¹Department of Horticulture, Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur, Rajasthan-313 001 (India). ²Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur, Rajasthan-313 001 (India)

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2021.v23i02.21

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Abstract: An experiment was conducted to develop a fertigation schedule and assess the effect of different levels of NPK on the growth, yield and quality attributes of tomato grown under polyhouse conditions. There were nine different treatments of 75, 100 and 125 per cent RDF at three intervals (two, three and four days) of fertigation. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design with three replications. Most of the traits under study were significantly influenced by various levels of fertigation except specific gravity. Results revealed that maximum plant height (241.70 cm), number of branches (18.24), leaf area (328.70 sq cm), number of fruits per plant (83.42), weight of fruits (88.53 g), volume of fruits (90.88 cc), length of fruit (5.88 cm), yield per plant (7385.04 g) and yield per square meter (17.72 kg) were reported for treatment 125 % RDF at three days interval) followed by 125 % RDF at two days interval). In contrast, treatment 125 % RDF at four days interval) taken minimum days to first harvest (84.97) and was earliest among the treatments studied. Thus, tomato crops grown under polyhouse conditions should be supplemented with 125 percent of RDF i.e. 225 kg N, 125 kg each of P and K per ha, along with three days interval of fertigation for higher yield.

Anbil Dharmalingam Agricultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Navalur Kuttappattu, Tiruchirappalli District, Tamil Nadu-620027, India.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2021.v23i02.22

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Abstract: An attempt was made to study the effect of specific gravity separation on seed germination and biochemical properties of coriander var. CO3 seed at Agricultural Engineering College and Research Institute, TNAU, Kumulur, Tiruchirappalli District, Tamil Nadu. The seeds were graded in a specific gravity separator viz., horizontal height (cm), vertical height (cm) and air blow rate (m³/hr) adjustments of 0.5, 1.0 and 3.5, respectively at 485 rpm. Coriander seeds were classified into five grades, numbered one through five, and labeled A, B, C, D, and E (grade A represents light weight seeds and grade E represents heavy weight seeds). The seeds were graded and then tested for seed recovery percentage, 100 seed weight, seed filling percentage, germination percentage, speed of germination, seedling length (cm), dry matter production (g/10 seedlings), vigour index, field emergence (%), and biochemical analysis. The results revealed that higher germination per cent was recorded in the E grade (74 per cent) than A, B, C and D grades as well as F-ungraded bulk seeds. Estimation of storage reserves revealed that variation existed among the grades separated by the specific gravity separator. E grade seeds recorded higher protein, oil and carbohydrate contents, which would have substantiated the higher germination, vigour and field emergence.

¹Department of Vegetable Crops, Horticultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Periyakulam East, Theni district, Tamilnadu-625 604. ²Coconut research Station, Aliyarnagar, ³Department of Environmental Sciences, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore -641 003.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2021.v23i02.23

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Abstract: Moringa oleifera, a tropical vegetable crop of India, has gained importance for its nutrient-rich leaf production. A study was conducted at the Department of Vegetable Crops, Horticultural College and Research Institute, Periyakulam, to increase leaf biomass productivity and quality attributes of moringa leaves using liquid microbial inoculum. Microbial inoculum included Azospirillum, phosphate solubilizing bacteria, potassium solubilizing bacteria and pink pigmented facultative methylotrophs along with graded level of inorganic water soluble fertilizer. The annual moringa var. PKM -1 seeds were sown at a spacing of 40 x 20 cm on well prepared raised beds. Among the different treatments, combinations, tested moringa plants that received RDF 125 % of the recommended dose of inorganic fertilizers (337.5: 56.25: 112.5 kg NPK ha^-1) along with a liquid form of bio inoculants viz., Azospirillum, phosphate solubilizing bacteria, potassium solubilizing bacteria @ 500 mL each ha^-1 through drip system and foliar application of pink pigmented facultative methylotrophs @ 500 mL ha^-1 produced higher biomass yield. Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, ascorbic acid, tocopherol, crude protein, crude fiber, and total carbohydrates were found to be higher in the same treatment group.

Crop Production Department, University of Bengkulu, Bengkulu 38121, Indonesia.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2021.v23i02.24

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Abstract: Cucumber responses to mulching vary by season, region, and mulching material. A field experiment, arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replicates, was established to assess the effect of organic mulches on weed growth and cucumber yield. Treatments consisted of no mulch, palm oil leaf litter mulch, rice husk litter mulch, blady grass litter mulch, coffee husk litter mulch, and black-silvered plastic mulch. Treatment effects were evaluated in terms of the dry weight of weeds (broad and narrow leaf) and yield of cucumber (fruit diameter, fruit length, fruit number plant^-1, fruit weight, total fruit weight plot^-1and weight of marketable fruits plant^-1). Results indicated that the use of mulches effectively reduced weed growth, increased growth, and yield of cucumbers. The effectiveness of black-silvered plastic, coffee husk litter, rice husk litter, palm oil leaf litter, blady grass litter mulches to control weeds were 98, 68, 58, 56, and 54 %, respectively. Cucumbers grown with mulch increased fruit diameter, fruit weight, number of fruit plant^-1, weight of marketable fruits, and total fruit weight plot^-1 that were 7, 91, 25, 78, 134, and 78 % higher than those grown without mulch, respectively. These findings provids a valuable technique for cucumber growers in the low altitude of equatorial areas.

¹Department of Pest Management, Visayas State University, Visca, Baybay City, 6521, Leyte, Philippines. ²Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, Australia.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2021.v23i02.25

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Abstract: Seedling dieback caused by Phytophthora palmivora (Butler) is a significant problem in jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.) nurseries in Eastern Visayas, Philippines. It has been linked to insufficient knowledge of inoculum sources and possible factors contributing to seedlings’ health. This study was conducted to identify potential sources of Phytophthora inoculum in representative nurseries in Eastern Visayas and evaluate the effect of possible factors that contribute to seedling health. Phytophthora detection was conducted from random samples of potting media, irrigation water, germination beds, and roots of seedlings from representative nurseries supplying seedlings in the region. Detection was done through tissue baiting and the use of a Phytophthora-specific diagnostic kit. The effect of the air-filled porosity (AFP) of potting media, sanitation, pathogen inoculation, and phosphonate on plant growth and seedlings’ health was evaluated. Phytophthora propagules were positively detected in most samples, suggesting that seedlings most likely already harbor the pathogen when distributed to farms in the region. Among the factors, AFP of the potting medium had the most profound effect on seedlings’ growth and health. The tallest plants with the largest stem diameter, highest dry weight biomass, and least disease rating were grown in the most porous medium (21 % AFP) consisting of 20 % garden soil, 20 % carbonized rice hull, 20 % rice hull, 20 % coco coir dust, 10 % sand, and 10 % chicken dung. The benefit of a highly porous medium was, however, seen only when external fertilization was undertaken. Unsterilized media resulted in healthier seedlings compared to sterilized media. Sterilized potting media that were inoculated with the pathogen after sterilization resulted in more severe disease. Sterilized potting media was beneficial for jackfruit seedlings when supplied with adequate nutrients and as long as contamination with the pathogen does not occur. Sterile media, therefore, should be kept away from recontamination with the pathogen otherwise more severe disease may occur. The addition of the plant defense regulator phosphonate showed no effect on the growth and health of seedlings under the trial’s conditions.

Department of Arid Land Agriculture, College of Agricultural and Food Sciences, King Faisal University, P.O. Box 400, Al Ahsa 31982, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2021.v23i02.26

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Abstract: The application of small-scale fertilizers is among methods tested to reduce the salinity-caused reductions in crop production. The efficiency of a certain fertilizer was shown to be significantly affected by its application method or place. Therefore, in the current study, Lithovit-Guano25 (Guano) was applied with a concentration of 2 g.L^-1 through two methods of fertigation (ferti) and foliar spraying (foliar) on tomato salt-stressed crop irrigated by four different NaCl solutions (EC 2, 6, 10 and 14 dS.m^-1). Control plants were those irrigated by NaCl solutions with no Guano application. Leaf number, fresh weights of plant parts, yield components, nutrient content, and total chlorophyll content, were reduced with salt stress. Salinity increased total soluble solids, titratable acidity and cell electrolyte leakage. Compared to control, Guano-foliar caused a reduction in soil EC by 0.09, 0.13, 0.2 and 0.22 dS.m^-1 respectively at EC2, EC6, EC10 and EC14. Fresh weights of shoots and roots were optimized mainly in Guano-foliar by 12.5, 10, 4 and 7.5 g compared to control, respectively at EC2, EC6, EC10, and EC14. When comparing methods of application, no significant difference was found between both methods on fruit diameter, fruit TSS, TTA and Mg content. Leaf area and fruit weight in Guano-foliar-treated plants were significantly higher (by 20 cm² and 2.5 g) compared to Guano-ferti-treated plants at EC14. Moreover, fruit number and yield were also maximized following Guano-foliar treatment. Guano-foliar treated plants accumulated less sodium at EC6 (by 0.2 %) and more phosphorus at all ECs (by 0.2 %) than those of Guano-ferti. Additionally, nitrogen, calcium, and total chlorophyll content were maximized in Guano-foliar-treated plants. When compared to fertigation, foliar spraying of guano had a better effect on mitigating salt stress.

¹Department of Botany, Burdwan University, Bardhaman 713104, W.B., India. ²The Institute of Integrated & Honors Studies, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra 136119, Haryana, India. ³Department of Botany, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra 136119, Haryana, India.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2021.v23i02.27

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Abstract: To assess the role of kinetin (KN) and morphactin (MOR) separately and also in combination in the regulation of petal senescence, cut flower sticks of Polianthes tuberosa were placed in various holding (vase) solutions like sucrose (0.1M), kinetin (KN, 20 pM), morphactin (MOR, 20 pM), KN (20 pM) + MOR (20 pM) and sucrose (0.1M) + KN (20 pM) + MOR (20 pM). Holding solutions were taken in sterilized conical flasks and the whole set up was placed under fluorescent tubes (40 Lux light intensity). A combination of sucrose + KN + MOR was the best followed by KN + MOR in partly controlling the loss of moisture content and flower turgidity, as well as a rapid decline in the fresh weight of flower sticks during 4-day as witnessed in treated and control sets. It was also noticed that both plant growth regulators (PGRs) when applied together and when sucrose was included, became more effective in maintaining relatively higher values of flower diameter. Investigation on selected biochemical changes revealed a sharp increase in reducing and total sugars of petals of untreated flower sticks, and KN treatment was found to be the best in arresting sugar accumulation. For the retention of protein, holding solution having sucrose + KN + MOR was the best while lipid peroxidation was arrested by KN+MOR but sucrose application alone was more effective in reducing this process. This study revealed a sharp increase in proline content in untreated tuberose petals, while reduced to some extent by sucrose and further reduction by MOR and KN. Sucrose was found to be the least effective in lowering the proline level.

¹Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, Cross River University of Technology, Cross River State, Nigeria. ²Deparment of Plant and Ecological Studies, University of Calabar, Calabar. ³Department of Forestry and Wildlife, Cross River University of Technology, Cross River state, Nigeria.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2021.v23i02.28

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Abstract: Viruses have been known to cause considerable yield losses in Ocimum gratissimum (L.), a leafy vegetable commonly known as African basil but locally referred to as “scent leaf’. The crop is cherished for its essential oil, medicinal and agricultural benefits. Virus-like symptoms on leaves causing mosaic, yellowing, leaf malformation and stunting on O. gratissimum (L.) were observed in several farms during the 2018/19 crop season in two locations of Boje and Okoyong in Cross river state. Serological and molecular methods were used to detect viruses infecting the crop at the two locations. Preliminary studies showed the virus could be transmitted mechanically, affirming it was a viral infection. Symptomatic leaf samples from both locations tested positive in antigen-coated plate enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ACP-ELISA) to antibodies of genus-specific Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) and Potyvirus. Primers specific to the coat protein of CMV and the cylindrical inclusion (CI) protein of potyvirus were used for detection of the viruses in reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Obtained sequences were compared to corresponding sequences in the GenBank using the BLASTn program, and the ocimum isolates showed nucleotide sequence similarities of between 89.20 -97.98 % to ocimum potyvirus (MT396942) from Calabar in both locations and two of the collected samples from Okoyong showed a sequence similarity of 100 % with Ocimum CMV isolate from India MN481937. This is the first evidence of potyvirus infection in both locations and mixed infection of CMV and potyvirus on O. gratissimum in Nigeria.

Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, 8415683111, Isfahan, Iran.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2021.v23i02.29

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Abstract: Bermudagrass turfs are widely used in subtropical to tropical regions and in transition zones for golf courses, landscape areas, and athletic fields. Lack of adequate cold tolerance in these grasses causes early winter dormancy and an aesthetically unpleasing surface. This study investigated the effect of sequential Trinexapac-ethyl (TE) applications during the growing season on fall color retention, spring green-up, and physiological responses related to cold hardiness in bermudagrass cultivars. Trinexapac-ethyl (untreated, 6.0, 12.0, and 18.0 mg a.i. m^-2) was applied monthly throughout the bermudagrass growing season. According to the results, TE applications enhanced spring green-up and possessed color retention for 20 and 12 days longer in the first and second years of the study, respectively. Higher proline and total carbohydrate contents were observed in the crown of TE-treated as compared to untreated turfs. Hybrid cultivars exhibited higher spring green-up, rhizome survival, proline content, total carbohydrates, and longer color retention than seeded cultivars. The higher proline content of the crown was positively associated with enhanced color retention, rhizome survival, and spring green-up. Finally, these results confirmed that accumulated osmolytes in the crown (resulting from growing-season TE application) minimized the dormancy period in winter via improvement of fall color retention and spring green-up.

¹Faculty of Plantation and Agrotechnology, Universiti Teknologi MARA Perlis, 02600, Arau Perlis. ²Faculty of Agriculture, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, 43400, Selangor. ³Centre of Foundation Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA Cawangan Selangor, Kampus Dengkil.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2021.v23i02.30

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Abstract: Chemical fertilizer application is one of the most common practices worldwide due to its fast nutrient release mechanism. Nevertheless, the usage of inorganic fertilizer for vegetable crops is not preferred as it may contribute to the health risk. A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of different concentrations of fish amino acid (FAA) as foliar fertilizer on the growth and yield of kale (Brassica oleracea var. alboglabra L). Five treatments of the experiment were; T1 NPK Green (Control), T2 (10% FAA), T3 (20 % FAA), T4 (30 % FAA) and T5 (40 % FAA). The growth performance of kale when treated with T4 showed significantly higher (P < 0.05) plant height, number of leaves, number of branches, total leaf area, and plant biomass as compared to other treatments. Fish amino acid at 30 % concentration can be recommended as an effective replacement for NPK green for sustainable kale production.

¹Department of Agriculture and Food Engineering, School of Engineering, The Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK) - P.O. Box 446 Jounieh, Lebanon. ²Lebanese Agricultural Research Institute, P.O. Box 90-1965, Fanar, Lebanon. ³National Research Council of Italy, Institute for Agricultural and Forestry Systems in the Mediterranean (CNR–I.S.A.FO.M.).

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2021.v23i02.31

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Abstract: The challenges faced by traditional agriculture led to the development of alternative agricultural systems such as soilless systems. This work aimed to assess the growth and yield components of kale under three soilless growing systems: Nutrient film technique set up vertically (T-vertical); Nutrient film technique set up horizontally (T-horizontal), and substrate coco bags (T-coco). The trials were conducted for two consecutive growing seasons (S1: Spring 2018 and S2: Fall 2019) in an unheated greenhouse. Irrigation supply, maximum plant uptake of water, and radiation use efficiency were evaluated for both seasons. The quantitative and qualitative parameters of the production were assessed in terms of yield ( kg per plant and kg per m²), number of leaves per plant, dry matter, protein content, nitrate level and leaf mineral composition. The main results showed that the maximum plant uptake was 0.30, 0.30 and 0.20 L m^-2 day^-1 respectively for T-vertical, T-horizontal and T-coco while the actual supply of water was 62.4, 32.28 and 3.27 L m^-2 day^-1, respectively. A significant difference was recorded for the number of leaves, yield components, dry matter, protein level, Radiation Use Efficiency and mineral composition of kale leaves was higher during fall than in the spring season. However, the nitrates level was much higher in spring than in fall. The T-vertical soilless system showed better yield (6.83±2.27 kg per m²), more proteins (2.53±0.31 g per100 g FW), and higher amounts of calcium (Ca), total nitrogen (N), manganese (Mn), and iron (Fe) than the other systems. The study demonstrated the potential of soilless production technologies in the coastal Mediterranean areas.

Agro-physiology, Biotechnology, Environment & Quality Laboratory, University Ibn Tofail, Kenitra-Morocco.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2021.v23i02.32

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Abstract: The phoenicultural sector occupies an important place in Morocco’s agricultural development strategies. The country has seen increasing growth in the creation of date packing and cold storage units in hot areas where energy poses a critical environmental situation. The overall objective of this study was to enable the local population, especially the actors of the phoenicultural sector using the refrigerated units for the conditioning of dates, to benefit from the important solar potential enjoyed by the region, with a strong concern for reducing the energy bill and for participation in the national and international efforts to reduce the effects of climate change. The study made it possible to propose technical-economic solutions based on photovoltaic energy. It thus emerges that the use of this energy is essential as a curative solution to this challenging economic situation. Therefore, the context of the project is favourable to its success as a technical solution for reducing energy consumption.

Department of Horticulture, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2021.v23i02.33

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Abstract: Shading is one of the cooling methods for changing the microclimate and maximizing crop growth in hot and sunny regions. A study was conducted to determine the effect of the growing environment on the growth, yield and fruit quality parameters of strawberries. The experimental treatments include net house, poly shade house, UV poly shade house, and open field (control) conditions. The results revealed that the plants produced in the net house condition had maximum plant height (18.5 cm), total chlorophyll content (62.66), fruit number (17), and yield (289.16 g/plant) of strawberries. In contrast, plants grown under UV poly shade conditions recorded higher total soluble solid (7 °Brix), titratable acidity (0.46%), ascorbic acid (39.68 mg/100g) and lower pH (3.41). Reducing sugar (7.57 mg/g) and phenol (2.44 mg/g) levels were higher in fruits grown in poly shade. Results indicated that the most suitable growing condition for yield and yield parameters of strawberries is under the net house. In contrast, UV poly and poly house conditions are favourable for producing better quality fruit.

Department of Olericulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani 695 522, Kerala.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2021.v23i02.34

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Abstract: An experiment was conducted at the Department of Olericulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Kerala, to study the effect of fertigation, drip irrigation, and training levels on the yield and quality of watermelon under rain shelter. The treatments were factorial combinations of three fertigation levels (75, 100 and 125 % recommended dose (RD) of 70:50:120 NPK ha^-1), two irrigation levels (0.6 and 0.8 evapotranspiration (ET) rates) and two training levels (nipping to one vine, nipping to two vines) arranged in randomized block design with two replications and control with surface irrigation, soil application of fertilizer and horizontal training of vines. Levels of fertigation and irrigation exerted a significant influence on fruit weight and yield plant^-1. Total yields were highest at 100 % RD (115.68 t ha^-1) as compared to 125 % RD (94.81 t ha^-1). The number of fruits plant^-1 was unaffected by ferigation and irrigation treatments. Vertical training of two vines in watermelon resulted in the highest number of fruits plant^-1 (6.09). TSS was unaffected by fertilization, irrigation, or training levels. Under a rain shelter, lycopene and ascorbic acid levels were affected by a lack of irrigation.

¹Department of Horticulture and Post-Harvest Technology, Institute of Agriculture, Visva-Bharati, Sriniketan (West Bengal) – 731236, India. ²Department of Horticulture, M.S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Centurian University of Technology and Management, Paralakhemundi (Odisha) – 761211, India.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2021.v23i02.35

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Abstract: In West Bengal (India), onions are mainly cultivated during the Rabi season. The Coastal Saline Zone of West Bengal is a non-traditional onion growing belt. An experiment was conducted to study the production and storage performance of onion cultivars in this region with the broader aim of understanding the suitability of this region for commercial onion cultivation. Sixteen short-day onion cultivars were grown and assessed for their yield and storage performance during the Rabi season. Variation among the onion cultivars was noted for observed field and storage traits. Onion cultivars Agrifound Light Red, Bhima Shakti, Sukhsagar, NHRDF Red-2, Pusa white Flat, NHRDF Red-3, Bhima Kiran, and N-53 out yielded others. Average physiological loss in weight, rotting, sprouting and total loss was registered 33.6, 24.8, 1.3 and 59.7%, respectively, after 180 days of storage. Onion cultivars recorded 20.0 to 99.6% total losses after six months of storage. Cultivar Sukhsagar was found to be suitable for extended storage.