Morphological Variability of Jackfruit (Artocarpus Heterophyllus Lamk) in Taba Penanjung District, Central Bengkulu Regency

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Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lamk) is widely cultivated in Indonesia and has potential source as food, fruit, vegetable, and industrial raw material. However, scientific information on morphological variation in local jackfruit remains limited, including in Central Bengkulu Regency. This study aimed to describe the morphological characteristics of local jackfruit originated from Taba Penanjung District, Central Bengkulu. Ten jackfruit trees representing five accessions were evaluated. Thirty-eight characters, consisting of 14 qualitative and 24 quantitative characters, were observed based on the descriptor of the International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI). Data were analyzed using the Gower dissimilarity coefficient and the Average Linkage method ith PBSTAT-CL version 2.2.1. The five accessions were grouped into to clusters at a cophenetic distance of 0.6. Cluster I consisted of Penum, Lubuk Sini, Tanjung Heran, and Bajak accessions, with variations in crown shape (oblong, spherical, elliptical, and broadly pyramidal), leaf blade shape (elliptic, oblong, and narrowly elliptic), and fruit shape (clavate, ellipsoid, spheroid, and oblong). Fruit length in this cluster ranged from 29,75 to 37,10 cm, flesh weight from 425,81 to 460,92 g per 1 kg of fruit, and total soluble solids from 15 to 16,5 °Brix. Cluster II consisted of the Taba Penanjung accession, characterized by a semicircular crown, obovate leaves, and oblong fruit, with a fruit length of 40,6 cm, flesh weight of 300,25 g per 1 kg fruit, and total soluble solids of 11 ºBrix. Tanjung Heran, Bajak, and Taba Penanjung showed a superior potential as germplasm sources for total soluble solids, flesh weight, and fruit size, respectively, for jackfruit breeding program.

Growth of Seedlings of two Oil Palm Varieties (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) in the Nursery Using two Container Types

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Background: The production of high-quality planting material during the nursery stage is essential for establishing productive, competitive, and sustainable oil palm plantations. Genetic material and container type may influence seedling development.

Objective: To evaluate the growth of seedlings of two oil palm varieties, Deli × Compacta and Compacta × Ghana (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.), produced using two container types.

Methods: The experiment was conducted in Macuspana, Tabasco, Mexico. Seedling growth was evaluated in two varieties, Deli × Compacta and Compacta × Ghana, using tube containers and plastic bags. A randomized complete block design was established with four treatments and four replications, with 100 seedlings per replication (400 seedlings per treatment; 1,600 seedlings in total). Plant height, number of leaves, and stipe diameter were measured every 15 days over 180 days. The same agronomic management was applied to all treatments. Descriptive statistics, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Tukey’s multiple comparison test.

Results: Significant differences among treatments were detected for the evaluated growth variables. For plant height, T3 (Compacta × Ghana in tube containers; CxGt) showed the greatest value at 180 days, reaching 68.37 ± 0.61 cm. For number of leaves, T1 (Deli × Compacta in tube containers; DxCt) and T3 (Compacta × Ghana in tube containers; CxGt) recorded 12.95 ± 0.11 and 12.38 ± 0.10 leaves, respectively, at 180 days. For stipe diameter, T1 and T2 showed the highest values at 180 days, with 2.21 ± 0.03 and 2.19 ± 0.03 cm, respectively, whereas T4 recorded 1.95 ± 0.02 cm.

Conclusions: Under the conditions evaluated, seedlings produced in tube containers showed greater plant height and number of leaves at the end of the nursery period. Stipe diameter was higher in the Deli × Compacta material than in the Compacta × Ghana material at 180 days. These results support the potential use of tube containers for nursery production.

Spatial Distribution of Insects Associated with Stored Maize and Assessment of Damage in Odienné Department (North-East Côte d’Ivoire)

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In Côte d’Ivoire, maize (Zea mays L.) is the second most widely grown and consumed cereal after rice. However, this crop suffers significant post-harvest losses due to pests. This study aimed to map the spatial distribution of the main pests and to assess the damage caused to maize stocks. A sample of 189 kg of maize grains was collected from 21 storage structures across seven localities. The insects collected after sifting the grains were identified under a binocular magnifying glass using identification keys. This study identified 10 species belonging to 9 families and 10 genera. The most dominant and omnipresent species across all the surveyed sites were Sitophilus zeamais and Tribolium castaneum. The highest mean infestation rate was 94.0 ± 0.48%, followed by a mean weight loss of 71.1 ± 1.85%. The findings highlight the importance of implementing monitoring strategies to develop effective methods for managing stock pests, given the high levels of infestation.

Performance and Thermo-Physiological Responses to Heat Tolerance Coefficient of Sheep Offered Diets Supplemented with Lemon Seed Powder in Tropical Humid Zone of Nigeria

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The study was carried out to determine the effect of dietary supplementation with lemon seed powder on growth, nutrient digestibility, blood indices with thermo-physiological parameters, heat stress and heat tolerances co-efficient of West African dwarf sheep. Two hundred West African dwarf male sheep aged etween 7 and 8 months old with initial average live body weight of 7.00 ± 0.15kg were used for the study. They were randomly allotted to four dietary treatments with fifty sheep per treatment in a completely randomized design. The prepared experimental diets that were offered to sheep comprised TD1 (60% guinea grass with 40% formulated diet that contained no lemon seed powder as control group), TD2 (60% guinea grass with 40% formulated diet that contained 0.50% lemon seed powder), TD3 (60% guinea grass with 40% formulated diet that contained 1.00% lemon seed powder) and TD4 (60% guinea grass with 40% formulated diet that contained 1.50% lemon seed powder). All parameters obtained in the study were subjected to one-way analyses of variance (ANOVA). Results showed that feed conversion ratio (4.28), digestibility of ether extract (70.13%), faecal with urinary nitrogen output (4.05 and 1.87g/day), total nitrogen output (5.92g/day), cholesterol (64.01mg/dl), creatinine (1.03mg/dl), urea (11.96mg/dl), relative humidity (morning 95.92%, midday 60.73%  & evening 90.73%), rectal temperature (morning 38.70 0C, midday 39.76 0C & evening 38.960C), respiratory rate (morning 24.36 breaths/min, midday 25.43 breaths/min & evening 24.73 breaths/min), heart rate  (morning 83.92 beats/min, midday 89.71 beats/min  & evening 80.23 beats/min), skin surface (morning 29.01 0C, midday 32.46 0C  & evening  30.670C), temperature humidity index (morning 73. 37, midday 80.94 & evening 73.33), black globe humidity index (morning 75.48, midday 79.82 & evening 77.34) and heat stress index (morning 79.55, midday 82.70 & evening 75.77) were significantly (p<0.05) higher in diet TD1 than diets TD2, TD3 and TD4. Sheep on diet TD4 were significantly (p<0.05) increased in daily feed intake (264.32g/day), final body weight (13.52kg), total with daily weight gain  6.39kg and 71.00g), digestibility of dry matter(71.02%), crude protein (72.04%), crude fiber  (70.41%), ash (67.14%), nitrogen free extract(70.76%), neutral and acid detergent fiber (68.16 and 60.37%), nitrogen intake (14.06g/day), nitrogen balance (9.82g/day), nitrogen retention % intake (69.84%), packed cell volume (28.07%), haemoglobin (10.47g/dl), red blood cell (9.63 x106/ml), mean corpuscular value (34.37fl), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (10.46pg), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (32.75%), white blood cell (11.02 x106/ml) lymphocytes (62.18%), neutrophils (32.87%), total protein (8.01g/dl), albumin (4.16g/dl), glucose (70.02 mg/dl), Benezra heat tolerance co-efficient (morning 1.86, midday 1.86, & evening 1.83), Iberia heat tolerance co-efficient (morning 135.10, midday 121.20  & evening 140.80), Rhoad heat tolerance index (morning 128.64 & evening 134.53), Singh physiological response index (morning 0.93, midday 0.94 & evening 0.92) and Davis heat tolerance coefficient (morning 0.90, midday 0.90, & evening 0.90) than those on other diets. Meanwhile, no significant differences (p>0.05) were found in initial body weight, nitrogen retained in gram per day, eosinophils, monocytes, basophils, globulin, triglycerides, dry bulb temperature, dew point temperature, black globe temperature, sweating rate, and midday Rhoad heat tolerance co-efficient index. It can be concluded that diets TD3 and TD4 that contained 1.00% and 1.50% lemon-seed powder improved performance, boost immunity and heat tolerance co-efficient with reduced heat stress in sheep.

Effect of Different Soil Amendments on Growth, Yield, and Yield Components of Mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) Variety 08 Zudrus

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This study was conducted from May–September 2025 / the 2025 growing season at the Research Farm of the Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Kabul University, to evaluate the effects of organic and inorganic fertilizers on the growth, yield, and yield components of mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) variety 08 Zudrus. The experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four treatments with three replications. Treatments included a control, NPK fertilizer, XiR Biomass containing 10% humic acid, and XiR Biomass containing 20% humic acid. Data on growth, yield components, and yield parameters were analyzed using STAR software (version 2.0.1) through analysis of variance (ANOVA) at the 5% significance level. Fertilizer treatments significantly influenced several growth and yield traits. XiR Biomass containing 20% humic acid produced the tallest plants (35.10 cm), the highest number of pods per plant (10.53), and the greatest biological yield (7851.63 kg ha⁻¹), whereas XiR Biomass containing 10% humic acid produced the highest grain yield (2202.38 kg ha⁻¹) and number of grains per pod (11.00). In contrast, tiller number, branch number, pod length, pod width, and 100-seed weight were not significantly affected. Overall, XiR Biomass organic fertilizers showed greater potential than NPK fertilizer for improving mung bean growth and productivity under the agro-ecological conditions of Kabul.

Comparative Effects of Two Organic Fertilizers, Inorganic Fertilizer, and Their Integrated Application on Growth and Yield of Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) at Kabul Condition

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The sustainable management of soil fertility is essential for improving common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) productivity under the semi-arid conditions of Afghanistan. This study evaluated the comparative effects of two organic fertilizers, inorganic fertilizer (NPK), and their integrated application on the growth and yield performance of common bean during the 2025 growing season at the Research Farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, Kabul University. The experiment was arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with six fertilizer treatments and three replications. Growth traits, yield components, grain yield, biological yield, and harvest index were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), and treatment means were separated by Tukey’s HSD test at the 5% probability level. Fertilizer treatments significantly influenced most growth and yield parameters. The integrated application of 50% OF-1 + 50% NPK (T5) consistently produced superior plant growth, increased yield components, and achieved the highest grain yield, biological yield, and harvest index compared with the sole application of organic or inorganic fertilizers and the unfertilized control. The improved performance of the integrated treatment was attributed to enhanced nutrient availability and more efficient nutrient utilization throughout the crop growth period. These findings demonstrate that integrated nutrient management is a sustainable and effective strategy for increasing common bean productivity under semi-arid agroecological conditions. Future studies should evaluate long-term effects of integrated nutrient management under diverse agroecological conditions.

Effects of Different Amount of Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) Fertilizer on Growth and Yield of Common Bean

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This study evaluated the effects of different rates of diammonium phosphate fertilizer on the growth, yield, and yield components of common bean under field conditions at the Faculty of Agriculture Research Farm, Kabul University, during the 2025 growing season. The experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design with three replications and four fertilizer treatments: 0 (control), 30, 60, and 90 kg ha⁻¹ of diammonium phosphate. Data were collected on vegetative growth traits, including plant height, number of branches, and number of leaves, as well as reproductive traits such as number of pods per plant, grains per pod, pod length, pod width, 100-seed weight, and grain yield. The data were analyzed using analysis of variance, and treatment means were separated using the least significant difference test at the 5% significance level. Fertilizer application significantly affected most growth and yield parameters. The application of 60 kg ha⁻¹ produced the greatest vegetative growth, recording the highest plant height (33.8 cm) and number of branches (4.47), while the unfertilized control produced the highest number of leaves (36.4). The application of 90 kg ha⁻¹ resulted in the highest reproductive performance, including number of pods per plant (12.33), grains per pod (4.00), pod size, 100-seed weight (66 g), and grain yield (1090 kg ha⁻¹). The findings indicate that moderate fertilizer application promotes vegetative growth, whereas a higher application rate maximizes reproductive development and grain yield. Therefore, applying 90 kg ha⁻¹ of diammonium phosphate is recommended to improve common bean productivity under agroecological conditions similar to those of the study area.

Comparison of the Yield of Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) Varieties under the Climatic Conditions of Kabul

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Buckwheat is gaining attention as a promising crop because of its nutritional value and ability to grow under diverse environmental conditions. This study investigated the performance of three buckwheat varieties Common Buckwheat, Devyadka, and Zyloni under the agro-climatic conditions of Kabul during the 2025 growing season. The field experiment was carried out at the Research Farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, Kabul University, using a randomized complete block design with four replications across two contrasting field environments. Several growth characteristics, including plant height, leaf number, leaf width, and number of branches per plant, together with total biomass and 100-seed weight, were evaluated. The results revealed that plant height, leaf number, leaf width, and total biomass varied significantly among the varieties and between environments, with a clear interaction between genotype and environmental conditions. These findings indicate that the growth and productivity of buckwheat are strongly influenced by the environment in which each variety is cultivated. In contrast, the number of branches per plant and 100-seed weight remained relatively stable across environments, suggesting that these traits are less affected by environmental variation. Among the tested varieties, Devyadka produced the greatest vegetative growth and biomass under favourable conditions but showed greater sensitivity to environmental changes. Common Buckwheat maintained consistent performance across both environments, demonstrating strong adaptability and stable productivity, while Zyloni displayed moderate performance with reasonable stability. The study concludes that environmental conditions play an important role in determining buckwheat performance in Kabul. Considering both yield potential and stability, Common Buckwheat is the most suitable variety for cultivation under the variable agro-climatic conditions of the region.

Effect of Foliar Application of Gibberellic Acid at Different Concentrations on Growth, Yield and Quality of Soybean (Glycine max L) under Semi-Arid of Kabul conditions

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Soybean (Glycine max L.) is one of the most important legume crops cultivated worldwide for its high-quality protein and oil content. Using the Plant Growth Regulators (PGRs), particularly gibberellic acid (GA₃) for foliar application, is considered to have great potential in enhancing the yield of soybeans. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of foliar-applied GA₃ on the growth and yield of soybean under the semi-arid condition prevailing in the Kabul University research farm during the 2025 growing season (May-September). Different concentrations of GA₃, such as 0, 50, 100, and 150 ppm, were used at the V6, pre-flowering, and pod-setting stages. The results showed that GA₃ application significantly influenced the growth performance, yield attributes and, seed quality. The plants treated with 150 ppm produced the tallest plants (64.14 cm). The maximum branch number (6.1) and leaf area (42.4 cm²) were recorded in plants treated with 100 ppm GA₃, and there was no significant difference between 100 and 150 ppm. The maximum number of pods per plant (60.35), seed yield (2967.3 kg ha), harvest index (43.4%), 100-seed weight (15.17 g), and seeds per pod (3.07) were noted in plants treated with 150 ppm. However, for all these parameters, there was no significant difference between 100 ppm and 150 ppm treatments. Protein and oil contents were highest in the 100-ppm treatment (38.03 and 19 %).

Effects of Varying Levels of Poultry Manure on Growth and Yield of Canola (Brassica napus L.) under Kabul Agro-climatic Conditions

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Canola (Brassica napus L.) is one of the key oilseed crops worldwide, serving as a vital source of edible oil, livestock feed, and biofuel. In Afghanistan, canola production faces significant challenges due to declining soil fertility and over-reliance on expensive chemical fertilizers. Poultry manure, as a low cost and nutrient-rich organic fertilizer, offers a sustainable alternative for improving crop productivity. However, limited scientific information is available regarding the optimal poultry manure application rate for canola under Kabul’s agro-climatic conditions. Therefore, an experimental research was conducted at Kabul University Agricultural Research Farm during the 2025 cropping season using Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications and four treatments. The study aimed to evaluate Effects of Different Levels of Poultry manure on Growth, Yield, and Yield Components of Canola. The findings of the study revealed that the application of poultry manure significantly influenced on growth, yield and yield components of canola. Overall, the application of 8-ton poultry manure ha-1 had better performance than control. The maximum plant height (117.45 cm), number of branches plant-1 (5.65), number of leaves plant-1 (39.77), number of siliques plant-1 (184.61), silique length (6.01 cm), number of seeds silique-1 (18.39), thousand seed weight (3.40 g), seed yield (2.74 t ha⁻¹), biological yield (9.87 t ha⁻¹), and harvest index (27.76%) were all recorded in T4. The lowest values for all parameters were observed in the control treatment (T1). It is recommended that use 8 tons of poultry manure ha-1 in order to realize optimal seed yield and biological yield of the crop.