Thai Journal of Agricultural Science

Effect of colchicine treatment on growth and yield traits of cauliflower (Brassica oleraceae var. botrytis) under Siquijor, Philippines condition

R.S. Anulacion — 2024-12-13

Background and Objective: Cauliflower contains high levels of antioxidants and anticarcinogenic compounds. It is highly affected by extreme weather conditions in tropical countries resulting in hindrances to growth, immature fruit, and reduced yield. A study that has implications for polyploidy in cauliflower through colchicine induction is essential during such extreme weather to help farmers save their crops. The study investigated cauliflower seeds’ germination and the morphological and yield responses of cauliflower affected by colchicine.
Methodology: The seeds were soaked in different concentrations for three hours: T₁ - control (untreated), T₂ - 0.05% colchicine, T₃ - 0.10% colchicine, T₄ - 0.20% colchicine, and T₅ - 0.50% colchicine, with three replications. They were laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD).
Main Results: Percentage germination (P < 0.05) was high in plants treated with 0.10% colchicine reaching 92.38%. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed in the morphological responses in plants treated with 0.10% colchicine with increased plant height (73.79 ± 0.36 cm) and number of leaves (27.34 ± 0.31 cm). Regarding leaf width, 0.20% colchicine application (23.64 ± 0.80 cm) was comparable to applying lower colchicine concentration (control, 0.05%, and 0.10%), but was significantly larger than the highest concentration (0.50%). The use of 0.10% colchicine showed promising results in above-ground fresh weight (1,839.58 ± 3.49 g), flower weight (777.08 ± 3.85 g), and inflorescence diameter (19.45 ± 0.65 cm). However, both 0.10% and 0.50% showed delays in the flower formation, with days to flower recorded at 61.46 ± 0.63 and 61.04 ± 0.46 days, respectively indicating a notable implication of polyploidy in plants.
Conclusions: This study showed that treatment with 0.10% colchicine had a significant positive effect, being the most effective treatment in improving cauliflower and increasing morphological and yield responses. These observed improvements encompass various implications associated with polyploidy, which are beneficial in places with extreme weather conditions like Siquijor, Philippines.

Efficacy of seaweed extracts as biostimulant on growth and yield attributes of peanut (Arachis hypogaea)

I.M. Guanzon — 2024-12-13

Background and Objective: Peanuts (Arachis hypogaea) are a leguminous crop with significant importance in enhancing human nutrition, making them a vital component of crop production. However, extractive farming practices such as intensive cultivation and imbalanced fertilization have been identified as contributing to yield reduction. Therefore, there is a growing interest in exploring natural products like seaweed extracts that promote growth and productivity and reduce the reliance on synthetic agricultural inputs. This study sought to evaluate the effects of various seaweed extracts on various agronomic parameters specific to peanut cultivation.
Methodology: The study employed a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications and five treatment groups: T₁ - Negative control, T₂ - Positive control, T₃ - Kappaphycus alverezii (12.5 mL), T₄ - Cottoni, Spinossum, and Sargasssum (10 mL), and T₅ - Brown kelp mass (15 mL). Data collected from the study were analyzed and compared through LSD at P < 0.05 using STAR software. Significant variations in growth and yield-related traits of peanuts among different treatments were assessed using analysis of variance (ANOVA).
Main Results: Superior plant height at 30 and 60 days after sowing was observed in positive control with values of 24.09 ± 3.64 and 52.77 ± 2.38 cm, respectively, compared to the other treatment (P < 0.01). Consequently, all seaweed extracts significantly influenced (P < 0.05) various peanut parameters, including the number of days to flowering, number of pods per plant, 100-seed weight, shelling percentage, pod yield, seed yield, and harvest index. Notably, the application of Kappaphycus alverezii significantly (P < 0.001) increased pod yield (2.42 ± 0.26 t/ha) and seed yield (1.71 ± 0.17 t/ha) compared to the other treatments.
Conclusions: Applying seaweed extracts, particularly Kappaphycus alverezii, significantly improved the growth and yield-related traits of peanuts. Therefore, utilizing natural extract derived from macroalgae can serve as an alternative to synthetic inputs to enhance crop productivity.

Effects of cashew kernel waste meal on growth performance, flock uniformity, economic indices, hematological parameters, and serum biochemistry of Noiler chicken

T.K. Ojediran — 2024-12-13

Background and Objective: Noiler chickens, a dual-purpose breed developed from broilers and local chickens, are known for thriving on low-quality feed while producing high-quality meat and eggs. This study investigated the effects of different levels of cashew kernel waste meal (CKWM) on growth performance, flock uniformity, economic indices, hematological parameters, and serum biochemistry in Noiler chickens. The aim was to evaluate CKWM’s potential as a dietary ingredient.
Methodology: The study used 270 unsexed, one-week-old Noiler chicks, divided into five dietary groups with six replicates of nine birds each. The groups received diets with CKWM incorporated at 0% (K1), 5% (K2), 10% (K3), 15% (K4), and 20% (K5) over eight weeks. A completely randomized design (CRD) was employed. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, followed by Duncan’s multiple range test, for post-hoc analysis.
Main Results: Significant variations (P < 0.05) were observed in body weight parameters and flock uniformity across the inclusion levels during both the starter and grower phases. Flock uniformity was highest in the Noilers offered diet K2. Economic indices were significantly affected (P < 0.05) during the starter phase, with all recorded parameters being influenced. At the grower phase, only feed cost and income differed significantly (P < 0.05) with better performance in birds fed K5 and worst in birds fed K3. Hematological parameters, including mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, white blood cell count, and basophil count, were significantly influenced (P < 0.05). Serum biochemistry outcomes indicated significant effects (P < 0.05) on all parameters except for urea and triglyceride levels.
Conclusions: The findings highlight the potential of cashew kernel waste meal as a dietary ingredient, with implications for optimizing growth, uniformity, and economic performance in Noiler bird production at up to a 15% inclusion level. The study underscores the potential of CKWM to contribute to sustainable and efficient Noiler chicken production, thereby addressing food insecurity and unemployment among smallholders.

Morpho-physiological changes during leaf development of robusta coffee under shade condition

V. Klaipuk — 2024-12-13

Background and Objective: Robusta coffee cultivars, local and Chumphon 2, are commonly grown in mixed orchards in Thailand. However, there is a lack of data on the stages of leaf development under shaded conditions. This research aims to monitor the morpho-physiological changes in leaves during leaf development of these two coffee cultivars.
Methodology: One-year-old Robusta coffee plants of two cultivars were planted in plastic baskets and grown under 80% shade in a greenhouse. Leaves that began unfolding and measured 4–7 cm in length (considered 0 days old) were selected, with one leaf per plant for ten plants per cultivar. The leaf size, leaf greenness (SPAD units), net photosynthetic rate (Pn), and dark respiration rate (Rd) were monitored daily using LI-6400 (LI-COR, USA) until all parameters stabilized. The data were analyzed using RStudio software (package ‘ggplot2’).
Main Results: The leaves of both coffee cultivars took 28–30 days to reach full maturity, with development divided into five stages. At 0 days old (stage 1), the leaves unfold. At 7 days old (stage 2), the leaves grow and expand to half their maximum size (52.23 cm²). Leaf greenness and Pn increase rapidly, while Rd decreases quickly. At 14 days old (stage 3), the leaves reach their maximum Pn (3.32 μmol m^-2s^-1). Leaf expansion continues rapidly, with a slight reduction in leaf greenness. Rd continues to decrease steadily. At 21 days old (stage 4), the leaves reach full size (104.46 cm²). Leaf greenness increases, Pn stabilizes, and Rd decreases slightly. At 28 days old (stage 5), Rd reaches its lowest point and stabilizes (0.34 μmol m^-2 s^-1). Leaf greenness increases, leaf size stabilizes, and Pn remains constant.
Conclusions: The development of the leaves of the two Robusta coffee cultivars can be divided into five stages: 1) Leaves pair unfolding, 2) Leaves expand to half their maximum size, 3) Pn reaches its peak value, 4) Leaves reach their maximum size, and 5) Rd stabilizes.

Yield performance and stability of maize hybrids of different maturity groups in multiple environments in Nigeria

F.A. Bankole — 2024-12-13

Background and Objective: Maize production in Nigeria faces challenges due to environmental stresses such as drought, heat, low soil fertility, pests, and diseases, compounded by regional variability. This study aimed to identify high-yielding early and extra-early maturing hybrids with stable performance for potential commercialization in Nigeria.
Methodology: 20 early and 19 extra-early maturing hybrids, along with two local checks, were evaluated across six locations over two years (2016 and 2017) in Nigeria using a randomized complete block design with three replications. Data were collected for grain yield, flowering traits, growth traits, and aspect ratings.
Main Results: Significant (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05) genotype, environment, and interaction effects were observed for grain yield in both maturity groups. Early maturing varieties had longer days to maturity, higher plant and ear heights, and greater grain yield than extra-early maturing varieties. Hybrids EYH-17 and EYH-21 had the highest yields (4,263 and 4,183 kg/ha) among early maturing hybrids, with yield advantages of 12.2% and 10.1% over the check. For extra-early maturing varieties, hybrids EEYH-54, EEYH-41, and EEYH-25 produced yields over 4,000 kg/ha, with yield advantages of 19.8% to 29.2% over the check. Lapai 2016 and Ilorin 2016 were the most discriminating and representative test environments for both maturity groups. GGE biplot analysis identified EYH-17 and EEYH-25 as the most stable hybrids with the highest mean grain yield. The principal component analysis highlighted flowering time, plant height, and ear height as primary contributors to variability in maize hybrids.
Conclusions: Hybrids EYH-17 and EEYH-25 are recommended for on-farm evaluation to confirm their yield potential and facilitate their commercialization in Nigeria. Lapai and Ilorin are ideal test environments for selecting superior hybrids with broad adaptation. Flowering time, plant height, and ear height should be prioritized in breeding programs to enhance maize breeding value.