Agro-climatic Conditions Research Articles

Investigating the Performance of Different Varieties of Cucumber under Prayagraj Agro-Climatic Condition

Nine cucumber varieties were evaluated at the vegetable research farm Department of Horticulture SHUATS, Prayagraj in randomized block design with three replications during rainy seson September -2022 for growth, yield and fruit qualities. The experimental design was Randomized Block Design consisting of nine treatment with three replications, with a view to evaluate different cultivars of cucumber viz. KH10 GREEN LONG(T1), F999(T2), C4F9(T3), SS95(T4), CUCUMBER GREEN WONDER(T5), BH05(T6), PRIYA BARSATI(T7), ANUPRIYA(T8), GREEN 4 BARSATI(T9). Cucumber Green Wonder gave maximum mean value for fruits per plant (5.20 kg) , fruit weight (174.33 g), fruit yield per plot (39.33 kg), number of node per vine (15.33) yield (42 q) , number of male flower per plant (65.00) , number at which first female flower (5.33) was observed in same varieties , maximum numbers of male flowers per plant in variety Cucumber Green Wonder (65.00) maximum length has been found in Cucumber Green Wonder (151.67) Minimum days were recorded for first Appearance of male flower in KH 10 Green Long (51.67). The variety Green 4 Barsati has taken minimum (48.00) days to first harvesting followed by F999 (53.00). cucumber green wonder was found superior based on overall performance in terms of growth, yield, quality & Economic returns. The highest cost benefit ratio was found for cucumber variety Cucumber Green Wonder under PrayagrajAgroclimate condition.

Optimality and water conservation under non-system and system tank commands of Andhra Pradesh, India

Abstract Indian agriculture relies on irrigation. India's net irrigated area has tripled in 60 years, although tank-irrigated regions suffered a large decline. This study examines the potential for improving tank irrigation performance through linear programming by developing individual optimal plans for two different tank irrigation systems (non-system and system tank) in the Chittoor and Srikakulam districts of Andhra Pradesh, India. The optimal plans under non-system tanks allocated less land under paddy while improving groundnut areas to optimally reorganize resources among head, middle, and tail ends. Net returns were maximized to ₹ 2.63, ₹ 2.52, and ₹ 1.92 lakhs. The system tank optimal plans advised less water-intensive crops like pulses and sesame over sugarcane with maximized net returns of ₹ 5.35, ₹ 2.61, and ₹ 1.71 lakhs. Both physical (kg/m3) and economic water productivity (₹/m3) were highest among optimal crop mix under non-system and system tank command farms. Participatory water management, adoption of less water-intensive crops, and promotion of pressurized technologies were highly recommended in the study area and similar agro-climatic conditions

Historical development, significance and application of marketing in agribusiness

Market conditions in which the agricultural sector does business are continuously changing and developing. The agricultural sector competes with the competition when the only constants in agricultural production are great turbulences of agroclimatic conditions, and permanent changes in the market. Those changes are happening rapidly, which causes oscillations in business results, and it often leads to disappointment and desertion of the agricultural sector, especially by young, mobile, and working people. This chapter aims to offer a concept of modern marketing, so its implementation into the agricultural sector would contribute to more efficient and effective work. Also, it would lead to better results for all partakers of agricultural sectors, especially agricultural producers. Today, the battle for a better and more profitable position of agricultural producers in domestic and foreign markets is unimaginable without applying strategies and tools of modern marketing. To master the competitive advantage and maintain it on the market for a long time is a complicated process for the biggest and richest companies of today. It is especially hard and complex for participants from the agricultural sector because of the countless specificities of agricultural producers, and agricultural production itself. The finding of the review and research is that domestic agricultural producers are the main, but the weakest link in the chain of the agricultural sector. They are faintly, or not at all prone to using marketing management, strategies, and tools of marketing, like market segmentation, targeting, product differentiation, as well as combining elements of the marketing mix in their business activities and their value offer to customers. By doing this, they significantly make their market position more difficult, and they reduce competitiveness on both domestic and foreign markets of agricultural products, or in a broader sense, the whole agricultural sector. The most current trends of modern marketing practice are represented in this review, together with solutions for their implementation into the agricultural sector.

Growth and Reproductive Performance of Kadaknath Chicken Reared under Deep Litter System in the Hill Ecosystem of Meghalaya, India

The Kadaknath is important native chicken breed in India. The present study was undertaken with the objective to evaluate the performance of Kadaknath chicken under deep litter system in agro-climatic condition of Meghalaya to check for its adaptability in the hill ecosystem. The study was conducted at Poultry Farm, Indian Council of Agricultural Research ( ICAR)Complex for North Eastern Hill (NEH) Region, Umiam, India. A total of 300 Kadaknath parent stock chicks were procured from Directorate of Poultry Research (DPR), Hyderabad, India. The chicks were reared upto 72nd weeks to check their production performance viz., Average weekly body weight (gm), body weight gain (gm), feed intake (gm) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Egg production traits and reproductive performances were also recorded upto 72 weeks of rearing. The result reveals that the average body weight of day old Kadaknath chicks was about 27.05±0.32 gm. At 4th week of age, the average body weight was 117.37±2.69 gm andat 8th week of age, about 250.34±2.51 gm. In terms of average body weight gain (gm), it was found that the overall body weight gain from 0-8 weeks of age was 223.29±14.39 gm. The total feed consumption was about 771.43±1.94 gm upto 8th weeks of rearing. The FCR from 0-8 weeks of age was 3.56. The mortality rate of kadaknath chicks was observed to be about 5.00 % and 0.67 % during 0-4 and 4-8 weeks of age respectively. In conclusion, the Kadaknath chicken is adapted well to the hill ecosystem of Meghalaya.

Stability of grain zinc concentrations across lowland rice environments favors zinc biofortification breeding.

One-third of the human population consumes insufficient zinc (Zn) to sustain a healthy life. Zn deficiency can be relieved by increasing the Zn concentration ([Zn]) in staple food crops through biofortification breeding. Rice is a poor source of Zn, and in countries predominantly relying on rice without sufficient dietary diversification, such as Madagascar, Zn biofortification is a priority. Multi-environmental trials were performed in Madagascar over two years, 2019 and 2020, to screen a total of 28 genotypes including local and imported germplasm. The trials were conducted in the highlands of Ankazomiriotra, Anjiro, and Behenji and in Morovoay, a location representative of the coastal ecosystem. Contributions of genotype (G), environment (E), and G by E interactions (GEIs) were investigated. The grain [Zn] of local Malagasy rice varieties was similar to the internationally established grain [Zn] baseline of 18-20 μg/g for brown rice. While several imported breeding lines reached 50% of our breeding target set at +12 μg/g, only few met farmers' appreciation criteria. Levels of grain [Zn] were stable across E. The G effects accounted for a main fraction of the variation, 76% to 83% of the variation for year 1 and year 2 trials, respectively, while GEI effects were comparatively small, contributing 23% to 9%. This contrasted with dominant E and GEI effects for grain yield. Our results indicate that local varieties tested contained insufficient Zn to alleviate Zn malnutrition, and developing new Zn-biofortified varieties should therefore be a priority. GGE analysis did not distinguish mega-environments for grain [Zn], whereas at least three mega-environments existed for grain yield, differentiated by the presence of limiting environmental conditions and responsiveness to improved soil fertility. Our main conclusion reveals that grain [Zn] seems to be under strong genetic control in the agro-climatic conditions of Madagascar. We could identify several interesting genotypes as potential donors for the breeding program, among those BF156, with a relatively stable grain [Zn] (AMMI stability value (ASV) = 0.89) reaching our target (>26 μg/g). While selection for grain yield, general adaptation, and farmers' appreciation would have to rely on multi-environment testing, selection for grain [Zn] could be centralized in earlier generations.

Assessment of Different Okra Varieties for Yield, Quality and, Economical Feasibility Cultivated in the Hadoti Region of South-East Rajasthan, India

The study focuses on the cultivation of okra, a prominent Indian vegetable with significance in both export and family consumption. Emphasizing the potential for increased okra production through the selection of high-yielding varieties, the research specifically targets the Hadoti region, aiming to identify varieties suitable for its agro-climatic conditions. The lack of such screening in the region prompted the study. The trial was conducted during the summer of 2022 and 2023 at the Instructional Farm of Career Point University, Kota, Rajasthan and the research evaluated 12 okra varieties using a randomized block design with three replications. The analysis of variance revealed significant differences among all varieties for various traits, including yield, quality and economical feasibility. The study underscores the presence of a substantial varietal effect, offering insights into optimizing okra cultivation in the Southeast climatic conditions of Rajasthan's Hadoti region. The results showed the presence of a significant varietal effect. However, the present study demonstrated the superiority of Punjab Selection variety over other varieties in terms of maximum mean fruit length (13.07 cm), fruit diameter (3.77 cm) and fruit weight (15.56 g), minimum mean titratable acidity (0.22%), maximum TSS (3.18 °B), ascorbic acid (19.64 mg/100g) and mucilage content (0.91%), maximum mean fruit yield per plant (0.53 kg), fruit yield per plot (11.68 kg) and fruit yield per hectare (124.30 q). However, the net return of Rs. 248575 Rs./ha and 249325 Rs./ha along with benefit-cost ratio 5.02 and 5.05 in 2022 and 2023 respectively was also obtained from okra variety Punjab Selection.

Effect of Drip Fertigation on Growth and Quality Parameters of Summer Pearlmillet under North Gujarat Agro-climatic Condition

A field experiment was conducted during the two consecutive summer seasons of 2021 and 2022 at Agronomy Instructional Farm, Chimanbhai Patel College of Agriculture, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar to asses the effect of drip fertigation on growth and quality parameters of summer pearlmillet under North Gujarat condition. There were 18 treatment combinations comprising two irrigation intervals viz., One and Two days interval; three moisture regimes viz., 100, 80 and 60% ETc in the main plot and three levels of N fertigation viz., 100, 80 and 60% RDN in sub-plot were tested in split plot design with three replications. The pooled results of irrigation interval, moisture regime and fertigation practice show that application of irrigation at alternate day under 100% ETc along with 100% RDN through drip fertigation had a significant effect on crop growth, yield and yield contributing characters and quality parameters and their values were significantly higher than other irrigation interval, drip irrigation regimes and fertigation levels. It also uptake significantly higher nitrogen and phosphorus in grain and straw of pearlmillet raised during summer season.

Physicochemical Characterisation of Seeds, Oil and Defatted Cake of Three Hempseed Varieties Cultivated in Spain.

The increasing use of hempseed in food products highlights the need for a comprehensive database for scientific research and industrial applications. In food development, information about the techno-functional properties of raw materials plays a crucial role in determining the suitability of each product for specific applications. Thus, this study aims to characterise three hempseed varieties (Ferimon, Henola and Uso-31), comparing their physicochemical and nutritional compositions. Moreover, the study investigates the impact of hempseed varieties on the techno-functional, physical and thermal properties of the partially defatted hempseed flours (PDHFs) obtained from single screw pressing (SSP) oil extraction. The fatty acid and tocopherol profiles of the dehulled seeds and oil were also analysed. Significant variations in yield and physical properties were observed among hempseed varieties, influenced by genetics, adaptation to agro-climatic conditions and cultivation systems. Despite its lower yield (kg/ha), Uso-31 exhibited superior 1000-seed weight, dehulling yield and larger mean seed size (1.79 ± 0.02 mm). Hempseed oil was rich in unsaturated fatty acids, particularly linoleic (51.2-53.4 g/100 g oil) and α-linolenic (14.88-18.97 g/100 oil) acids, showing variations in γ- and α-tocopherols depending on the variety. The variety also influenced the least gelation concentration (LGC) and techno-functional properties such as water absorption capacity (WAC), emulsifying activity (EA) and emulsion stability (ES). SDS-PAGE and DSC measurements indicated the presence of 11S and 7S globulin proteins with denaturation temperatures above 87.8 °C. These findings confirm that the studied hempseed flours are valuable techno-functional and nutritional ingredients suitable for sustainable food formulations.

Fitting a numerical model for the analysis of wet bulb dimensions by drip irrigation

Drip irrigation is globally acknowledged as the most efficient system. However, the concept of "efficiency" relies on irrigation cultural practices, local agro-climatic conditions, and soil characteristics. In Uruguay, the absence of accurate wet bulb shape prediction often leads to common over-irrigation practices. Consequently, water loss through deep percolation, groundwater contamination, reduced crop yields, higher energy expenditure, and elevated fertilizer usage introduce uncertainties about the true efficiency of drip irrigation. The primary objective of this study is to develop a methodology for estimating wet bulb dimensions and their dynamics under drip irrigation. To achieve this, an experiment was conducted using a lysimeter containing representative soil from southern Uruguay. Alfalfa was irrigated using a central dripper with varying application times and flow rates. The lysimeter was equipped with tensiometers, and moisture observations were made with a neutron probe. The collected data were used to calibrate a numerical model implemented in the Code Bright program (UPC, Barcelona, Spain). The model exhibited a good fit in the upper strata (h<60cm), and revealed a deeper and thinner bulb compared to estimates found in the literature for soils of similar texture. This model, accurately computing the wet bulb's shape in heavy and stratified soils in Uruguay, allows simulations of various irrigation scenarios. Consequently, this work holds great potential for improving the efficiency of drip irrigation in the region.

Millet and Its Significance on the Eve of International Year of Millets 2023: Culture, Consumption and Conservation Karnataka, India

This study was performed to learn what millet is and its significance on the eve of the International Year of Millets 2023 for high school students in Karnataka. The present study was considered essential to know about the perception of the Millennium Year celebration and to gain knowledge about why it is a prerequisite in our society, culture, nutrition, health, and food security. We selected different agro-climatic conditions in Karnataka state, like Shivamogga, Tumkur, Hassan, Mandya, Dharwad, and Chikkamagaluru districts. Where millet growing and consumption have been common since time immemorial, the present status is different. We involved 1095 students from 23 schools, 46 teachers who physically participated in the survey, and the participants' family members, 3285 grandparents and 2190 parents, who supported the students in debating for the information. The data were analyzed quantitatively by descriptive statistics and qualitatively by Pearson’s rank correlation. The findings revealed that most students do not know what millet is, and many do not hear of their name, their local name, or their importance as food, fodder, or health benefits. The majority of the students lack knowledge about millet, which is directly linked to their non-consumption of millet at home and in hotels. Why so much information and knowledge are not in the textbook is also one of the drawbacks of our system, as has been mentioned by the majority of the teachers. The only millets' knowledge bank is their elders (grandparents and parents). Our attempt to bridge the gap helped the students, parents, and teachers know what millet really is and why celebration matters to all, especially next-generation citizens (students), to know and act for their responsibility in food security in their region.

Economics of vermi-composting of cattle dung, sheep manure and poultry litter under temperate agro-climatic conditions of Kashmir valley

Economics of vermi-composting of cattle dung, sheep manure and poultry litter under temperate agro-climatic conditions of Kashmir valley

Genomic analysis of Nigerian indigenous chickens reveals their genetic diversity and adaptation to heat-stress

Indigenous poultry breeds from Africa can survive in harsh tropical environments (such as long arid seasons, excessive rain and humidity, and extreme heat) and are resilient to disease challenges, but they are not productive compared to their commercial counterparts. Their adaptive characteristics are in response to natural selection or to artificial selection for production traits that have left selection signatures in the genome. Identifying these signatures of positive selection can provide insight into the genetic bases of tropical adaptations observed in indigenous poultry and thereby help to develop robust and high-performing breeds for extreme tropical climates. Here, we present the first large-scale whole-genome sequencing analysis of Nigerian indigenous chickens from different agro-climatic conditions, investigating their genetic diversity and adaptation to tropical hot climates (extreme arid and extreme humid conditions). The study shows a large extant genetic diversity but low level of population differentiation. Using different selection signature analyses, several candidate genes for adaptation were detected, especially in relation to thermotolerance and immune response (e.g., cytochrome P450 2B4-like, TSHR, HSF1, CDC37, SFTPB, HIF3A, SLC44A2, and ILF3 genes). These results have important implications for conserving valuable genetic resources and breeding improvement of chickens for thermotolerance.

The effect of climate index on growth values from birth to breeding in Akkaraman sheep.

Under specific agroclimatic conditions, growth is an adaptability parameter resulting in reduced performance with decreasing animal comfort of a sheep breed. In this study, a total of 1011 lambs' live weights (LW) and average daily weight gains (ADG) in 16 different farms between 2018 and 2020 (birth to 18 months) were determined in Akkaraman herds raised in Çankırı Province of Turkey. Comprehensive Climate Index (CCI) was examined to determine the effect of climate. Thermal comfort limits in CCI values were classified as CCI-1.cold (≤ 5 ℃), CCI-2.comfort (5-25 ℃), and CCI-3.warm (≥ 25 ℃). The climatic values that all lambs examined were exposed to according to index value groups in periods from birth to 18 months of age were prepared daily. The lambs were exposed to comfort environment in the majority of the days in the MP0-3 (77.7%) and MP12-18 (50.1%) periods. The lambs mostly in the MP3-6 period (72.2%) were above the warm stress threshold, but in the MP6-12 period, 54.7% were above the cold stress threshold. Overall mean LW of lambs at birth, at 3, 6, 12, and 18 months were 4.29 kg, 35.1 kg, 39.1 kg, 45.4 kg, and 52.6 kg, while the ADG values between birth-3 months, 3-6 months, 6-12 months, and 12-18 months were 341.8 g, 54.5 g, 42.9 g, and 56.8 g respectively. Periodically, CCI values were realized as 10-15, 25-30, and 18-22 in the growth periods of 0-3, 3-6, and 12-18 months, respectively, and ADG values of the lambs were found to be similar within their own periods. However, when the CCI values of the lambs increase to 5 and above in the 06-12-month period, there is a decrease in their live weight. As a result, climatic index values did not have a negative effect on the growth and development values of lambs in cold conditions in general, but warm conditions affected the animals negatively.

Assessment of pharmacological activities of specialized metabolites of Withania somnifera (L.)

Withania somnifera is a revered herb in the Indian medicinal system due to the presence of pharmacologically bioactive compounds. The roots and leaves of Ashwagandha contain various phytochemicals like phenols, flavonoids, quinones, steroids, etc. These phytochemicals are distributed among various tissues of this plant in varying concentrations. Since location and environmental factors (biotic and abiotic) play a key role in the biosynthesis of bioactive metabolites, the agro-climatic conditions are conducive to introducing and domesticating new exotic plant varieties with enhanced phytochemicals and withanolide contents. The present study focuses on the assessment of these bioactive compounds in different commercially available varieties for the cultivation of elite germplasm from the perspective of hill agriculture and sustainable development.In the study, total phenols were found to be highest in Jawahar-20 root, i.e., 82.714 mg/g (DW), followed by Poshita root, i.e., 64.02 mg/g (DW), while the least was found in Pratap leaf, i.e., 2.33 mg/g (DW). The concentration of total flavonoids varied significantly (p ≤ 0.05) from 1.98 ± 0.0.01 to 80.735 ± 4.33 mg QE/g (DW). Total flavonoids were found to be highest in Jawahar-20 root, i.e., 80.735 mg/g (DW), followed by Poshita leaf, i.e., 60.02 mg/g (DW), and least in Nimithli stem, i.e., 1.98 mg/g (DW). The total tannin content varied significantly (p ≤ 0.05) among the five varieties of Withania somnifera under the present study. The concentration of total tannin varied significantly (p ≤ 0.05) from 0.691 ± 0.51 to 36.09 ± 0.61 mg TAE/g (DW). Tannins were found to be highest in Jawahar-20 root, i.e., 36.09 mg/g (DW), followed by Poshita root, i.e., 29.287 mg/g (DW), while the least was found to be in Pratap seed, i.e., 0.682 mg/g (DW). Ortho-dihydroxy phenol was found to be highest in Jawahar-20 leaf, i.e., 40.081 mg/g (DW), followed by Jawahar-20 root, 19.31 mg/g (DW), and Poshita leaf, i.e., 19.02 mg/g (DW). Both recorded the same, and the least was found in Nimithli leaf, i.e., 0.95 mg/g (DW). Total antioxidant capacity was found to be highest in Jawahar-20 leaf, i.e., 16.70 mg/g (DW), followed by Jawahar-20 leaf, i.e., 11.51 mg/g (DW), and Poshita leaf, i.e., 11.31 mg/g (DW), both of which recorded the same almost least in Pratap leaf, i.e., 0.257 mg/g (DW). The DPPH activity was found to be highest in Poshita root, i.e., 92.39 at 1000 μg concentration, which was very near the ascorbic acid, i.e., 98.9 (a natural antioxidant), followed by Pratap leaf, i.e., 88.04, and least in Nimithli root, i.e., 58.36. The IC50 value of Pratap leaf was the least, i.e., 369.42, followed by Jawahar-20 stem, i.e., 370.32, and the highest IC50 value was found in Nimithli root, i.e., 877.22. The reducing power of five different varieties increased with increasing concentration. The varieties differed w.r.t. their total reducing power activity, i.e., the reducing power activity was highest in Poshita stem with an R2 value of 0.992, followed by Poshita root with an R2 value of 0.982, and least in Pratap seed with an R2 value of 0.565. Thus, Jawahar-20 and Poshita not only recorded higher phytochemicals but also withanolide A and withaferin A.

Effect of plastic mulch and strip tillage on soil hydrothermal characteristics and potato cultivation in the Bogura district of Bangladesh

AbstractFuture periods with limited water resources in Bangladesh will need the use of effective water‐saving technology, such as mulching, to increase potato production in a sustainable way. This study investigated the effect of plastic mulch on soil hydrothermal status and its consequent effect on potato production over 2 years in field experiments in Bogura, Bangladesh. We cultivated potato under four treatments: two coloured (black and blue) plastic mulches, strip tillage and no mulch. The black plastic mulch raised the soil temperature by 1.2–2.4°C in the early growth stages and by 0.4–1.2°C in the later growth stages compared to the no‐mulch treatment. This mulch raised soil moisture by 5.1–15.9% and reduced weed growth by 91% compared to no mulch. The nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium contents of the soil were significantly higher under the mulching treatments compared to no mulch. When compared to the blue and no‐mulch treatments, black mulch provided 31–34% and 45–48% more tuber yield of potato, respectively, which significantly improved the economic benefits under mulching treatments. Black plastic mulch is therefore suggested as a workable adaptation approach to increase potato production under limited water resources in northern Bangladesh and elsewhere with similar agroclimatic conditions.

Evaluation of Different Genotypes of Ridge Gourd for Better Growth, Yield and Quality under Prayagraj Agro-Climatic Conditions

Ridge gourd, scientifically known as Luffa acutangula, is a tropical vine that belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family. It is commonly grown for its young and tender fruits, which are used as a vegetable in cooking. It is known by various names, including Kalitori, angled gourd, angled loofah, silky gourd, and ribbed gourd. Ridge gourd has a chromosome number of 2n = 26. This versatile vegetable can be incorporated into a wide range of dishes, such as stir-fries, curries, soups, and stews, thanks to its mild and slightly sweet flavor. In the Kharif season of 2022. a study was conducted at the Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, to assess the performance of different ridge gourd genotypes under the local agro-climatic conditions. The experiment followed a Randomized Block Design and involved nine genotypes with three replications each. The genotypes included G1 (IET 2021/RIGHYB-1), G2 (IET 2021/RIGHYB-2), G3 (IET 2021/RIGHYB-3), G4 (IET 2021/RIGHYB-4), G5 (IET 2021/RIGHYB-5), G6 (IET 2021/RIGHYB-6), G7 (IET 2021/RIGHYB-7), G8 (Dharidar-8), and G9 (Jaipuri Long-9).Based on the results of the experiment, it was determined that the genotype IET 2021/RIGHYB-5 exhibited the best performance in terms of growth parameters, such as vine length (222.10 cm) and early maturity, with the first fruit ready for picking in 60.00 days. It also excelled in yield parameters, including fruit length (25.03 cm), fruit diameter (5.65 cm), and fruit yield per plant (1528.31 g/plant). Additionally, IET 2021/RIGHYB-7 demonstrated outstanding performance in quality parameters, including Total Soluble Solids (TSS) at 4.23°Brix and Vitamin C content at 2.05 mg/100g.

Enhancement the Quality and Productivity of Canola (Brassica napus L.) Using Some Bio Stimulant Applications under Saline Soil Conditions

Salinity is one of the most serious and significant challenges facing the agricultural sector. It directly damages soil irrecoverably and negatively affects the quality and productivity of many crops. Priming is a process of seeds treatment with a rapid soaking with drying the seeds before setting, using for regulating the germination process by managing and regulating the temperature and seed moisture content. Priming involves advancing the seed to enable fast and uniform emergence. Once, field’s condition (temperature and moisture) is appropriate, germination occurs in a much shorter time. Several benefits to seed priming, and they include: faster speed of emergence, enables seed to germinate and emerge even under adverse agro-climatic conditions, improves uniformity to optimize harvesting efficiency, increases vigor for fast and strong plant development and increases yield potential. Hence, how to use priming is still a challenge that remains to be solved. This experiment was carried out in two winter seasons 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 at Tag El-Ezz Research Station ARC in Egypt, using canola (Brassica napus L.) var. Serw 4 with adding two potassium humate treatments (zero as control and 2 kg.fed-1) as main plots, two selenium applying methods (priming and foliar) as sub main plot and four rates of selenium application (zero as control, 1.5, 3.0 and 4.5 ppm) as sub sub-plots and their interactions on canola plant growth, yield and yield components. Some chemical composition and oil percentages in canola seeds were analyzed. After harvest, soil's available N, P and K were determined. Results could be summarized as follow: Humate applied at 2 kg. fed-1 increased chlorophyl (a+b) by 3.84%, yield by 8.65% and oil content by 1.76% comparing with the control. Humate application alleviates adverse effect of salinity stress and maximize oil yield comparing with without humate application. Priming is more effective than foliar application. Selenium application at 1.5 ppm is the superior rate followed by 3.0 ppm, control and 4.5 ppm at the least. The interactions between humate and Canola seed priming in 1.5 ppm selenium mitigate the harmful effect of soil salinity on Canola and increased yield, productivity and quality.

Financial losses due to fumonisin contamination in the Texas High Plains maize

Fumonisins are one of the main problems affecting maize production in the Texas High Plains (THP), where its agroclimatic conditions make it a perennial hotspot for mycotoxin contamination. In 2017, a fumonisin outbreak in the THP maize motivated stakeholders’ request to repeal a subsection of the Texas Administrative Code, §61.61(a)(7) (Fumonisin Rule), and its related Texas Feed Industry Memorandum (Memo 5–20), which previously permitted the blending of maize containing high fumonisin levels with maize containing ≥ 5 mg/kg under state authority, and pivot to FDA fumonisin guidance. Shortly after, the USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA's) reintroduced Discount Factors (DFs) in annual Special Provisions (SP) that outline price reductions related to fumonisin contamination in maize. In this research, we estimate the potential economic burden posed by these changes through a two-part approach. In part one, we construct a decision model that explores the final disposition of fumonisin-contaminated maize based on blending permissions, fumonisin levels, and crop insurance status. In part two, we estimate the economic impact by inserting output values of the decision model into financial equations that consider testing costs, transportation fees, and discounts from crop insurance and grain elevators when applicable. Our economic analysis projects that the financial losses during a THP crop year with high fumonisin levels could range from $15.1 to $135.5 million without the option to blend under conditions of the revised RMA discount schedule. Findings further highlight crop insurance as the most promising risk management strategy for farmers in areas susceptible to fumonisin contamination.

Оценка влияния органоминеральных удобрений на формирование урожая картофеля

The results of field experiments on potatoes conducted in 2023 on the experimental fields of the Agrobiotechnopark of the Kazan State Agrarian University are presented. The purpose of the research was to evaluate the impact of the use of foliar application of experimental liquid organomineral fertilizers on the formation of the yield and quality of potato tubers. The objectives of the research included studying the nature of changes in the phytosanitary condition, yield and starch content in potato tubers when using a liquid organomineral fertilizer based on humic substances and food industry waste developed at Kazan State Agrarian University. The object of research was the Red Scarlet potato variety. Biosok was used as a standard humic fertilizer. The treatment was carried out in the budding phase - the beginning of flowering with a working fluid consumption of 300 l/ha. The drugs were used individually and as part of a tank mixture. The studies were carried out on gray forest highly cultivated soil. The agroclimatic conditions of the growing season in 2023 were characterized by periodically severe drought phenomena, which negatively affected the growth and development of potato plants. It was established that treatment of potato plantings with experimental organomineral fertilizer contributed to an increase in the number of tubers and their mass formed in one bush. The largest increase (by 3.2 t/ha to the control) in potato yield was obtained when using an experimental fertilizer with a consumption rate of 0.5 l/ha. When using foliar application of organomineral fertilizer, the infection of tubers of the new crop with dry rot and common scab significantly decreased. Due to the use of experimental fertilizer, there was an increase in the marketability of tubers and an increase in the starch content in them, which is important for industrial potato growing.

Phenotypic and Quantative Characterization of Ber (Ziziphus mauritiana Lamk.) Germplasm under Eastern Region of Uttar Pradesh, India

Eastern region of Uttar Pradesh is very rich in biodiversity for ber but still less harnessed. The agro-climatic conditions of eastern region do have great potential for its commercial cultivation. Keeping these in view, fruit sample with shoot were collected from fourty genotypes of ber in diverse areas of eastern region of Uttar Pradesh and analysed for various physiological attributes and results of study shows a wide range of variability in morphological and quantitative parameters. Among the parameters leaf shape of different genotypes show a wide variation and mainly Cordate, Oval, Obovate and Elliptic shape are found. The stone shape recorded showed Obtuse, acute, oblong, showed round stone shaped. Among the quantitative variability of different genotypes stone weight (0.56 g to 1.58 g), stem girth (25.90 cm to 62.63 cm) and hight of tree (3.43 m to 5.50 m) varivility was also recorded. Therefore, on the basis of morphological and quantitative attributes, genotypes–7,14,15, 18, 21and 30 were screened as promising genotypes can be recommended for commercial multiplication, growing at farmer’s field and conservation in the field gene bank for further evaluation and crop improvement.