In rainfed lowlands, both drought and soil infertility often constrain rice yield. In addition drought affects nutrient availability in the soil. The objective of this study was to evaluate varietal responses to nutrient management under irrigated and rainfed lowland conditions. Field experiments were established at the Cagayan State University (CSU) in Cagayan Valley and Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) in Ilocos Norte, in the 2014 and 2015 wet seasons. In 2014, in both CSU and MMSU, 15 varieties were grown under four nutrient management (NM) treatments: 1) farmers' practice, 2) Rice Crop Manager (RCM), 3) RCM-Plus (additional nutrient input to RCM treatment), and 4) zero input. In 2015, the experiment was done only at MMSU. Ten varieties were grown under three NM treatments: 1) RCM, 2) RCM + 60P (additional 60 kg/ha of P2O5 to RCM treatment), and 3) zero input. Average yields under rainfed conditions were 1.2 t/ha (CSU), 3.7 t/ha (MMSU 2014), and 3.5 t/ha (MMSU 2015), which were lower by 11-17% than those under irrigated conditions (1.4 t/ha, 4.3 t/ha, and 3.9 t/ha, respectively). At CSU, yield increased by 15-24% with nutrient inputs under irrigated conditions and 12-28% under rainfed conditions compared with the zero input treatment (1.2 and 1.1 t/ha, respectively). At MMSU, yield responses to NM were 25-39% under irrigated conditions and 45-49% under rainfed conditions, compared with the zero input treatment (3.0-3.2 and 2.2-2.3 t/ha, respectively). Results showed that the yield response of rainfed lowland rice to nutrient input was as high as or even higher than that of irrigated rice. Genotypic variation among the varieties was observed in each location. Irrigated rice varieties was less responsive to nutrient input under rainfed conditions, whereas some drought-tolerant varieties (e.g., NSIC Rc282) performed well in both rainfed and irrigated conditions. Results indicate that both the use of locally adopted drought-tolerant rice varieties and appropriate nutrient management are important in the drought-prone rainfed lowlands of the Philippines.

The selection of varieties or species of plants with higher nutrient uptake efficiency and nutrient concentration for biofortification of food crops is a key tool to reduce malnutrition. Soybean (Glycine max L. Merr) is one of the most important food crops, because it is consumed directly or indirectly, in the form of seeds, processed (milk and/or derivatives), or used as a protein component of animal feed worldwide. In order to select plants with higher nutrients concentration in seeds, 24 soybean varieties for tropical and subtropical conditions and different general features were assessed. There was great variability in photosynthesis rate, chlorophyll content, seed yield (SY), and concentration and uptake of nutrients by seeds between the varieties. Not genetically modified (NGM) crops showed higher nitrogen (N), cooper (Cu), and manganese (Mn) concentration and higher N, potassium (K), Cu, iron (Fe), Mn, and zinc (Zn) uptake, while for genetically modified (GM) crops only calcium (Ca) concentrations were higher. Varieties BRS 284 and BMX Magna RR showed the highest nutrients concentrations in the group with the highest nutrient efficiency. The genetic variability observed among the varieties regarding uptake and translocation of nutrients into seeds allows selecting more promising materials to be used in the biofortification of nutrients in soybean seeds.

A field experiment was conducted during rainy (kharif) season of 2011 at Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Nadia, West Bengal to evaluate the response of nutrient levels on growth and yield of rice varieties. Regarding the varietal effect, maximum grain yield was obtained from hybrid Proagro 6444 (6.57 t/ha) and minimum from high yielding variety Sumo (4.09 t/ha).Among the high yielding varieties, Sourabh showed better grain yield (4.78 t/ha). Hybrid Proagro 6444 was found with maximum numerical value in all growth and yield parameters viz. plant height, number of tillers/hill, dry matter accumulation, panicles/m2, filled grains/panicle and test weight. Application of 100% RDF performed better followed by 75% RDF + 25% FYM among different nutrient levels.

The nutrient and phytochemical composition of two varieties of Monkey kola: Cola parchycarpa and Cola lepidota were determined. The pulps were extracted, grated and dried using solar dryer. Dried pulps were milled into flour with attrition milling machine (0.5mm sieve size). The nutrient compositions were determined using standard AOAC methods. Gravimetric and spectrophotometric methods were used for phytochemical determinations. There were significant (p<0.05) differences in the proximate and some mineral and vitamin composition of the two varieties. Most abundant minerals were calcium (195–199mg for C. parchycarpa), potassium (204–209mg/100g for C. lepidota) and β-carotene (2755–5028μg/100g for C. parchycarpa). Calcium:phosphorus and sodium:potassium ratios were adequate (>1.0 and ⩽0.06, respectively). Monkey kola had substantial amounts of iron, zinc, and copper; the B-vitamins and vitamin C. The phytochemical contents were quiet high, the most abundant being flavonoids (415–494mg/100g). Monkey kola is a fruit that should be fully exploited for its potential health benefits.

The experiment  aimed to evaluate the production of nutrients  by different varieties of sorghum grown with high valuable indigofera legume  in intercropping system and to determine the suitable variety of sorghum that produced the highest nutrient in the system. The experiment was done at Jonggol Animal Science Teaching and Research Unit (UP3J) Jonggol, from November 2014 to March 2015. This experiment was conducted using completely randomized design with 2 factors (3 x 4) and 4 replications. The first factor was sorghum varieties (PATIR 3.2 (S1), PATIR 3.7 (S2), and CTY-33 (S3)). The second factor was indigofera composition (0% indigofera (I0), 30% indigofera (I1), 40% indigofera (I2), and 50% indigofera (I3)). Data were analyzed using analysis of variance and HSD test. There was no interaction among varieties of sorghum and indigofera composition. Indigofera population of up to 50%  in multiple cropping system had the highest (P&lt;0.01) dry matter content, crude protein content, ash content, total fresh weight production, total dry weight production, total crude protein production, total ash production, and carrying capacity. Sorghum variety CTY-33 planted in multiple cropping system had  the highest (P&lt;0.01) dry matter content, total dry weight production, and (P&lt;0.05) total crude protein production. PATIR 37 sorghum variety planted in multiple cropping system had  the highest (P&lt;0.05) ash content and (P&lt;0.01) total ash production.  It is concluded that Indigofera population of up to 50% planted with different varieties of sorghum in multiple cropping system had  the highest nutrient production.

Biofortification of staple crops through conventional plant breeding, genetic engineering or agronomic approaches, is a promising strategy for increasing dietary nutrient density to improve human health. Successful implementation depends, amongst others, on willingness of consumers and farmers to accept the newly bred crop varieties.

The aim of the work was to determine optimal conditions for clonal reproduction, growth and development of different varieties of Vaccinium corymbosum from the foreign selection. The objects of research were 5 varieties of highbush blueberry: Bluejay, of early ripening period; Bluecrop, Bluegold, Legacy, of average ripening; Aurora, of late ripening. Optimal conditions of explant surface sterilization have been selected depending on their type and effectiveness of used disinfectants. Maximum quantity of viable sterile regenerates was obtained using the mixture of sterilizing solutions of alcohol and bleach "Belizna" with Tween. Effectiveness of microclonal reproduction depending on the composition of nutrient agar medium with organic compounds on macro- and microsalt basis WPM (Woody Plant Medium) with addition of the growth-regulator of cytokinine action 6-γ, γ-Dimethylallylaminopurine (2іР) was evaluated according to regenerative activity of explants and shoots reproduction coefficient. The results of experiments showed that effectiveness of phytohormones action and their concentrations depended on genotype properties of every variety of V. corymbosum. It has been established that the growth activity and shoots multiplications changed depending on the concentration in nutrient medium 2iP. Maximum values of reproduction coefficient for Bluecrop and Bluegold varieties and shoots height were determined on the medium with 4 mg/l 2iP. For Aurora and Legacy the regenerative ability was the highest with concentration 8 mg/l 2iP and for Bluejay, 10 mg/l 2iP.

An experiment was conducted during kharif season of 2012, 2013 & 2014 at Pargoan farm of Khar Land Research Station Panvel. Eight rice varieties (Panvel-1, Panvel-2, Panvel-3, Karjat-3, Karjat-5, Karjat-6, Karjat-7 and Karjat-184) with three different nutrient levels (50 % RDF, 100 % RDF and 150 % RDF) were studied under direct seeded practice. In case of varieties, Panvel-3 recorded higher grain yield (44.76 q ha-1) and found to be statistically at par with Karjat-7 (42.83 q ha-1) and Panvel-1 (40.94 q ha-1). In case of nutrient levels, the RDF @150% resulted higher grain yield (42.71 q ha-1) which was superior over rest ones. Interaction revealed variety Panvel-3 with 150% RDF recorded higher grain yield (48.78 q ha-1) and found to be at par with Panvel-3 with 100% RDF. Panvel-3 variety with 100% RDF showed higher C: B ratio i.e 1:2.35 hence, the Panvel -3 rice variety with 100 % RDF is recommended under direct seeded practice in North Konkan coastal saline soil conditions.

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) is a popular salad vegetable and consumption of lettuce has many health benefits. The objective of this study was to select lettuce varieties grown in a closed hydroponic system based on their morphological parameters, phytochemical and mineral content for mixed fresh cut salads or as whole product. Principal component analysis illustrated three separate groups based on the bioactive compounds, color values and fresh leaf mass for the 16 lettuce varieties. Group 1; Multired 4 contained the highest concentrations of total phenols, flavonoids (isohamnetin, quercetin, kaempferol, epicatechin, mycertin, anthocyanin), β‐carotene, ascorbic acid and higher antioxidant property and lower leaf fresh mass. Group 2; included the green lettuce varieties (Multigreen 3 and Multigreen 1) and the red varieties (Cantarix, Lunix, Soltero, Veneza Roxa, Feska) revealed moderately higher in bioactive compounds and fresh leaf mass. Group 3 contained the green lettuce varieties (Smile, Palmir, Hardy, Nasir, Monary, Atlantis and Vera Green Frilly) and showed lower bioactive compounds with leaf higher fresh mass. Red lettuce varieties are rich in bioactive compounds and antioxidant property mainly due to higher total phenols and flavonoid compounds. Multired 4 (red), Multigreen 3 (green) and Multigreen 1 (green) and other red lettuce varieties can be recommended for mixed lettuce salads or as whole product. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Lettuce consumption is determined by color, size, texture, taste and nutritional properties. Choice of lettuce varieties is important for lettuce mixed fresh cuts or as a whole product. Therefore, it is important to profile the phytochemical composition in different lettuce varieties to improve the antioxidant and nutrient intake in the diet.

Greenhouse gas emissions from fertilizer usage in sub-Saharan Africa are currently low due to low application rates of nitrogen fertilizers. As African countries begin to implement their Nationally Determined Contributions to the Paris Agreement, there is an opportunity to improve crop productivity to meet future food needs while continuing to use N fertilizersâ??both organic and inorganicâ??efficiently. Efficient use of N fertilizers requires combining balanced and appropriate nutrient inputs with good agronomic practices, such as the use of improved, high-yielding varieties that are adapted to local conditions and needs, application and recycling of available organic matter, water harvesting and irrigation under drought stress conditions, and lime application on soils with acidity-related problems. Policies for soil fertility management in the context of climate goals may consider the need to: - Improve the availability, access and affordability of organic and inorganic nutrient inputs, along with other key inputs such as high-yielding varieties; - build capacity in adaptive nutrient management and agronomic best practices that support crop productivity; - ensure equitable access to inputs, particularly for women and vulnerable groups.This work is part of the â??Integrated assessment of the determinants of the maize yield gap in Sub-Saharan Africa: towards farm innovation and enabling policiesâ?? project | Richards M, van Ittersum M, Mamo T, Stirling C, Vanlauwe B, Zougmoré R. 2016. Fertilizers and low emission development in sub-Saharan Africa. CCAFS Policy Brief no. 11. Copenhagen, Denmark: CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS)