Volume 21, No. 3 (September, 2020)
1. Nidal Odat* [Genotypic variation in germination and some growth parameters of wheat (Triticum turgidum spp. durum) in response to the toxic effect of aluminum oxide (Al2O3) nanoparticles]. Res. on Crops 21 (3) : 441-445 (2020). Department of Medical Laboratories Faculty of Science, Al-Balqa Applied University, 19177, Al-Salt, Jordan *(e-mail : nidalodat@gmail.com)
ABSTRACT
This experiment was conducted during 2017 and 218 at Al Balqa Applied University of Jordan to study the impact of different concentrations of aluminum oxide (Al2O3) nanoparticles on seed germination and growth parameters of roots of two different genotype (landrace versus cultivar) of durum wheat. Different levels (5, 25, and 50 mg/mL) of aluminum oxide (Al2O3) nanoparticles were subjected to wheat seedling of about 1 cm height. The different levels of nanoparticles were synthesized from a solution (100 mg/mL) by dissolving the nanoparticles in distilled water before ultrasonication (230 V/50-60 Hz) for about one hour. The results of the present study showed that all the studied concentrations of Al2O3 (5, 25, and 50 mg/mL) nanoparticles had negative affect on the germination of landrace (Sham1) while the influence of Al2O3 nanoparticles on the cultivar genotype (Om Qais) was not significant at any concentrations tested. Additionally, all root growth parameters viz., (coleoptile, radical and total root length) were genotypic specific in response to the toxicity of Al2O3 nanoparticle especially at the intermediate and high concentrations (two-way ANOVA, p<0.05). Therefore, this study indicates that most growth parameters of durum wheat are highly sensitive to the toxicity effect of aluminum oxide with some dependency on the genotypic characteristics of wheat.
2. V. A. MOHANLAL*, K. SARAVANAN and T. SABESAN [Evaluation of blackgram (Vigna mungo) genotypes for drought tolerance under field and in vitro conditions]. Res. on Crops 21 (3) : 446-455 (2020). Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding Faculty of Agriculture, Annamalai University Annamalai Nagar-608 002 (Tamil Nadu), India *(e-mail : mohanlal0606@gmail.com)
ABSTRACT
Blackgram a rainfed crop often experiences soil moisture deficit that reduces productivity to a large extent, could overcome by using a suitable drought resistant variety. Based on this, the present investigation was carried out during 2018 at Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Faculty of Agriculture, Annamalai University to study the drought tolerance in twenty-one blackgram genotypes. The selected genotypes (IC-343943, IC-343947, IC-343962, ABG-11013, KU-11680, TBG-104, VBG-10010, VBG-11011, VBG-12005, VBG-12062, VBG-13017, ADT-5, RU-16-9, RU-16-13, RU-16-14, KGB-28, T-9, VBN(Bg)-4, VBN(Bg)-6, VBN(Bg)-7, MDU Local) were evaluated in the field condition for drought tolerance by imposing water stress during flowering and pod setting stages (40-60 days after sowing) of the crop. The screening was also carried out in vitro by using PEG-6000 at three concentrations viz., 0 bar, -3 bars and -6 bars to assess their seedling response under induced osmotic potential. Reduced growth was observed in all blackgram genotypes for all the characters except for the number of days to first flowering. Based on per se performance of genotypes under water-stressed field condition, the genotypes VBG-12005, IC-343943 and IC-343947 were recommended as drought-tolerant genotypes for seed yield. In vitro condition, reduction in germination percentage, plumule and radicle length and biomass yield observed under increasing polyethylene glycol (PEG) induced water stress. In vitro screening of blackgram genotypes using PEG 6000 found that the genotypes VBG-11011, RU-16-9 and VBG-13017 expressed tolerance to drought at seed germination level. Thus, seedling stage screening for drought tolerance alone is not reliable as the tolerance mechanism may vary at different growth stages.
3. KEWAT ARVIND TEEMA*, KISHOR JANARDAN KUBDE, PRAMOD KUMAR, SUBHRADIP BHATTACHARJEE, SHEILENDRA KUMAR, MANISH RAMDAS DESHMUKH, VIKAS V. GOUD and PRADIP W. DESHMUKH [Influence of seed rate and fertilizer dose on the growth, development and yield attributes of blackgram (Vigna mungo) under dryland Vertisols]. Res. on Crops 21 (3) : 456-465 (2020). Department of Agronomy, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth Akola, Maharashtra- 444104, India *(e-mail : kewatarvind@rediffmail.com)
ABSTRACT
The performance of pulses under dry land conditions can be significantly improved by optimizing seed rate and adequate fertilizer management. Therefore, this study was conducted the kharif season of 2016-17 at Agronomy Farm, Department of Agronomy, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola, India to find out the best possible combination of seed rates and fertilizer levels for Black gram under the dryland condition in vertisols. The treatment combinations were comprised of three levels of seed rates viz. 15 kg/ha (S1), 20 kg/ha (S2), 25 kg/ha (S3) and four levels of fertilizers dosage viz. Absolute control (F0), 20:40:20NPK kg/ha (F1), 25:50:25 NPK kg/ha (F2), 30:60:30 NPK kg/ha (F3) and was laid out in Factorial Randomized Complete Block Design. Experiment results indicated that different growth parameters of blackgram significantly improved by 15 kg/ha of seed rate except plant height, where 25 kg/ha (S3) of seed rate recorded higher plant height. The yield attributes were higher under the seed rate of 15 kg/ha and 30:60:30 NPK kg/ha fertilizer application. In case of quality attributes, the seed rate of 25 kg/ha and 30:60:30 NPK kg/ha fertilization registered higher protein yield, although remain statistically non-significant compared to S1 treatment. Therefore, this experiment concludes that best-balanced growth, yield and quality of blackgram can be achieved with a seed rate of 15 kg/ha along with an application of NPK at the rate of 30:60:30 kg/ha.
4. Valeriy A. Burlutskiy*, Alexander F. Peliy, Ekaterina S. Borodina, Ameth Diop, Aleksandr S. Batygin, Meisam Zargar and Vadim G. Plushchikov [Efficiency of advanced sprayers for nutrient and pesticide application under precision cultivation of spring rapeseed (Brassica napus)]. Res. on Crops 21 (3) : 466-472 (2020). Kaluga Research Institute of Agriculture, 249142, Kaluga Region Village of Kaluga Experimental Agricultural Station, Russian Federation *(e- mail : v.burlutsky@yandex.ru)
ABSTRACT
Precision agriculture, which consist of using farming inputs has become the third wave of the modern agriculture revolution in the globe. Evaluation of newly developed technology is necessary before dissemination. Therefore, a study was conducted during 2017-18 in the conditions of the Central Chernozem of the Russian Federation, Voronezh region to study the effectiveness of the new generation sprayer Amazone UX 11200 Isobus in comparison with Amazone UX 5200 Amaspray for using complex tank mixtures that include, the level of intensity of farming inputs such as pesticides and mineral fertilizers. The highest increase in productivity and oil collection per unit area were observed for intensive farming input of Amazone UX Isobus application technology with the value of 2.91 t/ha and 1272 kg/ha, with an enhancement of 89.0 and 86.2% compared to the control, respectively. The effect of precision spraying on reducing the level of intra-field variability of the segmental component of agro-phytocenosis with intensive cultivation technology (from 22.5 to 8.9%) revealed allowing an increase in the efficiency of using these tank mixtures to the tune of 91-97%. The manifestation of the stabilizing effect, on an average, according to the experience was 210%. The economic efficiency of intensive technology in comparison with the basic technology allowed us to reduce the consumption of plant protection products by 5-7%.
5. E. T. Sebetha* and N. A. Moloi [The effect of N based fertilizer and soil type on the performance of sunflower (Helianthus annuus)]. Res. on Crops 21 (3) : 473-479 (2020). Food Security and Safety Niche Area Faculty of Agriculture, Science and Technology, North-West University Mafikeng Campus, Private Bag x 2046, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa *(e-mail : Erick.Sebetha@nwu.ac.za)
ABSTRACT
The potential yield of sunflower can be attained by optimizing nitrogen application for specific soil types. Therefore, this study was conducted during autumn and spring seasons of 2019 in the greenhouse structure of North-West University, South Africa to evaluate the effect of N based fertilizer and soil type on the performance of sunflower. A pot experiment was laid out in 2 × 6 factorial design fitted in a complete randomised design with three replications. Two soil types were clay loam and sandy loam with six nitrogen fertilizer rates (0, 90, 120, 150, 180 and 200 kg/ha). Growth parameters viz., plant height, number of leaves per plant, leaf area, chlorophyll content and stem diameter were recorded. Soil type had significant effect (p0.05) on number of leaves per plant and leaf area. Sunflower planted on clay loam soil had significantly higher number of leaves of 11.86 and 15.61 per plant on 46 and 60 days after planting, respectively. Sunflower planted on clay loam soil also had significantly higher leaf area of 194.5 cm2 on 74 days after planting. Nitrogen fertilizer rate had significant effect (p0.05) on sunflower leaf area and chlorophyll content. Sunflower treated with 180 kg N/ha had significantly large leaf area of 221.4 cm2 and higher chlorophyll content index (CCI) of 18.73. The results of this study reveal that clay loam soil is more suitable for production of sunflower. Nitrogen fertilizer rate of 180 kg/ha can be considered optimum for higher growth and development of sunflower.
6. SE JI JANG AND YONG IN KUK* [Growth characteristics of Cuscuta pentagona under different environmental conditions and occurrence distribution in soybean (Glycine max) fields]. Res. on Crops 21 (3) : 480-486 (2020). Department of Oriental Medicine Resources, Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Republic of Korea *(e-mail : yikuk@sunchon.ac.kr)
ABSTRACT
Persistence of exotic parasitic weeds have increased sharply due to climate changes causing devasting losses in agriculture and moreover a notable increase is noted due to agricultural import and exports. Favourable conditions supporting the germination of these weed species if identified could pave way to reduce further incidence. Therefore, this study was conducted during 2018 and 2019 to measure the occurrence levels of Cuscuta pentagona in agricultural land throughout Jeonnam province, South Korea, and to investigate the germination and growth of C. pentagona under a range of temperatures, seeding depths, shading levels, and soil moisture conditions. Seeds of C. pentagona can remain dormant for more than one year and have the highest rates of germination (80%) when the temperature is 25°C. The germination rate of C. pentagona was highest (44-67%) when planted at depths of 0.5-1 cm. Generally, increasing the shade levels improved the C. pentagona germination rates except when shading reached 90% or more. The highest rates of germination (63%) were achieved when the plants had 75% shade conditions. C. pentagona had the highest germination rates (60-73%) when the soil saturation levels were 30-80%, but 10% germination rates were observed when the soil was completely (100%) saturated. Overall, C. pentagona has the potential to cause severe issues in Korean farmlands. Owing to the ability of the plant to adapt and flourish in harsh conditions as well as produce seeds at a prolific rate, more studies will be needed to develop more effective strategies for managing and eliminating C. pentagona and other exotic weeds.
7. NIRMALA PRABHU RESHMI, GOUTAM MANDAL AND ROCKY THOKCHOM* [Study on osmotic dehydration and drying methods for the preparation of dry aonla (Emblica officinalis Gaertn) segments]. Res. on Crops 21 (3) : 487-493 (2020). Department of Horticulture and Postharvest Technology Institute of Agriculture, Visva-Bharati, Sriniketan-731236 (West Bengal), India *(e-mail : rockythokchom@rocketmail.com)
ABSTRACT
Fresh aonla after harvest is highly perishable and osmotic dehydration is an appropriate processing method to improve taste as well as shelf life in a cost effective and small-scale level for which the sucrose concentrations needs to be standardised. Therefore, this study was conducted during 2017-18 at the Institute of Agriculture, Visva-Bharati, Sriniketan, West Bengal, India to determine the effect of osmotic dehydration in hypertonic aqueous sucrose solution and drying methods for preparing dried aonla segments. Fresh aonla segments were subjected to osmotic dehydration in the hypertonic aqueous sucrose solution of different concentrations (40, 50 and 60 oBrix) and dried in different drying methods (direct sun drying and hot air oven conditions at 60 oC) until a constant weight achieved by dried aonla segments. The results revealed that the aonla segments osmotically dehydrated in 60 oBrix sucrose solution for 12 hours and dried in a hot air oven (60 oC) was the most acceptable products. The most acceptable product consumed less drying time (16.30 hours), have maximum TSS (19.67 oBrix), total sugar (24.71%), reducing sugar (7.45%), ascorbic acid (270.33 mg/100g) content and have minimum tannin (2.50%) content. The sensory evaluation of the most acceptable product revealed that it has a maximum score of colour (6.33), flavour (6.50), appearance (6.66) and overall acceptability (6.50) out of 9 points rating. The overall result also revealed that hot air oven drying method was more efficient than sun drying method.
8. Nguyen Phuoc Minh* [Influence of enzymatic concentration and incubation time in processing of pitaya (Hylocereus polyrhizus) fruit juice]. Res. on Crops 21 (3) : 494-497 (2020). Faculty of Food Science and Technology Thu Dau Mot University, Binh Duong Province, Vietnam *(e-mail : nguyenphuocminh@tdmu.edu.vn)
ABSTRACT
Pitaya or dragon fruit is highly evaluated due to its phytochemical constituents with numerous nutritional benefits but is very perishable during post-harvest owing to its high respiration rate. On the situation of the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak in China, many containers of dragon fruit get stuck at the border gate which can be converted into different value-added forms, juice is a case in point. Clarification is an important processing step in pitaya fruit juice processing and is essential to obtain a bright, clear appearance with low viscosity free from colloids, especially pectin. This study was conducted during 2020 at Soc Trang Nanotech laboratory, Soc Trang province, Vietnam to evaluate the impact of pectinase concentrations (15, 20, 25, 30, 35 µL/100mL) and incubation durations (30, 45, 60, 75, 90 minutes) at 35oC to juice turbidity (NTU) and viscosity (cP). Results revealed that 30 µL/100 mL of pectinase in incubation time of 75 minutes at 35oC were adequate to achieve an excellent overall acceptance of pitaya juice. These operating parameters were beneficial for the subsequent membrane based clarification process.
9. Harpreet Kaur*, Jaismeen Kaur and Dr. Bhagwant Singh Chahil [Standardization of efficient protocol for in-vitro production of strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa) cv. Hadar]. Res. on Crops 21 (3) : 498-505 (2020). Department of Horticulture College of Agriculture, Guru Kashi University Talwandi Sabo, Sardulgarh Road, Bathinda-151302, Punjab, India *(e-mail : reet1221.me@gmail.com)
ABSTRACT
Micro-propagation of strawberry can produce virus-free plants with intensive number of runners under suitable explant source (i.e. meristem portion and nodal segment) and best basal media composition. Based on this, an experiment was conducted during 2017-18 at Guru Kashi University, Talwandi Sabo, Bathinda, Punjab, India to develop and standardize the protocol for successful in-vitro propagation of Strawberry cv. Hadar. The rooting capacity of the regenerated plants was also studied in this experiment. Nodes and meristems were used as explant and were cultured on MS growth media supplemented with various combinations of cytokinins and auxins. By contrast, the meristem explant lead to highest percent regeneration, maximum shoot length and number of leaves. Highest percent regeneration on 21st day were observed in direct establishment media (DEM1) with meristem being used as an explant (92.25%), which was at par with DEM3 with nodal and DEM2 with nodal. Also, the maximum shoot length (2.67cm) and number of leaves (9.15) were observed under DEM1 with meristem. Study on rooting capacity revealed that IBA (1.5) + NAA (1.5) proved to be superior with maximum rooting percentage (80%) in minimum number of days (6). The present investigation reports that response of meristem explant found to be the best for explant establishment on basal media composition supplemented with BA (2 mg) for regeneration of strawberry cv. Hadar.
10. Nguyen Phuoc Minh* [Influence of modified atmospheric packaging and storage temperature on the physico-chemical, microbial and organoleptic properties of cantaloupe (Cucumis melo) fruit]. Res. on Crops 21 (3) : 506-511 (2020). Faculty of Food Science and Technology Thu Dau Mot University, Binh Duong Province, Vietnam *(e-mail : nguyenphuocminh@tdmu.edu.vn)
ABSTRACT
Cantaloupe is an economically important fruit with pleasant flavour but nutritional component is highly perishable due to high moisture content. To reduce rot away in the farmland it is urgent to have suitable strategy to extend its shelf life for commercial distribution. This study was conducted during 2020 at Soc Trang Nanotech Laboratory, Soc Trang Province, Vietnam with an attempt to demonstrate the effect of modified atmospheric packaging with different formulations (control, 95% N2: 5% O2: 0% CO2 , 90% N2: 5% O2: 5% CO2, 85% N2: 10% O2: 5% CO2, 80% N2: 10% O2: 10% CO2, 75% N2: 15% O2: 10% CO2 and 70% N2: 15% O2: 15% CO2) and storage temperature (28, 24, 20, 16, 12, 8 and 4oC) on the physicochemical, microbial and organoleptic properties of cantaloupe for 14 days. Results revealed that cantaloupe fruits stored in modified atmospheric packaging (MAP) of 80% N2: 10% O2: 10% CO2 under 12oC temperature had stable shelf life up to 14 days. Air composition and temperature significantly affected the physico-chemical (weight loss, firmness, total soluble solid, ascorbic acid, carotenoid, total phenolic, flavonoid, DPPH, FRAP), microbial (total plate count) and sensory attributes (overall acceptance) of cantaloupe fruit.
11. Aleksei Belenkov, Aleksandr Peliy*, Anna Vasyukova, Valeriy Burlutskiy, Ekaterina Borodina, Ameth Diop and Aleksandr Moskin [Impact of various cultivation technologies on productivity of potato (Solanum tuberosum) in central non-Cenozoic zone of Russia]. Res. on Crops 21 (3) : 512-519 (2020). Department of Agriculture and Experimental Methods of the RSAU-MTAA 127550, Moscow, Russia *(e-mail : kaluga-peliy@yandex.ru)
ABSTRACT
In recent years, a significant advancement in the cultivation technologies needs to be established to improvise the commercial quality and strengthening the competitiveness among the domestic potato producers in Russia. This ten-year (2010 to 2019) trial was conducted at Moscow region to study the effect of various cultivation technologies on potato productivity, one of the main crops of the central non-chernozem region. Two factor experimental trial was laid with factor A – cultivation technology (precise and traditional) and factor B-methods of tillage (dump and minimum) performed using an autopilot based on the GPS system, with real-time signal correction. It was revealed that the efficiency of using autopilot and parallel driving systems significantly enhances potato productivity by an average of 30% to a tune of 26.2 t/ha under Precise Cultivation Technology system. Hence, in conducting field trial, it is needed to focus on the implementation of new and progressive technologies, which undoubtedly include precise (coordinate) agriculture. Precision farming has became as a revolutionary technology, which transforms farming related data into useful information for cropping decision-making. Overall, our research indicates that precision farming can ameliorate input usage efficiency, and enhance net income in potato cultivation.
12. Polivanova O. B.*, Gins E. M., Moskalev E. A., Simakov E. A., Goryunova S.V. and Zhevora S.V. [Evaluation of reproducibility methods for total phenolic and flavonoid content in skin and flesh of potato (Solanum tuberosum)]. Res. on Crops 21 (3) : 520-528 (2020). Russian Potato Research Center Laboratory of Cell and Genomic Technologies Department of the Experimental Potato Gene Pool 23 Lorkh Str., Kraskovo, Moscow Region, Lyubertsy District, 140051, Russia *(e-mail : polivanovaoks@gmail.com)
ABSTRACT
Potato is the most consumed crop in the world has a rich source of phenolic compounds having antioxidant properties beneficial in reducing the risk of many diseases. Spectrophotometric methods, in particular the Folin-Ciocalteu method is used to quantify total phenolic content in food and plant samples but lacks proper standardized procedure. Therefore, this study was conducted during the 2019 at Lorch Potato Research Institute, Moscow region, Russia to estimate the reproducibility of spectrophotometric methods for determining the total phenolic and flavonoid content in 4 varieties of potato with different skin and flesh colors. Potato varieties viz. Udacha, Surpriz, Monakh and Vimpel were used for the study. Results obtained from 3 independent tests of the same sample for each of the varieties indicated the absence of significant differences, except for a variety Udacha. The total content of studied compounds in the skin was higher than in the flesh, with the exception of a variety Vimpel, in which no significant differences were detected. Also, the total phenolic and flavonoid content of pigmented varieties was higher both in the flesh and in the skin. The influence of a degree of flesh grinding of Surpriz variety on the total phenolic content was established. The identified differences in the total phenolic content between the tests of the variety Udacha as well as a decrease in the total phenolic content due to increase in the degree of grinding, may be a consequence of the enzymatic browning reaction. To obtain more accurate results, standardization of the grinding and extraction procedures are necessary.
13. SERGEY L. RUBTSOV, ALEKSEY V. MILEKHIN, ALEKSEY L. BAKUNOV* AND NADEZHDA N. DMITRIEVA [Development and implementation of modern biotechnological module for year-round virus-free potato (Solanum tuberosum) mini-tuber production]. Res. on Crops 21 (3) : 529-533 (2020). Samara Federal Research Scientific Center RAS Samara Scientific Research Agriculture Institute named after N. M. Tulaykov 446254, 41 K. Marksa Str. Bezenchuk Vil., Samarskaya Oblast, Russian Federation *(e-mail : ale171758@gmail.com)
ABSTRACT
The production of certified potato seed material in regions with a high level of infection load is significantly limited. The productivity growth is possible with the application of biotechnological installations, but the obtained seed material is relatively costly. Therefore, the present study was conducted during 2018-2019 at Samara Scientific Research Agriculture Institute, Samarskaya Oblast, Russia to comparatively analyze micro-plant productivity of the varieties Ilyinsky, Udacha, Zhigulevsky and Zhukovsky on the various biotech installations: KD-10, Urozhay-9000, and the experimental biotechnological module. The prepared meristem potato microplants were placed into the planting points on the biotechnological installations in a PU foam holder. The vegetation regime and the nutrient solution composition were changed depending on the vegetative stage. The maximum productivity per plant on the experimental module was obtained from varieties Zhigulevsky (96 minitubers) and Udacha (87 minitubers). The productivity of these varieties on KD-10 was 31 and 27 minitubers per plant and 65 and 63 minitubers per plant in the installation Urozhay-9000, respectively. At the same time, using the designed module, the cost of one minituber was reduced by 2.80 rubles compared to the installation KD-10 and by 3.32 rubles in comparison with the installation of Urozhay-9000. The application of the presented biotechnological module will allow producing standard potato minitubers with minimal costs and with a total absence of internal viral, viroid as well as external fungal and bacterial infection throughout the year.
14. Nguyen Phuoc Minh* [Efficacy of thermal treatment on the stability of total phenolic, flavonoid and anthocyanin in purple-fleshed sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas)]. Res. on Crops 21 (3) : 534-537 (2020). Faculty of Food Science and Technology Thu Dau Mot University, Binh Duong Province, Vietnam *(e-mail : nguyenphuocminh@tdmu.edu.vn)
ABSTRACT
Purple-fleshed sweet potato has higher concentration of bioactive constituents such as anthocyanins, phenolics and flavonoids. Thermal treatment make food palatable, nutrient bioavailable and digestible, and further destroy toxins, microbes and anti-nutrient decomposition influencing organoleptic attributes. Therefore, this research was conducted during 2020 at Soc Trang Nanotech Laboratory, Soc Trang Province, Vietnam with an attempt to examine the impact of boiling (100oC, 5 min), steaming (100oC, 5 min), baking (130oC, 5 min) and oil frying (130oC, 5 min) on the total phenolic, flavonoid and anthocyanin contents in the purple-fleshed sweet potato. Results revealed that steaming at 100oC for 5 minutes was the best choice to retain phytochemical constituents like total phenolics (191.45 mg GAE/100g), total flavonoids (96.31 mg QE/100g) and anthocyanin (54.36 mg/100 g).
15. Abolusoro S. A., Ige S. A.*, Aremu C. O., Adebiyi O. T. V. , Obaniyi K. S., Agbojo D. O. and Izuogu N. B. [Response of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) cultivars to root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) infection under organic manure application]. Res. on Crops 21 (3) : 538-544 (2020). Crop and Soil Program Landmark University, Omuaran, Kwara State, Nigeria *(e-mail : ige.sunday@lmu.edu.ng)
ABSTRACT
The need to produce crop in an eco-friendly manner using organic agriculture that avoids using synthetic chemicals and fertilizers become imperative as a way of protecting man, other beneficial organisms from chemical toxicity and environmental pollution. This experiment was, therefore, conducted in screen house during two consecutive years of 2017 and 2018 at Teaching and Research Farm, Landmark University Omuaran, Kwara State, Nigeria to investigate the differential response of five tomato cultivars infested with root knot nematode under both organic and inorganic fertilizers application in order to determine the most resistant cultivars with the view of recommending such cultivar(s) to farmers, who may wish to go into large scale production of the crop in Southern Guinea Savannah ecological zone, Nigeria. Poultry manure was used as soil amendment and incorporated into the soil at the rate of 1.42 t/ha, while NPK was applied at the rate 266 kg/ha. The experimental design was 5 × 2 × 2 factorial experiment, made up of five tomato cultivars, (Tropimech, Rio Grande, Dan hausa, Igede local and Omuaran local) with two manure types (Poultry and NPK fertilizer) and two media application (inoculated and uninoculated). Data were taken on Plant height, number of leaves, stem girth at 6, 8, 10 and 12 weeks after planting, number of flowers and number of days to 100% flowering, number of fruit, fruit weight (yield component), soil nematode population and root gall index. The results of the experiment showed that poultry manure recorded the highest vegetative growth (119.07 g/plant) and tomato yield (133.42 g/plant) even under high level of nematode infestation. The cultivar Igede local showed the highest level of nematode infection tolerance despite the high level of M. incognita infestation. It is the highest yielding among the tested cultivars under organic amendment condition and the most tolerant to nematode infection. Igede local is, therefore, recommended for use as seed in all nematode endemic soil.
16. Svetlana Nekoval*, Anastasia Belyaeva, Oksana Maskalenko, Arina Churikova, Aleksander Milovanov and Anastasia Sadovaya [Study of the species composition and population structure of Alternaria leaf spot pathogen and identify newer resistant tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) genotypes]. Res. on Crops 21 (3) : 545-556 (2020). Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Biological Plant Protection P/O 39, Krasnodar 350039, Russia *(e-mail : s.nekoval@yandex.ru)
ABSTRACT
Alternaria fungi are the most common pathogens that infect tomato at all stages of the growing season. Therefore, this study was conducted during 2017-19 at Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution-All Russian Scientific Research Institute of Biological Plant Protection (FSBSI ARSRIBPP), Krasnodar, Russia aimed to study the species composition and Alternaria populations structure Krasnodar Krai, as well as to identify new sources of resistance genes to tomato alternaria leaf spot. In the course of the research the species composition and structure of Alternaria populations collected in various agroclimatic zones of Krasnodar Krai were studied. It was found that all the collected isolates belong to the Alternaria alternata species. A collection of aggressive strains of this species was formed and their virulence was assessed on 26 tomato lines of the collection of the FSBSI ARRIBPP. The studies were carried out on an artificial infectious background in the field and under the laboratory conditions. In the field experiments, the Mo 509 genotype showed the highest resistance to alternaria leaf spot. 16 genotypes showed a relatively high resistance and moderate resistance. As a result of the laboratory experiments, we found no samples completely immune to the seven studied A. alternata strains. Lines 46, 509, 685 showed resistance to four strains; lines 172 and 316 – to three strains; line 568 – to two strains; line 500 – to one strain. A significant correlation was noted between the results of the field and the laboratory assessments (r = 0.63–0.72, P <0.01). As a result of the studies, pre-selection resources were obtained for the cultivation of tomato varieties tolerant and resistant to various A. alternata s. strains.
17. Mohammed Obed Sallume, Mohammed Ali Abood, Ghassan Jaafar Hamdi and Bassam Ramadhan Sarheed [Influence of foliar fertilization of amino decanate® on growth and yield of eggplant (Solanum melongena) under water stress condition]. Res. on Crops 21 (3) : 557-562 (2020). Department of Soil Science and Water Resources College of Agriculture, University of Anbar, Iraq *(e-mail : ghassanhamdi38@gmail.com)
ABSTRACT
Water stress in semiarid areas limits eggplant productivity for which the application of amino decanate® has shown significant improvement in yield but, the concentration and intensity is not yet standardized. A field trial was conducted during 2018 in greenhouse condition located at Fallujah city, Iraq to study the effects of water stress (50, 75, 100% based on field capacity) and rate of foliar application of amino decanate® (0, 100 and 200 mg/L) on vegetative growth and production of eggplant. The results revealed that 100% irrigation level recorded higher plant height (65.70 cm), stem diameter (8.05 mm), chlorophyll content (73.48 SPAD) with increased yield (5.78 t/ha) and water use efficiency (WUE) (5.99 kg/m3). The foliar application of 200 mg/L amino decanate® rate increased plant height (73.49 cm), stem diameter (7.84 mm), chlorophyll content (62.99 SPAD) and yield (5.44 t/ha). Interaction effect of 100% irrigation level and foliar application of 200 mg/L amino decanate® treatments produced higher plant height (83.99 cm), stem diameter (9.92 mm), chlorophyll content (85.11 SPAD) and yield (7.12 t/ha). The maximum WUE (7.67 kg/m3) was produced at 100% irrigation level with foliar application of 100 mg/L amino decanate® concentration. The vegetative growth, yield and WUE of eggplant under water stress conditions increased with increasing concentrations of amino decanate®.
18. Nguyen Phuoc Minh* [Synergistic efficacy of chitosan and 1-MCP as post-harvest treatment for storage of purple onion (Allium ascalonicum) bulb]. Res. on Crops 21 (3) : 563-567 (2020). Faculty of Food Science and Technology Thu Dau Mot University, Binh Duong Province, Vietnam *(e-mail : nguyenphuocminh@tdmu.edu.vn)
ABSTRACT
An increasing demand of red onion for its valuable phytochemical constituents contributing to health benefits. Proper post-harvest management practices are required to improve the shelf life of the produce. This research was conducted during 2020 at Soc Trang Nanotech Laboratory, Soc Trang Province, Vietnam to study the synergistic effects of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) fumigation (200, 250, 300, 350 and 400 nL/L) and chitosan coating (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5%) on different physico-phytochemical attributes of purple onion bulbs at 90 days storage. Results revealed that treatment with 350 nL/L of 1-MCP and coated by chitosan 2.0% on purple onion bulbs could effectively control their weight loss (1.74 %), texture firmness (9.02 N), total phenolic (817.41 mg GAE/ 100 g), flavonoid (297.35 mg QE/100 g), DPPH (47.51 mM TE/100 g) and FRAP (83.26 mM TE/100 g) for long-term storage. Results of this finding not only contribute to technical aspects but also help farmers overcome difficulty in postharvest of their onion crop.
19. Sneha Leela Garnepudi, Arunkumar R.*, Swaminathan V. and Siva kumar T. [Morphological characterization and clustering of cucumber (Cucumis sativus) genotypes]. Res. on Crops 21 (3) : 568-573 (2020). Department of Horticulture Agricultural College and Research Institute (TNAU) Madurai-625004, Tamil Nadu, India *(e-mail : rarunkumar@tnau.ac.in)
ABSTRACT
Landraces and local varieties are repository sources of novel alleles and they are highly adapted to prevailing climatic conditions. Thus, can be a source for yield and quality contributing characters as well as for biotic and abiotic stress resistance breeding programmes. The present study was carried out during kharif, 2019 at Agricultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India with eighteen cucumber genotypes (local varieties and landraces) characterized for twenty-three qualitative traits and a high yielding local variety as a check. Significant variations among the genotypes was observed for characters viz., leaf blade size, trichome density, colour of the leaf, fruit colour at maturity, secondary fruit pattern and skin colour at ripening. However, limited source of variation was identified for plant growth habit, leaf margin, stem shape and leaf trichome type. The cluster analysis and correlation were performed through the ‘R’ software and it clustered the eighteen genotypes into two clusters. Cluster I has one genotype and remaining seventeen genotypes were found in Cluster II. Correlation analysis identified, strong correlation between the leaf glossiness and fruit shape (r = 0.77). Similarly, leaf blade size (r = 0.68) and leaf shape (r = 0.31) were positively correlated with fruit shape. Morphological characterization eliminated the inferior genotypes. Cluster analysis identified the genetic distance between the genotypes. Thus, selection of genotypes with characters correlated to fruit shape and skin colour of fruit increased the genotype selection efficiency towards economic quality of cucumber.
20. M. E. RAMPHELE, M. Y. MAILA* AND M. S. MPHOSI [Optimisation of harvesting time and proanthocyanidins concentration in Cleome gynandra : An African indigenous leafy vegetable]. Res. on Crops 21 (3) : 574-578 (2020). Limpopo Agro-Food Technology Station University of Limpopo, Private Bag x1106, Sovenga, 0727, South Africa *(e-mail : yvonne.maila@ul.ac.za)
ABSTRACT
Cleome gynandra, a leafy vegetable consumed among all age-groups, is often limited by its inherent bitter taste due to the chemical compound, proanthocyanidins (PAs), commonly known as condensed tannins (CT), located in the vegetative parts of the plant. Therefore, a study was conducted during 2017 at Green Biotechnologies Research Centre of Excellence (GBRCE), University of Limpopo, South Africa to determine the optimum harvesting time and PAs concentration level in C. gynandra leafy vegetable, unsuitable for consumption purposes. Pre-chilled C. gynandra seeds were directly sown in 20-cm-diameter plastic pots filled with 10,000 cm3 mixture of steam pasteurised loam soil and Hygromix-T growing media at 3:1 v/v. Pots were placed on greenhouse benches at an inter- and intra-row spacing of 20 cm and irrigated to field capacity with 250 ml of chlorine-free tap-water. Irrigation was then scheduled for every other day. Harvesting time viz., 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 weeks represented treatments, while week 4 served as control. The study was arranged in a completely randomised design, in triplicates. Harvested material from each treatment was oven dried at 60°C for 24 hrs prior to PAs chemical analysis (Butanol-HCl method). The generated relationships were modelled through the regression curve estimates from the quadratic equation (Y = b2x2 + b1x + c), to obtain the optimum harvesting time and PAs concentration. Harvesting time had highly significant (P0.01) effect on PAs concentration of C. gynandra tender shoots and leaves. Treatments contributed 99% of the total treatment variation in PAs concentration of the harvested material. Optimum harvesting time was achieved at 9 weeks after planting, with optimum PAs concentration of 89%. Therefore, for consumption purposes, harvesting of C. gynandra leafy vegetable should be done between week 4 and week 9 after planting, when PAs concentration is not at peak.
21. Vu Thi Thuong and Hoang Gia Minh* [Effects of growing substrates and seed density on yield and quality of radish (Raphanus sativus) microgreens]. Res. on Crops 21 (3) : 579-586 (2020). Hanoi Pedagogical University 2 Nguyen Van Linh Str., Xuan Hoa, Phuc Yen, Vinh Phuc, Vietnam *(e-mail : hoangminhpra@gmail.com)
ABSTRACT
Microgreens are a new class of edible fresh vegetable salads gaining more popularity as a new culinary ingredient which are harvested when cotyledons fully expanded before the true leaves completely emerge (7 to 21 days after germination). Being new to the market proper substrate and seed density are yet to be determined in order to increase the productivity. This present study was conducted during 2019 at the high-tech greenhouse, VinEco Company, Vinh Phuc province, Vietnam to evaluate effects of growing substrates and seed density on yield and quality of radish microgreens in greenhouse conditions. The studied growth parameters were germination rate, fresh weight, dried weigh and quality of radish microgreens grown on different substrates of white sphagnum peat and coco-coir dust. Results showed that white sphagnum peat and coco coir dust had no effects on germination rate, dried matter yield and shoot height of radish microgreens. The use of higher fertilizer concentration as coco coir substrate did not make fresh shoot yields higher than white sphagnum peat substrate with lower fertilizer concentration. Seed density significantly affected fresh shoot yield of radish microgreens grown on white sphagnum peat and coco coir substrate. Radish microgreen cultivation obtained highest fresh yield when sown seeds with density of 8 seeds/cell (approximate 109 g seeds). Nitrate level and microbiological contamination (E. coli and Salmonella spp.) of radish microgreens grown on these substrates are within legal and in safe limit and therefore can be considered as a safe and good fresh vegetable salad in the human diet.
22. ALLO A. DIDO*, M. S. R. KRISHNA, B. J. K. SINGH, KASSAHUN TESFAYE AND DAWIT T. DEGEFU [Assessment of variability of yield affecting metric characters in barley (Hordeum vulgare) landraces]. Res. on Crops 21 (3) : 587-594 (2020). Ethiopian Biotechnology Institute P. O. Box 32853, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia *(e-mail : alloaman2010@gmail.com)
ABSTRACT
Genetic diversity and variation of traits are the basic tools involved in the natural evaluation and development of sustainable crop varieties under various environmental conditions. The present study was conducted during 2018 and 2019 at Sinana Agricultural Research Center (on-station) and Goba (on-farm), South-east Ethiopia to assess the genetic variability, direct and indirect contributions of some metric characters on grain yield of 585 barley landraces along with 10 cultivars under augmented complete block design. Data were recorded on twelve quantitative characters and mean, range, components of variation, broad sense heritability, genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV), phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) and genetic advance were estimated for yield and yield associated characters. Results revealed significant variation for all characters among the tested barley accessions. Heritability with high genetic advance was observed for plant height, number of fertile tillers/plant, spike length, number of seeds/spike, and 1000-seed weight, while moderately high heritability coupled with high genetic advance was noticed for grain yield/plant. From correlation analysis, grain yield/plant was found to be significantly and positively correlated with days to 50% heading, days to 95% physiological maturity, number of fertile tillers, seeds per spike, plant height, 1000-seed weight and biological yield. Analysis of path coefficient indicated number of tillers/plant, biological yield, 1000-seed weight and number of seeds/spike had higher positive direct effect on grain yield/plant. Those quantitative characters with significant and positive direct effect on grain yield/plant can be considered as an effective selection criterion for developing high yielding barley varieties in the future crop improvement program.
23. Sunday Ayodele Ige*, Omolaran Bello, Aremu Charity and Abolusoro Stephen [Estimation of genetic variation, heritability and genetic advance for yield and agronomic traits correlation of some low nitrogen tolerance maize (Zea mays) varieties in the tropics]. Res. on Crops 21 (3) : 595-603 (2020). Crop and Soil Program Landmark University, Omuaran, Kwara State, Nigeria *(e-mail : ige.sunday@lmu.edu.ng)
ABSTRACT
Genetic improvement of a crop is highly depended on the abundance of genetic variation present within the crop populations. High genetic advance and high heritability estimates presents the most suitable condition for selection of which heritability estimate is employed by breeders in allocating resources necessary to effectively select for desired traits and to achieve maximum genetic gain with little time and resources. Based on this, ten open pollinated low nitrogen tolerance maize genotypes were tested during the cropping season of 2016 to 2017 at Teaching and Research farm, Landmark University, Kwara State, Nigeria to estimate the genetic variance, heritability, and expected genetic advance of 12 maize population for grain yield and its component characters. The 10 low N maize populations and 2 checks were evaluated under two different nitrogen regimes 90kg and 30kg of N/ha classified as high N and low N respectively. The study revealed lower phenotypic variances (2p) and PCVs relative to genetic variances (2g) and GCVs for all the studied characters, suggesting the low influence of environmental factors in the expression of these characters. High degree of genotypic coefficient and phenotypic coefficient of variance, heritability and genetic advance were recorded for grain yield, anthesis silk interval, husk cover, plant height, ear height, plant aspect, days to silking and days to pollen shed. Further, lowest value of interval between days to anthesis and silking was obtained by BR 9928-DMRSR LN C1. Highest maize grain yield was recorded by varieties TZLCOM1C6LNC I (6.19 t/ha) and Sint Marzocalarga (5.26 t/ha) under high N and low N respectively. These two maize genotypes can therefore be suggested for the future maize grain yield improvement programmes in low and high nitrogen soil condition in the tropic.
24. MUSAEV B. FARHAD*, SOLDATENKO V. ALEKSEY, KRIVENKOV V. LEONID, BUKHAROV F. ALEXANDER, BELETSKYI L. SERGEY AND KEZIMANA PARFAIT [Assessment of vegetable seeds quality by micro-focus X-ray analysis]. Res. on Crops 21 (3) : 604-610 (2020). Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution “Federal Scientific Vegetable Center”, Moscow Region, 143080, Russia *(e-mail : musayev@bk.ru)
ABSTRACT
Biophysical methods for seeds’ quality control, like micro-focus X-ray, have shown greater efficacy compared to standard morphometric methods, as they are more informative, rapid, and easy to use. This study was conducted during 2017-2018 at Federal Scientific Vegetable Center in Moscow region, Russia using micro-focus radiography, to analyze, identify and classify the characteristic defects and deficiencies in the internal structure of seeds of spinach, cucumber, and peas. With X-ray analysis we were able to assess normal (full-value) seeds, which also germinated during our germination analysis, and thus showing that this method can be effective in quality assessment. In addition, statistical analysis of the experimental data showed that the results of visual x-ray analysis coincided with the data of laboratory germination of seeds, the strength of this correlation was estimated by the correlation coefficient: from r = 0.78 (spinach) to r = 0.88 (peas). Therefore, the micro-focus X-ray method is quite effective in analyzing the quality of seeds and compares favorably with the standard method in terms of greater informative value, speed and ease of execution, and the safety of the analyzed seed samples. The prospect of this work is the full automation of the process of X-ray analysis of the internal structure of seeds in consideration to the morpho-biological significance.
25. Yousef Naserzadeh, Galina Bondarenko, Ekaterina Kolesnikova, Meisam Zargar, Elena Pakina and Albert Engeribo [Molecular identification and design of specific primer for quarantine fruit fly (Drosophila suzukii)]. Res. on Crops 21 (3) : 611-614 (2020). Department of Agrobiotechnology Institute of Agriculture, RUDN University, Moscow, 117198, Russia *(e-mail : unaserzadeh@gmail.com)
ABSTRACT
Spotted-wing Drosophila (Drosophila suzukii) is widespread throughout all the important production regions in the world and originates from Asia. In the Russian territory due to strong quarantine and preventive protocols, there are no reports of this fruit fly. Between several methods of the identification of D. suzukii, real-time PCR is a much sufficient method that we used in this project. The proposed method for differentiation is to use the mitochondrial DNA cytochrome oxidase I gene region 709-bp. Performance characteristics of this qualitative assay, validation, and applicability in the All-Russian Plant Quarantine Center are discussed. As a result, we developed, and validated a rapid, highly sensitive and specific primer (3. Dsuz) based on Real-time PCR.
26. T. A. MASENYA, K. M. POFU AND P. W. MASHELA* [Responses of cancer bush (Sutherlandia frutescens) and Meloidogyne javanica to increasing concentration of Nemafric-BL phytonematicide]. Res. on Crops 21 (3) : 615-620 (2020). Green Biotechnologies Research Centre of Excellence University of Limpopo, Private Bag X1106, Sovenga 0727, South Africa *(email : phatu.mashela@ul.ac.za)
ABSTRACT
The use of medicinal plants like cancer bush is increasingly being viewed as being important in health systems. Attempts to cultivate such plants as crops is being limited by plant nematodes, especially the root-knot nematodes. Due to the withdrawal of synthetic fumigant nematicides from the agrochemical markets, cucurbitacin-containing phytonematicides are being researched and developed to serve as alternatives for managing nematode population densities. The products have consistently suppressed nematode numbers on different crops, except that they had the tendency of being phytotoxic to certain crops. The latter was resolved through the establishment of the Mean Concentration Stimulation Point (MCSP) using the Curve-fitting Allelochemical Response Dose (CARD) algorithm computer model, which also provides the overall sensitivity (k) index. The MCSP is the concentration of a phytonematicide which could be used to suppress population densities of test nematodes without inducing phytotoxicity on the crop being protected against nematode damage using phytonematicides. The present study was conducted to determine the MCSP and k of Nemafric-BL phytonematicide on cancer bush, which is an underutilised leguminous crop used for medicinal purposes. After subjecting seedlings to seven concentrations of Nemafric-BL phytonematicide once weekly for eight weeks, plant variables were subjected to the CARD model, with MCSP and k values being 4.03 % and 22 units, respectively. The minimum J2 in roots, eggs in roots, J2 in soil and Pf were achieved at 6.87, 3.14, 3.44 and 3.03 %, respectively. In conclusion, M. javanica population densities in S. frutescens can be managed using Nemafric-BL phytonematicide at 4.03 per cent.
27. K. G. MALEKA, P. W. MASHELA* AND K. M. POFU [Influence of sugarcane aphid (Melanaphis sacchari) infestation on the resistance of sweet stem sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) to Meloidogyne species under field conditions]. Res. on Crops 21 (3) : 621-626 (2020). Green Biotechnologies Research Centre University of Limpopo, Private Bag X1106, Sovenga, 0727, Republic of South Africa *(e-mail : wmashela@gmail.com)
ABSTRACT
Nematode resistant sweet stem sorghum cultivar ‘Ndendane-X1’ has high degrees Brix for ethanol production. However, the cultivar is highly susceptible to sugarcane aphid. The study was conducted to determine the effects of aphid infestation on resistance of cv. ‘Ndendane-X1’ to a mixture of root-knot (Meloidogyne species) nematodes under field conditions. Seeds were sown at 0.3 m x 0.3 m spacing and irrigated using drip irrigation. Soon after emergence, plants were randomly selected, with one set having nematode alone, whereas the other was infested with 20 M. sacchari adults to form a nematode-aphid treatment. The nematode alone treatment was regularly sprayed under cover for aphid management, thereby ensuring that drifts were being prevented from landing on the nematode + aphid treatments. At 150 days after infestation, relative to nematode alone, nematode-aphid had reduced sucrose from 13 to 61 %, but had increased fecundity of Meloidogyne species from 59 to 199 %, with reduced plant growth variables from 35 to 55 %, along with reduced mineral nutrient elements in leaf tissues from 33 to 73 %. In conclusion, the successful use of nematode resistance in sweet stem sorghum cv. ‘Ndendane-X1’ in areas with high population densities of Meloidogyne species would depend upon the effective management of the sugarcane aphid population densities.
28. Maryam Ghadamkheir*, Klyushin Pavel Vladimirovich, Elchin Orujov, Maryam Bayat, Mukhriddin MU Madumarov, Vladimir Avdotyin and Meisam Zargar [Influence of sulfur fertilization on infection of wheat Take-all disease caused by the fungus Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici]. Res. on Crops 21 (3) : 627-633 (2020). Department of Economics and Organization of Agricultural Production Institute of Land Management, State University of Land Use Planning 105064, Moscow, Russia *(e-mail : m.ghadamkheir@yandex.ru)
ABSTRACT
Take-all, caused by Gaeumannomyces graminis is an important crown and root rot disease of wheat throughout the world. The fungus caused serious damage in neutral to highly alkaline and poor soils. Biological control and plant nutrition management are two effective methods for control of this disease. The sulfur fertilizer was applied in three different methods, namely simple, amendment incubation and in combination with a commercial sulfur oxidizing bacteria Thiobacillus sp. The experimental soil contained adequate amounts of nitrogen and zinc, but was poor in availability of iron, copper and mild phosphorus. Among applied sulfur fertilizers, only combination of sulfur with Thiobacillus reduced take-all severity. In this treatment, disease decreased from 87 to 45% and symptom progress on wheat crown diminished significantly. This combination had noteworthy positive effect on plant growth alike. From this study, it is evident that proper plant nutrition management through sulfur with Thiobacillus sp. on need basis not only improved factors of plant growth, but also suppressed Take-all severity in infected plants of wheat.
29. U. P. CHUKWUDI*, C. U. AGBO, B. C. ECHEZONA, E. I. EZE, F. R. KUTU AND S. MAVENGAHAMA [Variability in morphological, yield and nutritional attributes of ginger (Zingiber officinale) germplasm in Nigeria]. Res. on Crops 21 (3) : 634-642 (2020). Department of Crop Science University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria *(e-mail : upchukwudi@gmail.com)
ABSTRACT
Ginger is a spice cum medicinal plant with fluctuating price and consumer demands that depends on the varietal qualities. Ten ginger genotypes were evaluated in 2017 and 2018 at the Department of Crop Science, University of Nigeria for variation in their morphological, yield and nutritional attributes. Data were collected on seedling emergence, number of leaves, leaf length, leaf width, plant height, pseudo-stem diameter and rhizome yield. The harvested rhizomes were analyzed for proximate, minerals and phytochemical compositions. Genotype EN-1 gave the best rhizome yield of 18 t/ha followed by KD-2 (16.5 t/ha), KD-1 (14.5 t/ha) and KD-3 (14 t/ha) while lower yield of 3.3 t/ha was obtained in RT-3 genotype. The results of proximate analysis revealed a high variation in nutritional contents with a range of 1.31 to 3.17% protein, 0.88 to 1.33% ash, 2.22 to 4.97% fiber, 0.25 to 0.60% fats and 8.3 to 12.0% carbohydrate contents in the different genotypes. Significant variation among the mineral and phytochemical attributes of the studied genotypes was also observed. The desirable growth, yield and nutritional attributes identified in different genotypes calls for gene mapping in these genotypes to establish their genetic diversity. The premium price placed on ginger rhizome is dependent on its quality and yield hence, grower should consider quality as well as the rhizome quantity accruable from each genotype in deciding which genotype to grow.
30. T. S. Babalola*, A. S. Fasina and W. O. J. KADIRI [The potential of alfisols developed on different parent materials in two agro-ecological zones for oil palm production in Nigeria]. Res. on Crops 21 (3) : 643-649 (2020). Kabba College of Agriculture Division of Agricultural Colleges, Ahmadu Bello University, Nigeria *(e-mail : pauloxti@yahoo.com)
ABSTRACT
The excessive use and lack of information on the properties and potentials of agricultural land have led to misuse, mismanagement, soil erosion and loss of soil quality in the tropics. Land suitability evaluation is a tool for assessing the potential of land for the cultivation of specific crops. The study was conducted during 2018 and 2019 on soils of two agro-ecological zones of dry upland rainforest (Ado-Ekiti) and southern guinea savanna (Kabba) of Nigeria. They were mapped, characterized and classified for their potential to support the cultivation of oil palm. Seven mapping units were delineated at Ado-Ekiti (labeled AA to AG) and nine units at Kabba (labeled KA to KI). Based on the principle of matching land qualities and climatic requirements of crop to the characteristics of the land, the suitability classification of the soils mapping units was developed. Mapping units KA, KD, KG, KH, KI, AA, AB, AD, AE and AF have index of actual productivity (IPC) lower than 50% therefore they were rated as currently marginally suitable (S3) for oil palm production. KB, KC, KE, KF, and AC were currently not suitable (N1) while AG was permanently not suitable. The major limitations to oil palm production at both sites were rainfall, poor soil drainage condition in some portion and soil fertility. Fertility is a limitation that can be improved with appropriate post-harvest crop residue management and mulching, use of organic manure and biosolids, legumes in crop rotations; judicious use of inorganic fertilizer and integration of fertilizer with manures these will raise the productivity of mapping units KB, KF, KG, KH and AA, AB, AC, AD to AF to class S2; moderately suitable for oil palm production.
31. Marwah T. Alnuaimi, Tara A. Taher, Zahraa Zahraw Aljanabi and Manal M. Adel* [High-resolution GC/MS study of biodegradation of crude oil by Bacillus megaterium]. Res. on Crops 21 (3) : 650-657 (2020). Department of Environment Technology and Water Technology Researches Division of Pollution Treatment Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology Baghdad, Iraq *(e-mail : mhassanein11@hotmail.com)
ABSTRACT
Bacillus megaterium believed to be capable of crude oil degradation through the formation of the pure crude oil emulsion layer. This study was conducted during March 2019 to January 2020 at the Directorate of Environment and Water, Baghdad, Iraq to evaluate the bacterial biodegradation activity using Gas-Chromatography (GC) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The visual GC-MS examination confirmed the disappearing trend of several chemicals, as well as decrease in the peak area for other components, indicating the efficiency of the bacteria in the oil decomposition and dismantling of hydrocarbons. The GC-MS analysis of crude oil treatment showed complete mineralization into low molecular weight compounds as Butanoic acid, 1-1-dimethylethyl ester, Benz [c] pyran-1,3-dione, 4,4-dimethyl, 1,2-Benezenedicarboxylic acid, diisooctyl ester, etc. Therefore, Bacillus megaterium can be effectively utilized for biodegradation of crude oil-contaminated soil and water ecosystems.
*******************************