Yield Parameters Research Articles

Genetic diversity in pointed gourd (Trichosanthes dioica) genotypes for fruit yield and quality traits under eastern plateau and hill region

The experiment was conducted during summer seasons of 2021–22 and 2022–2023 at ICAR-Research Complex for Eastern Region, Farming System Research Centre for Hill and Plateau Region, Plandu, Ranchi, Jharkhand focused on assessing the genetic diversity for fruit yield and quality parameters among 46 unique pointed gourd (Trichosanthes dioica Roxb.) genotypes. The data collected underwent thorough statistical analyses, encompassing genetic variability, analysis of variance (ANOVA), correlation coefficients, path analysis, exploration of genetic divergence and biochemical characterization. The ANOVA results revealed significant variations across the selected genotypes in terms of fruit yield and quality traits. Key attributes, such as the number of fruits/plant, harvest frequency, pulp seed ratio and total phenol content, displayed significant positive correlations with total fruit yield. The noteworthy was the positive direct effect of pulp weight on total fruit yield indicated by a coefficient of 0.99. Further, this study identified total fruit yield as the primary contributor to the observed genetic diversity. Cluster analysis results in to the grouping of 46 genotypes into 12 distinct clusters based on D2 values. The study highlighted significant variability among pointed gourd genotypes, suggesting ample opportunities for selection-based improvement. Selection based on characteristics such as the number of fruits per plant, pulp weight and pulp seed ratio is expected to enhance yield potential. Identified genotypes, such as Swarna Alaukik, HAP-79, HAP-70 (for yield-related attributes) and HAP-106 (for quality traits), emerged as promising which hold potential for future breeding initiatives and are recommended for cultivation in the eastern plateau and hill region for augmenting yield potential. Cluster III and cluster XII offer diverse genetics for breeding. Crossing these clusters can create new high-yield cultivars. This strategic cultivation aims to enhance the nutritional well-being of the local population in that area.

Impact of Vine Management on Yield and Quality Parameters of Pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata)

The present study was conducted at the Instructional cum Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Biswanath College of Agriculture, Assam Agricultural University, Biswanath Chariali with an aim to study the effect of vine management on yield, yield attributing factors and quality parameters (which included nutritional factors such as vitamin A, vitamin C) of pumpkin. The treatments were: T1 (Trimming of growing tip of the primary vine at 8th node stage), T2 (Trimming of growing tip of the primary vine at 10th node stage), T3 (Trimming of growing tip of the primary vine at 12th node stage), T4(Trimming of growing tip of the secondary vine at 6th node stage), T5(Trimming of growing tip of the secondary vine at 8th node stage), T6 (Removal of all tertiary vines), T7 (Retention of two tertiary vines) and T8(control without pruning). T3 further recorded the minimum days to appearance of first male (49.17 days), female (58.15 days) flowers, fruit set to harvest duration (51.43 days) and crop duration (110.55 days) while T8 recorded the maximum days. Significant variation was observed in the yield parameters where T3 recorded the maximum number of fruits (6.27),fruit weight (2.47 kg), fruit yield per plant (15.47 kg) and yield per hectare (27.88 t/ha). Fruit characters such as fruit length, fruit diameter and number of seeds revealed no significant differences among the different treatments but with respect to quality parameters pruning revealed significant differences in terms of vitamin A and ascorbic acid content. The experiment thus concluded that the treatment T3 (Trimming of growing tip of the primary vine at 12th node stage) produced the highest yield with higher B: C ratio of 2.52 and it can be recommended to the farmers of Assam in order to maximize the production and productivity of pumpkin.

Effect of Different Levels of Integrated Nutrient Management in Mustard (Brassica juncea L.)

A field experiment was conducted during the Rabi session of 2020-21 in Jaunpur district which lies Indo-Gangetic plains of Central Uttar Pradesh to study the effect of integrated nutrient management in mustard (Brassica juncea L.). The trial was laid down in randomized block design (RBD) with three replications and twelve treatments viz, T1 100% RDF, T2 100% RDF + Azotobacter, T3 100% RDF + Azotobacter + PSB, T4 75% RDF + 25% N from FYM, T5 75% RDF + 25% N from FYM + Azotobacter, T6 75% RDF + 25% N from FYM + Azotobacter + PSB, T7 50% RDF + 50% N from FYM, T8 50% RDF + 50% N from FYM + Azotobacter, T9 50% RDF + 50% N from FYM + Azotobacter + PSB, T10 25% RDF + 75% N from FYM, T11 25% RDF + 75% N from FYM + Azotobacter, T12 25% RDF + 75% N from FYM + Azotobacter + PSB. Result of this study revealed that there was significant effect on growth and yield parameters. Plant height, number of branches, number of siliques, length of silique, number of seed per siliqua, test weight, seed and stover yield in T6 which was statistically at par with T9, T8, T7, T3. Maximum yield (1807 kg/ha) was recorded in T6. It may be concluded that RDF with organic Manure (FYM) and Biofertilizer (Azotobacter + PSB) is possible to produce more yield in mustard crops cultivated without much soil productivity under Indo-Gangetic plains of central Uttar Pradesh.

Relative Performance of Rice Varieties under Drip Irrigated Dry Direct-seeded and Flood Irrigated Transplanted Conditions

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the performance of 3 different rice varieties (KNM-1638, JGL-24423 & DRR Dhan-42) under drip irrigated dry direct-seeded condition as well as conventionally flooded transplanted condition with 100 & 125% N. The experiment was performed in split-plot design with 3 varieties in the main plot and 2 levels of irrigation (1.0 Epan & 1.5 Epan) in combination with 2 doses of N (100 & 125% of RDF) in the sub-plot. An observation trial with these 3 varieties under transplanted condition with 100 & 125% N was taken up. The study was conducted during kharif seasons of 2022-23 and 2023-24 at College farm, College of Agriculture, Rajendranangar, Hyderabad, Telangana, India. In each variety, best performing irrigation level was found at 100% N & 125% N. Growth parameters, yield parameters & yield of best-performing treatments under dry direct-seeded (DDSR) condition was compared with conventionally flooded transplanted rice (CFTPR) with the same variety and same dose of N using one sample t-test. KNM-1638 recorded significantly higher yield at 5% level of significance under transplanted condition compared to dry direct-seeded condition both at 100% N (P=0.01) & 125% N (P=0.01). Grain yield was statistically comparable at 5% level of significance under dry direct-seeded and transplanted condition for JGL-24423 at 100% N (P= 0.18). However, at 125% N, transplanted rice recorded superior yields to that of direct-seeded rice at 5% level of significance (P = 0.01). DRR Dhan-42 registered comparable yields under direct-seeded and transplanted condition with 100 (P = 0.22) & 125% N (P = 0.07) at 5% level of significance. There observed 57-68% of saving in irrigation water in DDSR compared to CFTPR. Based on yield, economization of water and nitrogen, KNM-1638 is recommended for cultivation under transplanted condition with 100% N; whereas, JGL-24423 & DRR Dhan-42 can be successfully cultivated under dry direct-seeded condition with 100% N without yield penalty.

Effect of Inorganic Fertilizers and Organic Manures on Growth and Yield Parameters under Wheat-Maize Cropping Sequence Grown on Normal and Saline-Sodic Inceptisol

The present study was conducted at PGI Research farm, Department of Soil Science and Agriculture Chemistry, Post Graduate Institute, MPKV., Rahuri during Rabi-2021 and Summer-2022. The experiment consist of eight treatments in wheat crop viz., T1: RDN (50% N) + 50% N through FYM, T2: RDN (50% N) + 50% N through vermicompost, T3: RDN (50% N) + 50% N through poultry manure, T4: (50% N) + 50% N through press mud compost, T5: (50% N) + 50% N through goat manure, T6: (50% N) + 50% N through urban compost T7: GRDF (120:60:40 N:P2O5:K2O kg ha-1) + 10 t FYM ha-1 and T8: absolute control. Whereas, in maize crop treatment from T1 to T6 RDN (50% N) is applied with residual N applied to wheat through FYM, vermicompost, poultry manure, goat manure and urban compost, respectively and T7: GRDF (120:60:40 N: P2O5:K2O kg ha-1) + 5 t FYM ha-1 and T8: Absolute control. These treatments replicated thrice in Randomized Block Design. In wheat crop, the grain yield, straw yield, test weight, plant height and spike length recorded higher in treatment T7 (GRDF 120:60:40 N: P2O5:K2O kg ha-1 + 10 t FYM ha-1) under both normal and saline-sodic Inceptisol (27.87 q ha-1, 41.00 q ha-1, 43.72 g, 92 cm and 9.92 cm) and (34.43 q ha-1, 44.02 q ha-1, 42.40 g, 91 cm and 9.82 cm), respectively. Whereas, in succeeding maize crop, the treatment T7 (GRDF 120:60:40 N: P2O5:K2O kg ha-1 + 5 t FYM ha-1) recorded highest grain yield, stover yield, test weight, plant height, length of cob and no. of grains per cob in both normal and saline-sodic Inceptisol (64.11 q ha-1, 74.23 q ha-1, 40.34 g, 237.82 cm, 19.99 cm and 633.02 g) and (52.52 q ha-1, 61.82 q ha-1, 38.63 g, 226.24 cm, 18.74 cm and 579.48 g), respectively. In wheat crop application of treatment T7 (GRDF 120:60:40 N: P2O5: K2O kg ha-1 + 10 t ha-1 FYM) recorded highest total uptake of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium in both normal and saline-sodic Inceptisol (88.00, 16.00 and 100 N, P and K kg ha-1) and (99.36, 17.20 and 103 N, P and K kg ha-1), respectively. Whereas in succeeding maize crop, total uptake of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium recorded highest in treatment T7 (GRDF (120:60:40 N: P2O5: K2O kg ha-1 + 5 t ha-1 FYM) in both normal and saline-sodic Inceptisol (107.69, 10.77 and 94.67 N, P and K kg ha-1) and (85.85, 8.58 and 75.47 N, P and K kg ha-1), respectively.

Enhancing Ragi Yield: The Effect of Organic Seed Priming

The field study was conducted to evaluate the organic seed priming of ragi on growth, yield attributes and yield. A field experiment was conducted during 2021 at Experimental Farm, faculty of Agriculture, Annamalai University. It consists of seven treatments. The treatments were arranged in a randomized block design (RBD) with three replications. Results showed that organic seed priming of custard leaf extract has a significant impact on the growth attributes of plant height, LAI, Dry matter production and yield parameters like number of productive tillers per hill, weight of the single ear head per hill, number of fingers per ear head, length of the earhead, number of grains per ear head, grain yield and straw yield. The control treatment recorded the lowest values in all parameters. Maximum grain yield of 1777 kg ha-1 was recorded with organic seed priming of ragi with Custard leaf extract @ 3% (T4) and the lowest grain yield 1003 kg ha-1 was observed with control treatment.

Foliar Nutrient Application with Macro and Micro Nutrients Alters Yield and Total Antioxidative Capacity of Bhendi (Abelmoschus esculentus)

Background: Plant nutrient deficiency is the major challenge in agriculture results in lower crop yield and quality. This may lower the farmer’s income by reducing marketable value. In other hand, eating nutrient dense vegetables is the most cost effective strategy to combat malnutrition. The efficiency of inorganic micronutrients applied into soils is low as they become easily fixed to soil particles. Hence, exogenous application of nutrients is an effective option to enhance plant nutrient use efficiency. Methods: This study was conducted at SRM College of Agricultural Sciences, Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu during 2022-2023 to alleviate nutrient insufficiency challenges in bhendi variety Senora by using Randomized block design with seven different treatments viz., T1- Control, T2- Nutrient consortia 1 (N + K + B + Fe+ Mn + Zn @ 1% ), T3- Nutrient consortia 2 (N + K + Fe+ Cu + B @ 1%), T4- Nutrient consortia 3 (N + K + Mg + B + Fe + Zn @ 1%), T5- Nutrient consortia 4 (T2 + NAA + SA@ 1%), T6- Nutrient consortia 5 (T3 + NAA + SA @ 1%), T7- Nutrient consortia 6 (T4 + NAA + SA @ 1%), sprayed at 30, 45 and 60 days after sowing. Result: Various physiological, biochemical, yield and quality parameters were measured to evaluate the effects of Nutrient consortia. The results of field experiment strongly improved that the eight biochemical parameters viz., chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll content, chlorophyll a/b ratio, chlorophyll stability index, leaf soluble protein, lipid peroxidation by melondialdehyde and proline content. The yield and quality traits such as number of fruits per plant, total fruit yield, total phenolics and total antioxidants activity were significantly increased through application of Nutrient consortia 6 followed by Nutrient consortia 4. So this can be used as yield and quality enhancer formulation of bhendi crops.

BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS, DEVELOPMENT AND SPREAD OF DISEASES IN POTATO CROPS USING PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS

Objective. To study the effect of growth regulators and planting dates on chlorophyll content, quality indicators, disease susceptibility and yield of potato tubers. Methods. Field, namely visual and measurement-weight; laboratory; statistical; calculation-comparative. Results. In 2020-2023, comprehensive studies were conducted on the influence of growth regulators Phytosubtyl, IntraCell, Kartoplex and planting dates on the content of pigments in potato leaves, biochemical parameters of potato tubers and the yield of the ultra-early Radomysl and mid-ripening Myroslava varieties. The use of plant growth regulators on potatoes contributed to an increase in the level of yield and biochemical parameters of the crop. In particular, the greatest increase in tubers in both varieties was provided by the Kartoplex, increasing the yield by 12.0–25.3 %. Plant regulators had a positive effect on the starch and dry matter content of potato tubers. Thus, in comparison with the control variant, the starch content of the Myroslava variety increased by 1.7–2.1%, dry matter by 1.4–2.97%, and the Radomysl variety by 0.7–2.0 and 1.5–2.88%, respectively. The maximum value of vitamin C content was recorded in 2023 in the Myroslava variety 23.4, in the Radomysl variety 20.3 mg/%, and the minimum in 2022 – Myroslava 21.3, Radomysl 18.1 mg/%. On average, over the years of studies, the use of growth regulators contributed to an increase in the content of vitamin C in potato tubers of Radomysl and Myroslava varieties as follows: for the Radomysl variety – Phytosubtyl by 9.1–10.9 mg/%, IntraCell: by 2.8–5.1 mg/%, Kartoplex: by 11.8–14.0 mg/%; for the Myroslava variety: Phytosubtyl – an increase of 5.2–11.0 mg/%, IntraCell 6.8–8.3 mg/%, Kartoplex 16.2–18.1 mg/%. The analysis of variance of the obtained data showed that the following factors had the greatest influence on the content of the sum of chlorophylls in potato leaves: varietal characteristics (factor A): this factor had the greatest influence on the content of chlorophylls, the share of which was 34.9 %; planting time (factor B): the influence of this factor was 25.3%, growth regulators (factor C): their influence was 10.4%, the interaction of factors of planting time and variety (AB): the share of influence of this factor was 14.8%, the interaction of factors AB, BC and ABC: their influence was as follows: AB interaction: 4.1%, BC interaction: 3.4%, ABC interaction: 4.7. The results of tuberous analysis showed that the prevalence (in total) of diseases a month after harvesting was the highest in the control varient (8.9% in the Radomysl variety and 9.8% in the Myroslava variety). When tubers were treated with Phytosubtyl, the prevalence of diseases decreased by 47.2% for the Myroslava variety and 55.1% for the Radomysl variety. Discussion. The results of studies positively correlate with the developments of domestic and foreign scientists to study the influence of plant growth regulators on various aspects of technological and biochemical indicators of potato productivity. Conclusions. The influence of growth regulators Phytosubtyl, IntraCell, and Kartoplex on the biochemical components of plants and tubers, the development and spread of diseases that determine potato yield and productivity was studied.

Influence of Bio-stimulants on the Yield Attributes, Peel and Pulp Color of Mango (Mangifera indica L.) cv Mallika under Central Dry Zone of Karnataka

The mango (Mangifera indica L.) is considered the ‘King of fruits’ and found to be economically important due to its excellent fruit quality, despite having good fruit quality characteristics, it is associated with production constraints such as low initial fruit set, heavy fruit drops, undersized fruit and improper fruit color development. On the other hand, bio-stimulants play an important role in improving the productivity and quality of fruits. In the present study, four biostimulants viz., jasmonic acid, salicylic acid, brassinosteroids and triacontanol, were sprayed at intervals of 70 and 90 days after anthesis at two different concentrations with four replications. Among the treatments, triacontanol @ 10 ppm (T9) showed a significant difference in yield parameters and recorded maximum average fruit weight (571.98 g), fruit length (17.53 cm), fruit diameter (92.38 cm), fruit volume (723.75 cc), pulp weight (435.91 g), pulp percentage (76.24), number of fruits (75.25), yield per tree (41.31 kg) in comparison to control. However, salicylic acid @ 150 ppm (T5) showed the highest colorimeter coordinates L*, a*, b*, C* and hº for both pulp and peel color. The study concludes the use of phytohormones enhances the fruit development and quality parameters of mango cv Mallika under the central dry zone of Karnataka.

Phosphate solubilizing bacteria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, improve the growth and yield of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.).

For agricultural safety and sustainability, instead of synthetic fertilizers the eco-friendly and inexpensive biological applications include members of plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) genera, Pseudomonas spp. will be an excellent alternative option to bioinoculants as they do not threaten the soil biota. The effect of phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MK 764942.1) on groundnuts' growth and yield parameters was studied under field conditions. The strain was combined with a single super phosphate and tested in different combinations for yield improvement. Integration of bacterial strain with P fertilizer gave significantly higher pod yield ranging from 7.36 to 13.18% compared to plots where sole inorganic fertilizers were applied. Similarly, the combined application of PSB and inorganic P fertilizer significantly influenced plant height and number of branches compared to sole. However, a higher influence of phosphorous application (both PSB and P fertilizer) observed both nodule dry weight and number of nodules. Combined with single super phosphate (100% P) topped in providing better yield attributing characters (pod yield, haulm yield, biomass yield, 1000 kernel weight, and shelling percentage) in groundnut. Higher oil content was also recorded with plants treated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa combined with single super phosphate (SSP) (100% P). Nutrients like nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), and potassium (K) concentrations were positively influenced in shoot and kernel by combined application. In contrast, Ca, Mg, and S were found to be least influenced by variations of Phosphorous. Plants treated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and lower doses of SSP (75% P) recorded higher shoot and kernel P. We found that co-inoculation with PSB and SSP could be an auspicious substitute for utilizing P fertilizer in enhancing yield and protecting nutrient concentrations in groundnut cultivation. Therefore, PSB can be a good substitute for bio-fertilizers to promote agricultural sustainability.

Evaluation of New Generation Herbicide-based Weed Management Strategies on Direct Sown Rice Production in Cauvery Deltaic Zone

Field assay was conducted during “Navarai” season, 2019 at Chidambaram region of cauvery delta to find out the influence of new generation herbicide based weed management in direct sown rice production. The Experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications using rice cultivar CO-51. The treatments includes T1- Un-weeded check, T2- Twice hand weeding at 15 and 30 DAS T3- Pre-emergence application of pyrazosulfuron-ethyl 10% WP at 200g ha-1 at 7 DAS + one Hand weeding at 30 DAS T4- Pre-emergence application of metsulfuran-methyl 10% + chlorimuron-methyl 10% WP at 20g ha-1 at 7 DAS + one Hand weeding at 30 DAS T5-Pre-emergence application of Pretilachlor 50% EC at 1250 ml ha-1 at 7 DAS + one Hand weeding at 30 DAS T6- Early post-emergence application of pretilachlor 6% + pyrazosulfuran-ethyl 0.15% G at 615g ha-1 at 15 DAS. T7- Early post-emergence application of bispyribac-sodium 10% SC at 300 ml ha-1 15 DAS T8- Early post-emergence application of pretilachlor 6% + pyrazosulfuran-ethyl 0.15% G at 615g ha-1 at 15 DAS + one Hand weeding at 30 DAS T9- Early post-emergence application of bispyribac-sodium 10% SC at 300 ml ha-1 at 15 DAS+ one Hand weeding at 30 DAS. On analysing the experimental results, it is revealed that all the imputed treatments has affected weed flora, crop growth, yield attributes and economics of direct sown rice cultivation. Furthermore, application of bispyribac-sodium 10% SC at 300 ml ha-1 at 15 DAS + one hand weeding at 30 DAS provided superior results amid all the treatments. The absence of weed management practices (i.e) T1- Un-weeded check has negatively affected the crop production to a greater extent by registering poor crop growth and yield parameters.

Phenological and yield response of primed carrot (Daucus carota L) seeds under deficit irrigation

Seedling emergence and stand establishment of carrot seeds are often slow and erratic which results in low productivity. Poor seed quality together with lack of pre-sowing seed treatments and improper irrigation management can be mentioned as the major factors that influence the yield and productivity of carrot. The present study was carried out with the objective to evaluate the effects of different seed priming techniques on early seedling establishment, growth and yield of carrot (Daucus carota L. cultivated variety Nantes) exposed to different irrigation intervals, under field conditions at Gerado, South Wollo, Ethiopia. Four seed priming treatments (no priming, hydro priming, halo priming and hormonal priming) and three irrigation intervals (4, 7 and 10 days) were combined as factorial RCBD in split plot arrangement with three replications. The irrigation intervals were assigned to main plots and the seed priming techniques to sub plots. Result indicated that the interaction effects of priming techniques and irrigation intervals significantly affected the phenological and yield parameters. Distilled water treatment in seven and ten days irrigation interval recorded the highest marketable carrot root yields of 33.73 t h-1 and 30.63 t h-1, respectively. Hence, hydro priming and seven days irrigation interval can be recommended for the production of carrot in the study area and similar agro-ecologies. Given the promising results obtained, further repetitions of the study are recommended to validate the use of these techniques in further locations and in different seasons.

Inoculum sources and management of bean scab caused by Elsinoë phaseoli

AbstractBean scab caused by Elsinoë phaseoli is a major challenge to common bean cultivation in Kenya. However, knowledge about its epidemiology and management is limited. This study conducted three experiments in Kakamega, Kenya, evaluating scab inoculum sources and control options. The first experiment evaluated three different inoculum sources over two seasons; bean crop residue caused the highest scab incidence in both the 2021 (62.1%) and 2022 (81.1%) seasons. The second experiment assessed the effect of rotation history on scab over three seasons. Scab incidence consistently surpassed 90% within the first 30 days after planting in half‐yearly rotated fields across all seasons, while the disease was absent after planting in fields with no recent history of legumes. Fields rotated out of legumes consistently had the highest grain yield, averaging 1.5 t ha−1 over the seasons. Additionally, the rotation land treatment displayed significantly more pods per plant during the 2021 (9.7), 2022a (9.8), and 2022b (12.5) seasons. In the third experiment, the impact of five fungicides and four cropping systems on bean scab was investigated over two seasons. Neither fungicide treatments nor cropping systems had an effect on bean scab incidence even when only severe symptoms were considered. Carbendazim had the highest yield (1.9 t ha−1) outperforming the unsprayed control only in the 2022 season while none of the other fungicides outperformed the control treatment in yield parameters in either season. This study emphasizes the challenge of managing bean scab without proper crop rotation and underscores the role of crop residue as a critical inoculum source.

Maize production at phenological stages affected by water irrigation stress in dryland conditions

Abstract The growth and yield of maize are significantly influenced by the adequacy of soil moisture during the growth period. Given the uncertain rainfall due to climate change, the availability of water for maize production is becoming increasingly limited, while the demand is rising due to population growth. The extent to which maize yield is affected by soil moisture stress at each phenological stage in dryland areas has not been thoroughly explored. This study aimed to determine the production and biomass of maize at various growth stages due to water stress. Watering using drip irrigation equipped with soil moisture sensors was stopped after the maize plants reached 20, 40, 60 (flowering), 80 days after sowing (DAS), and at harvest. Parameters of biomass, maize yield, and other parameters were determined when the soil’s permanent wilting point reached, and soil samples were taken to determine the moisture content. The results showed that irrigation up to 80 DAS was not significantly different in yield, although it was 30% lower than that irrigation up to harvest. However, irrigation up to 60 DAS reduced the yield by 3.9 times and 4.9 times compared to the yield at irrigation up to 80 DAS (85.897 grams/plant) and at harvest (108.57 grams/plant), respectively. Other parameters, such as dry biomass, cob weight, cob length, and cob diameter followed the yield trend, although their values varied. The dry biomass of maize at irrigation until 20 and 40 DAS were 13.68 grams/plant and 40.05 grams/plant, respectively. The experiment implies that irrigation water should be provided until 80 DAS to minimize significant yield losses of maize in dryland conditions.

Salicylic acid and iron-oxide nanoparticles improved the growth and productivity of ajowan under salt stress

Two factorial experiments with randomized complete block design in three replicates were conducted in a greenhouse at the University of Tabriz to investigate the individual and combined effects of SA and Fe2O3-NPs spray (1 mM and 3 mM, respectively) on cations contents, root and shoot growth, seed filling and yield parameters of salt-stressed ajowan plants (0, 4, 8 and 12 dS m-1 NaCl; as non-saline and low, moderate and high salinities, respectively). Salt stress enhanced Na+ contents and reduced K+ and Ca2+ contents, and K+/Na+ and Ca2+/Na+ ratios, leading to a reduction in root and shoot growth, particularly under high salinity. Reduction in plant growth parameters under salt stress had a negative impact on yield components and seed yield of ajowan. These deleterious impacts of salinity on plants were largely overcome by foliar treatments, particularly by SA + Fe2O3-NPs. The improvement of seed yield by these treatments was highly correlated with enhanced root and shoot growth, seeds per plant, and 1000-seed weight, especially under moderate and high salinities. Thus, the simultaneous application of SA and Fe2O3-NPs was the best foliar treatment for enhancing the growth and productivity of ajowan plants under normal and saline conditions.

Influence of herbicides on yield and yield parameters of groundnut in rice-groundnut system under coastal zone of Karnataka

Influence of herbicides on yield and yield parameters of groundnut in rice-groundnut system under coastal zone of Karnataka

PENGARUH BAHAN PELAPIS BENIH TERHADAP PERTUMBUHAN DAN HASIL TANAMAN JAGUNG (Zea mays L.) PADA CEKAMAN SALIN

Maize is one of the most important food commodities after rice and is widely cultivated because it has a high protein value. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the coating material on the growth and yield of maize under saline stress. This research was conducted in the Agroecotechnology greenhouse of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Trunojoyo Madura from August 2022 to January 2023. This study used a factorial Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 10 treatment combinations and 3 replications with a factor of one coating material (P) and a factor of two salinity (K). The coating material factor consisted of 5 treatments namely control (P0), bentonite (P1), biochar (P2), light coal (P3), and biochar compost (P4), the saline stress factor consisted of 2 treatments namely control (K0) and saline (K1). The results showed that the application of coating material to saline stress had a significant effect on all growth parameters. The interaction between treatments only had a significant effect on plant height at 1 MST, leaf area at 6 MST, and 100 seed weight. Treatment (P2K1) with biochar and saline showed the best results on all growth and yield parameters of maize. Saline stress reduced the percentage of growth and yield of maize by about 50%.

Vine spacing of <i>Vitis vinifera</i> cv. Shiraz/101-14 Mgt II. Establishment, and vegetative and reproductive growth

Knowledge of vine growth reaction to plant spacing under relatively high potential soil conditions is limited. This study aimed to determine the effects of vine spacing (with fixed row spacing) of Shiraz (clone SH 9C)/101-14 Mgt on a relatively high potential soil in the Breede River Valley, Robertson, South Africa on establishment and training labour, aboveground growth, and yield. The vineyard was planted in 2008 to a Vertical Shoot Positioning trellis, a fixed row spacing of 2.2 m and row orientation of approximately NNE-SSW (30 °). The 15 in-row vine spacing treatments changed from 0.3 - 4.5 m with increments of 30 cm (from 15151 – 1010 vines/ha). Results were generated over six seasons after cordon development was completed. Grapes were harvested at two ripeness levels. Clear groupings were evident for establishment and further training management. Total costs showed trends with an optimal of around 1.8 m vine spacing, but were markedly higher for closer spacing. Canopies developed uniformly with cordon extension. General vegetative growth (over treatments) varied according to seasonal conditions. Individual leaf size was higher for more closely spaced vines. Total vegetative growth parameters mostly showed increasing and decreasing trends on a /vine and /ha basis, respectively, with an increase in spacing. Yields showed a general increase with wider spacing on a /vine and /ha basis. Yield:cane mass ratios displayed an increasing trend from narrow to wide vine spacing, as did fertility and bunch mass. The bunches from the narrowly spaced treatments seemed more compact. Growth and yield parameters showed very clear trends reaching an optimal at around 1.8 m vine spacing. The results of this study can be applied in vine spacing selection and sustainability strategies for different terroirs. Comprehensive guidelines for extrapolation to different growth conditions and terroirs are provided.

PERFORMANCE OF SOYBEAN CULTIVARS FOR SEED PRODUCTION IN TROPICAL FLOODPLAINS UNDER DIFFERENT GROWING CONDITIONS

Soybeans are a major crop in Brazilian agribusiness, with cultivar selection, location, and sowing date significantly impacting seed yield and quality. This study aimed to evaluate the yield and quality of soybean seeds under different growing environments, combining sowing time and location in tropical floodplain conditions in Tocantins in 2022. Four field experiments were conducted in two locations, with sowing dates of May 17 and May 31 in Lagoa da Confusão, TO. The cultivars Bônus, Extrema, Domínio, SYN1687, and SYN2282 were assessed. Each experiment followed a randomized block design with five treatments and four replications. After full maturity, the crops were harvested and evaluated for yield parameters and seed physiological quality. The cultivars Bônus, Domínio, and SYN1687 produced the highest yields, unaffected by sowing dates. However, the growing environment influenced seed vigor and viability, with the May 31 sowing favoring seed quality.

Response of Vegetative Growth and Yield of Two Hybrids of Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) to Liquid Organic Fertilizer and Hefe Algae

This research was conducted to evaluate the impact of liquid organic fertilizer and Hefe algae (seaweed) on various aspects of vegetative growth and yield in two hybrids of broccoli. The results revealed that the Agassi RZ hybrid outperformed the Wisdom hybrid in parameters such as leaf area (cm2), fresh leaf weight leaves (g), dry leaf weight (g), total yield (kg plant-1), and total yield (t ha-1). The foliar application of 3.0 and 6.0 ml L-1 of organic fertilizer significantly enhanced all vegetative growth and yield parameters. Similarly, Hefe algae, particularly at a concentration of 8.0 ml L-1, showed positive and significant effects on plant height (cm), number of leaves (leaves plant-1), leaf area (cm2), fresh leaf weight (g), dry leaf weight (g), chlorophyll%, total yield (kg plant-1), and total yield (t ha-1). The combined influence of two factors, namely hybrids and organic fertilizer, hybrids and Hefe algae, and organic fertilizer and Hefe algae, had a significant impact on all vegetative growth and yield parameters. Notably, the interaction among Agassi RZ hybrid, 6.0 ml L-1 organic fertilizer, and 8.0 ml L-1 Hefe algae exhibited the most substantial effects, resulting in the highest plant height (cm), number of leaves (leaves plant-1), fresh leaf weight (g), dry leaf weight (g), total yield (kg plant-1), and total yield (t ha-1).