Agricultural Research Center Research Articles

Effect of Spacing of Elephant Grass Intercropping with Alfalfa on Biomass Yield and Nutritive Value of Elephant Grass in Fedis District, Eastern Ethiopia

The study was conducted by Fedis Agricultural Research Center (FARC) at Boko station in Fedis district. The experiment consisted of three different spacing arrangements: S1 (100 cm x 50 cm), S2 (75 cm x 50cm) and S3 (50 cm x 50 cm), and two cropping systems (intercrop and sole planting). These treatments were combined in a 3 x 2 factorial arrangement using a randomized complete block design with four replications. Forage samples were collected at ninety (90) days for elephant grass and 10% flowering for Alfalfa. The results showed that spacing and the interaction between spacing and intercropping had a significant (p<0.05) effect on herbage dry matter yield (DMY) and crude protein yield (CPY) of elephant grass. However, intercropping had no significant (p>0.05) effect on herbage DMY and CPY. Intercropping can increase the yield of herbage dry matter and total herbage dry matter when compared to pure stand elephant grass. The yield advantage can be up to 3.18% and 19.65%, respectively. Spacing does not significantly affect the dry matter yield of Alfalfa, but the cropping system does. Intercropping and narrow spacing resulted in higher total dry matter yield, due to the additive effect of intercropped Alfalfa dry matter yield. Among the three different spacing, the narrowest spacing S3 recorded the highest dry matter yield (25.62 t/ha), followed by S2 (22.28 t/ha) and S1 (18.33 t/ha). Spacing and intercropping have no significant effect on the chemical composition of elephant grass, but intercropping can increase the dry matter and decrease the ash content of elephant grass. Farmers in the study area and other regions with similar agro-ecology are advised to consider intercropping Alfalfa two weeks after establishing elephant grass. This should be done at an inter and intra-row spacing of 50 cm to achieve a higher herbage dry matter yield for both, elephant grass and total forage.

Field Efficacy of Selected Chemicals and Biopesticides against Brinjal Shoot and Fruit Borer (Leucinodes orbonalis) on Brinjal (Solanum melongena) at Prayagraj

A field experiment was carried out at the Central research farm of Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology, and Sciences, located in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, during the kharif 2023-24. The experiment was designed following a randomized block design with three replications. It encompassed eight treatments: T1 - Neem oil 3%@ 30ml/lit, T2 - Metarhizium anisopliae @ 2.5ml/lit,T3 - Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki @ 2gm/lit, T4 - Spinosad 45 SC @ 0.3 ml/lit, T5 - Emamectin benzoate @ 0.4 gm/lit, T6 - Chlorpyrifos 20 EC @ 2.5ml/lit, T7 - Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC @ 0.4ml/lit and T8 - untreated control. The objective was to assess the field efficacy of selected chemicals and biopesticides against Leucinodes orbonalis (Guenee) infestation on brinjal in Prayagraj. Two rounds of spraying was conducted at 15-days interval. Data on shoot and fruit infestation was recorded after each spraying and picking, including the percentage of shoot infestation. The results showed that the initial population of the pest before the spray exhibited a non-significant distribution. Following the spray, the findings demonstrated that T5 – Emamectin benzoate @ 0.4 gm/lit exhibited significant effectiveness against shoot and fruit borer, comparable to T7 – Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC, at 3, 7, and 14 days post-spraying. Following closely in efficacy were Spinosad 45 SC and Chlorpyrifos 20 EC. The highest cost benefit ratio was recorded- T5-Emamectin benzoate, followed by T7-Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC. The highest cost-benefit ratio was recorded in T5– Emamectin benzoate @ 0.4gm/lit followed by T7- Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC @ 0.4ml/lit and the lowest monetary return was observed with the control (T0).

Association mapping of septoria tritici blotch resistance in bread wheat in Bale and Arsi highlands, Ethiopia

Septoria tritici blotch (STB) caused by the fungal pathogen Zymoseptoria tritici, anamorph Septoria tritici Rob. ex Desm., is an important wheat pathogen worldwide, reported to be major wheat production threating factor, posing considerable yield loss every year. Developing resistant cultivars is an efficient, economical, environmentally friendly and simple approach for managing STB. This study was carried out to evaluate spring bread wheat lines for their reaction to STB disease under field conditions; to associate phenotypic and genotypic data for identification of STB disease resistance; and to identify genomic region(s) associated with resistance to STB in spring bread wheat lines. Two hundred forty (240) spring bread wheat lines were evaluated under field conditions in non-replicated trials, using an augmented design. The trials were conducted at three locations (Kulumsa Agricultural Research Center, Madda Walabu University Research Site and Sinana Agricultural Research Center) in 2017 main cropping season (July to December). Out of these 240 wheat lines, 123 of them were genotyped with 10263 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) markers and population structure and association mapping analysis was done. The wheat lines showed significant variations in percentage disease severity and area under the disease progress curve at all the three locations they were evaluated. The wheat lines were classified as resistant, moderately resistant, moderately susceptible and susceptible based on the percentage disease severity scored. Five wheat lines were found to be resistant to STB in all the three locations and are recommended for direct release by the national program and parentage purposes in wheat breeding programs. The 123 wheat lines were clustered into 3 subpopulations in which the first cluster contained 99 wheat lines; the second 17 and the last one 7. Among the polymorphic 8127 SNPs markers, 26 markers on chromosomes 7B, 1D, 3A, 2B, 6B and 3D were found to be significantly (P < 0.001) associated with STB resistance so that they can be utilized for marker assisted selection and gene pyramiding in resistance breeding programs.

Seedbed management, transplanting methods and irrigation regimes influence the growth, productivity and economics of summer rice (Oryza sativa L.)

A field experiment was conducted during the rabi (winter) seasons of 2017–2018 and 2018–2019 at the Central Research Farm under Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, West Bengal, India, to study the effects of planting techniques, irrigation regimes, and nursery bed management on the growth, yield, nutrient dynamics, water productivity, and economics of summer rice (cv. Shatabdi) production. The experiment was performed in a strip-split plot design with twelve treatment combinations, which were replicated three times. The design consisted of two types of transplanted rice establishment methods (viz., puddled transplanted rice (PTR) and nonpuddled transplanted rice (NPTR)) allocated to the main plot, three irrigation regimes (three-day intervals; six-day intervals; nine-day intervals) allocated to the subplot, and two nursery bed management practices (conventional seedbed and improved seedbed) allocated to the subplot. Higher growth attributes, such as plant height, tiller count, biomass, and LAI, were found under nonpuddled conditions at the time of harvesting. Similarly, a three-day irrigation interval and improved seedlings led to better growth traits. The yield attributes and yield varied nonsignificantly among the crop establishment methods. However, the lowest irrigation intervals accounted for 53.78% and 43.02% greater grain yield than did the nine-day intervals in two consecutive years, respectively, and produced statistically similar yields with six-day intervals. The percentage of seedlings transplanted from improved seedbeds was 4.01 and 4.13% greater than that from conventional seedlings. A similar trend was observed for both input and irrigation water productivity, except that the nine-day irrigation interval resulted in significantly greater water productivity than did the other intervals. The treatment consisted of nonpuddled transplanted rice along with six six-day irrigation intervals and improved seedbed management, resulting in the highest net return and benefit:cost ratio due to the low production cost. Thus, it can be concluded that transplanting seedlings into nonpuddled soil from an improved seedbed with intermittent irrigation might be the most judicious and recommended in terms of productivity as well as profitability for summer rice production.

Assessing soil pollution concerns in proximity to Fence-type solar photovoltaic system installations

This study conducted in the Kyungpook National University Eco-friendly Agriculture Research Centre between 2022 and 2023 investigates the environmental implications of fence-type solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in diverse agricultural settings. Despite the increasing adoption of solar energy for climate change mitigation, there is a noticeable gap in research regarding the potential environmental impact of these specific PV systems. Focusing on heavy metal concentrations, including Cadmium (Cd), Copper (Cu), Arsenic (As), Mercury (Hg), Lead (Pb), Hexavalent Chromium (Cr+6), Zinc (Zn), and Nickel (Ni), across distinct fields, the study reveals significant fluctuations. Notably, the Rice Field experienced a substantial increase in Cd levels from 0.47 mg/kg in 2022 to 1.55 mg/kg in 2023, while Cu and Pb concentrations decreased to acceptable levels in 2023. The findings underscore the dynamic nature of heavy metal concentrations, emphasizing the importance of continuous soil quality monitoring to prevent contamination. This research provides valuable insights into the impact of fence-type solar PV system installations on agricultural soil quality, emphasizing the urgent need to secure these ecosystems through vigilant monitoring and environmental management practices.

Efficacy of Certain Chemicals and Botanicals against Shoot and Fruit Borer, Leucinodes orbonalis (Guenee) on Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)

The field trial was conducted at Central research farm , SHUATS, Prayagraj, U.P during Kharif season 2023 in randomized block design (RBD) with three replications consisting of eight treatment viz, Neem oil 2%, Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC , Spinosad 45%SC, Flubendiamide 480 SC, Indoxacarb 14.5% SC, Pangomia + Flubendiamide, Neem oil + Flubendiamide, and untreated Control, The result revealed that all insecticidal treatments were significantly superior to reduce the incidence of shoot and fruit damage of brinjal compared to untreated control. The plot treated with Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC recorded the lowest % of shoot and fruit damage 4.03% and 3.20 % in first and second sprays, respectively followed by spinosad 45% SC (4.43% and 4.15% respectively). The yield ranged from 85 to 225.50 q/ha in all treatments. The highest yield was recorded in Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 % SC (225q/ha) followed by spinosad 45% SC (190q/ha), Flubendiamide 480 SC (17.50q/ha), Indoxacarb 14.5 SC (160.35q/ha), Pangomia + Flubendiamide (140.33q/ha), Neem oil + Flubendiamide (132.40q/ha) and Neem oil 2% (120.50q/ha) as compared to control (85.00q/ha). When cost benefit worked out the best and most economical treatment was Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC (1:10.3) followed by Spinosad 45% SC (1:8.5), Flubendiamide 480 SC (1:7.5), Indoxacarb14.5 SC (1:7.4), Pangomia + Flubendiamide (1:6.0), Neem oil + Flubendiamide (1:5.5) and Neem oil 2% (1:5.4) as compared to control (1:4.2).

Efficacy of Selected Biopesticides against Mustard Aphid, Lipaphis erysimi (Kalt.) (Hemiptera: Aphididae)

The present experiment was carried out at Central Research Farm, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, during Rabi season of the year 2023-2024under Randomized Block Design (RBD) with eight treatments and three replications. Single spray Twosprays were undertaken at fourteen days interval. Neem oil 5 %, imidacloprid 17.8 SL, Beauveria bassiana 1.15 % WP, Nisco Sixer plus, Metarhizum anisopliae, spinosad + neem oil 5 %, spinosad 45% SC were the treatments tested against the mustard aphid, Lipaphis erysimi (Kalt.). Results show that imidacloprid 17.8% SL was significantly superior over the other treatments showing 30.08/top 10cm twig and Beauveria bassiana being least effective recorded the highest number of aphids of 69.53/top 10cm twig of plant. The highest yield and cost benefit ratio was recorded from the plots treated with imidacloprid 17.8% SL (18.5 q/ha and 1:5.19) and the lowest from Beauveria bassiana (12.55 q/ha and 1:3.43).

Effect of Seed Storage Duration and Methods on Growth and Yield of Basil Variety

The experiment was conducted at Wondogenet Agricultural Research Center to determine the effect of seed storage period and methods on the growth and yield of basil. Basil seeds stored in three storage methods (Plastic jar, Polypropylene, and Cotton bags) for six storage periods (initial period, one, three, six, nine, and twelve months) were used to evaluate the impact of the treatments on the yield and performance in the field. The field experiment was arranged by using RCBD design with three replications. The data were taken at the 90% physiological maturity stage. The results showed a significant difference between the treatments. The results indicated that the interaction effects of basil seed storage time and methods had a significant (P&amp;lt;0.05) effect on Primary Branch Number, Plant Height, Umbrella length, Dry, and Fresh biomass. The umbrella number of the storage methods had an accelerating trend with raising storage duration to 3 months storage, after that it shows a declining trend with raising storage time. The two storage methods plastic jar and bag maintained the seed in good condition for 3 months further, storage of the seed leads to the shortest plant and umbrella length. The highest dry biomass was recorded at 3 months stored seed in a plastic bag which was not significantly different from 3 months stored seed in a plastic jar. Basil dry biomass for the jar stored seed ranged from 0.85 to 3.33, 0.91 to 3.42 ton/ha for plastic bag whereas for the cotton bag, it ranged from 0.6 to 2.26 ton/ha. In general, seeds stored for three months had shown better growth and yield.

Comparative Efficacy and Economics of Selected Chemicals and Biopesticides against Pod Borer [Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner)] on Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

The research work was undertaken at Central Research Farm (CRF) Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences, SHUATS, Naini, Prayagraj during winter Season of 2023-24. The treatments consists of eight including control viz, Beauveria bassiana 1.15% WP, Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC, Emamectin benzoate 5 SG, Bacillus thuringiensis 1x109 CFU/ml, Azadirachtin 00.03% WSP, NSKE 5%, Spinosad 45 SC and untreated control arranged in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications targeting to evaluate the efficacy of selected insecticides on the larval population of H. armigera on Chickpea. The larval population of gram pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera on third, seven and fourteen days after spray revealed that among all the treatment Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC found superior with larval population of (1.05), and with highest cost benefit ratio (1:3.78 ), followed by Emamectin benzoate 5 SG with a larval population of (1.17) and cost benefit ratio (1:3.53), Spinosad 45 SC with a larval population of (1.24) and cost benefit ratio (1:3.16), Beauveria bassiana 1.15 % WP with a larval population of (1.32) and cost benefit ratio (1:3.00), Bacillus thuringiensis 1x109 CFU/ml with a larval population(1.35) and cost benefit ratio (1:2.76), Azadirachtin 00.03% WSP with a larval population(1.42) and cost benefit ratio (3.49, 1:2.25), NSKE 5% with a larval population (1.47) and cost benefit ratio (1:1.77), NSKE 5% was least effective among the treatments and control plot with a larval population (2.07) and cost benefit ratio (1:1.51).

Photovoltaic Energy Production in Greenhouses With Spectral Splitting Solar Trackers

The spectral filtering low concentration photovoltaic system developed by Voltiris is an innovative solution for energy production in greenhouses without affecting food production. A first prototype was installed in the greenhouse of the agricultural research center Agroscope in Conthey, Switzerland. During an eight-month agronomic study from March to October, the yield of tomato, pepper bell and basil under this system was on a par with a control group. I-V curves were recorded to evaluate the photovoltaic system performance, and the impact of concentration and filtering. The curves showed that the prototype achieved a direct normal irradiation efficiency of 10.1 %. The specific power output of the Voltiris system inside the greenhouse was comparable to the one of a conventional solar panel placed outside. Filters with two different transmission spectra were used, both of which were matched to the absorption spectra of chlorophyll and reflected 50 % and 60 % of the incident global radiation respectively. To transfer the performance of the system to other greenhouses, the transmittance of the test greenhouse and its glass cover were measured for global and diffuse radiation. This allowed to determine the transmittance of the greenhouse specific metal structure. In the test greenhouse, the overall transmission coefficient for direct solar radiation was 0.28, hence limiting the system yield.

Effect of Quality Attributes of Potato by Using Biochar and NPK Fertilizers with Biozyme Granules

The present study, which took place at the central Research Farm of Naini Agricultural Institute, SHUATS, spanned across the years 2022-2023 and 2023-2024. Throughout this study, an experiment was meticulously conducted utilizing a variety of Kufri badhash under the Factorial Randomized Block Design (FRBD) design. This experiment included three replications, each encompassing three levels (2.5, 5, 7.5 t ha-1) of Biochar and three levels (50%, 75%, 100%) of Inorganic fertilizers. Additionally, two levels (25 and 50 kg ha-1) of Biozyme granules were also part of this comprehensive research design. The results obtained regarding various quality parameters in the years 2022-23 and 2023-24, such as moisture content (80 and 81 100g-1), tuber dry matter content (20.98% and 21.96 %), starch content (13.54% and 14.12%), reducing sugar (0.28% and 0.30%), non-reducing sugar (0.35% and 0.37%), and total sugar (0.58% and 0.59%) were notably elevated with the application of T16. Notably, the maximum protein content (2.07 and 2.31%), carbohydrate (14.58% and 14.85%), and total soluble solid (6.44% and 6.77%) were observed with the application of T18 in accordance with the recommended practices. Conversely, the minimum values were recorded for T1, showcasing the significant impact of the application techniques on the various parameters studied.

Impact of Various Levels of Nitrogen, Potassium, Phosphorus and Biochar on Soil Physico-chemical Properties and Yield of Black gram (Vigna mungo L.) Var: Shekhar-2

At the “Central Research Farm, Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry Department, SHUATS, Prayagraj”, an experiment titled "Impact of various levels of Nitrogen, Potassium, Phosphorus and Biochar on Soil Physico-chemical Properties and Yield of Black gram(Vigna mungo L.)Var: Shekhar-2" was carried out during the Zaid season of 2023–2024. A randomized block design was used, consisting of three variables and three levels of NPK (at 0, 50, and 100% ha-1) and biochar (at 0, 50, and 100% ha-1). An excavated soil specimen from the experimental site prior to the start of study activities showed that the soil had a sandy loam texture, a neutral to alkaline reaction, and significantly higher treatment levels.

Potassium and harvest time interaction effect on alfalfa production and profitability

AbstractResearchers have extensively studied and documented the effects of potassium (K) fertility on alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). Yet, additional research is needed to determine how interactions of K, cultivar, and harvest management influence the K needs of alfalfa. To explore these interactions, we conducted 5 years of field research at the University of Wyoming James C. Hageman Sustainable Agriculture Research and Extension Center in Lingle, WY. Treatments were (a) four K rates (0, 56, 112, and 168 kg K2O ha−1 year−1) applied before planting in the fall of 2016 and after the final harvest in the fall of 2017–2020, (b) two cultivars (Hi‐Gest 360 and AFX 457), and (c) two harvest times (early harvest, late bud to early [10%] bloom, and late harvest, 7 days after early harvest), arranged in a 4 × 2 × 2 factorial under random complete blocks with four replications. At 168 kg K2O ha−1 year−1 and early harvest, a consistently significant (p &lt; 0.05) higher yield response was observed. The same response was seen at 112 kg K2O ha−1 year−1 and late harvest. This occurred at a site with moderate‐to‐high soil K levels throughout the study period. There was a linear (p &lt; 0.001, R2 = 0.66) and quadratic (p = 0.006, R2 = 0.61) response of forage accumulation to K rate at early and late harvest, respectively. Similar trends were also seen for stem count, relative water content, root uptake of K, and tissue K. Time of harvest showed immense potential for optimizing K's effect for a consistent high‐yield response. However, fertilizing alfalfa with 112 kg K2O ha−1 year−1 gave the most profitable production under both harvest times. If K fertilizer prices drop over time, high profits could be attained with higher K fertilization rates. After 3 years of production, average forage accumulation increased under an early harvest system and decreased under a late harvest system. Growers in Wyoming and similar regions are encouraged to consider fertilizing alfalfa with moderate K rates (∼112 kg K2O ha−1 year−1) on soils testing moderate‐to‐high in soil test K, implement a late harvest system for the first 3 years after planting, and transition to an early harvest system after the initial 3 years to maximize alfalfa profits.

Community-based breeding programs can realize sustainable genetic gain and economic benefits in tropical dairy cattle systems.

Implementing an appropriate breeding program is crucial to control fluctuation in performance, enhance adaptation, and further improve the crossbred population of dairy cattle. Five alternative breeding programs (BPs) were modeled considering available breeding units in the study area, the existing crossbreeding practices, and the future prospects of dairy research and development in Ethiopia. The study targeted 143,576 crossbred cows of 54,822 smallholder households in the Arsi, West Shewa, and North Shewa zones of the Oromia Region, as well as the North Shewa zone of the Amhara Region. The alternative BPs include conventional on-station progeny testing (SPT), conventional on-farm progeny testing (FPT), conventional on-station and on-farm progeny testing (SFPT), genomic selection (GS), and genomic progeny testing (GPT). Input parameters for modeling the BPs were taken from the analysis of long-term data obtained from the Holetta Agricultural Research Center and a survey conducted in the study area. ZPLAN+ software was used to predict estimates of genetic gain (GG) and discounted profit for goal traits. The predicted genetic gains (GGs) for milk yield (MY) per year were 34.52 kg, 49.63 kg, 29.35 kg, 76.16 kg, and 77.51kg for SPT, FPT, SFPT, GS, and GPT, respectively. The GGs of the other goal traits range from 0.69 to 1.19 days per year for age at first calving, from 1.20 to 2.35 days per year for calving interval, and from 0.06 to 0.12 days per year for herd life. Compared to conventional BPs, genomic systems (GPT and GS) enhanced the GG of MY by 53%-164%, reduced generation interval by up to 21%, and improved the accuracy of test bull selection from 0.33 to 0.43. The discounted profit of the BPs varied from 249.58 Ethiopian Birr (ETB, 1 USD = 39.55696 ETB) per year in SPT to 689.79 ETB per year in GS. Genomic selection outperforms SPT, SFPT, and FPT by 266, 227%, and 138% of discounted profit, respectively. Community-based crossbreeding accompanied by GS and gradual support with progeny testing (GPT) is recommended as the main way forward to attain better genetic progress in dairy farms in Ethiopia and similar scenarios in other tropical countries.

The Effect of Treated Wastewater Levels on the Rooting of Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus L.) Green Cuttings

The world population is growing, leading to a gradual decrease in available water supplies. Reusing wastewater is seen as beneficial for environmental conservation and mitigating water contamination. Recycled wastewater includes essential nutrients for agricultural growth, and its reuse can lower the need for fresh water in dry areas. This study examined the impact of diluted treated wastewater at various ratios on the roots and shoot growth of blackberry green cuttings. For this purpose, Jumbo blackberry green cuttings located at the Bilecik Şeyh Edebali University Agricultural Practice and Research Center were used in 2023. In September, cuttings were taken and treated with a control (0 ppm IBA) and a 4000 ppm dose of indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). The cuttings were then planted in rooting tables with perlite and bottom heat (22±2 °C). From the time of planting, the cuttings were irrigated with treated wastewater from the university's wastewater treatment facility, diluted in five different doses (0, 25, 50, 75, 100 %). In the cuttings removed from the rooting medium after 90 days, the following were determined: survival rate (%), rooting rate (%), callus formation rate (%), number of roots (per cutting), root length (cm), root diameter (mm), fresh and dry root weight (g), chlorophyll a (µg/g DW), chlorophyll b (µg/g DW), and total chlorophyll content (µg/g DW). At the end of the trial, the positive effects of treated wastewater on rooting had been determined. The rooting rate was determined to be best in the Control (0 ppm IBA)+TWW100 application (73%). The research suggests that blackberry cuttings can be rooted using treated wastewater without the need for IBA

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

Screening of Mung bean Germplasm for Resistance against Cercospora Leaf Spot under Natural Field Conditions

Mung bean is an excellent protein source pulse crop grown throughout the world. Punjab province accounts for 80% area and production of mung bean in Pakistan. Mung bean is cultivated on a large scale for its green manuring ability and grain consumption. Mung bean is prone to economically important fungal, bacterial, and viral diseases. Cercospora leaf spot (CLS) caused by Cercospora canescens is one of the most serious disease concerns in Pakistan. The pulses program at the National Agriculture Research Centre, Islamabad is trying hard to get the resistant germplasm against CLS. Sixty-eight advance lines/approved varieties were evaluated in the augmented design under natural field conditions. Forty-one advance lines/approved varieties were found resistant and twenty-five advance lines/approved varieties were found moderately resistant. Two advanced lines/approved varieties did not perform well and were susceptible to CLS infection. This data indicates that the germplasm at pulses program is excellent in resistance against CLS under natural field conditions in the Arid Zone and can serve as potential future varieties.

Effect of FYM and Different Levels of Panchgavya on Growth and Establishment of Papaya (Carica papaya L.) cv. Red Lady

Today, with the advancement of environment pollution and health that is obtained from the improper use of inorganic fertilizer, production and use of organic fertilizer is considered as an important approach in the field of soil science in the world’s interest to investors. Research was conducted during the period 2023 on central research farm of department of horticulture, (NAI) SHUATS, Prayagraj. Field trial was designed on Randomized Block Design with three replications and ten treatments. Seedling were raised in polybag and 45 days old seedling were transplanted to the main field. Manure and fertilizer were applied as per treatment in ten equal split doses at 30,60 and 90days intervals. The treatment T9 (RDF) FYM+ Panchgavya (90ml/l) registered significantly maximum vegetative growth, chlorophyll content and survivality %. On the basis of our experimental findings, it can be concluded that the best result was found in treatment T9 (RDF) FYM+ Panchgavya (90ml/l) in term of vegetative growth parameters viz., plant height (cm), Number of leaves per plant, stem diameter (mm), leaf area (cm2) and root to shoot ratio, leaf area index (LAI), chlorophyll content and survivality % of papaya (Carica papaya L.) cv. Red lady.

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.

Effectiveness of Zygogramma bicolorata Pallister (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) on Parthenium weed (Parthenium hysterophorus) under greenhouse condition in Ethiopia

Background Parthenium is an invasive annual weed that affects crop production, rangelands, grasslands, animals, the environment, and human health. Since its introduction into Ethiopia, different management options such as uprooting, slashing, burning, plowing, and applying synthetic herbicides have been practiced. However, these options are not sustainable in weed management. However, Zygogramma bicolorata is known to be used in different countries. Although many countries use it under field conditions, its population-based efficacy has not been well studied in Ethiopia. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of Z. bicolorata populations on parthenium plants under greenhouse conditions. Methods This experiment was conducted at the Ambo Agricultural Research Center. Different numbers of Z. bicolorata per plant were used as treatments and were laid out in a completely randomized design with three replications. The numbers of damaged leaves, eggs, and larvae were recorded daily until the leaves were completely defoliated. The collected data and the correlation between beetle population and leaf defoliation were analyzed using SAS. Results The result revealed that all beetle populations caused damage to weed plants. A higher population of beetles completely defoliated the leaves within 12 days. However, lower numbers required 21 days to completely defoliate the weed. In contrast, a higher number of eggs (328.67) and larvae (272.33) were obtained from plants that received 20 pairs of beetles. The beetle population and exposure time were positively correlated, and the effectiveness of the bioagent was greater following the emergence of larvae. Conclusions Z. bicolorata can manage parthenium weeds, even with a lower population. However, more than 15 pairs of beetles could be suggested to manage weeds in a shorter time, and further study is needed under field conditions by considering the different agroecologies of the country.