Effects of Incorporating Mango (Mangifera indica), Avocado (Persea americana) and Guava (Psidium guajava) Leaves Powder in the Ration on Growth Characteristics in Rabbits

A study conducted on burgundy rabbits evaluated the effects of rations containing mango (Mangifera indica), avocado (Persea americana) and guava (Psidium guajava) powder. For this purpose, 36 rabbits (20 males and 16 females) aged 60 to 70 days with an average weight of 1012 ± 133 g were divided randomly into 4 equal groups (T0, T1, T2 and T3) of 9 animals each according to body weight (bw). The rabbits were divided throughout the trial, the animals were fed, those of group T0 (control) with a standard feed without any type of leaf powder, while those of groups 1, 2 and 3 received the standard feed supplemented with Mangifera indica, Persea americana and Psidium guajava leaves powder at the rate of 0.5% respectively. After two months of treatment, the animals were fasted for 12 hours (20 h - 8 h) and sacrificed to evaluate carcass and digestive organ weights. The results revealed that the values of feed intake, live weight and weight gain were non-significantly (p > 0.05) increased in all animals regardless of the ration in reference to the control. The different leaves powder induced an increase in carcass yield in rabbits but this increase was only significant (p M. indica leaf powder (51.03 ± 0.24) as compared to the control (48.63 ± 0.74). Gut length was significantly increased in animals fed rations containing Psidium guajava and Persea americana leaves powder compared to the control. A significant increase in gut weight was observed in animals fed the Persea americana leaf supplemented ration. In general, mango leaf powder performed better than other types of powders.

Growth Characteristics of Compound Leaf with Different Quantities of Leaflet of the Juglans cathayensis in Xinjiang

[Objective] The aim was to explore the growth characteristics of different quantity leaflet compound leaves of Juglans cathayensis in Xinjiang so as to provide basic data for the study of J.cathayensis.[Method] The length,width and biomass of compound leaves growth characteristics of three types of different quantity leaflet compound leaves of J.cathayensis were measured in large samples.[Result] The length,width,rachis biomass and total biomass of compound leaves increased with the number of leaflets increase;leaflets biomass of the same phyllotaxy decreased with the number of leaflets increase.The leaflet length,width and biomass of the same compound leaves increased with the number of phyllotaxy increase.The differences on petiole length and top leaflets length were not significant;there were significant differences on compound leaves width;the differences on the total biomass of compound leaves were extremely significant.[Conclusion] There was rather large ecology plasticity of the compound leaves of J.cathayensis in Xinjiang.

Effects of Nitrogen Application Amount on Growth Characteristics,Boll Development and Lint Yield of High Quality Cotton

[Objective] This study aimed to explore an optimum application amount of nitrogen for cotton cultivation. [Method] In this study, a field experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of nitrogen application amount on the growth characteristics, boll development and lint yield of high quality cotton line FZ-1. [Result] Compared with the nitrogen level of 225 kg/hm2, the lint yield had increased by 28.46% and 18.73%, respectively, with the nitrogen application amount of 300 and 375 kg/hm2. When the nitrogen application amount had increased from 225 to 300 kg/hm2, boll number per plant, boll weight and lint yield had significantly increased. At the nitrogen level of 375 kg/hm2, however, the effects of increasing lint yield were significantly less than that at the nitrogen level of 300 kg/hm2. Compared with the nitrogen levels of 225 and 375, 300 kg/hm2 of nitrogen was the optimum application amount to improve the plant height, daily increment of plant height, number of fruit branches, number ratio of nodes to fruit branches, boll volume and seed cotton weight per boll. [Conclusion] The rational management of nitrogen is the most effective way to promote the growth and development of cotton plants, ensure high yielding ability and minimize the environmental pollution caused by the overuse of nitrogen. This study had provided a sound nitrogen application strategy for the cultivation of this high-quality cotton line in the field plantation.

Effect of Lead Stress on Growth Characteristics and Physiological Indexes of Alternanthera philoxeroides

[Objective] The paper aimed to discuss effects of different concentrations of lead stress on Alternanthera philoxeroides growth and physiological indices,to explore phytoremediation methods for removal of lead pollution. [Method] A. philoxeroides in water culture was treated with different concentration of lead,and then,its external injury was observed,its growth and physiological indexes were measured. [Result] A. philoxeroides biomass and chlorophyll content decreased; conductivity and malonaldehyde （MDA ） content were increased; the SOD,POD and CAT activities showed a trend of first increase and then decrease with increase in concentration of lead stress. [Conclusion] With increase in lead concentration,the cell membrane permeability increased and MDA had a higher accumulation,antioxidant enzymes activity decreased,the normal oxidative metabolism of A. philoxeroides was severely affected,leading it to wilt.

Growth Characteristics and Yield of Late-Season Rice under No-tillage and Non-flooded Cultivation with Straw Mulching

A long-term field experiment （started at 2003） was conducted to determine the effects of different dce cultivation methods on growth characteristics and grain yield of late-season rice under double-rice cropping system in seasonal drought region of southeast China （Yujiang County, Jiangxi Province）. The rice cultivation methods included no-tillage and flooded rice cultivation （N-F）, no-tillage and non-flooded rice cultivation with straw mulching （N-SM）, and no-tillage and non-flooded rice cultivation without straw mulching （N-ZM）. There was no significant difference in rice grain yield between the N-SM and N-F treatments. However, the rice grain yields in the N-SM and N-F treatments were significantly higher than that in the N-ZM treatment. The late-season rice plants in the N-SM treatment had significantly higher numbers of effective panicles and total grains per hill compared with those in the N-ZM treatment. The above-ground dry matter of late-season rice was similar between the N-SM and N-F treatments. Compared with the N-F treatment, the N-ZM and N-SM treatments significantly decreased the leaf area at the heading stage. Moreover, the N-SM treatment could significantly increase total root length and root tip number at the grain-filling stage compared with the N-ZM treatment.

Growth characteristics of multipurpose tree species, crop productivity and soil properties in agroforestry systems under subtropical humid climate in India

Multipurpose tree species （MPTs） were studied in an agroforestry arboretum under subtropical humid climate in Northeast India. Out of 12 MPTs planted under agroforestry systems, Acacia auriculiformis in spacing of 2 m × 2 m （2500 stems·hm^-2） could have the potentiality to meet the timber/fuelwood requirement due to its high wood production of 635 m^3·hm^-2 with mean annual increment （MAI） of 2.54×10^-2 m^3.treel.a^-1 in a short rotation period of 10 years. Thus, A. auriculiformis is a short rotation forest tree species suitable to grow in subtropical humid climate. On the other hand, at 16 years of age, Eucalyptus hybrid and Michelia champaca in spacing of 3 m × 3 m （1111 stems.hm^2） produced appreciably high timber volume of 315 m^3.hm^-2 and 165 m^3.hm^-2 with MAI of 1.77×10^-2 m^3.tree^-1·a^-1 and 0.92×10.2 m^3.tree^-1.a^-1, respectively. At 16 years of age, Gmelina arborea produced a timber volume of 147 m^3.hm^-2 with MAI of 1.47×10^-2 m^3.tree^-1.a^-1 followed by Samania saman （140 m^3.hm^-2）, Albizziaprocera （113 m^3·hm^-2） and Tectona grandis （79 m3.hm^-2） with MAI of 1.40, 1.13 and 0.78 × 10^-2 m^3 .tree^-1a^-1, respectively in 4 m × 4 m spacing （625 stems.hm^-2）. Gliricidia maculata and Leucaena leucocephala could be used as live fences around the farm boundary to supply their N-rich leaves for mulch as well as manure to crops. In agroforestry arboretum, direct seeded upland rice （Oryza sativa - variety, AR-11）, groundnut （Arachis hypogaea - variety, JL-24） and sesamum （Sesamum indicum - variety, B-67） were grown during the initial period upto 8 years of tree establishment. Under other MPTs, there was a reduction in crop productivity as compared to open space. After 8 years of tree establishment, horti-silvi and silvi-pastoral systems were developed and pineapple （Ananas comosus - variety Queen）, turmeric （Curcuma longa -variety RCT -1） and cowpea （Vigna sinensis - variety Pusa Barsati） as forage crop were raised. The productivity of pineapple, turmeric and cowpea was comparatively high under Azadirachta indica. The productivity of horticultural and forage crops in association with trees such as G. arborea, A. procera, S. saman, T. grandis and M. champaca of high timber value could be harnessed as viable agroforestry systems. Changes in soil properties were also monitored. Amelioration of soil acidity, increase in soil organic carbon, and enhanced humification of soil humus, high nutrient availability, low soil erodibility and high surface soil （0-15 cm） moisture availability were noted in soils under MPTs.

Characteristics of Growth and Yield Formation of Rice in Rice-Fish Farming System

By using single rice cultivation as a control, the effect of rice-fish culture on growth dynamic, plant type and yield formation of rice was studied. The results showed as follows： rice-fish culture improved the physical-chemical properties of arable layer soil of paddy field, extended growth period of rice, increased dry matter and LAI of different growth stages, improved three top leaves area, deterred the degeneration of leaves function, increased the diameter of stem, promoted the growth of roots and the formation of roots in the extended stem. At the same time, rice-fish culture extended the length of basal internodes, increased the number of internodes, uplifted the gravity of plant, and depressed the root vigor. For the grain yield and yield structure office, rice-fish culture decreased ear/tillering ratio, spikelet/panicle and seed set percentage, increased grain weight. If variety choice and cultivation technology were controlled appropriately, rice-fish culture could increase the effective panicles and improve grain yield of rice.

Variance Analysis of Growth Characteristics and Partial Production and Quality Characters of Different Tobacco Varieties

Objective] This study was conducted to discuss growth characteristics and partial production and quality characters of different varieties, so as to provide can-didates for tobacco production as wel as a theoretical basis for variety deployment in Guizhou. [Method] ‘K326’ was used as control, the experiment for variance analysis of growth characteristics and partial production and quality characters of dif-ferent tobacco varieties was carried out in Fengsan Town, Kaiyang County, Guizhou Province in 2015. [Result] GY8 grew faster in early stages and slower in late stages, the growth periods of GY2 （130 d） and GY5（129 d） were the longest, while those of Yun85 （121 d） and Yun87 （121 d） were the shortest; and GY2, GY5 and GY8 had larger plant heights, maximum leaf widths and maximum leaf areas, and Yun85, Yun87 and K326 showed larger stem girths and maximum leaf lengths. Yun87 exhibited lower natural incidences of diseases, while Yun85 and GY8 showed higher incidences of diseases. GY2, GY5 and GY8 had higher nicotine, total nitro-gen, K and Cl contents, while Yun85, Yun87 and K326 had higher total sugar and reducing sugar contents and higher total sugar/nicotine ratio. Yun85 and Yun87 showed better economic characters, while GY5 and GY8 showed poorer economic characters. [Conclusion] Yun85 and Yun87 have quality characters better than GY2 and GY8, field natural incidences of diseases lower than GY2 and GY8, and better economic characters, and thus could serve as candidates in future flue-cured tobac-co production in Guizhou.

Effects of Microbial Fertilizer on Growth Characteristics of Facility Tomato and Chemical Properties of Acidic soil

[Objectives]This study was conducted to discuss the possibility of applying microbial fertilizer to production of facility tomato,so as to determine rational application rate for facility tomato.[Methods]A field experiment was carried out to investigate the effects of the application of microbial fertilizer onto acidic soil on yield,quality and soil chemical properties of facility tomato.[Results]Yield of facility tomato was improved after the application of microbial fertilizer.Treatment ABA-2 showed the highest yield,which was higher than the CK by 7.98%.On the basis of conventional fertilization,the combined application with microbial fertilizer could promote growth and development of tomato,and could significantly improve fruit weight,and Vc,soluble solid and lycopene contents.Furthermore,the microbial fertilizer could remarkably improve soil p H,alkali-hydrolyzale nitrogen,available phosphorus and rapidly available potassium contents.[Conclusions]The application of microbial fertilizer at 80 kg/667 m^(2) has better effects on tomato growth and development and soil status.

Effects of different phosphorus concentrations and N/P ratios on the growth and photosynthetic characteristics of Skeletonema costatum and Prorocentrum donghaiense

The effects of different phosphorus(P) concentrations(0.36, 3.6, and 36 μmol/L corresponding to low-, middle-, and high-P concentration groups, respectively) and nitrogen(N)/P ratios on the growth and photosynthetic characteristics of S keletonema costatum and Prorocentrum donghaiense were studied. For both species, the high-P(HP) concentration group showed the greatest algal density and highest specifi c growth rate. Changes in the maximum effi ciency of photosystem Ⅱ(F _v/F_m) were monitored under the various P and N/P conditions. The largest decrease in F _v/F_m was in the low-P(LP) group in S. costatum and in the HP group in P. donghaiense. There were high rapid light curves and photochemical quantum yields(Φ _(PSⅡ)) for S. costatum in the HP group, while the actual photosynthetic capacity was higher in P. donghaiense than in S. costatum in the MP group. Under eutrophic but relatively P-restricted conditions, P. donghaiense had higher photosynthetic activity and potential, which could cause this dinofl agellate to increasingly dominate the phytoplankton community in these conditions. Under the same P concentration and N/P ratio, P. donghaiense had a larger relative maximum rate of electron transport and higher Φ _(PSⅡ) values than those of S. costatum. These differences between P. donghaiense and S. costatum may explain the interaction and succession patterns of these two species in the Changjiang(Yangtze) River estuary from a photosynthesis perspective.

Below-ground growth characteristics of 13-year-old Pinus densiflora on different contour conditions in a post-fire plantation in Samcheuk,Korea

We estimated the growth volume of artificially reforested Pinus densiflora in a post-fire area on three different contour conditions by comparing and analyzing the vertical and horizontal distributions of below-ground roots on each contour. The main roots at the south-facing slope (SS) developed in a long and straight form, and those on the north-facing slope (NS) in a twisted form. The side roots developed more than the main roots on the Ridge. The depth of taproots decreased in the following order: SS > NS > Ridge. The roots on the SS developed in a pile-form root structure whereas those in the Ridge and NS developed concentrically near the root collar. The amount of root development decreased in the following order: SS > NS > Ridge. The ratio of fine roots from the whole-root development decreased in the following order: Ridge > SS > NS. These results can guide considerations of growth differences according to the planting contour conditions for future establishment of P. densiflora artificial plantations.

Evaluation of growth characteristics of Aspergillus parasiticus inoculated in different culture media by shortwave infrared(SWIR) hyperspectral imaging

The growth characteristics of Aspergillus parasitic us incubated on two culture media were ex-amined using shortwave infrared(SWIR,1000-2500 nm)hyperspectral imaging(HSI)in this work.HSI images of the A.parasiticus colonies growing on rose bengal medium(RBM)and maize agar medium(MAM)were recorded daily for 6 days.The growth phases of A.parasiticus were indicated through the pixel number and average spectra of colonies.On score plot of the first principal component(PC1)and PC2,four growth zones with varying mycelium densities were identified.Eight characteristic wavelengths(1095,1145,1195,1279,1442,1655,1834 and 1929 nm)were selected from PC1 loading,average spectra of each colony as well as each growth zone.F urthermore,support vector machine(S VM)classifier based on the eight wavelengths was built,and the classification accuracies for the four zones(from outer to inner zones)on the colonies on RBM were 99.77%,9935%,99.75%and 99.60%and 99.77%,9939%,99.31%and 98.22%for colonies on MAM.In addition,a new score plot of PC2 and PC3 was used to differ-entiate the colonies incubated on RBM and MAM for 6 days.Then characteristic wavelengths of 1067,1195,1279,1369,1459,1694,1834 and 1929 nm were selected from the loading of PC2 and PCg.Based on them,a new SVM model was developed to diferentiate colonies on RBM and MAM with accuracy of 100.00%and 9999%,respectively.In conclusion,SWIR hyperspectral image is a powerful tool for evaluation of growth characteristics of A.parasiticus incubated in diferent culture media.

Effects of Variable Lighting Intensity on Growth Characteristics and Nutritional Quality of Hydroponically Grown Arugula(Eruca sativa Mill.)

Arugula(Eruca sativa Mill.),as an edible medicinal vegetable of peculiar flavor,is served as uncooked dish.The influence of variable lighting intensity(LI)on the growth characteristics and nutritional quality of hydroponically grown arugula was investigated by using light-emitting diodes(LEDs)to light the hydroponically grown arugula for a reference for industrialized arugula production.The dynamic demands of arugula for LI in the seedling stage,initial growth stage and vigorous growth stage were tested under two light quality conditions including a red/blue light ratio of 7:1 and a light/dark photoperiod of 12 h/12 h.Then,the curves of variable LI-induced changes in the growth indices of arugula in different development periods were drawn.Next,the influence of variable LI on the growth characteristics and nutritional quality of arugula was investigated by measuring the dry/fresh weight ratio,chlorophyll content,vitamin C content and soluble protein content.Variable LI significantly increased the height,stem diameter,leaf width,dry/fresh weight ratio,chlorophyll content and soluble protein content of arugula plant.Plant height,stem diameter,dry/fresh weight ratio,chlorophyll content and soluble protein content were the highest in the group exposed to LI of 200,300 and 300μmol•m^(-2)•s^(-1)during the seedling stage,initial growth stage and vigorous growth stage,respectively.The greatest leaf width was achieved at LI of 100,250 and 350μmol•m^(-2)•s^(-1),respectively.High intensity LI markedly repressed the synthesis of vitamin C.

Studies on the Growth Habits and Characteristics of Two Polyploid Indica-Japonica Hybrid Rice with Powerful Heterosis

Based on a series of polyploid indica-japonica hybrid plant lines obtained from a new breeding strategy of using double predominance of wide cross and polyploidization to breed super flee, two polyploid indica-japonica hybrids, PSR073 and PSR120 were studied in their growth periods to show the powerful heterosis in a larger scale and to study the characteristics of polyploid indica-japonica hybrids more elaborately. The leaf age, tiller growth, flowering habits, and agronomic traits of them were observed to analyze their growth habits and characteristics. The results showed that the.agronomic traits of PSR073 and PSR120, such as the plant height, panicle length, grain length, grain width, and 1000-grain weight, all acquired obvious predominance of polyploidy, and that the seed setting rate was more than 83%. No significant difference was observed between the two tetraploids and common diploids in the leaf age, tiller growth, and flowering habits. It was concluded that the characteristics of the two powerful heterosis polyploid hybrids were different from those of the polyploid rice reported earlier. Wide cross and polyploidization had no negative effects on their growth habits and characteristics; on the contrary these had powerful heterosis. This had provided theoretic and practical evidences for their application to agricultural production.

Effect of Nitrogen Fertilizer on Growth Characteristics and Productivity of Creeping Forage Plants for Tree-Pasture Integrated System

Sustainable forage production is one of the most important factors in livestock production system. Smallholder livestock production system is a part of agricultural practice in Indonesia. Limited land owned by farmers was dominantly cultivated for food crops, and very small part of it used for cultivating forage plants. This leads to restriction of smallholder livestock development, because no more land available for forage production. Integrated forage production system by planting forage plants and food crops or trees in the same area becomes a considerable cropping system that widely practiced by the farmers in Indonesia. Some grasses and legumes have morphological advantages overcoming growth condition under shading. These growth characteristics are benefit in designing compatible system components for enhanced productivity in tree-pasture systems. Four potential shade-tolerant creeping forages that were combined with 2 levels of nitrogen application were tested using factorial completely randomized design 3 replicates. The first factor was species of creeping forages （stoloniferous）： BH = Brachiaria humidicola, PN = Paspalum notatum, AC - Axonopus compressus and, AP = Arachis pintoi. The second factor was nitrogen （urea） fertilizer： A = without N fertilizer and B = with N fertilizer （300 kg Urea/ha）. The observations included the growth rates of plant length, plant length, number of leaves, herbages yield （shoot）, root dry weight, senescence, total N-shoot, N-soil and N-uptake. The results showed that growth characteristics and productivity of creeping forage plants was significantly differed by the species. Most species showed an increase in growth trend, except P. notatum. A. compressus significantly showed as the best performance species compared to other, in terms of growth rates, plant length, number of leaves, herbage yield （shoot） and root dry weight, N-uptake and N-shoot. This was lbllowed by B. humidicola, P. notatum, and A. pintoi. Based on previous study, A. compressus found as one of the native species in most tree system. It indicated its superior growth compared to other species tested. However, it is needed further research to observe the compatibility of each species in tree-pasture systems.

Different Growth Characteristics of Grewia mollis, Grewia tenax and Grewia villosa Under Nursery and Field Conditions

This study was carried out to assess the growth characteristics of Grewia moll＆, Grewia tenax and Grewia villosa under the nursery and field conditions. Two experiments were conducted at the farm of the College of Natural Resources and Environmental Studies, University of Juba, Khartoum, Sudan. Randomized complete block design with three replications was used. Morphological and physiological factors were measured. Seedlings height, number of leaves, number of branches and sub-branches were different （P 〈 0.05） among the three species at the nursery stage and under field conditions. Collar diameter showed significant difference among the species under field conditions. Physiological factors exhibited more significant variations in the field than at the nursery stage. Variations in growth characteristics were attributed to genetics differences and different growth habit, while variations in physiological factors （photosynthesis and transpiration rate） were attributed to differences in leaf structure, size and number of stomatal pores.

Biomass growth characteristics of 13-year-old Pinus densiflora S.et Z.in a post-fire plantation on different contour conditions in Samcheuk,Korea

We used preliminary data to estimate the growth volume of artificially reforested Pinus densiflora in a post-fire area on three different contour conditions. We compared the growth of P. densiflora on a south-facing slope(Ssth), north-facing slope(Snth) and ridge area(Ridge), using 7 trees selected from each stand aspect. The tree height, diameter and growth volume were measured and the dry weight of each plant part were compared and analyzed. The results revealed that the total dry weight was highest on Ssth(5992.3 g), followed by Snth(4833.2 g) and lowest on Ridge(3160.1 g). The height growth was highest on Snth(285.8 cm), followed by Ssth(274.5 cm) and lowest on Ridge(211.5 cm). The diameter growth was greatest on Ssth(7.37 cm), followed by Snth(7.10 cm) and lowest on Ridge(5.72 cm). The volume growth was highest on Ssth(4257.7 cm3), followed by Snth(3750.7 cm3) and lowest on Ridge(2093.7 cm3). Therefore, we should consider and include the concept of slope orientation together with differences in habitat environments in afforestation projects when creating artificial forests with P. densiflora. These study results can serve as important preliminary data for future establishment of artificial forest of P. densiflora in a post-fire plantation.

Spectral and Photosynthetic Characteristics of Cotton under Chemical-controlled Topping Technology

[Objective] The paper was to study the effect of chemical-controlled topping technology on spectral and photosynthetic characteristics of cotton. [Method] Two row spacing configurations and four topping treatments were set in the experiment field, and the spectral and photosynthetic characteristics of cotton under different configurations and topping treatments were analyzed. [Result] There was no significant difference in spectral reflectance of cotton leaves and canopy among all treatments(T1-T8) before topping. After topping, the spectral reflectance of cotton leaves showed little difference in visible light band, but significant differences in near-infrared light band under two row spacing configurations(T2-T4, T6-T8).And in near-infrared band, compared with CK(T1, T5), the reflectance increased and then decreased under close planting with equal row spacing configurations(T2-T4) and narrow row dense planting configurations(T6-T8). However, the change of cotton canopy reflectance in short infrared bands increased first and then decreased under close planting with equal row spacing configuration, and increased constantly under narrow row dense planting configuration. The photosynthetic capacity of leaves increased, and the net photosynthetic rate(A), stomatal conductance(GH_(2O)),transpirationrate(E) and intercellular CO_(2) concentration(Ci) significantly increased by controlling the top with chemicals, and differences were ob-served between two configurations. After topping treatments, the leaf area of apical leaf increased, and chemical-controlled topping treatments had significant difference with the control. The apical cotton leaves were shrunk internally, and the plant height increased gradually by 7-15 cm;the number of fruit branches increased by 2-4, and the area of apical leaves decreased significantly in chemical-controlled topping treatments.[Conclusion] After topping with chemicals, the spectral characteristics of cotton change, the photosynthetic capacity of leaves is improved, and the growth of apical leaves and apex of cotton is inhibited.

The Effects of Simultaneous Application of Different Organic and Biological Fertilizers on Quantitative and Qualitative Characteristics of Cucurbita pepo L,

Understanding the relations and interactions between ecosystem components and plants is crucial for sustainable production of medicinal plants. To study the effect of simultaneous application of organic and biological fertilizers on yield and yield components of zucchini squash, split plot arrangement of factors based on randomized complete block design with three replications were used during 2009-2010 growing season. The mainplot factors were the type of organic fertilizers, including： （1） cow manure; （2） sheep manure; （3） chicken manure; （4） vermicompost; and （5） control. The subplot factors were the biofertilizes （Nitragin, containing Azotobacter sp., Azospirillum sp. and Pseudomonas sp.） utilization. The results showed the positive but non-significant effect of organic and biological fertilizers on yield and yield components of zucchini squash. Amongst the organic fertilizers, cow and chicken manure, have superiority compared to others. The highest seed oil and protein percent was obtained with application of chicken manure, however there was no significant difference between treatments in seed oil percent. The positive effect of organic and biological fertilizers on seed yield was higher than fruit yield. At a glance, application of cow manure solely was better than its application with nitragin. Nitragin application has no significant effect on some traits when utilized with sheep manure and vermicompost.

Effect of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles on Growth and Biomass Accumulation in Lettuce (Lactuca sativa)

The use of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (nTiO2) is gaining interest in agriculture because of their impact on many aspects of plant growth. The present study examines the effects of nTiO2 (5 nm and 10 nm) applied to seeds and the seedlings as a foliar application on various aspects of growth characteristics and biomass accumulation in lettuce (Lactuca sativa, cv. Grand Rapids). Application of 10 nm nTiO2 to seeds through imbibition resulted in a significant reduction in shoot biomass accumulation while 5 nm nTiO2 did not affect the biomass accumulation in lettuce. The application of 10 nm nTiO2 reduced the fresh shoot biomass accumulation by about 18% compared to the control plants. Other growth characteristics such as shoot dry biomass, root fresh and dry biomass, plant height, and leaf area were not affected by the application of both 5 nm and 10 nm nTiO2. In addition, foliar application of these nanoparticles to the lettuce seedlings did not have a significant effect on most of the growth parameters examined, and the increasing concentration ranging from 5 nm/L to 400 mg/L did not produce a consistent response in lettuce. Thus, nTiO2 application to lettuce seeds had a notable negative impact on shoot growth while foliar application did not have a significant effect on many plant growth characteristics. However, foliar applications produced some symptoms of toxicity to the foliage in the form of necrotic or chlorotic patches on the leaves, which were more pronounced with increasing concentrations of both 5 nm and 10 nm nTiO2. However, these symptoms were apparent at a concentration as low as 50 mg/L of nTiO2. Thus, foliar application of nTiO2 may not have a significant impact on many of the growth characteristics in lettuce, but it can result in foliar toxicity.