Morphophysiological characterization of Hymenaea martiana Hayne seeds and seedlings via manual and digital methods
Maria Karoline Ferreira Bernardo, Joyce Naiara da Silva, Guilherme Vinícius Gonçalves de Pádua, Eduardo Luã Fernandes da Silva, Maria Joelma da Silva, Caroline Marques Rodrigues, João Henrique Constantino Sales Silva, Luis Gustavo Alves de Almeida, Cosma Layssa Santos Gomes, Geisa Emanuelle Farias, Maria da Conceição Leite da Silva, Marília Hortência Batista Silva Rodrigues, Aline das Graças Souza*, Lenyneves Duarte Alvino de Araújo, Oscar José Smiderle, Edna Ursulino Alves
Department of Phytotechnics, Federal University of Paraíba, Center for Agricultural Sciences, Areia, PB, Brazil
Federal Institute of Amazonas, Coari, AM, Brazil
Federal University of Agreste of Pernambuco, Garanhuns, PE, Brazil
Federal University of Campina Grande, Center for Agrifood Science and Technology, Pombal, PB, Brazil
Department of Bioscience, Federal University of Paraíba, Center for Agricultural Sciences, Areia, PB, Brazil
Department of Seeds, Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation, Boa Vista, RR, Brazil
Abstract
The application of digital analysis offers great advantages over traditional manual methods because of the shorter time required and greater precision. Given the above, the objective of this study was to perform biometric characterization of Hymenaea martiana seeds and seedlings through manual and digital image processing to verify whether the methodology was efficient in distinguishing the physiological qualities of seeds from five mother plants. Seed biometry was performed through manual and digital methods, with length and width being evaluated. In addition, the seed weight and water content were determined. To evaluate physiological quality, the first emergence count, emergence percentage, average emergence index and time, shoot length and root system were measured via manual and digital methods to determine the dry mass of the shoot and root system. The data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance, and the means were compared via Tukey's test at a 5% probability level; subsequently, Spearman's correlation was performed for all combinations of variables. The water content of H. martiana seeds was greater in those from mother plants 3 and 5 (11.03 and 10.19%, respectively), whereas the lowest value (7.22%) was in the seeds from mother plant 1; however, there was no significant difference in the water content of the seeds from mother plants 3 and 5.Image analysis, with the aid of the ImageJ® editing program, allows the evaluation of several biometric characteristics of H. martiana seeds and seedlings and is efficient in ranking seed lots from different mother plants. The seeds from mother plant 1 are of better quality and are indicated for seedling production.
Submitted: 31/03/2025 | Revised: 11/06/2025 | Accepted: 03/08/2025
Pages 903-909 | Full Text PDF| https://doi.org/10.21475/ajcs.25.19.09.p06
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Comparative land suitability analysis for ‘lakatan’ banana (Musa acuminata) in Isabela, Philippines
Ronald C. Magos, Dr. Honorato A. Sebulino
University of the Philippines, Los Baños, The Philippines
National University, Philippines, The Philippines
Abstract
This study presents a land suitability evaluation specifically for ‘lakatan’ banana (Musa acuminata) cultivation in Isabela, Philippines, aiming to optimize yield through targeted soil analysis for alluvial soils under isohyperthermic climatic regime. Simple Limitation Method (SLM), Limitation Method regarding Number and Intensity (LMNI), Parametric Methods (PM) and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) were the methods used for a comparative assessment. The available soil series data for Isabela from the Philippine Rice Research Institute were evaluated against the optimal edaphic requirements for ‘lakatan’ banana (Musa acuminata) cultivation, based on consolidated published studies. The suitability of banana production in Isabela varies significantly depending on the method used. Based on the analyses using SLM and LMNI, majority of soil series were not suitable for banana production; however, when PM (Storie and square-root) and AHP methods (linear and Log) were used, banana production becomes marginally and moderately suitable, respectively. The variation in results primarily stems from the differing methodologies of SLM and LMNI compared to AHP and PM, offering a basis for informed decision-making and guideline development in ‘lakatan’ banana cultivation.
Submitted: 01/04/2025 | Revised: 19/06/2025 | Accepted: 03/08/2025
Pages 910-916 | Full Text PDF| https://doi.org/10.21475/ajcs.25.19.09.p07
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Evaluation of growth performance of cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) hybrid seedlings using vegetative traits
Somala Rebecca KADJO*, Kouamé Kévin KOFFI, Charles Konan KOUAKOU, Amenan Jacky KONAN, Louise AKANVOU, Kouakou Laurent KOUAKOU, Bi Irié Arsène ZORO
Department of Natural Sciences, University Nangui Abrogoua (UNA), 02 BP 801, Abidjan 02, Côte d’Ivoire
National Center for Agronomic Research (CNRA), Program Cashew, Mango, Papaya and Shea, Lataha Research Station, BP 856, Korhogo, Côte d’Ivoire
National Center for Agronomic Research (CNRA), Director General, 01 BP 1740, Abidjan 01, Côte d’Ivoire
Abstract
This study evaluated the vegetative vigor of twenty hybrid families derived from a diallel cross among five cashew genotypes (KK36, W9, TPTO2, N1 and YKKF1) under nursery conditions in Côte d'Ivoire. Ten growth parameters were assessed including seedling height, number of branches, number of leaves and other indicators of vegetative vigor. The experiment lasted six months with measurements conducted monthly and final data collected at 180 days, a critical stage for transplantation and future yield potential. Significant differences (p < 0.001) were observed among hybrids for all traits evaluated. The hybrids N1×W9, W9×KK36, KK36×N1 and W9×N1 displayed the longest germination times (12 days), whereas TPTO2×N1 germinated fastest (9 days). W9×KK36 and KK36×W9 exhibited the highest number of branches, while KK36×N1 had the greatest branch length. N1×W9 produced the tallest seedlings; TPTO2×W9 showed the longest leaves and TPTO2×KK36 had the widest east-west wingspan. Positive correlations were found between seedling height and circumference and between number and length of branches. Principal Component Analysis grouped vigor-related traits into two major categories: one related to seedling architecture (height, number and length branch and north-south wingspan) and the other to leaves dimensions. Based on a vigor index, hybrids were classified into three performance groups: high-performing (primarily with KK36 as the female parent), intermediate-performing (with W9 and TPTO2 as female parents) and low-performing (with YKKF1 and N1 as female parents). These results support early-stage seedling evaluation as an effective strategy for reducing planting density and identifying high-performance hybrids likely to give better yields at maturity.
Submitted: 15/04/2025 | Revised: 29/06/2025 | Accepted: 21/08/2025
Pages 917-927 | Full Text PDF| https://doi.org/10.21475/ajcs.25.19.09.p14
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Optimization of compound NPK fertilizer dosage to enhance the productivity of 11-year-old oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) trees (Mature planting year 8)
Aldi Oktavian, Sudradjat, Supijatno*
Magister Study Program of Agronomy and Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, IPB University, Bogor 16680, West Java, Indonesia
Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, IPB University, Bogor 16680, West Java, Indonesia
Abstract
Proper fertilization is a key factor in increasing the productivity of oil palm plants. However, excessive use of inorganic fertilizers is often used by farmers. This study aims to determine the optimum dose of NPK fertilizer and its effectiveness in increasing oil palm productivity. This research was conducted from November 2023 to October 2024. The study used one-factor Randomized Complete Group Design, P0 = control, P1 = standard fertilizer Urea 2.8 + SP-27 2.4 + KCl 3.4 + Kiserit 1.5 (kg plant-1 year-1), compound NPK fertilizer treatment (P2 = 3.1 kg, P3 = 6.2 kg, P4 = 9.3 kg, P5 = 12.4 kg (plant-1 year-1)). Observations were made on the number of midribs, sex ratio, leaf tissue nutrient content, fresh fruit bunch weight, number of fresh fruit bunches harvested, average basket weight, productivity, and nutrient balance calculation (N, P, K) of plants. Furthermore, fertilizer effectiveness is calculated using Relative Agronomic Effectiveness. The use of compound NPK fertilizer dose (13-8-27+4MgO+0.65B) of 9.3 kg plant-1 year-1 (P4 treatment) increases the weight of fresh fruit bunches, average basket weight and productivity of 11-year-old producing oil palm plants (TM 8), so that the optimum dose obtained quadratically is 8.42 kg plant-1 year-1. The highest compound NPK fertilizer effectiveness value was 120.65%, meaning that it was able to increase yield 1.2 times greater when compared to the standard treatments.
Submitted: 12/05/2025 | Revised: 15/07/2025 | Accepted: 25/07/2025
Pages 928-933 | Full Text PDF| https://doi.org/10.21475/ajcs.25.19.09.p25
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Morphological analysis of glandular trichomes in six Cannabis sativa L. cultivars collected from the Rif Mountains (Northern Morocco)
Ismail El Bakali*, Ilham Rahmouni, Abderrahman Moukhles, Aboubakr Boutahar, Samir El Bakali, Mhammad Houssni, Soufian Chakkour, Mohamed Kadiri, Abderrahmane Merzouki
Laboratory of Applied Botany, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences of Tetuan, Abdelmalek Essaâdi University, Mhannech II. 93002, Tetuan, Morocco
National Institute of Agronomy Research (INRA), Rabat Regional Research Center, Plant Breeding Research Unit, Morocco
Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences of Tetuan, Abdelmalek Essaâdi University, M’hanech II. 93002, Tetuan, Morocco
Marine Ecotoxicology Team, Department of chemistry, Faculty of Sciences of Tetuan, Abdelmalek Essaâdi University, Mhannech II. 93002, Tetuan, Morocco
Laboratory of Biology, Ecology, and Health, Faculty of Sciences of Tetuan, Abdelamlek Essaadi University, Mhannech II. 93002, Tetuan, Morocco
Laboratory of Botany, Biotechnology, and Plant Protection, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ibn Tofail University, Kenitra, Morocco
Abstract
Cannabis sativa L. is a multipurpose crop with growing interest due to its medicinal properties and industrial applications. Trichomes specialized epidermal structures categorized as glandular or non-glandular play a crucial role in the biosynthesis of pharmacologically active compounds such as cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. Despite the global attention to C. sativa, Moroccan cultivars remain underexplored. This study investigates trichome morphology and density in six cultivars grown under controlled greenhouse conditions: ‘Beldiya’, ‘Mexicana’, ‘Khardala’, ‘Avocat’, ‘Critical Plus’, and ‘Industriel’. Bract samples were collected at maturity and analyzed using light microscopy. Thirty images per cultivar were examined to characterize trichome types and quantify their density. The results revealed significant inter-cultivar variation. ‘Mexicana’ exhibited the highest density of non-glandular trichomes (17%), while ‘Industriel’ showed the lowest (12%). Conversely, ‘Khardala’ and ‘Industriel’ recorded the highest proportions of glandular trichomes (88%). Principal component analysis effectively distinguished among cultivars based on trichome traits. Overall, both glandular and non-glandular trichomes were present across all cultivars, with ‘Beldiya’ and ‘Industriel’ showing lower trichome performance in terms of type and density. These findings highlight the morphological diversity among Moroccan cannabis cultivars and underscore the potential for further biochemical and agronomic characterization. ‘Khardala’ and ‘Mexicana’ show promising trichome traits and are recommended for further valorization, breeding, and phytochemical studies.
Submitted: 01/03/2025 | Revised: 14/06/2025 | Accepted: 11/07/2025
Pages 934-941 | Full Text PDF| https://doi.org/10.21475/ajcs.25.19.09.p26x
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Land transformation through the development of oil palm plantations in the ex-mega rice project (EMRP) area, Central Kalimantan
Darmawan*, Suwardi, Octaviana Randrikasari
Department of Soil Science and Land Resources, Faculty of Agriculture, IPB University, Dramaga Campus, Bogor 16680, Indonesia
Center for Mine Reclamation Studies, The Institute of Research and Community Service, IPB University, Baranangsiang Campus, Bogor 16144, Indonesia
Center for Oil Palm, The Institute of Research and Community Service, IPB University, Baranangsiang Campus, Bogor 16144, Indonesia
ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0009-0001-8568-9702
Abstract
The Mega Rice Project in Central Kalimantan was a government initiative started in 1995 to convert up to one million hectares of dominantly peat swamp forest to rice cultivation. However, the project eventually ended up in failure before the whole area was land cleared, among others was due to inappropriate canalling design that caused excessive drainage which was exacerbated by a prolonged drought and all together resulted in subsequent burnt of remaining forest vegetation and the peat layer leading to a drastic change of the land and soil condition namely became very poor for rice cultivation. Since then, various overcoming programs have been implemented in this Ex-Mega Rice Project (EMRP) and the main program was the governmental peatland ecosystem restoration program. Overlapping with this restoration program implementation period, parts of the EMRP area were then used mainly by private companies for oil palm plantation. The objective of this research is to elaborate the pattern and impact of land use change within the area of the EMRP into oil palm plantation. This study analyzed land use change in the EMRP area between 2015 and 2024, focusing on the transition to oil palm plantations. Using high-resolution satellite imagery from Landsat 8 and Sentinel 2, this study applied supervised classification with the Support Vector Machine (SVM) method to classify land cover types. Land cover changes were analyzed using a Sankey diagram to visualize transitions across classes over time. The results revealed that forest cover decreased from 58.1% (858,383 ha) in 2015 to 48.2% (711,973 ha) in 2024, while oil palm plantation expanded to cover 18.1% (265,000 ha) of the total study area. The oil palm plantation has significant economic implications, including employment creation, export increment, and infrastructure enhancement. The expansion of oil palm plantation in the EMRP has become a very significant part of the growth of the oil palm sector in the surroundings that eventually will attract more investments and generate more employment, and therefore increasing the region's economic growth as well as impacting the national economy.
Submitted: 15/05/2025 | Revised: 28/07/2025 | Accepted: 21/08/2025
Pages 942-947 | Full Text PDF| https://doi.org/10.21475/ajcs.25.19.09.p28
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The synergistic effects of vermicompost and mycorrhiza on the growth and yield of glutinous maize (Zea mays ceratina L) and soil fertility
Agus Mulyadi Purnawanto*, Oetami Dwi Hajoeningtijas, Haryanto
Department of Agrotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture and Fisheries, Universitas Muhammadiyah Purwokerto, Purwokerto 53182, Indonesia
Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering and Science, Universitas Muhammadiyah Purwokerto, Purwokerto 53182, Indonesia
ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2828-3634
Abstract
Indonesia has experienced a decline in corn production, so it is necessary to take steps to increase production. Strategic steps that can be taken include utilizing vermicompost and mycorrhiza. The research aimed to analyze the synergistic effects of vermicompost and mycorrhiza on the growth and yield of glutinous maize, as well as their impact on soil fertility. The research was conducted as a factorial experiment using a Randomized Block Design with three replications. The first factor examined was the dose of vermicompost, with amounts set at 0, 10, 20, 30, and 40 t ha-1. The second factor was the dose of mycorrhiza, using 0, 0.35, 0.70, and 1.05 t ha-1. The observed variables included plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, leaf area, the timing of male and female flower appear, number of cob, cob length, cob diameter, cob weight, the number of seeds per cob, and the N total, P2O5 total, K2O total as well as the number of mycorrhiza spores. The results indicated that applying 40 t ha-1 of vermicompost in combination with 1.05 t ha-1 of mycorrhiza led to significant increases in several growth and yield parameters. Specifically, stem diameter increased by 71.4%, leaf area by 28.1%, cob length by 62.2%, cob diameter by 76.8%, and cob weight by 110.5%. Additionally, the soil's phosphorus pentoxide (P₂O₅) content increased by 54.2 ppm, and the number of mycorrhiza spores rose by 35.7 ppm.
Submitted: 16/05/2025 | Revised: 13/07/2025 | Accepted: 19/09/2025
Pages 948-953 | Full Text PDF| https://doi.org/10.21475/ajcs.25.19.09.p36
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Determinants of farmers’ adoption of Parkia biglobosa (Jacq.) R.Br. ex G. Don.pods for weed management (Burkina Faso)
Sourabié Soumaïla*, Thiombiano Célestin, Tahirou Moussa Seydou, Ouattara Ya Sadia Rabiatou, Zerbo Patrice
Laboratory of Plant Biology and Ecology, University Joseph Ki-Zerbo, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
Department of Vegetal Production, Institute of Environment and Agricultural Research (INERA), Kamboinsin, Burkina Faso
Department of Agronomy, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria
ORCID ID : 0000-0002-1453-5423
Abstract
In Burkina Faso, the use of biological methods for weed control remains relatively limited and poorly adopted, largely due to a range of socio-demographic and economic barriers. This study aims to identify the determinants that constrain the adoption of Parkia biglobosa pods option for the sustainable management of agricultural weeds. A random sampling approach was employed to survey 262 farmers, comprising 127 adopters of Parkia biglobosa pods in weed management and 135 non-adopters. The questionnaire and interview guides were used to collect data. The results of the Logit model estimation indicate that training in biological weed control, membership in an association, age, farm size, land tenure, and education level significantly influence the adoption of Parkia biglobosa pods in agricultural weed management. These results may help guide policymakers and farmers’ organizations engaged in the promotion of biological control practices. Accordingly, strengthening farmers’ training on biological methods for managing agricultural pests, together with the implementation of sound land tenure policies, could foster a wider adoption of Parkia biglobosa pods in sustainable weed management.
Submitted: 24/05/2025 | Revised: 02/09/2025 | Accepted: 16/09/2025
Pages 954-960 | Full Text PDF| https://doi.org/10.21475/ajcs.25.19.09.p44
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Effect of zinc application on growth, yield, and zinc and protein content in Ciherang rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Kuswanta Futas Hidayat*, Agustiansyah, Paul Benyamin Timotiwu, David Chandra, Rizkyka Syfa Nabila
University of Lampung, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Agrotechnology, Prof. Dr. Sumantri Brojonegoro Street No. 1, Bandar Lampung City, 35141, Indonesia
University of Lampung, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, Prof. Dr. Sumantri Brojonegoro Street No. 1, Bandar Lampung City, 35141, Indonesia
ORCID ID: 0009-0007-8233-7318
Abstract
Ciherang rice is a popular variety in Indonesia. However, the zinc (Zn) content in Ciherang rice is relatively low, barely reaching 40.1% of the agronomic and nutritional standard. The purpose of this study was to determine the best effect of Zn application on growth, yield, protein and Zn content in Ciherang rice. The study involved seven treatments, including seed priming and/or spraying with combinations of ZnSO4 (0.07% or 0.5%) and urea (1%), as well as a control. Seed priming was carried out for 24 hours and spraying was applied four times: at tillering (day 35), booting (day 45), flowering (day 75), and seven days after flowering (day 82). The results showed that the application of priming and spraying with Zn and urea increased the production of Ciherang variety rice by increasing the number of productive tillers and the production of filled grains. Spraying 1% urea + 0.5% ZnSO4 and priming 1% urea + 0.5% ZnSO4 + spraying 1% urea + 0.5% ZnSO4 increased growth by increasing the number of tillers, dry weight of shoots, and green leaves. Priming 1% urea + 0.5% ZnSO4 + spraying 1% urea + 0.5% ZnSO4 was also the best treatment in increasing the Zinc content to 33.5 ppm compared to the control of 11.41 ppm and protein of Ciherang rice. The combination of priming and spraying with 1% urea + 0.5% ZnSO4 is the best treatment to overcome the low zinc content in Ciherang rice, while increasing growth, yield, and protein content.
Submitted: 27/05/2025 | Revised: 19/07/2025 | Accepted: 25/07/2025
Pages 961-966 | Full Text PDF| https://doi.org/10.21475/ajcs.25.19.09.p47
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Comparative study of the growth of commercial potato varieties (Solanum tuberosum L.) obtained from vegetative seedlings
Bertha Lucila Campos Rios*, Alberth Jeremias Soto Amante, Gabriela Saravia Castillo, Maria de Lourdes Tapia y Figueroa
Universidad de Huánuco, Huánuco, Peru
Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina, Lima, Peru
ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5662-554X
Abstract
This study evaluated the development of four commercial potato varieties (Yungay, Tomasa, Amarilis, and Clon Bella) under controlled greenhouse conditions in the city of Huánuco. The main objective was to assess the variability in key characteristics such as root development, stem elongation, tuber formation, and minituber production, considering four treatments, with the Yungay variety as the control. Evaluations were carried out at 60 and 120 days after planting. Variables analyzed included the number of leaves, stem length (cm), fresh shoot weight (g), root length (cm), number and weight of tubers and minituber, and tuber diameter (mm), using a completely randomized design with 10 replications per treatment. Statistical analyses were conducted using ANOVA, followed by Tukey’s test for mean comparison. The results showed significant differences between the varieties. Tomasa exhibited better performance in terms of weight (10.04 g/tuber) and tuber diameter (1759 mm), suggesting a greater capacity for biomass allocation to storage organs. In contrast, the Yungay variety, used as the control, excelled in minituber production (62.20 minitubers/plant), highlighting its potential for seed propagation. Additionally, root length varied among the varieties, with Yungay (29.00 cm) and Clon Bella (26.00 cm) standing out in terms of root development. The latter also stood out in leaf development, with 91.13 leaves/plant and a stem length of 58.00 cm. These results emphasize the importance of considering the specific characteristics of each variety when selecting the most suitable for different agronomic objectives, such as maximizing tuber yield or nutrient use efficiency.
Submitted: 01/03/2025 | Revised: 07/04/2025 | Accepted: 08/04/2025
Pages 967-971 | Full Text PDF| https://doi.org/10.21475/ajcs.25.19.09.p350
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Effect of eucalyptus (Eucalyptus spp.) shade on the agronomic and morphological responses of marandu grass (Urochloa brizantha) pasture in a silvopastoral system
Luciano Saraiva Santos, Domingos Sávio Queiroz, Edilane Aparecida da Silva, Fernanda de Kássia Gomes, Angelo Herbet Moreira Arcanjo*, José Reinaldo Mendes Ruas, Fernando Oliveira Franco, Marcela Queren Ribeiro da Cunha
Empresa de Pesquisa Agropecuária de Minas Gerais, EPAMIG Sudeste, Campo Experimental de Leopoldina, Leopoldina, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Departamento de Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Empresa de Pesquisa Agropecuária de Minas Gerais, EPAMIG Oeste, Campo Experimental Getúlio Vargas, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Empresa de Pesquisa Agropecuária de Minas Gerais, EPAMIG Centro-Oeste, Prudente de Morais, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Empresa de Pesquisa Agropecuária de Minas Gerais, EPAMIG Oeste, Campo Experimental de Sertãozinho, Patos de Minas, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Departamento de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Estadual de Montes Claros, Janaúba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Departamento de Ciências Agrárias, Instituto Federal do Triângulo Mineiro – Campus Uberaba, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
ORCID ID: Arcanjo A.H.M. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4892-6534
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the productivity of marandu grass (Urochloa brizantha) between rows of eucalyptus (Eucalyptus spp.) with variations in spatial arrangements in a silvopastoral system. The study was conducted in a randomized block design with five treatments, consisting of spatial arrangements of eucalyptus in silvopastoral systems, with three system replications and plots subdivided in time: T1 - single row arrangement 10×2, with 500 trees/ha; T2 – single row arrangement 20×2, with 250 trees/ha; T3 – double row arrangement 3×3+15, with 370 trees/ha; T4 – double row arrangement 3×3+20, with 290 trees/ha; T5 – exclusive pasture of marandu grass (control). There was no effect of the eucalyptus spatial arrangements on the total dry mass, leaf blade, stem and dead material and leaf blade proportion of marandu grass. The spatial arrangements of eucalyptus did not affect the production and proportion of botanical fractions of the forage. However, tillers number in marandu grass was greater in canopies growing without eucalyptus and statistically similar to the 3×3+20 arrangement (1011 and 945 tillers m-2, respectively; P<0.05). The spatial arrangements of eucalyptus did not affect the production and proportion of forage botanical fractions. To not harm the tillering of the pasture, it is recommended to plant the eucalyptus seedlings at 20×2 spacing.
Submitted: 01/04/2025 | Revised: 05/05/2025 | Accepted: 16/07/2025
Pages 972-977 | Full Text PDF| https://doi.org/10.21475/ajcs.25.19.09.p356
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Effect of water-nitrogen interaction on sugar beet yield under localized irrigation in a semi-arid region
Nora TOUFIKI, Nadya WAHID, Ilhame ELMAJETNI, Younes OULLUOSSEAT, Bassou BOUAZZAMA
Sultan Moulay Slimane University, Faculty of Science and Techniques, Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Ecology, and Agro-Industrial Valorization, Ecology and Sustainable Development Team, Beni Mellal, Morocco
National Institute of Agronomic Research, Regional Center for Agronomic Research of TADLA, BP 567 Béni Mellal, Morocco
ORCID ID : https://orcid.org/0009-0000-8606-3085
Abstract
The study of the response of sugar crops to water and nitrogen deficit is important in areas where water resources are very limited. This work aims to study the response of sugar beet to water stress and fertilization under different levels of nitrogen fertilizers installed in the semi-arid climate of the Tadla irrigated area. The study focused on four water regimes represented by irrigation at 100%, 80%, 60% and 40% ETc of the water requirements of the beet and four levels of nitrogen fertilization (80 kg N/ha, 160 kg N/ha, 240 kg N/ha and 320 kg N/ha) applied by fertigation with a splitting of input according to the nitrogen assimilation curve by the beet plant. The results of the experiment showed that water stress significantly induced a decrease in leaf area and stomatal conductance, as well as a decrease in root yield. However, a water regime of 80% ETc represents a good compromise between saving water and maintaining satisfactory yields. In conditions of lack of irrigation water, a tolerable level of water stress is 60% to ensure a satisfactory productivity rate. The nitrogen supply shows that its increase, in the case of a previous crop of beans, leads to the application of high doses of nitrogen. The leaf area and root yield reach their maximum at the level of the 4 water regimes from the dose 160 kg N/ha, also with an approximate optimal dose of 80 kg N/ha for the case of the previous legume crop. Splitting nitrogen inputs helps to limit high concentrations in the soil and delay its migration to depth, thereby reducing losses through leaching.
Submitted: 20/03/2025 | Revised: 02/05/2025 | Accepted: 09/05/2025
Pages 978-986 | Full Text PDF| https://doi.org/10.21475/ajcs.25.19.09.p360