Agriculture Today Research Articles

Physiological and Genetic Aspects of Resistance to Abiotic Stresses in Capsicum Species

Abiotic stress is one of the key factors harming global agriculture today, seriously affecting the growth and yield of vegetables. Pepper is the most widely grown vegetable in the world, with both high nutritional and economic values. Currently, the increase in global extreme weather events has heightened the frequency of abiotic stresses, such as drought, high and low temperatures, waterlogging, and high salt levels, which impairs pepper growth and development, leading to its reduced yield and quality. In this review, we summarize the research progress on the responses of pepper to abiotic stress in recent years in terms of physiology, biochemistry, molecular level, and mitigation measures. We then explore the existing problems and propose future research directions. This work provides a reference for the cultivation and development of new pepper varieties resistant to abiotic stress.

Delineating drought-induced antioxidative traits as potential mechanisms for climate resilience in Argania spinosa

Drought stress ranks among the most critical environmental challenges facing agriculture today, causing significant impairments to plant growth and development. In Morocco, these negative impacts are projected to intensify further under the combined pressures of climate change and the worsening water shortage crisis. The imperative need for sustainable arganiculture (cultivation of Argane trees) in dry lands necessitates the expeditious identification of drought-tolerant elite Argania spinosa trees. In this context, we investigated the drought tolerance of 2-year-old A. spinosa seedlings from two contrasting provenances Lakhssas (LKS) and Aoulouz (ALZ) under severe stress by evaluating their antioxidative defense mechanisms. A total of 24 parameters related to reactive oxygen species (ROS), oxidative damage, and enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant defense were measured and compared between both provenances. The results showed that the drought-stressed conditions significantly increased the activity of enzymatic antioxidants, including superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase, polyphenoloxidase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione S-transferase, and ascorbate-glutathione cycle enzymes, as well as the content of non-enzymatic antioxidants, including reduced glutathione (GSH), ascorbic acid (AsA), α-Tocopherols (α-toc), polyphenols, anthocyanins, and group thiols. The ability of A. spinosa trees to greatly enhance their antioxidant system to limit cellular damage caused by ROS production might be an important attribute linked to drought tolerance. Regarding the inter-provenance variation under drought stress conditions, LKS provenance exhibited superior antioxidative capacity through enhanced AsA-GSH cycle activity and elevated levels of AsA-GSH, α-toc, and polyphenols. However, ALZ demonstrated elevated anthocyanin levels and reduced peroxidative stress markers (hydrogen peroxide and malonyldialdehyde). Significant and positive correlations were recorded between studied ROS and antioxidants. Investigating the multifaceted antioxidative defense system underpinning drought tolerance in A. spinosa can facilitate the identification of drought-tolerant argane trees for the development of a future breeding program allowing sustainable arganiculture in dry lands.

Antibiotic-resistant mutants of lactic acid bacteria: potential food control agents

Background: One of the most pressing challenges facing global agriculture today is the restoration of degraded farmland. Organic fertilisers are increasingly being used as a safer alternative to synthetic forms. The most promising form of environmentally friendly fertiliser is a bioconsortium based on different groups of microorganisms. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) with high antifungal activity, isolated from Armenian dairy products, can form part of such a bioconsortium and protect plants from phytopathogens. In addition, LAB can be used as a preservative in the food industry due to its GRAS (generally recognised as safe) status. Objective: To obtain antibiotic-resistant pleiotropic lactic acid bacterial mutants with higher antifungal activity and broad-spectrum activity compared to natural strains. Methods: The objects of the study were LAB, whose antifungal activity was studied against phytopathogenic fungi of the genera Penicillium, Aspergillus, Alternaria and Fusarium, which cause crop/food spoilage. To increase antifungal activity, spontaneous pleiotropic mutants resistant to the streptomycin, kanamycin or rifampicin were obtained on the basis of original strains. Results: Among all the LAB tested, Lactobacillus bovis MDC 1061, L. paracasei MDC 10898 and L. buchneri BKM 1599 were selected for their antifungal activity. Based on the latter, 78 antibiotic-resistant mutants with different levels of antifungal activity were obtained. L. bovis MDC 1061 STR-25 and L. buchneri BKM 1599 RIF-7 mutants with up to 98% and 95% inhibition of fungal growth, respectively, were selected as potential food control agents. Conclusion: Antibiotic-resistant mutants L. bovis MDC 1061 STR-25 and L. buchneri BKM 1599 RIF-7 with high antifungal ability and a wide range of its effects were obtained. For the first time, the phenomenon of pleiotropic effect has been used in LAB to improve antifungal activity. After extensive study, these mutants can be used as promising components for creating an effective bioconsortium, as well as a preservative in food production, especially in the case of plant-based functional foods to protect against contamination by fungi. Keywords: lactic acid bacteria, pleiotropic mutants, antifungal activity

Agronomic Interventions for Alleviating Water Stress and Optimizing Productivity of Field Crops: A Review

Water scarcity is the most significant concern facing agriculture today. Agriculture currently utilizes more than 70% of the world's freshwater, with much of it lost through evaporation, leaching and runoff. Drought escape and drought tolerance are the two significant mechanisms for plant growth under water-stressed conditions. Drought, a primary abiotic factor, limits crop productivity. It is a climatic phenomenon characterized by a prolonged lack of rainfall, resulting in moisture loss from the soil and a lack of water potential in plant tissues. It prevents the crop from obtaining its potential yield and substantially reduces crop production. Field crop rely on rainfall and are vulnerable to unpredictable drought stress throughout their vegetative and reproductive growth cycle. Drought stress is typical during the flowering stage in mostly crops, resulting in lower yield when cultivated with scarce rainfall. It can be reduced through agronomic means, such as mulching, tillage, intercropping and nutrient management, as well as chemical measures, such as the use of soil additives herbal hydrogel (Gond katira), foliar spray of salicylic acid and potassium nitrate. Herbal hydrgel helps in reducing the effect of drought stress on plants while also promoting increased plant growth and opverall performance. Foliar application of salicylic acid boosted bioactive chemical synthesis in the presence of water deficiency. Potassium nitrate to enhance water uptake, promote longer pod length and improve drought tolerance in plants.

The Root Endophytic Microbiome Shifts Under Drought in High-Performing Sorghum

Plant-associated microbes contribute to crop health and resilience, potentially extending or complementing plant traits under abiotic stress. Here we tested a series of hypotheses centered on the fungal mycobiome and bacterial microbiome of field-grown sorghum ( Sorghum bicolor), an emerging model crop for drought resilience, which we cultivated under arid conditions. Overall, the sorghum mycobiome and microbiome differed in composition between the exterior and interior of plant tissues, between roots and leaves, and among sorghum genotypes. We did not observe variation in fungal and bacterial endophytes among performance classes of sorghum when water was plentiful, but the root endophytic mycobiome and microbiome both shifted markedly under water limitation, with similar shifts in composition observed among multiple plant genotypes. The root endophytic microbiome of high-performing sorghum was especially responsive to water limitation. Network analysis suggested that water limitation did not directly remodel these root endophytic microbiomes, such that interactions of the microbiome with the host plant, rather than interactions among microbes within the microbiome, may be the most dynamic element of change when water is limited. Overall, our study points to shifts in the prevalence of particular taxa under abiotic stress and suggests that high-performing lines may have distinctive features as substrates or strategies for actively recruiting diverse, abundant, and distinctive microbial communities to roots under water limitation. Such findings are important in the arid lands that frame marginal agriculture today and comprise an increasing proportion of agriculture in a changing world.

Factors influencing farmers’ adoption of solar water-pumping systems in Gujarat

Abstract Agriculture has played an important role in the growth of the Indian economy. Water and electricity are essential inputs for agriculture today. India produces the third-largest amount of electricity in the world, behind China and the USA. As an incentive to increase production, most states provide free electricity to farmers. Free electricity has decreased groundwater levels and increased electricity consumption. The objective of this study was to find out the factors that influenced farmers to adopt a solar water-pumping system in Gujarat. The samples were randomly selected. This study examined the entire state of Gujarat. One hundred and fifty farmers who adopted solar water-pumping systems were interviewed, including 50 banana farmers, 50 cotton farmers and 50 groundnut farmers. Primary data were collected through an interview. The adoption of solar water-pumping systems by farmers was identified using factor analysis. SPSS software was used to analyse the data collected. In this study, only two factors contributed to the variance of 59.469%. The adoption of solar water pumps by farmers was influenced by government policy and economic benefits. An economic benefit variance of 33.20% was found, while a government policy variance was 26.27%. A solar water-pumping system has low initial costs, flexible credit policies motivate adoption, solar water-pumping systems can save electricity, and maintenance and repair costs are affordable. Government policy that includes solar water-pumping systems is motivated by awareness, subsidies for adoption and a fair price to sell energy surpluses. Farmers are recommended to adopt a solar water-pumping system in conjunction with a drip irrigation system to receive additional income. The successful scheme will be recommended to other states in India for implementation.

SMART Irrigation Robot

Abstract: Smart irrigation robots are solutions for today's agriculture that solve water management, work efficiency and crop quality problems. This autonomous robotic system combines advanced technology, sensors, artificial intelligence and precision robots to revolutionize the irrigation process. This content highlights the key features and advantages of smart water users. The robot uses a network of soil moisture sensors and weather data to make real-time, data-driven decisions about when and how much to harvest. Using smart algorithms, irrigation strategies can be tailored to specific crop types and growth stages to ensure efficient use. Operating costs. It also promotes sustainability and environmental protection by reducing water waste by providing the required amount of water where and when it is needed.

Biotechnological tools for genetic improvement of Trichoderma

Trichoderma is a cosmopolitan fungus widely distributed around the world. The different uses of this beneficial fungus are varied in several industries, like agriculture, textile, and paper, including the pharmaceutical industry. The genus Trichoderma has other mechanisms of action, including the production of different enzymes and secreted secondary metabolites used in various industries. The genomes of different Trichoderma species have been sequenced to identify the mechanisms for producing several compounds. The advancement of multiple technologies has allowed the development of transformation tools for the genetic improvement of Trichoderma, thus increasing biomass, primary and secondary metabolites, and enzymes. Therefore, genetic modification aims to increase compound production in several Trichoderma strains. Characterization of Trichoderma through gene expression analysis is essential for biotechnology applications. It helps counteract one of the most challenging problems for agriculture today, including climate change and the appearance of pathogens that attack crops with high commercial and food demand. In conclusion, this review analyzes various strategies to improve Trichoderma strains genetically and their multiple applications in the agricultural, textile, paper, and pharmaceutical industries. As a recommendation for future studies with potential impact, the optimization of specific genetic modifications in Trichoderma strains is recommended to improve their adaptability and effectiveness in combating emerging challenges in agriculture, especially those linked to climate change. Investigating possible synergies between genetically modified Trichoderma strains and environmentally sustainable agricultural practices could contribute to developing solutions for crop protection and yield improvement.

Characterization of PYL gene family and identification of HaPYL genes response to drought and salt stress in sunflower.

In the context of global climate change, drought and soil salinity are some of the most devastating abiotic stresses affecting agriculture today. PYL proteins are essential components of abscisic acid (ABA) signaling and play critical roles in responding to abiotic stressors, including drought and salt stress. Although PYL genes have been studied in many species, their roles in responding to abiotic stress are still unclear in the sunflower. In this study, 19 HaPYL genes, distributed on 15 of 17 chromosomes, were identified in the sunflower. Fragment duplication is the main cause of the expansion of PYL genes in the sunflower genome. Based on phylogenetic analysis, HaPYL genes were divided into three subfamilies. Members in the same subfamily share similar protein motifs and gene exon-intron structures, except for the second subfamily. Tissue expression patterns suggested that HaPYLs serve different functions when responding to developmental and environmental signals in the sunflower. Exogenous ABA treatment showed that most HaPYLs respond to an increase in the ABA level. Among these HaPYLs, HaPYL2a, HaPYL4d, HaPYL4g, HaPYL8a, HaPYL8b, HaPYL8c, HaPYL9b, and HaPYL9c were up-regulated with PEG6000 treatment and NaCl treatment. This indicates that they may play a role in resisting drought and salt stress in the sunflower by mediating ABA signaling. Our findings provide some clues to further explore the functions of PYL genes in the sunflower, especially with regards to drought and salt stress resistance.

Sustainable AI-based production agriculture: Exploring AI applications and implications in agricultural practices

In general, agriculture plays a crucial role in human survival as a primary source of food, alongside other sources such as fishing. Unfortunately, global warming and other environmental issues, particularly in less privileged nations, hamper the Agricultural sector. It is estimated that a range of 720 to 811 million individuals experienced food insecurity. Today's agriculture faced significant difficulties and obstacles, as do the surveillance and monitoring systems (climate, energy, water, fields, works, cost, fertilizers, diseases, etc.). The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the susceptibilities and insufficiencies inherent in worldwide food systems. Current agricultural practices tend to prioritize productivity and profitability over environmental conservation and long-term sustainability. To establish sustainable agriculture capable of meeting the needs of a projected ten billion people in the next 30 years, substantial structural and automation changes are required. However, these obstacles can be overcome by employing smart technologies and advancing Artificial Intelligence (AI) in agricultural operations. AI is believed to contribute to global sustainability goals in multiple sectors, particularly in the incorporation of renewable energy. It is anticipated that AI will revitalize both existing and new agricultural fields by retrofitting, installing and integrating automatic devices and instruments. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the most promising and novel applications of AI in the agriculture industry. Furthermore, the role of AI in the transition to sustainability and precision agriculture is investigated.

ОЦЕНКА ВОЗМОЖНЫХ РИСКОВЫХ СИТУАЦИЙ ПРИ ОСУЩЕСТВЛЕНИИ РЕКУЛЬТИВАЦИОННЫХ МЕРОПРИЯТИЙ

The problem of recultivation of lands of unauthorised dumps of solid domestic wastes (solid municipal wastes) for further construction on these territories of various objects of industrial and residential nature, as well as their possible use in agriculture today is extremely urgent. The article deals with possible emergency situations during the recultivation of unauthorised dumps near Vologda, describes the causes and consequences of their occurrence, and provides a qualitative assessment of their potential impact on the environment. This information was based on the information on the natural characteristics of the territory, the current state of the natural environment and the characteristics of the projected object (source of impact), as well as the results of technical reports of engineering surveys. The assessment criteria were taken as criteria for assessment of atmospheric air and water pollution, since atmospheric air is in contact with all environmental objects: soil, surface water. The research tool is FMEA methodology. It is shown that the situation related to fire at the facility is the most critical. A number of measures are proposed to reduce the probability of occurrence of this situation.

AGROLANCE: REPRESENTATION OF GROWTH BALANCE OF TOMATO PLANTS IN DRY LAND IN THE CONTEXT OF A DANCE WORK

Agrolance dance work is representation of research results entitled " Combination of Bio-Organo- Minirel Fertilizers on Optimizing the Growth and Production of Tomatoes (Salanum Lycopersicum) In Dryland Environment " (2023) by Alfassabiq Khairi in the journal Agricultural Sciences which is research and concept ideas from this work. Through this creative study, the analogy that appears in each part of Agrolance's work is described to show the growth balance of tomato plants and fertilizer on dry land on the bodies of beginner dancers which is answered based on the experiences of the dancers' bodies through several weeks of experimentation to see the results of their bodies. This research also provides insight into interdisciplinary research in dance and science agriculture . These findings have important implications in today's arts and agriculture context, which faces challenges in creating inclusive spaces, scientific collaboration, and discovering experimental results. This research uses a case study method with a choreographic approach. Using a qualitative descriptive research method means getting data qualitatively, then writing it descriptively. The author, as the main instrument in this research, collected data by means of participant observation, unstructured interviews, and through dance work documents. In this work, the dancer is analogous to dry land, the movements produced by the dancer are the results of the tomato plant, organic fertilizer is consumption and daily activities carried out, and inorganic fertilizer is body exercise, taste exercise, bodily experience given by the choreographer to the dancer. The creation method in this work uses the exploration method as the initial part in developing the creativity of the creation process, improvisation to find movements by chance or spontaneously, composition to arrange the movements that have been obtained, as well as periodic corrective evaluation of the process.

The use of hydrogel reduces water stress and improves yield in the cultivation of purple corn

One of the problems in agriculture today is the scarcity of water available for crops. The aim of the research was to evaluate the use of a hydrogel (plantagel with a composition of 96% non-toxic potassium polyacrylate) in the water stress of the PMV-581 purple corn crop and evaluate its development and performance. The treatments were at three doses of 50, 70, 90 kg ha-1 of hydrogel (plantagel) and a control without hydrogel application, the results indicate the T0 control treatment. Treatment T1 (with 12 irrigations and 50 kg ha-1 of hydrogel) and T2 (with 10 irrigations and 70 kg ha-1 of hydrogel) require the greatest number of irrigations (with 15 irrigations and without hydrogel application) and T3 (with 8 irrigations and 90 kg ha-1 of hydrogel) T3 obtained the highest yield of 6.50 t ha-1, with a water table of 1500.84 m3, lower than the rest of the treatments, concluding that the Hydrogel influences soil moisture retention and its effect is expressed in the yield of purple corn. These results provide valuable information that the use of hydrogel (plantagel) could be effectively applied as a soil additive to alleviate drought stress in purple corn cultivation.

Validation of Criteria for Predicting Tractor Fuel Consumption and CO2 Emissions When Ploughing Fields of Different Shapes and Dimensions

Climate change is linked to CO2 emissions, the reduction of which has become a top priority. In response to these circumstances, scientists must constantly develop new technologies that increase fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. Agriculture today is dominated by arable fields of various sizes, shapes, and dimensions, and to achieve fuel economy and environmental impact requirements, it is not enough to know only the principles of optimization of tillage processes; it is also necessary to understand the influence of field size and its shape and dimensions on tillage performance. The purpose of this research is to present a methodology that allows predicting tractor fuel demand and CO2 emissions per unit of ploughed area when ploughing field plots with different shapes and dimensions and to confirm a suitable variable for such a prediction. Theoretical calculations and experimental tests have shown that the field ploughing time efficiency coefficient is a useful metric for comparing field plots of different shapes and dimensions. This coefficient effectively describes tractor fuel consumption and CO2 emissions during ploughing operations on differently configured field plots. A reasonable method for calculating the real field ploughing time efficiency coefficient is based on field and tillage data and a practical determination method using tractor engine load reports. It was found that during the research, when ploughing six field plots of different shapes and dimensions, with an area of 6 ha, the field ploughing time efficiency coefficient varied from 0.68 to 0.82, and fuel consumption between 15.6 and 16.5 kg/ha. In the field plot of 6 ha, where the field ploughing time efficiency coefficient was 15% higher, the fuel consumption per unit area was lower by about 5.5%. The results of this study will help to effectively predict tillage time and tractor fuel consumption required for different field shapes and dimensions.

Co-design of diversified cropping systems in the Mediterranean area

Agriculture today faces opposing challenges: reducing its environmental impacts while feeding a growing population and adapting to climate change. Diversification of cropping systems has been proposed as a solution to address these issues and promote sustainable and resilient agricultural systems. While alternatives have been proposed by research and development, changing the agricultural systems remains a huge challenge. Engaging local actors when considering those changes is important for their successful implementation. While co-designing with stakeholders is gaining interest in the scientific community, approaches that consider varying local contexts remain uncommon. In this study, our aim was to co-design, during workshops with local stakeholders, diversification options in five case studies located in the Mediterranean countries of Algeria, France, Greece, and Spain. Prior to the co-design process, we conducted a SWOT/PESTLE analysis in each case study to analyze the local context of current and potential agricultural systems. Our hypothesis was that co-designed systems would differ between case studies, according to their environmental, social and political contexts leading to fine-tuned locally ad hoc systems. Options for intercropping and diversifying rotations were considered for both cereal-based systems and vine systems. Additionally, these options included adapted management practices for cereal-based systems and more innovative diversification, such as photovoltaic panels or agroforestry, for vine systems. While some of these options could serve as adaptations to climate change, they may not be sufficient to address future climate conditions. Interestingly, we did not observe significant differences among the system options designed for the various case studies, even though the local contexts were very different. Indeed, options only partially addressed the issues identified by stakeholders: primarily, economic and environmental threats. This study points to the advantage of participatory research in diverse contexts along with cross-case analyses, and to the need to consider the future of these Mediterranean regions, where crop diversification is limited by water deficit. To foster the transition next steps should consider assessing experimentally these systems with farmers to stimulate learning, while considering market possibilities.

MOTIVATION OF RICE FARMERS IN USING PLANT GROWTH PROMOTING RHIZOBACTERIA AT SEKAYU DISTRICT, MUSI BANYUASIN REGENCY

One of the most common problems in agriculture today is the decline in soil fertility on agricultural land due to the excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticide residues and processing of land with agricultural machinery. This study was to determine the level of motivation for using PGPR in lowland rice cultivation, what factors influence the level of motivation, as well as developing a strategy for applying motivation using PGPR in lowland rice cultivation. This research was conducted from April to June in Sekayu District, Musi Banyuasin Regency. The method used is descriptive method and multiple linear regression. Respondents were taken as many as 97 people who were determined purposively (purposive sampling). The results show that the level of motivation is included in the high category. Factors that have a significant effect on farmer motivation are the age of the farmer, the role of extension workers, the availability of facilities and infrastructure, the availability of agricultural information. Based on the multiple linear regression analysis test, it was found that the most critical indicator of farmer motivation was the availability of facilities and infrastructure. From these results an agricultural extension strategy was providing counseling on making PGPR independently in farmer groups.

Statistical Experimental Design as a New Approach to Optimize a Solid-State Fermentation Substrate for the Production of Spores and Bioactive Compounds from Trichoderma asperellum.

Managing organic agricultural wastes is a challenge in today's modern agriculture, where the production of different agricultural goods leads to the generation of large amounts of waste, for example, olive pomace and vine shoot in Mediterranean Europe. The discovery of a cost-effective and environment-friendly way to valorize such types of waste in Mediterranean Europe is encouraged by the European Union regulation. As an opportunity, organic agricultural waste could be used as culture media for solid-state fermentation (SSF) for fungal strains. This methodology represents a great opportunity to produce secondary metabolites like 6-pentyl-alpha-pyrone (6-PP), a lactone compound with antifungal properties against phytopathogens, produced by Trichoderma spp. Therefore, to reach adequate yields of 6-PP, lytic enzymes, and spores, optimization using specific agricultural cheap local wastes from Southeastern France is in order. The present study was designed to show the applicability of an experimental admixture design to find the optimal formulation that favors the production of 6-PP. To conclude, the optimized formulation of 6-PP production by Trichoderma under SSF contains 18% wheat bran, 23% potato flakes, 20% olive pomace, 14% olive oil, 24% oatmeal, and 40% vine shoots.

Expanding the knowledge frontier of mitoviruses in Cannabis sativa

Mitoviruses were initially known for their presence in the mitochondria of fungi and were considered exclusive to these organisms. However, recent studies have shown that they are also present in a large number of plant species. Despite the potential impact that mitoviruses might have on the mitochondria of plant cells, there is a lack of information about these ancient RNA viruses, especially within the Cannabaceae family. Cannabis sativa has been in the spotlight in recent years due to the growing industrial applications of plant derivatives, such as fiber and secondary metabolites. Given the importance of Cannabis in today's agriculture, our study aimed to expand the knowledge frontier of Mitoviruses in C. sativa by increasing the number of reference genomes of CasaMV1 available in public databases and representing a larger number of crops in countries where its industrial-scale growth is legalized. To achieve this goal, we used transcriptomics to sequence the first mitoviral genomes of Colombian crops and analyzed RNA-seq datasets available in the SRA databank. Additionally, the evolutionary analysis performed using the mitovirus genomes revealed two main lineages of CasaMV1, termed CasaMV1_L1 and CasaMV1_L2. These mitoviral lineages showed strong clustering based on the geographic location of the crops and differential expression intensities.

Perception and Challenges of Rural Youth Towards Agribusiness

Indian agriculture today does not stand on any one level when it comes to its development. Transition of agriculture towards agribusiness conveys that present day farmers are practicing agriculture in professional manner with intent of transforming it into commercial and more profitable activity as compared to early days. Agri-business generates potential employment opportunities too in agribusiness management and trade. Due to its nature of covering a wide range of activities of differing magnitude, agribusiness has got tremendous scope. The youth cohort plays a pivotal role across nations, exhibiting vibrancy, innovation, dynamism, and a commendable enthusiasm required to catalyze prospects for domestic progress. They manifest ardor, drive, and a resolute mindset, rendering them an invaluable reservoir of human capital. The developmental trajectory of a nation is contingent upon the magnitude of its youthful demographic, underscoring their instrumental role in its advancement. Therefore, keeping all this in mind the present study was undertaken with the objective to explore the perception and challenges about agribusiness among rural youth. The study was conducted in four districts of Haryana state where Agri Business Centers were located. Thus from Bhiwani, Jind, Hisar, and Kurukshetra districts a sample of 240 rural youth from 16 villages formed the sample of the study. It was found that majority of the respondents had medium level of perception regarding economic, informational and technological aspects while high level of perception towards social and psychological aspects of Agribusiness activities. In relation to challenges perceived by rural youth in agribusiness, the study found that business know how and access to affordable employees were the most challenge that were perceived by youth when venture into agribusiness.

Effect of sodium alginate-based superabsorbent hydrogel on tomato growth under different water deficit conditions

The main challenge facing agriculture today is water scarcity. At present, agriculture consumes around 70 % of the planet's freshwater, much of which is lost through evaporation, leaching and runoff. This wastage, combined with the increased frequency and severity of droughts linked to climate change, is having a considerable negative impact on crops. As a result, the food security of people living in regions with limited water resources is threatened. In this regard, efficient water management using water-saving materials and soil additives such as superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) are recognized as an effective strategy to boost water use efficiency by plants and improve agricultural productivity. The present study fits with this strategy and aims to investigate the effect of new sodium alginate-based hydrogel-treated sandy loam soil on seed emergence and growth of tomatoes as a crop model under different water-deficit stress levels. A set of pot experiments was conducted in a greenhouse chamber using sandy loam soil amended with two levels of hydrogel (0.1 % and 0.5 % by weight) along with untreated control, all under water-deficit stress at three levels: 30 % of the daily amount of required irrigation water (DARW) for different growing cycles (severe stress), 70 % DARW (mild stress), and 100 % DARW (normal irrigation conditions). The germination test showed the absence of phytotoxicity of the developed hydrogel and confirmed its suitability in protecting seedlings from drought stress. Greenhouse experiment results demonstrated that water stress and levels of applied hydrogel significantly (P < 0.05) affected plant growth parameters such as plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, chlorophyll content, fresh weight, and dry weight compared with the treatments without SAPs. The developed sodium alginate-based SAPs showed relevant agronomical benefits under drought stress by retaining more water and nutrients, thus it had the potential to be used in agriculture for better water management along with significant environmental benefits.