dry biomass, yield, and yield attributes were statistically higher in earlier plantings, and lower in delayed planting. Regarding the cultivars in both years, ‘Winner’ performed better in all growth and yield parameters as compared to other growing cultivars. Lower weight loss and decay incidence were reported in ‘Winner’ cultivar. Additionally, ‘Winner’ cultivar showed a higher sensory score as compared to the other cultivar in both years. From the results, we conclude that the nursery of sweet pepper plants should be planted on the 25 January to attain higher crop productivity, and the cultivar ‘Winner’ showed promising effects so it should be planted for better yield.

Management of Carrot Root Borer, Melanagromyza sp. in Carrot Dacus carota L

A field experiment was conducted during rabi/summer 2021-22 at Nagaral village of Ron taluka in Gadag district, Karnataka to identify the appropriate causal agent for carrot root damage and to assess the field efficiency of different insecticide molecules against agromyzid fly, Melanagromyza sp. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with 11 treatments replicated thrice. The crop was cultivated during 1st January 2022 as per the recommended package of practices except the insect protection measures. Observation on per cent infestation by agromyzid fly was recorded in each treatment by adopting a destructive sample technique from 40 days after sowing to 100 days after sowing. Per cent damage and yield parameters were subjected to one-way ANOVA and Duncan’s Multiple Range Test. Result indicated that highest reduction of agromyzid fly damage over untreated control was recorded in treatment with soil application with chlorantraniliprole 0.4% GR @ 10 kg/ha at 35 DAS (71.86% reduction over control) and soil application with fipronil 0.3 % GR @ 20 kg/ha at 35 DAS with 69.10 per cent reduction over control. These are followed by seed treatment with cyantraniliprole 19.8% + thiamethoxam 19.8% @10 ml/kg, seed treatment with thiamethoxam 30 FS @ 10 ml/kg, seed treatment with imidacloprid 600 FS @ 10ml/kg and soil drenching with chlorpyriphos 20% EC @ 3 ml/l at 35 DAS, these treatments registered a maximum reduction of agromyzid fly viz., 69%, 58.03%, 56.79% and 58.03%, respectively.

Architectural approach to evaluate the design and management of almond cultivars suitable for super high-density orchards.

The almond tree is a major global nut crop, and its production has surged dramatically in recent years. Super high-density (SHD) planting systems, designed to optimize resource efficiency and enhance precocity, have gained prominence in almond cultivation. A shift in cropping systems toward sustainable intensification (SI) pathways is imperative, and so maximizing branching density within the canopies of SHD trees is crucial to establish and maintain productive potential, especially for hedge-pruned trees. This study investigates the influence of different almond cultivars grafted onto a novel growth-controlling rootstock on tree architectural and growth parameters in a SHD orchard. This open field research provided valuable insights for the development and application of new tools and methods to increase productivity and sustainability in almond growing. Three cultivars (Lauranne® Avijour, Guara Tuono, and Filippo Cea) were evaluated in Gravina in Puglia (BA) over a two-year period. Canopy growth parameters, such as canopy volume and trunk cross-sectional area, and architectural traits, like branching density, branching angle, number and length of subterminal shoots, and number of brachyblasts, were measured through qualitative and quantitative measurements. Results revealed significant differences in tree height, canopy thickness, width, volume, and vigor among the cultivars. Architectural traits, including branch parameters, brachyblast parameters, and subterminal shoots, varied among the cultivars. Lauranne displayed a more compact well-distributed canopy and exhibited the lowest vigor. Filippo Cea showed the highest vigor and the greatest canopy volume. Tuono had a higher number of buds and bud density. The best ideotype for SHD orchards is a smaller tree, with high branching density and smaller trunk diameters, i.e. the vigor. Cv. Lauranne seemed to be the best cultivar, mostly with the lowest tree vigor of all the cultivars involved. These findings provide valuable insights for almond growers and breeders seeking to optimize orchard design and management for enhanced SHD orchards productivity and sustainability. Future research will explore the relationship between canopy architecture and yield parameters, considering different scion/rootstock combinations in different environmental conditions.

Effects of different cycocel doses and irrigation levels on grain production, quality characteristics and water use in bread wheat

Cycocel (CCC) is a synthetic substance widely used as a growth retardant in grain crops. The importance of CCC is greater under different stress conditions. In this study, the effects of different CCC doses (D0 = 0, D1 = 750, D2 = 1500, and D3 = 2250 g ha−1) and different irrigation levels (I0 = 100% as control, I1 = 75%, I2 = 50%, and I3 = 25%) on some agro-morphological characteristics, yield and quality parameters, and crop water use characteristics in a semi-dwarf bread wheat variety were investigated. The internode length, number of grains, grain weight per spike, biological yield and grain yield values showed significant reductions, especially under I3, regardless of CCC applications. Grain yields varied between 2.31-6.14 and 2.28-4.43 kg ha−1 in 2019-2020 and 2020-2021, respectively. There was no significant difference in crop water consumption among different CCC doses under the same irrigation level. The effects of increasing water stress on the decrease in plant height were greater than that of increasing CCC application. Under I3 and increasing CCC applications, the spike length was significantly reduced. The protein content, sedimentation, wet gluten ratio, and gluten index values increased significantly, especially under I2 and I3. Plant yield response factors for both biological (0.85-0.90 in 2019-2020 and 0.74-0.99 in 2020-2021) and grain yields (0.77-0.90 in 2019-2020 and 0.77-0.1.12 in 2020-2021) varied between years depending on CCC applications and climatic conditions. The foliar CCC application for the purpose of increasing crop yield during drought season might not be recommendable.

ЗЕРНОПРОДУКТИВНОСТЬ И АДАПТАЦИОННЫЙ ПОТЕНЦИАЛ СОРТОВ ЛЮПИНА УЗКОЛИСТНОГО В УСЛОВИЯХ КРАСНОЯРСКОЙ ЛЕСОСТЕПИ

The aim of research is to evaluate the varieties of angustifolia lupine in terms of grain yield and adaptability parameters in the conditions of the Krasnoyarsk forest-steppe. Long-term field experiments were carried out on the experimental field of the Borsky Scientific and Production Complex of the Krasnoyarsk State Agrarian University in 2020–2022. The objects of the study are the varieties of narrow-leaved lupine: Vityaz, Belozerny 110, Belorozovy 144, Bryansky Kormovoy, Nadezhda, Siderat 46, Uzkolistny 53 and the SN 78-07 variety sample. Meteorological conditions during the years of the study varied. The 2020 growing season was warm and moisture-rich, the environmental conditions index (Ij) was 4.7. In 2021, during the main periods of growth and development, with the exception of the 3rd ten-day period of June, there was a significant moisture deficit against the background of air temperatures exceeding the climatic norm, the environmental conditions index was negative (–3.8). In 2022, uneven moisture was observed, sharp temperature changes at the beginning of plant development, the environmental conditions index was negative (–0.9). The average grain yield varied from 11.5 c/ha (variety Nadezhda) to 20.3 c/ha (variety Siderat 46). The contribution of the "vegetation conditions" factor to the formation of the lupine grain yield was 60.8 %, the contribution of the "variety" factor was 31.2 %. The varieties Belozerny 110 (bi = 1.16) and Siderat 46 (bi = 1.39) have high ecological plasticity. The highest ecological stability was noted in the varieties Siderat 46 and Uzkolistny 53, in both genotypes Sd2 = 0.02. The Vityaz variety surpasses other varieties in stress resistance. The highest genetic flexibility was demonstrated by the varieties Siderat 46, Vityaz, Belorozovy 144 and the variety sample SN 78-07. The yield range was 34.4 % (Vityaz) – 50.0 % (Nadezhda). In gene¬ral, according to the adaptive capabilities, the varieties of narrow-leaved lupine were distributed according to a decreasing trend as follows: Siderat 46 > Vityaz > SN 78-7 = Narrow-leaved 53 > Belorozovy 144 > Belozerny 110 > Nadezhda > Bryansky Kormovoy.

Evaluation of the Performance of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus l. Moench) Genotypes for Growth, Yield, and Quality Parameters

The present investigation was carried out to evaluate the performance of okra genotypes for growth, yield and quality parameters. Okra is often cross-pollinated and is grown primarily for its fruits, which have various culinary uses. Tender fruits are commonly boiled or used in sliced and fried dishes. Okra fruits are also dried in the sun, canned, or dehydrated for preservation during the off-season. The study was carried out at New Orchard, Main Agricultural Research Station, UAS, Raichur, during late Kharif 2021-22 using thirty-one genotypes (including the check variety Arka Anamika) and laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications. The analysis of variance revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) among genotypes for all traits studied. Genotype OPL-2127 recorded the highest plant height (96.52 cm), stem girth (14.26 mm), number of leaves per plant (23.20), leaf area index (3.08), number of nodes per plant (13.60), chlorophyll content (59.61 SPAD readings), fruit length (18.69 cm), fruit yield per plant (293.53 g), fruit yield per hectare (16.4 t) and it is found to be superior over the other okra genotypes under the study. The highest fruit girth (41.36 mm) was noted in the genotypes OPL-2108. The genotype OPL-2119 recorded the minimum number of days to 50 per cent flowering (38.00) which indicates the earliness of the genotypes. OPL-2023 recorded the highest fibre content (16.09 %). The genotypes OPL-2127, OPL-2121, OPL-2116, OPL-2115 and OPL-2113 were found to be superior okra genotypes for yield and quality and they can be used in future breeding and crop improvement program.

Varietal Response to Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on Bulb Yield, Storability, and Production Economics of Onion (Allium cepa L.)

The field experiment was conducted in the Rabi season of 2021-22 in the research farm of the Regional Research Center, Raiya (Jhajjar) of Maharana Pratap Horticultural University, Karnal, Haryana to examine the impact of organic manures and inorganic fertilizers on the growth, bulb yield and self-life of two indigenous onion varieties was examined. The treatment combinations comprised seven treatments along with one control that was arranged in a randomized block design (factorial) with four replications and two varieties namely Hisar Onion-2 and Hisar Onion-4. The results of the study showed that bulb yield-related parameters such as average fresh weight of bulbs (82.39 g), yield per plot (26.74 kg), and yield per hectare (29.71 t) were recorded maximum in the treatment T6. However, the better storage life of bulbs was estimated in treatment control which was at par with treatment T3 i.e., physiological loss in weight (20.23%), sprouting (3.14%), and rotting (11.43%) were observed minimum after 120 days of storage period. Hisar onion-4 was found superior in all the bulb yield and shelf-life parameters in comparison to Hisar Onion-2. Treatment consisting of 50% recommended dose of NPK + 50% RDN supplied through Vermi-compost recorded maximum net return (Rs.1, 97,942) and benefit-cost ratio (2.25). Therefore, it can be inferred that the combined use of organic manures and inorganic fertilizers contributes to the improved shelf life of onion bulbs and enhances the long-term production potential of the soil.

Characterization of Yield and Physico-Chemical Parameters of Selected Wild Indigenous Fruits in Rwanda

A study was carried out to assess the physico-chemical characteristics of wild fruits: Myrianthus holstii and Garcinia buchananii, consumed by rural communities in Rwanda. Although the species have been prioritized for domestication in the country, very little information has been documented on their yield potential, morphological traits, and nutritional compositions. Data were collected from nine fruiting trees for each species in the Bugesera and Nyamagabe districts. All fruits per tree were counted and 10 fruits were harvested for characterization. The proximate composition, vitamins, and minerals were analyzed using Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) methods. Analyses of inferential statistics were performed to detect differences in means among the fruits from different populations. The highest yield (279 kg/tree) for M. holstii was recorded in the Musebeya population while the highest (15.12 kg/tree) for G. buchananii was recorded in the Juru populations. The quantities of vitamins A and C in M. holstii fruits ranged from 0.92 mg/100 g to 0.93 mg/100 g and from 19.22 mg/100 g to 19.94 mg/100 g, respectively. The quantities of vitamins A and C in G. buchananii fruits ranged from 0.56 mg/100 g to 0.95 mg/100 g and 33.82 mg/100 g to 34.84 mg/100 g, respectively. The most abundant mineral element recorded in this study was iron (15.95 mg/100 g) found in the M. holstii species and contributing 159.5% of the recommended daily allowance. The results obtained in this work suggest the potential value of G. buchananii and M. holstii for the development of novel products in the food industry. The findings also offer opportunities for tree selection to support their domestication and to reduce pressure on the remaining population in the wild.