Agricultural University Research Articles

A Quasi-Experimental Study on Code-Switching in Enhancing The Reading Comprehension Skills of ABEL Students

This quasi-experimental study investigated the effectiveness of code-switching in enhancing the reading comprehension skills of ABEL (Alternative Basic Education for Literacy) students at Agusan del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology. A two-group design was implemented, with one group receiving instruction incorporating code-switching and the other using traditional English-only methods. Standardized tests assessed reading comprehension, and data analysis included frequency, percentage, mean scores, t-tests, and ANCOVA. Results showed that students in the code-switching group achieved a significantly higher average score (7.48, "Very Satisfactory") compared to the control group (6.22, "Satisfactory"). This significant difference (p-value = .002) demonstrates that code-switching led to markedly improved reading comprehension skills. The study concludes that code-switching is a highly effective strategy for enhancing reading comprehension in ABEL students, offering a more impactful approach than traditional English-only instruction. The research recommends integrating code-switching into teaching practices to facilitate understanding of complex topics and language structures, ultimately contributing to a more accessible and effective learning experience for students. Future research is encouraged to explore the broader applicability of code-switching across diverse educational contexts to further inform pedagogical best practices.

Mitigation of salinity stress on morpho-physiological and yield related parameters of rice using different organic amendments

Salinity is a pernicious abiotic element that hinders crop development. Utilizing organic amendments to remediate salt is crucial for enhancing soil function and promoting crop growth. Based on this, a pot experiment was carried out at the research field of Khulna Agricultural University, Khulna, to examine the physiology, growth, and yield of transplanted aman rice in response to salinity stress using duckweed, and dhaincha biomass supplement. Excess salinity with no organic amendments reduced plant growth and development, relative water content (26%), and membrane stability (28%), index compared to T1 S1 (duckweed), and T2 S1 (dhaincha) at 50 mM salinity. Salinity delayed the emergence of first flowering and the maturity of filled grains. The lowest grain yield was recorded in T0S3 (no treatment + 100 mM salinity). Application of dhaincha and duckweed biomass ameliorates salinity individually at all salinity levels. Rice grown in saline soil with the application of T1 (duckweed biomass) and T2 (Sesbania biomass) had an 87% spikelet fertility while rice grown in soil without T1 and T2 treatment had only 21.82%. The application of T2 and T1 @ 5 t ha-1 increased grain yield by 33.29% and 4.70% compared to control. Furthermore, salinity stress @100 mM NaCl with duckweed decreased grain yield by 0.05% which was minimized to 12% by applying dhaincha green manure (T2) @ 5 t ha1. The finding showed that the ameliorative impact of green manure at 5 tha1 dose (T2) was more effective compared to the duckweed (T1) at the three salinity levels used in the study.

Assessment of Morpho-biochemical Traits in Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) Cultivars Across Staggered Sowing Intervals Under the Agro-climatic Conditions of Assam, India

An experiment was conducted in the Experimental Farm, Department of Horticulture, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat to study the effect of time of sowing on growth, yield and quality of the fruit and standardize the optimum time of sowing in watermelon. The experiment was laid out in Factorial Randomised Block Design with two varieties- Saraswati (V1) and Kiran (V2) and five different time of sowing- October(M1), November (M2), December (M3), January (M4) and February (M5). Observations on growth, yield and quality parameters were recorded at 60, 90 and 120 days after sowing. Results revealed that the variety Kiran sown in November recorded significantly the highest female flowers per plant (11.33), fruit set percentage (27.98 %) and fruit retention percentage (44.04 %). In addition this treatment combination was also able to register the maximum number of fruits per plant (2.67), fruit weight (4.32 kilogram), yield per plant (9.77 kilogram), yield per ha (44.58 tonnes), Total Soluble Solids (9.97 0 Brix), total sugar (9.12 %) and ascorbic acid (7.03 milligram per 100 gram). Thus, it may be inferred that watermelon variety Kiran sown in the month of November was the best treatment combination in terms of yield and yield attributing parameters and quality parameters as well.

Soil application of FeCl3 and Fe2(SO4)3 reduced grain cadmium concentration in Polish wheat (Triticum polonicum L.)

BackgroundWheat is one of major sources of human cadmium (Cd) intake. Reducing the grain Cd concentrations in wheat is urgently required to ensure food security and human health. In this study, we performed a field experiment at Wenjiang experimental field of Sichuan Agricultural University (Chengdu, China) to reveal the effects of FeCl3 and Fe2(SO4)3 on reducing grain Cd concentrations in dwarf Polish wheat (Triticum polonicum L., 2n = 4x = 28, AABB).ResultsSoil application of FeCl3 and Fe2(SO4)3 (0.04 M Fe3+/m2) significantly reduced grain Cd concentration in DPW at maturity by 19.04% and 33.33%, respectively. They did not reduce Cd uptake or root-to-shoot Cd translocation, but increased Cd distribution in lower leaves, lower internodes, and glumes. Meanwhile, application of FeCl3 and Fe2(SO4)3 up-regulated the expression of TpNRAMP5, TpNRAMP2 and TpYSL15 in roots, and TpYSL15 and TpZIP3 in shoots; they also downregulated the expression of TpZIP1 and TpZIP3 in roots, and TpIRT1 and TpNRAMP5 in shoots.ConclusionsThe reduction in grain Cd concentration caused by application of FeCl3 and Fe2(SO4)3 was resulted from changes in shoot Cd distribution via regulating the expression of some metal transporter genes. Overall, this study reports the physiological pathways of soil applied Fe fertilizer on grain Cd concentration in wheat, suggests a strategy for reducing grain Cd concentration by altering shoot Cd distribution.

Effects of Hexanal Based Formulation on Shelf Life of Strawberry (Fragaria x ananassaDuch.)

We evaluated the role of ‘Enhanced Freshness Formulation’ (EFF) having hexanal as the main component on shelf life enhancement of strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa) cv. Sweet Charlie. Hexanal based Enhanced Freshness Formulation was sourced from Centre for Agricultural Nanotechnology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. After crop harvest, a laboratory experiment in completely randomized design was done at ambient temperature (about 22-30°C) with 5-treatments (dipping of freshly harvested berries in hexanal of varying strengths)viz., 1 % hexanal for 2.5 min (V1), 1% hexanal for 5 min (V2), 2% hexanal for 2.5 min (V3) and 2% hexanal for 5 min (V4). Undipped berries were considered as control treatment (V5). Fruit firmness, shelf life, physiological loss in weight, decay loss and anthocyanin content were studied. The study revealed that dipping the berries in 2% hexanal for 2.5 min proved most effective to prolong the shelf life of strawberry. Maximum shelf life (5.90 days) and fruit firmness (5.88 N mm-1) were obtained in the most efficacious treatment, thereby extending the marketing period.

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.

Effects of Different Levels of Irrigations on Yield and Yield Contributing Characters of Wheat at Bangladesh Condition

A field experiment was conducted at the Bangladesh Agricultural University's Department of Soil Science research site to investigate the impact of varying irrigation regimes on the growth, yield, and yield-related attributes of the wheat cultivar BARI Gom 21 (Shatabdi). The study employed a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The experiments consisted of 6 treatments designated as T0 = control or no irrigation, T1 = 1/ crown root initiation (CRI), T2 = 2/CRI+ tillering, T3 = 3/ CRI+ tillering + booting, T4 = 4/ CRI+ tillering + booting + earing, T5 = 5/ CRI+ tillering + booting + earing + milking number of irrigations at different growth stages. All irrigation treatments were shallow, with a depth of 2 cm. We applied irrigation treatments five times during the crown root initiation (CRI), tillering, booting, earing, and milking. We applied all irrigation treatments in chronological order based on the numbers. Treatment T5 (5 number of irrigations) exhibited superior performance across all measured agronomic traits. It significantly outperformed other treatments in terms of the highest plant height (90.80 cm), effective tillers number hill-1 (5.20), spike length (12.40 cm), grains number spike-1 (41.03), grain yield (4.067 t ha-1), 1000-grain weight (55.11 g), straw yield (5.067 t ha-1), and yield plot-1(9.133 t ha-1). In all cases, the non-irrigated or control treatment gave the lowest result. Ultimately, the experiment suggests that five times application of irrigation showed superior results compared to other treatments for successful wheat production.

Variability and Correlation Studies in Dolichos bean (Dolichos lablab L.)

Background: Dolichos bean (Dolichos lablab L.), 2n = 22 is an important leguminous vegetable crop which provides protein, minerals and vitamins. The exploitation of variability is of great importance and is a prerequisite for the effective screening of superior genotypes. Keeping this in view, the present investigation was carried out to assess the variability and correlation for yield and other components which are useful to select the promising genotypes. Methods: The study on variability and correlation in Dolichos Bean genotypes for yield and quality was conducted at the College Orchard, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. Twenty lablab genotypes, sourced from various locations, were planted in a randomized block design with three replications during the kharif and rabi seasons of 2021 and 2022. Observations on growth, yield and quality traits were recorded and analysed for variance, variability and correlations. Result: In the kharif season, Ankur Gold yielded the highest green pods per plant (487.50 g), while Acc.7 yielded the lowest (89.59 g). In the pooled analysis, Ankur Gold (469.80 g) had the highest and Acc.6 (87.49 g) had the lowest green pod yield per plant. The study suggests using a selection index based on the number of racemes per plant, raceme length, number of pods per plant, green pod yield per plant and pod length to identify high yielding lablab genotypes.

Antioxidant and Hepato-protective effects of Ginger in Comparison with Atorvastatin in Hyperlipidemic Albino mice.

Objective: This study was aimed to observe the effects of high fat diet on lipid levels and histomorphology of liver and detecting the preventive effects of ginger and atorvastatin on high fat diet induced hyperlipidemia in albino mice. Also the comparison between the two protective agents was observed.Methodology: This experimental study was conducted at Department of Anatomy and Pathology, LUMHS Jamshoro and Sindh Agriculture University Tando Jam for six months. This research comprised of 60 adult male mice, divided into four groups (each having 15 animals). Group A, normal control was given standard chow while Groups B, C and D were given high fat diet (cheese) along with chow for eight weeks followed by administration of ginger (15mg/30gm) to Group C and atorvastatin (0.3mg/30gms) to Group D for another eight weeks. Animals of Group B, hyperlipidemic control were left untreated. Weight of animals was measured weekly. Samples for serological and histological changes were taken before and after the induction of high fat diet and at the end of experiment.Results: The research revealed deranged lipid profile with increased total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein cholesterol and Alanine transaminases, decreased levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and distorted hepatic architecture after high fat diet which were significantly improved by the administration of ginger in Group C animals and to a lesser extent by atorvastatin in Group D.Conclusion: Ginger only or concurrently with drug therapy proved to be effective hypolipidemic, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective agent, reducing the vulnerability to chronic co-morbidities. Keywords: Atorvastatin; Ginger rhizome; Hepatic ballooning; Lipid profile; Liver; Steatosis.

Higher Agricultural Education: An Exploratory Study on Skill Gap of Students

The skill gap among higher education students has become a pressing concern in today's competitive job market, prompting the need for thorough assessment and targeted interventions. This study endeavours to quantify the extent of skill discrepancies among students in higher agricultural education. Through skill gap analysis, the aim is to gauge the shortfall in agricultural and professional competencies among young scholars, delineating the areas where skills are lacking or underdeveloped. By employing an exploratory research design, the study seeks to identify and address skill gaps effectively. The target respondents comprise students from IARI, University of Agricultural Sciences (Raichur), and Banda University of Agriculture and Technology, with a sample size of 150 selected to represent the population adequately. To construct the skill gap index, various dimensions including technical, personal, problem-solving, leadership, entrepreneurial, computer, and organizational skills were pretested. Data collection involved the utilization of questionnaires and in-person interviews to evaluate competency differences among students across the three agricultural universities. Statistical methods such as the Friedman test and the Wilcoxon signed rank test was employed to analyse the gathered data. The analysis found significant disparities in the overall skill levels of students. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to bridge the identified skill gaps effectively. By illuminating areas of deficiency, this study provides valuable insights for enhancing the quality of agricultural education and fostering the development of well-rounded professionals equipped to tackle the challenges of the agricultural sector.

Effect of Integrated Organic and Inorganic Fertilizer on, Growth of Garlic (Allium sativum L.)

Field experiments were conducted under loamy sand soil during rabi seasons of 2022-23 and 2023-24 at the Horticulture farm, S.K.N. College of Agriculture, Jobner. The experiment comprised of 28 treatment combinations of organic manures, inorganic fertilizer in main plot and 4 levels of foliar application through organic manures. The treatments with their symbols are described as under (100% RD of N through inorganic fertilizers (V1), 75% Inorganic fertilizers+ 25% vermicompost (V2), 75% Inorganic fertilizers+ 25% poultry manure (V3), 75% Inorganic fertilizer + 25% FYM (V4), 50 % Inorganic fertilizer + 50% vermicompost (V5), 50% Inorganic fertilizer + 50% poultry manure (V6), and 50% Inorganic fertilizer + 50% FYM (V7), were assigned to main plots and four levels of organics (Control ( O0), Vermiwash (O1), Panchgavya (O2), and Cow urine (O3), in sub plots and replicated thrice in split plot design. Garlic variety ‘G-282’ was used as a test crop. On the basis of two years result, application of 100 % inorganic fertilizer and foliar spray of Panchgavya was proved the most superior treatment combination in garlic representing the significantly higher growth parameter plant height of garlic at 60 and 90 days, number of leaf at 60 and 90 days and chlorophyll content.

Screening of Rice Genotypes for Submergence Stress Tolerance

The experiment was conducted at Department of Rice, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore to study the effect of submergence on growth of various genotypes of paddy. The genotypes viz., AC1303, AC42088, AC38575, SABITA, NAVEEN, SWARNA Sub1, BLACK GORA, BAJKANI, SWARNA, PARUAT, PAU9, BRAHMANNAKHI, MAHULATA, BVD109, IET-18720, IET-18727 and IC-516009 lines were used for submergence screening. The seeds should be pre-heated at 50°C for 2-3 days for breaking the seed dormancy before sowing. The seeds were directly sown inside the tanks using wet-bed direct sowing method. Each genotype was sown in 2 rows (min.) with 3 replications with a row to row spacing of 20 cm and plant to plant spacing of 15 cm. Germinated seedlings were allowed to grown normally till 20–25 days without submergence stress. The observations like plant height (before and after submergence), Number of plants survived (before and after submergence), survival percentage and total starch content were recorded. The genotypes IET-18727, PAU9 and AC38575 had better survival percentage (80.0 to 86.7%) with higher starch content (6.3 to 6.9 mg g-1) under submerged stress conditions. The genotypes of BVD109 and SWARNA registered lesser survival percentage (26.7% and 26.3%) with starch content of 2.1 mg g-1 among the rice genotypes.

Regulation of eating quality, sensory aroma and 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline biosynthesis in fragrant rice through foliage application of aromatic compounds

The experiment was conducted at the research area of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University from 15 June 2022, to 25 November 2022 (Aman season) to evaluate the impact of aromatic compound application on fragrant rice. The experiment included two factors: factor 1 comprised four rice varieties (BRRI dhan34, BRRI dhan70, BRRI dhan80, and Tulshimala), and factor 2 comprised application of four aromatic compounds (L-proline, α-ketoglutaric acid, γ-aminobutyric acid, and sodium selenite). A randomized complete block design was employed with three replications. Results revealed significant effects of aromatic compound applications and/or rice varieties on grain eating qualities, sensory aroma and 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline, which were superior in Tulshimala and BRRI dhan34. α-Ketoglutaric acid and sodium selenite application improved water uptake ratio, amylose and amylopectin content, alkali spreading value, gel consistency, protein content, sensory aroma score, and kernel stickiness and tenderness of fragrant rice. Moreover, α-ketoglutaric acid application led to enhanced 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline content in Tulshimala and BRRI dhan34. Several eating quality and fragrance parameters were found either positively or negatively correlated. Apparent amylose content exhibited a negative correlation with stickiness of kernel. Sensory aroma and grain 2-AP content were also positively correlated.

The Interaction Effect of Nitrogen Levels on Growth Characteristic of Wheat Crop (Triticum aestivum L.)

The present research work was carried at the Agronomy Farm, Department of Agronomy, Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Narendra Nagar (Kumarganj) Faizabad (U.P.), during Rabi season of 2014-2015. This farm is located at a distance of 42 Km. from Faizabad district headquarters at Faizabad – Raibareilly road. The ANOVA of the research trail used a design: randomized block design (factorial) to evaluate growth traits, comprising of initial plant population, plant height (cm), number of shoots (m-2). The data indeed suggested that initial plant population was not significantly influenced by either variety levels or nitrogen levels. Contrastingly, the data showed that variety levels and nitrogen levels significantly affected plant height at 30, 60, 90 days after sowing (DAS) and at harvest. The number of shoots at 30 DAS was not affected significantly by variety levels and nitrogen levels in the data. In addition, Variety levels showed a significant effect on the shoot number at 60 and 90 DAS and also at harvest stage, while nitrogen levels did not show significant effects in growth attributes of wheat under study.

A Quasi-Experimental Study on Code-Switching in Enhancing The Reading Comprehension Skills of ABEL Students

This quasi-experimental study investigated the effectiveness of code-switching in enhancing the reading comprehension skills of ABEL (Alternative Basic Education for Literacy) students at Agusan del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology. A two-group design was implemented, with one group receiving instruction incorporating code-switching and the other using traditional English-only methods. Standardized tests assessed reading comprehension, and data analysis included frequency, percentage, mean scores, t-tests, and ANCOVA. Results showed that students in the code-switching group achieved a significantly higher average score (7.48, "Very Satisfactory") compared to the control group (6.22, "Satisfactory"). This significant difference (p-value = .002) demonstrates that code-switching led to markedly improved reading comprehension skills. The study concludes that code-switching is a highly effective strategy for enhancing reading comprehension in ABEL students, offering a more impactful approach than traditional English-only instruction. The research recommends integrating code-switching into teaching practices to facilitate understanding of complex topics and language structures, ultimately contributing to a more accessible and effective learning experience for students. Future research is encouraged to explore the broader applicability of code-switching across diverse educational contexts to further inform pedagogical best practices.

Assessment Of Nigerian Teacher Educators On Professional Development Needs For Effective Integration Of Large Language Models In Teaching And Learning

This study investigates the of Nigerian teacher educators’ perception of professional development needs for effective integration of large language models (LLMs') in teaching practice. Four specific research questions guided the study, and one hypothesis was tested. The population comprised teacher educators from Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), and Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education (AIFUE). Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, which was validated and tested for reliability using Cronbach's alpha, yielding a reliability coefficient of 0.89. Descriptive statistics, including mean and standard deviation, were used to analyze the data. The major findings indicate a generally positive perception of LLMs' benefits among Nigerian teacher educators, though significant gaps in knowledge and skills were identified, necessitating comprehensive professional development. One key recommendation is to implement continuous, context-specific professional development programmes that include hands-on workshops and collaborative learning opportunities. Assessment, Nigerian teacher educators, perception, professional development needs, effective I ntegration, large language models, teaching practice

Study the Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management with Bio-inoculants on Yield Attributes and Yields of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

The experiments were conducted during the kharif season of 2021-22 and 2022-23 at the S.I.F, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture & Technology, Kanpur. The experiment consists of 18 treatment combinations in randomized block design with three replications of different combinations of inorganic fertilizer, organic and bio-inoculants in rice. Based on results emanated from the investigation it can be concluded that among the productivity parameters viz: The statistically maximum grain yield (q ha-1), straw yield (q ha-1) and biological yield (q ha-1) were found (47.38, 47.56 q ha-1), (66.82, 67.22q ha-1 ) and (114.20, 114.78 q ha-1 ) in 2021-22 and 2022-23 respectively in the treatments recorded in the treatment T17 - 100% NPK+ 5 ton ha-1 FYM + Azolla (300 kg ha-1) + S (30 kg ha-1) + Zinc (5 kg ha-1) during both years of experimentation and the plant growth traits viz: panicle length (28.93cm), panicle weight (g) (5.86g) number of grain panicle-1 (127) grains weight panicle-1 (4.11) and test weight (g) (24.97g) were recorded statistically maximum with the treatment T17 -100% NPK+ 5 ton ha-1 FYM + Azolla (300 kg ha-1) + S (30 kg ha-1) + Zinc (5 kg ha-1) during the experimentation.

Performance of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) under different intercroppingsystems in Central plain zone of Uttar Pradesh

The field experiment was carried out during winter (rabi) season of 2021–22 on Students’ Instructional Farm of C.S. Azad University of Agriculture & Technology, Kanpur to assess the performance of Indian mustard under in- tercropping systems with chickpea, linseed, lentil and pea. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block De- sign with 9 treatment combinations replicated thrice. These treatments included Sole Mustard (T1 ), Mustard: Chickpea (T2 1:1 and T3 2:1), Mustard + Lentil (T4 1:1 and T5 2:1), Mustard + Linseed (T6 1:1 and T7 2:1), and Mus- tard + Field Pea (T8 1:1 and T9 2:1). The results revealed that yield attributes and yield of mustard was significantly higher in sole Mustard and Mustard + Lentil (1:1) intercropping system. The maximum number of branches/plant (37, 38.33 at 30 and 90 DAS, respectively), siliquae/plant (380), seeds/siliqua (16), test weight (4.89 g), seed yield (2.89 t/ha), stover yield (6.80 t/ha), biological yield (9.68 t/ha), and harvest index (29.80%) were recorded in T1 (sole Mustard). Among intercropping system T4 (Mustard + Lentil, 1:1) resulted the maximum number of branches/ plant (36.75, 38 at 30 and 90 DAS, respectively), siliquae/plant (375), seeds/siliquae (16), test weight (4.84 g), seed yield (2.53 t/ha), stover yield (5.90 t/ha), biological yield (8.43 t/ha), harvest index (30.03%) and mustard equivalent yield (2.77 t/ha).

Seasonal variation in the biochemical composition of the albumen gland of the giant African land snail Archachatina marginata in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria

ABSTRACT Archachatina marginata is an African pulmonate gastropod widely reared for food. There is a lack of information on the influence of seasonal changes on the reproductive physiology of these snails, hindering optimum reproduction throughout the year. Thus, the aim of this study was to measure seasonal variation in the albumen gland of A. marginata snails in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria. A total of 252 snails was purchased from the Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management of Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria. The snails were acclimatised for three weeks in rearing cages. Twenty-one snails were dissected each month for twelve months and the albumen gland separated. Samples collected were analysed in the laboratory using standard chemical methods. Data collected were analysed using one-way analysis of variance and t-test. Glucose (P < 0.05) and protein (non-significant) were found to be higher in the dry season than in the rainy season, while cholesterol (P < 0.05) and triacylglycerol (non-significant) were higher in the rainy season than in the dry. In conclusion, this study showed that the biochemical composition of the albumen gland of A. marginata snails was influenced by seasonal variation.

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

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