Asian Journal of Agricultural and Horticultural Research
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Biostimulatory Impacts of Seed Priming through Botanical Extracts on Crop Production: A Critical Review
No full textRapid human population increase, food scarcity, and climate change are some of the global challenges in the current scenario. Among these, climate change adversely impacts crop production by creating abiotic stresses such as drought, salinity, and metal toxicity. Seed emergence, the critical stage in crop development, is highly vulnerable to these abiotic stresses. Therefore, short-term approaches to increase seed germination and the initial growth of plants were investigated in advance as a solution. Seed priming is indeed a pre-sowing treatment of seeds. It is a technique used to enhance the germination and early growth of seeds by exposing them to controlled hydration and sometimes other treatments before planting. Seed priming considered a low-cost, eco-friendly, and sustainable technique to promote seed germination and the initial growth of plants. Though various priming methods are available, this review discusses only botanical extracts (both seaweed and plant extracts) used as priming agents in seed priming. Among the seaweed extracts, green and brown algae species such as Ascophyllum nodosum, Sargassum spp., and Ulva spp. enhanced the crop performances even under stress conditions. In addition, leaf extracts derived from drumstick (Moringa oleifera) and neem (Azadirachta indica) are widely used to increase the crop production under stress and non-stress environments. Furthermore, in this review discussed about priming mechanism, different extraction methods and bioextracts behavior under diverse agroecosystems are discussed in detail
Effect of Transplanting Dates and Varieties on the Vegetative Growth, Yield, and Yield Components of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)
No full textThe study was carried out in the Research field of the Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS), Hathazari, Chattogram, Bangladesh from November 2019 to April 2020 to observe the effect of transplanting date and variety for tomato production. Eight open-pollinated tomato varieties viz. BARI tomato-2, BARI tomato-3, BARI tomato-14, BARI tomato-15, Marglobe, Roma VF, Riograndi, and Khattabegun were considered as the factor A and two transplanting dates viz. 18th December 2019 and 18th January 2020 were considered as factor B. The study was laid out in factorial Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Different transplanting dates and varieties showed significant effects on the vegetative growth and yield of tomato. In 18th December transplanting, the highest number of fruits per plant was recorded in BARI Tomato-3 (46.87), followed by BARI Tomato-14 (43.22), while the lowest number of fruits per plant was recorded in variety Marglobe (13.00). Khattabegun variety had the maximum number of fruits per plant (14.17), followed by BARI tomato-3 (14.02) and BARI tomato-14 (13.97) on transplanting date 18th January. In 18th December transplanting, the highest yield was obtained from BARI tomato-14 (38.55 ton ha-1), followed by BARI tomato-3 (38.16 ton ha-1), while the lowest yield was found in variety Riograndi (9.17 ton ha-1). The highest yield was recorded in BARI tomato-15 (12.10 ton ha-1), while the lowest yield was observed in local variety Khattabegun (6.25 ton ha-1) on transplanting date 18th January. Therefore, it is concluded that BARI Tomato-14 and BARI Tomato-3 with a combination of transplanting date in 18th December was noted as the best combination to get the optimum yield of tomato. 
Evaluation of Some Okra and Molokhia Landraces under Irrigation Water Salinity Stress
No full textAims: Evaluate eight landraces of okra and five landraces of molokhia, collected from different region of Egypt, under different levels of irrigation water salinity.
Study Design: The experimental design used was a split-plot in a randomized complete blocks design with three replicates, where the four irrigation water salinity concentrations were arranged in the main plots, whereas, landraces of okra or molokhia were arranged in the sub plots.
Place and Duration of Study: This investigation was carried out during the two successive summer seasons of 2021 and 2022 at Soil Salinity Laboratory Research, Alexandria Governorate, Agricultural Research Center.
Methodology: Four levels of saline irrigation water were applied having EC of 625 (tap water as a control), 2000, 4000 and 6000 ppm which was applied as necessary according to soil field capacity (27.85%).
Results: Generally, all the studied traits, of okra and molokhia, decreased as the salinity level increased except for the spines of edible pods which was in contrast, in both seasons. There were significant differences among the studied eight landraces of okra and the studied five landraces of molokhia for all the studied traits in both seasons. Edible pods yield/plant of Behera landrace was not significantly affect by irrigation at salinity levels up to 2000 ppm of salinity level in 2022 season. Moreover, Alexandria and Gharbya landraces were the least affected by increasing salinity levels comparing with the rest of landraces in both seasons. With respect to molokhia, Fresh leafy yield/plot of Alexandria landrace was not significantly affected by irrigation at salinity levels up to 2000 ppm of salinity level in the first seasons.
Conclusion: It can be recommended to cultivate Behera, Alexandria and Gharbya landraces of okra and Alexandria and Kafr Elsheikh landraces of molokhia when irrigation with relatively high levels of salinity, as these landraces were relatively less affected by increasing salinity concentration. These landraces can also be introduced into breeding programs to improve them or develop new varieties that are more salt-tolerant
Enhancing Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) Growth, Yield and Water Productivity through Irrigation and Mulching Techniques in Local Climate
No full textIntroduction: Broccoli's efficient irrigation management is critical with changing climatic patterns and increasing water scarcity. The study aimed to assess the impacts of various irrigation methods and mulching techniques on broccoli cultivation.
Methodology: A randomized complete block design with three replications was used, considering two factors: irrigation methods (drip and surface) and mulching materials (black polythene, white polythene, grass straw, and no mulching).
Results: Drip irrigation, combined with black polythene mulching (I1MBP), consistently demonstrated its superiority that significantly improved multiple aspects of plant growth, yield and water productivity. In particular, I1MBP resulted in the highest plant heights at different growth stages, with the tallest plants at harvest (43.87 cm). However, surface irrigation with the same mulching (I2MBP) also showed higher plant heights but slightly shorter than drip irrigation. A similar trend was observed for the number of leaves per plant, with the I1MBP treatment having the most leaves. In curd development, the treatment (I1MBP) produced curds with larger diameters and lengths at harvest. In contrast, surface irrigation with the same mulching (I2MBP) also showed a larger curd size but, again, slightly lower than drip irrigation. In terms of curd initiation time, the I1MBP treatment had a longer duration, while the I1MN treatment had a shorter duration. Surface irrigation treatments followed a similar trend. With respect to yield, the I1MBP consistently had the highest unit weight of curd (423.14 g plant-1), yield per plot (25.39 Kg plot-1), and total yield (16.93 t ha-1), regardless of the mulching condition. However, surface irrigation with the same mulching (I2MBP) also showed higher yields (15.93 t ha-1) but slightly less than drip irrigation. On the other hand, the I1MBP demonstrated superior water use efficiencies (74.68 kg/ha-mm) and productivity (7.47 Kg m-3) compared to other treatments. Still, surface irrigation with the same mulching (I2MBP) also exhibited better water use efficiency (64.98 kg/ha-mm) and productivity (6.50 Kg m-3) than treatments with no mulch. Environmental factors, including temperature, humidity, wind speed, sunshine hours, and evaporation, were found to correlate with broccoli growth stages, emphasizing their influence on crop development.
Conclusion: Finally, drip irrigation and black polythene mulching are pivotal for improved growth, yield, and water management, contributing to sustainable agriculture practices
Effect of Oil Palm Bunch Refuse Ash in Sustainable Production of Egusi-Melon (Colocynthis citrullus) in an Ultisol
No full textSoil fertility management is a major challenge in high humid tropical regions of Nigeria. Field experiment were conducted at National Cereals Research Institute, Uyo Out-Station in 2011 and 2012 to investigate the response of egusi melon (Colocynthis citrullus) to different rates of OBRA (1,2,3,4, 5 and 6 t/ha) and 200kg/haNPK as recommended rate of inorganic fertilizer for egusi in the study area. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design, replicated three times. Data collected on growth and yield of egusi-melon were subjected to analysis of variance. Significant means were compared using least significant difference at 5% probability level. Application of 6 t/ha OBRA produced significant seed yield of 243.40 and 253.10 kg/ha in 2011 and 2012. Treatment of 200kg/ha NPK produced seed yield of 193.60 and 201.75 kg/ha respectively. The control (no soil amendment) produced the least seed yield of 125.33 and 128.11 kg/ha in 2011 and 2012, respectively. Comparing with recommended rate of NPK (200kg/ha), treatment of 6t/ha OBRA had seed yield of 21 and 20% greater than the recommended rate of NPK. Soil chemical properties at harvest indicated high soil pH (7.80 and 7.90) and organic matter (3.50 and 3.55%) respectively compared with low soil pH (5.00 and 4.90) and organic matter (2.08 and 20.1%) observed in NPK treatment. The study therefore concluded that application of 4t/h OBRA could be cheap alternative means of sustainable production of egusi melon in acid coastal plain soils of Nigeria
The Growth of Breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis Forst) Root Cuttings on Various Media of Organic Matter and Concentrations of 2,4 Dichlorophenoxy Acetic Acid
No full textThe purpose of this study was to determine the effect of organic matter in the planting medium and a concentration of 2.4 D on the growth of breadfruit root cuttings. This experiment was carried out in the form of a factorial experiment consisting of two factors using a Completely Randomized Block Design (CRBD) with 2 treatment factors. The first treatment was utilizing media of organic materials; filter cake, sawdust and rice husk. The second treatment was adding a concentration of 2.4 D: 1.0; 1.5 ; and 2.0 mL.L-1 water. The experimental results showed that breadfruit root cuttings in the filter media were better for shoot height, number of leaves, leaf area and root volume compared to sawdust and rice husk media. A low concentration of 2.4 D (1.0 mL.L-1 water) showed better growth of shoot height and number of leaves than higher concentrations. The interaction of filter cake media and low concentration of 2.4 D (1.0 mL.L-1 water) had a significant effect on the sprouting rate of breadfruit root cuttings. The study therefore concluded that the interaction of filter cake media with the addition of 2.4 D concentration showed that the increase in auxin concentration was inversely proportional to the rate of sprouting rate produced by breadfruit seeds and became the best treatment combination on the parameter of sprouting rate
Insecticidal and repellent activities of Azadirachta indica A. (Juss) oil against fifth instar larvae and adults of Sahlbergella singularis (Hemiptera:Miridae)
No full textSahlbergella singularis is one of the insects that causes the most damage to cocoa trees in Togo. The management of this pest is mainly based on chemical control, with its negative consequences for human health and the environment. In order to find an alternative to the use of synthetic pesticides, the insecticidal and repellent activities of neem oil were tested in vitro on fifth instar larvae and adults of S. singularis. Larvae were collected from a cocoa plot. The fifth instar larvae were separated from the other stages. Some of the larvae were reared in the laboratory until adult emergence. The concentrations of neem oil used were 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2 and 2.5 µl.ml-1. Insecticidal tests were carried out by spraying the solutions directly onto the insects. The repellency test was carried out using the preferential zone method on filter paper. The results showed an increasing mortality rate with increasing concentrations of neem oil for both fifth instar larvae and adults. The calculated LC50’s for larvae and adults were 0.89 and 0.98 µl.ml-1 respectively. Neem oil had a weak repellent effect on both fifth instar larvae and adults, with average repellency rates of 23.60% and 28.8% respectively. These results show that neem oil can be an alternative to the use of synthetic pesticides in the control of S. singularis
Comparative Study of Three Varieties and Application Methods of Muriate of Potash Fertilizer on Growth and Yield of Onion
No full textA comparative study on the growth and yield of onions was conducted at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University's Horticulture farm from October 2021 to March 2022 during the Rabi season. The experiment employed a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with two factors: onion varieties (V1=BARI Piaz-1, V2=BARI Piaz-4, V3=BARI Piaz-6) and muriate of potash fertilizer application methods (M1=Basal application (Full dose), M2 = ½ basal application + ½ 25 DAT (Days after transplanting), M3 = ⅓ basal application + ⅓ 25 DAT + ⅓ 50 DAT). The results showed significant impacts of both onion varieties and potash fertilizer application methods on growth and yield. Among the onion varieties, BARI Piaz-4 (V2) exhibited the highest bulb weight per plant (66.52g), yield per plot (1.60 kg), and yield per hectare (17.74 t). Regarding potash fertilizer application, the ⅓ basal + ⅓ 25 DAT + ⅓ 50 DAT method (M3) resulted in the highest bulb weight per plant (59.97 g), bulb yield per plot (1.44 kg), and onion yield per hectare (15.99 t). The combination treatment of BARI Piaz-4 and the ⅓ basal + ⅓ 25 DAT + ⅓ 50 DAT potash fertilizer application (V2M3) produced the best results, with the highest bulb weight per plant (73.50 g), yield per plot (1.76 kg), and bulb yield per hectare (19.59 t). In conclusion, cultivating BARI Piaz-4 with a three-times split application of muriate of potash fertilizer (V2M3) can significantly enhance onion growth and yield, facilitating improved quality production
Effect of Different Priming Methods on Seed Viability and Seedling Growth of Upland Rice under Drought Stress
No full textThis study aims to determine the effect of different priming methods on the viability and early growth of upland rice under drought stress. Priming is an important approach to improve the resistance of upland rice plants to drought stress from the germination phase to growth, especially on sub-optimal land. There are several efficient priming methods as seed pretreatment to increase germination and tolerance to drought stress. An effective priming method is needed to increase the germination and growth of upland rice seedlings for application in dryland agriculture. Therefore, an experiment was conducted at the Seed laboratory of Pangkep State Polytechnic of Agriculture, Indonesia, from September to October of 2022 to investigate the effect of several priming methods on the germination and growth of upland rice seedlings under drought stress. The experiment consisted of 2 stages, germination testing and seedling growth phase testing with the addition of water stress treatment. Experiment 1 was conducted in a completely randomized design (CRD) with four replications, including Control (no priming), Osmopriming with 15% and 20% PEG solution, Redox Priming with 3% and 6% H2O2 solution, and Organic Priming using 50% and 75% Moringa leaf extract. Experiment 2 was conducted using a two-factor of factorial in Randomized Block design (RBD) with three replications. The first factor is the Seedling results of stage 1 experiments (selected the best of each priming method) includes 4 treatments each Control treatment, Osmopriming with 15% PEG solution, Redox Priming with 3% H2O2 solution, and Organic Priming with 50% Moringa Leaf Extract. The second factor is the level of Drought Stress conducted by 100%, 60%, and 30% of Field Capacity. The results showed that the priming method with Osmopriming 15% PEG solution gave the best results on Seed germination percentage (87.5%) followed by Organic priming with 50% Moringa Leaf Extract (SGP 85%). Under drought stress conditions with 30% field capacity, the highest increase in proline levels was observed with H2O2 redox priming 3% (10.3 µ-mol. g-1 ), while the average root growth of all primed seedlings showed better root growth than seeds without priming treatment. Seed priming gives better results on the growth and physiological activities of upland rice at several levels of drought stress, in the early growth phase of seedling
Comparative Evaluation of the Effects of Pre-sowing Treatments on the Germination and Growth Parameters of Zea mays Linn
No full textA comparative study on the effects of pre-sowing treatments on the germination and growth of Zea mays was carried out by subjecting the seeds to three treatments at different durations before sowing. The treatments used include; soaking in 30% H2SO4, vernalization and soaking in water (hydotreatment). Soil was filled in 160 polyethene bags of 10 kg each. Five polyethene bags were used for each replicate. With this arrangement, 16 replicates were gotten for the plant according to the treatment and duration placement. Parameters such as germination percentage, plant height, and stem girth as well as leaf area were collected and analyzed using mean, variance, standard deviation, variance of the mean, standard error and confidence limit. The results of the analysis showed that the various treatments and the duration significance on percentage germination and growth parameters of Zea mays seeds. Data presented in Tables 1-14 showed the various treatments and the duration significance on percentage germination of Zea mays seeds. The result showed that the treatment of seeds before cultivation increased the percentage germination in Zea mays when compared with the control replicate. The results revealed the height readings of different treatment sources and treatment durations and how significantly it affected the height of Zea mays. It was also observed that leaf Area and stem girth significantly increased in different treatment methods and durations as seen in treatment of Zea mays. From this research, it was observed that seed treatment resulted in early germination and high growth strength; hence seed treatment with any of the treatments will suffice in giving a better seed performance but for the sake of availability and accessibility of the treatments, hydro-treatment is most recommended