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In order to evaluate the response of winter rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) cultivars to different levels of salinity, an experiment was carried out in the form of a split plot experiment with a completely randomized design with three replications in 2022 in the research greenhouse of Payam Noor University of Gandaman Center (Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province). The first factor was four levels of salinity including S0 (2), S1 (10), S2 (20), and S3 (30) (dS/m), where S0 was the Hoagland's solution as the control, and other salinity levels were the result of mixing sodium chloride (NaCl) and calcium chloride (CaCl2) at a ratio of 20 to 1 moles in the Hoagland's solution, respectively. The second factor comprised eight winter rapeseed cultivars, including Licord, Okapi, SLM 046, Modena, Opera, Symbol, Fornax and Elite. During the experiment, seed yield, dry matter traits, thousand-seed weight, oil yield and oil percentage were measured. According to the obtained results, all the investigated traits were affected by salinity treatments; So that the increase in salinity level in all the evaluated cultivars showed a significant decrease in all the investigated traits. The amounts of reduction in the investigated traits were different in each cultivar; so that some cultivars experienced a smaller decrease. SLM 046 cultivar was the most successful cultivar of all which showed the highest averages for yield-related traits including grain yield (10.52 grams per pot) and oil yield (3.26 grams per pot) at the highest salinity level (S3). In contrast, at the S3 salinity level, the Elit cultivar showed the poorest performance and obtained the lowest averages for seed yield (3.76 grams per pot) and oil yield (0.05 grams per pot). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crop nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) use efficiencies (NUE/PUE) are important to minimize wastage and nutrient pollution, but no improved crop for both is currently available. We addressed them together in rice, in the view of its high consumption of NPK fertilizers. We analyzed 46 morphophysiological parameters for the N/P response in three popular indica genotypes, namely, BPT 5204, Panvel 1, and CR Dhan 301 at low, medium, and normal N/P doses. They include 18 vegetative, 15 physiological, and 13 reproductive parameters. The segregation of significantly N/P-responsive parameters correlating with NUE/PUE revealed 21 NUE, 22 PUE, and 12 common parameters. Feature selection analyses revealed the common high-ranking parameters including the photosynthetic rate at the reproductive stage, tiller number, root–shoot ratio, culm thickness, and flag leaf width. The venn selection using the reported NUE/PUE-related candidate genes in rice revealed five genes in common for both, namely OsIAA3, OsEXPA10, OsCYP75B4, OsSultr3;4, and OsFER2, which were associated with three of the common traits for NUE/PUE. Their expression studies using qRT-PCR revealed the opposite regulation in contrasting genotypes for OsSultr3;4 and OsEXPA10 in N-response and for OsFER2 in P-response, indicating their role in contrasting N/P use efficiencies. Overall, CR Dhan 301 has the highest NUE and PUE followed by Panvel 1 and BPT5204 among the studied genotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat (Triticum aestivum) is a globally significant cereal crop with vital roles in human civilization and the agricultural revolution. The present study aimed to investigate the impact of Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) strategies on vegetative growth and yield parameters such as plant height, spike length, grains per spike, spike m-2, grain yield, biological yield, straw yield leaf area index, harvest index, and soil nutrient availability of wheat genotype PBW 590 (Triticum aestivum). The experiment was set up in randomised block design (RBD) with nine treatments in triplicates using different ratios of NPK, farm yard manure, vermicompost etc. The results indicated significant variations in plant height among the treatments (T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7, T8 and T9) with the maximum (95.1 cm) in T4 (70% recommended dose of fertilizer + 2.5% Azospirillum + 2.5% phosphate solubilizing bacteria + 20% Farm yard manure + 5% Vermicompost), surpassing the recommended dose of fertilizer by 6.17%. Leaf Area Index positively responded to INM treatments, with T4 displaying the highest LAI (4.55), suggesting enhanced photosynthetic efficiency. Harvest Index (HI) indicated resource allocation towards edible yield, with T4 exhibiting the highest HI (50.7%) which was 34% higher than RDF. T4 consistently showed positive effects on the parameters, such as spike length (14.1 cm) and grains per spike (33), demonstrating variations among the treatments. Nutrient availability (N, P, and K) in the soil significantly improved under INM treatments, particularly T4, showcasing the potential for nutrient management in enhancing wheat growth and improving soil health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grain yield is a product of biomass (BM) and harvest index (HI). HI, not BM, is the major constraint of chickpea productivity in the long season environments of northern Indian plains. This is the first genome wide association study (GWAS) of shelling percentage (Sh.%), HI and related traits in chickpea using genotyping by sequencing approach. Genotyping of 178 germplasm lines involving varieties, trait specific genotypes and advance breeding lines found 35,795 high-throughput single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The objectives of the study were to unravelling the genomic regions responsible for variation in flowering time, shelling percentage, HI and related traits in chickpea. The phenotypic analysis across three environments showed high variability and connections among HI and related traits. Population structure analysis revealed two sub-populations (k = 2). Linkage disequilibrium (LD) was extensive, and LD decay was relatively low. A total of 172 marker-trait associations (MTAs) were identified for HI and related traits using FarmCPU model, of which days to 50% flowering (DAF), HI and shelling percentage showed significant associations. The current study has identified consistent pleiotropic MTAs, SNC_021165.1_57891716 and SNC_021165.1_57917493, SNC_021164.1_6073633 and SNC_021165.1_33405826 for biomass, pod and seed yield/plant, pod and seed number/plant HI and Sh.%, respectively. All the MTAs observed for SYPL, PYPL and maximum number of MTAs for HI and BM were located on the same chromosome number 6. Further maximum number of MTAs for PPL and SN were distributed on chromosome 5. One of the important findings is that most of the MTAs for SYPL, PYPL, BM, and 100SW are distributed within 25 kb genomic region of chromosome 6. A total of 16 MTAs were retained for Insilco analysis (− log10(p) > 4.0) and searched for their candidate genes in a 100-kb flanking region against the reference genome. The maximum number of genes noticed for DAF (50), followed by Sh.% (48), HI (16), SYPL (13), BM (10), and PYPL (8). The transcripts for DAF, Arabinogalactan proteins and pentatricopeptide repeat were involved in flowering of Arabidopsis. For both PYPL and SYPL, MTA found linked to the genes coding for pentatricopeptide repeat, serine/threonine-protein kinase and E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase. These transcripts played role mainly in pollen maturation, fertilization and flowering time. Chaperone protein DnaJ linked to HI, and receptor-like protein kinase (RLK) for Sh.% were involved in improving yield in Arabidopsis and rice, respectively. The present study also validated one of the MTA linked to DAF which showed r2 value of 12.62%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionOnion (Allium cepa L.) is a species of the Alliacea family. It is of great economic importance in Hormozgan province, Iran, which is ranked the second among the largest producers of onion in Iran in terms of cultivated area (8147 ha) (Agricultural statistics, 2021). Conventional Irrigation have undoubtedly helped in improving both bulb yield and quality of onion, but lately, it was arising many novel trends in Irrigation. Using of chitosan as an antiperspirant compound is one of these trends, as it can improve the water use efficiency (Geries et al., 2020). Chitosan is a member of the polysaccharides which is considered a useful natural polymer and is produced by alkaline N-deacetylation of chitin. Ahmed et al. (2019) reported that positive effect of chitosan nanoparticles on onion, as it significantly promoted seed germination and radical length under salt stress. The best treatment on germination was 0.3% of nano chitosan. Growth variables (plant height, leaf area, fresh and dry weights of the shoot and root) were increased significantly. Nevertheless, data on the utilization of chitosan for onion are meager in Iran. In this way, this study was carried to consider the impact of irrigation periods and chitosan as a biological elicitor on onion cultivar of Taki yellow, uniquely the adjustment in yield and quality properties.Materials and MethodsThis study was carried out at the private farm in Sohrabi village, Shamil district, Hormozgan province, Iran, conducted during 2020-2021 growing season. The experiment was carried out as autumn planting. This experiment was conducted as split-plot arrangement based on a complete randomized block design with 3 replications. Treatments were three irrigation periods and three doses of chitosan as main and sub plot, respectively. In this experiment 3 irrigation periods (such as two days, four days and six days) and 3 doses of chitosan (including zero, 1000 and 2000 ppm) with constant density of 63 plants m-2 yield and yield components (such as mean onion weight, length and diameter, onion shape index and dry matter content) and harvest index of onion were measured.Results and DiscussionThis study was conducted to assess the potential effects of irrigation periods and foliar spraying with chitosan, on the growth, yield quality of onion bulbs. In this experiment, nearly all measured traits were significantly (P

This study evaluated the effect of removing apical dominance at phenological stages on the agronomic traits of soybean cultivars. The experiment was conducted in the 2020/2021 growing season inthe teaching-experimental area of the Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Rio Grande do Sul, Campus Ibirubá, under a randomized block design in a split-plot arrangement, with three replications. The main plots were composed of five soybean cultivars (DM53i54 IPRO, Zeus IPRO, Lanza IPRO, DM5958 IPRO, and Delta IPRO), and the subplots consisted of the phenological stages of apical dominance removal (control, V2, V4, and V6). Morphological traits were evaluated at different stages. Differences were observed between cultivars, which followed their pre-defined morphologies. Apical dominance removal reduced aspects such as the number of nodes and legumes on the main stem and the first legumeinsertion height. Cultivars developed branching mechanismsas a compensation strategy, increasing the number of legumes on the branches by up to 130%. The removal of the shoot apex can modify morphological aspects in soybean plants,but their yield tends to be maintained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The plant-available soil phosphorus rate and methods for applying phosphatic fertilizer and soil P-fixation capacity are critical factors for lower cotton productivity in Southern Punjab, Pakistan. Hence, a two-year study was conducted in Central Cotton Research Institute (CCRI), Multan, Pakistan, to examine the effects of various P rates and application methods on cotton crop output during the growing seasons of 2014 and 2015. Phosphorus was applied in four rates (0, 40, 80, and 120 kg ha−1 P2O5) using broadcast, band application, and fertigation methods. Results indicated that the impact of P rates was statistically significant on plant height, the number of nodes, monopodial and sympodial branches, leaf area index, harvest index, and seed cotton yield. The greater P application (120 kg P2O5 ha−1) had a better effect on cotton productivity than the lower application rates (0, 40, and 80 kg P2O5 ha−1). The band application responded better on nodes plant−1, sympodial branches plant−1, boll weight, leaf area index, lint yield, and harvest during the growing season 2015. Therefore, by adopting the band application coupled with 120 kg P2O5 ha−1 rather than the conventional method of broadcast, productivity of cotton crops could be increased.

IntroductionQuinoa (Chenopodium quinoa L.) is a dicotyledonous, allotetraploid, three-carbon, annual, optional salt-loving plant and is native to South America and the Andean highlands. The growth period of the plant varies between 70 and 240 days depending on the cultivated area. The main product of this plant is the seed, which has a high nutritional value in terms of protein, amino acid balance, unsaturated fat, vitamins, and minerals. Like other plants, quinoa faces various environmental stresses during its growth period, and its growth and yield are a function of environmental factors and their mutual effects. The occurrence of high temperatures during the sensitive stages of plant growth, such as flowering and seed formation, may cause a significant decrease in quinoa yield, and high temperature has been cited as one of the most important challenges for the cultivation and expansion of quinoa in the world. Salicylic acid acts as a signal molecule and plays an important role in regulating growth and development processes in plants under environmental stress. Salicylic acid increases the content of relative humidity, accumulation of dry matter, and the amount of chlorophyll.Materials and MethodsThe objective of this research is to assess the physiological responses of quinoa cultivars to varying planting dates and the impact of foliar application of salicylic acid in mitigating the adverse effects of end-of-season heat stress during the 2021-2022 crop year. The study was conducted at the research farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, using a split-split plot design within a randomized complete block framework, with three replications. In this experiment, three factors a) planting date including October 12, November 11, and December 11, and b) foliar application of salicylic acid in the two stages of budding and the beginning of flowering including non-application, 1.5 mM and 3 mM and c) Quinoa cultivars including Titicaca, Giza, Q12 and Redcarin were investigated.Results and DiscussionThe effect of investigated factors such as planting date, salicylic acid, and variety on different traits had statistically significant differences. The results showed that the maximum amount of stomatal conductance and the relative content of leaf water belonged to the date of October 12. The highest biological yield and seed yield were observed under conditions of application of 1.5 and 3 mM salicylic acid, respectively. Probably, salicylic acid has increased the growth and accumulation of dry matter by improving carbon fixation, synthesis of metabolites, and maintaining the water status of plant tissues. Based on the results of the comparison of the mean of the three-way interaction, the maximum amount of biological yield and seed as the most important goals of quinoa plant cultivation, respectively, in the treatment of not using salicylic acid in the Redcarin cultivar on the planting date of December 11 and the application of 3 mM salicylic acid was obtained in the variety Redcarin on the planting date of October 12. The highest rate of net assimilation and the growth rate of the product belonged to the treatments of no application of salicylic acid in the Redcarin cultivar on December 11 and no application of salicylic acid in the Giza cultivar on October 12, respectively. The treatment of not using salicylic acid in the Redcarin variety on the planting date of October 12 was also able to achieve a high harvest index.Conclusion According to the obtained results, it seems that to achieve a high seed yield of quinoa, it is possible to benefit from the treatment of 3 mM salicylic acid in the Redcarin variety on the planting date of October 12.

Understanding phenology, its genetics and agronomic consequences, is critical for crop adaptation. Here we aim to (i) characterize lentil response to photoperiod with a focus on five loci: the lentil ELF3 orthologue Sn , two loci linked to clusters of lentil FT orthologues, and two loci without candidates in chromosomes 2 and 5 (Experiment 1: 36 lines, short and long days in a phytotron), and (ii) establish the phenology–yield relationship (Experiment 2: 25 lines, 11 field environments). A vintage perspective, where we quantify time trends in phenotype over three decades of breeding, links both experiments. Yield increased linearly from older to newer varieties at 29 kg ha–1 year–1 or 1.5% year–1, correlated negatively with flowering time in both winter- and summer-rainfall regimes, and decoupled from biomass in favourable environments. Time to flowering shortened from older to newer varieties at –0.56% year–1 in the field, and –0.42% year–1 (short days) and –0.99% year–1 (long days) in the phytotron. Early-flowering lines of diverse origin carried multiple early alleles for the five loci, indicating that at least some of these loci affect phenology additively. Current germplasm primarily features the early-flowering haplotype for an FTb cluster region, hence the potential to increase phenological diversity with yield implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The plant-available soil phosphorus rate and methods for applying phosphatic fertilizer and soil P-fixation capacity are critical factors for lower cotton productivity in Southern Punjab, Pakistan. Hence, a two-year study was conducted in Central Cotton Research Institute (CCRI), Multan, Pakistan, to examine the effects of various P rates and application methods on cotton crop output during the growing seasons of 2014 and 2015. Phosphorus was applied in four rates (0, 40, 80, and 120 kg ha−1 P2O5) using broadcast, band application, and fertigation methods. Results indicated that the impact of P rates was statistically significant on plant height, the number of nodes, monopodial and sympodial branches, leaf area index, harvest index, and seed cotton yield. The greater P application (120 kg P2O5 ha−1) had a better effect on cotton productivity than the lower application rates (0, 40, and 80 kg P2O5 ha−1). The band application responded better on nodes plant−1, sympodial branches plant−1, boll weight, leaf area index, lint yield, and harvest during the growing season 2015. Therefore, by adopting the band application coupled with 120 kg P2O5 ha−1 rather than the conventional method of broadcast, productivity of cotton crops could be increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: One of the most valuable crops is black gram, which has a high nutritional value, a short growing season and is suitable for many different farming systems. This study aims to evaluate the high harvest index urdbean varieties using path analysis in various crop spacing under rainfed conditions in Tamil Nadu. Methods: The experiments was carried out during three consecutive years (2016-2017, 2017-2018 and 20218-2019) of Kharif season at Agricultural Research Station, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Virinjipuram, Tamil Nadu. The experiments was laid out in factorial randomized block design with three replications. Result: The pooled results of three years revealed that the urdbean variety VBN (Bg) 6 had the maximum seed yield of 691 kg ha-1, whereas MDU 1 had the lowest seed yield of 536 kg ha-1. When compared to other crop spacing, 20 cm x 10 cm had the maximum seed output of 683 kg ha-1. The ideal plant spacing of 20 cm x 10 cm enhanced seed production by 38.0 percent and harvest index by 16 per cent when compared to the advised crop spacing of 30 cm x 10 cm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bamboo-based agroforestry systems have emerged as a sustainable and promising approach for land management, offering enhanced productivity, sustainability, and resource preservation. Intercrops play a pivotal role in agroforestry systems, significantly contributing to their overall productivity and sustainability. This article explores the potential of bamboo agroforestry in diversifying agroecosystems, generating income streams, and contributing to sustainable rural development. The study evaluates the performance (yield and biomass) of two intercrops, okra and black gram, within Dendrocalamus brandisii-based agroforestry model and assesses their impact on soil nutrient status. Okra cultivation commenced once the bamboo plants had matured to 12 months, while black gram was introduced at the 18-month stage. Results indicate that wider spacing between bamboo plants significantly enhances intercrop yields, emphasizing the economic viability of bamboo agroforestry. The harvest index analysis reveals efficient resource utilization in intercropped systems, harvest indices for vegetables (okra) typically range between 30 and 40 percent, whereas pulses, such as black gram, often exhibit higher harvest indices, falling within the range of 70 to 90 percent. Importantly, the study finds that bamboo growth remains unaffected by intercrops, highlighting the compatibility of bamboo cultivation with diverse agricultural practices. Furthermore, the impact of intercrops on soil physico-chemical properties is examined, with okra cultivation negatively influencing soil moisture, bulk density, pH, and electrical conductivity, while black gram cultivation positively affects soil nitrogen, calcium, magnesium, and sulphur. These findings contribute valuable insights for optimizing bamboo agroforestry systems, promoting sustainable land use, and ensuring food security in diverse agroecological contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: The present study was performed to evaluate the effect of plant growthpromoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), trichoderma fungi and humic acid on the yield and physiological characteristics of wheat (Var. Ofogh). Materials and Methods: This study was carried out as a factorial experiment based on randomized complete block design with three factors and three replications at the research field of the Kashan during 2017-2018 growing season. The first factor was plant growth promoting rhizobacteria such as Azotobacter chroococcum + Azospirillum lipoferum + Pseudomonas putida (application and non-application), the second factor was two concentrations of trichoderma fungi (application and non-application) and three factor was humic acid soil application (0 and 200 kg. ha-1 ). Results: The Results showed that plant growth-promoting bacteria, trichoderma fungus and humic acid led to an increase in plant height, chlorophyll a and b, grain yield and yield components of wheat. Growth-promoting bacteria, trichoderma and humic acid led to an increase of 43.8, 21.7 and 6% in grain yield compared to the control, respectively. The combined use of growth-promoting bacteria, trichoderma fungus and humic acid led to an increase in grain yield, yield components and harvest index compared to single application and control.The highest grain yield was obtained with the combined application of growth-promoting bacteria and trichoderma fungus amounting to 7466.7 kg per hectare and the highest harvest index was obtained with the combined application of biological fertilizers at the rate of 32.3% Conclusion: In general, it is possible to obtain a significant grain yield increase in wheat with the combined application of plant growth-promoting bacteria, trichoderma and humic acid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abiotic factors, including heat stress, significantly impact the growth and development of lentil across the globe. Although these stresses impact the plant's phenotypic, genotypic, metabolic, and yield development, predicting those traits in lentil is challenging. This study aimed to construct a machine learning-based yield prediction model for lentil using various yield attributes under two different sowing conditions. Twelve genotypes were planted in open-field conditions, and images were captured 45 days after sowing (DAS) and 60 DAS to make predictions for agro-morphological traits with the assessment for the influence of high-temperature stress on lentil growth. Greening techniques like Excess Green, Modified Excess Green (ME × G), and Color Index of Plant Extraction (CIVE) were used to extract 35 vegetative indices from the crop image. Random forest (RF) regression and artificial neural network (ANN) models were developed for both the normal-sown and late-sown lentils. The ME × G-CIVE method with Otsu's thresholding provided superior performance in image segmentation, while the RF model showed the highest level of model generalization. This study demonstrated that yield per plant and number of pods per plant were the most significant attributes for early prediction of lentil production in both conditions using the RF models. After harvesting, various yield parameters of the selected genotypes were measured, showing significant reductions in most traits for the late-sown plants. Heat-tolerant genotypes like RLG-05, Kota Masoor-1, and Kota Masoor-2 depicted decreased yield and harvest index (HI) reduction than the heat-sensitive HUL-57. These findings warrant further study to correlate the data with more stress-modulating attributes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article provides information on an experiment which evaluated the influence of organic and fertilizer nitrogen on grain yield, agronomic and economic efficiency of traditional rice varieties under Cauvery delta zone of Tamil Nadu. Topics discussed include calculation of agronomic efficiency, effect of integrated nutrient management (INM) practices on productivity and nitrogen use efficiency in traditional rice varieties, and economics of traditional rice varieties cultivation.

Salinity constrains the development and yield of valuable aromatic and medicinal plants, including fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.). Silicon (Si) is a promising strategy for managing salt stress. However, knowledge related to the effects of Si-seed priming on growth and yield of salt-stressed fenugreek under natural conditions are scarce. Hence, the present work aimed to investigate whether Si-seed priming (0–60 mM CaSiO3) could help to improve the performance of fenugreek when subjected to salt stress (100 and 150 mM NaCl). Findings show that salt stress significantly reduced germination related parameters and triggered an oxidative stress in fenugreek seedlings. However, Si priming was found to be effective in attenuating oxidative stress and enhancing germination parameters under salt stress. Indeed, the most pronounced effect was observed in primed seed with 20 mM Si. This concentration was then selected to assess the effect of Si priming on growth and yield in salt-stressed fenugreek grown under natural conditions. Si priming significantly enhanced plant biomass and yield-related parameters in salt-stressed plants as relative to non-primed plants. Interestingly, the biochemical characterization of harvested seeds revealed that Si priming not only improved growth and yield attributes but also enhanced the nutritional quality and antioxidant activity in harvested seed from salt-stressed plants. In summary, the results of this study provide compelling evidence that, as a promising and eco-friendly approach, Si-based seed priming mitigates the adverse effects of salinity on fenugreek growth and yield under natural conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For agricultural production, improving the rice harvest index (HI) through agricultural management practices is a major means to enhance water and N utilization efficiency and yield. Both irrigation regimes and nitrogen (N) rates are important aspects of agricultural management practices. However, it is unclear how the rice HI is affected by water and N. This study aimed to clarify the mechanism underlying the response of the rice HI to water and N, and to explore the most suitable water-saving and N reduction management practices to ensure yield. A two-year (2021~2022) field experiment was conducted on Mollisols in Northeast China. In this experiment, nine treatments were performed, involving three irrigation regimes (flooded irrigation, controlled irrigation, and "thin-shallow-wet-dry" irrigation) and three N rates (110, 99, and 88 kg/ha). The rice agronomic traits and transfer of photoassimilates under different water and N management practices were observed and studied; rice HI, WUE, and the NUE of rice was calculated and analyzed. The highest HI was achieved under controlled irrigation with a 99 kg/ha N rate, at values of 0.622 and 0.621 in 2021 and 2022, respectively. Controlled irrigation (CI) with an appropriate reduction in the N rate increased the proportion of productive tillers, the transfer rate of dry matter and non-structural carbohydrates (NSCs), the sugar–spikelet ratio, the grain–leaf ratio, and the leaf area index (LAI) during the heading–flowering stage. A subsequent analysis indicated that the main reason for the increase in the HI was the increase in the sugar–spikelet ratio during the heading–flowering stage. A high HI increased the rice yield by increasing the thousand-grain weight. The present study suggested that water-saving irrigation regimes and appropriate N reduction not only led to water and fertilizer resource savings but also improved agronomic characteristics during rice growth and enhanced transport capacity. Thus, these practices improved the rice HI and have enormous potential for increasing yield. Therefore, regulating the rice HI through water and N management methods should be considered an important strategy for improving rice yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cassava is a crucial starchy root crop cultivated worldwide in tropical and subtropical areas. Efforts have been made to improve its desirable characteristics to increase food and nutritional quality. However, the adoption of new cassava varieties can be influenced by their yield performance, which can be affected by cassava mosaic disease (CMD). The present study evaluated selected cassava genotypes' performance across two years at the advanced breeding stage. Using a randomized complete block design with two replications, 16 genotypes, a yellow root variety (TMS07/0593) and a white root (TMS30572) as checks were evaluated for yield, yield-related traits and response to CMD. There were highly significant (P < 0.001) variations among the cassava genotypes for yield-related traits, but no genetic variation was reported for fresh and dry root yields. The effect of season and genotypes × season interaction on all traits was significant only for harvest index and percentage of survival plants, respectively. Only genotype UIC-17-2428 and the two national check varieties (TMS07/0593 and TMS30572) did not resist CMD completely. At harvest, genotype UIC-17-2031 had the highest fresh root yield (39.0 t/ha), dry root yield (10.5 t/ha), and harvest index (0.63). Genotype UIC-17-58 had the highest dry matter content (37.2%) at harvesting, followed by UIC-17-46 (36.4%) while genotype UIC-17-583 had the lowest value (22.8%). The genotypes evaluated have promising premium agronomic traits. To assess their stability, genotypes with outstanding dry root yield must be evaluated across multiple environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to evaluate the effect of different levels of nitrogen and selenium on the yield and nitrogen utilization efficiency, a factorial experiment was conducted based on a randomized complete block design with three replications at Razi University. In this experiment, the first factor included different levels of nitrogen including 0, 50, 100 and 150 kg ha-1 and the second factor was selenium foliar spraying at three levels of 0, 5 and 10 mg L-1 of sodium selenate. Nitrogen, selenium and the interaction between two factors had a significant effect on the biological and economic yield of garlic. The interaction between nitrogen and selenium increased the harvest index of garlic. According to the obtained results, increasing the amount of nitrogen and selenium increased the yield and nitrogen utilization efficiency. The use of 150 kg ha-1 of nitrogen along with 10 mg L-1 of sodium selenate has caused garlic to have the highest nitrogen utilization efficiency in addition to its high ability to absorb nitrogen and produce maximum yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionThe highest concentration of protein is found in plant-based sources, whereas animal protein production tends to be more challening and costly compared to plant-derived proteins. Within plant sources, legumes emerge as a primary reservoir of protein. A notable proportion of protein compounds within legumes boast relatively high nutritional value. The amount of protein in most plants of the legume family, including beans, is reported between 18 and 32%. guar or cluster bean (Cyampsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub.) is an annual plant from the legume family, which is cultivated in dry plains as an alternative crop due to its high tolerance to drought and salt conditions. This plant, like most legumes, is important in the balance of soil mineral elements in agricultural systems due to its ability to symbiosis with nitrogen-fixing bacteria. Planting date and optimal plant density are two effective factors to achieve the potential faformance of plants. Considering the importance of guar as an edible, industrial, fodder and medicinal product, it seems necessary to conduct research on the growth response of this plant to management factors, especially the date and density of plant planting. The present study was conducted with the aim of investigating the effect of planting date and row spacing on guar plant as an alternative plant for the climatic conditions of southern Kerman and other similar climates, in order to achieve the highest yield and grain quality. Materials and Methods The exfaiment was carried out as split plots based on the completely randomized blocks design with three replications in the research farm of South Kerman Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center (Jiroft) in two years 2018-2019. Jiroft region has a latitude of 57 degrees and 32 minutes north and a longitude of 28 minutes and 32 degrees east and is located at an altitude of 628 meters above sea level. The exfaimental treatments include planting date as the main factor in six levels (10 and 25 May, 9 and 24 June, 9 and 24 July) and seed planting intervals as secondary factors in four levels (20, 30, 40 and 50 cm). Results and DiscussionThe results showed that the maximum dry weight of leaves and stems, the number of leaves in the secondary stem, the height of the plant and the lenth of the pod were observed on the date of 24 June and the row spacing was 50 cm, and in all planting dates, increasing the row spacing led to an increase in the mentioned traits. The comparative analysis of average planting dates reveals that the highest metrics were achieved on June 9th. This includes a 43% increase in the number of pods fa plant, a 23% increase in the number of grains fa pod, a 66% increase in biological yield, a 45% increase in grain yield, and an 18% increase in harvest index. The highest leaf surface index (15%) and number of leaves in the main stem (91%) was observed on the 24 June. In general, with the delay in planting after early June (9 June) to late June (24 June), the yield and yield components of guar gradually decreased and reached the lowest value. The results comparing the mean effect of row spacing showed the highest number of pod fa plant and seeds fa pod at 50 cm row spacing, but the highest grain yield was obtained at 30 and 40 cm row spacing. Conclusions In general, among the planting dates, guar planting in June to early July in Jiroft region is the best planting date. While, early planting (May) and late planting (late July) were not favorable for guar and led to a decrease in plant yield. Therefore, in order to obtain the best yield and agronomic characteristics of guar plant in the south of Kerman province and similar conditions, it is recommended to cultivate this plant from early June to early July and at a row distance of 30 to 40 cm, because in the mentioned dates and row spacing, the plant makes the best use of environmental factors and with the reduction of competition between the plants, its faformance and components increase Because. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Weeds reduce the yield and quality of fenugreek. The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of different periods of weed control and interference on yield and yield components of fenugreek. Methods: This experiment was adjusted with 12 treatments and three replicates, out of which 6 treatments comprised weed control and the other 6 treatments comprised weed interference (including weed control or weed interference from emergence up to the third true leaf, the sixth true leaf, to the first flowering branch, to the third flowering branch, to flowering, and to seed filling) at the research farm of Urmia University in 2018. Results: The results showed that the interference treatment up to the third true leaf had the lowest weed dry weight. In both treatment series, a significant decrease was observed in grain yield per plant and hectare of fenugreek with increasing the presence period of weeds so that the beginning of the critical period was determined 140 and 158 GDD from plants emergence at two acceptable levels of 5 and 10% reduction of grain yield per hectare, respectively, and the end of the critical period of weed control was established at 349 and 282 GDD from the emergence at the two levels of yield reductions, respectively. Conclusion: Therefore, the best time to control the weeds was from the third true leaf to flowering and from the four-leaf stage until the appearance of flowers at 5% and 10% yield reduction levels, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Selection of soybean cultivars that have a higher grain yield under water deficit conditions, reduces the damage to soybean producers. Methods: The response of soybean genotypes to water deficit stress was investigated in terms of agricultural characteristics and grain yield in Karaj (Iran), during two years. The experiment was carried out as a split plot based on randomized complete block design in three replications, with three irrigation levels (control, mild stress, and severe stress) based on 50, 100, and 150 mm evaporation from a Class A evaporation pan as the main plot and 10 soybean genotypes as the sub-plot. Results: The results showed that mild and severe stress caused the node number and inter-node to decrease in comparison with control irrigation. Under control irrigation, the highest grain yield (2585 kg/ha) was obtained from the earlymaturing Saba cultivar, with the highest seed number per unit area. The earlymaturing genotypes had the highest grain yield under control irrigation, and their grain yield decreased significantly with increasing stress intensity. The grain yield of the Saba cultivar reduced under mild and severe stress by 32 and 59% compared to control irrigation, respectively. Under stress conditions, the latematuring genotypes had the highest grain yield and water deficit stress caused a slight decrease in their grain yield. Under mild and severe stress, the late-maturing Williams×A3935 line had the highest grain yield and protein yield, respectively. Conclusion: Under control irrigation, the Saba cultivar, and under stress conditions (mild and severe) the Williams×A3935 line is recommended in Karaj and similar climates (moderately cold region). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was aimed to understand the role of Zn fertilizer (ZnSO4·7H2O) applied through soil media, foliar spray and in combination for enhancing yield and marginal rate of return of wheat crop in filed conditions. Four wheat cultivars; Anaj-2017; Akbaer-2019; FSD-2008 and Zincol-2016 were sown in randomized complete block design in field. The Zn fertilizer was applied as soil media, foliar spray and in combination of soil + foliar media. A significant enhancement in plant height (18.2 %), leaf area index (28 %), heat unit efficiency (25.1 %) and SPAD (23 %) value was observed in wheat cultivars with Zn fertilization. However, the impact of soil + foliar media (T4) Zn application (15 kg ZnSO4 ha−1 (soil) + 1 % ZnSO4 foliar spray solution) was higher than soil media or foliar spray. The protein, ash, fat and phytate contents were enhanced to 13.38 %, 2 %, 0.57 % and 27 % respectively while significant decrease in α-amylase (−29 %) and was recorded after Zn fertilization. At T4 considerable enhancement in grain yield (4.2 tons ha−1), harvest index (55.3 %), internal use efficiency and partial nutrient budget was recorded. It was observed that uptake K, N, Zn and Fe were enhanced while that of P were reduced after Zn fertigation especially at T4 in wheat cultivars. The value cost ratio (VCR) and marginal rate of return (MRR) to farmers was better at T4 as compared to T1-T3 in all wheat cultivars. Finally, Zn applied as soil + foliar spray was most effect while among cultivars Zincol-2016 and Akbar-2019 showed more yield potential than Anaj-2017 and FSD-2008. It has been established that the soil–plant-mineral nutrition nexus is the road leading to fetching higher income, sequestration of carbon dioxide from the air and also ensuring food and nutrition security.

ABSTRACT: This study evaluated the effect of removing apical dominance at phenological stages on the agronomic traits of soybean cultivars. The experiment was conducted in the 2020/2021 growing season inthe teaching-experimental area of the Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Rio Grande do Sul, Campus Ibirubá, under a randomized block design in a split-plot arrangement, with three replications. The main plots were composed of five soybean cultivars (DM53i54 IPRO, Zeus IPRO, Lanza IPRO, DM5958 IPRO, and Delta IPRO), and the subplots consisted of the phenological stages of apical dominance removal (control, V2, V4, and V6). Morphological traits were evaluated at different stages. Differences were observed between cultivars, which followed their pre-defined morphologies. Apical dominance removal reduced aspects such as the number of nodes and legumes on the main stem and the first legumeinsertion height. Cultivars developed branching mechanismsas a compensation strategy, increasing the number of legumes on the branches by up to 130%. The removal of the shoot apex can modify morphological aspects in soybean plants,but their yield tends to be maintained.

Landraces of sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] have a high potential for drought adaptations to increasingly extreme climates. We investigated the performance of five sorghum genotypes (four landraces and one commonly grown elite line) under water-limited conditions. Plants were grown until maturity in field-like columns on soils of four textures (silty clay, sandy loam, loamy sand, sand), which were dried during flowering stage down to 30 % usable field capacity. Plant transpiration, physiological characteristics, and yield were measured. For most of the measured parameters, the interaction between genotypes and soils was statistically significant. Alongside the gradient in available water between soils, plants had the highest total transpiration, transpiration efficiency (TE), harvest index (HI), and nutrient uptake in silty clay, steadily reduced towards soils with higher sand content. Especially in sandy soil, all measured plant performance parameters were significantly reduced compared to the other soils. There was a significant negative relationship between later flowering time and HI. While the elite cultivar M35–1 showed the highest TE, it suffered from late flowering and yield loss on all soils, especially when growing on sandy soil. The landraces IS 29914 and IS 8348 had a stable HI irrespective of their lowest TE. The shorter the plant, the better it coped with water and nutrient limitation and high transpiration efficiency was not connected to water conservation. The study overall emphasizes the high potential of sorghum landraces to overcome more extreme droughts as imposed by climate change. It also underlines the importance and strong interaction effect of soil texture on plant performance and transpiration efficiency, which is crucial to be considered in crop production. This outlines that specifically regions with sandy soils, characterized by low water-holding capacities, need genotypes that efficiently utilize the limited available water and nutrient resources – a genetic potential hidden in many landraces.

IntroductionThe highest concentration of protein is found in plant-based sources, whereas animal protein production tends to be more challenging and costly compared to plant-derived proteins. Within plant sources, legumes emerge as a primary reservoir of protein. A notable proportion of protein compounds within legumes boast relatively high nutritional value. The amount of protein in most plants of the legume family, including beans, is reported between 18 and 32%. guar or cluster bean (Cyampsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub.) is an annual plant from the legume family, which is cultivated in dry plains as an alternative crop due to its high tolerance to drought and salt conditions. This plant, like most legumes, is important in the balance of soil mineral elements in agricultural systems due to its ability to symbiosis with nitrogen-fixing bacteria. Planting date and optimal plant density are two effective factors to achieve the potential performance of plants. Considering the importance of guar as an edible, industrial, fodder and medicinal product, it seems necessary to conduct research on the growth response of this plant to management factors, especially the date and density of plant planting. The present study was conducted with the aim of investigating the effect of planting date and row spacing on guar plant as an alternative plant for the climatic conditions of southern Kerman and other similar climates, in order to achieve the highest yield and grain quality. Materials and Methods The experiment was carried out as split plots based on the completely randomized blocks design with three replications in the research farm of South Kerman Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center (Jiroft) in two years 2018-2019. Jiroft region has a latitude of 57 degrees and 32 minutes north and a longitude of 28 minutes and 32 degrees east and is located at an altitude of 628 meters above sea level. The experimental treatments include planting date as the main factor in six levels (10 and 25 May, 9 and 24 June, 9 and 24 July) and seed planting intervals as secondary factors in four levels (20, 30, 40 and 50 cm). Results and DiscussionThe results showed that the maximum dry weight of leaves and stems, the number of leaves in the secondary stem, the height of the plant and the length of the pod were observed on the date of 24 June and the row spacing was 50 cm, and in all planting dates, increasing the row spacing led to an increase in the mentioned traits. The comparative analysis of average planting dates reveals that the highest metrics were achieved on June 9th. This includes a 43% increase in the number of pods per plant, a 23% increase in the number of grains per pod, a 66% increase in biological yield, a 45% increase in grain yield, and an 18% increase in harvest index. The highest leaf surface index (15%) and number of leaves in the main stem (91%) was observed on the 24 June. In general, with the delay in planting after early June (9 June) to late June (24 June), the yield and yield components of guar gradually decreased and reached the lowest value. The results comparing the mean effect of row spacing showed the highest number of pod per plant and seeds per pod at 50 cm row spacing, but the highest grain yield was obtained at 30 and 40 cm row spacing. Conclusions In general, among the planting dates, guar planting in June to early July in Jiroft region is the best planting date. While, early planting (May) and late planting (late July) were not favorable for guar and led to a decrease in plant yield. Therefore, in order to obtain the best yield and agronomic characteristics of guar plant in the south of Kerman province and similar conditions, it is recommended to cultivate this plant from early June to early July and at a row distance of 30 to 40 cm, because in the mentioned dates and row spacing, the plant makes the best use of environmental factors and with the reduction of competition between the plants, its performance and components increase Because.

In order to evaluate the effect of different levels of nitrogen and selenium on the yield and nitrogen utilization efficiency, a factorial experiment was conducted based on a randomized complete block design with three replications at Razi University. In this experiment, the first factor included different levels of nitrogen including 0, 50, 100 and 150 kg ha-1 and the second factor was selenium foliar spraying at three levels of 0, 5 and 10 mg L-1 of sodium selenate. Nitrogen, selenium and the interaction between two factors had a significant effect on the biological and economic yield of garlic. The interaction between nitrogen and selenium increased the harvest index of garlic. According to the obtained results, increasing the amount of nitrogen and selenium increased the yield and nitrogen utilization efficiency. The use of 150 kg ha-1 of nitrogen along with 10 mg L-1 of sodium selenate has caused garlic to have the highest nitrogen utilization efficiency in addition to its high ability to absorb nitrogen and produce maximum yield.

Micronutrient elements play a key role in the formation of chlorophyll and function of photosynthesis, respiration, enzyme system and physiological processes of the plant and their deficiency has destructive effects on the growth, production and yield of the plant. This research was conducted in a factorial experiment based on a randomized complete block design with three replications on mung bean plant in the Research Farm of Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran, in 2019-2020 growing season. Two cultivars of Gohar and Partu and foliar spraying of zinc chelate, iron chelate, zinc nano-fertilizer, iron nano-fertilizer, and control (spraying solution with water) were tested. The maximum leaf area index (3.12), maximum growth rate (16.2 g m-2 day-1), and leaf area duration (157 day) were achieved by Gohar cultivar in the presence of foliar application of zinc nano fertilizer. Zinc nano-fertilizer had the greatest effect on the pods/plant (21.7), grains/pod (8.08), and grains/plant (164) of Gohar cultivar, which increased by 62, 22 and 62, 77.6 percent respectively, compared to the control. The highest biological yield (8599 kg ha-1) was obtained with Gohar cultivar when receiving foliar application of iron nanofertilizer and zinc nanofertilizer. The highest grain yield (2657kg ha-1) was obtained with Gohar cultivar subjected to nano-zinc foliar spraying, which was not significantly different from Parto cultivar in foliar spraying with zinc nano-fertilizer and caused 38% and 35% increases in grain yield of the two cultivars compared to the control, respectively. The highest harvest index was also obtained with Gohar cultivar supplemented by foliar spraying of zinc nano fertilizer, which increased the harvest index by 24% compared to the control. Foliar spraying of iron and zinc fertilizers caused significant increases in growth, biological yield and grain yield, as well as the content of these elements in the grain of both cultivars. The effect of zinc and iron nanofertilizers on the studied traits was more pronounced in Gohar variety than in Parto variety.

ABSTRACTThe selection of the sowing date is one of the most important decisions in soybean production. It is important for farmers to know the expected seed yield when developing a sowing plan. The objective of this study was to quantitatively reveal the decreased seed yield ratio during late sowing in southwestern Japan under irrigated conditions. Total above ground dry matter and distribution were measured from July to August sowing in 2018 and 2019 in Fukuyama, Hiroshima, Japan. The harvest index in the August sowing did not decrease compared to the July sowing under irrigated conditions. The decrease in yield was related to the total aboveground dry matter rather than to the harvest index. The decrease in total aboveground dry matter was related to the total amount of solar radiation intercepted rather than to radiation use efficiency. A significant regression equation was obtained for the relative yield, which was calculated from the maximum seed yield observed from early to mid-July. When seeds were sown after mid-July, our result showed that the seed yield will decrease by 0.60% per day for Sachiyutaka A1 and by 0.64% for Akimaro, even under conditions of 100% seedling establishment and controlled soil water conditions. This regression equation can be used in fields as an indicator of seed yield where irrigation is possible.

To investigate the effect of different levels of vermicompost and irrigation on the yield and irrigation water efficiency of Quinoa, this experiment was conducted as a split plot based on a randomized complete block design in the research field of the University of Kurdistan located in Dehgolan in 2021. The experimental factors included four levels of irrigation water 50, 75, 100, and 125% of the water requirement of the quinoa crop and the variable included four levels of vermicompost fertilizer to 0, 5, 10, and 15 tons/ha, respectively. The irrigation method used in this experiment was a drip-strip irrigation system. The amount of irrigation water was measured by a volumetric meter installed on the main pipe. The highest yield of quinoa seed equaled 2375 kg/ha was observed in the treatment of 125% of the water requirement and 15 tons/ha of vermicompost and a biological yield of 5560 kg/ha in the treatment of 100% of the water requirement and 15 tons/ha vermicompost. The highest values of water consumption efficiency and water use efficiency were observed in the treatment of 50% water requirement. The application of 15 tons/ha vermicompost caused a significant increase in water use efficiency compared to the control treatment. The highest quinoa harvest index was observed in the treatment of 125% of the crop water requirement.

Bean production is at risk due to climate change, declining water resources, and inadequate crop management. To address these challenges, dynamic models that predict crop growth and development can be used as fundamental tools to generate basic and applied knowledge such as production management and decision support. This study aimed to calibrate and evaluate the SIMPLE model under irrigation conditions for a semi-arid region in north-central Mexico and to simulate thermal time, biomass (Bio), and grain yield (GY) of common beans cv. 'Pinto Saltillo' using experimental data from four crop evapotranspiration treatments (ETct) (I50, I75, I100, and I125) applied during the 2020 and 2021 growing seasons. Both experiments were conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. Model calibration was carried out by posing and solving an optimization problem with the differential-evolution algorithm with 2020 experimental data, while the evaluation was performed with 2021 experimental data. For Bio, calibration values had a root-mean-square error and Nash and Sutcliffe's efficiency of <0.58 t ha−1 and >0.93, respectively, while the corresponding evaluation values were <1.80 t ha−1 and >0.89, respectively. The I50 and I100 ETct had better fit for calibration, while I50 and I75 had better fit in the evaluation. On average, the model fitted for the predicted GY values had estimation errors of 37% and 22% for the calibration and evaluation procedures, respectively. Therefore, an empirical model was proposed to estimate the harvest index (HI), which produced, on average, a relative error of 6.9% for the bean-GY estimation. The SIMPLE model was able to predict bean biomass under irrigated conditions for these semi-arid regions of Mexico. Also, the use of both crop Bio and transpiration simulated by the SIMPLE model to calculate the HI significantly improved GY prediction under ETct. However, the harvest index needs to be validated under other irrigation levels and field experiments in different locations to strengthen the proposed model and design different GY scenarios under water restrictions for irrigation due to climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The selection of the sowing date is one of the most important decisions in soybean production. It is important for farmers to know the expected seed yield when developing a sowing plan. The objective of this study was to quantitatively reveal the decreased seed yield ratio during late sowing in southwestern Japan under irrigated conditions. Total above ground dry matter and distribution were measured from July to August sowing in 2018 and 2019 in Fukuyama, Hiroshima, Japan. The harvest index in the August sowing did not decrease compared to the July sowing under irrigated conditions. The decrease in yield was related to the total aboveground dry matter rather than to the harvest index. The decrease in total aboveground dry matter was related to the total amount of solar radiation intercepted rather than to radiation use efficiency. A significant regression equation was obtained for the relative yield, which was calculated from the maximum seed yield observed from early to mid-July. When seeds were sown after mid-July, our result showed that the seed yield will decrease by 0.60% per day for Sachiyutaka A1 and by 0.64% for Akimaro, even under conditions of 100% seedling establishment and controlled soil water conditions. This regression equation can be used in fields as an indicator of seed yield where irrigation is possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using beneficial microorganisms, such as purple non-sulfur bacteria (PNSB), has shown enormous potential for improving plant growth and agricultural production. However, the full extent of their benefits and interactions with agricultural practices is yet to be fully understood. The present study aimed to investigate the use of PNSB in crop rotation practice, focusing on its impact on rice growth and yield. The experiment was conducted over two rice cropping seasons, with djulis grown between the rice as a rotation crop. The study shows that PNSB treatment increased the concentration of 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) in plants, indicating enhanced photosynthesis. Moreover, when combined with crop rotation, PNSB remarkably improved soil fertility. These combined benefits resulted in substantial increases in tiller numbers (163%), leaf chlorophyll content (13%), and lodging resistance (66%), compared to the untreated plants. The combined treatment also resulted in higher productive tillers per hill (112%), average grain per hill (65%), and grain fertility (26%). This led to increased grain yield (65%), shoot dry weight (15%), and harvest index (37%). The findings clearly suggest that the incorporation of PNSB in crop rotation strategies can significantly augment the growth and yield of rice crops. These insights, pivotal for sustainable rice cultivation, hold the potential to simultaneously tackle the pressing issues of global food security and climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our study aimed to evaluate the effects of nano and chelated Fe fertilization on nutrient and heavy metals uptake and their translocation from soil to root, stem, leaf, and fruits of fresh market tomatoes (Solanum Lycopersicon, cv. Sunbrite). A completely randomized design in a factorial experiment, with two Fe sources (nano vs. chelated) applied at 0 (control), 10, 20, and 40 mg/L via drip-irrigated plasticulture, was conducted. Nutrient and heavy metals concentrations in soil, water, tomato roots, stems, leaves, and fruits were determined. Soil had higher K, Fe, Ca, Mg, P, and Mn but lower Ni, Cd, and Cr concentrations. The P, K, Fe, Cu, Mn, and Na concentrations in the roots were significantly affected by both nano and chelated Fe fertilization; however, without following a consistent pattern. Averaged across the Fe treatments, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, and P that translocated from the soil were dominated in the roots, stems, and leaves. The nutrient translocation order, from roots to fruits in response to Fe fertilization, was nano Fe (40%) > chelated Fe (37%) > control (23%). Based on the treatment index values calculated across treatments, it is evident that Fe fertilization plays a pivotal role in nutrient uptake and translocation. The use of chelated Fe at a concentration of 20 mg/L had a pronounced effect on improving the nutritional quality of the tomatoes and, by extension, their associated public health benefits. In conclusion, the chelated Fe (20 mg/L) stands out as the most preferable and effective Fe fertilization for tomatoes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Background and objectives: Agriculture has always struggled with weeds throughout history and has achieved considerable progress in this regard. Weeds compete with agricultural plants to receive nutrients, soil moisture and sunlight and lead to a decrease in the yield of agricultural plants. Due to its slow growth in the rosette stage, the safflower plant is very vulnerable to the competition of weeds, and weeds can severely reduce the yield of safflower and even cause the loss of the entire crop. Therefore, eliminating the competition of weeds is effective in increasing its performance. Manual weed control is timeconsuming and expensive. Chemical weed control method is one of the important methods used in weed control. But these herbicides can have a serious impact on the environment. Non-chemical weed control such as the use of mulch and cover plants are the preferred methods for weed control. Considering the importance of weed control and the existence of few studies on the comparison of different safflower weed control methods, this experiment was conducted with the aim of comparing the effect of different weed control methods in safflower fields. Materials and Methods: In order to investigate the effect of different weed control methods on oil percentage and yield in safflower plant, an experiment was conducted in the form of a randomized complete block design with 12 treatments and four replications in the research farm of the Faculty of Agriculture of Tabriz University located in the Khilat Pushan research station in the area near Basmanj. Preparation and planting of safflower seeds was done in the middle of April. Weed control operations were carried out according to different weed control treatments. After the physiological treatment, the harvesting operation started and after removing the side rows of each plot, 10 samples were taken from the middle row by removing 0.5 meters from the margins and separately for each plot, they were taken to the laboratory for the necessary measurements. Results: In this research, V. Ervilia had an increase of 33.5 and 40.5 percent on the dry weight of the stem of safflower. Also, in the two treatments of manual weeding twice before the stem lengthening and complete manual control of weeds, the length of the secondary branches of safflower (C. tinctorius) was 35 and 35.5 cm, respectively, which is 38.6 and 32.6 percent compared to the absence of weed control. In this research, in the treatments of V. ervilia cover plant, V. ervilia cover plant and a combination of V. ervilia cover plant and V. ervilia cover plant, biomass produced 1.69, 1.73 and 2.32 tons, respectively, which can in addition to control Weeds and improving safflower yield are of economic importance. Conclusion: The results of the study showed that the control of weeds in the safflower field in the early stages of growth is more effective than in the more advanced stages, and it can indicate the sensitivity of safflower to the competition of weeds in the early stages of safflower growth. In addition to that, the treatments of V. ervilia, V. ervilia and V. villosa, the use of trifluralin herbicide, trifluralin + phenmedipham herbicide, trifluralin + Haloxyfop-R-methyl and two manual weeding before the stem elongation also had a significant increasing effect on the harvest index and this trait compared to the control, it increased significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Micronutrient elements play a key role in the formation of chlorophyll and function of photosynthesis, respiration, enzyme system and physiological processes of the plant and their deficiency has destructive effects on the growth, production and yield of the plant. This research was conducted in a factorial experiment based on a randomized complete block design with three replications on mung bean plant in the Research Farm of Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran, in 2019-2020 growing season. Two cultivars of Gohar and Partu and foliar spraying of zinc chelate, iron chelate, zinc nano-fertilizer, iron nano-fertilizer, and control (spraying solution with water) were tested. The maximum leaf area index (3.12), maximum growth rate (16.2 g m-2 day-1 ), and leaf area duration (157 day) were achieved by Gohar cultivar in the presence of foliar application of zinc nano fertilizer. Zinc nano-fertilizer had the greatest effect on the pods/plant (21.7), grains/pod (8.08), and grains/plant (164) of Gohar cultivar, which increased by 62, 22 and 62, 77.6 percent respectively, compared to the control. The highest biological yield (8599 kg ha-1 ) was obtained with Gohar cultivar when receiving foliar application of iron nanofertilizer and zinc nanofertilizer. The highest grain yield (2657kg ha-1 ) was obtained with Gohar cultivar subjected to nano-zinc foliar spraying, which was not significantly different from Parto cultivar in foliar spraying with zinc nano-fertilizer and caused 38% and 35% increases in grain yield of the two cultivars compared to the control, respectively. The highest harvest index was also obtained with Gohar cultivar supplemented by foliar spraying of zinc nano fertilizer, which increased the harvest index by 24% compared to the control. Foliar spraying of iron and zinc fertilizers caused significant increases in growth, biological yield and grain yield, as well as the content of these elements in the grain of both cultivars. The effect of zinc and iron nanofertilizers on the studied traits was more pronounced in Gohar variety than in Parto variety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To identify if and how the age of in vitro potato plantlets at planting affects the later tuber formation, an extensive pot experiment was performed under controlled conditions. In vitro-derived plantlets of different ages (14, 28, 42 and 56 days old at planting) and cultivars varying in maturity type (Gloria, very early; Bintje, mid-early; Elkana, late) were grown after planting for 10 weeks at photo/thermoperiods of 16 h (standard conditions) or 12 h (short-day conditions). Plants raised from older in vitro plantlets produced higher total dry weights, harvest index and tuber dry and fresh weights than plants from younger in vitro plantlets when grown under standard conditions after planting. By contrast, total and tuber dry weights were not affected by plantlet age when grown under short-day conditions. The number of tubers per plant increased with increase in in vitro plantlet age in the later cultivars and in the oldest age classes of the very early cultivar when plants were grown under standard conditions. Short-day conditions resulted in fewer, but larger tubers than standard conditions. Results support the ideas that (1) plants from older in vitro plantlets and earlier maturing cultivars are more advanced in the tuber formation process; however, this may benefit tuber yield only when plants are grown under conditions that are not strongly inducing tuberization, and (2) higher tuber numbers can be achieved by more below-ground nodes—as in older in vitro plantlets—and/or by later or less strong tuber induction—as in less inducing conditions (16-h vs. 12-h), later cultivars or younger in vitro plantlets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optimal nutrient supply, either chemical or biological fertilizers, can be customized for water availability and paired with correct tillage systems. This approach is necessary to ensure high production in corn (Zea mays L.). To determine possible impacts of nitrogen (N), various irrigation regimes and tillage systems were evaluated on sweet corn (Zea mays L. var Saccharata). Dependent variables were plant growth, yield, water use efficiency (WUE), and soil characteristics. For this purpose, a two-year experiment (2016-2017) was conducted in a split-factorial design, involving randomized complete blocks with three replications at the Agricultural Experimental Station, School of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran. The treatments were two tillage systems [conventional (CT) and decreased (RT)] as the main plot. Five N rates were used (0, nitroxin, 150 kg N ha-1, nitroxin + 150 kg N ha-1, and 300 kg N ha-1). The two irrigation regimes were [100% (normal) and 75% of plant water need (PWR)(Kc)] as subplots, respectively. Also, five N rates and sources (0, nitroxin, 150 kg N ha-1, nitroxin + 150 kg N ha-1, and 300 kg N ha-1) were used in combination with two irrigation regimes [100% (normal) and 75% of plant water requirement (PWR)(Kc)]. The findings provided an indication that the canned yield and WUE could be raised by applying 300 kg N ha-1, 75% of PWR, and the CT system. The highest soil N content occurred in RT systems applied with nitroxin + 150 kg N ha-1 and 75% of PWR in the first year and under CT systems by applying nitroxin + 150 kg N ha-1 and the normal irrigation in the second year. Nevertheless, the maximum soil OC content occurred in the RT system applied with nitroxin + 150 kg N ha-1. To conclude, nitroxin-inoculated sweet corn responded favorably to the RT system with sufficient N rate and irrigation regimes down to 75% of PWR. Moreover, reducing irrigation water volume exerted no notable impact on reducing canned yield while it conserved water more significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mustard (Brassica juncea L.) plant is a well-known and widely accepted hyper-accumulator of heavy metals. The genetic makeup of mustard's cultivars may significantly impact their phytoremediation capabilities. The present study aimed to investigate the growth performance, yield attributes, and heavy metal accumulation potential of B. juncea cv. Varuna, NRCHB 101, RH 749, Giriraj, and Kranti, cultivated in soil irrigated with wastewater (EPS) and bore-well water (MPS). EPS contributed more Cr, Cd, Cu, Zn, and Ni to tested mustard cultivars than the MPS. EPS reduced morphological, biochemical, physiological, and yield attributes of tested mustard cultivars significantly (p < 0.05) than the MPS. Among the tested cultivars of mustard plants, Varuna had the highest heavy metal load with the lowest harvest index (35.8 and 0.21, respectively). Whereas NRCHB 101 showed the lowest heavy metal load with the highest harvest index (26.9 and 0.43, respectively). The present study suggests that B. juncea cv. Varuna and NRCHB 101 could be used for the phytoextraction of heavy metals and reducing their contamination in food chain, respectively in wastewater irrigated areas of peri-urban India. The outcomes of the present study can also be utilized to develop a management strategy for sustainable agriculture in heavy metal polluted areas resulting from long-term wastewater irrigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field trial was conducted at the Institute for Plant and Genetic Research, Bulgaria, for the periods 2019–2020 and 2020–2021. The aim is to research the dependencies between agronomic and technological traits to explain the direct and indirect influence of traits on the yield of green biomass in triticale. 37 triticale breeding lines and cultivars were tested in competitive variety trial for agronomic and technological traits. They establish moderate to high correlative relationships between agronomic traits. The correlation between the number of productive tillers and green biomass yield in triticale during the heading-anthesis phase is positive and highest. Based on the significance of correlating coefficients, a regression model is proposed to predict green biomass yield. The direct effects on the green biomass of plants during heading-anthesis are positive and largest from the hectoliter mass and from the number of productive tillers per unit area. The largest positive indirect impact is the number of productive tilers in terms of hectoliter weight relative to yield from green biomass. The biomass at full maturity has the greatest negative indirect influence. The results can be useful for the phenotypic evaluation of triticale lines and cultivars suitable for silage production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was undertaken to examine the influence of the sowing date, sowing density, and split spring application of nitrogen (N) fertilizer on plant density, tillering, yield components, and grain yields of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grown in northeastern Poland between 2018 and 2021. The experiment had a split-plot design with three sowing dates (early (3–6 September), delayed by 14 days, and delayed by 28 days), three sowing densities (200, 300, and 400 live grains m−2), and three split spring N rates (40 + 100, 70 + 70, and 100 + 40 kg ha−1 applied in BBCH stages 22–25 and 30–31, respectively). The number of spikes m−2 increased by 11% on average when winter wheat was sown with a delay of 14 days (17–20 September) and 28 days (1–4 October). The number of spikes m−2 was highest when winter wheat was sown at 300 and 400 live grains m−2. The application of 100 + 40 kg N ha−1 (BBCH 22–25 and 30–31, respectively) increased the number of spikes m−2. An increase in sowing density from 200 to 300 to 400 live grains m−2 decreased the number of grains spike−1 by 5% and 7%, respectively. Thousand grain weight (TGW) increased by 1% and 2% when sowing was delayed by 14 (17–20 September) and 28 days (1–4 October), respectively. In northeastern Poland, grain yields peaked when winter wheat was sown between 17 September and 4 October (10.52–10.58 Mg ha−1). In late-sown winter wheat, grain yields increased due to a higher number of spikes m−2 and higher grain weight. The highest sowing density (400 live grains m−2) induced a greater increase in grain yields than the lowest sowing density (200 live grains m−2) (10.25 vs.10.02 Mg ha−1). In winter wheat sown at a density of 400 live grains m−2, the increase in grain yields resulted in a higher number of spikes m−2. Grain yields peaked in response to 100 kg N ha−1 applied in BBCH stages 22–25 and 40 kg N ha−1 applied in BBCH stages 30–31 (this split N rate increased the number of spikes m−2). In turn, the highest straw yield (6.23 Mg ha−1) was obtained when the second split of N fertilizer was applied in BBCH stages 30–31 (40 + 100 kg N ha−1). Straw yields decreased significantly (by 6%) when winter wheat was sown late (early October). Delayed sowing (mid-September and early October) increased the harvest index (HI) of winter wheat by 5–7%. Split spring N application influenced grain and straw yields, but it had no effect on the HI of winter wheat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventional tillage is still widely practiced in phaeozems sloping farmland, which leads to serious soil erosion. Adopting effective farming methods is crucial for mitigating soil erosion. To prevent and control soil and water loss in phaeozems sloping farmland, field experiments were conducted in 2022 using three tillage methods and their combination modes: subsoiling tillage (SF), ridge tillage and pitting field (RF), ridge tillage and pitting field + subsoiling tillage (RF‐S), contour tillage (TP), contour tillage + ridge tillage and pitting field (TP‐R), and contour tillage + subsoiling tillage (TP‐S). The study aimed to assess the impact these different tillage methods on soil and water conservation. The results showed that the contour tillage + ridge field treatment significantly reduced surface runoff and soil loss (p < 0.05), with no observed nutrient loss. Compared with other treatments, this method significantly reduced runoff, erosion, and nutrient loss. In contrast, the contour tillage + subsoiling tillage treatment significantly decreased the soil three‐phase R‐value, improved the soil texture, and exhibited higher yield, harvest index, and water use efficiency (WUE) compared to alternative treatments. Overall, the comprehensive findings indicate that contour tillage + subsoiling tillage can reduce soil erosion, enhance soil quality, and improve the WUE, all while maintaining high production capacity. Furthermore, the results of this study provide a theoretical basis for conserving soil and water resources, improving soil fertility, and increasing farmland yield in the phaeozems area of northeast China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mexican yam plant (Pachyrhizus erosus (L.) Urban) is a new and hence less-known crop plant in Iran, with potential applicationes in food and pest control industries. Therefore, the present study was conducted to determine the best fertilizer treatments and its effect on the morphological characteristics and grain yield of Mexican yam bean plant in a semi-arid region. The experiment was carried out as a randomized complete block design with six replications in Kazeron, Fars province, south of Iran. The treatments included the control, EM biofertilizer (40 L/ha), Vinas organic fertilizer (80 L/ha), and the combination of bio-organic fertilizer (the optimum level of fertilizer was determined based on the results of previous experiments). Fertilizer treatments had a significant effect (at 1% probability level) on plant height, plant fresh and dry weight, pods/plant, grains/pod, stem diameter, grain and biological yield and harvest index, photosynthetic pigments concentration and grain protein content. The mean comparison showed that in the combined treatment of Vinas organic fertilizer and EM, the fresh and dry weight of the plant (67.6 grams and 26.8 g, respectively), the height of the plant (56.1 cm), grains/pod (6.4), pods/plant (6.3), biological yield (4929 kg/ha), grain yield (527 kg/ha), harvest index (10.7%), concentration of chlorophyll a, b, and total chlorophyll and carotenoid concentration (9.83, 3.43, 13.5 and 3.28 mg/g fresh weight, respectively), grain protein (34.1%) were more than control. Also, the stem diameter showed the greatest increase compared to the control. The results suggested the superiority of the bio-organic fertilizer treatment at the optimal level (40 and 80 L/ha) and the positive response of Mexican yam bean plant to these fertilizers.

The study aimed to investigate the response of bean yield and yield components to the application of growth stimulants under different irrigation levels. A field experiment was conducted in the Khoy, Northwest of Iran. The experiment was conducted as a split-plot design using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) in three replications. Irrigation was the main factor in three levels, including once every 8, 11, and 14 days and growth stimulating compounds as subfactors in 5 levels, including the use of humic acid with irrigation water, amino acid foliar spraying, rooting stimulant, potassium, and no growth stimulants (control). Drought stress (irrigating once every 14 days) led to the reduction of the absorption of essential plant elements such as nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus, as well as decrease in the lateral branches/plant, grains/pod, hundred-seed weight (HSW), harvest index (HI), leaf area index (LAI), protein yield, and grain yield. Application of growth stimulants both under normal irrigation conditions and under drought stress increased the examined traits, compared to the control treatment. The results indicated that the impact of mild drought stress during the pod development and grain filling stages has a more pronounced effect on the yield and yield components of red kidney beans. Application of growth stimulants, particularly humic acid, during these stages mitigates the adverse effects of stress and leads to a notably higher grain yield compared to other growth stimulants. The highest grain yield (3076 kg/ha) and protein yield (746 kg/ha) were achieved at the presence of irrigating every 8 days and the application of humic acid. It appears that the use of humic acid can be highly effective in enhancing the agronomic, qualitative, and physiological attributes of red kidney beans, contributing up to 95% improvement under both normal irrigation and stress conditions.

The research was carried out in 2018-2021 at the Agricultural Experimental Station, in Poland. The factors of the experiment were three morphotypes of winter oilseed rape: population morphotype, long-stemmed morphotype, semi-dwarf morphotype. The second factor of the experiment were three ways of using the preparations: 1. Control variant, 2. Organic preparation (Ugmax) 3. Biostimulator containing P₂0₅ and K₂O, 4. Biostimulator containing silicon. The aim of the study was the reaction of three morphotypes of winter rape to soil and foliar application of microorganisms and inorganic preparations in different growing seasons. Elements of yield structure and yielding of winter rape were determined by a genetic factor. In all growing seasons, the best yielding was in the restored hybrid with the traditional type of growth, while the seed yield of the semi-dwarf form was lower by 5.8% on average, and by 10% on average in the population form. The number of seeds in the pod and the value of the yield index (HI) was the most favourable in the restored forms, and the thousand-seed weight and yield in the population form. The preparations applied to the soil and leaves increased the parameters of yield structure and yielding in all tested cultivars. Soil preparation with microorganisms as well as micro and macro elements applied in autumn before sowing seeds and in spring in the BBCH 21-36 phase significantly increased the number of seeds per pod by 3.4% on average; weight of a thousand seeds by 3.5% on average, seed yield by 15.7% on average, straw yield by 4.5% on average compared to the control variant. The ratio of seed yield to biomass yield was higher in the heterosis cultivars by an average of 9.2% compared to the population cultivar.

A field experiment was conducted at the Agronomy farm of Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC), Khumaltar, Lalitpur to evaluate the effect of sowing dates and seed rates on yield and yield attributes of wheat. The experiment was laid in a split-plot design with three replications treated with 4 sowing dates as the main plot factor (12th Nov, 27th Nov, 12th Dec, and 27th Dec) and 4 seed rates as subplot factor (100 kg ha-1, 120 kg ha-1, 140 kg ha-1 and 160 kg ha-1). Results revealed that the leaf area index was significantly affected by sowing dates and was comparatively superior in 2nd sowing date (27th Nov) wheat. Similarly, in the case of seed rates, the leaf area index was influenced significantly and was recorded to be increasing with an increase in seed rates. Phenological parameters like days to 50% heading, flowering, and maturity were observed maximum (116, 123, and 179 days, respectively) in early sown wheat and reduced with the subsequent delay in sowing. Maximum values of yield and yield attributes like effective tillers per meter square (635.6), spike length (9.56 cm), grains per spike (41.49), grain yield (7.59 Mt ha-1), and straw yield (9.58 Mt ha-1) were observed in the wheat sown in 2nd date (on 27th Nov) which differed significantly to wheat sown on other dates. Seed rates had no significant influence on grain yield and yield attributes. Thousand-grain weight was found maximum (46.26 g) in early sown wheat (on 12th Nov sown wheat, reduced with the subsequent delay in sowing, and the harvest index was observed as maximum (0.51) under December 27 sown wheat. Though the yield and its attributes were not influenced significantly by seed rate, the maximum yield (6.18 Mt ha-1) was observed in wheat sown at the rate of 120 kg ha-1. Considering seed yield and its parameters, 2nd date of sowing wheat (27th Nov) and seed rate of 100 kg ha-1 could be the best option to uplift the productivity of wheat in rainfed lowland conditions of Lalitpur, Nepal.

Cassava (Manihot esculenta) is an important crop for subsistence farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa. Cassava production is subject to a number of constraints, such as diseases and cropping systems, leading to low plant productivity. In order to improve the yield of the MM105 variety by exploring practices that encourage the root system to induce good cassava production, a fully randomisation design with two replications was installed in the nursery. Three planting positions (vertical, slant, horizontal) and two cut model (flat slice, one-sided slice) was investigated. Resultts reported that the highest number of storage roots, the highest above-ground fresh biomass and the highest harvest index was recorded with the vertical planting position. No cut models effect was found on the rooting of cuttings and harvest index. The one-sided slice induced greater variability in the harvest index than flat slice. The harvest index was negatively correlated with the number of nodes buried in the soil. However, there was a strong correlation between the number of storage roots, the fresh and dry storage roots biomass and the harvest index. The harvest index can be used as selection criterion for individuals within the MM105 variety to increase its tuber production.

In order to achieve higher and earlier yield, modern olive orchards are increasingly intensified, with tree densities up to > 1500 trees hectare-1. With increasing tree densities, individual-tree canopy volume must be proportionally reduced. Not all cultivars are adaptable to high and very high orchard densities, because of excessive vigor and/or insufficient bearing when the canopy is pruned to a small volume. However, what makes an olive cultivar suitable for intensive and super intensive orchards is not clear. Recently, few studies have addressed this topic, suggesting that tree architecture and early bearing are essential traits. Yet, what architectural and productive features are important, how they work and whether they are interrelated remains elusive. This review summarizes and interprets the literature on olive, as well as the more abundant literature available for other fruit species, aiming to provide a comprehensive knowledge framework for understanding how tree architectural characteristics, plant vigor, and fruiting vary across olive genotypes, and how they are interconnected. It is concluded that, among the architectural characteristics, greater branching and smaller diameters of woody structures are particularly important features for cultivar suitability to intensive and super intensive olive orchards. Greater branching allows to produce more fruiting sites in the small volume of canopy allowed in these systems. It also reduces investments in woody structures, liberating resources for fruiting. Additional resources are liberated with smaller structure diameters. Greater branching also increases resources by increasing biomass partitioning into leaves (i.e. the photosynthetic organs), relative to wood. Since yield is affected by the competition for resources with vegetative growth, reducing resource investments in woody structures and/or increasing resource directly, increases yield. Yield, in turn, depresses vegetative growth, reducing vigor and the need for pruning. High yields also produce short shoots which have relatively greater investments in leaf mass and area, and lower in the woody stem, making them more suitable than long shoots to support concurrent fruit growth. This single framework of interpretation of how the different architectural and fruiting characteristics work and interact with one-another, will provide guidance for cultivar selection and breeding for intensive and super intensive olive orchards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]