Browsing by Author "Jayamanne, J.M.D.D.E."

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    Evaluation of Different Methods of Reducing Night Temperature in Seed Potato (Solanum tuberosunt L.) Production in Simplified Nutrient Film Technique
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2018) Kanchana, H.L.K.; Jayamanne, J.M.D.D.E.; Ranawana, S.R.W.M.C.J.K.; Withanage, N.S.
    Potato is a starchy, tuberous crop belongs to the family Solanaceae. Although potato is the 4thlargest food crop and the staple food in some countries, potato is commercially grown only in Nuwara-Eliya, Badulla, Jaffna and Puttalam districts in Sri Lanka. However, Seed potato is mainly produced in Nuwara-Eliya due to favourable weather conditions in this area especially low night temperature. Seed potato production in Banadarawela is relatively low because of the high temperature compared to Nuwara-Eliya. Tuberization is promoted under low night temperatures. Because of that high night temperature in Bandarawela may reduce tuberization. Thus, reducing night temperature by different methods may help to increase the seed potato production. The current study was conducted under controlled environmental conditions using Simplified Nutrient Film Technique (SNFT) to identify the best method to reduce night temperature for seed potato production in Bandarawela. Five night temperature controlling methods (T1 -Control, T2-Mini exhaust fans in bins, T3-Fan pad method combined with mini exhaust fans in bins, T4-Fan pad, T5-Nutrient cooling) with three replicates were installed and plant performances were measured once a week. Key yield determining parameter, number of tubers (25) was significantly higher in SNFT with T3 compared to other treatments (T1-13, T2-12, T4-19, T5-14). Mean values of plant height (cm), stem height (cm}, number of stolons, root volume (cm3) and stolon volume (cm3) were significantly higher in T3 (126.8, 102.6, 15, 14.3, 10.3, respectively) compared to control (105.9,76.7,10,12.4, 6.4, respectively). Moreover, T3 reduced the night temperature by approximately 1-2 °C. Therefore, fan pad method combined with mini exhaust fans in bins method is the most suitable method to reduce night temperature for seed potato production in Bandarawela region.
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    Evaluation of Different Moisture Conservation Methods to Reduce Fruit Cracking in Pomegranate (Punica granatum) in Fruiting Stage
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Adhikari, K.R.N.; Jayamanne, J.M.D.D.E.; Ranawana, S.R.W.M.C.J.K.
    Fruit cracking caused by irregular watering and moisture stress is a common problem in pomegranate that accounts for 20-40% yield loss. However, less scientific information is available on preventing fruit cracking. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the different moisture conservation methods to reduce fruit cracking in the fruiting stage of pomegranate at 4-year old cultivation in Dankotuwa. Treatments were laid out in twofactor factorial RCBD with 3 blocks. Factor 01 was moisture conservation method (T1-2 kg coconut husk chips with 25 g super absorbent polymer, T2-4 kg compost, T3-2 kg coconut husk chips, T4-covering fruits with poly bags treated with 0.5 g super absorbent polymer and T5-control) and factor 02 was the mulching effect (Mulch with grass straw and No mulch). T1-T3 was buried in a trench as a 15 cm layer (in 1/3rd of canopy circle; 45 cm depth and 30 cm wide trenches). Super absorbent polymer material was analysed separately for its physical and chemical properties. Yield and quality parameters were tested through field evaluations. pH (7.46) and EC values (2.5 μS cm-1) of the polymer were not at a hazardous level to the plant growth or soil and its absorption capacity was 329.66 ml g-1. However, it failed to return to dry form after saturation at a considerable time by making it less practicable for repeated use. No significant interaction effect was observed in the number of flowers, healthy fruits, cracked fruits, flowers, and fruit drops (p≥0.05). Further, no significant difference was observed in any quality parameter. The number of cracked fruits was significantly affected by the moisture conservation method. Fruit cracks were reduced by 33% in the fruiting stage by burying 2 kg of dried coconut husk chips (T1) as a 15 cm thickened layer around the 1/3 of the canopy circle of pomegranate in 45 cm depth and 30 cm wide trenches. Hence, the coconut husk chip application can be recommended as an effective remedy to reduce fruit cracking in pomegranate. Keywords: Fruit cracking, Moisture conservation, Mulching, Super absorbent polymer, Moisture stress