Asian Journal of Agricultural and Horticultural Research
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Effects of Earthing up and Pruning Systems on Yield and Net Economic Benefit of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicon)
No full textTomato is a popular and extensively cultivated vegetable among the promising commodities in horticultural production in Kenya. It provides a wide variety of nutrients with many health-related benefits. Despite the importance, its yield and net economic benefits is limited by the cultural practices applied by farmers. There is limited knowledge on the effect of integrating pruning and earthing up on tomato yield and net economic benefit. This study investigated the effect of integration of pruning and earthing up on the growth and yield of tomatoes. A split-plot experimental design, arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design, with three replications was used. The study investigated two factors i.e. pruning system in the main plot (single stem, double stem, and triple stem) and earthing up in sub-plots. (0 cm, 10 cm, 20 cm, and 30 cm). Fruit yield data was taken after each harvest. Data were analysed using SAS version 9.4 and significant means were separated using the least significant difference at α = .05. The findings of the study revealed that earthing up and pruning system had a significant (p ˂ .05) effect on tomato yield and net economic benefit. Triple stem pruning system, earthing up to 30 cm had the highest fruit yield with 21.82 tonnes/hectare in cultivation 1 and 21.84 tonnes/hectare in cultivation 2. The findings also revealed that triple stem pruning system, earthing up to 30 cm had the highest net economic benefit per hectare in both cultivation 1 and cultivation 2. To improve tomato yield and consequently improve net economic benefit, farmers are encouraged to consider triple stem pruning system and earthing up to level 30 cm
Single Stem Rouging of Banana Xanthomonas Wilt Infected Plants for Orchard Rehabilitation
No full textBanana Xanthomonas Wilt (BXW), caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. musacearum (Xcm), a devastating disease, causes up to 100% loss and affects all banana varieties. The disease is widespread in East and Central Africa region. Study objective was to evaluate the performance of single stem rouging options for rehabilitation of severely affected banana orchard. Five single stem rouging options were implemented in banana orchard with 80% BXW severity in Western Kenya. The options included rouging of infected banana plants; uprooting, cutting at the base, injecting 20 ml of glyphosate herbicide at the soil base of the pseudostem, uprooting the whole stool and control leaving the infected stools. Initial visual assesment before implementation of the orchard was over 80% infection. Later samples were collected for diagnosis of ten plants per treatment from different plant parts and were subjected to ELISA and PCR procedures for confirmion of the presence of Xcm. Rouging options was implemented for one year. During and after experimentation periodic visual assesment of BXW incidence and severity reduced. Results of ELISA assays and PCR results indicated Xanthomonas was present on banana plants. Rouging the infected banana stems by cutting at the base, uprooting and injection of herbicide reduced BXW incidence within six months. Xanthomonas, an inhibiting bacteria cannot surve without host and by killing the banana plant the Xanthomonas dies. Yields were recovered from the rehabilitated orchard within one year. Banana orchard highly infected with BXW was effectively rehabilitated
Association of Characters for Higher Tuber Yield of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Genotypes Grown in Eastern Plains of Nepal
No full textAn experiment was conducted to study characters associated with higher yield potential of potato genotypes at the Directorate of Agricultural Research, Tarahara, Nepal during two consecutive winter seasons of 2018 and 2019. A total of eleven potato genotypes (CIP 394600.52, CIP 396012.266, CIP 393371.159, PRP 266265.15, CIP 395443.103, CIP 393371.164, PRP 336769.1, PRP 136368.9, PRP 25861.11, CIP 377957.5 and PRP 225861.5) were evaluated in a Randomized Complete Block Design with four replications. Each treatment received a 7.2 m2 plot area with 60 cm row to row and 25 cm plant to plant spacing, accommodating 48 plants per plot. Cultural practices were done as per the recommendations and fungicide was not applied for late blight of potato (Phytophthora infestans) control. The observed data were subjected to variance, correlation and cluster analysis. Analysis of variance showed significant differences for some plant and tuber characteristics. From the pooled analysis of two years’ data, the genotype 'PRP 266265.15' was found to be a suitable genotype in plains due to its higher yield (21.91 t/ha) and other yield characteristics. The higher quantity of over seed-size and under seed-size tuber contributed to the highest tuber yield of PRP 266265.15. The weight (r = 0.928**) and number (r = 0.483**) of the over seed-size tuber had a positive significant correlation with tuber yield per hectare. Further research is needed to study yield stability of the genotype 'PRP 266265.15' in various locations with similar production environments
Effect of Pinching Date and Potassium Fertilizer rate on Growth and Productivity of Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa, L.) Plant
No full textTo enhance growth and productivity of roselle plant, two field experiments were done during the two consecutive summer season of 2019 and 2020 at Experimental Farm (Ghazala Farm), Faculty of Agriculture, Zagazig University, Egypt. This study included different pinching time treatments (after 4, 6, 8 and 12 weeks from sowing date) as the main factor and potassium fertilization rate (0.0, 25, 50 and 75 kg K2O/ feddan) as sub-factor as well as their combinations to improve growth, yield, anthocyanin content and some chemical contents of Hibiscus sabbdariffa plant. Results could be summarized as follow: The longest roselle plants were recorded with the control treatment (pinched after 4 weeks from sowing date), whereas pinching after 12 weeks from sowing date increased number of branches/plant. Also, apical bud pinching after 12 weeks from sowing date recorded the highest number of fruits per plant, dry sepals yield/plant and per feddan. Delaying pinching date from 4 to 8 weeks gradually increased anthocyanin content. In addition, total chlorophyll content as well as total carbohydrates, total nitrogen, total phosphorus and potassium percentages were increased with delaying pinching date especially after 12 weeks, in most cases. Potassium fertilization rate at 75 kg per feddan recorded the highest values of growth, yield components and the chemical constituents with significant differences between this rate and the other rates under study. Generally, the combination treatment between pinching after 12 weeks from sowing date and 75 kg potassium fertilization rate had significant effect in most parameters compared to the other combination treatments during both seasons
Mitigating Natural Heat Stress for Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L) Production through Management Techniques
No full textAn experiment was conducted to identify suitable production management techniques for tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) cultivation during late winter-pre monsoon season in plains of Nepal. For this, organic mulches (rice straw, dried grass, and rice husk) were compared with SN (shade net) and no-mulch (bare field) condition for tomato yield in 2018 and 2019. The pooled analysis of all observed morphological and yield traits were performed and they differed significantly. Rice husk significantly affected number of fruits per inflorescence though number of inflorescence per plant and flowers per inflorescence were similar among organic mulches. The highest fruit yield per plant (4.44 kg plant-1) was obtained with rice husk, the other mulches and SN were at par but the lowest yield (2.75 kg plant-1) was obtained with no-mulch. Similarly, rice husk mulch contributed to the highest number of fruits per inflorescence (5.22), highest fruit weight (46.58 g) and diameter (4.99 cm).Fruit yield positively and significantly associated with fruit per inflorescence(0.78***), fruit diameter (0.65***) and an average fruit weight (0.56***).Organic mulches significantly (p=0.05) contributed to higher yield (86.01 t ha-1) over SN (76.55 t ha-1).Higher values for total soluble solid, Vitamin C and fruit firmness were observed under rice husk mulching. The result of the present study found rice husk mulching as better option for tomato production as compared to SN and no-mulch condition
Slow Release Fertilizer has no Effect on Soil and Plant Nitrogen and Fruit Yield in Bell Pepper (Capsicum annum L.)
No full textAims: To evaluate the effects of combining slow release fertilizer (SRF) with conventional N fertilizer on the levels of soil nitrogen (N), leaf N, and yield of bell pepper plants.
Study Design: The design was a randomized complete block with a factorial arrangement. There were four treatments [2 N fertilizers x 2 N rates (200 kg/ha N and 280 kg/ha N)] and four replications. The N fertilizers treatments were calcium nitrate + SRF and calcium nitrate (CN) alone as the control. The rate treatments were 200 and 280 kg/ha N.
Place and Duration of Study: Horticulture Farm, Department of Horticulture, Tifton Campus, University of Georgia, spring of 2008.
Methodology: Bell pepper ‘Heritage’ (Harris Moran, Modesto, Calif., U.S.) transplants were planted on 10 Apr. 2008 in two rows of plants per bed, with a distance between plants of 0.30 m. Soil and leaf nitrogen and other nutrients were monitored during the season.
Results: There were no consistent differences in the concentrations of NH4+-N and NO3--N at both 0-30 cm and 30-60 cm soil depth between CN + SRF and CN alone. Leaf N concentrations 40 DAT and 68 DAT were higher in plants fertilized with CN + SRF compared to the control, while there were no differences in leaf N concentration 98 DAT. Leaf N concentration was increased at the highest N fertilization rate. Marketable and total fruit yields and individual fruit weight were unaffected by fertilizer treatment and N rate.
Conclusion: Utilization of a slow-release fertilizer (combined with calcium nitrate) had no benefit in reducing soil N losses or in increasing leaf N status and bell pepper fruit yields
Influence of Sulphur and Boron on Growth and Yield of Garden Pea (Pisum sativum L.)
No full textAn experiment was conducted at the Horticulture Farm of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka during the period from October, 2018 to March, 2019 to study the influence of sulphur and boron on growth and yield of garden pea. The experiment comprised of two factors. Factor A: Levels of Sulphur (4 levels); S0: 0 kg S/ha (Control), S1: 10 kg S/ha, S2: 20 kg S/ha, S3: 30 kg S/ha and Factor B: Levels of Boron (4 levels); B0: 0 kg B/ha (Control), B1: 1 kg B/ha, B2: 2 kg B/ha, B3: 3 kg B/ha. This experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Blocked Design (RCBD) with three replications. Sulphur and Boron application influenced significantly on most of the parameters. In case of sulphur, maximum plant height (50.84 cm), number of pods per plant (14.00), pod length (8.95 cm), number of seeds per pod (5.56) and green pod yield (10.76 t/ha) were recorded from S3 treatment. In case of boron application, maximum plant height (49.17 cm), number of pods per plant (13.48), pod length (8.66 cm), number of seeds per pod (5.41) and green pod yield (10.14 t/ha) were found in B2 treatment. Among the treatment combination, S3B2 treatment gave the highest green pod yield (12.19 t/ha) and the lowest (5.38 t/ha) was obtained from S0B0 treatment. So, garden pea sown at 30 kg S/ha with 2 kg B/ha for suitable green pea production in Dhaka region
Evaluation of Turmeric (Curcuma longa L) Genotypes for Growth and Yield Attributes in Plains of Eastern Nepal
No full textAn experiment was conducted in order to identify the productive genotype of turmeric for the plains of Nepal. In 2017 and 2018, seven promising turmeric genotypes (CI 0207, CI 0205, CI 9102, CI 1312, CI 0503, CI 0507, and CI 0201) were compared with KKH-1 in a Randomized Complete Block Design with four replications at the Directorate of Agricultural Research, Tarahara, Nepal. The plants were 30 cm x 30 cm apart, with 40 plants per 3.6 m2 plot area. Cultural practices were followed in accordance with the recommendations. Analysis of variance, correlation, cluster, and GGEbiplot analysis were performed on the observed data. From the pooled analysis of two years of data, the results showed significant differences in plant height and fresh rhizome yield among genotypes. The rhizome yield of KKH-1 was found significantly higher (19.36 t ha-1) than CI 0205 and CI 9102 and at par with other genotypes. Weight of mother rhizome had significant positive correlation (r = 0.602**) with yield of fresh rhizome. Though KKH-1 yielded the highest fresh rhizome, the cluster and GGEbiplot analysis identified CI0207 as one of the potential turmeric clones next to KKH-1
Pesticide Residues on Tomatoes Grown and Consumed in Mwea Irrigation Scheme, Kirinyaga County, Kenya
No full textThe effects of pesticides on human health are of great concern worldwide despite their usefulness in agriculture. The aim of the study was to evaluate pesticide residues on tomatoes grown and consumed in Kirinyaga County in order to determine whether the levels fall within recommended MRLs. Reported increased use of unspecified pesticides and undocumented residue levels in tomatoes produced in the country justified the need to evaluate pesticide residues in tomatoes grown in the area and consumed locally. The study, which was conducted in Mwea Irrigation Scheme, Kirinyaga County, Kenya between July 2017 and July 2018 used analytical study design. Tomato samples of Rambo variety mainly grown in open fields and greenhouses in the Irrigation Scheme were purposively sampled from thirty-five sampling sites in open fields, greenhouses, markets and consumers. The samples were taken to Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Services (KEPHIS) laboratory in Nairobi for analysis. Analysis was done using Quick Easy Cheap Effective Rugged and Safe (QuEChERS) multi-residue analytical method for Low-Fat products. Four pesticide residues detected on tomatoes above the recommended EU and Cordex MRLs were: malathion (0.0315±0.0032 mg/kg) in open fields, carbendazim (1.2341±0.1667 mg/kg) and thiamethoxam (0.3736±0.0358 mg/kg) from greenhouses and acephate (0.0321±0.0032 mg/kg) from the market. Pesticide residue levels of tomatoes from consumers were all significantly (p<0.001, p<0.01) below the EU and Cordex permitted MRLs. Occurrence of pesticide residues on tomatoes from production to consumption levels is of great concern to consumers because of the perceived long term negative health effects. Implementation, strengthening and enforcement of the food policy in the country will enhance frequent monitoring of pesticide residue levels in fresh produce consumed locally in Kenya
Vegetable Breeding Strategies
No full textVariation present in vegetables provides plentiful of opportunity for development of breeding lines and hybrids. Germplasm development depends on incorporation of approaches such as MAGIC population, use of wild relatives, genetic transformation for transferring resistance gene and gene pyramiding. These approaches are most reliable to improve qualitative as well as quantitative characters. Since conventional methods are time consuming, molecular techniques are also utilized at appropriate stages to enhance swiftness of line development. Molecular approaches includes many tools but marker assisted selection is best to use in vegetable breeding programme. It helps to rapid back cross breeding also selection of resistance or qualitative lines from segregating populations. Double haploid is one of finest methods to create diverse pure lines in short interval. There are many ways to incorporate diverse gene in single line through double haploid technology. Hybridization mating such as line x tester or diallel are common methods instead combination breeding method is very result oriented as compared with others. The success rate of specific combination breeding is as much as double as associated with other ones