Completely Randomized Research Articles

Development and Evaluation of a Helical Ribbon-Type Mixer for Mushroom Substrate

Manual substrate mixing for mushroom production such as rice straws, sawdust, and banana leaves is laborious and time-consuming. Substrates need to be thoroughly mixed to produce mushrooms of good quality. This study was done to design, fabricate, and evaluate the performance of a helical ribbon-type mixer. The performance of the ribbon-type mixer was evaluated in terms of the mixing capacity and mixing efficiency. Loading weight (5kg, 10kg, and 15kg) and operating speed (11-15rpm, 16-20rpm, and 21-25rpm) of the machine were used as the performance parameters. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) for Factorial Experiment in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) was used to analyze the results while comparison among treatment means was tested at 5% level of significance using Duncan's Multiple Range Test (DMRT). Results revealed that the highest machine capacity of 226.67 kg/hr was attained at a loading weight of 15kg and an operating speed of 21-25rpm. Maximum mixing efficiency (95.27%) was achieved with the combination of 15 kg loading weight and an operating speed of 11-15 rpm. The initial investment in fabricating the substrate mixer for mushroom production was Php 21, 713. Operating the substrate mixer for mushroom production had a projected annual cost of Php 3,655.475. Break – even weight was 91,795.24 kg of substrates per year at a custom rate of Php 0.35 per kilogram.

Growth, yield and anatomy of alpinia calcarata (<em>Heen Araththa</em>) as affected by irrigation frequency

Alpinia calcarata, often known as Heen Araththa, is a precious medicinal plant owing to its chemical properties in herbal treatments. The growth, yield and anatomical features related to the synthesis and accumulation of secondary metabolites of this plant are highly affected by drought stress. Therefore, this work investigated the influence of irrigation frequency on growth, yield and selected anatomical features of A. calcarata. Five levels of irrigation frequencies including daily watering (T1), 7-day (T2), 14-day (T3), 21-day (T4) and 28-day (T5) intervals were investigated in a protected plant house under controlled environmental conditions. A. calcarata rhizomes with a similar number of sprouting buds planted in common potting media (topsoil: sand: compost- 1:1:1) were arranged in Completely Randomized Design in triplicates. After three weeks of establishment, five distinct irrigation frequencies were implemented, with pots being watered daily up until that point. Growth and yield parameters (shoot height (cm), number of roots, number of shoots, number of leaves per shoot, leaf area (mm2), rhizome dry weight (g)) and the anatomical parameters (root epidermis thickness (μm), rhizome epidermis thickness (μm) and oil cell density (μm2)) were collected 10 weeks after establishment. Data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) employing the SAS analysis system. Results revealed that all selected growth, yield and anatomical parameters of A. calcarata were significantly (p<0.05) affected by irrigation frequency. Significantly (p<0.05) the highest mean shoot height (20.8cm), mean number of roots (11.3), mean number of shoots (6.8), mean rhizome dry weight (9.3g) and significantly (p<0.05) higher mean leaf area (24.9mm2) and mean number of leaves per shoot (4) of A. calcarata weregiven by 14-day irrigation frequency. It was also observed that the mean root epidermis and rhizome thickness of A. calcarata gradually increased in response to escalating drought stress. In contrast, the highest oil cell density was observed under the lowest drought stress. Based on the results, it can be concluded that the most promising irrigation frequency for higher growth and yield of A. calcarata is watering with 14-day intervals. Daily watering appeared to be the most suitable treatment to enhance oil cell density associated with secondary metabolite production of A. calcarata.

Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management Practices on Yield Attributes and Nutrient Content and Uptake in Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) under Nagaland Condition

Background: Sunflower is an important oilseed crop. At present, the production of sunflower crop is less due to poor nutrient management practices. Excessive use of chemical fertilizers not only increases the cost of production but also leads to deterioration of soil and human health. The integrated use of nutrients from fertilizer and organic manure sources seems to be the need of the hour. Thus, integrated nutrient management holds great promise in meeting the growing nutrient demand of modern agriculture. Methods: A pot experiment was conducted during pre-kharif season (March-June) of 2022 to study the effect of integrated nutrient management on growth, yield and quality of Sunflower. The experiment was laid out in Completely Randomized Design with three replications and consisted of seven treatments viz., T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6 and T7. Result: T7 (FYM 10 t ha-1 + 100% RDN) recorded highest in yield attributing characters i.e., head diameter (14.50 cm), number of seeds head-1 (783.33), seed yield (26.67 g pot-1) and stover yield (48.33 g pot-1). Maximum NPK uptake for both seed and stover was recorded highest in FYM @ 10 t ha-1 + 100% RDN. Maximum available soil N was recorded in T7(FYM @ 10 t ha-1 + 100% RDN) with 328.96 kg ha-1 while maximum available soil P and K was recorded in T2 {100% RDF (60:40:60) kg ha-1} with 29.25 kg ha-1 and 230.79 kg ha-1, respectively.

Innovation of tempeh from jack bean (Canavalia ensiformis) fermented with Mosaccha inoculum

Tempeh is a traditional Indonesian food made from soybeans fermented with Rhizopus oligosporus. The development of tempeh from jack beans fermented with a tempeh starter containing a combination of Rhizopus oligosporus and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Mosaccha inoculum) represents a new innovation. This study aims to evaluate the influence of Mosaccha inoculum on the microbiological and sensory properties of jack bean tempeh. The experiment was designed using a Completely Randomized Block Design with a single factor at six levels, each repeated four times: 0.2% Mosaccha inoculum, 0.4%, 0.6%, 0.8%, 1%, and Raprima 0.5% as the control. The best jack bean tempeh was further analyzed for its nutritional content, HCN levels, and β-glucan content. The results showed that the addition of 0.6% Mosaccha inoculum produced the highest quality jack bean tempeh. This tempeh had a characteristic tempeh aroma with a slight yeast scent, a white color, evenly distributed mycelium growth, and a firm texture that did not easily crumble. Based on sensory evaluation, the taste and overall acceptability of this tempeh were well-liked. The best jack bean tempeh had a moisture content of 58.72%, total mold count of 7.58 log CFU/g, total yeast count of 8.99 log CFU/g, protein content of 15.83%, fat content of 10.92%, ash content of 1.14%, crude fiber content of 0.89%, HCN content of 2.47 ppm, and β-glucan content of 0.904%. This study demonstrates that jack bean tempeh produced with a 0.6% Mosaccha inoculum concentration offers a high-quality and nutritionally valuable alternative to traditional tempeh.

Pyrochlore-like Local Structure in Globally Disordered Y2Zr2O7: Evidence and Reasoning by Combined Theoretical and Experimental Study.

Even though technological relevance for nuclear and oxide fuel cell application has persuaded a large number of investigations on the Y2Zr2O7 system, its local structure still remains ambiguous and debatable. While diffraction-based investigations claim a lack of local ordering, the MAS NMR and Raman spectroscopic investigations speculate the presence of local ordering. Besides, a correlation between the local and global structures of Y2Zr2O7 is also missing to date. Present work attempts to get deeper insights into the local structure of Y2Zr2O7 and correlate the local structure with global disordering. Complementary investigation using multiple strategies (XRD, RAMAN, electron microscopy, DFT calculations) revealed the presence of pyrochlore-like features in globally disordered Y2Zr2O7. Globally distributed "local probe ions" (Sn4+ by MAS NMR and Eu3+ by photoluminescence (PL)) were utilized for establishing the correlation between local and global structures. The 119Sn MAS NMR spectra possess the shoulder peak bearing chemical shift values, which are improbable under complete cationic randomization. The emission and decay profiles of the Eu3+ ion recommend positioning of few probe ions at the centrosymmetric site, which was further reinforced by crystal field splitting and lifetime values. Thus, both NMR and PL results reaffirm the existence of a pyrochlore-like atomic arrangement in predominantly defective fluorite Y2Zr2O7 phase. These discernible pyrochlore-like features have been envisaged to be emanating from unevenness in bond strength and ionicity/covalency of Y-O and Zr-O bonds. Cationic and anionic randomization energetically endorses global disordering, but the bonding disparity induces short-range ordering. It is believed that the presented findings will guide future research in regulating the physicochemical properties of Y2Zr2O7 for the target applications.

Application of Microgranules from Endophyte Bacteria in Stimulating Vegetative Growth of Arabica Coffee (Coffea arabica L.)

Increase the vegetative growth of arabica coffee, needs to be innovation in the fertilizer used. The latest innovation in fertilizer manufacturing technology is to form endophytic bacterial cell cultures into microgranules using encapsulation techniques. The application of microgranules to Arabica coffee plants is carried out using the factorial CRD (Completely Randomized Design) method consisting of 2 factors, 16 treatments, 2 replications. The treatment of seed immersion time with the addition of endophytic bacterial suspension consists of: B0: without immersion, B1: 6.5 Hours; B1: 7.5 Hours; B3: 8.5 Hours. The addition of endophytic bacterial microgranule consisted of I0: 0 gr; I1: 5 grams; I2: 10 grams; I3: 15 grams. The data obtained were analyzed using variance analysis. The results of the variance analysis were continued with multiple distance tests. Isolation of coffee roots and stems obtained 8 isolates of endophytic bacteria. From the results of the research, the growth of coffee in suspension immersion and microgranule administration was very influential, the best plant height was in treatment B2 (14.20 cm) and the lowest treatment was in B0 (9.96 cm). While the diameter of the best treatment was in B3 (1.66 mm) and the lowest treatment was in B0 (1.39 mm). Keywords: Microgranules, Endophytes, Arabica Coffee

Compatibility of Velum® (Synthetic Nematicide) with Endophytic Colletotrichum nigrum and Commercial Trichoderma asperellum against Root-Knot Nematodes on Tree Tomato

Root-knot nematodes (RKNs) hinder agricultural production worldwide. Many methods of managing RKNs have been used. However, an approach of combining velum® with endophytic fungi and commercial Trichoderma asperellum has not been tested against RKNs. This study was carried out between September 2022 to February 2023 to evaluated compatibility of Velum® with endophytic Colletotrichum nigrum isolated from roots of tree tomato and commercial Trichoderma asperellum to contain RKNs in vitro and in the greenhouse on tree tomato. Leading mycelial discs from the colony of C. nigrum and T. asperellum were removed using a cork borer and inoculated onto PDA media amended with Velum® and incubated for seven days at 25oC. Colletotrichum nigrum and T. asperellum alone and in combinations with Velum® were tested for their efficacy against second stage juveniles (J2s) of RKN in the greenhouse. In vitro and greenhouse tests were replicated four times in Completely Randomized Design. Data was analyzed by Anova SAS, 9.2 and significant means separated by Tukey's Honestly Significant Differences test at P ≤ 0.05. There was no significant inhibition in the colony growth of C. nigrum and T. asperellum by Velum® in vitro and therefore were found to be compatible. Colletotrichum nigrum combined with Velum® significantly (P≤0.05) reduced the RKN J2s, nematode reproduction factor, galling and egg mass indices in both experiments more than when applied alone. There was also a significant increase in plant growth parameters of tree tomato treated with C. nigrum combined with Velum®. This study has shown that combining Velum® with C. nigrum and T. asperellum successfully controlled RKNs on tree tomato. These findings could be used to promote integrated nematode management using less toxic nematicides and biocontrol agents.

Bio Efficacy of Bioagents against Sclerotium rolfsii: An Incitant of Stem Rot Disease in Groundnut

Aims: An experiment was carried out to know the bio efficacy of ten bio agents against Sclerotium rolfsii viz, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus velenzensis,Trichoderma longibrachiatum, Trichoderma hamatum, Trichoderma harzianum, Trichoderma afroharzianum,Trichoderma asperelloides, Trichoderma asperellum. Study Design: The experiment was carried out in Completely Randomised Design with three replications. Place and Duration of Study: During 2023-2024 at Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, Shivamogga. Methodology: The research utilized 10 different bioagents sourced from the Department of Plant Pathology at the College of Agriculture in Shimoga. Results: Statistically difference observed among the bio-agents evaluated with respect to per cent inhibition of mycelia growth of S. rolfsii. Among the fungal bioagents, the highest per cent inhibition of mycelial growth was observed in T. longibrachiatum (55.43%). Among bacterial bio-agents, Bacillus subtilis showed maximum inhibition (42.35 %). Conclusion: This study indicates that fungal bioagents are more effective than bacterial bioagents in controlling the growth of pathogen.

Effect of Two Biofertilisers Based on Endophytic Fungi on Fall Armyworm Infestations in Maize Production in the Kara Region of Togo, West Africa

Aims: The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy of two biofertilisers based on endophytic fungi on infestation rates, foliar damage and maize yield losses caused by the armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, a worst maize pest. Study Design: Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three types of treatments. Place and Duration of Study: Agronomic Experimentation Station of Tchitchao, Kara (Togo), between October 2019 and March 2020. Methodology: A complete randomized block design was used with three types of treatments: (i) maize seeds inoculated with Glomus sp. strain 142, (ii) maize seeds inoculated with Mycotri, (iii) maize seedlings fertilized with NPK and urea and finally (iv) a control consisting of seeds and/or seedlings of maize neither fertilized nor inoculated. Results: The results show that the plots treated with endophytic fungi recorded significantly lower infestation rates compared with the fertiliser treatments and the control. The highest infestation rates were 54% at 38 days after sowing (DAS) and 45% at 31 DAS for treatments with 5.35 x 105 spores/ha Glomus sp. and 0.38 kg/ha Mycotri, respectively, compared with 78% at 31 DAS and 62% at 38 DAS for fertiliser treatments and the control. The highest level of leaf damage, 2.92, was observed at 33 DAS on the plots fertilised with fertiliser, compared with scores of 2.53 and 2.38 for the plots mycorrhised with Glomus sp. and Mycotri, respectively. Yields were significantly higher in the fertilised plots (3.87 t/ha), followed by the mycorrhised plots (2.62-3.01 t/ha) and the control (1.73 t/ha). Conclusion: The endophytic fungi enabled the plants to tolerate fall armyworms attacks better than the controls, offering an alternative to chemical fertilisers and an effective option for managing soil fertility and controlling Spodoptera frugiperda.

Influence of Date of Planting on Total Sugars and Titratable Acidity of Strawberry Varieties in Vertical Farming

The research using vertical towers was carried out at Centre of Excellence (COE) for vegetables and flowers, Jeedimetla, Medchal Malkajgiri district of Telangana during Rabi 2022-23 and 2023-24 in Factorial Completely Randomized Design (FCRD) evaluating four varieties V1- Nabila (Short day), V2- Flaminia (Short day), V3- Murano (Everbearing), V4-Vivara (Everbearing) and four planting dates D1- planting on October 15th D2-Planting on October 30th, D3- planting on November 15th, D4- planting on November 30th. The vertical tower was divided into three tiers, namely the top tier, middle tier and lower tier and the observations were taken accordingly. The results revealed that, the top tier of the vertical tower has exhibited higher percentage of total sugars and lower percentage of titratable acidity than subsequent tiers of the vertical tower among all the varieties, dates of planting and interactions. Among varieties, Shortday varieties V1 (Nabila) and V2 (Flaminia) has revealed highest percentage of total sugars and lowest percentage of titratable acidity than everbearing varieties V3 (Murano) and V4 (Vivara) in all the tiers of the vertical tower. Among planting dates, D2 (Planting on October 30th) has registered with highest percentage of Total sugars and lowest percentage of titratable acidity in all the tiers of the vertical tower. The interaction of V1 (Nabila) and V2 (Flaminia) with D2 (planting on October 30th) indicated highest percentage of total sugars and the lowest percentage of titratable acidity in all the tiers of the vertical tower.

Effect of Total Chlorophyll Content and Relative Water Content of Mini Tuber Potato under Aeroponic Condition in Jammu Region, India

The present study determine the effect of Total Chlorophyll Content and Relative Water Content of Mini Tuber Potato under Aeroponic Condition in Jammu Region, India. The adoption of new production technologies, usage of better varieties, quality seed material, good storage facilities, and transportation in recent years have helped to expand area, production, and productivity in India. The present study was conducted in the Division of Plant Physiology, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu. The experiment was conducted during winter and spring seasons in 2022-23. Two varieties Kufri Badshah and Kufri Jyoti were taken as experimental material. Potato tubers were sown in net pots containing growing media and seedlings were transplanted at five leaves stage in the aeroponics system. The experiment was laid out in Completely Randomized Design with two treatments viz, T1 (cocopeat 100%) and T2 (cocopeat +vermiculite+ perlite+ vermicompost) in ratio (2:1:1:2) and after two weeks of transplanting data was recorded at three different stages of crop growth (20 DAT, 45 DAT and 80 DAT). The results clearly indicated that treatment T2 coco peat + perlite + vermiculite + vermicompost in the ratio of 2:1:1:2 was the most promising treatment for improving the, biochemical parameters, physical parameters and quality of both potato varieties when compared to other treatments.

PRIMATE CROP RAIDING IN KAINJI LAKE NATIONAL PARK, NIGERIA: AN ANALYSIS OF VULNERABILITY INDICATORS AND FARMERS PERSPECTIVES FOR EFFECTIVE CONSERVATION

Human-primate conflict is a persistent challenge in conservation efforts. The study investigates vulnerability indicators of crop damage by primates and farmers attitudes towards conservation in Kanji Lake National Park, aiming to inform effective conflict mitigation strategies. Direct method and structured questionnaire were used to obtain information on crop damage severity, farmer perceptions and conservation attitudes. The Completely Randomised Design (CRD) was used in comparing vulnerability indicators that predisposed primates to conflict and the relationship between vulnerability indicators to crop damage intensity was determined using karl pearsons’ product moment coefficient of correlation. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square test analyses were adopted to reveal the opinions of respondents for significant differences on farmer’s attitudes and perceptions for effective conservation. The results show a significant correlation between crop damage and vulnerability indicators thus, highlighting the need for effective conflict mitigation strategies. The results revealed that the identified key vulnerability indicator, numbers of standing crops (0.015) differed significantly among the ranges of the park (P < 0.05). Nevertheless, farm sizes (0.068) were not significantly different among ranges (P > 0.05). Farm distance to park has positive correlation with farm size (r = 0.203) and number of standing crops (r = 0.310). Similarly, there were strong correlations between farm size and number of crops damaged (r = 0.680). In respect to conservation attitudes 74% of the respondents were in support of primate conservation, 38% wished that primates should be exterminated to stop crop damage and economic losses. 40% of the respondents supported the use of lethal methods for preventing primates from raiding crops while 53.1% were of the opinion that zone dwellers should be allowed to hunt. The findings highlighted the need for conservation efforts, emphasizing the importance of addressing human-primate conflict through collaborative approaches that consider both human livelihoods and wildlife conservation.

Evaluation of Growing Media and Chemical Treatment on the Seedling Growth of High Chill Peach

The present study entitled “Evaluation of Growing Media and Dormancy Breaking Chemical on the Seedling Growth of High Chill Peach” was conducted at Dept. of Horticulture, College of Agriculture and Horticulture Research Centre, G.B.P.U.A&T, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand during the year 2022-23. The experiments were carried out in Factorial Complete Randomized Design (FCRD) with 3 replications per treatment. Under seedling growth studies, the total numbers of treatment were 16 with 2 factors comprising of four growing media (soil: sand: FYM, soil: sand: vermicompost, soil: sand: cocopeat and soil: FYM: vermicompost: cocopeat) and four chemical treatments (control, GA3 @ 500 ppm, kinetin @ 50 ppm and thiourea @ 5000 ppm). In the experiment the maximum seedling length, shoot fresh weight, shoot dry weight, root length, root fresh weight and root dry weight was recorded in soil: FYM: vermicompost: cocopeat, GA3 @ 500 ppm and interaction M4C3 (soil: FYM: vermicompost: cocopeat + GA3 @ 500ppm) while the minimum values were recorded in soil: sand: cocopeat, control and M3C1. Result from this study discovered that GA3 @ 500 ppm along with the growing media soil: FYM: vermicompost: cocopeat recorded the maximum seedling length, diameter, number of leaves, leaf area, shoot fresh weight and shoot dry weight which can be recommended for raising the rootstocks for the production of quality planting material of peach for seedling rootstock.

Physical Characteristics, Moisture Content and Organoleptic Properties of Afkir Laying Hen Meat with Different Marination Durations in Pineapple Crown Extract

Afkir laying hen meat has a tough texture, making it less desirable to consumers. Pineapple crown extract is known to improve the texture of spent laying hen meat due to its bromelain enzyme content. This study aims to determine the effect of marination duration using pineapple crown extract on the pH, cooking loss, water content, water holding capacity, texture, and organoleptic value of spent laying hen meat. The study was conducted using a Completely Randomized Design with 4 treatments (different marination times of 0, 2, 4, and 6 hours) and 5 replications. The parameters observed in this study included pH, cooking loss, water content, water holding capacity, texture, and organoleptic values. Test data were analyzed statistically using Analysis of Variance with a 5% significance level, and if significant effects were found, the analysis was followed by Duncan’s Multiple Range Test. Organoleptic test data were analyzed with the Kruskal-Wallis method, and if there were significant effects, further analysis was conducted using the Mann-Whitney test. The results showed a significant effect (P<0.05) of marination time using pineapple crown extract on the pH, water content, and organoleptic parameters, including taste, texture, color, and overall preference, with no significant effect (P>0.05) on cooking loss, water holding capacity, or the aroma attribute in the organoleptic test. Marination time also decreased the toughness of afkir laying hen meat texture, as analyzed descriptively. Marination for 2-6 hours decreased pH and water content, tenderized the texture, and improved meat preference. Keywords: Afkir laying hen; bromelain; tenderness; pineapple crown; marination

Effect of Adding Cannabis (Cannabis Sativa) in Balanced Feed as a Growth Promoter in Cobb 500 Broiler Chickens

Objective: The purpose of the research was to evaluate the productive behavior of Cobb 500 Broiler Chickens with the addition of Cannabis in the Balanced Feed. Theoretical Framework: There is a growing interest in the use of cannabis in animal feed, not only for its nutritional contribution but also for the effects of the various compounds present in this plant; cannabis oil and seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can be transferred to egg yolks and chicken meat. Method: The research was carried out in the field phase, as a descriptive experimental with the Completely Randomized Experimental Design (C.R.D.), with four treatments and three repetitions. The total sample size was 96 Broiler chickens of the Cobb 500 line. Results and Discussion: The highest feed consumption, initial weight, final weight and economic benefit were reported in the treatment with 10 kg of commercial Balanced Feed + 40 g of Cannabis. Research implications: This study shows that Cannabis as a feed additive can be used as a growth promoter in the diet of Cobb 500 Broiler Chickens. Originality/Value: This study contributes with a new alternative to improve poultry feeding, through the use of Cannabis in the daily diet, which has been shown to be effective in increasing weight gain in chickens.

Potential of Binahong Leaves (Anredera cordifolia Ten.) and Shallot Skin (Allium cepa L.) Extract as Biopesticides for Biological Control of Rice Bug (Leptocorisa oratorius F.)

The rice bug is a pest causing decrease rice production. Meanwhile, binahong leaves and shallot skin contain potential materials for making biopesticides. This research aimed to analyze potential of binahong leaves and shallot skin extract as biopesticides and toxicity tested against rice bug. The research was carried out using Completely Randomized Design, biopesticides were made in various concentrations, 0% as a control; 10; 20; 30; 40; and 50. The extract was calculated for yield, pH, and phytochemical screening. Then, biopesticide sprayed on the pests at 24, 48, 72, 96, 120, 144, and 168 hours to observe mortality, LC50, morphology, behavior, biotic, and data analysis using ANOVA followed 0.05 Tukey test. The results showed the extract has potential as a biopesticide with yield value 8,3 – 12; pH value 4,84 – 5,37; and positive secondary metabolite. Meanwhile, toxicity tests showed the highest mortality at concentration 50%, LC50 at 144th hours and 168th hours was 4,373 and 2,002. Besides that, biopesticides changes morphology and behavior pest. Observations abiotic factors showed that rice bug can survive in temperature range of 22,75 – 25oC and relative humidity of 77 - 84%. In the future, it hoped biopesticides can be commercialized to reduce dependence on chemical pesticides.

The Effect of Adhesive Ratio on the Quality of Charcoal Briquettes

This study used cassava stem charcoal and charcoal from forest fires mixed with tapioca adhesive at different ratios, the aim was to analyze the effect of different adhesive ratios on the quality of charcoal briquettes.Charcoal briquettes are formed using a 40 bar press machine with a pressing time of 10 minutes. The mixture of charcoal briquette raw materials uses a tapioca adhesive ratio of 2%, 4%, 6%, 8% and 10%.Testing is carried out to determine the quality, then analyzed and compared with the SNI 01-6235-2000 standard.The effect of adhesive ratio on adhesive quality was analyzed using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The test results show the following values:density 0.54 g/cm3, moisture content 4.97%, compressive strength 28.43 kg/cm2, volatile matter content 36.02%, ash content 6.36%, fixed carbon content 56.45% and calorific value 6,195 cal/gobtained from a 10% adhesive ratio. The adhesive ratio has a very significant effect on the water content, compressive strength and calorific value; has a significant effect on the density value; and has no significant effect on the volatile matter value, ash content and bound carbon content.The results of charcoal briquette testing mostly meet the standards according to SNI (No. 01-6235-2000)

Digitized Seedbed Soil Quality Assessment from Worn and Edge Hardened Cultivator Sweeps.

Tillage tools for seedbed soil management are often subjected to low stress abrasion wear, which could negatively affect seedbed quality and crop productivity. Limited studies exist that quantify the effects of worn tillage tools on seedbed quality and crop yield. This research investigated the influence of tillage tool wear on seedbed preparation by evaluating the effect of cultivator sweep wear on soil tilth utilizing a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensor. The framework consists of a seedbed tillage field experiment using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) experiment in six replicates of two-tillage treatments (new and worn cultivator sweeps). After seedbed tillage, loosely tilled soil aggregates were removed to expose the seedbed soil profile, and then seedbed roughness statistical measures were estimated from LiDAR-scanned seedbed soil surface. Three statistical analyses (Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), Kolmogorov-Smirnov (KS), and Earth Mover's Distance (EMD)) were compared to quantitatively evaluate the soil roughness estimated from the LiDAR seedbed surface data. Seedbed prepared by new and worn cultivator sweeps showed significant differences (p < 0.05) in soil roughness variables of standard deviation, coefficient of variation, and kurtosis. Data analysis from the ANOVA and KS methods revealed that LiDAR-extracted soil roughness patterns were statistically influenced by tillage treatment. EMD analysis detected noticeable disparities between the tillage treatments and new versus worn cultivator sweeps. This study concludes that tillage tool wear substantively affects seedbed quality, as evidenced by LiDAR soil profile estimated attributes of soil roughness and three statistical methods (ANOVA, KS, and EMD). Our study supports the adoption of LiDAR technology for seedbed management, highlighting its applicability to evaluate seedbed quality that accounts for the wear life cycle of cultivator sweeps.

Correlation and Path Coefficient Analysis for Yield and its Phenological, Physiological, Morphological and Biochemical Traits under 60 mM Salinity Stress in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

The investigation was carried out during rabi season (November–April) of 2020–2021 in the polyhouse, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, India to assess the performance of chickpea genotypes under salinity stress conditions. The experiment was conducted using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications under two conditions: saline (pots without holes) and control (pots with holes). Twenty genotypes were collected out of which seventeen from ICRISAT, Hyderabad and three from ARS, SriGanganagar. The salinity stress was created using salts NaCl, which were administered in split doses of 60 mM at the time of sowing and 15 DAS. The study monitored various parameters such as phenological, physiological, morphological, biochemical, and yield parameters to determine the effect of salt stress on genotypes exhibiting different tolerance levels. The results showed that the total proline content increased due to the production of stress-related proteins during salinity stress. However, the yield parameters were reduced under stress conditions, with the highest decrease observed in the 60 mM NaCl treatment group compared to the control group. Based on the results of the study, ICC5439 and GNG 1581 are highly tolerant chickpea genotypes under salinity stress conditions. ICC 6050, ICC 251, ICC 252, and ICC 262 are medium tolerant genotypes, while ICC253, ICC 247, and ICC 249 are highly susceptible genotypes. Remaining are minimum tolerant and sensitive genotypes.

Resistance of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Varieties to Gram Pod Borer (Helicoverpa armigera) in a Controlled Environment

The research was conducted within the controlled environment of the net house at the Faculty of Agriculture Science and Technology, AKS University, Satna (M.P.), during the Rabi season of 2023-24. Eight diverse chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) genotypes, viz. JG-63, JG-130, L-2, JG-14, RAJ-128, Narendran-2, Annagiri and RVG-202, were systematically screened to evaluate their resistance to the gram pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera) under protected conditions. The study was meticulously designed using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications to ensure robust statistical analysis. Throughout the critical vegetative, flowering and maturity stages, the larval population density of H. armigera was rigorously monitored across all genotypes at regular intervals. The comprehensive data analysis revealed that genotypes RAJ-128 and RVG-202 demonstrated superior resistance, exhibiting the lowest mean larval density of 0.25 and 0.29 larvae per 0.5 m², respectively, indicating their potential for integrated pest management in chickpea cultivation.