International Journal of Plant & Soil Science
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Growth and Yield Response of Maize (Zea mays L.) to Different Rates of Briquette and Granule NPK Fertilizer
No full textAims: Maize productivity in Ghana remains below its potential largely due to inefficient fertilizer use and inappropriate application methods. This study assessed the effect of application of NPK briquettes and granule fertilizers on maize growth and yield at two different locations.
Study design: The experimental design used was a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD with eight treatments, and each replicated four times.
Place and Duration of Study: Two field experiments were conducted concurrently at Atebubu Municipality in the Bono East Region and Dormaa Ahenkro Municipality in the Bono Region of Ghana, between April 2022 and August 2022.
Materials and Methods: The treatments included: (i) No Fertilizer (Control); (ii) Granule (120-40-40 kg ha-1 NPK); (iii) Granule (116-48-46 kg ha-1 NPK); (iv) Granule (86-48-46 kg ha-1 NPK); (v) Granule (55-48-46 kg ha-1 NPK); (vi) Briquette (116-48-46 kg ha-1 NPK); (vii) Briquette (86-48-46 kg ha-1 NPK); and (viii) Briquette (55-48-46 kg ha-1) fertilizer.
Results: Application of NPK either in granular or briquettes had no significant impact on number of days to 50% tasseling and number of days to 50% silking. However, significant differences were observed in plant height and the number of leaves per plant at 5 and 7 weeks after planting (WAP), where the application of Granular NPK fertilizer to plots that received 116 - 48 - 46 kg ha-1 had superior performance in plant height and number leaves per plant at 7 WAP across both locations. Furthermore, plots in both locations that received granular and briquette NPK at 116-48-46 kg ha-1 were superior in producing higher yields. These results showed that the form of NPK fertilizer either briquette or granular had no effect on the yield of maize, however, the rate of application does.
Conclusion: The application of Granular NPK fertilizer to plots that received Granular and briquette at 116 - 48 - 46 kg ha-1 NPK fertilizer had a significant effect on maize growth and yield. It is recommended that for optimized maize grain yield, farmers should apply either granular and /or briquette at 116 - 48 - 46 kg ha-1 NPK fertilizer
Comparative Efficacy of Two Sex Pheromone Trap Types (Deltasan and Tutasan) for Monitoring and Mass Trapping of Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) in Tomato Crops in Cote d’Ivoire
No full textAims: This study evaluated the comparative effectiveness of two pheromone trap designs, Deltasan and Tutasan, for capturing the tomato leaf miner Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), a major pest of tomato crops in Côte d’Ivoire.
Study Design: The experiment was conducted in Yamoussoukro, central Côte d’Ivoire, on a tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) field where adult male captures were recorded from five randomly selected traps of each type during each sampling period.
Place and Duration of Study: The study took place from July to September 2024 during the rainy season in the village of Gogokro (6°49′ N, 5°26′ W).
Methodology: Count data were analyzed using a Generalized Linear Model (GLM) with a negative binomial distribution to account for data non-normality and overdispersion typical of insect populations.
Results: A significant interaction was observed between trap type and crop phenological stage. During the flowering stage, no significant difference was detected between Deltasan and Tutasan traps. However, during the fruiting and ripening stages, the Tutasan trap captured significantly more adults than the Deltasan trap. Overall, capture numbers increased with crop development, particularly for Tutasan traps.
Conclusion: These results highlight that the efficacy of pheromone traps varies with the phenological stage of the tomato crop. The Tutasan trap proved more efficient for both monitoring and mass trapping of T. absoluta during critical periods of infestation. This study provides insights for optimizing Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies against T. absoluta and related Gelechiidae pests in tropical tomato production systems
Effect of Different Rice-based Cropping System on Available Nutrient of Soil under Various Nutrient Management Practices
No full textThe present investigation was conducted during two consecutive year of 2019-20 and 2020-21 entitled effect of rice-based cropping system on available nutrient like N2o, P2o5 and K2o of soil under various nutrient management sources. The maximum available nutrient (273.95, 14.10, 296.86 kg ha-1NPK) was found in 100% organically based nutrient management practices than after 75% organic nutrient management followed by rest of treatments respectively. The available nutrient of soil was slightly changed by nutrient management practices, whereas available NPK was found not significant under rice-based cropping systems. During the research work, available nutrient gradually changed by initial status value but it was not significantly affected by rice-based cropping system
Effect of Different Nutrient Management Practices on Yield, Economics and Soil Fertility Response in Sunflower Rabi Sorghum System under Rainfed Condition
No full textA long term field experiment has been initiated in 2008-09 on permanent site at Organic Farming Research Station, MARS, UAS, Raichur with sunflower-rabi sorghum cropping system of two years rotation under rainfed condition. The five crop rotation cycles were completed in the year 2020-21. The experiment consisted five different nutrient management practices viz., 75% organic, 100% organic, integrated (50% organic + 50% inorganic), 100% in organic and RDF+ FYM. In the experiment strip plot design was followed. The organic system and recommended package were on par with each other (368, 411 and 398 kg/ha) and superior over inorganic package (321 kg/ha) with respect to seed yields and net returns (24316 Rs/ha). The soil fertility status (OC%, Available N, P2O5 and K2O kg/ha) were improved substantially with organic (0.68%, 164.0, 66.2 and 865.0 kg/ha, respectively) and integrated management practices (0.60%, 162.5, 63.2 and 805.0 kg/ha). Whereas, integrated application of nutrient sources like organic and fertilisers resulted in significantly higher available N, P2O5 and K2O than chemical fertilizers alone (0.46%, 154.2, 48.5, 775.0 kg/ha, respectively) and 75% organic (0.55%, 143.3, 51.3 and 785.0 kg/ha, respectively) nutrient management practices. The net and B:C ratio was found to be on par with RDF+FYM and integrated management practices over the years. The organic nutrient management recorded increasing net returns and benefit cost ratio over the years compared to inorganic and 75% organic nutrient management treatment
Combining Ability Analysis for Grain Yield and Its Attributing Traits in Pearl Millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.)] Under a Randomized Block Design
No full textThe experimental material comprised of sixty three genotypes consisting of six CMS lines and eight restorers as tester lines crossed in line × tester mating design. The resultant forty eight hybrids along with their fourteen parents and standard check (GHB 1129) were evaluated in “randomized block design” at Ketanbhai Patel Farm Village Ishanpur Mota, Ta & Dist. Gandhinagar, Gujarat during, summer 2024. The analysis of variance for combining ability revealed that the mean square due to females (lines) and males (testers) was significant for all the characters under study. This indicated significant contribution of females and males towards general combining ability variance component for these traits. The line × tester interaction was significant for all the characters. This indicates significant contribution of hybrids for specific combining ability variance component. The variance component due to females was higher than that of males for days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, plant height, earhead length, test weight and grain yield per plant. The ratio of σ2gca / σ2sca below than unity for the all the traits which was suggested greater role of non-additive gene action in the inheritance of these traits. Among the parents, female 97111 A was good general combiner for grain yield per plant, number of effective tiller per plant, test weight and harvest index and another line ICMA 14222 was good general combiner for grain yield per plant, earhead girth, test weight and harvest index. Whereas tester ICMR 1203 was good general combiner for grain yield per plant, days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, plant height, test weight, seed setting and harvest index. Best three hybrids which possessed significant positive SCA effects for grain yield per plant and its attributing characters were 97111 A x ICMR 1907, ICMA 14222 x HTP-03/13 R and 94555 A x ICMR 18777. They have good genetic architecture on the basis of SCA effects and are important to use that in further breeding programme to enhance the CGMS effectivity
Evaluation of the Impact of Herbicides on Soil Characteristics and Grain Yield of Transplanted Rainfed and Irrigated Rice Farming Systems in Makurdi Benue State, Nigeria
No full textHerbicides play a vital role in rice production by managing weed growth that competes with crops for essential resources such as nutrients, water, and light. Understanding how herbicide application influences soil properties and rice productivity in these systems is crucial for sustainable agriculture and informed management decisions aimed at boosting rice yield while conserving soil health. This study evaluated the impact of integrated pre- and post-emergence herbicide applications on soil physicochemical properties and grain yield in transplanted rainfed and irrigated rice farming systems in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria. The experiment was conducted during the 2024 cropping season using a randomised complete block design with eight treatments, including controls, manual weeding, and combinations of pendimethalin, Solito 320 EC, and Patriarc herbicides at varying rates. Soil samples and yield data were collected from plots under both rainfed (wet season) and irrigated (dry season) conditions. Data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using Genstat Release 3.1 and R statistical software. Results showed herbicide treatments significantly influenced soil texture, bulk density, porosity, water holding capacity, and chemical properties such as pH, organic carbon, total nitrogen, and exchangeable bases. High herbicide rates generally reduced organic carbon and nutrient availability, while moderate applications and manual weeding improved soil porosity and aggregation. Irrigated soils exhibited lower bulk density and higher nutrient contents compared to rainfed soils, consistent with enhanced moisture regimes supporting better soil conditions. Grain yield was significantly higher in plots treated with combined herbicides, exceeding 6 t/ha, compared to controls (~0.5 t/ha) and manual weeding (~4.5 t/ha), indicating effective weed control enhanced productivity in both systems. Correlation analyses highlighted contrasting soil compaction effects under irrigation versus rainfed environments, emphasising the need to balance herbicide use to preserve soil health while maximising yield. This study underscores the importance of optimising herbicide regimes tailored to local soil and water management conditions to sustain rice production and soil fertility in tropical agro-ecosystems like Makurdi
Combining Ability and Gene Action Influencing Bacterial Wilt Resistance in Brinjal
No full textThis study employed a line × tester mating design to evaluate bacterial wilt resistance in brinjal at the seedling stage. Four lines viz., L1 (SM 10), L2 (IC111010), L3 (IC89989), and L4 (IC427008) and three testers viz., T1 (IC253967), T2 (IC255756), and T3 (IC256708) were crossed to produce twelve F₁ hybrids, which, along with parents and checks, were screened at the seedling stage using the artificial root-dip inoculation method. Percent Disease Incidence (PDI) served as the criterion for resistance classification. Among all genotypes, the hybrid L3 × T1, tester T2 and the resistant check Arka Anand exhibited complete resistance, showing no visible wilt symptoms. Four hybrids namely, L1 × T2, L2 × T3, L3 × T2 and L4 × T2 along with line L3, testers T1 and T3 and the check Neelima were moderately resistant. Hybrids L1 × T1 and L4 × T1, line L4 and Haritha were moderately susceptible, while the remaining hybrids and lines showed moderate to high susceptibility. Combining ability analysis identified L2 × T3 (IC111010 × IC256708) as the most promising hybrid due to its desirable specific combining ability effect for resistance. Additive variance was low and negative, whereas dominance variance was high, confirming the predominance of non-additive gene action. The major contribution of line × tester interaction (64.12%), compared with lines (12.04%) and testers (23.83%), also emphasizes non-additive, dominance gene action and the significance of hybrid breeding as a better strategy to develop bacterial wilt resistant hybrids here
GreenSeeker for Efficient Utilization of Nitrogen in Maize: A Review
No full textThe GreenSeeker has emerged as a diagnostic tool to estimate nitrogen status of actively growing crop canopy, which measures the fraction of emitted light received by the sensor. Nitrogen plays a vital role in deciding growth and yield of maize crop. For economic profitability and environmental safety, it is required to go for precise management of nitrogenous fertilizer in maize. Several authors have worked on the efficacy of GreenSeeker for real time nitrogen management in maize. An attempt has been made to compile various research findings relating to effect of use of GreenSeeker on yield attributes, yield and economics of maize. Significant increase in maize yield was recorded by many of the researchers through dynamic nitrogen management practices involving split application of nitrogenous fertilizer based on NDVI value of GreenSeeker. Use of GreenSeeker resulted in higher values of gross return, net return and benefit-cost ration due to less use of nitrogen and enhanced rate of absorption by the plant. Hence, use of GreenSeeker can be a preferred option to enhance nitrogen use efficiency and minimize negative impact of chemical nitrogen on soil and water
Development of Quantitative Trait-based Yield Assessment and Forecasting Models for Eggplant (Solanum melongena spp) Genotypes Selection
No full textEggplant is an economically significant vegetable that is extensively cultivated in Sierra Leone. To identify the best performing eggplant variety that could meet producers\u27 and consumers\u27 needs, a field experiment was conducted to evaluate the vegetative growth and yield performance of three diversities of eggplant. The study utilized the Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replications. A systematic randomized selection and tagging on seven experimental eggplants as sample eggplants per plot summing up to a total of 21 sample eggplants per replication was done one week after transplanting. The analysis showed that yield traits were affected by the environment. The analysis further demonstrated that genotype Solanum robustum – efloraofindia had the highest fresh fruit yield mean of 4.14 kg/harvested/genotype. The performance of Solanum robustum – efloraofindia was better than the other two genotypes for growth and yield traits. All the eggplant characters had a high phenotypic coefficient of variation. This implied that traits of eggplant were influenced by the environment and genotypic coefficient of variation estimation result showed that fresh fruit yield (FFY) of 40.67% and eggplant stem girth (ESG) of 41.97% had the highest genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV). The genetic advance had an outstanding percentage of FFY at 78.51% and ESG of 200.54%. The broad-sense heritability also recorded the highest percentage mean of 62.51% (FFY) and 149.44% for ESG. Additionally, most of the traits recorded a weak positive correlation estimation in this study which may have occurred due to the environmental effect.
Model two stands as the best model, followed by model four for eggplant yield improvement. Therefore, genotype Solanum robustum – efloraofindia had been identified as the best performing yielding of economic importance, and Solanum robustum – efloraofindia agro-morphological characterization is recommended for commercial cultivation and breeding purposes
Cotton Genetic Resilience: Cytogenetic Tools for Biotic and Abiotic Stress Mitigation
No full textCotton (Gossypium spp.) holds immense significance in the global economy due to its prized fiber, produced from the epidermal cells of the ovule. Among the approximately fifty cotton species, Gossypium arboreum, Gossypium herbaceum, Gossypium hirsutum, and Gossypium barbadense are primarily cultivated for fiber production. Of these, Gossypium hirsutum (Upland cotton) dominates global production, contributing to over 90% of the cotton used worldwide. Advancements in cotton cytogenetics have greatly enhanced fiber yield and quality, driven by the adoption of modern genomic and genetic engineering techniques. Innovations like CRISPR-Cas9, RNA interference (RNAi), and marker-assisted selection have improved cotton\u27s tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses, including pests and drought. These technologies have also enabled the refinement of fiber properties through epigenetic modifications. The development of male sterility systems has further streamlined breeding programs, accelerating genetic improvements in cotton. This analysis highlights the pivotal role of advanced cytogenetic and biotechnological tools in fostering the sustainable growth of cotton. The integration of these cutting-edge techniques marks a transformative era in cotton breeding, with promising prospects for improving fiber quality, enhancing stress resistance, and boosting overall crop performance. These advancements solidify cotton’s vital role in global agriculture and its potential for future innovation