Journal of Tropical Crop Science
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Optimizing Soil Drainage Strategies for Waterlogging Mitigation in Vertisol: Temporal Interventions for Lentil Production in Eastern Amhara Highlands, Ethiopia
Full text linkIn Ethiopia’s central highlands, lentils are the second most important pulse crop, but their productivity is constrained by waterlogging and a lack of clear recommendations on optimal planting times. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of various soil drainage techniques for lentil sowing, determine the optimal planting time for vertisols, and develop environmentally sustainable management strategies for lentil cultivation. Field experiments were conducted during the 2022 and 2023 cropping seasons in the eastern Ethiopian highlands, specifically in the Legehida and Wereilu districts of the Amhara region. The study tested three planting times (July, August, and September) and two land management practices (sowing with drainage on raised beds and sowing on flat beds) arranged in a factorial randomized complete block design (RCBD). The results showed highly significant differences in both locations. In Legehida, early planting on raised beds increased yield by 1004.78% and biomass by 642.13% compared to late planting. Yields were 1184.67% higher with raised beds than with flat beds or traditional farmer practices, which also showed a 541.86% increase in biomass. Similarly, in Wereilu, early planting on raised beds resulted in a highly significant improvement (p ≤ 0.05) over farmer practices. Therefore, in vertisol areas prone to waterlogging, early sowing of lentils on 120 cm wide raised beds after drainage is an effective strategy to enhance yield and biomass production
Evaluation of Copper Hydroxide Bactericide for the Management of Common Bacterial Blight (Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. phaseoli) of Common Bean in Eastern Amhara, Ethiopia
Full text linkCommon bacterial blight constitutes a major constraint to common bean production in Ethiopia. To evaluate the efficacy of seed treatment and varying frequencies of foliar application of copper hydroxide for disease management, a field experiment was conducted at the Sirinka, Jari, and Cheffa research sites during the 2022 and 2023 growing seasons. The study employed a randomized complete block design with three replications. Eight treatments were assessed, including copper hydroxide seed treatment alone, seed treatment combined with one, two, or three foliar spray applications, and an untreated control. Data on disease severity, yield, and yield components were subjected to analysis of variance using GenStat version 18.0 software. The combined mean analysis revealed that the highest area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC) value (957) was recorded in the seed-treated plots receiving two foliar sprays, while the lowest AUDPC value (518.6) was observed in the untreated control plots. Seed yield ranged from 1408 kg.ha-1 in the control treatment to 2397 kg.ha-1 in plots treated with copper hydroxide seed treatment plus two foliar sprays. The highest marginal rate of return (2214.2%) was attained with seed treatment alone, whereas a single foliar spray application yielded a return of 102.92%. Based on these findings, it is recommended that copper hydroxide bactericide be applied as a seed treatment at a rate of 300 g.100 kg-1 of common bean seed at planting, supplemented with a single foliar spray at the onset of disease, as this approach provides the greatest net economic benefit compared to other treatments and the control
Grafting-Induced Phenotypic and Genomic Variations in Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) through Interspecific Compatibility with M. Glaziovi
Full text linkGrafting is a promising approach to enhance cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) productivity, particularly in improving tuber yield and quality. Despite its technical simplicity, research on the morphological and molecular consequences of grafting in cassava is limited. This study aimed to quantitatively assess phenotypic differences between grafted and shoot cutting plants and characterize genetic modifications in shoot apical meristems near the graft union. Three splice-grafting combinations were evaluated: M. glaziovii (cv. "Karet")/"Revita RV1" (KR), "Karet"/ "Carvita 25" (KC), and "Carvita 25"/ "Revita RV1" (CR), alongside shoot-cutting plants of each cultivar. Grafted seedlings and conventional cuttings were transplanted to the field, and growth was monitored up to five months after grafting (5 MAG). Shoot bud samples were collected for RAPD analysis at three months (3 MAG). Grafted plants showed differences in morphology compared to controls, especially in branching architecture, branch angle, stem diameter, and internode length. However, the overall plant form and primary stem type remained stable. The color of emerging shoots consistently reflected their genotypic origin, like scion or rootstock, as did the shoot buds nearest the graft union. RAPD analysis using multiple primers revealed polymorphic banding patterns, with OPE-12 producing the most diverse profiles. While specific bands were associated with each cultivar, grafted regenerants often exhibited altered or novel band profiles, suggesting somaclonal variation or graft-induced genetic/epigenetic changes. Some regenerants displayed unexpected band types, such as C1 in R-KR1 and R-KR3, which were absent from their known parental genotypes. Cluster analysis grouped 45 samples into five major clusters and eight subgroups, indicating genetic divergence among certain grafted combinations, particularly "Carvita 25"–"Revita RV1" and M. glaziovii–"Revita RV1". These results demonstrate that grafting can significantly impact cassava phenotype and genome stability. This study shows that interspecific grafting between cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) and M. glaziovii can induce significant phenotypic and genomic variations
Morphophysiological Study of Kecapi (Sandoricum koetjape Merr.) Seedlings Against Different Artificial Light Spectra and Intensities
Full text linkKecapi (Sandoricum koetjape Merr.) is a tropical fruit species that belongs to the Meliaceae family. Kecapi trees require 5-7 years to produce fruit when grown from seeds, necessitating efforts to accelerate their growth, including through the modification of light. This research aimed to study kecapi’s morphological, physiological, and anatomical responses to light spectra and intensities from light-emitting diodes. The experiment was designed using a two-factor, completely randomized design (CRD), namely LED light spectrum (white and purple) and light intensity (2 and 4 lights). The result showed that morphological and vegetative growth were significantly affected under the high-intensity purple LED treatment. The low-intensity purple LED treatment increased stomatal conductance and chlorophyll-b synthesis. The transpiration rate was highest under the high intensity white LED treatment. Low-intensity white LED treatment only increased the abaxial stomatal aperture. As the intensity increased, it also increased N-Total content but decreased micronutrient levels in the leaves
Improvement of Soil Properties through Farmyard Manure and Lime for Barley Productivity in Acidic Hot Spot Areas of Ethiopia
Full text linkThe experiment was conducted to enhance barley productivity and improve soil properties in acid hotspots areas by applying farmyard manure and varying lime rates in the northwestern Amhara region, Ethiopia. The experiment comprised the combination of three levels of farmyard manure (0, 2, and 4 t.ha-1) and four levels of lime (0, 25, 50, and 100%) with one plot containing 92% N from urea and 69% P2O5 from TSP which was laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications. Data on soil physico-chemical properties and yield components of barley were collected and subjected to ANOVA. The individual application of farmyard manure and lime had a significant impact on the yield components of barley. Similarly, soil properties changed slightly under the treatments compared to the soil before planting. Sole application of 4 t.ha-1 farmyard manure and 100% lime ( 8.8 t.ha-1) gives the highest grain and above-ground biomass yield (1.7 and 3.5 t.ha-1) and (1.6 and 3.1 t.ha-1), respectively, than the control and the pilot treatments. Similarly, the application of sole 4 t.ha-1 scored the highest plant height (72.9 cm) compared to the control and pilot treatments. To achieve the highest net benefit within a short period, applying 4 t.ha-1 and 25% (2.2 t.ha-1) can be preferable for yield improvement in the study area and similar agro-ecological environments
Genetic Variability, Heritability, Genetic Advance, Correlation, and Path-Coefficient Analysis for Yield Attributing Traits in Chia (Salvia hispanica L.)
Full text linkChia (Salvia hispanica L.) is a promising multifunctional crop renowned for its numerous health benefits. It is essential to comprehend the genetic variability of chia and how various variables impact seed yield to increase its genetic improvement under the agro climatic conditions of Bangladesh. A field experiment was conducted using eight chia genotypes to assess genetic diversity, heritability, and genetic advance (GA), as well as the correlation coefficients for eight factors and their level of association with yield. Analysis of variance results showed significant variation for all the traits, i.e., the number of branches per plant, the number of inflorescences per plant, the length of the main inflorescence, the number of seeds per floret, and seed yield per plant, which differed significantly from one another. GPBC 1, BAU Chia 2, BAU Chia 1, and GPBC 3 were found to be promising genotypes for yield-attributing traits. Higher genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation was observed for seed yield per plant and the number of inflorescences per plant. High heritability coupled with high GA% was recorded for the number of inflorescences per plant and seed yield per plant. Seed yield per plant was positively correlated with the number of inflorescences per plant, the length of the main inflorescence, and plant height, while being negatively correlated with days to first flowering and days to maturity. Plant height and the number of inflorescences per plant had the highest direct positive effect on seed yield per plant as revealed through path analysis. The first four principal components contributed 84% of the total variation. The results of the current research may help choose better genotypes and traits for chia breeding initiatives to increase yield
An Efficient Somatic Embryogenesis and Plant Regeneration from Immature Embryo of Wild Banana Musa acuminata ssp. malaccensis
Full text linkWild banana Musa acuminata ssp. malaccensis, an ancestor of cultivated bananas, possesses valuable genetic diversity, including resistance genes to fusarium wilt, and demonstrates high environmental adaptability. These traits are important for pre-breeding programs, whether by conventional breeding, which is a lengthy process, or by taking advantage of somatic cell manipulation techniques such as somatic hybridization, which requires an efficient plant regeneration system like somatic embryogenesis. We have established an efficient and comprehensive protocol for somatic embryogenesis of this wild Musa using immature zygotic embryo explants covering culture induction and proliferation, somatic embryo development, and subsequent plant conversion. Embryogenic culture was induced on a complex-modified MS medium supplemented with 1 mg.L-1 2,4-D auxin or 5 mg.L-1 picloram. The embryogenic cultures proliferated in the form of granular or nodular structures, which was best obtained by reducing the picloram concentration to 1 mg.L-1 and combining it with the same concentration of 2,4-D at a half-strength macro-nutrient of basal medium. Embryo development from embryogenic cultures and regeneration into shoots. Proembryos as granular structures spontaneously matured into early-stage somatic embryos upon withdrawal of the strong auxin inducer. Increasing the sucrose and gelling agent concentrations in the growth medium improved somatic embryo formation from embryogenic cultures. The frequency of shoot formation from developed somatic embryos was increased by incorporating 0.5 mg.L-1 BA and 0.5 mg.L-1 GA3 into the regeneration medium
Variability of Agronomic and Metabolomic Characteristics of Nine Accessions of Cardamom (Amomum compactum) From Central Java, Indonesia
Full text linkAmomum compactum (Javanese cardamom) is valued for its unique flavor and aroma, commonly used as a culinary spice or medicinal ingredient. The numerous accessions of cardamom in Indonesia present a significant potential for developing this spice. However, the specific potential of each accession remains to be discovered. This study records the variation of agronomical traits and metabolomic profiles of nine cardamom accessions from Central Java, Indonesia. Multivariate analysis using a heatmap on agronomical traits indicated significant variation among accessions, with clustering based on growth locations. Genetic parameter analysis revealed high phenotypic variability, but varying broad-sense heritability among traits, suggesting the influence of both genotypic and environmental factors. Metabolomic analysis using GC-MS reveals the presence of specific compounds in certain accessions, such as beta-panasinsene in the Kulonprogo Putih accession, 1-docosene and alpha-terpinene in the Banyumas Putih accession, and 9-tricosene in the Banyumas Hybrid, which can serve as markers for these accessions
Phenological Study of Flowering and Fruiting in Banana “Rejang” (Musa acuminata Colla)
Full text linkBanana “Rejang” originates from Rejang Lebong Regency in Bengkulu Province, Sumatra, at elevations ranging from 600 to 700 meters above sea level. Banana “Rejang” is known for its sweet taste, high fibre in the pseudo stems, resistance to Fusarium spp., with slender and long fruits, and tapering fruit tips. This study aims to examine the phenological patterns of Rejang bananas and establish appropriate harvest criteria using the heat unit method. A descriptive research design was employed to illustrate the phenological development during the generative phase without external treatments. A total of 25 Rejang banana plants were observed and measured, spanning the developmental stages from flag leaf emergence to flowering and fruiting. Data were collected daily at 7:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 4:00 p.m. The average daily temperature was recorded to calculate heat units in degrees Celsius (°C). Phenological development begins with the emergence of the flag leaf at 102 days after planting, corresponding to an accumulated heat unit of 1,800-degree days. Flower initiation occurs at 134 days after planting, with 2,330-degree days accumulated as heat units. The period from flower initiation to anthesis lasts approximately 4 days, followed by a period of 4 days after anthesis (DAA). Bract opening occurs 3 DAA, followed by bract rolling at 7 DAA and banana heart emergence at 10 DAA. The bunch stalk forms 7 days after anthesis, after the banana heart emerges. Fertilization occurs 165 days after planting (DAP), with a total heat unit accumulation of 2,833 degree-days. This stage involves the formation of the bunch stalk and the emergence of the fruit cluster, which occurs 5 DAA. The rachis appears at 5 days after anthesis, and fruit development is reached at 12 DAA after rachis emergence. The optimal harvest
Application of Phosphorus and Determination of Heat Units to Increase Productivity and Isoflavone Content of Several Varieties of Edamame Soybeans
Full text linkEdamame is rich in isoflavones, which offer notable health and beauty benefits. Phosphorus influences the biosynthesis of isoflavones in edamame, making this nutrient an important factor in crop management. Edamame soybeans are harvested at the R6 stage, when pods are fully developed yet still green, a timing that is critical for ensuring optimal quality. Harvest maturity is determined using accumulated heat units, a method that calculates the temperature differences at the planting site to assess crop readiness accurately. This study evaluated the effects of phosphorus fertilization and variety on edamame productivity and isoflavone content. The experiment was conducted at the IPB Experimental Station in Bogor, Indonesia (coordinates: -6.548927° S, 106.734462° E), using a randomized complete block design with three replications. The first factor was phosphorus fertilizer applied at rates of 0, 18, 36, and 54 kg P₂O₅ per hectare. In contrast, the second factor was edamame variety (“Biomax 1”, “Biomax 2”, and “Detam 2” as a check variety for isoflavone content). The results showed no significant interaction between phosphorus fertilization and variety for several growth parameters, including leaf phosphorus content, leaf number, branch number, relative growth rate, and pod weight per plant. However, significant differences among varieties were observed for leaf number and seed weight per plant. Phosphorus fertilization did not significantly affect branch number or pod weight, but it did influence isoflavone content, with different phosphorus doses increasing genistein accumulation in certain varieties. The study also highlighted the impact of temperature on plant growth, as evidenced by significant differences in accumulated crop heat units (CHU) among the varieties: “Biomax 1” required 2029.50–2050.75 °C days, “Biomax 2” required 2070.20–2132.25°C days, and “Detam 2” required 2218.85–2256.05°C days. The highest isoflavone content was recorded in “Biomax 2” with the application of 36 kg P₂O₅ per hectare. Overall, these findings underscore the complex relationship between soil conditions, nutrient availability, and varietal selection in determining edamame yield and quality. This research provides valuable insights for optimizing edamame production and enhancing its nutritional value