Evaluating the Population Dynamics of Leptualaca fassicollis Thoms (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) and Megalurothrips usitatus Bagnall (Thysanoptera: Thripide) on Pigeonpea under the Influence of Plant Density and Planting Date in a Rain Forest Zone, Nigeria | Chapter 10 | Current Research Progress in Agricultural Sciences Vol. 8

In Nigeria, mainly in the rainforest zone of South Eastern Nigeria, there is limited information on the appropriate time to plant early maturing pigeonpea cultivars, and studies are limited on both the production and insect pest problems associated with the improved pigeonpea. Therefore, this research was carried out to determine the best plant density and date of planting early maturing pigeonpea (ICPL 84023) in relation to L. fassicollis and flower thrips infestation for optimum performance in the field. The study was carried out in the months of April, July, and October 2009 and repeated in 2010 in the Postgraduate Teaching and Research Farms, Imo State Nigeria. Experiment was laid out in a 3 x 4 factorial and treatments consisted of four plant populations with density of 190,474 plants ha^-1 (15 cm x 35 cm), 125,000 plants ha^-1 (20 cm x 40 cm), 80,000 plants ha^-1 (25 cm x 50 cm), 55,556 plants ha^-1 (30 cm x 60 cm), with three planting dates, April (early season), July (Mid-season), and October (late season), 2009 and 2010. The result of the effects of plant densities and planting dates on the population of pigeonpea Leptualaca fassicollis thoms and Megalurothrips usitatus Bagnall showed that pigeonpea planted at a higher plant density of 190,474 plants ha^-1 had a higher population of L. fassicollis and flower thrips compared with pigeonpea plants at lower densities. Thus, a relationship between cultivation techniques (using lower plant densities) and planting schedule (planting during July) with respect to the abundance of pests population can have a commendable effect in advancing Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies and fostering climate-resilient agricultural practices in pigeon pea production.

 

Author (s) Details

Dialoke S. A
Department of Crop Science and Technology, School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology, Federal University of Technology, PMB 1526, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.

 

Enujeke E.C
Department of Agronomy, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria.

 

Awere S.U
Department of Agronomy and Ecological Management, Enugu State, Science and Technology, Enugu State, Nigeria.

 

Uluocha O.B
Department of Forestry and Wildlife Technology, Federal University of Technology, PMB 1526, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria

 

Azubuike N.O.
Department of Forestry and Wildlife Technology, Federal University of Technology, PMB 1526, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.

 

Umelo C.Q
University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Umuagwo Imo State, Nigeria.

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/crpas/v8/4085

Plant Density, Nitrogen Fertility and Variety Recommendation for Maize Production in Semi-coral Environment of Pemba, Zanzibar | Chapter 1 | Research Highlights in Agricultural Sciences Vol. 2

 The optimum maize variety for the del crop on Pemba Island was determined through an experiment, and recommendations for optimised plant density and nitrogen fertiliser were made for the types that were put to the test. Three enhanced varieties (Staha, Situka, and TMV-1) were planted in opposition to the regionally cultivated variety JKU. Other treatments included three plant densities (44,444; 53,333 and 66,666 plants/ha) and four nitrogen rates (23, 46, 70, and 90 kgN/ha). The treatment sources of variation had a considerable impact on the growth and production of the maize crop (varieties, densities, and fertiliser rates). Between the best and worst performing types, there was a yield gap of about 69%. Increased nitrogen fertility led to a yield differential of up to 32.9 percent, while enhanced spacing led to an increase in yield of up to 28.8 percent. The variety Staha, cultivated at a spacing of 75 cm 20 cm, generating a plant population of 66,666 ha-1; and the usage of nitrogen at 70 kgN/ha are recommended for the best maize yields in the area. The optimal practise is to simultaneously optimise all three variables.

Author(s) Details:

D. G. Msuya,
Department of Crop Science and Horticulture, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3005 Chuo Kikuu, Morogoro, Tanzania.

O. M. Ali,
Department of Food Security and Nutrition, Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, P.O. Box 159, Zanzibar, Tanzania.

Please see the link here: https://stm.bookpi.org/RHAS-V2/article/view/8153

Does Salinity Enhance Allelopathic Effects of Tribulus terrestris L. in Citrullus Vulgaris Schrad. Agroecosystems at Nobaria, Egypt? Experimental Investigation | Chapter 02 | Recent Progress in Plant and Soil Research Vol. 5

 Field investigations in the summer of 2013 revealed that some undiscovered stressful factors had a significant impact on Citrullus vulgaris growth and yield in the Nobaria district of Egypt. Presumably, the problem was confined to the two combined causes of soil salinity and Tribulus terrestris inhibitory effects (a common weed dominant in C. vulgaris fields in the study area). Weeds are seen to be an important part of natural and agroecosystems, and their allelopathic activity has been linked to their success. Experiments in the field and in the lab were conducted to back up the previous hypothesis. The plant C. vulgaris was found to be harmed by the interaction of the two variables. The phytomass and leaf area index (LAI) of the study plant were considerably lower in the proximity of T. terrestris (bad weed management) than in the vicinity of T. terrestris (excellent weed management). In a laboratory test, the interaction of salinity and allelochemicals watery derived from T. terrestris plants had a significant impact on germination efficiency, hypocotyl-radicle length, and germination index of C. vulgaris when compared to the influence of just one factor. Finally, T. terrestris showed a significant suppressive effect on C. vulgaris growth and yield, which increased with modest or moderate salinity. Importantly, in desert agro-ecosystems, weed control is a critical technique for avoiding a wide range of interactions between crop-weed on the one hand, and weed-external climatic and edaphic factors on the other.

Author(S) Details

S. M. EL-Darier
Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21511, Egypt.

R. S. Youssef
Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21511, Egypt.

View Book:- https://stm.bookpi.org/RPPSR-V5/article/view/6202

Ecological Impact of Plant Density and Planting Dates on the Population of Major Pod Sucking Bugs in Relation to Damage and Yield of Improved Pigeonpea Cultivar in Owerri Rainforest Zone, Nigeria | Chapter 1 | Advances and Trends in Agricultural Sciences Vol. 4

Field experiment was carried out to access the population of three major pod sucking bugs namely Riptortus dentipes Fab. (Hemiptera: Coreidae), Clavigralla tomentosicollis Stall (Hemiptera: Coreidae), Anoplocnemis curvipes Fab (Hemiptera: coreidae) and their effect on damage, yield (kg ha-1) and yield components under varying plant densities and planting dates. The experiment was conducted at the Postgraduate Teaching and Research Farm, Department of Crop Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri Imo State. Experiment was laid out in a 3 x 4 factorial and treatments comprised of four plant density of 190,474 plants ha-1, 125,000 plants ha-1, 80,000 plants ha-1, 55,556 plants ha-1 and  three planting dates, April (early season), July (Midseason), and October (late season), 2009 and 2010. The results, show that there was significant (p<0.05) population of the pod sucking bugs on pigeonpea flowers and pods at high plant density and low on plants at low plant density. There was significant (p<0.05) population of C. tomentosicollis and A. curvipes  in October while April and July planting seasons showed absence of C. tomentosicollis and A. curvipes The population of R. dentipes occurred throughout the season with peak population in April which decreased as planting was delayed till October. Also plants at high density recorded high pod and seed damage resulting in low values of seed yield (147.90 kg ha-1) in 2009, (168.80 kg ha-1) in 2010 when compared with pigeonpea planted at low density which had low pod and seed damage with high seed yield of 223.33 kg ha-1 in 2009, and 268.83 kg ha-1 in 2010. Also yield components like 100 pod/seed weight (g), pod/seed yield (g) per plant, number of seeds per pod were low on plants at high density, but high on plants at low density. July planting season recorded the lowest pest loads, pods/seed damage, with resultant high pod/seed yield and yield components compared with April and October planting seasons. Therefore, for high seed yield with minimal damage by pod sucking bugs, planting the early maturing pigeonpea in July at low density should be incorporated into farming systems in this zone as integrated Pest Management alternative.

Author(s) Details

Sunday Ani Dialoke
Department of Crop Science and Technology, School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 1526, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.

View Book: - http://bp.bookpi.org/index.php/bpi/catalog/book/168