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K. Nihad1, A. Abdul Haris1 and Ravi Bhat2

1Indian Council of Agricultural Research- Central Plantation Crop Research Institute, Regional Station, Kayamkulam, Kerala-690533, India. 2Indian Council of Agricultural Research- Central Plantation Crop Research Institute, Kasaragod, Kerala-671124, India. Corresponding e-mail: nihadshukoor@gmail.com

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2021.v23i03.66


Key words: Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.), flower, Heliconia, intercrop
Abstract: A field experiment was conducted at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Central Plantation Crop Research Institute, Regional Station, Kayamkulam, Kerala, during 2012-2016 for identifying potential commercial heliconia varieties suitable for intercropping in the coconut ecosystem. The experiment revealed that heliconia varieties viz., Iris, Kawauchi, Sunrise and She are suitable as intercrops in coconut gardens. A combination of the varieties She and Sunrise can be planted in the ratio 1:1 for year-round production of marketable inflorescences. Variety Iris can be planted at 1.25 x 1.25 m spacing, whereas the others require spacing of 75 x 75 cm. Heliconia intercropping resulted in higher productivity of the main crop (coconut) as well. This may be due to the micro habitat’s higher moisture retention, which might have resulted in the percentage reduction of fallen nuts in coconut.
K. Man Mohan, V. Kiran Kumar1 and S. Gajalakshmi

Centre for Pollution Control and Environmental Engineering, Pondicherry University, Pondicherry, 605014-India. Corresponding e-mail: dr.s.gajalakshmi@gmail.com

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2021.v23i03.67


Key words: Biowaste, Cordia myxa, biosorption, dye removal, adsorption, Langmuir model, Freundlich model
Abstract: Management of agriculture and horticulture waste biomass are of great concern in achieving circular economy and sustainable development goals. Use of plant biomass in sorption and biosorption is being explored for wastewater remediation cum agricultural and horticultural solid waste management. This study presents the use of the seeds of lasura/lasoda (Cordia myxa) as biosorbent for azo dye Methylene Blue (MB) from wastewater. The proximate and ultimate characterization of Cordia myxa seed powder (CMSP) was carried out for the bulk and surface characterization. Batch biosorption experiments were performed changing the range of parameters i.e. initial concentration of MB (C0), and contact time (t) at room temperature. In order to know the nature and behaviour of biosorption process, equilibrium isotherms and kinetics were deciphered by employing commonly used models i.e. Langmuir, Freundlich, PFO (pseudo first order) and PSO (pseudo second order). The maximum MB dye uptake capacity of CMSP was determined as 21.93 mg/g at room temperature (398K). The Freundlich isotherm model and pseudo second order kinetic models were found to be the best fit (R2 >0.99) for the biosorption process. This study shows the applicability of Cordia myxa seed waste as low-cost treatment of dye wastewater.
N. Verma1, R. Kumar1, J. Kaur1 and D.S. Thakur2

1Department of Vegetable Science, Dr Y S Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry Nauni Solan HP India 173230. Department of Fruit Science, 2Dr Y S Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry Nauni Solan HP India 173230. Corresponding e-mail: neha-vs@pau.edu

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2021.v23i03.68


Key words: Anthesis, cucumber, dehiscence, gynoecious, monoecious
Abstract: Artificial pollination of vegetable crops necessitates the knowledge of crop's floral biology. In this aspect present investigations were carried out, to gather the information on the floral biology of monoecious (K-75 and UHF-CUC-101) and gynoecious (GYNO-1 and GYNO-2) varieties of cucumber at the Experimental Research Farm, Department of Vegetable Science, Dr. YSPUHF Nauni, Solan (HP) during Kharif, 2016. The experiment was laid out in a RCBD with three replications. The observations were recorded on time of anthesis, dehiscence, pollen viability (%), stigma receptivity and node number bearing first female flower. The experimental results showed that anthesis started at 6AM and completed by 8AM with the maximum anthesis between 6AM to 7AM in monoecious varieties whereas, in gynoecious varieties it was maximum upto 6:00AM in both open and controlled conditions and similar pattern was observed for dehiscence. Dehiscence occurs soon after anthesis. Maximum pollen viability was recorded on the day of anthesis and viability of pollen under refrigerated condition did not decrease as rapidly as it was under room temperature condition with the duration of pollen storage. Maximum stigma receptivity was noticed at anthesis time and pollination during this interval recorded maximum fruit set. Gynoecious lines were earlier in flowering and fruiting than monoecious varieties.
A.M.R. Abdel-Mawgoud1,2, A.S. Tantawy1, S.D. Abou-Hussein1 and Y.N. Sassine3

1Dept. Vegetable Researches, Agricultural & Biological Research Division, National Research Center (NRC), 33 El-Buhouth St., 12622 Dokki, Giza, Egypt. 2Agric. Affair Agency, Ministry of Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain. 3Dept. Horticulture Production, Fac. Agriculture and Veterinary medicine, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2021.v23i02.19


Key words: Aquacrop, biomass, CO2, temperature, Solanum lycopersicum, climate changes, tomato, yield, water use.
Abstract: This work aimed to study the response of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) crop to different climate change scenarios using the Aquacrop simulation model. Aquacrop calibration was performed using data from a tomato crop transplanted on October 1, 2015 in the Kingdom of Bahrain’s north. Crop yield production during the period from 2006 to 2015 was used for model testing using recorded climate data for the same period. Generated climate data for the periods of 2020-2030 and 2040-2050 using three climate models; namely, CNRS- CM, EC-Earth and GFDL with two climate scenarios RCP 4-5 and RCP 8-5 were used as inputs for Aquacrop for the specified periods compared with the reference period of 1986-2005. Aquacrop calibration showed good fitting with actual data (R2= 0.93; RMSE= 0.6 t. ha-1; NRMSE= 0.2 and d = 0.97) as well as with testing period for the yield of 2006-2015 (R2= 0.85; RMSE= 0.33 t ha-1; NRMSE= 0.093 and d = 0.936). All climate simulation models predicted an increase in both minimum and maximum air temperatures and CO2 concentration. Aquacrop simulated the response of tomato plants as an increase in total biomass and yield production compared to the reference period. The crop water requirement was reduced due to a shorter crop cycle, which was predicted to be 12-17 days shorter depending on the climate scenario and simulated period.
B. Petrovic?1, R. Pokluda1, C. Richard2, and K. Fonteno2

1Department of Vegetable Sciences and Floriculture Mendel University in Brno, Valticka 337, 69144 Lednice, Czech Republic. 2School of Plant, Environmental and Soil Sciences Louisiana State University Agriculture Center 137 JC Miller Hall, Baton Rouge, LA70803, USA.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2021.v23i02.20


Key words: Cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, production economics
Abstract: This study investigated the economic differences between organic and conventional seedling production of vegetables in Louisiana (US) during 2018. Broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower organic and conventional seeds were used. Cost analysis was conducted for organic and conventional seedling production, including trays, containers (100 count flats), seeds, substrate, fertilizers, water used for fertilizer treatment, and irrigating the crop, labour, and greenhouse space utilized. Calculations were based on total production cost and net returns for 1 flat, 100 flats, for the production of 100 flats in 3 repetitions, and for the space of 100 m2 in the greenhouse. After seedlings reached suitable growth for transplanting, a survey was conducted to determine potential demand for the production of organic and conventional vegetable seedlings for home gardeners. The total production cost of one plant/repetition equated to organic broccoli $0.31, organic cabbage $0.26, and organic cauliflower $0.30, whereas conventional seedlings equated to broccoli $0.15, cabbage $0.11, cauliflower $0.16. The net returns in the production of conventional seedlings for 100 flats 3x per year for broccoli $2,808.1, cabbage $3,498.1, cauliflower $2,760.7 was higher compared to organic seedlings: broccoli $1,201.01 (57.2 % lower than conventional), cabbage $2,118.06 (39.4% lower than conventional), cauliflower $1,572.1 (43 % lower than conventional). In the production of seedlings per 100 m2, net returns were almost doubled for conventional seedlings compared to organic seedlings. Despite needing to recoup higher costs for organic vegetable transplants, more Louisiana consumers (65 %) prefer to pay a higher price to buy organic vegetable seedlings compared to conventional vegetable seedlings.
K.D. Ameta1, R.B. Dubey2, R.A. Kaushik1, B.G. Chhipa1 and K.S. Rajawat1

1Department of Horticulture, Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur, Rajasthan-313 001 (India). 2Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur, Rajasthan-313 001 (India)

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2021.v23i02.21


Key words: Protected cultivation, tomato, RDF, fertigation, irrigation, polyhouse
Abstract: An experiment was conducted to develop a fertigation schedule and assess the effect of different levels of NPK on the growth, yield and quality attributes of tomato grown under polyhouse conditions. There were nine different treatments of 75, 100 and 125 per cent RDF at three intervals (two, three and four days) of fertigation. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design with three replications. Most of the traits under study were significantly influenced by various levels of fertigation except specific gravity. Results revealed that maximum plant height (241.70 cm), number of branches (18.24), leaf area (328.70 sq cm), number of fruits per plant (83.42), weight of fruits (88.53 g), volume of fruits (90.88 cc), length of fruit (5.88 cm), yield per plant (7385.04 g) and yield per square meter (17.72 kg) were reported for treatment 125 % RDF at three days interval) followed by 125 % RDF at two days interval). In contrast, treatment 125 % RDF at four days interval) taken minimum days to first harvest (84.97) and was earliest among the treatments studied. Thus, tomato crops grown under polyhouse conditions should be supplemented with 125 percent of RDF i.e. 225 kg N, 125 kg each of P and K per ha, along with three days interval of fertigation for higher yield.
R. Chandraprakash, P. Masilamani, P. Rajkumar, R. Geetha, V. Alex Albert and T. Eevera

Anbil Dharmalingam Agricultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Navalur Kuttappattu, Tiruchirappalli District, Tamil Nadu-620027, India.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2021.v23i02.22


Key words: Coriander, specific gravity separator, germination, seedling vigour, field emergence
Abstract: An attempt was made to study the effect of specific gravity separation on seed germination and biochemical properties of coriander var. CO3 seed at Agricultural Engineering College and Research Institute, TNAU, Kumulur, Tiruchirappalli District, Tamil Nadu. The seeds were graded in a specific gravity separator viz., horizontal height (cm), vertical height (cm) and air blow rate (m3/hr) adjustments of 0.5, 1.0 and 3.5, respectively at 485 rpm. Coriander seeds were classified into five grades, numbered one through five, and labeled A, B, C, D, and E (grade A represents light weight seeds and grade E represents heavy weight seeds). The seeds were graded and then tested for seed recovery percentage, 100 seed weight, seed filling percentage, germination percentage, speed of germination, seedling length (cm), dry matter production (g/10 seedlings), vigour index, field emergence (%), and biochemical analysis. The results revealed that higher germination per cent was recorded in the E grade (74 per cent) than A, B, C and D grades as well as F-ungraded bulk seeds. Estimation of storage reserves revealed that variation existed among the grades separated by the specific gravity separator. E grade seeds recorded higher protein, oil and carbohydrate contents, which would have substantiated the higher germination, vigour and field emergence.
V. Viji1, R. Balakumbahan1 V. Sivakumar2 and V. Davamani3

1Department of Vegetable Crops, Horticultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Periyakulam East, Theni district, Tamilnadu-625 604. 2Coconut research Station, Aliyarnagar, 3Department of Environmental Sciences, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore -641 003.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2021.v23i02.23


Key words: Annual moringa, leaf, water soluble fertilizers, Azospirillum, PSB, KSB, PPFM
Abstract: Moringa oleifera, a tropical vegetable crop of India, has gained importance for its nutrient-rich leaf production. A study was conducted at the Department of Vegetable Crops, Horticultural College and Research Institute, Periyakulam, to increase leaf biomass productivity and quality attributes of moringa leaves using liquid microbial inoculum. Microbial inoculum included Azospirillum, phosphate solubilizing bacteria, potassium solubilizing bacteria and pink pigmented facultative methylotrophs along with graded level of inorganic water soluble fertilizer. The annual moringa var. PKM -1 seeds were sown at a spacing of 40 x 20 cm on well prepared raised beds. Among the different treatments, combinations, tested moringa plants that received RDF 125 % of the recommended dose of inorganic fertilizers (337.5: 56.25: 112.5 kg NPK ha-1) along with a liquid form of bio inoculants viz., Azospirillum, phosphate solubilizing bacteria, potassium solubilizing bacteria @ 500 mL each ha-1 through drip system and foliar application of pink pigmented facultative methylotrophs @ 500 mL ha-1 produced higher biomass yield. Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, ascorbic acid, tocopherol, crude protein, crude fiber, and total carbohydrates were found to be higher in the same treatment group.
Rio Tensakti Hutabarat, Uswatun Nurjanah and Fahrurrozi Fahrurrozi

Crop Production Department, University of Bengkulu, Bengkulu 38121, Indonesia.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2021.v23i02.24


Key words: Yield of cucumber, weed growth, organic mulch, plastic mulch.
Abstract: Cucumber responses to mulching vary by season, region, and mulching material. A field experiment, arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replicates, was established to assess the effect of organic mulches on weed growth and cucumber yield. Treatments consisted of no mulch, palm oil leaf litter mulch, rice husk litter mulch, blady grass litter mulch, coffee husk litter mulch, and black-silvered plastic mulch. Treatment effects were evaluated in terms of the dry weight of weeds (broad and narrow leaf) and yield of cucumber (fruit diameter, fruit length, fruit number plant-1, fruit weight, total fruit weight plot-1and weight of marketable fruits plant-1). Results indicated that the use of mulches effectively reduced weed growth, increased growth, and yield of cucumbers. The effectiveness of black-silvered plastic, coffee husk litter, rice husk litter, palm oil leaf litter, blady grass litter mulches to control weeds were 98, 68, 58, 56, and 54 %, respectively. Cucumbers grown with mulch increased fruit diameter, fruit weight, number of fruit plant-1, weight of marketable fruits, and total fruit weight plot-1 that were 7, 91, 25, 78, 134, and 78 % higher than those grown without mulch, respectively. These findings provids a valuable technique for cucumber growers in the low altitude of equatorial areas.
Elsie E. Salamat1, L.M. Borines, Enrico C. Virrey1, Wences Rey de la Pe?a1, Vanessa Israel and Yan Diczbalis2

1Department of Pest Management, Visayas State University, Visca, Baybay City, 6521, Leyte, Philippines. 2Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, Australia.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2021.v23i02.25


Key words: Phytophthora, jackfruit, seedling dieback, porosity, sanitation, inoculation, phosphonate
Abstract: Seedling dieback caused by Phytophthora palmivora (Butler) is a significant problem in jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.) nurseries in Eastern Visayas, Philippines. It has been linked to insufficient knowledge of inoculum sources and possible factors contributing to seedlings’ health. This study was conducted to identify potential sources of Phytophthora inoculum in representative nurseries in Eastern Visayas and evaluate the effect of possible factors that contribute to seedling health. Phytophthora detection was conducted from random samples of potting media, irrigation water, germination beds, and roots of seedlings from representative nurseries supplying seedlings in the region. Detection was done through tissue baiting and the use of a Phytophthora-specific diagnostic kit. The effect of the air-filled porosity (AFP) of potting media, sanitation, pathogen inoculation, and phosphonate on plant growth and seedlings’ health was evaluated. Phytophthora propagules were positively detected in most samples, suggesting that seedlings most likely already harbor the pathogen when distributed to farms in the region. Among the factors, AFP of the potting medium had the most profound effect on seedlings’ growth and health. The tallest plants with the largest stem diameter, highest dry weight biomass, and least disease rating were grown in the most porous medium (21 % AFP) consisting of 20 % garden soil, 20 % carbonized rice hull, 20 % rice hull, 20 % coco coir dust, 10 % sand, and 10 % chicken dung. The benefit of a highly porous medium was, however, seen only when external fertilization was undertaken. Unsterilized media resulted in healthier seedlings compared to sterilized media. Sterilized potting media that were inoculated with the pathogen after sterilization resulted in more severe disease. Sterilized potting media was beneficial for jackfruit seedlings when supplied with adequate nutrients and as long as contamination with the pathogen does not occur. Sterile media, therefore, should be kept away from recontamination with the pathogen otherwise more severe disease may occur. The addition of the plant defense regulator phosphonate showed no effect on the growth and health of seedlings under the trial’s conditions.
Saleh Mobarak Al Turki

Department of Arid Land Agriculture, College of Agricultural and Food Sciences, King Faisal University, P.O. Box 400, Al Ahsa 31982, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2021.v23i02.26


Key words: Fertigation, foliar spray, Lithovit-Guano25, Solanum lycopersicum, salinity, tomato
Abstract: The application of small-scale fertilizers is among methods tested to reduce the salinity-caused reductions in crop production. The efficiency of a certain fertilizer was shown to be significantly affected by its application method or place. Therefore, in the current study, Lithovit-Guano25 (Guano) was applied with a concentration of 2 g.L-1 through two methods of fertigation (ferti) and foliar spraying (foliar) on tomato salt-stressed crop irrigated by four different NaCl solutions (EC 2, 6, 10 and 14 dS.m-1). Control plants were those irrigated by NaCl solutions with no Guano application. Leaf number, fresh weights of plant parts, yield components, nutrient content, and total chlorophyll content, were reduced with salt stress. Salinity increased total soluble solids, titratable acidity and cell electrolyte leakage. Compared to control, Guano-foliar caused a reduction in soil EC by 0.09, 0.13, 0.2 and 0.22 dS.m-1 respectively at EC2, EC6, EC10 and EC14. Fresh weights of shoots and roots were optimized mainly in Guano-foliar by 12.5, 10, 4 and 7.5 g compared to control, respectively at EC2, EC6, EC10, and EC14. When comparing methods of application, no significant difference was found between both methods on fruit diameter, fruit TSS, TTA and Mg content. Leaf area and fruit weight in Guano-foliar-treated plants were significantly higher (by 20 cm2 and 2.5 g) compared to Guano-ferti-treated plants at EC14. Moreover, fruit number and yield were also maximized following Guano-foliar treatment. Guano-foliar treated plants accumulated less sodium at EC6 (by 0.2 %) and more phosphorus at all ECs (by 0.2 %) than those of Guano-ferti. Additionally, nitrogen, calcium, and total chlorophyll content were maximized in Guano-foliar-treated plants. When compared to fertigation, foliar spraying of guano had a better effect on mitigating salt stress.
Moitreyee Kundu1, Arnab Jash1, Shubhankar Mukherjee2, Aloke Bhattacharjee1, Dibakar Mukherjee3

1Department of Botany, Burdwan University, Bardhaman 713104, W.B., India. 2The Institute of Integrated & Honors Studies, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra 136119, Haryana, India. 3Department of Botany, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra 136119, Haryana, India.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2021.v23i02.27


Key words: Combined application, flower sticks, kinetin, morphactin, Polianthes tuberosa, senescence.
Abstract: To assess the role of kinetin (KN) and morphactin (MOR) separately and also in combination in the regulation of petal senescence, cut flower sticks of Polianthes tuberosa were placed in various holding (vase) solutions like sucrose (0.1M), kinetin (KN, 20 pM), morphactin (MOR, 20 pM), KN (20 pM) + MOR (20 pM) and sucrose (0.1M) + KN (20 pM) + MOR (20 pM). Holding solutions were taken in sterilized conical flasks and the whole set up was placed under fluorescent tubes (40 Lux light intensity). A combination of sucrose + KN + MOR was the best followed by KN + MOR in partly controlling the loss of moisture content and flower turgidity, as well as a rapid decline in the fresh weight of flower sticks during 4-day as witnessed in treated and control sets. It was also noticed that both plant growth regulators (PGRs) when applied together and when sucrose was included, became more effective in maintaining relatively higher values of flower diameter. Investigation on selected biochemical changes revealed a sharp increase in reducing and total sugars of petals of untreated flower sticks, and KN treatment was found to be the best in arresting sugar accumulation. For the retention of protein, holding solution having sucrose + KN + MOR was the best while lipid peroxidation was arrested by KN+MOR but sucrose application alone was more effective in reducing this process. This study revealed a sharp increase in proline content in untreated tuberose petals, while reduced to some extent by sucrose and further reduction by MOR and KN. Sucrose was found to be the least effective in lowering the proline level.
E.E. Ekpiken1, A.A.J. Mofunanya2 and O.I. Eyong3

1Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, Cross River University of Technology, Cross River State, Nigeria. 2Deparment of Plant and Ecological Studies, University of Calabar, Calabar. 3Department of Forestry and Wildlife, Cross River University of Technology, Cross River state, Nigeria.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2021.v23i02.28


Key words: ACP-ELISA, CMV, RT-PCR, Boje, Potyvirus, Okoyong, Ocimum gratissimum
Abstract: Viruses have been known to cause considerable yield losses in Ocimum gratissimum (L.), a leafy vegetable commonly known as African basil but locally referred to as “scent leaf’. The crop is cherished for its essential oil, medicinal and agricultural benefits. Virus-like symptoms on leaves causing mosaic, yellowing, leaf malformation and stunting on O. gratissimum (L.) were observed in several farms during the 2018/19 crop season in two locations of Boje and Okoyong in Cross river state. Serological and molecular methods were used to detect viruses infecting the crop at the two locations. Preliminary studies showed the virus could be transmitted mechanically, affirming it was a viral infection. Symptomatic leaf samples from both locations tested positive in antigen-coated plate enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ACP-ELISA) to antibodies of genus-specific Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) and Potyvirus. Primers specific to the coat protein of CMV and the cylindrical inclusion (CI) protein of potyvirus were used for detection of the viruses in reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Obtained sequences were compared to corresponding sequences in the GenBank using the BLASTn program, and the ocimum isolates showed nucleotide sequence similarities of between 89.20 -97.98 % to ocimum potyvirus (MT396942) from Calabar in both locations and two of the collected samples from Okoyong showed a sequence similarity of 100 % with Ocimum CMV isolate from India MN481937. This is the first evidence of potyvirus infection in both locations and mixed infection of CMV and potyvirus on O. gratissimum in Nigeria.
Shekofeh Farahmand, Nematollah Ettemadi, Bahram Baninasab and Rahim Amirikhah

Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, 8415683111, Isfahan, Iran.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2021.v23i02.29


Key words: Color retention, plant growth regulators, proline, rhizome survival, spring green-up, total carbohydrate.
Abstract: Bermudagrass turfs are widely used in subtropical to tropical regions and in transition zones for golf courses, landscape areas, and athletic fields. Lack of adequate cold tolerance in these grasses causes early winter dormancy and an aesthetically unpleasing surface. This study investigated the effect of sequential Trinexapac-ethyl (TE) applications during the growing season on fall color retention, spring green-up, and physiological responses related to cold hardiness in bermudagrass cultivars. Trinexapac-ethyl (untreated, 6.0, 12.0, and 18.0 mg a.i. m-2) was applied monthly throughout the bermudagrass growing season. According to the results, TE applications enhanced spring green-up and possessed color retention for 20 and 12 days longer in the first and second years of the study, respectively. Higher proline and total carbohydrate contents were observed in the crown of TE-treated as compared to untreated turfs. Hybrid cultivars exhibited higher spring green-up, rhizome survival, proline content, total carbohydrates, and longer color retention than seeded cultivars. The higher proline content of the crown was positively associated with enhanced color retention, rhizome survival, and spring green-up. Finally, these results confirmed that accumulated osmolytes in the crown (resulting from growing-season TE application) minimized the dormancy period in winter via improvement of fall color retention and spring green-up.
O. Nur Faezah1, S.A. Nurul Najihah1, J.J. Nakasha2 and M.Y. Suhaili3

1Faculty of Plantation and Agrotechnology, Universiti Teknologi MARA Perlis, 02600, Arau Perlis. 2Faculty of Agriculture, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, 43400, Selangor. 3Centre of Foundation Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA Cawangan Selangor, Kampus Dengkil.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2021.v23i02.30


Key words: Brassica oleracea, kale, growth, yield, fish emulsions, foliar fertilizer
Abstract: Chemical fertilizer application is one of the most common practices worldwide due to its fast nutrient release mechanism. Nevertheless, the usage of inorganic fertilizer for vegetable crops is not preferred as it may contribute to the health risk. A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of different concentrations of fish amino acid (FAA) as foliar fertilizer on the growth and yield of kale (Brassica oleracea var. alboglabra L). Five treatments of the experiment were; T1 NPK Green (Control), T2 (10% FAA), T3 (20 % FAA), T4 (30 % FAA) and T5 (40 % FAA). The growth performance of kale when treated with T4 showed significantly higher (P < 0.05) plant height, number of leaves, number of branches, total leaf area, and plant biomass as compared to other treatments. Fish amino acid at 30 % concentration can be recommended as an effective replacement for NPK green for sustainable kale production.

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Journal of Applied Horticulture