Issue 01

Analyze the seed quality of capsicum annum (clv. Grossum) by maintaining an optimum number of fruits load in the plant

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Analyze the seed quality of capsicum annum (clv. Grossum) by maintaining an optimum number of fruits load in the plant Dilrukshi, W.M.D.; Dahanayake, N.; Balasooriya, A.S.; Priyadarshana, U. Capsicum annum, commonly known as bell pepper, belongs to the Solanaceae family, specifically the Grossum Group. Various cultivars of this plant yield fruits in diverse colors, such as red, yellow, orange, green, white, and purple. The quality of Capsicum annum seeds is closely tied to the quantity of fruits produced. It was observed that as the number of fruits per plant increases, the seed quality tends to decrease. The primary objective of this study was to examine the relationship between seed quality and the number of fruits per plant. Awareness of the optimal fruit yield achievable with high-quality seeds can reduce the cost associated with hybrid seed production. The study utilized fruit development in plants as the treatment, with fruit load categories ranging from 8–9 fruits/ plant to more than 18 fruits/plant. A completely randomized design with ten replicates was employed, and hand pollination of Capsicum annum exhibited a success rate of 75–80%. Various parameters, including the dry weight of seeds per pod, seed number per pod, seed volume, dry weight of 1000 seeds, seed germination, and viability percentage, were recorded. While the number of seeds per pod, seed germination, and viability percentage remained unaffected by the fruit load of plants, other selected parameters were influenced. The seed volume was recorded as the number of seeds per gram, with the lowest value considered the best. The treatment with 13–15 fruits/plant demonstrated the highest number of fruits and the best seed quality. Observations indicated the following values for this treatment: dry weight of seed per pod (0.533g), seed number per pod (86 seeds), seed volume (147 seeds), dry weight of 1000 seeds (7.45g), seed germination percentage (85%), and viability percentage (86.33%). For Capsicum annum (Cultivar: Grossum), it is recommended to maintain 13–15 fruits per plant in a greenhouse setting to ensure the production of high-quality seeds.

Cultivar-specific growth and yield of mukunuwenna (alternanthera sessilis) in the low country wet zone, Sri Lanka

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Cultivar-specific growth and yield of mukunuwenna (alternanthera sessilis) in the low country wet zone, Sri Lanka Ariyasoma, U.M.U.R.; Shyamalee, H.A.P.A.; Wathugala, D.L. Joyweed/Mukunuwenna (Alternanthera sessile) is a globally significant leafy vegetable, yet its maximum yield potential remains largely unrealized due to the limited genetic diversity of existing varieties. Farmers frequently lack precise knowledge about the yield potential, growth characteristics, and quality of the produce. Few attempts of research attentions were given to assess its growth characteristics, susceptibility to diseases and pests, consumer acceptability, and yield potential. Therefore, this study aims to comprehensively evaluate growth and yield traits, sensory qualities and morphological features of eight carefully selected Mukunuwenna cultivars. Thus, identifying the most suitable Mukunuwenna cultivars for the Low Country Wet Zone, Sri Lanka. In this investigation, we assessed four Mukunuwenna selections, including one wild (red) variety, alongside three local Mukunuwenna cultivars, focusing on their growth, yield and morphological characteristics under upland field conditions at the Agriculture Research Station, Thelijjawila, Sri Lanka. The study followed a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates. Data were meticulously collected for eight growth parameters and two yield parameters including average internodal distance, average leaf length, average leaf width, average number of shoots per unit area, average number of leaves per stem, average number of flowers per stem, average shoot height, average chlorophyll content, average leaf to stem ratio, and average yield per plot. The results, analyzed through ANOVA and mean separation demonstrated significant differences (P< 0.05) among Mukunuwenna cultivars across various attributes, To assess the diversity in growth and yield, a principle component analysis was conducted. A sensory evaluation was performed to assess the consumer preference. Notably, the Piliyandala selection exhibited the most promising growth and yield traits, particularly excelling leaf to stem ratio and gaining the highest consumer preference. Other notable performers were the Colombo selection, Weda Mukunuwenna and Cultivar M7 showing preferable growth and yield traits with strong consumer appeal. Considering these findings, we conclude that Piliyandala selection, Colombo selection, and Cultivar M7 exhibit preferable growth and yield traits for commercial cultivation, while Weda Mukunuwenna stands out as an ideal choice for home garden cultivation under upland conditions in the Low Country Wet Zone, following recommended agronomic practices. This study’s outcomes hold significant promise for further research endeavors, focusing on enhancing desirable growth and yield traits.

Impact of organic and chemical fertilizer combinations on growth, yield, and soil carbon in in oil palm cultivation at Talgaswella estate, Sri Lanka

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Impact of organic and chemical fertilizer combinations on growth, yield, and soil carbon in in oil palm cultivation at Talgaswella estate, Sri Lanka Bulugahapitiya, D.U.H.; Palihakkara, I.R.; Blasuriya, A. The success of oil palm cultivation hinges on factors such as planting material quality, management practices, and the availability of essential macro and micro-nutrients. Insufficient nutrient supply adversely impacts both vegetative growth and the ultimate yield in terms of quantity and quality. To address this issue, an experiment was conducted at Talgaswella Estate, belonging to Elpitiya Plantations PLC., situated in the Low Country Wet Zone (LCWZ) of Sri Lanka. The objective was to enhance the productivity and profitability of marginal oil palm lands. A ten-year-old oil palm field was chosen as the experimental site, employing a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with eleven treatments and three replicates, including an absolute control. Each trial plot consisted of six palm trees, totaling 198 trees in the experiment. Treatments involved varying combinations of Empty Fruit Bunches (EFB), Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME), and Poultry Litter (PL), with and without chemical fertilizer. Soil, plant, and yield parameters were measured, and the data were analyzed using the Minitab statistical tool. After three years, results indicated that 100% organic fertilizer-received plots (T11) and 100% chemical fertilizer-treated plots (T2) exhibited significant increases in average fresh fruit bunch weight (22.81 Kg and 21.82 Kg), soil organic carbon percentage (3.00 and 2.23), and leaf chlorophyll content (78.79 and 75.07) of the 17th frond compared to T11 and T2 treated plots. Intermediate results were observed in the remaining fertilizer combined plots (T3, T4, T5, T6, T7, T8, T9, T10). The findings suggest that the use of organic fertilizer in marginal oil palm lands not only improves crop and soil factors but also contributes to environmental sustainability through the recycling of oil palm waste products. It is recommended to periodically apply organic fertilizer, especially on marginal oil palm lands, to enhance overall crop productivity and land sustainability.

Physicochemical and microbial characteristics of selected dried fish products in Sri Lankan markets

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Physicochemical and microbial characteristics of selected dried fish products in Sri Lankan markets Thennakoon, T.M.N.P.; Subodinee, A.A.M.; Koralagama, D.N.; Hirimuthugoda, N.Y. The study was carried out to evaluate the physicochemical and microbiological properties of selected dried fish (Boat dried fish, local- land dried fish, and imported dried fish) and Maldive fish samples from markets in Colombo (CD) and Matara (MD) districts. Dried fish samples of the Shark (Carcharodon carcharias), Skipjack Tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis), Mackerel Tuna (Decapterus russelli), Queenfish (Seriphus politus), Moonfish (Mene makulata), Bombay duck (Harpadon nehereus) and Maldive fish samples of Skipjack Tuna and Mackerel Tuna were analyzed. The results revealed that all chemical parameters are affected by the interaction of the source and types of dried fish. Aspergillus spp and Saccharomyces spp were identified in the majority of the samples. The highest mean value of moisture (WB%), crude protein%, crude fat%, total ash%, NaCl%, pH, and histamine (mg/kg) content of dried fish were shown by, CD Local Shark (53.2 ± 0.2), MD Bombay duck (61.83 ± 0.80), MD Bombay duck (14.70 ± 1.39), MD Moonfish (28.20 ± 1.16), MD Moonfish (20.50 ± 0.49), CD Local Mackerel (7.87 ± 0.06), CD Local Mackerel (127) respectively. However, no any significant difference reported in sensory evaluation particularly on smell, taste, texture, saltiness, and overall acceptability of samples. The findings of the research can be used as baseline information for the future development of product quality in the dried fish industry in Sri Lanka.