Chilli (Capsicum annum L.) plant is a high economic value vegetable in Malaysia, cultivated in soilless culture containers. In soilless culture, the adoption of small container sizes to optimize the volume of the growing substrate could potentially reduce the production cost, but will lead to a reduction of plant growth and yield. By understanding the physiological mechanism of the growth reduction, several potential measures could be adopted to improve yield under restricted root conditions. The mechanism of growth reduction of plants subjected to root restriction remains unclear. This study was conducted to determine the physiological mechanism of growth reduction of root-restricted chilli plants grown in polyvinyl-chloride (PVC) column of two different volumes, 2392 cm3 (root-restricted) and 9570 cm3 (control) in soilless culture. Root restriction affected plant growth, physiological process, and yield of chilli plants. Root restriction reduced the photosynthesis rate and photochemical activity of PSII, and increased relative chlorophyll content. Limited root growth in root restriction caused an accumulation of high levels of sucrose in the stem and suggested a transition of the stem as a major sink organ for photoassimilate. Growth reduction in root restriction was not related to limited carbohydrate production, but due to the low sink demand from the roots. Reduction of the total yield per plant about, 23% in root restriction was concomitant, with a slightly increased harvest index which reflected an increased photoassimilate partitioning to the fruit production and suggested more efficient fruits production in the given small plant size of root restriction.

In Malaysia, numerous methods have been subsequently established subjected to water-saving irrigation aiming to improve the common conventional irrigation system. However, among the most preferred water-saving method, alternate wetting and drying (AWD) irrigation adoption are presently in paddy cultivation yet has very limited information, especially locally. Hence, this study intended to propose two treatments, namely continuously flooded (control) and AWD irrigation, to investigate the feasibility of AWD implementation. The experiment was conducted at the paddy field of Padang Raja Kelantan, Malaysia. From the result, the agronomic performance was evaluated by several attributes under the growth performance evaluation, grain yield performance evaluation, and chlorophyll measurement. Statistical analysis was performed on the obtained data, and both growth, yield performances, and chlorophyll content resulted in no significant difference at p < 0.05, a 95% confidence level.

2-D electrical resistivity has been a proper investigation survey for determination of subsurface geophysical in describing the complex features geology profile. In this study, an electrical resistivity survey was conducted at paddy cultivation area located in Melor, Kelantan, Malaysia. Since the end plot of paddy field experiences water scarcity especially during dry season, there is a need to find other alternative water source. The study was conducted on 1st and 2nd February 2020 to identify zone area of groundwater for Melor, Kelantan. Four resistivity lines using Induced Polarization (IP) and 2-D Electrical Resistivity Imaging Technique were conducted using a set of ABEM Terrameter SAS4000. Short resistivity survey was applied to gained detail of subsurface formation near the ground, while the longer resistivity survey was applied to obtain deeper subsurface delineation. Measured data obtained was analyzed using RES2DINV software and result of contrast resistivity values was used to determine the geological structures, while the chargeability values were analyzed accordingly to determine area of expected potential groundwater zone. Results from the resistivity profiles show a range values of 0 Ωm to 50,000 Ωm with total maximum acquired depth of 65.6 m below ground surface. The chargeability profiles show a range values of 0 msec to 500 msec, that shows potential of groundwater zone area lies at 0 to 4 msec. It was found that at a depth of 60 to 75 m, 30 m from center of Profile B was suitable for a production well which was expected to be a potential area for groundwater zone.