Agricultural Sciences Research Articles

Influence of regional and yearly weather patterns on multi-mycotoxin occurrence in Austrian wheat: a liquid chromatographic-tandem mass spectrometric and multivariate statistics approach.

Mycotoxin surveys play an essential role in our food safety system. The obtained occurrence data form the basis for the assessment of the exposure of humans and animals to these toxic fungal secondary metabolites. Liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) has become the gold standard for mycotoxin determination because it enables selective and sensitive multi-toxin analysis. Simultaneous determination of several hundreds of secondary fungal metabolites is feasible using this technique. In this study, we combined a targeted dilute-and-shoot LC-MS/MS-based multi-analyte approach with multivariate statistics for the analysis of Austrian wheat from two different years and different geographical origins. We quantified 47 secondary fungal metabolites, including regulated emerging and masked mycotoxins. The resulting multi-mycotoxin occurrence data were further analyzed using both multivariate and univariate statistics. Principal component analysis (PCA) and analysis of variance (ANOVA) simultaneous component analysis (ASCA) were employed to identify regional and yearly trends within the dataset and to quantify the variance in metabolite occurrence attributed to the different effects. In addition, secondary fungal metabolites significantly impacted by these factors were selected via ANOVA. Of the 47 secondary metabolites identified, 39 were affected by the year, region or a combined effect. Moreover, our findings show that 43 of the secondary fungal metabolites were significantly influenced by the weather conditions. The results presented in this study underline the added value of combining targeted LC-MS/MS with multivariate statistics for monitoring a broad spectrum of secondary fungal metabolites in food crops. Through multivariate statistics, trends associated with the year or region can be readily studied. The approach presented could pave the way for a better understanding of the impact of climate change on plant pathogenic fungi and its implications for food safety. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Meta-analysis in Plant Pathology: Publication Patterns, Methodological Trends and Potential Future Directions.

Meta-analysis (MA) is increasingly adopted in agricultural and ecological sciences, fields at the interface with plant pathology. Our review on the use of MA in the field, since 1999, identified 79 original research papers. Fifty percent of these works were published in two APS journals, emphasizing their central role in disseminating MA research. Analysis of the number of authors per study and the authorship network revealed a tightly knit field. The network shows a few "hub" authors or groups that significantly influence research directions, with a clear geographical clustering in North and South America. Most of the MA papers focused on the effects of disease control, where fungicide was the main product. The MA investigations often focus on response variables like yield and disease severity for which the analyzed effect sizes differ, but the log of the ratio of means and untransformed means are predominant. The study selection to be included in the MA often follows systematic review standards or when clear quantitative criteria are used for study inclusion. Yet, the inclusion of data from reports, newsletters, and research trial data adds breadth. Frequentist rather than Bayesian inference is most common and SAS and R are the preferred software. Our review underscores the escalating importance of MA in plant pathology, especially for determining the mean and variability of the effects of different control methods on disease and yield. Efforts should continue to improve the detailed reporting of MA methods used, data sharing and reporting of measures of heterogeneity among studies.

Application and prospect of BSA method based on bibliometrics in crop breeding.

In order to understand the progress and frontier in the application of BSA(bulked segregant analysis) method in crop breeding and to reflect objectively the contribution of different countries, institutions and researchers in this field at home and abroad, this study analyzed 2111 items in the WOS (Web of Science) database from 2000 to 2023 and 446 items in the CNKI (China National through Knowledge Infrastructure) database from 2003 to 2023, regarding the researches of the application of BSA in crop breeding, basing on bibliometric analysis methods using CiteSpace software including keyword co-occurrence analysis, highlight word analysis, keyword clustering analysis, clustering timeline analysis and author co-citation. The results showed that there was an consistent increasing trend in the publication number of the application of BSA in crop breeding both in the domestic and foreign journals year by year. Ranking of the top countries according to the number of publications was China, the United States and India. The Huazhong Agricultural University displayed the highest number of publications in the CNKI database, while the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences was found to have the highest number of publications in the WOS database. The published articles related to the application of BSA in crop breeding abroad mainly focused on the disciplines such as plant science, agronomy, horticulture and genetics, while those in China mainly concentrated on such disciplines as plant science, plant protection, horticulture and biology. The top three authors in terms of influence in the field of appling BSA in crop breeding were Michelmore RW, Kosambi DD and Li H, while Michelmore RW, Lander ES and Li H had closer cooperations with other authors. The top three crops relating to the studies of BSA were rice(Oryza sativa), soybean(Glycine max), corn(Zea mays L.) with the hot spot traits of disease resistance and plant height domestically. The top three crops involving the studies of BSA were rice, Arabidopsis thaliana and wheat(Triticum aestivum L.) with hot spot traits of disease resistance abroad. Up to now, BSA was mainly used to localize and functionally verify the candidate genes linking target traits and the mutated genes in crops in the domestical documents, while the foreign published studies based on BSA were mainly focused on the fine mapping and functional verification of target trait genes aiming at the revelation of genetic mechanisms in crops. Research frontier analysis indicated that rice, peanuts(Arachis hypogaea L.), upland cotton(Gossypium hirsutum L.) would be the main objects of studies concerning application of BSA in crop breeding with the hot topics of crop mutants and crop metabolites in the future.

Unveiling the Potential Scope of Nanoparticles in the Current Era of Crop Productivity

Nanotechnology, a revolutionary field encompassing the manipulation of matter on an atomic or molecular scale, holds immense potential for upgrading wide areas, including agriculture. Understanding the scope of nanotechnology, researchers have directed their focus towards addressing the challenges in agriculture and enhancing crop productivity. Nanoparticles offer unique properties, including high surface area and reactivity, that can be harnessed to optimize nutrient delivery, mitigate soil toxicity, and enhance plant growth. Various studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of nanoparticles in increasing crop yields, improving nutrient uptake efficiency, and reducing environmental impacts associated with conventional agricultural practices with sustainable agriculture. Nanotechnology overcomes various challenges encountered in traditional agricultural practices including limited availability of nutrients in the soil, inefficient nutrient uptake by plants, soil degradation, and environmental pollution by providing targeted nutrient delivery, improving nutrient absorption, and mitigating environmental impacts. Also, nanoparticle interactions with plants and microbes and strengthening symbiotic relationships by providing active nutrient supplies to microbes. Furthermore, nanoparticles can improve soil structure and fertility by reducing compaction, increasing water retention, and enhancing soil aggregation. These improvements in soil quality not only benefit crop growth but also contribute to sustainable land management practices.This review paper provides an overview of the current research landscape in the application of nanoparticles in agriculture, highlighting key findings, challenges, and future prospects. By leveraging the principles of nanotechnology, agricultural scientists and practitioners aim to revolutionize crop production, meet the needs of farmers, and ensure food security in the face of evolving environmental and socio-economic challenges.

From fairy rings to fairy chemicals: The story from nature phenomenon to commercial application

AbstractFairy rings are naturally occurring phenomena that are circular or curved clusters of mushrooms that appear in meadows, forests, and other places. In recent decades, significant progress has been made in deciphering fairy chemicals (FCs) involved in the intricate crosstalk between mushrooms and plants. FCs contain three chemical components: 2‐azahypoxanthine (AHX), 2‐aza‐8‐oxohypoxanthine (AOH), and imidazole‐4‐carboxamide (ICA). FCs can enhance the plant's resistance to environmental stresses such as cold, heat, and salt, and can increase crop yields; In addition, it can also have biological activities such as skin barrier improvement, anti‐ageing, and anti‐tumour. This review systematically integrated multiple facets of FCs, encompassing their discovery, the biochemical synthesis pathways giving rise to FCs, the derivatives and compounds originated from FCs, and their emerging applications in agriculture, beauty industry and medical sciences. Moreover, the review also addresses outstanding questions in FCs and future challenges related to plant growth regulators and other compounds, promising a practical and innovative future in agriculture.

Analysis of Soil Samples for its Physicochemical Parameters of Soil in Bawal Block of Haryana

Without a question, the oldest occupation on Earth is agriculture. The soil was virgin in the early stages of evolution, and farming was done very differently than it is now. Growing more food in a less amount of space has made it necessary to plant more crops more frequently and to use omnicides and fertilizers frequently. Excessive use of fertilizers and omnicides negatively impacts soil characteristics, air and water pollution levels. The study of agricultural science or soil science has piqued people's curiosity. An attempt has been made to address the aforementioned issues in this work. The soil in the area being studied has been physicochemical characterized. Key Words: Water Holding Capacity, High-performance Liquid Chromatography, Nutritive index, Fertility index

Gastrointestinal digestion of olive leaf waste from olive mill production chain in a simulator of the gastrointestinal tract.

Currently, olive leaves are considered waste, although their high phenolic content makes them a source of antioxidants that could be used directly. The aim of this work was to study the behavior of phenolic compounds contained in olive leaf from the olive mill production chain during their gastrointestinal digestion. Phenolic compounds in the gastric digestion analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection-mass spectrometry increased by 58% to 314.5% compared to the meal, while in the intestinal stage they ranged from 1.87 to 9.04 times higher. An increase of between 187% and 903% in bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds in the intestinal phase was observed, except for verbascoside. Furthermore, such compounds were fully bioavailable, except for apigenin-7-O-glucoside, which showed a bioavailability of 56%. The current study showed that the concentration of oleuropein, apigegin-7-O-glucoside, hydroxytyrosol hexoside and hydroxytyrosol contained in olive leaf continued to be extracted during the gastrointestinal digestion process. Furthermore, the results obtained with respect to their bioaccessibility and bioavailability suggest a good disposition to pass into the bloodstream where they could exert beneficial effects. Therefore, these results are promising for olive leaf becoming a consumable by-product that could be directly ingested through a simple infusion. © 2024 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Influence of transplanting date and integrated weed management in system of rice intensification of aromatic black rice (Oryza sativa)

A field experiment was conducted during rainy seasons (kharif) of 2019 and 2020 at the research farm of School of Agricultural Sciences, Nagaland University, Nagaland to study the effect of transplanting date and weed management practices on productivity and profitability of aromatic black rice (Oryza sativa L.) under system of rice intensification. The experiment was conducted in a split plot design (SPD) with 3 transplanting dates (D1, 15th June; D2, 30th June; and D3, 15th July) in main plot and 5 weed managements practices [W1, Weedy check; W2, Conoweeding at 20 and 40 DAT (days after transplanting); W3, Pretilachlor @0.75 kg/ha (PE) fb hand weeding (HW) at 40 DAT; W4, Pretilachlor @0.75 kg/ha (PE) fb conoweeder at 40 DAT; and W5, Pretilachlor at 0.75 kg/ha (PE) fb bispyribac-sodium @ 25 g/ha (PoE)] in sub-plot, replicated thrice. Results showed that the most abundant weed flora observed in the experimental field were Fimbristylis quinquangularis (Vahl) Kunth, Cyperus esculentus (L.), Cyperus iria (L.), Rhynchospora colorata (L.) H.Pfeiff., Ludwigia linifolia Poir, Mimosa pudica (L.), Mimosa diplotricha Sauvalle, Scoparia dulcis (L.) and Eriochloa villosa (Thunb.) Kunth. Transplanting on 15th June recorded highest growth and yield of black rice. The improvement in the grain yield was about 39% under 15th June over 15th July transplanting date. Among weed management practices, pretilachlor @0.75 kg/ha at 3 DAT fb HW at 40 DAT recorded minimum density of weeds resulting in higher growth attributes and yield of black rice. Economic analysis showed that highest benefit cost (B:C) ratio was obtained when black rice was transplanted on 15th June along with application of pretilachlor @0.75 kg/ha at 3 DAT fb bispyribac-sodium @25 g/ha at 20 DAT and demonstrated to be the best treatment for profitable production of black rice under system of rice intensification.

Bio-efficacy of bio-rationals against citrus leaf miner (Phyllocnistis citrella) in acid lime (Citrus aurantiifolia)

The field experiment was conducted during winter (rabi) 2020–21 and rainy (kharif) season of 2021–22 at College of Agriculture (University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad), Vijayapura, Karnataka to evaluate efficacy of bio-rationals against citrus leaf miner (Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton). The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design (RBD) with 8 treatments, viz. bio digester solution (10%); pongamia leaf extract (5%); Prosopis juliflora leaf extract (5%); Beauveria bassiana (2 × 108 conidia/g) (1 kg/ha); Bacillus thuringiensis 8 L (1 L/ha); neem-based insecticide (10000 ppm) (1.5 L/ha); thiamethoxam 25 wg (125 ml/ha) (standard check); and untreated control (water spray), replicated thrice. Among the selected bio-rationals, two application of neem (Azadirachta indica)-based insecticide recorded significantly lesser number of live mines/shoot followed by bio-digester solution (10%) and these treatments were found superior in controlling citrus leaf miner on acid lime [Citrus aurantiifolia (Christm.) Swingle]. The pongamia leaf extract, Bacillus thuringiensis 8 L and Beauveria bassiana were proved to be moderately affective against this pest. The bio-rationals found effective can be used in integrated management of citrus leaf miner on acid lime.

Title: Reviewer Acknowledgements for Journal of Agricultural Science, Vol. 16, No. 6

Reviewer acknowledgements for Journal of Agricultural Science, Vol. 16, No. 6, 2024.

Title: Reviewer Acknowledgements for Journal of Agricultural Science, Vol. 16, No. 6

Reviewer acknowledgements for Journal of Agricultural Science, Vol. 16, No. 6, 2024.

Standardization on Fermentation of Chia (Salvia hispanica L.)

Aims: To investigate the fermentation parameters physico-chemical characteristics and to conduct sensory evaluation to assess the acceptability of the fermented chia seeds. Study Design: Experimental study involving the fermentation of chia seeds with varying combinations of water, curd, and honey. Assessment of fermentation parameters and physico-chemical characteristics. Microbiological analysis, LAB isolation, and measurement of TSS, acidity, and pH. Sensory evaluation to determine the acceptability of the fermented chia seeds. Place and Duration of Study: The study undertaken during 2020-23 in the Department of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bangalore, Karnataka. Methodology: Chia seeds subjected to different fermentation treatments involving combinations of water, curd, and honey. Microbiological analysis conducted to assess microbial populations. Isolation of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) to study their presence. Measurement of total soluble solids (TSS), acidity, and pH to evaluate physico-chemical changes during fermentation. Sensory evaluation performed to determine consumer acceptability. Results: Fermentation treatments showed significant differences in soluble solids ranged (1.63 to 8.10), pH (1.87 to 3.87), and acidity, showcasing organic acid content, notably lactic acid (0.04 to 0.23), oxalic acids (0.04 to 0.23), citric acid (0.09 to 0.50), maleic acid (0.06 to 0.35) and succinic acid (0.05 to 0.30. Fermented white chia with distilled water + curd+ honey (FWC3) and Fermented black chia with distilled water + curd+ honey (FBC3) had the statistically higher mean sensory scores.

Comparative Efficacy of Selected Insecticides against Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) on Cowpea, Vigna unguiculata (L.) in Prayagraj, U.P., India

Comparative Efficacy of Selected Insecticides against Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) on Cowpea, Vigna unguiculata (L.) in Prayagraj, U.P., India

Theory to practice: a success in breeding sugarcane variety YZ08–1609 known as the King of Sugar

Sugarcane, a significant cash crop in tropical and subtropical regions, contributes to 80% of sugar production and 40% of bioethanol production in the world. It is a key sugar crop, accounting for 85% of sugar production in China. Developing new varieties with high yield, high sugar, and better stress resistance is crucial for the sustainable growth of sugar industry. Hybrid breeding is the most widely used and effective method, with over 98% of Chinese sugarcane varieties resulting from this approach. Over the past two decades, Chinese breeders have developed the theory of high-heterogeneous composite high-sugar breeding, leading to the successful breeding of the fifth-generation sugarcane varieties. Among them, YZ08–1609, a complex hybrid of Saccharum spp., was developed by Sugarcane Research Institute (YSRI) of Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences. The average cane yield of YZ08–1609 was 14.4% higher than ROC22. It is highly resistant to mosaic disease, and highly tolerant to drought stress, but moderately susceptible to smut disease. Notably, YZ08–1609 stands out with a sucrose content of 20.3%, setting an international record, earning the reputation as “King of Sugar”. To summarize experience and inspire breeding, we provided here the detailed insights into the selection of parents, breeding process, and characteristics of YZ08–1609. Besides, the biological mechanisms underlying its high yield and high sugar was excavated at both transcriptional and metabolic levels. The challenges and prospects in breeding sugarcane varieties especially with high sugar were also discussed, offering a foundation for the future development of high-sugar varieties.

First Report of Agroathelia rolfsii Causing Southern Blight on Lippia (Phyla canescens) in Guangzhou, China.

Lippia (Phyla canescens) is a fast-growing, mat-forming, and prostrate perennial plant well adapted to infertile, high-saline, and drought environments (Leigh, et al. 2004). It arrived in China from Japan as a flowering ground cover in 2001 (Cai, et al. 2004). In June 2022, southern blight appeared in our nursery of the Floriculture Research Institute of Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences. High temperature and damp environment are major factors for this disease. The symptoms of top-layer plants were not easily detected, but they were slightly yellowed. A yellowish-brown water-soak lesion appeared on the stems and lowest leaves exposed to soil. White mycelium appeared in the middle stage. Finally, the surface plants showed water-soak decay, and a mass of beige to black-brown rapeseed-shaped sclerotia appeared on the residue and surrounding soil; these plants died. Sclerotia and mycelia were collected from disease tissue, and after surface sterilization, sclerotia was cultured on potato dextrose agar (PDA) at 28±2°C in an incubator without light. Eight fungal isolates with similar colony morphologies were consistently isolated by purifying from different sampling areas. The isolates exhibited obvious septa and a clamp connection structure within the white mycelium. The average growth rate was 26.86±0.06 mm/day. Numerous white granular sclerotia were produced on the mycelium 6 days later. The sclerotia with a diameter of 1.24±0.07mm (n=189) gradually changed from diage to yellow to brown. A typical strain B1 was selected for further identification, targeting its 18S rRNA and LSU rRNA sequences (Yang, et al. 2011; Xue, et al. 2019). Its 18S rRNA sequence (GenBank Accession No. OR517233, 1626 bp) is 99.63% and 99.57% identical to Athelia rolfsii (AY665774, 1179bp; KC670714, 1775bp; JF819726, 1781bp). Its LSU rRNA sequence (OR539570, 757 bp) is 99.87% identical to Agroathelia rolfsii (OR526537, 904 bp). For Athelia rolfsii, a synonym of Agroathelia rolfsii, by combining the morphological characteristics and molecular identification, the isolate pathogen B1 was confirmed to be Agroathelia rolfsii (the teleomorph of Sclerotium rolfsii). To fullfill Koch's postulates, we inoculated the mycelial plugs to healthy lippia stems and leaves which has grown for one year, with PDA plugs free of mycelium as the control. All the plants were kept in a greenhouse at 28±2°C with a 14-h photoperiod and 80% relative humidity. Each treatment was repeated thrice and vaccinated with 6 points. At 7 d following inoculation, all plants inoculated with B1 showed typical symptoms, but the control group was asymptomatic, and sclerotia appeared 17d after inoculation. Using the same protocol mentioned above, pathogenic fungal was reisolated only from treated groups, but not from the control group. Chose three of the pathogens for 18S rRNA and LSU rRNA sequencing, the results showed 100% identity to B1, the same as its microstructure. There are few reports about the disease on P. canescens. Sosa (2007) investigated the pathogens on P. canescens in Argentina, 16 fungi were found but no A. rolfsii. Sclerotium rolfsii were identified on P. nodiflora or P. lanceolata (Michaux) Greene in America (Farr, et al. 1989). To our knowledge, this is the first report in China. Because this pathogen has wide-ranging hosts and causes serious damage, the results from this study will offer guidance for the prevention and treatment of this disease.

Performance of ZZ (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) Cultivars on Different Organic Potting Mixture

An experiment was carried out at the research cum instructional farm, Department of Horticulture, School of Agricultural Sciences, Nagaland University, Medziphema, India (2022-2023). The experiment was laid out in completely randomized design (CRD) with 14 treatments and 3 replications. The treatments consisted of organic substrates (T1: FYM, T2: Vermicompost, T3: Used tea leaves, T4: Forest litter, T5: Cocopeat, T6: Perlite and T7: Rice husk) and 2 cultivars (C1: Super Nova and C2: Black Raven). The rooted plants of ZZ cultivars were planted in different organic substrates along with garden soil and sand in the ratio of 1:1:1. Among the cultivars, C1 (Super Nova) was found to be significantly better than Black Raven. Amongst the organic substrates, T5 (Garden soil + sand + cocopeat) was found to be statistically superior in all observed parameters except for plant height which was found to be in maximum in T4 (Garden soil + sand + forest litter). The same treatment of T5 exhibited the highest profit (Rs. 12250) and benefit cost ratio (1.89) on ZZ cultivar Black Raven.

Effect of Calcium Chelate and Carbonic Powder on Growth, Yield and Quality of Strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) cv. Winter Dawn

The present investigation was carried out during 2023-24 at Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh to study the effect of calcium chelate and carbonic powder on growth, yield and quality of Strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) cv. Winter Dawn under agro-climatic conditions of Prayagraj. The experiment was laid out in RBD, replicated 3 times with 16 treatments with different combinations. The characters of growth, yield and quality characters are noted. Based on above characters it is concluded that treatment combination T­15 (Calcium chelate (5g/L)+Carbonic powder (5g/L)+RDF(19:19:19) performed best in terms of plant height (cm) (33.74), plant spread (cm) (41.18), number of leaves per plant (44.01) , petiole length (cm) (14.96) , days to first flowering (40.18) , days to first fruiting (48.57), number of flower per plant (20.62), number of fruit per plant (16.30), fruit weight (gm) (40.78),fruit per plant (g) (664.77) , fruit yield t ha-1 (26.59) , TSS 0brix (10.45), juice content (%) (94.58) and pH(3.17) of strawberry. Importance of conducting this experiment is defined that calcium chelate and carbonic powder improves the fruit size, fruit weight and firmness. So, the quality and shelf-life of a fruit also increases. It will help to export the fruits to other countries.

Evaluation of Different Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) Hybrids for Growth, Yield and Quality

Cucumber is a popular vegetable belonging to the gourd family (Cucurbitaceae). It is widely cultivated and consumed worldwide for its refreshing and crunchy texture. Cucumbers are typically grown as annual climbing or creeping vines, producing elongated, cylindrical, or oval-shaped fruits with green skin and edible seeds. They are known for their high-water content, making them an excellent hydrating and low-calorie food option. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor. Therefore, the present investigation was carried out at the Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh during the Kharif season 2022-2023 with a view to check performance of different Hybrids of cucumber under Prayagraj agro climatic conditions. From the above experimental finding it was be concluded that the Hybrid NBH-842 was statistically significant and higher in terms of growth parameters like vine length, earliness in flowering and maturity and variety NBH-842 yield parameters like fruit weight and fruit yield per vine while NBH-Manvi plus for fruit length, fruit diameter, and fruit yield per vine. Hybrid Prasad-100 showed best performance for quality parameters including TSS and Vitamin C content.

Characterization of Mulberry Stalk Biochar and its Impact on Soil Nutrients Release

An incubation study was conducted with graded levels of biochar to know the soil nutrients release till 120 days after incubation at Department of Soil Science and Agricultural chemistry, University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bengaluru during 2021. The experiment consisted of 4 treatments replicated five times and was laid out in a completely randomized design. The mulberry stalk biochar was characterized and recorded a pH of 8.53 and Electrical conductivity of 0.39 dS m-1. The physical properties like bulk density (0.32 Mg m-3) and maximum water holding capacity (93.14 %) were measured. Mulberry stalk biochar had 69.37 per cent of total carbon, 0.89 per cent Nitrogen, 0.22 per cent Phosphorus, 0.65 per cent Potassium and secondary nutrients like Calcium of 0.96 per cent, 0.48 per cent Magnesium and 0.18 per cent sulphur and micronutrients like Iron (493 mg kg-1), Zinc (34.59 mg kg-1), Manganese (94.1 mg kg-1), copper (20.55 mg kg-1) and boron (33.5 mg kg-1) were recorded. It was observed that with increased levels of biochar application to soil from 5 to 10 t ha-1 positively influenced the nutrient release pattern in the soil. Higher primary, secondary and micronutrients were recorded with application of biochar @ 10 t ha-1 (T3) at 60, 90 and 120 days after incubation and lower values were recorded in control treatment (T4).

Comparative Efficacy of Insecticides and their Combinations against Okra Shoot and Fruit Borer, Earias vitella (Fabricius)

The research was conducted on okra crop to check the efficacy of some insecticides and their combinations against okra shoot and fruit borer, Earias vittella (Fab.). The study was carried out during kharif 2023 at Central Research Farm of Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj (U.P.) with eight treatments including untreated check which were replicated thrice. All the treatments were found to be superior over untreated control, neem oil 3%, spinosad 45 SC, cypermethrin 25 EC, profenophos 50 EC, spinosad 45SC + neem oil 3%, cypermethrin 25EC + neem oil 3%, profenofos 50 EC + cypermethrin 25 EC were tested to compare the efficacy against Earias vitella and their influences on yield of okra. Here the best and the most economic treatment was profenofos 50 EC + cypermethrin 25 EC followed by cypermethrin 25EC + neem oil 3%, spinosad 45SC + neem oil 3%, spinosad 45 SC, cypermethrin 25 EC, profenophos 50 EC and the least effective treatment was neem oil 3%. The highest yield among the treatments was noticed in profenofos 50 EC + cypermethrin 25 EC (140quintal/hac.) and the lowest in neem oil 3% (75quintal/hac.) with cost benefit ratio 1:4.7 and 1:2.0, respectively.