Agricultural University Research Articles

Response of Guava (Psidium guajava L.) to Pruning Intensities and Foliar Application of Nutrients on Growth Attributes

The experiment was conducted on nine year old well-established guava orchard planted at 3.0 × 3.0 m spacing to study the response of foliar feeding of nutrients and pruning intensities on the growth attributes of guava (Psidium guajava L.) cv. Allahabad Safeda during 2022-23 and 2023-24 at Horticultural orchard at Powarkheda, Narmadapuram under the Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, JNKVV Jabalpur (M.P.). The experiment was laid out in Factorial Randomized Block Design (FRBD) with three replications. The treatment consist of two factor (A) three levels of pruning, i.e. No pruning (P0), pruning of 25cm shoot from tip (P1), pruning of 50cm shoot from tip (P2) and factor ( B) thirteen levels of nutrients No- Control, N1-Urea @ 2%, N2- Urea @ 3%, N3-Nano urea @ 0.2% N4- Nano urea @0.3%,N5 –Zinc @ 0.4%,N6- Zinc @ 0.6%,N7- Nano zinc @ 0.04%, N8-Nano zinc @ 0.06%, N9- Iron @ 0.3%,N10-Iron @ 0.5%,N11-Nano iron @ 0.03%,N12-Nano iron @0.5%. The results revealed that the maximum increase in - plant height (11.85%), plant spread N-S (12.77%), plant spread E-W (13.76%), length of new sprout (16.87cm) & (30.85cm) and diameter of new sprout (2.57mm) & (3.47mm) at 60 and 90 days after pruning (DAP) respectively were recorded in P2 (pruning of 50cm shoot from tip). While, minimum was observed under treatment N0 (no pruning). With respect to foliar application of nutrients, the maximum increase in plant height (11.13%), plant spread N-S (12.23%), plant spread E-W (13.33%), length of new sprout (16.18cm) & (30.16cm) and diameter of new sprout (2.53mm) & (3.45mm) at 60 and 90 DAP respectively were recorded in N2 (Urea @3%) and minimum was found in N0 (control). Among, the treatment combinations, P2N2 (pruning of 50cm shoot from tip + Urea @ 3%) was found most superior with respect to the maximum, increase in plant height (12.50%), plant spread N-S (13.40%), plant spread E-W (14.83%), length of new sprout (17.68cm) & (31.65cm) and diameter of new sprout (2.71mm) & (3.61mm) at 60 and 90 DAP respectively.

Synergistic Effects of Seed Inoculation with Piriformospora indica and Foliar Hormonal Application on Early Flowering in Rice Bean (Vigna umbellata) Variety Surabhi

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of seed inoculation with Piriformospora indica and various foliar hormonal treatments in promoting early flowering in fodder rice bean (Vigna umbellata Thunb.), variety Surabhi, conducted at the College of Agriculture, Vellayani. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with ten treatments and three replications. The plot size of 3 m2 was followed in the field experiment. The experiment assessed the impact of different treatments on flowering and other biometric traits in the leguminous crop. The treatments included untreated control, seed inoculation with Piriformospora indica before sowing and foliar applications of salicylic acid (100 ppm,150 ppm), GA₃ (200 ppm,300 ppm), Paclobutrazol (10 ppm,20 ppm) and KNO₃ (1%,1.5%) at 30 days after sowing (DAS). The results revealed that significant differences were observed among treatments for all thirteen biometric traits measured. Early flowering was recorded in plants treated with salicylic acid @ 100 ppm(65.35 days), followed by GA₃ @ 300 ppm (67.72 days), salicylic acid @ 150 ppm (67.81 days), and Paclobutrazol @ 10 ppm (69.87 days), whereas the control flowered last (80.96 days. The findings suggest that the application of specific concentrations of growth regulators and seed inoculation with P.indica can effectively reduce the time to flowering, enhancing the potential for improved seed production in fodder rice bean.

Characterization of Tomato Leaf Curl New Delhi Virus Associated with Leaf Curl and Yellowing Disease of Bitter Gourd from Karnataka, India

Aims: The objective of this study was to identify the ToLCNDV isolate responsible for leaf curl and yellowing disease in bitter gourd crops in Karnataka, India. Study Design: Molecular characterisation and transmission study. Place and Duration of Study: The laboratory studies were conducted in the Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bangalore-560065. Methodology: The sample was collected and subjected to molecular characterization using specific primer for ToLCNDV and sent for sequencing. Vector and sap transmission studies were also carried out. Results: PCR-mediated detection revealed the presence of ToLCNDV, although it was not coupled with any satellite molecules. The partial genome sequencing of the AV1 gene revealed more than 97% similarity with ToLCNDV isolates. The isolate under investigation was identified as a ToLCNDV isolate and given the name ToLCNDV_GKVK_BT due to high sequence identities and phylogenetic links between the incomplete DNA-A genome and ToLCNDV isolates. The transmission experiments demonstrated that it was effectively transmitted via vector and sap transfer. Conclusion: This study identified the ToLCNDV isolate responsible for leaf curl and yellowing disease in bitter gourd crops in Karnataka, India. Identifying, characterizing at the molecular level, and understanding the transmission of begomoviruses are essential steps in developing effective management approaches to minimize agricultural losses caused by these viruses. Therefore, these findings are important for identifying the leaf curl disease of bitter gourd.

Influence of Sowing Media and Variety on Physiological Performance and Yield of Early Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L. var. botrytis) and Correlation Study with Yield

An experiment was conducted during 2018 and 2019 at the Experimental Farm, Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat and at Farmer’s field to assess the physiological performance of early cauliflower varieties in different sowing media and to evaluate their performance in the field as well as to study the correlation of different physiological parameters with curd yield. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with eight treatments comprising of four sowing media [M1-cocopeat (60): vermiculite (20): perlite (20), M2-cocopeat (50): vermicompost (50),M3-cocopeat (50): vermicompost (50): microbial consortium @1:100 and M4-Conventional nursery]and two varieties [V1 (White Diamond) and V2 (CFL1522)] replicated thrice. The results revealed that growing medium had significant influence on different physiological parameters of early cauliflower seedling. Maximum chlorophyll content was recorded in M3 (0.98 mg g-1fw), maximum number of stomata in upper and lower surface (83.47and 150.97), relative water content (90.06 %) and dry matter accumulation (11.41 %) were recorded in M2. Between the two varieties, V1 recorded higher stomata number (145.06) in the lower surface. In the main field, the plants grown from M3 showcased superior performance with highest relative water content (93.62%), chlorophyll content at 30 days after transplanting (1.40 mg g-1fw) and at harvest (2.16 mg g-1fw), membrane stability index (65.32%), minimum lipid peroxidation (0.85 n mol g-1fw) at harvest and maximum curd yield (200.22 q/ha). Between the two varieties White Diamond(V1) recorded the higher relative water content (89.48 %) while V2 (CFL 1522) recorded the maximum membrane stability index (55.10%) and non-significant influence of variety was noticed on yield. Correlation coefficient analysis indicated chlorophyll content at seedling stage, crop growth and at harvest stage, relative leaf water content and membrane stability index at harvest have positive and significant correlation with curd yield of cauliflower. The study indicates sowing media had significant influence on physiological parameters of seedlings of early cauliflower which is again reflected in the field condition influencing yield as well and can be concluded that sowing media cocopeat (50): vermicompost (50): microbial consortium @1:100 can be used for nursery raising of early cauliflower seedling in Assam condition.

Generation Mean Analysis in Physio-morphic Traits of Aerobic Rice in Assam, India

An experiment was carried out to study the genetic architecture of few physio-morphic quantitative traits of rice under aerobic condition. Generation mean analysis was carried out in three selected crosses viz.Banglami/Luit, Koimurali/Luit and Guni/Gopinath, involving six generations (P­1, P2, F1, F2, BC1 and BC2) at the experimental farm of SCS college of Agriculture, Assam Agricultural University, Dhubri, Assam, India during 2017 and 2018. The individual scaling tests were used to test the adequacy of additive dominance model. The gene effects were estimated using three parameter models (joint scaling test) suggested by Cavalli (1952) and six parameter model suggested by Haymen (1958). The analysis of variance among different generations of different crosses revealed significant variation for most of the characters indicating considerable variability in the material studied. All the characters except height growth rate in cross II, recorded significance for at least one of the four individual scaling tests in all the 3 crosses. Estimation of different gene effects and their interactions were done in OPSTAT software. Significant positive additive effects were recorded for plant height and height growth rate for in all the three crosses. Preponderance of dominance effect in the expression of height growth rate, spikelet fertility, grain yield, harvest index, root weight and root shoot ratio was evident from the significant positive dominance (h) effect in all the three crosses. With respect to interaction effects, all the characters except height growth rate in cross II, exhibited significant interaction effect for one or more epistatic interactions i.e.[i], [j] or [l] in all the three crosses studied. It is evident that for all the yield and other adaptive traits, additive, dominance and interaction effects were present indicating the complex inheritance of the traits under aerobic condition. Hence, focus should be on improving individual characters separately based on the nature of gene action.

Protocol Refinement for the Development of Coconut Inflorescence Powder

Aims: Coconut inflorescence holds significant potential as a nutraceutical due to its rich composition of bioactive compounds, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Its use in promoting health and preventing diseases has made it a valuable ingredient in both traditional medicine and modern functional foods. The aim of the study is the protocol refinement for the development of coconut inflorescence powder with acceptable moisture content and superior sensory quality. Study Design: Completely randomized design (CRD). Place and Duration of Study: Department of Plantation, Spices, Medicinal and Aromatic Crops, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Kerala Agricultural University, between May 2024 and October 2024. Methodology: In the present study, coconut inflorescence was harvested at 5-6 months before inflorescence opening, size reduced (1 cm3 pieces), and precooked by adopting different methods, viz., steaming, boiling, dry roasting, and microwave cooking (non-precooked inflorescence was used as the control). The precooked inflorescence pieces were dried by different drying methods viz., hot-air oven drying at 600C (Control), cabinet drier at 600C, 700C, 800C and solar drying for developing coconut inflorescence powder (CIP). CIP was analyzed for moisture content and sensory quality. Results: CIP prepared by steaming the coconut inflorescence pieces for 30 minutes and drying in cabinet dryer at 600C (C1D1) recorded the least moisture content, 1.83±0.07 per cent. However, CIP prepared by boiling (95-1000C) the inflorescence pieces by submerging for 30 minutes and drying in cabinet dryer at 600C (C2D1) showed the highest mean rank value for all the sensory attributes viz., colour (735.50), consistency (730.63), flavour (730.68), mouthfeel (734.75) and taste (735.23) on a nine-point hedonic scale with a moisture content, 4.20±0.04 per cent. The lowest mean rank value for colour was recorded by C1D1 and C2D0 (211.06). The lowest values for consistency, mouthfeel, flavour and taste were observed for the treatments C4D1 (289.81), C4D1 (290.61), C4D0 (226.05) and C0D0 (216.50), respectively. Hence, C2D1 was identified as the best precooking and drying method for the preparation of coconut inflorescence powder.

Study on Sensory Analysis of Gulabjamun Prepared by Utilization of Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas) Pulp

Present investigation was carried out at Dairy Science Laboratory of Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairy Science, College of Agriculture, Dr. BSKKV., Dapoli (M.S.) to study the Utilization of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) pulp for the preparation of gulabjamun. In present study, Khoa prepared from buffalo milk and sweet potato pulp was used in preparation of Gulabjamun. Sweet potato pulp was used at five levels i.e., 0,5,10,15,20 whereas khoa was used at 90,85,80,75 and 70 %. Maida was added 10 % at the five-treatment combination. Studied for its sensory properties such as colour and appearance, body and texture, flavour, overall acceptability was carried out by trained panelist using 9-point hedonic scale. It was found that Gulabjamun made from utilization of sweet potato pulp at 15% was best in present investigation and it may conclude that sweet potato pulp can be successfully utilized for preparation of gulabjamun.

Innovative Technologies in Education for Socio-Economic Development in Africa

The continent of Africa faces numerous socio-economic challenges that impede her development. Despite the abundance of natural and mineral resources, Africa has over 2000 tertiary institutions, with Nigeria alone having over 200 universities, polytechnics, colleges of agriculture, and colleges of education. All these tertiary education institutes in Africa/Nigeria boast of having well over 4000 professors. In spite of all these educational establishments, only a few of these innovative technologies emanate from Africa. This paper presents a working definition of the term innovative technology and how it stands as a promising hope for addressing these challenges and fostering socio-economic development. Innovations such as e-learning platforms, learning management systems, mobile learning, virtual and augmented reality, open educational resources, blockchain for credentials, and renewable energy solutions offer potential solutions to improve educational access and quality. The successful implementation of these technologies can enhance educational outcomes, reduce poverty, and support sustainable development across the continent. This review also identifies the barriers to the full realization of these technologies, such as poor infrastructure, digital divides, and socio-economic disparities. It offers suggestions for policymakers, educators, and stakeholders on how to leverage technology for sustainable socio-economic growth. The ultimate goal is to foster an inclusive and equitable educational environment that empowers all African learners and contributes to the continent's overall development. Keywords: Innovative Technologies, Education, Socio-economic Development in Africa.

Genetic and Phenotypic Correlations between Production and Reproduction Traits in Frieswal Cattle under Field Progeny Testing Programme

Aim: To estimate the genetic and phenotypic correlations in production and reproduction traits in Frieswal Cattle under FPT. Place and Duration of Study: G B Pant University of Agricultural and Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, India, Between March, 2023 to March, 2024. Methodology: The present study was conducted on Frieswal cattle, a synthetic breed, using data from 1163 first lactation records, progenies of 67 sires, spread over period of nine years (2013-2021) as part of an ongoing field progeny testing programme at GBPUA&T, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand. The study aimed to estimate genetic and phenotypic correlations among various production and reproduction traits, such as test day peak yield (TDPY), first lactation 305-days milk yield (FL305D-MY), fat percentage (FP), first lactation length (FLL), age at sexual maturity (ASM), age at first calving (AFC), gestation period (GP), first calving interval (FCI), first service period (FSP), and number of services per conception (NSPC).The data were analyzed using WOMBAT software. Results: The study revealed that age at first service (ASM) and age at first calving (AFC) had very high genetic (0.99) and phenotypic (0.99) correlations, suggesting they were influenced by the same genes. A strong genetic correlation (0.71) between ASM and gestation period (GP) indicates a close association, while the negative correlation between ASM and total days to peak yield (TDPY) (-0.76) suggests younger cows reach higher peak yields. ASM’s negative genetic correlation (-0.57) with first lactation 305-days milk yield (FL305D-MY) implied that selecting for earlier maturity could enhance milk production. Positive correlation between ASM and reproductive traits (FCI, FSP, NSPC, and FDP) were observed, while FL305D-MY showed high negative correlation with traits like FLL and FP but positive phenotypic correlation with FLL, FCI, and FSP. Additionally, there were varied genetic correlation among FCI, FSP, NSPC and FDP, highlighting complex inter-trait relationships. Conclusions: The present study highlighted the potential of Frieswal herd for selective breeding to improve both milk production and reproductive efficiency. By focusing on traits like age at sexual maturity (ASM), age at first calving (AFC), and milk yield indicators such as test day peak yield (TDPY) and first lactation 305-days milk yield (FL305D-MY), breeders can target genetically associated traits for enhanced overall productivity. These findings provide a valuable foundation for future genetic improvement strategies in Frieswal cattle.

Feasibility of Fruit Waste-Derived Media for Microbial Culture: A Sustainable and Low-cost Approach

The present study, conducted at the College of Agriculture, Latur during 2023-2024, explores the viability of using fruit waste-derived media as a cost-effective alternative to conventional media for the growth of plant pathogens. The research focuses on the growth performance of Pseudomonas fluorescens, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. udum, and Sclerotium rolfsii on media prepared from fruit peel of eight fruits (Banana, Pineapple, Papaya, Orange, Guava, Pomegranate, Dragon fruit, and Sapota). These fruit-based media were compared to traditional Nutrient Agar (NA) and Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA). Results revealed that Sclerotium rolfsii showed maximum growth on Papaya Dextrose Agar, while Pseudomonas fluorescens exhibited the most robust growth on Banana, Papaya and Dragon Fruit Dextrose Agar. Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. udum demonstrated the highest radial growth on Banana Dextrose Agar. The study also observed that fruit-based media significantly reduced costs compared to Potato Dextrose Agar and Nutrient Agar making them a sustainable and accessible option for microbiological research, particularly in resource-limited environments.

Efficacy of Pyroxasulfone against Weeds and their Impact on Yield and Economic Analysis of Wheat

A field experiment was conducted during the rabi season (November, 2021–April, 2022) at AICRP on Wheat, College of Agriculture, Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India to evaluate the efficacy of Pyroxasulfone in wheat cultivation to enhance crop productivity and profitability. The study assessed eight weed management treatments, including herbicide applications (pendimethalin at 1000 g ha-1; pyroxasulfone at 127.5 g ha-1; pendimethalin+pyroxasulfone at 1250+127.5 g ha-1; metribuzin at 300 g ha-1; pendimethalin+metribuzin at 1250+280 g ha-1; pyroxasulfone+metribuzin at 127.5+280 g ha-1 as pre-emergence), hand weeding once at 25 DAS and weedy check, in a randomized block design with three replications. The experimental field was dominated by Phalaris minor (17.82%) among monocot weeds, while Medicago denticulata (28.97%), Cichorium intybus (26.19%), Chenopodium album (16.10%), and Anagallis arvensis (10.92%) among the dicot weeds throughout the crop growing period. Results revealed a substantial decrease in weed density and dry weight across all treatments, with the combination of pyroxasulfone+metribuzin at 127.5+280 g ha-1 showing superior efficacy. Weed control efficiency was highest with hand weeding, followed by herbicide treatments. Additionally, treatments significantly influenced wheat growth parameters and yield attributes, with the application of pyroxasulfone+metribuzin at 127.5+280 g ha-1 resulting in the tallest plants and highest number of tillers square-1 meter. Grain yield was also found significantly higher in plots treated with pyroxasulfone+metribuzin at 127.5+280 g ha-1. The economic analysis demonstrated that pyroxasulfone+metribuzin at 127.5+280 g ha-1 yielded the highest net monetary returns, indicating its economic viability.

Seasonal Incidence of Sucking Pests and Their Natural Enemies on Moth Bean [Vigna aconitifolia(Jacq.) Marechal

A field experiment was conducted at the College of Agriculture, NAU, Bharuch (Gujarat) to study the seasonal incidence of sucking pests and their natural enemies and their correlation with weather parameters on moth bean during kharif -2023. The studies on seasonal incidence indicated that jassid infestation began in the 1st week of August (31st SMW) and peaked during the 1st week of September (35th SMW). Whitefly infestation also began in the 1st week of August (31st SMW) achieved its peak during 2nd week of September (36th SMW). The population of thripscommenced from 1st week of August (31st SMW) reached its peak during2nd week of September (36th SMW). The population of ladybird beetle appeared from 2nd week of August (32th SMW) and reached its peak during 2nd week of September (36th SMW). The population of chrysoperla appeared from 2nd week of August(32nd SMW) and reached its peak population during 2nd week of September (36th SMW). Among the different environmental factors, morning relative humidity had a significant positive impact on the jassid and whitefly population. Bright sunshine hours showed significant positive influence on thrips and whitefly population. However no significant correlation was observed between ladybird beetle and Chrysoperla population with weather parameters.

Influence of drip irrigation, crop geometry and mulching on morphological and nutritional traits of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus)

The experiment was conducted during rainy (kharif) seasons of 2019 and 2020 at College of Agriculture, Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agricultural University, Bikaner, Rajasthan to study the effect of crop geometry, mulching and different irrigation levels on the morphological and nutritional traits of okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench]. The experiment was conducted in a split plot design (SPD) comprised of 4 irrigation levels in the main plot (40%, 60%, 80% and 100% pan evaporation) and 2 different crop geometry (paired row sowing and normal sowing) and 3 types of mulches (no mulch, plastic mulch and straw mulch) were employed in the subplots and sub-subplots, respectively. Results indicated that 100% potential evapotranspiration (PE), drip irrigation (DI) and paired row sowing at 30 cm × 70 cm significantly increased the number of branches/plant, plant height (cm), length of fruit (cm), diameter of fruit (cm) and chlorophyll content of leaves compared to lower irrigation levels and normal sowing. Additionally, straw mulch positively influenced the above-mentioned parameters in the okra fruits as compared to without mulch. Drip irrigation, paired row sowing, and straw mulching also resulted in a significant increase in net returns per hectare. The study demonstrated that combining paired row sowing with straw mulch and irrigating at 100% potential evapotranspiration (PE) yielded the best growth attributes, highest fruit quality, and maximum net returns for okra.

Efficacy of Biopesticides against Sucking Pests Infesting Moth Bean [Vigna aconitifolia (Jacq.) Marechal

A field experiment was conducted at College of Agriculture, NAU, Bharuch (Gujarat) to study the efficacy of biopesticides against sucking pests of moth bean during kharif -2023. Results revealed that among the different biopesticides tested against sucking pests of moth bean, Beauveria bassiana(1 x 108 cfu g-1), neem oil 0.5% and NSKE 5% was found most effective whereas, treatments of Lecanicillium lecanii (1x 108 cfu g-1) , Metarhizium anisopliae (1 x 108 cfu g-1) and azadirachtin 0.15 EC found moderately effective against jassid, Empoasca motti (Pruthi.) and whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) populations. Treatments of neem oil 0.5% and azadirachtin 0.15 EC was found most effective whereas, Beauveria bassiana(1 x 108 cfu g-1) and NSKE 5% found moderately effective against thrips, Caliothrips indicus (Bagnall).

Nutrient Uptake Patterns and Soil Fertility Assessment in Diverse Crop Rotations under Irrigated Dry Conditions in Telangana, India

An experiment was conducted during the 2023-24 kharif and rabi seasons at the College Farm, AICRP on the IFS unit, PJTSAU, Hyderabad. To develop efficient cropping systems for the Telangana region, it is essential to evaluate them based on productivity, nutrient uptake and economic viability. This study assessed various cropping sequences with regard to nutrient absorption and soil fertility status specific to Telangana and the findings were presented here. The rice-maize cropping system demonstrated higher nutrient uptake, resulting in a higher rice grain equivalent yield compared to Bt cotton under region-specific system. The Bt cotton + greengram (1:2) - sesame cropping system exhibited significantly higher nutrient uptake compared to the pigeonpea + foxtail millet (2:5) - sweet corn, making it more effective for sustaining long-term soil health. Among the crops cultivated for family nutritional security, the fingermillet – groundnut demonstrated significantly higher nutrient uptake compared to the pigeonpea + sorghum (2:3) - sesame. The nutrient uptake in the fodder bajra - lucerne system was higher than that in the fodder sorghum - fodder oats system when comparing the two fodder cropping systems. It has been observed that fodder systems required a greater amount of nutrients for their growth and development compared to other cropping systems.

In vitro Antiviral Activity of Eucheuma cottonii against New Castle Disease Virus

Aims: To determine the antiviral activity of Eucheuma cottonii against the New Castle disease virus. Study Design: In vitro study. Place and Duration of the Study: The research was conducted in the Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Drug Design, and Pharmacognosy department at St. John’s University of Tanzania and Virology Laboratory at Sokoine University of Agriculture between April 2022 and August 2022. Methodology: The present study used an OVO assay and hemagglutination test to investigate the In vitro antiviral activity of E. cottonii collected from Zanzibar, Tanzania, against the Newcastle disease virus (NDV). Ovo assay was assessed using 60 embryonated eggs and a hemagglutination test was performed by collecting the allantoic fluid from treated eggs and serum from hatched chicks to detect antigen titer against NDV using 96 well plate diffusion method. Results: Results of the Ovo assay showed that all the 40 embryonated eggs used as test group were alive and thus confirmed that the extract of E. cottonii (0.32 g/mL) is strong enough to destroy the virus. In which the results from the serial dilution assay (hemagglutination test) confirmed a substantial decrease in the high level of NDV as observed in the allantoic fluid of the infected embryonated eggs to range from 10^-3 to 10^-8 serial dilutions. Conclusion: The OVO assay and hemagglutination results indicate that E. cottonii possesses antiviral activity against NDV. Still further studies like isolation and characterization of bioactive compounds are needed to apply E. cottonii as an alternative source of therapy to fight against NDV.

Enhancing productivity and profitability of spring maize (Zea mays) in Uttarakhand's Tarai region through effective weed management practices and irrigation scheduling

A field experiment was conducted during the spring seasons of 2022 and 2023 at Norman E Borlaug Crop Research Centre, Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand to enhance maize yield and profitability. The experiment was conducted a split-plot design (SPD) with two irrigation scheduling treatments, viz. irrigation applied at an IW/CPE ratio of 0.8 (I1); and 1.2 (I2) in main plot and 8 weed management treatments, viz. W1, atrazine 1000 g/ha; W2, tembotrione 120 g/ha; W3, topramezone 25.2 g/ha; W4, atrazine 1000 g/ ha followed by hand-weeding at 35 DAS (days after sowing); W5, atrazine 1000 g/ha followed by tembotrione 120 g/ha; W6, atrazine 1000 g/ha followed by topramezone 25.2 g/ha; W7, weed-free; and W8, weedy check in sub-plots. Irrigation applied at IW/CPE ratio of 1.2 significantly improved the maize productivity and profitability, yielding higher net returns (₹66,206.9/ha) and grain yield (6.1 t/ha). Among the herbicidal treatments, atrazine 1000 g/ha followed by topramezone 25.2 g/ha recorded the highest weed control efficiency (80%) and maize grain yield (6.3 t/ ha). The percentage net monetary return was in the following sequence: W6 (100%) > W7 (92.4%) > W5 (91.8%) > W4 (89.6%) > W3 (81.5%) > W2 (78.2%) > W1 (67.6%) > W8 (46.4%). The percentage gain in grain yield was recorded in the following sequence: W7 (100%) > W6 (91.4%) > W5 (87.4%) > W4 (86.4%) > W3 (84.1%) > W2 (81.1%) > W1 (71.5%) > W8 (52.5%). In conclusion, optimizing irrigation to IW/CPE ratio of 1.2 and employing weed management practice atrazine (1000 g/ha) followed by topramezone (25.2 g/ha) application, can significantly enhance spring maize yield, weed control efficiency and economic returns in Uttarakhand's Tarai region.

Innovative organic nutrient management and land arrangements improve soil health and productivity of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in an organic farming system

IntroductionSoil health is vital for ecosystems, but excessive use of fertilizers, chemicals, and irrigation harms soil fertility, leading to reduced yields and degradation. Thus, exploring innovative land arrangements and nutrient management for staple crops such as wheat is essential. Organic farming offers a promising solution. This study hypothesized that an appropriate land arrangement, combined with split applications of farmyard manure (FYM) and liquid organic fertilizer, can enhance wheat productivity while also improving soil health. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of different sowing methods and organic nutrient management practices on the productivity of wheat and soil health.MethodsThis study aimed to examine the impact of sowing methods and nutrient management practices on soil health and organic wheat productivity during the winter seasons of 2021–22 and 2022–23 at the Organic Farming Unit (Agronomy), Rajasthan College of Agriculture, MPUAT, Udaipur. The experiment was arranged in a split-plot design, with three land arrangements/sowing methods in the main plot and eight nutrient management approaches in the subplots.ResultsConcerning different land arrangements, the furrow irrigated raised bed sowing (FIRB) method resulted in the maximum wheat yield (4.34 t ha−1) compared with flat row sowing and zero tillage sowing. With respect to nutrient management practices, 75% of the recommended dose of N (RDN) through the FYM was basal + 25% RDN with the 1st irrigation + Jeevamrut application at 500 L ha−1 during sowing, and the 1st irrigation + Panchagavya spraying at 5% during the booting stage resulted in the highest grain yield (4.47 t ha−1). Both the zero tillage and FIRB land arrangements resulted in better soil biological activities and microbial counts than did flat sowing. The results indicate that sowing wheat via the FIRB method, with the recommended nitrogen dose applied through split applications of FYM along with liquid organic manures such as Jeevamrut and Panchagavya, can be an excellent option for organic wheat cultivation. This approach can enhance both yield and soil health.ConclusionSeventy-five percent RDN through FYM as a basal + 25% RDN during the 1st irrigation + Jeevamrut at 500 L ha−1 during sowing and the 1st irrigation + spraying of Panchagavya at 5% during the booting stage effectively increased the growth and yield of organic wheat. With respect to land arrangements, both FIRB and zero tillage resulted in better growth, yield, and soil biological properties. The practical utility of this study is the optimization of split applications of FYM and land arrangements for organic wheat cultivation.

Global hotspots and trends in tea anti-obesity research: a bibliometric analysis from 2004 to 2024

BackgroundThe prevalence of obesity and its related ailments is on the rise, posing a substantial challenge to public health. Tea, widely enjoyed for its flavors, has shown notable potential in mitigating obesity. Yet, there remains a lack of exhaustive bibliometric studies in this domain.MethodsWe retrieved and analyzed multidimensional data concerning tea and obesity studies from January 2004 to June 2024, using the Web of Science Core Collection database. This bibliometric investigation utilized tools such as Bibliometrix, CiteSpace, and VOSviewer to gather and analyze data concerning geographical distribution, leading institutions, prolific authors, impactful journals, citation patterns, and prevalent keywords.ResultsThere has been a significant surge in publications relevant to this field within the last two decades. Notably, China, Hunan Agricultural University, and the journal Food and Function have emerged as leading contributors in terms of country, institution, and publication medium, respectively. Zhonghua Liu of Hunan Agricultural University has the distinction of most publications, whereas Joshua D. Lambert of The State University of New Jersey is the most cited author. Analyses of co-citations and frequently used keywords have identified critical focus areas within tea anti-obesity research. Current studies are primarily aimed at understanding the roles of tea components in regulating gut microbiota, boosting fat oxidation, and increasing metabolic rate. The research trajectory has progressed from preliminary mechanism studies and clinical trials to more sophisticated investigations into the mechanisms, particularly focusing on tea’s regulatory effects on gut microbiota.ConclusionThis study offers an intricate overview of the prevailing conditions, principal focus areas, and developmental trends in the research of tea’s role against obesity. It delivers a comprehensive summary and discourse on the recent progress in this field, emphasizing the study’s core findings and pivotal insights. Highlighting tea’s efficacy in obesity prevention and treatment, this study also points out the critical need for continued research in this area.

Impact of long-term integrated nutrient management on productivity, profitability, soil microbial activity and nutrient content ofrice (Oryza sativa) in Assam

A study was carried out during 2021 to 2022 at Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, Assam to study the effect of long-term integrated nutrient management on productivity, profitability, soil microbial activity and nutrient content of rice (Oryza sativa L.) in Assam. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design (RBD) comprised of 5 nutrient management practices, viz. T1, Absolute control; T2, 100% recommended dose (RD) through chemical fertilizers (CF); T3, 50% RD through CF + liquid biofertilizers; T4, 50% RD through CF + solid biofertilizers; and T5, 50% RD through CF + enriched compost (EC) (@1 t/ha), with 4 replications. The results showed higher grain yield and profitability in treatment T2 (5.23 t/ha and $1472.29/ha) followed by T5 (5.23 t/ha and $1446.29/ha), T3 (4.90 t/ha and $1362.29/ha), T4 (4.87 t/ha and $1346.69/ha), and the lowest in T1 (3.21 t/ha and $897.85/ha). Notably, treatment T5 delivered comparable yield and returns to T2. However, treatment T5 significantly increased the essential nutrients (N, P, K, Zn, Cu, Mn, Fe) in grain compared to T2 or T3/T4. In addition, soil microbial activity such as dehydrogenase activity, phospho-monoesterase activity, microbial biomass carbon, fluorescein diacetate hydrolase, and arylsulphatase activity were significantly higher under treatment T5. These findings highlight that treatment T5 i.e. 50% CF + EC (@1 t/ha) not only matches conventional 100% fertilizer application in yield and returns but also enhances soil microbial activity. Study highlights the potential of integrated nutrient management practices with 50% RD through CF + enriched compost (EC) (@1 t/ha) to address micronutrient deficiencies, improve crop productivity, profitability, and promote sustainable agriculture in the region.