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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.

¹Agribusiness Department, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Lopez, Quezon Branch, ²Central Bicol State University of Agriculture, Pili, Camarines Sur.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2021.v23i02.36

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Abstract: Momordica charantia L. is a vegetable crop commonly cultivated under chemical fertilization. Thus, its response to different organic fertilization schemes was investigated. Growth, yield, chemical properties and organoleptic properties were determined, and profitability was also assessed. The experiment was laid out using Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) replicated thrice and applied with the following treatments: T1 (farmer’s practice-inorganic fertilizer); T2 (vermicompost); T3 (vermicompost and fermented fruit juice); T4 (vermicompost + calcium phosphate); and T5 (vermicompost + fermented fruit juice + calcium phosphate). Early flowering and fruit setting in bitter gourd were not influenced by the treatments while yield components were highest in inorganic fertilized plants. Vermicompost supplemented with calcium phosphate had higher vitamin A (7,354 I.U), while application of inorganic fertilizer contributed to higher vitamin C (69.87 mg/100 g). Total soluble solids (5 °Brix) was highest in plants applied with vermicompost and fermented fruit juice. A higher amount of phosphorus and potassium in the soil was observed after planting. In contrast, lower soil pH, percent organic matter and total nitrogen were manifested as compared to the initial soil analysis. No statistical differences was observed in color, crispness, and aroma, while statistical difference was observed in bitterness. Bitter gourds applied with inorganic fertilizer were the most bitter, while those fertilized with vermicompost and fermented fruit juice had the least bitterness.

¹Agriculture Technology Faculty, Udayana University, Bali, Indonesia, ²Agriculture Faculty, Udayana University,Bali, Indonesia. ³Agriculture Technology Faculty, Udayana University, Bukit Jimbaran, South Kuta, Badung, Bali (80361), Indonesia.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2021.v23i02.37

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Abstract: Potatoes are the most vulnerable crops to climate change in terms of various physiological processes. The implementation of technology in seed potato cultivation was done by installing clear plastic shade on crops and installing black plastic mulch on raised beds. The plastic shade helped in reducing the amount of sunlight intensity received by plants in the range of between 651-1435 lux; maintaining the temperature between 21-28 ^oC and the relative humidity of the environment between 55-82 %. On the other hand, the plastic mulch helped in controlling the growth of weeds and controlling the amount of water in the soil, especially in the root zone at field capacity, and maintained soil temperature at the fixed root zone at 12-24 ^oC. Plant growth was influenced by seed quality, soil temperature, and soil moisture content. The combination of plastic shade and mulch plastic technology on potato seed cultivation increased the quality of plant growth measured from the total biomass weight of 17.2 %. The rate of plant growth directly influenced the productivity of the tuber, which increased by 3.3 %.

Department of Crop Science, Faculty of Agricultural Science and Forestry, Universiti Putra Malaysia Bintulu Sarawak Campus, 97008 Bintulu, Sarawak, Malaysia.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2021.v23i02.38

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Abstract: Natural flowering in pineapple is precocious, lacks synchronization in reproductive phenology and consequently leads to significant losses due to fruits being harvested out of schedule. Several factors influencing the flower initiation in pineapple have been identified, including the cultivar, plant size, temperature, nutrients, and water stress. To increase the synchronization, pineapple flowering can be artificially induced by hormones such as auxin and ethylene. However, despite the artificial induction, the simultaneous full flowering emergence is still difficult to achieve in the industry. Thus, a greater understanding of factors affecting pineapple flowering before hormone application may help in enhancing flowering efficiency. This review discusses the initiation and development of pineapple flowering, as well as the use of exogenous hormones to improve efficacy and provide insight into better pineapple management.

¹Department of Horticulture, School of Agriculture, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab- 144411, India. ²Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India. ³School of Agriculture, ITM University, Gwalior, MP-474001.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2021.v23i02.39

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Abstract: The present investigation was conducted in a factorial randomised block design to evaluate the performance of two chilli varieties (V1: CH-27 and V2: Eagle-53) after application of various organic (neem cake, panchagavya and vermicompost) and inorganic nutrient sources. Among the treatments, T10 (neem cake @ 250 kg/ha with recommended fertiliser doses of 100:50:50 kg of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium per ha) produced the highest average plant height (86.28 cm) and average fruit weight (4.36 g). The application of T8 (vermicompost @ 1 ton/ha with neem cake @ 250 kg/ha) resulted in the highest fruit yield (465.73 g/plant and 172.46 q/ha), while the application of T6 (panchagavya at 3 percent with neem cake at 250 kg/ha) resulted in the highest capsaicin content (0.46 g/g). However, the interaction between the nutrient treatments and varieties was significant, with T8V1 having the highest yield (188.75 q/ha) and benefit:cost (B:C) ratio (4.3). The application of vermicompost @ 1 ton/ha in combination with neem cake @ 250 kg/ha was found as the best treatment for high economic yield with no significant deviation in fruit quality. The CH-27 cultivar was superior because of its high yield, superior fruit quality, and high income.

¹Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB), Crop Innovation and Technology Transfer Department, P.O. Box 5016 Kigali, Rwanda. ²University of Rwanda, College of Agriculture, Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 210 Musanze, Rwanda.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2021.v23i02.40

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Abstract: The choice of cultivar and adequate nutrition are vital for good watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) production. This study evaluated the yield performance of four watermelon cultivars: ‘Sugar Baby’, ‘Crimson Sweet’, ‘Sukari F1’ and ‘Julie F1’ under four different NPK fertilizer rates: 50, 75, 100 and 125 % of the recommended dose (RD) (90:60:60 kg ha^-1 of Nitrogen (N): Phosphorus (P): Potassium (K). The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design, with cultivars in the main plots, fertilizer in the subplots and three replications. The experiment was conducted in two seasons: 2017A and 2017B at two sites; Karama and Rubona. A higher number of fruits per plant (5.1-5.8) was obtained with ‘Julie F1’ + 75 or 100 % of RD at both sites and in both seasons, followed by ‘Sukari F1’ + 100 % of RD and the open-pollinated cultivar A higher fruit weight (4.4-5 kg) was obtained with ‘Julie F1’ and ‘Sukari F1’ under 125 % of the RD. Plots planted with ‘Julie F1’ and treated with 75 % or 100 % of RD recorded higher fruit yield per plant (20.9-27.5 kg) and higher fruit yield per ha (104.2-137.3 t). From these results, it can be concluded that the high yield performance of watermelon in the study area can be obtained with ‘Julie F1’ using 75 % (67.5: 45: 45 kg ha^-1) of the recommended dose of NPK fertilizer.