Cumulative Effect of Soil and Foliar Application of Nitrogen,Phosphorus, and Sulfur on Growth,Physico-Biochemical Parameters,Yield Attributes,and Fatty Acid Composition in Oil of Erucic Acid-Free Rapeseed-Mustard Genotypes

ABSTRACT

The feasibility of split (soil + foliar) applications of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) and addition of a small quantity of sulfur (S) in the spray was tested for improving performance of rapeseed-mustard genotypes in a factorial randomized field experiment. Three genotypes (two erucic acid free, viz. Brassica napus L. cv. ‘Hyola PAC – 401’ and Brassica juncea L. Czern. and Coss. cv. ‘TERI (0E) M 21-Swarna’, and one best performing high yielding Brassica juncea L. cv. ‘Rohini’ as a check) were grown with four soil (B) plus foliar (F) applications of N, P, and S with uniform basal 30 kg potassium (K) ha^{? 1} (K₃₀), viz. (i) the optimum soil-applied treatment supplemented with the spray of deionized water (B_N90P30 + Fw) comprising control, (ii) B_N70P30 + F _N20, (iii) B_N70P28 + F_N20P2, and (iv) B_N70P28 + F_N20P2S2. Soil Plus foliar application of nutrients, particularly B_N70P28 + F_N20P2S2, improved their performance with respect to growth characteristics (shoot length plant^{? 1}, leaf number plant^{? 1}, area leaf^{? 1}, leaf area index, fresh weight plant^{? 1}, and dry weight plant^{? 1}), physico-biochemical parameters (net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, carboxylation efficiency, water use efficiency, carbonic anhydrase activity, leaf NPK content, and N use efficiency), yield attributes (pod number plant^{? 1}, seed number pod^{? 1}, 1000-seed weight, seed yield ha^{? 1}, oil content, and oil yield ha^{? 1}), and fatty acid composition in oil of these genotypes. The cultivar ‘Hyola PAC-401’ performed best particularly with B_N70P28 + F_N20P2S2. The improvement in the response of genotypes to the split application of nutrients may be attributed to their ready availability through foliar application.     

Effect of Nitrogen Application Timing on Yield Components,Fodder, Grain,and Oil Yields of Brassica Cultivars

The dual-purpose use of Brassica cultivars means cutting or grazing the crop as fodder and then letting it to re-grow and produce grain with little or no yield penalty. A field experiment was conducted in randomized complete block design with split plot arrangement with three replications. Three Brassica cultivars, three nitrogen application timing, and cutting treatments were included in the experiment. The findings indicated that Brassica cultivar Abasin-95 produced higher fresh and dry fodder yields, seeds pod^?1, seed, biological, and oil yields. However, NIFA Raya resulted in a higher number of pods and branches plant^?1. Likewise, fresh and dry fodder yields were higher with nitrogen (N) application all at sowing. Nitrogen applied in two splits resulted in a higher number of pods plant^?1 and grain yield. Cutting suppressed all parameters except 1000 grain weight. Uncut plots produced significantly higher branches plant^?1, pods plant^?1, seeds pod^?1, seed, biological, and oil yields than cut plots.     

Specific Leaf Area and Specific Leaf Weight in Small Grain Crops Wheat,Rye, Barley,and Oats Differ at Various Growth Stages and NPK Source

Leaf thickness plays an important role in leaf and plant functioning and is related to species’ strategies of resource acquisition and use. Leaf thickness in small grains crops was measured as specific leaf area (SLA) (leaf area in cm² produced g^?1 leaf dry weight plant^?1) and specific leaf weight (SLW) (leaf dry weight in mg produced cm^?2 leaf area plant^?1). The four small grains crops (cool season C₃ cereals) studied were wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), rye (Secale cereale L.), barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and oats (Avena sativa L.). The null hypothesis tested was that SLA and SLW in small grain crops do not differ at different growth stages and nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) source. Eight NPK sources used in the experiment were: S₁ = 20-20-20, S₂ = 20-27-5, S₃ = 7-22-8, S₄ = 10-10-10-20S, S₅ = 11-15-11, S₆ = 31-11-11, S₇ = 24-8-16, and S₈ = 19-6-12, and each was applied at the rate of 300 mg pot^?1 at the time of sowing to each crop species. The experiment was performed in completely randomized design with three repeats at the Green House of Dryland Agriculture Institute, West Texas A&M University, Texas, during winter 2009-10. Based on the results, it was observed that both SLA and SLW differed with change in crop species, growth stage and NPK source. Among the crop species, SLA was greater in oats > barley > rye > wheat at different growth stages; while SLW of wheat and rye > barley and oats. The differences in the SLW between wheat vs. rye; and between oats vs. barley at different growth stages were not significant (P ≤ 0.05). Among the NPK sources, application of S₇ (24: 8: 16) had higher SLA at 60 and 90 DAE (days after emergence). Application of S₆ (31: 11: 11) had higher SLW at 60 DAE due to the production of the lowest leaf area plant^?1, but the increase in SLW at 90 DAE with S₅ and S₄ was due to the higher leaf dry weight plant^?1produced. Leaf dry weight and leaf area plant^?1 were considered the two most important leaf characteristics that influenced SLA and SLW. On the average, SLA increased with passage of time i.e. 0.70 < 520 < 600 cm² g^?1 at 30, 60 and 90 DAE, respectively; but SLW on the other hand, was highest 3.5 at 60 DAE > 2.2 at 90 DAE > 1.5 mg cm^?2 at 30 DAE. The increase in leaf area plant^?1 and decline in the leaf dry weight plant^?1 increased SLA; in contrast, increase in leaf dry weight plant^?1 and reduction in leaf area plant^?1 increased SLW indicated reciprocal relationship between SLA and SLW in the crop species.     

The quality of baby spinach as affected by developmental stage as well as postharvest storage conditions

Baby spinach is rich in phytochemicals that provide great benefits to consumers’ health. The study aim was to investigate the effect of the growth harvest stage, postharvest storage duration and temperature on quality of baby spinach leaves. A 3?×?5?×?3 factorial experiment was laid out in a randomised complete block design with four replicates per treatment. The treatments were arranged as follows namely: stage I [28 days after sowing (DAS)], stage II (35 DAS)and stage III (42 DAS), and leaves were kept up to 12 d at three different temperatures – 4, 10 and 20°C. The study demonstrated that the overall appearance and odour were both well maintained in the leaves of baby spinach harvested at stage II. The baby spinach harvested 28 DAS led to higher content of iron [1.13?mg?g^?1 dry weight (DW)], magnesium (14.4?mg?g^?1 DW), and zinc (0.17?mg?g^?1 DW). The highest level of total antioxidant activity (0.43?mg?g^?1 DW) and flavonoids (12?mg?g^?1 DW) after 12 d of storage was observed in baby spinach leaves at stage I when stored at 4°C. Therefore, baby spinach leaves harvested 28 DAS and store at 4°C for 6 d improved shelf life and nutraceutical quality. Thus, early harvest of fresh produced baby spinach harvested in order to attain high phytochemical and mineral content when stored at low temperature (4°C) without exceeding 6 days is recommended.     

Effects of Vermicompost and Vermiwash on Plant,Phenolic Content,and Anti-oxidant Activity of Mexican Pepperleaf (Piper auritum Kunth) Cultivated in Phosphate Rock Potting Media

The aim of this investigation was to determine the effect of vermicompost, vermiwash, and phosphate rock on plant, total phenols, flavonoids, and anti-oxidant activity in Piper auritum Kunth leaves. P. auritum plants were obtained from cuttings and were planted according to the Box-Behnken experimental design with three repetitions at the central point. The factors and levels were vermicompost (10, 20, and 30 g plant^?1), vermiwash (5, 10, and 15 mL plant^?1), and phosphate rock (1, 2, and 3 g plant^?1). Plant growth parameters (plant height, stem diameter, leaves number) and chlorophyll content were measured 1 month after treatment applications. Total phenols, total flavonoids, and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl radical scavenging activity was measured after 4 months. Vermicompost, vermiwash, and phosphate rock had no statistically significant effect on plant growth. Plant height, stem diameter, leaves number, chlorophyll, innermost number, fresh weight stem, fresh weight leaves, fresh weight root, dry weight stem, dry weight leaves, and dry weight root were not different among treatments. Total phenolic compounds were statistically affected for both vermiwash and phosphoric rock (p < 0.05) and the anti-oxidant activity decreased by vermicompost addition. The application of 15 mL plant^?1 vermiwash, 1 g phosphate rock, and 20 g vermicompost plant^?1 increased the total phenol content.     

NITROGEN NUTRITION ON LEAF CHLOROPHYLL,CANOPY REFLECTANCE,GRAIN PROTEIN AND GRAIN YIELD OF WHEAT VARIETIES WITH CONTRASTING GRAIN PROTEIN CONCENTRATION

Wheat cultivars (‘AC Barrie’, ‘Brook Field’, ‘Hoffman’, and ‘Norwell’) with different protein concentrations were compared under four nitrogen (N) levels (0, 50, 100 and 150 kg ha^?1) in an environment-controlled greenhouse, and the same experiment with an additional N level (200 kg N ha^?1) was repeated in the field in 2007. In the greenhouse experiment, application of 100 kg N ha^?1 resulted in significantly greater grain yield due mainly to higher number of grains per spike and heavier mean grain weight; in the field study, the 150 kg N ha^?1 treatment produced the greatest yield (P<0.01) primarily due to more number of grains per spike. Crude grain protein percentage was increased significantly with each increment of N up to the highest level; however, protein yield (kg ha^?1) increased significantly with fertilizer up to 150 kg N ha^?1. Leaf chlorophyll contents were increased linearly with increment of N levels up to 150 kg ha^?1 both in the greenhouse and field trials while leaf area indices continued to increase up to the highest application rate (200 kg N ha^?1). Canopy reflectance, expressed as normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), attained maximum value with 150 kg N ha^?1 in the field experiment. Among the varieties tested, “Hoffman” out-yielded other three varieties due to heavier grain weight. Although highest grain and/or plant crude protein content were recorded in ‘AC Barrie’, it was the variety ‘Hoffman’ that produced the highest total protein (kg ha^?1) with largest NDVI and leaf area index (LAI) values.     

Effects of Biozyme (Ascophyllum nodosum) Biostimulant on Growth and Development of Soybean [Glycine Max (L.) Merill]

Field experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of Biozyme^TM on soybean. Application of Biozyme granule and crop-plus spray with half of recommended nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) showed significant effects on all the growth and yield parameters of soybean. The greatest value for the number of trifoliate leaves (29.95 leaves plant^?1), leaf area (1818.21 cm2 plant^?1), leaf area index (5.946), total chlorophyll content (1.995 mg g^?1 leaf fresh mass), number of nodules (35.086 plants^?1), fresh and dry weight of nodules (0.664 and 0.1592 g plants^?1), dry weight of root (8.564 g plants^?1), pods plant^?1 (69.0), seeds pods^?1 (3.25), straw yield (3.122 t ha^?1), biological yield (6.349 t ha^?1), and grain yield (3.277 t ha^?1) was observed with Biozyme crop-plus spray at 500 mL ha^?1 plus half of recommended NPK and were significantly greater than control values. Biozyme crop-plus spray at 500 mL ha^?1 plus half of recommended NPK performed better compared to other treatments.     

Response of Manzanillo olive transplants to different nitrogen and cobalt applications

A pot experiment was carried on ‘Manzanillo’ olives transplants included three levels of nitrogen (N) (N₁=25, N₂=50 and N₃=75 g N plant^?1 year^?1) and four levels of cobalt (Co) (B₁=zero, B₂=10, B₃=20 and B₄=30 ppm Co). Generally, fertilizing with 50 g N plant^?1 year^?1 gave the highest significant value than those of other treatments in all vegetative growth characters. Vegetative growth was gradually increased by increasing cobalt up to 20 ppm and 30 ppm levels. Regarding the combination between nitrogen and cobalt levels in most cases, the best treatment was N₂ x B₃, which gave the highest values of vegetative growth characters. The combinations of nitrogen and cobalt created slightly more variable and increased effects on the macro and micronutrient contents of ‘Manzanillo’ olives transplants.     

Vermicompost and Vermiwash Minimized the Influence of Salinity Stress on Growth Parameters in Potato Plants

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is the fourth major crop worldwide after cereals. Some producers use irrigation water with high salinity, which consequently decreases the agronomic yield and potato quality. The aim of this investigation was to determine the effect of vermicompost and vermiwash on plant growth and tuber yield and characteristic traits in Solanum tuberosum L. plants and tubers subjected to salinity stress. A surface response experimental design with three replicates using a central point and 15 treatments was used with vermicompost at 300, 580, and 860 g plant^?1; vermiwash at 5, 10, and 15 ml plant^?1; and salinity stress with 15, 20, and 25 mM of NaCl levels. Plant physiological measurements included plant height (cm), stem diameter (mm), and plant fresh and plant dry weight (g). Six months after planting, measurements on tuber fresh weight, pH, electric conductivity, and °Brix were carried out. The addition of vermicompost and vermiwash minimized the influence of salinity stress on growth parameters and tuber characteristics in potato plants. Vermicompost (580 g plant^?1) plus vermiwash (15 ml plant^?1) induced a greater plant height and stem diameter. Plants amended with vermicompost (860 g plant^?1), vermiwash (15 ml plant^?1), and salinity stress (15 mM) had higher pH values, whereas electrical conductivity value in potato tubers decreased.     

Effects of Irrigation and Nitrogen Rates on Growth,Yield, and Quality of Muskmelon in Semiarid Regions

Abstract

Muskmelon (Cucumis melo L. cv. ‘Polidor’) were grown under field conditions to investigate the effects of different nitrogen (N) levels (0, 40, 80, and 120 kg ha^{? 1}) on plant growth, water use efficiency, fruit yield and quality (weight, sizes, and water-soluble dry matter), leaf relative water content, and macro nutrition under three different irrigation regimes. Irrigation was applied based on cumulative class A pan evaporation (Ep). Plant treatments were as follows: (1) well-watered treatment (C) received 100% replenishment of Ep on a daily basis, (2) water-stressed treatment (WS) received 75% replenishment of Ep at three-day intervals, and (3) severely water-stressed (SWS): treatment received 50% replenishment of Ep at six- day intervals. Plants grown under C at 120 kg N ha^{? 1} produced significantly higher biomass (175.6 g plant^{? 1}), fruit yield (36.05 t ha^{? 1}), fruit weight (2.25 kg fruit^{? 1}), and leaf relative water content (93.5%) under increasing N levels than did the two deficit irrigation treatments. The WS or SWS treatments caused reductions in all parameters measured except water-soluble dry matter (SDM) concentrations in fruits compared with those receiving unstressed (C) treatment. The WS irrigation regime with 80 kg ha^{? 1} N significantly improved the fruit yield and size, plant dry matter, leaf area, and IWUE compared with the SWS regime. Increased N significantly enhanced foliar N in the unstressed plants. Increasing N rate in the SWS treatment did not increase fruit yield with the same trend found in the WS and C treatments with increasing N levels. The yield reduction under severe water shortage was much more severe at high N rates. Water use (ET) at the C treatment at 120 kg ha^{? 1} N ranged between 160 and 165 cm, while SWS reduced ET to 90 cm at 0 and 40 kg ha^{? 1} N. Nitrogen supply modified water use at C and WS irrigation regimes. Muskmelon yield response to N rate was quadratic and differed with the level of irrigation. This moderate water deficit (SW) may be an alternative irrigation choice with a suitable N application rate for muskmelon growers in arid and semi-arid regions if the goal is to irrigate an agricultural area with limited water supply for more growers, but not if it is maximizing economic yield. Growers should accept a significant yield reduction in exchange for water conservation.     

EFFECT OF NITROGEN AND SULFUR FERTILIZATION ON YIELD COMPONENTS,SEED AND OIL YIELDS OF CANOLA

Field experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) levels and their methods of application on canola. Branches plant^?1, pods plant^?1 and biological yield significantly increased with increase in nitrogen level and no significant increase in seed pod^?1 and seed and oil yields occurred beyond 120 kg N ha^?1. However, thousand seed weight consistently decreased with increasing level of nitrogen. Pods plant^?1 and biological yield continually increased with increase in sulfur level. Alternatively, significant increase in branches plant^?1, seed pod^?1, seed weight, seed and oil yields was noted with increase in sulfur level up to 40 kg ha^?1. Applications of sulfur and nitrogen in split significantly decreased seed yield as compared to sole applications. It is concluded that sulfur and nitrogen application as sole at the rate of 40 and 120 kg ha^?1, respectively performed better than the rest of their levels and method of application.     

Substitution of mineral fertilizers with biofertilizer: an alternate to improve the growth,yield and functional biochemical properties of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) cv. Camarosa

Abstract

An experiment was conducted to substitute mineral fertilizers with biofertilizers in strawberry to work out the yield, quality of strawberry and soil fertility. A 25% substitution of mineral fertilizer with biofertilizer increased the number of fruits/plant along with improving Juice content (89.55%), Total soluble solids (10.35°B), total sugar (6.69%), ascorbic acid (43.80?mg 100?g^?1), anthocyanin content (81.05?mg 100?g^?1), total phenol (5.97?mg Gallic acid equiv. g^?1), flavonoids (0.12?mg g^?1) and antioxidant capacity (2.13?µmol. Trolox equiv. 100?g^?1). The available N and K content in post-harvest soils were improved significantly with 75% RDF + Azospirillium @ 2?g plant^?1 + PSB @ 2?g plant^?1 + topdressing of 25% K treatments (200.10 and 211.70?kg ha^?1, respectively). Viable count of soil microorganisms (Bacteria, actinomycetes and fungi) was also estimated maximum (4066, 190 and 11.33?×?10⁴ cfu g^?1?dry soil, respectively) with substitution of 25% of mineral fertilizer either with Azotobacter or Azospirillum.     

Development of Critical Values for the Leaf Color Chart,SPAD and Fieldscout CM 1000 for Fixed Time Adjustable Nitrogen Management in Aromatic Hybrid Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

The nitrogen (N) requirement of hybrid rice is generally greater than in conventional rice varieties. Recommendations for N monitoring at regular intervals of 7–10 days through leaf greenness are available, but farmers are accustomed to apply fertilizer N at selected growth stages only. An inexpensive leaf color chart (LCC) and nondestructive chlorophyll meters were evaluated for site-specific N management strategy in world’s first aromatic rice hybrid PRH-10 at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. Two field experiments were conducted on PRH-10 with four levels of N (0, 70, 140, and 210 kg ha^?1) during June–October of 2010 and 2011 to determine the LCC, soil–plant analysis development (SPAD), and Fieldscout CM 1000 (CM 1000) values for achieving economic optimum grain yield at three critical growth stages (tillering, panicle initiation, and flowering). Quadratic regression between N levels and grain yield were used to determine economic optimum grain yield (6427 kg ha^?1 in 2010 and 6399 kg ha^?1 in 2011) corresponding to optimum economical dose of 151 kg N ha^?1 (2010) and 144 kg N ha^?1 (2011). Nitrogen concentration in fully expanded youngest leaf correlated significantly (P < 0.01) and positively with LCC score, SPAD value, CM 1000 value, and total chlorophyll concentration at tillering, panicle initiation, and flowering for both years. The critical LCC score, SPAD, CM 1000 values, chlorophyll concentration, and leaf N concentration obtained were at tillering 4.4, 42.3, 285, and 2.16 mg g^?1 fresh weight and 3.29%; at panicle initiation 4.4, 43.0, 276, and 2.16 mg g^?1 fresh weight and 3.02%; and at flowering 4.5, 41.7, 270, and 2.05 mg g^?1 fresh weight and 2.83%, respectively. Corrective N application should be done when observed leaf N indicator values at a particular growth stage reach or go below the critical values.     

Two years of a field study on sesame growth and yield,nutrient uptake by PGP bacteria application and capsule type

Abstract

A two-year field experiment was conducted to study PGP bacteria on growth and yield productivity of sesame. Factors were control, Nitroxin, Biophosphor, and an equal combination of biofertilizers along with sesame capsule type. 1000-seed weight and oil content increased in the second year, but, seed yield reduced (-12.6?g m²), which represented a negative relationship between seed weight and yield. The effect of year on No. of single and multi-cap node plant^?1 was reversed. Seed yield, chlorophyll, protein, and N increased in the multi-cap seed, whereas, 1000-seed weight and seed weight plant^?1 was decreased. Maximum yield and yield components were achieved in the second and first year, respectively, along with the multi-cap seed. Nitroxin, after the equal combination, was approximately showed the maximum enhancement of growth and yield productivity of sesame. The most seed yield (4261 k ha^?1) was performed in the first year, combined biofertilizers and multi-cap seed, whereas, the highest oil content was gained in the second year and single-cap that it was due to the higher N and P use efficiency in the first year. No. of node plant^?1 and capsule No. plant^?1 showed the most correlation with the other parameters. Seed yield was correlated with No. of node plant^?1 (r?=?0.925) and leaf dry weight (r?=?0.885). The N and P use efficiency had been higher in the first year, multi-cap, and equal combination. Nitrogen Use efficiency was higher compared to phosphorous. The uptake of N and P by sesame increased with the integrated application of different bacteria.     

Comparative Effect of Wastewater and Groundwater Irrigation Along with Nitrogenous Fertilizer on Growth,Photosynthesis and Productivity of Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.)

A study was made in the net house of Plant Physiology, Department of Botany, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh to study the comparative effect of wastewater and groundwater along with three different rates of nitrogen (N) of 0, 30, and 60 kg ha^?1 on growth, physiology and yield of two varieties of chilli cv. ‘G4’ and ‘Pusa Jawala’. Wastewater irrigation resulted significant increase in shoot and root length, fresh weight, dry weight, leaf number and area, net photosynthetic rate (P_N), stomatal conductance (g_s), water use efficiency (WUE), chlorophyll content, and yield. The physio-chemical parameters of wastewater met the irrigational characteristics, being well within the permissible limit as outlined by the Food and Agriculture Organization. Among the nitrogen doses 30 kg ha^?1 N along with wastewater proved best for the growth and yield. Thus it may be concluded that wastewater reduced the demand of fertilizers and it may be used for the cultivation of chilli.     

Effect of saline irrigation on the biomass yield,and the protein,nitrogen, phosphorus,and potassium composition of alfalfa in a pot experiment

During 1994–1995, field experiments were conducted in six apple orchards located in the southwest of Finland (the mainland and the Åland Islands). The cultivars were ‘Melba’, ‘Raike’, ‘Red Atlas’, ‘Lobo’, ‘Aroma’, and ‘Åkero’. Fruit samples were picked at about one week before commercial maturity and stored for three to six months at 2 to 4°C and 85–95% relative humidity. During storage the percentage of physiological disorders was visually recorded. Fruit nitrogen (N) and calcium (Ca), firmness, diameter, juice titratable acidity (TA), and soluble solids concentrations (SSC) were determined at harvest. Nitrogen and Ca in the soil and leaves collected during fruit development were determined. The ranges in fruit N were 296–624 and Ca 27–68 mg kg^‐1 fresh weight, and in the leaves N 15–23 and Ca 9–19 g kg^‐1 dry matter. The N/Ca ratio was 5 and 16 and 0.9 and 2.3 in fruit and leaves, respectively. There was more variation between years in N and Ca contents of leaves than that of fruit. Other fruit quality characteristics varied between seasons and cultivars. Leaf N correlated positively with fruit diameter and negatively with fruit dry matter. The incidence of physiological disorders on apples after three month storage was 2 to 13% and after six months 10 to 95%. Fruit with Ca content below 45 mg kg^‐1 fresh weight were susceptible to bitter pit ('Aroma’ and ‘Åkero') and Jonathan spot ('Red Atlas'). The cultivar ‘Melba’ was susceptible to bruising damages and ‘Raike’ and ‘Red Atlas’ were affected more with internal breakdown and core browning.     

Spinach cultigen variation for tissue carotenoid concentrations influences human serum carotenoid levels and macular pigment optical density following a 12-week dietary intervention

Increasing intakes of carotenoid-rich plant foods can increase serum carotenoid concentrations and macular pigment optical density (MPOD) in most, but not all, individuals. Research objectives for this study were to (1) characterize tissue lutein (L) and beta-carotene (BC) concentrations in carotenoid-rich spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) cultigens and (2) determine serum carotenoid and MPOD responses in human subjects consuming spinach cultigens differing in tissue L and BC concentrations. Thirteen spinach cultigens were evaluated for carotenoid accumulations over two consecutive growing seasons. "Springer" (8.4 and 6.5 mg/100 g of fresh mass for L and BC, respectively) and "Spinner" (12.1 and 9.2 mg/100 g of fresh mass for L and BC, respectively) spinach cultigens were selected for a dietary intervention study and represented low- and high-L concentrations. The high-L ("Spinner") and low-L ("Springer" ) spinach treatment groups consisted of 10 subject volunteers ingesting five 50-g spinach servings/week during a 12-week intervention. Average serum L concentrations increased by 22% (P = 0.07) from baseline (0.233 micromol/L) to 12 weeks (0.297 micromol/L) for subjects consuming low-L spinach. Subjects consuming high-L spinach showed increases of 33% (P = 0.04) in serum L from baseline (0.202 micromol/L) to 12 weeks (0.300 micromol/L). Average MPOD did not change for the low-L treatment group; however, subjects in the high-L group demonstrated increases (P = 0.02) in MPOD at the 30' eccentricity between baseline (0.343) and 12 weeks (0.374). This study demonstrates that serum carotenoid and MPOD are determined by L concentrations present in the spinach matrix. Results emphasize the role of cultigen selection among vegetable crops in determining phytochemical effects on human health.     

Interaction effect of nitrogen,phosphorus, and zinc fertilization on growth,yield, and nutrient contents of aromatic rice varieties

Abstract

Studies on nutrient interactions in aromatic rice are needed for proper understanding of impact of imbalanced use of nutrients in the era of multi and micro-nutrient deficiencies. A pot experiment was conducted during the rainy/wet season (June–October) of 2013 at New Delhi, to study the interaction effects of two levels each of nitrogen (N) (0 and 120?kg?ha^?1), phosphorus (P; 0 and 25.8?kg?ha^?1), and zinc (Zn; 0 and 5?kg?ha^?1) in two aromatic rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties, viz. Pusa Rice Hybrid 10 and Pusa Basmati 1121. Application of N, P, and Zn resulted in increase of dry matter (0.91, 0.32, and 0.24?g plant^?1, respectively) 60?days after sowing (DAS) and grain yield of rice (3.68, 1.67, and 1.17?g plant^?1). The increase in yield of rice owing to N application was relatively higher by 0.98, 0.22, and 1.05?g plant^?1, respectively, when either P or Zn or both were applied with N than alone application of N, indicating synergetic effect of P and Zn application with N. The higher concentration and uptake of K in grain (0.25% vs 0.10%) and straw (1.32% vs 0.94%) were observed in the treatment received N than no N, though K was applied uniformly in all the treatments. It indicates positive interaction of N and K. The higher uptake of P in grain and straw was observed when P was applied with N and Zn (3.34 and 2.15?mg plant^?1), or with N (3.26 and 2.11?mg plant^?1) signifying positive effect of N on P uptake in rice.     

Leaf chlorophyll readings as an indicator of nitrogen status and yield of spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) grown in soils amended with Luecaena leucocephala prunings

A field study was conducted to evaluate the nitrogen status and yield of spinach grown in soils amended with prunings of Leucaena leucocephala, (applied at a rate of 3, 5, 7 or 11 t ha^?1). A ‘no fertilizer’ 0 nitrogen (N) and 150 kg N ha^?1 (recommended) were the control treatments. SPAD readings were recorded for the top six leaves. Nitrogen sufficiency indices were used to indicate the N status of plants. Application of L. leucocephala prunings increased spinach yields (8.98–13.86 t DM ha^?1) relative to the 0N treatment (1.35 t DM ha^?1) and yields increased with increasing rate of pruning application. SPAD readings showed a linear increase with the increase in applied prunings. There was preferential distribution of N to upper leaves. The relationship between shoot N concentration and SPAD readings was linear and strongest for the top three leaves (r² = 0.84–0.92). The results indicate the potential of chlorophyll meter readings in assessing N status of leafy vegetables grown on soils amended with different levels of legume tree prunings.     

Potassium Substitution by Sodium in Root Medium Influencing Growth Behavior and Potassium Efficiency in Cotton Genotypes

ABSTRACT

Potassium (K) deficiency affects cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) growth. Sodium (Na) can substitute K for some non-specific functions in plants. Four cotton genotypes were evaluated for their growth rates and K use efficiency grown at various K:Na. The cotton genotypes and treatments had significant (p < 0.01) effect on biomass production, growth rate related parameters, K use efficiency, and K: Na ratio. Maximum total dry matter (2.57 g plant^-1) was accumulated by ‘NIBGE-2’ and minimum (1.91 g plant^?1) was by ‘FH-1000’. Maximum K:Na ratio in shoot was obtained by ‘MNH-786’ and minimum was by ‘NIBGE-2’when 1/3rd K was replaced with Na. Genotypes and various treatments significantly (p < 0.05) influenced specific utilization rate (SUR) and K transport rate (KTR). There was a significant relationship (R² = 0.84, n = 60) between shoot dry matter and K: Na ratio in shoot. Overall, the growth was better when K and Na were added in ratio of 3:1.