Application Of Different Treatments Research Articles

Effect of Different Zinc Sources and Application Methods on Content and Uptake of Micronutrients of Basmati Rice

Zinc (Zn) is an essential trace element for plants, animals and human’s health. Zn deficiency is widely spread in paddy soils of India and has negative impact on national rice production. Field experiment on rice crop was conducted in sandy loam soil at crop research center Chirodi of SVBP University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut., during Kharif season of 2011 and 2012 toevaluate the “Effect of different sources and application methods of zinc on content and uptake of micronutrients in basmati rice crop in sandy loam soil. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications. The experiment comprised of twelve treatments viz.; T1 (control), T2 (recommended NPK @120:60:60 kg ha-1) T3 (5 kg Zn through ZnSO4.7H2O+RDF), T4(5 kg Zn through mono ZnSO4.7H2O),T5 (0.1% Zn spray through ZnSO4.7H2O+RDF ),T6 (0.1% Zn spray through ZnSO4.7H2O + RDF),T7 (0.012% Zn spray through chelated Zn at tillering + RDF),T8 (0.05% Zn spray through ZnSO4.7H2O at tillering +0.05% at panicle initiation+ RDF), T9 (0.05% Zn spray through mono ZnSO4.7H2O at tillering + 0.05% at panicle initiation +RDF),T10 (0.006% Zn spray through chelated Zn at tillering + 0.006% at panicle initiation+ RDF ), T11 (micronutrient mixture@ 25kg ha-1 + RDF), T12 (vermicompost @ 3tha-1+ RDF).The experimental soil was low in organic carbon and available nitrogen and medium in phosphorus and higher in potassium with slightly alkaline in pH. The status of DTPA extractable Zn 1.23 mg Kg-1,Fe 14.85 mg Kg-1 Cu 2.43 mg Kg-1 Mn 10.91 mg Kg-1 in the surface soil. Nutrient assimilation at different stages by the rice crop varied significantly due to application of different treatments in the study. Maximum zinc content 85.78 and 93.57 ppm and uptake 288.60 and 341.85 g/ha at 30 DAT during 2011 and 2012 found in T12 which was significantly higher than the rest of the treatments while minimum zinc content recorded in T1 was significantly lower than the rest of the treatments during both the years. Similar trends were also recorded at 60 DAT, grain and straw growth stages of rice plant. The zinc content of plant sample in T11 and T3 was also higher and statistically at par to the level of zinc content recorded in T12. The Cu, Fe, and Mn content and uptake at different growth stages of rice plant sample in T11 and T3 was also higher and like the level in T12. Among the method of Zn application, soil application resulted in higher biomass, micronutrient content and uptake in the grain and straw. Foliar application caused greater effect on zinc content and uptake and as well as content and uptake of Cu, Fe and Mn in rice plant at different growth stages during both the years. Among the sources of Zinc, ZnSO4.7H2O proved to be the most efficient source of Zn for rice production.

Effect of Foliar Application of Water-Soluble Fertilizers on Growth and Yield of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Direct fertilizer application to leaves stimulates leaf activity, which directly affects the plant's water uptake and promotes root growth. Foliar fertilizers can therefore hasten the uptake of nutrients from the soil, which is advantageous for plants that need urgent nutrient intervention. A field experiment was carried out at Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh during rabi season of 2019-20 to evaluate effect of foliar spray of water-soluble fertilizers on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) growth and yield. The experimental trial consists of 12 treatments with 3 replication and randomized block design. The results of the experiment revealed that the growth parameters viz., plant height and number of effective tillers metre-1 row length at harvest increased significantly with the application of T2 + foliar spray of 19:19:19 @ 0.5% at 60 DAS & 90 days after sowing (DAS) whereas plant population were not affect significantly by application of different treatments. There was also significant improvement in grain and straw yields were observed with the application of T8 over 75% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) and 100% RDF.

Impact of Plant Growth Regulators on Growth, Yield and Quality of Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) cv. Winter Dawn

An investigation was carried out at the Horticulture Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology & Science, Prayagraj, (U.P.) - 211007 during the year 2022-23. The experiment was consisting of winter dawn variety of Strawberry with each comprising of ten treatments replicated thrice. Source of variables were NAA; GA3 ; BA (benzyl adenine) and combination of them with control treatment taken as eleven treatments. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design by randomizing treatments in each replication. As far as the vegetative growth, flowering, fruit yield and quality of fruit is concerned, application of different treatment of plant growth regulators significantly enhanced the Plant height, Number of leaves per plant, Petiole length, Plant spread, Days taken to first flower, Number of flowers /plant, Fruit length, Fruit width, Number of fruits/plant, Fruit set (%), Yield per plot, Total soluble solids, Total acidity, Ascorbic acid and Fruit weight at all successive stages. Maximum Plant height (24.50cm), Number of leaves per plant (20.66), Petiole length (13.83cm), Plant spread (27.16) (E-W), (26.16) (N-S) ,were recorded in successive year with T6 (GA3 100ppm)Days taken to first flower (40.00 days), Number of flowers /plant (19.33), Fruit length (61.43mm), Fruit width (38.33 mm), Number of fruits/plant (16.66), Fruit set (87.66%), Yield per plot (Kg.) (2.33 Kg) Total soluble solids (TSS) (10.17), Total acidity (%)(1.33%), Ascorbic acid (58.66 mg/ 100 g) and Fruit weight (g) (41.33 g) were recorded in successive year with T9 (BA 75ppm) and minimum vegetative growth, flowering, fruit yield and quality of fruit were observed in T0.

Effect of integrated nutrient management in brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) on micronutrient uptake and physical properties of soil

A field experiment was conducted at the experimental site of Department of Soil Science and Water Management, College of Horticulture and Forestry, Neri, Hamirpur (Himachal Pradesh). The experiment consisted of eleven treatments which were carried out in randomized block design with three replications. Observations for micronutrient uptake and soil physical properties were recorded and it was found that the lowest bulk density of the soil was achieved with treatment T6 (100 per cent RDN through vermicompost) and T11 (100 per cent RDN through vermicompost + Azotobacter). Particle density, porosity and water holding capacity were also slightly improved with the application of different treatments, however the differences were not significant. Further, application of chemical fertilizer or organic manure or both with or without biofertilizer positively influenced the micronutrient uptake (Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn) and the maximum uptake was recorded in treatment T11 (100 per cent RDN through vermicompost + Azotobacter), while minimum was observed under treatment T1 (control).

Studies on Vermicomposting of Sericultural Wastes: An Eco-Friendly Approach for Effective Management of Seri-Wastes

Vermicompost is one of the most essential and efficient organic manure commonly applied to the mulberry field in most the advance sericulture countries. Vermicompost is the one of the beneficial biotechnology is the bioconversion of organic waste into useful form. In the current experiment, soil treated with vermicompost of three different treatments viz., Cow dung + Seri-waste (T-1), Cow dung +Seri-waste (T-2) and Cow dung +Seri-waste + Rice straw (T-3) were recorded different parameters. After the application of different treatment of vermicompost the best recorded treatment as a T-as 6.7 pH. The moisture retention capacity was recorded as 52% in T-1 and 74% and 62% respectively in T-2 and T-3, with electric conductivity as 2-3ms/cm. The soil texture of soil treated with T-2 (Cow dung +Seri-waste) showed best input as 50% as compared to T-1 and least in T-3 as 40% and 35% respectively. Application of different treatment of vermicompost on soil recorded to be T-2 (Cow dung +Seri-waste) showed positive response and high availability of microorganisms that are beneficial for the mulberry plant. The germination percentage of seed of mulberry treated with different treatment was recorded to be highest of 90% in T-2 and root and shoot length of plant grown as 26cm and 12cm as compared to T-1 and T-3 as 19 cm and 8cm, 34cm and 10cm respectively. Similarly, the moisture percentage and moisture retention capacity of T-2 was recorded to be highest as 74.64% and 73.21% respectively. Therefore, the current experiment opens new avenues vermicompost substrate for promoting of by-product utilization seri-waste in sericulture. The resultant product could be utilized for agricultural and horticultural as well. The present results offer numerous scopes for further sustainable agriculture with special emphasis on sericulture industry.

Influence of Foliar Spray of Brassinosteroids (BR), Salicylic Acid (SA) and Gibberellic Acid (GA3) on Vegetative Growth and Flowering Parameters of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L) cv. Arpit.

An investigation entitled “Influence of foliar spray of Brassinosteroids (BR), Salicylic acid (SA) and Gibberellic acid (GA3) on vegetative and flowering parameters of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L) cv. Arpit” was carried out at the Vegetable Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology & Science, Prayagraj, (U.P.) - 211007 during the year 2018-19 and 2019-2020. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design with 15 treatments and 3 replications and each replicated thrice. Source of variables were Brassinosteroids (BR) 0.05 PPM, Brassinosteroids (BR) 0.10 PPM, Brassinosteroids (BR) 0.5 PPM, Brassinosteroids (BR) 1.0 PPM, Brassinosteroids (BR) 2.0 PPM, Salicylic acid (SA) 0.05 mM, Salicylic acid (SA) 0.10mM, Salicylic acid (SA) 0.2mM, Salicylic acid (SA) 0.5mM, Salicylic acid (SA) 1.0mM, Gibberellic acid (GA3) 25 PPM, Gibberellic acid(GA3) 50 PPM, Gibberellic acid(GA3) 100 PPM, Gibberellic acid (GA3) 150 PPM and combination of them with control treatment taken as 15 treatments. As far as the vegetative growth and flowering is concerned, application of different treatment of plant growth regulators significantly enhanced the Length of main vine (cm), Number of branches per plant, Number of leaves per plant, Diameter of main stem (cm), Inter-nodal distance (cm), Leaf area (cm2), Days to first flower bud initiate (DAS), Days taken to 50% flowering, Number of male flower per plant, Number of female flower per plant at all successive stages. The maximum vine length (143.17 and 146.04cm), number of leaves per plant (93.74 and 94.74), number of branches per plant (19.49 and 19.82), diameter of main stem (14.70 and 16.02cm), leaf area (277.42 and 280.90 cm2), internodal distance (7.27 and 6.97cm) and as per flowering parameters lowest days taken to first flower bud initiation (36.66 and 35.73 days), days taken to 50% flowering (42.40 and 422.73 days), number of male flower per plant (91.71 and 92.05) and number of female flower per plant (47.59 and 46.92) were recorded in both successive year with T5 (Brassinosteroids (BR) 2.0 PPM) and minimum growth and flowering were observed in T0 (control).

Effect of Dry and Flooded Rice as Cover Crops on Soil Health and Microbial Community on Histosols

Soil loss due to subsidence is a major concern in the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) of South Florida. Summer is typically the fallow season in the EAA, and soil loss due to oxidation and erosion is significant. Flooding and cover cropping are common practices being adopted to conserve soil, reduce weed pressure, and enhance soil health in the EAA. Cover crops also increase the microbial biomass which are the key drivers of soil function. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of (i) fallow, (ii) dry rice as a cover crop, (iii) flooded fallow, and (iv) flooded rice as a cover crop on soil health indicators and microbial community and diversity within the EAA. Baseline (pre-planting) soil samples were collected from all fields before the application of different treatments and post-harvest soil samples were collected after rice was cut and tilled into the soil surface. Microbial community composition was determined using 16S rRNA gene amplicon and fungal ITS gene amplicon sequencing. Soil bulk density decreased, and cation exchange capacity (CEC) increased in all farming practices including fallow fields. Results showed flooded fallow, flooded rice, and rice planting increased maximum water holding capacity (MWHC) and soil protein and decreased total potassium (TK). Bulk soil microbial communities responded surprisingly quickly to the applied treatments. Taxonomic composition of prokaryotic and fungal communities at the phylum level revealed visible shifts in microbial communities in response to the treatments. Instead of leaving field fallow, planting rice or flooding is a better strategy to improve soil health.

Effect of Nutrient Optimization through Organic and Inorganic Resources on Yield, Uptake, and Soil Properties in a Rice-wheat Cropping System

A field experiment was conducted during 2017-18 to 2019-20 on a fixed layout in sodic soil at Fertilizers Research Farm, Uttaripura in the jurisdiction of C. S. Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur using high yielding variety of rice NDR-359 and wheat PBW-343. The maximum grain, straw, and biological yield of rice were noted as 44.75, 55.93, and 99.68 q ha-1, and wheat 46.25, 56.42 and 99.97 q ha-1 with the application of 75% NPK+ two spray of 0.25% of Sagarika +25 kg/ha Sagarika granules +two spray of 2% of WSF (18:18:18), The maximum uptake of NPK in grain and straw of both rice and wheat crop with the application of 75% NPK + two sprays of 0.25% of Sagarika +25 kg/ha Sagarika granules +two spray of 2% of WSF (18:18:18) followed by75% NPK+ two spray of 0.25% of Sagarika +25 kg/ha Sagarika and minimum uptake of NPK in grain and straw with the application of 75% NPK. The basal application of Sagarika @ 25 kg ha was found superior to the foliar spray of Sagarika. The change in pH, EC, OC, available N, P, K, S, Zn, and Br ranged from 7.2 to 7.5, 0.32 to 0.34 DSM-1, 0.39 to 0.41%, 191 to 195, 15.7 to 16.8, 173.4 to 178.5, 19.4 to 19.8, 11.2 to 11.5 and 0.73 to 0.77 kg ha-1 respectively with the application of different treatments while not remarkable changes from initial values of soil properties. Application of 10 t/ha FYM was found better than other treatments during the study period.

Assessment of plant growth promoting bacteria strains on growth, yield and quality of sweet corn

The use of plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB) is increasingly gaining acceptance from all the stakeholders of the agricultural production. Different strains of PGPB species had been found to have a vast variety of mechanisms of action, while at the same time, affect differently a variety of crops. This study investigated the effectiveness of ten PGPB strains, on sweet corn cultivation under Mediterranean soil and climatic conditions. A field experiment that followed a completely randomized design was conducted at the region of Attica at Oropos. The results indicated that B. mojavensis increased yield by 16%, B. subtilis by 13.8%, B. pumilus by 11.8% and B. pseudomycoides by 9.8% compared to control. In addition, the harvested grains of the plants treated with B. mojavensis, B. subtilis and B. pumilus presented the highest values of protein and fiber content. Moreover, in most of the cases, high values of photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate and stomatal conductance during the cultivation period, resulted in high productivity. Regarding the texture, the size, the sphericity and the ash content of corn grains, it was found that they were not influenced by the application of different treatments of PGPB. The use of certain strains of PGPB, under specific soil and climatic conditions could contribute to better understand which strains are better suited to certain crops.

Chemical variations in tension wood of poplar tree induced by intermittent bending, fertilizer and hormone treatments

Tree growth is influenced by various environmental factors that lead to anatomical, physical and chemical changes in their wood. Reaction wood is one of the tree's reactions that make many restrictions in wood usages. Reaction wood in broadleaf is called tension wood. This study was aimed to stimulate the formation of tension wood in two-year-old seedlings of Populus alba by using intermittent bending, nitrogen fertilization and gibberellin hormone. The application of different treatments increased the content of cellulose compared to the control sample. Meanwhile, the bent specimens had more increase while the straight specimens had no significant difference in the statistical grouping. The content of lignin decreased in all treatments compared to the control sample. The cellulose/lignin ratios obtained from ATR-FTIR (Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared) analysis of wood sawdust and chemical composition measurements were almost close to each other and were higher in the treated samples than in the control. The degree of crystallinity obtained from XRD (X-ray Diffraction) measurements showed that all samples under intermittent bending had a significantly higher degree of crystallinity than the control sample, while this increase was not significant in all straight samples compared to the control sample. In general, it can be concluded that intermittent bending treatment had a greater effect on the stimulation and changes of chemical properties of tension wood in poplar and the application of nitrogen fertilization and gibberellin hormone increased this effect. The formation of gelatinous layer in the innermost part of the intermittent bent seedlings fiber cell wall was visible in light microscope images.

Impacts of Fertilization Optimization on Soil Nitrogen Cycling and Wheat Nitrogen Utilization Under Water-Saving Irrigation.

Scholars have proposed the practice of split nitrogen fertilizer application (SNFA), which has proven to be an effective approach for enhancing nitrogen use efficiency. However, the combined effects of SNFA on wheat plant nitrogen use efficiency, ammonia (NH3) emission flux, as well as the rates of nitrification and denitrification in different ecosystems remain unclear. Meanwhile, few studies have sought to understand the effects of the split nitrogen fertilizer method under water-saving irrigation technology conditions on nitrogen loss. The current study assessed soil NH3 volatilization, nitrification, and denitrification intensities, as well as the abundance of nitrogen cycle-related functional genes following application of different treatments. Specifically, we applied a nitrogen rate of 240 kg⋅ha–1, and the following fertilizer ratios of the percent base to that of topdressing under water-saving irrigation: N1 (basal/dressing, 100/0%), N2 (basal/dressing, 70/30%), N3 (basal/dressing, 50/50%), N4 (basal/dressing, 30/70%), and N5 (basal/dressing, 0/100%). N3 treatment significantly reduced NH3 volatilization, nitrification, and denitrification intensities, primarily owing to the reduced reaction substrate concentration (NO3– and NH4+) and abundance of functional genes involved in the nitrogen cycle (amoA-AOB, nirK, and nirS) within the wheat-land soil. 15N tracer studies further demonstrated that N3 treatments significantly increased the grain nitrogen accumulation by 9.50–28.27% compared with that under other treatments. This increase was primarily due to an increase in the amount of nitrogen absorbed by wheat from soil and fertilizers, which was caused by an enhancement in total nitrogen uptake (7.2–21.81%). Overall, N3 treatment (basal/dressing, 50/50%) was found to effectively reduce nitrogen loss through NH3 volatilization, nitrification and denitrification while improving nitrogen uptake by wheat. Thus, its application will serve to further maximize the yield and provide a fertilization practice that will facilitate cleaner wheat production in the North China Plain.

Effects of Organic Inputs on Soil Health with Special Reference to Potash Management

An experiment was conducted at the Instructional cum Research Farm and department of agronomy, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat during kharif season in the year 2015 to study the effect of different organic inputs on soil health with special reference to potash management in scented paddy variety Badshah bhog. Organic fertilization improves the soil structure and texture, enhances the water holding capacity of the soil and increases the microorganism activity in the soil, thereby sustained soil fertility and productivity. Ten treatment combinations of organic inputs were laid out in Randomised Block Design (RBD) with three replications. The experimental field was acidic in reaction with sandy loam in texture. The results revealed that application of different treatment significantly influenced the soil health. Among different organic inputs, the highest available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in soil were recorded in enriched compost (100% RDK i.e., Recommended Dose of Potassium). The narrow C:N and C:P ratio in soil were found in enriched compost (100% RDK) and C:K ratio was found to be reduced in banana vermicompost (100% RDK). Banana vermicompost (100% RDK) was found to registered highest microbial biomass carbon (MBC), Dehydrogenase (DH) and Phosphomonoesterase (PMHes) activity but significantly at par with enriched compost (100% RDK). The organic inputs as a whole enhanced the physico-chemical and biological properties of soil. The study revealed that application of enriched compost (100% RDK) and banana vermicompost (100% RDK) were beneficial for potash management in organic cultivation of scented paddy to sustain soil health under agro-ecological situation of Assam.

Volatiles Composition and Antimicrobial Activities of Areca Nut Extracts Obtained by Simultaneous Distillation-Extraction and Headspace Solid-Phase Microextraction.

The volatile components of areca nuts were isolated by headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME, DVB/CAR/PDMS fiber extraction) and simultaneous hydrodistillation–extraction (SHDE) and analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Furthermore, all SHDE fractions were tested for antimicrobial activity using the disk diffusion method on nine Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus subtilis, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus canis, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Candida albicans). In total, 98 compounds (mainly alcohols, carbonyl compounds, fatty acids, esters, terpenes, terpenoids, and aliphatic hydrocarbons) were identified in SHDE fractions and by using SPME extraction Fatty acids were the main group of volatile constituents detected in all types of extracts. The microorganism most sensitive to the extract of the areca nut was Streptococcus canis. The results can provide essential information for the application of different treatments of areca nuts in the canning industry or as natural antibiotics.

Restoration of Rangelands Invaded by Amelichloa clandestina (Hack.) Arriaga & Barkworth after 12 Years of Agriculture Abandonment (Coahuila, Mexico)

Abandonment of agricultural land is currently one of the main land use changes in developed countries. This change has an impact at the economic level and from the point of view of conservation. Therefore, recovering these areas after abandonment is, in many cases, necessary for ecological restoration, especially as they can be invaded by exotic or dominant species, preventing recovery of the original plant species community. The objective of this study is to examine changes in plant species richness and composition after the application of different treatments to eliminate Amelichloa clandestina, a species that dominates pastures abandoned 12 years ago in an area located in northern Mexico. The area is a semi-desert grassland dominated by buffalo grass Bouteloua dactyloides. We used different eradication techniques such as burning, herbicides, and clipping. Although the treatments had significant effects on species richness and composition and resulted in a relative reduction of the target species, the abundance of Amelichloa clandestina was still substantial. Burning is effective, favoring the increase of species richness and provoking a lower presence of A. clandestine but with a dominance of annuals. The most important impact on the total cover of A. clandestina is shown by the herbicide treatment. However, monitoring of these areas will still be required to consider the long-term impact and success of treatments.

Effect of Microstructural Variation of a Martensitic Stainless Steel on High Temperature Degradation Behavior

Martensitic stainless steels are chromium steels with a small addition of Ni. They have a good combination of mechanical properties and corrosion resistance, due to their Cr content [12]. The degradation processes are present in several industrial equipments and, generate repair or replacement actions in a periodic way. In an attempt to minimize these problems, several studies have been developed with this purpose. However, due to the several variables involved in the process, both in design and equipment operation, there is still a fertile field for an effective understanding of these degradation problems. For example, one can cite the effects that the different microstructures developed in martensitic stainless steels, materials commonly used in severe service conditions, present on the behavior of resistance to oxidation of the material. And, also, the environment in which the material is inserted. In a high-temperature environment, impurities are found, among them, compounds such as vanadium pentoxide, which act vigorously in the progression of the oxidation process. Oxidation tests are necessary to relate the behavior and influence exerted on the oxide layer by grain refinement. Thus, the present work aims to analyze the influence of the microstructure of the martensitic stainless steel AISI 420, with application of different treatments. The behavior of this steel was evaluated under different oxidation conditions, in contact with a solution containing Vanadium Pentoxide, and as a control parameter the mass variation of the samples. Analysis of the microstructures and the corrosion/oxidation products were carried out via Optical Microscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy. As result it was verified the importance of the microstructure in the material's resistance to the action of degradation by oxidation, and its influence on the oxide layer formation process.

Immunological components and antioxidant activity in human milk processed by different high pressure-thermal treatments at low initial temperature and flash holding times

The effect of high pressure thermal (HPT) processing on the immunoglobulin (IgM, IgA and IgG), and cytokine content (IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and TNF-α), and antioxidant activity of human milk was analyzed after the application of different treatments between 200, and 800 MPa at low initial temperatures (between −15, and 50 °C) and for 1 s (flash treatments). Low pressures intensities did not induce changes in Igs while at 800 MPa, all combinations reduced the control levels. IL-6 and IL-10 were not affected by any of the treatments applied while IL-8 and TNF-α were reduced at treatments which combined temperatures at 50 °C. In general antioxidant activity was not affected at the processing conditions chosen. The flash HPT treatment applied at 600 MPa and at 0 °C could be the best choice to preserve immunological parameters and the antioxidant activity of human milk.

Efficacy of chemical fungicides against spot blotch (Bipolaris sorokiniana) disease management of wheat in northern part of West Bengal

The spot blotch disease caused by Bipolaris sorokiniana (Sacc.) Shoem is one of the most important foliage disease of wheat crop. This disease appears in almost all wheat growing areas of the world. In Northern part of west Bengal this disease causes severe yield loss every year. For the management of spot blotch disease of wheat five chemical fungicides was used. Plant disease intensity decreased with the application of different treatment over untreated control.The lowest AUDPC was recorded in T4 (Propiconazole@ 1ml/l)260.8 followed by T5 (Tebuconazole@1ml/l) 293.21 and T3 (Carbendazim+Mancozeb @) 2.5g/l) 376.54. Maximum AUDPC was recorded (563.27) under T1 (Untreated/control). Due to the application of Propiconazole, spot blotch disease reduce up to 60.18% and increase chlorophyll contain of the plant, increase different morphological traits of wheat crop as well as also ultimately increase yield up to 35.02%.

Tenderization of Yak Meat by the Combination of Papain and High-Pressure Processing Treatments

The effects of papain and high-pressure processing (HPP), applied separately or in combination, on the tenderization of yak meat were studied regarding texture, water-holding capacity (WHC), cooking loss (CL), pH, and color. When papain was used alone, both the papain concentration level and treatment time could affect the tenderization. The maximal shear force (MSF) of yak meat was decreased by 46.85% and the WHC was increased by 9.93% when 80 U/mL papain was injected into yak meat and then incubated at 55 °C for 120 min. However, the color was significantly deteriorated. When the HPP treatment was performed alone, the MSF of yak meat displayed an initial decrease followed by an increase as the processing pressure or treatment time rose. Although an improved tenderizing effect was achieved at 250 MPa/15 min, leading to a MSF decline of 49.27% and a WHC increase of 10.50%, the meat turned white. Applying treatment sequences of an HPP and papain combination can significantly influence the tenderization effect. Optimal tenderization was obtained by the injection of papain (80 U/mL) and incubation at 55 °C for 30 min followed by HPP at 50 MPa/15 min (Pap → HPP). Results from this process indicated that the MSF of yak meat was decreased by 46.30% and 50.27%, respectively, compared to the separate applications of both HPP (50 MPa/15 min) and papain (80 U/mL, 30 min) treatments. Meanwhile, no significant color change was detected. The microstructure of yak meat was analyzed following the application of different treatments. Results suggest that the meat treated with Pap → HPP exhibited larger spacing and more damaged cells than untreated meat or the sample subjected to other treatments. These findings provided a possible explanation for the specific tenderization result when exposed to the combined treatments.

Changes in Metabolic Processes during Break Dormancy in Apple Buds under Foliar-Applied Garlic Extract

The effect of garlic extract at different concentrations for reaching early break dormancy in buds of "Anna" apple (Malus sylvestris, Mill) trees and their effects on metabolic changes in the content of shoots from (water content %, total carbohydrates, total sugars, reducing sugars, anthocyanine, total free amino acids, free proline, total indoles and free phenoles) during their release from dormancy were investigated. The trees were grown in loamy sand soil, and sprayed with five treatments; 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20% garlic extract. Generally, it was found that all studied flowering parameters; date of flower buds break, percentage of bud’s break, fruit set, total number of fruits/tree, yield/tree (kg) and seasonal changes in some chemical constituents of shoots; water content %, total carbohydrates, total sugars, reducing sugars, anthocyanine, total free amino acids, free proline and total indoles were increased with the application of different treatments. The best results were obtained from the treatments of garlic extract at 15 % flowed by 20 %. On the contrary, the same treatments decreased free phenols in shoots as compared to the control. It could be recommended to use garlic extract at the rate of 15 % for improving bud break, growth, yield and chemical constituents of apple shoots

Effect of nanozeolite and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria on maize.

Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria are key to soil and plant health maintenance. In the present study, two PGPR strains which were identified as Bacillus spp. (accession number KX650178 and KX650179) with nanozeolite (50ppm) were applied to the seeds in different combinations and tested on growth profile of maize crop. Various growth related parameters, including plant height, leaf area, number of leaves chlorophyll and total protein were positively increased up to twofold by the nanocompound treatment. GC-MS results reveal increase in total phenolic and acid ester compounds after the treatment of nanozeolite and PGPR, which are responsible for stress tolerance mechanism. Soil physicochemical parameters (organic carbon, phosphorous, potassium, ammoniacal nitrogen and nitrate nitrogen) were assessed qualitatively and a shift towards higher amount was observed. Various biochemical parameters of soil health like dehydrogenase, fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis and alkaline phosphatase activity were significantly enhanced up to threefold with the application of different treatments. The results, for the first time, demonstrate successful use of nanozeolite in enhancing growth of Zea mays, under controlled conditions and present a viable alternative to GM crop for ensuring food security.