Basal Dose Research Articles

Demographic and clinical characteristics of a Spanish population of people living with type 1 diabetes who practice nonprofessional sports: The DIABESPORT survey

AimTo determine the characteristics of people with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) who practice sports, the support they receive, and the way in which they manage their disease during sports. MethodsAn observational cross-sectional study designed as a web-based survey released through social media was carried out, directed to physically active people with T1D. ResultsA total of 342 subjects completed the survey (16 children; 67.5% males). The duration of living with T1D was 18.6 ± 11.4 years. The mean glycosylated hemoglobin concentration (HbA1c) was 6.7 ± 0.8%, and the mean time in range (TIR) was 72.9 ± 15.8%. Only 27.2% started sports activity following the diagnosis of T1D. The most frequently used basal insulin was insulin degludec (38.6%). The usual treatment modification before doing sports consisted of bolus reduction (42.5%) or only the adjustment of nutritional supplements (19.7%). In cases of long-acting insulin users, the basal dose usually remained unchanged during sports. One-quarter of the participants were insulin pump users, and of these, 12.5% always disconnected the pump during physical activities. Severe hypoglycemia on the day of physical activity was experienced by 5% of the participants in the last 6 months. One-third reported a lack of support from their physician, and 61% had learned to manage glycemic control during sports by themselves. ConclusionsThis study highlights the adjustments made by people living with T1D during sports practice, and the lack of support received from healthcare professionals.

Influence of Biochar on Soil Nutrients and Associated Rhizobacterial Communities of Mountainous Apple Trees in Northern Loess Plateau China.

Biochar application can enhance soil health and alter soil bacterial community structure. However, knowledge relating to biochar on soil nutrients of mountainous apple orchards and then assessing its effect on soil health, especially on soil microorganisms, is still scanty. Therefore, we evaluated the responses of six biochar treatments [Ck (0), T1 (2), T2 (4), T3 (6), T4 (8), and T5 (10) Mg hm−2] with a basal dose of chemical fertilizer on the soil nutrients under potted apple trees across 3, 6, 9, and 12 months, and then investigated the responses of the rhizobacterial communities. Experimental findings demonstrated that: (i) Across the months, the biochar-applied treatment (T5) compared to the control significantly enhanced soil nutrients, including soil pH (2.12 to 2.29%), soil organic matter (35 to 40%), total nitrogen (59 to 65%), ammonium nitrogen (25 to 33%), nitrate nitrogen (163 to 169%), and the activities of urease (76 to 81%), alkaline phosphatase (30 to 33%), catalase (8.89 to 11.70%), and sucrase (23 to 29%). (ii) Compared to the control, the biochar-applied treatment (T5) had a more desirable relative abundance of the bacterial phylum Proteobacteria (35.47%), followed by Actinobacteria (8.59%), Firmicutes (5.74%), and Bacteroidota (2.77%). Similarly, the relative abundance of the bacterial genera in the T5 was Sphingomonas (8.23%) followed by RB41 (3.81%), Ellin6055 (3.42%), Lachnospiracea (1.61%), Bacillus (1.43%), Kineosporia (1.37%), Massilia (0.84%), and Odoribacter (0.34%) than the control. (iii) Among the alpha diversity, the biochar-applied treatment (T5) revealed the highest Chao1 (20%) and ACE (19.23%) indexes, while Shannon (1.63%) and Simpson (1.02%) had relatively lower indexes than the control. Furthermore, positive correlations were found between the soil nutrients and some of the abundant bacterial phyla. Overall, the findings of this research demonstrated that biochar application at 10 Mg hm−2 (T5) along with the required chemical fertilizer is beneficial to improve soil health and pave the way for sustainable production in apple orchards of the northern loess plateau.

Productivity analysis of wheat (Triticum aestivium) in irrigated sub-tropics of Jammu

Present study was carried out in Jammu district of Jammu and Kashmir with 180 randomly selected wheat growers from three different blocks (R.S. Pura, Suchetgarh and Bishnah) with the objective to analyze the productivity status of wheat (Triticum aestivium L.) crop in irrigated sub-tropics during 2020–21. There was large variation in productivity of wheat crop in different wheat growing regions of the state. Results of the study revealed that all the farmers sown their wheat crop by broadcasting method, 36% farmers replaced their wheat seed and same percentage of farmers adopted the practice of seed treatment. All the farmers applied DAP and urea as basal dose at sowing time and herbicide for controlling narrow and broad leaved weeds. Only 45% farmers applied first irrigation at the crown root initiation stage. Second dose of urea was applied by 100% farmers after first irrigation and 60% farmers applied third dose of urea in their wheat crop. Only 18% of sampled farmers sprayed fungicides. Overall average wheat crop productivity of respondent farmers in study area was 2.789 t/ha and R. S. Pura block had significant difference in productivity of wheat crop as compared to Bishnah (P=.039) and Suchetgarh (P=.010) block.

Acupuncture for pain control after degenerative lumbar spine surgery

BackgroundWound pain after surgery for lumbar spine disease may interfere with patients’ recovery. Acupuncture is commonly used for pain management, but its efficacy for postoperative pain control is unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture for adjuvant pain control after surgery for degenerative lumbar spine disease.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the records of consecutive patients who received surgery for degenerative lumbar spine disease at our institution from 2013 to 2014. Surgical procedures included open laminectomy, discectomy, and trans-pedicle screw instrumentation with posterior-lateral fusion. Patients were grouped by pain control methods, including routine analgesia, patient-controlled analgesia (PCA), and acupuncture. The routine analgesia group received oral acetaminophen/non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs with meperidine as needed for immediate pain control. The PCA group received a basal dose of morphine and subsequent user-demand doses. The acupuncture group received acupuncture every other day after surgery.ResultsNinety-six patients were included, of whom 37 received acupuncture, 27 received PCA, and 32 received routine analgesics for pain control. Visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores in all 3 groups decreased significantly, and to the same degree, from the first postoperative day to the second day. No significant differences were found in VAS scores over the next 6 postoperative days; however, the scores of patients treated with PCA were slightly but still significantly higher (p = 0.026) on postoperative day 4 than scores of patients treated with acupuncture and traditional analgesia, a difference likely due to PCA being discontinued on postoperative day 3. No major complications were noted in the acupuncture group, but 2 patients dropped out because of fear of needle insertion.ConclusionsAcupuncture may be as effective as traditional analgesia and PCA for adjuvant pain control after surgery for degenerative lumbar spine disease.

Maximizing the Productivity and Profitability of Summer Irrigated Greengram (Vigna radiata L.) by Combining Basal Nitrogen Dose and Foliar Nutrition of Nano and Normal Urea

Field experiment was conducted at wetland farm of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, during summer season, 2022 with an objective of maximizing the productivity and profitability of greengram by adopting varied dose of basal nitrogen and foliar application of nano and normal urea at Flower Initiation (FI) stage and 15 days thereafter. The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design and replicated thrice with the following treatments viz., N1 - 100% RDN (25kg N ha-1), N2 - 80% RDN (20kg N ha-1), N3 - 60% RDN (15kg N ha-1) and N4 - Control as factor I, and F1 - Nano urea @ 2ml litre-1 of water, F2 - Nano urea @ 3ml litre-1 of water, F3 - Nano urea @ 4ml litre-1 of water and F4 - 1% urea as factor II. The experiment results revealed that, 100% RDN and nano urea foliar spray @ 4ml litre-1 of water significantly registered higher fertility co-efficient (71.2%), pods plant-1 (38.5 Nos.), seeds pod-1 (12.7 Nos.) and maximum grain yield (1291 kg ha-1). Nevertheless, it was on par with the application of 80% RDN and nano urea foliar spray @ 4ml litre-1 of water, which recorded fertility co-efficient of 70.6%, 38.0 pods plant-1, 12.6 seeds pod-1 and grain yield of 1289 kg ha-1. In economics perspective also, application of 100% RDN and foliar supplement of nano urea @ 4ml litre-1 accounted maximum gross return (₹100114 ha-1), net return (₹53549 ha-1) and benefit-cost ratio (2.15), which was comparable with application of 80% RDN and foliar application of nano urea @ 4ml litre-1 of water at FI stage and 15 days thereafter. Based on the experimental results, it is concluded that reduced application of basal nitrogen i.e., 80% RDN with nano urea foliar spray @ 4ml litre-1 of water at FI stage and 15 days thereafter found to be the optimal nitrogen dose and nano urea foliar nutrition for maximizing the productivity and profitability of summer irrigated greengram.

Effect of Soluble Silica on the Plant Growth, Leaves Chlorophyll Content and Bulb Quality of the Garlic (Allium sativum L.) against Drought Stress

Background: Garlic is an aromatic spice with nutritional and medicinal values. Climatic variations such as drought, adversely affect Garlic’s morpho-physiological, biochemical attributes and diminish its bulb quality. Soluble silica is a plant-available form of silicon (Si). Silica is beneficial for plant’s healthy growth especially against stress conditions. The present study was aimed to evaluate the effect of soluble silica on the garlic plant growth, leaves chlorophyll content and bulb quality against drought stress. Methods: Garlic was cultivated during the Rabi season (2019-2020) in the experimental field Lohar pipliya (Dewas), India. Randomized experimental blocks consisted of six treatments as follows: T1- Control (well-watered), T2- Drought stress (water supply reduced by about 50%), T3- Drought + a basal dose of NPK fertilizers (BDF) in soil, T4, T5, T6- Drought + BDF + foliar sprays of 7.5, 10 and 12.5 ml L-1 soluble silica respectively. Silica sprays were applied seven-time at a regular interval of 15-days. After 120-days of sowing, plant growth in terms of plants height and number of leaves plant-1 were measured. 120-days leaves chlorophyll, MDA and proline content were estimated. Garlic bulb’s quality in terms of fresh-dry weight and diameter were recorded at the final harvest. Result: Results revealed that drought significantly reduced Garlic’s plant height, bulb quality (weight and diameter), chlorophyll (Chl-a and Chl-b) and increased MDA, proline content in contrast to the well-watered garlic. Fertilizers (BDF) feebly improved garlic bulb quality. However, fertilizers (BDF) supplemented with soluble silica sprays (7.5 ml L-1 less than 12.5 ml L-1 less than 10 ml L-1) significantly increased plant height, bulb weight and diameter, leaves chlorophyll, proline and reduced MDA content over the drought-stressed Garlic. Fertilizers (BDF) supplemented with Soluble silica maintained plant water content, reduced oxidative stress and increased leaves chlorophyll content. These resulted in good quality garlic bulbs in terms of weight and diameter despite the drought stress.

Effect of Fourteen Years of Long Term Organic and Inorganic Fertilization on Productivity, Soil Quality and Grain Quality of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Background: Considering the importance of organic farming and growing demand for organically produced foods, field studies were conducted for 14 kharif years (2007 to 2020) on a black clayey vertisol soil at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Nandyal, India to study the influence of organic and conventional farming systems on productivity, grain quality, soil health and economic returns of super fine rice variety BPT-5204. Methods: The experiment was laid out in non replicated two block design with each block of an area of 2000 m2 each. The organic plot was green manured with Dhaincha (Sesbania aculeata) and FYM @ 10 t ha-1, Castor cake and Neem cake were applied @ 500 kg ha-1 as basal dose of manure and topdressing of vermicompost was added as a nutrient sources. In in-organic plot, 100% RDF (240:80:80 kg NPK ha-1) was applied. Result: The pooled mean grain yield of paddy grown in vertisols under K.C. Canal ayacut under organic farming treatment was 4.04 t/ha while it was 5.6 t ha-1 under control (Inorganic/Conventional farming) and the straw yield also was 5.07 t ha-1 under organic farming and 7.96 t ha-1 under control. The average yield increase in in organic plot was 27% and for straw it was 35%.The Organic carbon status was highest in organic plot (0.60%) when compared to the inorganic plot (0.36%).

ID:16258 Chronic Pain Management in a Parturient With an Implanted Intrathecal Drug Delivery System

AB is a 38 year old G2P0 with history of gastric bypass, retinal detachment, local anesthetic allergy, and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) of the left lower extremity. Her CRPS had been managed with a spinal cord stimulator (SCS), but the generator failed following an MRI. She underwent intrathecal pump implantation with SCS generator removal. The SCS leads were left in place for potential future use. Her pain was controlled on intrathecal fentanyl 245mcg basal dose, with 10 boluses/day, 30mcg each, up to a maximum of 542mcg/day.

992-P: Pediatric Diabetes Providers Are Poorly Adherent to the ADA Treatment Guidelines for New-Onset Type 2 Diabetes (T2D)

Since 2018, the ADA Standards of Medical Care has provided evidence-based treatment guidelines for clinically suspected youth-onset T2D. We hypothesized adherence of pediatric diabetes providers to these guidelines was poor. We conducted a retrospective chart review of new onset T2D youth seen for initial consultation at our multidisciplinary tertiary care pediatric diabetes clinic. Between 7/20 and 6/2020, 90 youth completed initial visits: mean initial HbA1c 9.7% (6.5-14%) , mean age of 14.5 (range 9-19) , 57% female, 85% English-speaking, 60% Black, 10% Non-Hispanic White, and 27% Hispanic. Forty-one had an initial HbA1c <8.5% without acidosis, with 34 of these 41 (83%) started on metformin, in accordance with ADA guidelines. Four of the 41 (10%) patients were started on insulin therapy; these 4 had higher HbA1c than those started on metformin alone (8.1% vs. 6.7%, p = 0.0003) . In contrast, 49 of the 90 patients presented with an initial HbA1c ≥8.5% without acidosis. Of these 49, 6 (12%) were started on metformin and basal insulin, in accordance with ADA guidelines; however, the basal insulin was dosed at a mean of 0.27 unit/kg (0.20-0.45) rather than the recommended 0.5 unit/kg. Metformin with basal + prandial insulin was started in 23 (47%) . Sixteen of 49 (33%) were started on basal (0.20 unit/kg) + prandial insulin without metformin. Notably, in patients with HbA1c ≥8.5%, initial treatment choice did not differ by age, HbA1c, or race/ethnicity. Overall, providers exhibited greater fidelity to ADA treatment recommendations in those with HbA1c < 8.5% (83% adherence) than those with HbA1c ≥ 8.5% (12%) . In 80% of patients with a HbA1c ≥ 8.5, providers appeared to default to typical T1D treatment with an initial basal dose of 0.2 unit/kg and inclusion of prandial insulin. These findings demonstrate poor adherence to youth-onset T2D guidelines. A quality improvement project is underway to reduce practice variance and optimize the care of youth with newly diagnosed T2D. Disclosure J.H.Said: None. P.Wolfgram: n/a. S.M.Cabrera: None. Funding American Diabetes Association (1-18-ICTS-094)

Changes of COVID-19 Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices and Vaccination Willingness Among Residents in Jinan, China.

BackgroundVaccine hesitancy is responsible for low vaccine coverage and increased risk of epidemics. The purpose of this study was to assess whether public knowledge, attitudes, practices, and willingness to vaccinate against COVID-19 have changed over time and at different stages of vaccination.MethodsTwo consecutive surveys were conducted among residents of the Leshan Community in Jinan from May to June, 2021 (n = 423) (basic dose vaccination phase) and from December, 2021 to January, 2022 (n = 470) (booster vaccination phase). Randomly sampling was used in residents to complete an anonymous questionnaire. Chi-square test was used to compare the changes in knowledge, attitudes and practices of the subjects in different survey stages. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to explore factors related to vaccination hesitancy.ResultsIn the booster vaccination phase, protective behaviors (89.9%) of residents increased significantly compared with the basic vaccination phase (74.5%). Residents were more hesitant to receive booster doses than basal doses of COVID-19 vaccine (OR: 18.334, 95% CI: 9.021–37.262). Residents with other marital statuses (OR: 2.719, 95% CI: 1.632–4.528), negative attitudes toward government measures were more hesitant to get vaccinated (OR: 2.576, 95% CI: 1.612–4.118). People who thought their physical condition was very good or good were more likely to be vaccinated than those who thought they were in fair or poor health (OR: 0.516, 95% CI: 0.288–0.925; OR: 0.513, 95% CI: 0.295–0.893). Young people inclined to use new media (such as WeChat and microblog) to obtain information, while the elderly inclined to use traditional methods (such as television). Government propaganda, residents' perception of the importance of vaccines and the risk of disease were the main reasons for accelerating residents to vaccinate. The main reasons affecting residents' lack of vaccination were contraindications to the vaccine or inconvenient time for vaccination.ConclusionsVaccine hesitancy increased significantly with change in vaccination stage. Strategies should be adopted to increase vaccination coverage such as improving the convenience of vaccination, promoting through multiple channels.

Survival of Kerria lacca (Kerr) on pigeon pea

Number of live lac insects (Kerria lacca) on the host plant till the harvest of lac crop, decides the lac yield. Survival of K. lacca is therefore one of the most important factors for higher lac productivity. The present study on the survival of K. lacca on pigeon pea was carried with eight treatments which was replicated thrice. Apart from the basal dose of DAP and MoP, biofertilizers and humic acid were also applied as per the treatments for growing pigeon pea (TJT-501). Soil, foilar and soil + foliar applications were the three types of treatments applications. The mean number of live lac insects (MNL) was maximum 69.81 to 82.29 per 2.5 cm2 at 30 days after Brood lac inoculation (BLI). It declined in linear trend till the harvest of lac crop. At 195 days after BLI the MNL varied BLI from 34.50 to 40.85 per 2.5cm2. It was highest in the C. cajan with soil applications of VAM, DAP, MoP and FYM.

Influence of Humic Acid and Vermicompost on Vegetative and Flowering Performances of African Marigold cv. Seracole in Indo-Gangetic Plains of West Bengal

The present investigation was performed in Horticultural Research Station, Mondouri, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Nadia, West Bengal during 2017 to 2018 to assess the best dose of humic acid and vermicompost combination for African marigold. The experiment was designed in Randomised Block Design (RBD) with three replications. There were four concentrations of humic acid extracts (0.5 g/l, 1.0 g/l, 1.5 g/l and 2 g/l) applied as a foliar spray in combination with basal doses of vermicompost (1 kg/m2 and 2 kg/m2). All the parameters showed significant differences regarding vegetative, flowering as well as quality parameters. The results indicated that foliar spray with 1.5 g/l of humic acid extract along with 2 kg/m2 vermicompost significantly increased plant height (54.54 cm), number of primary branches (7.21), flower diameter (7.44 cm), fresh weight & dry weight of flower (9.06 g & 1.2 g respectively), number of flowers per plant (84.16), yield per hectare (47.01 tons/ha) as well as the quality parameters. So, among the nine treatments, T8 (Humic acid 1.5 g/l + 2 kg vermicompost/m2) was the best combination for improving plant growth, yield and quality of African marigold in the Indo-Gangetic plains of West Bengal.

Impact of Fertilization of Sulphur and Iron on Yield Attributes and Economics of Greengram (Vigna radiata L.)

At Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, SHUATS, Prayagraj, UP (India), a field experimentation was undertaken in zaid 2021. The experimental plot's soil texture was sandy loam. At the same time pH, low organic carbon, available N, available P and available K were (7.4), (0.32%), (188.3 kg/ha), (34.5 kg/ha) and (87.5 kg/ha) respectively. The experiment was set up in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with 12 treatments and three replica. The results showed that treatment 5 with application of 20kg/ha Sulphur as Gypsum + 20kg/ha Sulphur as Single Super Phosphate + 25kg/ha FeSO4 as basal dose application was recorded maximum no. of pods per plant (36.07), no. of seeds per pod (12.07), test weight (37.03 g), seed yield (1421.00 kg/ha), stover yield (3306.00 kg/ha), harvest index (30.06%), gross return (1,31,196.00 INR/ha), net return (87,806.00 INR/ha) and benefit cost ratio (2.02) as compared to other treatments.

Field co-inoculation of Bradyrhizobium sp. and Pseudomonas increases nutrients uptake of Vigna radiata L. from fertilized soil

Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) deficiency in soils limit plant growth. Consequently, chemical fertilizers are applied to fulfill crop nutrient demands. However, low nutrient utilization can make these fertilizers unprofitable for low-income smallholding farmers. Therefore, we studied the influence of Bradyrhizobium sp. and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (Pseudomonas) on N and P utilization by mungbean crop from fertilized nutrient-deficient soil. We inoculated novel Bradyrhizobium sp. TAL-377 and Pseudomonas sp. 54RB strains alone or their combination with seeds of mungbean varieties (C-MUNG, NM-06, and NM-11). A basal dose of chemical fertilizers was applied at the rate of 60 kg N and 90 kg P ha−1 in the form of urea and single super phosphate in all plots before crop sowing. All inocula increased soil mineral N and P compared to control (P < 0.05). Co-inoculation increased mineral N by 30%, 18%, and 18% than Bradyrhizobium sp. alone and increase in P was 22, 29 and 43% than Pseudomonas sp. in C-MUNG, NM-06, and NM-11, respectively. This resulted in 35%, 45%, and 36% higher shoot N uptakes than Bradyrhizobium sp., and 46%, 84%, and 62% higher shoot P uptake than Pseudomonas sp. in the varieties. Similarly, root nodulation, mungbean grains, and biological yields were higher in co-inoculation treatments than single strain (p < .05). Hence, co-inoculation of Bradyrhizobium sp. and phosphorus solubilizing bacteria (Pseudomonas sp.) is a vital strategy to increase mungbean growth, yield, N and P utilization from chemical fertilizers applied in nutrient-deficient soils.

Growing of off-season tomato in high tunnel and its nutritional value augmentation with integrated nutrients management

Tomato is an important vegetable crop which provides approximately 40% of the daily recommended vitamin C and vitamin A, which supports human health. The experiments were laid out in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) having four treatments and four time repetition under high tunnel. Nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) fertilizers were applied at the rate of 60:60:60 kg/ha or 1:1:1 to T1, T2 and T3 after each 10, 20 and 30 day’s interval while Zn (5 kg/ha) was applied as a basal dose. The highest marketable yield was observed for T2 after each 20 days of NPK application. Maximum Grad-A fruit among the treatments was recorded for T1, Grade-B for T2 & T3 and Grade-C for T0. Highest density was recorded for T2, % moisture for T0, maximum chlorophyll content in leaves was recorded for T2 while highest shelf life was noted for T1, T2 and T3 except T0. The fruit and straw of tomato was analyzed to determine N, P and K (%) by using standard protocol. Among all the treatments highest N, P and K in fruit was observed for T1. In case of straw maximum N was observed for T1 whereas high level of P and K was recorded for T2. Similarly the total NPK uptake were in the order as: T1 > T2 > T3 >T0, respectively. Experiential findings revealed that application of NPK after each 20 days are the suitable interval to get high marketable yield and highly bio-fortified and quality tomato crop.

Influence of Nitrogen Dose and Application Method On Growth and Yield of Baby Corn

The experiment was conducted at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University during Rabi season of 2019-20 to find out the influence of nitrogen management on cob yield of baby corn. The experiment was laid out in a Split-plot design having 3 replications where four nitrogen dose viz., i) 0 kg N ha-1 (N1), ii) 100 kg N ha-1 (N2), iii) 150 kg N ha-1 (N3) and ii) 200 kg N ha-1 (N4) in the main plot and three nitrogenous fertilizer application method viz., i) Basal (M1), ii) side dressing at 30 DAS (M2) and iii) 50% basal + 50% side dressing at 30 DAS (M3) in the sub-plot. Almost all the studied parameters were found statistically significant. The higher plant height, dry matter plant-1, number of cobs plant-1, fresh weight cob-1, husk weight cob-1 and cob yield were observed in application of 200 kg Nha-1. Basal application of nitrogen fertilizer gave the highest cob weight and husk weight. Basal application of 200 kg N ha-1 showed the highest plant height (177.80 cm), cobs plant-1 (2.91), cob length (9.94 cm), fresh cob weight (61.05 g), de-husked cob weight (11.74 g) and husk fresh weight (49.30 g) but the highest number of cobs ha-1 (218497) from N2M3 (100 kg Nha-1 applied 50% as basal dose and 50% at 30 DAS) and highest cob yield (7732.41 kg ha-1) from N4M2 (application of 200 kg Nha-1 at 30 DAS).&#x0D; Bangladesh Agron. J. 2021, 24(2): 83-90

Agronomic Practices Enhancing the Productivity of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) – A Review

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is grown in rabi (post-rainy season) following kharif (rainy season) crop or kharif fallow. Late sowing (December-January) should be avoided as the late-sown crop may experience moisture stress and high temperatures at the critical stage of pod-filling, leading to reduced yield and seed quality. A pre-sowing irrigation may be needed, if the available soil moisture is not adequate for germination. Kabuli chickpea should never be irrigated immediately after sowing, particularly in deep black soils. Desi varieties are sown at plant geometry of 30 cm x 10 cm whereas wider row spacing (45–60 cm) can be used in large seeded kabuli chickpea and irrigated crops (both desi and kabuli types). Total quantities of N, P and K should be given as a basal dose. Foliar spray of 2% urea at flowering has been found beneficial in rainfed crops. Pre-emergence application of Pendimethalin 30% EC @ 0.75 – 1.0 kg a.i. ha-1 and one hand weeding or interculture operations at 25-30 days after sowing is economical. Two irrigations (30 mm each), one each at branching and pod filling stages, are recommended for higher yield. Machine harvesting of chickpea will reduce production cost. Tall and non spreading plant varieties are available with suitable mechanization package.

Yield and Available Nutrient Status as Influenced by Nutrient Management Practices in Cotton

In general, soils of Namakkal district are deficient in organic carbon (71%), available nitrogen (78%), zinc (86%), boron (29.5) and sulphur (18.6%) due to lack of nutrient management practices resulting in considerable decline in soil fertility and crop productivity. Hence, on farm trials was conducted at five farmer's field during summer season, 2020. Nutrient management practices developed from TNAU, Coimbatore, 2012 and CICR, Coimbatore 2016 were tested along with farmer's practice. TNAU practice was application of FYM @ 12.5 t/ha + Biofertilizers @ 2 kg/ha + 100% RDF as per soil test + Mn mixture @12.5 kg/ha, CICR practice was FYM @ 5 t/ha and raise sunnhemp @ 15 kg/ha and in-situ incorporation in burrows within 30–45 d + Biofertilizers @ 2 kg/ha+ 100per cent RDF as per soil test + Mn mixture @ 12.5 kg/ha and farmer's practice was application of DAP @ 125 kg/ha as basal dose and complex fertilizer (17:17:17) and muriate of potash each @ 50 kg/ha@ 45 d after planting were assessed. The results revealed that CICR recommended practice recorded the highest yield of 16.39 q/ha with net return of Rs.50941 ha−1 and BC ratio of 2.36. Incorporating green manure as one of the nutrient components recorded significant changes in available N status (27 kg/ha) and organic carbon (0.08%) over its initial value, thereby the farmers can save up to Rs. 6500/-ha.

Micronutrients Affects Vegetative Growth and Flowering Parameters of Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium)

The present investigation was carried out at Research cum Horticultural Farm in Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur during the year 2021–22. There were ten separate micronutrients treatments consisting of different concentrations of viz., T1 control (RDF), T2 (FeSO4@0.2%), T3 (FeSO4@0.4%), T4 (FeSO4@0.6%), T5 (ZnSO4@0.2%), T6 (ZnSO4@0.4%), T7 (ZnSO4@0.6%), T8 (Borax@0.2%), T9 (Borax@ 0.4%), T10 (Borax @0.6%) were applied. The recommended dose of fertilizers viz., 150 kg N,100 kg P2O5 and 80 kg K2O/ha was given as basal dose at the time of field preparation. Observations were made on vegetative growth, flowering and yield parameters of chrysanthemum. The result indicated that the treatment T6 [ZnSO4(0.4%)] performed better in the observations recorded on growth parametersviz.,plant height (18.30cm and 27.88cm) at 30 and 50 DAP (days after planting) respectively, plant spread(E-W) (13.59cm and 26.80cm) at 30 and 50 DAP respectively, plant spread(N-S) (12.82cm and 26.60cm) at 30 and 50 DAP respectively. Number of primary branches per plant was 5.77. Similarly, in flowering attributes treatment T6 [ZnSO4(0.4%)] showed best result viz., days taken for flower bud initiation (49.09d), days taken to flower opening(60.58d), number of flower per plant (29.05), diameter of flower(4.78cm) and weight of flower per plant (2.05g).

Safety evaluation of enriched fraction from leaves of Dillenia indica L. in BALB/c mice

The enriched fraction derived from Dillenia indica L. (Dilleniaceae), also known as elephant apple was subjected to acute and sub-acute toxicological study to document its safety issues for use as fumigant. The enriched fractions were orally administered to both sexes of BALB/c mice at doses of 200, 800 and 1600 mg/kg bw for acute toxicity, and 50 and 500 mg/kg bw for 14 days of sub-acute toxicity. Experimental results revealed that there were no signs of adverse toxicity, and mortality, with no significant treatment related effect in the percentage weight gain, daily feed and water intake, and haematological parameters. However, at higher dose in sub-acute toxicity study a patch of mild tubular injuries in kidney of female mice were observed as suggested by histopathological studies and mild abnormalities in levels of serum biochemical parameters. In general, it can be considered that the enriched fraction from D. indica leaves on oral feeding does not show any adverse effect on mice of both sexes. Hence, the highest doses 1600 mg/kg bw (acute) and 500 mg/kg bw (sub-acute) can be used as basal dose for the determination of no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) of enriched fraction from D. indica to calculate its safety margin.