The Effect of LED Lighting on The Growth of Seedlings of Hybrid Tomato

A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of LED lighting on the growth of seedlings of hybrid tomato plants. Four hybrids (Captain F1, Refiner F1, Coral Reef F1 and Fire F1), seven treatments of irradiators (monochromatic red, green, blue, white) and three dual light treatments (green+blue, blue+red, green+red) were carried out in the laboratory of artificial climate. Radiation with monochromatic had a role in increasing hypocotyl length, the height of plant, transpiration and stomata connection. The results have shown a significant effect on radiation with monochromatic red on hypocotyl length (73.00mm) and the height of plant (30.94cm). Plants radiation with monochromatic blue gave the highest transpiration (4.69 mmol/m2.s) and stomatal conductance (0.30 mol./m2.s). The dual radiation had a role in increasing dry weight for the plant and leaf chlorophyll content (SPAD). Radiation with (green+red) provided the best stem dry weight (0.91g). Plants irradiated with (green+blue) exhibited the highest leaf dry weight and root dry weight (1.96g and 3.12g respectively). Plants radiation with (blue + red) showed the highest leaf chlorophyll content (SPAD) (559.19). In the monochromatic light, the effect of hybrid Fire F1 showed the highest hypocotyl length (64.11mm) and height of plant (29.00 cm), and hybrid Refind F1 had the highest transpiration (3.58 mmol/m2.s) and stomatal conductance (0.23 mol./m2.s). In the binary spectral effect, the hybrid Coral reef F1 resulted the highest stem dry weight, leaf dry weight and root dry weight (0.68 g,1.76 g and 2.39g respectively), and hybrid Refind F1 had the highest leaf chlorophyll content (SPAD) (468.27).

Continuous Lighting Promotes Plant Growth, Light Conversion Efficiency, and Nutritional Quality of Eruca vesicaria (L.) Cav. in Controlled Environment With Minor Effects Due to Light Quality

Light-emitting diode lamps can allow for the optimization of lighting conditions in artificial growing environments, with respect to light quality, quantity, and photoperiod extension, to precisely manage resources and crop performance. Eruca vesicaria (L.) Cav. was hydroponically cultured under three light treatments to investigate the effect on yield and nutritional properties of rocket plants. A treatment of (W-12h) having a12/12 h light/dark at 600 μmol m−2 s−1 provided by LEDs W:FR:R:B = 12:2:71:15 was compared with two treatments of continuous lighting (CL), 24 h light at 300 μmol m−2 s−1 provided by cool white LEDs (W-CL), and by LED R:B = 73:27 (RB-CL). CL enhanced the growth of the rocket plants: total fresh biomass, leaf fresh weight, and shoot/root ratio increased in W-CL, and leaf dry weight, leaf dry matter %, root fresh and dry weight, and specific leaf dry weight (SLDW) increased in RB-CL. Total carbon content was higher in RB-CL, whereas total nitrogen and proteins content increased in W-12h. Both W-CL and RB-CL increased carbohydrate content in the rocket leaves, while W-CL alone increased the sugar content in the roots. Fibers, pigments, antioxidant compounds, and malic acid were increased by CL regardless of the light spectrum applied. Nitrate was significantly reduced in the rocket leaves grown both in W-CL and RB-CL. Thus, the application of CL with low light intensity can increase the yield and quality value of rocket, highlighting that careful scheduling of light spectrum, intensity, and photoperiod can improve the performance of the crop.

Response of Sugar Beet (Beta vulgaris L.) Growth, Yield and Yield Components to Compost and Phosphorus Fertilizers

Sugar beet is one of the sugar crops which widely grown in different regions of the world due to its advantages over Sugarcane. Several studies were conducted in Sudan to assess its adaptation and economic value. However, the aim of this experiment was to study the effect of application of compost and different levels of phosphorus fertilizer and their combination on Sugar beet (Beta vulgaris) growth attributes, yield and yield components. The study was conducted during the winter season 2018 –2019 at the farm of the College of Agriculture, University of Bahri, Alkadaro-Khartoum State, Sudan. The experiment was arranged in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications and six treatments, namely the Compost (5t./ha.), Phosphorous (P2O5) (88kg./ha.), P2O5 (176 kg./ha.), Compost (5t./ha.)+P2O5 (88kg./ha.), Compost (5t./ha.)+ P2O5 (176Kg./ha.) and the Control (C) respectively. All cultural practices were carried out timely according to the recommendations of the Agricultural Research Centre in Sudan. Then the data pertaining the following agronomic traits were recorded, the leaf number; leaf dry weight (g), leaf area index (LAI) (cm), root diameter (RD) (cm) and root fresh weight (RFW) (g). The results of statistical analysis revealed the application of compost in combination with phosphorus displayed significant increase at 5% level for the leaf number (22.75), leaf area index (5.23), leaf dry weight(36.78), root diameter(69.67) and root fresh weight (422.68), followed by the application of compost alone compared to the control and other treatments. The study concludes that the combination of compost and mineral fertilizer (P2O5) proved to increase all Sugar beet growth and yield parameters.

Effect of Nitrogen Fertilizer and Plant Spacing on Vegetative Growth of Sugar Beet (Beta vulgaris)

Despite the existing several Sugar manufacturing companies in Sudan, there is an acute shortage in sugar supply, therefore the government imports Sugar to bridge the gap. One of the strategies to be followed is the introduction of Sugar beet (Beta vulgaris) crop, mainly for sugar production. This crop has several advantages over Sugarcane such as short duration, less water requirement, in addition to other uses like animal feed. Therefore it became necessary to have good understanding of agricultural operations, cultural practices and adaptation. However, the main objective of this study was to assess the effect of Nitrogen fertilizer and plant spacing on vegetative growth of Sugar beet. This study was conducted at the farm of the College of Agriculture, University of Bahri, Alkadro, Khartoum State-Sudan; during the season 2016/2017. The experiment was arranged in Split plot in Randomized Complete Block Design with six treatments and four replications. Two plant spacing (15 and 20 cm.) were used as main plot, referred as (S1, S2) along with three levels of Nitrogen fertilizer (40, 80 and 120 kg/ha.), as subplot; referred as (N1, N2 and N3) and the control (0). Data regarding leaf number, leaf area index (LAI), leaf dry weight (g) (LDW), root diameter (mm.) and root fresh weight were recorded and statistically analyzed. The results showed S2 (20 cm) increased all the studied plant characters, namely the leaf number (29.139), leaf area index by (7.54), leaf dry weight (g) to (89.870), root diameter (mm) (94,992), root fresh weight (g) (695.80) compared to S1(1015 cm). On the other hand; the application of N3 (120 kg/ha.) increased the lead number (30.956), leaf Area Index (8.841), Leaf dry weight (102.47), root diameter (97.955) and root fresh weight (851.77) compared to S2 and S1 as presented in (table 4, table 5 and table 6).

Generative propagation and fertilisation of Stipeae species – wild grasses with ornamental potential

The wild grasses are of increasing interest among landscape architects. The appropriate plant selection is crucial for the subsequent survival and growth of plants in grassy gardens. The aim of the experiment was to assess the influence of seed age (1–3-year old seeds) on the germination of three Stipeae species: Eriocoma occidentalis subsp. californica, Stipa pulcherrima and Hesperostipa curtiseta. The seed weight and germination percentage showed a decline over a period of seed storage. There was 31–84% (depending on species) loss in germinability of 3-year old seeds in comparison to 1-year old seeds. After germination, plants were repotted and treated with Osmocote (a slow-release fertiliser, N15 + P10 + K12). The results indicated that fertilisation significantly increased the number of roots, stems, leaf length, leaf dry weight, chlorophylls and proline content. None of the tested species flowered in the year of sowing but in the next growing season. Plants fertilised in the previous year formed more and of better quality inflorescence stems.

Effect of different dosage of EMS on germination, survivability and morpho-physiological characteristics of sunflower seedling

To find out the effect of EMS dosage on sunflower variety BARI Surjamukhi-2, different EMS concentrations were compared at the molecular biology laboratory (MBL), Oilseed Research Centre (ORC), Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Gazipur. A total of 10 seeds were treated with each treatment and % germination, % survival and early seedling growth was investigated. Decreased % germination was found with the increasing dose of EMS for all the treatment compared to the control, except for T 4 (0.6% EMS) treatment where a 100% seed was found to be germinated. With an exception of treatment T 4, a decreasing trend of % survivability with the increasing dose of EMS was observed. The gradual reduction with the increasing dose of EMS were observed for most of the studied characters such as leaf area, number of internodes, internode length, fresh and dry weight of leaf, dry weight of shoot, and fresh and dry weight of root in comparison to non-treated control seedlings. However, stimulatory effect with lower dosage of EMS was observed for shoot length in T 2 (0.2% EMS), root length in T 3 (0.4% EMS), and stem fresh weight in T 2 over control. Based on a quadratic regression analysis, using % survivability data, LD50 was calculated and optimum EMS dose was found 0.5%. Hence, the optimized EMS dose of 0.5% may be used to develop large scale desirable mutant of sunflower variety BARI Surjamukhi-2.

Effect and Compatibility of Phosphite with Trichoderma sp. Isolates in the Control of the Fusarium Species Complex Causing Pokkah Boeng in Sugarcane

Sugarcane, a highly productive crop, is frequently challenged by different biotic agents, such as the pokkah boeng disease that can cause drastic yield losses of up to 40%. This airborne fungal disease is caused by various Fusarium species integrated into a complex. Integrating novel compounds and biological control agents is of paramount importance to cope with these fungi in sustainable systems. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect and compatibility of phosphite (Phi) and Trichoderma sp. in the control of Fusarium sp., in vitro and in planta. Using in vitro tests, we evaluated the effects of Phi (0, 500, 1000, 2000, 4000, and 8000 µg mL−1) and the compatibility of Phi + Trichoderma (isolates Taz 001, 013, and 016) on the pathogen complex. Using in planta tests, we evaluated the compatibility of Phi + Trichoderma (Taz-016) in the control of Fusarium in sugarcane plants under greenhouse conditions. A synergistic effect of Phi + Trichoderma was observed in vitro on the control of the pathogen, especially when combining 1000 µg mL−1 + Trichoderma Taz-016. In the in planta trial, combining 4000 µg mL−1 Phi + Trichoderma Taz-016 showed the best control of Fusarium infection, improving plant height, culm length and leaf dry weight.

IMPACTS OF DIFFERENT CONCENTRATIONS AND TIMES OF APPLICATION OF CHITOSAN ON SWEET BASIL (Ocimum basilicum L.)

Sweet basil is one of the popular herbs that contains various types of antioxidants and is widely used in pharmaceutical, food and cosmetic industries. Although sweet basil is considered as an easy and fast-growing herb, yet, the production is still insufficient to cater to the rising demand. Thus, the aim of this study is to increase biomass of sweet basil by the application of chitosan at different timing. The experiment was arranged in Randomized Complete Block Design with four replications. Plants were treated with different concentrations of chitosan (0, 2, 4 and 6 ml/L) at three different times of application (20, 40 and 20+40 days after transplanting), and kept for 60 days under open field. Data was analysed by using Statistical Analysis Software (version 9.4), Analysis of Variance was used and means were separated using Least Significant Differences. Based on the findings, all treated plants showed greater value compared to the control treatment. Among the treatments, it was found that plants treated with 4 ml/L at 20 days after transplanting performed the best where the plants reached highest stem fresh weight (44.59 g/plant), root dry weight (2.83 g/plant), leaf fresh weight (54.28 g/plant) and leaf dry weight (8.80 g/plant). The yield was higher than control treatment at 43.45% and 59.71% based on its leaf fresh weight and leaf dry weight, respectively. Therefore, it is recommended for sweet basil to be treated with 4 ml/L at 20 days after transplanting. Besides, more details study on compound profiling and its fraction from sweet basil leaf extract can be conducted in the future. Keywords: dry weight; fresh weight; physiology; sweet basil; yield

Keragaan Agronomi Rumput Gajah (Pennisetum purpureum cv Taiwan) Hasil Irradiasi Sinar Gamma

The objective of this study was to determine the agronomic diversity of gamma-ray at 50 Gray dose during the phase of embryogenetic callus in napier grass cv Taiwan. This research used a randomized blok design (RBD) of gamma-ray and without radiation elephant grasses (P. purpureum cv Taiwan). There were 51 numbers in irradiated elephant grass, each number three replicated and five plant per number each. Without irradiation control used elephant grass (P. purpureum cv Taiwan); there were 10 clumps in one block and each line number had been repeated three times. Gamma radiation showed no impact on plant height and stem weight (dry weight) at P>0.05, but had a significant effect on number of tillers, leaf length, leaf width, total weight, fresh weight, leaf (dry weight), weight of stem (fresh weight). Gamma ray irradiation selection does not have to generate high output but can be developed on sub optimal soil or extreme weather conditions such as tolerant felling, which requires less high plant. Key words: diversity, forage, irradiation

Stomatal and Leaf Morphology Response of European Beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) Provenances Transferred to Contrasting Climatic Conditions

Climate change-induced elevated temperatures and drought are considered to be serious threats to forest ecosystems worldwide, negatively affecting tree growth and viability. We studied nine European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) provenances located in two provenance trial plots with contrasting climates in Central Europe. Stomata play a vital role in the water balance of plants by regulating gaseous exchanges between plants and the atmosphere. Therefore, to explain the possible adaptation and acclimation of provenances to climate conditions, stomatal (stomatal density, the length of guard cells, and the potential conductance index) and leaf morphological traits (leaf size, leaf dry weight and specific leaf area) were assessed. The phenotypic plasticity index was calculated from the variability of provenances’ stomatal and leaf traits between the provenance plots. We assessed the impact of various climatic characteristics and derived indices (e.g., ecodistance) on intraspecific differences in stomatal and leaf traits. Provenances transferred to drier and warmer conditions acclimated through a decrease in stomatal density, the length of guard cells, potential conductance index, leaf size and leaf dry weight. The reduction in stomatal density and the potential conductance index was proportional to the degree of aridity difference between the climate of origin and conditions of the new site. Moreover, we found that the climate heterogeneity and latitude of the original provenance sites influence the phenotypic plasticity of provenances. Provenances from lower latitudes and less heterogeneous climates showed higher values of phenotypic plasticity. Furthermore, we observed a positive correlation between phenotypic plasticity and mortality in the arid plot but not in the more humid plot. Based on these impacts of the climate on stomatal and leaf traits of transferred provenances, we can improve the predictions of provenance reactions for future scenarios of global climate change.