Application of Starter Solution Increased Yields of Chili Pepper (Capsicum Annuum L.)

Chili pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) was grown with polyethylene mulched on Inceptisol soil with low pH (5.5), low organic-C (1.54%), very low total N (0.12%), low K content (0.29 me (100 g)-1), but very high soil P2O5 concentration (19.2 ppm) to evaluate the best crop management practices with starter solution. Seven starter solution combinations (1 = No Starter Solution + No CM + No SI, 2 = CM + SSVC, 3 = CM + SSG, 4 = SI + SSVC, 5 = SI + SSG, 6 = SI + CM+ SSVC, and 7 = SI + CM + SSG) were arranged in a randomized completely block design with four replications. Whereas CM = cow manure, SSVC = organic starter solution, SSG = inorganic starter solution, and SI=standard inorganic fertilizer. The results showed that inorganic, as well as organic, starter solution increased chili pepper growth and yield in less fertile soil. The highest marketable yield was obtained with application of standard inorganic (SI) + cow manure (CM) + inorganic starter solution (SSG). Inorganic starter solution application resulted in a better plant growth than organic starter solution, being evident at 1 week until 7 weeks after transplanting. However, inorganic starter solution did not signifi cantly increase total marketable yields. Application of cow manure, standard inorganic fertilizer, or addition of organic starter solution reduced total unmarketable yield, improved fruit qualities and increased marketable yiel

Fertilizer Recommendation: Correlation and Calibration Study of Soil P Test for Yard Long Bean (Vigna Unguilata L.) on Ultisols in Nanggung-Bogor

Yard long bean (Vigna unguilata L.) 777 was grown in Ultisols, which typically have low pH and high P-fixation, to determine the best correlation of soil extraction methods for soil P with yields, and to develop soil P response categories. The research was conducted at SANREM base camp in Hambaro Village, Nanggung, Bogor, Indonesia from April-August 2008. Treatments were arranged in a Split Plot Design with three replications. The main plots were treatments with soil P status of 0X, ¼X, ½X, ¾X and X, where is X = 1,590.5 kg SP-36 ha-1 (36% P2O5) applied once a month before planting. The subplots were P application rate of 0, 75, 150, 225 and 300 kg P2O5 ha-1. Yard long beans were planted in double rows per bed, 60 cm between rows and 25 cm within rows, 2 seeds per hole, with plot size of 1.5 m x 5 m. Coefficient correlation (r) of extraction reagents Olsen, Bray-1, HCl 25%, and Mechlich-1 were 0.772, 0.765, 0.755, and 0.732, respectively. Based on Olsen soil testing methods, soil response categories of very low, low, medium, and high were (ppm P2O5) ≤ 18.40, 18.40 Copyrights © 2011 Copyrights © 2011 </div

Balanço do nitrogênio e fósforo em solo com cultivo orgânico de hortaliças após a incorporação de biomassa de guandu.

Os objetivos deste trabalho foram avaliar os efeitos de faixas de guandu (Cajanus cajan) e da incorporação da biomassa proveniente de sua poda na fertilidade do solo e na produtividade de três hortaliças sob cultivo orgânico. O delineamento usado foi de blocos casualizados completos em esquema de parcelas subsubdivididas com três repetições. As produtividades de beterraba, cenoura e feijão-de-vagem não foram afetadas pelos tratamentos. Nas parcelas onde não houve incorporação da biomassa de guandu, o balanço de nitrogênio no sistema foi negativo, ao passo que com a incorporação, esse balanço foi positivo. Embora tenha ocorrido balanço positivo para o fósforo nas parcelas sem a incorporação de biomassa de guandu, houve um aumento significativo na absorção desse elemento pelas hortaliças quando o material foi incorporado. O sistema de cultivo em aléias de guandu pode representar uma prática vantajosa para os produtores orgânicos, por contribuir na manutenção da fertilidade do solo

Testing the effectiveness of monolayers under wind and wave conditions

Monolayers are highly desirable for their evaporation reducing capabilities due to their relatively minimal cost and ease of application. Despite these positive attributes, monolayers have consistently failed to perform effectively due to the harsh wind and wave conditions prevalent across real-world water reserves. An exhaustive and consistent study testing the influence of wind and wave combinations on monolayer performance has yet to be presented in the literature. To remedy this, the effect of simultaneous wind and wave conditions on a benchmark high-performance monolayer (octadecanol suspension, CH3(CH2)16CH2OH) has been analysed. Subjected only to waves, the monolayer remained intact due to its innate ability to compress and expand. However, the constant simultaneous application of wind and waves caused the monolayer to break up and gather downwind where it volatilised over time. At wind speeds above 1.3 m s 1 the monolayer was completely ineffective. For wind speeds below this threshold, the monolayer had an influence on the evaporation rate dependent on wind speed. From these results a series of application protocols can now be developed for the optimised deployment of monolayers in real-world water reserves. This will be of interest to private, commercial and government organisations involved in the storage and management of water resources.Griffith Sciences, School of Engineering and Built EnvironmentNo Full Tex

IN-ROW PLANT SPACING AFFECTS GROWTH AND YIELD OF FOUR HOT PEPPER CULTIVARS

An on-farm trial was conducted to determine optimum plant spacing for West Indian hot pepper (Capsicum chinense L) cultivars. 'Habanero," West Indian Red' and two 'Scotch Bonnet' hot pepper cultivars were planted at three in-row spacings of 41, 46 and 61 cm. All treatment plots consisted of three rows with constant row spacing of 0.91m. The experimental design was three randomized complete blocks of split- plots. The in-row spacings were the main plots and the cultivars were the subplots. Data collected included plant height at first harvest, number and fresh weight of fruits, number of harvests and production period. Yield was estimated by computation of the numbers of plants per hectare factored by the average yield weight per plant. Optimum planting density for 'Jamaica (Red) Scotch Bonnet' and 'Yellow Scotch Bonnet' was at the widest in-row spacing of 61 cm. The 'Scotch Bonnets' also showed a trend of taller plants producing more of fruits as in-row plant spacing was increased. Differences in yield response of cultivars to in-row spacing was significant (P< 0.05), however, yields from 'Habanero' and 'West Indies Red' were less affected. Analysis revealed that yield was mostly influenced by cultivar. In-row spacing x cultivar interaction was not as significant. This study indicates that in-row spacing for attaining the best yield is highly variable for hot pepper cultivars

On Farm Evaluation of Cucumber Cultivars for Summer Production in the U.S. Virgin Islands

An on-farm cultivar evaluation trial for cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) was conducted to compare differences in plant growth parameters related to fruit characteristics and marketable yield during the summer season. Eight cultivars (Calypso, Cobra, Eureka, Dasher Ii, SMR 58, Marketmore 76, Olympian Fl and Poinsett 76) were transplanted on June 12, 2003 into rows 1.52 m apart and spaced 0.41 m within rows. The trial was established using a randomized complete block design with three replications. Cultivars were harvested on five dates from July 23 to August 10, 2003. Data collected at each harvest included total number of fruits, fresh weight, number of marketable fruits, fruit length, vine length to first flower and fruit. Except for fruit length, differences among cultivars in all measured parameters were significant. New cultivars Cobra and Olympian Fi produced yields that were not significantly (P>0.05) different with common cultivars Calypso and Dasher 2. Cultivar Eureka produced the smallest (202 g) fruit while largest fruits (414 g) were produced by cultivar Olympian F|. Vine length to formation of first fruit was shortest (8.7 cm) with cultivar Olympian Fi and longest (20.9 cm) with cultivar Calypso. In all cultivars, formation of first flower in the vine did not develop into fruit. The study indicates that new and improved cultivars are available to farmers who want to replace old and common cultivars. Best cultivars are Cobra and Olympian F

RESPONSE OF HOT PEPPER CULTIVARS TO LEVELS OF DRIP IRRIGATION IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS

In the Virgin Islands hot peppers (Capsicum chinense L.) are a high value crop of which there is great demand for both fresh pepper and processed products. Previous studies have identified cultivars with high yields and good market potential. A field trial was established during the summer season of 2000 to determine the response of hot pepper cultivars to levels of drip irrigation. Four cultivars ('Habanero', 'Red Scotch Bonnet', 'Yellow Scotch Bonnet', and 'West Indies Red') were drip irrigated at soil moisture levels maintained at -20, -40 and -60 kPa based on soil tensiometer. The trial was designed using a split-plot in randomized block design. The drip irrigation levels were the main plots and the cultivars were the subplots. Data on irrigation water use, plant height, and number and weight of fruits were collected. Results indicated no significant (P>0.05) response to levels of drip irrigation. The cultivars also did not differ significantly (P>0.05) in yield at each irrigation level. Significant differences (P<0.05) in mean plant height, fruit size and number of fruits across irrigation levels were observed among cultivars. Cultivars 'Habanero' and 'West Indies Red' produced higher number of fruits than 'Red' and 'Yellow Scotch Bonnet'. Cultivars 'Red Scotch Bonnet' and 'West Indies Red' produced larger fruits than 'Habanero' and 'Yellow Scotch Bonnet.' Total water use was highest at irrigation level of -40 kPa and lowest at -60 kPa soil moisture. Water use efficiency was highest at irrigation rate of -60 kPa and lowest at -20 kPa. This study indicates that increasing irrigation rate has no effect on hot pepper yield and therefore hot peppers can be produced with minimum irrigation

ON-FARM EVALUATION OF CUCUMBER CULTIVARS FOR SUMMER PRODUCTION IN THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

An on-farm cultivar evaluation trial for cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) was conducted to compare differences in plant growth parameters related to fruit characteristics and marketable yield during the summer season. Eight cultivars (Calypso, Cobra, Eureka, Dasher Ii, SMR 58, Marketmore 76, Olympian Fl and Poinsett 76) were transplanted on June 12, 2003 into rows 1.52 m apart and spaced 0.41 m within rows. The trial was established using a randomized complete block design with three replications. Cultivars were harvested on five dates from July 23 to August 10, 2003. Data collected at each harvest included total number of fruits, fresh weight, number of marketable fruits, fruit length, vine length to first flower and fruit. Except for fruit length, differences among cultivars in all measured parameters were significant. New cultivars Cobra and Olympian Fi produced yields that were not significantly (P>0.05) different with common cultivars Calypso and Dasher 2. Cultivar Eureka produced the smallest (202 g) fruit while largest fruits (414 g) were produced by cultivar Olympian F|. Vine length to formation of first fruit was shortest (8.7 cm) with cultivar Olympian Fi and longest (20.9 cm) with cultivar Calypso. In all cultivars, formation of first flower in the vine did not develop into fruit. The study indicates that new and improved cultivars are available to farmers who want to replace old and common cultivars. Best cultivars are Cobra and Olympian F