The Effect of Vermicompost and Other Fertilizers on the Growth and Productivity of Pepper Plants in Guyana

Present research was carried out during the year 2014–2015 at the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) to determine the effect of vermicompost and other fertilizers on the growth and productivity of pepper plants (Capsicum chinense). Plants were treated with five different treatments, namely T1 (Promix), T2 (vermicompost), T3 (189), T4 (189 + vermicompost), and lastly, control which had no fertilizers. T1, T3, and T4 were inorganic fertilizers, and T2 was organic. Results obtained showed that T3 (chemical fertilizer) has a significant effect on the growth of pepper plants producing plants with better plant height, number of leaves, number of branches, stem diameter, higher fruit yield, fruit weight and fruit diameter. Plants treated with this treatment also had higher fruit yield, fruit weight, and fruit diameter. Mineral nutrients were highest in plants treated with inorganic fertilizers as compared to the organic fertilizer. Maximum chlorophyll level was present in plants treated with T2. There were relatively high levels of pest and diseases in plants treated with chemical fertilizers, delayed flowering and fruiting period and high levels of leaf and fruit abscission as compared to plants treated with organic fertilizer (T2). Moreover, T3 has proven to have a greater effect on the growth parameters of pepper plants but not the quality of plants produce

Improving Profitability and Livelihood of Rice Farmers by Adopting an Integrated Disease Management (IDM) Approach for Blast and Sheath Blight Disease in Guyana

The profitability of rice production in Guyana has been adversely affected by two major diseases viz. blast (Pyricularia oryzae) and sheath blight (SB) (Rhizoctonia solani). To overcome these threats, it is necessary to develop and adopt an IDM approach. A study was carried out: to identify blast and SB resistant genotypes; to study the efficacy of plant extracts, bioagents and new generation fungicides against these disease. Of 103 rice lines, 11 showed highly resistant to resistant reactions to blast. Genotype FL-127 consistently expressed high blast resistance. Likewise, FG12-56 and GR1631-35-16-1-2-1-1 recorded immune to resistant reactions and 12 other exhibited very resistant to resistant reactions to SB. Plant extracts of Black sage 10%, Bael 15% and Madar plant 5% reduced blast infection in field experiments; likewise extracts of Lemon grass and Thick leaf thyme 15% reduced SB under field conditions. The bioagent, Bacillus cereus OG2L and B. subtilis OG2A significantly reduced blast; while B. cereus OG2L effectively reduced SB. The fungicides, Antracol 70WP and Nativo 75 WG showed superior control against blast; while the same 2 fungicides along with Serenade 1.34 SC showed high control of SB disease. These treatments also showed positive influence in growth and increase in yield of rice

Interaction of mangroves, coastal hydrodynamics and morphodynamics along the coastal fringes of the Guianas

status: publishe