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Nitrogen fixing legume crops can be integral to support sustainable agriculture because they are rich in protein and are critical to food security by enhancing soil fertility. Though they are productive, they are constrained by nutrient deficits, primarily of nitrogen and phosphorus. Biofertilizers improve soil health, mobilize nutrients, lessen reliance on chemical fertilizers, and slow down environmental deterioration. With the development of multi-strain inoculants and their integration into nanotechnology, biofertilizer technology has further progressed due to their increased efficacy. Nevertheless, biofertilizers are a crucial component of sustainable agriculture, even in the face of several environmental sensitivity and application barrier issues. Improved stress resilience, increased nutrient availability, and synergistic effects with chemical fertilizers are some of their potential. This review highlights the revolutionary role that biofertilizers-which are based on nitrogen-fixing bacteria, phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms, and mycorrhizal fungi-play in improving the uptake, nodulation, and production of legume crops. By addressing weaknesses with innovative formulations and education of farmers, they will work to their full potential in addressing agricultural productivity and ecological balance.
Keywords: Biofertilizers, legume crops, nitrogen fixation, nodulation, sustainable agriculture, yield improvement.
Juhee Kumari1, Sam A. Masih2, Anduri Mamatha3 and Ann Maxton1*
1Genetics and Plant Breeding, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh – 211007
2Molecular and Cellular Engineering, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh,
India – 211007
3Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh – 516001
E-mail: ann.maxton@shiats.edu.in
Phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) are increasingly recognized as essential players in sustainable agriculture, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions where soil phosphorus (P) availability is often limited. These bacteria, which belong to a category of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria are capable of converting insoluble phosphates into forms that plants can easily absorb. This process not only enhances nutrient uptake but also supports overall plant growth. Numerous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of PSB in improving crop productivity in challenging environments such as the Andean Atacama Desert, Morocco, and parts of India. The combination of PSB application with organic and mineral fertilizers has been explored to address the adverse effects of soil salinization and calcification issues that are worsened by climate change. This review delves into the mechanisms by which PSB solubilize phosphate, factors influencing their activity, and the multitude of benefits they offer in arid regions, including enhanced phosphorus uptake, increased crop yields, improved plant development, enhanced water efficiency, and better drought resilience. The application of PSB biofertilizers are critical for boosting agricultural productivity in these arid landscapes. PSB present a viable solution for advancing sustainable agricultural practices in arid and semi-arid regions, though further research is necessary to fully capitalize on their potential.
Keywords: Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria, Plant Growth, Biofertilizers, Arid Area, Agriculture
Amrin A1 and Palaniswamy R2*
¹,²Department of Biotechnology, Dr. NGP Arts and Science College, Dr. NGP Nagar, Kalapatti, Coimbatore, India
E-mail: palaniswamyradha@gmail.com
In today’s situation, the use of growth regulators is playing an important role in increasing the yield and better quality crops. The findings showed that the use of plant growth regulators greatly enhanced the morphological characteristics, viz., number of branches plant–1, number of leaves plant–1, plant height (cm) and number of flowers plant-1 at maximum T3 (GA3 @ 75 ppm) (3.091, 3.906, 4.095 and 4.360) (12. 648, 17.115, 24.053 and 24.757), (44.503, 81.047, 87.778 and 89.974) and (4.587, 6.322, 6.755 and 6.486), respectively. While all the yield related parameters like- number of fruits plant-1, fruit length (cm), fruit breadth (cm) and fresh fruit weight (g) increased significantly due to use of plant growth regulators, the best among them was T3 (GA3 @ 75 ppm) (3.899, 5.374, 5.596 & 3.836), (12.150, 13.634, 13.566 & 13.107), (1.875, 2.073, 2.087 & 1.926) and (13.240, 13.237, 14.081 & 14.264), respectively. In foliar sprays, (GA3 @ 75 ppm) had the highest positive effect on plant growth regulators, followed by NAA, while it had the least effect in the control plots.
Keyword: Plant growth regulators, GA3, NAA, flower, fruit.
Roshan Lal Sahu1* and Gangaram Rana1
1Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Anjora, Durg (C.G.), 491001, India
*College of Horticulture and Research Satation, Sankra, Durg, (C.G.), 491111, India
Email: roshanhortfs84@gmail.com
The present study determined the effect of Pseudomonas fluorescens (Fa) and Bacillus subtilis (Ca) that overcome the dosage of NPK resulted in the enhancement of yield and nutritional qualities of P. rotundifolius. HPLC analysis of Fa and Ca for IAA production along with identification of four anti-phytopathogenic compounds by GC MS analysis were carried out. Six separate treatments were done in soil of P. rotundifolius and the data were analysed statistically. Product formation of the isolates for the long term application in the agricultural fields were made. Investigating PGPR strains for novel plant growth-promoting characteristics will benefit sustainable agriculture.
Key words: Anti-phytopathogenic, PGPR, HPLC analysis, GC MS analysis, sustainable agriculture
Smitha Thomas1* and Lizzy Mathew2
1*,2Department of Botany, St.Teresa’s College (Autonomous), Ernakulam, Affiliated to M.G. University, Kottayam, Kerala, India. 682 011.
Email: zmita80@gmail.com
The investigation conducted during summer, 2024 at Horticulture Research Farm (HRF), Department of Horticulture, M.S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Centurion university of Technology and Management, Paralakhemundi, Odisha, using randomized block design with three replications comprising of nine treatments with urea foliar spray at 2 and 3 per cent, nano urea at 2, 3 and 4 ml l–1 and seaweed extract at 4, 5 and 6 ml l–1, revealed maximum plant height (62.90 cm), number of leaves (212.80), number of branches (17.57), leaf length (12.05 cm) and stem length (40.64 cm) with the treatment T6 (seaweed extract at 6 ml l–1). The midrib length (11.74 cm) and leaf area index (29.63) were the highest with nano urea at 4 ml l–1. The yield parameters such as fresh leaf yield plot–1 (1907.01 g m2 –1) and total yield kg ha–1 (4508.90 kg ha–1) was recorded with treatment T6 (seaweed extract at 6 ml l–1). The quality parameters such as nano urea at 4 ml l–1 resulted in the highest levels of calcium (1.58%), magnesium (2.16%), and sodium (700.3 mg kg–1). Seaweed extract at 6 ml l–1 produced the highest nitrogen content (2.86%) and also led to the highest vitamin a (35.2) and folic acid (13.24 mcg 100 g–1) levels. Nano urea at 2 ml l–1 achieved the highest chlorophyll-a concentration (288.4), while urea at 2 per cent resulted in the highest chlorophyll-b (128.9) and the hydrocyanic acid levels with seaweed extract at 6 ml l–1 resulted 2.84 mg kg–1.
Key words: Water leaf, seaweed extracts, growth, yield, quality, folic acid
Korani Rajeshwari*1, S. Eswara Reddy2, Swapnil3 and Vangapandu Thriveni4
1Student in M. Sc. (Hort.) Vegetable Science,
2Professor, Department of Horticulture,
3Assistant Professor, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding and Seed Science and Technology,
4Assistant Professor, Department of Horticulture,
M.S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Centurion University of Technology and Management, R.Sitapur, Odisha-761211.
The field experiment, conducted at RPCAU, Pusa, Bihar, during Kharif 2022, to assess the effects of zinc treatments—control (no zinc), ZnSO4 foliar spray @ 0.5% (Zn1), nano zinc @ 20 ppm (Zn2), nano zinc @ 50 ppm (Zn3), and soil-applied ZnSO4 @ 50 kg ha–¹ (Zn4) on rice cultivars CSR 23 and DRR Dhan 48, in a split-plot design with recommended fertilizers, showed significantly enhanced tiller numbers, filled grains per panicle, and yields with Zn4 and Zn3 achieving the highest grain yields (3490 and 3430 kg ha–¹), respectively. DRR Dhan 48 outperformed CSR 23 in yield and nutrient uptake. Nitrogen content was highest with Zn4 (1.30% in grain, 0.50% in straw). Zinc content in grain and straw was significantly increased by Zn4 and Zn3, demonstrating nano zinc’s superior efficacy. Nano zinc, particularly at 50 ppm, is a sustainable alternative to conventional ZnSO4, enhancing rice productivity and nutritional quality in subtropical humid climates.
Keywords: Calcareous, nano zinc, salt affected, rice cultivars
Pratik Nandi1, Sanjay Kumar*2, Vipin Kumar1, Santosh Kumar Singh1, Kaushal Kishor3 and S.D.R. Vajra Hyndavi4
1Department of Soil Science, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur, Bihar, India- 848125,
*2Regional Research Station, Jhanjharpur, Madhubani, Bihar, India- 847403
3Department of Agronomy, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur, Bihar, India- 848125,
4Division of Agricultural Physics, ICAR- Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, 110012
Email: s.kumar@rpcau.ac.in
The present study, conducted to know the effect of grape rootstocks on yield, quality, seed nutrients and seed biochemicals of Cabernet Sauvignon grapevine, showed that the seed nutrients and seed biochemicals of Cabernet Sauvignon grafted on different rootstocks showed significant effect for seed nutrients. Among the rootstocks studied, the SO4 recorded high nutrient content while Gravasec recorded the lowest. The rootstock, Dogridge and Gravasec showed higher concentration of biochemicals in grape seed while lower in 1103P rootstock grafted vines. Rootstock 140Ru and Dogridge showed maximum performance for yield and quality parameters while SO4 followed by 101.14MGT, recorded lower performance for yield and quality. Use of rootstock had positive effect on seed nutrients, seed biochemicals, yield and yield parameters of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. The results showed a positive correlation among various traits. Nitrogen had a positive correlation with Ca, protein, and phenol. Phenol was positively correlated with Ca and Mn. Proline had strong positive correlations with Na and Fe. Carbohydrate was positively correlated with Cu and Fe.
Keywords: Rootstock, Cabernet Sauvignon, Seed nutrient, Seed biochemical, Yield, Quality
R.G. Somkuwar1*, Nilima Gobade1, A.K. Upadhyay1, Ajay Kumar Sharma1, Praveen Kumar Ausari2, Pradip Kakade3 and Pooja Sanjay Gharate4
1ICAR-National Research Centre for Grapes, P. B. No. 3, Manjari Farm Post, Solapur Road, Pune-412307 (Maharashtra), India.
2Department of Horticulture, Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Gwalior-474002 (Madhya Pradesh), India
3Department of Horticulture, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri-413722 (Maharashtra), India.
4Department of Horticulture, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani-431402 (Maharashtra), India
R. G. Somkuwar, ICAR-National Research Centre for Grapes, P. B. No. 3, Manjari Farm Post, Solapur Road, Pune-412307 (Maharashtra), India
Email: rgsgrapes@gmail.com
The field experiment on onion, conducted at Post Graduate Research Farm, Department of Soil Science, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri during the period of 2022-23, to ascertain the effect of foliar sprays of vermiwash (VW) on growth and yield of onion grown in Inceptiosl with seven treatment combinations consisting of RDF @ 75 and 100 per cent along with vermiwash foliar spray concentration @ 10, 20 and 30 per cent and one absolute control (water spray) replicated thrice in randomized block design. Results showed significantly higher number of leaves (10.80) to onion at 40 days after planting with the application of 100 per cent RDF along with two foliar sprays of vermiwash @ 20 per cent taken at 30 and 45 days after planting. Application of 100 per cent RDF with two foliar sprays of vermiwash @ 20 per cent concentration resulted significantly higher plant height (55.33 cm) at 30 days after planting, which was statistically at par with 75 per cent RDF + 30 per cent foliar spray of vermiwash (52.01 cm). Data revealed that, addition of 75 per cent RDF with two foliar sprays of vermiwash @ 30 per cent was significantly higher total soluble solids (15.46) in onion. Higher equatorial (67.08 mm) and polar diameter (66.66 mm) of onion was reported in the treatment receiveing 100 per cent RDF with two foliar sprays of vermiwash @ 20 per cent. It could be concluded from the data that the treatment receiveing 75 per cent RDF with two foliar sprays of vermiwash @ 20 per cent showed significantly higher onion yield and uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, manganese and copper. However, application of 100 per cent RDF with foliar spray of vermiwash showed higher manganese and copper uptake by onion at harvest.
Key words: Rain tree litter, vermicompost, vermiwash, onion
A.B. Jadhav*1, V.S. Patil2, A.B. Gosavi3 and B.M. Kamble4
1Vermicompost Yard, Division of Soil Science, College of Agriculture, Pune: 411005
2Division of Soil Science, Mahatma Phule Krushi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, Maharashtra
3Division of Soil Science, College of Agriculture, Pune: 411005
4Head, Department of Soil Science, Mahatma Phule Krushi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, Maharashtra
Email: abjadhav1234@gmail.com
A clean environment, crucial for human health and soil fertility, is essential for agricultural productivity. Excessive use of chemical fertilizers has degraded soil quality and posed health risks. Organic fertilizers like vermicompost, produced by the earthworm Eisenia fetida, offer a sustainable alternative by recycling organic waste and improving soil health. This study evaluated the reproductive performance and growth of E. fetida using cow dung as a substrate under laboratory conditions. Results showed clitellum development by the third week, with cocoon production starting in the sixth and ending by the twelfth week. Each worm produced an average of 9.73 ± 0.20 cocoons, with 2.60 ± 0.176 hatchlings per cocoon and a hatching success rate of 82.22 per cent. The highest individual weight recorded was 756.83 ± 23.76 mg, with a daily growth rate of 16.54 ± 0.82 mg. The study concludes that cow dung supports efficient growth and reproduction of E. fetida for vermicomposting.
Keywords: Eisenia fetida, earthworms, life cycle, clitellum, cocoon
Himanshu Garwa1, Bharati Veerwal2* and Suresh Kumar3
1Research Scholar, 2*Associate Professor, 3Research Scholar,
Department of Zoology Maharana Pratap Government PG College, VJF9+2GG Pertapnagar Chittorgarh (Rajasthan) 312001
Email: veerwal.b@gmail.com
