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1Department of Agriculture and Food Engineering, School of Engineering, The Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK) - P.O. Box 446 Jounieh, Lebanon. 2Lebanese Agricultural Research Institute, P.O. Box 90-1965, Fanar, Lebanon. 3National Research Council of Italy, Institute for Agricultural and Forestry Systems in the Mediterranean (CNR–I.S.A.FO.M.).
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2021.v23i02.31
Key words: Kale, Brassica oleracea L. var acephala, soilless systems, yield, qualitative parameters, quantitative parameters.
Abstract: The challenges faced by traditional agriculture led to the development of alternative agricultural systems such as soilless systems. This work aimed to assess the growth and yield components of kale under three soilless growing systems: Nutrient film technique set up vertically (T-vertical); Nutrient film technique set up horizontally (T-horizontal), and substrate coco bags (T-coco). The trials were conducted for two consecutive growing seasons (S1: Spring 2018 and S2: Fall 2019) in an unheated greenhouse. Irrigation supply, maximum plant uptake of water, and radiation use efficiency were evaluated for both seasons. The quantitative and qualitative parameters of the production were assessed in terms of yield ( kg per plant and kg per m2), number of leaves per plant, dry matter, protein content, nitrate level and leaf mineral composition. The main results showed that the maximum plant uptake was 0.30, 0.30 and 0.20 L m-2 day-1 respectively for T-vertical, T-horizontal and T-coco while the actual supply of water was 62.4, 32.28 and 3.27 L m-2 day-1, respectively. A significant difference was recorded for the number of leaves, yield components, dry matter, protein level, Radiation Use Efficiency and mineral composition of kale leaves was higher during fall than in the spring season. However, the nitrates level was much higher in spring than in fall. The T-vertical soilless system showed better yield (6.83±2.27 kg per m2), more proteins (2.53±0.31 g per100 g FW), and higher amounts of calcium (Ca), total nitrogen (N), manganese (Mn), and iron (Fe) than the other systems. The study demonstrated the potential of soilless production technologies in the coastal Mediterranean areas.
Agro-physiology, Biotechnology, Environment & Quality Laboratory, University Ibn Tofail, Kenitra-Morocco.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2021.v23i02.32
Key words: Energy, photovoltaic, units, date, Morocco
Abstract: The phoenicultural sector occupies an important place in Morocco’s agricultural development strategies. The country has seen increasing growth in the creation of date packing and cold storage units in hot areas where energy poses a critical environmental situation. The overall objective of this study was to enable the local population, especially the actors of the phoenicultural sector using the refrigerated units for the conditioning of dates, to benefit from the important solar potential enjoyed by the region, with a strong concern for reducing the energy bill and for participation in the national and international efforts to reduce the effects of climate change. The study made it possible to propose technical-economic solutions based on photovoltaic energy. It thus emerges that the use of this energy is essential as a curative solution to this challenging economic situation. Therefore, the context of the project is favourable to its success as a technical solution for reducing energy consumption.
Department of Horticulture, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2021.v23i02.33
Key words: Strawberry, shade house, growth, yield, quality
Abstract: Shading is one of the cooling methods for changing the microclimate and maximizing crop growth in hot and sunny regions. A study was conducted to determine the effect of the growing environment on the growth, yield and fruit quality parameters of strawberries. The experimental treatments include net house, poly shade house, UV poly shade house, and open field (control) conditions. The results revealed that the plants produced in the net house condition had maximum plant height (18.5 cm), total chlorophyll content (62.66), fruit number (17), and yield (289.16 g/plant) of strawberries. In contrast, plants grown under UV poly shade conditions recorded higher total soluble solid (7 °Brix), titratable acidity (0.46%), ascorbic acid (39.68 mg/100g) and lower pH (3.41). Reducing sugar (7.57 mg/g) and phenol (2.44 mg/g) levels were higher in fruits grown in poly shade. Results indicated that the most suitable growing condition for yield and yield parameters of strawberries is under the net house. In contrast, UV poly and poly house conditions are favourable for producing better quality fruit.
Department of Olericulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani 695 522, Kerala.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2021.v23i02.34
Key words: Citrullus lanatus, fertigation, irrigation, training, rain shelter, watermelon, evapotranspiration
Abstract: An experiment was conducted at the Department of Olericulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Kerala, to study the effect of fertigation, drip irrigation, and training levels on the yield and quality of watermelon under rain shelter. The treatments were factorial combinations of three fertigation levels (75, 100 and 125 % recommended dose (RD) of 70:50:120 NPK ha-1), two irrigation levels (0.6 and 0.8 evapotranspiration (ET) rates) and two training levels (nipping to one vine, nipping to two vines) arranged in randomized block design with two replications and control with surface irrigation, soil application of fertilizer and horizontal training of vines. Levels of fertigation and irrigation exerted a significant influence on fruit weight and yield plant-1. Total yields were highest at 100 % RD (115.68 t ha-1) as compared to 125 % RD (94.81 t ha-1). The number of fruits plant-1 was unaffected by ferigation and irrigation treatments. Vertical training of two vines in watermelon resulted in the highest number of fruits plant-1 (6.09). TSS was unaffected by fertilization, irrigation, or training levels. Under a rain shelter, lycopene and ascorbic acid levels were affected by a lack of irrigation.
1Department of Horticulture and Post-Harvest Technology, Institute of Agriculture, Visva-Bharati, Sriniketan (West Bengal) – 731236, India. 2Department of Horticulture, M.S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Centurian University of Technology and Management, Paralakhemundi (Odisha) – 761211, India.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2021.v23i02.35
Key words: Allium cepa, cultivars, yield, PLW, storage, onion
Abstract: In West Bengal (India), onions are mainly cultivated during the Rabi season. The Coastal Saline Zone of West Bengal is a non-traditional onion growing belt. An experiment was conducted to study the production and storage performance of onion cultivars in this region with the broader aim of understanding the suitability of this region for commercial onion cultivation. Sixteen short-day onion cultivars were grown and assessed for their yield and storage performance during the Rabi season. Variation among the onion cultivars was noted for observed field and storage traits. Onion cultivars Agrifound Light Red, Bhima Shakti, Sukhsagar, NHRDF Red-2, Pusa white Flat, NHRDF Red-3, Bhima Kiran, and N-53 out yielded others. Average physiological loss in weight, rotting, sprouting and total loss was registered 33.6, 24.8, 1.3 and 59.7%, respectively, after 180 days of storage. Onion cultivars recorded 20.0 to 99.6% total losses after six months of storage. Cultivar Sukhsagar was found to be suitable for extended storage.
1Agribusiness Department, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Lopez, Quezon Branch, 2Central Bicol State University of Agriculture, Pili, Camarines Sur.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2021.v23i02.36
Key words: Bitter gourd, calphos, fermented fruit juice, inorganic fertilization, sensory evaluation, vermicompost
Abstract: Momordica charantia L. is a vegetable crop commonly cultivated under chemical fertilization. Thus, its response to different organic fertilization schemes was investigated. Growth, yield, chemical properties and organoleptic properties were determined, and profitability was also assessed. The experiment was laid out using Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) replicated thrice and applied with the following treatments: T1 (farmer’s practice-inorganic fertilizer); T2 (vermicompost); T3 (vermicompost and fermented fruit juice); T4 (vermicompost + calcium phosphate); and T5 (vermicompost + fermented fruit juice + calcium phosphate). Early flowering and fruit setting in bitter gourd were not influenced by the treatments while yield components were highest in inorganic fertilized plants. Vermicompost supplemented with calcium phosphate had higher vitamin A (7,354 I.U), while application of inorganic fertilizer contributed to higher vitamin C (69.87 mg/100 g). Total soluble solids (5 °Brix) was highest in plants applied with vermicompost and fermented fruit juice. A higher amount of phosphorus and potassium in the soil was observed after planting. In contrast, lower soil pH, percent organic matter and total nitrogen were manifested as compared to the initial soil analysis. No statistical differences was observed in color, crispness, and aroma, while statistical difference was observed in bitterness. Bitter gourds applied with inorganic fertilizer were the most bitter, while those fertilized with vermicompost and fermented fruit juice had the least bitterness.
1Agriculture Technology Faculty, Udayana University, Bali, Indonesia, 2Agriculture Faculty, Udayana University,Bali, Indonesia. 3Agriculture Technology Faculty, Udayana University, Bukit Jimbaran, South Kuta, Badung, Bali (80361), Indonesia.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2021.v23i02.37
Key words: potato tuber, plastic mulch, shading, productivity
Abstract: Potatoes are the most vulnerable crops to climate change in terms of various physiological processes. The implementation of technology in seed potato cultivation was done by installing clear plastic shade on crops and installing black plastic mulch on raised beds. The plastic shade helped in reducing the amount of sunlight intensity received by plants in the range of between 651-1435 lux; maintaining the temperature between 21-28 oC and the relative humidity of the environment between 55-82 %. On the other hand, the plastic mulch helped in controlling the growth of weeds and controlling the amount of water in the soil, especially in the root zone at field capacity, and maintained soil temperature at the fixed root zone at 12-24 oC. Plant growth was influenced by seed quality, soil temperature, and soil moisture content. The combination of plastic shade and mulch plastic technology on potato seed cultivation increased the quality of plant growth measured from the total biomass weight of 17.2 %. The rate of plant growth directly influenced the productivity of the tuber, which increased by 3.3 %.
Department of Crop Science, Faculty of Agricultural Science and Forestry, Universiti Putra Malaysia Bintulu Sarawak Campus, 97008 Bintulu, Sarawak, Malaysia.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2021.v23i02.38
Key words: Artificially induced flowering, flowering susceptibility, hormone efficiency, auxin, ethylene
Abstract: Natural flowering in pineapple is precocious, lacks synchronization in reproductive phenology and consequently leads to significant losses due to fruits being harvested out of schedule. Several factors influencing the flower initiation in pineapple have been identified, including the cultivar, plant size, temperature, nutrients, and water stress. To increase the synchronization, pineapple flowering can be artificially induced by hormones such as auxin and ethylene. However, despite the artificial induction, the simultaneous full flowering emergence is still difficult to achieve in the industry. Thus, a greater understanding of factors affecting pineapple flowering before hormone application may help in enhancing flowering efficiency. This review discusses the initiation and development of pineapple flowering, as well as the use of exogenous hormones to improve efficacy and provide insight into better pineapple management.
1Department of Horticulture, School of Agriculture, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab- 144411, India. 2Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India. 3School of Agriculture, ITM University, Gwalior, MP-474001.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2021.v23i02.39
Key words: B:C ratio, chilli, neem cake, panchagavya, vermicompost.
Abstract: The present investigation was conducted in a factorial randomised block design to evaluate the performance of two chilli varieties (V1: CH-27 and V2: Eagle-53) after application of various organic (neem cake, panchagavya and vermicompost) and inorganic nutrient sources. Among the treatments, T10 (neem cake @ 250 kg/ha with recommended fertiliser doses of 100:50:50 kg of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium per ha) produced the highest average plant height (86.28 cm) and average fruit weight (4.36 g). The application of T8 (vermicompost @ 1 ton/ha with neem cake @ 250 kg/ha) resulted in the highest fruit yield (465.73 g/plant and 172.46 q/ha), while the application of T6 (panchagavya at 3 percent with neem cake at 250 kg/ha) resulted in the highest capsaicin content (0.46 g/g). However, the interaction between the nutrient treatments and varieties was significant, with T8V1 having the highest yield (188.75 q/ha) and benefit:cost (B:C) ratio (4.3). The application of vermicompost @ 1 ton/ha in combination with neem cake @ 250 kg/ha was found as the best treatment for high economic yield with no significant deviation in fruit quality. The CH-27 cultivar was superior because of its high yield, superior fruit quality, and high income.
1Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB), Crop Innovation and Technology Transfer Department, P.O. Box 5016 Kigali, Rwanda. 2University of Rwanda, College of Agriculture, Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 210 Musanze, Rwanda.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2021.v23i02.40
Key words: Watermelon cultivars, F1 hybrid, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium
Abstract: The choice of cultivar and adequate nutrition are vital for good watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) production. This study evaluated the yield performance of four watermelon cultivars: ‘Sugar Baby’, ‘Crimson Sweet’, ‘Sukari F1’ and ‘Julie F1’ under four different NPK fertilizer rates: 50, 75, 100 and 125 % of the recommended dose (RD) (90:60:60 kg ha-1 of Nitrogen (N): Phosphorus (P): Potassium (K). The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design, with cultivars in the main plots, fertilizer in the subplots and three replications. The experiment was conducted in two seasons: 2017A and 2017B at two sites; Karama and Rubona. A higher number of fruits per plant (5.1-5.8) was obtained with ‘Julie F1’ + 75 or 100 % of RD at both sites and in both seasons, followed by ‘Sukari F1’ + 100 % of RD and the open-pollinated cultivar A higher fruit weight (4.4-5 kg) was obtained with ‘Julie F1’ and ‘Sukari F1’ under 125 % of the RD. Plots planted with ‘Julie F1’ and treated with 75 % or 100 % of RD recorded higher fruit yield per plant (20.9-27.5 kg) and higher fruit yield per ha (104.2-137.3 t). From these results, it can be concluded that the high yield performance of watermelon in the study area can be obtained with ‘Julie F1’ using 75 % (67.5: 45: 45 kg ha-1) of the recommended dose of NPK fertilizer.
Department of Botany, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli- 620024, Tamil Nadu, India
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2021.v23i02.41
Key words: Plectranthus bourneae, embryogenic callus, somatic embryogenesis, leaf explant, glutamine, ISSR
Abstract: An effective somatic embryogenesis protocol was established for Plectranthus bourneae an Endemic plant to Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu, India. High frequency (77.28 %) of embryogenic callus was achieved from leaf explants on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/L 2,4- dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). The embryogenic callus was subcultured in a combination of 0.5 mg/L 2,4-D and 50 mg/L glutamine (GLU) which produced somatic embryos(84.22 %). Different stages of embryos (globular, heart, torpedo and cotyledonary stage) were observed. Maturation and the frequency of somatic embryo germination increased when transferred onto half-strength MS medium containing 0.5 mg/L gibberellic acid (GA3) and 0.5 mg/L 6-benzyladenine (BA). Plantlets were acclimatized successfully with 90 % survival. Histological studies revealed the development of primary and secondary embryos. The genetic fidelity of mother plants and in vitro raised plants was established by inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers. The established protocol assists the rapid production of true-to-type plants by somatic embryogenesis and hence could provide a valuable target material for genetic transformation experiments.
1Department of Agroindustrial Technology, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Udayana University, Bali, Indonesia. 2Present address: Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Udayana University, Bukit Jimbaran, South Kuta, Badung, Bali (80362), Indonesia.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2021.v23i01.02
Key words: LC-MS, profile metabolite, ethanolic extracts, Curcuma domestica Val, Turina-1
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Abstract: The metabolite profile of Curcuma domestica Val. variety Turina-1, one of the superior varieties of turmeric was studied by analysing ethanol extract of the variety. The samples for this research were obtained from BPPT Bogor-Indonesia and were extracted using ethanol (96 %) and then analyzed using UPLC-QToF-MS/MS System (Waters), mass spectrometry: XEVO-G2QTOF (Waters), in ESI positive resolution mode, using gradient method with mobile phase: water, formic acid and acetonitrile. The study revealed 13 metabolites viz., Demethoxycurcumin-2 (48.23 %), ?-Turmerone (19.623 %), Curcumin (18.550 %), Bisdemethoxycurcumin-3 (9.064 %), Curcumin-1, (1.706 %), and other compounds with amount less than 1 % (Kaempferol 3-O-glucosyl-rhamnosyl-galactoside, Demethoxycurcumin, ar-Turmerone Bisdemethoxycurcumin, a-Terpinolene, L-Tyrosine and L-Alanine, L-serine). Based on this research, the main metabolite in the ethanol extract of Turina-1 having the potential as antioxidants is the curcuminoids.
1Department of Agriculture, Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Coimbatore-641114, India. 2Department of Food and Agricultural Process Engineering, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore-641003, India.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2021.v23i01.03
Key words: Coconut, principal component analysis, score plot, grading
Abstract: Grading of the coconuts adds value to the product and gives better economic return to the farmers as grading reduces the ambiguity in pricing. The aim of the study was to identify the suitable parameters for grading dehusked coconut. In this study, major diameter, minor diameter, length, weight of nut, shell, copra, kernel and water, thickness of shell and kernel were considered. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was performed to achieve the least possible number of parameters which governs an original variation in the dehusked coconut. From the PCA results, two plots viz., score plot and loading plot were obtained for three different size ranges of dehusked coconut (80-90, 91-100 and 101-110 mm diameter). The loading plot revealed that, the weight of nut and weight of kernel was the chief important variables in all the ranges of sizes of dehusked coconut. Score plot was helpful to find the variation between the weights of nut in each size range of dehusked coconuts. Therefore, the present study concluded that the dehusked coconut can to be graded by size as well as weight which may fetch more profit to the coconut producers rather than grading manually by size alone.
1CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic (CIMAP), Research Centre, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand-263149, India. 2CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP), Lucknow-226015, Uttar Pradesh, India. 3CSIR- Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Research Centre, Purara, Post-Gagrigole, Bageshwar- 263641 (Uttrakhand), India.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2021.v23i01.04
Key words: Rose-scented geranium, cultivars, diurnal, geranium oil, composition
Abstract: Geranium is an economically important aromatic plant for its highly priced essential oil. The essential oil yield and composition is influenced by genetic, agronomical and environmental factors but at maturity, the right harvesting time during the day without affecting the quality is not clear. Present study was undertaken to study the change in essential oil yield and composition at different harvesting time during day in three geranium cultivars i.e., Bourbon, Bio-G-171, and CIM-Pawan. Randomised samples from three cultivars were harvested at crop maturity stage to obtain oil yield and composition of essential oil at different times (06 A.M, 10 A.M, 02 P.M, and 06 P.M.) during the day. Results indicated that essential oil yield increased significantly from 06 A.M. (0.18 %) to 06 P.M. (0.40 %) in Bourbon only and not in Bio-G-171 and CIM-Pawan. With respect to quality of essential oils, no significant quantitative variations in marker compounds was recorded. Citronellol/geraniol ratio is a quality criteria as per industry need and results unveiled high ratio in Bourbon (1.85) and CIM-Pawan (1.73) in afternoon and in Bio-G-171 (1.78) during forenoon, compared with other harvesting time during the day. The study revealed that essential oil significantly increased in cultivar Bourbon during the day but not in Bio-G-171 and CIM-Pawan cultivars. With respect to quality, considering C/G ratio, one can go for harvesting in cultivar Bourbon and CIM-Pawan in the afternoon and for cultivar Bio-G-171, harvesting in forenoon is advisable.
CSIR-Plant Genetic Resources Research Institute, P.O. Box 7, Bunso, Eastern Region, Ghana.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2021.v23i01.05
Key words: Eggplant, cultivars, germination, harvesting time, seed quality
Abstract: Seed quality is a key factor in crop production and food security, particularly during the increasing uncertainty due to climate change. In this study, the effect of harvesting time on seed quality of six eggplant cultivars (Solanum gilo: Dwomo, Kpando, Solanum melongena: GH 3870, GH 3887, Solanum macrocarpon: GH 1072, GH 4918) was assessed at the experimental site of CSIR-Plant Genetic Resources Research Institute, Bunso, Eastern Region, Ghana. The experiment was arranged in a randomised complete block design with three replications. Fruits of six eggplant cultivars were harvested at the fully ripe stage at weekly intervals for a period of nine weeks and seeds extracted after each harvest. Seed quality of eggplant cultivars was assessed by 100-seed weight, seed vigour and germination percentage at weekly intervals. The results showed a significant difference in 100-seed weight among all the cultivars at different harvesting times. GH 1072 had the highest 100-seed weight with the lowest being Dwomo at all harvesting times. No germination was observed at first harvest among the six cultivars. Seed vigour increased at 7, 8 and 9 weeks after harvesting in all the cultivars. The highest vigour and germination percentage were observed in GH 1072 followed by GH 3870. The results obtained indicates that seed quality of eggplant cultivars increases with harvesting time. This varied within and among eggplant species.
