Cajanus Cajan Research Articles

Maize Morphophysiological Changes Modulated by Cover Crops Rotation in Northeast Brazil

Cover crops have gained attention due to their potential benefits for the soil and physiological performance of subsequent crops. This study aimed to evaluate the physiological and productive aspects of maize grown in succession to cover crops in northeastern Brazil. A randomized complete block design with four repetitions was employed, in which the treatments consisted of the following cover crops: sunn hemp, spectabilis, pigeon pea, Brachiaria sp., jack bean, millet, and fallow. Physiological aspects and production components of maize were evaluated at the tasseling (VT) and smooth grain (R3) phenological stages. Millet cover increased carotenoid content in maize leaves by up to 78% at R3. Maize grown after pigeon pea, millet, and Brachiaria sp. showed up to 42% greater CO2 assimilation efficiency compared to jack bean. Carboxylation efficiency increased by up to 34% in maize grown after millet and Brachiaria sp., while water use efficiency improved by up to 76% in maize after sunn hemp and pigeon pea at R3. Sunn hemp, spectabilis, and jack bean reduced soil temperature by 2 °C compared to fallow. The highest maize yield was observed after jack bean, with an 8% increase over fallow. These findings demonstrate the benefits of incorporating cover crops into maize cultivation systems in the semi-arid region of Brazil.

Maize intercropped with Panicum maximum cultivars and Pigeon pea improves silage yield and quality

Integrated systems are efficient technologies used for diversifying production and promoting agricultural sustainability. The benefits of double intercropping are well-established in research. With advancements in sustainable food production technology, some studies have explored triple intercropping by adding legumes. However, triple intercropping methods must be comprehensively understood. This study aimed to evaluate the production of dry mass, fermentation profile, and nutritive values of silage from maize based intercropping. The experiment was conducted in the field, in Instituto Federal Goiano, Campus Rio Verde, State of Goiás, Brazil, where we assessed silage production and quality in monoculture and intercropping systems, in a randomized block complete design with three replications. We evaluated 8 treatments, consisting of silage from: maize monoculture; Tamani guinea grass monoculture; Quênia guinea grass monoculture; Zuri guinea grass monoculture; Pigeon pea monoculture; maize + Tamani guinea grass + Pigeon pea; maize + Quênia guinea grass + Pigeon pea and maize + Zuri guinea grass + Pigeon pea. The results showed that maize silage intercropped with cultivars of Panicum maximum (Tamani, Quênia and Zuri guinea grasses) and Pigeon pea increased silage mass production by 37.8% and the crude protein content at 25.1% compared with that of the monoculture maize silage. It also improved the fermentation characteristics of silage, reducing 5.1% of pH, 32.5% of buffering capacity, 28.9% of ammoniacal nitrogen in total nitrogen, 15.7% of effluent production, and 20.0% of dry matter losses, compared with those of grass and legume silage in monoculture. Thus, the silage produced by the triple intercropping proved to be an efficient technique for sustainable forage production.

Impact of climate-smart agriculture on the income and food security of cassava-producing households in the Savalou commune in Benin

Climate disruption today represents a threat to the environment and sustainable development. Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) is an appropriate adaptation approach to climate change. It allows producers to improve their production and act on their food security, despite the conditions of climate change while limiting the causes arising from agriculture. The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of CSA, through the use of harvest residues in cassava fields, on the income and food security of cassava producing households in Savalou. The three-stage sampling method made it possible to draw a random sample of 360 cassava producers including 180 users of pigeon pea, mucuna and peanut harvest residues. The average income from cassava production during the last 12 months (until July 2023) is 366,400 FCFA with 387,340 FCFA for beneficiaries compared to 322,060 FCFA for non-beneficiaries. The impact analysis was done with the matching method based on propensity scores. The results of this impact study showed that this adoption contributes to improving income from cassava production by 35,135 FCFA and household food security by 0.10 points, on average per household per year. It would therefore be useful to promote and improve this type of agriculture, in order to ensure sustainable development of the agricultural sector and improve food security.

Input optimization in short duration red gram [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] for the agri-food systems in southern Kerala

In the present study, a field experiment was laid out to assess the suitability of two short-duration varieties of red gram and standardize the agronomic management practices. The treatments included combinations of two varieties, two spacings, and three nutrient levels. Individual effects of the variety, APK 1, narrow spacing, and the highest nutrient level were found superior for yield and its contributing attributes. The pooled analysis registered the highest seed yield (1.38 t ha-1) in the combination APK 1 + 40 cm × 20 cm + 40:80:40 kg NPK ha-1. The net returns and benefit-cost ratio were also the highest. Soil available nutrient status was found to be augmented with the cultivation, with wider spacing and the highest nutrient dose recording maximum postharvest soil NPK contents. The results proved that the variety APK 1 and the agronomic management of 40 cm × 20 cm spacing with 40:80:40 kg NPK ha-1 are most suitable for red gram cultivation in southern Kerala.

Dissemination Approaches that Enhance Adoption of Climate Resilient TIMPS for Pigeon Pea, Sorghum and Green Grams Value Chains in Machakos County, Kenya

Dissemination approaches play a key role in facilitating the adoption of climate smart technologies, innovations and management practices among farmers. Various approaches used in Kenya include the top down approaches and bottom up approaches. This study was conducted to determine and validate dissemination approaches that enhance sustainable adoption of climate resilient TIMPs for Sorghum, Green grams and pigeon peas value chains among farmers in Machakos county. The objectives included: to Identify dissemination approaches for TIMPS in sorghum, green grams and pigeon peas in Machakos county, to assess the frequency of use of dissemination approaches for TIMPS by stakeholders and to determine the stakeholders’ perception on the effectiveness of the dissemination approaches for TIMPS. The study used a survey research design where 27 key informants comprising champion farmers and extension service providers were purposively selected for data collection. The descriptive analysis was conducted using the SPSS version 16. A weighted index was computed to aid comparison for various values chains and categories. The results showed that farmer-to-farmer (96%) and T&V (88.9%) dissemination approaches were the frequently used dissemination approaches whereas education institution (14.81%) was the least used dissemination approach in the three value chains in the county. Farmer to farmer effectiveness was ranked highest in Sorghum and Green grams while the T&V was highest for Pigeon peas Enhanced utilization of farmer-to-farmer, T&V and demand driven dissemination approaches for enhance adoption of green grams, pigeon peas and sorghum for improved productivity and household income.

Genetic Studies on Yield and Its Components in Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L. Millsp.)

A field trial was carried out at the International Crop Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, Patancheru, Hyderabad during Kharif, 2023-24, with the aim of studying genetic parameters for yield and its components among pigeonpea genotypes which provides in developing an apt selection index to be included in the breeding programs. This research was conducted on 200 genotypes of Indian pigeon pea on seven traits. Data were analysed to calculate analysis of variance (ANOVA), phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV), genetic coefficient of variation (GCV), broad sense heritability (h2bs) and estimated genetic progression as percentage mean using R software v 4.3.1. The results of the analysis of variance showed that there was a significant difference for days to 50% flowering, plant height (cm), hundred seed weight and seed yield per plant among the genotypes. The genotypic coefficient of variance was lower than the genotypic coefficient of variance for all the traits under selection. Higher extent of genotypic coefficient of variation is manifested by days to 50% flowering, plant height, seeds per pod, hundred seed weight and seed yield per plant. High heritability coupled with genetic advance as per cent mean was observed in seed yield per plant, number of days to 50% flowering and plant height. The results concluded that seed yield per plant, number of days to flowering up to 50%, and plant height are the traits that should be emphasized as selection indicator in Indian pigeon pea breeding programs.

Strategic cultivar and sowing time selection for weed management and higher redgram productivity in semi-arid Indian regions

IntroductionRedgram (Cajanus cajan L. Mill sp.), a leguminous crop commonly grown in tropical and subtropical climates, is highly valued for its high protein content (21%), which contributes significantly to food and nutritional security. However, its production faces challenges primarily due to terminal dryness experienced during critical growth stages because of changing rainfall patterns. To overcome this, adaptive techniques become imperative as the productivity of this crop is intricately linked to environmental factors and the crop’s growth cycle.MethodsHence, the field experiment was conducted at the National Pulses Research Centre, Vamban, Pudukkottai, Tamil Nadu, in South India under rainfed condition, during the kharif (monsoon) seasons of 2017–18 and 2018–19. The primary objectives were to determine the optimal sowing time and identify suitable redgram cultivars, especially in the context of the late onset of the monsoon in Tamil Nadu, a common issue under changing climate conditions. The experiments tested six different sowing dates with three redgram cultivars.Results and discussionThe findings highlighted the substantial influence of different redgram cultivars and sowing times on the crop’s growth characteristics and yield. Among the six sowing dates tested, planting in later half of June (S6) resulted in notably higher plant height (201 cm), a greater number of pods per plant (287), a seed yield of 1,112 kg ha−1, and a benefit-cost ratio of 2.61 Notably, this sowing period (S6) demonstrated comparable performance with the treatment of redgram sowing in the latter part of September (S4). CO 6 (V1) is the most productive of the three redgram cultivars, with the highest mean pant height (200 cm), number of pods per plant (237), grain yield (1,017 kg ha−1), and benefit cost ratio (2.38). Extended phenological phases along with extra days to reach phenological stages could account for the increased yield in comparison to the other cultivars. Among the two short-duration cultivars, VBN (Rg) 3 (V3) had a significantly higher mean grain yield of 958 kg ha−1 with the benefit-cost ratio of 2.24. Even though CO 6 (V1) obtained a higher yield due to its long duration nature, it matured in 187 days whereas VBN (Rg) 3 (V3) matured within 129 days. Consequently, the short-duration redgram cultivars emerge as highly suitable choices for integrating into crop sequences, thereby augmenting farm cropping intensity.

How the Inclusion of Pigeon Pea in Beef Cattle Diets Affects CH4 Intensity: An In Vitro Fermentation Assessment

Tropical pastures intercropped with legumes have been gaining prominence for increasing the efficiency of livestock production systems when compared to pasture monocultures. Here, our objective was to understand the fermentation processes that tropical grass and legumes underwent when included in ruminant diets, which have previously been found to optimize animal performance while reducing the intensity of enteric CH4 emissions. For this purpose, three areas containing pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) and Urochloa spp. were sampled. Samples were dried, grounded, chemically analyzed, and included in five proportions (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) of pigeon pea in the diet. The diets were then analyzed using an in vitro fermentation technique. Statistical analysis was performed using SAS statistical software, considering bottles as replicates, and our results suggest that a 25% inclusion of pigeon pea is optimal for balancing CH4 mitigation and fermentation efficiency, highlighting the importance of more studies with this legume due to its benefits, especially as a supplement during drought periods that impact the production and quality of tropical pastures. It is important to consider that pigeon pea’s secondary compounds may have positively modulated the fermentation process and reduced CH4 emissions. However, excessive legume inclusion can negatively affect digestibility and animal health, impairing animal performance and the sustainability of pasture-based production systems.

Yield Yield loss and economic threshold estimates for pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera) in late maturing pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan)

Pod borer [Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner)] is a major biotic constraint to global pigeonpea production. The farmers largely apply synthetic insecticides to control this pest in pigeonpea. The study was conducted to quantify yield losses and estimate economic thresholds for H. armigera. The late maturing cultivar, IPA-203 was infested with different larval densities to determine the insect density-yield loss relationships. The yield response was variable and grain yield declined with increasing larval density from 1–5/plant. Yield loss of 4.56 kg/ha was evident for each unit increase in larval population. Economic threshold estimates indicated that the control measures for pod borer in IPA 203 cultivar should be initiated at an insect density of ≈1 larva/2 plants or at 3% pod damage to avoid the economic crop losses. The damage potential and economic threshold estimates are prerequisite for integrated pest management and reducing production costs (Alves et al. 2017). Present results indicated that relatively low infestations of H. armigera can cause significant yield reduction in pigeonpea hence intensive monitoring and timely control measures are necessary. Based on present economic threshold estimates, the farmers could decide the timing and kind of control measures to be initiated against pod borer in late pigeonpea cultivars to avert the economic losses.

Optimized thermal pretreatment for lignocellulosic biomass of pigeon pea stalks to augment quality and quantity of biogas production

By applying heat to the feedstock during the thermal treatment of biomass for the production of biogas, the organic material's biodegradability can be greatly increased. Biogas production is a huge research area for alternate energy production technology. Increased biodegradability, improved methane yield, pathogen, and weed seed destruction, and overall process efficiency are all benefits of this type of pretreatment. It is a useful pretreatment technique for maximizing the production of biogas because it can decrease inhibitory compounds, and increase the digestibility of biomass. This work focused on increasing the efficiency of biogas production from lignocellulosic biomass of pigeon pea stalks by a novel thermal pretreatment. The pigeon pea stalk is initially imposed to physical pretreatment (PT) by an automatic hammer mill which is considered as a base for comparing performance. Thermal pretreatment was carried out for one hour, and two hours durations at different temperatures like 100 °C, 125 °C, 150 °C, 175 °C, and 200 °C. Compared to physically pretreated pigeon pea stalks, 200ᴼC thermal pretreated pigeon pea stalks for two hours have produced 88.41 % higher biogas, 16.14 % increase of cellulose, 19.9 % higher volatile solid removal, and 3.94 % lesser lignin. The enhanced chemical characteristics were ensured by analyzing the chemical composition variations through the FTIR, XRD, and SEM images. So, this is recommended for enhanced biogas production.

Enhanced Accumulation of Health-Promoting Cajaninstilbene Acid in Pigeon Pea Hairy Root Cultures Cocultured with an Endophytic Fungus during Early Stages of Colonization.

Endophytic fungi can effectively regulate the biosynthesis of health-beneficial metabolites in plants. However, few studies have revealed how the accumulation of host metabolites varies during interactions with endophytic fungi. Here, pigeon pea hairy root cultures (PPHRCs) were cocultured with an endophytic fungus Penicillium rubens to explore the impact on the biosynthesis and accumulation of cajaninstilbene acid (CSA). The results showed that CSA accumulation in PPHRCs increased significantly (15.29-fold) during the early stages of P. rubens colonization (fungal attachment and invasion phases). Once P. rubens successfully colonized the intercellular gap of hairy roots to form a symbiotic relationship, the CSA levels in PPHRCs decreased drastically. Moreover, P. rubens could be recognized by plant pattern recognition receptors that regulate immunity/symbiosis, triggering the expression of genes related to pathogenesis, CSA biosynthesis, and ABC transporter. Overall, P. rubens could enhance the accumulation of health-promoting CSA in PPHRCs during the early stages of colonization.

New insights into synergistic interactions of root-knot nematode and wilt causing fungi on pigeon pea in sandy loam soil

AbstractA study under pot conditions was undertaken to know the relationship between plant biomass and inoculum densities of Meloidogyne incognita. Similarly, plant biomass—Fusarium udum relationship was also observed. Results revealed that increased inoculum densities resulted in corresponding decrease in plant biomass markers. Compared to control plants, 2000 nematode inoculation caused significant damage in phytobiomass (23.07–26.32%) of pigeon pea. 2.0 g F. udum inoculation caused significant impairment in different plant growth characteristics (22.96–26.02%) over control plants at P < 0.05. The interactive study revealed that concomitant, M. incognita + F. udum inoculation caused the maximum reduction (33.68–56.66%) in plant biomass. Next to this, M. incognita inoculation 15 days prior to F. udum and F. udum inoculation 15 days prior to M. incognita caused an impairment of (28.55–50.11%) and (23.99–43.33%), respectively. However, they were statistically either at par or non-significant over each other. Disease assay revealed that M. incognita multiplication rate was correspondingly augmented upon the rise of nematode concentration, conversely, the reproduction factor was progressively decreased. Pathogens interactive facet revealed that M. incognita inoculated plants showed a higher root galls (99.40), eggs (79.20), fecundity (199.80), and nematode population (13,785.60). The presence of F. udum suppressed nematode multiplication ability. However, concomitant inoculation of M. incognita and F. udum aggravated percent wilt severity (65.48%) thus exhibiting a synergistic interaction between the vascular pathogens.

Econometric Analysis and Intercropping Nutri-Cereals with Legumes (Urad Bean, Arhar) on Climate Resilience in North Eastern Zone of Tamil Nadu

Background: Nutri cereal - Legume intercrop systems are particularly beneficial in North Eastern Zone of Tamil Nadu, which are characterized by high levels of malnutrition, resource limitation and rainfall variability. These conditions are further exacerbated by climate-related risks and uncertainty. Apart from enhancing water and nutrient use efficiency, improving soil fertility and financial gains, Millet-legume intercrop systems have become a better bet for increased food and nutrition security in marginal farming communities. Methods: A study conducted during the year of 2022 to 2024 at the Center of Excellence in Millet, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Athiyandal, Tamil Nadu. The study evaluated various intercropping ratios of finger millet with black gram and red gram across seven treatments, focusing on productivity, compatibility and economic viability. Result: Results indicated that intercropping finger millet with black gram at a 4:1 ratio produced taller plants (92.7 cm), more protective tillers (5.7 per plant), extensive root systems (19.9 cm), and higher chlorophyll content (3.67 mg/g). This combination resulted in the highest equivalent grain yield (2895 kg/ha) and demonstrated a favourable benefit-to-cost ratio (2.84), highlighting its potential for improving profitability and soil fertility. Conversely, intercropping with red gram yielded lower finger millet yields and less favourable economic returns, underscoring the importance of selecting suitable intercrops to maximize agricultural productivity and sustainability.

Cover crop and herbicides can control purple nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus L.) and increase crop yields in conservation agriculture-based crop rotations

Adoption of conservation agriculture (CA) practices can lead to the dominance of perennial weeds including purple nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus L.) in different agroecologies over time. Without effective management of this weed, successful adoption of CA in smallholder farming systems is rather unlikely. Therefore, we aimed to develop an integrated strategy for managing C. rotundus in CA-based crop rotations. This study encompassed a two-year (during 2020–21 and 2021–22) field experimentation at Kanpur, India with a split-plot design with three replications. The treatments included purple nutsedge management practices in main plot and crop rotations in sub-plot under CA platform (no-tilled with added crop residues). Six management options were adopted in the summer season (during April to June) as main plots that were super-imposed with two crop rotations such as pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Huth) – wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and pearlmillet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R.Br) – chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) as sub-plot. Growing of cover crop Sesbania (Sesbania aculeata (Willd.) Pers.) during the summer season for 45 days followed by knockdown with 2,4-D 500 g a.i. Ha−1 (cultural management; Sesbania+2,4-D) and/or summer irrigation followed by application of halosulfuron-methyl 70 g a.i. Ha−1 at 20 days after irrigation (chemical management; halosulfuron-methyl) reduced the C. rotundus density by 37–42% and 23–64% over years, respectively, than conventional practice (ploughing during summer followed by irrigation and glyphosate 1.5 kg a.e. Ha−1 application). Besides, these practices could decrease 25–27% total weed density (p < 0.05) than conventional practice (mean of years) in summer season. Importantly, these management practices had a carry-over effect on reduction in density of C. rotundus and total weeds of rainy and winter season crops. For instance, Sesbania +2,4-D and halosulfuron-methyl decreased 35% and 15% density of C. rotundus, respectively, during rainy season than conventional practice. Irrespective of crop rotations, Sesbania +2,4-D and halosulfuron-methyl decreased 30–40% density of C. rotundus (mean of years) in winter season than conventional practice (p < 0.05). A significant reduction in dry weight of C. rotundus was recorded under Sesbania +2,4-D and halosulfuron-methyl in summer season by 13–23%, rainy season by 23–29%, and winter season by 55–72% than conventional practice. Pearlmillet-chickpea rotation had a 10–35% lower infestation of C. rotundus than pigeonpea-wheat (p < 0.05). Management practices such as Sesbania +2,4-D and halosulfuron-methyl had higher system productivity by 15–19% in 2020–21 (p < 0.05), 5–7% in 2021–22 (p > 0.05), and 10–12% in average (p > 0.05) than conventional practice. Summer mungbean cultivation increased 45.2% and 10.1% density of C. rotundus in rainy season over Sesbania +2,4-D and halosulfuron-methyl in CA system, respectively (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the density of this weed was significantly higher under pigeonpea crop during rainy season by 41.4% than under pearlmillet crop (mean of years). Therefore, system-based approaches such as growing of cover crop Sesbania followed by knockdown with 2,4-D (Sesbania +2,4-D) and/or herbicide-based management through halosulfuron-methyl during summer season and subsequently recommended weed management practices in cropping systems (pearlmillet – chickpea and pigeonpea – wheat) can reduce the infestation of C. rotundus and total weeds in CA than conventional practice.

Herbicidal weed management options for pigeon pea(Cajanus cajan) grown in southeastern Rajasthan

A field experiment was carried out during the kharif seasons of 2020–21, 2021–22 and 2022–23 at Kota, Rajasthan, to study the effect of post-emergence herbicides on productivity of pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp]. The results indicated that the minimum weed density and dry weight, and the highest yield attributes, yields, and net return of pigeonpea were obtained under weed free plot. All the herbicidal treatments significantly reduced the weed density and biomass compared to the weedy check. However, application of pendimethalin 30 EC @ 0.75 kg /ha (PE) fb Imazethapyr 10 SL @ 100 g/ha at 20–25 DAS + one inter-cultivation at 50 DAS recorded significantly higher plant height (1.82 m), pods/branch (22.96), pods/plant (206.3), weed control efficiency (84.39% at 60 DAS), grain yield (1,868 kg/ha), net return (` 87.66 x 103 /ha) and B: C ratio (3.35) over weedy check. This leads to the 61.73% higher pigeonpea grain yield over the weedy check plot. Hence it can be inferred that the ap- plication of pendimethalin 30 EC @ 0.75 kg /ha (PE) fb Imazethapyr 10 SL @ 100 g/ha at 20–25 DAS + one inter- cultivation at 50 DAS is an efficient weed control method for profitable cultivation of pigeonpea in south eastern Rajasthan.

Design Development and Performance Evaluation of Solar Operated Pigeon Pea (Cajanus cajan L. Millsp.) Pruner

Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan L. Millsp.) is a vital grain legume known for its contribution to food security and soil fertility. However, pruning, which enhances plant architecture and yield, remains a significant challenge in its cultivation, especially in large-scale operations. Manual pruning is labor-intensive, time-consuming, and costly, which has led to the need for mechanized alternatives, a solar-operated pruner was developed at IGKV, Raipur, to reduce labour, time, and costs. This study focuses on the design, development, and performance evaluation of a solar-operated pruner tailored specifically for pigeon pea. The pruner integrates key components such as a cutting blade, DC motor, solar panel, battery, and charge controller. A 12 V DC motor, generating 10.53 N of force and operating at 8500 RPM, ensures efficient pruning. The motor is powered by a 7.2 Ah battery, which can be charged in 4 hours using an AC adaptor or 8 hours via a 10 W solar panel. The battery allows for 4-6 hours of continuous operation. The pruner's lightweight PVC frame makes it portable and user-friendly, while the protective blade guard ensures operator safety. Performance evaluation of the pruner indicated a field efficiency of 81% and pruning efficiency of 76%. The actual field capacity was measured at 0.097 ha/h, with a walking speed of 1.2 km/h. Losses due to half-cut stems were calculated at 9.04%. The pruner demonstrated its ability to reduce labor costs, improve pruning efficiency, and promote sustainable agriculture through its solar-powered operation. This study highlights the economic and environmental benefits of adopting solar-operated pruners for pigeon pea cultivation.

Physical and biochemical characteristics of tropical grass and legume pastures grazed by lambs

AbstractLarge areas of tropical grass pastures are not grazed by lambs because of the difficulties in managing high growth rate swards with high selective animals. The objective of this study was to evaluate the physical and biochemical characteristics of tropical pastures offered to lambs in continuous grazing. An upright grass and a shrub legume were set out in three pasture types and grazed by lambs: (1) aruana grass monoculture (AG—Panicum maximum Jacq. cv. IZ‐5), (2) pigeon pea monoculture (PP—Cajanus cajan [L.] Millsp. cv. Anão) and (3) contiguous swards (CS), half of the paddock with AG (CSAG) and half with PP (CSPP). The pastures were evaluated for structural characteristics, production, nutritional composition and antioxidant concentrations in four periods over 92 days of continuous grazing by lambs. Hand plucking samples, similar to animal diet, were collected for chemical analysis. Regarding height, the PP legume monoculture after 42 days of grazing had uncontrollable growth by the lambs, reaching 1.2 m in height. This same legume but as a CS beside AG (CSPP) was maintained at a lower and similar height throughout the experimental periods. In general, the leaf:stem ratio of the different pastures decreased over the experimental periods from 0.7 to 0.2. In most periods, the CS showed intermediary nutritional quality compared to AG and PP. The alpha‐tocopherol content was similar among swards, with an average of 137.2 ± 13.67 mg/kg of green matter (p &gt; .05). Pigeon pea showed the highest levels of total tannin and condensed tannin at 63 and 92 days (p &lt; .05). The use of tropical grass together with a legume provides a better physical structure of the pigeon pea for grazing lambs than when monoculture of this species.

Water‒soil-air‒plant mutual feedback mechanism under the application of red bed composite polymers.

Red bed composite polymers composed of weathered red bed soil, adhesive materials, and water-retaining materials have been applied as a new type of material for environmental restoration. However, the promotion and application of this material has been limited by a lack of understanding of its action mechanism in environmental restoration. The objective of this study is to innovatively propose a water‒soil-air‒plant mutual feedback mechanism based on this material. Therefore, water‒soil-air‒plant mutual feedback tests were conducted in this study under 3 initial water contents and 10 red bed composite polymers ratios. Key parameters, namely, water content, soil conductivity, pH, temperature, O2 and CO2 contents, pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) germination number and plant height were monitored and analyzed. As the results, a mutual feedback mechanism driving water retention, soil consolidation, air retention, and plant rooting was revealed under the application of red bed composite polymers. And, suitable environments and optimal compositions for this material are proposed. The study results provide a theoretical basis for the large-scale application of red bed composite polymers.

Effect of different sowing dates and nipping on growth and yield of pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan L Millsp.)

Effect of different sowing dates and nipping on growth and yield of pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan L Millsp.)

Exploring the catalytic potential of watermelon urease: Purification, biochemical characterization, and heavy metal precipitation

Bioactive urease from watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) seeds was purified using acetone fractionation, anion-exchange, and size-exclusion chromatography, achieving a 121-fold increase and specific activity of 3216 U/mg. The enzyme appeared as a single band on native and SDS-PAGE, with a molecular mass of 480 ± 10 kDa and subunit mass of 80 ± 10 kDa, indicating six identical subunits. Atomic absorption spectroscopy revealed 1.46 nickel ions per subunit. Watermelon urease exhibited serological similarities with jack bean and pigeon pea ureases, an optimal pH of 7.3, an activation energy of 3 kcal/mol, Vmax of 3571 μmol/min/mg, and Km of 0.16 mM. The enzyme displayed biphasic thermal and pH inactivation kinetics, a strong preference for urea, and a half-life of 70 days with 1 mM DTT. This study highlights watermelon urease's role in bioremediation by facilitating the precipitation of heavy metals as stable carbonates, promoting environmental sustainability.