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The study aimed to assess the effectiveness of various botanical extracts at 5 per cent concentration of each of neem leaf, neem seed kernel, custard apple leaf, garlic bulb, datura leaf, aak leaf, and green chilli against aphid, Aphis craccivora (Homoptera: Aphididiae) in mung bean, Vigna radiata (Fabaceaea), at Soil and Water Management Research Unit Farm, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari, Gujarat during the summer of 2021-22. Among different extracts tested, the neem seed kernel extract proved to be most effective, successfully reducing the A. craccivora population to 0.35 per trifoliate leaves. In contrast, the aak leaf extract exhibited the least effectiveness, with a recorded A. craccivora population of 1.12 per trifoliate leaves. Notably, the population of ladybird beetles remained unaffected by any of the tested botanical extracts, indicated their safety for natural enemies. The highest number of pods per plant was observed in plots treated with neem seed kernel extract, yielding a mean of 42.93 pods per plant, while the control plots showed a significantly lower mean of 29.33 pods per plant. Additionally, the maximum yield was recorded in the neem seed kernel extract treated plots at 777.78 kg ha-1, whereas the control plots yielded only 354.94 kg ha-1.
Key words: Aphid, ladybird beetle, mung bean, south Gujarat, yield.
P.B. Patel1 and M.K. Jena2*
1Soil and Water Management Research Unit, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari-396 450, Gujarat, India
2*Section of Applied Entomology, Department of Plant Protection, Institute of Horticultural Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Nowoursynowska 159, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland
Email: manoj_jena@sggw.edu.pl
This research was carried out during the kharif season of 2022 at the Agricultural Research Farm of Baba Raghav Das Post Graduate College, Deoria. Groundnut var. Deepika was chosen for experiment and sown under large plot technique experimental design. The population of major insect pests were recorded on weekly basis. The result for defoliators revealed that the incidence of grasshopper initiated during 29th SMW and reached to its peak in 36th SMW, and the population exhibited significantly negative correlation with minimum temperature, while exhibiting a positive correlation with Rhmax, Rhmin and rainfall. The observation taken for epilachna beetle showed its initial incidence in 29th SMW, and reached to its peak in 30th SMW and the correlation studies showed the significant and negative correlation with rainfall, while a non-significant positive correlation with Rhmax and Rhmin. The leaf miner’s incidence in groundnut began in 31st SMW and attained maximum value in 34th SMW, followed by a decline to a minimum level of 0.08 per trifoliate during 37th SMW. It showed a significantly negative correlation with Rhmin. The data for the sucking insect pests showed that the first appearance of whitefly was observed during 31st SMW and reached to its peak in 36th SMW, while in case of leaf hopper, it appeared in 33rd SMW with its peak in 36th SMW. The whitefly population was negatively correlated with both maximum and minimum temperature, whereas positively correlated with maximum Rhmax, Rhmin and rainfall. The leaf hopper showed a positive correlation with maximum temperature, minimum temperature and Rhmax but negatively correlated with Rhmin and rainfall.
Key words: Dynamics, population, groundnut, insect pests, defoliators.
Buts Kumar Gourav1, Devendra Kumar Yadav2, Akhileshwar Vishwakarma3*, Pratiksha Dwivedi2 and Ajeet Kumar Singh2
1Sai Nath University, Ormanjhi, Ranchi-835219, Jharkhand, India
2Baba Raghav Das Post Graduate College, Deoria-274001, Uttar Pradesh, India
3ICAR-National Research Centre for Makhana, Darbhanga-846005, Bihar, India
Email: iakrdeos@gmail.com
A field experiment was carried out to evaluate the efficacy and phytotoxic effects of Tetraniliprole 200 g l-1 SC (Vayego 200 SC) for the management of fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) on maize. Among different dosages of Tetraniliprole 200 g l-1 SC (Vayego) insecticide the cumulative effect of two sprays against the fall armyworm on maize revealed that the treatment T4 Tetraniliprole 200 g l-1 SC (Vayego) @ 250 ml ha-1 was found to be highly effective against fall armyworm by recording highest overall larval reduction (81.04%) over control, lowest per cent cob damage (30.57) followed by T3-Tetraniliprole 200 g l-1 SC (Vayego) @ 200 m ha-1 with a reduction of 77.82 per cent as compared to dimethoate 30% EC @ 660 ml ha-1 check recorded 43.59 per cent larval reduction. The tetraniliprole at both the concentrations had not shown any phytotoxic symptoms, was safe to natural enemies and recorded highest grain yield of 6425 kg ha-1 and 5870 kg ha-1, respectively.
Key words: Maize, Tetraniliprole 200 g l-1 SC (Vayego 200SC), field evaluation, fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, management.
P. Seetha Ramu*, P. Jogarao, S. Swetha and M. Suresh Kumar
Regional Agricultural Research Station, ANGRAU, Chintapalle-531 111, Andhra Pradesh, India
Email: p.seetharamu@angrau.ac.in
Pollinators are essential for successful cashew production, as the crop largely depends on insect-mediated pollination. Yet, the cashew productivity remains suboptimal due to inadequate pollination. The present study, conducted at the Regional Agricultural Research Station, Pilicode, aimed to document the foraging behaviour of cashew pollinators in relation to key weather parameters such as temperature, humidity, sunshine duration, wind speed, and rainfall. Results revealed that the foraging activity of major pollinators was significantly affected by these weather variables. Apis cerana indica and Tetragonula sp. were more active under cool, humid, and calm conditions, while Lasioglossum sp. and Hoplonomia sp. exhibited greater activity in warmer, drier, and windier environments, indicating higher thermal tolerance.
Key words: Cashew, honey bee, pollinator, weather, foraging behavior, climate.
Aparna Krishnan and Nisha Lekshmi V.*
Regional Agricultural Research Station, Kerala Agricultural University, Pilicode, Kasaragod-671310, Kerala, India
Email: nishalekshmi.v@kau.in
The study was aimed to screen various maize varieties and cultivars for resistance against the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda J. E. Smith). As an essential component of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), insect-resistant cultivars offer an economical, stable, and environmentally friendly approach to minimize damage from this invasive pest. The research focused on evaluating the role of morphological traits in host plant resistance, as these traits influence the suitability of maize for feeding and oviposition by the fall armyworm. The stem colour was categorized as light green, light brown, light pink, dark pink, and green. Its role in host plant resistance was assessed alongside other morphological traits, including leaf colour, leaf angle, leaf arrangement, presence of tillers, sheath tightness, plant height, and the phenological stages of pest damage. Results indicated that certain morphometric parameters, including stem colour, leaf colour, stem-to-leaf angle, leaf arrangement, presence of tillers, stem tightness, and plant height, contributed to reduced larval populations and damage. Specifically, maize genotypes with a green or light pink stem, medium green leaves, a stem-to-leaf angle of less than 30°, symmetrical leaf arrangement, tight stem type, moderate plant height and the presence of tillers exhibited lower levels of leaf damage. Similarly, cob damage was reduced in genotypes with dark pink or green stems, medium green leaves, stem-to-leaf angle between 30° and 45°, and tight stem type. However, tiller presence had no significant impact on cob damage. These findings emphasized the importance of morphological traits in developing maize cultivars with enhanced resistance to fall armyworm, contributing to sustainable pest management strategies.
Key words: Fall armyworm, maize, morphological parameter, resistance.
L.S. Chaudhary1*, C.J. Patel2, L.V. Ghetiya3 and D.K. Ajudia3
1Department of Entomology, N M College of Agriculture, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari- 396 450, Gujarat, India
2ASPEE Shakilam Biotechnology Institute, Navsari Agricultural University, Surat-395 007, Gujarat, India
3Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Navsari Agricultural University, Waghai- 394 730 Gujarat, India
Email: lalabhai261999@gmail.com
Eight treatments comprising of two bio-pesticides, i.e., Azadirachtin 0.15% @ 1.5 l ha-1 and Bt @ 1 kg ha-1 alone or their combination with different insecticides viz., Flubendiamide 480 SC @ 200 ml ha-1, Spinosad 45 SC @ 200 ml ha–
1 and Emamectin benzoate 5 SG @ 200 g ha-1 along with an untreated control, were evaluated against pod borers in medium duration pigeonpea variety BRG 2. The spraying of the treatments was done once at 50 per cent flowering on appearance of pod borers. Among the treatments, supremacy of Bt @ 1 kg ha-1 + Flubendiamide 480 SC @ 200 ml ha-1 was observed with a record of 0.54-1.82 nos. of larva per twig as against 3.51-5.08 nos. of larvae per twig in untreated control, i.e., highest (75.16%) reduction in larval population over control. The treatment Bt @ 1 kg ha-1 was found to be relatively safer molecule to natural enemies in comparision to other molecules (1.86 nos. per twig) over control. Lowest pod damage at harvest (4.39%), and highest pigeon pea seed yield (21.55 q ha-1) were recorded in Bt @ 1 kg ha-1 + Flubendiamide 480 SC @ 200 ml ha-1, which was significantly higher than all other treatments including control (8.94 q ha-1). The said treatment was also outshined as the most economic treatment with highest B:C ratio of 2.96 and highest net return of Rs. 80976/- ha-1.
Key words: Pigeonpea, pod borer, Bacillus thuringiensis, Flubendiamide.
Ipsita O.P. Mishra1*, A. Kar2, P.K. Panda2, P.M. Mohapatra3 and S. Behera3
1,3 Nutri Crops Research Station, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Berhampur-760007, Odisha, India
2Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, OUAT, Bhubaneswar-751003, Odisha, India
Email: ipsitaopmishra@ouat.ac.in
Functional response and density dependent feeding interaction of Apertochrysa astur against different densities of eggs, nymph, pupa and adults of Paralerodes bondari peracchi BNW were evaluated at HRS, Ambajipeta. All the instars exhibited highest consumption percentages at lower prey densities across all bondars nesting whitefly (BNW) stages, while no response was observed to adult of BNW. Among the three instars, third instar was found to be effective in feeding on all the developmental stages. In the entire study period the linear coefficient of functional response equation for all the predator stages of BNW was negative and significantly different from 0 (p < 0.01), indicated a type II functional response. Overall, functional response of A. astur to different densities of eggs, nymph and pupae, and adults of BNW followed type II functional response with third instar of A. astur being the most effective predatory stage.
Key words: Feeding potential, predator, bondars nesting whitefly (BNW), Apertochrysa astur.
J. Mohitha Reddy1*, N.B.V Chalapathi Rao1, C.P. Viji1, V. Anoosha2 and V. Govardhan Rao3
1Department of Entomology, Dr. YSR Horticultural University, Venkataramanagudem, West Godavari-534101, Andhra Pradesh, India
2Department of Entomology, Dr. YSR Horticultural University, HRS, Ambajipeta-533221, Andhra Pradesh, India
3Department of Plant Pathology, Dr. YSR Horticultural University, HRS, Ambajipeta-533221, Andhra Pradesh, India
Email: mohithavarun@gmail.com
An experiment was carried out to study the effect of different preservative chemicals on improving the shelf life of the harvested oyster mushroom (Pleurotus florida). Concurrently, the rigorous evaluation of various chemical preservation methods provide a scientific basis for developing effective post-harvest strategies that reduce spoilage and maintain mushroom quality. The harvested mushrooms were treated with five different preservative chemicals. The chemical preservatives used for enhancing the shelf life of sporophores of P. florida worked better under preservative chemical conditions than control ones. Amongst the combination of different chemical preservatives, T3 -3 per cent EDTA + 1.5 per cent citric acid + 1 per cent acetic acid, and T5 -0.5 per cent propanoic acid were highly effective in preserving the sporophores of P. florida till 27 days without much influence on colour, texture, appearance, and overall acceptability. This preservative technique would help in increasing the shelf life of harvested fruiting bodies.
Key words: Chemical preservatives, shelf life, Pleurotus florida, oyster mushroom, colour, texture.
Drishti Karn* and Ram Chandra
Department of Mycology and Plant Pathology, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221005, Uttar Pradesh, India
Email: karndrishti22@gmail.com
Immature male flower buds of the diploid landrace Musa paradisiaca L. were collected from healthy plants in the farmlands of Ernakulam district, Kerala, between June, 2021 and June, 2023 for laboratory cultivation. The excised flower buds were cultivated on Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal media supplemented with 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) to promote growth. Multiplication of shoots was accomplished utilising MS medium with 4 mg l-1 BAP, succeeded by elongation and roots on hormone-free MS medium. Acclimatised plantlets were relocated to a greenhouse for additional assessment of the effects of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). The simultaneous application of Pseudomonas fluorescens and L-tryptophan markedly improved plant vigour, growth metrics and biomass relative to control groups. After one month, plants exhibited enhanced root and shoot length, leaf quantity, stem length and both fresh and dry weight. This underscores their promise as an efficient, sustainable biofertilizer in virus-free plantain cultivation by in vitro propagation.
Key words: In vitro propagation, Pseudomonas fluorescens, PGPR, inflorescence, L-tryptophan, bio-fertilizer.
Smitha Thomas1*, Dhanya B. Pillai2 and Lizzy Mathew3
1*,3Department of Botany, St.Teresa’s College (Autonomous), Kochi-682011, Kerala, India. Affiliated to M.G. University, Kottayam-686560, Kerala, India,
2Green Clones Naturals Pvt. Ltd., KRIBS – Bionest, Ernakulam-683503, Kerala, India
Email: zmita80@gmail.com
The present investigation was aimed to check the efficacy of six phyto-extracts viz., ginger, turmeric, garlic, tulsi, eucalyptus, and aak at 5, 10 and 15 per cent by using poisoned food technique and six bioagents viz., Trichoderma hamatum, Trichoderma asperellum, Trichoderma harzianum-14, Pseudomonas fluorescens-4, Pseudomonas fluorescens-2, and Bacillus cereus using dual culture technique Among the six phyto-extracts tested garlic clove extract recorded maximum per cent inhibition, i.e., 51.52, 64.30 and 82.49 per cent at 5, 10 and 15 per cent extract, respectively, followed by ginger and turmeric and among six bioagent isolates Bacillus cereus showed maximum inhibition, i.e., 57.03 per cent followed by Trichoderma hamatum and Pseudomonas fluorescens-2.
Key words: Pea, white rot, phytoextracts, bioagents, management.
Ayushi Chamoli* and Sanjeev Ravi
Department of Plant Pathology, College of Horticulture, VCSG UUHF, Bharsar-246123, Uttarakhand, India
Email: chamoli255@gmail.com
Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), a vital horticultural crop worldwide, faces substantial yield losses due to early blight caused by Alternaria solani. The study conducted for two years, evaluated the efficacy of Chaetomium globosum, Gliocladium roseum, and propiconazole, alone and in combination, in mitigating early blight infection in two tomato cultivars, Kashi Aman and Arka Rakshak. A. solani (AS) was isolated and used for pathogenic challenge, followed by various treatments and assessment of enzymatic and physiological responses at 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours post- inoculation. Biochemical assays revealed that the combined treatment (CG+P+AS: seed treatment with C. globosum, and foliar spray of propiconazole) consistently elicited the highest induction of defense-related enzymes, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, phenylalanine ammonia lyase, and catalase, as well as increased malondialdehyde content, indicating an amplified oxidative response. Statistical analyses validated the significance of treatment effects across both years of study. The results suggested that the synergistic action of C. globosum and propiconazole enhanced the plant’s systemic resistance, offering a promising integrated disease management strategy for early blight in tomatoes. These findings contributed to the understanding of biochemical defense pathways and underscore the potential of combining biocontrol agents with fungicides to reduce pathogen damage, while promoting sustainable agriculture.
Key words: Tomato, early blight, biochemical, management.
Ichini Sudhir* and Ram Chandra
Department of Mycology and Plant Pathology, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221005, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Email: i.sudhir.kumar93@gmail.com
Artificial intelligence (AI) enables the early detection, precise diagnosis and other effective mitigation strategies, which revolutionized the plant disease management practices. Different tools are used in artificial intelligence like learning about machine models and neural networks, which analyse the various datasets from satellite imagery, drone surveillance and other smart phone-based disease recognition, which help in identification of symptoms of plant disease with high accuracy. The two types of techniques are computer vision and predictive analytics. The vision techniques help in the identification of pathogens, however, the predictive analytics help in forecasting disease outbreaks based on environmental and climatic conditions. This AI-powered decision support system assists farmers in choosing the best treatments, minimizing dependence on chemical pesticides, and fostering sustainable agricultural practices. AI also facilitates real-time crop health monitoring by integrating with Internet of Things (IoT) devices and remote sensing technology. There are also some challenges in using AI, such as, scarcity of data, model generalization and accessibility, hinder widespread adoption. There are some aspects of AI, which must be focused in future that include enhancing AI model robustness, improving data collection strategies and also on cost effective techniques to farmers related with AI. It holds potential to transform and revolutionize plant disease management, ultimately improving crop yield, food security, and environmental sustainability.
Key words: Artificial intelligence, AI, disease management, detection, agriculture.
Vasundhra Negi1*, R.S Jarial1, Kumud Jarial1, Akshay Rana1, Kajal1 and Akhilesh Sharma2
1Department of Plant Pathology, College of Horticulture and Forestry, Neri, Hamirpur-177001, Himachal Pradesh, India
2Department of Vegetable Science, College of Horticulture and Forestry, Neri, Hamirpur-177001, Himachal Pradesh, India
Email: vasundhraneggi@gmail.com
A field experiment was conducted consecutively for three years during kharif 2019-20 to 2021-22 at the Nutri- Crops Research Station , OUAT, Berhampur to identify suitable post emergence herbicide and optimize the weed management module for pigeonpea. Altogether twelve treatments were taken with different new generation post emergence herbicides in varying combination and doses including weed free and weedy checks. Pendimethalin 30EC @ 0.75 kg ai ha-1 as pre-emergence at 2-3 DAS and one hand weeding and interculture at 50 DAS, common for all treatments excluding T1 (weedy check) and T2 (weed free check), in addition to post emergence herbicides as per treatment at 20 DAS. The trial was laid out in Randomised Block Design with three replications. The growth and yield attributes of pigeonpea were significantly affected by weed management practices. Among the herbicide treatments, the lowest weed density and weed dry matter (WDM) along with the highest Weed Control Efficiency (WCE) at 40 and 60 DAS were recorded in T6 (propaquizafop 2.5% + imazethapyr 3.75% w/w @ 50 + 75 = 125 g ai ha-1 at 20-25 DAS), which was very close to the weed free check. This treatment also recorded maximum plant height (177.2 cm) and yield attributes like number of primary fruiting branch plant-1 (12.8), number of effective pod plant-1 (135.3), number of seed pod-1 (3.62) and ultimately the highest grain yield (1470 kg ha-1). The maximum net monetary return (Rs. 53484/-), maximum incremental benefit cost ratio (6.01) and the highest B:C ratio (2.52) were registered with this treatment. The grain yield was found 244 per cent as compared to the weedy check (427 kg ha-1). Hence, application of pendimethalin 30 EC @ 0.75 kg ai ha-1 (pre-emergence) at 2-3 DAS followed by propaquizalop 2.5 per cent + imazethapyr 3.75 per cent w/w @ 50+75=125g ai ha-1 at 20 DAS, one hand weeding and interculture at 50 DAS was found to be the most efficient weed management module in medium duration pigeonpea.
Key words: Pigeonpea, weed management, weed density, weed control efficiency (WCE), weed index, post emergence herbicide, incremental benefit cost ratio.
P.K. Panda1*, P.M. Mohapatra1, I.O.P. Mishra1, S. Behera, R.K. Panigrahi1 and A.A. Prusty2
1Nutri-Crops Research Station, OUAT, Berhampur-761001, Odisha, India
2Department of Agronomy, SOA, DU, Bhubaneswar-751030, Odisha, India
Emails: pkpanda_69@yahoo.com
The microbial consortia comprising of beneficial bacteria (Pseudomonas fluorescens, P. putida, Bacillus subtilis) and fungi (Trichoderma reesei, T. harzianum, T. asperellum) were evaluated over three years through pot and field trials for their potential to enhance coconut seedling growth and manage soil-borne diseases. Among the treatments, the integrated consortium with a combination of the bacterial and fungal consortia has consistently outperformed individual treatments. It significantly improved key growth parameters, including plant height, leaf length, leaf fresh weight, and root fresh weight, compared to the untreated control at 24 months after sowing. Notably, the integrated consortium achieved the highest levels of disease suppression by 100 per cent against stem bleeding, 68.42 per cent against bud rot, and 41.49 per cent against basal stem rot. The consortia conferred durable resistance to diseases and also plant-growth promoting attributes. These findings highlighted the synergistic potential of a bacterial-fungal integrated consortium in promoting coconut seedling health and resilience under field conditions.
Key words: Microbial consortia, coconut diseases, basal stem rot, stem bleeding, bud rot, growth parameters, field evaluation.
V. Govardhan Rao1*, Ch. Kiran Kumar2, V. Anoosha1 and M. Sanghamitra1
1ICAR-AICRP on Plantation Crops Center, Horticultural Research Station, Dr. Y.S.R. Horticultural University, Ambajipeta-533 214, Andhra Pradesh, India.
2Dr.YSRHU College of Horticulture, Parvathipuram Manyam-535501, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Emails: coconutresearch1955@gmail.com
A field experiment was conducted over kharif (June-December), 2015 to 2022 at main Dry Farming Research Station, Junagadh Agricultural University, Targhadia (Rajkot), Gujarat, India to investigate the impact of recycling cotton stalks on cotton yield and yield attributes in such conditions. The experiment consisted of five main plot treatments viz., S1: removal of cotton stalks from plot, S2: surface burning of cotton stalks, S3: incorporation of cotton stalks using rotavator, S4: incorporation cotton stalks using mobile chopper and S5: ex-situ composting of cotton stalks using shredder and three sub plot treatments viz., D1: one irrigation for decomposting, D2: one irrigation + addition of N @ 10 kg ha-1 through urea + compost culture @ 5 kg ha-1, and D3 : addition of N @ 10 kg ha-1 through urea + compost culture @ 5 kg ha-1 at sowing. The stalks management practice S5 (ex-situ composting of cotton stalks using shredder) recorded maximum seed cotton yield (1770 kg ha-1). Whereas, effect of de-composting practices on yield attributes and seed cotton yield was found non-significant. However, the maximum seed cotton yield (1631 kg ha-1) was recorded under decomposting practice D2 (one irrigation + addition of N @ 10 kg ha-1 through urea + compost culture @ 5 kg ha-1). Incorporating cotton stalks positively affected soil fertility leading to improved plant growth and yield. Additionally, the study discussed the potential benefits of this practice in enhancing sustainability and productivity in dry farming systems.
Key words: Cotton stalks, incorporation, decomposting, irrigation, surface burning, ex-situ, dry farming.
V.D. Vora*, P.D. Vekariya, S.C. Kaneria, S.A. Kasetiya and D.S. Hirpara
Main Dry Farming Research Station, Junagadh Agricultural University, Targhadia-360023, Gujarat, India
Emails: vdvora@jau.in
The experiment was carried out at the Instructional cum Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Biswanath College of Agriculture, AAU, Biswanath Chariali during 2022-2023 to study the effect of organics on yield and quality of okra and to find out the most profitable organic nutrient treatment. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with 3 replications incorporating 16 treatments viz., T1: FYM @20 t ha-1, T2: vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1, T3: neem cake @ 2 t ha-1, T4: poultry manure @ 5 t ha-1, T5: FYM @ 10 t ha-1 + vermicompost @ 2.5 t ha-1, T6: FYM @ 10 t ha-1 + neem cake @ 1 t ha-1, T7: FYM @ 10 t ha-1 + poultry manure @ 2.5 t ha-1, T8: vermicompost @ 2.5 t ha-1 + neem cake @ 1 t ha-1, T9: vermicompost @ 2.5 t ha-1 + poultry manure @ 2.5 t ha-1, T10: neem cake @ 1 t ha-1 + poultry manure @ 2.5 t ha-1, T11: FYM @ 10 t ha-1 + biofertilizer consortia, T12: vermicompost @ 2.5 t ha-1 + biofertilizer consortia, T13: neem cake @ 1 t ha-1 + biofertilizer consortia, T14: poultry manure @ 2.5 t ha-1 + biofertilizer consortia, T15: FYM @ 10 t ha-1 + recommended NPK and T16: untreated control. Significant variation was observed in the fruit yield related parameters as well as quality parameters. The maximum number of fruits per plant (18.99), fruit length (14.10 cm), fruit girth (6.55 cm), fruit volume (18.42 cc), the weight of individual fruit (15.71 g), fruit yield per plant (0.29 kg) and yield per hectare were recorded in treatment T1. However, the fruit yield per hectare was significantly higher in inorganic treatment T15 (14.12 t ha-1). Among all the treatments the highest vitamin A (375.06 I.U) and vitamin C (29.00 mg 100 g-1) were recorded in organic treatment T5 and minimum fibre content was recorded in T12 (9.76%). Considering the highest B:C ratio (2.53:1) and with superiority among the organic treatments, it could be suggested to the growers of this region to apply FYM @ 20 t ha-1 in okra to get a good crop harvest with quality fruit.
Key words: Organic nutrient, yield, quality, okra, benefit cost ratio.
Ankita Baro1, Nayanmoni Buragohain2*, B.P. Gautam1, H. Choudhury3, Ranima Mishra4 and Kishalayee Gogoi1
1Department of Horticulture, Biswanath College of Agriculture, Assam Agricultural University, Biswanath Chariali-784176, Assam, India
2Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat-785013, Assam, India
3Department of Plant Physiology, Biswanath College of Agriculture Assam Agricultural University, Biswanath Chariali-784176, Assam, India
4Department of Plant Pathology, Biswanath College of Agriculture, Assam Agricultural University, Biswanath Chariali-784176, Assam, India
A two-year field investigation (rabi 2020 and 2021) was conducted at the College of Horticulture, Bidar, Karnataka, to evaluate the production potential, energy efficiency, and profitability of cabbage under site-specific nutrient management (SSNM). The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) comprising seven treatments replicated thrice, including six fertilizer-based target yield approaches (25-45 t ha–1), recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF), and farmers’ practice. Fertilizer application rates for SSNM were computed using the IPNI (2019) formula based on nutrient removal per tonne of yield. The soil was characterized by low nitrogen, medium phosphorus, and high potassium availability during both years. Results revealed that SSNM at a target yield of 40 t ha–1 recorded the highest head yield (41.9 t ha–1), energy efficiency (3.28 MJ ha–1), energy productivity (3.76 kg MJ–1), and crop profitability (₹ 2121.6 ha–1 day–1). In contrast, farmers’ practice registered the lowest performance in all parameters. The enhanced nutrient synchrony under SSNM optimized input use, minimized specific energy (0.37 MJ kg–1), and maximized net energy returns (348.9 × 10² MJ ha–1). These findings highlighted the agronomic and energetic superiority of site-specific nutrient strategies for sustainable cabbage production in the transitional zone of Karnataka.
Key words: Cabbage, SSNM, energy productivity, profitability, target yield.
S.J. Imamsaheb1*, S.J. Raveendra2, C.N. Hanchinamani3 and A.G. Patil4
1AICRP Tuber Crops, RHREC, UBSB, Dharwad-580005, Karnataka, India
2Seed Unit, UHS, Bagalkot-587104, Karnataka, India
3College of Horticulture, Sirsi-581401, Karnataka, India
4Department of Agronomy, MHREC, UHS, Bagalkot-587104, Karnataka, India
Email: Imamjath@gmail.com
The experiment to study the effect of organics on beet root growth and yield along with soil microbial population was conducted during rabi season 2023-24 at the Instructional cum Research Farm, Biswanath College of Agriculture (AAU), Biswanath Chariali with twelve treatments viz., T1 (control), T2 (FYM 20 t ha-1), T3 (vermicompost 5 t ha-1), T4 (poultry manure 5 t ha-1), T5 (enriched vermicompost 5 t ha-1), T6 (FYM 10 t ha-1 + vermicompost 2.5 t ha-1), T7 (FYM 10 t ha-1 + poultry manure 2.5 t ha-1), T8 (FYM 10 t ha-1 + enriched vermicompost 2.5 t ha-1), T9 (vermicompost 2.5 t ha-1 + poultry manure 2.5 t ha-1), T10 (vermicompost 2.5 t ha-1 + enriched vermicompost 2.5 t ha-1), T11 (poultry manure 2.5 t ha-1 + enriched vermicompost 2.5 t ha-1), and T12 (RDF, i.e., N.P.K. @ 60:100:60 kg ha-1 + FYM 10 t ha-1).
Key words: Organic, beetroot, growth, yield, microbial population.
Dipandita Chetia1, Nayanmoni Buragohain2*, Kishalayee Gogoi1, Hemendra Choudhury3, Ranima Mishra4, Gaurav Lahon1 and Budha Bora4
1Department of Horticulture, Biswanath College of Agriculture, Chariali-784176, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, Assam, India
2Department of Horticulture, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat-785013, Assam, India
3Department of Plant Physiology, Biswanath College of Agriculture, Chariali-784176, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, Assam, India
4Department of Plant Pathology, Biswanath College of Agriculture, Chariali-784176, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, Assam, India
A field experiment was conducted during rabi season of 2023-24 and 2024-25 at the Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Jodhpur. The experiment consisted of twenty-four treatment combinations comprising two sowing dates (5th and 25th November), three varieties (GW 11, DBW 187 and DBW 372) and four levels of zinc fertilization (Control, 25 kg ZnSO4.7H2O ha-1 basal application, two foliar applications of 0.5% spray of ZnSO4.7H2O at flowering and grain filling stage, and 25 kg ZnSO4.7H2O ha-1 basal application + one foliar application of 0.5% spray of ZnSO4.7H2O at grain filling stage). The experiment was conducted in split plot design (SPD) replicated thrice. Results revealed that zinc fertilization markedly enhanced soil nutrient status, with the treatment 25 kg ZnSO4.7H2O ha-1 basal application + one 0.5 per cent foliar spray at grain filling recorded the highest available N, P, and Zn during both the years and pooled analysis. On pooled basis, this treatment improved nitrogen, phosphorus, and zinc by 5.95, 7.98 and 51 per cent over the control, making it the most effective.
Key words: Wheat, varieties, sowing dates, zine fertilization.
Naresh Kumar1*, Naleeni Ramawat1, Ramdev Sutaliya1, Sita Ram Kumhar2, P.R. Raiger3, Dama Ram4, Ronak Kuri5 and Mahendra Junjariya1
1Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Agriculture University, Jodhpur-342304, Rajasthan, India
2Department of Plant Breeding & Genetics, College of Agriculture, Agriculture University, Jodhpur-342304, Rajasthan, India
3Department of Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry, College of Agriculture, Agriculture University, Jodhpur-342304, Rajasthan, India
4Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, Agriculture University, Kota-324002, Rajasthan, India
5Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Agriculture University, Jodhpur-342304, Rajasthan, India
Email: patelnaresh1114@gmail.com
The present study was conducted at the Experimental Farm of the Department of Horticulture at Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat during the 2022-23 period to assess the impact of different nutrient sources, which included organic and inorganic fertilizers as well as biofertilizers, on the growth and quality of yard long bean (Vigna unguiculata ssp. sesquipedalis) variety Red Ribbon. The experiment was designed in Factorial Randomized Block Design, incorporating treatments spacings S1 = 60 cm × 45 cm, and S2 = 60 cm × 30 cm, with nutrient doses T0 = Control, T1 = 15:35:20 kg NPK ha-1 + 4 t FYM ha-1; T2 = 15:35:20 kg NPK ha-1 + 2 t Vermicompost ha-1 + Biofertilizer (Rhizobium + PSB); T3 = 25:50:30 kg NPK ha-1 + 4 t FYM ha–1; and T4 = 25:50:30 kg NPK ha-1 + 2 t Vermicompost ha-1 + Biofertilizer (Rhizobium + PSB), all replicated three times. Regarding the growth parameters, the highest vine length (198.39 cm), number of branches (21.76), number of leaves per plant (87.00), number of nodes per plant (62.60), internodal length (14.66 cm), days to 50 per cent flowering initiation (35.49 days), number of days from flowering to harvesting (7.75 days), days to first picking (43.89 days), harvest duration (40.43 days), and quality parameters such as carbohydrate content (7.99%), protein content (2.97 g 100g-1), and ascorbic acid (9.37 mg 100g-1) were observed in the treatment 25:50:30 kg NPK ha-1 + 2 t Vermicompost ha-1 + Biofertilizer (Rhizobium + PSB), followed by 25:50:30 kg NPK ha-1 + 4 t FYM ha-1 maintaining spacing 60 cm x 45 cm.
Key words: Biofertilizer, inorganic fertilizer, organic fertilizer, spacing, yard long bean.
Bedanta Sharma1, Manisha Kachari2*, Sailen Gogoi1, Samiron Dutta3 and Kaushik Das4
1Department of Horticulture, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat-785013, Assam, India
2College of Horticulture and FSR, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat-785013, Assam, India
3Department of Soil Science, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat-785013, Assam, India
4Department of Crop Physiology, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat-785013, Assam, India
Email: manisha.kachari@gmail.com
The present study evaluated the effects of ethrel based sett soaking and integrated nutrient management (INM) on leaf area index (LAI), growth parameters, yield components, and juice quality of single-node planted sugarcane. The experiment was conducted at the Sugarcane Research Farm, Samastipur, during the spring season of 2021–2022 using a factorial randomized block design (FRBD) with 20 treatment combinations, each replicated three times, totaling 60 plots. Sett soaking treatments included S1 – without soaking, S2 – overnight soaking in water, S3 – overnight soaking in 50 ppm ethrel, and S4 – overnight soaking in 100 ppm ethrel, while INM comprised N1 – RDF, N2 – RDF + VC @ 5 t ha-1, N3 – RDF + VC @ 10 t ha-1, N4 – RDF + VC @ 5 t ha-1 + PSB + azotobacter, and N5 – RDF + VC @ 10 t ha-1 + PSB + azotobacter. Significant variation in LAI was observed due to both factors, with the highest LAI recorded under 50 ppm ethrel soaking (2.05, 3.77, and 3.25 at 120, 180, and 240 DAP, respectively), slightly differing from the 3.13 value at 240 DAP reported in the results, and remaining statistically comparable to 100 ppm ethrel. Among nutrient treatments, N5 consistently showed the highest LAI across all growth stages, comparable with N4 and N3, indicated the positive influence of organic–microbial nutrient integration on early canopy development. Plant height, cane diameter, single cane weight, and juice quality parameters (brix, pol, purity, juice recovery, CCS) were not significantly influenced by sett soaking or INM, although numerically higher values were observed under 50 and 100 ppm ethrel and N5. Interaction effects between sett soaking and INM were non-significant for all traits. The findings suggested that ethrel based sett soaking and integrated nutrient management could effectively enhance LAI in single- bud sugarcane planting without altering structural growth or juice quality, providing valuable guidance for optimizing early-stage crop management practices.
Key words: Ethrel soaking, integrated nutrient management, leaf area index, single-node sugarcane.
Voggu Spandana1*, Anil Kumar Singh2, Navnit Kumar2 and R.S. Bana1
1Division of Agronomy, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110012, India
2SRI, Department of Agronomy, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur-848125, Bihar, India
Email: spandanavoggu76@gmail.com
The present study evaluated the effects of ethrel based sett soaking and integrated nutrient management (INM) on leaf area index (LAI), growth parameters, yield components, and juice quality of single-node planted sugarcane. The experiment was conducted at the Sugarcane Research Farm, Samastipur, during the spring season of 2021–2022 using a factorial randomized block design (FRBD) with 20 treatment combinations, each replicated three times, totaling 60 plots. Sett soaking treatments included S1 – without soaking, S2 – overnight soaking in water, S3 – overnight soaking in 50 ppm ethrel, and S4 – overnight soaking in 100 ppm ethrel, while INM comprised N1 – RDF, N2 – RDF + VC @ 5 t ha-1, N3 – RDF + VC @ 10 t ha-1, N4 – RDF + VC @ 5 t ha-1 + PSB + azotobacter, and N5 – RDF + VC @ 10 t ha-1 + PSB + azotobacter. Significant variation in LAI was observed due to both factors, with the highest LAI recorded under 50 ppm ethrel soaking (2.05, 3.77, and 3.25 at 120, 180, and 240 DAP, respectively), slightly differing from the 3.13 value at 240 DAP reported in the results, and remaining statistically comparable to 100 ppm ethrel. Among nutrient treatments, N5 consistently showed the highest LAI across all growth stages, comparable with N4 and N3, indicated the positive influence of organic–microbial nutrient integration on early canopy development. Plant height, cane diameter, single cane weight, and juice quality parameters (brix, pol, purity, juice recovery, CCS) were not significantly influenced by sett soaking or INM, although numerically higher values were observed under 50 and 100 ppm ethrel and N5. Interaction effects between sett soaking and INM were non-significant for all traits. The findings suggested that ethrel based sett soaking and integrated nutrient management could effectively enhance LAI in single- bud sugarcane planting without altering structural growth or juice quality, providing valuable guidance for optimizing early-stage crop management practices.
Key words: Ethrel soaking, integrated nutrient management, leaf area index, single-node sugarcane.
Rohit Kumar1*, S.K. Shah2, Raju Lal Dhakar3 and Parveen Kumar4
1*Department of Soil Science, C.P. College of Agriculture, S. D. Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar–385 506, Gujarat, India
2Centre for Oilseeds Research, S.D. Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar–385 506, Gujarat, India
3Department of Agronomy, C.P. College of Agriculture, S.D. Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar-385 506, Gujarat, India
4Department of Soil Science, COA, CCSHAU, Hisar–125 004, Haryana, India
Email: rohittmj@gmail.com
The present investigation was conducted at the Postharvest Laboratory, Department of Horticulture, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi during February 2025 to see the effect of various floral preservative treatments on the postharvest parameters of gladiolus cv. Priscilla. The experiment was laid out in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with seven treatments involving different concentrations of silver nitrate (AgNO3) and aluminium sulphate (Al2 (SO4)3) each combined with 2 per cent sucrose. Results revealed that AgNO3 50 ppm + 2 per cent sucrose significantly improved most quality parameters, including vase life, floret diameter and solution uptake. Whereas AgNO3 100 ppm + 2 per cent sucrose resulted in good weight of spike, length of spike, floret length and floret longevity. The improvement in postharvest performance was attributed to the synergistic effects of silver nitrate’s antimicrobial and ethylene inhibiting properties and sucrose’s role in enhancing osmotic potential and supplying respiratory substrates. In contrast, the control treatment (distilled water) consistently showed the lowest performance in all parameters. These findings suggested that appropriate combinations of silver nitrate and sucrose could effectively extend the vase life and maintain the visual quality of cut gladiolus spikes.
Key words: Gladiolus, ethylene, postharvest life, sucrose, silver nitrate, aluminium sulphate.
Florence David, Anil K. Singh and Anjana Sisodia*
Department of Horticulture, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221 005, Uttar Pradesh, India
Surface irrigated wheat in semi-arid Indo-Gangetic conditions is commonly managed either by fixed-depth irrigations at critical phenological stages or by triggering irrigations when a fraction of total available water (TAW) is depleted. Using a calibrated CROPWAT framework for sandy loam soils and a 60 cm effective root zone, the present study compared (i) critical stage schedules with 40 mm fixed depths (2–6 events) against (ii) soil-moisture-depletion schedules at 50 per cent TAW refilled to field capacity. Seasonal water demand from the model was modest (ETc » 224.7 mm). Under the stage based option, two irrigations at 22 and 85 DAS resulted in very high simulated yield reduction (~81.9%); three events (22, 65, 105 DAS) improved but still ~45.7 per cent loss, and adding a fourth or fifth event produced little further benefit. Only the six event schedule reduced losses to ~5.5 per cent. In contrast, the 50 per cent TAW triggered recommended three events centered on mid and late stages ( » 101, 118, 131 DAS) with no simulated yield reduction, aligned applications with actual root zone deficits and avoided both early percolation and late stress. Results indicated depletion-based scheduling achieved yield protection with fewer, better-timed applications than fixed-depth stage calendars under surface irrigation.
Key word: CROPWAT, irrigation scheduling, surface irrigation, wheat.
Parmod Sharma1*, Raj Kumar Jhorar1, Devender Singh Bundela2, Sanjay Kumar1, Kanishk Verma1 and Narender3
1College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, CCS HAU, Hisar-125004, Haryana, India
2ICAR-CSSRI, Karnal-132001, Haryana, India
3College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, AUJ, Jodhpur-342304, Rajasthan, India
Email: sharma.parmod2008@gmail.com
The field experiment, conducted at ZARS, V.C. Farm, Mandya during kharif season, was laid out in a split plot design where main plots were assigned to four sowing dates (August 1st fortnight, August 2nd fortnight, September 1st fortnight and September 2nd fortnight) and sub-plots to three cultivars of maize (MAH 14-138, MAH 14-5 and Bio9544), with twelve treatment combinations and replicated thrice. The results revealed that, D1 (August 1st fortnight) sowing recorded higher cob length (17.19 cm), cob girth (8.83 cm), test weight (32.59 g), grain yield (7355 kg ha-1) and stalk yield (10647 kg ha-1). Among different cultivar H2 (MAH 14-5) recorded higher cob length (17.47 cm), cob girth (8.75 cm), test weight (31.99 g), grain yield (6967 kg ha-1) and stalk yield (10075 kg ha-1).
Keywords: Maize, sowing dates, cultivars, grain yield
Parul Mehra1*, M.N. Bhalekar2, Shikha Jain3, Urmila Pansare4, Shriram Mhaske5 and Shubham Singh Patel6
1,4,5Vegetable Science, Department of Horticulture, PGI, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri-413722, Maharashtra, India
2AICRP on Vegetable Crops, Department of Horticulture, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri-413722, Maharashtra, India
3Division of Fruits and Horticultural Technology, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110012, India
6Fruit Science, Department of Horticulture, COA, JNKVV, Jabalpur-482004, Madhya Pradesh, India
Email: parulmehra1995@gmail.com
