Agricultural Research最新文献

Failure of pollination in date palms usually happens when temperature drops during the flowering season, causing a reduction in the fruit set and yield. Screening low temperature-tolerant date palm cultivars are needed in order to stabilize yield in such conditions. The present study was conducted to ascertain the impacts of varying temperatures, from 10 to 35 °C at 5 °C intervals, on the pollen germination and tube growth of eight date palm cultivars known as; Bouhlesse 1 (B1), Deglet-Baida 1 (DB1), Deglet-Nour 1 (DN1), Ghars 1 (GH1), Ghars 2 (GH2), Halwaya 1 (HL1), Moch-Deglet 1 (MD1) and Moch-Deglet2 (MD2). The studied cultivars belong to three flowering periods; precocious, medium and late period. Pollen germination and pollen tube growth were influenced by temperature across all cultivars. Nevertheless, the flowering periods did not have any significant impact on pollen germination and pollen tube length. In all cultivars, the optimal temperatures for pollen germination, above 90%, were found between 15 and 30 °C. The optimum temperature, according to the pollen tube growth, was recorded at 20 °C for DN1, H1, MD1 and MD2 and at 25 °C for B1, DB1, G1 and G2, respectively. The lowest rates of pollen germination and pollen tube growth were recorded at 10 °C, with the exception of MD2, G1, and H1, where the pollen germination rate approached 80%. Therefore, these cultivars could be used for pollination of date palm female during cold flowering seasons.

Seaweed extracts are proven to be potent biostimulants due to the presence of wide range of nutrients including mineral like potassium and other macro-micronutrients, plant growth hormones, amino acids, vitamins, glycine betaines and quaternary ammonium compounds in them. In the present study, potassium-rich powders were obtained from some commercially important tropical red seaweeds viz. Kappaphycus alvarezii, Gracilaria salicornia, G. edulis, G. firma and G. heteroclada and Eucheuma spinosum and checked for their biostimulant effect through green gram seedling bioassay study on in vitro using WinRhizo software, and we found that extracts of all species increased the root development at significant level (p < 0.05) as compared to standard nutrient medium. G. salicornia of Indian origin which is naturally available on a commercial level (>1000 t dry per year) was taken for further studies and manufactured 3 variants of potassium-rich biostimulants, viz. concentrated seaweed extract (CSE), potassium-rich water-soluble powder (PSP) and seaweed fortified granule (SFG), and tested their biostimulant activity on cassava root at farmer’s field and found to increase the tuber yield to 17.40%, 20.09% and 22.19%, respectively, with high starch content, less incidence of cassava brown streak virus disease (CBSD) and increased nutrient use efficiency over control plants. Based on the results of present study, potassium-rich biostimulant obtained from G. salicornia can be applied to cassava for yield and quality improvement.

This study investigated the effect of plant species, month of the year, time of the day, and weather variables on hen percentage outdoor and ranging distance of Lohmann LSL Classic (LW) and Lohmann Sandy (LS) strains. Mentha piperita (M. piperita), Petroselinum crispum (P. crispum), and Medicago sativa (M. sativa) were studied. From 14 to 42 weeks of age, the number of hens outside and the distance ranged: from 0 to 3.0 m, 3.1–6.0 m, and 6.1–9.0 m from the barn were live counted at 9:00 a.m., 12:00, and 3:00 p.m. daily. Also, within the same time, the weather conditions (live observed), and the indoor and outdoor temperatures were recorded accordingly. More LW than LS hens were observed outside and more LS than LW hens ranged further than 3.0 m from the barn (p < 0.01). More hens were found in the M. sativa than in other plant treatments (p < 0.01). The percentage of hens outside and ranging distance increased at 12:00 noon, at an indoor–outdoor temperature difference of ≥ 3 °C, and in October (p < 0.01). Hen percentage on the range and ranging distance increased and decreased in cloudy and foggy weather, respectively (p < 0.01). Additionally, the interaction between strain and the month of the year, and the interaction between strain and the weather conditions affected hen percentage outdoor (p < 0.01). It was concluded that the hen percentage outdoor and ranging distance can be modulated by plant species and laying hen strain. It is crucial to consider these two aspects in further studies so that the ranging behaviors of hens can be enhanced.

Most of the inland open-waters, especially lakes, have been the victim of enhanced man-induced perturbations and are in a critical phase of ecological transition. Lakes function as long-term sinks for many pollutants including Potentially Toxic Elements (PTE), so the problems would further be accentuated due to environmental degradation and impending climate change scenario. Hence, a study was designed to evaluate the distribution of PTEs in water, sediments and fish (Pethia conchonius and Cyprinus carpio) of Sumendu (Mirik) Lake situated in the Eastern Himalayan part of India. It plays a significant role in providing means of livelihood to many sectors. Thirty-three sediment and water specimens were acquired from 11 sampling points to characterise the PTEs (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Cr, Co, Cd, Ni, Pb, and As) concentrations levels using ICP-MS. Spatial distributional trends and pollution quality indexes were assessed for sediment samples. The degree of PTE exposure in the water and fishes were found to be within acceptable limits. The geostatistical prediction map showed that the concentration range of As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn in sampling points were 2.61–10.1 µg g⁻¹, 0.02–0.48 µg g⁻¹, 4.85–17.5 µg g⁻¹, 32.2–84.7 µg g⁻¹, 24.2–47.1 µg g⁻¹, 13,007–61029 µg g⁻¹, 128.3–629.9 µg g⁻¹, 18.9–49.8 µg g⁻¹, 3.80–20.8 µg g⁻¹, 95.0–282.4 µg g⁻¹, respectively. Moreover, the sediment samples were found to be low to moderately polluted according to several pollution assessment indices viz. Degree of Contamination, Contamination Factor, Ecological Risk Index, etc. The findings of this research will aid in understanding potential contamination sources and significant pollution hotspots that could be utilised to develop contamination control strategies and targeted management tactics for Himalayan fresh water lakes.

Carrot cultivation in south-eastern Nigeria could reduce the need to transport carrots from northern regions. To explore this, a field experiment with three replications was carried out in Nsukka, south-eastern Nigeria, focusing on four carrot varieties (Carotte Touchon, Touchon Mega, Super Mega, and Touchon France) and three poultry manure rates (0, 10, and 20 t ha⁻¹). The study revealed that Carotte Touchon had the highest root production (11.6 t ha⁻¹) with 20 t ha⁻¹ of manure, followed by 7.5 t ha⁻¹ at 10 t ha⁻¹, while Touchon Mega had the lowest root yield (1.4 t ha⁻¹) in the control group. Proximate quality of carrots was mostly unaffected by the varieties, except for fat content. The study found significant variations in vitamins A, C, and E, phytochemicals (phytate, tannins, and oxalate), and minerals (Fe, Mg, Na, and K) among the varieties, although no impact on Zn and Ca was observed. This research suggests that carrots have substantial growth potential in south-eastern Nigeria, offering a solution to vitamin and mineral deficiencies prevalent in this area. Additionally, Carotte Touchon with either 20 t ha⁻¹ or 10 t ha⁻¹ of poultry manure is recommended for optimal carrot cultivation in this region.

The sustainability of agricultural systems can be improved by practices such as intercropping or no tillage. Such practices have not been evaluated for wheat–faba bean cropping systems on a Vertisol in the rainfed Mediterranean region. A 3-yr study (2014–2015, 2015–2016 and 2016–2017) was conducted to determine the effects of tillage systems (reduced tillage and no tillage) on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)–faba bean (Vicia faba L.) intercrop and sole crop performance under a dryland rotation system with sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) rotation. Wheat was intercropped with faba bean arranged 2:1 row. The field experiment was designed in a split plot randomized block with tillage system in main plot and cropping system in sub-plot with four replications. The land equivalent ratio of the grain yield was greater than 1, indicating a more efficient use of land by intercropping. No tillage improved the grain yield compared to reduced tillage by 65, 10 and 32% in the cultivation of wheat, faba beans and sunflower, respectively. The grain yield obtained with the intercropping system was higher than that with the sole cropping system only in the faba bean crop. The cropping system was not influenced by the tillage systems. The soil–plant analyses development (SPAD) values were lower for the intercropped wheat, suggesting a lower bioavailability of N in this cropping system. However, intercropping could be highly beneficial compared to planting wheat alone since higher grain yields are achieved even without the application of N fertilizer.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are a consortium of symbiont fungi present in the root zone of plants, which provide phosphorus and enhance the soil water holding capacity, resulting in low-cost input for plant growth and development. The objective of this study was to promote growth and development of Indian pennywort (Centella asiatica (L.) Urb.) via arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF)-regulated water deficit tolerance. One-month-old stolon propagated stocks were cultivated under greenhouse conditions by following a regular irrigation schedule for a month. Two treatments of soil samples were prepared: i) sterilized soil—AMF and ii) sterilized soil + AMF. Three water regimes, (i) well-watering (control; 95% field capacity), (ii) moderately water deficit (73% field capacity) and (iii) severely water deficit (66% field capacity) for 14 days, were applied. Root colonization in + AMF plants was larger than—AMF, leading to the enhanced phosphorus content in the leaf tissues and better plant growth performances. Leaf temperature (T_leaf) (+ 0.92 °C) and crop water stress index (1.74 folds) were significantly increased, when subjected to severely water deficit. In contrast, leaf greenness was increased by 1.42 folds over the control and the maximum quantum yield of PSII and photon yield of PSII were retained. In the case of gas exchange parameters, net photosynthetic rate, and stomatal conductance were sensitive to severely water deficit. Under without AMF-inoculation, net photosynthetic rate was decreased by 52.2 and 79.1% when subjected to moderate and severe water deficit conditions, respectively. Increment of free proline and glucose in the water deficit stressed plants were evidently observed as major osmolytes to control the leaf osmotic potential, especially under without AMF-inoculation. Under AMF inoculation, free proline and glucose concentration in the leaf tissues was stable even subjected to moderate and severe water deficit. Madecassoside content in + AMF plants was the maximum at 120 mg g⁻¹ dry weight, and it was retained under moderately water deficit at 118.9 mg g⁻¹ dry weight, whereas it declined by 37.11% over the control when subjected to severely water deficit. Similarly, centellosides yield in + AMF plants under moderately water deficit was increased over the control (− AMF) and declined by 5 folds when subjected to severely water deficit. In the case of herbal yield traits, number of leaves, leaf area and plant biomass of AMF-inoculated plants were greater than those of without AMF inoculation and also retained even subjected to WD stress. In summary, AMF inoculation is an alternative way to promote madecassoside, high biomass yield and high centellosides content as well as alleviate moderate water deficit stress during the production of Indian pennywort.

Chestnut (Castanea spp.) species give delicious fruits containing balanced nutriments and their varieties have been mainly distinguished by nuts and leaves. Because these morphological traits are influenced by environmental factors, it may be impracticable to distinguish various varieties exactly based solely on morphological traits. We used RAPD and SRAP markers to assess genetic relationship among exotic varieties and native ones including ‘SongchonBam’ and ‘KumyaWangBam’. UPGMA phylogenetic tree and PcoA analysis divided 35 chestnut varieties into 2 major clusters at the genetic distance of 0.26–0.30. According to STRUCTURE analysis, all samples were divided into two groups corresponding to two species (C. mollissima, C. crenata) in case K = 2. The markers selected in this study would be useful to provide detailed information about genetic diversity of chestnut germplasms to assist in breeding and conservation strategies.

To investigate the growth and physiological response of the halophyte quinoa plant to the application of salicylic acid and spermidine under salt stress conditions, two experiments were conducted under field and greenhouse conditions in the Jofair region of Khuzestan province in 2019. The findings indicated that salinity significantly increased root membrane electrolyte leakage while reducing root volume and relative water content. It was observed that the most severe salinity stress (24 dS/m) resulted in the highest membrane electrolyte leakage and lowest root volume and relative water content. Additionally, salinity escalation led to a notable rise in antioxidant activity, including superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase. On the other hand, treatments involving salicylic acid and spermidine effectively alleviated the negative consequences of salinity stress on the Quinoa plant by enhancing its anti-stress capabilities. Specifically, the application of 1.5 mM of salicylic acid and spermidine exhibited increased relative water content and root volume, as well as enhanced antioxidant enzymes such as SOD, CAT, POX, and proline. This treatment also reduced ion leakage and hydrogen peroxide levels. The findings of the present study suggest that the applied salicylic acid and spermidine positively impacted the Quinoa plant's ability to alleviate the negative effects of salinity stress.

Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) is the main ingredient in the manufacture of chocolates and confectionery undergoes different unit operations, viz. fermentation, drying and roasting for a quality product. Fermentation followed by drying is an important farm level processing of cocoa. Fermentation studies were conducted by holding the cocoa beans (mixed F1 progeny varieties) in the bamboo basket, heaping on the floor and wooden box, and allowed to ferment for 6 days. During fermentation, the fermenting mass was manually turned at 12, 24 and 48h interval with a control. During the fermentation, pH of the pulp and beans, quantity of sweat collected temperature of the fermenting mass, moisture content of the mass and microbial population were determined following the standard procedures. After fermentation, the beans were dried by sun-drying, and the physical and biochemical qualities of dried cocoa beans, viz. bean count, number of beans per 100 g, bean texture, cut test, pH, titratable acidity and free fatty acid were determined. The method of fermentation and tuning intervals were non-significant on pH of pulp, moisture content, sweat produced, microbial population and free fatty acid. The method of fermentation and tuning intervals were significant on temperature profile, bean count, cut test and pH of bean. The microbial population varied with fermentation duration in all fermentation methods. In heap method with 48-h turning interval, pH, temperature and hardness (texture) were found higher than other fermentation methods. The per cent brown beans, considered as healthy beans, were at par with the turning interval and significant with the method of fermentation and were higher under the heap method at 12 and 24 h of turning intervals. Turning at 12h interval in heap method resulted in less acidic nature (titratable acidity) and desirable quality attributes, which is considered as optimum.