Forage demand is rising in the Philippines, and to sustainably boost agronomic performance, the beneficial impact of intercropping was investigated. This study characterized the performance of high-yielding forages, namely Napier grass (NG) and Pakchong 1 (PK), when intercropped with soybean (SB) and mungbean (MB) under rain-fed conditions in Los Banos, Laguna. The experiment was conducted in a repeated-measures RCBD replicated 3 times with grass species and cropping system as main factors, resulting in the following treatment combinations: Sole NG, Sole PK, NGSB, NGMB, PKSB, and PKMB. Grasses were ratooned, legumes were harvested, and legume seeds were re-sown every 45 to 50 d. This was repeated 6 times after the 70 d of initial establishment. Plant height, tiller count, dry matter (DM) yield, root biomass, and competition indices were measured. Data were analyzed using linear mixed-effects models, and means were compared using estimated marginal means at alpha = 5%. Key findings highlight that intercropping increased tiller count in Napier grass and grass yield in both species by more than 50%, but also decreased legume hay yield by more than 50%. PKMB produced the highest total grass yield amounting to 35.11 t ha-1 after 6 ratoon cycles. The significant main effect of grass species indicated that Pakchong 1 was inherently taller, produced and maintained more root biomass, and marginally yielded more than Napier grass, but bore fewer tillers compared to the latter. Land equivalent ratio (LER) values showed that all intercropping treatments were advantageous over monocropping. Aggressivity and competitive ratio values indicated that the grasses dominated the legumes in intercropping. These findings provide empirical evidence that legume intercropping with mungbean and soybean improves Napier grass and Pakchong 1 agronomic performance and productivity.
Weedy rice (Oryza sativa f. spontanea) is becoming a serious threat to rice production in the Philippines, especially in direct-seeding rice areas, owing to its high competitiveness and its similarity to cultivated rice in morphology and ecological requirements. However, weedy rice can be considered both a threat that endangers rice production and an opportunity, as it offers a potential source of novel genes for rice improvement. This study evaluated the extent of weedy rice infestation in direct-seeding areas in the Visayas, measured the phenotypic and genotypic diversity of collected weedy rice ecotypes using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers, and genotyped them with single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) trait-based markers for bacterial leaf blight (BLB) and blast resistance genes. Quadrat sampling in major rice-producing areas showed a high to heavy infestation of weedy rice (2% to 14%/m2), possibly one of the primary reasons for low yields in these areas. Weedy rice ecotypes collected and characterized showed a very high phenotypic and genotypic diversity (He = 0.831, I = 1.976), which complicates the development of control measures. Furthermore, the presence of admixtures or ecotypes genetically similar to cultivated and wild rice entails a high adaptive potential of weedy rice that might be seriously considered in the future, especially in developing herbicide-resistant rice, since these ecotypes might serve as genetic bridges. However, identifying ecotypes that possess broad-spectrum resistance genes for BLB (xa5 and Xa23) and blast (Pi54 and Pikh) provides a promising opportunity for breeding durable resistant rice varieties. These findings provide valuable information that can help develop effective control management strategies for weedy rice and highlight its value as an important genetic resource.
This study examines the attitudes of cotton producers in ,Sanl & imath;urfatoward establishing a producers' union to address structural challenges in T & uuml;rkiye's leading cotton production region. ,Sanl & imath;urfa contributes approximately 40% of T & uuml;rkiye's cotton output, yet lacks organizational frameworks for its nearly 20,000 producers who face significant risks including price volatility, high input costs, and limited market access. The research utilized primary data collected through face-to-face surveys with 165 cotton producers selected via convenience sampling. Data analysis employed descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis using Principal ComponentAnalysis (PCA), independent samples t-tests, and one-way ANOVA. The findings revealed a significant paradox: while producers demonstrate moderately positive attitudes toward union establishment (mean: 3.89) and strongly believe unions would enhance marketing opportunities (mean: 3.81) and improve pricing (mean: 3.70), their willingness to actively participate in union formation is considerably lower (mean: 3.14). Three critical human capital factors emerged as significant predictors of positive attitudes: higher education levels (p = 0.032), prior training on agricultural organization (p = 0.007), and intermediate farming experience of 21 to 30 yr (p = 0.009). The study demonstrates how sociocultural context shapes organizational preferences, suggesting that producer union models with centralized management structures are more compatible with ,Sanl & imath;urfa's traditional hierarchical society than democratic cooperative models requiring extensive participatory decision-making. These findings contribute to organizational development theory by highlighting the importance of institutional compatibility between organizational models and local social structures. Targeted capacity-building programs, pioneer farmer strategies, and hybrid organizational designs that combine modern management practices with familiar authority structures are recommended to facilitate successful collective action in such traditional agricultural societies.
The plant virus known as Maize mosaic alphanucleorhabdovirus (MMV) is a persistent, propagative pathogen transmitted by the corn planthopper Peregrinus maidis Ashmead (Hemiptera: Delphacidae). It is the causal agent for a mosaic disease that can cause significant loss in corn yield. Currently, disease management is focused on controlling its insect vector population. The molecular mechanisms of virus transmission by the insect vector are not yet fully understood. Previously, P. maidis syntaxin 18 (PmSTX18) was identified as a receptor for MMV. PmSTX18 interacts with the viral glycoprotein and potentially facilitates MMV recognition and entry into the vector, enabling virus proliferation. Syntaxin 18 is a key component of the vesicular trafficking machinery and plays a critical role in neurotransmitter release in insects. This study investigated the expression of PmSTX18 in different developmental stages and major parts of the insect vector. Results showed a significant difference in the expression of syntaxin 18 in the different developmental stages of P. maidis but not between male and female adults and major body parts. A novel set of primers was designed to generate templates for the synthesis of double-stranded RNA targeting syntaxin 18. A 374 base pair (bp) amplicon was selected, and the gene-specific sequences were flanked by T7 promoter sequences for in vitro transcription. Reaction conditions and protocol for in vitro transcription were optimized to generate similar to 327% of the expected double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) yield. The findings of this study establish the gene expression pattern of PmSTX18 in the insect vector, providing insight into its role in the transmission process of MMV through the neurotropic route. In addition, the generation of dsRNA in vitro provides initial steps towards developing an RNA interference (RNAi)-based approach in controlling MMV transmission by targeting the syntaxin 18 receptor in P. maidis.
This paper highlights the critical role of women, including their contribution to adapting to the effects of climate change on the Philippine agriculture sector. It provides an overview of women’s roles in agriculture in the context of climate change through the lens of the Gender Analysis Framework (GAF). A total of 1,823 relevant articles were collected from ScienceDirect, adopting the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. After 2 levels of screening process, 17 articles were synthesized guided by the domains of GAF: (1) access to assets; (2) practices and participation; (3) beliefs and perception; and (4) institutions, laws, and policies. The study found that the most studied and observed domain was gendered access to assets. In particular, these studies highlight that women have less access to monetary and non-monetary resources. Traditional gender norms in assigning women to care work persist, but the findings revealed changes in beliefs and practices as women gained increasing influence in household and farm-related decision-making. Still, the findings implore the need for more research, especially on the other GAF dimensions. By gaining a deeper understanding of the complex and multifaceted roles of women in agriculture, their empowerment can be advanced by recognizing them as key actors in shaping a more climate-resilient and inclusive agriculture sector in the Philippines.
Under drought stress, soil fertility declines sharply, restricting nutrient availability and reducing plant productivity. This study evaluated the effects of mycorrhiza, Azotobacter, and Azospirillum combined with nitrogen on the morpho-physiological traits of maize (Zea mays L.) hybrid SC706 plants under different water deficit conditions. The experiment was conducted at a research field in Fars Province, Iran, over 2 consecutive years (2017-2018, 2018-2019) and applied a split-split plot design based on a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 3 replicates. It assessed the effects of the 3 biological fertilizers in 4 treatment groups (Control [B1], inoculation with mycorrhiza alone [B2], co-inoculation with mycorrhiza and Azotobacter [B3], and co-inoculation with mycorrhiza and Azospirillum [B4]) with 4 nitrogen levels (0, 100, 200, and 300 kg N ha-1). The morpho-physiological characteristics of maize hybrid SC706 were measured under 4 levels of water deficit stress (30%, 50%, 70%, and 100% field capacity). All yield components exhibited statistically significant variations (p <= 0.01), with a notable improvement observed in the second year of the study. This enhancement emphasizes the pivotal role of biofertilizers in promoting and sustaining plant growth under field conditions. The experimental findings demonstrated that the integrated application of mycorrhiza in combination with Azotobacter, Azospirillum, and elevated nitrogen levels (specifically 200 and 300 kg N ha-1) resulted in the most favorable outcomes in terms of yield performance. Such synergistic effects underline the importance of harmonizing chemical and biological inputs in modern agriculture. The integrated use of nitrogen fertilizers alongside plant growth-promoting bioagents, particularly the synergistic trio of mycorrhiza, Azotobacter, and Azospirillum, appears to be a promising and efficient agronomic strategy. This approach not only enhances plant resilience under adverse and stressprone environmental conditions but also contributes to sustainable increases in agricultural productivity.
This study was conducted to detect beta-casomorphin7 (BCM7) in dairy animals and to characterize the beta-casein (CSN2) genotype among dairy cattle breeds in the Philippines. A total of 59 dairy animals, composed of 35 cattle (12 Holstein Sahiwal [HS16 Jersey & times; Holstein Friesian [JHF], and 7 Siquijor Native Cattle [SNC]), 15 buffaloes (Bulgarian Murrah and Brazilian Murrah), and 9 goats (Saanen and Anglo-Nubian) were collected with milk samples. Milk protein was extracted and subjected to high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) analysis after stimulated gastrointestinal digestion. BCM7 was detected in cattle with an average concentration of 0.322 + 0.080, whereas it was not found in all milk samples from buffalo and goat. To confirm the BCM7 expressed by different cattle breeds, genotyping was done on 24 heads of cattle. Genotyping revealed that the A1A1, A1A2, and A2A2 genotypes were present among milk samples. Detected genotypes had a significant impact on the levels of BCM7. The highest level of BCM7 was observed in the A1A1 genotype, and the lowest concentration of BCM7 was obtained from the A2A2 genotype. Notably, the presence of the A2A2 genotype in SNC indicates that this native breed could be utilized to develop a local dairy breed in the Philippines with highquality protein.
In the post-Rice Tariffication Law (RTL) period, several protectionist policies and state interventions have reemerged in the Philippine rice market. Using national-level time series data from January 2018 to April 2025, the study applies autoregressive distributed lag models to assess the impact of policy changes and external shocks on unmilled rice (palay) and rice prices. Results show that National Food Authority (NFA) rice stocks significantly affect palay farmgate prices and special rice retail prices. Vertical price transmission flows from farmgate to wholesale levels for special rice, and from wholesale to retail levels for well-milled and regular-milled rice. Major shocks, such as the RTL, India’s export tax on parboiled rice, and domestic price ceilings, have disrupted domestic price dynamics. Over time, higher NFA stocks depress both farmgate and special rice retail prices. Market power is concentrated among special rice wholesalers and well-milled rice retailers. These findings raise concerns about the proposed restoration of NFA’s regulatory functions, ineffective palay and rice stock management, and potential anti-competitive behavior within the rice supply chain.
Momordica cochinchinensis (Lour.) Spreng. or sweet gourd is a perennial, dioecious vine known to possess remarkable carotenogenic capacity. To explore its potential as a dietary carotenoid source, this study evaluated the carotenoids of aril from ripe fruits and of leaves of an accession from Laoag, Ilocos Norte, Philippines, through open-column chromatography. Data reveal that the optimal fruit ripeness for aril carotenoid quantification, determined by fruit skin redness (CIELAB a* value), was achieved 6 to 7 wk after pollination, at which time the aril was found to contain lycopene at 1,260.64 +/- 56.17 & micro;g g-1 fresh weight (FW) and (3-carotene at 82.55 +/- 6.49 & micro;g g-1 FW. Leaves were also found to contain 92.48 +/- 0.85 & micro;g g-1 FW (3-carotene and 198.04 +/- 9.17 & micro;g g-1 FW lutein. These results support the utility of M. cochinchinensis aril and leaves as outstanding sources of dietary carotenoids.
The study was conducted at the Faculty of Agriculture in Dicle University, Southeast Anatolia, T & uuml;rkiye, during the 2023 growing season to estimate heterosis, heterobeltiosis, and dominance for phenological, leaf, and plant traits in F1 hybrids from desi & times; kabuli and kabuli & times; kabuli chickpea crosses. In 2022, 2 desi (Black, ICCV 10) and 3 kabuli (Azkan, ILC 533, ILC 482) chickpea varieties were crossed, producing 10 hybrids and 5 parents evaluated in a randomized complete block design with 3 replications. Significant variation was found among genotypes for all traits. Days to first flowering ranged from 55.7 to 69.0 d, with Azkan having late flowering. Kabuli parents also generally showed larger plant and leaflet size than desi types. Negative heterosis for early flowering was observed in 4 hybrids, with Black & times; Azkan showing the highest negative heterobeltiosis (-17.39%). Over-dominance (dominance estimates [DE] = 1.61 to 5.79) was detected for days to first flowering. For plant height, Black & times; Azkan showed the strongest negative heterosis (-20.64%) and heterobeltiosis (-28.78%). Leaflet traits varied widely, with positive heterosis for number of leaflets per leaf (2.02% to 68.70%) in 5 hybrids. Promising chickpea hybrids were obtained for early flowering, short plant height, and large leaf size, which may inform breeding programs aimed at enhancing chickpea yield potential and adaptability.
Access to high-quality rice seeds remains limited for small and marginal farmers due to high costs, while traditional rice varieties favored by many farmers often suffer from poor seed viability. Seed treatment presents a practical and low-cost approach to enhance seed performance. This study conducted 2 independent experiments to evaluate the effectiveness of 3 organic-based seed treatments: vermitea, a Trichoderma solution, and a water hyacinth decoction. In the first experiment, seeds from 4 traditional rice varieties (Redrice, Dinorado, Calatrava, and Arabon) were treated with distilled water (control) and 75% dilute solutions of each treatment. The second experiment involved different seed qualities (mature, immature, and discolored) of 3 inbred rice varieties (NSIC Rc 222, NSIC Rc 216, and PSB Rc 18) using the same treatment concentrations. Each seed quality underwent 4 treatments: a control (distilled water) and 3 75% diluted organic solutions. Both experiments were replicated 4 times and arranged in a factorial randomized complete block design (F-RCBD). Parameters measured included germination percentage, plumule length, radicle length, and vigor index. In both experiments, vermitea-treated rice seeds consistently demonstrated the most significant improvement in seed viability and vigor. In traditional varieties, both vermitea and Trichoderma enhanced early growth, particularly by promoting plumule and radicle elongation. In inbred varieties, treatment with vermitea resulted in consistently positive effects on mature and immature seeds, supporting longer shoot and root development and higher vigor indices without compromising germination. These findings highlight vermitea as a promising, organic-based seed treatment for improving rice seed performance, offering a low-cost and accessible solution for enhancing early growth, particularly for traditional and inbred rice varieties.
This study aimed to develop equations for predicting the in vitro ileal disappearance (IVID) of dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) and in vitro total tract disappearance (IVTTD) of DM and organic matter (OM) in bakery byproducts based on their chemical composition, including neutral detergent fiber (NDF). Ten sources of bakery byproducts were tested for IVID and IVTTD of nutrients using a 2-step procedure simulating the digestion and absorption in the stomach and small intestine and a 3-step procedure simulating the digestion and absorption in the stomach, small intestine, and large intestine of pigs. The prediction models for IVID of nutrients in bakery byproducts were: IVID of DM (%) = 99.5 - NDF (% DM) & times; 1.2 with r2 = 0.99; and IVID of CP (%) = 77.3 - NDF (% DM) & times; 0.3 with r2 = 0.47. The models for IVTTD of nutrients in bakery byproducts were: IVTTD of DM (%) = 100.0 - NDF (% DM) & times; 1.2 with r2 = 0.98; and IVTTD of OM (%) = 102.1 - NDF (% DM) & times; 1.2 with r2 = 0.98. In conclusion, the in vitro nutrient disappearances in bakery byproducts can be estimated using fiber concentration as a sole independent variable. Further research is warranted to validate the prediction models to use in feed formulation.
This study explored the impact of successive subcultures of Metarhizium rileyi (Farl.) Kepler, S.A. Rehner & Humber on its cultural traits, spore germination, and virulence against fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), a key pest in agricultural systems. The mass production of infective propagules is essential for effective biological control. Notable changes were observed in the texture and mycelial appearance of the fungus across subcultures. Initially, the fungus exhibited a powdery texture up to the 6th subculture. However, the fungal growth became fluffy and cottony by the 8th and 10th subcultures. Additionally, sporulation rates (7.05 & times; 108 to 1.22 & times; 108 spores/mL) and germination rates (88.60% to 16.20%) declined with successive subculturing. Despite these changes, M. rileyi effectively induced mortality in the 1st and 3rd larval instars of S. frugiperda across all subcultures up to the 10th. Up to the 4th transfer, subcultures maintained consistent cultural morphology, spore viability, and pathogenicity. These results underscore the importance of limiting subculturing to maintain the efficacy of M. rileyi as a biocontrol agent, offering essential insights for optimizing its use in managing S. frugiperda infestations.
This study examined the effects of farm management, body weight, fattening duration, breed, and estimated age on average daily gain (ADG) and meat quality traits, such as hot carcass weight (HCW) and dressing percentage (DP). The dataset comprised 3,286 steers from the Livestock Cooperative in Sakon Nakhon province, Thailand, spanning 10 yr (from 2013 to 2023). The mean initial and slaughter weights were 392.92 +/- 29.18 kg and 600.75 +/- 60.73 kg, respectively. The ADG during the fattening period was 0.95 +/- 0.17 kg/d, while HCW and DP averaged 328.86 +/- 40.79 kg and 54.75 +/- 1.41%, respectively. The beef marbling score (BMS) was classified as quality grade 3 (select). The analysis model included fixed effects for farm, initial weight, fattening duration, breed, and estimated age, all of which significantly influenced ADG, HCW, and DP (p < 0.05). Charolais crossbreeds exhibited higher ADG (1.00 +/- 0.18 kg/d), HCW (340.30 +/- 21.04 kg), and DP (56.92 +/- 2.42%) compared with Limousin and Brahman crossbreeds. Two-year-old steers were found to be optimum for achieving superior ADG and meat quality. However, breed and estimated age were independent of BMS. The coefficients of initial weight and fattening duration had a significant impact on the traits (ADG, HCW, and DP). In conclusion, the best performance in terms of ADG and carcass traits was observed among Charolais crossbreeds entering the fattening period at 2 yr of age.
Abaca (Musa textilis N & eacute;e) is an important fiber crop widely recognized for its superior tensile strength, yet its productivity remains constrained by nutrient inefficiency, poor cropping management, and climatic stresses under manual production systems. Efficient nutrient utilization and an understanding of antioxidant compositions are practically relevant to the productivity of the abaca fiber crop. However, despite the crop's economic importance, limited studies have examined nutrient uptake dynamics and internal utilization efficiency related to fiber synthesis. This study aimed to demonstrate the nutrient utilization efficiency and antioxidant profiles of BC2 abaca hybrids in relation to fiber yield and quality. Fiber tissues were analyzed for N, P2O5, and K2O concentrations using colorimetric and atomic absorption spectrophotometric techniques, while antioxidant levels were quantified through DPPH radical-scavenging, total phenolics, flavonoids, and anthocyanin assays. Results indicated that the BC2 hybrids demonstrated significant phosphorus and potassium utilization efficiencies, whereas the traditional variety had a higher accumulation of N, P2O5, and K2O in fiber tissue, proportionate with higher nutrient requirements per unit yield. Biochemical analyses further revealed that BC2 hybrids had significantly higher total phenolic and flavonoid contents than the traditional abaca variety, which showed high anthocyanin levels. These findings highlight the genotype-specific differences in nutrient use and biochemical composition among abaca varieties as well as the potential of BC2 abaca hybrids for cultivation under nutrient-limited agroecological conditions.
The gastropod assemblage and biofilm abundance, measured as chlorophyll a levels, were examined at 3 rocky shore sites in southern Antique, Panay, Philippines, in February 2024 to address significant gaps in current knowledge and help better understand the ecological dynamics of rocky intertidal zones. A total of 14 families comprising 22 genera and 31 species were identified from the area. The family Littorinidae was the most species-rich, comprising 9 species. Among these, the scabra periwinkle Littoraria scabra (Philippi 1846) was the most abundant, comprising on average 50.17% of the total abundance across sites. Other identified gastropod families included Muricidae (5 species), Neritidae (3), Calliostomatidae, and Collumbellidae (2 each), and the following families with 1 species each: Cerithiidae, Conidae, Cypraeidae, Fasciolariidae, Lottiidae, Pisaniidae, Planaxidae, and Pleurotomariidae. The sites showed moderate diversity (H ') and dominance (D), each with 1 dominant species, but low evenness (E), indicating community instability. Overall, gastropod density ranged from 13 to 33 ind. 0.25 m(-2 )across sites. Mid-shore zones generally had the highest densities, with 85 ind. 0.25 m(-2) at Site 1 and 31 ind. 0.25 m(-2) at Site 3, except at Site 2, where the highest density was observed at the high shore (52.90 ind. 0.25 m(-2)). Using the cold methanol method, chlorophyll a concentration was revealed to differ between sites (p < 0.05). Results showed greater concentration on the lower shore (overall mean = 233.01 & micro;g cm(-2)) than on the higher shore (overall mean = 18.12 & micro;g cm(-2)). Pearson correlation analysis revealed a strong positive relationship (r = 0.97) between mean chlorophyll a concentration and gastropod grazer abundance across sites. However, within individual sites, there were varying negative correlation values (r = -0.31 to-0.79) found to be statistically insignificant at a p > 0.05 level of significance. Results suggest insufficient evidence to assert a definitive relationship between gastropod abundance and chlorophyll a concentration. Further studies need to be conducted over a longer period of time and include other ecological factors to validate the findings of this research.
The value chain of agricultural products significantly influences their profitability and socio-economic contribution. This study developed a descriptive model of the pili (Canarium ovatum Engl.) nut value chain in Sorsogon, the primary producer in the Philippines, and the only province with large-scale commercial operations. Using a descriptive research approach, data were collected through purposive interviews with 15 key informants-farmers, processors, and traders-guided by Porter's value-chain framework. Results indicate that Sorsogon produces about 3 times the quantity required daily (< 2,233 kg) by Bicol-based processors, leading to underutilization and post-harvest losses attributed to limited storage facilities and market linkages. The processing stage, which converts pili fruits into nuts and kernels, demonstrates the highest operational efficiency, while the trading stage remains constrained by limited market access. Stakeholders often perform overlapping functions, and traditional sun-drying methods remain common. Furthermore, an aging farming population, limited succession planning, and inconsistent implementation of food safety standards continue to pose challenges to industry growth. These inefficiencies result in reduced profitability and restrict expansion. Strengthening the value chain through improved processing systems, broader market integration, and streamlined production activities is necessary to enhance economic returns and support the sustainable growth of Sorsogon's pili nut industry.
Growing tomatoes in vertical container systems such as hanging pots presents a promising production system for urban gardening. However, horticultural selections of tomato with traits suited for this system are still limited. The success of different genotypes grown in this system depends on the combination of morphological characters, including plant form, vegetative growth, and root development, as well as yield. This study assessed the morphological characters of 10 tomato accessions to identify those with ideal traits for this system. Results showed that some accessions possess unique traits that enhance their performance in hanging pots. Among the 10 accessions, T2 from Taiwan had the highest accumulated yield of 17.3 kg across multiple harvests, yielding a total of 1,130 pieces of medium-sized fruits. This accession had compact roots with low dried roots (3.03 g), total root length (2,624.12 cm), and a drooping form advantageous for hanging pots, suggesting efficient resource use despite constricted space for root growth. In contrast, T5 from Cagayan, Philippines, attained a lower yield of 11.7 kg despite producing more fruits and vigorous shoots and roots, but was less effective in fruiting. However, fruits from this accession recorded the highest average for total soluble solids (5.95%). Cluster and correlation analyses revealed high dissimilarities among accessions and identified negative associations among morphological characters. While further research is recommended, these results could contribute to the expansion of horticultural selections and the development of this alternative method for growing tomatoes.
Drought stress brought about by worsening environmental conditions due to climate change has increasingly damaging effects on crop production systems. To mitigate these effects, several physiological and biochemical aspects of plants could be used as markers in breeding for the selection of drought-resistant cultivars. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the performance of 8 okra cultivars (Arka Anamika, Punjab Selection, Posaswami, Tulsi, Subz Pari, Super Green, Local Multani, and Green Star) under well-watered (control), mild drought stress, and severe drought stress conditions by irrigating plants at an interval of 3, 6, and 9 d after 30 d of planting. Results indicated that drought stress induced oxidative stress in plants that led to increased production of reactive oxygen species, which resulted in reduced chlorophyll and carotenoid contents. There was also an increase in plant proline, anthocyanin contents, and antioxidant enzymes (ascorbate peroxidase, peroxidase, and catalase). Among the okra cultivars, Arka Anamika showed the most resistance to drought stress due to high antioxidant enzymatic activity, increased accumulation of anthocyanins, proline, chlorophyll, and carotenoids, while Super Green exhibited the least resistance and was found to be most sensitive to drought stress. In conclusion, okra cultivarArka Anamika's improved physiology and enhanced biochemical activities compared with other cultivars evaluated under drought stress highlight its potential for use in future breeding programs for the development of drought-tolerant cultivars.
Optimizing stocking density is necessary to maximize the production efficiency of farmed fish. This study examined the effect of stocking density on the growth performance of the Pacific shortfin eel Anguilla bicolor pacifica reared in outdoor tank conditions. Glass eels (0.72 +/- 0.03 g mean body weight [BW]) were stocked at 50 and 100 individuals m(-2) in 6 4-m(2) outdoor tanks with a flow-through system set up in triplicate. Eels were individually measured for total length and BW, followed by blood sampling at the end of the 286-d trial. Glass eels stocked at a density of 50 m(-2 )exhibited significantly higher specific growth rate, feed efficiency, and protein efficiency ratio. However, survival, final BW, percent weight gain, biomass, biometric indices, and Fulton's condition factor were not significantly different between density groups. Although size class distribution was not significantly affected by stocking density, a higher proportion of larger eels (> 50 g) was evident at low stocking density. The coefficients of variation in both length and weight and in skewness were likewise slightly reduced at low stocking density. In contrast, high stocking density resulted in significantly elevated levels of serum total protein. Partial costs-and-returns analysis showed that 50 m(-2) density resulted in higher net profit and profit index. These results suggest that under outdoor tank conditions, a stocking density of 50 m(-2) will result in higher growth rate and feed utilization, less size variation, better physiological condition, and higher net returns for the culture of A. bicolor pacifica.
