Volume 22, No. 4 (December, 2021)
1. Sagadat TurebaYeva, Dossymbek Sydyk, Ainur Seilkhan*, Alima Kazybaeva, Yeldos Zhanbyrbayev, SYMBAT DOSSYMBETOVA and Zhanna Abdrassulova [Productivity of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum) as influenced by fertilizer rates in rainfed fields of south Kazakhstan]. Res. on Crops 22 (4) : 747-758 (2021). Kazakh National Agrarian University Abai Avenue building No. 8, 050010, Almaty, Kazakhstan *(e-mail : Zh.abdrassulova@mail.ru) ABSTRACT Today, the need for grain is increasing every day due to the growing human population on the planet. At the same time, global climate change has a negative impact on grain production. In the conditions of the south of Kazakhstan, the main limiting factor of agricultural crops is soil moisture, since during the growing season there is an insufficient amount of atmospheric precipitation, and the moisture reserve in the soil due to autumn-winter precipitation does not satisfy the water demand of crops. It was found that the highest yield of winter wheat grain (37.7 c/ha) on average over two years of research was formed on the variant with simultaneous application of phosphorus fertilizers at the rate of P45 kg/ha with direct sowing and feeding with nitrogen fertilizer at the rate of N70 kg/ha in early spring periods in the tillering phase of winter wheat, that is, the grain yield increased 2.9 times in comparison with the background without fertilizers. By optimizing the phosphate regime of winter wheat with the introduction of nitrogen fertilizers during the period of their greatest need in the tillering phase, it will balance the regime of their nutrition.Therefore, an experiment was conducted during 2019-2020 year at LLC «South-west Research Institute of Livestock and Crop Production» (South Kazakhstan) to determine the norms and terms of the introduction of mineral, micronutrient fertilizers and plant growth stimulants of wheat and the peculiarities of the soil and climatic conditions of the south of Kazakhstan. Winter wheat (cv. Glassy 24) in the conditions of rainfed agriculture in the south of Kazakhstan. During the period of the laying of productive organs in the phase of booting, stalking and formation of winter wheat grain, the reserves of productive moisture were good and fully satisfied the need of winter wheat for moisture in the indicated growing periods of plants, as a result, a consistently high yield of winter wheat grain was formed for rainfed conditions in the south of Kazakhstan. 2. G. V. SHCHEMELEVA*, L. V. TSYNDRA, M. A. YAKOVLEV, V. E. GAVRILIK, I. V. KARKHARDIN, R. R. GALEEV, A. F. PETROV AND S. L. DOBRYANSKAYA [Effect of irrigation on maize (Zea mays) productivity and agrochemical indicators of leached chernozem in the forest-steppe in the Novosibirsk region]. Res. on Crops 22 (4) : 759-763 (2021). Novosibirsk State Agrarian University 160 Dobrolyubova str., Novosibirsk, 630039, Russia *(e-mail : shgv95@mail.ru) ABSTRACT The research aimed to improve the technology of corn cultivation in intensive farming to increase the yield and quality of the crop. Therefore, this study was conducted in 2018-2020 at a large agricultural enterprise Plemzavod Irmen, located in the village of Verkh-Irmen in the Ordynsky district of the Novosibirsk region (Russia) to investigate the main indicators of the condition of leached chernozem of the forest-steppe in the Novosibirsk Ob region (field moisture, humus content, and pH of soil solution) under maize crops grown for silage and grain. The results of the effect of irrigation on the yield are reflected: Kubansky 101 by 53.8% and Katerina by 33.2%, and the photosynthetic parameters of corn by 19.6% and 18.3%, respectively. A high quality, and increased nutritional and feed value of maize grain with a high content of fat (5.1-5.7%), protein (10.3-12.5%), starch (59.4-61.4%), and sugars (3.0-3.5%). The effectiveness of the use of irrigation in the cultivation of corn was established. 3. Muhina M. T., Borovik R. A. and Kozlov I. G.* [Comparative test of slow-release zinc-containing fertilizers on maize (Zea mays) in phytotron]. Res. on Crops 22 (4) : 764-769 (2021). Moscow Institute of Agricultural Chemistry Moscow, Russia *(e-mail : elgen@mail.ru) ABSTRACT Balanced and complex mineral nutrition is needed for plant growth and health. Application of micronutrients as simple salts results in its losses via leaching or binding in insoluble forms. One of the most effective way to avoid micronutrients losses is binding them on slow-release matrix. A comparative test was conducted on three types of slow-release zinc-containing fertilizers based on urea-formaldehyde and soybean lignin-cellulose concentrate at Moscow Institute of Agricultural Chemistry (Moscow, Russia) during March 2021.Fertilizers had been mixed with peat substrate in doses containing same amounts of zinc. Plastic pots filled with substrate and maize seeds were planted. Then pots placed in climatic control box (phytotron). Growth parameters, parameters of photosynthesis and dynamic of mobile zinc content in peat substrate and zinc contents on the aerial part of plants was estimated. Positive impact of application of urea-formaldehyde based fertilizers in dose of 0.3 kg Zn per ha on plant growth was shown and related to short-time boost of nitrogen nutrition. 4. A. P. SIVAMURUGAN*, R. RAVIKESAVAN AND C. BHARATHI [Evaluation of late maturity maize (Zea mays) hybrids under varying plant density and nutrient levels]. Res. on Crops 22 (4) : 770-777 (2021). Department of Millets Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore-641003, Tamil Nadu, India *(e-mail : apacsivamurugan@gmail.com) ABSTRACT Productivity of maize is influenced by selection of hybrids or improved varieties, plant population, nutrient management practices etc. These technological interventions may vary across locations. Therefore, two-year investigation was conducted during Rabi, 2019-21 at Department of Millets, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, India to evaluate the performance of late maturity maize hybrids under varying plant density and nutrient levels. The experiments were laid out in a split-split plot design replicated thrice. In the main plot, two plant densities viz., 60×25 cm and 60×20 cm spacing and in the sub plot, three nutrient levels viz., 100% RDF (250:75:75 NPK kg/ha), 90% RDF (225:68:68 NPK kg/ha) and STCR-IPNS (131:38:38 NPK kg/ha) and in the sub-sub plot, four late maturity maize hybrids viz., CMH12-686, CMH15-005, COH (M) 6 and NK6240 were tried. Based on the results of two years of experimentation, it is concluded that among the late maturity maize hybrids, CMH15-005 and CMH12-686 were found to be the most promising hybrids under a spacing of 60×20 cm with application of 100% recommended dose of fertilizer @250:75:75 NPK kg/ha. In future, these late maturity hybrids should be grown with the recommended spacing and nutrient level to achieve desirable productivity in maize. 5. P. M. Shanmugam* [Bio-intensive complementary cropping system with organic amendments to achieve higher productivity in sodic soils of Tamil Nadu]. Res. on Crops 22 (4) : 778-784 (2021). Anbil Dharmalingam Agricultural College and Research Institute Navalur Kuttapattu-620027. Tiruchirappalli District. Tamil Nadu, India *(e-mail : pms73@tnau.ac.in) ABSTRACT Adoption of suitable cropping system is essential for ensuring the most rational use of land and increasing productivity per unit area per unit time. It is possible to enhance the production potential and remuneration with adoption of alternate productive and profitable cropping. Use of organic amendments has advantages like nutrient conservation, soil health and quality produce also. Long term addition of organic materials to soil results in increased organic matter, crop productivity and soil biological activity. Therefore, the research on productivity enhancement of sodic soil thorough bio intensive complementary cropping systems with organic amendments was conducted during 2017 at Anbil Dharmalingam Agricultural College and Research Institute, Tiruchirappalli, India. The soil of the experiential field was alkali with pH: 8.8, EC: 0.96 ds/m and ESP: 17.1. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three cropping system i.e., Maize + Cowpea + Daincha, Sunflower + Greengram + Daincha and Bhendi + Onion + Daincha with five sub treatment combinations of fertilizers (NPK) and equivalent substitution with organic amendments through Farm yard manure (FYM) and poultry manure (PM) replicated thrice. In sodic soil, regarding complementary cropping higher maize equivalent yield was recorded by maize + cowpea + daincha (6931 kg/ha) and regarding graded dose of fertilizer with organic amendments higher yield was recorded by 75% recommended NPK through fertilizers + 25% N through poultry manure (5865 kg/ha). It is concluded that complementary cropping of maize + cowpea + daincha with application of 75% recommended NPK through fertilizers + 25% N through poultry manure may be recommended for sodic soils for soil health improvement and obtained maximum economical benefits. 6. Sailasuta Sahu, Tanmoy Shankar*, Sagar Maitra, Rahul Adhikary, Triptesh Mondal and Sarath kumar Duvvada [Impact of phosphorus and sulphur on the growth and productivity of green gram (Vigna radiata)]. Res. on Crops 22 (4) : 785-791 (2021). Department of Agronomy M. S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture Centurion University of Technology and Management Paralakhemundi -761211, Odisha, India *(e-mail : tanmoy.shankar125@gmail.com) ABSTRACT Cultivation of pulses fit well to various cropping system and show climate-resileince.,Pulses are low external input demanding, can fix atmospheric nitrogen biologically and improve soil health. Among different pulses, green gram (Vigna radiata L.) is considered as an important crop in India. The crop responds to exogenous application of phosphorus and sulphur. Considering the above, a field trial was conducted to find the influence of phosphorus and sulphur on growth and productivity of green gram during rabi season of 2019-20 at Bagusala farm of Centurion University of Technology and Management. A split-plot design was considered for the experiment with three replication. The treatments were consisted of four levels of phosphorus (no application, 20, 40 and 60 kg P2O5/ha) in the main plot and three sulphur levels (15, 30 and 45 kg S/ha) in sub plot. The findings revealed that application at 60 kg P2O5/ha being statistically at par with 40 kg/ha P2O5 registered more growth parameters and yield attributes than the lower levels. The seed yield (1079.6 kg/ha) and stover yield (2025.1 kg/ha) were also noted with the application of 60 kg P2O5/ha and it remaind statistically at par with 40 kg P2O5/ha. However, 30 kg S/ha being statistically at par with 45 kg S/ha resulted in superior growth attributes, yield parameters and seed (979.2 kg/ha) and stover yield (1871.8 kg/ha) to lower levels. Further, the combination of 60 kg P2O5/ha and 30 kg S/ha produced significantly more grain yield (1211.3 kg/ha) than other treatment combinations. The study concludes that rabi green gram can be grown with 60 kg P2O5 and 30 kg S/ha for a better productivity. 7. Elena Seminchenko* [Crop rotations with perennial herbs and bean cultures in the conditions of the lower Volga region]. Res. on Crops 22 (4) : 792-797 (2021). Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution “Federal Scientific Center of Agroecology, Complex Melioration and Protective Afforestation of the Russian Academy of Sciences” (Federal Research Center of Agroecology of the Russian Academy of Sciences) 97 Universitetskiy Prospekt, 400062, Volgograd, Russia *(e-mail : eseminchenko@mail.ru) ABSTRACT The relevance and novelty of this work is a comprehensive study of crop rotations in the cultivation of crops, methods of agriculture biologization, allowing to give the most complete and scientifically based assessment of their effect on the productivity of cultures and the state of the fertility of zonal soils of the dry-step zone of the lower Volga region. The average annual precipitation was 339.7 mm. The technology of cultivation of these crops was generally accepted for the research area. The placement of options: (A) is sequential and options (B) are placed in blocks in three tiers. The main tillage in the experiment is soil-free, treated with a SibPME stand to a depth of 25-27 cm. Zoned varieties of agricultural crops are cultivated. Records and observations were carried out according to the recommendations. During the period July-August, the largest amount of precipitation fell in 2016 – 119.0 mm; the smallest in 2017 – 6.0 mm, in other years this indicator was in the range of 32.8…86.0 mm. On average, over the years of research, the largest accumulation of crop residues, straw and roots in a 4-pole crop rotation with black steam is 3.4 t/ha. The amount of nitrogen entering the soil with straw and crop residues was noted in an 8-month crop rotation of 49.8/ kg/ha. The largest amount of biological nitrogen (according to Trepachev’s method) was accumulated under alfalfa crops of 34.4 kg/ha/. The analysis of soil samples for the content of humus over the years of research did not reveal significant changes. The best precursor for winter wheat is black steam. For perennial grasses, peas, the grain yield of winter wheat in some years is reduced by 4 … 12 c/ha. The analysis of the correlation dependence of crop rotation productivity showed that the highest dependence with precipitation for May-June is t = + 0.50 for grain and feed units and slightly less for protein-t = +0.26-0.50. 8. ASIWE J. N. A.* AND NKUNA M. K. [Performance of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) varieties under cowpea- maize strip intercropping and phosphorus fertilization in Limpopo Province, South Africa]. Res. on Crops 22 (4) : 798-806 (2021). University of Limpopo Private Bag X1106, Sovenga 0727, South Africa *(e-mail : joseph.asiwe@ul.ac.za) ABSTRACT A field experiment was conducted during summer cropping seasons of 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 at the Experimental farm, University of Limpopo, South Africa to assess the effect of phosphorus fertilization levels (0, 15, 30, 45 kg P/ha) on two cowpea varieties (PAN311 and TVu13464) planted in a strip intercropping with maize using split-split plot design with three replications. Some of the variables measured include day to maturity, number of pods per plant grain yield, root mass, land equivalent ratio, profit and benefit-cost ratio (BCR). Application of 30-45 kg P/ha significantly increased the root biomass, the number of pods per plant and the overall grain yield. Across the two seasons, PAN311 performed better than in TVu13464 in all measured agronomic variables. It flowered and matured earlier, had high canopy height and root mass, a greater number of pods per plant and high pod length, which subsequently led to increased grain yield. Strip intercropping was better over monocropping in root mass and the grain yield. The strip intercropping system was advantageous over monocropping in BCR and land utilisation because the land equivalent ratio (LER) values were greater than 1.00. The optimum P level for cowpea-maize strip intercropping was 30 kg P/ha based on yield and financial return. The study showed that P application enhanced the productivity of the cowpea varieties in cowpea-maize strip intercropping in the semi-arid environment of Limpopo Province, South Africa. 9. Wiam Yahya Rasheed Al-Shakarchy*, Walid Bader-Aldeen Mahmood Al-Lelah and Shamil Younis Hassan Al-Hamadany [Genetic behavior for yield and its components in faba bean (Vicia faba) under different plant spacing]. Res. on Crops 22 (4) : 807-812 (2021). Field Crop Department College of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Mosul, Mosul, Iraq *(e-mail : weaam.yehya@uomosul.edu.iq) ABSTRACT An experiment was conducted at the College of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Mosul, Iraq, during the growing season of 2018-19, to investigate the growth and yield responses of three Faba beans varieties viz., Local variety, Julienne and Tanyeri to varying intra plant spaces namely 25 and 35 cm., also in order to study genetic behavior and appreciation genetic parameters. Results showed that highest green pod yield (GPYP) obtained from Tanyeri variety and Faba beans grown at 35 cm intra plant space with an average of 783.665, 655.380 g/plant, respectively. Genetic parameters were higher for the most studied traits. 10. SRUTHI, B., REDDI RAMU, Y.*, PRATAP KUMAR REDDY, A. AND P. V. R. M. REDDY [Integrated crop management for climate resilience in rainfed groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) cultivation]. Res. on Crops 22 (4) : 813-820 (2021). Department of Agronomy, S.V. Agricultural College Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, Tirupati-517502, Andhra Pradesh, India *(e-mail : reddiramu0@gmail.com) ABSTRACT Prioritizing production constraints in India is the need of the hour for enhancing the productivity of groundnut production system under rainfed ecosystem for climate resilience. A field experiment was conducted during kharif, 2017 on sandy clay loam soils of wetland farm of S.V. Agricultural College, Tirupati campus of Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, Andhra Pradesh. To find out the priority production factors needed under resource constraints in rainfed groundnut. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with eight treatments and replicated thrice. The lowest density and dry weight of weeds were recorded with full package of practices, which was comparable with excluding pest management, protective irrigation, nutrient management, in-situ soil moisture conservation and improved variety from the full package of practices where weed management was taken up in all the above treatments. Significantly, the higher density and dry weight of weeds was recorded with non-adoption of weed management from full package of practices, that was comparable with control. Full package of practices recorded significantly the lowest leaf miner incidence both at 5 and 10 days after spraying, which was however, comparable with treatments involving pest management. The leaf miner incidence recorded with non-adoption of pest management and control was comparable with each other and significantly superior over rest of the treatments tried. Significantly the higher pod, kernel and oil yield in groundnut was recorded with full package of practice, which was however, comparable with excluding protective irrigation, improved variety and pest management from full package of practices. Significantly, the higher yield reduction was observed when nutrient management (-35%) was not applied to groundnut crop followed by weed management (-27%) and in-situ moisture conservation (-21%) over full package of practices. Growing of only improved cultivar without any input (control) recorded significantly the lowest pod, kernel and oil yield in groundnut. The higher gross returns (Rs. 95902/ ha), and net returns (Rs. 56942/ ha) as well as benefit cost ratio (2.46) were recorded with adoption of full package of practices and was comparable with either excluding protective irrigation or improved variety from full package of practices. However, the latter two were in turn comparable with excluding pest management from full package of practices. The study revealed that adopting complete package of practices resulted in the highest pod yield and monetary returns in groundnut. 11. L. K. JAIN*, P. L. MALIWAL, ISHWAR SINGH, S. L. MUNDRA, H. K. JAIN, R. H. MEENA, D. K. JAIN AND RAMAWTAR [Residual effect of organic weed and organic nutrient management practices on weeds parameters, growth attributes, yield and economics of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.)]. Res. on Crops 22 (4) : 821-827 (2021). Department of Agronomy College of Agriculture, Sumerpur-306126, Pali, Rajasthan, India *(e-mail : jainlokesh74@gmail.com) ABSTRACT The organic nutrient and weed management practices applied in maize and their residual efficiency was seen in succeeding mustard crop in respect of weed management and productivity of mustard. Therefore, an experiment was conducted during rabi 2019-20 and 2020-21 at College of Agriculture, Sumerpur, Rajasthan, India to see the residual impact of various weed and nutrient management practices on mustard applied in maize during preceding kharif season. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design, with organic weed management in main plots and organic nutrient management practices in subplots. The crop was raised as residual after main crop of maize. All the treatments were applied in maize during kharif season as per prescribed treatments. The different organic weed and nutrient management treatments did not influenced the weed density and weed dry matter of various categories of weeds recorded at 30 DAS. The plant height, dry matter accumulation, number of primary branches and length of silique of mustard was maximum in 100% RDN through FYM in pooled study at different growth stages of crop. This treatment also significantly increased grain (2174 kg/ha) and straw yield (5858 kg/ha) of mustard as well as net return (Rs. 68575/ha) and B:C (2.91) as against the mean minimum in 100% RDN through vermicompost. Thus, application of FYM in preceding season crop has a pronounced effect on productivity of succeeding crop while cultural and mechanical methods of weed control does not have any residual effect. 12. T. T. H. HOANG*, D. T. DO, T. S. TRINH, V. B. NGUYEN AND T. N. V. HOANG [Effect of biofoliar fertilizers extracted from aquatic weeds on Chinese mustard (Brassica juncea) a green vegetable in Central Vietnam]. Res. on Crops 22 (4) : 828-835 (2021).University of Agriculture and Forestry Hue University, 102 Phung Hung street, Hue city, Vietnam (*e-mail : htthoa@hueuni.edu.vn) ABSTRACT Chinese mustard green is known as a vegetable among consumers and has high economic value in Central Vietnam. To increase the growth, production and quality of Chinese mustard green plant, it is necessary to apply biofoliar fertilizers that are sourced from organic materials, two of which are seaweed and water hyacinth. This study was conducted during 2020 at Thua Thien Hue province, Central Vietnam with an aim to determine the best rate and type of biofoliar fertilizer on growth, yield and quality of Chinese mustard green. The pot experiment consisted of 2 factors with 2 types of biofoliar fertilizer extracted from seaweed and water hyacinth at 4 spraying rates (0, 10, 5 and 3%) arranged under factorial design with 3 replicates. The results showed that the growth, yield and quality were best at 10% spraying rate in both biofoliar fertilizers extracted from seaweed and water hyacinth, especially in the type of biofoliar fertilizer extracted from seaweed (yield increasing 37 – 43%, brix value of 1.9 to 2.2% and nitrate content in leaf within the permissible standard < 1000 mg/kg). Therefore, it is proposed to use biofoliar fertilizer extracted from seaweed at the spraying rate of 10% based on 500 kg of lime/ha and 15 tons of cattle manure/ha to achieve higher yield and quality of Chinese mustard green. 13. Agus Yadi Ismail*, Sukron Aminudin, Sri Ayu Andayani and Yayan Sumekar** [Analysis of land use patterns in the upper Cimanuk river basin and its relationship with irrigation water discharge in Majalengka Regency, Indonesia]. Res. on Crops 22 (4) : 836-840 (2021). Faculty of Forestry Universitas Kuningan, Kuningan, Indonesia (e-mail : *agus.yadi@uniku.ac.id; **yayan.sumekar@unpad.ac.id) ABSTRACT Land use with increasingly high intensity and not well planned, such as land conversion from agricultural land to residential and industrial areas has the potential to cause damage to watersheds indicated by a decrease in hydrological conditions. This land use change is an important phenomenon for every planner and regional policy maker. This research was conducted for seven months at the Cimanuk River Basin. This study aims to determine the pattern of land use in the Upper Cimanuk Watershed and the impact of land use in the Upper Cimanuk Watershed on irrigation water discharge in Majalengka Regency. The research method in this study used the image classification method, namely the process of dividing the coverage area based on image data with the use of certain symbols. In it there was an unsupervised classification and a guided classification. The results showed that Land use patterns in the Cimanuk River Basin are dry land agriculture by 30.02%, rice fields by 19.01%, production forest by 14.34%, and bush area by 0.32%. The average annual discharge in 2020 in the upstream of the Cimanuk River Basin that flows into the Rentang and Kamun dams were 125.32 m/s and 355 m/s. 14. Merzlaya Genrietta, Afanasyev Rafail, Maria Mukhina, Irina Mozharova, Alexey Bereznov, Tamara Astarkhanova and Meisam Zargar* [Comparative efficiency of organic, mineral and organo-mineral fertilizer on soil properties and crops]. Res. on Crops 22 (4) : 841-848 (2021). Pryanishnikov All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Agrochemistry RU 127434, Russia *(e-mail : zargar_m@pfur.ru) ABSTRACT Efficacy of organic, mineral and organo-mineral fertilizers are essential in farming system all over the world. Therefore, the discourse of this research is premised on a long-term field experiment to assess the agro-ecological efficiency of fertilizer systems of different intensity used in crop rotations composed of grain crops (more than 50%) and perennial grasses (20%). For organic farming, the results obtained in variants constituting an organic fertilizer system in the field trials are of great importance. It was found that the highest productivity of crop rotation on average for 30 years of fertilizer action (1984-2013) was obtained in organo-mineral (N60P60K60 on the backdrop of 6 t/ha of manure) and mineral (N90P90K90) variants, amounting to 3.4 t/ha of grain units, which is 43% higher than the control. On average, over the seven-year after-effect period (2014-2020), the organo-mineral fertilizer system in maximum doses-N150P150K150 supplemented with 15 t/ha of manure-gave a higher effect with a yield of grain units of 2.96 t/ha, or 70% higher than the control. The organo-mineral system in action had an advantage over the organic system in terms of crop rotation productivity (9 t/ha of manure) at the level of 15%. Depending on the fertilizer systems, the quality of plant products changed. In the variants of the mineral and organo-mineral fertilizer systems, the content of raw protein in the grain of winter and spring wheat, winter rye and oats increased, in the variant of the organic system, the starch content increased and the amounts of nitrates in potato tubers decreased. Organo-mineral systems compared with the control and other fertilizer systems optimized the humus state of the soil, reduced the rate of dehumification of organic matter and increased the biological activity of the soil. According to the data for 2019-2020, the cellulose-decomposing capacity of the soil in the aftereffect of the organo-mineral system (N90P90K90+ 9 t/ha of manure) increased to 79.5% whilst 76% was recorded for the control. 15. Mandeep Kaur and Amarjeet Kaur* [Influence of rooting media and time of air layering on the rooting in air layers of pomegranate (Punica granatum)]. Res. on Crops 22 (4) : 849-857 (2021). Department of Horticulture Khalsa College Amritsar-143001, Punjab, India *(e-mail : dr.amarjitkaur30@gmail.com) ABSTRACT Due to the heavy demand for planting material, there is dire need for production on a large scale in the shortest possible time. Air layering also called as ‘gootee’ being the commercial method in pomegranate has the advantage of being able to reproduce plants with better rooting than cuttings. The different time intervals of air layering and rooting media affect rooting and survival of air layers. Therefore, to evaluate the effect of time of air layering and rooting media on rooting, growth and survival of air layers in pomegranate cv. Bhagwa a research trial was conducted during 2020-21 at the pomegranate block of orchard, Khalsa College, Amritsar with seven different air layering time (June 15, July 1, July 15, August 1, August 15, September 1st and September 15th) along with two rooting media (Sphagnum moss and cocopeat) were assessed. The results showed that air layering performed on (August 15) proved to be significantly superior over all other treatments in terms of rooting intensity (78.66%), fresh and dry root weight (2.52 and 1.17g) along with height of rooted air layers (45.07 cm), number of leaves (60.50) per layer, fresh and dry (11.93 and 4.19 g) shoot weight and survival (70.95%). Amongst the rooting media, cocopeat was found to be effective for better rooting (62.95 %) and root parameters producing 9.06 roots per layer while sphagnum moss initiated rooting earlier rooting (27.10 days) and enhanced growth in terms of height of rooted air layers(40.58 cm), number of leaves(43.57), of air layers of pomegranate. Hence, air layering in the month of August can be successfully employed for mass multiplication of pomegranate plants. 16. Lamenew Fenta* and Mulugeta Kibret [Biocontrol potential of Lactobacillus spp. against post-harvest mango (Mangifera indica L.) anthracnose disease caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides]. Res. on Crops 22 (4) : 858-867 (2021). Department of Biology Assosa University, Assosa, Ethiopia *(e-mail : lamefent21@gmail.com) ABSTRACT Anthracnose is an important disease of mango both in the field and storage which is caused by C. gloeosporioides. This research was conducted at Microbiology laboratory of Bahir Dar University from September 2020 to May 2021, to isolate and characterize Lactobacillus spp. with antagonistic effect against C. gloeosporioides and to determine their antagonistic effect against the pathogen. Lactobacillus isolates were screened from fresh, healthy- looking unripe mango using MRS agar plates and tested against C. gloeosporioides using dual culture overlay methods. Forty- eight Lactobacillus isolates were screened out of which seven of them showed inhibitory activity above (40%) against C. gloeosporioides. In vitro evaluation of the antifungal and lytic activity of Lactobacillus isolates against C. gloeosporioides revealed that the isolates produced antifungal compounds and lytic enzymes as a mechanism of antagonism. Based on cultural, morphological, physiological and biochemical characteristics, all the isolates were characterized to be Lactobacillus acidophilus. As to our knowledge, this is the first report of Lactobacillus acidophilus efficiency for the biocontrol of C. gloeosporioides, which can have an important implication of their effectiveness as biocontrol agent as part of integrated management of anthracnose diseases of mango. 17. JIRAWAN KUMSAO AND SOMCHIT YOUPENSUK* [Evaluation of arbuscular mycorrhizal inoculum and compost application on the growth and yield of cassava (Manihot esculenta) under organic cultivation]. Res. on Crops 22 (4) : 868-874 (2021). Graduate School Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand *(e-mail : somchit.y@cmu.ac.th) ABSTRACT Efficacy of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) inoculum and compost application on cultivation of cassava variety Hanatee (a sweet type) under organic farming are required to investigate for management in order to obtain high yield and quality of the cassava product. Therefore, an experiment was conducted during 2018 to 2020 at organic farm in Chiang Mai province, northern Thailand to examine the efficacy of inoculum product of AM fungi and leaf compost application on the growth, tuber yield and nutrient uptake of the cassava variety. Dominant species of AM fungi isolated from inoculum product (Aaulospora scrobiculata and A. tuberculata) were used for the study and sunn hemp acted as host plant for inoculum production. Four experimental treatments viz., control (without application of both the AM fungal inoculum and compost), application of AM fungal inoculum without compost, application of compost without AM fungal inoculum, and applications of both AM fungal inoculum and compost were laid out in randomized block design with four replications. Nine months of cassava cultivation, the results showed that application of AM fungal inoculum increased growth, tuber yield and nutrient uptake of cassava variety Hanatee, especially the higher shoot dry weight (153.4 g/plant), tuber dry weight (229.3 g/plant), N and P contents in tuber (321.0 and 255.3 mg/plant, respectively) were recorded when inoculum of AM fungi was used in combination with the compost application. Tuber dry weights of cassava in the treatments applied only AM fungal inoculum, applied only compost, and applied both AM fungal inoculum in combination with compost were about 1.7, 5.1 and 11.4 times higher than the control treatment, respectively. Furthermore, compost application had positive impact on root colonization and spore densities of AM fungi in the cassava field. Therefore, this study highlights the use of AM fungi inoculum together with compost application for a move towards sustainable organic farming. 18. Gasparyan I.*, Levshin A., Smurov S., Dyikanova M., Gasparyan SH., Deniskina N. and Berdyshev V. [Use of microbiological fertilizer in planting early potatoes (Solánum tuberósum) in the conditions of Belgorod region, Russia]. Res. on Crops 22 (4) : 875-880 (2021). Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy, Moscow, Russia *(e-mail : irina150170@yandex.ru) ABSTRACT Environmentally friendly products are in great demand. For this it is possible to use the microbiological fertilizer. It is a six-component liquid fertilizer containing microorganisms: Derxia spp., Azotobacter chroococcum Azotobacter vinelandi, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus megaterium. It contains bacteria that fix nitrogen, has an antagonistic effect against phytopathogenic fungi, stimulates the natural immunity of plants. The use of microbiological fertilizers helps to reduce the negative effects of climate change and increases the resistance of potato plants to stress factors. Microbiological fertilizer Slavol has a wide spectrum of action: the number of stems increases on average for varieties by 32.6%, the height of plants increases by 10.8%, the total area of the leaf apparatus increases by 32.9%, the development of Alternaria decreases by 72.2%, the yield of early varieties of potatoes increases by 12.3% on average in the Belgorod region. At present, agriculture uses intensive cultivation technologies that allow for high yields. Mineral fertilizers, pesticides are used in large quantities, and therefore the ecology is deteriorating. Microbiological fertilizers can be used to reduce the agrochemical load on the soil and improve the ecological situation in agricultural technologies. The aim of our work was to study the microbiological fertilizer Slavol, which has a wide spectrum of action on early potato varieties, and its effect on productivity. The work was carried out at the site of the research and production laboratory for the study of farming systems of the Belgorod State Agrarian University, Russia (Latitude: 50 ° 3111 N, Longitude: 36 ° 2731 E, Elevation: 180 m). The soil of the experimental plot is leached black earth, medium-thick, medium-loamy. The following varieties were used: 1) Luck, 2) Bryansk delicacy, 3) Red Scarlet, 4) Early Zhukovsky, 5) Meteor, 6) Riviera. Options: control and treatment with microbiological fertilizer Slavol (treatment of tubers before planting. Planting took place on May 3, harvesting on July 15. The experiments were repeated 3 times. Variants in the trial were randomized. The area of one experimental plot is 25 m2. Planting scheme – 70 × 35 cm. Standing density of 46.7 thousand plants per hectare. During the planting, the planting material of the middle fraction (40 … 80 g), elite was used. The cultivation technology is standard. The data were processed by the method of statistical analysis. According to our research, the microbiological fertilizer Slavol has a wide spectrum of action, as evidenced by an increase in the number of stems on average for varieties by 32.6%, plant height by 10.8%, the total area of the leaf apparatus by 32.9%, a decrease in the development of Alternaria by 72.2 and, as a consequence, an increase in the yield of early potato varieties by an average of 12.3% in the Belgorod region. The use of microbiological fertilizers will reduce or replace the use of chemical compounds. 19. SVETLANA NEKOVAL*, ANASTASIA ZAKHARCHENKO, ANASTASIA SADOVAYA, ARINA CHURIKOVA, IRINA FEDORYANSKAYA AND OKSANA MASKALENKO [Biological efficacy of the microbiological fertilizer “Ecorik” on potato crops under the conditions of the central agroclimatic zone of Krasnodar Krai, Russia]. Res. on Crops 22 (4) : 881-887 (2021). Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution «Federal Research Centre of Biological Plant Protection» 350039, Krasnodar, p/o 39, FSBSI FRCBPP, Russia *(e-mail : s.nekoval@yandex.ru) ABSTRACT Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is one of the most important food crops in the world. Increased potato yields are often the result of the unnecessary use of large amounts of chemical fertilizers, which leads to environmental pollution. Microbiological fertilizers are a safe alternative to mineral fertilizers. In this regard, a study of the biological efficacy of the microbiological fertilizer “Ecorik” (Bacillus subtilis subsp. Subtilis, strain BR-1256 – 1-109 CFU/cm3) was carried out on potato plants of the Kolomba variety in 2019-20 in FSBSI “Federal Research Center of Biological Plant Protection” under the conditions of the central agro-climatic zone of Krasnodar Krai with the application rate of 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0 L/ha. The area of the experimental plots was 100 m2, the area of the registration plots was 50 m2. The experiment was repeated four times. Potato planting rate – 2 T/ha. Potato planting scheme: 0.3 × 0.7 m. Application of the microbiological fertilizer “Ecorik” increased the height of plants up to 21.5%, the mass of tops – up to 24.3%. In the seed and food fractions, the largest number and weight of tubers were recorded in the ”Ecorik” variant, 3.0 and 4.0 L/ha. The largest mass of marketable tubers was recorded in the “Ecorik” variant, 4.0 L/ha – 133.7% higher than the control values, 24.3 and 2.3% higher than the experimental ones. The content of nitrate nitrogen, starch and vitamin C was within the normal range in all variants of the experiment. Thus, from an economic point of view, the best option was the use of the microbiological fertilizer “Ecorik” with an application rate of 4.0 L/ha. The use of microbiological fertilizers can minimize the harmful effects of chemical fertilizers, as well as promote plant growth and increase their yield and quality. 20. NADEZHDA N. DMITRIEVA, ALEKSEY L. BAKUNOV*, SERGEY L. RUBTSOV AND ALEKSEY V. MILEKHIN [Morphological characteristics of meristem potato plants (Solanum tuberosum) under various LED light sources]. Res. on Crops 22 (4) : 888-894 (2021). Samara Federal Research Scientific Center RAS Samara Scientific Research Agriculture Institute named after N.M. Tulajkov, 41 K. Marx St., Bezenchuk 446254, Samara oblast, Russia *(e-mail : ale171758@gmail.com) ABSTRACT When growing potato regenerants in vitro fluorescent or sodium lamps are most often used as light sources. This is due to significant energy consumption and limited spectral capabilities of these light sources. Therefore, research was aimed to study the growth and development of meristem potato plants in vitro using LEDs of different technical design as light sources and to find out lights that can contribute to the most efficient plant growth and development. The research was conducted during April and May 2021, at the Laboratory of Biotechnology of Agricultural Plants of the Samara Scientific Research Agriculture Institute named after N.M. Tulajkov, Branch of the SamSC RAS, Bezenchuk vill., Russia, using meristem potato var. Rosara, Arosa and Riviera. The explants were cultivated on a Murashige-Skoog growing medium for 30 days using various LED artificial illumination sources with a 16-hour light period, an air temperature of 22-24 °C, and a relative air humidity of 70-75%. After 10, 20 and 30 days of cultivation, the plant length and the number of internodes were measured. A positive effect on plants of LED lights was revealed during in vitro propagation. The most developed regenerants with a high number of internodes were obtained using LED lamps UnielA60 10W, UnielA60 16W, T8-phyto, and Era FITO. On average for three studied varieties after 30 days of cultivation, regenerants with the maximum length were those, which were grown under illumination with T8-phyto and Era FITO lamps that mean variants with the highest level of photosynthetic photon flux of 21.8 µmol/s and 32.4 µmol/s and a wavelength of 450-650 nm. It was shown that the lighting conditions had the greatest impact on potato growth in the period from 10th to 30th days of cultivation. Different variety reactions to changes in light regime were detected. 21. Sri Ayu Andayani*, Reny Sukmawani, Ida Marina, Jaka Sulaksana, Ulfa Indah LAELA RAHMAN, Dinar, Yayan Sumekar**, Agus Yadi Ismail, Umar Dani and Suhaeni [Prediction model of production patterns of shallot development in the highlands of Indonesia]. Res. on Crops 22 (4) : 895-900 (2021). Faculty of Agriculture Universitas Majalengka, Indonesia (e-mail : *sriayuandayani@unma.ac.id; **yayan.sumekar@gmail.com) ABSTRACT Majalengka’s great potential in shallot production has not been optimal in terms of continuity and stability of production and prices. For this reason, it is necessary to arrange the production pattern and downstream horticulture of shallots to be sustainable throughout the year. The purpose of this study is to map and identify production patterns in order to make prediction model that provides production and price stability with various strategies using Fuzzy logic approach based on ANFIS. In this method time series data, written information, with input variables of production patterns with a cropping pattern system and production patterns was used with a system of shallot needs with an output variable. The results of the analysis indicate that the prediction of the production pattern of the shallot cropping pattern was more emphasized on adjustment to the needs of the use and consumption value, also the prediction of the production pattern was adjusted to the results of the analysis per quarter by looking at the market objectives both for the consumption market (around 40-50% in quarter I, III and industry only around 20-30% and 60% seeds for quarter III and quarter I, II only 20%) as well as recommendations on the implementation of various strategies that are expected through the establishment of information centers on cropping patterns, creation of new market opportunities, partnership pattern, expansion of planting area. The hope of this research is to strengthen the strategy for achieving sustainable shallot production. 22. A. K. M. Golam Sarwar*, Sontosh Chandra Chanda and Most. Morsada Khatun [Boron and sulfur application on growth and yield of Khira (short cucumber, Cucumis sativus)]. Res. on Crops 22 (4) : 901-906 (2021). Laboratory of Plant Systematics, Department of Crop Botany Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh *(e-mail : drsarwar@bau.edu.bd) ABSTRACT Khira, one of the very low-calorie vegetables, is an excellent source of potassium, magnesium and vitamin K with the hydrating property. To increase the farm income and achieve food and nutritional security, an experiment was conducted at the farmer’s field to study the effect of Boron (B) and Sulfur (S) on growth attributes and fruit yield of Khira during 2020-2021. The crop was cultivated following farmer’s management practices in pits (spacing 1.2 m × 1.2 m) in RCBD design with 3 replications. Four fertilizer combinations as control (farmers practice; NPKZn), improved practice I (NPKZn + B), improved practice II (NPKZn + S) and improved practice III (NPKZn + B + S), were used as experimental treatments. The application of B and S individually and/or in combined enhanced plant length and other growth descriptors and fruit yield as well. The longer plant (232.4 cm) and other morphological descriptors were found in improved practice II and the shorter in the control (farmer’s practice). The larger male and female flowers (floral parts) were obtained from the improved practice III. The higher number (20 fruit/plant) and larger fruit (174 g/fruit) was harvested from the improved practice II; although there were no significant differences among the improved practices. The shape index was a constant indicator, might be one of the important descriptors of a cultivar. We have applied only one level of B and S in our experimental plots; therefore, further experiments are needed to make a more confine recommendation. 23. DORVLO S. Y.*, NYANTEH H. A., AZIATO E. K. S., NINSON D, DAZUGO E. AND QUAYE D. [Effect of different soil depths on selected lettuce (Lactuca sativa) growth parameters in a developed self-watering vertical garden]. Res. on Crops 22 (4) : 907-912 (2021). Department of Agricultural Engineering University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana *(e-mail : sydorvlo@ug.edu.gh) ABSTRACT Vertical farming, a technique for reducing land required for agricultural production is a very promising method of agricultural production. Though the technology is readily available, the cost of the system is a deterrent factor for deploying the technology within households in developing countries. This study was conducted between January and March, 2018 at the University of Ghana School farms with the aim of developing a self-watering vertical garden (VG) that is easy to operate as well as cost effective to own by evaluating the system at different soil depths in the growing troughs used. As such different soil depths (3 cm, 6 cm, 9 cm, and 12 cm) were evaluated considering lettuce growth parameters such as plant height, number of leaves, fresh weight and dry weight. The crop in the troughs attained an average fresh weight of 12.78 g at harvest. Even though the ANOVA test performed on the experimental data showed that the soil depth did not have a significant effect on the growth parameters considered, the soil depth of 9 cm yielded the best result comparatively. Therefore, a soil depth of 9 cm will suffice for the final design of the growing troughs of the VG. Further investigation into the uniformity of water distribution with the VG is recommended. 24. T. Sadhu Prabakaran*, M. Velmurugan, S. P. Thamaraiselvi, M. K. Kalarani, K. Rajamani and L. Pugalendhi [Influence of different lighting and fogging system on growth, flower yield and bud opening in Nerium (Nerium oleander)]. Res. on Crops 22 (4) : 913-919 (2021). Horticultural College and Research Institute Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, India *(e-mail : sadhupraba@gmail.com) ABSTRACT Nerium oleander an evergreen shrub is a reputed ornamental with plentiful and long lasting flowering behaviour. But the flowers open only in the early morning hoursmaking farmers harvest the unopened flower buds between mid-night and early morning with help of head lights making them prone to reptile and other poisonous insect bites. Considering the bottlenecks in the flower bud opening, the experiment is framed to understand the influence of different light and fogging system on growth, flower yield of Nerium. The experiment was conducted in farmers field at Salem district of Tamil Nadu, India with different lighting system (red, blue, white and yellow light) and water spray (fogging system) on local Nerium variety (pink coloured flowers) replicated thrice. The results of the experiments revealed that the taller Nerium plants (230.00 cm) was observed in the treatment water spray (fog) 15 min. for every one hour which was on par (242.00 cm) with the treatment blue light (450-495 nm) for overnight + water spray (Fog) 15 min. for every one hour. The flower yield was higher (129.0 g/plant) in the treatment water spray (fog) 15 min. for every one hour. All the lighting and fogging treatment does not influence the shelf life of Nerium flowers. The higher percentage of unopened flower buds after harvest (91.6) was recorded in the treatment water spray (fog) 15 min. for every one hour. Thus, for harvesting the flower buds during the evening time, the time interval for operating the fogging system must be reoriented and anthocyanin content of flowers may be measured. 25. MEHRNOUSH AMINISARTESHNIZI* [A study of free-living nematode, Panagrolaimus (Nematoda: Rhabditida) using 18S rDNA from South Africa]. Res. on Crops 22 (4) : 920-924 (2021). Department of Research Administration and Development, University of Limpopo, Republic of South Africa *(e-mail : mehrnoush.aminisarteshnizi@ul.ac.za) ABSTRACT Bacterivorous nematodes are the main nematodes that live in the soil. Free-living bacterivores are essential for the soil food web, biological control, and ecological study. Panagrolaimus belong to free-living bacterivorous nematode which feed on pathogenic bacteria, therefore, they can play an important role in the plant-pathogenic bacteria transmission. Besides, Panagrolaimus play a role in the nitrification of the minerals in the soil. Therefore, this molecular study was conducted in 2018 at the North West University to identify the bacterivorous nematodes from South Africa’s soils using 18S rDNA marker. The recovered nematode was extracted using the tray method, and then its DNA was extracted using the chelex method. The nematode was identified as Panagrolaimus. Afterward, 18S rDNA was amplified using specific primers to identify the nematode. The Nblast analysis based on the small subunit ribosomal DNA showed South African Panagrolaimus has 95% similarity (MK301117) with the Netherland population. Phylogenetic analysis using maximum likelihood placed this species with those molecularly identified as Panagrolaimus in the same clade with highly supported (100) bootstrap values. In conclusion, this species is identified using 18S rDNA properly. However, using other DNA markers for a better understanding of Panagrolaimus phylogeny is recommended. 26. MEHRNOUSH AMINISARTESHNIZI* [Comparison of Discolaimium (Nematoda: Dorylaimida) from South Africa using 18S rDNA]. Res. on Crops 22 (4) : 925-929 (2021). Department of Research Administration and Development, University of Limpopo, Republic of South Africa *(e-mail : mehrnoush.aminisarteshnizi@ul.ac.za) ABSTRACT Dorylaim nematodes are the main nematodes that live in the soil. Dorylaim nematode is a predator which uses other nematodes as their food and hence, a possibility to against plant-parasitic nematode. Therefore, this molecular study was conducted in 2017 at the North West University to identify the soil nematodes from South Africa’s using 18S rDNA marker. The recovered nematode was extracted using the tray method, and then its DNA was extracted using the chelex method. The nematode was identified as Discolaimium. Afterward, 18S rDNA was amplified using specific primers to identify the nematode. The Nblast analysis based on the small subunit ribosomal DNA showed South African Discolaimium has 97% similarity (MG921261) with Chinese population of Discolaimium. Phylogenetic analysis using maximum likelihood placed this species with those molecularly identified as Discolaimium in the same clade with highly supported (100) bootstrap values. In conclusion, this species is identified using 18S rDNA properly. However, using other DNA markers for a better understanding of Discolaimium phylogeny is recommended. 27. MEHRNOUSH AMINISARTESHNIZI* [Study of bacterium associated with maize and nematode, Pandoraea using 16S rDNA from Rustenburg, North West Province, South Africa]. Res. on Crops 22 (4) : 930-934 (2021). Department of Research Administration and Development, University of Limpopo, Republic of South Africa *(e-mail : mehrnoush.aminisarteshnizi@ul.ac.za) ABSTRACT Pandoraea species are gram negative, motile, non-spore forming, rod shaped and oxidase positive, obligate aerobes bacteria, and have one polar flagellum. Pandoraea includes several species which can be a risky pathogenic bacteria to the maize plants, and therefore impact on the maize yield. This study was conducted to isolate and identify Pandoraea bacterium from a maize field and a free-living bacterium, Acrobeles complexus, in North West, South Africa. Therefore, this molecular study was conducted in 2017 at the North West University to identify the bacterium associated with nematode and maize filed from South Africa’s soils using 16S rDNA marker. The DNA was extracted using the chelex method. The bacterium was identified as Pandoraea. Afterward, 16S rDNA was amplified using specific primers to identify the nematode. The Nblast analysis showed South African Pandoraea has 94% similarity with a population from Belgium (LR536859). Phylogenetic analysis using maximum likelihood placed this species with those molecularly identified as Pandoraea in the same clade with highly supported (100) bootstrap values. In conclusion, this species is identified using 16S rDNA properly. However, using other DNA markers for a better understanding of Pandoraea phylogeny is recommended. 28. MEHRNOUSH AMINISARTESHNIZI* [Study of bacterium associated with maize and nematode, Pseudomonas fragi using 16S rDNA from Rustenburg, North West Province, South Africa]. Res. on Crops 22 (4) : 935-939 (2021). Department of Research Administration and Development, University of Limpopo, Republic of South Africa *(e-mail : mehrnoush.aminisarteshnizi@ul.ac.za) ABSTRACT Plant-associated Pseudomonas live as saprophytes and parasites on plant surfaces and inside plant tissues. Many plant-associated Pseudomonas promote plant growth by suppressing pathogenic micro-organisms, synthesizing growth-stimulating plant hormones, and promoting increased plant disease resistance. This study was conducted to isolate and identify a Pseudomonas bacterium from a maize field and a free-living bacterium, Acrobeles complexus, in North West, South Africa. Therefore, this molecular study was conducted in 2017 at the North West University to identify the bacterium associated with nematode and maize filed from South Africa’s soils using 16S rDNA marker. The DNA was extracted using the chelex method. The bacterium was identified as Pseudomonas fragi. Afterward, 16S rDNA was amplified using specific primers to identify the nematode. The Nblast analysis showed South African P. fragi has 96% similarity with a strain from Italy (MG972899). Phylogenetic analysis using maximum likelihood placed this species with those molecularly identified as P. fragi in the same clade with highly supported (100) bootstrap values. In conclusion, this species is identified using 16S rDNA however, using other DNA markers for a better understanding of P. fragi phylogeny is recommended. 29. NATALYA V. ROMADANOVA, LAZZAT N. KARASHOLAKOVA*, KOMILLA A. ESHBAKOVA, GULMIRA OZEK, TEMEL OZEK, SULEYMAN YUR AND SVETLANA V. KUSHNARENKO [Phytochemical analysis and antioxidant activity of Berberis iliensis M. Pop and Berberis integerrima Bunge fruits pulp]. Res. on Crops 22 (4) : 940-947 (2021). Laboratory of Germplasm Cryopreservation Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, Almaty, Kazakhstan *(e-mail : lyazzat.karasholakova@gmail.com) ABSTRACT The genus Berberis (Berberidaceae) is present in Kazakhstan Flora by eight species, two of which Berberis karkaralensis Kornil. & Potapov and B. Iliensis are listed in the Red Book of Kazakhstan. But, the phytochemical studies of Kazakhstan barberry species conducted is insufficient until today. This paper presents the phytochemical analysis and antioxidant activity of fruit pulp of Berberis iliensis M. Pop and Berberis integerrima Bunge. Qualitative and quantitative chemical analysis revealed that the fruits of B. iliensis and B. integerrima Bunge contained alkanes, alkenes, alkadienes, cyclic hydrocarbons, aldehydes, fatty alcohols, triterpenoids, ketones, silicones, free monosaccharides, fatty acids and their esters. Amides and vitamin (K1) were found in some samples. The antioxidant activity of the fruit pulps was investigated by Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity (TEAC), CUPric Reducing Antioxidant Capacity (CUPRAC) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) Free Radical Scavenging Activity methods. All six barberry accessions investigated showed high antioxidant activity, especially B. iliensis. 30. Nguyen Phuoc Minh* [Effectiveness of pickling on the phytochemical composition and antioxidant ability in kelakai (Stenochlaena palustris) creeping fern]. Res. on Crops 22 (4) : 948-952 (2021). Institute of Applied Technology Thu Dau Mot University, Binh Duong Province, Vietnam *(e-mail : nguyenphuocminh@tdmu.edu.vn) ABSTRACT Kelakai (Stenochlaena palustris) is an available natural herb with an excellent source of dietary fiber and antioxidant. It’s commonly used as vegetable in daily cuisine. In order to increase its economic value, it can be converted into pickle via lactic fermentation. This research was conducted during 2020 at STNanotech laboratory, Vietnam to evaluate the impact of pickling of Kelakai creeping fern on the phenolic composition and antioxidant ability of the pickled product. The total phenolic content was determined by the Folin-Cicalteau method. Aluminum chloride colorimetric method was used for quantification of total flavonoid content. DPPH free radical scavenging activity and ABTS radical scavenging activity was examined by using 2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2′-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) assays. Results showed that pickling at ambient temperature for 7 days in solution consisting of 10% salt, 4% sugar, 0.1 % L. plantarum culture (6 log CFU/mL) greatly improved the total phenolic content (450.3±0.9 mg GAE/100 g), flavonoid content (305.1±0.4 mg QE/100 g), DPPH free radical scavenging (149.1±0.9 µg/mL), ABTS radical scavenging activity (2.05±0.01 mM TE/g) of the pickled in kelakai (Stenochlaena palustris) creeping fern compared to the total phenolic content (367.5±1.6 mg GAE/100 g), flavonoid content (194.2±0.7 mg QE/100 g), DPPH free radical scavenging (201.2±0.5 µg/mL), ABTS radical scavenging activity (1.75±0.02 mM TE/g) of the raw material. This research demonstrated that lactic fermentation strongly enhanced the phytochemical composition and antioxidant property of kelakai (Stenochlaena palustris) creeping fern. Utilization of pickled kelakai (Stenochlaena palustris) creeping fern would be more beneficial than the fresh one. 31. Nguyen Phuoc Minh* [Effect of thermal treatments on the phenolic composition and antioxidant retention in Celastrus hindsii leaf]. Res. on Crops 22 (4) : 953-958 (2021). Institute of Applied Technology Thu Dau Mot University, Binh Duong Province, Vietnam *(e-mail : nguyenphuocminh@tdmu.edu.vn) ABSTRACT Celastrus hindsii has been well known as a useful herbal medicine with a great anticancer property. In order to exploit this phytochemical plant source as a functional food drink, Celastrus hindsii leaf could be processed into dried herbal tea. During tea production, they must be blanched to inactivate enzyme and retain green color; dehydrated to low moisture content for long stability. However, these thermal treatments could seriously affect to bioactive components. It’s very important to find out the optimal parameters in the blanching and drying steps so that the most phenolic content and antioxidant capacity could be preserved. This research was conducted during 2020 at STNanotech laboratory, Vietnam to evaluate the impact of various conditions in blanching (100/15, 95/30, 90/45, 85/60, 80/75, ºC/seconds) and drying (35/20, 40/18, 45/16, 50/14, 55/12, ºC/hours) on the phenolic composition and the antioxidant capacity of Celastrus hindsii leaf. The total phenolic content was determined by the Folin-Cicalteau method. Aluminum chloride colorimetric method was used for quantification of total flavonoid content. DPPH free radical scavenging activity and ABTS radical scavenging activity was examined by using 2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2′-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) assays. Results revealed that both hot water blanching at 90ºC within 45 seconds, convective drying at 45ºC within 16 hours greatly retained the total phenolic content (161.25±0.21 mg GAE/100 g), flavonoid content (103.19±0.14 mg QE/100 g), DPPH free radical scavenging (297.41±0.17 µg/mL), ABTS radical scavenging activity (1.64±0.02 mM TE/g) of the dried leaves. Through thermal treatment, the raw Celastrus hindsii leaf would be converted into dehydrated form. Therefore, consumers had more chance to improve their health via daily consumption of this herbal tea. 32. SANTOSH D. T., D. MANDAL* AND K. N. TIWARI [Yield and quality response of turmeric (Curcuma longa) under drip irrigation and plastic mulch]. Res. on Crops 22 (4) : 959-967 (2021). Agricultural and Food Engineering Department Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur-721302, West Bengal, India *(e-mail : debashismandal1982@gmail.com) ABSTRACT Turmeric is an important spice crop and popularly cultivated for high economic return due its multifaceted use in culinary, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Drip irrigation with mulching proved as excellent method for water conservation along with yield increase in may horticultural crops. Therefore, a study on crop water requirement for turmeric crop was conducted during 2017-2018 at IIT Kharagpur experimental field. The study mainly aimed to determine the optimum water requirement of turmeric crops and the economic feasibility of drip irrigation for turmeric cultivation with or without applying black plastic mulch. Reference evapotranspiration was estimated using the FAO-56 Penman-Monteith equation. The experiment consisted of eight treatments with three replication three irrigation factors (100% irrigation requirement through a drip (DI), 80% DI, 60% DI and conventional furrow irrigation (FI)) and two sub-factors of black plastic mulch (PM) and no mulch (NM). The effect of different water and plastic treatments were studied for crop growth, yield, and quality response. The response of the crop to different treatments for the consecutive 2 years showed that 100% DI along with plastic mulch treatments resulted in better growth parameters (plant height, stem girth, functional leaves, corn weight, corn size, and corn yield). The maximum yield was recorded under treatment 80% DI along with PM (16.64 t/ha) with an 85% increase in yield as compared to furrow irrigation (8.99 t/ha). The crop growth response under 100% DI along PM gives statistically at par growth parameters and crop yield. The cost economics of turmeric crop under 80% DI along with PM showed highest gross income (Rs. 1,66,400) and benefit-cost ratio (2.88) followed by the 100% DI with a net profit of Rs. 1,00,347 and B.C. ratio of 2.73. Therefore, it may be concluded that drip irrigation at 80% water requirement with black polyethylene mulch can be the best suited moisture conserving technique for turmeric with better yield and economic return at sandy loam soil in West Bengal. 33. DARWIN*, RIZKI MAHYUDI, DEWI SUNDARI AND AMI MULIAWATI [Influence of solid state fermentation on Robusta coffee (Coffea cannephora) beans inoculated with microbial culture of civet fecal suspensions]. Res. on Crops 22 (4) : 968-976 (2021). Department of Agricultural Engineering Syiah Kuala University, Banda Aceh 23111, Indonesia *(e-mail : darwin_ae@unsyiah.ac.id) ABSTRACT Fermentation is the essential process on the coffee processing since it could determine the quality of the coffee beans. Currently, fermentation of coffee beans via civet digestion has been more attractive since it could significantly enhance the quality of the coffee beans such as improving their flavors and reducing caffeine content. Therefore, this study was conducted during March and June 2021 at Darussalam Banda Aceh to evaluate the effect of the solid state fermentation of various types of Robusta coffee beans using inocula of civet fecal suspensions. Results reveal that all types of coffee beans fermented via the solid-state system have lower glucose content (3 – 17 mmol/L of glucose) compared to that of the control sample (116 mmol/L of glucose) that is naturally fermented. The results of the present study show that all various types of Robusta coffee beans fermented by civet fecal suspensions reach has high percentage of the caffeine degradation (92-94% of caffeine degradation). This finding is greatly notable since the Robusta coffee beans inoculated with civet fecal suspensions could significantly reduce the caffeine content of the coffee beans. 34. SO YUN JANG1 AND YONG IN KUK* [Allelopathic effects of Ipomoea hederacea Jacq. extracts from seeds and seedlings at various growth stages]. Res. on Crops 22 (4) : 977-985 (2021). Department of Oriental Medicine Resources Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Republic of Korea *(e-mail : yikuk@sunchon.ac.kr) ABSTRACT Although allelopathy has been reported in several crop and weed species, it is unclear how allelochemical levels vary during the growth stages of a weed. Therefore, this study was conducted during 2017 in Suncheon, South Korea to examine how extracts from the seeds of Ipomoea hederacea and its above-ground plant parts (AGP) harvested at seven, 20, 40, and 120 days after seeding (DAS) might inhibit plant growth. In addition, the total phenol and flavonoid contents and DPPH radical scavenging activity of the seeds and above-ground plant parts were measured at various growth stages. Although the extracts of seed and AGP harvested at seven, 20, 40, and 120 DAS inhibited cucumber and barley growth, growth inhibition rates at different seedling stages were inconsistent. Growth inhibition of cucumbers plants was much higher when treated with water extracts rather than with ethanol extracts, but this was not the case with barley. Barley was more sensitive to both water and ethanol extracts than cucumber. In addition, plant height and root lengths were inhibited at higher rates than germination rates regardless of which extract was used. Both growth and germination inhibition rates of Silybum marianum were higher when treated with ethanol extracts than when treated with water extracts. In contrast, the I50 values for the germination rate and root length of Echinochloa oryzoides were similar regardless of whether they had been treated with water or ethanol extracts. Shoot fresh weight of Quamoclit coccinea was significantly inhibited by treatments to soil surface or incorporation of dried AGP harvested at 120 DAS compared to the untreated control. The shoot fresh weight of Q. coccinea in response to treatments of soil surface and incorporation applications at 400 g/m2 was inhibited by 21 and 11%, respectively, compared to the control. On the other hand, there was no inhibition when foliar applications of water and ethanol extracts at 5 and 10% concentrations were made to Q. coccinea at the 0.5, 2 and 3-4 leaf stages. The total phenol and flavonoid contents and DPPH radical scavenging activity may not be related to the herbicidal potential in seeds and plants of different growth stages of I. hederacea. 35. Botir Khaitov*, Shukhrat Teshaev, Aziz Karimov, Ashraf Mukhammadiev, Fatulla Teshaev, Rano Yuldasheva, Guliston Abdalova and Akhmad Abdumajitov [Agronomic performance of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) under the influence of UVA radiation]. Res. on Crops 22 (4) : 986-993 (2021). International Center for Biosaline Agriculture Regional office, 100084, Tashkent, Uzbekistan *(e-mail : b.khaitov@biosaline.org.ae) ABSTRACT Cotton productivity depends on solar radiation reaching to the ground. Therefore, the present laboratory and field experiments were conducted during 2018-2019 growing seasons at the experimental station of Tashkent State Agrarian University, Uzbekistan to study UVA supplementations on growth parameters of cotton indoor and open field cultivations. Cotton (Gossipium hirsutum L. cv. “S-6524”) seeds were exposed to different doses of UV-A radiation at 340-350 nm wavelengths under a constant irradiance of 1.6 W/m2. The highest germination value (86.3%) was observed in the UVA treatment for 10 minutes. In the field condition, 10 µmol/m2/s UVA radiation intensities were given to the seeds before planting and at the true leaf formation, budding, and flowering stages of cotton, coded as UVA-2 to UVA-5 treatments. The seed germination rate was increased by 15.5% in the UVA-2 treatment compared to the untreated control. Furthermore, the supplemental UV-A radiation increased overall biomass production by 6.3 (UVA-2); 8.9 (UVA-3) and 15.1% (UVA-4), which correlated with 3.7%; 5.6% and 7.4% greater photosynthetic efficiency than those in control. All these positive changes due to the UVA intensities reflected to the cotton yields as indicated by greater values up to 10.9%, 12.3% and 15.1% in the UVA-2, UVA-3 and UVA-4 treatments, respectively. Taken together, the tested UVA supplementations enhanced the seed germination of indoor cultivation and stimulated cotton development processes of in the field condition. *******************************