Agricultural Sciences

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Acrocomia aculeata fruits from three regions in Costa Rica: an assessment of biometric parameters, oil content and oil fatty acid composition to evaluate industrial potential
(2020) Alfaro-Solís, Jose David; Montoya-Arroyo, Alexander; Jiménez, Víctor M.; Arnáez-Serrano, Elizabeth; Pérez, Jason; Vetter, Walter; Frank, Jan; Lewanowski, Iris
Due to increased global demand for vegetable oils, diversification of the supply chain with sustainable sources is necessary. Acrocomia aculeata has recently gained attention as a multi-purpose, sustainable crop for oil production. However, the information necessary for effective selection of promising varieties for agricultural production is lacking. The aim of this study was to assess variability in fruit morphology and oil composition of individual Acrocomia aculeata plants growing wild in different climatic regions of Costa Rica. Fruits at the same ripening stage were collected at three locations, and biometric features, oil content, fatty acid composition of oils from kernels and pulp, as well as fiber composition of husks were determined. Biometric parameters showed high variability among the regions assessed. Moreover, oil content and relative proportions of unsaturated fatty acids were higher at the most tropical location, whereas lauric acid content was lowest under these conditions, indicating a potential environmental effect on oil composition. Pulp oil content correlated positively with annual precipitation and relative humidity, but no clear relation to temperature was observed. The oil chemical composition was similar to that reported for Elaeis guineensis, suggesting that Acrocomia aculeata from Costa Rica may be a suitable alternative for industrial applications currently based on African palm oil. Analysis of husks as a coproduct revealed the possibility of obtaining materials with high lignin and low water and ash contents that could be used as a solid bioenergy source. In conclusion, Acrocomia aculeata oil is a promising alternative for industrial applications currently based on African palm oil and byproducts of its oil production could find additional use as a renewable energy source.
Allelopathic effects of leachates of Juglans regia L., Populus tremula L. and juglone on germination of temperate zone cultivated medicinal and aromatic plants
(Springer Nature, 2021-02) Zubay, Péter; Kunzelmann, Jakob; Ittzés, András; Zámborine, Éva Németh; Szabó, Krisztina
The environmental benefits of agroforestry systems are well known. However, current knowledge of potential allelopathic interactions is inadequate. The decrease in soil fertility, the increasingly rhapsodic distribution of precipitation, and the special metabolism and cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants are all harbingers of medicinal-agroforestry systems. The authors aimed to discover the allelopathic effects of Juglans regia L. and Populus tremula L. on germination of medicinal and aromatic plants cultivated in a temperate zone. Accordingly, an in vitro germination trial was conducted with leachates of these trees and two juglone concentrations. These allelopathic effects were evaluated for germination vigour, germination rate, and total fresh weight of seedlings of twelve different species. A pronounced species specificity was observed in tolerance of seeds and seedlings to the allelopathic effect of Populus and Juglans. In four of the species studied, the allelopathic effect may inhibit germination, but only initially. Poppy and angelica proved to be the most sensitive to the treatments. The following species had relative tolerance to the allelochemicals, so further research under natural conditions is suggested for: Althea officinalis L. (9.34 ± 5.04–68.66 ± 13.62 GR%), Anethum graveolens L. (12.00 ± 2.00–100.00 ± 6.12 GR%), Cannabis sativa L. (72.66 ± 9.02–91.34 ± 1.16 GR%), Dracocephalum moldavica L. (38.00 ± 2.00–80.00 ± 17.44 GR%), Linum usitatissimum L. (44.66 ± 2.00–58.00 ± 3.46 GR%), and Satureja hortensis L. (52.00 ± 28.22–82.00 ± 8.00 GR%). The aim would be to introduce them into agroforestry systems.
Blue stem weevil (Ceutorhynchus sulcicollis) – a potential threat to oilseed rape production
(Taylor & Francis Group - Informa UK Limited, 2021-09-15) Sulg, Silva; Kaasik, Riina; Willow, Jonathan; Veromann, Eve
Oilseed rape (Brassica napus) has numerous insect pests, some of which are stem-miners. Currently, blue stem weevil (Ceutorhynchus sulcicollis) is not considered a pest of oilseed rape. In the present study, a total of 60 (30 untreated, 30 insecticide-treated) oilseed rape plants were dissected; and stem-mining larvae were collected, and subsequently allowed to pupate in soil. After pupation, all emerged adult weevils were identified as either blue stem weevil (C. sulcicollis) or cabbage stem weevil (Ceutorhynchus pallidactylus). We report that under favourable conditions C. sulcicollis was capable of reaching pest status, and was significantly more abundant than C. pallidactylus, indicating a critical need for future studies regarding C. sulcicollis.
Comparative efficacy of cucurbitacin phytonematicides and Velum on growth and fruit quality of watermelon cultivar ‘Congo’ and suppression of Meloidogyne enterolobii under field conditions
(Taylor & Francis Group - Informa UK Limited, 2021-11-07) Pofu, Kgabo Martha; Mashela, Phatu William
Globally, the guava root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne enterolobii) is becoming an emerging threat of note in crops with or without Mi resistance genes. Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) cultivars are highly susceptible to Meloidogyne species, with all cultivars without genotypes with resistance to the genus. In contrast, nematode management options for watermelon production had since the withdrawal of fumigant nematicides been constrained. The objective of this study was to investigate the comparative efficacy of the locally-developed cucurbitacin phytonematicides and commercially available synthetic chemical nematicide Velum on growth and fruit yield and quality of watermelon cv. ‘Congo’, along with its accumulation of foliar nutrient elements and suppression of M. enterolobii population densities under field conditions. Nemarioc-AL and Nemafric-BL phytonematicides were each applied biweekly at 2% per seedling using 500 ml solution, while Velum was applied once using 500 ml solution at 0.08 ml/15 L chlorine-free water. At 90 days after the treatments, relative to untreated control, the two phytonematicides and Velum (a.i. fluopyram) significantly increased plant growth, fruit yield and quality, although with the accumulation of phosphorus in leaf tissues, with efficacies of the three products being comparable. Similarly, relative to untreated control, the three products significantly reduced nematode eggs and juveniles in roots and juveniles in soil, with efficacies that were significantly comparable. In conclusion, the benefits of phytonematicides on the productivity of watermelon cv. ‘Congo’ and suppression of population densities of M. enterolobii were comparable.
Participatory evaluation of lupine genotypes on biomass and grain yield performance and nutritional value in the highland of Ethiopia
(Taylor & Francis Group - Informa UK Limited, 2021-11-16) Abera, Mergia
A study was conducted to evaluate the adaptability, yield performance and nutritional value, and to identify farmers preferred lupine genotypes. Four lupine genotypes were evaluated using participatory approach at Arbegona and Bule districts of Ethiopia on the farmer’s plots. The experimental layout followed a randomised complete block design with four replications. Farmers as well as researchers gave the first rank for accession No. 239042 and accession No. 239047 and least for Sanabor (Accession No. 144) in overall performance. Moreover, according to the results of the current study, accession No. 239004 and 239042 were the best lupine genotypes, which gave the greater grain yield, forage dry matter production and nutritive value than the other accession tested. Based on the laboratory evaluation, sweet lupine forage and seed can be used as homegrown protein source in livestock feeding. Farmers preferred all the tested lupine genotypes for their after assessing its grain yield. Even though Sanabor (Accession No. 144) was inferior in its grain yield, the farmers preferred the Sanabor mainly due to their early maturity, short growth habit, lodging tolerance, despite its high vegetative growth. Thus, the consideration of farmers’ preference for forage crops is crucial for increased adoption of improved forage crops.
Supplementing Pochonia chlamydosporia with botanicals for management of Meloidogyne incognita infesting chickpea
(Taylor & Francis Group - Informa UK Limited, 2021-11-21) Khan, Amir; Mfarrej, Manar Fawzi Bani; Tariq, Moh; Asif, Mohd; Nadeem, Hera; Siddiqui, Mansoor Ahmad; Alamri, Saad; Ahmad, Faheem
Root-knot nematodes pose a severe threat to worldwide agricultural development. Due to the high toxicity of chemical nematicides, eco-friendly control strategies against root-knot nematodes need to be established. A pot and in vitro experiment were performed to estimate nematicidal potential of Pochonia chlamydosporia. P. chlamydosporia was used alone or in combination with two botanicals for controlling Meloidogyne incognita in chickpea. The laboratory assessment was performed with four prepared concentrations (S, S/2, S/10, S/25) of fungal inoculum of P. chlamydosporia against egg hatching and second-stage juvenile’s mortality of M. incognita. All four concentrations reduced egg hatching and increased mortality of J2s. In pot experiment, P. chlamydosporia was used with chopped leaves of two botanicals viz., Ageratum conyzoides and Eichhornia crassipes against M. incognita in chickpea. All the treatments found significantly suppressed root infestation caused by M. incognita and improved growth and physiological attributes of chickpea. The combined application of P. chlamydosporia + A. conyzoides was found highly effective, and E. crassipes alone was least. Therefore, using P. chlamydosporia with botanicals is a promising sustainable strategy in agriculture against M. incognita infected chickpea.
Modelling greenhouse gas emissions of cacao production in the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire
(Springer Nature, 2022) Vervuurt, W.; Slingerland, M. A.; Pronk, A. A.; Van Bussel, L. G. J.
The current expansion of cacao cultivation in the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire is associated with deforestation, forest degradation, biodiversity loss and high greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Global concerns about emissions that are associated with tropical commodity production are increasing. Consequently, there is a need to change the present cacao-growing practice into a more climate-friendly cultivation system. A more climate-friendly system causes lower GHG emissions, stores a high amount of carbon in its standing biomass and produces high cacao yields. GHG emissions and carbon stocks associated with the present cacao production, as assessed in 509 farmers’ fields, were estimated by using the Perennial GHG model and the Cool Farm Tool. On average, the production of 1 kg cacao beans is associated with an emission of 1.47 kg CO2e. Deforestation contributed largely to GHG emissions, while tree biomass and residue management contributed mainly to carbon storage. The collected data combined with the model simulations revealed that it is feasible to produce relatively high yields while at the same time storing a high amount of carbon in the standing biomass and causing low GHG emissions. The climate-friendliness of cacao production is strongly related to farm management, especially the number of shade trees and management of residues. Calculated emissions related to good agricultural practices were 2.29 kg CO2e per kg cacao beans. The higher emissions due to the use of more agro-inputs and other residue management practices such as recommended burning of residues for sanitary reasons were not compensated for by higher yields. This indicates a need to revisit recommended practices with respect to climate change mitigation objectives.
Soil CO2 emissions in cropland with fodder maize (Zea mays L.) with and without riparian bufer strips of differing vegetation
(Springer Nature, 2022) Dlamini, J. C.; Cardenas, L. M.; Tesfamariam, E. H.; Dunn, R. M.; Evans, J.; Hawkins, J. M. B.; Blackwell, M. S. A.; Collins, A. L.
Vegetated land areas play a significant role in determining the fate of carbon (C) in the global C cycle. Riparian buffer vegetation is primarily implemented for water quality purposes as they attenuate pollutants from immediately adjacent croplands before reaching freashwater systems. However, their prevailing conditions may sometimes promote the production and subsequent emissions of soil carbon dioxide (CO2). Despite this, the understanding of soil CO2 emissions from riparian buffer vegetation and a direct comparison with adjacent croplands they serve remain elusive. In order to quantify the extent of CO2 emissions in such an agro system, we measured CO2 emissions simultaneously with soil and environmental variables for six months in a replicated plot-scale facility comprising of maize cropping served by three vegetated riparian buffers, namely: (i) a novel grass riparian buffer; (ii) a willow riparian buffer, and; (iii) a woodland riparian buffer. These buffered treatments were compared with a no-buffer control. The woodland (322.9 ± 3.1 kg ha− 1) and grass (285 ± 2.7 kg ha− 1) riparian buffer treatments (not significant to each other) generated significantly (p = < 0.0001) the largest CO2 compared to the remainder of the treatments. Our results suggest that during maize production in general, the woodland and grass riparian buffers serving a maize crop pose a CO2 threat. The results of the current study point to the need to consider the benefits for gaseous emissions of mitigation measures conventionally implemented for improving the sustainability of water resources.
Act of phosphorus on cell hydraulic state, K+ use efficiency and induction of positive correlations between yield and vegetative traits in chickpea
(Taylor & Francis Group - Informa UK Limited, 2022-01-05) Sadji-Ait Kaci, H.; Chaker-Haddadj, A.; Nedir-Kichou, A.; Aid, F
Salinity is one of the most severe factors that can affect agricultural productivity worldwide particularly in the arid and semi-arid agro-ecological zones. Chickpea seedlings were grown in the field and subjected to different NaCl concentrations (0, 50 and 150 mM) and P application (90 kg ha–1). The experimental design was based on a completely randomised design with three replications. Salinity has disturbed the physiological and ionic state of cells by increasing stomatal resistance and significantly decreased growth and yield parameters (−66%). Under salinity, plant growth traits presented a negative correlation with yield components. P application had positive effect on growth parameters and physiological responses of the plants. Our results suggest that the tolerance of chickpea at (NaCl × P) combination is closely associated with ionic homeostasis and physiological activities of the plants. Phosphorus application allowed salinity tolerance by increasing leaf hydraulic statute, improvement of KUE and consequently enhanced grain yield of chickpea. (P × salinity) combination induced a positive correlation between vegetative traits and yield parameters like unstressed treatment. These results suggest that the use of suitable amounts of phosphorus fertiliser (i. e. 90 kg ha–1) to saline soil is a beneficial starter for plant development, yield components and rehabilitation of degraded soils.
Effect of contour rainwater-harvesting and integrated nutrient management on sorghum grain yield in semi-arid farming environments of Zimbabwe
(Taylor & Francis Group - Informa UK Limited, 2022-01-06) Kubiku, Friday N. M.; Nyamadzawo, George; Nyamangara, Justice; Mandumbu, Ronald
The application of insufficient amounts of mineral fertiliser, coupled with unreliable precipitation, has caused a drastic reduction in the yield of sorghum in the smallholder-farming areas of Zimbabwe. This calls for innovative interventions to improve production under changing climatic conditions. This study evaluated the effect of contour-based rainwater-harvesting methods and the use of cattle manure + N nutrient amendment on sorghum yield. A split-split plot experiment was conducted where rainwater-harvesting practice, sorghum variety, cattle manure + N and distance from rainwater-harvesting structure were treatment factors. The results showed that the yield of sorghum was significantly higher under the tied contour and infiltration pits than standard contour at all distances from rainwater-harvesting practices and seasons. In all seasons sorghum varieties Macia and Sc Sila showed higher yield under the tied contour and infiltration pits than standard contour. However, regardless of the distance from rainwater-harvesting practice and season the sorghum variety, Macia showed a higher grain yield than Sc Sila. At each incremental level of N application to cattle manure, Macia had a higher grain yield than Sc Sila, and no significant grain yield benefits were shown in each variety at N application to cattle manure above 50 kg N ha−1.
Effect of long-term fertilisation on enzyme activities and microbial community composition in the rice rhizosphere
(Taylor & Francis Group - Informa UK Limited, 2022-01-06) Li, Weitao; Kuzyakov, Yakov; Zheng, Yulong; Liu, Ming; Wu, Meng; Dong, Yuanha; Li, Zhongpei
Mineral fertilisers differ in changing soil properties, and revealing how the rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere respond could provide a robust assessment of fertiliser regimes. Rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soils were sampled from five fertilisation treatments in a long-term (24 year) experiment. Enzyme activities and total phospholipid fatty acids (PLFA) content in the rhizosphere soil were 85.8% and 51.3% higher than in the non-rhizosphere soil, respectively. Fertilisation increased enzyme activities, especially the N-cycling enzyme β-1,4-N-acetylglucosaminidase in NP fertilised soil (1.5 and 2.5 times for rhizosphere and non rhizosphere soil, respectively). The PLFA composition indicated that fungi cominated in the rhizosphere fertilised with P, whereas bacteria were more common in the non-rhizosphere soil. The PLFA contents and enzyme activities in the rhizosphere of P-fertilised plants were lower than those in the non-rhizosphere soil because P availability was lower in the rhizosphere. The redundancy analysis showed that the microbial community in the rhizosphere soil was different from that of the non-rhizosphere soil, mainly because there were differences in the 15:1ω6c and 16:0. Long-term (24 year) fertilisation strongly increased nutrient contents, and microbial biomass and activity in paddy soil. It is advisable to apply P fertiliser in the root zone to increase fertiliser use efficiency.
Public potato breeding progress for the Nordic Region of Europe: evidence from multisite testing of selected breeding clones and available released cultivars
(Taylor & Francis Group - Informa UK Limited, 2022-01-06) Reslow, Fredrik; Carlson-Nilsson, Ulrika; Crossa, José; Cuevas, Jaime; Ortiz, Rodomiro
The breeding of new cultivars is a powerful approach to increase both the quantity and quality of potato harvest per land unit. The aim of this research was to determine using multi-site testing the progress made by the genetic enhancement of potato in Sweden in the last 1.5 decades by comparing advanced breeding clones (T4 upwards) bred in Sweden (Svensk potatisförädling hereafter) versus available released cultivars in Europe and grown in its Nordic Region. The multi-site testing results show that potato breeding based in Scandinavia offers to the growers of the Nordic Region of Europe cultivars for prevailing farming environments and end-user needs rather than relying, as happens today in the market, on foreign cultivars. These cultivars bred elsewhere are not always very suitable for the challenging Nordic agroecosystems, as shown by the results of the multi-site testing herein. Such an approach on relying on foreign cultivars may be advocated for not funding potato breeding in, and for Fennoscandia by those ignoring the results shown by this research.
Wheat production in the highlands of Eastern Ethiopia: opportunities, challenges and coping strategies of rust diseases
(Taylor & Francis Group - Informa UK Limited, 2022-01-09) Nigus, Mulu; Shimelis, Hussein; Mathew, Isack; Abady, Seltene
Ethiopia is the primary wheat producer in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) owing to the suitable agro-ecological conditions. Despite wheats economic potential for food security, the actual yield under smallholder farmers conditions is low due to various production constraints. Thus, the objectives of this study were to assess the present wheat production opportunities and constraints and identify farmer-preferred traits to guide variety design with stem rust-resistance and economic traits in eastern Ethiopia. Data on production constraints and trait preferences were collected using structured questionnaires involving 144 wheat-producing farmers. Wheat rust (reported by 97.3% of respondents), small land size (90.4%) and a lack of improved varieties (75.6%) were identified as the major constraints. About 41.7% of respondents in the West-Hararghe and 27.8% in the East-Hararghe zones did not use crop protection strategies to control rusts. Substantial respondent farmers used cultural practices (18.8%), rust-resistant cultivars (13.2%) or, a combination of these (10.4%) to control rust diseases. The essential farmer preferred traits in a wheat variety were rust resistance, high yield potential and good quality grain for bread making. Therefore, there is a need to breed new varieties with high grain yield and quality and durable rust resistance for sustainable wheat production in eastern Ethiopia.
Effect of two seeding rates on yield and yield components of winter and spring faba bean
(Taylor & Francis Group - Informa UK Limited, 2022-01-17) Neugschwandtner, Reinhard W.; Bernhuber, Alexander; Kammlander, Stefan; Wagentristl, Helmut; Klimek-Kopyra, Agnieszka; Bernas, Jaroslav; Kaul, Hans-Peter
In Central European cropping systems, there is increasing interest in winter faba bean (Vicia faba L. minor), which is traditionally used as a spring crop. But limited knowledge on yield and yield formation and optimum seeding rate exist. Therefore, the purpose of this assessment was to compare soil coverage, yield and yield components of two winter faba bean varieties (Diva and Hiverna) with a spring faba bean (Alexia) with two seeding rates (SR), 25 versus 50 germinable seeds m−2 (S), in a two-year field experiment under Pannonian climate conditions in eastern Austria. Both winter faba bean varieties produced a high grain yield with 25 S, whereas that of Alexia tended to be higher with 50 S. The grain yield of Diva and Hiverna was with 25 S and that of Diva also with 50 S higher than that of Alexia. The higher SR caused in winter faba beans a higher intraspecific competition resulting in less stems plant−1. Pod density of Alexia was higher with 50 S compared to 25 S, while grains pod−1 and thousand kernel weight of all three varieties were not affected by SR. Results show that winter faba bean can be sown in Central Europe with lower seeding rates compared to spring faba bean without suffering a grain yield loss.
Window dressing inequalities and constructing women farmers as problematic—gender in Rwanda’s agriculture policy
(Springer Nature, 2022-03-12) Andersson, Karolin; Pettersson, Katarina; Lodin, Johanna Bergman
Rwanda is often depicted as a success story by policy makers when it comes to issues of gender. In this paper, we show how the problem of gendered inequality in agriculture nevertheless is both marginalized and instrumentalized in Rwanda’s agriculture policy. Our in-depth analysis of 12 national policies is informed by Bacchi’s What’s the problem represented to be? approach. It attests that gendered inequality is largely left unproblematized as well as reduced to a problem of women’s low agricultural productivity. The policy focuses on framing the symptoms and effects of gendered inequality and turns gender mainstreaming into an instrument for national economic growth. We argue that by insufficiently addressing the socio-political underlying causes of gendered inequality, Rwanda’s agriculture policy risks reproducing and exacerbating inequalities by reinforcing dominant gender relations and constructing women farmers as problematic and men as normative farmers. We call for the policy to approach gendered inequality in alternative ways. Drawing on perspectives in feminist political ecology, we discuss how such alternatives could allow policy to more profoundly challenge underlying structural constraints such as unequal gender relations of power, gender norms, and gender divisions of work. This would shift policy’s problematizing lens from economic growth to social justice, and from women’s shortcomings and disadvantages in agriculture to the practices and relations that perpetuate inequality. In the long term, this could lead to transformed gender norms and power relations, and a more just and equal future beyond what the dominant agricultural development discourse currently permits.
Distribution of common bacterial blight and anthracnose diseases and factors influencing epidemic development in major common bean growing areas in Ethiopia
(Taylor & Francis Group - Informa UK Limited, 2022-04-20) Girma, Fedeke; Fininsa, Chemeda; Terefe, Habtamu; Amsalu, Berhanu
Common bean is an important legume consumed as a source of food and used as a cash crop worldwide. However, its production and productivity are mainly constrained by bacterial and fungal diseases. A field survey was conducted to determine the prevalence, incidence, severity and association of factors influencing common bacterial blight (CBB) and anthracnose epidemics in major bean growing areas of Ethiopia, during 2019. In three regions within six zones from 12 districts, a total of 180 common bean fields were assessed for CBB and anthracnose. The results revealed that CBB and anthracnose were 100% prevalent though CBB was more severe than anthracnose. The logistic regression model showed CBB and anthracnose components were significantly associated with biophysical factors. High CBB incidence (>70%) at Ambo, Arsi-Negele and Shashemene-zuriya and high severity (>30%) at Ambo, Boricha and Shahsemene-zuriya were strongly associated with sole cropping, July sowing, poor weeding practices, maturity stage and own saved seeds. Anthracnose incidence of >50% and severity of >30% had high probabilities of associations with zones, sole cropping, own saved seeds, variety, poor weeding practices and maturity stages. The study indicated that CBB and anthracnose are severe and 100% prevalent in Ethiopia, and efforts should be done towards the usage of clean seeds, weeding practices, following appropriate sowing dates and other appropriate agronomic practices to manage the diseases.
Influence of genotype and environment on grain yield among cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) genotypes under dry land farming system
(2022-05-10) Gumede, Mbali Thembi; Gerrano, Abe Shego; Modi, Albert Thembinkosi; Thungo, Zamalotshwa
The identification of high-yielding and stable genotypes for cultivation across differential production regions is among the key breeding objectives in cowpea improvement programs. This study was aimed to determine genotype-by-environment interaction (GEI) for grain yield to select high-yielding and stable cowpea genotypes for production in South Africa and identical agro-ecologies, and for cultivar development. Fifty cowpea genotypes were tested for grain yield across seven environments of South Africa using a 10 × 5 alpha lattice design replicated three times, during the 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 planting seasons. Grain yield data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA), additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) and the genotype-by-environment interaction (GGE) biplot analyses. ANOVA and AMMI showed significant genotype, environment and GEI effects. High grain yield was recorded for genotypes G35 (0.47 t ha−1), G1 (0.45 t ha−1) and G47 (0.43 t ha−1) across test environments. AMMI stability values (ASV); identified Acc-Cowp44 as the most stable genotype across all sites, recording the lowest ASV of 0.03. The comparison view of GGE biplot revealed Acc-Cowp29, Acc-Cowp38 and Acc-Cowp5 as ideal genotypes, possessing high grain yield of 0.19, 0.47 and 0.36 t ha−1 , respectively. The identified genotypes are recommended for production and inclusion in subsequent breeding activities.
Mycorrhizal species selectivity of sweet sorghum genotypes and their effect on nutrients uptake
(Taylor & Francis Group - Informa UK Limited, 2022-05-16) Ortas, Ibrahim; Bilgili, Gizem
This study aimed to find the effects of several mycorrhiza species on agronomic characteristics and nutrient uptake of various sweet sorghum genotypes under the semi-arid Mediterranean soil conditions. Four sweet sorghum genotypes were inoculated with three mycorrhiza species under greenhouse conditions. The plants were evaluated for growth parameters such as shoot height, root length, root morphology (root surface, root diameter and volume), shoot and root dry weight, uptake of macro and micro mineral nutrients, root colonisation and mycorrhizal dependency. Mycorrhizal species significantly improved growth and productivity of sorghum genotypes. Inoculation of Funneliformis mosseae, Claroideoglomus claroideum and Claroideoglomus etunicatum resulted in the highest shoot and total dry matter biomass production in Ashana, Hereahri and Yellow genotypes, respectively. Mycorrhiza inoculated white genotype had higher root colonisation and root development, and shoot P, K, Ca and Mg contents. Yellow genotypes produced significantly higher shoot and total dry weight and also were highly mycorrhiza dependent among the four genotypes. Compared to the control treatment mycorrhizal inoculation increased shoot Zn concentration but had non-consistent effects on shoot Cu, Fe and Mn contents. Conclusively, our findings confirmed that sweet sorghum genotypes responded selectively to arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) colonisation for their growth parameters and nutrients uptake.
Drought tolerance screening of rice genotypes in mid-hills of Nepal using various drought indices
(Taylor & Francis Group - Informa UK Limited, 2022-05-22) Kandel, Bishnu Prasad; Joshi, Laxmi Prasad; Sharma, Subarna; Adhikari, Prabha; Koirala, Barsha; Shrestha, Kumar
Drought is a major abiotic factor causing rice yield loss in rainfed and drought-prone areas, so screening of the cultivars for drought tolerance is crucial. Our study screens 10 commercial rice cultivars grown in the mid-hills of Nepal and four pipeline genotypes. Our objective is to identify the superior drought-tolerant cultivar and suitable indices for screening. The 14 rice genotypes were evaluated under both drought stress and non-stress conditions in randomized complete block design with three replications. The yield reduction for the cultivars ranged from 12-54% during water-stressed conditions. The drought indices mean productivity, geometric mean productivity and stress tolerance index showed a positive and high correlation with grain yield. Based on drought indices, genotype NR 119 showed the highest mean productivity, geometric mean productivity, stress tolerance index and lowest yield loss. Further, principal component analysis bolsters our results by clustering similar drought indices and drought tolerant cultivars. The NR 119 is followed by Chaite 5 and Chaite 4 as a drought-tolerant genotype, therefore, we recommend it for drought-prone areas of the mid-hill region of Nepal. We identified mean productivity, stress tolerance index and geometric mean productivity as important drought indices, so we recommend using this for drought screening.
Can co-application of silicate rock powder and humic-like acids increase nutrient uptake and plant growth in weathered tropical soil?
(Taylor & Francis Group - Informa UK Limited, 2022-05-31) Busato, Jader Galba; dos Santos, Luiz Fernando; de Paula, Alessandra Monteiro; Sodré, Fernando Fabriz; de Oliveira, Aline Lima; Dobbss, Leonardo Barros; Martins, Éder de Souza; Jindo, Keiji
Silicate rock powder (SRP) restores the fertility of weathered soils. However, its slow nutrient release is a disadvantage for short-duration crops. Humic-like acids (HLAs) are plant biostimulants that enhance root development and nutrient uptake. This work evaluates the effects of the co-application of HLA extracted from a vermicompost and SRP on the nutrient uptake and growth of maize cultivated in weathered soil in Brazil. The chemical composition of HLA was assessed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and 13Carbon-nuclear magnetic resonance, revealing an overall characteristic of hydrophobicity. A preliminary trial with different HLA concentrations (0, 20, 40, 80, and 160 mg L−1) revealed that 40 mg L−1 HLA resulted in the highest increase in the root area, dry root weight, H+ efflux, and the number of lateral roots, compared with other concentrations. The main experiment using soil treated with SRP at different rates (0, 600, 1200, 1800, and 2400 kg ha−1) showed that the co-application of SRP and HLA caused a significant difference in the root and total plant weights, compared with the sole SRP application. Furthermore, it increased the nutrient content of the plants. These effects are mainly because of increased proton pump activity and the hydrophobicity of HLA.

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