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Plant growth, flowering, square and boll formation are significantly affected by plant density in cotton production. The research was carried out in the field of experimental Özaltın Agriculture Company Experiment Fields in 2019 with four replication according to the split plot design with two different cotton genotypes with open (Karayel) type and closters (Lodos) type under five different plant densities (7,000 plants/da, 14,000 plants/da, 21,000 plants/da, 28,000 plants/da and 35,000 plants/da). The aim of the study was to determine the effects of different plant densities on yield, yield components and fiber quality characteristics of cotton varieties with different plant types (different boll distribution on branch of plant). With the increase in plant density (28,000 and 35,000 plants/da), plant height, number of fruit branches, number of vegatatif branches, boll weight, boll number were decrased, on the other hand the number of node on the first fruit branch, the first hand harvest rate, the number of days of opening the first boll, micronare values were increased. It was determined that there was no significant effect on fiber quality properties and lint percentage except for micronaire. Cotton varieties with different cotton biomass architecture such as open type and closter type showed different reactions in terms of cotton boll yield at different plant densities. According to the mean of both cultivars in each plant density, the highest boll yield (649.4 kg/da) and fiber yield (275.8 kg/da) were obtained from plant density of 14,000 plants/da. When genotype x plant density interaction is evaluated in terms of cotton boll yield, the plant density in genotypes with open boll distribution type should not be more than 21,000 plants/da plant density; It was determined that plant density should not be less than 14,000 plants/da for the cotton genotypes with closter boll distribution type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

They play an important role in a number of plant activities such as leaf formation, embryo development and root initiation aiding the overall growth of the plant (Chandra et al., 2018). Indole acetic acid production by PGPB is an important direct mechanism which helps in plant growth promotion by root development. Biofertilizers are living microorganisms that boost plant growth and development by increasing mineral nutrients accessibility and phytohormones production (Riaz et al., 2021). The plant growth promotion of Trigonella foenum graecum was recorded with a mixed culture of E. meliloti and R. leguminosarum followed by single inoculation, which proved to be very efficient in promoting the physico vegetative growth parameters as compared to control (Kumar et al., 2011). [Extracted from the article]

A field experiment was carried out at 2018 -2017 growth season in Babylon / Saddat El-Hindia, Iraq in clay loam soil to study the effect of bio-fertilizer (addition and control) and chemical fertilizers (0, 40 and 80 kg.ha-1 of NPK 19-19-19+te) on some vegetative traits of three broad bean cultivars (local, ricko, luzdi). Randomized complete block design with four replicates was used. The results indicates that Ricko cultivar was superior in plant height, plant leaf area, and chlorophyll leaf content (127.32 cm, 60.48 cm2 and 52.88 SPAD) respectively. While Lozdi cultivar gave the highest average in plant leaves and branches (112.2 leaves and 8.58 branches) respectively. Bio-fertilizer was superior in plant height, plant leaf area, number of leaves, branches and root-nodes and chlorophyll leaf content (122.59 cm, 61.43 cm2, 115.2 leaves, 51.6 root-nodes and 54.42 SPAD) respectively compared to control treatment. Chemical fertilizer was significantly superior at 40 kg.ha-1 by giving the highest plant height, number of leaves, branches and root-nodes (121.54 cm, 115.7 leaves, 8.15 branches and 48.6 nodes). The level of 80 kg.ha-1 gave the largest plant leaf area and chlorophyll content (63.71 cm2 and 52.59 SPAD), compared to control treatment. The interactions showed a significant effect in vegetative growth traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Plant Production is the property of Egyptian National Agricultural Library (ENAL) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

A field trial was conducted to assess the avoidable yield loss of okra cv. Utkal Gaurav caused by root-knot nematode in Odisha using paired plot technique. The application of Carbofuran 3G @ 1.5 kg a.i./ha significantly enhanced the plant growth parameters and yield of okra with significant reduction in root knot index and nematode population under field conditions. Data pooled over two years i.e. 2014 and 2015 clearly indicated that carbofuran 3G @ 1.5 kg a.i. ha-1 significantly increased the fruit yield of okra/ha by 33.9% with simultaneous reduction in root knot nematode population and root knot index by 74.0% and 34.0%, respectively, which resulted an avoidable yield loss to the tune of 25.3%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field experiment was conducted in 2015-2016growth season in Babylon governorate, in silty-clay soil under salt stress conditions. the experiment aimed to determine the effect of silicon spraying on growth and yield of six wheat genotypes (Triticum aestivum L.) in salinity soil (9.3 dSm-1). Factorial experiment was conducted according to randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications included two levels of silicon spraying (0 and 25 mM.L-1 and six genotypes of bread wheat. Wheat genotypes of Hussein, Furat, Rashid, Uruk, Nukal and 884 were cultivated in 20/11/2015 and harvested at 10/5/2016. The data were analyzed statistically and the average were compared by less significant difference test. The results showed that silicon spraying was superior by giving the highest average of plant height, leaf area, spike length and chlorophyll content which amounted to 79.78 cm, 19.89 cm2, 15. 19 cm and 51.62 SPAD respectively. Rashid genotype was superior by giving higher average in leaf area, spike length and chlorophyll content which amounted to 22.18 cm2, 16.0 cm and 50.39 SPAD, respectively. Hussein genotype was superior by giving highest average number of tillers.plant-1, root length and the dry weight of shoot and root, which amounted to 3.5, 15.92 cm, 12.49 g and 0.53 g respectively. Furat genotype was superior by giving the highest average of plant height which amounted to 92.53 cm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To characterize the differences in photosynthate distribution and transport between nitrogen(N)-tolerant and N-susceptible sweetpotato cultivars under different N conditions, three N levels, including 0 (N0), 120 (N120), and 240 kg ha−1 (N240), were used in field experiments with the Jishu26 (J26) and Xushu32 (X32) cultivars in 2015 and 2016. The results from both years revealed that high N application reduced the tuberous root yield, the tuber/vine rate of carbon-13 (13C), and top-to-base (three equal segments of stem divided from the fifth opened leaf of the shoot tip to the main stem, defined as the top, middle, and base parts, respectively) gradients such as sucrose, ammonia N and potassium along the stem. ‘J26’ showed a higher yield than ‘X32’ under N0 but lower yield than ‘X32’ under N120 and N240. It also exhibited a higher 13C distribution to tuberous roots compared with that of ‘X32’ under N0, and the opposite trend was observed under N120 and N240. Under N0, ‘J26’ showed a steep top-to-base amino acid gradient and a significantly lower top-to-base sucrose increase along the stem in the late growth stage. Under N120 and N240, ‘X32’ exhibited a greater top-to-base decrease in the ammonia N along the stem during the main growth stages, a steep top-to-base sucrose gradient along the stem in the early growth stage, and a lower top-to-base sucrose increase along the stem in the middle and late growth stages. The formation of a reasonable photosynthate distribution structure attributed to high yield was related to a desirable sucrose, ammonia N or K+ gradient downward along the stem. These results might help provide farmers with sweetpotato cultivars using less or no N fertilizer in soils of different fertility and enhance the knowledge of yield-related physiology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biomass allocation to root, culm, leaf, and grain of 20 upland rice cultivars was assessed in pots set up in an open field experiment. The cultivars consisted of 18 upland NERICA rice (N 1 to N 18) and Funaabor 1 and 2. The rice cultivars were grown under rainfed condition on 5 kg soils collected along a toposequence designated as Upper Crest (UC), Middle Slope (MS), and Valley Bottom (VB) soils. Plants were harvested at maturity for biomass allocation pattern into various organs. Toposequence soils and cultivar significantly (p<0.01) influenced all the fractions of biomass and standing biomass to different organs except root dry weight (RDW) and root mass fraction (RMF) for the latter. The lowest standing and fraction of biomass to root (3.64g and 0.08 respectively), culm (17.92g and 0.42 respectively), and leaf (3.59g and 0.08 respectively) of the rice cultivars were observed on VB soils. Principal Component (PC) biplot accounted for 95.67% and 97.38% of the total variation in standing biomass and fractions of biomass to organs respectively. Higher grain weight per plant was observed in NERICA 2 and 15 and was closely associated with standing biomass to root than to culm and leaf. Upland rice grown on UC soil accumulated more biomass to vegetative parts with concomitant decrease in fraction of biomass allocated to reproductive structures unlike rice cultivars grown on VB soils. Hence, growing upland rice on VB of a toposequence promotes increase of biomass allocation to grains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of crop simulation models for interpreting experiments and analyzing production systems in different management and environmental conditions is common in the literature. In this study, parameterization and evaluation of the Simple Simulation Model (SSM) for the prediction of peanut ( Arachis hypogaea L.) growth and yield was conducted for the first time. Data from different field experiments from Astaneh Ashrafieh of northern Iran were used for coefficient estimation and model evaluation for the Virginia-type peanut variety North Carolina 2 (cv. NC2). After estimation of genetic parameters, the model was tested using independent data. The SSM simulated peanut growth and yield with reasonable accuracy, using data of more than 10 field experiments from different environmental conditions (11 experiments in the parameterization stage and 15 experiments in the evaluation stage). Based on data of independent experiments that were not used for parameterization, the model predicted an acceptable percentage of the observed results concerning days to harvest maturity (r = 0.46, CV = 5%), accumulated dry matter (r = 0.66, CV = 15%), grain yield (r = 0.55, CV = 21%), and pod yield (r = 0.45, CV = 18%). Local sensitivity analysis with 23 parameters indicated that two parameters related to leaf development and a parameter related to yield formation were the most sensitive cultivar-specific parameters; thus, estimation of the parameters need to be done with care for new cultivars. The SSM provided an adequate level of peanut growth simulation and based both on its transparency and easiness-to-use can be used as a valid tool for simulating growth of peanut Virginia-type varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An abnormal non-monotonic shape of production function (response of obtained yield to increasing rates of mineral nitrogen fertilizers) has been observed in experimental field trials. Often, the observed effect (an inflection point, or intermediate plateau or even local undershoot of the “yield-fertilization” curve) is treated as a test distortion and will be ignored or sorted out. This article presents the authors’ efforts to interpret and to explain similar phenomenon by means of investigating two mechanistic crop simulation models – AGROSIM and AGROTOOL. It is demonstrated that an imitation model can be used as a valuable tool of scientific research, allowing for the hypothesising of alternative understandings of non-trivial natural phenomena. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Julius-Kühn-Archiv is the property of Julius Kuehn Institut and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Cyclopia longifolia Vogel L. is indigenous to the Cape fynbos, and widely grown for the production of Honeybush tea, a beverage with health benefits and economic potential in the cosmetic and nutraceutical industries. The aim of this study was to assess plant growth and symbiotic performance of Cyclopia longifolia in field and pot experiments. Field plants were supplemented with different levels of P, Mg and Ca at Kanetberg mountains using 0, 5, 25 and 50 mM of K 2 HPO 4, MgCl 2 ·6H 2 O and CaCl 2 ·2H 2 O in split application, while P, Ca and Mg were applied as Supergrow (20.3% P), CaMg·(CO 3 ) 2 , and MgSO 4 ·7H 2 O) at 0, 10, 20 and 50 kg·ha − 1 to potted plants. Shoots were harvested at 240 and 300 days after last fertilisation for pot and field experiments respectively, and analyzed for nodulation and N 2 fixation. The data revealed significantly increased nodule number, nodule dry weight, root and shoot biomass in the pot experiment with P, Ca and Mg supply. Shoot dry matter, N content, amount of N-fixed, soil N uptake and tea yield of C. longifolia was significantly increased with increasing supply of P, Mg and Ca to field plants, and was highest at 50 mM level of each element. Applying different levels of Mn, Cu, Zn and Mo to field plants of C. longifolia also markedly increased shoot biomass, N content, δ 15 N, amount of N-fixed, soil N uptake and tea yield. The increase in δ 15 N values, and hence reduced %Ndfa, of Cyclopia longifolia plants supplied with P, Mg, Ca, Mn, Cu, Zn and Mo suggests that the endogenous soil concentration of these nutrients were more limiting for plant growth than for nodule functioning. As a result, supplying P, Mg, Ca, Mn, Cu, Zn and Mo increased plant growth and biomass, but not %N derived from fixation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of elevated atmospheric CO concentration and temperature, singly and in combination, on grain yield and the distribution of nitrogen (N) in different rice organs. The rice 'Wuyunjing 23' was planted under four treatments: ambient CO and temperature (ACT), elevated CO (200 μmol mol higher than ambient CO) (EC), elevated temperature (1 °C above the ambient temperature) (ET), and the combination of elevated CO and temperature (ECT) under T-FACE (temperature and CO free air controlled enrichment) system. CO-induced increment and temperature-induced reduction in grain yield was 6.0 and 25.2% in 2013, and that was 9.8 and 10.8% in 2014, respectively. Dry matter (DM) production in different organs increased under EC at vegetative stage but decreased under ET at reproductive stage. The negative effects of temperature on grain yield and DM was weakened when combined with CO enrichment. And the trends of decrease for yield and DM under ET and ECT in 2013 were more obvious than those in 2014 due to the annual temperature differences. Furthermore, ET led to greater distribution of N in root and stem but not for panicle than that under ACT. These mainly demonstrated that the rice production would be suffered varying degree of loss under global warming in future although the CO enrichment could alleviate the effects of high temperature on rice growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was carried out at Tag Al EZZ Agricultural Research Station, ARC, Egypt (31°36'N/30°57'E) in two seasons of 2014-2015. This work aimed at assessing the effect of cultivating seeds treated with aerated solution of Salicylic Acid (SA) 1.00, 1.50, 2.00, 2.50 and 3.00 mM of 3 plants: kenaf (Hibiscus canabienus), sunflower (Helianthus annuus) and canola (Brassica napus) in phyto-remediating (bioreclamination) of a saline soil. Growth of plants (its seeds were presowing treated with salicylic acid) was higher than that of plants its seeds were not treated with the acid. The treatment induced tolerance to salt stress leading to promoting protective reactions to the photosynthetic pigments, maintained the membranes integrity and osmotic adjustment This increased growth led to removal of greater amounts of salts from the soil. Salinity as well as sodicity of the soil where treated plants were grown was lower than in soils where non-treated plants were grown. The 3.00 mM treatment was the most effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growing mixtures of species instead of sole crops is expected to increase the ecosystem services provided by cover crops. This study aimed at understanding the interactions between species and investigating how they affect the performance of the mixture. Four species were combined in six bispecific mixtures in a field experiment. The performance of each species when grown in a mixture was compared to its performance as a sole crop at different sowing densities, to characterise the influence of intra- and interspecific competition for each species. Intra- and interspecific competition coefficients were quantified using a response surface design and the hyperbolic yield-density equation. Interactions between the four species ranged from facilitation to competition. Most of the mixtures exhibited transgressive overyielding. Without nitrogen (N) fertilisation, high complementarity between species allowed to achieve the highest biomass. With N fertilisation, high dominance of one mixture component should be avoided to achieve good performance. A revised approach in the use of the land equivalent ratio for the evaluation of cover crop mixtures is also proposed in this study. It allows to better identify transgressive overyielding in mixtures and to better characterise the effect of one species on the other within the mixture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Subjection of seeds to a chilling pretreatment has been reported to enhance crop yield particularly earliness in number of vegetable crops including seedgrown (annual) globe artichoke. Therefore, the current study was carried out to assess the impact of seed chilling pretreatment on the production of seedpropagated globe artichoke in two cultivars (EL-Balady and Chinese) under Assiut conditions. Four seed pretreatments were utilized. These were seeds imbibed in water for 24 h and subjected to chilling at 4-5 °C for 0 (positive control), 10 and 15 d, in addition to untreated seeds (negative control). These seed pretreatments were scheduled so as to be simultaneously ready at the time of sowing. A field experiment was carried out to test these treatments during 2014/2015 and 2015/2016 winter seasons at the Experimental Farm of Faculty of Agriculture, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt. Data revealed an influential effect for seed chilling on growth, earliness and yield of artichoke. Comparing to plants of both control treatments, imbibed seeds which were subjected to chilling at 4-5˚C for 15 d gave the greatest reduction in number of days to form heads and highest early head yield. Average head weight, number of heads/plant and head diameter and height were increased while total yield was elevated. This pre-sowing seed chilling treatments increased yield by 22.5% and 40.3% relative to positive and negative controls, respectively, on average. The reduction in the number of days to develop harvestable inflorescences ranged from 21 d to 23 d comparing with the positive and negative controls, respectively, on average. Apparently, seed chilling pretreatment may be usefully applied to overcome the delay in head formation, due to insufficient natural chilling under Assiut conditions, while elevating total head yield and expanding production season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Canadian Journal of Plant Science is the property of Canadian Science Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The aim of this field experiment was to investigate the efficiency of foliar-applied zinc (Zn) in the form of mineral (ZnSO 4 ) and complexed with lysine (Lys), methionine (Met), or threonine (Thr) as a strategy to improve yield and nutritional quality of two onion cultivars ( Allium cepa L. cvs. Behbahan and Perimavera). Different Zn sources and free amino acids (i.e., Lys, Met, and Thr) were applied once at the early rapid vegetative growth stage and once 45 d later at concentration of 0.5%. A control treatment (free of Zn and amino acids) was also used. Plant response to Zn foliar application varied depending on the cultivar and Zn sources. In ‘Behbahan’, foliar application of Zn from all sources significantly increased bulb yield while in ‘Primavera’, using ZnSO 4 was ineffective. In both cultivars, the highest bulb yield was obtained by Zn-Lys complex. All Zn sources significantly increased Zn concentration in bulb, although the Zn-Lys complex was the most effective one. Foliar application of Zn-Lys complex resulted in a significant reduction of bulb nitrate accumulation while other Zn fertilizer sources had no significant effect on bulb nitrate content. In both cultivars, application of lysine either free or complexed with Zn significantly increased the bulb total soluble solids (TSS) compared with control while ZnSO 4 had no significant effect on bulb TSS. In ‘Perimavera’, all Zn sources increased bulb pyruvic acid concentration while in ‘Behbahan’, only Zn-Lys and Zn-Met complexes were effective in increasing bulb pyruvic acid concentration. According to the results, Zn-Lys complex can effectively be used as foliar spray for improving yield and quality of onion in Zn-deficient calcareous soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum var. cerasiforme) is among the most important vegetable crops grown world wide providing good nutritional requirements and boost incomes, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. The objective of this study was to determin the heritability of shortened fruit maturation (SFM) period in a hybrid from a cross between cherry (Small fry) tomato and Petomech. A field experiment was carried out at the Crops Research Institute (CRI), Kwadaso. A cross was made between Petomech and Small fry. Fruit maturation period (FMP) (days from anthesis to the breaker stage of fruit Colour) was 42 days for Small fry and 52 days for Petomech. Parental, F1, F2, and backcross generations differed in FMP, yield, estimates of broad- and narrow-sense SFM heritabilities of 61.4 and 38.8%, respectively, on a single-plant basis. A test for midparent heterosis also showed significance (P<0.05). Genetic control of SFM was quantitative in nature, and highly dominant. The F1 and F2 generations had FMP of 47.2 and 49.5 days, respectively. F1, F2, and backcross generations all differed in number of fruits per plant, giving broad- and narrow-sense heritabilities of 69.73 and 55.67%, respectively. With a mean per fruit weight of 150.1 g Petomech recorded the highest fruit weight, while Small Fry recorded the lightest fruit weight of 81.4 g. Estimated broad-and narrow sense heritability for fruit weight was 71.76 and 41.68%, respectively. There was a significant difference between Small Fry and Petomech, as well as the BC1 and BC2 in terms of fruit size. The highest heterotic effect was found in number of fruits per plant (27.6%) over mid-parent. The highest yield was recorded by Petomech (18.9 t ha-1), while Small Fry recorded the lowest value of (14.3 t ha-1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two field experiments were conducted at Mallawi Agricultural Research Station, Minia Governorate during 2013/2014 and 2014/2015 seasons to study of some faba bean varieties (Giza 843, Giza 3, Giza 716, Nubarai 1and Sakha 3) under different plant densities 84.000 plants /fed. (spacing between rows 50 cm), 70.000 plants /fed.(spacing between rows 60 cm) and 60.000 plants /fed. (spacing between rows 70 cm) and plant distribution (sowing on one and two sides/row) on yield and yield components of faba bean. Results showed that faba bean cultivars varied highly significantly on plant height, weight, Number of pods/plant, 100-seed weight (g), Seed yield/plant and Seed yield (ardab/feddan), during the two growing seasons. The highest value of plant height, Number of pods/plant and Seed yield (12.93 pod and 11.18 ardab/fed.) was obtained by Giza 843 variety compared with the other varieties in both seasons. While Giza 716 produced the highest values of plant weight (62.13 and 62.5 g) in both seasons, respectively. The heaviest 100-seed weight (g) and Seed yield/plant were achieved by Nubarai 1 variety in the first and second seasons. Plant density had significant effect on plant height. In the first and second seasons 84000 plants/feddan recorded the tallest plants (101.01 and 101.25 cm, respectively). Concerning the plant distribution, planting on two sides/rows produced the heightSeed yield (9.88 and 8.43 ardab/fed.) in both seasons, respectively. Compared with the planting on one side /row. Regarding to the first and second order interactions in both seasons the results showed that the differences in seeds yield per feddan were not significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current atmospheric CO 2 levels are unprecedented for the last 800,000 years and require assessments of their potential effects. Free Air Carbon dioxide Enrichment (FACE) is regarded as the most appropriate exposure system for experimental field investigations. While the early FACE technology involved fans for pre-dilution of CO 2 , now systems both with fans and without fans operating with pure CO 2 are employed. The most often used construction in FACE technology involves peripheral injection from a circular or octagonal plenum with CO 2 release pipes and jet holes surrounding the experimental plot which can create [CO 2 ] gradients across the plot. Here, we present a new FACE design for short vegetation (crops and grassland) that does not involve peripheral injection but distributes CO 2 directly within the plot canopy. The system involves numerous CO 2 release holes in porous tubes that hang down from the upper canopy surface and stretch into the canopy. They can be adjusted in height according to crop growth. Plot size was 2 m × 2 m which allows for a high number of replicates at low CO 2 consumption costs (6.5 tons CO 2 in one season at five replicate plots = 3.5 kg CO 2 per m 2 usable plot area and day during 24hr operation). System performance in terms of CO 2 control was very good both in time and space, with 93% of all instantaneous readings during daylight hours matching ±20% deviation from the set point, and low variation of [CO 2 ] at a given moment within the exposed canopy. Some shading (c. 4% at full canopy development) resulted from the FACE structure at the plots but hardly any other microclimatic artifacts were observed. The FACE system is of modular construction and highly flexible and adaptable to various types of short vegetation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field experiments were conducted for three years at Pulses and Oilseeds Research Station, Berhampore, Murshidabad, West Bengal, India during rabi 2007-08, 2008-09 and 2009-10 to study the effects of seed hydro-priming and urea spray in lentil. The experiment was laid out in a factorial randomized block design with four replications having ten treatment combinations viz. two levels of seed priming as factor A and five levels of foliar spray of 2% urea solution as factor B. Experimental results revealed that growth, yield attributing characters, yield and seed protein content of lentil were significantly influenced by seed hydro-priming, urea spray and interaction effects of these two factors. Significantly higher seed yield was obtained under the water soaking treatment (1211 kg ha-1) as compared to no soaking (1169 kg ha-1). Among the foliar spray treatments, two sprays at branching and pod initiation stages recorded the highest seed yield (1271 kg ha-1) of lentil cultivar WBL-58 followed by one spray at flower initiation stage (1236 kg ha-1) irrespective of seed priming. Among the interaction effects, two sprays at branching and pod initiation along with water soaking recorded the highest seed yield (1295 kg ha-1) followed by one spray at flower initiation along with water soaking (1265 kg ha-1). Seed hydro-priming and urea spray were found to increase the seed yield of lentil to the tune of 17.9% and seed protein content by 19% over their non application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was conducted during rabi season of 2012-13 which consisted of two spacing viz., 30 cm x10 cm (S1), 22 cm x 10 cm (S2) and two fertilizer levels viz., F1- 40:40:20 kg NPK per ha, F2- 50:50:25 kg NPK per ha and three genotypes viz., Ajmer Fenugreek-1 (V1), Ajmer Fenugreek-3 (V2) and Ajmer Fenugreek-4 (V3). The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design with three replications. Result revealed that significantly higher seed yield (2437.4 kg ha-1), straw yield (3356.8 kg ha-1), biological yield (5794.2 ha-1), net return (Rs.57358 ha-1) and BCR (2.5) were recorded with sowing at a spacing of 22 cm x 10 cm as compared to 30 cm x 10 cm spacing but numbers of pods per plant (37.0), seed yield per plant (43.5 g), test weight (16.6 g) and harvest index (41.80) were higher in 30 cm x 10 cm spacing. Irrespective of spacing and genotypes, the application of 125 percent RDF ( NPK 50:50:25) recorded significantly more pods (40.7) per plant, seed yield (41.9 g) per plant, seed yield (2249.1 kgha-1), straw yield (3094.2 kgha-1), biological yield (5343.2 kgha-1), 1000 seed weight (16.4 g), harvest index (42.07), net return (Rs.51091.0 ha-1) and BCR (2.3) as compared to 100 percent RDF(NPK 40:20:20). Significantly higher number of pods (42.9/pod), seed yield (45.9 g/plant), seed yield (2270.7 kgha-1), straw yield (3066.8 kgha-1), biological yield (5337.4 kgha-1), net return (Rs.51927.0 ha-1) and BCR (2.3) were recorded with AFg-4. Thus, it is inferred that sowing at 22 cm x 10 cm spacing with application of 125 per cent of recommended dose of fertilizer is better for realizing higher yield, net return and BCR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of tillage, mulching and weed management practices on growth, yield and uptake of nutrients by chickpea during rabi 2010 and 2011 at MARS, UAS Dharwad, Karnataka. Conventional tillage increased various growth, yield parameters and chickpea yield and also nutrient uptake and nitrogen use efficiency over minimum and zero tillage practices. Significantly higher gross return, net return and B:C ratio were recorded in conventional tillage as compared to minimum and zero tillage practices. Mulching practice showed higher growth, yield and yield parameters of chickpea and also nutrient uptake and economics over minimum and zero tillage practices. Significantly higher growth, chickpea yield and yield parameters, nutrient uptake, gross return, net return and B:C ratio were recorded in application of pendimethalin as compared to other weed management practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two field experiments were carried out during the two successive winter seasons of 2013/2014and 2014/2015 in a private sector farm at Kafr Elsohbi Village, Qalubia Governorate, Egypt to investigate the effect of different levels of organic fertilizer (compost) at 35.7, 47.6 and 59.5 ton/ha. in presence of mineral and bio fertilizers and foliar spray with salicylic acid (SA) at 200 ppm, putrescine at 200 ppm, monopotassium phosphate at 2g/l and ascorbic acid at 200 ppm as well as their combinations on vegetative growth characters, chemical constituents, total yield and quality of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) cv. Lady Rosetta during winter season. Obtained results showed that, fertilizing potato plants with compost at different used rates significantly increased all measured vegetative growth traits, chemical constituents of plant foliage, total produced tuber yield and its components, large and medium size tubers as well as chemical constituents of produced tubers. However, it decreased nitrate and total sugars percentage of produced tubers. Moreover, using the highest compost rate (59.5ton/ha.) exhibited the highest values in all aforementioned traits. Also, spraying potato plants four times starting one month from planting and every two weeks by interval with putrescine at 200 ppm and monopotassium phosphate at 2g/l reflected the highest values of vegetative growth aspects and chemical constituents of plant foliage as well as total produced tuber yield and its quality without significant differences among them compared with other tested growth stimulants and the control. In this respect, fertilizing potato plants grown under sandy loam conditions with compost at 59.5 ton/ha. combined with spraying the plants four times with either monopotassium phosphate at 2g/l or putrescine at 200ppm exhibited the highest values of total produced tuber yield and its components with best quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was conducted at experimental farm, Sugarcane Research Station, Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu during 2013 to 2014 in sugarcane cv. CoC (SC) 24 plant crop to standardize the fertilizer schedule with 100, 125 and 150% of the recommended NPK through surface and sub-surface drip fertigation on growth characters, yield and yield attributing characters, plant nutrient content and uptake pattern of nutrients by sugarcane under Sustainable Sugarcane Initiative (SSI) method. The results of the experiment revealed that sub-surface drip irrigation system increased the cane yield and uptake of nutrients than surface drip irrigation method. Maximum tiller population of 176520/ha was recorded with sub-surface drip irrigation with 150% recommended dose of fertilizers followed by sub-surface fertigation with 125% recommended dose of fertilizers (163320/ha). Application of 150% recommended levels of NPK produced maximum cane yield (132.69 t/ha) followed by 125% recommended NPK (129.69 t/ha) and on a par with each other. Irrigation and fertilizer did not significantly influence the CCS content. Fertigation of 125% recommended dose of NPK recorded higher sugar yield of 16.62 t/ha. The higher benefit : cost ratio of 3.01 per rupee invested was observed in treatment received 125% recommended NPK under sub-surface drip fertigation system. The highest NPK uptake of 193.92, 91.57 and 375.89 kg/ha was noticed by the 150% recommended NPK. The 125% recommended NPK @ 375 : 125 : 250 kg/ha was the suitable type and level of fertilizer for obtaining high yield and quality of sugarcane under SSI system of sugarcane planting. SSI is the first step towards standardization of sugarcane cultivation focusing on improving productivity while reducing the agriculture foot print on planet earth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was conducted during the rabi season of 2014-15 at Horticulture Farm of Department of Horticulture, Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Udaipur (Rajasthan). Thirteen treatments were applied with three replications and laid out under randomized block design (RBD). The application of 60% recommended dose of NPKS+neem cake 6 q/ha+vermicompost 20 q/ha+Azotobacter 2 kg/ha+PSB 2 kg/ha (T12) resulted in significantly maximum growth, yield and quality parameters giving the highest yield of 27.17 t/ha. Maximum cost : benefit ratio (1 : 3.97) was also achieved by combined application of 60% recommended dose of fertilizer of NPKS+neem cake 6 q/ha+vermicompost 20 q/ha+Azotobacter 2 kg/ha+PSB 2 kg/ha (T12). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was conducted at College of Agriculture, Bijapur in Northern Dry Zone of Karnataka to study the effect of spacing and organics on growth and yield of mothbean genotypes during kharif 2013. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with factorial concept and replicated thrice. There were 14 treatments including 12 treatment combinations involving three mothbean genotypes (MBS-27, BJMB-1 and Local), two spacings (30 x 10 cm and 45 x 10 cm) and two organics (2.5 t/ha FYM and 1 t/ha vermicompost) along with two controls (local variety at 30 x 10 cm spacing with 10 : 20 kg NP/ha and local variety at 30 x 10 cm spacing with 10 : 20 : 10 kg NPK/ha). The local mothbean genotype gave significantly higher seed yield (796 kg/ha) at wider row spacing of 45 x 10 cm compared to 30 x 10 cm. Application of 1 t/ha vermicompost recorded significantly higher seed yield (714 kg/ha) compared to 2.5 t/ha FYM. The interaction of mothbean local variety at spacing of 45 x 10 cm with application of 2.5 t/ha FYM produced significantly higher seed yield (983 kg/ha), seeds per pod (7.36), pods per plant (78.73), total dry matter at 30, 50 and 70 DAS (2.25, 12.00 and 30.45 g/plant, respectively), branches per plant (8.73), plant height (90.8 cm) compared to other treatment combinations. It can be concluded that for dry land situation, local mothbean genotype can be recommended at a spacing of 45 x 10 cm with 2.5 t/ha FYM application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment on cardoon seeds (Cynara cardunculus L.) was carried out during two successive seasons to study the effect of electromagnetic fields (EMF) on cardoon growth and its palmitic acid content. A 75 mT (millitesla) EMF was used as follows: EMF0 (control) not exposed to the magnetic field, three different EMF exposure durations studied as EMF1 (T1): 15 min, EMF2 (T2): 30 min, or EMF3 (T3): 45 min, considered for both non-soaked/dry (D) and soaked seeds (W). The EMF had significant effects on most of the studied parameters. EMF2D and EMF3W exhibited the best growth attributes for dry and soaked seeds, respectively. Additionally, the palmitic acid (C16:0) content in producing seeds was significantly influenced by 15 and 30 min of exposure to the EMF, in the case of dry seeds. The maximum value of palmitic acid content was 11.83% compared to a control value of 9.30%. These findings suggest that EMF treatments of cardoon seeds have the potential to enhance the cardoon plant growth and the palmitic acid content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was conducted for two years (2013–15) to evaluate the response of tomato ( Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) to deficit irrigation (DI) with drippers. The options tried were either the regulated DI on the basis of climatological approach i.e. irrigation water equalling 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0 times the evapotranspiration (ET) or DI (0.6xET) at phenological stages (vegetative, flowering, fruiting, vegetative-cum-flowering, vegetative-cum-fruiting and flowering-cum-fruiting stages) and disrupting irrigation (15 days) at either of vegetative, flowering and fruiting stage. Compared with the full irrigation (FI; 78.0 Mg ha −1 ) the regulated deficit irrigation though did not affect the marketable fruit yield (MFY) at RDI 0.8, there was loss of about one-fourth MFY with RDI 0.6. Nevertheless the water productivity (19.2 kg m −3 ) was the maximum under RDI 0.8. When the deficit irrigation was applied at different growth stages, MFY was rather improved by 4% with DI 0.6(VS) while DI 0.6(FL) showed little effect and a decline of 7% was monitored with DI 0.6(FT). The DI applied at either of two stages (DI 0.6(VS + FL) ; DI 0.6(FL + FT) ; DI 0.6(VS + FT) ) resulted in 14–18% decline in MFY. The crop was able to tolerate interruptions of irrigation for 15 days at the above phenological stages i.e. simulating canal closures and the decline in yield was only 3–7%, the highest being at fruiting stages (II FT ). The major advantage of DI was improvement in quality in terms of total soluble solid, ascorbic acid, acidity and colour index (lycopene) though the fruit size was affected. It was concluded that benefits of deficit irrigation in terms of improved quality and water productivity while sustaining fruit yield could be achieved with regulated DI at 0.8xET and DI at 0.6xET during vegetative stage followed by flowering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment in collaboration with a private textile industry (Noor Fatima Fabrics Private (Ltd.), Faisalabad) was conducted to evaluate the effect of disposed water from bleaching unit, printing unit and end drain for improving growth and yield of wheat under saline sodic soil. Textile waste water along with canal water (control) was applied with and without liquid NPK fertilizer. The application of liquid NPK fertilizer with end drain waste water increased plant height, spike length, flag leaf length, root length, number of tillers (m−2), number of fertile tillers (m−2), 1000 grain weight, grain yield, straw yield and biological yield up to 21, 20, 20, 44, 17, 20, 14, 44, 40 and 41%, respectively compared to canal water (control). Similarly, the NPK uptake in grain was increased up to 15, 30 and 28%, respectively by liquid fertilizer treated end drain water as compare to canal water with liquid fertilizer. Moreover, concentration of different heavy metals particularly Cu, Cr, Pb and Cd was decreased in grains by application of waste water along with liquid NPK. The result may imply that waste water application along with liquid-NPK could be a novel approach for improving growth and yield of wheat in saline sodic soils. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The association between functional traits and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) was investigated to assist the breeding of nitrogen (N) use-efficient bread wheat (Triticum aestivumssp.aestivum) varieties. This study combined results from a climate chamber experiment involving 41 spring wheat varieties and a field experiment involving six winter and six spring wheat varieties grown with and without the application of mineral N fertiliser. The climate chamber experiment was analysed by partial least squares (PLS) regression, with several predictors and NUE as response, to identify traits related to NUE. Specific hypotheses were then tested in the field experiment. The PLS indicated six traits of particular importance for overall NUE: leaf chlorophyll (SPAD value) of the top leaf at stem elongation, grains ear−1, ears pot−1, straw biomass pot−1, days between emergence and anthesis, and days between emergence and completed senescence. In the field experiment, the SPAD value of flag leaves of winter wheat around anthesis was positively correlated with NUE and total grain N, at both N levels. Fast development was positively correlated with high NUE and N uptake efficiency in spring wheat. Early senescence of the flag leaf was positively correlated with grain N concentration and negatively correlated with grain-specific N efficiency in winter wheat at low N fertilisation levels. The results indicate that high SPAD value of the top leaf might be a candidate trait that could be used in wheat breeding for improved NUE, while genetic variation in senescence could possibly be used to tailor varieties for different end-use quality when grown at low N. More studies are needed to validate these findings in other environments and for other genotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil salinity is one of the most widespread agricultural problems which reduce the field crop productivity. Salinity disturbs the hormonal balance in plants which results in poor growth. Use of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) is considered an economical and environment-friendly approach to combat salinity stress. This study was carried out to investigate the effect of auxin producing PGPR on the growth, antioxidant status and mineral content of maize (Zea mays) in salt affected soils. Rhizobacterial strains were isolated from the rhizosphere of maize growing under salt affected soil conditions. These strains were screened on the basis of auxin production and their ability to withstand salinity stress. Two stains (MA4 and MA11) which produced highest auxin and tolerated maximum salinity were selected for further evaluation in a field experiment. The results of field trial showed that soil salinity reduced the plant growth, mineral nutrient uptake and yield of maize while antioxidant activity and proline concentration was increased. However, rhizobacterial inoculation improved grain yield (31%), fresh biomass (56%) and phosphorous contents in grains (26%) while the proline concentration (41%), ascorbate peroxidase (59%) and SOD values (42%) in leaves were declined. The results of present study signify the role of auxin producing rhizobacteria under salt affected field conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate nine genotypes of sorghum grown for two consecutive cropping seasons in 2006 and 2007 under rain-fed conditions in a semiarid zone at the Research Farm of El Fasher Research Station, Sudan. The objective of the study was to assess genetic variability and heritability among sorghum genotypes using phenotypic morphological traits. A randomized complete block design with four replications was used for the experiment. The grain yield (kg ha−1), the number of heads/plant, followed by straw yield (kg ha−1) had the highest genotypic coefficients of variation in both seasons. High heritability (above 95%) was shown for plant height in both seasons. High genetic advance was reported in straw yield, 1000-grain weight and days to flowering in both seasons. Highly significant differences among genotypes were found for all characters. The high-yielding genotype was Adv-Edo-CWS (E-9) with grain yields of 2780.6 kg ha−1. Grain yield was significantly and positively correlated with straw yield (r = 0.91), number of heads/plant (r = 0.69), plant height (r = 0.53) and 1000-grain weight (r = 0.36). However, it was significantly and negatively correlated with days to 50% flowering (r = −0.21). Based on their positive association with grain yield, the character’s straw weight, number of heads/plant, plant height and 1000-grain weight would be the preferable selection criteria for sorghum improvement program in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The use of transgenic plants in agriculture provides many economic benefits, but it also raises concerns over the potential impact of transgenic plants on the environment. We here examined the impact of transgenic high-methionine soybean ZD91 on the arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal community structure in rhizosphere soil. Our investigations based on clone libraries were conducted in field trials at four growth stages of the crops each year from 2012 to 2013. A total of 155 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) of AM fungi were identified based on the sequences of small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) genes. There were no significant differences found in AM fungal diversity in rhizosphere soil during the same growth stage between transgenic soybean ZD91 and its non-transgenic parental soybean ZD. In addition, plant growth stage and year had the strongest effect on the AM fungal community structure while the genetically modified (GM) trait studied was the least explanatory factor. In conclusion, we found no indication that transgenic soybean ZD91 cultivation poses a risk for AM fungal communities in agricultural soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effect of irrigation on some growth parameters of cup plant and dehydrogenase activity in soil. A field experiment carried out in two vegetation seasons in the years 2012 and 2013 on very light soil at Kruszyn Krajeński, in the vicinity of Bydgoszcz (Poland). Investigation of the influence of drip irrigation on some growth parameters of three- and four-year-old cup plant (Silphium perfoliatum L.) and on the activity of dehydrogenase participating at cycling in soil was examined. The cup plants were cultivated from the micropropagation seedlings. Experiments were performed as one factorial in four replications. The factor of the experiment was the following variants: O - without irrigation (control plots), D - with drip irrigation. Drip irrigation was scheduled according to tensiometers indications. Irrigation significantly increase the height of the plants, the length of internode, the thickness of the stalk, the fresh weight of the shoots, and the number of the leaves and flowers. Irrigation also increased the transpiration leaf area and the dry matter content. In the soil sampled under cup plant in 2012 there was found a greater activity of dehydrogenases in soil derived from non-irrigated objects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field experiment was conducted in 2014 rainy season at the Agricultural Research Station Farm, Minjibir (12°11 N and 8#176;25 E), and Bayero University, Kano (11#176;58 N and 8#176;25 E), Teaching and Research Farm. This work was aimed at studying the nature and magnitude of the associations of some growth characters and grain yield in Soybean, a basis of selection for further improvement. Treatments consisted of two levels of rhizobium inoculation, three (0, 10, and 20 kgN/ha) levels of nitrogen and three (0, 30, and 60 kg P2O5 ha-1) levels of phosphorus. These were laid out in split-split plot design with three replications. Results of the study showed that number of branches was positively (p< 0.01) correlated to grain yield. The path analysis also revealed that number of branches has the greatest direct effect on the grain yield. The greatest combined contributions of growth characters to grain yield were recorded from number of leaves and number of branches. Based on these findings, attention can be given towards improvement of number of branches per plant and number of leaves as criteria for selection of Soybean for increased grain yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess emergence time of shoots from roots of the perennial weedSonchus arvensisas a function of root weight and soil temperature, we performed an experiment to which linear models were fitted. Root parts of three distinct initial weight classes were grown in pots in the dark at constant temperatures of 4, 8 and 18°C, respectively. During five harvest occasions, prior to or at shoot emergence, below-ground shoot length was measured. Root planting depth (3, 10 and 17 cm) did not influence shoot elongation rate. The below-ground shoot elongation rate for a given initial root-weight class was estimated from the observations to be constant with time, but to increase with temperature and initial root weight. By expressing shoot length for a given day as a linear function of the number of days from planting date, and elongation rate as a linear function of temperature, we calculated (1) the accumulated temperature-sum requirement for emergence, (2) emergence time for variable temperature conditions in a clay soil using soil temperature recordings at 5-cm depth for seven seasons in central Sweden and (3) the emergence time at three elevated temperature levels and initial root-weight classes. The accumulated temperature-sum requirements for below-ground shoots ofS. arvensisto reach soil surface are independent of temperature regime for roots of a given initial weight but lower for heavier than lighter roots. The temperature limit for below-ground shoot elongation to occur is about 2.0–2.5°C. Between-year variations in temperature under field conditions cause larger variation to emergence time than initial root-weight differences. An average temperature increase of 3°C would cause an earlier emergence time, in the same range (about 2 weeks) as the difference between the earliest and latest year in the current weather conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A field experiment was conducted during January 2012 to March 2014. Five fodder cowpea varieties (V1- UPC 618, V2-UPC - 622, V3- Bundel Lobia-1, V4 - COFC - 8 and V5- CO-5) were evaluated for their drought tolerance under four soil moisture stress levels (M1- pre sowing irrigation + lifesaving irrigation, M2- pre sowing irrigation + irrigation at IW/CPE ratio of 0.4, M3- pre sowing irrigation + irrigation at IW/CPE ratio of 0.6 and M4-pre sowing irrigation + irrigation at IW/CPE ratio of 0.8). The investigation was conducted as two separate experiments, one in open and other in shade. The experiments were laid out in split plot design with four replications. Observations on growth characters such as plant height, number of branches and leaf stem ratio were recorded. The results revealed that plant height and number of branches were maximum at irrigation at IW/CPE ratio of 0.8 both in open and shade. Among the varieties, COFC - 8 recorded maximum plant height and number of branches at all irrigation levels in open and partial shade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phosphorus (P) is an essential element for plant growth, so proper application of P fertilizers to farmland is necessary. High levels of P fertilization often cause P accumulation in soil and thereby increase P loss to the environment. The effect of long-term P fertilization on soil inorganic P (Pi) fractions and available P (Pa) stocks were investigated in order to provide a reference for rational management of P fertilization. A 27-year experiment was initiated in September 1984 in Changwu County on the southern part of the Loess Plateau, northern China. The experiment included five treatments of P fertilization: 0, 20, 40, 60, and 80 kg P ha−1. With zero P application, soil Pi fractions decreased and were even depleted over time. In fertilized plots, soil Pi content in available and unavailable fractions increased over time, regardless of the application rate. P fertilization increased the content and change rate of soil Pi fractions between three sampling times (1991, 2001, and 2011). Soil Pa stocks and plant P uptake increased with increasing application rate of 20–60 kg P ha−1, indicating increased input and output of P in the soil–plant system. Higher application rates (≥60 kg P ha−1) did not change soil Pa stocks or plant P uptake but increased the annual change rate of Pi fractions, maintaining a balance between the supply and demand of P. This study has implications for reducing P fertilization level and decreasing associated environmental risks in agricultural soil on the Loess Plateau. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foliar nitrogen (N) application is considered an important factor affecting phenology, growth, yield, and yield components of dryland wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). A field experiment was conducted to study effects of foliar N on dryland wheat (cv. Prisabk-2004) at the Agronomy Research Farm, The University of Agriculture Peshawar, Pakistan, during winter 2010-2011. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design using four replications. A plot size of 3 m by 4 m, having 8 rows, 4 m long and 30 cm apart was used. A total of 80 kg N ha-1 in the form of urea was applied. Out of 80 kg N ha-1, 70 kg N ha-1 was applied to the soil at sowing time, and the remaining 10 kg N ha-1 was applied in the form of foliar spray (2% N). The required foliar N was applied in various combinations (splits) at different growth stages viz. 30, 60, 90 and 120 days after emergence (DAE). Phenological development (days to anthesis and physiological maturity) was delayed, yield components and yield increased significantly (p ≤ 0.05) with foliar N over control (water spray without N). Wheat grain yield increased to the highest level (4427 kg ha-1) when 100 % foliar N was applied (no split) at 90 DAE, followed by 4050 kg ha-1 at 120 DAE, while the control (nofoliar N) resulted in the lowest grain yield (2573 kg ha-1). We concluded from this study that 2 % foliar N application in a single split either at 90 or 120 DAE could improve wheat productivity under dryland condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thirty two isolates of fluorescent Pseudomonas and sixteen rhizobia were isolated from the root nodules of mungbean ( Vigna radiata ) collected from the experimental fields of Karachi University. Pseudomonas and rhizobia were characterized for their plant growth promoting and biocontrol potential through the determination of in vitro activity against root rotting fungi viz., Macrophomina phaseolina, Fusarium solani, Fusarium oxysporum and Rhizoctonia solani and nematicidal activity against the second stage juveniles of Meloidogyne javanica. Pseudomonas isolates NAFP-19, NAFP-21, NAFP-22, NAFP-27, NAFP-31 and NAFP-32, and rhizobial isolates NFB-102, NFB-103, NFB-107 and NFB-109 inhibited the growth of all the test fungi and showed maximum nematicidal activity against second stage juveniles of M. javanica. Strains of Pseudomonas (NAFP-19, NAFP-31 and NAFP-32) and rhizobia (NFB-103, NFB-107 and NFB-109) used as a soil drench significantly reduced root rot disease under screen house condition and thereby enhanced plant growth and yield in mungbean. In field plot experiments, mixed or separate application of NAFP and rhizobia showed effective control of M. phaseolina and F. oxysporum with some protection from F. solani and R. solani . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Redroot pigweed is one of the injurious agricultural weeds on a worldwide basis. Understanding of its interference impact in crop field will provide useful information for weed control programs. The effects of redroot pigweed on cotton at densities of 0, 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, and 8 plants m-1 of row were evaluated in field experiments conducted in 2013 and 2014 at Institute of Cotton Research, CAAS in China. Redroot pigweed remained taller and thicker than cotton and heavily shaded cotton throughout the growing season. Both cotton height and stem diameter reduced with increasing redroot pigweed density. Moreover, the interference of redroot pigweed resulted in a delay in cotton maturity especially at the densities of 1 to 8 weed plants m-1 of row, and cotton boll weight and seed numbers per boll were reduced. The relationship between redroot pigweed density and seed cotton yield was described by the hyperbolic decay regression model, which estimated that a density of 0.20–0.33 weed plant m-1 of row would result in a 50% seed cotton yield loss from the maximum yield. Redroot pigweed seed production per plant or per square meter was indicated by logarithmic response. At a density of 1 plant m-1 of cotton row, redroot pigweed produced about 626,000 seeds m-2. Intraspecific competition resulted in density-dependent effects on weed biomass per plant, a range of 430–2,250 g dry weight by harvest. Redroot pigweed biomass ha-1 tended to increase with increasing weed density as indicated by a logarithmic response. Fiber quality was not significantly influenced by weed density when analyzed over two years; however, the fiber length uniformity and micronaire were adversely affected at density of 1 weed plant m-1 of row in 2014. The adverse impact of redroot pigweed on cotton growth and development identified in this study has indicated the need of effective redroot pigweed management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tomato potato psyllid (TPP;Bactericera cockerelli) is a serious pest of solanaceous crops in New Zealand. Control of TPP is currently dominated by synthetic biocides, although this method is curative and does not always prevent transmission of TPP-vectored plant diseases. This study evaluated mesh crop covers as non-chemical alternatives for controlling TPP in potato crops. Over two growing seasons in Canterbury, New Zealand, potatoes growing under mesh covers were found to have reduced numbers of TPP nymphs and adults, increased tuber size, increased overall yield and enhanced storage potential compared with uncovered plots. There was also a slight reduction in potato blight spores under mesh, and the actual occurrence of blight was slightly reduced in one trial. The results of this study indicate that mesh crop covers could provide a viable option for potato growers who wish to protect their crops from TPP without using chemical insecticides. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Plant inoculation with formulations of vesicular–arbuscular mycorrhiza (VAM) can be a sustainable technique for the improvement of tomato yield and plant resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. Combination of artificial plant mycorrhization with water deficit irrigation could be an effective agronomical technique for the optimization of water use efficiency of tomato in the areas with a limited water availability. A 2-year research on field tomato was undertaken in Southern Italy (40°24′N; 16°48′E; 10 m a.s.l.) to evaluate the effects on crop growth, yield, and fruit quality of the combination of seedling inoculation with two VAM formulations, alone or integrated with plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), with different irrigation regimes (restoration of 0%, 50%, and 100% of maximum crop evapotranspiration). A split-plot experimental design with three reps was followed, with irrigation regimes in the main plots and mycorrhizal treatments in the subplots. Both VAM treatments, either with or without PGPR, demonstrated to be highly and rapidly effective on plant growth, as significantly increasing growth of tomato seedlings and plant biomass at mid and end of both crops compared to the non-inoculated control. Positive effects of mycorrhizal inoculation were extended also to marketable yield, mainly as a result of an increased number and weight of fruits. Both VAM inocula did not significantly affect fruit quality parameters, though increased water use efficiency of marketable yield. Both irrigation regimes positively affected tomato growth and marketable yield, whereas the fruit quality was better in less- and non-watered plants. Adversely to expectations, no synergism was found between artificial mycorrhization and irrigation regimes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field experiments were carried between May and July 2014 to investigate the effects of three land preparation methods (flat surface, raised beds and ridges) on growth, yield and proximate composition of groundnut. The plots layout followed complete randomized block design with three replications. The results showed that growth parameters such as plant height, number of primary branches and leaf area were the highest in raised beds, followed by ridges and flat surface. Yield components such as number of matured pods per plant, number of seeds per plant and seed weight per plant were significantly higher in raised beds compared to other planting methods. Higher pod and seed yield were recorded under raised beds, but these were not statistically different from those of ridges. Regardless of the planting method, the percentage moisture, ash, fibre crude protein, crude fat and carbohydrate had values that ranged between 11.30 ± 0.88-10.67 ± 0.61%, 2.38 ± 0.33-2.07 ± 0.20%, 4.97 ± 0.05-9.95 ± 0.19%, 23.84 ± 0.14-26.51 ± 0.20%, 44.17 + 0.3748.86 ± 0.47% and 5.89 ± 0.14-9.59 ± 0.19% respectively. However, raised beds planting method had a remarkable influence on ash, fiber and crude protein, but limit the fat and carbohydrates contents of the seeds when compared to other planting methods. In view of its influence on growth, yield and some aspects of proximate composition, raised beds method of planting is therefore suitable for producing Arachis hypogaea L., 'MK 373' cultivar of groundnut. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of BiozymeTMon soybean. Application of Biozyme granule and crop-plus spray with half of recommended nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) showed significant effects on all the growth and yield parameters of soybean. The greatest value for the number of trifoliate leaves (29.95 leaves plant−1), leaf area (1818.21 cm2 plant−1), leaf area index (5.946), total chlorophyll content (1.995 mg g−1leaf fresh mass), number of nodules (35.086 plants−1), fresh and dry weight of nodules (0.664 and 0.1592 g plants−1), dry weight of root (8.564 g plants−1), pods plant−1(69.0), seeds pods−1(3.25), straw yield (3.122 t ha−1), biological yield (6.349 t ha−1), and grain yield (3.277 t ha−1) was observed with Biozyme crop-plus spray at 500 mL ha−1plus half of recommended NPK and were significantly greater than control values. Biozyme crop-plus spray at 500 mL ha−1plus half of recommended NPK performed better compared to other treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]