Water management and physiological responses of maize plants under the effect of remineralizer
Marco Iony dos Santos Fernandes*, Douglas José Marques, Edmar Isaias de Melo, Ricardo Reis Alves, Leticia Gonçalves do Nascimento, Adriano Valentim Diotto, Mayara Costa Coutinho, Wedisson Oliveira Santos, Fernando Pinheiro Araújo
Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia (UFU), Campus Monte Carmelo, MG, Brazil
Geofertil Mineração Ltda, Riachão das Neves, BA, Brazil
Department of Water resources, Federal University of Lavras, Lavras, MG, Brazil
Abstract: Maize cultivation, which depends on the productive technologies of the cultivars, is heavily dependent on liming and fertilization. Potassium (K) is crucial in soil management, but presents challenges due to its dynamics, high costs and dependence on imports in tropical soils. Remineralizers are ground natural rocks rich in essential minerals and nutrients that improve soil fertility. They can be used as regional alternatives to reduce dependence on imported chemical fertilizers, promoting more sustainable and locally sourced agricultural practices. They can improve physical characteristics, such as water retention, and chemical characteristics, such as nutrient supply, thereby enhancing the water relations in maize. This study analyzed the use of the "Completo" remineralizer in a Dystrophic Haplic Cambisol (CXbd) soil (medium-clayey texture) and a Red Dystrophic Oxisol (LVd) (clayey soil), with different K levels (0, 75, and 150 kg K2O ha-1) and two remineralizer concentrations (4 and 20 Mg ha-1), in a 2x3x2 factorial scheme. The following parameters were evaluated: soil matric potential, soil moisture, water volume, dry matter of the aerial part, photosynthetic rate, transpiration, stomatal conductance, water use efficiency, and xylem water potential. The results showed that the concentration of 4 Mg ha-1 of the "Completo" remineralizer improved water storage, dry matter content, gas exchange, and xylem water potential in maize plants. The concentration of 20 Mg ha-1 was more efficient in CXbd, increasing water use efficiency by 23% and photosynthetic rate by 29%. Each concentration performed better depending on the soil type. We suggest that further research should be conducted to assess the effects of this remineralizer on maize cultivation, due to the complexity of soil-plant-environment interactions.
Submitted: 10/08/2025 | Revised: 15/09/2025 | Accepted: 14/10/2025
Pages 198-209 | Full Text PDF| https://doi.org/10.21475/ajcs.26.20.03.pne62
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Salicylic acid enhances growth and ionic balance of shallots (Allium ascalonicum L.) grown from true seeds under saline conditions
Artika Fadilaniza, Ifayanti Ridwan*, Fachirah Ulfa
Magister Program of Agrotechnology Program study, Faculty of Agriculture, Hasanuddin University, Jalan Perintis Kemerdekaan KM 10, Makassar, 90245, Indonesia
Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Nutrition, Faculty of Agriculture, Hasanuddin University, Jalan Perintis Kemerdekaan KM 10, Makassar, 90245, Indonesia
ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9528-3151
Abstract: Salinity stress is a significant limiting factor in shallot (Allium ascalonicum L.) production, affecting ion homeostasis and plant growth. This study aimed to evaluate the role of salicylic acid (SA) in enhancing salt tolerance in shallots grown from true shallot seeds (TSS) under medium saline conditions maintained at ± 5.8 dS/m. A factorial experiment was conducted using a randomized block design with four SA concentrations (0, 1, 1.5, and 2 mM) and three transplanting ages (28, 35, and 42 days after sowing). Saline conditions were induced by applying 2,922 ppm NaCl (equivalent to 5.8 dS/m) to the growing medium every five days, starting at 10 days after planting (DAP). SA was administered by spraying it onto the leaves at 14, 17, 20, and 23 DAP. The results of the study show that the SA application significantly influences Na⁺ and K⁺ uptake of shallot plants grown in saline conditions of 5.8dS/m, reducing Na⁺ accumulation while increasing K⁺ content in plant tissues. The Na⁺/K⁺ selective absorption index (SAI) also decreased below 1.0 in the 1–1.5 mM SA treatments, indicating improved ionic balance and stress tolerance. The 1.5 mM SA concentration resulted in the highest bulb dry weight (12.07 g), stover dry weight (25.92 g), and bulb number per plant (3.89). Moreover, it produced the highest proportion of Grade 1 bulbs (78.17%) as per the Indonesian National Standard (SNI 3159:2013). Early transplanting at 28 DAS further improved yield parameters. These findings suggest that moderate SA application, particularly at 1.5 mM, can mitigate salinity stress and enhance productivity in shallot cultivation by improving ion regulation and physiological performance.
Submitted: 10/11/2025 | Revised: 04/01/2026 | Accepted: 08/01/2026
Pages 210-216 | Full Text PDF| https://doi.org/10.21475/ajcs.26.20.03.pne66
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Influence of pruning timing on the agronomic and qualitative potential of red wine grape cv. Merlot in Southern of Brazil
Keila Garcia Aloy, Samuel Francisco Gobi, Hyoran Caius Genindo Barreto Martins, Daniel Pazzini Eckhardt, Suziane Antes Jacobs, Rafael Lizandro Schumacher, Alberto Fontanella Brighenti, Vagner Brasil Costa
Center for Agricultural Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Rod. Admar Gonzaga, 1346, Itacorubi, 88034-000, Florianópolis, Brazil
Eliseu Maciel School of Agronomy, Federal University of Pelotas, Av. Eliseu Maciel, s/n, 96050-500, Capão do Leão, RS, Brazil
Federal University of Pampa, 21 of April, 80, São Gregório, 96450-000, Dom Pedrito, RS, Brazil
Polytechnic College, Federal University of Santa Maria, Av. Roraima, 1000, Camobi, 97105-000, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
Abstract: The study aimed to evaluate the influence of pruning timing on the phenology, productivity, and quality of grapes and wine of red wine grape cv. Merlot cultivar during the 2022/2023 growing cycle. The treatments involved four pruning seasons: late May (autumn), June, July and August in winter, using a block design with three replications. Were evaluated phenology (beginning and end of budbreak, flowering, and ripening), budburst percentage, productivity, grape and wine quality. The number of clusters per plant, cluster weight and size, productivity per plant and per hectare were assessed. The important analyses such as pH, total acidity, and soluble solids (°Brix) were also included. Wine analyses evaluated pH, alcohol, total acidity, color, and sensory attributes. Early pruning did not affect plant phenology. Late pruning decreased and reduced budburst, as well as shortened the duration of phenological cycles, without advancing harvest time. Early pruning increased productivity without influencing grape and wine composition. Plants pruned in May and July were more productive, producing 9300 and 9900 kg of grapes per hectare. Late pruning in August reduced productivity (7143 kg). Winter pruning can be brought forward or extended without significantly altering the quality of the grape and wine, considering treatments with early pruning in May and late pruning in August.
Submitted: 04/10/2025 | Revised: 04/11/2025 | Accepted: 05/11/2025
Pages 217-224 | Full Text PDF| https://doi.org/10.21475/ajcs.26.20.03.pne70
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Growth, production, and nutrients of butterfly (Centrosema pubescens) using goat manure fertilization doses and harvest ages
Wardi Wardi, Bambang Suwignyo*, Asih Kurniawati
Graduate Program Faculty of Animal Science, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Research Centre for Animal Husbandry, National Research and Innovation Agency, Bogor, Indonesia
Department of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, Faculty of Animal Science, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Abstract: Centrosema pubescens is a tropical forage legume valued for its adaptability, protein content, and potential to improve livestock nutrition in low-input systems. However, limited information is available on how organic fertilization and harvest timing affect its productivity and nutritive value. This study evaluated the effects of goat manure fertilization and harvest age on growth traits, forage yield, and nutrient composition of C. pubescens. A randomized 2 × 2 factorial design was applied with two manure doses (0 and 300 g plant⁻¹) and two harvest ages (10 and 12 weeks). Measured variables included soil nutrients, plant morphology, chemical composition, and forage production. Manure dose significantly influenced most growth traits and soil properties, but had no effect on forage yield or chemical composition (p>0.05). Harvest age affected most variables, except dry matter, ether extract, and phosphorus content (p>0.05). A significant dose × age interaction was detected : plants fertilized with 300 g plant⁻¹ and harvested at 12 weeks had the greatest leaf number, plant height, stem diameter, branch number, crude protein, and organic matter content. Overall, the combination of 300 g plant⁻¹ goat manure with a 12-week harvest interval improved soil nutrient status, growth performance, and forage nutritive value of C. pubescens. These findings suggest that integrating organic fertilization with appropriate harvest management can enhance the agronomic and nutritional potential of this forage legume in tropical systems.
Submitted: 04/09/2025 | Revised: 22/10/2025 | Accepted: 11/11/2025
Pages 225-233 | Full Text PDF| https://doi.org/10.21475/ajcs.26.20.03.pne109
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Early field performance of fine flavor cocoa clones for agronomic traits and tolerance to cocoa swollen shoot virus disease
Abu Mustapha Dadzie*, Ebenezer Obeng-Bio, Kwabena Asare Badiako, Patricia Adu-Yeboah, Atta Ofori, Frank Owusu Ansah and Owusu Domfeh
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG), P. O. Box 8, New Tafo-Akim, Ghana
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9992-3272
Abstract: Fine flavor cocoa generates substantial revenue and provides livelihood for millions of people in both Latin America and Africa. Cultivars of fine flavor cocoa were recently introduced into Ghana for breeding purposes. These cultivars were evaluated in two sets of experiments. Experiment 1. involved field evaluation of 30 clones for vigor, precocity, survival potential and heritability of the agronomic traits. Experiment 2. involved evaluation of the 30 clones for tolerance to the cocoa swollen shoot virus disease (CSSD) upon inoculation with the New Juabeng strain of Togo B virus. Results of experiment 1 showed significant (p<0.05) variability among the clones for vigor, precocity and percentage survival. Top five stable and precocious clones identified included CRG9006, SCA9, T63/967, GEBP565AF and PA107. Broad-sense heritability estimate ranged from 0.16 for percentage survival to 0.72 for pod number. Pod number had significant and positive correlation (p<0.01, r=0.40) with stem diameter increment. Similarly, flower intensity correlated positively with pod number (p<0.01, r=0.43). In the second experiment, the results showed significant differences in the levels of tolerance to CSSD among the 30 clones inoculated. The tolerance score ranged from 1.63 (SCA6) to -1.52 (PA188). Further observations suggested the importance of genetic factors in the management of the disease. Five outstanding clones identified to be tolerant to the cocoa swollen shoot virus disease included PA188, MAN15/60, ICS1, CRG9006 and MAN15-2. It is important that most productive and CSSD tolerant clones identified are considered for future germplasm enhancement.
Submitted: 05/09/2025 | Revised: 08/11/2025 | Accepted: 27/01/2026
Pages 234-244 | Full Text PDF| https://doi.org/10.21475/ajcs.26.20.03.pne117
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Growth and yield response of Chinese kale to nitrogen fertilization across contrasting tropical soil textures
Benjapon Kunlanit*, Tanapon Siritrakulsak, Samret Sikhruadong, Ratanaporn Poosathit, Wimonsiri Pingthaisong, Tuan Vu Dinh, Patma Vityakon
Department of Agricultural Technology, Faculty of Technology, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham 44150, Thailand
Resource Management in Agricultural Technology Research Unit, Faculty of Technology, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham 44150, Thailand
Department of Innovative Agriculture, College of Creative Agriculture for Society, Srinakharinwirot University, Ongkharak, Nakhon-Nayok, 26120, Thailand
Institute of Agricultural Technology, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, 30000, Thailand
Institute of Biotechnology and Environment, Nha Trang University, 02 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Bac Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa, Vietnam
Department of Soil Science and Environment, Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
Abstract: Efficient nitrogen (N) management is critical for optimizing leafy vegetable production under contrasting soil conditions. A greenhouse experiment was conducted at Mahasarakham University, Thailand, to evaluate the growth, yield, and N use efficiency of Chinese kale (Brassica oleracea var. alboglabra) grown in loamy sand and clay soils under four N rates applied as urea (46% N): 0, 0.32, 0.64, and 0.96 g pot-1. Growth and yield responses differed between soil textures; clay supported greater overall biomass accumulation, whereas loamy sand produced higher shoot fresh weight, reflecting differences in soil fertility and nutrient availability. Increasing urea rates enhanced chlorophyll (SPAD) content and biomass, with the highest values recorded at 0.96 g pot-1. Pearson’s correlation analysis showed strong positive associations among biomass traits (r > 0.90***), moderate correlations with chlorophyll content, and weak or nonsignificant correlations for leaf number. Principal component analysis indicated that biomass-related traits dominated PC1 (61.9%), while leaf number contributed mainly to PC2 (14.1%), effectively separating samples by soil texture. Nitrogen use efficiency was optimized at 0.32 g pot-1 in loamy sand and at 0.96 g pot-1 in clay, underscoring the need for soil-specific nutrient management. Overall, the results identify biomass traits as reliable indicators of yield potential and highlight the value of targeted N management for improving Chinese kale production in tropical soils.
Submitted: 05/10/2025 | Revised: 28/11/2025 | Accepted: 18/02/2026
pages 245-253 | Full Text PDF| https://doi.org/10.21475/ajcs.26.20.03.pne131
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Impact of coffee grounds-infused irrigation on growth performance and quality of lettuce
Mariana Souza Gratão, Amanda Ayda Garcia Basílio, Stephanie Batista Queiroz, Luiz Antônio Freitas Soares, Sarah Jamilly Leones Xavier, Geovana Cristina Macedo, Carlos Eduardo Curã Braga, Fábio Santos Matos*
Plant production at the State University of Goiás, Brazil
State University of Goiás, Ipameri campus, Brazil
Abstract: The production and consumption of coffee produces residues that can be harmful to the environment when improperly discarded. This study aimed to identify the effect of coffee grounds on the growth and yield of lettuce plants. The experiment followed a completely randomized design with five treatments and twelve replications, where the treatments consisted of irrigation with a solution containing coffee grounds at concentrations of 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40%. After 40 days of cultivation, the plants were evaluated. Coffee grounds induced changes in lettuce growth and yield and may serve as an important bio-input for producing this vegetable by promoting vigorous plants with good visual quality. The larger head diameter, leaf area, and fresh mass resulted in a better visual appearance, which certainly makes these plants preferable in the market, with the highest commercial value obtained in plants irrigated with a 36% coffee grounds solution in the irrigation water. However, the direct application of coffee grounds without prior transformation into organic compost requires caution due to the potential phytotoxicity of lettuce plants. Long-term use may lead to soil accumulation, and further studies are needed to assess its viability.
Submitted: 05/10/2025 | Revised: 12/11/2025 | Accepted: 05/01/2026
Pages 254-260 | Full Text PDF| https://doi.org/10.21475/ajcs.26.20.03.pne139
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Temporary immersion system: a system to improve the quality of Potato Seeds (Solanum tuberosum L.) cultivar ‘Granola Lembang’
Syarif Husen*, Agus Eko Purnomo, Aniek Iriany, Poncojari Wahyono
Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture and Animal Science, University of Muhammadiyah Malang, Jl. Raya Tlogomas No. 246, Malang 65144, Indonesia
Laboratory of Culture In Vitro, University of Muhammadiyah Malang, Jl. Raya Sengkaling No. 188, Malang 65121, Indonesia
Department of Biology Education, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, University of Muhammadiyah Malang, Jl. Raya Tlogomas No. 246, Malang 65144, Indonesia
Abstract: High-quality, virus-free, and vigorous potato plantlets are crucial for producing subsequent generations of potato seeds. This study aimed to optimize potato seed development using two distinct propagation systems: a temporary immersion system (TIS) employing liquid media and a conventional system utilizing semi-solid media. A factorial, completely randomized design was employed, with the propagation system (TIS vs. conventional) and sucrose concentration (30, 40, 50, 60 g L-1) as factors. Results indicated superior potato seed growth in the TIS compared to the conventional system. Specifically, plantlets grown in TIS with 30 g L-1 sucrose exhibited a greater height (13.43 cm) than those in the conventional system with 30 g L-1 sucrose (8.23 cm). Similar trends were observed for leaf number and root length, with TIS + 30 g L-1 sucrose yielding 14.55 leaves and a root length of 15.00 cm, compared to 8.55 leaves and 6.76 cm in the conventional system, respectively. The total chlorophyll content in the TIS + 30 g L-1 sucrose treatment was 1.45 mg L-1, while the conventional system + 30 g L-1 sucrose treatment yielded 0.98 mg L-1. Virus testing confirmed the absence of the four major potato viruses (PVX, PVY, PVS, and PLRV) in all treatments. These findings suggest that mass propagation of high-quality, virus-free potato seeds can be effectively achieved using TIS with the addition of 30 g L-1 sucrose.
Submitted: 12/11/2025 | Revised: 06/01/2026 | Accepted: 08/01/2026
Pages 261-270 | Full Text PDF| https://doi.org/10.21475/ajcs.26.20.03.pne140
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Exploration of diazotrophic communities associated with Solenostemon rotundifolius and Arachis hypogaea in tropical agricultural land
Ahmad Arsyadi, Aris Tjahjoleksono, Nisa Rachmania Mubarik
Faculty of Science and Engineering, Bangka Belitung University, Balunijuk 33172, Indonesia
Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, IPB University, Bogor 16680, Indonesia
ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8917-5688
Abstract: Land clearing through oil palm expansion potentially leads to several negative effects on farmland soil condition such as the deterioration of ammonium and nitrate. The native farmers in Bangka Islands, Indonesia, considerably cultivate black potatoes and groundnuts to elevate soil nutrient on the cleared land. Many studies have examined the ability of groundnuts to enhance soil quality through their specific association with diazotrophic bacteria, while there is still limited information about black potatoes. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to isolate and identify nitrogen-fixing bacteria associated with black potato and groundnut cultivated in this tropical farmed-land. In this study, a total 44 isolates were obtained using N-free and yeast extract mannitol agar medium. The isolates, BK1043 and BK1042, and AT1043 were able to produce ammonia and showed negative results in hemolysis, hypersensitivity, and antagonistic test. Based on nifH gene detection and acetylene reduction assay, BK1043 and AT1043 were recognized as diazotrophic bacteria. Furthermore all 3 isolates were able to produce indole acetic acid and hydrogen cyanide except BK1043. Identification of 16S rRNA gene showed that BK1043, BK1042, and AT1043 are belonged to Paenibacillus alginolyticus, Burkholderia cepacia, and Arthrobacter enclensis, respectively. This is the first study to report diazotrophic bacteria that are harbored in black potato rhizosphere.
Pages 271-281 | Full Text PDF| Supplementary Data PDF| https://doi.org/10.21475/ajcs.26.20.03.pne145
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Multivariate characterization of defoliation traits in sugarcane genotypes: implications for mechanization-oriented breeding in Thailand
Anupong Wongtamee*, Pichai Boodsiphum, Supansa Chinaworn
Department of Agricultural Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand
Center of Knowledge and Technology for Cane and Sugar, Faculty of Agro-Industry, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngamwongwan Road, Ladyao, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
Department of Plant Production Technology, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Rajamangala University of Technology Tawan-Ok, Bangpra Campus, Chonburi 20110, Thailand
Abstract: Thailand still burns sugarcane because there are no cultivars with natural leaf shedding for mechanized harvesting. This study used multivariate characterization to identify mechanization-supporting defoliation traits in 28 field-grown sugarcane genotypes in Phitsanulok Province between 2020-2022. Defoliation force (DF), self-defoliation rate (SDR), stem and sheath morphology, sheath detachment ease, and cane surface cleanliness were measured. The study found significant genotypic variation (P ≤ 0.001) and diverse phenotypes. Principal component analysis reduced 13 quantitative traits to four components that explained 70.1% of variance, with DF and SDR as important, inversely related indicators of mechanization readiness. Using hierarchical clustering, genotypes were classified as favorable (CSB08-101, KK07-599, UT12), resistant (CSB07-184, LK92-11), or intermediate (KK3). Sheath morphology traits (LSW, LST, ASR) were found to have a canonical correlation with defoliation ease, and MANOVA confirmed strong genotype effects (η² > 0.90). Correlation networks confirmed SDR, DF, and qualitative indices as valid selection markers. This study presents the first integrated multivariate framework for assessing defoliation in Thai sugarcane germplasm, emphasizing SDR, DF, and sheath architecture as useful indices for breeding cultivars that are compatible with sustainable, mechanized harvesting systems.
Pages 282-290 | Full Text PDF| https://doi.org/10.21475/ajcs.26.20.03.pne159