This study was conducted to determine the effects of nonwoven mulch applications (single-layer, double-layer, and no mulch) on the growth, yield, and morphological characteristics of spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) plants over a three-year period under open-field conditions. The experiment was a two-factor randomized complete block with year and mulch as factors. Parameters such as leaf number at harvest, aboveground plant and root fresh weight, plant height, leaf morphology, total leaf area, shoot-to-root ratio, specific leaf area, and compactness were evaluated. The year effect was a determining factor in many traits. In particular, aboveground plant fresh weight declined significantly, from an average of similar to 131 g in 2023 to similar to 90 g in 2025. Similarly, while the number of leaves was greatest in 2024 (approximate to 17-18 leaves), it decreased significantly in 2025. The single-layer mulch was the most stable and best performing for most of the growth parameters, whereas the double-layer had a limiting effect on somPe traits. In conclusion, the nonwoven mulches had a significant positive effect on the growth and yield of spinach; however, the effects were strongly dependent on the environment during the growing season.
In the present study, 40 broad bean genotypes comprising local collections, indigenous landraces, and exotic accessions were evaluated to assess their morpho-biochemical diversity. Significant variations in morphological traits, with the Shannon Diversity Index (H') ranging from 0.117 to 0.975 and evenness index (E) ranging from 0.169 to 0.993, were observed. Among the evaluated morphological traits, 100-seed weight (100-SW), seed shape (SS), plant height (PH), and pod length (PL) exhibited the highest Simpson's Diversity Index (SDI) values of 0.60, 0.57, 0.56, and 0.56, respectively. Collectively, both H' and SDI identified 100-SW, SS, PH, and PL as the most diverse morphological traits among the evaluated germplasm. Multivariate analysis categorized the genotypes into four clusters, with principal component analysis highlighting pod yield per plant, days to 50% flowering, total soluble solids, crude protein content, and ascorbic acid as key contributors to genetic divergence. High heritability with high to moderate genetic gain was observed for most traits, indicating additive gene action in inheritance. Superior genotypes were identified for horticultural and quality traits, such as flowers per cluster (genotype IC-342275), days to final harvest (genotype BBP-2), pod length (genotype BBP-3), pods per node (genotype EC-329643), nodes per plant (genotype BBPR-1), branches per plant (genotypes BBM-4 and BBM-5), plant height (genotype BB-2), 100-seed weight (genotype IC-331431), pod yield per plant (genotypes BBPR-1 and BBP-3), crude protein content (genotypes BBPR-3, BBPR-4, and IC-342580), ascorbic acid (genotype BBPR-1), and tannin content (genotypes IC-341173 and IC-267650).
