Agricultural Research Center Research Articles

History of sorghum breeding and seed production in the ARC “Donskoy”

The current paper has presented brief information about the establishment of a sorghum breeding and seed production school at the Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution “Agricultural Research Center “Donskoy” (formerly the State Scientific Institution All-Russian Research Institute of Grain Crops named after I.G. Kalinenko, as well as the All-Russian Research Institute of Sorghum). A great contribution to the development of the breeding program for this crop was made by famous breeders Ya.I. Isakov, B.N. Malinovsky, N.A. Shepel. Under their leadership, there was identified and developed a significant number of varieties and hybrids of grain, sweet, grass and broom sorghum. Their experience given to subsequent breeders made it possible to develop present sorghum varieties and hybrids, which are currently included in the State List of Breeding Achievements approved for use in the Russian Federation and are widely used in agricultural production. Thus, since 2021, new highly productive varieties of sweet sorghum ‘Yuzhnoye’ and ‘Feniks’ have been included in the State List. Since 2023, there have been included the white grained sorghum variety ‘Esaul’ and the sorghum-Sudan hybrid ‘Dobrynya’. There have been developed and are currently undergoing the state variety testing the grain sorghum variety ‘Sotnik’ and the Sudan grass ‘Kudesnitsa’, the sorghumSudan hybrid ‘Gordey’, the sweet sorghum variety ‘Orfey’ and the hybrid ‘Duet’.

Productivity, seed quality and protein yield of pea samples developed by the FSBSI “ARC “Donskoy”

The purpose of the current study was to determine the quantitative and qualitative indicators of seeds of pea samples. The study was carried out in the southern part of the Rostov region in the fields of the FSBSI Agricultural Research Center “Donskoy” in 2021–2023. The objects of research were 12 pea samples developed by the ARC “Donskoy”. The zoned variety ‘Aksaisky Usatiy 5’ was used as a standard. Quality characteristics of peas, such as protein percentage in seeds and their ability to boil soft, are highly dependent on environmental conditions and often have a negative correlation with seed productivity. One of the goals in pea breeding is to change this inverse correlation between productivity and seed quality. The mean productivity of the varieties and lines in the Competitive Variety Testing through the years of study was 3.66 t/ha on average. The standard ‘Aksai Usatiy 5’ (3.46 t/ha) was reliably exceeded by such varieties and lines as ‘G-1181’ (4.17 t/ha), ‘Kazak’ (4.02 t/ha), ‘AKM’ (3.99 t/ha), ‘G-1313’ (3.80 t/ha). The samples with the highest protein percentage (second quality class, 22.0–25.0 %) were ‘Aksaysky Usatiy 5’ (23.7 %), ‘Skif’ (24.4 %), ‘Kazak’ (23.1 %), ‘AKM’ (23.6 %), ‘G-1141’ (24.3 %), ‘G-1172’ (25.0 %), ‘G-1181’ (22.3 %). The mean boiling time was 75 minutes. The minimum boiling time was 63 minutes for the varieties ‘Aksaisky Usatiy 5’, ‘Skif’, 65 minutes for the line ‘G-1234’ and 70 minutes for the line ‘G-1288’. The mean coefficient of the ability to boil soft over the years of study was 2.20, varying from 1.92 to 2.61. The mean protein yield over the years of study was 0.85 t/ha. The varieties ‘Kazak’ (0.94 t/ha), ‘AKM’ (0.93 t/ha) and breeding lines ‘G-1181’ (0.93 t/ha), ‘G-1313’ (0.90 t/ha) showed the best indicators. The maximum values of protein yield were identified at maximum productivity of 4.2–4.3 t/ha and 23.5–24.0% of protein in seeds.

Phytoseiid mites benefited from organic fertilization by increasing the population of Tyrophagus mites in apple orchards

This study explores sustainable agricultural practices by examining the role of organic materials in enhancing native predatory mites for controlling spider mites in apple orchards. Developing techniques to conserve indigenous natural enemies is vital for sustainable agricultural production. Phytoseiid mites can control spider mites, which are among the most significant pests in apple production. To conserve phytoseiid mite populations, it is important to identify alternative prey and to determine their role in phytoseiid mite proliferation. We demonstrated that the concurrent use of specific organic fertilizers and coconut husks can increase prey Tyrophagus mites, thereby enhancing phytoseiid mite density. Our research was conducted using sticky traps at the Miyagi Prefectural Agriculture and Horticulture Research Center in Japan. The occurrence of Tyrophagus mites was significantly correlated with the occurrence of phytoseiid mites in 2 years. In laboratory experiments, the use of organic fertilizers increased the density of Tyrophagus mites by 83 × within 4 weeks. Several species of phytoseiid mites were able to lay between 0.25 and 1.03 eggs per day per female by preying on Tyrophagus larvae. A 2-year field survey revealed that the use of organic fertilizers more than doubled the density of phytoseiid mites on apple leaves, likely through promoting Tyrophagus mite proliferation on the ground. These results highlight the potential of organic fertilizers not only to enhance soil nutrients, but also to boost phytoseiid mite populations, thereby contributing to more sustainable apple production.

Evaluation of Improved Hermaphrodite Papaya (Carica papaya L.) Varieties for Growth, Yield and Quality at Teppi, Southwestern Ethiopia

The fruit with the most commercial significance in the Caricaceae family is the papaya (Carica papaya L.). The fruits are very valuable in terms of nutrition, economy, and medicine. One of the things restricting its production and productivity in Ethiopia is the lack of improved cultivars. In order to determine the optimum high yielding, pest and disease tolerant, variety/ies for the target area, this study was carried out to evaluate the performance of improved papaya varieties. Three newly released papaya varieties were brought to Teppi agricultural research center from Melkassa agricultural research center for evaluation over the cropping seasons of 2019/20 to 2020/21. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design and replicated three times. The mean yield was ranged from 34.24 to 90.08 t/ha for Braz-HS1 and Meki-HL1 varieties respectively. The findings of the study revealed that, based on the recorded parameters Meki-HL1 variety performed better followed by Koka-HM1 variety and these two varieties will be recommended for the surrounding farmers for wider production. Further study should be carried out with improved varieties to improve papaya production and nutritional security as well, especially in southwestern Ethiopia.

Effect of Phenological Basis Deficit Irrigation on Yield and Water Use Efficiency of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicon L.)

The availability of water is a major concern in regions with limited water resources. In such regions, the focus of irrigation management shifted from producing per unit area to producing per unit of water consumed, water productivity. An experiment was carried out, for two consecutive years( 2020 and 2021) at the research farm of Shire-Maitsebri Agricultural Research Center, Tselemty district, Tigray, Ethiopia to exmine the response of tomato to deficit irrigation at various growth stages. A randomized complete block design with three replications was used. Combination of three irrigation regimes (100%, 50%, and 25% of full irrigation requirement) and four FAO-defined tomato growth stages (initial, developmental, mid, and late seasons) were considered to form a total of nine treatments. Data on agronomy and irrigation water were collected and analyzed statistically. The results revealed that reducing irrigation amount up to 75% during the development growth stage significantly decreased marketable yield by 66.5%. However, the highest water use efficiency (9.2 kg/m3) was achieved by reducing irrigation amount by 75% during the end-growth stage of tomatoes. Treatments with the lowest water use efficiency (3.5 kg/m3) were those receiving 75% less irrigation amount than the full requirement during the development growth stage. Reducing irrigation to less than 75% of the full requirement during tomato development stages can greatly impact marketable yield and water use efficiency. Therefore, the tomato crop is highly susceptible to water stress when receiving more than 50% of the full irrigation requirement during its developmental growth stage.

Soil Test Crop Response Concerning Soil Properties and Yield Attributes of Mustard (Brassica juncea L.) var. Krishna

We experimented in the field at the central research farm of the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj during Rabi season of 2022-23. The soil in the experimental area was characterized by a sandy loam texture. There were 27unit plots in total, with each plot sized at 2 X 2 m. We used a randomized block design, incorporating different levels of NPK (80:40:40), vermicompost, and two levels of sulfur (50% and 100%). The T9 (STCR+ 5t ha-1 Vermicompost+ 100% S) demonstrated that although there was a slight decrease in pH, bulk density, and particle density, there was a significant (P<0.05) increase in pore space, water holding capacity, electrical conductivity (EC), organic carbon, and the availability of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Improvements were observed in plant growth and yield attributes, which showed the best results in terms of plant height, number of siliquae per plant, and total mustard yield compared to the control conditions. However, the use of organic manures and their combination with a full NPK treatment significantly enhanced the growth and overall yield attributes of mustard.

Efficacy of Certain Insecticides against Shoot and Fruit Borer, Leucinodes orbonalis (Gueenee) on Brinjal Crop Solanum melongena (L)

A field experiment was conducted at the Central Research Farm (CRF), Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh during Kharif season 2023. The experiment was laid in Randomized Block Design with eight treatments replicated thrice along with untreated control plot. Eight treatments viz. Novaluron @ 10% EC 0.5ml/lit, Spinetoram 11.7% SC @0.4g/lit, Emamectin benzoate 5% SG @0.4g/lit, Chlorantraniliprole 18.5SC@0.5ml/lit, Flubendiamide 39.35% SC @0.5 ml/lit, Neem oil 2% @20ml/lit, Beauveria bassiana1x108 CFU @ 2.5g/lit and untreated control were evaluated against shoot and fruit borer. During the investigation, it was revealed that the lowest percent shoot and fruit borer (Leucinodes orbonalis) infestation after 1st and 2nd spray was observed in the treatment Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 % SC i.e. 2.32% and 2.16%, followedby Emamectin benzoate 5% SG (3.21 and 2.97), Spinetoram 11.7% SC (3.81 and (3.30), Novaluron 10% EC (4.62 and 4.05), Flubendiamide 39.35% SC 5.39 and 4.903, Neem oil 2% 5.98 and 5.38 and Beauveria bassiana 1x108 CFU 6.35 and 5.48. The treatment Beauveria bassiana 1x108 CFU 6.35 and 5.48 was found to be least effective among all the treatments against Leucinodes orbonalis. The plot treated with Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC (241.75 q/ha, 1:13.14) was found most effective with highest yield and cost benefit ratio among all the treatment followed by Emamectin benzoate 5% SG (190.61 q/ha, 1:10.34), Spinetoram 11.7% SC (150.58 q/ha,1:7.92), Novaluron 10% EC (124.49 q/ha, 1:6.38), Flubendiamide 39.35% SC (104.34 q/ha, 1:4.34), Neem oil 2% @ (85.81 q/ha, 1:3.01) and Beauveria bassiana 1x108 CFU @ (65.83 q/ha1:2.80) as compared to untreated control plot (59.06 q/ha, 1:2.68).

On-farm Evaluation and Selection of Manually Operated Honey Extractor

In the study area, honey is extracted using traditional methods, which leads the product to degradation in nutritional quality and quantity. As a result of this, honey extracted traditionally does not meet international market standards; to minimize this problem several honey extractors are available, but the problem of cost, maintenance place, and durability were the main issues for the farmers. Therefore, the main objective of this research work is to collect and evaluate the performance of available honey extractors and to select a better-performed model. Data like time of extraction (min), mass of honeycomb before and after extraction (kg), and mass of extracted Honey (kg) were collected. Losses (kg), Extraction efficiency (%), and Extraction capacity (kg/hr) were calculated. Simple descriptive statistics were used to analyze data. Accordingly, the mean extraction capacity was 68.28, 62.88, and 56.76 kg/hr, and the mean extraction efficiency was 71.39, 65.83 and 60.31 % for the Imported, Jimma Agricultural Engineering Research Center and Fadis Agricultural Research Center models, respectively. As depicted from the results all extractors have good performance. However, the Jimma Agricultural Engineering Research Center model will be recommended for small-scale holders based on its price, maintenance availability, spare parts, simplicity, and durability.

Response of Malt Barley (<i>Hordeum distichum L.</i>) to Different Phosphorus Fertilizer Rates and Irrigation Levels Under Furrow Irrigation Methods in South Eastern Ethiopia

Nutrient availability to crops is a function of soil type, moisture condition, environment, crop type, and management and their interaction affects nutrient use efficiencies and crop growth conditions. The objective of this study was to determine the optimum P rate and deficit irrigation level, as well as to identify the interactive effect of nutrient and moisture levels on yield and yield quality malt barley under irrigation in Ormiya region Tiyo district. The experiment was conducted at small plot level for three consecutive years from 2020/21 to 2022/23 G.C. This experiment was conducted at Kulumsa Agricultural Research Center On-Station arranged by split-plot layout with RCBD design by three replications. Irrigation amounts (100%, 75% and 50%) were assigned the main plot and phosphorus fertilizer rates (0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 kg) corresponded to the subplot. The combined effect of irrigation levels and phosphorus fertilizer rate had a significant effect (p < 0.05) on malt barely grain yield, above-ground biomass, thousand kernel weight and water productivity but not on plant height, seeds per spike and protein content. The highest grain yield and above-ground biomass were 3.16 t/ha and 6.77 t/ha obtained from the application of 100% ETc with 30 kg of phosphorus fertilizer. The maximum water productivity (0.97 kg/m<sup>3</sup>) was observeat the application of 75% ETc with 30 kg of Phosphorus fertilizer while more profitable practice was found at 100% ETc with 30 kg of phosphorus application. The highest protein content (15.57%) was observed at the application of 50% deficit irrigation and the lowest (14.66%) was observed at 100% ETc irrigation application. Applying the optimum amount of irrigation with 30 Kg phosphorus fertilizer gives high grain and above biomass yield and is economically profitable in Tiyo district and agroecologies similar to Tiyo.

On-farm Pre-extension Demonstration of Newly Released Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) Technology with Proper Agronomic Practices in Gamo and Konso Zones of Southern Ethiopia

Pigeon pea is widely cultivated by Ethiopian farmers, but its production remains low despite suitable conditions. This is partly due to inadequate demonstration of new pigeon pea varieties with proper agronomic practices. To address this, Arba Minch Agricultural Research Center released a new variety, Ashenafi, which showed promise in adaptation trials. However, its farmer preference and socio-economic benefits were not assessed. Therefore, a pre-extension demonstration of Ashenafi and a local check was conducted in 2024 at Karat Zuria and Boreda districts to improve pigeon pea production. The demonstration covered 20 farmers’ fields and 2 Farmers Training Centers, with 10m x 50m plots for each variety, using a spacing of 1.2m between rows and 0.5m between plants, a seed rate of 3 kg/ha, and a fertilizer rate of 100 kg/ha NPS. Grain yield data and farmer preferences were collected and analyzed. Ashenafi yielded 1,860 kg/ha compared to the local variety's 1,065 kg/ha at Karat Zuria, and 1,785 kg/ha compared to 890 kg/ha at Boreda. Results at the Farmers Training Center were similar. The significant yield gap of 787 kg/ha suggests a need to encourage adoption of the new variety. Ashenafi proved more profitable and was preferred by farmers for its earliness, quick branch emergence, seed size, grain yield, and pod number. Thus, Ashenafi is recommended for wider production with proper agronomic practices.

Evaluation of Food Quality of Released Maize Varieties Grown in Oromia, Ethiopia

Maize is widely produced in Ethiopia and is mostly used for human consumption. Considerable efforts are being made by agricultural researchers to release different maize varieties and adaptations according to different agro-ecology. However, there is an information gap on the physic-chemicals of food qualities and the consumer's preference for all maize varieties. Thus, this study was conducted to evaluate the food quality of released food maize varieties through physical, chemical and sensory evaluation. Fifteen released maize varieties were collected from different agricultural research centers. The physicochemical attributes of these varieties were analyzed with three replications. Sensory evaluation was also performed by using the hedonic scale method. Thousand kernel weight, moisture, oil, protein, starch, ash, sodium, calcium potassium, and phosphorus contents were determined in the range of 152.81 – 479.45 grams, 9.54 – 12.97%, 3.78 – 4.86%, 7.07 – 11.76%, 77.75 – 81.27%, 0.64 – 1.12%, 228.75 – 3.02.33 ppm, 225.65 – 332.34 ppm, 1626.34 – 2714.51 ppm and 956.95 – 1452.86 ppm, 305.42 – 716.91 ppm and 811.50 – 1731.10 ppm, respectively. Overall acceptability of porridge and Injera prepared from maize varieties were on the scale of neither like nor dislike to like moderately. There were significant (P<0.05) variations in physical, chemical and organoleptic properties due to maize varieties variation. BH540, BH661 and Limu maize varieties had higher starch content and white color that gave them better acceptance value than those varieties with higher protein content and yellow color such as Melkasa 1, Melkasa seven, and Melkasa IQ maize varieties.

Comparative Efficacy and Economics of Biopesticides with Emamectin Benzoate against Diamondback Moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) in Cabbage, Brassica oleracea var. Capitata (L.)

A field trial was conducted during rabi season 2023-2024 at Central Research Farm (CRF), Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Naini, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. The experiment was laid out in Randomised Block Design (RBD) with eight treatments each replicated thrice using a variety Green Soccer (546). The treatments viz., Emamectin benzoate 5% SG, Bacillus thuringiensis 5.0% WP, Spinosad 02.50 % SC, Verticillium lecanii 5.0% SC, Neem seed kernel extract 5%, Beauveria basssiana 1x 108CFU/ml, Azadirechtin 00.03 % WSP and along with an untreated control against plutella xylostella in cabbage.The data on larval population of Diamond back moth over control on first and second spray overall mean revealed that all treatments were significantly superior over control.Amomg all the treatments minimum larval population was recorded in in T3 Spinosad 02.50 %SC (1.045) followed by T1 Emamectin benzoate5%SG (1.212), T2Bacillus thuringiensis 5.0% WP (1.345),T6 Beauveria bassiana 1x 108 CFU/ml (1.512),T4 Verticillium lecanii 5.0 % SC (1.667),T5 Neem seed kernel extract 5 % (1.934),T7 Azadirechtin 00.03 % WSP (2.133).While, the highest yield (298q/ha) was obtained from the treatment T3 spinosad 02.50%SC as well as B:C ratio (1:5.76) was obtained high from this treatment. It followed by T1 Emamectin benzoate 5%SG (276q/ha) (1:5.53),T2 Bacillus thuringiensis 5.0% WP (269q/ha)(1:5.42),T6 Beauveria bassiana 1x 108CFU/ml (259q/ha) (1:5.24), T4 Verticillium lecanii 5.0% SC(249q/ha)(1:5.04), T5 Neem seed kernel extract 5% (233q/ha) (1:4.65), T7 Azadirechtin 00.03% WSP(215q/ha)(1:4.42) and the lowest yield and B:C ratio is recorded in T0 Control (186q/ha) (1:4.05).

Efficacy and Economics of Selected Chemicals and Bio-pesticides against Mustard Aphid [Lipaphis erysimi (Kaltenbach)] in Prayagraj, U.P., India

The study was carried out at central research farm in rabi season at Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences. The efficacy of treatments was measured in terms of the reduction in aphid population. Imidacloprid 17.8 SL exhibited the highest population reduction (95.210), followed by Dimethoate 30 EC (82.887), Acetamiprid 20 SP (69.350), Neem oil 5% (48.767), N.S.K.E. (42.040), Verticillium lecanii 1.15 WP (39.95), Beauveria bassiana 1.15 WP (30.707), with the untreated plot showing the minimum reduction. The cost-benefit analysis of treatments revealed that. Imidacloprid 17.8 SL demonstrated the highest return (1:5.23), followed by Dimethoate 30 EC (1:4.26), Acetamiprid 20 SP (1:4.16), Neem oil 5% (1:3.67), N.S.K.E (1:3.45), Verticillium lecanii (1:2.77), and Beauveria bassiana (1:2.61). The control plot yielded the lowest return (1:1.56).

Effect of Zinc, Iron and Biofertilizer on Physical Property of Soil under Chickpea Cultivation

The research was conducted at the Central Research Farm of the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology, and Sciences (SHUATS) in Prayagraj during the Rabi season of 2022-23. The experimental design employed was a Randomized Block Design (RBD), with application of Zn, Iron along with standard fertilizer dose (RDF). This design aimed to systematically assess the combined effects of these factors on the specified parameters, insightful information about the potential advantages of using micronutrients in cultivation of chickpea, particularly the “Sadabahar” variety. In the study, Bulk density Mg m-3); Particle density (Mg m-3); Pore Space (%); Water holding capacity (%) was calculated by methods suggested by Muthuvel et al. [1]. The details of nano mixed micronutrients treatment given are T1 (Absolute control); T2 (RDF 100 % + Zinc @ 0 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 2.5 kg ha-1); T3 (RDF 100 % + Zinc @ 0 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 5 kg ha-1); T4 (RDF 100 % + Zinc @ 0 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 7.5 kg ha-1); T5 (RDF 100 % + Zinc @ 6.67 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 0 kg ha-1); T6 (RDF 100 % + Zinc @ 6.67 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 2.5 kg ha-1); T7 (RDF 100 % + Zinc @ 6.67 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 5 kg ha-1); T8 (RDF 100 % + Zinc @ 6.67 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 7.5 kg ha-1); T9 (RDF 100 % + Zinc @ 13.34 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 0 kg ha-1); T10 (RDF 100 % + Zinc @ 13.34 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 2.5 kg ha-1); T11 (RDF 100 % + Zinc @ 13.34 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 5 kg ha-1); T12 (RDF 100 % + Zinc @ 13.34 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 7.5 kg ha-1); T13 (RDF 100 % + Zinc @ 0 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 2.5 kg ha-1+ Rhizobium 20 g kg-1); T14 (RDF 100 % + Zinc @ 6.67 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 5 kg ha-1+ Rhizobium 20 g kg-1) and T15 (RDF 100 % + Zinc @ 13.34 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 7.5 kg ha-1+ Rhizobium 20 g kg-1).Zinc and Iron improve root development and microbial activity, enhancing soil structure and porosity. Rhizobium further promotes root nodulation and organic matter decomposition, increasing soil aggregation and moisture retention. This balanced nutrient and microbial application optimizes soil physical properties, leading to superior water holding capacity and pore space.

Evaluating the Efficacy of Selected Insecticides on Diamondback Moth (Plutella xylostella) Damaging Cabbage (Brassica oleracea)

A field investigation was carried out in Rabi season of 2022-2023 at the Central Research Farm (CRF), Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India to evaluate the efficacy of some selected pesticides on controlling diamondback moth that causes yield loss of cabbage. The experiment was laid in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with eight treatments each replicated thrice using a single variety Green Soccer. The treatments viz. NSKE 5% @50 ml/L, Spinosad 45% SC @0.35 ml/L, Emamectin Benzoate 5% SG @0.5 g/L, Neem oil 5% @50 ml/L, Dimethoate 30% EC @1 ml/L, Indoxacarb 14.5% SC @ 0.5 g/L, Cartap Hydrochloride 50% SP @0.5ml/L, and along with an untreated control was used against Plutella xylostella in Cabbage. The overall mean data on larval population of diamond back moth over control on first and second spray revealed that all treatments were significantly superior over control. Among all the treatments Spinosad 45% SC showed the lowest mean larval population (2.04%), (0.93%) followed by Emamectin benzoate 5% SG (2.22%) (1.06%), Indoxacarb 14.5% SC (2.66%) (1.37%), Cartap Hydrochloride 50% SP (3.20%) (1.86%), Dimethoate 30% EC (3.48%) (2.02 %), and NSKE 5% (4.08 %) (2.33 %), Neem oil 5% (3.82 %), (2.37 %) and highest population was recorded in control (8.13%), (7.73%). The highest yield and cost benefit ratio recorded in Spinosad 45% SC (296 q/ha) (1:5.7) followed by Emamectin benzoate 5% SG (264 q/ha) (1:6.2), Indoxacarb 14.5% SC (249 q/ha) (1:5.0), Cartap Hydrochloride 50% SP (215 q/ha) (1:4.8) followed by Dimethoate 30% EC (194 q/ha) (1:4.4), Neem oil 5% (178 q/ha), (1:3.9) and NSKE 5% (170 q/ha) (1:3.8) and control (102 q/ha) (1:2.5). The information obtained in this study has the potential application for controlling diamondback moth and will be useful to the farmers and researchers.

Enhancing Various Variety of Strawberry (Fragaria X ananassa) Yield with Seaweed Extract and Biochar under Prayagraj Agro Climatic Conditions

The present investigation was carried out during 2021-22 and 2022-23 at Central Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, NAI, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences, Naini, Prayagraj was carried out with two factors having four of each in FRBD. The factors are Varieties (V1 - Winter Dawn, V2 - winter star, V3 - Sweet Charlie, V4 – Chandler) Organic Manures (M0 - No manures, M1 - Biochar 100 %, M2 - Seaweed extract 100%, M3 - Biochar + seaweed extract 50:50 %) which in combination makes 16 treatments. Among the treatments applied the combination of V1M3 (Winter Dawn + Biochar + Sea weed extract 50:50) was found to be best during 2021-22, 2022-23 and pooled data in terms of fruit set % with (8.17, 66.46 and 67.32 %), Number of fruit/plant (35.33, 32.40 and 33.87), Weight of fruit (36.36, 34.90 and 35.63 kg, Yield/plant (812.49, 791.14 and 801.81kg, Yield/plot (9.75, 9.49 and 9.62) kg, and yield/hectare (22.13, 21.51 and 21.82) ton.

Growth and dry matter intake curve analysis of crossbred male calves in Ethiopia

ABSTRACT The study was carried out at Holetta agricultural Research center dairy farm to estimate the growth and dry matter intake curves parameters of different genetic groups of crossbred male calves. A total of 48 weaned Friesian Boran (FB) crossbred calves consisting of 24 male calves having 50% Friesian blood level and another 24 growing calves having 75% Friesian blood level were used for this study. The calves were managed under individual feeding management for a fattening period of 626 days. Body weight and dry matter intake data were fitted into Gompertz nonlinear growth model. Mean values for growth parameters in 50% FB and 75% FB crosses were 727.0 and 730.2 kg; 2.85 and 2.78; 0.0019 and 0.0017 kg/day; 547.95 and 595.68 days; 257.46 and 268.63 kg; for mature weight, integration constant, maturity rate, age at inflection point and body weight at inflection point, respectively. This study revealed that 50% FB crossbred bull calves are fast maturing genotype and had significantly lower DMI at mature age than 75% FB crosses. Generally, 50% FB crossbred bull calves can be used for fattening purpose to meet increasing lean meat demand of consumers in Ethiopia with decreased feed cost under improved feeding system.

Least Squares, Simple Linear Regression, and Pearson Correlation Analysis between the Lactation Milk Yield of Norduz Ewes and Their Lambs’ Live Weight

This study aimed to determine the lactation milk yield of Norduz ewes and to determine the effects of milk yield on their lambs’ growth and development characteristics. Additionally, the correlations between the sheep’s milk yield, lambs’ live weight, and affecting factors were determined. The study was conducted at the Van University of Yüzüncü Yıl Agricultural Research Center. In the study, 61 Norduz ewes and 66 male and female lambs they bore were included. The sheep were milked at 30-day intervals until the 180th day. Similarly, the lambs were weighed at 30-day intervals from birth to 180th day. The means and standard errors of the milk yields were obtained on the 30, 60, 90, 120, 150th, and 180th days of milking. The live weight means and standard errors of the lambs on the 30th, 60th, 90th, 120th, 150th, and 180th days are given. According to the GLM analysis results, sex significantly influenced lactation length (p<0.05), and there was a difference in favor of female lambs. The impact of dam age was notably significant on live weight at days 60 and 90 (p<0.05). Additionally, birth type significantly affected live weight at day 30 and 60 (p<0.001), as well as at day 90 (p<0.01). Regarding the linear relationship between dam weight and live weight, a significant effect was observed at day 30 (p<0.001), day 60 (p<0.01), and day 90 (p<0.05). Notably, the linear effects of lamb birth weight on live weight remained significant across all control periods (p<0.001).

Physiological Indices for the Selection of Drought-Tolerant Safflower Genotypes for Cultivation in Marginal Areas

Safflower is known as a tolerant plant to abiotic stress factors. This study was conducted to introduce some physiological indices to improve drought-tolerant safflower genotypes for cultivation in marginal and arid areas. Six safflower genotypes were studied for two years (2017–2019) in the East Azarbaijan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Centre of Iran under non-stressed and low-water conditions from flowering to seed maturity. The occurrence of water deficits led to a significant decrease in relative water content (RWC), stomatal conductance (gs), osmotic adjustment (Oadj), water potential (WP) and agronomic water use efficiency (WUEa) and an increase in the water stress index (CWSI). In addition, the values of these traits differed significantly between the safflower genotypes. The correlations between the physiological traits and seed yield were significant. The regression relationships between seed yield and the above traits showed that CWSI, WP and WUEa had a strong relationship with seed yield under normal (R2 = 0.854, 0.801 and 0.856, respectively) and water deficit conditions (R2 = 0.931, 0.877 and 0.900, respectively). It can be concluded that the CWSI, WP and WUEa indices are able to select high-yielding and drought-tolerant safflower genotypes for the late season. Among the components of seed yield, the number of capitula per plant (r = 0.86) and seeds per capitula (r = 0.92), which were positively and significantly correlated with seed yield, played the main roles in the formation of seed yield. The Golemehr and Mec.295 genotypes achieved higher seed yields under normal (4676 and 4961 kg h−1, respectively) and water deficit conditions (3211 and 3385 kg h−1, respectively) and can be recommended for cultivation in marginal and arid areas.

Influence of N, P, K, Rhizobium and Vermicompost on Soil Health Parameters and Yield of Green Gram (Vigna radiata L.) var. Samrat

An experiment was conducted on “Influence of N, P, K, Rhizobium and Vermicompost on Soil Health Parameters and Yield of Green Gram (Vigna radiata L.) var. Samrat”. during zaid season 2023-2024 at the central research farm, department research farm of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, The design applied was 3x3 RBD having three levels each of vermicompost and N.P.K i.e., 0, 50, and 100% respectively and three levels of rhizobium treated seed @ 0, 50, 100%. The result obtained in treatment T9 (N25P50K25 kg ha-1 + vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1 and rhizobium @ 200g 10 kg-1) has showed a slight change in soil pH i.e., 6.79 and EC i.e., 0.208 dS m-1. The post-harvest soil samples have showed significant increase in pore space, water holding capacity and organic carbon i.e., about 49.20 %, 47.59 % and 0.49 % respectively. Whereas available N, P and K found to be 334.12 kg ha-1, 34.36 kg ha-1, and 204.28 kg ha-1 respectively. The increase in NPK (kg ha-1) was found to be significant among all treatments in green gram cultivation and soil quality improvement. The best results among all treatment combination with respect to plant height (65.76 cm), number of leaves plant-1 (44.34), number of branches plant-1 (14.58), number of grain pod-1 (14.28), number of pod plant-1 (42.11) and seed yield q ha-1 (16.67) were found in treatment combination T9 (N25P50K25 kg ha-1 + vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1 and Rhizobium @ 200g 10 kg-1. T9 gave the highest gross return with ₹ 1,49,030 and the benefit of ₹ 29,849.13 with highest cost benefit ratio i.e., 1:1.38. vermicompost along with other combinations has showed improvement in soil health as well as in crop development and yield. Study has also revealed that the application of N, P, and K with vermicompost was an excellent source for fertilization than sole fertilizers.