EFFECT OF SEEDS SOAKING AND VEGETATIVE PARTS NUTRITION WITH ACIDS OF ASCORBIC, CITRIC AND HUMIC ON MAIZE GROWTH

A field experiment was carried out during two spring seasons in 2019 and 2020. This study was aimed to increase dry matter weight and crop growth rate of maize. First factor in main plots was nutrition vegetative parts with ascorbic and citric (100 mg l-1) for both of them and humic (1 ml l-1), in addition to the control treatment (spraying of vegetative parts with distilled water only). Second factor in sub-plots was seeds soaking with same acids above, as well as the control treatment (soaking the seeds with distilled water only). Randomize complete block design in split plot arrangement was used with three replications. The results showed a significant superiority of seeds soaking in humic acid for traits of number of days from planting to 75% anthesis and silking (66.4 and 66.3 day) and (72.3 and 72.3 day), plant height (194.0 and 230.8 cm), leaves area plant-1 (6969.5 and 6570.2 cm2), leaf area index (3.71 and 3.50), dry matter weight (11.6 and 12.2 ton ha-1), crop growth rate (3.0 and 3.2 g cm-2 day-1) and chlorophyll leaf content (60.2 and 69.5 SPAD) for both seasons, respectively. Effect of vegetative parts nutrition and interaction effect of both studied factors was non-significant for most traits. It can be concluded that seeds soaking in humic acid improved growth traits. It can be recommended to soak seeds of maize before planting in humic acid at concentration of 1 ml l-1.

Effects of CaO on the Clonal Growth and Root Adaptability of Cypress in Acidic Soils

Cypress (Cupressus funebris Endl.) is a major tree species planted for forestland restoration in low-fertility soil and in areas where rocky desertification has occurred. Calcium (Ca) fertilizer can adjust the pH of soil and has an important effect on the growth of cypress. Soil and water losses are serious in Southern China, and soil acidification is increasing, which results in high calcium loss. However, the adaptability of cypress clones to different concentrations of calcium in acidic soils has not been studied. In this investigation, a potted-plant experiment was set up with three concentrations of calcium oxide (CaO) fertilizer (0, 3, and 6 g·kg−1) added under local soil conditions with 0 and 3 g·kg−1 nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) fertilizer. The effects of CaO on the growth, root development, and nutrient uptake and utilization efficiency of cypress clones were analyzed. The growth, root development, and nutrient absorption and utilization of cypress differed when calcium fertilizer was applied to acidic soils with different degrees of fertility. In the soil with 0 g·kg−1 NPK fertilizer, the 3 and 6 g·kg−1 CaO treatments significantly increased the clonal growth of cypress seedling height, basal diameter, and dry-matter weight. In addition, the length, surface area, and volume of the roots less than 2.0 mm of root diameter also significantly increased, indicating that the fine cypress roots were somewhat able to adapt to differing Ca levels under lower fertility conditions. Moreover, the efficiency of N, P, and Ca accumulation was highest in the 3 g·kg−1 CaO treatment. After adding 3 g·kg−1 CaO fertilizer to the soil with 3 g·kg−1 NPK fertilizer, only the root dry-matter weight increased significantly, indicating that root development (including root length, surface area, and volume) in the D1–D3 diameter classes (≤1.5 mm in diameter) was significantly elevated. When CaO application reached 6 g·kg−1, the seedling height, basal diameter, and dry-matter weight of each organ decreased, as did the length, surface area, and volume of the roots in the all diameter classes, indicating that the addition of excessive CaO to fertile soil could inhibit the growth and root development of cypress. In Ca-deficient low-quality acidic soils, adding CaO fertilizer can promote the development of fine roots and the uptake and utilization of N, P, and Ca. The results of this study provide a basis for determining the optimal fertilization strategy when growing cypress in acidic soils in Southern China.

Effect of Hormonal Regime and Explant Type on Cell Clusters Expression of Maize Mutants (Zea Mays L) Derived from Gamma Irradiated Seeds of Ev8728 variety

Maize (Zea mays L.) seeds irradiated with gamma or not from the fourth self-fertilisation cycle were selected for tissue culture. For this purpose, MS medium supplemented with 30 g.L-1 sucrose, 100 mg.L-1 casein hydrolysate, 100 mg.L-1 myo-inositol and 6 g.L-1 agar was used. For this purpose, three auxins type (2.4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2.4-D), 2-methoxy-3.6-dichlorobenzoic acid (Dicamba) and Indole-3-Acetic Acid (AIA)) and explants (root, epicotyl and leaf) were tested. The results showed that 2.4-D more precisely at 3.5 mg.L-1 was the best auxin for callus induction in the different maize mutants studied. The induction rate, dry matter weight and water content of callus varied according to the type, age, explant position and the maize mutants studied (control, 200 and 300 grays). Thus, the 7-day root and more precisely its basal part was better for callogenesis. In addition, mutants of the 200 grays dose were more expressive in the ability to induce callus in EV8728maize variety.

Selection of Rhizobium spp. Isolates for Inoculation of Field Pea (Pisum sativum)

Rhizobium isolates from wild pea nodules were characterized on the basis of microbiological characteristics. P4, P7, P12, P14, P16, P19, P20, P22, P23 and P24 isolates grew at the 4.5 pH, P5, P6, P11, P12, P13, P14, P16, P17, P19, P20 and P21 isolates grew at 4% NaCl and P7, P8, P10, P11, P12, P14, P19, P20, P22, P23, P24 and P25 isolates grew at 40°C. Resistance to antibiotics (μg mL-1) was investigated in a large propotion of isolates; streptomycin sulphate (80), rifampisin (40), erythromycin (30), chloramphenicol (100), Penicillin (40). In this study, local Rhizobium bacterial isolates were isolated from wild pea root nodules and their efficacy was investigated. Isolates significantly increased plant dry matter weight. The highest nitrogen fixation was achieved with P4 inoculation. Glutamine synthetase and leghemoglobin content of the nodules were determined in the inoculated with the highest P4 isolate. © 2021 Friends Science Publishers

Evaluating the performance of introduced varieties of maize under different planting dates and environments (some genetic parameters (LAI, TDM, DTM, CGR )

"To evaluate the performance of introduced varieties of maize under different sowing dates and locations, in addition to local variety, a field experiment was carried out in two locations; the first fields was at the College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences Baghdad University Al-Jadriya and the second location was at Diyala Governorate Muqdadiya District, fields of the Diyala Governorate Agriculture Directorate, for the fall season 2019. The study compared five varieties of maize introduced from America with a local synthetic variety (Ibba 5018) and tested it in two locations at three sowing dates (1, 15 July and 1 August). The Randomized Complete Block Design RCBD was used with four replications, with spilt plot arrangements, the main plots included three sowing dates, the secondary plots included, the varieties. The traits of leaf area index, total dry matter weight, the number of days to Physiological maturity, crop growth rate, and individual plant yield were studied.The results showed that the date of August 1 exceeded at the Baghdad location with the most studied traits, such as the number of days to physiological maturity (87.50 days) and plant yield (213.7 g), while the second date for the same location exceeded some traits such as leaf area index (4.81) and dry matter weight (421.7 g) and the crop growth rate is 4.715 gm plant-1,day-1.As for Diyala, the second date exceeded as the plant yield (182 g).Results showed the superiority of cultivar 3 for most of the traits in the Baghdad location, such as the weight of dry matter (459 g) and crop growth rate (5.2 gm plant-1 day-1 ),and plant yield (204 g). It also cultivar 3 in Diyala with the highest yield of plant (188.5 g) as a result of its superiority in terms of dry weight and crop growth rate. In the Cumulated analysis, the difference between the two locations was insignificant, whereas in the dates, the two dates were superiored in (July 15 and August 1) the highest yield for plant (182.2 and 187.3 g). Interaction was significant between sowing dates and locations(L×D), sowing dates and varieties (D×V), between varieties and locations(L×V), and the triple interaction of most of the studied traits(L×D×V)"

Seedling production of Coffea arabica from different cultivars in a modified hydroponic system and nursery using different containers

ABSTRACT The development of modified hydroponic cultivation has aroused interest and its use has enabled advantages in several crops, but studies for coffee are still scarce. Thus, the objective of this research was to evaluate seedling production of three Coffea arabica cultivars (Mundo Novo IAC-376-4, Catuaí IAC-62 Amarelo and MGS Paraíso 2), in a modified hydroponic system, and to compare it with the nursery production system, using plastic polyethylene tubettes and bags. Coffee seedlings in the development phase with cotyledon leaves, were cultivated in both cultivation systems. At 90 days after the implementation of the experiment, the seedlings were analyzed for growth (height, stem diameter, total number, leaf area, root area, root and shoot dry matter weight), and physiological characteristics (chlorophyll content and stomatal conductance). For the statistical analysis, a completely randomized design (CRD) was used in a factorial scheme 3 (cultivars) x 2 (containers) x 2 (cultivation systems), with four replications of ten plants per plot. The innovative production system of coffee seedlings in modified hydroponics, in combination with the use of polyethylene bags, provided greater growth of coffee seedlings with better physiological characteristics. Among the cultivars tested, MGS Paraíso 2 stood out with higher seedling growth (number of leaves, stem diameter and root and shoot dry matter weight).

CONDITIONING OF SEEDLINGS OF PEPPERS (CAPSICUM ANNUM L.), INFLUENCED BY THE HYDROPONIC SYSTEM "FLOATING"

CONDITIONING OF SEEDLINGS OF PEPPERS (CAPSICUM ANNUM L.), INFLUENCED BY THE HYDROPONIC SYSTEM "FLOATING" ANA RAQUEL PEREIRA DE MELO 1; JOSÉ FLÁVIO FERREIRA DE SOUSA2; CRISTIANE NUNES DA CONCEIÇÃO 3 E MARIA ROSELANE ALVES OLIVEIRA4 1 Engenheira Agrônoma, Instituto Federal do Maranhão - Campus Codó-MA, Rua do Poraquê S/N Codó Novo, Zona Rural, CEP: 65400000, Codó- MA, Brasil, [email protected]; 2 Engenheiro Agrônomo, Instituto Federal do Maranhão - Campus Codó-MA, Rua do Poraquê S/N Codó Novo, Zona Rural, CEP: 65400000, Codó- MA, Brasil, [email protected]; 3 Engenheira Agrônoma, Instituto Federal do Maranhão - Campus Codó-MA, Rua do Poraquê S/N Codó Novo, Zona Rural, CEP: 65400000, Codó- MA, Brasil, [email protected]; 4 Engenheira Agrônoma, Instituto Federal do Maranhão - Campus Codó-MA, Rua do Poraquê S/N Codó Novo, Zona Rural, CEP: 65400000, Codó- MA, Brasil, [email protected]. 1 ABSTRACT The aim of this research to assess the development of pepper seedlings under different nutritional conditions, under the influence of the "Floating" aiming system, a new production, alternative for larger producers’ safety in producing sustainably, ensuring the production of healthy food and income generation. The production of seedlings occurred in polyethylene plastic trays, where they were placed 2/seeds paprika cells of Yolo Wonder cultivar. After the emergence of seedlings was thinning. The experimental design was completely randomized design, containing 5 treatments with 4 replications. The treatments were T1-trays remained out of the "floating", receiving water irrigation 2 times a day; T2-trays of floating, remained out more irrigation the same solution of the "floating" 3 times a week, using 500 ml of solution per Pan; T3-were pans 12:00 are in "floating" and 12:00 am out; T4-trays remained throughout the period of the test in the "floating"; T5-trays remained throughout the period in the "floating", except in the last week. The solution was composed of soluble fertilizer, calcium nitrate, potassium chloride, Triple Superphosphate and Urea, and was changed every Ten days. The parameters analyzed were height of the plant; Root length; Fresh matter weight of shoot; Weight of fresh root matter; Dry matter weight of shoot; Root dry matter weight; Diameter of the stem. All parameters analyzed were submitted to analysis of variance and averages compared by Tukey test to 1% in the case of significance. The treatment proved to be more feasible was the T4, as this medium to larger variables introduced height, stem diameter, plant fresh mass aerial and aerial dry mass. Keywords: Nutrient solution, production, safety, productive Alternative. MELO, A. R. P.; SOUSA, J. F. F.; CONCEIÇÃO, C. N. E OLIVEIRA, M. R. A. CONDICIONAMENTO DE MUDAS DE PIMENTÃO (CAPSICUM ANNUM L.), INFLUENCIADAS PELO SISTEMA HIDROPÔNICO “FLOATING” 2 RESUMO Objetivou-se com esta pesquisa avaliar o desenvolvimento de mudas de pimentão submetidas a diferentes condicionamentos nutricionais, sobre influência do sistema “Floating” visando, uma nova alternativa de produção, para propiciar aos produtores maior segurança em produzir sustentavelmente, para com isso garantir a produção de alimentos saudáveis e geração de renda. A produção de mudas ocorreu em bandejas de polietileno plástico, onde foram colocadas 2 sementes/célula de pimentão da cultivar Yolo Wonder. Após a emergência das plântulas, foi feito o desbaste. O delineamento experimental foi Inteiramente Casualizado, contendo 5 tratamentos com 4 repetições. Os tratamentos foram: T1- As bandejas permaneceram sempre fora do “floating”, recebendo irrigação de água 2 vezes ao dia; T2 – As bandejas permaneceram fora do floating, mais irrigação da mesma solução do “floating” 3 vezes por semana, usando 500 ml da solução por bandeja; T3 – As bandejas ficaram 24 h em “floating” e 24 h fora; T4 - As bandejas permaneceram todo o período do ensaio no "floating"; T5 - As bandejas permaneceram todo o período no "floating” ", exceto na última semana. A solução foi composta pelos fertilizantes solúveis, Nitrato de Cálcio, Cloreto de potássio, Superfosfato Triplo e Ureia, e foi trocada a cada Dez dias. Os parâmetros analisados foram: Altura da planta; Comprimento da raiz; Peso da matéria fresca da parte aérea; Peso da matéria fresca da raiz; Peso da matéria seca da parte aérea; Peso da matéria seca da raiz; Diâmetro do caule. Todos os parâmetros analisados foram submetidos à análise de variância e as médias comparadas pelo teste de Tukey a 1% no caso de significância. O tratamento que se mostrou mais viável foi o T4, pois este apresentou maiores médias para as variáveis altura da planta, diâmetro caulinar, massa fresca da parte aérea e massa seca da parte aérea. Palavras-chave: Solução Nutritiva, Alternativa de Produção, Segurança produtiva.

Growth and yield response of Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris (L.) to media mixture ratios of sand, acacia soil, and goat manure

Northern Namibian soils are predominantly sandy. A mixture of Acacia soils, sandy and goat manure is frequently used for growing various plants. However, the extent to which variations in proportions of these substrates affect growth and yield is not known. The study was conducted at the University of Namibia, Ogongo campus during the period April to August 2020 to determine optimum mixing ratios for sandy, Acacia erioloba soil and goat manure on the growth and yield of Swiss chard. Treatments were Sandy, Acacia soil and goat manure mixed in 5 different ratios of respectively; 1:2:1; 2:3:2; 1:1:1, 2:1:2, 1:1:2 and Acacia soil (control). Samples from each mixture used for pot filling were taken to the soil laboratory for textural analysis. A complete randomized experiment with 8 replications was laid under the University’s shade house. Measured parameters were plant height, leaf area, fresh and dry matter weight and chlorophyll content. Results showed that media was significantly different across all the measured parameters at 1 % probability level. The medium mixture 2:3:2 outperformed the rest of the mixtures in almost all the parameters. The results of the study indicated that acacia soil alone is not optimum for pot filling but must be supplemented with substrate that is rich in mineral content like goat manure. However, the mixing ratio is a key consideration for optimal vegetable production. We recommend the use of media mixture 2:3:2 to improve yield of Swiss chard.

Critical Leaf Magnesium Concentrations for Adequate Photosynthate Production of Soilless Cultured Cherry Tomato—Interaction with Potassium

Magnesium (Mg) is essential to many plant physiological and biochemical processes; however, understanding how Mg nutrition quantitatively affects the production, partitioning, and utilization of photoassimilates is still lacking, especially in soilless culture systems. We focused on the roles of Mg in yield formation and interactions with potassium (K) nutrition of cherry tomato. Cherry tomato yield, photosynthetic parameters, dry matter weight, and K, Mg, and calcium (Ca) uptake were investigated in two soilless experiments with seven Mg levels and five K levels. The results showed that low (<1 mM) and high (>4 mM) Mg supply limited cherry tomato yield by decreasing dry matter accumulation by 22.6–78.1% and harvest index by 13.9–40.7%. The critical leaf Mg concentrations required for adequate photosynthate production in the first and second harvest periods were 4.67 and 5.52 g·kg−1, respectively. However, over-supply of Mg reduced leaf K and Ca concentrations and limited plant uptake of K and Ca. Moreover, adjusting K concentrations in solution could influence plant Mg functions in photosynthesis and, therefore, cherry tomato growth. Overall, balanced Mg and K application increased Mg, K, and Ca uptake, as well as Mg concentrations in leaves, which could maintain a sustainable photosynthetic rate and plant dry matter formation.