Agricultural Sciences Research Articles

Optimizing Insecticide Application: Evaluating Frequency and Timing for Effective Management of Pink Bollworm Infestation

The pink bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella), a significant pest affecting cotton crops, necessitates an optimized approach to insecticide application. This study investigates the critical factors of frequency and timing in insecticide application to enhance the efficacy of pest control measures. An experiment conducted at the Main Agricultural Research Station (MARS), University of Agricultural Sciences Raichur, focused on managing pink bollworm in Bt cotton using newer insecticides registered for cotton. Various spray frequencies and intervals were tested as part of an ETL (Economic Threshold Level) and prophylactic spray regimen. The results indicated that the treatment T1, which involved four sprays of profenofos 50 EC, chlorantraniliprole 18.50 SC, emamectin benzoate 5 SG, and bifenthrin 10 EC at 65, 80, 95, and 110 days after sowing (DAS), respectively, showed the lowest incidence of pink bollworm larvae, green boll damage, bad boll opening, locule damage, and the highest rate of good boll opening. This performance was comparable to treatment T5, which followed the same spraying schedule but with spinetoram 11.70 SC and fenpropathrin 10.00 EC instead of emamectin benzoate and bifenthrin, and treatment T9, which employed an ETL-based spray schedule using chlorantraniliprole 9.3 + lambda-cyhalothrin 4.6 ZC. Similarly, the highest yield of seed cotton was obtained from treatment T1 (18.10 q/ha), which was statistically equivalent to treatments T5 (18.12 q/ha) and T9 (18.10 q/ha). Additionally, the cost-benefit analysis revealed the highest benefit-cost ratio in treatment T1 (1.55), followed by treatments T9 (1.46) and T5 (1.44).

Determining hydraulic parameters using the free jet benches

The free jet bench, developed by Algetec for educational and teaching purposes, provides a controlled environment for analysing phenomena associated with fluid jets. It allows water dynamics to be explored using different types of nozzles, providing crucial data for advanced hydraulic analyses. To this end, the hydraulic efficiency of nozzles with different diameters was evaluated, measuring parameters such as flow velocity, flow rate and jet range. The experiment was carried out at the Hydraulic Irrigation and Hydrology Laboratory (LIHH) at the Agricultural Sciences Centre of the State University of the Tocantins Region of Maranhão (UEMASUL), using the free jet bench available in the laboratory. A completely randomised experimental design was adopted, with four treatments and five replications each, using nozzles with diameters of 4 mm, 6 mm, 8 mm and 10 mm. The results showed that the height of the water column directly influences outlet velocity and pressure. Nozzles with larger diameters had a significant impact on horizontal reach and flow, while smaller nozzles performed less well in these aspects. These findings are key to optimising the selection and design of nozzles in hydraulic systems, improving efficiency and performance in practical applications.

Методологічні засади макроекономічного оцінювання ефективності розвитку аграрної науки

The study’s purpose is to provide a comprehensive methodology for macroeconomic assessment of the efficiency of agricultural science development. Research methods: method of system analysis, synthesis, economic and mathematical modeling. Research results. A comprehensive methodology for macroeconomic assessment of the effectiveness of agricultural science development has been developed. It has been shown that the assessment of the national economic effect of agricultural science should consider the following main factors: the general macroeconomic state of the national economy; direct impact of scientific research; the accumulated impact of scientific research; geo-economic effect of scientific research; social aspects of the organization of scientific research It has been proved that macro-evaluation of the development efficiency of agricultural science and the activities of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine should be carried out in the following sequence: analysis of the general macroeconomic situation of the national economy, the place and role of science in its development; analysis of the general state of development of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine; analysis of the national economic importance of agricultural science by intersectoral balances; analysis of the macro-efficiency of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine Scientific novelty. The methodology of macroeconomic assessment of the development efficiency of agricultural science is not just comprehensive, but it is also based on intersectoral balances and takes into account the activities of the main spending unit in this area – the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine. This comprehensive approach instills confidence in its thoroughness and reliability. Practical significance. The developed methodology is based on the statistical data and is fully applicable in its current form. Macroeconomic assessments of the effectiveness of agricultural science development are suitable for comparisons over time and between other sectors of science in Ukraine and internationally. Prospects for further research are promising. They include analyzing the efficiency of the development of domestic agricultural science and developing strategic directions for improving the efficiency of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine. These future research prospects should inspire optimism about the potential advancements in the field. Keywords: corporate control, economic security, integration associations, joint-stock companies, organizational and methodological support, corporate management.

Bridging Learning and International Practice for Enhancing Physics Education

This paper discusses the implementation and outcomes of an Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Program (BIP) focused on physics education. The program aimed to address the challenges faced by first-year engineering students in mastering physics through a combination of online and face-to-face phases. Participants included students and faculty from three European universities: the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE), the Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV), and the Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra (SUA). A survey was proposed to students to obtain information that would benefit future programs. Survey results revealed significant improvements in students’ social skills and a high level of satisfaction with the program’s organization and methodology. However, areas for improvement were identified, particularly in administrative processes. The study highlights the importance of international cooperation and collaboration frameworks to ensure the program’s effectiveness across diverse educational systems. Overall, the BIP provided a valuable educational experience that enhanced students’ theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and interpersonal abilities, demonstrating the benefits of integrating innovative teaching methods in higher education.

First Report of Rugonectria rugulosa Causing Dieback of Prunus salicina "Banbianhong" in China.

Banbianhong (Prunus salicina) is a valuable fruit crop cultivated in the southwestern regions of China for its high quality fruit and substantial economic benefits (Wang et al. 2021). In July 2023, dieback disease was observed in Banbianhong in Suijiang County, Zhaotong, Yunnan Province, with an incidence of up to 10%. The disease caused brownish nodules in the cortex of the infected plant, leading to dry cracking, and exposing grayish-brown xylem, which caused the plant to wither and die. Upon longitudinal cutting of twigs, lesions were evident and characterized by browning and necrosis of the cauline bundle and pith within the tissue. The diseased tissues were sectioned into 2 mm2 pieces and surface disinfected with 70% ethanol and 1% NaClO and rinsed with double distilled water. The tissue fragments were plated onto potato dextrose agar (PDA), and incubated for 7 days at 28°C. A total of six isolates were obtained, and two isolates (WG2-1 and WG2-3) were selected for morphological, molecular identification and pathogenicity testing. On PDA, the colony diameter of WG2-1 and WG2-3 were recorded as 5.50±0.56 mm/day and 6.08±0.37 mm/day, respectively. The microconidia of both isolates were zero-septate, smooth, greenish, subglobose to ellipsoidal, and measured 5 to 10 × 1.5 to 3 µm (n = 50) in size. However, macroconidia were not observed. The internal transcribed spacer rDNA (ITS) and β-tubulin 2 (TUB2) genes were amplified using the primer pairs ITS1/4 (White et al. 1989) and Bt2a/2b (Glass and Donaldson 1995). BLAST analysis of the obtained ITS sequences (accession Nos. PP581792) and TUB2 sequences (accession Nos. PP2815212) sequences showed 100% identity with Rugonectria rugulosa (accession nos. MG991753 for ITS and KM232007 for TUB2). Based on these characteristics, the isolates have been identified as R. rugulosa and have been deposited in the Agricultural Environment and Resource Research Institute plant pathogen lab at Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences. In this study, Pathogenicity tests were conducted on one-year-old Prunus salicina "Banbianhong" twigs to complete Koch's postulates. The twigs were wounded using a 1-mm sterile corking borer and 14-day-old mycelium plugs of isolate (WG2-1) were inoculated and covered with sealing films. Sterile PDA plugs were placed into the wounds of control twigs. Eighteen healthy twigs were inoculated with isolates or PDA plugs (n = 6 twigs/treatment, the size of the twigs: 8 cm length and diameter about 0.7 cm, with three replications) and were placed in a closed sterile tray with the wet filter papers in a thermostatic incubator (type, HYC-260) at 28°C, respectively. The twigs inoculated with the isolates exhibited brown lesions site of inoculation, whereas the controls remained asymptomatic. R. rugulosa was successfully reisolated from the lesions but not from these control wounds and was identified by the methods described above. R. rugulosa has been reported to be associated with the die-back disease of Falcataria moluccana in China (Wang et al. 2019). The occurrence and spread of R. rugulosa in growing areas of Prunus salicina "Banbianhong" in Suijiang county have caused severe economic losses. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the die-back disease of Prunus salicina "Banbianhong" caused by R. rugulosa. These results confirm the pathogenicity of R. rugulosa in Prunus salicina "Banbianhong" and provide valuable insights for developing disease management and prevention strategies.

Bibliometric Studyof Global Research Trends on Agriculture 4.0: Publication Pattern,and Thematic Analysis

The present study examines the research on agriculture 4.0 during 1965 to 2022. Bibliometric approach adopted to analyze the current research trends in Agriculture 4.0. To analyze and visualize the data, MS Excel, R software (Biblioshiny) was utilized. The present study intends to analyse the publication pattern and growth rate of literature in Agriculture 4.0. During this period, 1869 documents have been published by 7,258 authors, and 1040 sources which are considered for the study. The publication pattern was analysed by different bibliometric aspect like chronological contribution of papers, year wise growth of publication, geographical distribution of papers, authorship pattern, author productivity, etc. which provide depth information about publication of pattern of agriculture 4.0. The development of Agriculture 4.0 has grown rapidly over the last decade and despite the growing interest in it, studies are still needed to develop its theory. Agriculture 4.0 is an emerging new technology that is like a revolution in the field of agriculture, by adopting the concept of which agricultural scientists can reach a proper conclusion in the literature. It is necessary to make Agriculture 4.0 more understandable and accessible to farmers. This is an exciting field that gives a new discovery and expansion to agriculture. For the successful use of Agriculture 4.0, it will be necessary to make progress at all levels of crops from specialty crops to traditional crops.

Investigating the crystallinity of hard candies prepared and stored at different temperatures with low field-NMR relaxometry.

In this study, hard candies were produced by using sucrose, glucose syrup and water. They were cooked at different temperatures, changing from 135 to 145 °C with an interval of 2.5 °C. They were stored at different storage temperatures, which were 25, 4, -18 and -80 °C. Hard candies placed at room temperature were stored for 2 months. In order to understand the crystallization characteristics of the hard candies, time domain (TD) proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) parameters of longitudinal relaxation time (T1) and second moment (M2) measurements were conducted. Moisture contents of the hard candies were determined by Karl-Fischer titration. X-ray diffraction experiments were also conducted as the complementary analysis. Increasing cooking temperature increased the crystallinity and decreased the moisture content of the hard candies significantly (P ≤0.05). Furthermore, storage temperature and storage time had significant effects on the crystallinity of the hard candies (P ≤0.05). The results of T1 and M2 correlated with each other (r > 0.8, P ≤ 0.5) and both produced the highest value at the cooking temperature of 145 °C and storage temperature of 4 °C (P ≤ 0.05). The values of T1 and M2 were obtained as 245.9 ms and 13.0 × 10-8 Hz2, respectively, for the cooking temperature of 145 °C and storage temperature of 4 °C. This study demonstrated that the crystallinity of hard candies can be observed and examined by TD-NMR relaxometry, as an alternative to commonly used methods. © 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.

Walnuts as functional food and nutraceutical: A bibliometric study of research trends on nutritional potential, phytochemistry and its health benefits

AimThis study aims to conduct a bibliometric analysis of English walnut (Juglans regia L.) using the Scopus database. This study has also attempted to explore walnut’s nutritional potential, phytochemistry, and functional properties for overall human health benefits. MethodologyThis study uses the R-Bibliometrics package software to explore the Scopus database from 2002 to 2021. The keywords used are “Walnut” OR “Juglans regia” OR “Nutritional Potential” OR “Functional Food” OR “Phytochemistry” OR “Human health”. ResultsThe global trends and bibliometric analysis of walnut from 2002–2021 found that there was a total of 9868 documents indexed in 3151 Scopus-indexed sources. The agricultural and biological sciences recorded the maximum net publication, while the dentistry field recorded the minimum. Countries like China and the United States were the major funding sources, having the maximum net publications all over the globe. Upon analysing international collaboration, countries such as China, the USA, Italy, Iran, Spain, and the United Kingdom emerged as the world’s top collaborators. Maximum co-occurrences of the following keywords found are walnut, omega-3 fatty acid, Juglans regia, and walnut food. The most productive journals in walnut research recorded according to Bradford Law, the most productive walnut research journals were Acta Horticulture, Food Chemistry, Plant Diseases, Journal of Agricultural Hortiscience, Scientia Horticultureae, Nutrients, Molecules, PloS One, and Journal of Ethnopharmacology. People around the world use walnuts in a variety of foods and consider them an integral part of their diets. Walnut contains a variety of bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, alkaloids, and juglone, as well as nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, which make it a functional food for humans. Walnuts are much more than just a culinary item in traditional foods; they can provide a variety of human health benefits. ConclusionsThis study attempted to conduct a bibliometric analysis to analyze global trends and research productivity of walnut as a functional food in terms of phytochemistry, nutritional potential, and human health benefits. This study will help to identify the research gap, offer opportunities for multidisciplinary research, and present a novel visualisation map for walnut research. This study declared walnut a functional food for the future.

Influence of Climatic Factors on Rust Severity in Sorghum in Dharwad, Karnataka, India

Sorghum rust, caused by Puccinia purpurea, significantly reduces crop yield, affecting plant growth and grain quality. Understanding the impact of weather parameters on disease incidence is crucial for timely disease management, to enhance crop resilience and yield stability. This study aims to identify and quantify the relationship between weather parameters and the incidence of sorghum rust, to inform decision-making on disease management strategies. A comprehensive analysis was conducted utilizing 17 years of secondary data (2006-2022) sourced from the All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Sorghum and the Department of Agrometeorology at the Climate Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP), University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Dharwad. The study employed statistical methods, including Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) and Step-wise Regression, to model the dependence of rust disease incidence on independent variables such as precipitation, temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, radiation, and heat flux. The results revealed the MLR model explains 65.45% of the variation and the Step-wise Regression model identifies four critical parameters- relative humidity, heat flux, wind speed, and radiation that together accounted for 65.09% of the variation without exhibiting multicollinearity (Variance Inflation Factor values below 10). These findings enhance the understanding of environmental impacts on sorghum rust and can inform future agricultural management strategies for disease prediction and control.

Impact of agricultural science and technology innovation resources allocation on rural revitalization

China’s reform began in the countryside, and rural reform began in Anhui. This study uses Anhui Province, China as an example in analyzing the impact of agricultural science and technology innovation resource allocation on rural revitalization, particularly by constructing an econometric model. Results indicate that the allocation of agricultural science and technology innovation resources has a steady positive impact on rural revitalization. Improvements in the allocation of agricultural science and technology innovation resources can effectively promote the development of rural revitalization and the spatial spillover of rural development, thereby facilitating the promotion of the spillover of neighboring areas to local rural development. A nonlinear relationship exists between allocation of agricultural science and technology innovation resources and rural revitalization. Lastly, rural revitalization can only be promoted substantially when the allocation of agricultural science and technology innovation resources reaches a certain condition.

Assessing the impact of temperature, pH, light and chemical oxidation on fucoxanthin colour changes, antioxidant activity and the resulting metabolites.

The present study evaluated the effects of temperature, pH, light and chemical oxidation on fucoxanthin changes in terms of colour, antioxidant activity and metabolomic profile. Additionally, the correlation between antioxidant activity and identified metabolites was analysed. It was found that colour change was significantly reduced at elevated heat (100 °C, *∆E = 0.81 ± 0.05), reduced pH (pH 3, *∆E = 0.59 ± 0.04) and length of light exposure (*∆E = 3.16 ± 0.04). Antioxidant activity decreased under all treatments. Among the temperatures tested, fucoxanthin exhibited the highest activity at 60 °C, ranging from 0.92 to 3.04 mg Trolox equivalents (TE) g-1. Significant activity reductions (P < 0.05) were observed as a result of pH changes in the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and β-carotene bleaching assays. Exposure to light 2: warm white lamp for 120 h significantly reduced antioxidant activity (0.01 to 1.70 mg TE g-1). Chemical oxidation also led to reduced activity, ranging from 0.18 to 0.29 mg TE g-1. Multivariate data analysis revealed distinct profiles for temperature, pH, light and chemical oxidation treatments. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)-based metabolomics analysis identified 10 metabolites, and significant correlations (P < 0.05) indicate that these metabolites contributed to the samples' antioxidant activities. In conclusion, fucoxanthin tolerates well at 60 °C, within pH range 3-9, and within 8 h of light exposure, as indicated by its consistent antioxidant activity and minimal colour change. Each treatment resulted in distinct metabolite concentrations, as shown by LC-MS/MS-based metabolomics analysis. Further research into these metabolites could advance the understanding of their roles and aid in optimising processing conditions to favour beneficial metabolites. © 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.

Role of iron oxide nanoparticles in maize (Zea mays L.) to enhance salinity stress tolerance

Soils have been getting worse over time, which has led to lower crop yields and nutritional value. This is because of too many conventional fertilizers, anthropogenic activities, and climate change. Soil salinity is also a big problem and challenge for agricultural scientists. To address this issue, nanoparticles are gaining a reputation in agriculture that can enhance salinity tolerance in crops, especially at early growth stages. A pot experiment was conducted at Post Agricultural Research Station (PARS), Faisalabad to assess the impact of iron oxide nanoparticles (0, 15, and 30 ppm) and four levels of salinity (0, 50, 100 and 150 mM) on morphological, physiological and yield traits of maize (Zea mays L.) in salinity stress. Salinity stress significantly negatively affected the growth attributes, photosynthetic pigments, ion content (Na+, K+, and Ca2+) of maize plants. Salinity has also increased the levels of MDA, H2O2, and Na+ ions. The application of iron oxide nanoparticles through foliar spray had a notable impact in enhancing the growth and yield of the tested maize variety. It was achieved by promoting the activities of antioxidant enzymes, increasing photosynthetic pigments, and elevating K+ and Ca2+ ion levels under both normal and salinity-stressed conditions. Additionally, iron oxide nanoparticles mitigated the adverse effects of salinity stress by effectively reducing Na+ ion concentration, MDA levels, and H2O2 concentration. Among the different concentrations tested, 30 ppm of iron oxide nanoparticles proved best in alleviating the negative impacts of salinity stress in maize. Thus, field use of 30 ppm iron oxide nanoparticles as foliar spray could effectively mitigate salinity stress in maize.

Hydrolysates from cauliflower and artichoke industrial wastes as biostimulants on seed germination and seedling growth: a chemical and biological characterization.

Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L.) and globe artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) are vegetables with a high waste index mainly related to stems and leaves. In this study, enzymatic hydrolysates obtained from these wastes were proposed to be used as plant biostimulants. Life cycle assessment methodology was also applied to evaluate environmental performances related to cauliflower and artichoke byproducts. Hydrolysates (HYs) were chemically and biologically characterized. Amino acids, organic acids, amines, polyols, mineral elements, phenols, tannins, flavonoids and sulfur compounds were identified and quantified by means of NMR, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and UV-visible analyses. Cauliflower leaf and flower HYs showed the highest concentration of free amino acids, whereas stems showed the highest concentration of Ca. Regarding artichoke, asparagine, glutamine and aspartic acid were exclusively detected in stems, whereas artichoke leaves showed the highest Mg and Mn levels together with the highest antioxidant activity. The HYs diluted in water were tested as biostimulants. The impacts of five concentrations of HYs (0.00, 0.28, 0.84, 2.52 and 7.56 g L-1) on seed germination and early seedling growth of crimson clover, alfalfa, durum wheat and corn were investigated. The application of artichoke biostimulant (0.28 g L-1) positively influenced the coefficient of velocity of germination in alfalfa, crimson clover and durum wheat, whereas cauliflower biostimulant significantly improved corn germination speed. © 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.

Efficacy of Various Insecticides against Gram Pod Borer (Helicoverpa armigera) Hubner in Chickpea

The investigation sought to examine the efficacy of several pesticides on the larval population of the gram pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera) in chickpea plants, as well as the corresponding cost-benefit ratio. The experiment was carried out in the Entomology Research Field, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, Deeksha Bhawan, DDU Gorakhpur University, Gorakhpur in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with seven treatments replicated three times using Pusa 362 variety in a plot size of (3 m×2 m) at a spacing of (20×10 cm). The treatments used during the observation were T1 Spinosad, T2 NSKE, T3 Bt, T4 Beauveria bassiana, T5 Neem oil, T6 Emamectin benzoate and T7 control plot (without any treatment). From the study it was noted that the highest reduction was reported in plots treated with Spinosad 0.20ml/l which proved to be superior among the rest of the treatments and the next effective treatment is Emamectin benzoate 0.4 g/l, followed by Beauveria bassiana 2x 10 CFU@ 5ml/l, Bacillus thuringiensis 1.5g/l and maximum population of pod borer was observed in untreated control plot. The data on the yield of chickpea revealed that the highest yield recorded in the treatment Spinosad (0.20ml/l) and it was superior over all the other treatment followed by Emamectin benzoate 0.4g/l with the yield was obtained in the control. The data on the increase in yield over control of chickpea revealed that the highest increase in yield over control was recorded in the treatment Spinosad (0.20ml/l) and it was superior over all the other treatments and followed by Emamectin benzoate 0.4g/l with the lowest increase in yield over control was reported in plot treated with NSKE 5% with, respectively. The maximum cost-benefit ratio was obtained in the plot treated with 0.20ml/l spinosad 45 SC next effective treatment in terms of cost-benefit ratio was Emamectin benzoate 0.4g/l and the lowest cost-benefit ratio was found in Neem oil 3%treated plot.

Combining Ability and Heterosis for Yield and Yield Attributing Traits in Bitter Gourd

A study was conducted during Rabi 2022 and Kharif 2023 at the Department of Horticulture, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore to develop 49 F1 hybrids through the utilization of line × tester mating design. The parents and developed hybrids along with standard check (Pusa Hybrid 6) were evaluated in Randomized Complete Block Design) and Alpha lattice design, respectively, for yield and yield attributing traits. The combining ability analysis revealed that among 14 parents, Pusa Rasdar, Pusa Do Mausami, Pusa Vishesh, Hirkani and Pant Karela 4 were identified as best general combiners for most of the studied yield and yield attributing traits. The estimates of heterosis revealed that the hybrids, Konkan Karali × Pant Karela 4 (45.45%), Konkan Tara × Pusa Do Mausami (23.48%), Pusa Rasdar × Phule Green Gold (126.87%) and Hirkani × Pusa Do Mausami (46.20%) were top performing hybrids over standard check for fruit length, diameter, average weight and number of fruits per vine, respectively. Similarly, Pusa Rasdar × Pant Karela 4 (127.06%), Priya × Pusa Do Mausami (101.05%), Punjab 14 × Pusa Do Mausami (100.53%) and Pusa Rasdar × Pant Karela 3 (97.61%) were top performing hybrids over standard check for yield per vine. These hybrids also recorded highest significant sca effects hence, considered as good specific combiners.

Evaluation of Turfgrasses for Qualitative and Quantitative Traits in Varanasi Region of India

The present experiment was conducted at Horticulture Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi. This study was carried out to evaluate performance of eleven turfgrass genotypes for qualitative traits, quantitative traits and their genetic variability under same climatic condition. The experimental design was a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications. Eleven genotypes consist of Bermuda grass, Centipede grass, Panama grass, Bargusto grass, Tiftdwarf 419 grass, Local grass, Palma grass, Bahia grass, Manila grass, Crow Foot grass and Tanu Variant grass. These were assessed for their suitability to be used as turfgrass under Varanasi region. All the grasses exhibited semi prostrate growth habit except local grass having upright growth habit. Panama and Local grass showed fine leaf texture whereas, Manila grass exhibited coarse texture. Dark green colour was observed in Local, Crow Foot and Panama grass whereas, Centipede grass showed light green colour. Local grass exhibited maximum canopy height, leaf length, leaf width, chlorophyll content, stolen internode diameter, culm length, shoot length and shoot diameter. The maximum genotypic (187.22) and phenotypic variance (197.80) was observed for parameters like fresh weight. Canopy height showed maximum phenotypic coefficient of variation (47.04) and genotypic coefficient of variation (46.16) over all the parameters. Genetic advance maximum (27.49) for parameter fresh weight and genetic advance as a percentage of mean was maximum also for fresh weight (93.30). The maximum heritability at broad sense was observed for the parameter dry weight (98.25).

Assessment of Different Organic Manures on Morphological and Floral Attributes of Marigold (Tagetes erecta L.)

Aims: The organic content in manure helps soil retain moisture, increases gas exchange, and introduces beneficial bacteria, loosens clayey soil, promoting root growth. Soil with a higher organic content is more resistant to erosion and produces superior crops. Using organic manure decreases farming's environmental impact. Unlike synthetic fertilizers, it recycles waste materials, nourishes the soil, and nurtures crops. Methods: This experiment was carried out during Rabi 2023-24 at the Organic Research farm Kargunwan ji, Jhansi, Department of Horticulture, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Bundelkhand University Jhansi (Uttar Pradesh). African Marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) cultivar ‘Hazara’ was sown under randomized block design (RBD) with 09 treatment viz., Control, FYM at 10t/ha, FYM at 20t/ha, Compost 10t/ha, Compost 20t/ha, Poultry manure10t/ha, Poultry manure20t/ha, Vermicompost 10t/ha and Vermicompost 20t/ha with 3 replication accommodating spacing (40 × 45) cm2, plot size (2.5 × 2.5) m = 5.0 m2 with total gross experimental area of (23.5 x 9.6) m = 225.06 m2. Results: Results shows that at harvest, increasing the organic doses at recommended doses clearly expressed maximum morphological characters and floral attributes and was reported under the treatment T9 (vermicompost 20t/ha) followed by treatment T8 (vermicompost 10t/ha) and T6 (poultry manure 10t/ha). The minimum plant height was noticed with the treatment T7 (Water spray). Conclusion: The results clearly revealed that on application of organic manure in marigold had a positive and significant impact on morphological characters and floral attributes in Marigold. Thus it is recommended to opt for organic cultivation in place of in organic cultivation.

Bio Efficacy of Bio Pesticides against Spotted Pod Borer (Maruca vitrata Geyer) Infesting Black Gram

The study entitled “Bio-efficacy of bio-pesticides against spotted pod borer (Maruca vitrata Geyer) infesting black gram” at Organic Research Farm, Karguan Ji, Department of Entomology, Institute of Agricultural Sciences Bundelkhand University, Jhansi (U.P.) during kharif 2023 containing nine treatments viz, Neem oil 5%, Garlic bulb extract 5%, Bacillus thuringiensis 2.50 ml/l, Verticillium lecanii 5 ml/l, Panchagavya 10%, NSKE 5%, Castor oil 5%, Beauveria bassiana 5 ml/l and untreated control in RBD with three replications aiming to evaluate their efficacy of bio-pesticides against spotted pod borer. To evaluate the efficacy, two applications of treatments were carried out, and the spotted pod borer infestation on selected plants were evaluated after three, seven, and fourteen days after spraying. The outcomes showed that In the management of the spotted pod borer after the first and second spray, the Beauveria bassiana 5 ml/l (2.14) was superior and best effective in controlling larval population, followed by Bacillus thuringiensis 2.50 ml/l (2.34), and neem oil 5% (2.59), and the maximum yield 13.85 qt/ha and C: B ratio 1:1.71 was obtained from the Beauveria bassiana treated plot followed by Bacillus thuringiensis and neem oil by that obtained 12.89 qt/ha and 12.55 qt/ha yield, moreover 1:1.64 and 1:1.52 C: B ratio respectively.

Management of Brinjal Fruit and Shoot Borer (Leucinodes orbonalis Guenee) Using Biopesticides and Botanicals

The field experiment was carried out during Kharif season of 2023 at the Organic Research Farm Karguaji, Department of Entomology, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Bundelkhand University Jhansi (U.P.). Nine treatments were tested: neem oil, garlic bulb extract, Bacillus thuringiensis, karanj oil, panchgavya, neem seed kernel extract (NSKE), Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, and a control, under a randomized block design. Three sprays of treatments were applied. The results showed that neem oil at 2 ml/L resulted in the minimum shoot damage (7.82%), followed by Bacillus thuringiensis at 5 gm/L and NSKE at 5 ml/L. To manage fruit infestation caused by brinjal fruit and shoot borer, Bacillus thuringiensis and neem oil were themost effective treatments, followed by Beauvaria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae. The maximum yield and highest cost benefit ratio were found with Bacillus thuringiensis (1:3.15), followed by Metarhizium anisopliae (1:3.07) and Beauveria bassiana (1:3.04).

Genetic Variability Studies for Growth, Yield and Quality Traits in Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Germplasm under North Eastern Dry Zone of Karnataka, India

An experiment was carried out at College of Agriculture, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur under north eastern dry zone of Karnataka, India during late-kharif season of 2022-23 by using twenty-five tomato genotypes to study the variability, heritability and genetic advance for growth, yield and quality traits. Analysis of variance revealed that significant variability was observed among the genotypes of tomato for all character’s studied. Genetic variability revealed that a lot of variation was observed among the genotypes studied. In general, the lowest difference in phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation indicated lowest environmental influence in controlling the expression of the traits. Based on genetic variability studies, high PCV and GCV and high heritability coupled with high genetic advance as per cent of mean were recorded for plant height, number of nodes per plant, number of branches per plant, number of locules per fruit and titrable acidity, average fruit weight, fruit yield per plant and fruit yield per hectare indicating the existence of wider genetic variability for these traits in the germplasm under study.