Agronomic Research Research Articles

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 & 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.

Thermal and packaging materials for enhancing the longevity and aroma integrity of fragrant rice during storage

Due to improper storage methods, a few months after storage the grain quality has gone to deteriorate. Retention of aroma for long time is the main bottleneck on the storage program of aromatic rice in Bangladesh. From this perspective the experiment was conducted at Agronomy Research Field and consecutively at Agronomy Laboratory of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka-1207 during the months from June 15 to November 25, 2022 (Aman season, a rice growing season) to evaluate the performance of storage temperature and packaging materials on aromatic rice. The experiment comprised three factors viz., factor:1; Two storage temperature (S1= Cold storage: 4 °C ± 1°C and S2= At room temperature: 25 ± 2 °C); factor:2; Three packaging materials (P1- Vacuum plastic bags, P2- Polythene bags and P3- Jute gunny bags); factor:3; Two aromatic rice varieties (V1= Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) dhan34 and V2= Tulshimala). The study was conducted as a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replications. The results revealed that the apparent amylose content, fat acidity and 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (2-AP) content of aromatic rice grain was significantly impacted by storage temperature and/or packaging materials and/or variety. When examining apparent amylose content; among the 12 treatments combination S1P1V1 treatment exhibited the highest (24.02 % and 23.12 %, respectively) amylose content at both 3 and 6 months after storage which was statistically (p≤0.05 and p≤0.01, respectively) similar with S1P2V1 (23.92% and 23.07%, respectively) treatment; while, the lowest amylose content was found in S2P3V1 and S2P3V2 treatments. Regarding fat acidity, at both 3 and 6 month after storage, the S1P1V1 treatment demonstrated a lower (7.010 mg 100g-1 and 8.220 mg 100g-1, respectively) fat acidity value compared to other treatment combination, and a statistical (p≤0.01 and p≤0.05, respectively) similarity with S1P2V1 (7.210 mg 100g-1 and 8.590 mg 100g-1, respectively) treatment, while the S2P3V1 and S2P3V2 treatments showed a statistical higher fat acidity value. In terms of grain 2- AP content, at first 3 and 6 months after storage the S1P1V1 treatment showed a higher (0.1230 μg g-1 and 0.0950 μg g-1, respectively) 2-AP content of grain compared to other treatment combination, which was statistically (p≤0.01 and p≤0.01, respectively) similar with S1P2V1 (0.1240 μg g-1 and 0.0910 μg g-1, respectively) treatment, while the lowest 2-AP content was found in S2P3V1 and S2P3V2 treatments.

Effect of Sulphur and Zinc application on Growth and Nutrient uptake by Gobhi Sarson (Brassica napus L.) under Central Plain Region of Punjab, India

Background: Zinc (Zn) and Sulphur (S) play critical roles in enhancing plant growth, nutrient uptake and productivity. Despite their importance, there is limited understanding of their combined impact under field conditions in Punjab, India. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of varying levels of zinc and sulphur application on growth, chlorophyll content and nutrient uptake in plants to optimize their agricultural use. Methods: A two-year field experiment (2022–2023 and 2023–2024) was conducted at the Agronomy Research Field, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, India. The experimental design included four zinc application treatmentsviz., Z0-Control, Z1-1 appl. (one spray @ 15 DAS), Z2-2 appl. (two spray @ 15 + 45 DAS) and Z3-3 appl. (three spray @ 15 + 45 + 75 DAS) and four sulphur application treatments viz., S0-Control, S1 (10 kg ha-1), S2 (20 kg ha-1) and S3 (30 kg ha-1). The plant height (cm), fresh weight (g), dry weight(g), number of leaf/plant, chlorophyll content (mg/g), number of primary leaf and number of secondary leaf was recorded maximum under Z3-3 appl. (three spray @ 15 + 45 + 75 DAS) and which was at par with Z2-2 appl. (two spray @ 15 + 45 DAS) and similar trend were also found in N, P, K, S and Zn uptake by stover and seed. Result: In sulphur levels highest plant height (cm), fresh weight (g), dry weight(g), number of leaf/plant, chlorophyll content (mg/g), number of primary leaf and number of secondary leaf, N, P, K, S and Zn uptake by stover and seed were found under S3 (30 kg ha-1). These findings highlight the synergistic effect of higher zinc and sulphur applications on plant growth and productivity.

Application of Sulphur and Foliar Zinc at Different Growth Stages to Boost the Quality and Yield of Gobhi Sarson (Brassica napus L.) under Central Plain Region of Punjab, India

Background: A key element for the growth of oilseed crops is sulphur. It is required for the synthesis of vitamins, oilsand proteins. Compared to the organic form, inorganic sulphur is less common in agricultural soils. Zinc contributes significantly to the regulatory cofactors of many enzymes and proteins in many biochemical processes, which can aid in the oilseed crop’s high production. By 2025, there will be a 63% increase in Zn deficiency, up from 42% in 1970. Methods: A field experiment was conducted for two years (2022-2023 and 2023–2024) at Agronomy Research Field, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, India, which comprises four zinc application (Dose @ 1.5 ml L-1) treatments viz., Z0-Control, Z1-1 appl. (one spray @ 15 DAS), Z2-2 appl. (two spray @ 15+45 DAS) and Z3-3 appl. (three spray @ 15+45+75 DAS)and four sulphur application treatments viz., S0-Control, S1 (10 kg ha-1), S2 (20 kg ha-1) and S3 (30 kg ha-1). Result: The seed yield, stover yield, biological yield, harvest index, oil content and oil yield of gobhi sarson were studied. The application of zinc and sulphur had significant effect on seed yield, stover yield, biological yield, oil content and oil yield. The maximum seed yield (2752 kg ha-1), stover yield (6841 kg ha-1), biological yield (9593 kg ha-1), oil yield (1112.40 kg ha-1) recorded under Z3-3 appl. (three spray @ 15+45+75 DAS) + S3 (30 kg ha-1) in comparison to other treatments. Application of sulphur 30 kg ha-1 recorded highest oil content and oil yield (40.25%, 962.32 kg ha-1) in comparison to S2-20 kg ha-1 (40.09%, 921.25 kg ha-1), S1-10 kg ha-1 (38.18%, 802.17 kg ha-1), S0-Control (36.21%, 689.17 kg ha-1.

Effect of Different Weed Management Practices on Growth and Economics of Green Gram (Vigna radiata L.) under the Medium Land Situation of Manipur

Background: Green gram is one of the oldest and third-most significant traditional pulse crop grown in India. Green gram growthand economics are mostly hampered by weeds, however these effects can be reduced by using appropriate weed control techniques. Methods: A field experiment entitled “Growth, yield and nutrient uptake of green gram (Vigna radiata L.) as influenced by weed management practices under medium land situation on manipur” was conducted at Agronomy Research Farm, College of Agriculture, Central Agricultural University, Imphal, Manipur during Kharif season 2023-24. The experiment was consist of Nine treatments in randomized block design (RBD) replicated thrice. Result: The result revealed that T8: hand weeding at 20 and 35 DAS recorded higher growth parameters like plant height, fresh and dry weight of plant, number of nodules plant-1, fresh and dry weight of nodules plant-1 leaf area index (LAI), crop growth rate (CGR), relative growth rate (RGR) and net assimilation rate (NAR) which was statically at par with T4: Oxyflurofen @ 150 g/ha (PE-2DAS) + Hand weeding (35 DAS). While, maximum net return (104373.98) and B: C ratio (2.22) was found under the treatment T4 (Oxyflurofen @ 150 g ha-1 (PE- 2 DAS) + Hand weeding 35 DAS).

Impacts of Calotropis and Azadirachta Green Leaf Manure and Bio Decomposer on Growth and Yield of Lentil

A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of integrated nitrogen management on growth and yield of lentil (Lens culinaris Madik.) at Agronomic Research Farm, R. S. M. (P. G.) College, Dhampur (Bijnor) during the Rabi season 2023. The experiment was laid down in a randomized block design having seven treatments i.e. Control, RDN (80% N) + Calotropis gigantea green leaf manuring (GLM) (20% N), RDN (80% N) + Neem GLM (20% N), RDN (80% N) + Calotropis gigantea GLM (20% N) + waste decomposer soil application (WDSA), RDN (80% N) + Neem GLM (20% N) + WDSA, RDN (80% N) + Calotropis gigantea leaf Cutting (20% N) dipped in waste decomposer (WD) solution, RDN (80% N) + Neem leaf Cutting (20% N) dipped in WD solution) and replicated three times. Significant increase in growth characters (plant height and fresh weight), yield contributing character (number of pods) and yields (grain yield and straw yield) was observed with integrated nitrogen management over control. Moreover, among integrated nitrogen management treatments, the integration of RDN (80% N) + Neem leaf Cutting (20% N) dipped in WD solution) came out to be best for growth parameters, yield attribute and yield. It is concluded from the experiment that RDN (80% N) + Neem leaf Cutting (20% N) dipped in WD solution is the most effective treatment for enhancing lentil production under Dhampur conditions. Recommendation of this findings would allow Lentil farmers to save money which otherwise would be spent on nitrogenous fertilizer.

Unearthing the Impact of Diverse Nutrient Sources on Soil Quality in Transplanted Rice in Eastern U.P., India

A field experiment was conducted at Agronomy Research Farm, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture & Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya (U.P.) during Kharif season 2022 to assess the effect of different nutrient sources on physico-chemical properties of randomized block design and replicated three times with seven treatment combinations in rice crop. The treatment combinations were T1:-Control, T2:-100% RDF, T3:-75% RDF + 25% N through Vermicompost+ Jeevamrit application at 30 DAT (Days after transplanting),T4:-75% RDF+25%N through FYM+ Jeevamrit application at 30 DAT, T5:- 50% RDF+50% N through Vermicompost + Jeevamrit application at 45 DAT, T6:-50% RDF+50%N through FYM + Jeevamrit application at 45 DAT and T7:-50% RDF+25% N through Vermicompost +25% N through FYM + Jeevamrit application 30 and 45 DAT. Rice variety NDR- 2065 was taken as test crop. After harvesting soil was tested for physico- chemical parameters, according to which T5 showed maximum available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, in a similar way T5 also showed improved E.C., pH, organic carbon as well as bulk density and particle density.

Prickly Pear Cochineal <i>Dactylopius opuntiae</i>, in Morocco: Vigilance and Perspectives

The appearance in the Province of Sidi Bennour of a pest attacking the prickly pear was announced on 29-07-2015 by the National Office for Food Safety (ONSSA). In case of heavy infestation and in the absence of control measures, the insect can cause plant dieback. Since then, it has caused the death of the prickly pear in all Moroccan regions, resulting in heavy damage for small farmers. This plant is known for its use in animal, industrial, cosmetic, therapeutic and environmental food and whose fruit is appreciated internationally. The development of resistant varieties and new control methods with the establishment of a monitoring system is necessary given the importance of this sector. An inventory of the report, the probable causes and the countermeasures of Morocco and at the level of other regions of the world in the face of this problem, was carried out. The spread of the pest in Morocco has continued to grow since its discovery in 2014. A control and awareness program was launched by ONSSA in cooperation with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The Ministry of Agriculture has devoted 80 million Dirhams to the operation to fight against the cochineal with the establishment of a vigilance and surveillance committee to manage the plan for uprooting and burying diseased cacti. In addition, a selection program for resistant varieties and treatment products was launched and carried out by the services of the National Institute for Agronomic Research (INRA) in partnership with the various regional administrations of the Ministry of Agriculture. The Tunisian Ministry of Agriculture launched, on August 17, 2021 in social networks, a call for vigilance after the appearance of the insect in northern Algeria with the development of a three-year national strategy of control and to strictly apply agricultural quarantine to limit the spread of the insect.

Evaluation of the Sensitivity of Thirteen (13) Promising Cassava Varieties to Diseases (Viruses-Bacteria) and Pests (Mealybugs-Mites) in Central Côte d’Ivoire

Cassava (<i>Manihot esculenta</i>), a plant with starch-rich roots, plays a crucial role in global food security. For producers, it has become both a subsistence and cash crop. In Côte d’Ivoire, it ranks second among crops after yam. However, cassava is severely affected by bacteria, fungi, viruses, mites, and mealybugs, causing yield losses ranging from 20% to 90%. This study was conducted at the Food Crop Research Station (FCRS) of the National Center for Agronomic Research (NCAR) in Bouake in central Côte d’Ivoire. The plant material consisted of thirteen varieties of cassava of the <i>Manihot esculenta</i> species, from the national cassava collection. It aimed to assess the performance of thirteen promising cassava varieties, originating from the national cassava collection, against these diseases and pests under natural infestation conditions. The results revealed that the Yacé variety showed the highest sensitivity to viruses, with an incidence (I) of 96.25% and a severity index (IGS) of 2.8. In contrast, the Yavo variety was the least sensitive, with an incidence of 11.50% and a severity index of 1.3. All varieties studied demonstrated high sensitivity to bacterial blight and mite attacks, with high incidence rates observed in Bocou1 (71.25%) and Bocou3 (68.75%). However, mealybug infestation was relatively low, ranging from 8.75% (Yavo) to 33.75% (Bocou2). Except for mosaic disease, the severity indices for diseases and pests were similar across all varieties.

Impact of different priming and sowing techniques in combination with different seed rates on wheat growth and yield

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a staple crop of immense economic importance, especially in the agronomic context of Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Pakistan. Understanding the effects of various agronomic practices, such as priming techniques, sowing methods, and seed rates, on wheat yield and growth is crucial for optimizing production and ensuring regional food security. To study the effects of priming and sowing techniques in combination with seed rates on short (Israr Shaheed) and long (Gomal) duration, three experiments were conducted at the agronomic research site of Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan, wheat varieties. In the first experiment, various priming techniques were used. Among different techniques used Farmyard manure priming produced the tallest plants at 111.3 and 125.3 cm, the maximum number of tillers (335.7 and 345.0 m-2), longest spikes (8.6 and 7.6 cm), maximum spikelets (27.2 and 31.0 spike-1), maximum number of grains (45.5 and 48.7 spike-1), maximum grain yield (4.4 and 4.6 t ha-1) and maximum harvest index (38.7 and 41.5%) respectively for Israr Shaheed and Gomal. Conversely, compost manure produced heavier grains than other interactions (49.2 and 42.3 g) while sodium chloride showed the maximum biological yield (12.4 and 11.8 t ha-1) for Israr Shaheed and Gomal correspondingly. In 2nd experiment, different sowing methods were tested on two wheat varieties Israr Shaheed and Gomal. Dry sowing followed by flooding produced tallest plants measuring (105.5 and 101.7 cm), maximum number of tillers (398.2 and 406.7 m-2), longest spikes (8.3 and 7.2 cm), maximum spikelets (29.8 and 35.5 spike-1), maximum number of grains (54.3 and 51.6 spike-1) and maximum grain yield (4.3 and 4.6 t ha-1) respectively for Israr Shaheed and Gomal. Israr Shaheed and Gomal showed maximum 1000-grain weights (45.3 and 45.0 g) in sprouted seeding in flooded fields respectively. The highest biological yield (13.6 t ha-1) was in dry seed in the flooded field while the maximum harvest index (33.5 and 33.9%) was recorded in soaked seed followed by flooding for Israr Shaheed and Gomal. In the last experiment, different seed rates were studied. The results showed that plants grown with seed rate 150 kg ha-1 showed the tallest plants at 111.0 and 111.7 cm, maximum number of tillers (411.6 and 408.2 m-2), longest spikes (7.8 and 7.7 cm), maximum spikelets (34.3 and 34.3 spike-1), maximum number of grains (50.8 and 47.2 spike-1), maximum grain yield (4.6 and 4.5 t ha-1) and maximum harvest index (38.4 and 36.7%) respectively for Israr Shaheed and Gomal. The maximum number of 1000-grains weight (g) was found on 200 and 250 kg ha-1 for Israr Shaheed and Goma-8, respectively giving 45.2 g while biological yield was the highest in 175 kg ha-1 respectively. Conclusively, the results indicated that yield and yield attributes in wheat were enhanced up to 150 kg ha-1 seed rate when interacted with farmyard manure priming along with dry sowing of seed followed by flooding. Future research should explore the integration of advanced irrigation techniques and nutrient management practices to further enhance wheat productivity in the Dera Ismail Khan region.

Growth conditions but not the variety, affect the yield, seed oil and meal protein of camelina under Mediterranean conditions

European agriculture policies emphasize the importance of agricultural sustainability, focusing on increase of biodiversity through crop diversification. In Mediterranean dryland cropping systems, the introduction of crops in rotation with cereals is challenged by scarce precipitation and high evapotranspiration. In this scenario, camelina (Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz), a low-input annual oleaginous crop with a high morphological plasticity, short life cycle, and interesting oil and meal composition, could be an option to be included in rotation with winter cereals. The aim of this experiment was to study the agronomic performance, and seed oil and meal protein contents of camelina in two different climatic conditions, with a sowing delay in one of them. Several trials were conducted in Montargull (Mediterranean semihumid) and in Lleida (Mediterranean semiarid) in two seasons (2020–21 and 2021–22). In Montargull, two sowing dates (November, SD1 and January, SD2) were established. In each growing condition, three spring camelina varieties were sown (Calena, CO46 and GP204). Camelina was harvested between May and July, and yield and harvest index were measured. After cold pressing the seeds, seed oil and meal protein contents were analysed. Camelina yield and quality was not related to the variety, but to two climatic scenarios: 1) a favourable rainfall distribution without important drought periods (2020–21); 2) significant rainfalls in November and April, but with a drought period in between (2021–22). In the first situation, camelina production ranged from 1533 to 2187 kg ha−1, with high seed oil (40.4–41.4 %) and meal protein (41.0–44.8 %) contents. In the second situation, the yield decreased to 242–661 kg ha−1, seed oil content to 31.0–34.7 %, and meal protein content to 37.6–40.4 %. Despite these seasonal differences, SD1 in Montargull obtained higher average yields and protein content than in Lleida and in SD2. In contrast, in Lleida and in SD2 in Montargull camelina produced higher oil content. The implementation of camelina into Mediterranean dryland crop rotation systems is feasible. Considering the importance of moisture in these climatic conditions, the use of no-till practices is recommended in dryland fields to avoid excessive water loss, while the use of camelina in irrigated fields could be explored. However, more long-term agronomic and industrial research is still needed.

Study on Omission Plot Technique in Popcorn

There are various limiting factors in production of popcorn in Nepal among one of them is lack of limited information on nutrient management particularly the macronutrient nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted at National Agronomy Research Centre, Khumaltar, Nepal to study the limiting nutrient for popcorn Lumle yellow in 2022/23 and 2023/24 in loam soil. The experiment consisted of five treatments and four replications arranged in randomized complete block design. Five different treatment comprised of FYM (unfertilized/farmer practice), –N,+PK (N omitted), -P,+NK (P omitted) ,-K+NP (K omitted), +NPK applied plots. In 2022/23 and 2023/24 +NPK applied treatment produced significantly highest grain yield of 4.27 t ha-1 and 3.13 t ha-1 while N omitted treatment gave lowest grain yield of 1.36 t ha-1 and 1.30 t ha-1 respectively and this yield was at par with only FYM applied treatment. Grain yield levels obtained for different fertilizer treatments were ranked as +NPK>-P,+NK>-K,+NP>FYM>-N. The results concluded that application of optimum doses of three primary nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium were essential to achieve optimum growth and productivity of maize.

Evaluation of Basmati Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Genotypes for Seedling Growth and Leaf Physiology Under High‐Temperature Stress

ABSTRACTRice, a staple food crop for over half of the global population, is facing a serious threat of rising temperature due to climate change, especially in the areas producing Basmati rice. The main objectives of the study were to compare the promising cultivars of Basmati rice for heat stress tolerance and to assess how elevated temperature affects leaf physiological and morphological parameters of fine rice at seedling stage. A 2‐year‐controlled pot experiment was carried out to evaluate how different Basmati rice varieties respond to heat stress. The experiment was carried out at the Agronomic research area, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan, during 2022 and 2023. The design of experiment was completely randomised design (CRD) with split treatment structure and four replications. Plant morphology, leaf temperature, chlorophyll contents, relative cell injury and relative water contents were evaluated for both experimental years. Heat stress significantly affected all morphological and physiological attributes such as chlorophyll contents, relative water contents and relative cell injury across different varieties. There was variation in the behaviour of different varieties under stress conditions as compared to no heat, but from the results it was very clear that Kisan Basmati and PK‐1121 Aromatic constantly showed poor performance under both conditions for all the recorded parameters. However, in almost each parameter evaluated, Basmati‐515, Super Basmati and NIAB‐16 exhibited Superior thermo tolerance and better performance. On the basis of observed morphological and physiological attributes, Kisan and PK‐1121 Aromatic Basmati were graded as sensitive varieties, while Basmati‐515, Super Basmati and NIAB‐16 showed tolerance to heat stress as compared to other varieties. However, further research is needed to explore the underlying mechanisms and genetic factors contributing to the sensitivity or tolerance observed in these varieties.

Efficacy of various herbicides for weed management in irrigated chickpea (Cicer arietinum)

Chickpea is a short-stature crop with slow initial growth and limited leaf area development due to which it is heavily infested with a wide spectrum of weeds. The menace of weeds has increased to such an extent that an ef- fective weed management schedule has become a necessity. A research study was conducted during the rabi season of 2021–22 at the Agronomy Research Farm, Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana. Thirteen weed control treatments viz., pre-plant incorporation (PPI) and pre-emergence (PRE) pendimethalin at 1,000 g/ha, PPI imazethapyr at 75 g/ha and 100 g/ha, PRE imazethapyr at 75 g/ha and 100 g/ha, post-emergence (PoE) imazethapyr at 75 g/ha and 100 g/ha, PPI and PRE pendimethalin + imazethapyr Ready mix (RM) at 1,000 g/h and two hand hoeings at 30 and 50 DAS were compared with weedy check and weed free in a randomized block design and replicated thrice. Among the herbicides, lowest weed dry weight was observed un- der PPI and PRE pendimethalin + imazethapyr (RM) at 1,000 g/ha respectively. PoE application of imazethapyr displayed phytotoxicity symptoms like stunting, leaf crinkling, and chlorosis as indicated by phytotoxicity scale ranging from 1-5. Significantly higher seed yield was obtained by pendimethalin + imazethapyr (1,827 kg/ha) over other combinations. Therefore, the PRE-application of pendimethalin + imazethapyr (RM) at 1,000 g/ha was the most suitable herbicide for efficient weed management in chickpea as it not only controlled the diverse weed flora but also improved seed yield.

Optimizing Soil Moisture, Mulching, and Spacing for Yield and Water Productivity in Irrigated Elephant Foot Yam (Amorphophallus paeoniifolius)

Aims: To standardize crop spacing and irrigation requirements under different mulching situation for better yield and water productivity. Study Design: The experiment was designed in RBD with two replications. Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was conducted at Agronomic Research Station, Kerala Agriculture University (KAU), Chalakudy for three consecutive years from 2016 -17, 2017 – 18 and 2018 – 2019. Methodology: Study conducted with 18 treatments, includes three levels of irrigation, three types of mulching and with two different crop spacing. Observations on weed count and weed dry matter production were also taken to study the effect of different mulches on weed growth. Biometric observations of crop growth and yield were recorded. Results: Observations on biometric characters revealed that both the height and diameter of the crop canopy were significantly influenced by mulching and found to be highest in the plot where leaf was used as the mulching material and the yield of Amorphophallus during 2016 - 2017 showed that corm weight was greatly influenced by irrigation levels, mulching and spacing. Corm yield was lowest in the plot where irrigation frequency was once in three days (21.02 t/ha). Yield in leaf mulched plot was 38.11 t/ha while in plastic mulched and no mulched plots were 23.50 and 19.50 t/ha. Effect of treatments on water productivity and BC ratio showed that leaf mulching of the crop has significant effect. In leaf mulched plot, water productivity in 2016-17 was 2.03 while it was only 1.854 and 0.886 in 2017-18 and 2018-19. Similarly, BC ratio was highest for leaf mulched plot followed by no mulch and plastic mulch plot. Conclusion: The experimental results from 2016 -17, 2017 – 18 and 2018 – 2019, showed that Amorphophallus planted at a spacing of 90 cm x 90 cm, irrigated at a frequency of once in three days along with leaf mulching can increase the yield and water productivity along with effective control of weed population.

Changes in root nodules dynamics under mixed cropping with varying nutrient management of berseem crop and succeeding fodder cowpea

Intercropping is a sustainable way to achieve the growing demands for food and fodder of expanding population of tropical areas. Combined application of nutrient sources along with inclusion of fodder crops in cropping system will influence soil as well as plant characteristics above ground as well as below it. These sustainable approaches may increase nutrient use efficiency by rhizosphere management at soil and plant level giving better understanding of soil plant atmosphere continuum (SPAC). The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of nutrient management and seed ratios on dynamics of root nodules of berseem as well as succeeding crop cowpea at Agronomy Research farm, National Dairy Research Institute, Haryana, India. Intensive root studies had been done regarding root parameters in berseem as well as residual succeeding crop cowpea in this research. The study revealed that 100%RDF(Recommended dose of Fertilizer)+PGPR (Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria) had given maximum number of nodules (118.60) and other traits for three cuttings in terms of nutrient management and sole berseem in terms of seed ratios number of nodules (112.92), whereas 50%RDF (Recommended dose of Fertilizer) +50% FYM (Farm Yard Manure)-(62.5) and sole berseem (54.30) at harvest had shown better results in terms of residual activity on roots nodules of succeeding crop cowpea where number of nodules (62.5) and fresh wt. of root nodules (622.1 mg) at harvest in 50%RDF + 50% FYM. This research revealed that employing organic sources of nutrients like FYM (Farm Yard Manure) and biofertilizers like PGPR (Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria) along with inorganics in correct proportions enhances the root traits of leguminous fodder crops and reduce sole dependency on harmful agricultural inputs. Hence, this would fulfill the long-term nutritional requirement of crop and preserve crop status in terms of quality and quantity.

Optimization of sampling design for soil total organic carbon assessment in the precision agriculture framework: Impact of different variogram models and potentiality of ground penetrating radar (GPR) covariate information

Assessing soil organic carbon (SOC) at the field scale is crucial for efficient environmental and agronomic management, especially within the precision agriculture framework. This enables the implementation of crop and soil management strategies to enhance soil quality, increase carbon sequestration, and improve crop yields. However, the process of sampling and assessing SOC is resource-intensive, demanding both in time and labour. This aspect is particularly relevant in agronomic research, where the need to assess the spatial correlation structure of the investigated variables requires the collection of large datasets with georeferenced data and often measurements need to be repeated over time as in the case long-term field experiments − LTE. Methods for minimizing information loss while reducing the sampling scheme, such as spatial simulated annealing (SSA), are particularly valuable in the scope of SOC assessment, especially when faced with budget and time/labour constraints. Within the structure of the SSA method, two critical components can be identified: i) the inclusion of highly informative covariates for the primary variable (SOC); ii) the selection of the most appropriate variogram model for spatial variability assessment. Covariates strongly correlated with SOC, such as those obtained from ground penetrating radar (GPR) that can be collected at a higher spatial density compared to SOC data, along with a well-performing model, can significantly enhance the efficiency of the sampling scheme reduction process. We conducted a study using data from an agronomic field experiment, which included 71 georeferenced sampling locations and, through an iterative downsizing process utilizing SSA, we progressively reduced the number of sampling points by removing 10, 15, and 20 observations. The sampling scheme was refined according to two distinct variogram models: the spherical and Gaussian-Matérn models, both for the primary variable (SOC) and the covariate GPR variable. This process allowed us to identify the optimal variogram model, which has a key role in maximizing the reduction of redundant points while preserving those with valuable information, and to assess the role of the covariate variable both in improving the optimization of the sampling scheme for SOC and in replacing the primary variable to optimize the sampling scheme. Finally, to assess the impact of sampling scheme reduction, a validation process was performed by estimating the dropped points by means of the remaining points using ordinary kriging and regression kriging and analysing the accuracy of such estimation. Our analysis demonstrated that it was possible to reduce the original sampling scheme by approximately 20%, equivalent to eliminating 15 sampling points out of 71, without compromising its predictive capability.

IMPACT OF DIFFERENT ZINC APPLICATION METHODS AND PHOSPHORUS DOSES ON GROWTH, YIELD AND GRAIN ZINC CONTENTS OF WHEAT

Wheat is a staple crop of around half of the world's population. About 30 percent of the world’s population is suffering from Zn deficiency. Zn deficiency problems can be encountered by agronomic and genetic biofortification. Phosphorus (P) is an important plant macronutrient and has an antagonistic relationship with Zn. A field study was performed to evaluate the impact of different Zn application methods and P doses on growth, yield, and grain Zn contents of wheat at the Agronomic Research Farm, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan, using a high accumulation wheat variety Zincol-2016. Three doses of P (100, 150, and 200% of recommended P) along with three Zn application methods (seed priming, soil mixing, and foliar application) were applied to wheat using randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates under split-plot arrangement. All agronomic practices were kept normal and uniform for all treatments. Parameters including growth, yield, and Zn content in wheat grains were monitored using standard protocols. The results were evaluated using Fisher’s analysis of variance at a 5% probability level. A comparison of means of treatments was performed using the least significant difference (LSD) test. The highest value of SPAD reading (56.38) was noted in treatment where Zn was applied as priming and P was applied at 200%. Maximum crop growth rate (63.17) was observed in P3 where Zn was applied as mix in soil. Maximum spike length (14.25), spikelets per spike (17.67), and Zn concentration were observed in P3 as a result of foliar application of Zn. Highest grain weight per spike (1.89g), no. of tillers (691.01), grain yield (4.09 t ha-1), biological yield (11.01 t ha-1), harvest index (36.54%) and NDVI (0.42 were observed in P3 where Zn was applied as soil mix.

Planting pattern and nitrogen management strategies: positive effect on yield and quality attributes of Triticum aestivum L. crop

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a staple food crop that plays a crucial role in global food security. A suitable planting pattern and optimum nitrogen (N) split management are efficient practices for improving wheat production. Therefore, an experiment was performed to explore the effect of N split management and sowing patterns on wheat at the Agronomy Research Farm, The University of Agriculture Peshawar, during rabi season 2020-21 and 2021-22. The treatments consisted of different nitrogen rates of 0, 80, 120, and 160 kg ha− 1 and planting patterns of W, M, broadcast and line sowing. The pooled analysis of both cropping seasons showed that application of 120 kg N ha− 1 increased spikelets spike− 1, grains spike− 1, 1000 grains weight, grain yield, grain N content, evapotranspiration and water use efficiency by 21.9, 16.7, 21.8, 70, 13, 19.9 and 40% as compared to control, respectively. In addition, W and M were observed the best management practices among all planting patterns. The M planting pattern enhanced chlorophyll a, b, carotenoids and evapotranspiration while W plating pattern improved yield components and yield of wheat as compared to broadcast planting patterns. The principal component analysis biplot showed a close association of M and W planting patterns with 120 kg N ha− 1 in most of the studied traits. Hence, it is concluded that split application of 120 kg N ha− 1 in W and M sowing patterns enhanced growth, biochemical traits and water use efficiency, reducing N fertilization from 160 to 120 kg ha− 1 while increasing grain yield of wheat. Hence, it is recommended that application of 120 kg N ha⁻¹ in combination with W and M planting patterns offer a sustainable approach to enhancing wheat production in the alkaline soil conditions of the Peshawar valley.

Comparative Analysis of Transposable Elements in the Genomes of Citrus and Citrus-Related Genera.

Transposable elements (TEs) significantly contribute to the evolution and diversity of plant genomes. In this study, we explored the roles of TEs in the genomes of Citrus and Citrus-related genera by constructing a pan-genome TE library from 20 published genomes of Citrus and Citrus-related accessions. Our results revealed an increase in TE content and the number of TE types compared to the original annotations, as well as a decrease in the content of unclassified TEs. The average length of TEs per assembly was approximately 194.23 Mb, representing 41.76% (Murraya paniculata) to 64.76% (Citrus gilletiana) of the genomes, with a mean value of 56.95%. A significant positive correlation was found between genome size and both the number of TE types and TE content. Consistent with the difference in mean whole-genome size (39.83 Mb) between Citrus and Citrus-related genera, Citrus genomes contained an average of 34.36 Mb more TE sequences than Citrus-related genomes. Analysis of the estimated insertion time and half-life of long terminal repeat retrotransposons (LTR-RTs) suggested that TE removal was not the primary factor contributing to the differences among genomes. These findings collectively indicate that TEs are the primary determinants of genome size and play a major role in shaping genome structures. Principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) of Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) identifiers revealed that the fragmented TEs were predominantly derived from ancestral genomes, while intact TEs were crucial in the recent evolutionary diversification of Citrus. Moreover, the presence or absence of intact TEs near the AdhE superfamily was closely associated with the bitterness trait in the Citrus species. Overall, this study enhances TE annotation in Citrus and Citrus-related genomes and provides valuable data for future genetic breeding and agronomic trait research in Citrus.