The presented study determined the effects of shallot cultivars and levels of horse manure vermicompost on its growth and production traits. The developed shallot cultivars came from true seeds. The research materialized from June to October 2022 at the Agricultural Technology Research and Development Institute (IP2TP) in Kelara District, Jeneponto Regency, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. This study employed a factorial design with two factors and three replications. The first factor included four doses of vermicompost: 0, 5, 10, and 15 t ha^-1. The second factor consisted of three shallot cultivars (Lokananta, Maserati, and Sanren-F1). The results revealed that the shallot cultivar Sanren-F1 recorded the highest average plant height, bulb weight, diameter, and yield. The horse manure vermicompost treatment with the 15 t ha^-1 dose also emerged with the maximum average plant height, number of leaves, bulb weight, and bulb diameter over other applications. However, the horse manure vermicompost (10 t ha^-1) gave the foremost bulb yield.

Keywords: Growth, horse manure vermicompost, shallot cultivars, seed, variety, yield

Key findings: Three shallot cultivars responded differently to the horse manure vermicompost applications. However, the genotype Sanren-F1 generally has the best growth and production. The single application of horse vermicompost (10 t ha^-1) increased the shallot production without using inorganic fertilizers.

Creating a half-diallel cross succeeded among seven diverse canola genotypes. The obtained 21 F₁ hybrids with their seven parents underwent three salinity stress levels exposure—3.91 dsm^-1 (Normal), 6.24 dsm^-1 (S1), and 7.81 dsm^-1 (S2) —during the 2020/2021 growing seasons. Salinity treatments significantly reduced days to 50% flowering, plant height, number of primary branches, pods/plant, 1000-seed weight, seed yield/plant, seed oil content, relative water content, calcium, potassium, and the ratio between K⁺ and Na+ compared with a normal condition. Proline content, osmotic pressure, and Na+ were considerably higher under salinity stress conditions. Highly significant differences showed among the parents and hybrids for all traits across the tested environments. General (GCA) and specific (SCA) combining ability effects were highly significant for all attributes. The parental genotypes Serw4 and Pactol resulted as good general combiners for increased seed oil content (SOC), seed yield/plant (SYPP), and some of its components in research environments. The hybrid combinations H2/S × Serw4 and Serw4 × Serw6 were good specific combiners for days to first flower (DTF), number of primary branches (NPB), number of pods per plant (NP), a thousand seed weight (TSW), seed yield per plant (SYPP), seed oil content (SOC), proline content (ProC), Ca++, and K+/Na+. The SDS-PAGE analysis of seed proteins indicated high levels of genetic variability and revealed some vital biochemical markers for salt tolerance.

Keywords: canola (Brassica napus L.), combining ability, gene action, saline environments, seed yield, oil content, physio-biochemical traits

Key findings: Parents and F₁ hybrids showed high genetic variation for all attributes in nonsaline and saline environments. The parental genotypes Serw4 and Pactol were effective general combiners for enhancing seed yield and other features under stressed and non-stressed situations. H2/S × Serw4 and Serw4 × Serw6 were good specific combiners for most traits and can benefit future hybrid development to improve canola salt tolerance.

The pulse beetle is a primary pest of mung bean (Vigna radiata L.), causing heavy losses during storage. Conventional control of pulse beetle with insecticides has led to various challenges. This study sought safer alternatives by exploring the efficacy of hexane extracts derived from seeds of Azadirachta indica and Trachyspermum ammi, Curcuma longa rhizomes, Allium sativum bulbs, Citrullus colocynthis fruits, and Caralluma tuberculata stems against pulse beetle. Each plant extract was tested at six concentrations of 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%, 2.5%, and 3.0% w/v, under the constant laboratory conditions of the Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The hexane extracts prepared from A. sativum and C. longa at 3% concentration exhibited significant efficacy, resulting in mortality rates of 99.20% and 94.40% of adult beetles, respectively. Furthermore, mung bean grains treated with the A. sativum extracts at the maximum concentration (3%) demonstrated minimum egg deposition (2.20 per grains^-20), prolonged time to adult emergence (25.10 days), minimum progeny emergence (33.40), lowest infestation (5.47%), minimum weight loss (4.39%), and shortest adult life span (8.70 days). The hexane plant extracts prepared from A. sativum and C. longa powders at higher concentrations (2.5% and 3.0%) can benefit the safer management of pulse beetles.

Keywords: Mung bean (Vigna radiata L.), hexane plant extract, Callosobruchus analis, mortality, sublethal effects

Key findings: The hexane plant extract demonstrated insecticidal properties and caused significant mortality of beetle adults in mung bean (Vigna radiata L.). The hexane plant extracts also affected significantly the biology and survival of beetles. Among the six-tested plant extracts, the hexane extracts of A. sativum and C. longa proved the most effective, whereas C. tuberculata extracts were found least effective.

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is a vital cash crop in Pakistan, but climate change scenarios threatened its production by biotic and abiotic stress, especially drought. Nutrient management, specifically potassium (K) fertilization, typically alleviates the effects of drought. To this end, a greenhouse experiment evaluated the genotypes for drought stress tolerance and its management by K fertilization. The experiment consisted of 70 cotton genotypes factorially combined with two water levels (standard irrigation and drought stress) and two potassium levels (control and 102 mg/kg of potassium). Data collection occurred for shoot and root lengths, fresh shoot and root weights, dry shoot and root weights, root shoot ratio, total dry matter production, and K uptake after 45 days of germination. Results depicted that mean squares for genotypes, drought, potassium, and their interaction were significant for shoot and root lengths, fresh shoot and root weights, dry shoot and root weights, total dry weight, and potassium uptake, while some traits showed nonsignificant differences. Based on the principal component analysis, membership function value, and genotypic diversity, five genotypes emerged as tolerant: CIM-496, IR-3701, Cp-15/2, FH-113, and CIM-1100, and three, i.e., 4-F, MNH-129, and FH-1000, as susceptible. Tolerant and susceptible genotypes can further benefit breeding programs to develop cotton genotypes adaptable to drought stress and with better K uptake.

Keywords: Cotton (G. hirsutum L.), drought, potassium, PCA, cluster, the membership function value

Key findings: The five upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) genotypes, CIM-496, IR-3701, Cp-15/2, FH-113, and CIM-1100, performed better for potassium uptake under drought stress conditions. The three susceptible genotypes were the FH-1000, 4-F, and MNH-129.

Ice plant (Mesembryanthemum crystallinum L.) is an edible plant with a high content of healthy minerals and ingredients beneficial to human health. The presented study aimed to summarize the key findings in terms of phytoremediation capabilities and nutritional values of the ice plant. A rigorous scientometric review technique and Tree of Science heuristic analyses helped compile all those findings. The scientometric review used various databases (Scopus and Science Direct) following the PIO (Population, Intervention, and Outputs) strategy, which helped to formulate the search equations and identify the most relevant articles published in the last two decades. According to scientometric mapping, the scholarly work on M. crystallinum enhanced by 12.65% between 2006 and 2023, focusing on its phytoremediation potential, salt adaptability, antioxidant capacity, and phenolic compounds. The present findings emphasized more investigation regarding its potential uses in the food sector, namely, its phytoremediation capacities for cleaning up contaminated water and soil.

Keywords: Ice plant (M. crystallinum L.), salt stress, flavonoids, phytoremediation potential, salt adaptability, antioxidant capacity, phenolic compounds

Key findings: Reports on Mesembryanthemum crystallinum L. revealed a 12.65% increase in studying its phytoremediation capability, salt adaptation, antioxidant capacity, and phenolic compounds from 2006 to 2023. The study also highlights the importance of further research on its possible applications in the food industry, particularly its phytoremediation capabilities for treating polluted water and soils.

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) plant architecture is crucial in rice productivity enhancement, particularly in forecasting agronomic-related traits. The presented research characterized the shoot architecture, photosynthesis, and yield-related traits in the F9 generation of rice recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from a cross between cultivar IR64 and local cultivar Hawara Bunar through correlation and path analyses among the various features. Rice RILs and parental cultivars’ sowing transpired in the greenhouse and the field. The greenhouse experiment commenced growing the rice seeds of 90 RILs and their parental lines in PVC tubes (20 cm in diameter and 50 cm in height) with sand soil as a medium. The study employed the upland rice cultivation system for the field experiment to cultivate the rice genotypes. The study used a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Shoot plant architecture, physiological, and yield traits observation continued at various stages of plant growth. A significant positive correlation to the seed yield per plant appeared in the maturative stage by the total seed weight, transpiration efficiency, intercellular CO₂ concentration, and intercellular CO₂ pressure. A substantial positive indirect effect on grain yield also surfaced from the net transpiration rate and its efficiency, intercellular CO₂ concentration, and CO₂ pressure. Therefore, the shoot architecture significantly affects the photosynthetic rate and grain yield.

Keywords: Path analysis, physiological traits, rice, recombinant inbred lines (RILs), yield

Key findings: Correlation and path analyses revealed a relationship among shoot architecture, photosynthesis rate, and yield-related traits in the 9^th generation of rice recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from a cross between cv. IR64 × Hawara Bunar.

Long-term use of inorganic fertilizers has negatively influenced rice productivity, being unsafe environmentally. The planned strategy sought to improve rice (Oryza sativa L.) production with a quality of environment-friendly rice cultivation by reducing the excessive inorganic fertilizers. The latest research aimed to analyze the effects of liquid organic fertilizer and urea on the growth and productivity of lowland rice managed with irregular irrigation. The urea (U) comprised four doses, i.e., control 0 kg/ha (U0), 50, 100, and 150 kg/ha (U1-U3, respectively), which fertilized the main plots. The liquid organic fertilizer (LOF) (P) also comprised four levels, viz., control 0 cc/L (P0), 2, 4, and 6 cc/L of water (P1-P3, respectively), which treated the subplots. The urea (100 kg/ha) application resulted in the highest average number of productive tillers (16.8) and the topmost percentage of full grain (84.47%). However, the urea fertilizer (150 kg/ha) produced the maximum flag leaf length (32.3 cm). The LOF concentration (4 cc/L) produced the superior 100-grain weight (2.84 g). The LOF (6 cc/L) produced the utmost index of chlorophyll a (236.43 μmol/m2), chlorophyll b (95.83 μmol.m^-2), and total chlorophyll (339.64 μmol.m^-2). The results showed that the combination of urea fertilizer (150 and 100 kg/ha) and liquid organic fertilizer concentration (LOF 6 cc/L) provided the best productivity of 6.26 and 6.13 t/ha, respectively.

Keywords: Rice (Oryza sativa L.), inorganic and organic fertilizers, irrigation system, growth and productivity traits, chlorophyll content

Key findings: The rice (O. sativa L.) productivity can attain enhancement by providing optimum nutrients to the crop. Combining organic and inorganic fertilizers can quickly develop and maintain fertilizer use efficiency and increase plant productivity. The results showed that the combination of urea fertilizer (150 and 100 kg/ha) and liquid organic fertilizer concentration (LOF 6 cc/L) provided the best grain yield of 6.26 and 6.13 t/ha, respectively.

Xanthomonas citri sub sp. citri (Xcc) causes citrus bacterial canker (CBC), a highly destructive disease of citrus plants globally. A comprehensive survey commenced in seven locations of District Sargodha, Pakistan, to determine the incidence of CBC on Kinnow, Feutrell’s early (Citrus reticulata Blanco), and Musambi (Citrus sinensis) cultivars. Additionally, 47 citrus cultivars reached assessment for their response to Xcc for disease severity. The highest incidence of CBC emerged in Kinnow at Shahpur (57.3%), Bhera (40.5%), and Sargodha (35.0%). Feutrell’s early showed a higher incidence rate at Shahpur (35.0%), Bhalwal (35.0%), and Sargodha (30.0%). Meanwhile, Musambi plants exhibited an incidence of 15.0% at Shahpur and Bhera and 13.3% at Bhalwal. Among the 47 cultivars, Jaffa, Valencia Late, Sanguinello, and Musambi (Citrus sinensis) demonstrated resistance to CBC, as their severity levels were <4.0%. Tracco N (20.3%) and rough lemon (22.0%) proved susceptible cultivars. However, a high susceptibility to canker disease was notable in Shamber grapefruit (31.0%) and Chakotra (Pommelo) (34.6%). Understanding the susceptibility of diverse citrus cultivars to CBC provides valuable insights for breeding programs and integrated management of the CBC disease.

Keywords: Citrus cultivars, disease management, incidence, Xanthomonas citri

Key findings: In the District of Sargodha, Pakistan, Kinnow exhibited the highest incidence of CBC, notably at Shahpur, Bhera, and Sargodha. Feutrell’s early displayed increased incidence rates at Shahpur, Bhalwal, and Sargodha, while Musambi plants showed a lower incidence of CBC. Among the 47 evaluated cultivars, Jaffa, Valencia Late, Sanginello, and Musambi showed resistance to CBC, with disease severity levels below 4.0%. Conversely, Tracco N and Rough lemon were markedly susceptible cultivars. Higher susceptibility was evident in Shamber grapefruit and Chakotra (Pommelo).

The harvesting period of 12 months after planting (MAP) is the major constraint in cassava (Manihot esculenta) cultivation, prompting the need for early-harvest (5–9 MAP) cultivars. Hence, yield potential evaluation of cassava genotypes during the early-harvest period is necessary. This study assesses the yield potential of 18 advanced cassava mutants (M1V8 generation) and five cassava commercial varieties harvested at 7 MAP. The results showed nine mutants yielded above 30.0 t ha^-1 (ADR-24, GJ-7, GJ-10, GJ-14, GJ-16, ML-18, ML-19, ML-20, and RTM-26), and two mutants (ML-21 and RTM-25) surpassed 40.0 t ha^-1, notably higher than previous early-harvest studies. Despite high yields, the proportion of commercial-size roots is moderately low (4–6 roots/plant). However, selected mutants produced 10–16 total roots/plant, suggesting cultivation adjustments could improve commercial root yield. A positive correlation between production traits indicates that higher commercial-size roots correspond to increased yield potential. Of the 11 promising mutants, five (GJ-10, GJ-14, GJ-16, ML-21, and RTM-26) with low bitterness attained favor for taste. The five mutants are endorsable as early-harvesting, high-yielding, and low HCN-content cassava cultivars.

Keywords: Manihot esculenta, irradiation mutagenesis, early maturity, high-root productivity

Key findings: Gamma irradiation randomly affects cassava root morphological and yield changes. This evaluation found 11 early-maturity (harvesting at 7 MAP) and high-yielding advanced mutants. Moreover, the root bitterness level of the five cassava mutants is low, indicating a minimal HCN level.

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) is a crop for potential development and cultivation in Indonesia because of its high tolerance for planting on marginal lands. The sorghum plant can serve as food, feed, bioenergy, and renewable materials. Sorghum exhibits numerous phenotypes; therefore, it is crucial to determine their suitability for various purposes. The ideotype of sorghum genotypes for biomaterial purposes is a recognized genotype with high lignin content and biomass. The Indonesian Agency for Research and Innovation has identified sorghum landraces with different lignin content in their germplasm. The agronomic parameters evaluation of these genotypes determined their biomaterial suitability purposes. The presented study showed that sorghum genotypes with different lignin content levels have variable biomass (plant height, stem diameter, leaf weight, and stem weight) and yield (panicle weight, length, and hundred-seed weight) attributing traits. The enhanced stem weight is the main contributor to total biomass in these sorghum genotypes. Stem weight positively correlated to a high lignin content and considerable broad sense heritability estimates. Therefore, these traits can become selection criteria for choosing sorghum genotypes for biomaterial purposes. The sorghum genotypes KS and G181 showed ideotype suitability for biomaterials.

Keywords: Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.), biomass, character, heritability, selection, yield

Key findings: The high lignin content with biomass is the ideotype of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) genotypes for biomaterial purposes. Stem weight can be beneficial as a selection criterion for considering sorghum genotypes for biomaterial purposes. The sorghum genotype ‘KS’ showed ideotype suitability for particle board manufacturing, while the genotype G181 revealed an ideotype for biopellets.