The Effect of Fertilizer Treatment on the Morphology of Maize (Zea mays) Planted in An Intercropping System in the Immature Oil Palm Plantation

Applying and optimizing an intercropping system between oil palm and seasonal crops such as maize in the immature palm oil plantation is one way of obtaining additional income for farmers until the main crop (oil palm) mature and ready to harvest. The aim of the research was to determine the effects of fertilizers, particularly nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) on the growth and production of maize in an intercropping system with oil palm. The experiment, using one-factor randomized complete block design, was conducted at the Cikabayan Experimental Station, IPB University, Indonesia, from August to December 2020. Four set-ups were prepared corresponding to four different fertilizer applications as follows: A0 (without treatment), A1 (240 g Urea + 80 g KCl + 320 g SP-36 per plot), A2 (480 g Urea + 160 g KCl + 320 g SP-36 per plot), A3 (720 g Urea + 240 g KCl + 320 g SP-36 per plot). Applying the highest dosages of N and K (A3), significantly increased plant height, fresh weight, number of leaves, leaf area, stem diameter, cob length, cob weight, and husk-free cob weight. Intercropping maize with immature oil palm did not affect the oil palm growth.

Water Requirement Estimation of One-Whorl Rubber (Hevea brasiliensis Müll. Arg.) Planting Materials

Fulfilling water requirement is one of the important factors for a successful production of rubber tree planting materials. Research on the irrigation requirement for young rubber trees is crucial to determine the amount of water required for an optimum plant growth. The aim of this study was to determine the amount of water needed by one whorl rubber planting material to compensate the amount of evapotranspiration, as well as to estimate the crop coefficient value (kc). The research was conducted at the Indonesian Rubber Research Institute on July 2021. Daily evapotranspiration (ETc) of rubber planting materials of clone “PB 260”, “RRIC 100”, and “IRR 112” planted in polybag size 13 cm x 35 cm were measured by weighing the planting materials daily. Evapotranspiration for the reference crop was collected from the Indonesian Rubber Research Institute climatological station. Our study showed that the amount of water required by each rubber planting material was 92.21 mL per day per polybag when the mean of daily reference evapotranspiration (ETo) was 3.67 mm per day. Therefore, the crop coefficient (kc) of one whorl rubber planting material arranged sparsely was ± 0.32. This kc value can be used as a base to calculate water requirement of one whorl rubber planting material based on the daily reference evapotranspiration (ETo).

Harvesting Criteria and Drying Methods to Improve the Quality of Foxtail Millet Seeds (Setaria italica L. Beauv.)

Foxtail millet is annual grasses with grains that are smaller than those of sorghum, rice, and wheat, and is considered one of the minor economic crops but with nutritional values similar to other major food crops. The development of millet as major cereal crop is considered challenging due to the low quality of its seeds, and studies have been conducted to improve millet’s seed quality. We conducted this study to determine the harvesting criteria of foxtail millet seeds based on the change in color of the panicles. We also wanted to determine the drying treatment, and evaluate the relationship between the position of the seed on the panicles and the seed viability and vigor. The first experiment was arranged based on a completely randomized design with panicle color as the first factor (green, yellow 75%, and brown) and drying time as the second factor (0 hours, 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours). The second experiment was arranged in a completely randomized design with seed position as the main factor (base, middle, tip). The study was conducted on two genotypes of millet, i.e. “BOTOK 4” and “BOTOK 10”. The highest seed quality of “BOTOK 4” and “BOTOK 10” genotypes were obtained when the panicles were brown and dried for 72 hours; the seed chlorophyll content was the lowest and water content was 8.88%, with the highest viability and vigor, i.e., germination rate of 88.3%-90%, maximum growth potential of 92%-95.3%, normal sprout dry weight 596-620 mg, vigor index of 33.6% - 21.6%, and growth rate of 18.2%-17.1% etmal-1. The highest seed viability and vigor in “BOTOK 4” genotypes were obtained from the base position, i.e., 78.7% germination rate, maximum growth potential of 83.7%, vigor index of 56.5%, growth speed of 19.6 etmal-1, normal sprout dry weight of 48 mg, radicle length of 3.3 cm) and “BOTOK 10” genotypes from the middle position with 91.5% germination, maximum growth potential of 97.2%, vigor index of 21.7%, growth speed of 17.0% etmal-1, and normal sprout dry weight 61 mg.

Heat Stress Affects Seed Set and Grain Quality of Vietnamese Rice Cultivars during Heading and Grain Filling Period

Environmental stress trigger a variety of rice plant response, ranging from alters seed set, grain yield and grain quality during flowering and grain filling stage. Efforts are required to improve our understanding of the impact of heat stress on rice production, which are essential strategies in rice cultivation. This article investigated the seed set, yield components and grain yield of Vietnamese rice cultivars (Indica germplasm) under high temperature environment during the flowering and grain filling stage. Six rice cultivars, including popular cultivars and new cultivars of Cuu Long Delta Rice Research Institute, and one popular extraneous cultivar with differences in maturing time, were grown in pots at high temperature (HT) and natural temperature condition as control (CT). All rice cultivars were subjected to the high temperature starting from the heading stage to the harvest maturity, applied by greenhouse effect. The greenhouse has about 25 cm window opening on 3 sides for air ventilation. The seed set rate of the heat-sensitive rice genotypes decreased significantly under HT, leading to a significant reduction in grain yield. The lowest seed set was recorded in “OM4900” (44.3%) and “OM18” (39.9%) under high temperature environment. The lower yield in all rice cultivars at an elevated temperature resulted in a dramatic decrease of filled grains and contributed to a loss of 1000-grain weight. ‘“OM892” is a potential rice cultivar for heat tolerant breeding program due to the seed set percentage was above 80% in both HT and CT conditions. High temperature during the grain filling stage resulted in a decreased amylose and increased chalkiness for all OM cultivars.

Occurrence and Distribution of Viruses Associated with Okra and Their Alternative Hosts in Kaduna and Zamfara States, Nigeria.

One of the major constraints to production of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) in Nigeria and in particular in Kaduna and Zamfara States, is the problem of okra mosaic virus and okra leaf curl virus. This study was carried out to provide information on the occurrence and distribution of okra mosaic and okra leaf curl viruses on okra, in Kaduna and Zamfara states, Nigeria. A survey of okra-producing farms was carried out during dry and wet seasons of 2017 cropping season in Kaduna (Zaria, Lere, and Igabi Local Government Areas) and Zamfara (Gusau, Bungudu, and Zurmi LGAs) states. Leaf samples (15) of symptomatic okra plants were collected from each farm in the study area. The total number of plants and the number of symptomatic plants within each subplot were recorded, and the disease incidence was determined. Double Antibody Sandwich Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (DAS- ELISA) kit was used in the detection of Okra Mosaic Virus while Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was employed for the detection Okra Leaf Curl Virus. The results showed that all the okra leaf samples tested for OLCV were negative in this study while OkMV was tested positve in all the samples with a recorded incidence of 20 % and 14 % in Kaduna and Zamfara states respectively, however, only 8 out of total weed samples were also tested positive for OKV, but all were tested negative to OLCV.

Evaluation of Silica Uptake from Foliar-Applied Silicon Nanoparticles in Melon (Cucumis melo L.) under Soilless Culture

Melon (Cucumis melo L.) is a fruit commodity that gets a great interest to be developed in Indonesia and has a high nutritional value. However, the fungal infection and pathogens in melon cultivation are considered significant problems that are difficult to manage. Therefore, efforts are needed to improve the productivity and quality of melon and prevent pest and disease attacks. One mineral nutrient that is assumed to enhance plant resistance and increase the quality and production of melon is silica. The purpose of the research was to evaluate silica absorption from foliar-applied silicon nanoparticles in melon under soilless culture and improve melon fruit's growth and quality by applying silica fertilizer. The experimental design used was a split-plot randomized complete block design 3 x 2 factorial pattern with four replicates. The main plot factor is silica fertilizer (Novelgro, water-soluble), consisting of three silica concentrations of 0.67; 1.33 ppm, and control. The spray volume of each treatment was 160 ml per plant with seven days' intervals and a frequency of three times. The subplot factor is melon varieties consisting of “Alisha” and “Glamour”. The findings showed that silica fertilizer significantly increased the plant height, stem diameter, internode length, total number of hermaphrodite flowers, number of hermaphrodite flowers that are swelling, while decreased the fruit moisture content and gave the best average fruit position. Instead, The “Glamour” variety gave the best response to plant growth and fruit quality. Moreover, the melon plant could absorb silica in the low category (<1% Si). The highest silica contents were found in the “Alisha” cultivar leaves and the “Glamour” cultivar's rinds treated with the silica concentration of 1.33 ppm as much as 0.34% and 0.30%, respectively.

Pests and Diseases in Foxtail Millet (Setaria italica L. Beauv.) Cultivated in The Greenhouse

Greenhouse ecosystem with more stable abiotic factors could affect the population and diversity of pests and diseases found on foxtail millet (Setaria italica L. Beauv.) compared to their natural ecosystems. We observed and identified pests and diseases in seven genotypes of foxtail millet namely “Toraja”, “ICERI 5”, “ICERI 6”, “Botok 4”, “Botok 10”, “Mauliru”, and “Hambapraing”; these activities are important for the formulation of appropriate integrated pest management techniques. Using plant samples that were at the end of their vegetative phase, we found white mycelia of Fusarium incarnatum (yellowish-white colonies) and F. verticilloides (violetish-pink colonies) covering the ear-tip of the seeds and developed rapidly leading to seed rotten symptoms in “Toraja”, “ICERI 5”, and “ICERI 6”. The disease severity remained constant after these integrated management techniques were put in place. However, abnormalities in leaves leading to failure of panicle emergence occurred in “Botok 4”, “Botok 10”, “Mauliru”, and “Hambapraing”. These were caused by the fungi Penicillium sp. Identical controlling techniques were applied to this incidence and the disease incidence was reduced. Corn leaf aphids (Rhophalosiphum maidis) and rice mealybugs (Brevenia rehi) were recorded as main insect pests with severe attack. The aphid, R. maidis, colonized the stems and were associated with the sooty mold (Capnodium sp.), resulting in wilting. The mealybugs, B. rehi, colonized the flag leaves resulting in leaf rotting. Insecticide and isolating the attacked plants were used as the controlling techniques. Red-mites (Tetranychus urticae) were also detected as indicated by chlorotic spots on the upper part of the leaves. Acaricide was used to reduce its population. The pests and diseases found in the seven genotypes of foxtail millet are commonly known to occur in Poaceae. In general, greenhouse ecosystem for foxtail millet facilitated planting with high population with lower diversity of pests and diseases compared to the open field planting.

Evaluation of Some Selected Mango Varieties for Fruit Powder Production In Ghana

Mango is an important fruit, which receives high patronage in Ghana. However, the highly seasonal and perishable nature of the crop, besides being a constraint to both farmers and processors, also deny consumers the opportunity to enjoy the fruit all year round. Use of the stable powder form of mango can serve to fill the gap during the mango off-season. This study evaluated the fruits of four major mango varieties (“Keitt”, “Kent”, “Palmer” and a local variety) grown in Ghana for their suitability for fruit powder production. The fresh fruit pulp and reconstituted freeze-dried powder of the varieties were analyzed for physicochemical characteristics. The study revealed that “Keitt”, “Kent” and “Palmer”, which are the exotic varieties, had significantly (p≤0.05) high pulp content of 68%, 66% and 63% respectively indicating potential for high fruit powder yield. Acceptable levels of total soluble solids, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid and beta-carotene contents were observed in the fresh fruit and the freeze-dried powders of the varieties. There was no significant (p≤0.05) difference in Yellowness Index between fresh fruit pulp of “Keitt”, “Kent” and “Palmer” and their respective reconstituted freeze-dried powders. These three mango varieties exhibited considerably good quality in terms of physical and chemical characteristics for processing and utilization as fruit powder. The production of high quality mango powder from these varieties could therefore serve as substitutes in the off-season and also reduce postharvest loss.

Plant Growth and Morphological Characters of Sonchus arvensis L. from Different Chicken Manure Rates and Harvest Intervals with Ratooning Practices

Sonchus arvensis L., commonly known as perennial sow thistle, field milk thistle, among other names, is a weedy species that has medicinal values. Belongs to the Daisy family (Asteraceae), S. arvensis has a rosette form and it can be harvested more than once. The determination of harvest interval for ratoon of S. arvensis is necessary because ratooning can save time to produce the consecutive plant biomass, but the second harvest must be conducted at the correct time as it will determine the quantity and quality of leaves. As source of herbal medicine, cultivation of S. arvensis with organic fertilizer is preferred, and determination of organic fertilizer rates is also important for ratooning. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the plant growth response and yield with different chicken manure rates and different harvest intervals. The field experiment was conducted at IPB experimental station in Cikarawang, Darmaga Bogor, Indonesia. The study used a randomized complete block design with different manure rates (0, 7, 14, 21 ton.ha-1) and various harvest intervals (6, 8, and 10 weeks after the first harvest) as treatments. The results showed that for the first harvest, the effect of chicken manure rates was linear almost on all variables. For the ratoon (second harvest), manure rate of 14 ton.ha-1 (for first harvest) added with 4 ton.ha-1 (after first harvest) was enough for leaf production. The results indicate that ratoon should be harvested at 10 weeks after the first harvest to obtain the highest yield. The interaction between manure rates and harvest interval was not significant for growth variables of the second harvest.

Influence of Sowing Dates and Sowing Methods on Growth and Seed Yield of Black Cumin (Nigella sativa L.)

Nigella sativa L. is widely used medicinal plant throughout the world. In Bangladesh it is mainly used as spices in preparing various food items. Sowing time and sowing methods are the influential factors to produce higher seed yield of black cumin. Therefore, this study was undertaken to find out a suitable sowing date and method to produce higher seed yield of black cumin. The two-factor experiment comprised with four sowing dates (1st November, 15th November, 1st December and 15th December) and two sowing methods (line sowing and broadcast seeding). The experiment was carried out following randomized complete block design with three replicates. Results showed that plant growth, yield contributing traits and yield of black cumin significantly influenced by sowing dates and methods. It was observed that the line sowing method compared to broadcast seeding and 1st December sowing among the other sowing dates exhibited higher plant growth with greater production of seed. The combine effect of sowing time and sowing methods showed significantly influenced on black cumin seed production. It was observed that the 1st December sowing with line sowing method increased the seed yield as compared to other sowing dates and methods. From the findings of this study it can be concluded that 1st December following line sowing method would maximize plant growth, yield contributing traits and seed yield of black cumin in Bangladesh.