Pre Application Research Articles

Influence of herbicide-based integrated weed management strategies on growth and yield of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) it Indogangetic plains

In the present study, a field experiment was conducted over two years to evaluate the efficacy and economic performance of imidazolinones. The combined application of imidazolinones with pendimethalin exhibited enhanced effectiveness in controlling the weed populations compared to their individual application. PRE application of pendimethalin + imazethapyr (Ready mix) at 1500 g ha-1, followed by one hoeing at 3-4 leaf stage, proved highly effective in suppressing the dominant weed flora and recorded higher growth parameters and significantly increased the seed yield of fenugreek. Moreover, it emerged as a profitable alternative to the current recommendation of weed control in fenugreek, which involves two hoeing sessions at 25 and 45 days after sowing (DAS).

Weed seedbank as influenced by tillage and herbicide in direct seeded rice‐mustard cropping sequence in lateritic soil of eastern India

AbstractThe above‐ground community dynamics of weeds represent the soil weed seedbank in an agro‐ecosystem. Hence, understanding the seedbank will offer an idea for future weed management tactics. We aimed to determine the density of weed seedbank and emergence of major weeds in direct seeded rice (DSR) (Oryza sativa L.)—mustard (Brassica campestris L. var. yellow sarson) cropping sequence under varied tillage and herbicide combinations. The present study on weed seedbank was conducted using seedling emergence method after collecting the soils at the harvest of mustard at the completion of 2 years field experimentation. The experiment was conducted in split‐plot design with two tillage practices [zero tillage (ZT) and conventional tillage (CT)] in main plot and eight weed management practices in DSR [oxadiargyl followed by (fb) bispyribac‐sodium, penoxsulam + cyhalofop‐butyl, oxadiargyl fb penoxsulam + cyhalofop‐butyl, fenoxaprop‐p‐ethyl + ethoxysulfuron, oxadiargyl fb fenoxaprop‐p‐ethyl + ethoxysulfuron, pendimethalin fb bispyribac‐sodium, unweeded control, and weed free check] as subplot. The carry‐over effect of tillage and weed management practices were recorded in mustard crop. Seed emergence study revealed that ZT reduced the emergence of grassy weeds (by 13.7%) and total weed emergence (19.5%) in comparison to the CT (p < 0.05). However, emergence of broadleaf weeds was 24.5% higher in ZT than in CT. The higher infestation was recorded for Ludwigia parviflora (Jacq.) Raven under penoxsulam + cyhalofop‐butyl, fenoxaprop‐p‐ethyl + ethoxysulfuron, Cyperus iria (L.) under fenoxaprop‐p‐ethyl + ethoxysulfuron, and Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn. under pendimethalin fb bispyribac‐sodium, oxadiargyl fb bispyribac‐sodium. Sole application of post‐emergence (POE) herbicide decreased the total weed emergence by 22.2%–28.1% than unweeded control (p < 0.05). Whereas, sequential application of PRE + POE herbicides decreased the total weed emergence by 32.8%–36.9% than unweeded control (p < 0.05). Notably, sedge weeds such as Cyperus iria (L.) and Fimbristylis miliacea (L.) Vahl were lower in ZT than in CT under herbicide treated plots (by 66.6%–84.3%) than unweeded control. Thus, ZT with oxadiargyl 90 g a.i. ha−1 fb fenoxaprop‐p‐ethyl + ethoxysulfuron (90 + 15 g a.i. ha−1) as tank‐mix can be effectively used to lower the weed seedbank density vis‐à‐vis managing complex weed flora in DSR and rice‐mustard cropping sequence.

Fall or spring aminopyralid applications control Taeniatherum caput-medusae

AbstractMedusahead [Taeniatherum caput-medusae (L.) Nevski] is an invasive winter annual grass of western North American grasslands and rangelands that negatively impacts forage production, wildlife habitat, and ecosystem processes. Growth regulator herbicides, such as aminopyralid, applied in spring reduced invasive annual grass seed viability in greenhouse and California annual grassland experiments. Beginning in fall 2017, we tested combinations of sequential fall (preemergence) and spring (postemergence) aminopyralid applications at low (103 g ae ha−1) and high (206 g ae ha−1) rates at two ecologically distinct sites in the Intermountain West. Preemergence and postemergence aminopyralid applications at low and high rates controlled T. caput-medusae by 76% to 100% the second summer after study initiation. At the Utah site (which is warmer, drier, and more degraded than the Idaho site), the high rate resulted in better control. The first summer, postemergence aminopyralid applications at low and high rates reduced seed viability 47% to 91% compared with nontreated seeds, with the greatest reductions seen in Utah, which was experiencing drought. Across study sites, reduced T. caput-medusae germination in one year was linked to improved control the following year. The Idaho site also had desirable perennial grasses, which we used to investigate non-target effects. In general, there was a correlation between high T. caput-medusae control and higher perennial grass cover, indicating that successful control can make desirable perennial grasses more vigorous in this system. The option of a spring aminopyralid application increases the management window for controlling invasive annual grasses by decreasing seed viability, thereby depleting short-lived seedbanks.

Studies on the Effect of Chemical Weed Management on Growth Indices, Yield and Quality of Irrigated Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Chickpea, characterized by its short stature and slow initial growth, is highly susceptible to a wide range of weed species. The field experiment was designed during the Rabi season of 2021-22 at Agronomy Research Farm, Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar to evaluate the chemical weed management in irrigated chickpea. The experiment was laid out in a Randomised Block Design (RBD) with thirteen treatments replicated thrice. The treatments combinations areT1 (Pendimethalin 30EC @ 1000g a.i ha-1 as PPI), T2 (Imazethapyr 10EC @ 75g a.i ha-1 as PPI), T3 (Imazethapyr 10EC @ 100g a.i ha-1 as PPI), T4 (Pendimethalin 30EC + imazethapyr 2EC (RM) @ 1000g a.i ha-1 as PPI), T5 (Pendimethalin 30EC @ 1000g a.i ha-1 as PRE), T6 (Imazethapyr 10EC @ 75g a.i ha-1 as PRE), T7 (Imazethapyr 10EC @ 100g a.i ha-1 as PRE), T8 (Pendimethalin 30EC + Imazethapyr 2EC (RM) @ 1000g a.i ha-1 as PRE), T9 (Imazethapyr 10EC @ 75g a.i ha-1 as POE), T10 (Imazethapyr 10EC @ 100g a.i ha-1 as POE), T11 (Two hand hoeing at 30 & 50 DAS), T12 (weed free) and T13 (weedy check). The results of this study showed that PPI and PRE application of any herbicide did not cause any phytotoxic effect on chickpea. The Ready mix (RM) herbicide applied as PPI and PRE performed better than sole PPI, PRE, and POE herbicides. Among herbicidal treatments, PPI and PRE application of pendimethalin + imazethapyr (RM) @ 1000 g a.i ha-1 gave excellent control of complex weed flora and increased the yield of chickpea significantly over the weedy check. Different weed control treatments could not bring significant variation in plant population in the initial stage but the plant population declined at maturity. The maximum plant growth attributes were observed with the application of pendimethalin + imazethapyr (RM) @ 1000 g a.i ha-1 as PRE. The POE application of imazethapyr irrespective of the dose recorded the lowest dry matter accumulation throughout the growing season of chickpea. The unchecked growth of weeds in the weedy check caused a 55.2% reduction in seed yield as compared to weed-free treatment. The maximum seed yield (1968 kg ha-1) and yield attributes of chickpea were recorded with weed-free treatment and among herbicidal treatments, maximum seed yield (1827 kg ha-1) was recorded with application of pendimethalin + imazethapyr (RM) @ 1000 g ha-1 PRE.

Efficacy of New Herbicide Formulation on the Growth and Yield of Maize (Zea mays L.)

A field experiment was carried out at a farmer’s field in the Perambalur District of Tamil Nadu, India, during the kharif season of 2021 to ascertain the effects of various weed management methods on the growth and yield of maize. The study comprised ten treatments (Pre application of Atrazine was fb post emergence application were 2,4-D, Halosulfuron methyl, Tembotrine, Tembotrine+ Atrazine, Mesotrione + Atrazine) and was set up in a Randomized Block Design. Hand weeding on 15 and 30 DAS ranked first and resulted in the lowest weed count on 45 DAS (Grasses – 2.73, Sedges – 3.12, BLW’s – 6.34), weed biomass on 30 and 45 DAS (10.89, 6.09 g), weed index (0 %) and highest weed control efficiency (93.71 %) among all the treatments examined. Among the herbicides sprayed, pre-emergence herbicide atrazine followed by post-emergence herbicide tembotrine had the lowest weed count on 45 DAS (Grasses – 2.90, Sedges – 3.44, BLW’s – 6.68), weed biomass (12.10, 12.55, 6.77 g m2), weed index (0.29%) and highest weed control efficiency (93.28%) and resulted in tallest height (204.12 cm), leaf area index (6.04), dry matter production (8.92 t ha-1), cob length (22.4 cm), grain yield (4.47 t ha-1) and stover production (5.71 t ha-1).

Integrating the patients' voice in designing and delivering a research study: The Yorkshire Cancer Research funded PREHABS study's experience

IntroductionEngaging with patients when designing a clinical or research project is beneficial; feedback from the intended audience provides invaluable insight form the patients’ perspective. Working with patients can result in developing successful research grants and interventions. The benefit of including the voice of the patient in the Yorkshire Cancer Research funded PREHABS study is described in this article. MethodsPatients were included in the PREHABS study from inception to completion. The Theory of Change methodology was used to provide a framework to implement patient feedback to refine the study intervention. ResultsIn total, 69 patients engaged with the PREHABS project. Two patients were recruited as co-applicants on the grant and were members on the Trial Management Group. Six patients attended the pre application workshop and provided feedback on their lived experiences of being a lung cancer patient. Commentary from the patients influenced the interventions selected and the design of the prehabs study.Following ethical approval (21/EE/0048) and informed written consent, 61 patients were recruited into the PREHABS study between October 2021 and November 2022. The breakdown of recruited patients was 19 males: mean age 69.1 years (SD 8.91) and 41 females; mean age 74.9 years (SD 8.9). ConclusionIt is practicable and beneficial to include patients at all stages of designing and delivering a research study. Patient feedback can help refine the study interventions to allow for maximum acceptance, recruitment and retention. Implications for practiceIncluding patients in the design of radiotherapy research studies can provide invaluable insight that can support the selection and delivery of interventions that are acceptable to the patient cohort.

A PROSPECTIVE STUDY TO EVALUATE EFFECTIVENESS OF KINESIO TAPING IN NON-TRAUMATIC CHRONIC KNEE PAIN

Background: Kinesio tape has multiple benefits including decreasing pain, increasing proprioception, increasing quadriceps muscle strength, and improving lymphaticcirculation at the knee joint. To evaluate the effectiveness of kinesiotape innon traumatic chronic knee pain. Material and Methods: Aprospective study was done from august 2020 to January 2022 in nscb medical college jabalpur on 80 patients with patello femoral arthritis of knee joint and early grade medial joint line arthritis of knee joint(kellgenlawrencegrading) in which kinesio tape was applied over knee for 6 days by an orthopaedicsurgeonand followed up at end of 1st , 2nd , 3rd , 4th week and outcomes were measured using WOMAC(western Ontario and mcmaster university arthritis index) and Vas(visual analogue scale) scores. Results: VAS score(pre application:7.12, after 4 weeks:4.68)and WOMAC score( pre application:46.18, after 4 weeks:35.65)showed a statistically decrease in scores in cases of patellofemoral arthritis and early grade medial joint line arthritis of knee joint.(p value <0.001) Conclusion: Kinesio tape appears to beaneffective,easy and cheap method in early symptomaticpatello femoralosteoarthritis and early grade medial joint line arthritis of knee joint.

Evaluation of herbicides for selective weed control in cutleaf groundcherry (Physalis angulata L.)

Cultivation of cutleaf groundcherry (Physalis angulata L.) is increasing due to its potential nutritional and medicinal use. Lack of registered herbicides is a main constrain for efficient weed control and consequently successful production in cutleaf groundcherry. To evaluate the efficacy of eight herbicide treatments for weed control and crop injury in cutleaf groundcherry, field experiments were conducted in two consequent years (2017 and 2018). Treatments consisted of PRE application of pendimethalin and POST application of foramsulfuron, oxadiazon, nicosulfuron, rimsulfuron, sulfosulfuron, iodosulfuron-methyl-sodium + mesosulfuron-methyl-sodium + mefenpyr-diethyl (IMM), and iodosulfuron-methyl-sodium + mesosulfuron-methyl-sodium + diflufenican (IMD). Weed-free and weedy plots were also considered for comparison in both years. Although, density and biomass of broadleaf weeds were decreased in all treatments compared to the weedy check, grass weeds did not affect by the herbicides. In both years, the lowest broadleaf weed dry weight of (12 g m−2) was found in plots treated by IMD and IMM. Different levels of herbicide injury was found in cutleaf groundcherry plants. Of the herbicides tested, the minimum crop injury was related to plots treated with foramsulfuron (1.4%), rimsulfuron (2.7%) and sulfosulfuron (6%). Notice that the yield in rimsulfuron treatment (38,160 kg ha-1 and 18,053 kg ha-1 in 2017 and 2018) was just about 62% and 48% of that in weed free treatment in 2017 and 2018, respectively, although rimsulfuron treatment improved crop fruit yield compared with the weedy treatment. Overall, although none of the tested herbicides could provide fruit yield similar to the weed free condition, an herbicide program consisting of rimsulfuron and sulfosulfuron would therefore provide both high weed control and crop safety.

Management of Weeds in Maize by Sequential or Individual Applications of Pre- and Post-Emergence Herbicides

Weeds impose serious problems in maize (corn) production, resulting in reduced crop yields and lower profits for farmers. The adverse effects of weeds have been attributed to the competition with maize plants for light, water, and nutrients, which can result in reduced growth and yield of the crop. In this context, effective weed management is important to minimize the negative impact of weeds on maize production. This can be achieved through a combination of cultural, mechanical, and chemical control methods. The use of pre-emergence and post-emergence herbicides as sequential or individual applications of these herbicides can be an effective way to manage weeds in maize. Two consecutive field experiments were conducted in 2019 and 2020 in order to determine the efficacy of sequential and individual applications of Dimethenamid-P + Terbuthylazine and Isoxaflutole + Thiencarbazone methyl + Cyprosulfamide as pre- emergence. On the other hand, Mesotrione + Nicosulfuron and Dicamba + Nicosulfuron were used as post-emergence herbicides. The effects of the herbicides were also assayed on corn yield and related parameters. In this regard, we designed the experiment in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Accordingly, the effect of the herbicides varied according to the active ingredients of the herbicide and the weed species. In addition, the effectiveness of herbicides varied according to the assessment times. The lowest effect was found on E. crus-galli, which was obtained from Mesotrione + Nicosulfuron (MN) (35%) plots. Other herbicides showed high efficacy (95–100%). Concerning values of both years, the highest cob length, cob diameter, 1000-grain weight, and plant height were obtained in weed-free control plots and the highest grain yield was obtained in the control plots with weed-free checks as 12.88 tons/ha and 12.37 tons/ha, respectively. The lowest corn grain yield was obtained in weedy control plots in both years. Our findings demonstrate that the combination of pre- and post- emergence herbicides in maize can be an effective way chemical weed control option.

The effects of disinfection with Er, Cr:YSGG laser, application of CPP-ACP and sodium hypochlorite on shear bond strength.

The effects of commonly used antimicrobial and anticariogenic agents on the adhesion of pit and fissure sealants were investigated in this study. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of erbium, chromium: yttrium-scandium-gallium-garnet (Er, Cr:YSGG) laser disinfection, casein phosphopeptides-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) containing paste and sodium hypochlorite application before the placement of a resin-based pit and fissure sealant on the shear bond strength of primary tooth enamel. The shear bond strength test evaluated the bond strength of sealants on the buccal enamel surfaces of primary molar teeth. The study groups were pit and fissure sealant without any preapplication, pre application of disinfection with Er, Cr:YSGG laser, disinfection with Er, Cr:YSGG laser and CPP-ACP containing paste, sodium hypochlorite, sodium hypochlorite and CPP-ACP containing paste and CPP-ACP containing paste. The pit and fissure sealants were placed using 4 mm diameter, 2 mm height cylindrical plastic tubes. Shear force was applied to each sample. The surfaces of the broken samples were detected under stereomicroscope and were grouped as adhesive, cohesive, and mixed. The results of the study were evaluated using the SPSS 16.0 package program for statistical analysis. The groups where sodium hypochlorite and sodium hypochlorite with CPP-ACP were applied showed the lowest bond strength (p < 0.05). It was observed that most of the failures in these groups were adhesive-type failures. No significant difference was observed between the shear bond strengths of the other groups (p < 0.05). Er, Cr: YSGG laser and CPP-ACP containing paste are alternative methods for pre-application of fissure sealants.

Effectiveness of CS Unplugged Program in Developing Programming Skills for Eighth Grade Female Students

This study aims at identifying the effectiveness of CS Unplugged program for developing programming skills among eighth-grade female students. The study tools consist of a test to measure the cognitive side of programming skills in Scratch language, in addition to a product evaluation card to measure the performance aspect of programming skills in Scratch language. The sample of the study consisted of (14) female students from the eighth primary grade in Khan Yunis Preparatory Co. School "C". The study applies quasi-experimental design. The results indicated there are statistically significant differences between the ranks of the students’ grades in the programming skills pre- test application, and the ranks of their scores in the post application. The CS Unplugged program has a great impact on developing the cognitive aspect of programming skills. There are statistically significant differences between the ranks of the students’ grades in the product evaluation card in the pre application, and the ranks of their scores in the post application as the average of the positive ranks is greater than the average of the negative ranks. The CS Unplugged program has a great impact on developing the performance side of programming skills. The study concluded with the most important recommendations, as there is need for the Ministry of Education to adopt the CS Unplugged program in the plan of teaching programming curriculum for the various stages; especially in light of the limited capabilities of the Gaza Strip.

Impact of Imidazolinones on Weeds in Pigeon Pea (Cajanus cajan L.)

Background: Among various biotic factors limiting pigeon pea yield, weeds are of prime importance which can causes seed yield losses up to 80 per cent. Therefore current study aims to evaluate the impact of imidazolinones on weeds in pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan L.). Methods: The experiment was laid out in randomized block design using eighteen treatments replicated thrice. To control the weeds in pigeon pea, imidazolinones alone and its combination with pendimethalin were applied and rest other cultural practices for cultivation of pigeon pea were adopted according to the package and practices of CCA HAU, Hisar. Result: Among all weed controls treatments, two hoeing at 40 and 70 DAS found most effective to control all kind of weeds. PRE application of imidazolinones was comparatively more effective than POE application. Among different weed species, Cynodon dactylon was not controlled by any of the herbicide treatment and PRE application of pendimethalin @ 1000 g/ha did not control Digera arvensis and Cyperus rotundus. Whereas, PRE application of pendimethalin + imazethapyr @ 1000 + 75 g/ha provided best control of total weeds leads to lowest nutrient uptake by weeds. Therefore, PRE application of pendimethalin + imazethapyr @ 1000 + 75 g/ha proved to be an effective and a profitable alternative to the existing recommendation (two hoeing at 25 and 45 DAS) of weed control in pigeon pea in Haryana locality.

Acute effects of varying densities of foam roller on hamstring flexibility and eccentric strength

Background/Aims Foam rolling is a popular form of self-administered soft tissue therapy, commonly used in sporting environments. There are several variations in foam roller types including differences in density. No studies have examined the effects of different density type rollers on performance. This study compares the effects of varying foam roller density on hamstring flexibility and eccentric hamstring strength in active men. Methods A total of 28 healthy male participants (height 176.7 ± 5.9 cm; body mass 75.8 ± 9.6 kg; age 21.6 ± 4.0 years) were randomly allocated to receive a low density, medium density or high density foam roller or allocated to a control group. Outcome measures included hamstring flexibility through active knee extension (°) and eccentric hamstring strength pre and immediately-post foam roller application. Results Significant foam roller x time interactions were found for hamstring flexibility (P&lt;0.05). Significant increases in active knee extension were reported post-foam roller application for all foam roller densities (P&lt;0.05). No significant changes in strength parameters (break angle, peak and average force and torque) were found (P&gt;0.05). No significant interactions between strength parameters, limb, type of roller or time were found (P&gt;0.05). Conclusions Foam roller use elicits immediate positive increases in hamstring flexibility through active knee extension assessment, with the lower density foam roller displaying the largest increases in hamstring flexibility. No change in strength parameters were noted with the increases in flexibility; however, this does not denote that injury risk is reduced because of this. Findings provide practitioners with insight to inform decision making for the use of different densities of foam roller in practical settings.

PRE AND POST CONTROL OF WEEDY RICE AND SELECTED RICE WEEDS WITH PREMIX OF IMAZAPIC AND IMAZAPYR AT DIFFERENT RATIOS

Field experiments were conducted in the rice fields of the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute in 2018 and 2019, to determine the efficacy of two commercial premix herbicides consisting of imazapic and imazapyr at 70:30 (formulation 1) and 30:70 (formulation 2) applied singly or in sequence for control of weedy rice and other rice weeds. Formulation 1 was applied as PRE at the 0 to 1-leaf stage of weedy rice while formulation 2 was applied as POST at the 3 to 4-leaf stage of weedy rice. Formulation 1 applied PRE at 150 g ai ha-1 with or without sequential application of formulation 2 applied POST at 75 or 150 g ai ha-1 provided complete inhibition of weedy rice. The same rate of formulation 1 applied PRE highly reduced weed density and dry weight of Monochoria vaginalis (99%) and Fimbristylis quinquangularis (93%) as compared to weedy check plots. Formulation 2 applied POST at 150 g ai ha-1 providing lower weed density and dry weight reduction of weedy rice (59 to 65%), M. vaginalis (80 to 81%), and F. quinquangularis (56 to 64%) as compared to those observed in formulation 1 applied PRE at 150 g ai ha-1. These results suggest that although formulations 1 and 2 share the same active ingredients, excellent control of weedy rice and rice weeds could only be achieved with PRE application of formulation 1 at 150 g ai ha-1.

ANALISIS PRA PENERAPAN SANITATION STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE (SSOP) DI SUIS BUTCHER STEAK HOUSE SETIABUDHI BANDUNG

Problems studied in this research is application of hygiene and sanitation atSuis Butcher Steak House Setiabudhi Bandung. This research is done based onsome guest comment from customer who comes to Suis Butcher Steak HouseSetiabudhi Bandung. This is cause of neglect of food handling that made byemploye. The purpose of this research is for analysis of pre application ofsanitation standard operating procedure (SSOP) at Suis Butcher Steak HouseSetiabudhi Bandung. Research method that used in this research is quantitativemethod with description and accumulation technique of data is field research(observation, interview, documentation, questionnaire) and literature researchstudi. Questionnaire had given to 26 employe at Suis Butcher Steak HouseSetiabudhi Bandung, in particular for food product and food service section.Analysis technique of data had done with validitas and reliabilitas experiment for questionnaire that observe.Out of this analysis show that employe’s knowledge of Sanitation StandardOperating Procedure is 75% and analysis condition of aspects SanitationStandard Operating Procedure that applied in di Suis Butcher Steak HouseSetiabudhi Bandung is 76.5%.Application of hygiene and sanitation with Sanitation Standard OperatingProcedure is one of the needed to apply at Suis Butcher Steak House SetiabudhiBandung. Sanitation Standard Operating Procedur is a way for prevent crosscontamination, keep cooking process and for apply principle of hygiene andsanitation.

The Effectiveness of Educational Environment Based on Smart Learning in Developing English Language Listening Skill among IUG Female Learners

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of educational environment based on smart learning in developing English Language listening skill among IUG female learners. To achieve this aim, the researcher adopted the experimental approach. The study was applied on a representative sample of (30) female students of journalism and media second-level at the Islamic University of Gaza, and that is in the second semester of the academic year (2020-2021). In order to collect data, the researcher used one main tool, a pre- and post-listening test, and then he verified the validity and reliability of the test. The findings of the study revealed that There were significant statistically difference at level (0.05) between the average scores of female students in journalism and media at the Islamic University in the pre and post applications to test skill of listening in English language and in favor of the post application. Based upon the previous findings, the study recommended the necessity of implementing smart learning in teaching and learning English listening skill to bring about better outcomes in female students' achievement. Also, the researcher suggested that further research should be conducted concerning the effectiveness of educational environment based on smart learning in teaching different English language skills.

Rice farming components for biological weed control in transplanted rice: perspective on weedy rice management

AbstractFarming elements other than the crop, when integrated into the system, are supplementary, with multifold uses that include weed and pest management. Elements such as fish and poultry birds are integrated with transplanted wetland rice (Oryza sativa L.) for ensuring farmers’ livelihoods and the nutritional security and sustainability of the system. Integrated animal components such as poultry birds and fish also supplement the system with weed control. The role and efficacy of these animal components as tools for managing weedy rice (Oryza sativa L.) were explored, as weedy rice infestation is increasing. This threat of weedy rice is due to scarcity of water resulting from poor water management and improper field leveling. Grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella val.) produced the highest reduction of weedy rice biomass, 28% within 24 h under laboratory conditions. Polyculture of C. idella, mrigal (Cirrhinus mrigala Ham.), and silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix val.) reduced the biomass of weedy rice by 21% within 24 h. In laboratory studies, poultry manure at the highest concentration of 5% reduced the weedy rice seed germination 100% compared with rice seed germination at 91%. This conformed with microplot experiments in which poultry manure at 15.6 g d−1 resulted in a weed control index (WCI) of 8% in both years. However, poultry manure at 15.6 g d−1 in combination with herbicide application resulted in the highest control indices of weedy rice: 52% in 2017 and 2018. Integrating fish and poultry with PRE application of oxyfluorfen (0.25 kg ha−1) resulted in the highest WCI and grain yield in field experiments.

Introducing Pre-Service Math and Biology Teachers to Physics PCK

ABSTRACT This work reports a classroom experience of a general physics course designed to foster also the initiation of preservice mathematics and biology teachers to physics pedagogical content knowledge. To modify the conceptions that these students have about teaching and learning, the course was taught using different active learning instructional strategies, making at the same time students explicitly aware of their names, objectives, and main characteristics. Degree of knowledge and value of specific active learning activities by these students were measured with three opinion surveys answered by students at the same time they took the three written exams necessary to pass the course. Learning of physics principles was monitored by pre and post instruction application of a general physics multiple-choice test. Results indicate that these students were not only able to identify all teaching strategies but that they value them very highly, with more than 80% of the answers distributed in the two highest rating categories. Opinion and value of the small group work were also very high, increasing with time along the course. When asked to sketch a plan to teach 11th-grade students a physics topic covered in that part of the course, almost all participants proposed to use active learning activities as well as different information and communication technologies. It was also found that conceptual learning of the physics subjects covered in this course was quite satisfactory with high normalized gains, characteristics of active learning instruction. Further work is suggested to confirm these results with appropriate experiments.

Synergistic effect of imazapic plus prometryn on weeds in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) fields

To clarify feasibility of using combinations of imazapic and prometryn to control weeds in peanut field, their interaction effect was evaluated in greenhouse and verified in field. The results of pot experiments showed that the interaction of imazapic at 32 g a.i. ha−1 and prometryn at 400–850 g a.i. ha−1 exhibited synergistic effects for the control of Chenopodium album L., Portulaca oleracea L. and Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop., and that the observed response (E0) was significantly greater than that expected (E). The combination of imazapic at 52 g a.i. ha−1 and prometryn at 400–850 g a.i. ha−1 also had synergistic effects on the control of Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) Beauv., and the E0 value was significantly greater than the E value. Field experiment demonstrated that imazapic plus prometryn at 32 + 850 g a.i. ha-1 or 52 + 400 g a.i. ha-1 exhibited better weed density suppression (93.2% or 95.1%), which was significantly higher than imazapic (85.0%) and prometryn (71.8%) applied at 90 g a.i. ha−1 and 950 g a.i. ha−1, respectively. The combinations showed superior weed fresh weight control than when they were applied alone. Comparing with s-metolachlor, the mixtures also provided significantly higher control of weed density and fresh weight under field condition. The mixtures were safe for peanut. These findings indicate that PRE application of combinations of imazapic and prometryn has great potential for weed control in peanut fields in China and that recommended field doses of imazapic plus prometryn are 32 + 850 or 52 + 400 g a.i. ha−1.

Enhancing English Majoring Student’s Speaking Skill’s Teaching Performance through an Experiential Learning-Based Programme

The current paper explored Experiential Learning standards, methodologies and techniques via designing a training programme and investigated its effect on IUG English majoring students in enhancing teaching performance cognition and in improving teaching speaking skill. The researchers followed the quasi-experimental approach with a one sample design of a pre-posttest. The Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test for two linked samples was used to test the differences in the means in the cognitive test before and after the application of the proposed programme based on EL. The researchers used an observation card for assessing female students' practices in teaching speaking skill according to ECRIF framework. They compared the sum of responses, means, std. deviation and the percentage weight and rank of each field to a criterion value. The results showed that there were statistically significant differences between the pre and post applications of the cognitive test in favor of the posttest. It was found that IUG English majoring students' performance of teaching speaking skill was above (80%).The paper concluded with the confirmation of the effectiveness of the proposed programme based on EL in enhancing the teaching performance cognition as well as improving the practices of teaching speaking skill for IUG English majoring students.