Vegetable production

A field experiment was conducted in the High Ganges River Floodplain Soils (AEZ 11) at Shyampur, Rajshahi, Bangladesh, to study the effects of micronutrients on onion (cv. Taherpuri) and garlic (local variety). The soil was silty loam with pH 7.6. The trial followed a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 11 treatments (T1-T11) and three replications, applying Zn, B, Mo, Mn, Cu, and Cl at specific rates, along with NPKS as a basal dose. Data were collected at 15-day intervals and analyzed using MSTAT-C. Significant effects were observed in both crops. The highest onion yield (13.38 t/ha) was recorded in T4 (Zn + B), along with improved plant height (61.30 cm). The lowest growth and yield were found in T1 (control). In garlic, T3 (B) gave the highest yield (6.38 t/ha), while T4 (Zn + B) showed similar effects. The lowest yield was in T1. Economic analysis showed the highest net income (Tk. 425570) and benefit-cost ratio (1:8.58) for T4 in onion, while T3 had the best return (1:6.50) for garlic. For onion, the combination of Zn+B was optimal, whereas for garlic, B alone proved superior. The nutrient response ranking for onion was (Zn+B) > Zn > B > Mo, while for garlic it was B > (Zn+B) > Zn.

Reuse of sewage as irrigation water is one of the best options to reduce the stress on limited fresh water available today and to meet the nutrient requirement of crops. But the use of raw or untreated sewage can cause accumulation of heavy metals in the soil and hence may cause phytotoxicity. A mini-lysimeter study based on Completely Randomized Design experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of different concentrations of sewage irrigation viz. sewage water as such, well water as such and sewage water as such: well water as such, 1:1 on the physio-chemical properties of soils viz. sandy loam and sandy clay loam soils and chemical build up in vegetable crops viz. Indian spinach (Beta vulgaris var. bengalensis), carrot (Daucus carota L.) and cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L.). All these treatments made 18 treatment combinations which were replicated thrice. Application of sewage water as such or in its dilutions improved the physico-chemical properties and nutrient status of the soil but resulted higher per cent build up of metallic cations in soil, particularly Zinc, Lead and Nickel in sandy clay loam soil and Copper and Cadmium in sandy loam soil. Indian spinach irrigated with sewage water as such or its dilution increased organic carbon content of the soils while, in cauliflower and carrot calcium carbonate content was decreased. Metallic cations content in the leaves and roots of the crops recorded an increase when crops were irrigated with sewage water as such or in its dilution. However, the metallic cations content in the leaves and roots were quite below the maximum permissible limits suggested. The per cent build up of metallic cations in soils and vegetables due to sewage irrigation in 100 days showed that there might be accumulation of heavy metals in soil and cause phyto-toxicity if such sewage water is used continuously for irrigation. This clearly indicates a need for the treatment of sewage water before it is being diverted for irrigation.

The field experiment was carried out during two experimental seasons of 2005/2006 and 2006 / 2007 under calcareous soil and rainfall conditions in El-Hammam region at North Western Coastal Zone (NWCZ) of Egypt. The aim of this research was to study the vegetative growth, yield and its components as well as chemical compositions of onion plants (Allium cepa, L.) cv. Giza-20 as influenced by 4 treatments of supplementary irrigation (rainfall, rainfall plus 60 mm/fed, rainfall plus 75 mm/fed and rainfall plus 90 mm/fed) and 4 foliar spray treatments (potassium carrying phosphor (K.P), potassium carrying nitrogen (K.N), (K.P plus K.N) and control treatment. The commercial name were Butasinp and Butasin -N and its interaction. The concentration of each foliar spray treatment was 4 cm \ L. Application of foliar spraying was three times at 30, 45 and 60 days after transplanting. Rainfall plus 90 mm supplementary irrigation treatment led to obtain the maximum values for all vegetative growth characteristics (survival ratio, plant length, number of leaves per plant, fresh and dry weight per plant. The values of yield, (bulb fresh and dry weight, bulb dry matter%, bulbing ratio and yield ton/fed were increased by increasing the rate of supplementary irrigation. Also, the bulb content of T.S.S., nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, gave the highest values with using rainfall plus 90 mm/fed supplementary irrigation. Foliar spray treatment with K.P + K.N, gave the highest significant increases when compared with other foliar spray treatments on all characteristics under study, The interaction treatment, rainfall and 90 mm supplementary irrigation combined with foliar spray treatment with K.P + K.N, led to obtain the maximum values for all characteristics under study in both growing seasons.

Soil salinity is one of the major yield-limiting factors for crop production in many agricultural regions all over the world. Besides following efficient management practices at the field scale to reduce accumulation of salts in the effective root-zone, the effective use of treatments to alleviate the effects of salinity stress and improve crop salt tolerance is a promising solution to ensure crop production in such adverse conditions. A field experiment was carried out to investigate the effect of foliar spray with plant-based biostimulant (i.e. with and/or without 3% yeast extract), three levels of proline (0, 25, and 50 mM), and combined with potassium fertilizers, as potassium sulfate, 48% K 2 O (0, 50, and 100 kg/fed.) on growth promotion, chemical composition of garlic leaves, bulb quality parameters as well as yield and its components of garlic plant grown under moderate saline soil. Results revealed that the interaction between foliar spray with yeast extract at 3% and proline at 50 mM combined with proper K level at 100 kg/fed., was the best interaction treatment for increasing vegetative growth parameters, i.e. plant height, number of leaves per plant, and mineral contents (N, P, K, S, Ca and Mg in leaves), and proline content of garlic leaves after 135 days from planting time, total yield/fed., and garlic yield quality parameters at harvesting time. In conclusion, the detrimental effects of salinity stress can be alleviated by stress tolerance-inducing compounds, such as yeast extract and proline with proper application rate of K fertilization during the growing season of garlic crop.

An experiment was conducted to identify promising accessions suited for cultivation under cold arid conditions of Leh, Ladakh. The main objective of the experiment was to evaluate the different varieties of onion for different morphological traits, Yield and maggot incidence under arid hill conditions of Ladakh. Seven onion varieties, namely Brown Spanish, Yellow Globe, Onion red, Red Coral, Bhima Shakti, Pinnari, Rosa bella and Local as Check with three replications were the treatments of the experiment. The observations were recorded on plant height, No. of leaves/plant, days to maturity, Pseudo length, Bulb diameter, Neck diameter, Bulb weight (fresh), yield/ha and maggot incidence. All the varieties have shown significant differences for all the traits under study. Bhima shakti showed highest plant height (63.90 cm) whereas red coral exhibited lowest plant height (46.33 cm). For number of leaves/plant yellow Globe was at 1st number with 15.96 /plant flowed by Local (11.86/plant). Among the 7 varieties including check Red Corel was early in maturity (138.66 days) followed by Bhima shakti (142.33 days). Highest yield/ha was exhibited by red coral (19.17 q/ha) followed by Bhima shakti (18.60 q/ha) where as lowest yield/ha was observed in Pinnari (16.21 q/ha). Maggot pest incidence was observed lowest in Red coral (11.0%) followed by Local (14.66%) similarly highest maggot incidence was observed in the variety Bhima Shakti (15.00%). Among the seven varieties Red coral exhibits highest yield and lowest maggot incidence followed by Bhima shakti under cold arid conditions of Ladakh. Further Neck diameter which is regarded as storability parameter was lowest in Red coral (10.26mm) followed by Pinnari (10.46 mm).

Resume Situee au centre Sud du Niger, la region de Maradi est une zone semi-aride a deux saisons : une saison de pluies (3 a 4 mois) et une saison seche (8 a 9 mois). Les principales activites, l’agriculture et l’elevage, sont pratiquees dans trois zones distinctes : la zone pastorale proprement dite au Nord ou l’elevage extensif est pratique, la zone intermediaire a vocation agropastorale au niveau de laquelle l’elevage est semi-extensif et la zone agricole au Sud, ou l’elevage est semi-intensif. Ces differentes zones regorgent d’importantes potentialites agricoles qui font vivre plus 90% de la population. Cependant, les populations meconnaissent le potentiel agricole (valorisable) de la region et son extension. La presente etude vise a identifier les differents types de sols, les zones climatiques, les classes d’occupation des sols et les aires protegees de la region de Maradi. L’etude a d’abord synthetise plusieurs bases de donnees geographiques (AGRHYMET, FAO, IGN) sur les resso...

Rise in population and urbanization increased the fresh water demand and waste water generation. and large gap exist between natural water demand and supply of fresh water. Due to water scarcity and in order to ensure food safety it became important for farmers to search alternate source for irrigation. Efficient use of waste water generated can reduce the stress of water scarcity face by farmers. In this study a pilot field experiment was conducted in which an impact on alteration of micronutrients and heavy metals intake by crops was studied by irrigating Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) and Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) with freshwater and treated waste water. The concentrations of micronutrients :Zinc (Zn),Iron( Fe),Copper( Cu), and Manganese (Mn) and heavy metals :Cobalt(Co), Cadmium (Cd),Chromium (Cr),Lead (Pb) in spinach & Fenugreek irrigated with domestic treated sewage water was observed below the critical limits. Waste water application showed increased in the yield of ...

Rise in population and urbanization increased the fresh water demand and waste water generation. and large gap exist between natural water demand and supply of fresh water. Due to water scarcity and in order to ensure food safety it became important for farmers to search alternate source for irrigation. Efficient use of waste water generated can reduce the stress of water scarcity face by farmers. In this study a pilot field experiment was conducted in which an impact on alteration of micronutrients and heavy metals intake by crops was studied by irrigating Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) and Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) with freshwater and treated waste water. The concentrations of micronutrients :-Zinc (Zn),Iron( Fe),Copper( Cu), and Manganese (Mn) and heavy metals :-Cobalt(Co), Cadmium (Cd),Chromium (Cr),Lead (Pb) in spinach & Fenugreek irrigated with domestic treated sewage water was observed below the critical limits. Waste water application showed increased in the yield of crops compared to irrigation with fresh water. If treated properly waste water can encounter the problem of water scarcity and fertilizers. Findings indicate that waste water treated by giving tertiary treatment using phytorid treatment plant can be used for irrigation.

Agriculture has been the chief source of livelihood in the maximum countries of the world for centuries. It has a vital role in the improvement of the life of the people in general and the development of the country at large About 89.96 per cent population is the rural population in Himachal where
agriculture is the main source of income and employment. About 10 per cent of the total GSDP comes from agriculture and its allied sectors, and 62 per cent of the entire workforce of the State depends on it. The productivity of agriculture depends upon different inputs available for agriculture. At present, agriculture is in a state of transformation stage. Proper technology with adequate capital is required for it. Credit plays a vital role in it.
Commercial banks are the main source of credit for agriculture in the state. The present paper is an attempt to see the effect of Agriculture credits provided by commercial banks on vegetable production in the state. To analyse the relationship between agricultural credit and vegetable production, the hypothesis is constructed that there is a significant difference between vegetable production and agricultural credit. The analysis reveals that the R-square is 0.851 indicating that the production of vegetables explains 85 per cent of the variability in agricultural credit. So increase in agricultural credit has a significant positive impact on the production of vegetables.

during the year of 2020-21 to evaluate the performance of different IBA and NAA concentrations on rooting of Dragon fruit stem cuttings. Therefore, the stem cuttings were dipped in various concentrations of IBA and NAA solution, then the cuttings were planted in a polyethylene bag in a mixture of Sand: Soil: FYM. (2:1:1) and this experiment was carried out in Completely Randomized Block Design with three replicates. The result revealed that the highest stem length (28.9 cm), fresh weight of stem with roots (610 g), stem diameter (40.90 mm), newly emerged shoot length (20.33 mm), fresh weight of stem without roots (598.33 g) were recorded in the treatment T9 (IBA @ 3000 ppm+ NAA @ 100 ppm) at 120 day after planting followed by T11 (IBA @ 2000 ppm+ NAA @ 200 ppm). While, the lowest values were recorded in control T1 (25 cm, 601 g, 35.11 mm, 10.33 mm, 588 g) respectively.

The field experiment conducted at Agricultural Research Station, Chhatabar farm of the Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Siksha “O” Anusandhan (Deemed to be University), Bhubaneswar, under East and South-Eastern Coastal Plain Agro-climatic zone of Odisha during summer season of 2021 on sandy loam soil to evaluate the foliar spray
(FS) once (30DAS) or twice (30 and 45 days after sowing) revealed that application of RDF (20:40:20:20 Kg N:P2O5:K2O:S ha–1) + 2 FS NPK (19:19:19) @ 2 per cent spray recorded the highest seed yield (1201 kg ha–1) which was at par with RDF + 2FS of B, RDF + 2FS BR, RDF + 1FS of B, and RDF + 1FS NPK foliar application of water soluble nutrients and
growth regulators produced better effects on seed yield and yield attributing characters in green gram, increased the N, P and K content as well as N, P and K uptake of both seed and stover, enriched protein content in seed, enhanced available nutrient status of soil and nutrient use efficiency of summer green gram in comparison to soil application
(RDF) alone. Among them RDF + 2 FS NPK foliar spray at 30 and 45 DAS recorded maximum seed yield, high protein (23.13%) containing seed, high nutrient content, uptake, and available nutrient (N, P and K) of soil could be
recommended to enhance seed yield, yield attributes, quality parameters, nutrient uptake and soil nutrient status of summer green gram.
Key words: Green gram, foliar application, NPK 19:19:19, boron, growth regulators, salicylic acid, naphthalene acetic acid, brassinolide.

The field experiment was conducted on effects of organic and inorganic fertilizers on soil health, growth and yield of Cabbage (Brassica oleracea L.) Cv. Magic ball at the Soil Science Research Farm, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture & Technology Sciences during Rabi season 2017-2018. The maximum plant height (24.45cm), maximum head diameter (21.56 cm) and maximum yield (24.12 tonnes/ha-1) was obtained in treatment T8 (@40kg ha-1 N40 + @10 t ha-1 FYM)). Growth parameters, soil properties, increased significantly with the application of FYM and inorganic fertilizers with recommended dose of P&K i.e. maximum pH, EC (dSm-1) and pore space(%) was obtained in T8 [@40kg ha-1 N40 + @10 t ha-1 FYM] were increase with increase in fertilizer levels. The lowest values related to all parameters were obtained in control treatment. Cost benefit ratio (C: B) 1: 3.56 was highest in T6 (@40kg ha-1 N40 + @0 t ha-1 FYM) and T8(@40kg ha-1 N40 + @10 t ha-1 FYM) was more profitable Rs 84934.40 h...

The study was conducted in several “Chars” (Char Kachadia, Char Gangaproshad, Char Alokdia and Char Tishondi) in Shibalaya Upazilla under Manikganj District to: investigate the livelihood situation and socio-demographic characteristics of the Char women, identify the current crop production practices adopted by them and to highlight the most likely months for food insecurity along with main problems regarding homestead vegetable production by the respondents. A total of 150 respondents were selected using simple random sampling technique. The study was conducted during August 2009 to February, 2010. It was revealed that most of the respondents were middle aged, had medium to big families, were mostly illiterate to having primary education. They had an average homestead vegetable farm of 6.71 decimals. It was found from the study that most of the respondents spent 3.20 hours/day for cultivating vegetables in their homestead areas. Different types of vegetables were being grown by the...

Background: The significance of stabilized use of fertilizers is more populous between the farmers to get higher quality of produce.
In integrative agricultural system, integrated nutrient management (INM) provide best way to solve numerous issues regarding
sustainability, improving quality, boosting yield and keeping good soil fertility in efficient and economical way. Cabbage is one of the
most valued crop among cole group vegetables and it is rich in vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B1, B2 and B3,
sulphur, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, sodium etc.
Methods: Field experiments were conducted to study the effect of vermicompost, inorganic fertilizers and growth retardant
(cycocel) with different spacing in cabbage and carried out in factorial randomized block design at Experimental Farm Bundelkhand
University, Jhansi (U.P.) during rabi season 2017-18 and 2018-19. Fertilizers with cycocel treatment increases the accumulation of
various minerals and vitamins.
Result: Result indicated that quality attributes of cabbage were found to be highest and significant in the treatment where 50% RDF
(Inorganic Fertilizer) + 50% Organic (vermicompost) were applied at wider crop geometry (45 cm  45 cm spacing) along with
spraying of 300 ppm cycocel (growth retardant). Head yield of cabbage was positively correlated with various quality attributes.
Application of vermicompost along with inorganic in head of the cabbage. The experimental findings indicated that reduction in the
amount of inorganic fertilizer was not detrimental to quality of cabbage while applying the vermicompost in proper amount that is 50%
in combination with inorganic fertilizers. It is evident that integration of vermicompost and inorganic fertilizer at wider spacing under
cycocel treatment enhances the quality of cabbage and also sustaining the fertility of soil.

The field experiment on the performance evaluation of five leafy vegetables in naturally ventilated polyhouse in randomized block design during the rainy season (JuneAugust 2014) revealed coriander, palak and green Amaranthus to establish and grow well with higher biomass production compared to lettuce and red Amaranthus. The modified microclimate influenced the incidence of pests and diseases and the latter affected the growth and performance of red Amaranthus and palakin the polyhouse. Reduced pigmentation was also observed in red Amaranthus. Relative yields in terms of Amaranthus proved palak to be most advantageous followed by coriander.

All rights reserved, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior written permission of the publisher or the copyright holder. This book contains information obtained from authentic and highly regarded sources. Reasonable efforts have been made to publish reliable data and information, but the authors, editors and publisher cannot assume responsibility for the validity of all materials or the consequences of their use. The authors, editors and publisher have attempted to trace and acknowledge the copyright holders of all material reproducing this publication and apologize to copyright holders if permission and acknowledgements to publish in this form have not been taken. If any copyright material hay not been acknowledged please write and let us know so we may rectify it, in subsequent reprints Designed and Printed in India v Dedicated To My Father Late Lalit Kumar Jha vi vii viii As we embark on this journey of exploration, we are reminded that the future of agriculture depends on our ability to harness the power of nature's most resilient crops. Faba bean, with its remarkable characteristics, stands as a beacon of hope for a sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural future. I hope this book inspires researchers, policymakers, farmers, and practitioners to consider the important role that faba bean can play in building a more resilient food system. Cooch Behar, 2024 Anjali Kumari Jha 8 3. History and origin 4. Distribution 5. Area and production 6. Botany 7. Nutritional benefits 8. Ethnic, traditional and medicinal uses 9. Uses 10. Soil and climate 11. Land preparation 12. Time of sowing 13. Seed rate and spacing 14. Nutritional requirements and their management 15. Water management 16. Intercultural operations 17. Varieties and hybrids 18. Harvesting and yield 19. Post-harvest handling 20. Diseases 21. Insects and pests 22. Seed production 23. Processing 24. Crop improvement i. Hybrid breeding ii. Line breeding iii. Synthetic breeding iv. Hybrid vigor and inbreeding depression v. Speed breeding vi. Tissue culture vii. In-vitro propagation viii. In-vitro regeneration ix. Somatic embryogenesis 100 x x. Anther and microspore culture xi. Protoplast culture xii. Genetic transformation xiii. Mutation breeding Molecular breeding i. Genetic linkage and QTL mapping ii. Breeding for resistance to biotic stresses iii. Breeding for resistance to abiotic stresses iv. Breeding for nitrogen fixation v. Molecular markers vi. MAS and DNA marker availability vii. Analysis of genetic diversity viii. Construction of genetic linkage map ix. Molecular markers linked to biotic resistance x. Genomic selection xi. Phenotypic recurrent selection of populations 25. The future of faba bean in sustainable agriculture i. Faba bean in cropping systems ii. Faba bean as a medicinal plant iii. Ecological services of faba bean iv. Biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) v. BNF and nitrogen balances vi. Fossil energy saving vii. Diversification of ecosystems viii. Nitrogen contributions ix. Nitrate Leaching-Nitrogen retention x. Other nutrients xi. Mycorrhiza xii. Soil microbes xiii. Water use xiv. Sanitary effects and plant health xv. Soil structurization xvi. Diversification in space xvii. Other effects xviii. Associated biodiversity xix. Assessing the environmental benefits and xi impacts of faba bean production and use xx. Environmental benefits and impacts on crop level xxi. Environmental benefits and impacts at the crop rotation level xxii. Environmental benefits and impacts in animal feed xxiii. Environmental benefits and impacts on human nutrition Faba bean minimal descriptors Multiple choice questions Bibliography xii xiii Under optimal growing conditions, faba bean seeds germinate in 10 to 14 days (Etemadi et al., 2015), though germination can take longer in dry or cold soil conditions. The faba bean plant generally grows one node per week, and its upright stems can reach heights of 90 to 130 cm, depending on the genotype. Around the 8-10 node growth stage, when the plant is about 30 cm tall, it produces its first flowers, which typically bloom in June in northeastern USA. These flowers and pods form approximately 20 cm above the ground. Roughly 25% of the flowers yield pods, each containing three to six seeds (Etemadi et Faba beans are renowned for their nitrogen (N) fixation capabilities, which are among the highest of cool-season legumes (Mekkei, 2014). Depending on cultivation methods and environmental conditions, faba beans can fix between 50 and 330 kg/ha N (Galloway et al., 2004; Etemadi et al., 2018d). It fixes nitrogen in symbiosis with Rhizobium legumonisarum bv. viciae. Legumes, including faba beans, contribute to soil fertility not only through biological nitrogen fixation but also by solubilizing Given its potential, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has recognized faba bean as a valuable grain legume and included it in the All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP). Globally, the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) ranks faba bean as the 8th major grain legume in terms of priority, further underscoring its agricultural and environmental importance. Distribution 15 Chapter 4 DISTRIBUTION Faba bean has been widely cultivated since prehistoric times, with evidence found in the remains of lake-dwellings in England and Switzerland. Faba bean was grown by ancient civilizations including the Egyptians, Hebrews, Greeks, and Romans. It was introduced to western Asia early on and reached China in ancient times (Thompson and Kelly, 1983). Before the Columbian era, faba bean was the only edible bean known in Europe and was introduced to the New World after 1492 (Purseglove, 1965). The major countries where faba bean is widely cultivated include China, Ethiopia, Latin America, Egypt, Mexico, and Brazil. In India, faba bean (Vicia faba L.) is an important rabi season pod vegetable in the northern plains (Baboo and Kumar, 1996). Faba bean cultivation is now

An excellent quality Indian spinach line has been developed at BRAC Agricultural Research and Development Centre (BARDC) through selection. This newly developed line is characterized by robust plants with high vigour and good plant uniformity rates. Its slightly pinkish green coloured tender broad succulent vines are fleshy, soft and have relatively less fibre which makes it easy for consumption and tastier than the traditional type of Indian spinach varieties besides its higher vine weight. Its deep green succulent leaves are also thicker, soft and fleshy, have a nice flavour and good taste as well. Moreover, this new variety also performs well in the peak monsoon season excepting its normal season cultivation. The late bolting nature of the newly developed variety provides another advantage of prolonged harvesting. Its rooftop, as well as balcony cultivation, offers more scope as well as benefits than traditional varieties as this new line gives more yield in the limited space like balconies and rooftops of urban areas.

The experiments were laid out in Randomized Block Design with three replications and fifteen treatments viz., Control (only FYM) T1,75% RDF (Conventional fertilizer in soil) T2, 100% RDF (Conventional fertilizer in soil) T3,75% RDF + IFFCO Nano Nitrogen (Foliar spray) @ 3 ml/l T4,75% RDF + IFFCO Nano Nitrogen (Foliar spray) @ 4 ml/l T5,75% RDF + IFFCO Nano Nitrogen (Foliar spray) @ 5 ml/l T6,100% RDF+ IFFCO Nano Nitrogen (Foliar spray) @ 3 ml/l T7,100% RDF+ IFFCO Nano Nitrogen (Foliar spray) @ 4 ml/l T8,100% RDF+ IFFCO Nano Nitrogen (Foliar spray) @ 5 ml/l T9,

Aims: To examine consumers’ preference and attitude towards dried Corchorus olitorius L. leaves in Ibadan metropolis, Oyo state.
Study Design: Cross-sectional survey
Place and Duration of Study: Ibadan North-West, Ido and Akinyele LGAs in Ibadan metropolis, Oyo state, Nigeria, between March 2023 and August 2023.
Methodology: A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 170 consumers selected through a two-stage random sampling technique. Descriptive statistics and probit regression analysis were used for data analysis.
Results: Most respondents were females (72.9%), married (51.8%), within the age range of 26-35 years (39.4%), had 1-5 household members (72.9%) and tertiary education (77.6%). 63.5% were aware of dried C. olitorius L., but 60% had not consumed it before, mainly due to unavailability. 20.6% preferred dried leaves. Packaging, aroma, colour and texture were key attributes considered for purchase. Sex, household size and income significantly influenced preference.
Conclusion: There is low preference for dried C. olitorius L in the study area. Creating awareness and appropriate marketing is needed to improve attitude and demand. Suitable packaging should also be developed to retain product quality attributes.

The rapid conversion of agricultural land to non-agricultural uses in industrialized countries and
escalating rates of land degradation in developing countries pose a significant threat to global
arable land. This study explores the feasibility and yield potential of hydroponic lettuce
production using a constructed non-circulating Kratky system as a response to this pressing
issue. Lettuce was cultivated in the Kratky system, with considerations for factors such as soil
pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), and electrical conductivity. The study aimed to determine the
appropriate nutrient solution for lettuce growth and assess water usage. Measurements were
taken for vegetative growth, yield, water and nutrient quantity, proximate and mineral
composition, as well as the physicochemical properties of the hydroponic nutrients. The results
revealed that lettuce cultivated in the Kratky system exhibited high mineral and proximate
composition. The pH of the nutrient solution gradually increased from 5.7 in the early stage to
6.2 in the vegetative stage and 6.4 in the maturity stage. TDS and electrical conductivity showed
an increasing trend throughout the growth stages. Essential plant nutrients such as nitrogen,
phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium were present in varying amounts at different
growth stages. Trace elements like iron, manganese, zinc, and copper were also present, although
in lower concentrations due to potential toxicity. Varying plant heights for lettuce were observed,
ranging from 1.17 mm to 1.97 mm. Water usage ranged from 3500 mm to 5300 mm, decreasing
as the weeks after planting increased while the water efficiency varies from 53.71 kg/m3
to 49.00
kg/m3
. Overall, the findings demonstrate the technical feasibility and potential of hydroponic
production of leafy vegetables, particularly lettuce, using a constructed non-circulating Kratky system. The study recommends the adoption of this sustainable method for leafy vegetable
production.
Keywords: Hydroponics, Lettuce, Kratky system, Fertigation

Vegetable production in Swaziland is seasonal and mainly carried out during winter. There is increasing demand for vegetables as a resultof rising income and changing consumption patterns in Swaziland. However, access to these vegetable markets remains one of the major challenges faced by these vegetable farmers. In this error ICT has been used as a tool to ease networking and connections to potential relevant service providers and customers. However little is known about farmers’ knowledge, perceptions and challenges they face when using ICT tools for improved marketing of vegetable produce.
Primary data was collected using questionnaires administered to 83 respondents including 41 farmers contracted by the National Agricultural Marketing Board (NAMBoard) and 42 farmers who sold vegetables
independently to communal markets in Manzini, Mahlanya and Mbabane areas, respectively. The study mostly employed descriptive and inferential statistics. Results of the study indicate that the majority(54%) of NAMBoard farmers were female and 57% of the Non-NAMBoard farmers were female. About 55% of NAMBoard female farmers and 68% of
the non-NAMBoard female farmers had ICT Knowledge. Most farmers (46% NAMBoard and 36% non-NAMBoard members) were aged between 30 and 40 years, mostly the younger farmers aged between 20 and 30 were more knowledgable about ICT in both categories 67% of NAMBoard contracted and 83% of non-NAMboard contracted farmers).
Most farmers attained secondary education and at least 50% of NAMBoard and 60% of non-NAMBoard farmers at this education level had knowledge about ICT. Whereas NAMBoard members perceived ICT as an important tool for doing farming businesses, improve vegetable production, and help in farmer to farmer exchange of farming knowledge, additionally the non-NAMboard farmers indicated that ICT further improves on the communication with extension workers and enhances communication amongst farmers and their market places.

Major challenges faced by vegetable farmers included high transportation costs, less access to farm inputs, poor communications between sellers and consumers, poor market information and limited access to extension service, and market price fluctuations for both inputs and outputs.

The study recommends that government and donors should encourage creation of ICT facilities for agricultural market information centres and set programs that encourage farmers to adopt the use ICTs more efficiently and effectively for improved agricultural production and marketing

This paper analyzes the economic effectiveness of vegetable production in a protected area in terms and in a manner that is characteristic of the analyzed area (Bijeljina, Bosnia and Herzegovina). Dynamic methods for evaluating the economic feasibility of the investment were applied to two models of vegetables production in greenhouses. Models represent completely alternative investments, so the choice between them is based on the net present value. Economic justification under risk conditions was checked using the scenario analysis. The results of the survey indicate that the investments in both models are justified both in optimal and risky production conditions. The model that includes the production of two crops is economically more efficient than the production of one crop per year. The same model will take precedence also in risky production conditions, as indicated by the higher expected net present value and lower value of the coefficient of variation.

Over the last years, a number of papers have been published on the topic of the influence of different factors on the environmentally conscious behavior of consumers. It can be noted that interest in the influence of demographic factors on this type of behavior in these papers is diminishing. However, the published papers did not provide a unique answer on this topic. The goal of this paper is to examine the correlation between demographic factors and environmentally conscious purchase behavior using the method of meta-analysis and CMA software. In line with this statistical method, studies that examined the influence of demographic factors on environmentally conscious purchase behavior have been taken into account. Among these, only the studies that published Pearson correlation coefficient have been selected. This way, it was possible to aggregate the samples of these studies and to repeat the testing of the hypothesis that demographic factors influence the environmentally conscious purchase behavior. Results of this analysis provide some proof of this correlation, but also call for an expanded research to deal with this topic in more details.

This paper analyzes the economic effectiveness of vegetable production in a protected area in terms and in a manner that is characteristic of the analyzed area (Bijeljina, Bosnia and Herzegovina). Dynamic methods for evaluating the economic feasibility of the investment were applied to two models of vegetables production in greenhouses. Models represent completely alternative investments, so the choice between them is based on the net present value. Economic justification under risk conditions was checked using the scenario analysis. The results of the survey indicate that the investments in both models are justified both in optimal and risky production conditions. The model that includes the production of two crops is economically more efficient than the production of one crop per year. The same model will take precedence also in risky production conditions, as indicated by the higher expected net present value and lower value of the coefficient of variation.

A field experiment was conducted at the farmer’s field of Sutiakhali, Mymensingh Sadar Upazilla, Mymensingh, during the period from April, 2009 to March, 2010 to investigate the effect of organic fertilizers along with half chemical fertilizers on the growth, bulb and flower yield of tuberose cv. single. The experiment consisted of four different sources of fertilizers viz., (i) recommended chemical fertilizers @ 400, 300, 300 and 100 kg ha-1 of urea, TSP, MP and gypsum, respectively; (ii) vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1 along with half of chemical fertilizers; (iii) poultry litter @ 20 t ha-1 along with half of chemical fertilizers and (iv) cowdung @ 20 t ha-1 along with half of chemical fertilizers. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Results revealed that plant height, leaf number plant-1, leaf length and breadth and number of side shoots plant-1, bulb production plant-1, bulb length, bulb diameter and bulb yield both per plant and p...

Background: Rehabilitation and optimized utilization of agro-pastoral dams (APDs), especially for vegetable production, has been recently promoted to boost agricultural production and ensure food security in Benin. However, little information was available on APDs' agricultural potentials and knowledge of how APDs' ecosystem services were exploited by the various stakeholders, and how each stakeholder group contributed to the degradation of the common good was scanty. This study explored three APDs in northern Benin to diagnose vegetable production systems and assess producer's perception of APD degradation. Results: The results indicated that vegetable production around the APDs was a part-time activity dominated by women, and characterized by low external input use and a diversity of African indigenous vegetables. There was a strong gender difference in cropping systems, farming practices and land access, and a significant agreement on key production bottlenecks among producers. The main constraints included conflicts with livestock herders generated by the recurrent destruction of crops and seedlings by livestock, lack of equipment, pest and disease management challenges, access to water and inputs. Water erosion and runoff, livestock, vegetable production and food crops and cotton farming around the dams were respectively perceived as factors that contribute to APDs' siltation and affect water quality. In comparison with water erosion and runoff, experienced producers and those with higher vegetable species richness were more likely to rank farming as first source of threat to APDs. Urbanization and market access were drivers of intensification of vegetable production around APDs. Conclusions: Our findings illustrate how information on cropping and farming practices, and producers' perception can provide insights and research and development avenues for integrated dam management and sustainable production for improved food security and livelihoods. We discussed the implications of our findings and suggested a number of strategic decisions and research avenues for integrated dam management and sustainable vegetable production around APDs. Avenues for future research and development actions include: (1) a tailored and genderspecific training programme on sustainable production practices targeted to women; (2) developing scenarios of the

to study the effect of potassium sulphate 50% K 2 O (60, 90, 120 and 150 kg/fad.) as soil application, potassium silicate (0.0, 3.0 and 6.0 cm 3 /l) as foliar application and their interaction on the growth characters, plant dry weight, total yield and bulb quality of garlic cv. Balady grown in sandy soil under drip irrigation system. The results emphasized that potassium sulphate at 120 or 150 kg/fad., was the best levels used for its superiority in producing the tallest plants, number of leaves/plant, bulb and neck diameters, the heaviest dry weight of bulbs, leaves and roots, total yield/fad., TSS and NPK percentages in bulb and leaves of garlic compared to the lowest levels under study. Meanwhile, foliar spray by potassium silicate at 6.0 cm 3 /l gave the highest values of growth, NPK in leaves and bulbs and total yield in both seasons. The present study recommends that using potassium sulphate 120 kg/fad., combined with 6.0 cm 3 /l of potassium silicate for increasing total yield per fad., of garlic (cv. Balady) grown in sandy soil under similar field conditions.

The increased incidences of farming risks have been a challenge among smallholder farmers in Nigeria. This study set out to assess risk management strategies among arable crop farmers in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State, Nigeria. The proportion of risk in arable crop production and the factors that influence risk in arable crop production in the study area were specifically estimated. Primary data used for the study were collected with the aid of well-structured questionnaire from eighty-four farmers in the study area. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The result revealed that majority of the arable crop farmers (52.4%) were females. The average age and household size were 54 years and 5 persons respectively. Educational level, age, farming experience, farm size, household size and farm income were the factors influencing the estimated output of the farmers due to the prevalence of risk in arable crop production. The study recommended the...

A field experiment was conducted in a split plot design at ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) to evaluate the effects of groundwater (GW), untreated wastewater (WW), constructed wetland treated wastewater (TWW) and groundwater in conjunction with untreated wastewater in cyclic mode (CW) in the main plots and three levels of fertilizers in subplots viz. control (no NPK fertilizer application) (N0), recommended dose of NPK fertilizersthe amount of NPK added through irrigation water (N1) and recommended dose of NPK fertilizers (N2) during 2018-2019 on the soil chemical properties. The N, P, K, RSC, Zn, Cu, Mn, Fe, Ni, Pb and Cr contents in untreated wastewater were significantly higher and 2.3

Agriculture is the primary occupation for the majority of Nepalese populace for their livelihood; the case is especially true for rural areas of Nepal. While both male and female engage in diverse agricultural activities, gender-specific roles in agricultural decision-making are significant. A survey study was conducted in three wards of Kanchanpur district (Majhgau-14, Bhuda-02, and Baghphata-19) to examine the gender-specific labor input in vegetable production activities. Eighty households were chosen by random sampling and a scheduled interview was carried out. Most of the activities such as fence construction, transplanting, fertilizer use, harvesting, cleaning, and grading were found typically female's responsibility. However, males were found dominantly involved in land preparation. Also, males were found to have relatively more access to, and control over farm resources and played dominant role in decision making than women. The findings of this study revealed that there...

Certain characteristics of some vegetable crops allow multiple harvests during the production cycle; however, to our knowledge, no study has described the behavior of fruit production with progression of the production cycle in vegetable crops with multiple harvests that present data overdispersion. We aimed to characterize the data overdispersion of zero-inflated variables and identify the behavior of these variables during the production cycle of several vegetable crops with multiple harvests. Data from 11 uniformity trials were used without applying treatments; these comprise the database from the Experimental Plants Group at the Federal University of Santa Maria, Brazil. The trials were conducted using four horticultural species grown during different cultivation seasons, cultivation environments, and experimental structures. Although at each harvest, a larger number of basic units with harvest fruit was observed than units without harvest fruit, the basic unit percentage withou...

The objective of this paper was to adjust nonlinear regression models for the fruit production of two vegetable species and to identify the plot size with the best explanatory power and model adjustment. The logistic and von Bertalanffy models were used on variables of means fruit weight and means number of fruits accumulated in multiple crops and with different plot sizes. The models presented similar estimates for all parameters in all plot sizes, and they described the behavior of fruit production in Cucurbita pepo and Capsicum annuum cultivated in plastic greenhouses. Plots of C. annuum consisting of seven plants and plots of C. pepo consisting of four plants are recommended in order to provide results of a high enough quality for model adjustment.

The present study was done to assess the role of magnesium on growth and yields of Barley plant (Hordeum distichon L. Acsad 14). Foliar Mg applicated at concentration (0, 5, 10, 15, 20ppm) by using MgO and MgNO 3. A randomized complete block design with three replication of each treatment was applied. The results showed that the vegetative growth parameters: shoot dry weight and flag leaf area were increased significantly at different stages of growth compared to untreated (control) groups. Mg treatments after 110 days caused significant increases in the number of spike and weight of spike compared to the control plants. Foliar Mg application significantly increased chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll and carotenoids in the leaves. The highest increasing in all parameter were recorded with (10ppm) of MgO and (5ppm) of MgNO3.

There is a long tradition of various fresh vegetables production and consumption in the Republic of Serbia. Field production of medium late and late vegetables is well developed. The production significantly exceeds the needs of Serbian population (7,186,862 in 2011). A part of market surpluses is exported fresh, while the rest is processed by dehydration, freezing, biological fermentation, pickling and canning. For more than two centuries there has been fresh vegetables deficit from early and medium early production of thermophilous vegetable species during winter and spring. By development and advancement of vegetable production in different indoor facilities, this deficit could be compensated. Therefore, the aim was to analyse the current state and prospect of indoor vegetable production in Serbia. Results show that temporary indoor facilities for vegetable production take up larger areas in Serbia. An area of around 3,000 ha of soil mulched by plastic foils and with direct plant covering with agricultural fabric produces 120,000 t of watermelon, melon, gherkins, early potatoes and early brassicas with low and semi-high plastic tunnels. There is a slightly smaller area of permanent indoor facilities (2,421.8 ha). The most dominating are tunnel-type greenhouses (2,345.9 ha), glass greenhouses occupy 40.9 ha, and plastic greenhouses 35 ha. Total area of 2,408.8 ha produces 247,202 t of fresh vegetables, which amounts to 34.4 kg fresh vegetables produced per capita annually and 27.5% of total annual vegetable consumption per capita in the Republic of Serbia.

Availability of good quality seeds is responsible for increasing both production and productivity of both agricultural and horticultural crops. Crop productivity is directly related to the genetic potential of the seed planted. Landmark achievement of green revolution is due to introduction of high yielding varieties. Mega Seed Project-Chatha, SKUAST-Jammu a centre of ICAR-Seed Project "Seed production in Agricultural Crops" is constantly striving hard to produce quality seed and enhance the economy of farmers. The present compilation represents the Quality Seed production of Paddy, Wheat, Pulses, Vegetables, Horticulture Plants, etc. for the year 2018-19 produced by Mega Seed Project-SKUAST-Jammu. Paddy, Urdbean and Sesame seed produced of different varieties during 2018-19 by various seed producing components of SKUAST-Jammu: Research Stations/Farms/Div./KVK's etc was 225.65 quintals and Wheat, Peas, Oil seeds, Mustard, Oats seed produced of different varieties was 629.00 quintals and Planting materials (No.s) 4,12,599.00.

Field experiment was conducted at Kogi State University Research and Students' Demonstration Farm, Anyigba in the Guinea Savanna agro-ecological region in North Central Nigeria during the raining season of 2019 to determine effect of phosphorus (P) on the growth characteristics and individual yield of water melon. The experiment consisted of a variety of water melon (Kaolack) treated to five (5) levels of P: 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 kg P2O5/ha on the growth characteristics and yield of water melon, laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD), with five replications. Data were obtained for both growth characteristics and yield parameters, such as number of leaves, vine length, number of branches, days to first flowering, days to 50% flowering, number of fruits harvested, weight of harvested fruits, and fruit yield / ha. The results showed no significant (P≥0.05) effect of cow dung-based P on number of leaves, vine length, number of stem branches at 9WAS, days to 50% flowering and number of harvested fruit. However average fruit weight and fruit yield per hectare responded significantly to P treatment with 50 kg P2O5/ha giving the highest response in relation to water melon yield thus recommended for the experimental area.

Methods In 2018 and 2019, two determinant fresh market tomatoes, 'Nebraska Wedding' and 'BHN-589' were grafted onto two rootstocks, 'Estamino' and 'Maxifort' (Table 1). Non-grafted 'Nebraska Wedding' and 'BHN-589' plants were controls. Plants were grown at three different locations (Fig. 2): (1) Lincoln, NE, (2) North Platte, NE, and (3) Dwight, NE as a randomize complete block design. In 2019, five tomato plant replicates of the six grafting treatments received one of two fertilizer treatments (0% and 100%).

Vegetable farming in Ghana`s urban areas is mostly a sustainable livelihood strategy. Although it is considered a means of survival for the poor, vegetable farming is practiced by urban dwellers across the income spectrum. As poverty and urban population increase, so is the need to supplement income with privately cultivated foodstuff. In Ghana's Northern Regional capital of Tamale, vegetable farming is constrained by a number of factors including land availability, land tenure security, and access to water. As a result, many vegetable farmers have resorted to cultivating lands along streams and canals, dugouts, wells, broken sewers, and reservoirs. The scarcity of land for vegetable farming in the urban and peri-urban areas of Ghana is as the result of competition. Farming competes with other land use forms such as industry and housing, both of which attract higher economic rents. The most serious threat to farmers posed by urbanization is the changing land use pattern. Changes in land use have resulted in less availability of prime agricultural land for farming which has lowered agricultural production, food security, and standard of living. Such is the situation in the Tamale metropolitan area and its surroundings in Ghana's Northern Region. This study analyzes the socio-political process by which resource flows are directed towards the production and selling of vegetables in Ghana`s urban areas. It examines how this process is managed by farmers through different governance systems in diverse socioeconomic environments which prompt them to value the different technologies differently. I employed a mixed-method approach for this study after a general random sampled survey, and a participatory appraisal was conducted to characterize the urban and peri-urban agricultural system. I collected quantitative spatial data by measuring all open space cultivated areas with a Global Positioning Systems (GPS). Aerial maps were obtained with an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and mapped with ArcGIS software. Images from Google Earth maps triangulated farmers' recollection. Qualitative data were collected using focus group discussions, participatory photography, interviews and participant observation. This study was carried out between October 2013 and February 2015. Results reveal that the area of cultivated farmlands has decreased by 8.3% between 2008 and 2014, even as new vegetable sites emerged in the peri-urban fringes. Even though these farming areas are reducing, vegetable farming is not a temporary phenomenon. It has shown a remarkable resistance against various constraints and maintains a niche without external initiative or support as it takes advantage of market proximity, the high demand for perishable cash crops and the typical lack of refrigerated transport. Although farmers change their location over time, other open areas-usually those unsuited for construction-have been under continuous cropping for the past century.

Salinity is a major environmental constraint on crop productivity and grafting can be a sustainable strategy to enhance plant tolerance under adverse growth conditions. Screening different graft combinations under field conditions can be a slow and expensive processes. In this study, plants of 18 genotypes of Capsicum spp. were evaluated during 5 months to select salt tolerant plants to be used as rootstocks in greenhouse under controlled conditions. Their net photosynthetic rate was used as a rapid and sensitive methodology for screening their tolerance to salt stress conditions. The germination potential of some genotypes was also tested under different salinity conditions to see if it would be useful to accelerate the screening process. According to photosynthesis rate, the commercial rootstock 'Tresor' and the genotypes 'Serrano' (C. annuum), 'ECU-973' (C. chinense) and 'BOL-58' (C. baccatum) were the most tolerant during this period. Nevertheless, the evaluation of pepper genotypes for salinity tolerance based on the germination performance and chlorophyll fluorescence parameter Fv/Fm ratio were not good indicators of the sensitivity along plant ontogeny. Finally, the selected genotypes as salt-tolerant were validated under field conditions as rootstocks of two interesting pepper cultivars, concluding that using the rootstocks selected by the net photosynthetic rate improved the salt tolerance of the scion in terms of marketable yield and fruit quality.

Sludge application to agricultural lands is often limited mainly because of concerns about metal accumulation in soils and uptake by crops. The objective of the study was to test the following hypotheses: (i) in the short to medium term (5-10 yr), the application of good-quality sludge according to crop N requirements will not lead to significant accumulation of watersoluble metal fractions in soil, (ii) mobility and uptake of metals is higher under irrigated than dryland systems, and (iii) metal concentrations in plant tissue could reach phytotoxic levels before the soil reaches environmental threshold levels. Field plots were arranged in a randomized complete block design comprising four replications of three treatments (0, 8, and 16 Mg ha-1 yr-1 anaerobically digested municipal sludge) planted to dryland maize and irrigated maize-oat rotation. Soil and plant samples were collected after 7 yr of treatment application for selected metal analyses. A large fraction of the Zn, Ni, and Pb in the soil profile was ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid extractable (46-79%). Saturated paste-extractable fractions of Cd and Pb were <1 mg kg-1. Plant uptake of Cd, Pb, and Ni under irrigation was double that for dryland systems. Concentrations of the metals considered in plant tissue of both cropping systems remained well below phytotoxic levels, except for Zn under dryland maize, which received 16 Mg sludge ha-1 yr-1. Metal concentrations in the soil remained far below total maximum threshold levels. Therefore, hypotheses 1 and 3 were accepted for the metals considered, and hypothesis 2 was rejected for Zn.

La punaise brune Clavigralla tomentosicollis STAL est l’un des principaux ravageurs du niébé au Niger. Cet insecte est très phytophage, les dégâts qu’ils occasionnent sont importants, En cas d'attaques sévères, la production peut être réduite de manière drastique. Une infestation de deux punaises/plant, peut baisser conséquemment le poids de graines. Ainsi le contrôle de cet insecte demande des connaissances sur sa biologie. Cette étude a
consisté à un suivi journalier au laboratoire de vingt (20) couples de C. tomentosicollis chacun isolé dans une boite en plastique et régulièrement nourri avec des gousses fraiches de niébé. La femelle pond en moyenne 14,45±0,85 œufs par jour avec un taux moyen de fertilité de 94,86±1,22%. L’incubation dure 4,37±0,07 jours et le développement larvaire comporte 5 stades larvaires qui durent 13,05±0,07 jours. Les taux des survies par stade larvaire ont varié de 75,88±2,27% à 91,97±1,73%. Le cycle de développement de l’insecte s’effectue en 23,36±0,20 jours. Ces résultats vont sans nul doute contribuer à une meilleure connaissance de l’espèce et à la mise en place d’une stratégie durable de lutte contre ce ravageur.

Agriculture is the primary occupation for the majority of Nepalese populace for their livelihood; the case is especially true for rural areas of Nepal. While both male and female engage in diverse agricultural activities, gender-specific roles in agricultural decision-making are significant. A survey study was conducted in three wards of Kanchanpur district (Majhgau-14, Bhuda-02, and Baghphata-19) to examine the gender-specific labor input in vegetable production activities. Eighty households were chosen by random sampling and a scheduled interview was carried out. Most of the activities such as fence construction, transplanting, fertilizer use, harvesting, cleaning, and grading were found typically female's responsibility. However, males were found dominantly involved in land preparation. Also, males were found to have relatively more access to, and control over farm resources and played dominant role in decision making than women. The findings of this study revealed that there are gender-specific domains in rural farming system. Therefore, there is a need to develop gender friendly technology and policy while formulating specific project planning and development efforts.