Abstract Considering the need to adopt more sustainable agricultural systems, it is important that sweet potato breeding programs seek to increase not only root productivity, but also the productivity and quality of branches for silage production. The objective was to evaluate the genetic divergence and the importance of traits associated with the production and quality of branch silage in sweet potato genotypes. The experiment was conducted on the JK Campus of the Federal University of Vales do Jequitinhonha and Mucuri Valleys in a randomized block design with 12 treatments and four repetitions. Twelve characteristics of branches and silage were evaluated. There was genetic variability between the genotypes, making it possible to select parents divergent for future breeding programs for silage production. The genotypes BD-54 and BD-31TO were the most divergent in relation to the others, being indicated its use in crossbreeding aiming the improvement of the culture for silage, once the high performance per se of all genotypes evaluated has already been verified in previous works. The characteristics Na, TDN and NDF were those that most contributed to the divergence.

Abstract Humic substances are used in agriculture as promoters of plant growth, especially of the root system. The objective of the work was to evaluate the effect of the application of different doses of fulvic acid on the growth and productivity of American lettuce, Raider Plus cultivar. The experimental design used was entirely randomized, with five treatments of fulvic acid 0, 1, 2, 4, 8 mL·L -1  and four repetitions, applied at the time of transplanting. Two experiments were conducted simultaneously: one in the greenhouse, where fresh and dry mass of the aboveground and root parts, length and volume of the roots were evaluated; and the other in the field, where, at the end of the cycle, fresh and dry mass of the aboveground parts, number of leaves, stem length and average head circumference were evaluated. The application of different doses of fulvic acid promoted the growth of lettuce plants, especially the root system. The emission of roots, with predominance, of those of smaller diameter, was found in the higher concentrations of fulvic acid. The number of leaves and the average circumference of the head expressed responses in the concentrations of fulvic acid.

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the growth of four lettuce cultivars in S outhern Piauí to recommend the best ones for the region. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse  with  randomized blocks, with evaluation in subdivided time plots, evaluated in six seasons (20, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40 days after sowing—DAS) and with treatments corresponding to four cultivars (Americana Rafaela ® , Grand Rapids TBR ® , Crespa Repolhuda ®  and Repolhuda Todo ano ® ) with five repetitions. Leaf area, number of leaves, collar diameter, aboveground fresh mass, aboveground dry mass, root dry mass and total and the physiological indices of growth analysis were evaluated. The lettuce cultivars interfered significantly in the studied parameters, being that Americana Rafaela ®  and Repolhuda todo ano ® , in the conditions that they were submitted, presented better performances and bigger morphophysiological indexes, cultivated in pot. The cultivars Americana Rafaela ®  and Repolhuda todo ano ®  can be produced under the conditions of the south of Piauí.

Abstract The agronomic and oenological behavior of the Pinot noir grape variety was studied in relation to different rootstocks on the Agroscope estate in Leytron (VS): 3309 C, 5 BB, Fercal, 41 BMGt, Riparia Gloire, 420 AMGt, 101-14 MGt and 161-49 C. Rootstock primarily influenced vigor, speed of vine establishment, and mineral nutrition of the graft. Riparia Gloire, 41 BMGt, 420 AMGt and 161-49 C rootstocks were less vigorous and, for the last three, induced a lower nitrogen and potassium supply leading to the production of slightly more acidic wines. The less vigorous rootstocks and 101-14 MGt were slightly more sensitive to water stress.

Abstract In order to explore the application of the new integrated intelligent spore capture system developed in China in the prediction of cucumber downy mildew and cucumber powdery mildew, the main working parameters of the integrated intelligent spore capture system, such as the presence or absence of air cutting head, the height of air collection port and the time of air collection, were optimized by identifying the morphology of captured spores in the case of natural disease in the field. The relationship between the disease index of cucumber downy mildew and cucumber powdery mildew in greenhouse and the amount of spores captured was analyzed through the dynamic monitoring of disease and spores. The results show that when the air cutting head is not installed, the height of the air collection port is 70 cm, and the period of 10: 00–10: 30 was beneficial to the capture of spores. The disease index of cucumber downy mildew and cucumber powdery mildew had a strong positive correlation with the total amount of spores captured for 7 consecutive days. Continuous monitoring of cucumber downy mildew sporangia and rapid increase in the number is a predictor of the occurrence or rapid increase of cucumber downy mildew. The conidia of cucumber powdery mildew were not detected before the disease onset, and the number of conidia captured was still small at the peak of the disease. The research shows that the integrated intelligent spore capture system is suitable for the prediction of cucumber downy mildew, but there are still some problems in the prediction of cucumber powdery mildew.

Abstract A three-factor experiment was set at the Horticulture Laboratory, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur, to study the effects of the controlled deterioration (CD) on the pea seeds at the constant temperature of 35 ℃. The 3 factors considered were: 3 pea seed sources (Rangpur Local/RL, Dinajpur Local/DL and Thakurgaon Local/TL); 3 ageing periods (0, 8 and 16 days); and 3 seed moisture contents (12, 16 and 20% MC). The 27 treatment combinations compared in the CRD with the 3 repetitions for the 8 arenas were: % germination, % abnormal seedlings, % dead seeds, % soil emergence and seedling evaluation test for the root and shoot lengths as well as their dry matter contents. Identical prototypes of notable (5–1% level) degradations were recorded everywhere. But the disparities were lucid under the extreme stresses. Moreover, highly noteworthy (1% level) relations were traced amid all the traits ranging from -0.9847 (soil emergence × abnormal seedling) to 0.9623 (soil emergence × normal seedling). So, the CD technique was very effectual in judging the physiological statuses of the seed sources studied. Thus, the germination test might be add-on by a vigor test, the latter of which could be assessed by quantifying the seedlings’ root and shoot lengths and/or their dry matter accumulations. Moreover, in the seed quality certification, the suitable limits of vigor for the chosen traits could also be got by this technique. But the seeds of several pea varieties should be exploited to fix-up the agreeable limits of the traits. Furthermore, to save time, the ageing period could be squeezed by raising the seed MC.

Abstract Excessive usage of chemicals in crops, especially in leafy vegetables, caused people exposed to health and environmental risks. In Iran, spinach used as a winter vegetable that believed has high Iron and is useful for anemia. The objective of the experiment was to determine the optimum use of each macronutrients to obtain safe maximum growth and yield for scaling up among farmers. Treatments were chemical fertilizers including ammonium sulfate, triple superphosphate and potassium sulfate at 50, 100, 150 and 200 kg/h against control in a randomized complete block design. Results showed that nitrogen caused elevation of fresh and dry weight in spinach as the maximum obtained in 200 kg/h ammonium sulfate. Results obtained from effect of phosphorus showed that super phosphate increased fresh and dry weight of spinach; but potassium sulfate had no effect on its growth and yield. Analysis of variance on cross effect of data showed significant differences in fresh and dry weight, number of leaves, chlorophyll content and nitrate, and non-significant differences in length and wide of leaves.

Abstract Some developmental projects are created by people-private partnerships (PPP), particularly where recovery is acquirable by levying the users. Such PPPs are successful for construction of roads, bridges, running toilet facilities and conveyance facility in mode of use and pay. Likewise, public-scientist partnerships (PSPs) will be successful, where monitored impacts can be used to derive benefit. But such example cases are not so popular in utilizing new research results and derive benefits from natural resources and enhance productivity. There is a demand for similar partnership projects in research area. In this study modality of the PSP to create boost engine for natural resource conservation and bring economic prosperity is established. A novel PSP launch was synthesized on useful food crop viz. finger millet ( Elusiane corcona  (l)), which has been known since long past, and now is regaining popularity. It was possible to enhance additional annual production of 5.755 million tonnes of finger millet grain, equivalent to additional income of Rs 11,510 crores. Against this the scientist partnership share was 0.49x million tonnes grain and economic equivalency of Rs 992 crores, which was just 7–8%, with same level of input in agriculture. Additional benefits were sustainability of production and resources consecration, reduction of greenhouse gas emission (GHGs), particularly nitrous oxide (N 2 O), largely emanating from agriculture and responsible for depletion of ozone layer. The finger millet stiff stem will be useable for production of ply-board filling material that will be innovative building material for housing and infrastructure developments and making furniture.

Abstract Dormancy is a state of lack of germination/sprouting in seed/tuber although required conditions (temperature, humidity, oxygen and light) are provided. Dormancy is based on hard seed coat dormancy or lack of supply and activity of enzymes (internal dormancy) necessary for germination/sprouting. Dormancy is an important factor limiting production in many field crops. Several physical and chemical pretreatments to production material (seed/tuber) are carried out for overcoming dormancy. Physical and physiological dormancy can be found together in some plants and this event makes it difficult to provide high frequency healthy seedling growth. Whereas, emerging of all production material (seed, tuber) sown/planted and forming healthy seedling are prerequisites of plant production.

Abstract Antimicrobials in food packaging are used to enhance quality and safety by reducing surface contamination of pro cessed food. This study investigated the effects of Aloe vera-coated packaging materials on the microbial quality charac teristics of breadfruit flour. Breadfruit flour was packaged in Jute bag (JB), Cali-co bag (CB), low-density Polyethylene in Brown paper (LDPEBP) and they were compared with control. Samples were analyzed for changes in microbiological (total colony count and total fungal count) and moisture content, stored at an ambient temperature of 25 ± 2 ℃ during storage at intervals of 12 weeks. Packaging significantly (p < 0.05) affected the moisture content and microbiological of breadfruit flour during storage. The moisture content, total colony count, and total fungi count significantly (p < 0.05) increased as the storage time increased. The sample packaged in Brown paper (BP) were more acceptable than those in other packaging materials.

Abstract This study was carried out at the Teaching and Research Farm of Landmark University, Omu-Aran. Treatments consisted of 3 levels of cocoa pod husk ash (0, 2 and 4 tonnes CPHA ha -1 ), 3 levels of cocoa pod husk powder (0, 2 and 4 tonnes CPHP ha -1 ), NPK and the control. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) replicated four times. The following parameters were taken plant height, number of leaves (at 2, 3, and 4 weeks after sowing), total plant weight, root weight, leaf weight, roots girth and roots length. Data collected were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) Using S.A.S, 2000. Treatment means were compared using Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at 0.05 level of probability. Results showed that chemical analysis of cocoa pod ash and powder contained plant nutrients as N, P, K, Ca, Mg and some other micronutrients in varying proportions. Application of CPHA 4 + CPHP 2 gave higher values for all the vegetative parameters. The implication of this study is that high level of cocoa pod husk powder in combination with high level of cocoa pod husk ash is detrimental to radish cultivation. In the same vein, the nutrition of radish was incomplete when NPK fertilizer was applied. It can therefore be recommended that the use of combined application of cocoa pod ash and cocoa pod powder at CPHA4 + CPHP2 was sufficient for the cultivation of radish ( Raphanus sativus ) in the study area as it compete favorably with application of NPK fertilizer.

Abstract Major   spices crops such as black pepper (Piper nigrum L.), cardamom ( Elettaria cardamomum   Maton.) and turmeric ( Curcuma longa L.)   production in India ,  is sustained losses due to several reasons. Among them, one of the major constraints are nematode infesting diseases, which causes significant yield losses and affecting their productivity. The major nematode pests infesting these crops include burrowing nematode Radopholus similis ; root knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita  and M. javanica  on black pepper. Whereas, lesion nematode, Pratylenchus  sp., M. incognita  and R. similis  infesting cardamom and turmeric crops. Black pepper is susceptible to a number of diseases of which slow decline caused by R. similis and  M. incognita or  Phytophthora capsici  either alone and in combination and root knot disease caused by Meloidogyne  spp. are the major ones. Root knot disease caused by Meloidogyne  spp. is major constraints in the successful cultivation and production in cardamom. Turmeric is susceptible to a number of diseases such as brown rot disease is caused by Fusarium  sp. and lesion nematode, Pratylenchus  sp. and root knot disease caused by M. incognita.  Adoption of integrated pest management schedules is important in these crops since excessive use of pesticides could lead to pesticide residues in the produce affecting human health and also causing other ecological hazards.