Plant Science Today

Geographical indications: Global trends and Indias' progress in agricultural and handicraft products

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Geographical Indications (GIs) provide legal protection to products tied to specific regions, highlighting their unique qualities and heritage. The significance of GIs has grown globally, as they serve as tools to protect traditional products, promote regional economic development and ensure product quality in the market. This paper examines the role of GIs globally and in India, emphasizing their importance in promoting sustainable production practices and protecting intellectual property rights. The study utilizes secondary data from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the Intellectual Property India database, examining trends in GI registration across various product categories and states. China ranks first in the total GI share with 9785 GIs and India ranks 52nd with 530 GIs Globally in 2023. In India, Uttar Pradesh ranks first with 74 GIs and Tamil Nadu Ranks second with 59 GIs in 2024. The findings revealed that agricultural commodities and handicrafts products dominate the GI landscape in India, while globally, wines and spirits form the largest share of GIs. Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) for Global (8.17 %) and Indian GIs (5.76 %) showed a positive growth rate for the period under study. CAGR analysis indicated the highest growth in the registration of GIs under agricultural commodities in India (10.63 %) and globally (12.14 %). The paper concludes that while India has made significant progress, further research and policy frameworks are needed to address challenges in promoting GIs and the support needed post-GI registration. Globally, GIs offer potential for economic growth, cultural preservation and sustainability.

M4 generation of moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.) mutants revealing genetic diversity for leaf traits based on SSR markers

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

This study was conducted to develop a variety suitable for high leaf production in moringa. Initially, seeds of PKM 1 variety of moringa were treated with gamma irradiation of 100 Gy (Gray), 200 Gy and 300 Gy at Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Mumbai and raised as M1 generation. The best-performing mutants were selected and forwarded to further generations (M1 to M4) based on leaf-related characters. A total of 10 Indian drumsticks (Moringa oleifera Lam.) mutants (derived from 200 Gy of gamma irradiation) from M4 generation with PKM 1 variety were evaluated for morphological and molecular diversity. To evaluate morphological diversity, 4 features (leaf length, leaf breadth, fresh weight and dry weight) were studied under field conditions. Ten sets of markers for simple sequence repeats (SSR), i.e. GenicSSR1081, SSR25987, SSR2927, GenicSSR859, GenicSSR796, SSR6561, GenicSSR890, GenicSSR1204, GenicSSR983 and GenicSSR778; that generated distinct and repeatable bands; were chosen for analyzing molecular diversity. A total of 24 bands were amplified, of which 17 were polymorphic. With an average of 0.391, the polymorphic information content (PIC) values for SSR markers varied from 0.124 for marker SSR2927 to 0.719 for marker GenicSSR778. Based on the cluster analysis with SSR markers, the mutants are divided into 2 groups. The variety PKM 1 was separated by a group whereas; all the other mutants fell into a single group indicating the diversity of mutants from the control. The diverse mutants (15-1-09-70 and 15-1-09-53) based on both morphological and molecular observations were selected and suggested for evaluation through subsequent generations that have the potential to be released as a variety for high leaf production. By increasing the production of highly nutritious moringa leaf, self-sufficiency and nutritional security can be obtained as well as it could benefit the lifestyle improvement of farmers through export to countries where the crop demand is high.

Polarity-driven extraction revealed potent bioactivities in rhizomes and leaves of Curcuma caesia Roxb.

L Jyotirmayee, K Basudeba, S Suprava — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

The increasing demand for plant-based bioactive compounds has fueled interest in exploring natural antioxidants and antimicrobial agents. Curcuma caesia Roxb., commonly known as black turmeric, holds significant potential as a source of natural antioxidants and antimicrobial agents. This study investigated the antioxidant and antimicrobial potential of sequential extracts from C. caesia rhizomes and leaves, utilizing solvents of varying polarity (n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, methanol and water). The extraction yields varied between 1.69% and 6.34%, with n-hexane providing the highest yield of 6.34% for leaf extracts and 5.9% for rhizome extracts. Chloroform extracts were particularly rich in phenolics (total phenolic content: 95.17 ± 0.15 mg GAE/g for leaves and 84.16 ± 0.20 mg GAE/g for rhizome) and flavonoids (total flavonoids content: up to 75.98 ± 2.00 mg quercetin/g for leaves and 56.89 ± 0.15 mg quercetin/g for rhizomes). Antioxidant activity, determined through 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay, showed the strongest results in chloroform extracts, with IC50 values as low as 0.75 ± 0.02 microgram/mL for leaves. Additionally, nonpolar solvent extracts (n-hexane and chloroform) demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity against multidrug-resistant strains like Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values as low as 3.12 microgram/mL, comparable to standard antibiotics. These findings highlight C. caesia as a promising source of bioactive compounds for future phytopharmaceutical applications.

Probiotic assisted drought tolerance in green gram: A novel strategy for sustainable agriculture

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Drought stress is a critical factor that limits crop growth and yield. Biopriming has emerged as an effective and eco-friendly method to mitigate drought stress and enhance plant growth. This study evaluated the impact of nodule-associated plant probiotics (NAPP) on green gram seeds through treatments such as biopriming, coating and their combination of biopriming + coating along with hydropriming and uninoculated seeds served as a control in both in vivo and pot experiments. The study demonstrated that a combination of 6 mL biopriming + 4 mL coated seeds significantly improved the speed of germination (33%), germination percentage (16%), total seedling length (31%), dry weight (29%), seed vigor index (50%) compared uninoculated seeds. In the pot experiment, seeds treated with the combination of biopriming + coating were planted in different drought conditions viz., severe drought (40% water holding capacity, WHC), moderate drought (70% WHC) and controlled conditions (100% WHC). Combining biopriming + coated seeds showed a higher photosynthetic rate and relative water content, significantly improving plant growth under drought stress and optimal conditions. The biochemical study found that combining biopriming + coated seeds considerably increased proline content, total soluble protein and antioxidant enzymes under drought stress and control conditions. Furthermore, the combination significantly increased yield components, including the number of seeds, pods, 100-seed weight and root nodules, under both control and drought stress conditions. Principal component analysis (PCA) confirmed the modulation of growth, root nodules, antioxidant enzymes and yield components by combining biopriming and coating. It also showed reduced electrical leakage (EL) in green gram under drought stress conditions.

Impact of garden land ecosystem on growth, production and reproductive performance of Salem black goats

A Sumithra, G Kumar, C Subesh Ranjith Kumar — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Natural green pastures, weeds and tree fodders support commercial goat rearing under semi-intensive system. This study, conducted at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) in Tiruppur District, Tamil Nadu, aimed to assess the growth, production and reproductive performance of Salem black goats reared under a semi-intensive method in the garden land ecosystem. Data were collected from 10 male and 23 female Salem black goats and analysed. Body weight was recorded at birth and 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 months of age. The mean (±SE) birth weights of male and female kids were 2.45±0.06 Kg and 2.12±0.01 Kg, respectively. The mean (±SE) weaning weights of male and female kids were 11.22±0.36 Kg and 9.56±0.09 Kg, respectively. Average daily gain (ADG) was calculated based on body weight, with the highest ADG recorded at three months of age-108 g/day for males and 77 g/ day for females. The age at first kidding, kidding percentage, kidding rate, twinning percentage and kidding interval of Salem black females were 14.42±0.13 months, 100%, 1.39±0.25, 39.13% and 7.760±0.09 months, respectively. The overall liveability percentage of Salem black goats in the study was 95.03%. The results indicate that Salem black goats perform well under the garden land ecosystem in arid and semi-arid regions.

Anti-adipogenic effects of Parkia speciosa Hassk. pods extract containing gallic acid and p-coumaric acid on 3T3-L1 adipocytes

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Adipogenesis is the process by which preadipocytes develop into mature adipocytes and an increase in adipose mass may lead to obesity. Obesity is categorized as a chronic, low-grade inflammatory condition that can give rise to reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Antioxidants help mitigate ROS, protecting cells and tissues from oxidative damage. Therefore, this study evaluates the antioxidant activities and inhibitory effects of Parkia speciosa Hassk. pod extract (PSPE) on adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) detected gallic acid and p-coumaric acid in PSPE, with concentrations of measured at 53.97 ± 0.76 microgram/mL and 1.74 ± 0.11 microgram/mL, respectively. The IC50 values for 2,2-diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) were determined to be 57.05 ± 0.22 microgram/mL and 325.3 ± 4.85 microgram FeSO4/mL extract, respectively. MTT assay results indicated that PSPE concentrations ranging from 31.25 to 250 microgram/mL maintained over 80% cell viability, while oil red O staining demonstrated reduced lipid accumulation at concentrations of 62.5 and 125 microgram/mL after 48 and 72 hours of treatment. These findings suggest that PSPE has potential as a natural antioxidant and anti-adipogenic agent, capable of inhibiting lipid accumulation and mitigating oxidative damage.

Genetic variability and yield trait associations in F2 populations of traditional rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties

M Prapakaran, R Pushpam, A John Joel, S Manonmani, D Uma, N Sritharan, R Suresh — Sun, 13 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Analyzing genetic variability and trait correlations is essential for designing effective breeding programs and improving crop characteristics. This study aimed to estimate variability parameters, heritability, genetic advance, skewness, kurtosis, associations, and path coefficients for 13 traits in the F? population derived from the crosses CO 54 × IC 378202 and CO 54 × IC 467496. The cross CO 54 × IC 378202 cross exhibited notable panicle weight with high Genotypic Coefficients of Variation (GCV) (35.94) and Phenotypic Coeffi cients of Variation (PCV) (36.40), elevated Heritability (H2) (97.48), significant Genetic Advance as a Percentage of Mean (GAM) (73.10), and positive skew ness (0.52). Similarly, the CO 54 × IC 467496 cross demonstrated exceptional total tillers per plant, characterized by high Genotypic Coefficients of Varia tion (33.63) and Phenotypic Coefficients of Variation (35.25), substantial Heritability (90.99), notable Genetic Advance as a Percentage of Mean (66.08), and pronounced positive skewness (0.67). In the CO 54 × IC 378202 cross, panicle weight, displayed significant positive correlations (0.641) and direct positive effects (0.2370) on grain yield per plant. Similarly, the CO 54 × IC 467496 cross grains per panicle exhibited strong positive correlations (0.383) and direct effects (0.5360) on grain yield. These findings underscore the significance of panicle weight and grain number per panicle, key deter minants of grain yield, as prime targets for selection in rice breeding pro grams. The observed predominance of additive gene action for these traits suggests their amenability to improvement through pure line selection. By prioritizing these traits, breeders can develop high-yielding rice cultivars, thereby enhancing agricultural productivity and contributing to global food security endeavors.

A novel approach for predicting net irrigated area in India using hybrid deep learning architectures

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Studying irrigation systems is crucial to ensuring efficient freshwater utilization and conservation. This study examines the efficacy of forecasting the net irrigated area for future generations to create a model of prediction that can efficiently exchange water demand. To improve the forecast, we generate a model using two-hybrid deep learning techniques to predict irrigation demands: Convolutional Neural Network-Long Short-Term Memory (CNN-LSTM) and Convolutional Neural Network-Gated Recurrent Unit (CNN-GRU). These models effectively capture complex variables from diverse data sources, including rainfall patterns, irrigated area statistics and various irrigation system parameters. The main ideas, noteworthy contributions and crucial quantitative results from our study on net irrigated area projection are outlined in this publication. Our main contribution is the development of unique hybrid deep learning approaches that effectively integrate the CNN-LSTM and CNN-GRU architectures. Better predictions are made possible by the models’ design, which consists of parallel CNN layers that independently interpret certain input features. Thorough examinations of these situations validated the models’ effectiveness and led to notable decreases in important evaluation parameters, such as the RMSE, MSE, MAE and R2. Regarding excellent accuracy in predicting and overall performance, our CNN-GRU hybrid deep learning model outperformed the other models in the present research.

Microsatellite markers-based genotyping, population structure analysis and field screening of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) genotypes against Fusarium wilt

K Y Rakesh , K T Manoj, A Ruchi, T Niraj — Sun, 13 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

As an important source of protein, vitamins and minerals, chickpeas (Cicer arietinum L.) are the most significant self-pollinated pulse crop. The main cause of its low production is Fusarium wilt, which is brought on by the fungal disease Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris. Thus, the present investigation aimed to conduct field-level screening of 71 chickpea genotypes against Fusarium wilt disease as well as microsatellite markers-based analysis in the laboratory. In the field investigation, one genotype was found to be resistant, 13 genotypes were moderately resistant, 34 genotypes moderately susceptible, 14 genotypes susceptible, while 9 genotypes were highly susceptible at the reproductive stage under wilt sick plot. Out of 22 markers, 13 markers were found to be polymorphic and the highest PIC value was shown by the marker TA200 followed by H3A12, TA110, GA137, GA20, TR2, TS79, TA37, TR19 and H1B06. Based on the dendrogram, all 71 genotypes were grouped into 6 clusters. In this investigation, a structured population in tested chickpea genotypes was demonstrated. All genotypes were stratified into 2 populations (P1, P2), representing 50.70% and 49.29% of genotypes used in structure analysis respectively. Based on both sick plot and molecular screening result analysis, it can be concluded that the genotypes viz., JG315, RVSSG84, JAKI 9218, ICC 4958, SAGL-152339, RVSSG 52 and RVSSG 74 are resistant against Fusarium wilt and therefore, may be effectively used by the breeders in Fusarium resistant chickpea breeding development programmes.

A systematic literature review on artificial intelligence in transforming precision agriculture for sustainable farming: Current status and future directions

S P Mohammed, J Deepika, N Sritharan, V Ravichandran, M Prasanthrajan, P Kannan — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Agriculture encounters significant challenges, with the demand to increase food production by 50% by 2050 to sustain a growing global population while tackling the impacts of climate change and resource scarcity. Artificial intelligence (AI) has transformative potential for precision agriculture, optimizing crop management, resource allocation and sustainable farming practices. A systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted using the Scopus database, initially identifying 8145 articles. Based on eligibility criteria, 76 were selected for in-depth analysis. This paper focuses on AI applications in key areas of agriculture, including crop monitoring, irrigation management, weed and pest control, yield prediction, and smart spraying technologies. AI-driven techniques, such as machine learning, computer vision, robotics and the Internet of Things (IoT), enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability through data-driven decision-making and real-time monitoring. AI-based irrigation systems optimize water use efficiency by integrating sensor inputs with weather data, while robotic technologies enhance targeted weed and pest management. Resource efficiency is further enhanced by smart sprayers and yield estimation techniques. Despite these advancements, research gaps remain, particularly in integrating AI with emerging fields such as nutrient management and expanding the use of sensor systems. This paper highlights advancements in AI for precision agriculture, including crop monitoring, irrigation management and yield prediction, while identifying gaps in areas like nutrient management and sensor integration. Addressing these gaps is essential for developing more sustainable and resilient agricultural systems.

A study on the trends and seasonal fluctuations of black carbon aerosols in the elevated region of Ooty, Western Ghats, Tamil Nadu, India

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

The accelerating effects of climate change, driven by rising greenhouse gas emissions, necessitate identifying key contributors like aerosols, mainly black carbon (BC), due to their significant impact on global warming. This study investigates the temporal and seasonal dynamics of BC aerosols in Ooty, Tamil Nadu, India, using a decade (2013–2023) of data from an Aethalometer. Annual BC concentrations varied from 0.51 µg/m³ (2020) to 1.1 µg/m³ (2023), with a decadal mean of 0.75 ± 0.26 µg/m³. Distinct season al variations were observed, with summer BC concentrations ranging from 0.9 to 1.6 µg/m³ (mean: 1.3 µg/m³) and monsoon values significantly lower at 0.2–0.5 µg/m³ (mean: 0.4 µg/m³). Winter exhibited a seasonal mean of 1.1 µg/m³, while post-monsoon BC concentrations averaged 0.6 µg/m³. Temperature (20–28.6°C), relative humidity (49–93%), and rainfall (0.4 7.81 mm/day) influenced the observed trends. April consistently showed peak BC levels (up to 1.87 µg/m³), while 2020 recorded the lowest due to reduced emissions. Seasonal trends revealed increasing BC levels from December to April, declining during the monsoon months (June–November). These findings underscore the need for sustained monitoring and mitigation strategies in high-altitude regions to address BCs’ climatic impacts, aiding global efforts against climate change.

Multi-trait selection indices for identifying elite rice genotypes in rice breeding programs

M A Tushar, D Kumaresan, S Manonmani, R Suresh, N B Manikanda, N Sritharan — Fri, 11 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) serves as a staple food for nearly half of the global population, with rising demand necessitating significant advancements in productivity. Traditional selection methods that focus solely on yield often fail to account for the complex interplay of agronomic and grain quality traits. The integration of multiple selection indices in breeding enhances efficiency by simultaneously evaluating important traits, aiding in informed decision-making, balancing desirable traits, and accelerating the development of high-performing varieties. This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of various multi-trait selection indices, namely the Multi-Trait GenotypeIdeotype Distance Index (MGIDI), Genotype by Yield and Trait biplot (GYT), Linear Phenotypic Selection Index (LPSI), and the Elston Index, in identifying elite rice genotypes for breeding programs. A total of 110 genetically diverse rice germplasm lines were evaluated using a randomized block design during the Rabi season of 2023–24. Key agronomic and grain quality traits were assessed, with statistical analyses, including ANOVA and correlation studies, conducted to interpret the result. Among the indices, MGIDI demonstrated the highest selection gains (16.9%) for yield, while other indices demonstrated variable efficiencies across different traits. Traits such as the number of grains per panicle and productive tillers exhibited positively correlations with yield, whereas negative selection for plant height and days to maturity posed challenges. Notably, genotypes BMDK-2-2-8-2, JR 13, A 67, and CR 4376-1-1-1-2-2-1 were consistently selected across indices, reflecting their superior trait performance across multiple traits. Combining several indices improves the breeding process by enabling the selection of genotypes with traits such as nutrient-use efficiency and drought tolerance, thereby improving rice yield under challenging conditions, such as lowfertility soils or drought stress. These findings highlight the importance of multi-trait indices in optimizing genetic gains and improving breeding efficiency. Notably, MGIDI emerged as the most effective tool, providing a comprehensive approach to integrating traits, making it indispensable for rice breeding programs.

Spatial runoff estimation and mapping of potential water harvesting sites using GIS and Remote Sensing

B N Pavithra , K S Rajashekarappa , Devappa — Sun, 13 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

The worsening of drought conditions has significantly increased water scarcity, notably impacting arid and semiarid regions globally. Consequently, effective runoff management has emerged as a critical challenge. Different maps were overlaid to identify appropriate locations for water harvesting structures, considering technical and social factors such as soil texture, slope gradient, land use/cover (LULC) and flow accumulation. Applications of remote sensing and GIS (Geographic Information System) were integrated to accomplish this goal. Designing water harvesting structures requires an accurate understanding of runoff from rainfall. Although direct field-level runoff assessment is beneficial, it is costly, time-consuming and laborintensive. The precipitation data for runoff calculations were obtained from an automatic weather station installed within the study area, while soil and land use/cover data were sourced from the Rejuvenating Watersheds for Agricultural Resilience through Innovative Development (REWARD) project. The modified infiltration approach was utilized to store, analyze and estimate runoff depth, surface storage and runoff volume utilizing the GIS tools. The runoff volume for harvesting in 2019 was 0.62 MCM (Million cubic meters) and that in 2021 was 1.09 MCM. The suitable sites in the study area were identified 24.50% as suitable for contour bunds, 4.0% for staggered trenches, 5.14% for V-shaped ditches and 8.35% for continuous trenches. Additionally, water harvesting structures were proposed for the Integrated Mission for Sustainable Development (IMSD) guidelines, with 40.20% of the structures deemed suitable for farm ponds, 8.70% for check dams and 8.35% for percolation ponds.

Soil pH, salinity and nutrient release dynamics in paddy soil influenced by varied levels of NPK fertilizers: Anaerobic incubation study

K Theresa, S Vijayakumar, J Vimalin Hena, Vigneshwaran Raja — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

An anaerobic incubation study was conducted in paddy soil with varying levels of NPK fertilizers. Under submerged conditions, the pH of the soil was greatly influenced by the addition of nitrogen (N) at two different levels: 125 % and 150 % N + recommended phosphorus and potassium (Rec PK). Soil treated with 150 % N + Rec PK resulted in a lower soil pH than other treatments, as evidenced by the notable decrease in soil pH to 6.23 at 14 days after incubation (DAI). When compared to other treatments, 150 % P + Rec NK released more soluble salts at 28 DAI and the highest soil EC value measured was 1.39 dS m-1. With respect to macronutrient availability, the maximum N availability was observed in the 150 % N + Rec PK 28 DAI (236 kg ha-1), while the highest available P was found to be (37.55 mg kg-1) noticed in the 150 % P + Rec NK treatment. The highest available K content was recorded to be 243 kg ha-1 and 234 kg ha-1 in soil treated with 150 % K and 125 % K respectively at 28 DAI. Under anaerobic conditions, a higher release of available NPK was observed between 21 and 28 DAI. Higher nutrient release throughout the incubation period was observed when the NPK level increased to 150%. Increasing the level of NPK to 150 % revealed higher nutrient release during the period of incubation under submerged conditions which can be beneficial for plant grown under nutrient deficit condition.

Evaluation of the therapeutic potentials of natural compounds against Eimeria tenella hexokinase for poultry coccidiosis: bioinformatics and in-silico study

Sun, 13 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Eimeria tenella, the causative agent of coccidiosis infection, is primarily found in poultry intestines and is recognized by the formation of clotted, red droppings. It has been found that because chickens have developed a resistance to anticoccidial medications and vaccines, their use alone is no longer as effective. But as a result, researchers have been looking for different treatment approaches to manage this illness and natural products have emerged as interesting possibilities. We used binding energy studies and molecular dynamics modeling to determine the mechanistic inhibitory capability of 5 natural substances against hexokinase (HK). Comparing CPD4 (Zinc 000002111835) to other compounds, the results showed that it had the highest binding activity, with a total binding energy of -32 kcal/mol. The PRED method discovered key CPD4 moieties as well as a number of chemical interactions, including hydrogen bonds, pi-alkyl bonds and pi-anion bonds, that are important to its binding ability. As demonstrated by their consistent complementary interactions over the course of the simulation, PRO160, PHE159, SER158 and ILE240 were important contributors to CPD4's effective binding activity. We suggest CPD4 as a possible lead molecule based on this study in order to address the shortcomings of the available treatment choices and encourage more experimental research towards the development of anticoccidial medications.

Metabolite profiling and bioactivity assessment of diverse endophytic fungi from the endangered plant, Nilgirianthus ciliatus

P Priyadarshini, S Sarojini — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Endophytic fungi are potential sources of bioactive compounds with therapeutic properties. This study investigated the fungal endophytes associated with Nilgirianthus ciliatus, an endangered medicinal plant, to discover its secondary metabolites and bioactivities. Molecular analysis revealed the prominent species to be Aspergillus niger, Didymella sp., Trichoderma viride, Bipolaris zeicola and Nigrospora sphaerica. Alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, terpenes and saponins were detected in ethyl acetate extracts employing phytochemical screening. Didymella sp. has showed the highest level of antioxidant activity, demonstrating strong DPPH radical scavenging and reduction capability. T. viride had strong antibacterial action against Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli, meanwhile Didymella sp. and N. sphaerica were most effective against E. coli. GC-MS analysis uncovered many bioactive chemicals, including trans-farnesol and pentadecanoic acid, which are renowned for their antibacterial and antioxidant properties. These findings highlight the presence of the rich variety of diverse endophytic fungi harboring such medicinal plants, which offer promising applications in medicine, biotechnology and agriculture as sources of novel bioactive compounds. Further exploration and characterization of these strains could unlock valuable sustainable resources for various industries.

Enhancement of seed yield of rice fallow green gram through foliar application of macro and micro nutrients

M Dhandapani, S Chitra, S Geethanjali , M Sangeetha , K Subrahmaniyan — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Seedling vigour and initial establishment of rice fallow green gram is affected due to mechanical harvesting of paddy which requires complete drying of soil. To enhance the synchronous growth and development, foliar application of micronutrients, mono ammonium phosphate, di ammonium phosphate and 19:19:19 was performed during different phases of rice fallow green gram. Combination of MN chelated mixture and 19:19:19 sprayed on four different stages of crop growth enhanced the seed yield of 1266 kg/ha. This study is the first report on the combination of water soluble micro and macro nutrients on enhancing the yield of green gram under rice fallow conditions. The yield enhancement can stabilize rice fallow cultivation of green gram in Cauvery Delta Zone which will directly benefit the farmers and industry.

Genetic variability, frequency distribution and association analysis for high phenolic content in F2 population in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

This study assessed genetic variability, heritability, and genetic advance as percentages of the mean, skewness, kurtosis, and trait relationships across nine quantitative and nutritional traits in an F2 population developed from the CO51 × Mikuruvai cross. Traits such as the number of productive tillers per plant and single plant yield demonstrated high genotypic and pheno- typic variation, substantial heritability and genetic advance as a percentage of the mean. These findings highlight the role of additive gene action and underscore the potential for effective selection. Significant positive skew- ness for these traits further highlighted their potential for genetic improve- ment. Single plant yield demonstrated strong positive correlations with plant height, number of productive tillers per plant, panicle length, kernel length, kernel breadth, length-to-breadth ratio, and 1000-seed weight, iden- tifying these as critical traits for yield enhancement. Furthermore, ten trans- gressive segregants were identified that surpassed the recipient parent CO51 in yield and the donor parent Mikuruvai in total phenolic content. These results provide a scientific basis for selecting superior genotypes and contribute to breeding programs to develop high-yielding rice varieties with enhanced nutritional quality.

The current state of natural resources Ferula tadshikorum Pimenov in Uzbekistan

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

The article is devoted to studying natural reserves of raw materials of the endemic of Southwestern Pamir-Alai Ferula tadshikorum in the territory of the Republic of Uzbekistan. to excessive harvesting, the population of F. tadshikorum in the Republic of Uzbekistan is in a critical condition; the area of thickets and reserves of raw materials continues to decline. Compared with the indicators of 2020–2023, the presence of individuals in the monitoring sites (10×10 m²) of F. tadshikorum in the territory of Kashkadarya region revealed a decrease in the total number of individuals by 56.1%. Accordingly, these indicators correlate with operational individuals since by 2023, the maturity of the plants was reduced by 65.3% and operational by 71%. These indicators in the Surkhandarya region were reduced from 57.3% to 75%. Compared to resource indicators in 2015, in 2023, the area of commercial thickets decreased by 96% and the stock of raw materials decreased by 83%. Indicators of resource value F. tadshikorum in Uzbekistan is a biological reserve, and these reserves are not subject to exploitation today. Currently, the populations of the species are mainly preserved in the border zone, or the neutral zone of the state border of the republic and in some areas of forestry.

Synergistic impact of zinc, iron, and nitrogen on nutrient availability and soil health for sustainable mustard (Brassica juncea L.) cultivation

L Diana, J Anita, H S Sarang — Fri, 11 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

The rising incidence of chronic diseases, such as cancer, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular disorders, is associated with micronutrient deficiencies. Significant shortages in iron, folate, zinc, iodine, and vitamin A lead to several health complications, highlighting the necessity for comprehensive preventive measures. Agronomic biofortification, especially by delivering micronutrients via foliar spraying, offers a viable method to improve crop nutritional value and alleviate malnutrition. This research investigated Brassica juncea L. (Indian mustard), an important oilseed crop in India, analyzing the impact of several fertilization treatments on soil and plant nutrient dynamics at Lovely Professional University during the winter season of 2022-2023. The field trial used a randomized block design with eight treatments, including control and combinations of urea, FeSO?, and ZnSO?. Soil tests indicated that foliar sprays enhanced nutrient availability, especially nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, iron, and zinc, improving soil health and crop nutrient absorption. The findings demonstrated that integrating urea with micronutrient sprays optimized plant nutrient concentration and absorption in Brassica juncea, enhancing crop performance. Maximum soil pH, EC, organic carbon, and nutrient availability (N, P, K, S, Fe, Zn) were observed with RDF combined with 1 % urea, 0.5 % ZnSO?·7H?O, and 0.5 % FeSO?·7H?O foliar sprays at 45 DAS. Nutrient uptake and biofortification efficiency indices were significantly enhanced under these treatments, promoting plant growth and productivity. The control group showed the lowest values across all parameters. The results highlight the promise of agronomic biofortification in mitigating micronutrient deficits and enhancing food security, especially in areas dependent on staple crops for sustenance. This study promotes incorporating micronutrient management measures in agricultural practices to improve sustainable development and public health outcomes.

Biological suppression of Meloidogyne incognita in Coleus forskohlii using Pasteuria penetrans oil dispersion formulation

N Swarnakumari, I Geethalakshmi , S Dharani, A Arulsia — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Medicinal coleus (Coleus forskohlii) is an important herbal plant in Indian medicine. Root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita, is the predominant pest of medicinal coleus and causes a yield reduction of up to 72%. This nematode affects the medicinal properties of tubers by producing root-knot galls. Chemical nematicides are unsuitable because the molecule forskolin, extracted from the tubers, could be contaminated. Hence, biological control is the preferred solution to prevent issues associated with pesticide residues. Pasteuria penetrans is a potential antagonistic bacterium of M. incognita. In this study, an oil dispersion formulation (ODF) of P. penetrans was developed and its effectiveness against M. incognita was tested. The formulation was water soluble and the spores were viable even after 60 days of incubation, as confirmed through juvenile parasitisation. Various concentrations of this formulation were prepared and screened against M. incognita infection in C. forskohlii under glasshouse conditions. Soil drenching with the formulation at a rate of 400 µL in 1000 mL of water resulted in an 86% reduction in egg mass production. P. penetrans endospores were recovered from treated plants. Based on these results, field trials were conducted over two seasons. The findings demonstrated that the application of ODF @ 4 L/ha in 200 L of water significantly reduced nematode infection, with 74.9%-84.8% and 61%- 66.5% reductions in egg mass production and gall index, respectively. Furthermore, the treatment enhanced tuber weight, with an increase of 32.9%-55.5% compared to carbofuran-treated plants.

Enhancing the production potential of transplanted sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) under a semi-arid environment

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Field experiments were conducted during the rabi seasons of 2021 to 2022 at the Research farm of V.O. Chidambaranar Agricultural College and Research Institute, Killikulam, Tamil Nadu, Agricultural University, Tamil Nadu, to assess the suitable planting methods and optimize the age of seedlings to enhance the productivity and profitability of transplanted sesame. The experiment comprised nine treatment combinations having two planting methods (Ridge planting and Flat planting) and four ages of seedlings (12, 16, 20, and 24 days old seedling) along with line sowing (30 x 30 cm) as control were laid out in randomized block design(RBD) and replicated thrice. It may be inferred that ridge planting of 20 days sesame seedlings for transplanting practice gave significantly higher growth, yield parameters, and maximum yield viz., plant height (121.0 cm and 130.0 cm), LAI (4.16 and 4.26) and DMP (2765 kg ha-1 and 3010 kg ha-1 ), Number of branches plant-1 (9.1 and 9.8), number of capsules plant-1 (93.4 and 96.0), Number of seeds per capsule (55.2 and 56.0), seed yield (892 kg ha-1 and 910 kg ha-1 ) and B: C (2.59 and 2.65) as compared to all other treatment combinations. The findings emphasize the potential of this technique for enhancing the productivity of transplanted sesame, and it is profitable to the farmers of semi-arid regions of southern India.

Rootstock mediated enhancement of abiotic and biotic stress tolerance in acid lime (Citrus aurantiifolia)

M V Jogdand, K A Shanmugasundaram, G Malathi, G Jothi, I Muthuvel — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

The study aimed to evaluate the performance of different rootstocks for acid lime (Citrus aurantiifolia) under salinity and nematode stress, focusing on their impact on plant growth and biochemical parameters. Grafted combinations involving acid lime (PKM 1) scions with rangpur lime and wood apple rootstocks were tested for salinity tolerance and resistance to Tylenchulus semipenetrans. The study, conducted from 2023 to 2024 at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, HC & RI, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, utilized varying sodium chloride (NaCl) concentrations to simulate salinity stress and nematode inoculation for biotic stress evaluation. Results indicated that the R5 combination (acid lime PKM 1 scion grafted onto rangpur lime) exhibited the highest salinity tolerance, evidenced by better chlorophyll retention, membrane stability, and enhanced activity of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase and superoxide dismutase. Similarly, T3 (acid lime PKM 1 scion grafted onto wood apple) plants demonstrated improved nematode resistance, marked by higher leaf phenol content and peroxidase activity, as well as a reduced nematode population. These findings suggest that grafting onto rangpur lime and wood apple rootstocks strengthens the physiological and biochemical mechanisms in acid lime, enabling better adaptation to environmental stresses. This study provides suitable rootstock options for enhancing acid lime productivity in areas impacted by nematode and salinity problems.

Impact of different treatments to enhance the fruit quality of litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) cv. Bombai under stored temperature

Singh Balveer , Chakraborty Ivi , Sharma Harsit — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Litchi (Litchi chinensis) is a delicious and juicy fruit. In India, it is cherished for its flavourful aril and consumed as a fresh table fruit, whereas, in China and Japan, it is often enjoyed in dried or canned form. The experiment was conducted in the Laboratory of Post-Harvest Technology of Horticultural Crops, Directorate of Research Complex, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswa Vidayalaya Kalyani, West Bengal, India. The objective of the study was to find out how to enhance the shelf life of litchi fruit after different treatments, stored in ambient and refrigerated temperatures. The fruits underwent various treatments, including sulphur fumigation, sulphur fumigation with sulphur padding, sulphur padding on the top side, sulphur padding on both sides, packaging in polypropylene, cover with litchi leaves and an untreated (control). These fruits were then packed in ventilated corrugated fibreboard (CFB) boxes, while some were also packed in perforated low-density polypropylene (LDPP) bags. The treated fruits were stored under ambient conditions (27 °C to 36 °C) and refrigerated conditions (10 ± 1 °C). All treated fruits were packed in perforated LDPP bags and stored in CFB boxes lined with sulphur padding on the top and sides. Over 16 days of storage, the fruits exhibited minimal weight loss, rotting and changes in total soluble solids, acidity, ascorbic acid and sugar (both reducing and total sugars). The fruit colour initially belonged to the Greyed Red Group 179A. After 16 days of refrigerated storage, fruits treated with sulphur padding on the top displayed a colour change to Red Group 45C, while those with sulphur padding on both sides and packed in perforated polypropylene within CFB boxes showed a shift to Greyed Red Group 181A. Under ambient conditions, the Greyed Red Group 179A colour was retained in fruits treated with sulphur padding on the top and both sides for up to 10 days. The minimum loss of peel anthocyanin was found in sulphur padding on the top side (6.56 and 7.05 mg/100 g) and sulphur padding on both sides (7.55 and 9.59 mg/100 g) of litchi fruits at refrigerated and ambient temperatures. The litchi fruit's cv. Bombai shelf life in both ambient and refrigerated settings found that sulphur padding on the top side of fruit packed in perforated polypropylene with a CFB box was successful in maintaining pericarp colour and quality by controlling spoiling by minimising browning and infections.

Soil temperature prediction based on ensemble tree bagger machine learning algorithm for agricultural decision making

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

This study focuses on predicting surface soil temperature (ST) at a 5 cm depth, which significantly influences agricultural decisions such as sowing time, irrigation management and soil-plant-atmosphere dynamics. Machine learning (ML) algorithms were used to predict ST using above-ground weather variables viz., air temperature (T), relative humidity (RH), wind velocity (WV) and sunshine duration (SS) measured at 15-min intervals. Six regression-based ML models (Ensemble, Gaussian Process Regression, Support Vector Machine, Tree, Neural Network and Kernel) were trained and tested for predictive accuracy. The Ensemble Bagging Tree model showed the highest precision, with RMSE values of 2.04 and 1.9 for validation and testing, respectively. Various combinations of the weather variables were tested and the model performed best when using above mentioned variables. Among the predictors, T had the greatest impact on ST prediction, as indicated by mean absolute Shapley values. The Shapley values of the variables revealed that T had a critical role in the model output, with time, SS, RH and WV following in importance. Additionally, as a model explainable artificial intelligence (xAI) metrics, SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) were analysed and found that SHAP dependency had a defined relationship between the predictors and ST at a 5 cm depth. This study highlights the effectiveness of machine learning in predicting soil temperature and emphasizes the role of weather variables in agricultural decision-making. decision-making.

DNA barcode based cultivar authentication in Clitoria ternatea L. using rpoB and rbcL conserve regions

Subhadarshani Dhall, Archana Subhadarshinee, Laxmikanta Acharya — Sun, 13 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Clitoria ternatea (C. ternatea), generally known as Shankhpushpi, is an essential substance in Ayurvedic medicine used for memory enhancement, and as a nootropic, tranquillizing, anti-stress, anxiolytic, anti-convulsant and sedative agent. Identification of the vegetative state of cultivars is a challenging action within the species. In the current study, 6 cultivars were recognized by using universally conserved sequences. DNA barcoding is based on molecular markers technology, typically used for diversity or species identification. To investigate 6 distinct C. ternatea L. varieties that were collected in and around Bhubaneswar, Odisha, we employed 9 conserved locus barcode locations: atpF-atpH, rpoB, matK, rpoC, psbK-psbI, trnH-psbA and rbcL. After PCR, gel electrophoresis yielded significantly distinct bands for 5 markers: rbcL, rpoB, atpF-atpH, trnH-psbA and psbK-psbI. Phylogenetic analysis and sequencing of the amplified bands using the rpoB and rbcL barcode primers revealed insertion and deletion, which were suggestive of consistent separation of all 6 cultivars. Consequently, these markers may be utilized to identify the cultivars of C. ternatea. These barcode markers may also be used to recognize different C. ternatea cultivars.

Computational investigations of bio-active phytoconstituents from Chamaecostus cuspidatus (Nees & Mart.) C. Specht & D.W. Stev. against peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG) protein of type 2 diabetes mellitus

Chandra Sekhar Tripathy, Santosh Kumar Behera, Sagarika Parida — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Abnormalities in the body's propensity to control and take advantage of sugar as fuel result in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Targeting the transcription factor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG) protein, which controls the expression of proteins critical to the progression of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), is an intriguing approach for treating T2DM. Therefore, the current study focuses on predicting more effective natural compounds for better treatment. Chamaecostus cuspidatus (Nees & Mart.) C. Specht & D. W. Stev. belonging to the family Costaceae, traditionally acknowledged as an insulin herb, has been taken for the study. Phytocompounds were collected from the published literature, followed by in silico ADMET toxicity checking and molecular docking study against the PPARG protein at its specific binding sites. A quantum computation study was performed to check the reactivity of the ligands and normal mode analysis (NMA) was employed to study and characterize the selected protein's flexibility and stability with network analysis. Anti-diabetic drug Biguanide (Metformin) was taken as a standard drug. From this study, Kaempferol resulted with a premier imperative affinity of -7.1 kcal/Mol, with the lowest band gap energy that forms one conventional hydro bond with His466, which is suggested as a new drug molecule for T2DM treatment. In molecular dynamics simulation, the natural compound Kaempferol reflected better stability with the target protein PPARG.

Farmer producer organisation as catalysts for change in agriculture: Improving farmer livelihoods in Tamil Nadu

A Yazhini, A Malaisamy, Raswanthkrishna M — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) are crucial for empowering smallholder farmers and contributing significantly to rural development. This study examines the role of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) in enhancing the economic and social welfare of smallholder farmers in Tamil Nadu, specifically in the districts of Thanjavur, Trichy, Pudukottai, Madurai and Sivagangai. Using a sample of 600 farmers (400 FPO members and 200 non-members), the research highlights the transformative potential of FPOs in improving farmers' income and reducing disparities between members and non-members. Key factors such as farm size, participation in FPO training, and access to inputs through FPOs significantly boost income. For instance, FPO training led to a 19-unit increase in income for every unit of participation and the provision of inputs resulted in a 14-unit income increase. Conversely, challenges like high dependency ratios and reliance on hired labor were found to negatively affect income levels. The findings suggest that targeted policy measures, including the expansion of FPO access, strengthening training programs and addressing household dependency issues, are crucial to enhancing the economic benefits for smallholder farmers. FPO membership leads to a 15 per cent increase in income, this can be attributed to the benefits of reduced costs and increased efficiency. By joining an FPO, farmers typically gain access to bulk purchasing of inputs (e.g., seeds, fertilizers, machinery), shared resources and collective bargaining power, all of which contribute to cost reduction. Additionally, enhancing infrastructure, financial services and market access for FPOs could further empower farmers and contribute to rural development.

Optimizing Bugnay mead wine – Wild berries (Antidesma bunius ) for consumer preference

Evelyn B Cristobal — Sun, 13 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

The primary objectives of this study were to develop a mead wine with bugnay fruit flavor, determine its alcohol content, and compare the sensory acceptability of two samples. A sensory evaluation was conducted to characterize the wines based on appearance, aroma, taste and texture. To measure consumer acceptance, a Likert scale was employed, with the highest score representing strong preference and the lowest indicating strong dislike. The t-test was used to analyze differences in acceptability between the two samples. The results indicated that the provided sample exhibited an alcohol content of 19.21%. Additionally, a sensory analysis revealed that sample 2 was significantly preferred across all evaluated quality attributes. Consequently, sample 2 demonstrated higher acceptability compared to sample 1. These findings suggest that mead wine with bugnay fruit flavor is highly acceptable and has potential as a small-scale income-generating enterprise for rural communities.

Geospatial assessment of groundwater quality in the Noyyal basin, Tamil Nadu, India using GIS and geostatistics

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Water is crucial in agriculture, domestic use and industrial development. In recent years, the demand for groundwater has significantly risen due to industrialization, urbanization, population growth and increased agricultural activities. This study focuses on the groundwater quality spatial distribution and utilizes geostatistical analysis to predict groundwater chemical parameters within the Noyyal sub-basin, employing Geographic Information System (GIS) technology. Data transformation methods were applied to reduce skewness in several chemical parameters to improve the precision of the spatial representation of groundwater chemistry. Comparing the calculated concentrations to the established permissible limits showed that calcium, bicarbonate and sodium absorption ratio concentrations were within acceptable levels. In contrast, parameters such as magnesium, sodium, potassium, chlorine, sulfate, fluoride, pH, total hardness, electrical conductivity and total dissolved solids exceeded the permissible thresholds. The study also identified the most appropriate semi-variogram model for each water quality parameter based on the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE). The Exponential model with log-transformed data was the best fit for Ca, Na, K, HCO₃, pH, HAR and EC, providing physically meaningful results. For TDS, Mg, SO4, F and SAR, the Spherical model with log-transformed data yielded the most reliable RMSE values. The Gaussian model produced satisfactory results for Cl and Na %.

Remote sensing and simulation: A novel approach to rice yield estimation in the Cauvery delta

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

This study explores the use of the C-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) dataset from Sentinel-1A for crop area delineation and its integration with the DSSAT crop simulation model for spatial yield estimation for rice crop in the Cauvery Delta region of Tamil Nadu, India. With the global population increasing at a rapid rate, precision agriculture is critical for addressing food security challenges. The near-real-time monitoring capabilities of remote sensing techniques, especially microwave datasets made all season crop monitoring possible. The DSSAT model has demonstrated its capability to simulate yields under varying climatic and management scenarios. This approach offers timely and scalable solutions for monitoring crop health and forecasting yields, which are critical for mitigating the impact of climate change on agriculture. The estimated rice area using the Parameterized classification technique was 118104 ha in the Thanjavur district and 102138 ha in the Thiruvarur district, with an accuracy of 86 %. Upon validation against crop-cutting experiments, the DSSAT approach achieved average RMSE values of 440?kg?ha-1 and 450?kg?ha-1, along with yield agreements of 90 % and 89 % in Thanjavur and Thiruvarur respectively. These quantitative results highlight the enhanced precision of the integrated remote sensing and simulation framework for rice yield estimation, offering a robust tool for precision agriculture and improved decision-making under variable climatic conditions.

Preharvest melatonin application on enhancing quality and extending shelf life in papaya

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Papaya is an important fruit crop, and its cultivation has gaining importance in recent times due to its high economic returns . However,due to its climacteric behaviour and high perishablility, the shelf life of papaya after harvest is very limited. A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of preharvest melatonin applications at different concentrations – 0.5 mM, 1.0 mM, 1.5 mM, and 2.0 mM, along with a control treatment (water spray) on enhancing postharvest quality and prolonging the shelf life of papaya. Among these, the applications of melatonin at 1.5 mM, administed 15 days before harvest, was found to be the most effective in extending the shelf life of papaya by significantly delaying changes in quality parameters. This treatment also resulted in increased antioxidant enzymes activity, improved fruit firmness, delayed ripening enzyme activity, and reduced weight loss. Papaya fruits harvested from trees sprayed with 1.5 mM melatonin exhibited a firmness of 6.37 kg/cm² under ambient storage and and 6.26 kg/cm² under cold storage, compared to 5.54 kg/cm² and 5.33 kg/cm², respectively, for control fruits. Additionally, total soluble solids (TSS) levels in fruits from the 1.5 mM melatonin treatment were recorded as 12.90 ºB under ambient storage and 13.50 ºB under cold storage, compared to 15.00 ºB and 15.40 ºB, respectively, for control fruits. In conclusion, preharvest melatonin application at 1.5mM effectively delayed postharvest senescence, enhanced fruit quality, and reduced postharvest losses in papaya. This approach could significantly improve market access and industrial adaptability, benefiting both producers and consumers.

Integrated agronomic practices and their impact on hybrid pigeonpea productivity

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

To meet India's growing pulse demand, the productivity of pigeonpea hybrids must be enhanced through advanced agronomic practices tailored to optimize its potential in different soil types. Therefore, we conducted a field experiment combining planting methods, plant geometry and nutrient management strategy on hybrid pigeonpea (ICPH 2740) in black soil at ICRISAT, Hyderabad, during the 2021 and 2022 kharif seasons. The objective was to identify the best agronomic practices for yield optimization by examining growth parameters and yield components in relation to seed yield. The study evaluated 30 treatments using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and correlation analysis to assess substantial variation and relationships among 11 quantitative components. From the mean PCA scoring it was found that higher influential yield components were number of secondary branches plant-1 and number of pods plant-1 over other components. Higher positive scoring with respect to the number of secondary branches plant-1 (2.94) and seed yield (0.32) was recorded with transplanting in the combination of 100 × 100 cm and integrated nutrient approach. However, the number of pods plant-1 scoring (0.96) was higher with transplanting in combination with 120 × 120 cm and integrated nutrient management. Similarly, from the correlation studies it was found that seed yield was highly correlated with the number of secondary branches plant-1 and the number of pods plant-1 (0.96 and 0.86 respectively). Transplanting pigeonpea resulted in a 33.4% higher mean seed yield compared to dibbling. In terms of plant geometry, individual plant yield was highest at 120 × 120 cm spacing; however, on a per-hectare basis, 100 × 100 cm spacing achieved 23.6% higher mean seed yield than 120 × 120 cm. Under transplanting and wider geometry (100 × 100 cm), hybrid pigeonpea recorded a 38% higher seed yield when supplemented with 100% Soil TestBased (STB) NPK + vermicompost at 5 t ha-1 + phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) + Rhizobium seed treatment, compared to STB NPK alone. Ultimately, the combination of transplanting, 100 × 100 cm spacing and integrated nutrient management (100% STB NPK + vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1 + PSB + Rhizobium seed treatment) proved optimal for yield enhancement and cost-benefit analysis. These findings were consistently supported by PCA and correlation analysis.

Molecular and morphological identification of some oligochaete species as indicator for ecological diversity of the Hilla River in Babylon Province-Iraq

Abd Al-Rezzaq AJ , AL- Yasari WAK — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

The present study was carried out in Hilla river for the identification of Oligochaetes using morphological and molecular methods. The morphological study confirms the identification of five species (Aulodrilus pigueti, Branchiura sowerbyi, Eiseniella tetraedra, Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri, Stylaria lacustris) using scanning electron microscope (SEM) technique. Out of all species, Eiseniella tetraedra received the greatest percentage of density (55.19 %). Their diversity was assessed using several indices. Value of Shannon-Wiener index ranged between 0.23-0.93 and that of, Simpson index ranged between 0.32-0.91. The results of these and other biodiversity indicate the presence of environmental stress. Mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) region was amplified and sequenced to find the similarity and variations among species and confirm the diagnosis of species (Paranais litoralis, Paranais frici, Stylaria lacustris, Monopylephorus rubroniveus, Tubifex tubifex) and all sequence and strains matched to the complete genetic content of the samples at the NCBI to ensure the results. This study is considered the first study for the diagnosis of oligochaetes in the middle Euphrates region by using the molecular technique to confirm the identification of numerous unrecorded species that share morphological characteristics with other species, making it challenging to categorize them morphologically.

Smart fertigation effects on groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) yield, nutrient uptake and soil health

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Precise application of water and nutrients is crucial for sustainable groundnut cultivation. Field experiments were conducted to evaluate the performance of smart fertigation systems on groundnut yield, nutrient uptake, soil microbial population and soil enzyme activities. The experiments were conducted at two locations. Location I was at a farmer’s field in Kanjipatti village, Kalaiyarkoil block, Sivagangai district, Tamil Nadu (rabi 2023) and Location II was at the Central Farm of the Agricultural College and Research Institute, Madurai district, Tamil Nadu (summer 2024). Field trials were laid out in a split -plot design with three replications. The treatments comprised three drip irrigation methods in the main plots, namely; conventional drip irrigation (M1), time-based automated drip irrigation (M2) and sensor-based automated drip irrigation (M3) and five drip fertigation methods in the subplots, viz., drip fertigation of 75% RDF (F1), drip fertigation of 100% RDF (F2), STCR-based drip fertigation (F3), sensor-based fertigation at 75% NPK level (F4) and sensor- based fertigation at 100% NPK level (F5). The results revealed that pod yield, total NPK uptake, pod uptake, haulm uptake, microbial population and enzyme activities were significantly higher with the combination of sensor- based automated drip irrigation and sensor-based fertigation at 100% NPK level (M3F5). The M3F5 treatment increased crop yield by 44-45%, dehydrogenase activity by 44-64% and phosphatase activity by 57-65% across both seasons compared to M1F1. However, the post-harvest available nutrient status was recorded higher with conventional drip irrigation combined with drip fertigation of 100% RDF (M1F2). Based on the experimental results, it can be concluded that sensor-based automated drip irrigation combined with sensor-based fertigation at 100% NPK level (M3F5) enhanced groundnut yield, nutrient uptake, microbial population and enzyme activities.

Effects of salicylic acid on growth, photosynthesis pigment, proline and endogenous hormones content of black rice grown under salt stress

Hana Widiawati, Sukirno Sukirno, Aziz Purwantoro, Sri Koerniati, Kumala Dewi — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Salinity is one of the abiotic stresses that inhibits plant growth and development. One of the mechanisms by which plants tolerance to salinity is through synthesizing salicylic acid (SA). This research was aimed to evaluate the impact of SA on growth, photosynthesis pigments, proline accumulation and endogenous hormone levels of black rice ‘Sembada Hitam' subjected to saline conditions. Black rice seeds were germinated in a plastic tray containing growth media and seedlings of 3 weeks old were transplanted into a plastic chamber with similar growth media. Sodium chloride of 0 mM (control), 50 mM, 100 mM or 150 mM were applied 1 month after planting, whereas plants were sprayed with different concentration of SA, namely 0 mM (control), 0.5 mM, 1 mM or 2 mM at 25, 50, 75 and 90 days after planting. Five replicates were prepared for each treatment combination. Several growth parameters such as plant height, root length, number of tillers and flag leaf area and physiological parameters such as chlorophyll, carotenoids, proline and endogenous hormones content were determined. The results indicated that salinity inhibited the growth parameters of 'Sembada Hitam' rice. Elevated sodium chloride levels resulted in reductions in plant height, root length, number of tillers and flag leaf area. Application of SA mitigated the adverse effects of salinity by enhancing plant height, root length, number of tillers and flag leaf area. The presence of SA also led to increase levels of Indole-3-Acetic Acid (IAA), Gibberellins (GA3), Cytokinins (CKs), Jasmonic Acid (JA) and endogenous Salicylic Acid (SA), while reducing Abscisic Acid (ABA) levels in black rice under saline conditions.

Impact of a liquid consortium of plant growth-promoting bacteria on biometrics and yield attributes in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Sesame is an important oilseed crop with great commercial and medicinal value and is used extensively in culinary and cosmetic applications. Meeting the demand for sesame requires the development cultivars with high yield and balanced nutrition. The introduction of bioinoculants into the crop rhizosphere is beneficial for sustaining both productivity and soil health and the co-application of inorganic nutrients and bioinoculants in the crop rhizosphere increases sesame production. Therefore, a study has been done to evaluate the effect of individual bioinoculant and liquid consortium on different parameters of sesame (var. TMV-7). Three year field experiments was conducted (2019 to 2022) at the Oilseed Research Station (TNAU), Tindivanam, Villupuram district (India). The trial was composed of nine treatments comprising individual inoculant and a consortium of Azospirillum, Bacillus megaterium var. phosphaticum, Paenibacillus mucilaginosus (KRB-9) and pink pigmented facultative methylotrophs (PPFM) and their combination with 100% NPK as recommended dose of fertilizer, 2% KCl and PPFM spray individually and in combination. Their synergistic effects on bacterization were studied using a randomized block design with three replications, in sesame grown under rainfed conditions with zero irrigation. The results indicated that applcation of a bioinoculant consortium in combination with inorganic fertilizers, PPFM and KCl spray, resulted in the highest biomass production, biometrics, physiological parameters, grain yield and seed quality and tuned the cost-benefit ratio to 2.39.

Pedogenesis and clay mineralogy of semi arid tropical soil in Madurai district, Tamil Nadu

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Four representative soil profiles from Melur block of Madurai district in Tamil Nadu were assessed for the degree of chemical weathering, pedogenesis and clay mineralogy. Morphological, geochemical and mineralogical analysis were done following standard procedures. Soils are classified as follows: Pedon 1- Keeranoor was Fine loamy, non-acid, mixed, megathermic, Typic Hapluestepts, Pedon 2 - Arritapatti was Fine loamy, non-acid, mixed megathermic, Oxyaquic Hapluestepts Pedon 3 - Uranganpatti was Fine, mixed, non-acid, megathermic, fluventic Hapluestepts and Pedon 4 - Panangadi was Fine loamy, non-acid, mixed megathermic, Oxyaquic Hapluestepts. The soils generally exhibited a sandy texture with moderate weathering nature, comprising more than 50% of fine and medium sand fractions, little textural variation suggesting more uniform weathering. Soils are slightly alkaline, except for Pedon 2, having had a higher Exchangeable Sodium Percentage (ESP) (> 15%) and Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) (15 cmol (p+ ) kg-1 ). Mineralogical investigation revealed dominance of kaolinite and illite mixed with smectites in pedons and increased silica activity with limited lessivage. The mean Chemical Index of Alteration values ranged from 80.75 to 93.44, indicating moderate soil weathering. The ternary A-CN-K diagram displayed preferential leaching of CaO and Na2O followed by K2O, as plagioclase was more susceptible to weathering. Bivariate plot results of SiO2 against (Al2O3+K2O + Na2O) indicated rapid weathering influenced by the climatic conditions.

Effect of exogenous melatonin application on the expression of Catalase, Superoxide dismutase and Menthol Biosynthesis genes in Mentha pulegium L.

Fatemeh Ghasemi, Saideh Khademi, Laleh Arzi — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Mentha pulegium L., an aromatic culinary herb, has been prevalent since antiquity for its variant pharmacological potencies. Melatonin, a versatile signalling compound, ameliorates the growth of various plants in counter to a variety of abiotic and biotic stresses via enhancing antioxidant machinery. The present survey, unprecedently, investigated the effect of exogenous melatonin application on the expression of catalase, superoxide dismutase, limonene synthase and menthol dehydrogenase. After the treatment of Mentha pulegium L with melatonin (0, 150 and 250 ?M) for 3 weeks, the expression levels of genes were evaluated by Real-time PCR. Our results illustrated that exogenous melatonin remarkably augmented mRNA expression of CAT, 5.64 and 29.22 fold changes respectively, for 150 and 250 ?M. The SOD expression was boosted by 4.11 and 19.66 fold corresponding to 150 and 250 ?M of melatonin. Also, exposure to melatonin upregulated the expression of genes that cooperated with menthol biosynthesis, Limonene synthase and Menthol dehydrogenase. 150 and 250 ?M of melatonin enhanced Limonene synthase expression by 3.10 and 17.89 folds and significant overexpression of menthol dehydrogenase was displayed for 150 and 250 ?M of melatonin, respectively by 13.80 and 23.32 times. Our findings propose melatonin can boost the oxidative stress resistance of Mentha pulegium L. by upgrading both the enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidant protective systems. Moreover, it elevated menthol production, which is in of demand in diverse industries, from pharmaceutical and cosmetics to tobacco and food processing.

Seed germination, seedling vigor and survival of papaya (Carica papaya L.) cv. 'Red Lady' under GA3 treatment and different nursery growing media

S J Patel, K Sandeep, K Priyanka, S Kushagra, M Karan, S Sunny — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Slow, partial and uneven germination of papaya, along with high seedling mortality, are common challenges faced by papaya growers. Consequently, papaya is commercially propagated by seeds. This study aimed to enhance papaya germination and seedling success by testing various combinations of gibberellic acid (GA3) and nursery growing media under green shade net conditions. This experiment was conducted at the Department of Horticulture, Lovely Professional University (LPU), Jalandhar, Punjab from July to September 2022-2023. A field experiment was conducted using a factorial completely randomized design (F-CRD) with 16 treatments and three replications, comprising a total of 576 plants. The experiment involved in four levels of gibberellic acid: G0 (soaking in water), G1 (50 ppm), G2 (150 ppm) and G3 (250 ppm). Additionally, four levels of nursery growing media-GM0 (soil), GM1 [soil: vermicompost (1:1)], GM2 [soil: cocopeat (1:1)] and GM3 [soil: cocopeat: vermicompost (1:1:1)] and their interactions were evaluated. The results revealed that among gibberellic acid treatments G3 (GA3 250 ppm) significantly outperformed other treatments in terms of seedling parameters. Regarding the individual effect of nursery growing media, the maximum seedling parameters were observed under treatment GM3 [soil: cocopeat: vermicompost (1:1:1)]. Among the interactions of GA3 and nursery growing media levels, all seedling parameters, except petiole length, were significantly superior in treatment G3 GM3. Meanwhile, treatment G2 GM3 was statistically at par with it for most of the seedling parameters studied. These findings suggest the potential of this treatment combination for improving papaya seedling success in a new environment, specifically under Punjab climatic conditions.

Optimizing sulphur management for growth, productivity and profitability in rice-groundnut cropping system

S G Kumar, K S Bijoy, B Basudev, K B Akshaya, H S Gour, D Mira — Sun, 13 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

The rice (Oryza sativa L.)- groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is one of the most important cropping systems of Eastern India for human and animal diets. Both rice and groundnut benefit from sulphur application, but a major challenge in maintaining their growth, productivity and profitability is the widespread sulphur deficiency, affecting about 44% of Indian soils and 36% of soils in Odisha. A field experiment comprising five sulphur fertilisation strategies for rice viz., no sulphur, S @ 20 kg ha-1 through bentonite, S @ 20 kg ha-1 through gypsum, S @ 40 kg ha-1 through bentonite and S @ 40 kg ha-1 through gypsum allocated to main plots and three sulphur levels for groundnut viz., no sulphur, S@ 30 kg ha-1 and S @ 60 kg ha-1 allocated to the subplots was conducted in a split-plot design with four replications during the kharif and rabi seasons of 2021-22 and 2022-23 at Bhubaneswar, India to assess the effect of treatments on growth, productivity, quality and profitability of the component crops and the system. The application of S @ 40 kg ha-1 through gypsum to rice recorded the maximum values of growth parameters, biological yield, quality parameters and economics indices of rice, whereas the application of S @ 60 kg ha-1 in groundnut recorded the maximum values of growth parameters, biological yield and quality parameters of groundnut. Application of S @ 40 kg ha-1 through bentonite to rice combined with S @ 60 kg ha-1 in groundnut was the most remunerative with the maximum system net return (Rs. 113640 ha-1) and return per rupee investment (1.89) which is 106.96 % and 30.34 % higher respectively than no sulphur application to both the crops.

Effects of biochar produced from rice straw and oil cake on soil nutrients, growth, yield and nutrient content of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Enamul, Osman Khan Towhid, Kashem — Sun, 13 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

A pot experiment was conducted to assess the comparative effects of biochar and conventional inorganic NPK fertilizers on wheat growth and nutrient content as well as certain soil chemical and nutritional properties. Biochar produced from oil cake and rice straw were mixed with soils at rates of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5% (w/w) and inorganic NPK fertilizer was also mixed separately with soils at rates of 0, ¼, ½, ¾ and 1 of the recommended rate. Biochar increased the fresh weight and dry weight of wheat plant parts significantly. The root biomass and grain yield with oil cake biochar (OCB) were relatively higher than with rice straw biochar (RSB). Biochar application at a 4-5% rate produced maximum wheat root, straw and grain yield which were comparable to the recommended inorganic 1 NPK rate. The study revealed that oil cake biochar (OCB) was more effective in increasing soil organic carbon (OC), whereas rice straw biochar (RSB) was found to be more effective in raising soil pH, soil electrical conductivity (EC) and decreasing soil exchangeable acidity. A similar effect on soil cation exchange capacity (CEC) was also observed with both types of biochar. The soil available ammonium N (NH4 +-N), Olsen P and K content increased with increasing rates of both biochar and inorganic NPK in soils after the harvest of plants. Applying biochar at a rate of 5% resulted in the highest effect on the soil’s chemical and nutritional properties. Maximum N, P and K concentrations in wheat root, straw and grain were found at 4-5% biochar rates, which were significantly higher than inorganic NPK fertilizer rates.

Safety of some biopesticides towards ladybird beetles and rove beetle on cowpea, Vigna unguiculata (L.)

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Field trials were conducted at the Agricultural Research Station, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, SOADU, Binjhagiri, Khurdha, during the rainy season of 2022 and winter of 2022-23 to evaluate the safety of five biopesticides on predators in cowpea crops. Four species of ladybird beetles and one species of rove beetle (Paederus fuscipes Curtis) were observed. Among the ladybird beetles, Coccinella repanda Thunberg was the predominant species, accounting 43.84% of the total population, followed by Cheilomenes sexmaculata Fab. (31.51%), Micraspis discolour Fab. (15.07%) and Brumoides suturalis Fab. (9.59%). The treatments included Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (16000 i.u./ mg) at 1.0 Kg/ha, Beauveria bassiana (108 cfu/g) at 2.5 Kg/ha, Metarrhizium anisopliae (108 spores/g) at 2.5 Kg/ha, Lecanicillium lecani (108 cfu/g) at 2.5L/ha, azadirachtin (300 ppm) at 2.5 L/ha, chlorantraniliprole (18.5% active ingredient) at 0.25 L/ha (chemical check) and an untreated control. All the biopesticides proved to be safe for ladybird beetles and the rove beetle. B. thuringiensis var. kurstaki was the safest, recording only 3.94% and 3.40% reductions in ladybird population five days after application during the rainy season of 2022 and winter of 2022-23, respectively. It was followed by B. bassiana (6.35% and 4.45% reduction), M. anisopliae (8.97% and 7.33% reduction), L. lecani (10.28% and 8.90% reduction) and azadirachtin (19.04% and 26.96% reduction). A similar trend was observed in rove beetle, with respective reduction of 5.07% and 3.79%, 5.67% and 4.92%, 6.87% and 6.06%, 7.76% and 6.82% and 17.31% and 26.14%.

Land use and cropping pattern dynamics under the climate change regime

B Vetri Selvi, S Varadha Raj, K T Parthiban, D Ramesh — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Climate change poses profound challenges to agricultural landscapes, disrupting farming regions through unpredictable rainfall patterns, extreme temperatures and other adverse environmental conditions. Climatic and institutional factors critically influence land use and cropping patterns, necessitating comprehensive studies to understand agricultural transformations. The study examines changes in land use patterns and cropping systems in Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu, from 2008-09 to 2022-23, employing a multi-dimensional analytical framework to assess the rationality of land use classifications and agricultural dynamics. Key findings reveal that net sown area declined by -0.67%, while traditional food crops experienced negative growth rates namely: cereals (-1.91%) and pulses (-4.10%). Oilseeds emerged as the most dominant crop group, displaying a positive growth rate of 0.58% with low instability. Permanent fallows increased by 3.37%, coinciding with decreased rainfall. The analysis showed a modest increase in non-agricultural land (0.26%) and a distinguishable trend towards tree-based agriculture (0.63%), indicating changes in land use practices. Land use transitions revealed that forest lands and permanent pastures have complete retention due to the combination of legal protections and natural constraints that limit land-use conversion. An expected 13.17% loss of net sown area to permanent fallow raises concerns about agricultural land degradation, posing a potential threat to food security. Green manure crops exhibited 54.41% retention with 20.86% growth rate reflects farmers’ adaptive strategies towards climate change. The findings underscore the intricate relationship between land use, cropping patterns and climate adaptation, calling for integrated policies that support climate-smart agriculture by providing targeted incentives while balancing urban development.

Litterfall and nutrient dynamics in an eighteen-year-old teak plantation

Manivasakan S, Cinthia Fernandaz C, Vennila S — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

A study on litterfall and nutrient dynamics in an 18-year-old teak (Tectona grandis Linn. f.) plantation was carried out at Forest College and Research Institute, Mettupalayam. The total litterfall for the entire one-year study period was found to be 11255 kg ha-1, of which the leaf litter alone accounted the maximum share of 81.90 % to the total litterfall, followed by the twigs (6.50%), fruits (6.30 %) and flowers (5.30 %). A total of, 110.26 kg ha-1 of nitrogen (N) was returned to the soil through the total litterfall. The total annual P return through litterfall was 17.50 kg ha-1 of which leaves accounted for 75.00 % to the total return, followed by flowers (12.60 %), fruits (10.70 %) and twigs (5.10 %). The total annual potassium (K) return from various litter components was 35.03 kg ha-1 of which, the major share was from leaf litter (79.80 %). The annual total return of calcium (Ca) from litterfall was 348.97 kg ha-1 and magnesium (Mg) return was 78.46 kg ha-1. This study concluded that leaf litter was the primary source of nutrients. Among the return of nutrients, Ca was returned to the soil in greater quantities, followed by N > Mg > K > P.

Moisture-dependent physicochemical characteristics and microstructure of karonda (Carissa carandas L.) fruit

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Karonda (Carissa carandas L.) fruits hold significant importance in traditional medicine due to its rich composition of "bioactive compounds" including anthocyanin, quercetin and tannins. It is abundant in antioxidants such as vitamin C, flavonoids and phenolic compounds and boasts anti-diabetic, hepato-protective and immune-boosting properties. The present study examined physico-chemical characteristics of karonda at different moisture levels (74 % to 82 %) due to their susceptibility to moisture content during processing. Moisture content of fruit at the time of harvest was found to be 77.99 ± 0.82 % (wet basis). Dimensional characteristics increased while sphericity and aspect ratio decreased with rise in moisture level. Average polar, equatorial and minor diameters ranged from 12.7 to 19.2 mm, 12.3 to 15.0 mm and 12.1 to 14.7 mm, respectively. Gravimetric properties, such as thousand fruit mass, bulk density, true density and porosity declined with decreasing moisture content. Frictional properties exhibited decrement with decreasing moisture level, indicating changes in the fruit's surface characteristics. The mean coefficients of friction for steel, plywood and rubber were 4.10, 3.8 and 3.36, respectively. Firmness decreased from 5.4 N to 1.9 N. Color attributes were affected by increased redness and colour intensity at higher moisture levels. Overall, the study underscores the necessity of understanding the moisture-dependent physical and chemical properties of karonda for optimizing fruit utilization in the form of value-added products.

Research Article Development of crop coefficient of drip irrigated banana for semi-arid region

K Arunadevi, A Valliammai, M Nagarajan, N Sakthivel — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

A field experiment was conducted during 2020-2023 in the experimental plots of Agricultural Research Station, Bhavanisagar, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Erode district, Tamil Nadu, to estimate crop water requirement of bananas (Variety: Kadhali and Red Banana) irrigated through drip irrigation system based on soil moisture availability. Water requirements include evapotranspiration of crops and losses of water from fields. Evapotranspiration is the quantity of water transpired by plants during their growth, plus moisture evaporated from the surface of the soil and the vegetation. The reference evapotranspiration was estimated from the weather parameters. Crop evapotranspiration was estimated using the soil water balance method. Tensiometers were installed at different root zone depths (0-30 cm and 30-45 cm depth) of the banana crop to measure the soil moisture tension. The soil moisture characteristics curve of the research field was estimated. Irrigation was scheduled based on the readings observed in the tensiometer. The irrigation scheduling/interval was estimated as 2 to 3 days during the crop period based on soil moisture availability. The water consumed for different crop growth stages was estimated. The total irrigation water requirement for the kadhali and red bananas was 1224 mm and 1448 mm, respectively.

Regulation of flowering in marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) through staggered planting and growing environment in the mid-hill zone of Himachal Pradesh

Panchal Sangmesh, Puja Sharma, S R Dhiman, Vivek Bhanwala — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Regulating planting time under a congenial growing environment could improve growth, flowering and yield as well and thus the quality of crop production. A field experiment was carried out to identify appropriate planting time and growing conditions for flower regulation in marigolds (Tagetes erecta L.) in factorial randomized block design with 5 different planting dates, under open and naturally ventilated polyhouse conditions in two marigold cultivars (cv (s).), ‘Pusa Narangi Gainda’ and ‘Pusa Basanti Gainda’. It was noted that planting dates, growing environments and varieties had significant effects on growth and flowering parameters. Results showed that the 10th of July planting under naturally ventilated polyhouse condition using marigold cv. ‘Pusa Narangi Gainda’ exhibited luxuriant vegetative growth, which ultimately resulted in enhanced flower yield per plant (730.43 g) and per square meter (6.89 kg) with a greater benefit-to-cost ratio (2.86) and hence, was found economically best for commercial production of marigold. However, economic flower yield was also obtained under naturally ventilated polyhouse conditions till August planting.

Genetics and heterosis of quality and yield of brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)

Y Lokesh, B Singh, A Jha, C N Ram, D K Upadhyay — Sun, 13 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

A study on gene action, combining ability and heterosis for quality and yield attributes in brinjal involving 45 cross combinations from ten diverse inbred lines using a half-diallel method , was conducted. The findings showed that non-additive gene action was more important for yield traits than additive gene action for quality traits like total phenol content, total soluble solids, reducing sugar, non-reducing sugar, total sugar, ascorbic acid and dry matter. Inbreds like NDB-2 and NDB.Sel-16-1 demonstrated a high general combining ability (GCA) for both non-reducing and total sugars. Punjab Sadabahar and NDB-3 demonstrated superiority in total phenol content, whereas NDB-2 and NDB.Sel-19-1 stood out in terms of total soluble solids. NDB-2 also had high GCA for total sugars and dry matter, making it a key inbred for future breeding. The cross NDB-3 × Arka Nidhi exhibited the highest specific combining ability (SCA) for reducing sugars and dry matter, while Pant Samrat × Pusa Purple Long had the highest SCA for total phenol content. Combinations like NDB.Sel-19-1 × NDB-3 for total soluble solids and Punjab Sadabahar × Pusa Kranti for non-reducing sugar were also promising. Over better parent heterosis varied between 17.56% to 72.26% for yield. The range of heterosis over mid-parent varied between 11.93 to 72.74% for yield. The highest heterosis over better parent was recorded in Punjab Sadabahar × Pant Rituraj (72.26 %) followed by Pusa Purple Long × Pant Rituraj (63.36 %) and NDB-2 × Pant Rituraj (55.57 %) for yield. Whereas over mid-parent cross combination Pusa Purple Long × Pant Rituraj (72.74%), Punjab Sadabahar × Pant Rituraj (72.63 %) and Arka Nidhi × Pant Rituraj (65.32%) exhibited maximum heterosis. Overall, the study concluded that improving brinjal for quality traits could be achieved through recurrent selection, while yield enhancement may be pursued through hybridization, paving the way for the development of high-quality, high-yielding brinjal varieties.

Effect of nutrient management practices on growth, yield attributes and yield of coloured cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

The field experiment was carried out at the Central Farm, AC &RI (Agricultural College and Research Institute), TNAU, Madurai, Tamil Nadu during Kharif season 2024. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of different nutrient management strategies on the growth, yield components and productivity of coloured cotton. The experiment followed a randomized block design (RBD) with nine treatments based on nitrogen equivalence, incorporating different organic manures in comparison to inorganic fertilizers, with each treatment replicated three times. The results revealed that growth parameters such as plant height, dry matter production, leaf area index, chlorophyll content, number of monopodial branches plant-1 , days to 50% flowering and days to 50% boll bursting were significantly enhanced by the application of 100% NPK based on site-specific recommendation (T2), which statistically at par with 100% NPK through blanket recommendation (T1). Yield attributes including number of fruiting branches plant-1 , number of fruiting points plant-1 , number of bolls plant-1 , number of bolls m-2 , boll setting percentage and boll weight, along with seed cotton yield, lint cotton yield, stalk yield and biological yield, which also showed a significant increase with the application of 100% NPK through site-specific recommendation (T2). Organic treatments, including the complete organic package (T9), cover cropping with 75% N through vermicompost (T4) and cover cropping with 75% N through poultry manure (T5), exhibited comparable results to inorganic treatments. Future research should focus on optimizing organic nutrient management strategies and integrating cover crops to enhance soil health and ensure sustainable cotton production.

Morpho-anatomy of diploid and triploid Musa cultivars CO 2 and CO 3 male inflorescence and its implications in micropropagation

Shruthi S, Muthuvel I, Manikanda N Boopathi, Kavitha C, Senthil A — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Banana (Musa spp.) is a major staple fruit and cash crop globally cultivated, particularly in tropical and subtropical countries. It exhibits a complex inflorescence, which plays a vital role in its reproductive process. The inflorescence of bananas by distinct morphological and anatomical features that vary among different species and cultivars. Tissue culture techniques have emerged as pivotal tools that offer rapid propagation methods, utilising various explants to meet growing demands and enhance crop resilience. This study evaluated the morphological and anatomical characteristics of Musa paradisiaca cultivars CO 2 and CO 3, focusing on their potential as explants in tissue culture. Key differences between these two lines include floral axis orientation, bract pigmentation, flower structure and flower quantity. Notably, CO 2 exhibited the presence of papillae, whereas CO 3 lacked them. Both cultivars contained calcium oxalate crystals and raphides, which define their distinct anatomical traits and enhance their suitability for micropropagation. Furthermore, tissue culture experiments demonstrated early greening, faster callus formation and efficient shoot regeneration, with CO 2 demonstrating a slightly superior response to CO 3. The male inflorescences of both cultivars, when cultivated in Murashige and Skoog (MS) media, responded within a greening time of approximately 16.2 days, swelling within 28.4 days and bud formation ranging from 2 to 6 per cluster, leading to the production of 12 to15 per nodal cluster. These findings suggest that male inflorescences have significant potential for efficient micropropagation, providing a valuable resource for banana cultivation and genetic improvement.

In-silico characterization and expression profiling of cut flower vase life-related genes of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.)

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

In the present study, concentrations of sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and salicylic acid (SA) were used to improve the vase life of tuberose cut flowers of varieties viz. Prajwal and Hyderabad Single. Three gene homologs of Arabidopsis thaliana, namely gigantea (GI) (GJVA01042594.1), UDP-glycosyl transferase superfamily protein (UGT) (GGEA01012182.1) and galactose oxidase/ kelch repeat superfamily protein (ZTL) (GGEA01001846.1), have been identified using in silico tools, that have the role in regulating vase life in tuberose flowers. These 3 gene homologs were also characterized using in silico tools. Thereafter, expression profiling of these genes along with the 2 housekeeping genes, viz., actin and ATP synthase E-subunit (ATP SE), has been performed in selected tuberose varieties under different concentration regimes of SNP and SA. Vase life-related genes GI and UGT expressed at optimum concentrations of SNP and SA in both varieties, whereas ZTL showed no expression. In our knowledge, this is the first report that may be harnessed by future researchers to enhance the vase life, including the quality of tuberose-cut flowers. The expression of these genes assumed to be activated in the presence of SNP and SA indicates their utility in the floriculture industry to enhance the vase life of cut flowers.

Assessing the superiority of Casuarina equisetifolia L. and Casuarina junghuhniana clones for dendroenergy under semi-arid condition

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

This study assessed genetic variation and heritability in 13 clones of casuarina species for growth attributes. The experiment, conducted in Coimbatore, India, used a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications. Biometric parameters, including plant height, collar diameter, sturdiness quotient and volume index, were measured 2, 4 and 6 months after planting (MAP). We observed significant variations among the clones for all traits. Clone E9B consistently outperformed others across growth stages, particularly in plant height, collar diameter and volume index. Conversely, clones CE04 and CE 06 generally underperformed. Genetic variability analysis revealed a high PCV and GCV for the volume index, indicating good potential for selection and improvement. Plant height exhibited exceptionally high heritability (99.4 %), suggesting minimal environmental influence. Association studies showed strong positive correlations between plant height, basal diameter and volume index at phenotypic and genotypic levels. Path analysis identified basal diameter as having the highest direct positive effect on volume index. Diversity analysis clustered the clones into three groups, with plant height contributing 58.97 % to genetic divergence. These findings highlight substantial genetic variability among the studied casuarina clones for key growth traits. The superior performance of E9B across multiple attributes suggests its potential value for breeding programs or direct use in plantations. High heritability of plant height and strong correlation between growth traits indicate promising prospects for genetic improvement through selection. This research provides valuable insights for casuarina breeding and selection programs to develop improved varieties for agroforestry and plantation forestry applications.

Management of salinity stress in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) through zinc nutrition

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Soil salinity is an essential threat to the productivity and quality of vegeta ble crops. Tomatoes are the major vegetable, and their response to salinity and salinity management strategies has been widely studied. However, the studies evaluating alleviation strategies at the field level are meagre. A field experiment was conducted to research zinc nutrition's effect on salinity stress alleviation in two tomato cultivars. The experiment consisted of two cultivars (PKM 1 and Sivam) and four levels of zinc application as ZnSO4 (0, 25, 50 and 75 kg ha-1) with three replications. The growth, yield, physiologi cal and biochemical parameters were recorded during harvest. Results showed that among the cultivars, Sivam recorded the higher plant height (87.9 cm), number of branches (11.2), dry-matter production (139.6 g plant-1), number of fruits (85.1) and fruit yield (83.2 t ha-1). Growth trends and yield attributes were observed under salinity stress with increasing zinc applica tion levels. The highest fruit yield was recorded in Sivam and PKM 1 with ZnSO4 application at the rate of 75 kg ha-1. Applying ZnSO4 at the rate of 75 kg ha-1 recorded higher fruit yields of 33.7 and 92.8 t ha-1 in cultivars PKM 1 and Sivam, respectively. The percent increase in yield in cultivar PKM 1 and Sivam over control was 27.1 and 27.8, respectively. Nutrient availability and uptake increased with ZnSO4 application and was the highest at 75 kg ha-1. Physiological parameters viz. leaf area, specific leaf area, total chloro phyll content, membrane stability index, and chlorophyll stability index were improved with ZnSO4 application. Proline content was not affected by the ZnSO4 application. The activity of catalase and superoxide dismutase was increased by applying ZnSO4. The correlation of ZnSO4 application with the growth, yield, physiological and biochemical parameters shows that zinc sulphate application positively affects all the factors affected by soil salinity. Hence, applying ZnSO4 at the rate of 75 kg ha-1 can be compulsorily recommended for tomato growers of the region to overcome zinc deficiency and boost the fruit yield under saline conditions.

Impact of mechanization with improved technologies on germination and crop stand indices of foxtail millet (Setaria italica)

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Minor millets encompass more minerals and nutrients than other food grains. They are being cultivated in limited areas due to poor yielding ability and lack of improved technologies (pelleting, sowing methods, land configurations and supplemental irrigation). Mechanization has been adopted intensively by the farming community, for the last two decades for most of the crop production activities. In minor millet production, mechanization has not been adopted notably and there was no strong evidence for mechanization under the minor millet production system. The present research study assessed the establishment (germination, plant population, seed vigour index, seedling height and root length) of minor millet (Italian millet) under mechanization coupled with improved technologies. The strategies included Pelleting (PS) and Non-pelleting (NPS), land configurations (RF-Ridges and Furrow; CB-Compartmental Bunding; BBF-Broad Bed Furrow; FB-Flat Bed) sowing methods (DS-Drone Sowing; LS-Line Sowing and SDS-Seed Driller Sowing) and irrigation methods (MSI- Modified Surge Irrigation; RG-Rain Gun) for evaluation. A Randomized Block Design with three replications was used for the experiment layout during the Rabi season of 2023 and 2024. Observations were made and data subjected to ANNOVA and t-test. The results revealed that treatments IT-1, (FB+PS+DS+RG) recorded (P<0.05) significant higher germination per cent (48.67 %), plant population (88.40/m2), lower cost of sowing (Rs. 2100/-) and IT-7, (CB+PS+DS+RG) observed higher number of leaves (4.14), seed vigour index (2784.49), seedling height (7.03 cm) and root length (12.50 cm). Treatment IT-3, (BBF+PS+SDS+RG) registered (P<0.05) significant lower germination per cent, plant population, number of leaves, seed vigour index, seedling height and root length, registered treatment.

Efficacy of Bacillus and Trichoderma on growth and anthracnose resistance in scallion

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Biotic elicitors, including Trichoderma and Bacillus can improve plant growth and disease resistance. Current research evaluated the efficacy of 14 Bacillus subtilis strains, Trichoderma viride, Trichoderma harzianum, Trichoderma sp. on enhancing growth and managing anthracnose in scallion. The inhibition efficiency of Bacillus and Trichoderma on Colletotrichum growth was assessed in vitro. Besides, effective biotic treatments against anthracnose were evaluated at net house conditions. Then, defence mechanisms including endogenous SA accumulation, production of phenolic compounds, catalase, peroxidase, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase and b-1,3-glucanase were revealed. The results showed that four biotic elicitors, including B. subtilis strains CaSUT008-2, D604, SUNB1 and T. harzianum showed high antagonistic activity against in vitro growth of Colletotrichum colonies at 41-77 %. At 28 days after planting, scallion plants treated with B. subtilis strain CaSUT008-2 and SUNB1 gained stem length at 15.35-15.79 cm. These four biotic treatments had low disease severity in net-house conditions at 25.00-50.00 %. On mechanisms of anthracnose resistance, at 24 hours after inoculation (HAI), scallion plants treated with T. harzianum and B. subtilis strain CaSUT008-2 showed high content of salicylic acid at 2.17-2.20 µg/g fresh weight. At 48 HAI, scallion plants induced by B. subtilis strain SUNB1 increased phenolic compounds at 42.65 µg gallic acid/mg dry mass. Moreover, four biotic elicitors enhanced activities of catalase, peroxidase, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase and b-1,3-glucanase in treated scallion plants. This study suggests that B. subtilis strain CaSUT008-2 and SUNB1, T. harzianum stimulated growth, helped scallion plants against anthracnose disease. The combined Trichoderma-bacteria bio-inoculants may be a good strategy to develop biocontrol agent and plant growth promoter within green and sustainable production of scallion.

Unlocking genetic potential in Capsicum species through interspecific hybridisation

U N D Harinarayanan, P Lakshmanan — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Capsicum chinense, Jacq, commonly called habanero-type pepper and Capsicum frutescens L., commonly called wild pepper, have higher capsaicin content and better adaptability to changing climatic scenarios. These two species could be a potential source of variation to improve Capsicum annuum L, the cultivated pepper. Introgression of beneficial genes from wild relatives to cultivated crops through interspecific hybridisation has always been advantageous. The present study explored the possibility of interspecific crosses using three different Capsicum species viz.,C. annuum (four genotypes), C. frutescens (two genotypes) and C. chinense (nine genotypes) to develop F1 hybrids in chilli for high capsaicin content. The genotypes of C.chinenseand C. frutescens having high capsaicin content were chosen to transfer genes to the cultivated C. annuum genotypes to improve their commercial value. The percent of fruit set was better in C. annuum × C. chinense and C. fruitescens × C. chinense. Seeds were more in C. annum × C. chinense (20 numbers of seeds) than in C. fruitescens × C. chinense with 8number of seeds. Irrespective of the parents involved, there was variation in seed germination in different cross combinations. Percent of germination and seedling survival was less in the crossed fruits. This experiment offers scope for further studies on pollen viability and the introgression pattern can be confirmed using molecular markers.

Biocatalytic conversion of syngas to liquid biofuels using Clostridium acetobutylicum

Sun, 13 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

This study aimed to develop a pilot-scale bioreactor for ethanol production from syngas produced from biomass gasification and evaluate its performance. Gasification of characterized feedstock, namely Casuarina wood and coconut shell, is performed in a 2 kg hr-1 downdraft gasifier and the produced gas is cooled in a heat exchanger and scrubbed in a scrubbing bed to produce syngas free of moisture, tar and particulates. The syngas are fermented to produce biofuels in a 5 L capacity bioreactor with Clostridium acetobutylicum strains. The percentage yield of acetone, butanol and ethanol was verified with the standard concentration and found to be 12%, 5% and 7% from casuarina wood and 13%, 7% and 6% from coconut shell respectively. The syngas components viz., carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen (H), are fermented to produce acetone, butanol and ethanol along with larger proportions of acids. These acids can be converted into bio-alcohol if the fermentation period or gas-liquid transfer is enhanced. The pretreatment of feedstock is not required in syngas fermentation as it is a major process in conventional bio-alcohol production methods. This pays a way to superior technology in terms of cost and time.

Influence of weather parameters on the seasonal incidence of Lablab bean leafminer: Liriomyza spp. (Agromyzidae: Diptera)

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

This study explores the seasonal incidence, symptomatology and impact of leafminer (Liriomyza spp.) infestation on lablab (Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet) crop in Tamil Nadu, providing valuable insights into the pests’ behaviour and the resulting crop damage. The objective was to assess infestation levels, damage and environmental factors affecting pest behaviour using surveys, correlation and regression analyses. Infestation levels varied significantly, ranging from 20 % to 84 %, with Salem and Erode experiencing lower levels and other districts showing higher infestations. The infestation was higher (84 %) in the Elavadai region of Dharmapuri district and lower (20 %) in the Thathampatti region of Salem district. The highest infestation levels were recorded in February, March and June 2023, with a noticeable decline observed in August and October. The larval mining caused extensive crop damage, significantly impairing photosynthetic efficiency and triggering premature leaf drop. A correlation analysis revealed a strong negative relationship between infestation levels and temperature extremes, indicating that temperature plays a crucial role in pest dynamics. At the same time, relative humidity and rainfall had minimal influence on leafminer incidence. Further regression analysis demonstrated that weather factors accounted for 32.8 % of the variability in infestation levels. The results underscore the importance of understanding seasonal patterns in leafminer occurrence within lablab ecosystems. This knowledge is essential for devising effective integrated pest management strategies supported by field surveys, pest prediction models and molecular techniques. Farmers can effectively manage leafminer infestations and enhance lablab yields by adopting these methods while mitigating the challenges of the global climate.

Morpho-taxonomical notes on some Rhizophydium species (Rhizophydiaceae, Rhizophydiales) of North India

M K Dubey, R S Upadhyay — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

In the present study, seven chytrid species from the genus Rhizophydium, specifically Rhizophydium annulatum, R. coronum, R. condylosum, R. elyense, R. keratinophilum, R. sphaerotheca and R. utriculare were collected from north India and are briefly described. The descriptions are accompanied by photographs illustrating their morphological and taxonomical characteristics. Notably, R. annulatum, R. elyense and R. utriculare represent the first records of these species in the Indian mycobiota.

Unveiling genetic diversity in teak (Tectona grandis L. f.) accessions through ISSR profiling

M N Ashwath, , C Shankar, E Manju, M Deepu, K Shiran — Fri, 11 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

The present study focuses on understanding the genetic diversity among the selected teak accessions using Inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers. Genomic DNA from ten selected teak accessions was extracted using a modified Cetyltrimethylammonium Bromide (CTAB) protocol, ensuring high quality and yield. ISSR primers were employed to amplify DNA fragments and resulting bands were visualized. Banding patterns were analyzed to determine the presence of alleles and polymorphism. The study revealed significant genetic diversity among teak accessions, with 212 alleles identified, of which 199 were polymorphic. Cluster analysis grouped accessions into three distinct clusters based on genetic relatedness, highlighting the influence of environmental factors and geographic location on teaks’ genetic variability. Cluster I comprised two accessions, A1 (Top slip-6) and A2 (Top slip-10) (Jaccards’ coefficient=0.361). Notably, A6 (Nellikutha-1) and A4 (Nedumkayam-2) show a close genetic relationship, sharing a common ancestry with A10 (Karulai) and finally, all three are linked with A7 (Nedumkayam-1), forming cluster II. Cluster III included two pairs of closely related accessions: A3(TC4)-A5(TC11) and A8(Nellikutha-2) - A9 (Shankaram-thode1). Neis’ genetic identity and distance indices provided further insights into the degree of genetic similarity and differentiation among accessions.

Unveiling the efficiency and effectiveness of two distinct mutagens in early mutant generations of sodic tolerant finger millet [Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn] genotype

S Monika, C Vanniarajan , M Vetriventhan , K Sakthivel , T Ramesh, S Meena — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Finger millet is an essential small millet that has gained attention for its high calcium content and C4 physiology. The self-pollination nature of the crop paves the way for the deliberate advent of candid variability, for which induced mutagenesis would be a suitable breeding method for the quick de- velopment of improved cultivars. In the present indagation, the sodic tolerant variety TRY1 finger millet was subjected to gamma rays and EMS to obtain early maturing genotypes. A preliminary experiment was conducted to investigate the LD50 value biological damages incurred by different mutagen doses, and mutagenic efficiency, effectiveness was estimated. Doses of gam- ma rays were used in the range of 100–500Gy. The EMS concentrations were 10 mM–50 mM. The LD50 values derived were 326.53 Gy of gamma rays and 15.36 mM EMS. Reduction in various quantitative traits became colinear with increased dose, irrespective of the mutagens. In the M2 generation, the chlorophyll mutants such as albino, xantha, chlorina, viridis, albomaculata and xantha viridis were noticed. The highest noted chlorophyll mutant was chlorina (1.906 %–Gamma ray and 2.748 %–EMS), and viridis (0.701 %–gamma ray and 0.451 %–EMS) was with the least frequency. Mutagenic effectiveness was high in lower doses of the mutagen (1.65–250 Gy and 5.20–10 mM). The mutagenic efficiency was higher in lower doses of both the mutagens, con- cerning the mutagenic frequency and lethality (0.116-250 Gy, 0.085-10 mM) injury (0.336–250 Gy, 0.176–15 mM) and sterility (0.205–250 Gy, 0.206–10 mM). Thus, gamma ray and EMS at their minimum dose proved efficient in inducing variations.

Optimizing STCR-IPNS fertilizer prescription for targeted rice yield in North Eastern agro climatic zone of Tamil Nadu

S Suganya, S Maragatham, V Arunkumar, R Santhi — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Rice is the major crop in the North Eastern zone of Tamil Nadu. In Tiruvallur district, rice is the major crop cultivated in 96967 ha with a share of 6.7% of the state. At present, the productivity of rice in Tiruvallur district is 4200 kg ha-1 . Due to intensive cropping and application of chemical fertiliz- ers without organic manures, the organic matter content of the soils in Tiru- vallur district is very low in most of the areas with the occurrence of multi- nutrient deficiencies, especially zinc and iron deficiency in rice. In Soil Test Crop Response-Integrated Plant Nutrition System (STCR-IPNS) technology, the fertilizer doses are tailored to specific yield target levels, considering the nutrient requirement of the crop, and the contribution of nutrients from soil, fertilizers, and organic manures. The field experiments were conducted during samba season in irrigated rice to refine the existing Fertilizer Pre- scription Equations (FPEs) for specific yield target levels on the Kadambady soil series in the Tiruvallur district for sustainable rice production and soil quality. Observation on growth and yield attributes was recorded. Grain yield, straw yield, and dry matter production were recorded. Post-harvest soil and plant samples were collected from all the plots. Based on the initial soil analysis of available NPK (Kg ha-1 ) and NPK content in FYM, the STCR- based IPNS fertilizer recommendations were worked out with FPEs of Irugur soil series (Rabi) under yield target levels of 50, 60, and 70 q ha-1 . Using the data on the grain yield, total uptake of NPK, initial soil test values for availa- ble NPK, and doses of fertilizer N, P2O5, K2O, and FYM applied, the basic pa- rameters, viz., the nutrient requirement (NR), contribution of nutrients from soil (Cs), fertilizer (Cf), response ratio (RR), and farmyard manure (Cfym) were computed. Using the basic parameters, viz., NR, Cs, Cf, and Cfym, the FPEs were developed under NPK alone and IPNS. From the test verification trials, the STCR-based fertilizer prescriptions under IPNS for 7 t ha-1 , i.e., applica- tion of fertilizer N, P2O5 and K2O based on initial soil test values with FYM at 12.5 t ha-1 (with a manurial composition of N: 0.48 %, P: 0.23%, K: 0.42 %, and moisture: 24%) contributed fertilizer N, P2O5 and K2O at 40:20:32 kg ha-1 from the recommended dose of fertilizers based on soil test values. This can be recommended for achieving higher yield, RR and benefit-cost ratio (BCR) for rice. The increase in yield with STCR-IPNS-7 t ha-1 was 41.5% over blanket (100% RDF alone), 24.8% over blanket + FYM at 12.5 t ha-1 ,and 56.7% over farmer’s practice. The increase in RR was 4.54, 1.98 and 5.25 kg kg-1 due to STCR-IPNS-7 t ha-1over blanket (100% RDF alone), blanket + FYM at 12.5 t ha- 1 and farmer’s practice respectively, on Kadambady soil series and allied soil series, especially in Tiruvallur district of North Eastern agro climatic zone of Tamil Nadu.

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) seed development accompanies glycosylation and phosphorylation of total soluble and oil body membrane-associated proteins

A Thakur, G Kalra — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Seed development is a complex process involving a series of physiological and metabolic events. During this process, glycosylation, a post-translational modification, plays a crucial role in protein targeting during cellular signaling, while protein phosphorylation acts as a molecular switch, activating proteins in the signaling cascade essential for development. Sunflower is an important oilseed crop in India and worldwide. Phosphoprotein analysis at three stages of sunflower seed development (20, 30 and 40 days after anthesis (DAA)) has revealed significant stage-specific differences in phosphoprotein and glycoprotein distribution. This analysis provides a metabolic framework for further characterizing the biochemical events associated with seed development. The present investigations will be instrumental in analysing the expression and modulation of glycosylation and phosphorylation of proteins during different phases of sunflower seed development. Additionally, this research offer insights into the regulatory roles phosphorylation and glycosylation as molecular switches in governing seed development in sunflower.

Supply chain and market dynamics of GI Kodaikanal Malai Poondu: A socio-economic and medicinal perspective

K Praveena, A Malaisamy, M Raswanthkrishna, M Balasubramanian, P Kumar — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Kodaikanal Malai Poondu, a traditional garlic variety with deep historical roots in Tamil Nadu, is closely associated with the 3000-year-old Kuzhanthai Velappar Temple in Poombarai and was recognized by King Kulashekhara Pandyan as part of the "Vellaipoodu Kandam." This rare garlic variety is also renowned for its medicinal properties, such as boosting immunity, reducing hypertension and enhancing digestion. This study investigates the supply chain management of Kodaikanal Malai Poondu, focusing on the socio-economic status of farmers, market dynamics and key marketing practices, including handling, packaging, costs, margins and price spreads. The Udai Pareek scale assessment revealed that the socio-economic status of farmers is moderate. The compound growth rates for area, production and productivity were 4.77%, 5.07% and 0.34%, respectively, with statistical significance at the 1% level for area and production and 5% for productivity. Marketing efficiency was highest in channel II (efficiency index 4.86) in Dindigul and lowest in channel I (index 2.80) in Madurai. This study underscores the importance of targeted interventions to enhance productivity, stabilize production areas, improve supply chain efficiency and leverage the medicinal benefits of this historically significant garlic variety, ensuring its sustainability and economic viability.

Impact of foliar nutrient application on growth and yield of drip fertigated aerobic rice

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

A field experiment was conducted at Agricultural College and Research Institute, Madurai during 2022 to study the effect of supplemental nutrition on different varieties under drip fertigated aerobic rice (Oryza sativa L.). The experiment was laid out in a split plot design with twelve treatment combinations and three replications. The treatment consisted of two varieties such as CO-54 and ADT-53 as the main factor and the sub-plot treatments included foliar application of 1% urea + 2% diammonium phosphate (DAP) + 1% potassium chloride at panicle initiation (PI) and 10 days later (F1), foliar application of 0.5% zinc sulphate and 1% ferrous sulphate at tillering and PI stages (F2), foliar application of 2% mono ammonium phosphate (MAP) + 1% potassium chloride at heading and grain filling stages (F3), foliar application of 1.5% fermented egg extract at tillering, PI and flowering stage (F4), foliar application of 1% ferrous sulphate at 25-30 days after sowing (DAS) (F5) and control - No spray (F6). The results of the study indicated that rice variety CO-54 coupled with application of recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) through drip fertigation along with foliar application of 1% urea + 2% DAP + 1% potassium chloride at panicle initiation and 10 days later registered higher values for yield traits, total yield and zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) partitioning of aerobic rice.

Climate change linked spatio-temporal drought prediction over Tamil Nadu (India)

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Climate change projections suggest an increased risk of extreme events, potentially accelerating the occurrence of droughts in the future. Drought is a recurring climatic phenomenon that significantly affects the social and economic development of agricultural countries. It can occur in many parts of the world, though its characteristics differ from one region to another. The study aims to analyze future drought events in Tamil Nadu to gain insights into their frequency and spatial extent. Dynamical downscaling of the global circulation model (CCSM4) was done by employing the regional climate model (RCM) RegCM4.4. The downscaled future rainfall data was used to calculate standardized precipitation index and drought characterization in the future period such as the near century (2010-2039), mid-century (2040–2069) and end of the century (2071-2099) under RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 scenario of CMIP5 project. The results of calculated SPI values showed that the drought frequency was higher in the Southwest Monsoon (20%) compared to the Northeast Monsoon in the future. Based on SPI, drought occurrence is expected to increase in the 4.5 scenario (50%) as compared to the 8.5 scenario, drought occurrence is projected to decrease due to an increase in rainfall projected in mid-century. This article paves the way for more accurate drought management strategies, contributing to improved resilience and sustainable development in drought-prone regions.

Impact assessment of water efficient rice production technology on farmers’ field

G Selvarani, E Subramanian, A Sathishkumar, J Selvi, C Aathithyan, S Selvakumar — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

The experiments were conducted during kharif season of 2018 and 2019 at farmers’ fields, Madurai in the Southern Zone of Tamil Nadu to find out the water efficient rice production technology. The experiment consisted of six crop establishment treatments viz., direct planting system, drum seeding, system of rice intensification (SRI), aerobic rice, drip irrigated rice and conventional planting system. The rice variety ASD 16 was used and the experiments were arranged in a randomized block design with four replications. Among the water efficient techniques, drum seeding registered the higher grain yield (5650 kg ha-1), which was comparable to the direct planting system (5592 kg ha-1). The system of rice intensification produced the grain yield of 5025 kg ha-1. The conventional method of transplanting produced higher yield than SRI. Interestingly, the water productivity was higher in aerobic rice (6.92 kg/ ha mm-1 of water) despite its lower yield. Around 49.6 % water can be saved by means of aerobic rice when compared to conventional method of rice cultivation. Hence, the water efficient methods like drum seeding and direct planting systems are recommended for canal irrigated areas, while aerobic rice is suitable for water scarcity regions, turn irrigation systems and well irrigated areas to enhance water use efficiency and sustain rice farming.

The effect of partial replacement of barley by chemically treated crushed date seeds in diets on production, economical performance of sheep

Homaam Hussain Ahmed — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

The study was conducted in the fields of Barakat Aba Al-Fadl Al-Abbas from the Al-Abbas's (p) Holy Shrine and the current work aimed to study the effect of substituting different levels of chemically treated crushed date seeds instead of barley in the concentrated diet of local male Awassi lambs to know its impact on productive and economic performance. Using a completely randomized design, forty-two male Awassi lambs (average body weights 22.6 ± 0.8 kg) at the age of 4-5 months were used, for the period from 10/8/2022 to 17/10/2022 (63 days). Animals were randomly distributed into seven groups (6 animals/group) in separate cages and experimental treatments were provided. All animals were fed concentrated diets at 3 % of body weight and barley straw was the main source of roughage and was provided as ad libitum. The normal crushed date seeds were replaced by 25.50 % instead of barley and the same proportions for the crushed date seeds were soaked with acetic acid and citric acid in seven treatments. There were significant differences observed in the averages of daily weight gain, feed intake and efficiency of feed conversion. Non-significant differences appeared in the rumen fluid parameters of pH and volatile fatty acids, while the treatments T6 and T7 recorded the lowest significant values in urea nitrogen compared to the highest values in the treatment T1 control. Treatments T6 and T7 were significantly superior in the digestion of nutrients over all treatments. All treatments achieved replacing crushed date seeds by 25 and 50 %, normal and soaked with organic acids, instead of barley, the best economic efficiency compared with the treatment T1 control.

Carbon sequestration potential of Casuarina equisetifolia plantations at harvest age in tropical region of India

R Ravi, C Buvaneswaran, S Saravanan — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Studying the carbon stock of tree plantations is essential for mitigating climate change, as trees act as carbon dioxide sinks by fixing carbon during photosynthesis and storing excess carbon as biomass. With a significant emphasis on the role of carbon in global warming, Afforestation/Reforestation (A/R) activities have the potential to provide a “sink” for carbon from our atmosphere and act as a reservoir. In current study, the sequestered carbon dioxide from atmosphere by Casuarina plantations was calculated and converted into carbon by a particular plantation using the globally accepted formula developed by the IPCC. Simultaneously, the soil organic carbon of the particular Casuarina plantations was also estimated. Finally, the carbon stock of Casuarina equisetifolia plantations were estimated under different management practices. The various management practices like pruning, irrigation and fertilizer application also improves the carbon sink potential of the tree plantations. The mean carbon concentration ranged from 41% (leaf litter) to 46% (wood) in the different components of Casuarina equisetifolia. The plantations recorded a carbon accumulation of 9.12 Mt C ha?¹ year?¹ in biomass components alone at the harvest age of 3 years in the tropical region of Tamil Nadu, India. Proper management practices in tropical regions worldwide have the potential to further enhance carbon stocks in plantations. This data will be ready reckoner for future Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects for controlling global warming.

Exploring gene action and combining ability for yield improve- ment in rice (Oryza sativa L.) landraces

M Prapakaran, R Pushpam, A John Joel, S Manonmani, D Uma, N Sritharan, R Suresh — Sun, 13 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Estimating combining ability is essential for evaluating genotypes and understanding the nature and magnitude of gene actions involved in plant breeding. In a study involving four lines and seven testers, a Line × Tester mating design was employed to analyze combining ability, heterosis, and gene action across 16 yield-related traits. The results indicated significant variances for general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA), underscoring the relevance of additive and non-additive genetic components in trait inheritance. The analysis revealed that the ratio of dominant genetic variance to additive genetic variance was greater than one for most traits, with the exceptions being test weight and the grain length:breadth ratio. This suggests that non-additive gene action predominantly influences the inheritance of the examined traits. Among the parental lines studied, CO 54, CO 55, RL 8601, RL 6298, and RL 27 emerged as the best general combiners for single-plant yield and other traits. Based on the outcomes of standard heterosis, the following hybrid combinations were identified as optimal for augmenting single-plant yield: ADT 58 × RL 2348 (105.33%), CO 55 × RL 6298 (104.5%), CO 54 × RL 6298 (103.87%), CO 54 × RL 8601 (100.76%), ADT 58 × RL 2196 (99.8%), and ADT 56 × RL 6298 (97.65%). These results indicate that the identified cross combinations could be effectively employed in recombination breeding programs focused on producing early-maturing, high-yielding fine-grain rice varieties that align with market requirements.

Stability analysis of promising sugarcane genotypes for cane and sugar yields using the AMMI model and GGE biplot

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

The sugarcane clone G 2008019 is a general cross progeny of CoV 92102 that outyielded the checks in initial breeding trials. To assess its stability and yield potential under saline stress, multi-environment trials comprising 20 environments were conducted from 2022 to 2024. It produced the highest mean cane yield of 123.41 t/ha with a commercial cane sugar percentage of 13.06, representing a 27.46%, 28.89% and 31.79% increase over the checks Co 86032 (96.82 t/ha), CoG 94077 (93.64 t/ha) and CoG 95076 (95.75 t/ha) respectively. Further, it exhibited a 29.35%, 35.09% and 34.16% increase in sugar yield over the checks, respectively. From the AMMI (additive main effects and multiplicative interactions) and GGE (genotype × genotype interaction with environment) biplots, the performance and stability of the test genotypes were ascertained. The ANOVA analysis showcased a significant contribution of genotypes to total variation followed by the genotype × environment interaction and the environment itself. The yield potential and the stability of G 2008019 were confirmed through minimal ASV values and higher values for cane yield and juice-based quality traits. The biplots of AMMI I, AMMI II and GGE confirmed the constancy of G 2008019. Additionally, the sugarcane clone G 2008019 possessed good jaggery qualities, including 65.36% juice recovery, 91.84% juice purity, 11.32% jaggery recovery and 15.21 t/ha jaggery yield. The mean fibre content of the clone was 13.25%. These combined results indicate the suitability of clone G 2008019 for further utilization in the breeding cycle.

Investigation of Nigella sativa seed ethanolic extract using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and study of its antibacterial activity against different bacterial species

Ahmed Sadoon Hassain, Shabeeb Munshid Jasim, Hasanain Najm Abbood — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Medicinal plants are one of the valuable natural resources that developed countries today consider to be safe alternative medicines for humans. The current study focused on Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) investigations and the antibacterial properties of Nigella sativa (N. sativa) seed extract. The maceration process, the soxhlet method and suitable extraction solvents have all been used to create various extracts from N. sativa seeds. The GC-MS analyses identified around 25 chemical compounds with known bioactivities and/or uses that are crucial for the treatment of illnesses that pose a serious hazard to life. Using the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) and Well diffusion methods, the seed extract demonstrated antibacterial activity against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium) bacteria with varying degrees of efficacy. The antibacterial activity of the extract was dose-dependent and more potent against Gram-positive bacteria than Gram-negative bacteria. Considering the findings of this study, N. sativa seed extracts contain a variety of chemical elements associated with their antibacterial capabilities.

Effect of enriched humanure on soil properties and yield of Marigold (Tagetes erecta L) in Tropical India

P Kavya, P Jothimani, M Maheswari, N Thavaprakaash, M Kavitha, G Sridevi — Fri, 11 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Utilizing human excrement in agriculture shows great potential for meeting crop nutrient requirements, improving soil health and providing a sustainable solution for managing faecal waste. While a few studies have explored humanure as compost and human urine as a biofertilizer, no research has been conducted on enriched humanure, that is, humanure combined with biochar and urine. Enriched humanure is expected to enhance soil and crop benefits. To evaluate its efficacy, field trials were conducted during the winter and summer seasons in Vridhachalam on marigolds (Hybrid-Bens Tall) using a randomized block design with 11 treatments replicated three times. The treatments included: bioinputs alone, humanure + biochar + human urine at ratios of 1.0:1.0:1.0 and 1.0:1.0:1.5, enriched humanure (1.0:1.0:1.0 and 1.0:1.0:1.5, enriched for 30 days), 50 % enriched humanure + 50 % recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), RDF + farmyard manure (FYM) and FYM alone. The results revealed that enriched humanure (1.0:1.0:1.0) significantly improved the soils’ chemical and biological properties. Its application increased the soils’ available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium by 4.2 %, 18.59 % and 8.86 %, respectively. Moreover, the marigold yield reached 27650 kg ha-1, a 42 % improvement compared to the control (FYM application alone).

Standardization of grafting techniques for superior clonal propagation of Ceiba pentandra (L.) Gaertn.: Potentiality in ecological and economic importance

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Ceiba pentandra (Linn.) Gaertn. commonly known as kapok, is increasingly gaining importance as one of the major tree components in agroforestry systems due to its multipurpose nature. Its adaptability and productivity make it advantageous for promoting sustainable livelihood improvement among farmers. The study explores the ecological, economic and environmental significance of kapok, by assessing the effectiveness of wedge grafting methods and its successful propagation under controlled nursery conditions. Grafting was performed at six intervals (June-November) with two conditions: with polycap and without polycap. One-year-old scions with 3-4 healthy buds were grafted onto 6-8-month-old rootstocks. Various parameters, including graft take percentage, bud sprouting time, sprouting percentage, first leaf emergence time, sprout length, number of leaves and graft survival, were evaluated. The results highlighted the significant influence of timing and polycap usage on grafting success. November grafts with polycap exhibited the highest graft take (71.5%), while July grafts with polycap showed the shortest bud sprouting time (13.78 days) and longest sprout lengths. Graft survival was highest (79.8%) in October with polycap. Polycap usage enhanced outcomes by creating a humid microenvironment, reducing desiccation and supporting graft union formation. The findings emphasize the effectiveness of wedge grafting and polycap in improving vegetative propagation success in kapok. This technique offers a reliable method for clonal multiplication, ensuring high-quality planting stock for agroforestry and commercial applications.

Phytochemical analysis and anticancer potential of Iraqi Allium sativum on colon cancer cells

Amjed Haseeb Khamees, Ali Rahman Jasim — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Allium sativum has been cultivated in different areas around the world and has been used as a food, condiment. Many sources mention Allium sativum as a potential treatment for different ailments. The Current study aimed to assess the anticarcinogenic and antitumor properties of Allium sativum and identify of the major phytochemicals present in Iraqi species. Specific and general tests were carried out for the qualitative analysis of different natural components present in the plant extract in addition to the assessment of the possible antitumor activity of Allium sativum by detecting the dose-response effect of the methanol extract. Serial extract concentrations were tested on a colon cancer cell line to determine the dose-response effect. The anticancer effects after 48 hours of exposure showed a significant inhibition rate in a dose-dependent manner on cancer cell growth. The IC50 value of the extract was found to be 35.13 µg/mL. The inhibition rates at various concentrations were as follows: at 200 µg/mL, the inhibition was 90.9 ± 0.03 %, at 100 µg/mL, it was 68.1 ± 0.05 %, at 50 µg/mL, the inhibition was 52.7 ± 0.09 %, at 25 µg/mL, it was 49.54 ± 0.03 %, at 12.5 µg/mL, it was 36.3 ± 0.05 % and at 6.25 µg/mL, the inhibition was 36.2 ± 0.05 %. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of several bioactive secondary metabolites in the methanol extract, including alkaloids, saponins, steroids, carbohydrates, flavonoids, terpenoids, anthraquinones and cardiac glycosides. These compounds are likely supporting the potential of Allium sativum as a natural anticancer treatment.

Exploring the anticancer and apoptotic potential of Verbena officinalis L. extracts in combination with conventional chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer: A multifaceted in vitro study on PANC-1 cells

S Taleb, V Chaleshi, M Dehghani Ashkezari, S M Seifati — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

This study evaluated the anticancer and apoptotic potential of different Verbena officinalis (VO) extracts on human pancreatic adenocarcinoma PANC-1 cells compared to normal HUVEC cells. We assessed the antioxidant capacity through total phenolic content (TPC) as milligrams of gallic acid equivalents (GAE) per gram and DPPH radical scavenging assays. Our results showed that the aqueous VO extract exhibited a high TPC of 875.70 ± 0.75 mg GAE/g, while the methanol extract demonstrated the most effective DPPH scavenging with an IC50 60.65 ?g/mL. Cytotoxicity assays, both with VO alone and in combination with gemcitabine, revealed potent anticancer effects against PANC-1 cells (IC25-IC50 value: 25-37.40 ?g/mL) but no significant impact on normal HUVECs. Apoptosis analysis using flow cytometry indicated that VO with gemcitabine induced more significant apoptosis than either treatment alone. Furthermore, VO extracts modulated the expression of apoptotic genes, reducing anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 levels while increasing pro-apoptotic Bax and Caspase-3 in PANC-1 cells, as confirmed by qRT-PCR. This study supports the potential of VO as an anticancer agent, offering insights into the mechanisms underlying its traditional medicinal applications. Further research could establish VO as an effective complementary natural therapy for pancreatic cancer.

Evaluating stability of corn (Zea mays L.) hybrids for fresh cob weight and quality across environments

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Corn (Zea mays L.) is a major commercial crop cultivated worldwide.. Recognising its economic importance, corn breeding has gained considerable momentum, with a key focus on understanding how the environment influences genotype performance. This interaction, known as Genotype × Environment (G × E), plays a crucial role in identifying stable and high-performing varieties. This study analysed three critical quality traits, such as cob weight, total soluble solids, and total sugars using advanced statistical tools, including AMMI (Additive Model and Multiplicative Index), GGE (Genotype and Genotype-Environment), and WAASB (Weighted Average of Absolute Scores) models. These approaches were applied to evaluate the performance of 40 sweet-field corn hybrids across multiple environments. Based on the study two promising hybrids 45530×UMI 1230?⁺ and 45679×UMI 1200?⁺, that consistently performed well across different seasons in Coimbatore were identified. The Which-Won-Where plot further characterized the mega-environment, identifying the most suitable genotype for each environment based on all traits. This comprehensive analysis provides valuable insights into the G × E interaction effects on key quality parameters of fresh corn. The findings of this study would help in focused breeding efforts for developing stable and better performing corn hybrids, ensuring they meet both production and quality demands across varying environmental conditions.

Development of herbicide-tolerant lines through marker assisted backcross breeding

Sun, 13 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

The widespread adoption of direct-seeded rice cultivation over traditional puddled transplanted rice has become necessary due to labor shortages and water scarcity. Amidst several biotic and abiotic challenges faced by direct seeded rice cultivation, weeds remain as a major bottleneck which negatively influences the performance of rice crop. Chemical method of weed control is one of the most economical ways compared to other weed management techniques. Development of rice lines which are resistant to new classes of broad-spectrum herbicides have paved way to introduce them into direct seeded rice cultivation. In this study, the herbicide-tolerant mutant named Robin-HTM, developed at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University and tolerance to imazethapyr, was used as a donor parent to introgress herbicide tolerant into the popular rice variety ADT 43. Initial evaluation with herbicide was done with the parents alone and subsequent evaluation was done in the advance backcross progenies of ADT 43 x HTM cross. The promising lines which perform better than the recurrent parent is selected and forwarded through backcrossing. Weed related parameters were also calculated in this study, to understand the weed dynamics present and the efficiency of the herbicide used.

Seasonal toxicity pattern of novel insecticides and botanicals combination against Leucinodes orbonalis in Bhubaneswar

V Sree Sai, M K Tripathy, S S Dash, M R Kar, B K Pradhann — Sun, 13 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

This study examines the seasonal toxicity patterns of novel insecticides and botanical combinations against Leucinodes orbonalis in Bhubaneswar. Managing this pest is challenging due to its resistance to conventional insecticides, leading to significant brinjal yield losses. This research evaluates the efficacy of spinetoram, tetraniliprole and emamectin benzoate, individually and in combination with plant extracts and piperonyl butoxide (PBO). Spinetoram exhibited the highest toxicity, followed by tetraniliprole and emamectin benzoate. The study also revealed strong synergistic effects, particularly with PBO, enhancing insecticide efficacy. These findings highlight the importance of integrating botanical extracts with insecticides for effective pest management.

Harnessing integrated disease management strategies to combat major tomato diseases and seasonal dynamics in Tamil Nadu

P Parameshwari, M Karthikeyan, K Angappan , I Johnson — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

An extensive survey was conducted to observe the disease incidence in the major tomato-growing areas of Tamil Nadu during kharif, rabi and summer seasons. Our results showed that major diseases were effectively controlled by (seed priming with Bacillus subtilis (Bbv 57) @4g/kg of seed followed by soil application of B. subtilis (Bbv 57) @10g/kg of soil while filling plug trays, soil drenching with B. subtilis, (Bbv 57) @5% after seed germination and covering nursery beds with 50-mesh nylon net until transplanting) and in the main field (border row planting with two rows of maize 15 days before transplanting seedlings, followed by seedling dip with carbendazim 12% + mancozeb 63% WP (Wettable Powder) @ 0.1 % at the time of transplanting and sequential spraying with acephate 75% WP @1.5g/L on 10 days after transplanting (DAT), fipronil 5% SC (Suspension Concentrate) @1.5mL/L on 20 DAT, copper hydroxide 77% WP (2.0g/L) on 25 DAT, imidacloprid 70% WG @2g/15L on 40 DAT, fenamidone 10%+mancozeb 50% WDG (Water- Dispersible Granules) @ 0.25% two to three times from 45 DAT at 10 days intervals). The results of the IDM (Integrated Disease Management) experiment revealed minimum disease severity for damping off (3.95%) fusarium wilt (8.69%), early blight (5.66%), tomato leaf curl virus (10.56%) and spotted wilt virus (10.77%) compared to the control. The developed IDM module was tested and verified in the farmer’s fields and the farmer's practice and control were compared confirming the IDM module as superior. Such an approach could also benefit prolonged tomato production and high economic returns.

Thermal influence on floral induction in mango (Mangifera indica L.): A study on two cultivars under Ultra High-Density Planting (UHDP)

Sun, 13 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is a globally significant tropical fruit, with India being the largest producer. Despite its economic importance, off-season mango production remains challenging due to the critical role of environmental factors on floral induction. This study investigates the thermal influence on floral initiation in two mango cultivars, Ratna and Bangalora, grown under the Ultra High-Density Planting (UHDP) system at Jain Irrigation Systems Limited Farms, Udumalpet, from 2022 to 2024. The study comprises the evaluation of flowering responses under both regular and off-season conditions. The experiment followed a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications per cultivar, comprising 72 trees (36 per cultivar). Temperature thresholds for floral induction were determined using logistic regression models and the probability of flowering was analysed in relation to temperature integration periods. Results indicated cultivar-specific differences in temperature sensitivity. During the off-season, Bangalora exhibited 50 % flowering at a minimum temperature of 24.8 °C (95 % CI: 23.5 °C–26.0 °C) and a maximum of 35.5 °C (95 % CI: 34.0°C-37.0 °C). In contrast, Ratna required lower temperatures, with 50 % flowering occurring at a minimum of 21.3 °C (95 % CI: 20.5 °C-22.2 °C) and a maximum of 31.2 °C (95 % CI: 30.2°C-32.5 °C). During the regular season, optimal flowering temperatures were slightly lower, suggesting naturally favourable conditions. Findings confirm that temperature exposure and integration periods significantly affect floral induction, emphasizing the potential for controlled temperature management to optimize off-season production. These results provide critical insights into mango flowering physiology. It plays a crucial role in developing practical guidelines for farmers to regulate temperatures based on specific cultivars, ensuring year-round mango availability.

Exploring edible and medicinal mushrooms: Ethnomycological insights from Samarkand, Jizzakh and Kashkadarya regions of Uzbekistan

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

The knowledge about wild edible and medicinal mushrooms within local communities is passed from one generation to the next, this being one of the few fragile but effective ways of perpetuating knowledge. Documenting ethnomycological data is an important way to validate or correct the identification of specimens and the preservation of these natural resources with cultivation potential, thus improving their consumption and utilization for medicinal purposes. In recent years, there has been a growing focus on ethnobotanical and ethnomycological studies in Uzbekistan. Ethnomycological research carried out between 2022 and 2023 years in the Samarkand (SR), Jizzakh (JR) and Kashkadarya (KR) regions of Uzbekistan, presents valuable information about the most consumed and medicinally significant mushrooms. Uzbekistan does not have a rich traditional usage of Wild Edible and Medicinal Mushrooms (WEMMs) for culinary and medicinal purposes. Despite this fact, the existence of specific historically formed traditions on the use of wild edible and medicinal mushrooms in SR, JR and KR was reflected in the conducted ethnomycological research. Moreover, research aimed at collecting ethnomycological data based on interviews with informants has not previously been conducted in these regions. A total of 11 species of WEMMs belonging to seven families and ten genera Morchella, Agaricus, Pleurotus, Inonotus, Stropharia, Lepista, Calvatia, Bovista) are used by the inhabitants of the SR, JR and KR. Information regarding their traditional ethnomycological knowledge is provided.

Sustainable nutrient management: Exploring fulvic acid, chelated zinc application methods and rates for improved Maize growth and productivity

T Rohit, J Anita, H S Sarang — Fri, 11 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

The performance of maize is frequently limited by scarcity of micronutrients, especially zinc, which is essential for numerous physiological functions. The present study investigates the impact of different application methods and doses of fulvic acid (FA) and chelated zinc (Zn-EDTA) on the growth and productivity of maize (Zea mays L.), in response to the increasing global demand for this vital crop. This study was performed at the student farm of Lovely Professional University during the Kharif season of 2023-2024, utilizing a randomized block design with nine treatments, which included soil and foliar sprays of fulvic acid, and Zn-EDTA at different concentrations. Essential growth parameters such as plant height, stem girth, number of leaves, leaf area, chlorophyll index, fresh and dry weight, yield attributes and yield were recorded at various growth stages. The treatment of soil fulvic acid and foliar Zn-EDTA at 2.5 kg ha-1 resulted in maximum plant height (152.3 cm), stem girth (2.10cm), leaf area (494.06 cm2 ), chlorophyll index (48.36 SPAD), fresh and dry weight (191.5g, 86.2g), number of cobs per plant (2), rows per cob (16), grains per cob (48.33), length of cob (16.96 cm) and weight of cob (150.4 g). At the same time, the minimum values have been recorded with the sole application of 100% RDF. This study emphasizes the synergistic advantages of combining bio stimulants and micronutrients to improve maize growth and yield, providing significant insights for formulating sustainable agricultural methods that promote crop productivity and nutrient utilization efficiency.

Antibiofilm and anti-quorum properties of ethanolic leaf extracts of Syzygium jambos and Psidium guajava and their gel formulation for wound healing applications

S K Santhosh, S Sarojini — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Most bacterial species today have evolved with time and gained resistance to a wide range of antibiotics, primarily due to formation of biofilms and ?lactamases. Many phytochemicals have been explored for their ability to inhibit bacterial biofilms. The present study sheds light on antibiofilm properties of two such plants viz. Psidium guajava and Syzygium jambos, of the Myrtaceae family. They were found to be effective against four different biofilm forming pathogens - Chromobacterium violaceum, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. Synergistic use of the plant extracts showed slightly better antibacterial activity than a single extract. Quorum sensing being one of the key factors required for biofilm formation, the isolate Chromobacterium violaceum was used as the indicator organism to study the anti-quorum properties of the plant extracts. At 10 mg/mL, ethanolic extract of S. jambos inhibited violacein pigment the most (78.84%) and therefore can be considered as a quorum sensing inhibitor (QSI). Since silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have become increasingly significant in the field of drug delivery, they may be utilized to coat implants to avoid subsequent infections in patients who have had implant surgery and to reduce biofilm development in pathogens. In the present study, five gels were formulated using plant extracts and AgNPs, of which two showed promising results in wound healing assay. The non-toxic nature of the synthesized gels has been verified by studies on L-929 mouse fibroblast cell lines, which opens the door for their prospective application as topical treatments to accelerate the healing process in both acute and chronic wounds. Given that S. aureus and P. aeruginosa are the most commonly isolated bacteria from diabetic foot ulcers, the resulting gels can considerably curb the spread of infection and gangrene and thus prevent amputation.

Tree species distributions in the Aravalli and Vindhya-Malwa regions of Gujarat and Rajasthan, India

K Arpita, S Shimly, Karthikeyan, S Rajendrakumar — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

The Aravalli and Vindhya-Malwa hills regions are known for their plant di versity. The plant species in these regions are affected by human threats and natural calamities. To understand the impacts on trees and their distri bution along these regions, the present study was conducted. Five protect ed areas were selected in the southern, central Aravalli, and Vindhya-Malwa regions of Gujarat and Rajasthan. The tree species were sampled during their seedling, sapling and mature tree stages. The nested plots method was used. Tree species in different growth stages were analysed, and distri bution specific to regions and across the landscapes were compared. Spe cific to regions, species richness was high in southern Aravalli compared to central Aravalli and Vindhya-Malwa regions. Across landscapes, the regions of southern Aravalli are significantly related to central Aravalli regions; the relationship between Aravalli and Vindhya-Malwa regions is not significant. Tree species distributions and establishment in these regions are affected by long-term threats like forest fire, selective removal of tree species, and cutting and lopping at the time of flowering and fruiting, which create varia tions in tree species at the regional and landscape level. Recommendations were given to preserve the tree species.

Dietary variations and their comparison with natural diet on the biological parameters of greater wax moth

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

The research trial conducted at Lovely Professional University's Department of Entomology, School of Agriculture examined the efficacy of two distinct diets and one natural diet in the mass rearing of the greater wax moth. The influence of recommended meals on several biological features of the eggs, larvae, pupae and adults of greater wax moths was examined in a laboratory setting. The weight and size of the larvae and pupae were compared with the effects of feeding on natural foods, such as honeybee wax. The goal of the current study was to examine how this feeding strategy affected the biological characteristics of Galleria mellonella eggs, larvae, pupae and adults. The study concluded that the D2 diet-which included wheat flour, milk powder, yeast powder, honey, wheat bran and maize flour-was the most successful for the greater wax moths. It was discovered that this diet greatly shortened the larval length while improving the weight (27±0.7) and survival rate (90%) of the larvae, as well as raising adult emergence. The natural diet improved the fecundity of female moths, resulting in an average of 571.5 eggs laid per female and a shorter larval lifespan, among other benefits. The third-most effective diet was D1 feeding which contains 350 g wheat flour, 200 g maize flour, 130 g milk powder, 70 g yeast powder, 100 mL honey and 150 g sorbitol.

Development and evaluation of an engine-powered sugarcane single-bud cutter

P Kamaraj , A Tajuddin — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

The Sustainable Sugarcane Initiative (SSI) is an innovative method of sugarcane cultivation that aims to minimize the use of seeds, water, fertilizers and land while maximizing yields. One of the SSI's key principles is the single bud chip technique, which helps produce uniform tillers, increases the number of tillers and results in more millable canes per plant. To support this, an engine-powered single-bud sugarcane sett cutter was developed. The machine comprises a main frame, engine, rotary shaft, cutting discs, stacker, delivery chute, frequency counter, vibration mounts and transport wheels. The machine's performance was tested at four cutting disc speeds (1400, 1800, 2200 and 2600 rpm) and two disc diameters (200 mm and 250 mm), while three different sett cut lengths (30, 35 and 40 mm) were also evaluated. The highest number of single bud setts was achieved with the cutting discs set at 2200 rpm and a 200 mm diameter, resulting in a cutting rate of 1700 setts per hour. For optimal germination, a sett length of 35 mm was recommended. The cost of cutting setts with this machine was 1000 INR per hectare, compared to 6250 INR per hectare for using a traditional bud chipper, offering savings of 84 % in cost and 94 % in time. Additionally, the machine demonstrated impressive germination results, with a 95 % germination rate in a pro-tray nursery and a 90% germination rate under actual field conditions.

Genetic variability and trait association studies in celosia accessions for growth and yield characters

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Improving the yield and other characteristics of a crop requires an understanding of the type and extent of variability present in the plant material as well as the relationships between the traits. This study focuses on thirty-five accessions of Celosia species, evaluated for genetic variability in 19 quantitative and qualitative traits, to understand the associations between these characters and their contribution to flower yield. The objective of the work was to investigate the genetic variability and association between traits to rationally improve the yield of Celosia species. The data used in this study were assessed at 70 days after transplanting (DAT) to complete flowering in all Celosia accessions for its growth and yield. From the results of the analysis, the trait, single flower weight had the larger estimates of GCV (41.9 %) and PCV (46.29 %) of all parameters that were recorded. For most traits examined, higher estimates of heritability were recorded, particularly for plant spread (E-W) (99 %), while significant genetic advance per mean was in single flower weight (78.14 %). Leaf length (0.34) and seed weight (0.81) showed a significant positive correlation with the number of flowers per plant, indicating strong potential for increasing yield. The parameters like plant height (0.8132) and leaf length (0.7602) had the most direct impact on flower yield, according to the path analysis results. Based on this conclusion, it appears that Celosia species can be improved by analyzing the features acquired from selection criteria based on genetic parameters and employing them for improved crop yield in future breeding works.

Performance of foxtail millet (Setaria italica (L.) P. Beauv.) based cropping system for rainfed agro ecosystems in Semi-Arid Tropics of India

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

A field experiment was conducted during the Kharif seasons of 2020, 2021, and 2022 at the Centre of Excellence in Millets, Athiyandal, Thiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, to investigate the performance of foxtail millet (Setaria italica L.) based cropping system for rainfed agro- ecosystems in the north-eastern agro climatic zone of Tamil Nadu, India. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design (RBD) with 7 treatments, viz., T1: Sole foxtail millet; T2: Foxtail millet + Groundnut (Arachis hypogea L.) (4:1); T3: Foxtail millet + Groundnut (Arachis hypogea L.) (6:1); T4: Foxtail millet + Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) (4:1); T5: Foxtail millet + Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) (6:1); T6: Foxtail millet + Niger (Guizotia abyssinica (L.f.) Cass) (4:1); T7: Foxtail millet + Niger (Guizotia abyssinica (L.f.) Cass) (6:1). Each treatment was replicated three times . High- quality seeds with a high germination percentage, uniform size and freedom from pests, diseases, and weed seeds were used for the experiment viz., foxtail millet (ATL 1), groundnut (VRI 8), sesame (TMV 7), and niger (JNS 28). The results revealed that the foxtail millet and sesame intercropping system in a 4:1 ratio exhibited the highest foxtail millet equivalent yield (2266 kg/ha) along with notable relative production efficiency (10.5%) and relative economic efficiency (18.1%). This study emphasizes the potential for expanding foxtail millet cultivation by integrating intercropping with oilseed crops, thereby contributing to both the area and production of foxtail millet.

Cytological and karyological analysis of interspecific cotton hybrids

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

This article explores the morphology and karyological characteristics of cotton tetraploids, including Gossypium tomentosum, G. mustelinum, G. hirsutum var. morili, G. hirsutum L. variety AN-Bayaut-2, Bukhara-6 variety, G. barbadense ssp. ruderale and G. barbadense ssp. vitifolium var. brasilense, along with their polyploid plant generations and F1 hybrids. The study describes the morphological traits and karyological features of the resulting allopolyploids. The results generatedoctoploid hybrid combinations, whichwere morphologically analyzed. It was observed that most of the octoploid plants were short, some weremedium-sized and others wereflowerless, displaying morphological irregularities and fragility. The leaves of theseplants werethick but obtained from octoploids (C - generation exposed to colchicine). When the chromosomes of plants from C1 to C4generations were counted, they returned to the tetraploid level (2n = 4x = 52), stabilizing the karyotype structure among the plant generations. At the same time, a process of restoration of the normal course of microsporogenesis was observed. F1hybrids obtained fromthese species and subspecies were observed to differ significantly in several characteristics. The first-generation hybrids exhibited distinct morphological variation. Each hybrid combination differed in traits such as speed of ripening, leaf size and shape, density, size, joint spacing in the first crop, the size of pods and overall development. The hybrid plants demonstrated robust growth, a good fruit set and notable karyological features.

Effect of seed pelleting and foliar nutrition on growth and yield traits of summer sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

R B Mori, J B Patel, A V Barad, J R Sondarva — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

A field study, effect of seed pelleting and foliar nutrition on growth and yield of summer sesame cv. GJT 5 was conducted at the Sagdividi Farm, Department of Seed Science and Technology, College of Agriculture, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh, during the summer of 2022, using a factorial randomized block design. The experiment comprised five seed pelleting treatments (P0: non-pelleted, P1: seed pelleted with urea @ 20 g/kg, P2: seed pelleted with DAP @ 10 g/kg, P3: seed pelleted with ZnSO4@ 4 g/kg and P4: seed pelleted with MgSO4 @ 4 g/kg) and five foliar nutrition treatments (F0: No spray (control), F1: foliar nutrition with urea @ 1 % at 30 DAS, F2: foliar nutrition with DAP @ 1 % at 30 DAS, F3: foliar nutrition with ZnSO4 @ 1 % at 30 DAS and F4: foliar nutrition with MgSO4 @ 1 % at 30 DAS). Among the seed pelleting treatments, seed pelleting with ZnSO4 @ 4 g/kg (P3) and among the foliar nutrition, foliar nutrition with DAP @ 1 % at 30 DAS (F2) recorded the maximum number of branches per plant (5.40), plant height (86.27 cm), number of capsules per plant (85.60), number of seeds per capsule (66.91), seed yield per plant (20.53 g), biological yield per plant (78.73 g), 1000 seed weight (3.49 g), harvest index (25.88 %), seed yield in (25.88 kg/ha) with the lowest days to 50 per cent flowering (37.40 days) and days to maturity (78.80 days).

Assessment of the effect of organic amendments on soil properties and yield of Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

The study assessed the effects of organic amendments on the yield of Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) cv. Pusa Purple Cluster and soil properties. The study was carried out during two consecutive kharif seasons - 2018 and 2019. The experiment was laid out in Randomised Block Design, with three replications and eight treatments (T1: Absolute control, T2: FYM (Farm yard manure) @10 t/ha, T3: Vermicompost (VC) @5 t/ha, T4: FYM @5 t/ha + VC @2.5 t/ha, T5: Beejamrit + Jeevamrit, T6: FYM @10 t/ha + Beejamrit + Jeevamrit, T7: VC @5 t/ha + Beejamrit + Jeevamrit, T8: FYM @5t/ha + VC @2.5 t/ha + Beejamrit + Jeevamrit). Treatment T7 (application of vermicompost at 5 t/ha in conjunction with Beejamrit and Jeevamrit) showed the most significant impact on the growth of Solanum. The plants attained the highest yield and biomass in this treatment, where the availability of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content was highest. The plants of the treatment T7 also showed high uptake of nutrients such as N, P and K. Results of the benefit-cost analysis indicated that plants of treatment of T7 gave maximum net return and gross income. The addition of organic supplements improved soil health and increased plant resistance to biotic stressors along with increasing crop productivity. The findings of the study highlighted the significance of organic nutrient management in sustainable agriculture. Restoration of the organic content of soil can prove as an effective approach for getting high productivity. Therefore, this strategy can be recommended for brinjal farming systems as it preserves soil fertility and ensures high crop growth and productivity.

Evaluating the impact of pre- and post-emergence herbicides on weed dynamics and sustainable Maize cultivation practices

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Weed management is essential for sustainable maize cultivation, as unchecked weed growth can substantially reduce crop yields by competing for nutrients, water and sunlight. Herbicide treatments provide a more effective alternative to labor-intensive, frequently unfeasible manual weeding techniques for large-scale operations. A field trial was conducted in Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab during the Kharif season of 2024 to evaluate several herbicide combinations on maize. The experiment followed a randomized block design containing 11 treatments and 3 replications. The predominant weed species identified throughout the study were Eleusine indica, Digera arvensis, Cyperus rotundus, Dactyloctenium aegyptium and Cyperus compressus. Hand weeding at 20 and 40 days after sowing (DAS) yielded the most effective weed control, significantly decreasing weed density and biomass. The combined application of Atrazine (1000 g ha-1) and Tembotrione (120 g a.i. ha-1) shown the greatest chemical control efficacy, reducing Eleusine indica density to 16.07 m², Digera arvensis to 19.17 m² and Cyperus rotundus to 30.02 m². This combination demonstrated the highest weed control efficiency (WCE), attaining 77.90 % for Eleusine indica, 84.10 % for Digera arvensis and 81.00 % for Cyperus rotundus. The combination of Atrazine and Tembotrione produced maximum maize growth, resulting in the tallest plants (175.8 cm), the highest leaf number (12.00 leaves plant-1), the largest leaf area (458.38 cm²) and the thickest stem diameter (7.26 cm). The chlorophyll index (SPAD) reached its highest in this treatment (44.8), indicating increased photosynthetic efficiency. Atrazine (1000 g ha-1) combined with Tembotrione (120 g a.i. ha-1) identified as the most effective herbicide treatment for weed suppression while enhancing maize development, providing an effective substitute for labor-intensive manual weeding.

Optimizing herbicide use: Can drone technology revolutionize weed management in rice?

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

This study investigates the standardization of herbicide dosage for drone applications in rice cultivation, specifically for the herbicide mixture triafamone 20% + ethoxysulfuran 10%. It compares the efficacy of drone-applied herbicide at 70% of the recommended dose (RDH) with traditional knapsack sprayer applications, where 67.5 g a.i. ha-1 is considered the 100% dose. The research analyzes several factors, including growth parameters, rice yield, weed density, biomass, and weed control efficiency (WCE) at 30, 60, and 90 days after sowing (DAS). The study utilized a randomized block design with 10 treatments and three replicates, which included weed-free and weedy checks, along with varying herbicide doses. Results show that the weed-free check exhibited the lowest weed density and biomass with the highest WCE. Among drone-applied treatments, 70% RDH proved most effective, maintaining low weed densities and biomass similar to the weed-free check, and achieving WCE values of 94-95%. Higher doses (100%, 90%, 80% RDH) caused phytotoxicity, hindering initial crop growth and resulting in higher weed competition and lower WCE (71-73%). The study highlights that the 70% RDH spray via drone not only reduces herbicide costs by 30%, but also improves crop-weed dynamics, rice yield, net income, benefit-cost ratio, and energy efficiency, promoting sustainable agricultural practices in rice cultivation.

Evaluation of physio-morphological traits and yield performance of backcross inbred lines under drought stress across diverse environments

Sun, 13 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Two sets of BILs derived from two crosses viz., ADT(R) 45 x Apo with drought QTLs qDTY 1.1,3.1 and 4.1 and ADT(R) 45 x Way Rarem with qDTY 12.1 and their parental lines ADT (R) 45, Apo and Way Rarem were evaluated in an irrigated (EI) as well as two drought environments (EII and EIII). Association studies revealed, predominant association and high direct and indirect dependency of NPT, PL, GPP, SFP with SPY in both stress and non-stress environments. Whereas, association of physiological traits viz., LS, LD, LR and DRS showed negative and significant relationship with grain yield in both the moisture stress environments. In spite of huge variations observed between the irrigated and drought environments, the BILs carrying QTLs have registered less reduction in yield and other contributory traits like PL, NPT, SFP and 1000 GW when exposed to stressed environments.

Manipulation of source -sink ratio by destruction of capitulum core florets to increase the seed filling, yield and quality in sunflower

K N Navamaniraj; R Umarani, T Eevera; R Vijayan, V Vakeswaran, V Sivakumar — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

The yield of sunflowers is impacted by inadequate source-sink connections. There are no vascular bundles in the center of the capitulum, resulting in low seed setting and filling. It was hypothesized that manipulation of resource availability to peripheral and intermediary seeds by eliminating the predominantly ill-filled seeds of the capitulum core would have an augmenter effect on the filling of seeds in the rest of the two regions. A field experiment was conducted to achieve capitulum core destruction by operating a newly designed hand-held battery-operated ‘capitulum core destructor’, capable of removing the core area to a diameter of 0.8 and 1.5 cm. . Field experiments were conducted to standardize the optimum stage for capitulum core destruction (R5.0- 0% flowering of the capitulum total area (disc florets), R5.1- 10% flowering, R5.4- 40% flowering, R5.8- 80% flowering) and optimum area of core destruction (0.8 and 1.5 cm of inner diameter). The results revealed that the core destructed treatments outperformed the control (T1) in terms of seed yield and seed quality attributes. Amongst the treatments, T5 (1.5 cm core destruction at R5.8 stage) showed a 21% increase in seed yield over the control and registered the highest total number of seeds, total seed weight (48.63 g) and 100-seed weight (g). Additionally, the T5 treatment improved seed recovery percentage (80.23% compared to 70.45% in the control) and reduced rejected seed percentage (19.76% compared to 29.54% in the control). Concomitantly, the resultant seeds of T5 (1.5 cm core destruction at R5.8 stage) also possessed the highest germination potential, speed of germination, seedling growth and vigour index. This study demonstrates a scalable approach for sunflower cultivation globally, offering a practical solution to enhance yield and quality. Therefore, it was concluded that capitulum core destruction optimized resource allocation among the periphery and middle whorls of the capitulum, thereby resulting in a significant augmentation of seed yield and quality potential in sunflower crops.

Insights into the genetic basis of yield and its components in rice (Oryza sativa L.) through generation mean analysis

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Generation mean analysis conducted was to recognize the inheritance patterns of yield-related traits in rice populations developed from crosses between salinity-tolerant (Saltol 1 QTL) and phosphorus (P) starvation-tolerant (Pup1 QTL) backcross inbred lines. The study involved four crosses: BIL33 × C16-1-2-8, BIL752 × D5-1-3-2-1, BIL1094 × C16-1-2-8 and BIL1102 × D5-1-3-2-1, aimed at developing multiple stress-tolerant versions of CR 1009 Sub1 and ADT 37 varieties. Six generations - Pt1, Pt2, F1, F2, BC1 F and BC2F were evaluated for thirteen quantitative traits during Kharif 2023-2024 at Agricultural College and Research Institute, TNAU, Madurai. Scaling tests revealed significant epistatic interactions for most traits across crosses. Grain yield showed complementary epistasis with significant interaction effects in all crosses, while traits like plant height and flag leaf characteristics displayed varying patterns of gene action. The existence of both additive and non-additive gene effects raises the possibility that selection may be postponed to future generations. The study advises maintaining larger populations during the initial generations and applying pedigree selection from the F4 generation onward to achieve effective trait enhancement. These findings provide valuable insights for developing breeding strategies to pyramid salinity and phosphorus starvation tolerance in rice varieties.

Advancing the growth and yield of transplanted puddled rice (TPR) through nanofertilization

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

The study's main purpose was to evaluate the impact of foliar application of nano nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium (nano NPK) on key growth stages of TPR, including tillering, panicle initiation (PI) and flowering. The field experiment was conducted from December 2023 to April 2024 during the late rabi season at the Department of Agronomy, V.O.C Agricultural College and Research Institute, Killikulam, Tamil Nadu, India. The experiment utilized a randomized block design with 14 treatments and 3 replications. Results showed that the 100% RDF (Recommended dose of fertilizers) applied as a soil treatment achieved the highest dry matter production (DMP) and crop growth rate (CGR), followed closely by 3 foliar applications of nano NPK. The control treatment, with no fertilizer application, recorded the lowest values on DMP and CGR. A similar trend was observed for plant height, number of tillers, leaf area index (LAI) and chlorophyll content. For grain yield, straw yield and harvest index, both 100% RDF soil application and 3 foliar applications of nano NPK recorded the highest results. The benefit-cost ratio was found to be higher in RDF as a soil application. The study concluded that both 100% RDF soil application and 3 foliar applications of nano NPK performed equally well in enhancing growth and yield.

Effect of soil breeding and soil amendments on soil physical properties, rice yield and economics in crusted Alfisol

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

The impact of soil breeding and soil amendments on soil physical properties, rice yield, and economics under crusted Alfisols (red soil) was investigated in a field experiment at the Agricultural College and Research Insti- tute, Tanjore, Tamil Nadu, India. The study was conducted for three consequetive years (2020–2023). There were totally nine treatments, comprising of clay, sand, and manure alone and their combinations and lime were replicated thrise. In the first year of the experiment, the treatments were imposed as per schedule and thoroughly mixed with surface soil. Every year, sunnhemp was raised as the first-season crop and incorporated in-situ at flowering prior to transplanting of rice. The results indicated that application of FYM 12.5 t ha-1+ clay 100.0 t ha-1+ coarse sand 100.0 t ha-1 (T8) recorded highest growth and yield attributes, viz., plant height (94.26 cm), number of productive tillers (16.53), grain yield (3.981 t ha-1 ), and straw yield (5.250 t ha-1 ) of rice and B:C ratio of 1.66. Further, application of FYM 12.5 t ha-1+ clay 100.0 t ha-1+ coarse sand 100.0 t ha-1 reduced soil bulk density (1.31 Mg m-3 ), increase in pore volume (45.40 %), soil infiltration rate (3.62 cm h-1 ) and hydraulic conductivity (3.02 cm h-1 ). However, this was on par with application of FYM 12.5 t ha-1+ clay 50.0 t ha-1+ coarse sand 50.0 t ha-1 (T7).

LC/MS analysis and cytotoxicity activity of oyster on different cancer cell line

Rana Hussein Kutaif, Rasha Eldalawy, Wrood S Al-Khfajy — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Continuous attempts and studies have been conducted to discover a new agent that is highly effective against cancer cell with fewer side effects. One of these important new sources is marine organisms. A promising marine resource, reported in Chinese pharmacopeia as having antitumor properties, is the oyster shell. This research was designed to evaluate the cytotoxicity effect of oyster shell extract against three different cancer cells, first a sterile, 0.22 ?M syringe filter was used to filter 1000 mg of oyster shell dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide. The stock extract was stored at -80°C and then the active ingredients were identified using liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy (LC-MS), while the anti-proliferative activity of oyster shell extract was evaluated by 3-(4, 5- dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. The analysis of oyster shell extract by LC-MS confirmed the presence of many active compounds such as coumarin, unsaturated fatty acids and glycosides. The marine oyster demonstrated significant cytotoxic activity against prostate cancer PC3 cells, with an IC50 value of 284 ?g/mL. It exhibited modest cytotoxic activity against lung cancer cells (A549) and Abelson murine leukemia cells in mice, respectively. The detected cytotoxicity of oyster extract against various cancer cell lines may open the door for future research on cytotoxic agents for cancer control.

Improved lodging resistance and altered gibberellic acid levels in Proso Millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) through anti-gibberellins and silicon applications

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

This study examines the impact of foliar applications of growth regulators chlormequat chloride and Mepiquat Chloride (MC) combined with potassium silicate on the growth and productivity of Proso Millet (ATL 1). The field experiment was conducted at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University,Agricultural College and Research Institute, Vazhavachanur, India. A randomized block design with ten treatments, including control and varying concentrations of the growth regulators was used. The results showed that treatments involving 500 ppm chlormequat chloride + 1% potassium silicate and 500 ppm mepiquat chloride + 1% potassium silicate significantly reduced plant height and enhanced stem diameter, leaf area and specific leaf weight. The 500 ppm chlormequat chloride + 1% potassium silicate exhibited the highest chlorophyll content (3.898 mg g-1 ) and crop growth rate (23.90 g m-2 day-1 ), which correlated with increased grain yield (1548 kg ha-1 ) and straw yield (2853 kg ha-1 ). These treatments improved lodging resistance by increasing stem rigidity and overall structural integrity. These findings indicate that combining chlormequat chloride with potassium silicate enhances structural strength, minimizes the risk of lodging during adverse weather conditions and optimizes yield potential in Proso Millet, making it a viable strategy for enhancing productivity in climate-resilient crops.

Comparative therapeutic efficacy of Olea europaea L. leaf extract and bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells in ameliorating streptozotocin-induced hepatic and splenic damage in pregnant Rats: Mechanisms of antioxidant and anti-apoptotic protection

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent stromal cells with remarkable plasticity, enabling them to differentiate into various tissue-specific cell types. MSCs play a pivotal role in tissue repair, hematopoiesis and immunomodulation. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the protective effects of olive leaf extract (OLE), bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) and their combination against hepatic and splenic toxicity in a rat model of gestational diabetes induced by streptozotocin (STZ). Histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses of liver and spleen tissues were conducted to assess these effects. Methods: Pregnant female rats were divided into five groups (n = 10 per group): Control group: Rats received STZ at a dose of 35 mg/kg body weight. OLE group: Rats were administered olive leaf extract (OLE) at 200 mg/kg body weight. GD + OLE group: Rats with STZ-induced gestational diabetes (GD) were treated with OLE (200 mg/kg body weight). GD + MSCs group: Rats with STZ-induced GD were treated with BM-MSCs. GD + OLE + MSCs group: Rats with STZ-induced GD were treated with both OLE and BM-MSCs. Results: STZ administration induced significant histopathological and immunohistochemical alterations in the liver and spleen tissues of pregnant femal rats. Treatment with OLE, BM-MSCs, or their combination markedly ameliorated these STZ-induced deteriorations, with the combined treatment showing the most pronounced protective effects. Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that both BM-MSCs and OLE exert protective effects against hepatotoxicity and splenic toxicity in a rat model of gestational diabetes. The combination of OLE and BM-MSCs exhibited synergistic benefits, highlighting their potential as therapeutic agents for mitigating organ damage in gestational diabetes.

Impact of integrated nutrient management on growth, productivity and soil biochemical property of kharif rice

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

An experiment was conducted during kharif season of 2022 and 2023 to evaluate the performance of rice under integrated nutrient management using inorganic, organic and nano fertilizers. The experiment was designed as a Randomized Block Design (RBD) for rice during Kharif. The rice variety “Kalinga Dhan 1204” was sown in July with seven treatments: T1- Control (No fertilizer), T2- Full soil test based nitrogen recommendation (STBNR) through inorganic sources, T3- Full STBNR through organic sources (FYM), T4- Full STBNR through 50 % organic (FYM) + 50 % inorganic sources, T5- Full STBNR through 25 % organic (FYM) + 75 % inorganic sources, T6- 50 % N through inorganic sources + 2 nano urea spray (Tillering & PI stage), T7- 75% N through inorganic sources + 2 nano urea spray (Tillering & PI stage). Pooled data indicated application of Full STBNR through 25 % organic (FYM) + 75 % inorganic sources resulted in highest plant height (117.05 cm), leaf area index (LAI) (5.26), dry matter production per square meter (1085.50 g m-2), number of tillers per square meter (393.17), panicle length (26.60 cm), panicle weight (2.96 g), number of filled grains per panicle (166.67), grain yield (6.64 t ha-1), straw yield (7.45 t ha-1) and harvest index (47.13 %).

Ecology, distribution mapping and population structure of Trichopus zeylanicus subsp. travancoricus (Arogyapacha)

Angala Mathew, Anto Mathew, Anilkumar Chandran — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Trichopus zeylanicus subsp. travancoricus (Bedd.) Burkill ex K. Narayanan (Arogyapacha) is an ethnomedically important perennial herb with a restricted distribution in the southern Western Ghats, India. Habitat specifications reveal that suitable areas for this species occur at elevations ranging from 100 to 1000 m above sea level. A study was conducted to gain insights into the ecology, distribution mapping and population structure of T. zeylanicus subsp. travancoricus in the Western Ghats. The spatial distribution of this endemic species showed significant variations among populations. Seven populations were identified, exhibiting large and small distributional patches, even within a single population. Anthropogenic activities and climate-related shifts in ecophysiology have impacted seed dispersal, canopy gap formation and seedling mortality, altering vegetation composition. Observations indicated a disturbed ecological niche, fragmented habitat and patchy occurrence of this species. The vegetation data for T. zeylanicus subsp. travancoricus showed significant variations among the seven populations. The Kulathupuzha population exhibited higher recruitment rates and density than others. Canopy cover analysis revealed that populations with closed canopies influenced seedling recruitment and density. However, populations with moderately closed canopies displayed variable characteristics, with Kulathupuzha standing out for its higher recruitment rate and reproductive capacity.

Implications of different dormancy-breaking treatments to enhance the germination of Turkey berry seeds (Solanum torvum Swartz)

M R Padma Priya, A A Sabir, K R Vijayalatha, K Raja, S Geethanjali — Fri, 11 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Solanum torvum, known as turkey berry, holds significant potential in introgression breeding, grafting technology, pharmaceuticals, and nanotechnology. However, the dormancy issue in Solanum torvum seeds must be addressed to utilize its potential fully. Various dormancy-breaking treatments, such as hot water soaking, scarification, stratification, and chemical and hormonal treatments, were applied at different concentrations and durations to enhance seed germination. Among the treatments, gibberellic acid at 1500 ppm for 24 hours showed the highest germination rate of 99 %. It also improved other seedling quality parameters, including root length (1.9 cm), shoot length (3.8 cm), dry matter production (3.9 g), vigour index I (574), vigour index II (386), and speed of germination (8.7). The findings from this study provide valuable insights into improving the germination of Solanum torvum seeds, which are crucial for their seed production and effective use in agriculture.

Impact of organics on microbial activity and soil organic carbon build-up under rice in sodic soil

D Janaki, K Annadurai, A Sangeetha, N Punithavathi, M Kiruba, K G Anitha — Fri, 11 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Salt-affected soils cover 6.73 M ha in India, with ~56 % being sodic and 44 % saline. Sodic soils, particularly in the Indo-Gangetic plains, form due to alternate wetting and drying, leading to alkali hydrolysis, sodium saturation and high pH. Soil organic matter (SOM) turnover, primarily driven by microbial activity, is significantly impaired under these conditions. Reduced decomposition rates in salt-affected soils may enhance carbon (C) sequestration, lowering CO? emissions, provided soil organic carbon (SOC) inputs are adequate. Navathania biomass consists of biomass from nine different crop seeds, improving soil organic matter and fertility. In contrast, Sunhemp biomass (Sesbania rostrata), a nitrogen-fixing green manure, enhances soil structure and microbial activity. A field experiment was conducted in sodic soil with seven treatments: T1- Navathania biomass @ 5.0 t ha-1 , T2- Sunhemp biomass @ 6.25 t ha-1 , T3- Crop residue @ 6.25 t ha-1 , T4- Vermicompost @ 5.0 t ha-1 , T5- Enriched Farmyard Manure @ 750 kg ha-1 , T6- Gypsum @ 50 % GR and T7- Control. Navathania biomass incorporation significantly increased grain yield (4950 kg ha-1 ) and straw yield (7200 kg ha-1 ), with a 24.3 % yield increase over control. It also improved microbial biomass carbon (Cmb) (246 µg g-1 soil), Cmb/SOC ratio (1.92 %), SOC stock (23.7 Mg C ha-1 ), C buildup rate (4.73 Mg C ha-1 yr-1 ), basal respiration rate (43.7 mg CO?-C g-1 day-1 ) and enzyme activities. This treatment can enhance SOC conservation and soil productivity under sodic conditions.

Morphological and SSR marker analysis for genetic diversity assessment in galgal (Citrus pseudolimon Tanaka) germplasm

Sun, 13 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Galgal (hill lemon or Himalayan lemon), an indigenous and drought-tolerant species widely grown across Himalayan states, is renowned for its culinary use in pickles and beverages. Despite its utility, galgal remains underutilized, necessitating comprehensive studies on its genetic and phenotypic diversity. This study investigated the genetic diversity of 13 Indigenous galgal germplasm maintained at the ICAR-Central Citrus Research Institute, Nagpur, using 21 morphological traits and 46 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. The study demonstrated the ability to select germplasm for breeding by the highest phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation for traits like seed number (61.35 % and 60.57 %), canopy volume (53.33 % and 53.29 %) and rind thickness (45.92 % and 45.49 %). High heritability (>80 %) and genetic advance for characters like canopy volume, fruit weight and rind thickness suggest the predominance of additive gene action, making them ideal targets for improvement. Principal component analysis (PCA) identified seven components explaining 92.3 % of the variability, with fruit and plant traits contributing the most. Cluster analysis grouped the germplasm into three clusters based on morphological characteristics. Molecular characterization using 46 SSR markers showed distinct germplasm with polymorphism information content (PIC) values ranging from 0.260 to 0.698, averaging 0.4851. UPGMA dendrogram and principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) clustered the germplasm into two major groups. The results of the morphological and molecular markers revealed a rich genetic diversity of galgal. The germplasm present in the single cluster should be avoided in breeding. The traits responsible for genetic variation in galgal germplasm should be considered for galgal improvement programmes.

Strains of cellulose-degrading Trichoderma spp. were isolated and identified from acid sulfate soil for pineapple cultivation in Vi Thanh, Hau Giang Province

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Pineapple cultivation in Vietnam results in many byproducts that are costly to be chemically decompose, while acid sulfate soil for pineapple is deficient in nutrients. Trichoderma spp. fungi are more significant means of bio-decomposers in agriculture and can degrade agricultural byproducts to produce organic fertilizers for crops, which is one of the trends of sustainable agriculture. Therefore, the current study aimed to isolate Trichoderma spp. strains that could degrade cellulose in byproducts after pineapple harvest in Vi Thanh City, Hau Giang Province. Forty-eight soil samples for Trichoderma spp. isolation was collected at 5–20 cm depth in the rhizosphere of pineapple farms in Vi Thanh City, Hau Giang province, Vietnam. The isolation was based on the Trichoderma Specific Medium. The isolated strains were investigated for growth rate and production of cellulose-degrading enzymes under acidic conditions (pH 4.0) and finally identified based on their Internal Transcribed Spacer regions. The results revealed that 90 Trichoderma spp. strains were morphologically described and found to degrade cellulose under pH 4.0. Their growth was roughly 1.50–2.90 cm in 24 h. The key mechanism for cellulose degradation was enzymes produced by the selected fungi, in which TCD-VT-02, TCD-VT-85, and TCD-VT-88 strains had significant endo-?-1,3-glucanase, endo-?-1,4-glucanase, and exo-?-1,3-glucanase productions, with 853.4, 438.7 and 320.8 UI/h, respectively. These fungal strains were identified as Trichoderma hamatum TCD-VT-02, T. asperellum TCD-VT-85, and T. asperellum TCD-VT-88 with 99 % similarity. These strains should be further investigated for making bio-compost from the local pineapple waste

Effect of different modes of zinc fertilization on growth, yield and economics of quality protein maize under rainfed conditions of Jammu

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of different modes of zinc fertilization on quality protein maize, to assess the response of zinc on growth, yield attributes, yield and nutrient uptake in quality protein maize. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design and was replicated thrice. The soil of the experimental field was sandy loam in texture, near to neutral in reaction, low in organic carbon, available nitrogen, potassium and zinc but medium in available phosphorus. The experimental results revealed that seeds treated with zinc-sulphate @ 4g zinc per kg of seed + 1.5% foliar spray with ZnSO4 at knee high and silking stage recorded significantly higher growth, yield attributes and yield, which was statistically at par with seeds treated with ZnSO4 @ 4g/kg of seed + 1% foliar spray of ZnSO4 at knee high and silking stage and seed treatment with ZnSO4 @ 2g/kg of seed + 1.5% foliar spray of zinc-sulphate at knee high and silking stage. In terms of economics, the similar treatment (zinc-sulphate @ 4g/ kg of seed + 1.5% foliar spray using zinc-sulphate at knee high and silking) recorded the highest gross returns, Net returns and B: C ratio, which was closely followed by zinc-sulphate @ 4g/ kg seed + 1% foliar spray of ZnSO4 at knee high and silking stage. Hence, seed treatment with zinc sulphate @ 4g/ kg of seed + foliar application of zinc sulphate @ 1.5% emerged as an effective approach in enhancing growth and yield of quality protein maize under rainfed conditions.

Genomic changes during crop domestication: structural and functional perspectives

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Domestication of crop species occurred through the processes of natural selection followed by human intervention which further diversified the crop species and contributed to the accelerated crop cultivation from the ancient civilizations across the world. Based on the soil and climatic factors, crops were domesticated primarily for food purposes in different regions of the world which now recognized as the centres of origin. The genetic diversity patterns of genomes of crop plants have provided a detailed understanding of domestication processes. Elucidation of structural and functional perspectives of genomic changes during crop domestication covering strategies, current status and future perspectives are discussed in this article. Domestication of crop phenotypes is influenced by both pre-existing variations in the progenitor species as well as novel mutations. Genes responsible for the domestication syndrome in different crops have been dissected through several QTL and GWAS studies. The intergenerational selection of plant traits promotes improved acclimatization and adaptation to agricultural management strategies. Only a small number of genes are involved in crop domestication, despite the lengthy process, some of these genes are conserved across species. De novo wild species domestication as well as targeted re-domestication are both possible. Modern genetic tools can be effectively utilized for the modifications of targeted genes. In the era of global climatic change patterns, the potential of super domesticating wild crop species will play a major role in adaptation processes, which in turn would safeguard food security effectively through sustainable approaches.

The evolution of Artificial Intelligence in agriculture: A biblio-metric analysis

Maria Vinita, Senthilkumar Manivasagam, Jaisridhar P, Thilagam J — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a revolutionary force, fundamentally reshaping conventional practices and opening new avenues for growth across various sectors. In agriculture, AI is transforming practices by addressing key challenges such as soil health, maximising production and alleviating labour shortages. AI helps farmers gain insights into crop management, optimise resources and improve efficiency. However, high initial costs and the need for specialised knowledge pose barriers, particularly for small-scale farmers. Despite these challenges, the future of AI in agriculture appears promising, with advancements in autonomous systems and AI-driven precision farming poised to boost productivity and sustainability. This systematic review evaluates AI implementation in agriculture over the past decade through a bibliometric analysis of 70 research papers from the Scopus database. It highlights contributions such as computer vision and deep learning, which enhance crop management by enabling real-time health monitoring, early disease detection and data-driven decisions that boost yields. The bibliometric analysis also explores co-authorship networks, illustrating collaborative efforts among researchers and institutions in the agricultural domain. The analysis of annual research patterns reveals a steady increase in AI-related publications, reflecting a growing interest and investment in this field. Furthermore, the assessment of global scientific outputs underscores the widespread adoption of AI technologies, highlighting their potential to revolutionise agriculture and contribute to food security in an era of increasing demand. Overall, this review illustrates the dynamic nature of AI in agriculture and its promising future.

Impact of open and distance learning on agricultural education: A systematic review and bibliometric analysis

Gnanasanjevi G, Balasubramaniam P, Sriram N, Lakshmi S, Gangai Selvi R, Suresh J — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Open and distance learning (ODL) plays a crucial role in agricultural education due to its potential to transform knowledge dissemination. It enhances agricultural productivity and addresses educational accessibility challenges. This study employs systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis to examine the evolution and impact of ODL in agricultural education. A total of 759 relevant studies were identified from the Web of Science database and analysed using VOS viewer and R Studio to map research trends and thematic clusters. The selection process was systematically documented following the guidelines outlined by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). The analysis highlights the growing scholarly interest in this field, with significant research output emerging between 2020 and 2024 and peaking at 90 articles in 2022. The bibliometric analysis reveals diverse authorship with 3789 contributors and a strong collaborative focus, as evidenced by a 36.76 % international co authorship rate. The thematic analysis underscores four major clusters focusing on the impact of COVID-19, training and technology integration, educational frameworks and curriculum design. Geographical contexts indicate varied implementation across regions, with countries such as the USA, the UK, Germany and Italy emerging as central nodes in research networks. Future research should explore low-tech solutions, assess long-term impacts, integrate emerging technologies and establish robust evaluation frameworks. The findings highlight ODL's vital role in creating an inclusive, knowledge driven agricultural sector aligning with global development goals.

Understanding the drifts in DNA barcoding: a systematic review

Utkarsha Rathi, V Prabhavathi, Devender Singh Meena, Kiran Bamel — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Although DNA-based analytical methods had been around for a while, it wasn't until 2003 that the term "DNA barcoding" became popular. The research-analytical and application paradigms have continued to develop and diversify since then. Initially, it was only applicable to the animal kingdom and later the method was modified by scientists studying plant biology tailoring it to fit the needs. This document provides a meta-analysis of DNA barcoding research trends, specifically in plant sciences, examining its methodological advancements, application diversity and evolving research themes. By classifying and analyzing the current data trends, we offer insights into the ongoing transformations of DNA barcoding. Furthermore, actionable recommendations for future research are proposed, including the development of more reliable, cost-effective markers and exploring ecological and biodiversity applications. This analysis serves as a guide for both novice and experienced researchers to navigate the rapidly advancing field of DNA barcoding.

Responses of cereals to nitrogen deficiency: Adaptations on morphological, physiological, biochemical, hormonal and genetic basis

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Nitrogen (N) is a primary macronutrient essential for plant growth and development. Global nitrogen fertilizer consumption is approximately 120 million tons, with nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) ranging between 25 % and 50 %. Excessive use of nitrogen fertilizer poses significant risks to the envi ronment and living organisms, highlighting the need to reduce fertilizer ap plication, improve NUE, and sustain crop productivity. Sustainable agricul tural practices emphasize minimizing fertilizer usage. Therefore, developing high-NUE crop varieties capable of maintaining yields under reduced nitro gen input is critical for ensuring food security and protecting ecosystem. A promising strategy involves investigating plant responses to varying nitro gen levels, particularly under low-nitrogen conditions. This review explores the morphological, physiological, biochemical, hormonal, and genetic changes in cereals subjected to low-nitrogen conditions. Morphological adaptations include alterations in root and shoot architecture, while physi ological responses involve enhanced chlorophyll content, leaf nitrogen lev els, and photosynthetic efficiency. Biochemical changes are characterized by increased activity of nitrogen uptake and assimilation enzymes, accom panied by hormonal shifts such as elevated auxin levels in roots. These traits provide a foundation for developing nitrogen-efficient crop varieties. Future research should prioritize breeding crops with enhanced tolerance to low-nitrogen conditions to improve NUE, grain quality, and yield potential.

A concise review on Trillium govanianum (Wall. ex D. Don) Kunth. - An endemic endangered medicinal plant from the Western Himalayas

Diksha, S H Kim, T Dennis, V D Nair — Sun, 13 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Trillium govanianum (Wall.ex D.Don) Kunth., also called Nag Chhatri or Teen Patra, is a member of the Melanthiaceae family (Trilliaceae). It is a threatened, endemic, perennial, angiospermic herb primarily indigenous to the Himalayas. It is extensively found in Bhutan, Nepal, the Himalayan area, Pakistan, India and China, with elevations from 2500 to 4000 meters. In traditional medicine, T. govanianum rootstocks treat abscesses, dysentery and inflammation while addressing menstrual irregularities and sexual disorders. Functioning as an antiseptic, it contributes to the healing of wounds. The plant showcases pain relief, anti-inflammatory, anticancer potential and antifungal qualities. Analysis of its phytochemical composition has identified a range of compounds, including steroids, saponins, flavonoids, phenolics, terpenoids and fatty acid esters. Notably, the predominant active components are steroidal saponins. This review offers concise perspectives on a range of aspects such as taxonomy, origin and evolution, morphology, reproductive behavior, life cycle, geographical distribution, ecology, genetics, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacognosy, production and trading, conservation, propagation, adulteration and the utilization of T. govanianum.

Green innovations : Next-gen silvicultural strategies for managing vegetative multiplication gardens

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Silvicultural operations involve implementing specific techniques to achieve desired outcomes for a stand. Various techniques can be employed to enhance the growth and quality of timber stands. These methods encompass modifications to the canopy, such as encouraging natural regeneration, as well as practices like boundary marking, planting pattern, irrigation, tending and cultural operations. Casuarina trees are woody, evergreen trees with drooping equisetoid twigs. The leaves have a scale-like connate structure, the branchlets are needle-like cladodes, and the bark has a brown, rough, fibrous texture that exfoliates in longitudinal strips. Stomata are present in cladode structures, which are responsible for the process of photosynthesis. The ability of Melia dubia to thrive in dry conditions is really quite astonishing. Flowers are characterized by the presence of both male and female reproductive components, and they are arranged in clusters at the top of the stem, next to leaves that are smaller. In this study, we will build consistent techniques for fertigation in mother gardens, develop a fertilizer schedule for clonal hedge gardens, and establish a protocol for hydroponics rooted in natural settings. Planning, pruning, thinning, fertilizing, and harvesting are some of the actions that are included in the silviculture methodology. The density, structure, and composition of tree stands are the primary focuses of these treatments at this time. By dispersing forest resources in a spatial and temporal manner, a silvicultural system makes it possible to make accessible a wide range of forest resources. Green innovations in silviculture are designed to reduce the environmental impacts of forest management by adopting sustainable, eco-friendly practices that support both biodiversity and ecosystem health. Here’s how they contribute to minimizing pesticide use and promoting biodiversity. The paper concludes with a brief overview of the main challenges likely to be faced with this integration and some strategies that may allow them to overcome these challenges. It is hoped this paper will provide a background for future case studies, and a catalyst for increasing integration between the several silvicultural strategies.

Standardization and quality evaluation of value-added pasta from underutilized vegetable stuffs

Priyadarshini B, Devadarshini C, Sahoo S S — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Pasta is one of the most trending processed items preferred by all age groups nowadays. Due to its low nutrient profile, there is a need to enhance its nutritional value by adding the underutilized nutritious vegetable stuff which is rich in protein, fibre and micronutrients. The present study was undertaken to develop pasta by incorporating underutilized vegetable stuffs i.e. tender jackfruit powder (TJP), jackfruit seed powder (JSP) and pumpkin leaf powder (PLP) with refined wheat flour (RWF). TJ1 (90% RWF+10% TJP), JS2 (85% RWF+15% JSP) and PL1 (90% RWF+10% PLF) pastas were having higher overall acceptability than all the formulated pasta and control (100% RWF) pasta. The sensory parameters were evaluated through a nine-point hedonic rating scale. The nutrient compositions were analysed using standard AOAC methods. The moisture, ash, protein, fat, fibre, carbohydrate, calcium and phosphorous content of TJ1 were 14.49%, 1.35%, 10.46%, 1.41%, 1.75%, 70.54%, 19.90 mg% and 106.24 mg%, respectively. JS2 contained moisture (10.73%), ash (1.34%), protein (11.24%), fat (1.42%), fibre (1.64%) and carbohydrate (73.63%), calcium (25.41mg) and phosphorus (116.08 mg). PL1 had moisture (8.64%), ash (3.31%), protein (7.91%), fat (1.34%), fibre (1.29%), carbohydrate (77.52%), calcium (54.93 mg) and phosphorus (116.13 mg). There were significant changes in proximate composition and microbial load during the storage period of 2 months. The pasta can be value added in terms of protein, fat, fiber and total ash content by using tender jackfruit, jackfruit seed and pumpkin leaf powder up to 10% without affecting the sensory qualities.

Leaf blight disease: A serious threat to large cardamom cultivation in sub-Himalayan region of North-Eastern India

Trisha Bagchi, Niranjan Roy, Arun Kumar Dutta — Wed, 16 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Colletotrichum gloeosporioides is a highly destructive fungal pathogen that causes significant yield losses in large cardamoms (Amomum subulatum Roxb.). The sexual, or teleomorphic, stage of the fungus is known as Glomerella cingulata. Symptoms of the disease include water-soaked lesions and necrotic spots that gradually expand and cause the affected tissue to become blighted. Infected old tillers are the main reason for the spread of the disease, serving as an inoculum for upcoming seasons. Despite the development of various biological, cultural, chemical, and host resistance strategies to mitigate yield losses and limit pathogen growth, field data indicate that the disease continues to result in substantial yield reductions, emphasizing the need for further research. Therefore, the aim of this work is to provide a comprehensive review of leaf blight disease in large cardamom and the pathogen responsible for the infection.

Costus igneus N. E. Br. A molecular assessment of its pharmacological characteristics and bioactive compounds

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Costus igneus , commonly referred to as the “Step ladder” or “Insulin plant,” is a perennial herb native to the Western Ghats of India. Renowed for its hypoglycemic properties, the species is considered threatened, highlighting the need for urgent conservation efforts. Costus igneus is a rich source of valuable industrially bioactive compounds, including stigmasterol, lupeol, quercetin, diosgenin, and bis (2'-ethylhexyl)-1, 2-benzene-dicarboxylate. It is well-recognized for its ethonomedicinal applications in India, Africa, China. This plant exhibits a wide geographic distribution and is characterized by diverse descriptions, taxonomic classifications, and genetic variability. Extensive molecular level research has employed advanced genetic engineering techniques, focusing on identifying relevant markers, conducting protein analyses, and performing isozyme studies. Traditionally, C. igneus has been utilized for its stimulant, carminative, diuretic, digestive, hepatoprotective, and antidiabetic properties. This review highlights the urgent need for researchers and stakeholders to leverage advanced biotechnological methods, such as genetic diversity assessment, the implementation of conservation strategies, ecosystem monitoring, and species restoration programs for C. igneus. The comprehensive scope of the study encompasses various facets of C. igneus , including agro cultivation, medicinal chemistry, health applications, molecular and genetic approaches, and biotechnological advancements. In-depth research on this species has the potential to unveil its therapeutic potential, paving the way for the development of innovative plant-based treatments.

Opportunities and challenges in the adoption of protected technologies in horticultural crops

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Protected cultivation techniques have the potential to significantly enhance agricultural productivity and economic security, particularly for vegetable and flower growers in India. These techniques optimize environmental conditions, improving the quality and quantity of yields. However, their adoption is hindered by high initial setup costs, technical complexities and limited awareness and training. Personal factors such as age, education level, farming experience, household size and social and economic factors like access to extension services, cosmopolitanism, credit availability and landholding size play a key role in adoption rates. The area under protected cultivation in India has expanded to approximately 70,000 hectares, highlighting the significant potential for growth. Despite this expansion, adoption rates remain moderate, with many farmers failing to implement essential practices, such as soil solarization and climate control systems, particularly in regions like Tamil Nadu. Practical solutions such as comprehensive training programs, regionspecific adaptable polyhouse designs and strengthened extension services are crucial to overcoming these barriers. In states like Rajasthan and Gujarat, where harsh climatic conditions prevail, customized polyhouse designs tailored to local environments have successfully improved productivity. Furthermore, financial support mechanisms, including increased subsidies and accessible credit, are necessary to encourage broader adoption. There is also a need for region-specific research to develop polyhouse designs that cater to the diverse climatic conditions across India. This study aims to enhance the understanding of agricultural innovation adoption and provide actionable insights into improving the adoption of protected cultivation technologies.

A review on phytochemistry, ethnobotany and pharmacology of Lantana camara L.

Sun, 13 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Lantana camara L., is a versatile plant belongs to the family Verbenaceae. It is indigenous to the Americas and is extensively distributed in tropical and subtropical areas. Despite its ecological challenges as an invasive species, it provides various benefits. This review explores its origin, distribution and adaptability to diverse ecosystems. The plant contains bioactive compounds like terpenoids, flavonoids, phenolics and alkaloids, which are extracted through solvent extraction and steam distillation. These substances have strong biological properties, such as antibacterial, antifungal and anticancer properties. L. camara has ethnomedicinal value and is being studied for its potential in treating conditions like inflammation, diabetes, ulcers and wounds. Its rapid growth and resilient seeds make it difficult to control, requiring targeted management strategies. Nevertheless, the plant offers ecological benefits, enriching soil nitrogen and supporting carbon sequestration. Industrially, L. camara provides resources like oleanolic acid, carboxymethylcellulose and biomass for bioethanol and biogas production. Its fibres reinforce biomaterials and its extract is used to treat bovine dermatophilosis. The plant’s biomass has the potential for bio-energy, furniture making, basket weaving and insect repellents, offering sustainable solutions for cottage industries. This review highlights how L. camara, despite its invasiveness, can be harnessed for ecological and industrial applications.

Harnessing the multifaceted benefits of probiotics: A sustainable strategy to combat the post-harvest diseases inciting perishable products

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Post-harvest management plays a vital role in agricultural food chains, especially in developing countries, as it focuses on maintaining the quality and shelf life of the produce while minimizing losses. Post-harvest loss (PHL) refers to reducing food quantity and quality from harvest until it reaches consumers. Among the various factors contributing to PHL, the losses due to disease are detrimental. They lead to spoilage through symp- toms such as rotting and the production of harmful toxins. Due to its perishable nature, fruit and vegetables are most vulnerable to various post- harvest pathogens. Chemical fungicides are commonly used to manage post-harvest diseases, but they pose risks of environmental pollution, consumer health concerns and pesticide resistance by pathogens. To overcome the negative impact resulting from the use of chemical compounds, there is an urgent need to develop alternate control measures for protecting perish- able produce and human health. Recently, beneficial organisms have gained a significant role in managing these diseases, with probiotic bacteria and yeast as key organisms. They help to maintain the quality of fresh produce by protecting it from harmful pathogens through rapid colonization, competition for space and nutrients, creation of an acidic environment, activation of defence mechanisms and production of antimicrobial compounds such as cell wall-degrading enzymes, bacteriocins and volatile organic compounds. Probiotic-based treatments were applied through edible coatings, sprays, or incorporated into packaging materials as natural and safe ways to extend the shelf life of perishable goods. This review prioritized compiling research findings employing the mechanism of probiotics in disease management and its utilization for managing post-harvest diseases.

Insights into Microprotein A novel tool to unravel crop improvement

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Small regulatory proteins with a size range of 5 to 20 kilodaltons (kDa) are known as microproteins (miPs). They are connected to bigger, frequently multi-domain proteins and typically include a single protein domain. Through their interactions with other proteins, these microproteins modify the post-translational gene expression level. Numerous microproteins that are essential for controlling transcription factor activity have been discovered in both plants and animals in recent years. Microproteins are necessary for several phases of plant development, such as seed germination, seedling growth, stomatal regulation, root formation, pigment synthesis, blooming and floral development. Certain microproteins viz., viral protein U (Vpu) microProtein, negatively regulates the K+ ion channel TASK1 in humans, LITTLE ZIPPER proteins found in arabidopsis which regulate transcription factor and mitochondrial microprotein BRAWNI are conserved only among vertebrates are exclusive to a given species, whilst others have evolved to be conserved since they first appeared early in evolutionary history. Food security is being challenged by the cumulative consequences of climate change and unsustainable agricultural methods, which increases the need for sustainable and innovative solutions since microproteins are essential regulators of several physiological processes in plants. They are excellent candidates for creating synthetic miPs that can be employed to support plant stress resilience leading to increased productivity. Understanding the microproteins' regulatory mechanisms is a crucial step in developing microproteins into useful biotechnological tools for crop bioengineering. There is a theory that target proteins and microproteins have similar evolutionary histories. Microproteins work at the molecular level by obstructing the assembly of higher-order protein complexes. Their potential for biotechnological applications is further enhanced by their ability to function as dominant regulators in a focused and precise manner. In addition to exploring the processes of microproteins and their functional roles in plant biology, this study intends to provide the groundwork for future investigations by helping scientists identify, characterize and map these proteins.

Fungal metabolites: Nature’s key to antiangiogenic cancer therapies

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Fungi have been thriving on planet Earth for millions of years, playing multiple roles in diverse ecosystems. Both free-living and endophytic fungi contain a plethora of secondary metabolites with rich bioactivity, which can be harnessed for therapeutic purposes. Many tumors grow rapidly due to the neovasculature formed by the activity of angiogenic genes. One of the strategies to curb such cancers is the use of anti-angiogenic drugs. Many fungi are treasure houses of chemicals such as fumagillin, barbatolic acid, usnic acid, trichodimerol and cordycepin. These can be utilized as anticancer drugs to reduce the neovascularization of tumors, thereby leading to the cessation of growth and the shrinkage of the tumor. This strategy could be significantly enhanced by using fungal nanoparticles synthesized through green methods, providing a more targeted treatment. By exploiting the unique properties of the tumor, these nanoparticles can offer more efficient means of delivering anticancer drugs directly to tumor sites, facilitating precise targeted therapy. This review emphasizes the significant potential of green-synthesised nanoparticles and fungal metabolites as novel molecules for targeted cancer therapy. Further research into their synergistic effects may lead to improved treatment outcomes and the development of more potent anti-angiogenic medications than those currently available.

Boosting crop productivity: The essential role of biostimulants under abiotic stress conditions

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Climate change has witnessed detrimental effects on the environment that significantly contribute to the loss of agricultural production and productivity. With the growing population and limited or rather decreasing land for cultivation, food insecurity has become a major concern globally. Contamination of all sorts, including injudicious use of chemicals and anthropological interventions for all important reasons like ensuring food security and other short-term benefits have turned out to be the major contributors to ecosystem and soil health degradation. To balance the situation, we have credible alternatives like biostimulants- both a necessity and a sustainable option. Biostimulants are substances used or added to reduce the intensity of the harmful effects caused by abiotic stress factors like drought, salinity, temperature, heavy metal and nutritional imbalance, thereby ensuring enhanced seed germination, crop growth and development and yield. The paper discusses in detail the various potent biostimulant applications humic substances (humic and fulvic acid), chitosan, seaweed extract, protein hydrolysates and other N-containing compounds, inorganic compounds, beneficial fungi and beneficial bacteria that play important roles in increasing resilience and reducing the ill effects that plants face due to abiotic stress. Additionally, also briefing about the necessity of the current agricultural scenario to switch to such sustainable, reliable and eco-friendly options to create a healthy, habitable globe for us and future generations to thrive. Research should identify optimal biostimulant combinations for specific plants and conditions, focusing on application timing and interactions with fertilizers to enhance sustainable agriculture in the future.

Bibliometric analysis of millet technology adoption: Exploring the research innovation for sustenance

Vennila MA, Harini S, Srividhya S, Sivakumar K, Deivamani M — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

As per The United Nations General Assembly, the international year of millets was declared to be 2023 with the motto of achieving sustainable production of millets and raising awareness about their nutritional and health benefits. This study aims to identify and analyze scientific literature on millet varieties and technologies using Bibliometric analysis. The primary objective is to uncover the main topics, authors, sources, most-cited articles and contributing countries in this field. For this purpose, articles indexed in the Main Collections of ScienceDirect and Scopus between 2018 and 2024 were examined. The findings are presented in two parts. The first part includes a quantitative analysis, providing an overview of millet varieties and technologies through tables, graphs and maps. Key performance indicators such as article production and citation metrics are highlighted. A total of 55 articles were identified and analyzed in this study, offering valuable insights into the literature landscape. The analysis reveals that millet varieties and technologies have broad applications across various domains, ranging from adoption and livelihoods to emerging trends. The most cited papers primarily focus on millet's role in climate resilience, food security and health benefits. Additionally, recent trends indicate a growing interest in value-added millet products and sustainable farming practices. These findings underline the increasing importance of millet in addressing contemporary agricultural challenges. The study also highlights its significance in promoting food security and sustainable development, as millet technologies are adaptable to diverse environments and play a vital role in enhancing resilience to climate change. In conclusion, it emphasizes their multifaceted role and provides a robust foundation for future research and policy-making, aiming to leverage millet’s potential for sustainable agricultural development and improved livelihoods worldwide.

Evaluation of different planting methods for sustainable sugarcane production: A comprehensive review

Sun, 13 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

In order to meet the global demand for energy and sweeteners, India, the world’s second-largest producer of sugarcane, has gradually improved its output potential over the past 20 years. Planting is the most important and time-consuming stage of sugarcane production. Vegetative propagation of crops such as sugarcane, single-bud to six-bud setts, tissue culture prepared settling, or single-bud nurseries is a frequent practice. The majori ty of commercial planting systems employ ring pits, ridges and furrows, or flat planting. The sets with two buds have a better yield and a germination rate of 65 to 70%, according to the researchers. Larger setts do fare better in bad weather, even if single-budded setts also germinate 70% of the time if chemically treated. Partially or fully automated planting devices are used in modern sugarcane planting techniques. Even now, over 80% of the sugar cane planted in Brazil, Australia, India, and other nations is done by hand. These provide an overview of contemporary sugarcane farming methods in India. Adopting the finest planting practices is one of the most important research priorities that may be established to increase the sustainability of sugarcane production and secure its enormous potential, like sugarcane planting techniques.

Pelletization as a forage conservation technique: Enhancing feed efficiency and sustainability in livestock

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Integrating crop and livestock production, especially with cattle, is vital for food security and economic growth in India. The livestock sector helps increase farm income, boosts the national economy, and provides employment opportunities for millions of people. However, productivity lags global standards due to shortages of quality feeds, including green fodder, dry fodder, and concentrates. Stagnant fodder crop cultivation and dwindling permanent pastures exacerbate the challenge of meeting the rising demand for milk and meat. Addressing these issues is crucial for enhancing livestock productivity and sustaining agriculture. This review highlights the importance of fodder pelletization, compressing animal feeds into dense pellets using a pellet mill. Pelleted feeds offer balanced diets, improved digestibility, and nutrient absorption, with benefits including long-lasting preservation, enhanced handling, stability, bulk density, and palatability. Factors influencing the pelleting process, such as ingredient characteristics, drying, grinding, conditioning, steam pressure, and moisture content, are examined in depth. The positive effects of pelleted feed on ruminant growth and productivity, particularly in cattle and goats, are emphasized, including improvements in milk yield, weight gain, and reproductive performance. These findings emphasize the potential of pelletized feed to address challenges related to fodder scarcity, feed wastage, and transportation costs. This provides valuable insights for efficient diet management in livestock production.

Natural farming and its global adoption - A bibliometric analysis literature review

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Natural farming, introduced by Masanobu Fukuoka, provides a sustainable alternative to traditional farming by tackling issues like soil damage, chemi- cal use, and environmental harm. This study looks at global research on natural farming from 2018 to 2024, focusing on research trends, themes, and factors influencing its adoption. A review of 210 publications was con- ducted using Scopus, following PRISMA guidelines, with analysis done using R Studio and VOS viewer. India is the leader in natural farming research, with 135 publications, driven by government policies that support sustaina- bility. Other key contributors include China, Italy, and the United States. The analysis identified three main themes: environmental sustainability, eco- nomic benefits, and adoption strategies. The citation analysis highlighted important researchers like Bharucha and Venkateshmurthy. The main rea- sons farmers adopt natural farming include better soil health, less chemical use, lower costs, and greater climate resilience. Techniques like Zero- Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF), which includes practices like Jeevamritha and organic mulching, are vital for improving soil fertility and cutting down on input costs. This study shows that natural farming can help balance the environment, improve farmer incomes, and encourage more sustainable practices. Future research should explore the role of digital technologies and cooperation between countries to expand natural farming worldwide.

Foliar fertilization: a key strategy for enhancing growth and bio productivity in flower crops

Jeevaa G, Rajadurai K R, Sellamuthu K M, Beaulah A, Venkatesan K, Udithyan B — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

The foliar application of nutrients in flower crops is gaining popularity as an efficient agronomic practice that involves spraying nutrient solutions directly onto plant leaves for quick absorption of nutrients. This technique is especially for flower crops, where the quality and aesthetics of blooms are critical. The issues like nutrient leaching and soil fixation, can be bypassed by foliar fertilization ensures that essential nutrients are quickly available to plants, leading to rapid growth responses. It is also effective in addressing micronutrient deficiencies, as these elements are often immobilized in the soil. Foliar sprays can supply both macro and micro nutrients, though careful formulation and application frequency are necessary to avoid phytotoxicity. Research indicates that floral excellence, colour intensity and shelf life are improved through foliar application. Moreover, it can be used to deliver growth regulators and plant protectants, enhancing crop performance and resilience against pest and diseases. Despite its benefits, the successful adoption of foliar fertilization requires attention to technical aspects such as nutrient formulation, concentration, timing and environmental conditions to optimize nutrient uptake and improve physiological responses. Emerging trends such as use of Nano fertilizer, offer promising results in enhancing nutrient delivery, improving flower quality and yield. This review synthesizes recent research findings to provide a comprehensive guide on effective foliar practices that can boost flower production, productivity and sustainability.

Historical advancements in Indian monsoon forecasting: A review

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

The seasonal forecast is an important type of forecast in the agriculture sector particularly in India where the vast population relies on agriculture. Monsoon trade winds contribute to vast portion of Indian rainfall. Owing to its importance, the research activities on the prediction of the Indian monsoon started in ancient times and are carried over for the development of a perfect forecast system. India has bimodal rainfall with two major monsoons. The southwest monsoon contributes more with widespread rainfall over India and the northeast monsoon is the returning monsoon which brings dry wind to northern India and provides huge rain in southern India, particularly Tamil Nadu. Most of the work regarding monsoon has been con- centrated on southwest monsoon and less on northeast monsoon based on its importance. Over the years, several projects have been undertaken to enhance seasonal forecasting, with the Monsoon Mission being one of the most recent and significant initiatives aimed at improving prediction accuracy. Additionally, Agromet Advisory Services Bulletins have been developed using seasonal outlooks to provide tailored recommendations to farmers, helping them optimize agricultural practices based on forecasted conditions. This review highlights the advancements in seasonal forecasting, the regional focus on monsoons, and the role of these forecasts in supporting India’s agricultural sector.

Impact of transplanting dates on productivity and profitability of rice hybrids under lowland conditions

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0600

Rice is a vital staple crop for food security. In Himachal Pradesh, low productivity poses a challenge despite its significance as a primary food crop. This study was conducted to enhance productivity by identifying optimal transplanting windows and evaluating hybrid performance under specific agroecological conditions to address increasing demand. A practical investigation was executed during the kharif season of 2020 at the Agronomy Department Experimental Farm, located in CSK HPKV at Palampur (H.P.) to assess the effects of varying transplanting dates on the growth parameters, economic viability, and overall yield of rice cultivars. The experimental framework utilized a split-plot design, replicated thrice, encompassing a total of twelve distinct treatment combinations. The principal plot (main plot) was delineated by three transplanting dates, specifically the second, third, and fourth week of June, whereas the sub-plot incorporated four rice cultivars, comprising an inbred variety, HPR 2143, and three hybrids Arize Swift Gold, Arize 6129, and Arize AZ 6508. The results derived from this study unequivocally indicated that the transplantation occurring in the third week of June yielded significantly higher yield attributes, prominently featuring an effective number of panicles m-2 and grain count panicle-1. These enhanced yield traits finally converted into higher grain yield along with straw yield. The same also became the most remunerative date as it showed a superior B: C ratio, higher net return, and gross return. When tested, every hybrid outperformed the inbred check by a wide margin. Arize AZ 6508 outperformed the other hybrids in terms of effective panicles m-2, grains panicle-1, and 1000-grain weight. Consequently, the hybrids yielded higher grain and straw yield, in addition to gross return, net return, and B : C ratio. Therefore, the third week of June is when the rice hybrids should be transplanted. Out of all the hybrids tested, Arize AZ 6508 is also the most productive.