Agricultural University Research Articles

Развитие критического мышления студентов аграрного вуза в процессе изучения иностранных языков

The purpose of the study is to substantiate the need for students of an agricultural university to develop critical thinking skills in the process of teaching foreign languages. The article analyzes the main theoretical approaches to understanding critical thinking as a fundamental phenomenon for the development of universal and professional competencies of future specialists in philosophy, psychology, and pedagogy; identifies the main components in the structure of critical thinking of university students. The author highlights the knowledge and skills that are important for the development of this phenomenon in the process of teaching foreign languages, namely, the skills of analysis, synthesis, and argumentation. The scientific novelty of the research consists in the development of a methodology for the development of students’ critical thinking skills in teaching a foreign language at an agricultural university, taking into account the identified methodological conditions: the use of educational and professional tasks, problematic situations in a professional context; a consistent transition in the process of foreign language learning from techniques and tasks for the development of analysis skills to the development of synthesis and argumentation skills; reporting the individual intellectual abilities of the student, as well as the characteristics of the modern digital generation of students. As a result, pedagogical scenarios have been developed for the organization of students’ learning activities in a foreign language, contributing to the development of critical thinking skills of students of an agrarian university in teaching a foreign language.

Redescription of Cryptophlebia ombrodelta (Lower, 1898) (Lepidoptera, Totricidae) an emerging pest of leguminous medicinal plants with new host record from India

Cryptophlebia ombrodelta (Lower, 1898) (Olethreutinae: Tortricidae: Lepidoptera) larvae were recorded for the first time from the fruits of Saraca asoca (Roxb.) Willd. (Fabaceae) a culturally and medicinally important tree at Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India. The larvae were reared to the adult stage at Butterfly House, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University Insect Museum. Pupae and adults of C. ombrodelta are described in detail. The pupal morphology is described for the first time. Adults are redescribed in detail and special emphasis is given on Male and Female genital morphology. Mitochondrial DNA was extracted from adult specimens, DNA sequence was compared with other related sequences on the NCBI database for additional confirmation. A phylogenetic tree was constructed using sequences submitted worldwide which show more than 98% similarity.

Assessment of Sensory and Nutritional Attributes of Finger Millet-based Traditional Food Products of Assam, India

Background: Millet based diets contain multiple health promoting components and considered as climate-resilient course grain cereals. The United Nations designated 2023 as the 'International Year of Millets' to spotlight the resilience and health benefits of these climate-adaptable crops. In line with this, the Shree Anna (Millet) Gram Yojana was initiated to promote millet production and consumption, aiming to combat malnutrition. An essential aspect of this initiative is the substitution of millet for rice in traditional recipes, a strategy for sustainable food and nutritional security. This study, conducted by the AICRP on Women in Agriculture at Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, focused on utilizing Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana) in Assam's traditional food products—Burbhuria pitha, Pat pitha, Tel pitha, and Mithoi. Aim: Evaluating the quality of these millet-based food products in terms of organoleptic properties and nutritional composition. Methodology: A nine-point hedonic scale was used to conduct sensory evaluations by ten trained and semi-trained panelists from the Department of Food Science and Nutrition, and nutritional composition was examined. ICAR WASP software was utilized to analyze the data using the Completely Randomized Design method. Results: Results indicated that Finger Millet substituted for rice in traditional food products of Assam received higher acceptability scores and exhibited improved nutritional profiles compared to control products. Conclusion: This study underscores the potential of value-added products with Finger Millet to enhance flavour, texture, taste, and nutritional value of traditional foods, offering benefits to the populace of Assam.

Enhancing the Trapping of Melon Fruit Fly, Zeugodacus cucurbitae Coquilette through Synergizing the Odour and Visual Cues

The melon fruit fly (Zeugodacus cucurbitae Coquillett) poses a significant threat to cucurbit crops with substantial yield losses and challenging sustainable vegetable production. This study systematically investigated efficient color-based visual cues for attracting melon flies and explored the synergistic effects of these visual cues in conjunction with odour cues. This study was conducted in Agricultural College and Research Institute, TNAU, Madurai during 2024. Our studies included investigations on preferred colour by melon fly through olfactometer & insect cage bioassays in no choice & multiple choice conditions. The additive effect of the preferred colour when combined with the fruit fly attractive odour cue was investigated under field conditions. For both male and female melon fruit flies, yellow colour (RBG coordinates - 255:255:0) consistently emerged as the most efficient visual cue followed by white (255:255:255) and red (255:0:0). Field trials also confirmed the attractiveness of yellow colour as it outperformed other colours. The visual cue, yellow colour and odour cue (synthetic blend of four fruit fly EAG active synthetic compounds in a known ratio) were combined and found to be synergistic as this fusing captured significantly more flies than the either cues alone. These results highlighted the yellow colour as the most attractive visual cue for melon flies and combining effective of visual cues with established odour attractant to greatly enhance the trapping efficiency. This integrated approach offers a promising strategy for the management of melon fly and reduction of reliance on chemical pesticides contributing to more sustainable pest control in cucurbit production. The findings have significant implications for pest management strategies, especially in regions facing melon fly infestations that threaten crop yields and export potential.

Impact of Integrated Weed Management Strategies on Weed Density and Biomass in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

To assess the effectiveness of various weed management practices on controlling weed density and dry weight in rice (Oryza sativa L.). A field experiment was carried out during 2022 and 2023 at the Crop Research Centre, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut, in the Indo-Gangetic plains In Randomized Block Design (RBD) with 12 treatments, each replicated thrice. The treatments included a weedy check, a weed-free condition, farmer’s practice of one hand weeding at 40 days after transplanting (DAT), Pyrazosulfuron applied at 150 g ai ha-1 as a pre-emergence herbicide, Pyrazosulfuron 150 gm ai ha-1 followed by one hand weeding at 40 DAT, Bispyribac sodium at 25 g ai ha-1 applied 15 days after transplanting as a post-emergence herbicide, Bispyribac sodium at 25 g ai ha-1 followed by one hand weeding at 40 DAT, Ethoxy sulfuron applied at 20 g ai ha-1 as a pre-emergence herbicide, Ethoxy sulfuron 20 gm active ingredient per hectare followed by one hand weeding at 40 DAT, Penoxsulam applied at 22 g ai ha-1as a post-emergence herbicide, Penoxsulam 22 g active ingredient per hectare followed by one hand weeding, and a combination of Pyrazosulfuron 150 gm active ingredient per hectare as pre-emergence, followed by Penoxsulam 22 g ai ha-1 as post-emergence, and one hand weeding at 40 DAT. Weed density and dry weight were recorded at 30, 60, and 90 days after transplanting using quadrat sampling. The weed-free treatment consistently exhibited the lowest weed density and dry weight across both years, whereas the untreated weedy check resulted in the highest weed density and dry weight throughout the study. Among the herbicide treatments, the combination of Pyrazosulfuron and Penoxsulam with one hand weeding was found to be the most effective in significantly reducing weed density and dry weight.

Enhancing Jamun cv. Goma Priyanka Growth and Stress Resilience through Foliar Humic Acid and Potassium Silicate Application

The present research focuses on an important knowledge deficit concerning the foliar reaction of Jamun cv. Goma Priyanka to the application of humic acid (HA) and potassium silicate (KS), emphasizing its growth and physiological functions. Humic acid promotes the production and equilibrium of phytohormones such as auxins and cytokinins, facilitating cell division, elongation, and differentiation, which in turn enhances plant development. The present investigation was carried out at the Fruit Instructional Farm of College of Horticulture and Forestry, Jhalawar, the study underscores the effectiveness of the T15 treatment, which combines potassium silicate and HA at elevated doses, in enhancing leaf relative humidity, chlorophyll content, stress tolerance, and overall plant vitality.

The methodology for calculating the number of teaching staff using economically feasible norms

Purpose: is to develop the methodology for calculating the number of teaching staff based on the integration of the university's educational and economic plans.Methods: the methods of modeling, analysis, generalization, synthesis, grouping, and the method of abstracting an integrated approach are used as the main ones in the article. In addition, following methods were used: scientific sources review, document analysis and observation method based on the university materials, in whose activities the methodology for calculating the number of teaching staff has been implemented through economically justified standards.Results: the focus of the presented research was aimed at increasing the efficiency of financial support for the salaries of teaching staff. Expenses on the teaching staff occupy the largest share in the cost structure and have a significant impact on the financial condition of the university. Therefore, the methodology is proposed for calculating the number of teaching staff based on the integration of the university’s educational and economic plans. The standard for financial support of the state assignment of universities is considered and the author’s algorithm for calculating the number of teaching staff, based on the integration of educational and economic plans of the university, is developed. During the study, 5 main stages of calculating the number of teaching staff were identified, in accordance with which the calculation of the staffing level was carried out using the example of an agricultural university. It has been established that the planned number of teaching staff is lower than the planned staffing level, calculated based on the volume of contact work hours, which makes it possible to encourage universities to restructure their curricula without going beyond funding limits.Conclusons and Relevance:the proposed approach allowed to conduct the calculation of teaching staff in accordance with the curriculum with a standardized volume of financial resources allocated to finance the remuneration of teaching staff of a specific educational program. The author's method for calculating the number of teaching staff, based on the integration of the university's economic and educational plans, could become the tool for increasing economic efficiency.

Effect of Foliar Application of Water Soluble Fertilizer and Humic Acid on Physico-chemical Properties and Fertility Status of Soil after Harvest of Rose

A field experiment on “Effect of foliar application of water soluble fertilizer and humic acid on yield and quality of rosa sp was carried out during Rabi season at PG Research unit, Horticulture Section, College of Agriculture, Nagpur during 2022-2023. The experiment was laid out in Factorial Randomized Block Design. The treatments comprised of four levels of water soluble fertilizer (19:19:19) viz., Control, 200 g, 300 g and 400 g and three levels of humic acid viz., Control, 500 ppm and 750 ppm giving twelve treatment combinations replicated thrice. The collected soil samples were processed and analysed for different soil parameter like soil pH, electrical conductivity, organic carbon, calcium carbonate, available nitrogen, available phosphorus available potassium and available sulphur using standard analytical methods. Results revealed that pH of all the samples of study area was in the neutral to alkaline. Electrical conductivity of all the samples were found normal (<1.0 dsm-1). The organic carbon content of the study area varies from low to medium. The availability of NPK after harvesting was found superior in treatment combination (F4H3), which involved application of 400 g 19:19:19 with 750 ppm humic acid.

Phenological Patterns and the Impact of Seed Burial Depth and Scarification on the Emergence and Growth of Redweed (Melochia corchorifolia)

Abstract Redweed a tropical erect branched herb, is one of the predominant broadleaf weeds affecting upland crops in the Onattukara Sandy Plains, Kerala, India. Experiments were conducted in a screenhouse at the College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India, to determine the effects of seed burial depth and seed scarification on emergence indices and growth attributes of redweed. Scarification stimulated emergence and resulted in greater values for emergence indices and seedling parameters. The seedling emergence of redweed was influenced by seed burial depth. Shallow seed burial (2 cm) of scarified and non-scarified seeds resulted in greater seedling length (70 cm and 58 cm, respectively), seedling biomass (0.72 g and 0.48 g, respectively), emergence percentage (60% and 32%, respectively), and greater values for other emergence indices. As the depth of seed burial increased from 2 cm, emergence and seedling biomass decreased, exhibiting lower values for the emergence indices. Correlation and regression studies revealed that seed burial depth of scarified and non-scarified seeds greater than 2 cm had a negative effect on seedling emergence and biomass of redweed. Weed biology studies indicated that redweed displayed notable consistency in its phenological traits, regardless of the location where the seeds were collected, as little ecotype variability was observed. Emergence occurred in 6 d, 50% flowering in 44 d, capsule formation in 56 d and maturity in 76 d. On average, a single plant produced 277 seeds and had a 100 seed weight of 0.31 g. A stale seedbed with shallow tillage or deep plowing to a depth of 10 cm before sowing can be adopted to reduce the infestation of redweed.

Effect of Recommended and Graded Doses of Biochar with and without ZMB Biofertilizer and Zinc on the Growth Attributes of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

A field experiment was conducted during the Kharif seasons of 2022 and 2023 at the Students' Instructional Farm, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj Ayodhya, to assess the impact of graded doses of biochar, varying fertility levels, and the addition of biofertilizers and zinc on rice cultivation under partially reclaimed sodic soils. Nine treatments were applied, including combinations of recommended doses of fertilizers (RDF), biochar (5 t ha⁻¹ and 2.5 t ha⁻¹), biofertilizer (ZMB), and zinc sulphate (ZnSO₄) in a randomized block design with three replications. The treatments were: T1 (Control), T2 (100% RDF), T3 (50% RDF), T4 (50% RDF + 5 t ha⁻¹ biochar), T5 (50% RDF + 5 t ha⁻¹ biochar + ZMB), T6 (50% RDF + 5 t ha⁻¹ biochar + ZMB + ZnSO₄), T7 (100% RDF + 2.5 t ha⁻¹ biochar), T8 (100% RDF + 2.5 t ha⁻¹ biochar + ZMB), and T9 (100% RDF + 2.5 t ha⁻¹ biochar + ZMB + ZnSO₄). The rice variety NDR 2065 was used as the test crop. Growth parameters such as plant height, dry matter accumulation, root length, root volume, number of tillers, and panicle length were evaluated. The results showed that the treatment T9 (100% RDF + 2.5 t ha⁻¹ biochar + ZMB + ZnSO₄) produced the highest growth and quality parameters, indicating a significant improvement in rice performance. The study suggests combining biochar, biofertilizers, and zinc under reduced fertilizer levels can enhance rice growth and productivity in sodic soils, offering a sustainable approach to soil fertility management.

Diversity of Avifauna in the Campus of Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari, Gujarat, India

Educational institutions are important green spaces which reside diverse species of organisms. In this study, a checklist of bird species was compiled using data collected over seven years (2014-2020) from the campus of Navsari Agricultural University (NAU), Navsari, Gujarat. The study area comprises various habitats including agriculture lands, horticultural orchards, agroforestry plantations, monoculture plantations, biodiversity park, arboretum, grasslands, barren lands and water bodies. A total of 169 bird species belonging to 19 orders, 63 families, and 126 genera were documented throughout the study period. Among the recorded species two (Asian woolly necked stork Ciconia episcopus and Alexandrine Parakeet Psittacula eupatria) are near threatened and three (Greater Spotted Eagle Clanga clanga, Sarus Crane Antigone Antigone and River Tern Sterna aurantia) are vulnerable. Family Muscicapidae was most diverse within study area comprising 12 species. Species feeding on invertebrates were predominant. The substantial species diversity and presence of nesting activity emphasize the importance of university campuses as significant habitat for avian conservation. Present study provides crucial baseline data for further scientific studies on Avifauna of NAU campus.

Evaluation of Organic Inputs Viz., Jeevamruth and Bijamruth on Soil Nutrients and Uptake by Fenugreek Absorption

The present study on the ‘Biochemical evaluation of organic inputs (Jeevamruth and Beejamruth) and their efficacy on Greens’ was conducted at the Department of Sustainable Organic Agriculture, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, with laboratory experiments carried out at the Department of Environmental Science. A field trial was set up in a randomized block design with three replications. Biometric observations were recorded on the 10th, 20th, and 30th days after sowing. Soil samples were collected initially and at harvest, and analyzed for chemical and biological properties. Plant samples were tested for protein and chlorophyll content. The application of Jeevamruth increased soil nutrients (NPK) and organic carbon levels. Liquid organic preparations were found to have higher populations of bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes. The findings suggest that Beejamruth should be applied on the day of preparation, whereas Jeevamruth should be used within 10 to 15 days of preparation. The use of these liquid formulations helps supplement nutrients when biofertilizers are applied.

Effect of Intercrops on the Incidence of Antigastra catalaunalis (Duponchel) (Crambidae: Lepidoptera) Infesting Sesame

A field experiment was conducted at Agronomy Instructional Farm, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar, North Gujarat, India during July to October, 2023 aimed to evaluate the effect of intercrops on the incidence of Antigastra catalaunalis (Duponchel) (Crambidae: Lepidoptera) infesting sesame. The trial was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with seven treatments viz., sesame (sole crop), sesame+black gram, sesame+pearl millet, sesame+cowpea, sesame+sorghum, sesame+cluster bean and sesame+marigold. The six treatments of these different intercrops were compared with sole sesame on the incidence of Antigastra catalaunalis larval population, its web infestation, capsule damage and seed yield. The results of the study revealed that sesame+cowpea treatment was found most effective in terms of reducing the larval population (0.73 larvae plant-1), web infestation (0.42 webs plant-1) and capsule damage (3.42%) due to leaf webber and capsule borer. It was followed by sesame+pearl millet treatment recorded minimum larval population (0.87 larvae plant-1), web infestation (0.52 webs plant-1) and capsule damage (4.00%). These two treatments are found significantly superior and are at par with each other. The highest sesame equivalent yield was obtained from the treatments sesame + marigold (1467 kg ha-1), sesame+pearl millet (892 kg ha-1) and sesame+cowpea (881 kg ha-1), respectively. These intercrops can be utilized for management of leaf webber and capsule borer, A. catalaunalis infesting sesame.

Response of Levels of Nitrogen and Row Spacing on Growth and Leaf Yield of Palak (Beta vulgaris var. bengalensis) var. Arka Anupama

A field experiment was conducted at Horticultural Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, B. A. College of Agriculture, Anand Agricultural University, Anand, with a view to study the response of levels of nitrogen and row spacing on growth and leaf yield of palak (Beta vulgaris var. bengalensis) var. Arka Anupama during Rabi season of the year 2019-20 with factorial randomized block design (FRBD) comprising of three levels of nitrogen viz., 60 kg Nha-1 (N1), 80 kg Nha-1 (N2) and 100 kg Nha-1 (N3) and three row spacing viz., 20 cm (S1), 30 cm (S2) and 40 cm (S3) along with three replications. The study was revealed that the application of Nitrogen 100 kgha-1 (N3) gave maximum shoot length (29.24 cm), maximum number of leaves (13.37), maximum leaf area (91.02 cm2), chlorophyll content SPAD value (37.10), ascorbic acid content (76.47 mg) at first cutting, maximum fresh leaf weight i.e. 57.88, 52.77, 48.23 and 38.33 g and maximum dry leaf weight i.e. 6.50, 6.24, 5.81 and 4.92 g at 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th cutting, respectively and maximum leaf yield per plot (20.90 kg) and per hectare (37.32 t ) while in case of row spacing, S3 (40 cm) gave maximum number of leaves (13.44), maximum leaf area (89.69 cm2) at first cutting, maximum fresh leaf weight i.e. 56.63, 51.92, 46.30 and 36.67 g and maximum dry leaf weight i.e. 6.41, 6.20, 5.82 and 4.75 g at 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th cutting respectively while, maximum number of plants/sq.m at 10 DAS (47.05), shoot length (28.98 cm), green leaf yield per plot (20.68 kg) and per hectare (36.93 t) observed in treatment S1 (20 cm).

Influence of New Generation Plant Growth Regulators and Fruit Bagging on Organoleptic Properties of Guava (Psidium guajava L.) cv. G-27

The current study was performed at the field of Horticulture Research Orchard, Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, RVSKVV, Gwalior (M.P.) during 2022-23 and 2023-24. The main aim of the study was to identify the effect of new generation Plant Growth Regulators and fruit bagging techniques on the organoleptic characteristics (appearance, taste, color, aroma and overall acceptability) of guava fruits. The experiment was laid in Factorial Randomized Block Design comprising of 20 treatment combinations. The individual as well as combined effect of novel PGRs and fruit bagging was studied. Maximum score on various organoleptic characteristics was recorded in treatment P5B3 (Salicylic acid 600 ppm + White polyethylene bag) while the minimum score was attained in P1B1 (control). The experiment shows the possibility of using white polyethylene bags in combination with salicylic acid 600 ppm treatment to improve the organoleptic properties of fruits of Psidium guajava L., maturity while reducing damage from insect pests

Effect of different Transplanting Times on Growth and Yield of Lettuce Variety Great Lakes

Lettuce is the topmost leafy salad vegetable grown in the world. Performance of lettuce varieties varies erratically under different transplanting period. Transplanting time and climatic conditions affect the production and quality of the produce immensely. To study the effect of different transplanting time, an experiment was conducted at college farm of College of Agriculture, Navsari Agricultural University, Waghai, Dang, Gujarat in the year 2023. Experiment was laid out in RBD design with four replications. The experiment was carried out in different transplanting time viz. 3rd week of September (T1), 1st week of October (T2), 3rd week of October (T3), 1st week of November (T4), 3rd week of November (T5) and 1st week of December (T6). Observations were recorded for traits such as plant height, plant spread, leaf length, leaf width, number of leaves per plant, fresh weight of leaf, number of leaf cuttings, yield per plant and total yield per hectare. Results revealed that plant height at 30, 60 and 120 days after transplanting was significantly affected at different transplanting time. Plant spread (697.42 cm2), leaf length (21.75 cm), leaf width (20.75 cm), number of leaf cuttings, yield per plant (371 g) and total yield (14271.30 kg/ha) were significantly higher in 3rd week of October transplanting. Plant height at 90 Days After Transplanting, number of leaves per plant and fresh weight of leaf were found non-significant.

Green Synthesis and Characterization of Fe Nanoparticles Using Neem (Azadirachta indica L.) Leaves

A laboratory study for synthesis and characterization of iron nanoparticles was conducted at laboratory of Department of Nanotechnology and Centre for advanced Research in Plant Tissue Culture, Anand Agricultural University, Anand. The Fe nanoparticle synthesized by green method and subsequently characterized for size (Dynamic Light Scattering), functional group (FTIR) and absorbance spectra (UV-VIS Spectrophotometer). The hydrodynamic average diameter was 22.02 nm, Polydispersity index (Pdi) of 0.248 and Kilo count per second (Kcps) of 228.6 for Fe nanoparticles. The FTIR showed 3219.06 cm−1, 1637.15 cm-1 confirmed presence of Fe nanoparticles. The UV-Visible spectra of the green synthesized Fe nanoparticles found an absorption peak at 256 nm. The FeCl3.6H2O and the neem leaf extract reacted, the color of the reaction mixture quickly changed from yellow to a dark brown color.

Impact of Organic Inputs (Jeevamruth and Beejamruth) on Quality Parameters of Fenugreek

The present study on Biochemical evaluation of organic inputs (Jeevamruth and Beejamruth) and their efficacy on Greens was carried out at the Department of sustainable organic agriculture, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore and the laboratory experiments were carried out at the Department of Environmental Sciences. A field experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with three replications. Biometric observations were taken during 10th, 20th and 30th days after sowing. Soil samples were collected during initial and at the stage of harvest and analysed for chemical and biological properties. Plant samples were analysed for protein and chlorophyll contents. Quality parameters like protein content was found to be high in both treatments Jeevamruth @ 5 % Spray (using Green gram flour) and Jeevamruth @ 5 % Spray (using Green gram +Black gram flour); and the chlorophyll content was high in Jeevamruth @ 5 % Spray (Green gram flour). From the results, the application of Jeevamruth as a 5 % spray was observed as a viable organic approach to improve soil and eco-friendly fenugreek production.

Investigation of nutritional content and aflatoxin B1 in landraces and varieties of Ethiopian groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Aflatoxins, a group of toxic compounds produced by certain Aspergillus species, pose significant health risks due to their strong carcinogenic properties. Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is susceptible to aflatoxin contamination both pre- and post-harvest. This study aimed to investigate the nutritional content and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) levels in various landraces and varieties of Ethiopian groundnut. Groundnut germplasm was collected from three key regions: Gamo zone, Haramaya University (Haramaya), and Werer Agricultural Research Center (Werer). Key parameters, including individual seed weight (ISW), kernel colonization by Aspergillus flavus, total carbohydrates, protein, total free amino acids, and AFB1 content, were analyzed. The results revealed significant variation (P < 0.05) among the landraces and varieties. The groundnut varieties from Haramaya exhibited significantly higher mean ISW. All five varieties from Haramaya showed zero percent kernel colonization by A. flavus, indicating certain level of resistance. Landraces from Gamo zone were found to be rich in total carbohydrates and total free amino acids. AFB1 levels, determined using indirect competitive ELISA, ranged from 1.84 ppb to 6.89 ppb. While four landraces from Gamo, two varieties from Haramaya, and five varieties from Werer met the European Union’s AFB1 safety threshold (2 ppb), the remaining germplasm exceeded this limit, posing health and trade concerns. No relationship was found between nutritional content and AFB1 levels; however, a significant correlation was observed between kernel colonization and AFB1 content, suggesting kernel colonization could serve as a cost-effective proxy for estimating AFB1 contamination in groundnuts.

Impact of Different Rice-based Cropping Systems on Soil Biological Properties and Soil Enzymes under Irrigated Conditions of Eastern Uttar Pradesh, India

A field experiment was planned and conducted during the Rainy (Kharif) and winter (Rabi) seasons of 2021-22 and in the Summer (Zaid) season of 2022 at Agronomy Research Farm, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture &amp; Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya (U.P.) to investigate the impact of different rice-based cropping systems on soil biological properties under irrigated conditions of eastern U.P. The experiment was designed using a randomized block design with three replications and ten treatments. T1 Rice(Oryza sativa L.)-Wheat(Triticum aestivum L.)-Fallow, T2 Rice-Wheat-Green gram(Vigna radiata L.), T3 Rice-French bean(Phaseolus vulgaris L.)-Green gram, T4 Rice-Chickpea(Cicer arietinum L.)-Cowpea(Vigna unguiculata L.), T5 Rice-Mustard (Brassica juncea L.)-Green gram, T6 Rice-Linseed(Linum usitissimum L.)-Black gram(Vigna Mungo L.), T7 Rice-Berseem(Trifolium alexandrium L.)-Sorghum( Sorghum Bicolor L.), T8 Rice-Oat(Avena Sativa L.)-Maize(Zea Mays L.)+Cowpea, T9 Rice-Cauliflower(Brassica Oleracea L.)-Okra(Abelmoschus esculentus L.), T10 Rice-Potato(Solanum tuberosum L.)-Cowpea. The soil of the experimental field was silty loam in texture, soil was slightly alkaline in reaction, low in organic carbon and available nitrogen and medium in available phosphorus and potassium. The growth of bacteria (11.68 x 106 cfu g-1 ), fungi (6.55 x 105 sfu g-1) and actinomycetes (7.15 x 104 cfu g-1) was found to be highest in T10 Rice-Potato-Cowpea cropping system. In this investigation, the microbial population was higher under the treatments in which high doses of nitrogen and crop residues were applied. The activity of dehydrogenase enzyme (153.68 µg TPF g-1 soil day-1), urease (217.33 µg urea g-1 soil hr-1) and alkaline phosphate (163.96 µg p-nitrophenol g-1 hr-1) was found significantly higher in T4 (Rice-chickpea-cowpea) cropping system in comparison with the other cropping system.