Australian Journal of Crop Science   AJCS

Effect of GA3 as a priming agent on the growth of shallot (Allium ascaloncium L.) seedling

Rahmawati, Elkawakib Syam’un*, Muh Riadi, Fachirah Ulfa, Muhammad Fuad Anshori

Agricultural Science Study Program, Post-Graduate School, Hasanuddin University, Perintis Kemerdekaan Street Km 10, Makassar, South Sulawesi, 90245, Indonesia
Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Hasanuddin University, Perintis Kemerdekaan Street Km 10, Makassar, South Sulawesi, 90245, Indonesia

Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate and analyze the effect of priming using GA3 on the growth of various shallot varieties from seeds. This pot study was conducted at Exfarm, Faculty of Agriculture, Hasanuddin University from July to September 2022. The research was arranged in factorial with a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with two treatment factors. The first factor was seed priming consisting of control or no priming (S0), priming with water (S1), 25 mg L-1 GA3 (S2), 50 mg L-1 GA3 (S3) and 75 mg L-1 GA3 (S4). The second factor is the variety consisting of Tuk-Tuk (v1), Sanren F1 (v2), Lokananta (v3), and Maserati (v4). Seed performance testing is carried out by planting prime seeds in pots. Meanwhile, parameters observed included six agronomic parameters and three chlorophyll parameters. The results show that priming with GA3 at concentration of 75 mg L-1 significantly influence the plant height, number of leaves, fresh weight, chlorophyll b content, and total chlorophyll. Variety treatments recorded different responses to various parameters. The Lokananta variety recorded the highest average plant height and dry seedling weight. The Maserati variety recorded the largest average diameter of pseudo stems. Meanwhile, the interaction between GA3 at 75 mg L-1 and the Maserati variety has a significant effect on the root length of shallot seedlings. Then, the interaction between Tuk-Tuk varieties and GA3 75 mg L-1 priming gave the best effect on chlorophyll content.

Received: 12/12/2023 | Revised: 30/12/2023 | Accepted: 06/01/2024

Pages 125-129 | Full Text PDF| https://doi.org/10.21475/ajcs.24.18.02.PNE-22
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Effect of provenance on leaf morphological traits and secondary metabolite levels in leaf extracts of Myrtle (Myrtus communis L.) in Morocco

Nora SALIM, Nadya WAHID*, Jamal AABDOUSSE, Ilias OUSSIF, Noureddine HAMAMOUCH

Environmental, Ecological and Agro-Industrial Engineering Laboratory, Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Techniques, Sultan Moulay Slimane University, Beni-Mellal, Morocco
Higher School of Technology Fkih Ben Salah, Sultan Moulay Slimane University, Tighnari District, National Route N11 from Casablanca, Fkih Ben Salah, PB. 336, Morocco
Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences Agdal, Avenue Ibn Batouta, B.P. 1014, Rabat, Morocco

Abstract
Myrtus communis L. is widely used as an aromatic and medicinal plant. In this work, we investigate the influence of provenance on leaf morphological traits and secondary metabolite levels in leaf extracts of Myrtle. Samples of myrtle from different geographically distinct areas were measured and analysed for polyphenols, flavonoids, condensed tannins, and antioxidant activity using the DPPH test. The analysis of result reveals the significant variance among populations in terms of morphological traits and levels of secondary compounds, particularly in terms of polyphenols, flavonoids, condensed tannins, and reducing power. Correlations between certain studied traits and environmental conditions were recorded. Leaf size and methanolic leaf extract yields from Moroccan myrtle showed as good criteria for natural population selection. Precipitation, temperature, and altitude were determinants of variation in leaf morphological traits, extract yield, and their polyphenolic, tannin, and flavonoid compounds. Based on the studied traits, three major groups were identified with few clear geographical affiliations. The IZA population from the Western Rif and GHA from the Pre-Rif formed a separate group from the other populations, characterized by the highest extract yields. The BRA population from the central plateau formed a distinct isolated group from the others. This population, collected from a location with low annual rainfall values was the richest in tannins with relatively high levels of polyphenols and flavonoids compared to other populations. This means that drought affects the amount of polyphenols and flavonoids. The geographical structure of the third group is mixed, including the IKA and AGH (Pre-Rif) populations, BS and RAB from the Central Plateau, and BT from the Western Rif.

Received: 02/10/2023 | Revised: 27/12/2023 | Accepted: 06/01/2024

Pages 130-138 | Full Text PDF| https://doi.org/10.21475/ajcs.24.18.02.PNE-24
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Impact of fertiliser application on cocoa yields in Ghana: An analysis of cocoa bean yields in farmers’ plantations

Arthur A*, Dogbatse JA, Padi FK

Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG), P.O. Box 8, New Tafo-Akim, E/R, Ghana

Abstract
Nutrient mining from cocoa plantations in Ghana occurs continuously as pods and beans are taken from cocoa farms. The effects of fertiliser application on yield of cocoa was investigated over a ten-year period by monitoring yields in the farms of 256 farmers in the Ashanti, Brong Ahafo, Central, Eastern and Western Regions of Ghana. Selection of farms was limited to farmers that planted recommended mixed-hybrid variety, and within the age class of 10 to 15 years. Data were taken from two separate field monitoring. In the first group of farms monitored over a ten-year period (2009/10 to 2018/19), only granular type of fertilisers was applied on the farms of 99 farmers. In the second set of data taken over a six-year period the (2013/14 to 2018/19), 157 farmers who applied both granular and foliar type of fertilisers were monitored. At each farm, a 0.2 ha plot was demarcated for each fertiliser type. A plot receiving no fertiliser application was included as a control for comparison. The experimental design was a randomised complete block with the locations (Farmers’ plantations) in each region serving as blocks. That is, at each location, a Farmer’s plantation is divided into the various treatments applied. Data on total number of pods was taken on each farmer’s plantation for two or three years after fertiliser application. Data collected were subjected to Analysis of variance. The results showed significant impact of fertiliser application on cocoa production in Ghana. In the farms that received only granular type of fertilisers, the average yield increases across the five regions was 73%, whereas in the second that had both granular and foliar types, the yield increase was 98%. There was no interaction between fertiliser type and Region for bean yields, except when the data on fertilised plots were disaggregated into foliar-applied and granular-applied farms. The result implies that both granular and foliar type of fertilisers recommended by Ghana cocoa board will provide similar levels of yield increment in the majority of cocoa producing Regions in Ghana.

Received: 13/06/2023 | Revised: 15/08/2023 | Accepted: 06/01/2024

Pages 139-144 | Full Text PDF| https://doi.org/10.21475/ajcs.24.18.02.PNE3958
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Agronomic biofortification of Eruca sativa L. with iron in nutrient film technique hydroponic cultivation

Guilherme José Ceccherini*, Bianca Machado de Lima, Tiago de Leme Lima, Letícia Foglia Santucci, Marta Regina Verruma-Bernardi, Luis Felipe Villani Purquerio, Fernando César Sala

Federal University of São Carlos-UFSCar, Araras, SP, Brazil
State University of Campinas- Unicamp, Limeira, SP, Brazil
Agronomic Institue- IAC, Hoticulture Center, Campinas, SP, Brazil

Abstract
The global need for greater production of biofortified foods has increased especially in the case of hidden hunger. The agronomic biofortification of arugula with iron has become a strategy to solve the low intake of this nutrient in population. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the agronomic biofortification of two arugula cultivars in a hydroponic-NFT system, in two seasons (winter and summer), under the effect of different concentrations of iron in the nutrient solution. The experimental design was carried out in randomized blocks, in a factorial scheme with 4 concentrations of chelated iron (EDDHA) (1.8, 3.6, 5.4 and 7.2 g 1000 L-1) in the nutrient solution with fertilizers and 2 arugula cultivars (Astro and Roka), and four repetitions. The harvest was To carried out 25 days after transplanting (DAT) in winter, and in summer at 20 DAT. The agronomic analyzes were: plant diameter, number of leaves per plant, length and width of leaves, package height, fresh root mass and fresh shoot mass productivity in m², and iron content in shoots and roots. We found that the cultivation period influenced the plant's ability to accumulate iron. In summer, the faster metabolism of plants together with greater transpiration caused a faster daily saturation of Fe content by the roots. The plants showed an intense green color, with an increase in the iron concentration in the nutrient solution of both cultivars. We concluded that agronomic biofortification of arugula is possible in both cultivars. We observed that a concentration of 3.6 mg 1000L-1 of iron (iron content 9.70% above control) in winter is suitable for Astro. For cv.Roka, we indicated a concentration of 7.2 mg 1000 L-1 of iron (iron content 47.9% higher than the control), in summer. Both are recommended for consuming iron from plants for human nutrition.

Received: 13/06/2023 | Revised: 15/08/2023 | Accepted: 06/01/2024

Pages 145-152 | Full Text PDF| https://doi.org/10.21475/ajcs.24.18.02.PNE4000
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Categorical variable modeling for estimating pulp biomass and recovered residues from Eucalyptus harvesting

Carla Krulikowski Rodrigues, Allan Libanio Pelissari, Eduardo da Silva Lopes

Federal University of Paraná, Prefeito Lothário Meissner, 632, 80210-170, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
Federal University of Paraná, Prefeito Lothário Meissner, 632, 80210-170, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
State University of the Central West, Km 7, PR 153, 84500-000, Irati, Paraná, Brazil

Abstract
The definition of stem diameter limits between pulp production and residues recovered from harvesting for energy can influence the dry biomass content of forest products. In this context, the aim of this study was to build linear regression models employing categorical variables to accurately estimate the biomass of pulp and residues from Eucalyptus saligna and E. urophylla × E. grandis clonal stands. Forest inventory and dry biomass data from thirty trees distributed in diameter classes of each stand were used as a database. The measurements of pulp dry mass and residues were treated as dependent variables. Concurrently, variables such as diameter at 1.3 m above the ground, total height, and transformations and combinations of these variables were considered as independent variables. The stem diameter limits of 8, 10, 12, and 14 cm along the stems were considered as categorical variables. To predict pulp and energy biomasses based on stem diameter limits, the categorical variable assumes a value of 1 (indicating an estimate within a particular k-factor), while the other k-factors were set to 0 (zero). The fitted models allowed for the estimation of dry biomass within the forest stands, resulting in percentage errors of estimation per hectare ranging between 4.5% and 11.2%. Moreover, these models incorporating categorical variables facilitated the simplification of estimates for both pulp biomass and recovered residues within commercial Eucalyptus stands.

Received: 04/08/2023 | Revised: 31/08/2023 | Accepted: 21/02/2024

Pages 153-159 | Full Text PDF| https://doi.org/10.21475/ajcs.24.18.02.PNE4041
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Comparative impact of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal fungi from Moroccan soils and commercial inoculum on potato yield and nutrient composition

Wissame CHAFAI*, Halima Bouchentouf, Ahmed KHALID

Laboratory for the Improvement of Agricultural Production, Biotechnology and Environment, Faculty of Sciences, Mohammed Premier University, Oujda, Morocco

Abstract
Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is a widely grown crop in Morocco. Mycorrhiza fertilization of potatoes needs to be monitored in order to observe their effects on the growth of potatoes. The aim of this study was therefore to test the effect of fungal strains on potato yield and tuber quality. The inoculation treatments included a commercial inoculum (T2), a natural inoculum (T3), represented by leek roots fragments, obtained after trapping by this host plant of AMF spores naturally present in the soil of the region of Guercif-Morocco, and a control treatment consisting of a sterile substrate. Our results showed significant differences in the frequency and intensity of mycorrhization between the T3 inoculum and the T2 inoculum, while control plants showed no AMF infection. Compared to the T1 control (non-inoculated plants), the gains in number of tubers/plant was 24% and 39% higher, whereas gains in yield was 34% and 48% higher for potato plants inoculated with T2 and T3 inocula, respectively. Furthermore, chemical analyses showed the important role of controlled mycorrhization in the accumulation of mineral elements; N, P, K, Zn, Cu and Fe in potato tubers. The T3 inoculum obtained from the soil of Guercif-Morocco allowed to obtain the best value of dry matter (16.82 g/100 g fM) and the best contents in Zn; K and P and the tubers.

Received: 22/09/2023 | Revised: 12/11/2023 | Accepted: 22/12/2023

Pages 160-166 | Full Text PDF| https://doi.org/10.21475/ajcs.24.18.02.PNE4067
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Effect of irrigation levels on the production of Arachis hypogeaea L.

Tallys Henrique Bonfim-Silva, Márcio Koetz, Edna Maria Bonfim-Silva*, Tonny José Araújo da Silva, Luana Aparecida Menegaz Meneghetti, Thiago Franco Duarte, Salomão Lima Guimarães

Federal University of Rondonópolis, UFR, Institute of Agricultural and Technological Sciences, 5055 Estudantes Avenue, Rondonópolis, 78.735-901, Brazil
Federal University of Mato Grosso - UFMT, Faculty of Agronomy and Zootechnic, 2367 Fernando Corrêa da Costa Avenue, Cuiabá, 78060-900, Brazil

Abstract
Peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.) are a high-protein alternative for making up for nutritional deficiencies. Adequate irrigation management is essential for greater productivity of this crop, especially in Brazilian Cerrado. In this context, this study aimed to evaluate the productive characteristics of peanuts subjected to different irrigation levels under controlled conditions. The research was conducted in the Savannah region at the Federal University of Rondonópolis, in Rondonópolis - Mato Grosso, Brazil. The soil used to grow the peanuts was Oxisol. The experimental design was completely randomized with five treatments (50%, 75%, 100%, 125%, and submerging at 150% of field capacity) and five replications. The analyzed variables included the number of pods, number of grains per pod, pod dry mass, and dry mass of grains. The number of pods and the number of grains per pot fitted the increasing linear model as a function of different levels of field capacity. On the other hand, the pod dry mass and dry mass of grains per pod showed a quadratic regression behavior. Different levels of field capacity had a significant impact on peanut productivity. The treatment with 100% of field capacity yielded the best results in terms of peanut productivity and grain quality.

Received: 20/10/2023 | Revised: 07/11/2023 | Accepted: 07/02/2024

Pages 167-170 | Full Text PDF| https://doi.org/10.21475/ajcs.24.18.02.PNE4087
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Homeopathic preparations to increase resistance and development of yield in bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) crops

Claudio Cordoba Correoso*, Mari Inês Carissimi Boff, Pedro Boff

Programa de Pós-Graduação em Produção Vegetal, Centro de Ciências Agroveterinárias, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Lages, SC. Brasil
Instituto de Innovación Agropecuaria de Panamá, Bocas del Toro, Panamá
Laboratório de Homeopatia e Saúde Vegetal, Estação Experimental de Lages, Empresa de Pesquisa Agropecuária e Extensão Rural de Santa Catarina, Lages, Santa Catarina, Brasil

Abstract
The common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) is an essential part people’s staple diet in Brazil as well as in some Latin American countries. The excessive use of agrochemical for pest and disease control negatively impacts human health, contaminates soil and water, harms biodiversity, and contributes to pest resistance. It is referred to a specific homeopathic preparation. In the context of homeopathy, the term "preparations" refers to homeopathic remedies that are created through a specific process of dilution and agitation. The use of highly diluted homeopathic preparations, which enhance the plants ability to resist diseases, represents a more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative. In homeopathy, "Silicea" is used as a homeopathic remedy derived from silica which is not a silica in its natural form. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of Silicea terra and Phosphorus application in high dynamized dilutions, on morphometric and productive variables of common bean plants. Two experiments were carried out in a greenhouse and one experiment in the field, in a randomized block design for both situations. In greenhouse, the preparations were used in dynamizations 7, 12, 24, 36, 48 and 60CH (CH= Hahnemannian centesimal dilution order) and distilled water was used as control. In the field, the treatments were Phosphorus 48 and 60CH, Silicea terra 36 and 60CH, and distilled water as a control. In greenhouse, application of Silicea terra 36CH increased (p< 0.05) shoot dry biomass weight (9.78 g) and leaf dry biomass weight (5.36 g), compared to control. In the field, Silicea terra 36CH and Phosphorus 60CH increased bean productivity in relation to the control. The results indicate that homeopathic preparations had a high potential for improving development and consequently increasing yield when applied to common bean plants.

Received: 13/11/2023 | Revised: 12/12/2023 | Accepted: 20/12/2023

Pages 171-177 | Full Text PDF| https://doi.org/10.21475/ajcs.24.18.02.PNE4096
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Seed priming improved the physiological parameters, growth, and yield of durum wheat varieties under tillering and anthesis drought stress conditions

Abdallah Aldahadha*, Nawal Alhajaj, Yahya Shakhatreh, Yahya Bani Khalaf, Nezar Samarah, Eyad Alzoubi

Directorate of Field Crops Research, National Agricultural Research Center, Baqa'a, Jordan
Arab Atomic Energy Agency, Tunis, Tunisia
Department of Plant Production, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan

Abstract
A pot experiment was carried out to investigate the impact of seed priming on some physiological parameters, growth, and yield components of four durum wheat varieties (Hourani, Umqais, Sham 1, and Maru 1) during both stages of tillering and anthesis drought. Four pre-sowing seed treatments (hydropriming with distilled water, osmopriming with PEG, osmopriming with 1.5% CaCl2, and controls) were applied for 12 hours at 24 ºC. Drought was imposed at both stages by withholding water for 7 days and being compared with well-watered conditions. The experimental design was 4 x 4 x 3 factorial in a completely randomized design with three replicates for each treatment. During anthesis, seed priming significantly improved transpiration rate, total chlorophyll content, and relative water content (RWC) by 29%, 1.7%, and 3.5%, while drought suppressed these physiological parameters by 18.6%, 6.5%, and 12.1%, respectively, when compared with those during tillering. Osmopriming with PEG had significantly 35% higher transpiration rate and 4.9% higher RWC during anthesis stage than hydropriming treatment. Overall, osmopriming with either PEG or CaCl2 significantly improved the growth and yield parameters of wheat when compared with hydropriming. The highest grain yield was significantly improved by 82.7% for var. Sham 1 when seeds were primed with PEG. However, var. Hourani had the highest reduction in grain yield (67.8%) under drought at anthesis stage. In conclusion, seed priming resulted in an increase in grain yield at both stages, with more substantial improvement observed under severe anthesis drought due to the enhanced physiological performance of wheat.

Received: 03/11/2023 | Revised: 06/12/2023 | Accepted: 22/12/2023

Pages 178-186 | Full Text PDF| Supplementary Data PDF| https://doi.org/10.21475/ajcs.24.18.02.PNE4098
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Selection of some important tobacco genotypes against waterlogging in Indonesia

Ismul Mauludin Al Habib, Hasni Umul Hasanah, Dwi Sucianingtyas Sukamto

Biology Education Department, Argopuro PGRI University, Jember, East Java, Indonesia

Abstract
Stagnant water is an environmental challenge that can have a negative impact on tobacco growth and productivity. Study on waterlogging-tolerant tobacco is still limited. Flood-resistant tobacco genotypes are needed for future agriculture. The aim of this study is to select tobacco genotypes that are tolerant to waterlogging. This study used a factorial randomized block design. The control treatment was 100% waterlogging, with subsequent treatments escalating to 120%, 140%, and 160% (Filed capacity). Waterlogging was given for 75 hours. The observation indicator is the level of wilting of tobacco leaves. Based on the stress index values obtained from the thirty-three tested genotypes, there are three categories of ability to withstand waterlogging, namely, tolerant, moderate and sensitive. Based on the results of the study analysis, it can be interpreted that the Bojonegoro 1 genotype is the only genotype that is included in the category of tolerant to waterlogging. Genotype 1 Bojonegoro was able to survive up to 73 hours with stress sensitivity index score of 0.21.

Received: 07/11/2023 | Revised: 20/12/2023 | Accepted: 20/12/2023

Pages 187-191 | Full Text PDF| https://doi.org/10.21475/ajcs.24.18.02.PNE4105