A, The EXPLORING THE ALLELOPATHIC AND HERMETIC EFFECT OF KHATAMI (Altheae officinalis) ON EMERGENCE AND SEEDLING GROWTH OF RADISH (Raphanus sativus)

Crop plants release biochemicals into surrounding environment that help in obtaining maximum yield of crop by acting bioherbicide at high concentration and plant growth hormone at low concentration. Therefore, this study was planned at Department of Agronomy in Weed Science Laboratory, University of Agriculture Faisalabad during Winter 2018 to evaluate the hermetic effects of Althaea officinalis L. (khatami) on vegetable crop Radish (Raphanus sativus) The experiments were laid out under completely randomized design (CRD) having three replications. The aqueous extracts of A. officinalis L. were used on radish different concentrations (2.5%, 5%, 10%, 20%, 40% and 80%). Data regarding seed germination and seedling growth (shoot length, root length, shoot fresh weight, root dry weigh) of radish were recorded using standard procedures. Results Reveals that the aqueous extract of A. officinalis at higher concentration (80%) act as bioherbicide and produced inhibitory effects on R. sativus result in Maximum time to 50% germination (4.68 days) and mean germination time (9.05 days) while minimum germination index (3.60), germination percentage (85.00%), shoot length (42.4 cm), root length (25.90 cm), shoot fresh weight (53.30 g) and root fresh weight (13.30 g). While at lower concentration (10%) it shows hermetic effect and produce maximum germination percentage (100.00%), shoot length (58.2 cm), root length (52.0 cm), shoot fresh weight (90.00g), root fresh weight (26.30 g) minimum time to complete 50% germination (3.36 days), germination index (6.00%) and mean germination time (5.73 days) growth. In A. officinalis among different phenolic compound minimum Syringic acid (0.60%) and maximum Quercetion (12.3%) compound was found. Therefore, it was concluded from this study that aqueous extract of officinalis can be used as growth promoter at lower concentration while at higher concentration for environmentally friendly control of weeds.

A, The Identifying the hermetic potential of khatami (Altheae officinalis) emergence and seedling growth of wild Pea (Pisum sativum subsp. elatius).

Crop plants release biochemicals into surrounding environment that help in obtaining maximum yield of crop by acting bioherbicide at high concentration and plant growth hormone at low concentration. Therefore, this study was planned at Department of Agronomy in Weed Science Laboratory, University of Agriculture Faisalabad during Winter 2018 to evaluate the allelopathic effects of A. officinalis on weed Wild Pea (Pisum sativum subsp. elatius). The experiments were laid out under completely randomized design (CRD) having three replications. The aqueous extracts of C. verum. were used on radish and wild pea seeds at different concentrations (2.5%, 5%, 10%, 20%, 40% and 80%). Data regarding seed germination and seedling growth (shoot length, root length, shoot fresh weight, root dry weigh) of weed were recorded following standard procedures. Results Reveals that the aqueous extract of A. officinalis at higher concentration (80%) act as bioherbicide and produced inhibitory effects on R. sativus result in Maximum time to 50% germination (6.70 days) and mean germination time (10.00 days) while minimum germination index (4.70), germination percentage (66.60%), shoot length (49.8 cm), root length (8.16 cm), shoot fresh weight (10.00g) and root fresh weight (10.361g). While at lower concentration (10%) it shows hermetic effect and produce maximum germination percentage (90.00%), shoot length (84.7 cm), root length (66.2 cm), shoot fresh weight (82.20 g), root fresh weight (58.30 g) and germination index (8.21%) minimum time to complete 50% germination (4.33 days) and mean germination time (5.49 days) growth. In A. officinalis among different phenolic compound minimum Syringic acid (0.60%) and maximum Quercetion (12.3%) compound was found. Therefore, it was concluded from this study that aqueous extract of officinalis can be used as growth promoter at lower concentration while at higher concentration for environmentally friendly control of weeds.

MORPHOLOGICAL AND PHYSIOLOGICAL STUDY FOR SUGARCANE EARLY SELECTION TO DROUGHT TOLERANCE

In Egyptian sugarcane breeding program, a pot experiment was carried out during 2019 season at Agricultural Research Station, Giza Governorate (latitude 26o 33? N and longitude 31o 12? E), Egypt, to evaluate twenty sugarcane clones, compared with the cultivated variety GT.54-9, under three irrigation water levels IWL (100, 80 and 60% of IWL). The traits FW of the shoot and root, root: shoot ratio, LAI, LAR, Chla, Chlb, Chla: Chlb ratio, carotenoids and proline were assessed. From this study clones 17 had height shoot fresh weight under water stress condition, as same as, clones 1, 18 and 19 had great behavior under water stress. In addition to most of sugarcane tested clones were not affected by increase the degree of water stress from 100 to 80% of IWL. The LAI, Chl.a and Chl.b traits showed the high correlation with shoot fresh weight, whereas, proline had strong relationships with root fresh weight under sugarcane drought stress.

Growth Assessment of Tropical Sugarbeet as Influenced by Spacing

The experiment was carried out at the research field of Agronomy and Farming Systems Division, Bangladesh Sugarcrop Research Institute (BSRI), Ishurdi, Pabna during 2012-2013 to determine the most suitable spacing for sugarbeet cultivation in Bangladesh. The experiment was conducted with nine spacing viz. 50 cm × 20 cm, 60 cm × 20 cm, 70 cm × 20 cm, 50 cm × 25 cm, 60 cm × 25 cm, 70 cm × 25 cm, 50 cm × 30 cm, 60 cm × 30 cm and 70 cm × 30 cm in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The effects of spacing on sugarbeet plantation were observed on growth and growth contributing components (germination percentage, number of leaves plant-1, root length, shoot length, root fresh weight, shoot fresh weight, root dry weight, shoot dry weight, crop growth rate) of sugarbeet. The highest germination percentage (95.67%), number of leaves plant-1 (34.33) at 30 DAS, shoot length (54.07 cm) at 120 DAS, root fresh weight (969.47 g plant-1) at 150 DAS, shoot fresh weight (752.47 g plant-1) at 120 DAS and other growth contributing parameters were obtained with the spacing 70 cm × 30 cm. However, the maximum root length (38.97 cm) was obtained with 50 cm × 20 cm spacing. It was concluded that the wider spacing promoted the growth of individual beet, though the optimum spacing for maximum root growth of sugarbeet was 50 cm × 20 cm. Bangladesh Agron. J. 2020, 23(2): 51-58

Physiological responses of Pea plants to treatment with synthetic auxins and auxin-type herbicide

The effect of exogenously applied 2,4-D (2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid) on growth and antioxidant defence of pea plants, preliminary treated with two synthetic auxin compounds 1-[2-chloroethoxycarbonyl-methyl]-4-naphthalenesulfonic acid calcium salt (TA-12) and 1-[2-dimethylaminoethoxycarbonylmethyl]naphthalene chlormethylate (TA-14) was examined. All chemicals were applied by foliar spraying. Applied alone, TA-12 and TA-14 had no significant effects, but they modulated the 2,4-D induced changes on most investigated biochemical parameters. The shoot fresh weight reduction caused by 2,4-D was partially overcome by the use of TAs. The use of TAs partially overcame the shoot fresh weight reduction induced by 2,4-D. Apart from this, no significant changes were observed in the other biometric parameters. Treatment with 2,4-D did not enhance lipid peroxidation, and hydrogen peroxide content was slightly increased. These data indicate that treatment with 2,4-D did not cause severe oxidative stress, which is also confirmed by the results of the antioxidant defence system. The application of 2,4-D provoked mild accumulation of thiol-containing compounds, free proline and phenolic compounds and increased the antioxidant enzyme activities (GST, SOD, CAT, POD and GR) to a moderate degree. Pretreatment with TAs noticeably decreased the non-enzymatic antioxidants (free proline, total phenolics and total low-molecular thiols) compared to plants treated with 2,4-D only. Except for GR, TAs pretreatment returned the enzyme activities to levels close to the controls. Based on the results obtained, we suggest that the application of both synthetic auxins could modulate 2,4-D herbicide effects.

Beyond Beer: Hop Shoot Production and Nutritional Composition under Mediterranean Climatic Conditions

For hop growers, surplus shoots are generally a useless by-product of cultivation. Conversely, they may represent a valuable resource due to rising interest towards healthy and traditional foods. A field trial was carried out in Central Italy to characterize shoot production (number of emerged shoots, shoot fresh weight, marketable shoot yield, and shoot diameter) of three commercial hop cultivars (Cascade, Challenger, and Hallertauer Magnum) and to survey shoot proximate composition (ash, ether extract, crude protein, and crude fiber). Green shoots were harvested when they were from 20 to 40 cm in length. The results from two years showed that there was significant difference among the varieties and between growing seasons, both for yield traits and for nutritional composition. H. Magnum showed the highest marketable shoot yield (152 g per plant, two-year mean), while Cascade had the best proximate composition. The number of emerged shoots per plant varied from 62.5 of Cascade to 84.3 of H. Magnum over a two-year average. Marketable shoot yield showed a positive relationship with number of shoots and average shoot fresh weight, while no significant correlation was found with shoot diameter. Hop shoots proved to be a low-fat food (ether extract from 2 to 6% dry matter (DM)) with high protein (from 22 to 30% DM) and fiber content (from 10 to 16% DM).

Hydroponic Fertilizer Supply for Basil Using Controlled-release Fertilizer

Small-scale hydroponics is a growing urban horticulture trend, but nutrient solution management remains a challenge for small growers. The objective was to investigate the potential to use controlled-release fertilizer (CRF) to simplify nutrient management in small-scale hydroponic systems. Three experiments were conducted with the goal of a single fertilizer application during the crop cycle of basil (Ocimum basilicum). Nutrient release curves were quantified by adding prills to water and measuring nutrient content weekly in the solution for CRF products without plants. In all seven products tested (Osmocote Bloom 2–3M, Osmocote Plus 3–4M, E-Max Calcium Nitrate 2–3M, Agrocote MAP 3–4M, E-Max Keiserite 3–4M, E-Max K-Mag 2–3M, and Agrocote SOP 3–4M) an initial rapid release was followed by a plateau, but release rates differed between products varying from 100% (MgSO4) to 60% release [(NH4).(H2PO4)] over an 11-week evaluation period. Total nutrient content in two commercial N–P–K CRF products (3–4 months 15N–3P–10K and 2–3 months 12N–3.1P–14.9K) provided lower Ca and Mg compared with a typical hydroponic solution based on water-soluble fertilizer (WSF). A subsequent experiment evaluated plant growth response using the same two commercial CRF products (single application) or a WSF (replaced weekly) in growth chamber environment. Plants grown for 4 weeks under CRF treatments yielded less than half the shoot fresh weight of plants grown with WSF and exhibited symptoms of Ca deficiency and micronutrient toxicity (confirmed with tissue analysis). Electrical conductivity (EC) of CRF solutions increased over time indicating excess dose compared with plant uptake, reaching a maximum of 5.4 dS·m−1. Nutrient release curves from the first experiment were then used to estimate product release and create a single-application nutritional program based on a customized “Blend” developed from CRF macronutrients plus WSF micronutrients. Plants were grown hydroponically with two dosages of Blend (1X and 2X) and compared with a commercial WSF with weekly replacement of solution. Blend 2X and WSF treatments had similar shoot fresh weight (241 and 244 g/four plants, respectively) with healthy plant appearance and tissue nutrient levels generally within published survey ranges for basil. Commercial CRF products designed for soil or container production were unsuitable for hydroponics, but acceptable plant performance with the customized CRF Blend demonstrated proof-of-concept for a single CRF application.

Common bean seed germination and seedling emergence under inoculation with biostimulators

Biostimulating microorganisms have protector effect against pathogenic agents, affect the stand formation, promote plant growth, and increase yield of agricultural crops. Thus, the objective of this work was to evaluate the seed germination and seedling emergence of different common bean cultivars as a function of treatments with Bacillus subtilis BV02 and Trichoderma asperellum BV10. Germination tests in paper rolls and sand were conducted in a completely randomized design, with a 2×4 factorial arrangement consisted of two cultivars, namely Campos Gerais (CG) and Estilo (ES), and four microorganism treatments, namely B. subtilis BV02 (BS), T. asperellum BV10 (TA), B. subtilis BV02 + T. asperellum BV10 (BS+TA), and Control. The variables analyzed were: germination speed index (GSI), emergence speed index (ESI), germination percentage, emergence percentage, root length, seedling height, and root and shoot fresh and dry weights. The CG cultivar had higher GSI, ESI, root length, seedling height, shoot fresh weight, root fresh weight, and shoot dry weight than the ES cultivar in the paper roll and sand tests. The common bean seed inoculation with BS+TA increased seedling height, shoot fresh weight, shoot dry weight, and root length in the ES cultivar. The CG cultivar had higher GSI, ESI, root length, root fresh weight, and root and shoot dry weights than the ES cultivar. The treatment of seeds with BS+TA is recommended to improve the performance of common bean seedlings of the ES cultivar.

Inhibition of wheat growth planted after glyphosate application to weeds

Glyphosate is easily translocated from shoots to roots and released into the rhizosphere. The objective of this study was to clarify the influence of glyphosate residues in the root tissue of glyphosate-treated weeds on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) growth and shikimate accumulation. Foliar application to 5-leaf downy brome (Bromus tectorum L.) planted in sandy loam soil reduced wheat (‘Tubbs 06’) shoot fresh weight by 37% to 46% compared with the control when seeds were planted 0 and 1 d after applications. With Italian ryegrass [Lolium perenne L. ssp. multiflorum (Lam.) Husnot], wheat shoot fresh weight was inhibited by 20% to 34% compared with the control at 0, 1, 3, and 5 d after applications to 1.5- and 5-leaf-stage plants. Using a different wheat cultivar (‘Stephens’), shoot fresh weight was inhibited by 19% to 43% when seeds were planted 0 d after glyphosate applications to 1.5-, 2-, and 5-leaf-stage B. tectorum and L. perenne planted in sandy loam soil compared with control. In contrast, some studies using treated L. perenne and B. tectorum planted in clay loam soil resulted in increases in wheat shoot fresh weight. Lolium perenne planted in water-saturated sandy loam soil showed no differences in either shoot or root fresh weight or shikimate accumulation in shoots or roots. Compared with the control plants, shikimate accumulation in roots increased 51- to 59-fold in wheat planted in sandy loam soil that previously contained B. tectorum and 13- to 49-fold in soil that previously contained L. perenne. In both studies, glyphosate was applied at the 1.5-leaf stage, and wheat seeds were sown 0, 1, and 3 d after glyphosate applications. Thus, plant damage caused by glyphosate was associated with increased shikimate accumulation in the root tissue. Overall, crop damage caused by glyphosate residue to target plants was strongly influenced by soil type, soil water conditions, glyphosate sensitivity, target weed species identity, and weed densities.