Field experiments were conducted during the winter seasons of 1999-2000 and 2000-2001 in the semi-arid region in the north of Jordan, to study the effect on yield responses of narbon vetch (Vicia narbonensis) of the following: seeding dates (14 Jan., 28 Jan. and 12 Feb.), seeding rates (40, 60 and 80 plants•m-2), phosphorus levels (17.5, 35.0 and 52.5 kg•P•ha-1) and two methods of P placement (placed with the seed while sowing 6 cm deep [banded] or spread over the soil surface and incorporated into the top 2 cm of soil before sowing [broadcast]). The seeding rate, seeding date and rate of phosphorus had a significant effect on most of the measured traits and the yield components. The method of phosphorus application had only a significant effect on seed yield, number of pods•plant-1 , number of seeds•pod-1 , number of primary branches•plant-1 , 100 seed weight, pod length and seed weight•plant-1. In general, the results revealed that a combination of early seeding (14 Jan.), a high seeding rate (80-plant•m-2), and P application (52.5 kg•P•ha-1) drilled with the seed after cultivation (banded) are promising for obtaining maximum yield of narbon vetch. narbon vetch / seeding rate / seeding date / P rate / P placement Résumé-Effet de la densité et de la date de semis, et de l'application de phosphore sur la croissance et le rendement de la vesce de Narbonne (Vicia Narbonensis). Des expériences aux champs ont été conduites pendant les saisons hivernales de 1999-2000 et 2000-2001 dans la région semiaride du Nord de la Jordanie, pour étudier l'effet sur le rendement de la vesce de Narbonne (Vicia Narbonensis) des facteurs suivants : date de semis (14 janvier, 28 janvier et 12 février), densité de semis (40, 60 et 80 plantes•m-2), fertilisation phosphatée (17,5, 35,0 et 52,5 kg•ha-1 P) et 2 méthodes de répartition du P (placé avec la semence au moment du semis à 6 cm de profondeur [en ligne] ou dispersé sur l'ensemble de la surface du sol et incorporée dans les 2 cm de la couche superficielle du sol avant le semis [à la volée]). La date et la densité de semis et la dose de P ont un effet significatif sur la majorité des caractéristiques mesurées et des composantes du rendement. La méthode d'application du P a seulement un effet significatif sur le rendement en graine, le nombre de gousses par plante, le nombre de graines par gousse, le nombre de branches primaires par plante, le poids de 100 grains, la longueur des gousses et le poids des grains par plante. En général, les résultats ont révélé que la combinaison d'un semis précoce (14 janvier), d'une densité de semis élevée (80 plantes•m-2) et d'une application de P (52,5 kg•ha-1 P) déposée avec les semences (semis en ligne) est prometteuse pour l'obtention du maximum de rendement pour la vesce de narbonne. vesce de Narbonne / densité de semis / date de semis / taux de phosphore / répartition du P

Surfactin lipopeptide is an eco-friendly microbially synthesized bioproduct that holds considerable potential in therapeutics (antibiofilm) as well as in agriculture (antifungal). In the present study, production of surfactin by a marine strain Bacillus velezensis MS20 was carried out, followed by physico-chemical characterization, anti-biofilm activity, plant growth promotion, and quantitative Reverse Transcriptase—Polymerase Chain Reaction (q RT-PCR) studies. From the results, it was inferred that MS20 was found to produce biosurfactant (3,300 mg L–1) under optimized conditions. From the physicochemical characterization [Thin layer chromatography (TLC), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy, Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectroscopy (LC/MS), and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) amplification] it was revealed to be surfactin. From bio-assay and scanning electron microscope (SEM) images, it was observed that surfactin (MIC 50 μg Ml–1) has appreciable bacterial aggregation against clinical pathogens Pseudomonas aeruginosa MTCC424, Escherichia coli MTCC43, Klebsiella pneumoniae MTCC9751, and Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and mycelial condensation property against a fungal phytopathogen Rhizoctonia solani. In addition, the q-RTPCR studies revealed 8-fold upregulation (9.34 ± 0.11-fold) of srfA-A gene compared to controls. Further, treatment of maize crop (infected with R. solani) with surfactin and MS20 led to the production of defense enzymes. In conclusion, concentration and synergy of a carbon source with inorganic/mineral salts can ameliorate surfactin yield and, application wise, it has antibiofilm and antifungal activities. In addition, it induced systemic resistance in maize crop, which makes it a good candidate to be employed in sustainable agricultural practices.

The present investigation was aimed at enhancing the quality and productivity of barley by the fertilizer and chitosan application. The field experiments were conducted in the northern region of Jordan, under the rain fed conditions in the main growing seasons of 2014/2015 and 2015/2016. The experiment was conducted in a well-designed split-plot having three replications and two fertilizer levels (0 and 100 kg•ha-1 DAP (Diammonium phosphate 46% P 2 O 5). Chitosan, in three different concentrations (0, 5, and 10 g•L-1), was randomly applied to all fertilized plots as subplot treatments. The results revealed the highest seed dry weight (5.8 g per plant) in the plants treated with 100 kg•ha-1 of DAP, while the lowest (5.2 g per plant) was recorded in the control which exhibited an increase of about 10%. However, other parameters, namely the number of grains, number of spikes, and number of grains were also found to be influenced by the chitosan treatment. Significant variation (P<0.01) were also high between the lines in the presence and absence of chitosan application. The highest number of grain yield, number of spikes, and grains/spike were found by the foliar treatment of 10 g•L-1 chitosan to barley plants at the tillering stage. Similarly, the grain quality, particularly with respect to protein and starch, was found to be enhanced significantly over control. The highest protein (12.6%) and starch (62.3%) were obtained with 100 kg•ha-1 DAP fertilizer level mixed with 10 g•L-1 chitosan. Hence, based on results, it can be concluded that the fertilizer level 100 kg•ha-1 DAP combined with 10 g•L-1 chitosan is economically best and recommendable for improving the quality and productivity of barley in the northern region of Jordan.

To determine the effects of ethephon [(2-chloroethyl) phosphonic acid] on yield and yield components of rainfed barley in arid (150 mm rainfall) and semiarid (346 mm) regions, the present study was conducted during the growing seasons of 1999-2001. Ethephon was applied at the tillering, stem elongation and flowering stages. A comparison of the effect of ethephon on rainfed and irrigated barley performed at the semiarid location in the following season confirmed the results. Ethephon decreased grain yield when sprayed at tillering and stem elongation compared with the later flowering stage for both the arid and semiarid locations. All arid-location barley plants had lower grain yields than the semiarid-location plants. There was a reduction in spikes m )2 in the tillering and stem elongation stage sprayings compared to the control for both locations. In the semiarid and arid locations no difference in earliness (50 % heading) was observed between spraying times but ethephon always delayed heading. All arid-location plants were earlier than semiarid-location plants. However, when ethephon was used with supplementary irrigation it was found to increase grain yield, spikes m )2 and earliness.

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