International Journal of Plant & Soil Science
Not a member yet
5728 research outputs found
Sort by
PCA-driven Insights into Hybrid-Parent Performance in Okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench.]
No full textAims: The study aimed to evaluate genetic diversity and identify trait relationships among okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) F1 hybrids and their parental lines using principal component analysis (PCA). It sought to uncover key traits contributing to yield variability and to support breeding efforts by identifying superior hybrids and combining parents suited to Sudanese agro-ecologies.
Study Design: The study used a line × tester mating design involving 10 parental lines and their 21 resulting F1 hybrids. Multivariate statistical tools, including PCA and hierarchical clustering, were employed to assess trait variability, relationships, and genotype grouping based on multiple morphological and yield-related parameters.
Place of Study: The research was conducted at the demonstration farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Al Zaeim Al Azhari, located in Khartoum North, Sudan.
Methodology: Eleven agronomic traits were recorded, including plant height, number of fruits per plant, yield per plant, and others. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance and principal component analysis. The first four principal components were extracted, and their eigenvalues, trait loadings, and correlations were studied. Standardized Euclidean Distance and Ward’s method were used for hierarchical clustering to group genotypes based on similarity.
Results & Discussion: Substantial phenotypic variation was observed, with yield per plant (CV = 21.2%), fruit fresh weight (18.9%), and number of lateral branches (16.3%) showing the highest variability. PCA revealed four principal components explaining 71.85% of the total variance. PC1 (27.48%) was highly associated with yield traits, while PC2 (22.14%) captured architectural and earliness traits. PC3 and PC4 explained structural variation. Cluster analysis grouped genotypes into four major clusters. Sinnar-derived hybrids formed a compact, high-yielding group, indicating superior combining ability. Clemson crosses exhibited wide variability and heterotic potential, while Hjerat lines showed genetic divergence useful for broadening the gene pool.
Conclusion: Principal Component Analysis (PCA) effectively revealed genetic diversity and key trait associations among okra hybrids and their parental lines. Sinnar was identified as a superior parent for yield improvement, while other testers contributed distinct and complementary traits. These findings support the use of PCA for trait prioritization and the selection of promising hybrid-parent combinations, ultimately facilitating the development of improved okra cultivars adaptable to Sudanese and similar agro-ecological environments
Response of Yield of Chinese Potato to Thermochemical Organic Fertilizer Fortified with Different Zinc Sources
No full textThe current study was undertaken to assess the impact of thermochemically processed organic fertilizer (TOF) enriched with various zinc (Zn) sources on the soil fertility status, nutrient availability, and tuber yield performance of Chinese potato (Plectranthus rotundifolius L., var. Suphala) under microplot conditions in the Onattukara region during the summer season of 2023. The experimental layout followed a Randomized Block Design (RBD) comprising nine treatments replicated thrice. The treatments included TOF fortified with four distinct Zn sources—zinc sulfate (ZnSO₄), zinc oxide (ZnO), zinc carbonate (ZnCO₃), and zinc ethylenediaminetetraacetate (ZnEDTA)—applied at two concentration levels (500 and 1000 mg Zn kg⁻¹ TOF), along with an unfertilized control to serve as a baseline.
The incorporation of Zn-fortified TOF significantly enhanced multiple agronomic and soil parameters. Notably, TOF fortified with ZnEDTA at 500 mg kg⁻¹ exhibited superior performance in terms of total tuber yield (714.39 g/plot), marketable yield (452.72 g/plot), and number of tubers per plant (23.81), thereby establishing its efficacy in improving productivity under the low fertility, acidic sandy soils typical of the Onattukara agro-ecosystem. Furthermore, marked improvements were recorded in soil nutrient availability and tuber nutrient content, particularly for zinc and other associated micronutrients.
These results highlight the pivotal role of chelated zinc formulations like ZnEDTA in enhancing nutrient-use efficiency and crop performance when applied through bioresource-based carriers. The findings underscore the potential of integrating thermochemical recycling with micronutrient fortification as a sustainable strategy in circular agricultural systems for improving soil health and crop yield, particularly in resource-constrained and zinc-deficient tropical soils
Sorghum Midge [Stenodiplosis sorghicola (Coquillet, 1898)] Dynamics and Abundance Study in the Southern Sudanian and Sudano-sahelian Zones of Burkina Faso
No full textSorghum is one of the most widely grown and consumed cereals in Sahelian countries, particularly in Burkina Faso. However, its cultivation faces numerous constraints, both biotic and abiotic. Among the biotic constraints, insect pests, notably the sorghum midge, Stenodiplosis sorghicola (Coquillet, 1898), constitute one of the major obstacles to sorghum production in the Sahelian zone. This insect is responsible for yield losses ranging from 33% to 100%. The aim of this study was to analyze the population dynamics of this insect and to assess the level of infestation in sorghum fields. Data on midge populations were collected using yellow insect traps set in sorghum plots in the South Sudanian and Sudano-Sahelian agroecological zones of Burkina Faso. These data were collected during the 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 cropping seasons. Assessments of insect damage and field spikelet sampling were carried out in 48 villages in these two sorghums growing zones during 2024/2025 cropping season. The results showed that the sudano-sahelian zone had the highest rate of midge infestation, with two generations of populations observed in 2023 and three generations in 2024. In Southern Sudan agro-ecological zone, only one generation of midge populations was observed in 2023 while three generations were observed in 2024. In terms of damage caused by the insect, the results also showed that the highest damage rates were recorded in the northern sudan zone, with 42% damage compared with 17% in the southern sudan zone. Overall, midge population was low in southern-sudan areas than in northern-sudan site and result of midge damage is correlated with population abundance. These results could provide an essential basis for guiding agricultural policy decisions, particularly for the sustainable management of this pest
Proximate Characterization and Interactions among Improved Soybean Genotypes for Nutritional Improvement
No full textSoybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] is a self-pollinated short-duration legume crop valued for its high protein and oil content, playing a pivotal role in food, feed, and industrial sectors. In India, its cultivation has expanded rapidly; however nutritional improvement remains a key breeding objective. This study aimed to evaluate the proximate composition viz. protein, oil, and ash of 55 improved soybean genotypes including 5 checks to identify superior lines for nutritional breeding. Field trials were conducted in RCBD design with three replications during Kharif 2024 at JNKVV, Jabalpur. Biochemical traits were quantified using standard AOAC methods, and statistical analyses were performed in R using ggplot2 and pheatmap for visualization. Results revealed substantial genetic variation. Protein ranged from 35.38% to 42.08%, oil from 17.60% to 22.55%, and ash from 3.28% to 7.96%. Genotypes such as JS 25-55 and JS 25-52 exhibited superior protein content, while NRC 190 and AMS 269 showed elevated oil levels. JS 21-72 and JS 25-01 recorded the highest ash content. Weak and non-significant correlations among traits; between protein and oil(r = -0.052, p value- 0.53); protein and ash (r = +0.12, p = 0.37); ash and oil (r = −0.09, p = 0.52). Genotype-labeled scatter plots and clustering analysis identified outliers and multi-trait donors, strengthening the potential for targeted nutritional enhancement. The study highlights JS 25-55 as a protein-rich donor and NRC 190 as an oil-rich candidate for divergent breeding. The independence of traits supports flexible selection strategies. These findings offer actionable insights for soybean improvement programs focused on nutritional quality, industrial value, and sustainable cultivation
Carbon–Nitrogen Coupling in Agroecosystems under Elevated CO₂ Scenarios: A Review
No full textPlants assimilate carbon mostly by the process of photosynthesis, fixing atmospheric CO₂ into organic materials like carbohydrates. These materials not only form the structural components of plant biomass but also substrates that energize soil microbial populations. Carbon–nitrogen (C–N) coupling is a key element controlling agroecosystem productivity, soil fertility, and the earth\u27s climate. Elevated atmospheric CO₂ levels (eCO₂) promote photosynthesis and biomass production, while augmenting nitrogen (N) requirement in a way that tends to trigger nutrient dilution effects and decreased nutritional quality of crops. This review compiles conceptual foundations, empirical reactions, management practices, and issues underpinning C–N coupling under eCO₂. It emphasizes the dual function of eCO₂ to stimulate plant growth while amplifying N limitation, modifying belowground processes, and impacting greenhouse gas (GHG) processes. Management practices like integrated nutrient management, conservation tillage, legume integration, and microbial interventions hold potential for augmenting C–N balance. Yet, there are uncertainties arising from soil heterogeneity, climate interactions, and limitations of existing models. Future work should focus on long-term multifactor experiments, advanced modeling structures, and innovations in breeding to balance productivity, nutritional value, and environmental stability. Enhancing C–N coupling in eCO₂ is critical for sustainable agriculture, mitigation of climate change, and food security at the global level. Weak coupling of carbon and nitrogen cycles can contribute to nutrient dilution in crops, loss of soil fertility, and enhanced nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions, which could reduce otherwise expected climate change mitigation
Effects of Long-Term Sugarcane Trash Management Practices on Soil Enzyme Activities in Maharashtra, India
No full textThis study aimed to evaluate the “Effects of Long-Term Sugarcane Trash Management Practices on Soil Enzyme Activities in Maharashtra” was conducted during 2023-2025 at Post Graduate laboratory, College of Agriculture, Pune. The study focused on dominant sugarcane growing districts in Maharashtra state, under different sugar recovery zones viz., high, medium and low.
Furthermore, a correlation analysis was performed to examine the relationships between soil biological properties, ratoon sugarcane yield and commercial cane sugar content. An additional t-test was also employed to compare the mean scores of enzyme activities viz., dehydrogenase, urease, acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase and β-glucosidase between the sugarcane trash management and trash burning practices, providing insights into the effects of these practices on ratoon cane yield and commercial cane sugar (CCS%) in ratoon sugarcane across different sugar recovery zones of Maharashtra. However, trash management (trash and mulching) leads to higher enzyme activities viz., dehydrogenase, urease, acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase and β-glucosidase, higher ratoon sugarcane yield and commercial cane sugar (CCS%) as compared to trash burning practices
Agronomic Evaluation of Artificial Termite Mound Waste for Enhancing Rainfed Rice Production in Central-Western Côte d’Ivoire
No full textAims: To contribute to improving the productivity of rainfed rice by amending the soil with a waste product.
Study Design: The experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates, each comprising ten treatments.
Place and Duration of Study: The field trial was conducted in 2018–2019 in Daloa, Côte d\u27Ivoire.
Methodology: A sandy soil was amended with the waste product “Termisol.” Six doses of Termisol (29.1 t ha⁻¹ to 175 t ha⁻¹) and four controls (zero fertilizer, NPK fertilizer (0.15 t ha⁻¹), manure (7 t ha⁻¹), and natural termite mound soil (116.5 t ha⁻¹) were tested. Observations focused on leaf area, plant height, biomass production, and yield.
Results: The results showed that in the first cycle, the dose of 116.5 t ha⁻¹ produced the largest leaves (56.11±10.48 cm²), the highest plant biomass (21.32±7.75 g), while the dose of 175 t ha-1 produced the tallest plants (67.43±1.95 cm) and the dose of 87.30 t ha-1 produced the highest fresh yield (5.71±1.26 t ha-1). The 175 t ha-1 dose produced the widest leaves (48.24±1.95 cm2), the tallest plants (47.60 ±4.04 cm), the largest biomass (11.50 ± 1.60 g), and the highest yield (4.43 ± 0.15 t ha⁻¹) in the second cycle.
Conclusion: The use of the waste product “Termisol” as a soil amendment to improve soil fertility could be a viable method for reducing production costs and increasing rice yields. However, this study needs to be expanded to refine the economically viable application rates for widespread use
Varietal Performance of Pechay (Brassica rapa L.) under Simulated Waterlogging: Implications for Lowland Vegetable Production
No full textWaterlogging, often caused by excessive rainfall, threatens crop productivity by depriving roots of oxygen. Pechay is a vital crop for food security, capable of producing significantly more food per unit area than cereal crops. The study was conducted from February to April 2025 at the Casiaman Research Farm of the Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University-North La Union Campus, Bacnotan, La Union. This study assessed the growth responses of three pechay varieties: Pavo and Pac Choi under different waterlogging durations (0, 24, 48, and 72 hours). Two weeks after sowing, seedlings were transplanted into polyethylene pots and grown for another two weeks before submersion. The study was laid out following a 2x4 factorial experiment in Split Plot Design with three blocks and 6 sample plants per treatment per block. Results showed no significant differences among varieties in terms of survival rate, plant height, and number of leaves. However, plants submerged for 72 hours exhibited significantly lower survival and growth. No significant interaction effects were found between variety and submersion period except on the percentage survival recovery. The study suggests that pechay can tolerate waterlogging for up to 48 hours, but prolonged submersion negatively impacts plant development and survival. These findings are useful for guiding flood-resilient pechay cultivation
Economic Evaluation of Gladiolus (Gladiolus L.) Genotypes for off Season Cultivation in Sub Temperate Zone
No full textGladiolus is an economically important ornamental flower, widely grown for its vibrant spikes and commercial value in India. This study assessed the yield and economic performance of eleven gladiolus genotypes (Arka Ayush, Arka Darshan, Arka Kumkum, Arka Naveen, Pratap Glad-1, Punjab Elegance, Punjab Glad-2, Punjab Glance, Punjab Lemon Delight, Pusa Manmohak and Punjab Dawn) over two cropping seasons (2021-2022 and 2022-2023) under naturally ventilated polyhouse conditions. The experiment was conducted at the Floriculture Research Farm, Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Himachal Pradesh, using a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications. Corms were planted in mid-December at 30 cm × 10 cm spacing and 5 cm depth, accommodating approximately 30 plants per square meter. Significant variation was observed among genotypes regarding corm and spike yield as well as gross return, net return and benefit-cost ratio. Punjab Dawn achieved the highest spike and corm production (46,240.00/ 800 m²) with maximum total revenue (₹ 3,69,920.00) and maximum B:C ratio (1.76), making it the most profitable cultivar for offseason cultivation under protected conditions compared to other genotypes under study. These results demonstrate the economic potential of selecting superior genotypes and adopting improved cultivation methods under protected environments. The findings provide practical insights for growers and policymakers to optimize resource allocation, increase profitability and enhance sustainability in gladiolus production
The Effects of Biodegradable Chelating Agent GLDA on Phytoremediation Potential of Solanum nigrum L. Grown in Cd Contaminated Soils
No full textThe current research work emphasises the effect of tetrasodium glutamate diacetate (GLDA) on growth and phytoextraction capacity of Solanum nigrum L. grown in soils contaminated with cadmium (Cd). The application of GLDA at the rate of 3 mmol/kg reduced the root and shoot length by 51.02 and 43.20 % respectively, while under 6 mmol/kg application of GLDA reduced the root and shoot length by 56.46 and 50% respectively, as compare to the control pot at 50 mg/kg Cd polluted soils. The applied quantity of GLDA at the rate of 3 mmol/kg reduced the root and shoot dry biomass by 80.55 and 70.45 % respectively, while under 6 mmol/kg application of GLDA reduced the root and shoot dry biomass by 83.33 and 72.15% respectively, as compare to the control pot at 50 mg/kg Cd polluted soils. The applied quantity of 3 mmol/kg GLDA absorbed the 22.72, 26.92% quantity of applied Cd i.e., 25 mg/kg of soil significantly, in the roots and shoots of Solanum nigrum L. respectively, while the applied quantity of 6 mmol/kg GLDA significantly absorbed the 33.35, 35.04 % quantity of applied Cd i.e., 50 mg/kg of soil, in the root and shoot of Solanum nigrum L. respectively. However, the maximum accumulation of Cd was observed in treatment having combination of 6 mmol GLDA and 25 mg/kg Cd i.e., 34.26 and 36.81 % in root and shoot of Solanum nigrum L. respectively. The BAF, TF and RF values of Cd contaminated soils are varied from 0.187±0.001-0.375±0.003, 1.050±0.003-1.244±0.005 and 0.222±0.002-1.253±0.005 respectively. These results showed that GLDA improve the phytoaccumulation capacity of Solanum nigrum L. and suitable for remediation of Cd contaminated soil