Agricultural Research Research Articles

Alterations in the Nutrient Status of Soil and Enzymatic Activity of Finger Millet Cultivated Soil Accompanying to Nano Urea Application

An experiment was conducted at the Zonal Agricultural Research Station, Gandhi Krishi Vigyan Kendra, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, with the aim of assessing the impact of nano nitrogen on growth, yield, nutrient uptake, nitrogen use efficiency and enzymatic activity in finger millet cultivation. Among different treatments, application of 75% RDN + seed treatment with nano urea + foliar spray of nano urea at 30 and 50 DAS showed significant improvements in various growth and yield parameters of finger millet. At 90 DAS, it resulted in a remarkable increase in the number of leaves hill-1 (36.73), leaf area (982.90 cm2 hill-1) and leaf area index (3.28). The treatment also led to enhanced growth indices viz., absolute growth rate of 0.74 g day-1, a relative growth rate of 0.029 g g-1 day-1 and a crop growth rate of 24.80 g m2 day-1 during 60-90 DAS period. Significantly, it boosted the grain yield of 3,397 kg ha-1 for finger millet over control. Notably, this treatment exhibited higher NPK (86.56, 25.93 and 55.36 kg ha-1 respectively) uptake at harvest. It also demonstrated superior agronomic efficiency, internal utilization efficiency and nutrient increment efficiency of nitrogen (52.57, 39.24 and 1.40 kg kg-1 respectively). These findings underscore the potential of nano nitrogen in enhancing finger millet growth, increasing yield, optimizing nutrient uptake and improving nitrogen use efficiency in finger millet cultivation.

Physico-chemical, functional, pasting and structural characteristics of two malted maize flours produce under optimal conditions

Maize is a popular gluten-free grain, used in many dishes in Africa and elsewhere. It provides numerous nutrients (especially starch) and contains antinutritional factors (phytates). To reduce these factors and improve the nutritional and physical potential of maize, a number of treatments are required, including malting. This study therefore investigated the physicochemical, functional, structural, and pasting properties of two malted maize varieties (Atp-Y and Coca-sr) produce under optimal conditions. After receiving the two maize varieties from the Agricultural Research Institute for development, the Atp-Y variety was soaked for 30 h at 18.66 °C with 0.37% plant salt, followed by germination at 30 °C for 218.58 h and a ripening period of 40 h, while the Coca-sr variety was soaked for 3.90 h at 20.57 °C with 0.0219% plant salt, followed by germination at 30 °C for 251.55 h and a ripening period of 58.73 h. The flours obtained were subjected to physicochemical, structural, pasting and functional analysis. These analyses showed that the protein, fibre, ash, carbohydrate, starch and energy density content were significantly influenced by the variety. The Atp-Y variety had the highest contents of Ca (855.00 mg/100 g), Na (125.36 mg/100 g) and Cu (0.53 mg/100 g). The availability of Ca, Na and divalent cations was significantly higher in the Atp-Y variety. The Coca-sr variety contributed the most to achieving the protein (40.02 to 73.88%) and lipid (27.30 to 38.08%) requirements of children aged 0 to 59 months. The contents of phytates, cyanides and condensed tannins were similar in both varieties, while oxalates (7.88 mg/100 g), trypsin inhibitors (2.07 mg/100 g) and hydrolyzed tannins (15.02 mg EC/g) were more abundant in the Coca-sr variety. Phenols, flavonoids and saponins ranged between 45.96 and 68.39 mg GAE/g, 32.13 and 39.27 mg CE/g and 0.45 mg/100 g, respectively. No significant differences were found in the physical and functional properties, although the Atp-Y variety had a higher water retention and swelling capacity. Malting variety and conditions had no significant effect on Pasting Time, Setback, Setback ratio and Stability ratio in contrast to Pasting Temperature, Peak viscosity, Holding viscosity, Breakdown and Final viscosity. The Atp-Y grade exhibited the highest pasting parameters when pasting temperature was excluded. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the microscopic structure varied from one variety to another, although the grains had similar sizes. The Microscopic dispersions of grains testifies to the enzymatic activity in the Coca-sr variety, the compact surface layer with protruding grains testifies to the fiber richness of the Atp-Y variety. The grain distribution of the particles showed that more than 50% of the grains in both types were 400 µm in size. X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed that the degradation of the crystalline structure of the starch depended on the variety and the physiological phenomena taking place there. These results clearly show that these flours are well suited for the formulation of foods with high energy and nutritional value. However, they could also be used as sweeteners in panification or as raw materials in the brewing industry.

Assessment of Different Production Systems for Macro and Micronutrient Concentration in Selected kharif Crops in Low Hills of Himachal Pradesh

A field experiment was conducted to assess the effect of different crop production systems on major kharif crops at Choudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Hill Agriculture Research and Extension Center, Dhualakuan (Himachal Pradesh) India. The experiment comprised of fifteen treatments involving three crop production systems (organic, natural and conventional) in subplot with five crops (maize, okra, sesame, black gram and rice) in the main plot replicated thrice in split-plot design during kharif season (July-October) of 2020. Among different production systems, macronutrient contents were found highest under conventional system followed by organic system and lowest in Subhas Palekar Natural Farming system. Sulfur and micronutrient content was recorded highest in organic farming system followed by Subhas Palekar Natural Farming system and lowest in conventional system. Among crops, black gram and sesame grain macro and micro nutrient content was found to be highest and lowest in okra among all crops.

Comparative Economics of Different Management Tactics by Novel Insecticides against Pest Complex on Capsicum (Capsicum annuum L.) under Protected Conditions

Field experiment was conducted under shade net house at Hi-Tech Horticulture Farm, Rajasthan Agricultural Research Institute, Durgapura (Sri Karan Narendra Agriculture University, Jobner), Jaipur, Rajasthan to work out the economics and cost benefit ratio of different management strategies by three spraying of eleven bio-rationale and newer pesticides against Yellow Mite, Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks), thrips, Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood, aphids (Aphis gossypii Glover, Myzus persicae Sulzer), Whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) and Beat army worm, Spodoptera exigua (Hubner) during summer 2014 and 2015 on capsicum (Capsicum annuum L.). The result on the basis of pooled data indicated that maximum net profit of Rs 77185/ha was obtained in the treatment of fipronil 0.005% with the yield of 51.46 q/ha followed by emamectin benzoate 0.002% (Rs 67422/ha) with the yield of 49.77 q/ha. The minimum net profit of Rs 23840/ha was recorded in the treatment of NSKE 5% followed by azadirachtin 0.0003% (Rs 29876). The net profit ranging from Rs 53613/ha to Rs 60263/ha was computed in the treatment of acephate (Rs 53613/ha), spiromesifen (Rs 59971/ha), spinosad (Rs 58262/ha) and indoxacarb (Rs 60263/ha), whereas, Rs 39125/ha to 41476/ha was found in propargite and novaluron. The maximum incremental cost benefit ratio (1:20.23) was found in fipronil (0.005%) followed by 1:17.99 in the treatment of acephate (0.075%). The minimum ICBR (1:4.64) was recorded in the treatments of novaluron followed by spinosad (1:5.96). Study revealed that three spray of fipronil 5 SC @ 1 ml/l or emamectin benzoate 5 SG @ 0.4 g/l can be suggested to the farmers for the management of pest complex on capsicum under shade net house conditions during summer for off season production.

Effect of Different Spacing and Corm Size on Growth and Corm Production of Gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflorus L.) cv Punjab Dawn under Malwa Plateau of Madhya Pradesh

The present experiment was carried out at Bahadari research farm of College of Horticulture, Mandsaur (Madhya Pradesh) during rabi season of 2020-21 with an aim to find out the effect of different spacing and corm size on growth and corm production of gladiolus, using the three spacing’s (S1 30 × 30 cm, S2 30 × 20 cm and S3 20 × 20 cm) and three corm sizes (C1 <3.0 cm, C2 3.0-4.0 cm and C3 >4.0 cm). The experiment was laid out in Factorial Randomized Block Design (FRBD) with three replications. The result revealed that, the plant produced from wider spacing with larger corm size (30 × 30 cm + >4.0 cm) was superior in days taken to sprouting (9.07 days), number of sprouts per hill (3.07), plant height at 60 DAP (62 cm), number of leaves per hill at 60 DAP (20.73), length of longest leaf at 60 DAP (46.47 cm), width of longest leaf at 60 DAP (2.85 cm), number of corms per hill (3.47) and weight of corms per hill (71.20 g) at maturity stage.

Effect of Vermicompost and Molybdenum on Growth and Yield of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaeal L.)

The experiment was conducted during the Summer season 2023, at the Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Science, Prayagraj (U.P.) to find out the “Effect of Vermicompost and Molybdenum on growth and yield of Groundnut”. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design comprising of 9 treatments which include 3 Different levels of Vermicompost 0 t/ha, 3 t/ha, 5 t/ha and Molybdenum 0.5 kg/ha, 1 kg/ha, 1.5 kg/ha. Whose effect is observed in Ground nut. The result was observed in the application of 5t/ha Vermicompost + 1.5 kg/ha Mo was recorded maximum plant height (29.80 cm), Nodules (62.10), plant dry weight (30.96 g/plant), number of pods per plant (39.39), Kernels/pod (2.00), seed index (40.00 g), pod yield (2.38 t/ha) and haulm yield (4.26 t/ha) and harvest index (35.74%). At the same time higher gross return (1,61,090.00 INR/ha), net return (100505.80 INR/ha) and benefit cost ratio (1.7) were recorded with application of 5t/ha Vermicompost + 1.5 kg/ha Mo.

Effect of Various Weed Management Options on Weed Dry Matter, Yield Attributes and Yield of Sweet Corn (Zea mays L. saccharata) under Organic Production System

A field experiment was conducted at Instructional cum Research Farm, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur (C.G.) during kharif 2019 entitled “Effect of various weed management options on weed dry matter, yield attributes and yield of sweet corn (Zea mays L. saccharata) under organic production system”. The soil of the experimental site was clayey in texture, neutral in reaction and low in nitrogen, medium in phosphorus and high in potassium. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with three replications. The weed flora of the experimental site was dominated by Echinocloa colona, Alternanthera sessilis, Parthenium hysterophorus, Cyperus iria. Results revealed that the highest green cob yield of sweet corn was recorded in stale seed bed + reduced spacing (upto 25%) + mulching with paddy straw + 20 DAS hand weeding (7.63t ha-1 ) which was 83.48% higher than the weedy check. The green cob yield in stale seed bed + reduced spacing (upto 25%) + mulching with paddy straw + 20 DAS hand weeding was found to be at par with mulching with waste polythene bags (ITK-practices) (7.45t ha- ), hand weeding twice carried out at 20 and 40 DAS (7.33 t ha-1) and soil solarization with 25µ polythene mulch during summer + one hand weeding at 20 DAS(6.94t ha-1). Although grain yield in other weed management practices was significantly lower than stale seed bed + reduced spacing (upto 25%) + mulching with paddy straw + 20 DAS hand weeding treatments but higher than weedy check. Similarly, As regards total weed dry weight at harvest, the total lowest weed dry weight was observed in stale seed bed + reduced spacing (upto 25%) + mulching with paddy straw + hand weeding at 20 DAS(3.45gm-2) followed by mulching with waste polythene bags (ITK- practices)(4.71 gm-2), hand weeding at 20 and 40 DAS (4.96gm-2)and soil solarization with 25µ polythene mulch during summer + one hand weeding at 20 DAS(5.08 gm-2). However, higher WCE was noticed in these treatment over weedy check. The weedy check was significantly inferior in all the yield attributes and green cob yield of sweet corn.

Moderated Mediation Dynamics: Influence of Strategic Linkages and Policy Implementation on Corporate Leadership and Kenya Agricultural Research Organization's Performance

Global demand for safe, affordable, and accessible nutritious food currently exceeds governmental efforts, notwithstanding huge investments in enhancing capacity of organizations mandated to reverse such trends. With the projected 27% increase in global population by 2050, the need for corporate leadership and policy implementation efforts is urgent. The study explored the moderated mediation effect of strategic linkages and policy implementation on the relationship between corporate leadership and performance of Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO). Rooted in organizational excellence, upper echelons, legitimacy, institutional, and stakeholder theories, the study employed a pragmatic philosophy, and mixed methods design to mitigate bias. The target population included 75 management organs, with 60 directors and 188 top leadership units as units of observation. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS, and qualitative data using NVivo. Cronbach’s alpha (α ≥ .700) confirmed internal consistency. Both confirmatory factor and principal component analyses aided data reduction. Moderated mediation analysis, using Hayes' PROCESS Macro, showed significant interaction (p = .004) between policy implementation (mediator) and strategic linkages (moderator), indicating that the effect of policy implementation on KALRO’s performance varies with levels of strategic linkages (set at -.229). Index below -0.229 shows significant relationships, and vice versa. Recommendations encompass gender diversity, inclusive leadership development, regular performance appraisals, an enhanced monitoring and evaluation system, and improved linkages. The findings provide valuable guidance for KALRO's leadership amid competing priorities and budgetary constraints. Keywords: Moderated mediation, policy implementation, strategic linkages, corporate leadership, KALRO

Canine Mycotoxicosis–A Comprehensive Literature Review

Fungi are a diverse group of organisms that possess multiple beneficial properties for human, animal, and ecological health, including the degradation of environmental pollutants, agricultural research, and medicinal and pharmaceutical therapies. Despite these vital applications, certain fungi are responsible for the death of many each year, with untold financial implications. Penitrems, aflatoxins, citrinin, ochratoxins, among others, are mycotoxins, or secondary metabolites produced by filamentous fungi that may cause a clinically significant toxic response (mycotoxicosis) when ingested by animals. These mycotoxins are naturally occurring contaminants and appear in widely consumed feedstuffs. Dogs are unusually susceptible to their hepatotoxic, nephrotoxic, immunosuppressive, and carcinogenic effects. Mycotoxins are rapidly absorbed in canines, and with high morbidity and mortality rates, treatment is mainly supportive, and euthanasia (or death) is often elected. This paper comprehensively reviewed the current literature on mycotoxins, specifically tremorgenic mycotoxins, aflatoxins, and ochratoxins in companion animals, with a primary emphasis on canines. Electronic databases were reviewed for published articles between 1969 and the present, and 50 articles were identified for inclusion. Our review suggests a widespread gap in information on the diagnosis and treatment of companion animal mycotoxicosises and the risk of chronic exposure to mycotoxin contamination of dog food is underexplored. And given that signs may masquerade as a variety of diseases, it is postulated that mycotoxicoses have a far greater prevalence than what has been consistently thought. There is a need to create standardized diagnostic means and reporting to eliminate inconsistencies in treatment strategies and improve patient survival outcomes.

Post-harvest monitoring and crop production assessment in Nertiti locality of Central Darfur State-Sudan

Crop productivity has declined all over the world due to weak investments in agricultural research, which negatively impact food production as well as food security situation. The purpose of this study is to explore the connection between post-harvest monitoring and food production security in Nertiti locality of Central Darfur state during 2012/2103 cropping rainy season. Descriptive statistical analysis by using Statistical Package for the Several Sciences (SPSS) was run. Three villages (Eraideeba, Salakoya and Rijlaldelaiba) were randomly selected. A total of 1600 (men & women) of beneficiary household head were targeted in the entire study area. Clustered random sampling technique applied. Crop harvest chick list and Focus Group Discussion were administered at the beneficiary and community level for planted areas, agricultural production and the effect on food and seed security. Due to, 20 households head randomly selected from each village. A total of 60 household head (40 men and 20 women) selected for chick list in addition to 15 household head for Focus Group discussion (10 men and 5 women) to represent the whole study area. Results of Statistical analysis related to crop yields indicated that the average yields of sorghum, millet and groundnut among improved seeds beneficiary managed farms exceed other traditional farms by 22%, 47% and 55%. Production at community level revealed that, Rijalldelaiba village gave highest millet production (1740 metric tons), Salakoyaproduced1409.4 metric tons of sorghum and Eriadeeba village gave 456 metric tons ofgroundnuts. Households also assessed that, their cultivated area increased by 33%, 50% same, while 17% said decreased. Group discussion and individual interview results related to food security and crop utilization showed that, food and seed security for 12 month is good, production covers consumption food for 8-12 month, the adopted coping strategies for the remaining 4 month were livestock sale, daily labor, migration, firewood collection, charcoal and bricks making. Regarding the crop utilization, the majority of respondents reported that, 50% left their by-products on the field, 27% used as animal fodder and 23% stored. A focus group discussion result addresses constraints of, problems of security, storage facilities, packing materials, marketing problems, extension services and inadequate improved seeds. Monitoring reached recommendation of, provision of improved seeds, training, marketing facilities and packing inputs.

Antibiotics resistance and phenotypic virulence factors of Vibrio species isolated from poultry litters at Obafemi Awolowo University, research farm.

The study investigates the antimicrobial resistance and phenotypic virulence factors of Vibrio isolates in poultry litter. Samples were enriched in 5 mL alkaline peptone water 1:10 (w/v) for 6 hours and cultured on Thiosulphate Citrate Bile salt (TCBS) agar. Vibrio isolates were identified through biochemical tests assay and were subjected to antibiotic susceptibility tests using standards disc diffusion technique. The phenotypic virulence factors, including hemolytic and proteolytic activity were determined. A total of 100 Vibrio isolates were identified as Vibrio parahaemolyticus (49%), V. cholerae (26%), V. vulnificus (11%), V. alginolyticus (9%), and V. damsela (5%). The Vibrio isolates showed a significant resistance to the selected antibiotics tested with 99% resistant to Gentamycin, 95% Cefixime, 96% Ofloxacin, 98% Augmentin, 96% Nitrofurantoin, 100% Ciprofloxacin, and 100% Cefuroxime. The Vibrio isolates showed varying levels of haemolysis with 17% alpha haemolysis, 61% beta haemolysis, 22% gamma haemolysis, and 29% proteolytic activity. The study reveals that poultry litter contains Vibrio isolates with antibiotic resistance and virulence factors, increasing their risk of severe infections. The high beta haemolysis prevalence highlights the interconnected relationship between animal, environmental, and human health, underscoring the need for effective management.

Экономическая безопасность агропромышленного комплекса Калининградской области: проблемы и перспективы

The article is devoted to the study of the problem of ensuring economic security of the agro-industrial complex and the role of economic security in the sustainable development of the region. The current state of the agricultural sector of the Kaliningrad region and the main challenges it faces are analyzed. The importance of scientific research and risk management in agriculture for achieving high results in the formation of food security and sustainable development of the region is substantiated. Based on retrospective and forecast analysis, recommendations were formulated to ensure the economic security of the agro-industrial complex and create favorable conditions for the development of agriculture in the Kaliningrad region.

Evaluation of In Vitro Antimicrobial, Cytotoxic, Thrombolytic, and Antiarthritic Property of Different Parts of Bari Orchid.

Many different herbal extracts have historically been utilized to treat microbe-induced infections, injuries, cancer, thrombosis, and arthritis. The purpose of this study was to determine the antibacterial, cytotoxic, in vitro thrombolytic, and in vitro antiarthritic properties of ethanolic extracts of stem and seed of Bari orchid 1 (BO) plant. This orchid plant was developed by the Bangladesh Agriculture Research Institute (BARI) in Gazipur. Fourteen microbes were employed in the antimicrobial investigation, and samples of orchids were compared to ciprofloxacin as a reference. The BO/seed extract was found to possess more antibacterial activity. The lethality test of brine shrimps was used to assess the LC50 values. The BO/stem extract exhibited a higher cytotoxicity potential, in comparison to the BO/seed extract. Two concentrations (1000 and 100 ppm) and two incubation times (24 hours and 1.5 hours) were used to assess the thrombolytic activity of the extracts. Regarding the thrombolytic effect, the BO/stem extract has demonstrated greater promise. Furthermore, the herbal extract's antiarthritic activity was investigated at four different concentrations, and the results were evaluated in comparison with those of diclofenac sodium. When comparing BO/stem extract to other extracts, the greatest values for protein denaturation were obtained.

Brown manuring in maize (Zea mays): Effects on weed interference and crop productivity

A field experiment was undertaken during rainy (kharif) season 2017 at ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi to study the effects of brown manuring on weeds and maize (Zea mays L.) productivity. Season-long weed infestation (~unweeded control) resulted in the highest reduction (~41%) in grain yield of maize. Among the brown manuring (BM) treatments, growing of 1:1 mixture of Sesbania bispinosa (12.5 kg seed/ha) + Crotalaria juncea L. (12.5 kg seed/ha) supplemented with 2,4-D 0.5 kg/ha applied at 35 DAS, resulted in the highest reduction in weed density (~93%) and dry matter (~94.4%). This BM, in these regards, was comparable with the atrazine + hand weeding (HW) at 35 days after sowing (DAS) and weed-free control treatments. All BM treatments suppressed noxious weed Cyperus rotundus, which was poorly or not controlled by the recommended tank-mixture of atrazine and pendimethalin. Weed-free control resulted in the highest values of maize plant dry-matter (~210.6 g/plant), cob weight (~155.9 g/cob), and grain yield (~6.0 t/ha). The atrazine + HW, Sesbania + Crotalaria (12.5 + 12.5 kg/ha) mixture applied with 2,4-D 0.5 kg/ha at 25 DAS, Sesbania 25 kg/ha with 2,4-D 0.5 kg/ha at 25 DAS, and pendimethalin 0.75 kg/ha + atrazine 0.75 kg/ha treatments were comparable with weed-free control on maize grain yield.

Improving upland rice (Oryza sativa l.) performance through enhanced soil fertility and water conservation methods

The experiment was conducted at Experimental sites of Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI) – Ukiriguru, Mwanza, Tanzania. The objective was to improve performance of upland rice through enhanced soil fertility and water conservation methods. A split–split plot experiment in a randomized complete block design with three replications and three factors that were (a) upland rice cultivars (WAB 450, NERICA1 and NERICA4) (b) fertilizer types, (Urea 80Kg N/ha, farm yard manure 5 t/ha and control) (c) three water conservation methods (flat cultivation, open ridge and tie ridge were applied). Rice was sown in seven rows at 30 cm inter–and intra–row spacing. Data on soil, weather, crop growth, yield components and grain yield were collected. Rainfall was 651.2 mm during the cropping season which was poorly distributed. Average temperature was 24oC with mean relative humidity of 75%. Soil analysis results showed that total nitrogen was 0.08 %, phosphorus 2.09mgP/Kg and organic carbon 0.58%. The soil calcium was 3.38 cmolc/Kg and potassium was 0.36cmolc/Kg, while zinc was 0.39 mg/Kg. Cultivars had significant effect on yields which were 2856, 2507 and 2140 Kg/ha for WAB 450, NERICA4 and NERICA1 respectively. Fertilizer types also significantly affected grain yield in the order of urea (3368 Kg/ha) > FYM (2723 Kg/ha) and > control (1421 Kg/ha). Moisture conservation methods significantly affected yield in this order: tie ridges (2710 Kg/ha) > open ridge (2398 Kg/ha) > flat cultivation (2394 Kg/ha). Overall, the study results indicated low fertility status in the soil, although it was found to be suitable for upland rice production with further improvement. It is concluded that rice cultivar, WAB 450 had the highest yield potential, while application of Urea at 80 Kg N/ha gave high grain yield, while tie ridges were the best in soil moisture conservation.

Paddy Crop Disease Detection Using Machine Learning

Abstract: India has risen as a significant player in earlier years, the world’s second-largest producer of paddy, yielding approximately 497.7 million metric tons annualy. Sustaining vast paddy fields demand ongoing attention and upkeep. It is critical to recognize the symptoms and understand how this can effectively control the disease. Therefore, inspired by this research paper, a solution is suggested to train machine learning for identify diseases in paddy plants. The system utilizes rea;- time datasets sourced from the Agriculture Research Institute of Lonavala, which are freely accessible. This system can be used for identification purposes four major paddy plant diseases -Leaf Blast, Leaf Scald, Neck Blast and False smut. This Proposed system, first images are pre-processed and then the custom Convolution Neural Network is used to arranging the images. This project work discusses the methodology for disease identifying diseased leaves at an early At this stage, the suggested automated system can assist farmers in mitigating further harm to their crops.

First Report of 'Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris'-related Strain (16SrI group) Associated with Small Leaves, Leaf Yellowing, and Shoot Proliferation of Morning Glory (Ipomoea biflora) in Taiwan.

Ipomoea biflora L., commonly known as morning glory, is an herbaceous vine plant in the Convolvulaceae family and is widespread at low elevations in Taiwan and other East Asian countries. In September 2023, six I. biflora plants exhibiting small leaves, leaf yellowing, and shoot proliferation were observed in a vacant lot in Taiwan Agricultural Research Institute (TARI), Wufeng District, Taichung, Taiwan, representing 100% disease incidence in the area. All the symptomatic morning glory climbed onto Murraya paniculata L. (common jasmine orange) which however showed no similar symptoms. The total DNA (two samples for each plant) from leaf tissues of three symptomatic morning glory plants, two asymptomatic morning glory plants, and one asymptomatic common jasmine orange was isolated by the CTAB method (Fulton et al. 1995) and used for PCR with the universal primers, P1 (Deng and Hiruki 1991)/P7 (Schneider et al. 1995), to amplify a fragment containing partial 16S rDNA. Expected 1.8-kb bands were amplified from DNA extracted from all symptomatic plants, whereas no PCR product was detected from that of the asymptomatic I.biflora and M. paniculata plants. Six PCR products were cloned and sequenced in the Biotechnology Center DNA-sequencing facility at National Chung Hsing University, and one representative sequence was selected and deposited in GenBank. BLAST analysis revealed that the obtained 16S rDNA sequence (PP230905) shared 99.92% identity with the following phytoplasma strains: rapeseed phyllody phytoplasma (CP055264), plumbago auriculata leaf yellowing phytoplasma (MN239503), and aster yellows phytoplasma (MK992774), which all belong to the 16SrI subgroup. The query 16S rDNA sequence shares 99.84% identity with that of the 'Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris' reference strain (M30790), suggesting that the phytoplasma is a 'Ca. Phytoplasma asteris'-related strain. A virtual restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis was conducted using iPhyClassifier tool (Zhao et al. 2009), and the pattern derived from the 16S rDNA fragment of the I. biflora phytoplasma was identical (similarity coefficient 1.00) to the reference pattern of 16SrI, subgroup B (onion yellows phytoplasma OY-M; AP006628). Six total DNA samples from symptomatic plants were used as templates to amplify 842 bp secA sequences with SecAfor1 and SecArev3 primers (Hodgetts et al. 2008), and one representative sequence was deposited in GenBank. The partial secA sequence (PP263636) showed 98.22% identity with that of Trema levigatum witches'-broom phytoplasma (MW032212) that also belongs to the 16SrI group (Wan et al. 2021). Phylogenetic analysis of both 16S rDNA and secA confirmed I. biflora phytoplasma as 16SrI, subgroup B. Taken together, we concluded that the morning glory phytoplasma in this study was a 'Ca. Phytoplasma asteris'-related strain belonging to the 16SrI group. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a phytoplasma-infected I. biflora in Taiwan, suggesting morning glory as a new natural host of 16SrI phytoplasmas, alongside other plants like roselle and citrus (Tseng et al. 2014; Feng et al. 2015).

Effect of processing methods on physicochemical and cup quality of coffee at Jimma, Ethiopia

Coffee quality is a complex attribute influenced by a variety of factors, including postharvest processing methods. The goal of this study was to investigate the impact of coffee processing methods on coffee quality (raw, cup, and biochemical makeup) in Jimma, which represents the midland areas. Coffee samples were collected for Jimma agricultural research center and processed with three methods (washed, Semi-washed and dry process). The result indicated that washed coffee beans scored significantly the highest color (13.43) and odor [10] score than the other processing methods. The statistically best raw quality score (35.57 %) was therefore reported for washed coffee in Jimma. Cup quality attributes however were not significantly affected by processing methods. Among chemical composition studied, lipid was significantly affected by processing methods and highest lipid 13.74 and 13.17 g/100g was reported for semi-washed and washed coffee beans respectively. Generally, washed and semi-washed coffee were preferable in terms of bean color and odor quality. Correlations were found among cup quality attributes and chemical compositions. However, further research into the accessibility and economics of coffee processing methods in the area is necessary.

The Effect of Aminocyclopropane Carboxylic Acid (ACC) and Silver Nitrate (AGNO3) on Green Super Rice Seedlings for Submergence Tolerance

This internship reported titled as “The effect of Aminocyclopropane Carboxylic acid (ACC) and Silver Nitrate (AGNO3) on green super rice seedlings for submergence tolerance” aimed to identify submergence tolerant rice genotypes and the role of two chemicals i.e. Aminocyclopropane Carboxylic acid (ACC) and Silver Nitrate (AGNO3) in enhancing submergence tolerance of rice. The trial comprised a pot experiment that was conducted at the experimental field of National Agriculture Research Council (NARC) to evaluate the effect on various newly developed lines of green super rice for submergence tolerance. The experiment was designed in randomized complete block within three replications. The treatments consisted of eleven rice genotypes and two chemicals. Five plants of each genotype were transplanted in to pots which were then treated with ACC, AGNO3 or control (without any chemical). Both these chemicals were applied after one week of transplantation. The data were collected before submergence, after seven days of submergence and after fourteen days of submergence on various agronomic parameters including plant height, leaf length and number of leaves. The results indicated that plant height of genotype NRPC-7 resulted in the tallest plants among all the tested genotypes. Greater leaf length was observed in NRPC-9 in control treatments while maximum number of leaves under the treatment of ACC was observed in genotype NRPC-8. It was concluded that the above-mentioned genotypes were highly tolerated to submergence and can be used in breeding program for submergence tolerant variety development

Modern techniques in detecting, identifying and classifying fruits according to the developed machine learning algorithm

Recent developments in machine vision have opened up a wide range of applications, and farming is no exception. Deep learning (DL) has a wide range of applications because of its capacity to extract robust features from photos. Shape, color, and feel of many fruit species make it difficult to discover and classify fruits. When examining the effects of artificial intelligence on fruit identification and classification, we noted that, up until 2018, the majority of approaches relied on traditional machine learning (ML) techniques, while just a few ways took use of DL techniques for recognizing fruits and categorization. In this post, we thoroughly covered the datasets that many academics utilized, the useful descriptors, the application of model, and the difficulties of utilizing DL to identify and classify fruits. Finally, we compiled the outcomes of various DL techniques used in earlier research to identify and categorize fruits. This work examines the use of models based on DL for fruit categorization and recognition in recent studies. In order to make it simpler for beginning agricultural researchers to comprehend the importance of ML in the agricultural domain, we have developed a DL model for apple categorization using the well-known dataset "Fruit 360" starting scratch.