Crop Establishment Research Articles

Crop establishment and nutrient management for production sustainability in rice (Oryza sativa)-wheat (Triticum aestivum) system in eastern India

In eastern Indo-Gangetic Plains (EIGP), conventional rice (Oryza sativa L.)-wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) system has led to a decline in total factor productivity, input-use efficiency, and profitability. A three-year (2020–2022) field experiment was conducted at the farmers’ fields in Merha village of Katoriya, Banka, Bihar on a sandy clay loam soil to evaluate the impact of crop establishment and nutrient management on production sustainability in rice-wheat cropping system. Experiments were conducted in a split-plot design and replicated thrice. The main-plot treatment had crop establishment methods, viz. (i) Broadcasting: paddy seed broadcasted manually; (ii) Dry seeding: seed drilled on moist soil; (iii) Drum-seeding: dry-seed planted using drum seeder on moist soil and; (iv) Wet-seeding: sprouted seeds broadcasted on puddle soil with variety Sabour Ardhjal in rainy (kharif) season and 4-wheat crop establishment method, viz. (i) Broadcasting in CT; (ii) Furrow irrigated raised-bed method; (iii) ZT-drill and; (iv) Seed-cum-ferti-drill machine for wheat variety HD 2967 in winter (rabi) season. The sub-plots were allotted four nutrient management treatments, viz. (i) Farmers’ practice (130:40:10 kg NPK/ha); (ii) 100% RDF (120: 60:40 kg NPK/ha); (iii) Soil- test-based nutrient management (100% chemical fertilizer-125:75:40 kg NPK/ha) and; (iv) Soil-test based nutrient management (75% chemical fertilizer-94:56:30 kg NPK/ha+25% FYM-6.2 t/ha) in wheat, and (i) Farmers practice (140:30:10 kg NPK/ha); (ii) 100% RDF (120:60:40 kg NPK/ha); (iii) Soil-test based nutrient management (100% chemical fertilizer-150:75:40 kg NPK/ha); (iv) Soil-test based nutrient management (75% chemical fertilizer-115:56:30 kg NPK/ha+25% FYM-7 t/ha) in wheat. Our results revealed that overall system productivity and profitability were higher by 44 and 155.5% in wet seeding paddy-ZT drill wheat system in comparison to broadcasting methods of rice and wheat. System productivity was significantly higher by 28.8% in soil-test based nutrient management production system as compared to the farmers' practices. Thus, to achieve better system productivity and profitability, crops may be grown with wet seeding paddy-ZT drill wheat with soil-test based nutrient management practices under eastern Indo-Gangetic Plains of eastern India.

Multicriteria assessment of alternative cropping systems at farm level. A case with maize on family farms of South East Asia

CONTEXTIntegration of farms into markets with adoption of maize as a cash crop can significantly increase income of farms of the developing world. However, in some cases, the income generated may still be very low and maize production may also have strong negative environmental and social impacts. OBJECTIVEMaize production in northern Laos is taken as a case to study how far can farms' performance be improved with improved crop management of maize with the following changes at field level: good timing and optimal soil preparation and sowing, allowing optimal crop establishment and low weed infestation. METHODSWe compared different farm types' performance on locally relevant criteria and indicators embodying the three pillars of sustainability (environmental, economic and social). An integrated assessment approach was combined with direct measurement of indicators in farmers' fields to assess eleven criteria of local farm sustainability. A bio-economic farm model was used for scenario assessment in which changes in crop management and the economic environment of farms were compared to present situation. The farm model was based on mathematical programming maximizing income under constraints related to i) household composition, initial cash and rice stocks and land type, and ii) seasonal balances of cash, labour and food. The crop management scenarios were built based on a diagnosis of the causes of variations in the agronomic and environmental performances of cropping systems, carried out in farmers' fields. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSOur study showed that moderate changes in crop management on maize would improve substantially farm performance on 4 to 6 criteria out of the 11 assessed, depending on farm types. The improved crop management of maize had a high economic attractiveness for every farm type simulated (low, medium and high resource endowed farms) even at simulated production costs more than doubling current costs of farmers' practices. However, while an improvement of the systems performance was attained in terms of agricultural productivity, income generation, work and ease of work, herbicide leaching, improved soil quality and nitrogen balance, trade-offs were identified with other indicators such as erosion control and cash outflow needed at the beginning of the cropping season. SIGNIFICANCEUsing farm modelling for multicriteria assessment of current and improved maize cropping systems for contrasted farm types helped capture main opportunities and constraints on local farm sustainability, and assess the trade-offs that new options at field level may generate at farm level.

Time-series Sentinel-1A SAR remote sensing of rice planting methods in Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Timely and reliable agricultural data are essential to monitoring the implementation of rice intervention programs and policies aimed at sustainably reducing hunger and poverty. The difficulties associated with traditional data-gathering methods have made using satellite imagery for data acquisition imperative due to its coverage of large agricultural areas, high repetitive coverage, and cost-effectiveness. However, the use of satellite images for rice research in Nigeria is hampered by the peculiarities associated with methods of rice crop establishment, where manual transplanting and direct seeding methods are practiced in single rice plots due to financial constraints. To examine the effect of different planting methods on sensor signals, we analysed the temporal variation of Sentinel-1 synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data. Also, the relationship between SAR backscatter coefficients and field-measured rice plant parameters (wet biomass and plant height) as a function of planting methods was determined in contrast to similar studies where only the temporal variations in the planting methods were investigated. Multi-temporal, dual-polarised C-band Sentinel-1A backscatter data at 20 m spatial resolution and field measurements were simultaneously acquired every 12 days over the study area during the rainy season, from August to December 2019, in Ebonyi state, Nigeria. Average backscatter values were derived per sampling rice plot, with the temporal profiles of rice SAR backscatter plotted to show variability due to planting methods. Simple regression analysis determined the relationships between measured rice parameters and VH (Vertical transmit, Horizontal receive) and VV (Vertical transmit, Vertical receive) polarisation backscatter coefficients. Results revealed variations in the temporal profile and responses of transplanted and direct-seeded rice fields at different crop growth stages. Regression analysis showed that VH and VV backscatter values for transplanted rice were significantly related to wet rice biomass (R2 = 0.6; 0.51) and rice plant height (R2 = 0.5; 0.59). Conversely, wet biomass (R2 = 0.24; 0.19) and plant height (R2 = 0.18; 0.2) were reported for broadcasted rice for VH and VV polarisations, respectively. These findings show that significant differences exist in the SAR backscatter responses of these crop establishment methods, affecting the retrieved data's accuracy and reliability. Therefore, a cautious approach is advocated in using SAR data from small rice plots with multiple planting methods.

Salt Stress Responses in Early Seedling Growth Characteristics of Blackgram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper] Genotypes

In view of increasing salinity and intrusion of salt water into the cultivable land area under coastal saline region, germination and crop establishment is a major problem that influence on decrease in the production and productivity of blackgram. Hence, screening of 101 genotypes under different salt concentrations for growth characters paves way to identify the saline resistant genotypes. The upshot of saline stress on seedling growth characters of 101 genotypes which are collected from different eco geographical regions subjected to Half strength Hoagland and Arnon’s solution (T1), Half strength Hoagland Arnon’s solution +NaCl treatment @100mM, 150mM, 200mM and 250mM concentration @7th, 10th, 13th, 16th days (T2) respectively and Half strength Hoagland and Arnon’s solution (control) (T3) during January 2022. Highly significant variation exhibited among the various genotypes for different seedling growth characters viz., leaf area per plant, total number of leaves per plant, dry weight of leaves per plant, dry weight of shoot per plant, dry weight of roots per plant and dry weight of the whole plant. Salinity has the adverse effect on the growth characters. Among the genotypes studied, AUB-08-33(G81) and CBG-09-08(G18) showed maximum mean values under different NaCl concentrations (T2), recommended as donor parent for hybridization as well as candidate genotype in crop improvement for saline soil.

Unravelling the Genetic Basis of Moisture Deficit Stress Tolerance in Wheat for Seedling Vigour-Related Traits and Root Traits Using Genome-Wide Association Study.

A key abiotic stress that negatively affects seed germination, plant development, and crop yield is moisture deficit stress. Achieving higher vigour and uniform germination under stress conditions is essential for crop establishment and productivity and to enhance the yield. Hence, revealing wheat's capacity to withstand moisture deficit stress during seed germination and early growth stages is fundamental in improving its overall performance. However, the genetic regulation of moisture deficit stress tolerance during the seed germination phase remains largely unexplored. In this study, a total of 193 wheat genotypes were subjected to simulated moisture deficit stress using PEG-6000 (-0.4 MPa) during the seed germination stage. The induced moisture deficit stress significantly reduced various seedling-vigour-related traits. The genetic regions linked to these traits were found using a genome-wide association study (GWAS). The analysis identified 235 MTAs with a significance -log10(p) value of >4. After applying the Bonferroni correction, the study identified 47 unique single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that are linked to candidate genes important for the trait of interest. The current study emphasises the effectiveness of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in identifying promising candidate genes, improving wheat seedling vigour and root traits, and offering essential information for the development of wheat cultivars tolerant to moisture deficit stress.

SHEAR STRESS BEHAVIOUR OF RICE GROWING VERTISOLS AT MWEA IRRIGATION SCHEME IN KENYA

Rice growing vertisol soils at Mwea Irrigation Scheme in Kenya are routinely subjected to dry ploughing prior to establishment of a new crop. During ploughing, the soil experiences varying levels of induced shear stress emanating from the weights of the working machinery. The objective of this research study was to assess the shear stress behaviour of rice growing vertisols at Mwea Irrigation Scheme with a view to manipulating resultant shear stress parameters at empirically established magnitudes for optimal tillage and traction operations. Collected samples from the study field were triaxially tested through successive three phases of saturation, isotropic consolidation and shearing based on critical state soil mechanics principles. Deviatoric stress – strain plots to establish shear strengths of samples from three profile depths (0 - 20, 20 – 40 and 40 – 60 cm) over varied water contents were developed. The study established that three patterns deformation characteristic occurred in vertisols when subjected to loading from working tillage machinery. A model of resultant induced deviatoric stresses within the three deformation zones at various strain levels predicted the shear stress behaviour of the study soil. Cohesive strength that is believed to represent maximum cohesive force holding soil particles together was observed at 70 kPa at a corresponding 100 frictional angle. Thus, maximum traction accompanied by optimal tillage operation by working machinery on vertisols is likely to be achieved at shear strength parameters of 70 kPa and 100 for cohesion and angle of internal friction respectively.

Photosynthetic Response of Blueberries Grown in Containers.

Recently, there has been increased interest in container blueberry production as a viable alternative to open-field blueberry planting. Container production of blueberries offers numerous advantages, among these, a lack of limitation by suboptimal soil conditions in the open field and the ability to control substrate pH, drainage, and organic matter. The photosynthetic response for three container-grown Southern highbush blueberry (interspecific Vaccinium hybrids) cultivars including 'Jewel', 'Meadowlark', and 'Victoria' and a rabbiteye blueberry (Vaccinium virgatum) 'Baldwin', were measured during the spring and summer of 2022. It was hypothesized that the three cultivars evaluated would have different photosynthetic responses. The objective of this study was to determine the photosynthetic activity of different blueberry cultivars during the first year of crop establishment. A series of measurements were conducted every 2 h throughout the day and for different dates using a gas exchange data analyzer on newly matured fully expanded leaves located in the top middle section of the canopy for each cultivar. The response curves showed that net photosynthesis (A) became saturated at moderate light, with saturation occurring at a photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) of 1932 µmol m-2 s-1. At this point, the rate of CO2 assimilation was approximately 16.84 µmol CO2 m-2 s-1. No differences in (A) were found among cultivars. Overall, the attained values of photosynthesis provide a strong conceptual basis for understanding the cultivar variation response when grown in containers; therefore, the containerized system may serve as a production system for early fruiting blueberries in Alabama, USA.

Long-term adoption of bed planted conservation agriculture based maize/cotton-wheat system enhances soil organic carbon stabilization within aggregates in the indo-gangetic plains

Sustainability of contemporary crop establishment and management practices is questioned due to soil degradation, higher carbon emission and declining soil productivity. Hence, this study was conducted to address the impacts of conservation agriculture (CA) practices like permanent broad beds (PBB), permanent narrow beds (PNB) and zero tilled flat beds (ZT) with residue retention on soil organic carbon (SOC) protection within aggregates in the Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGP). Compared to conventionally tilled (CT) plots, the total SOC content was ∼27%–33% higher in the CA plots on equivalent mass basis. The soil physical properties, such as soil aggregation and mean weight diameter were considerably improved under the CA practices. The macroaggregates were ∼41, 37% and 27% higher in the PBB with residue (PBB + R), PNB with residue (PNB + R) and ZT with residue (ZT + R) plots (CA plots), respectively, than the CT plots in the surface soil (0–15 cm). The plots under PBB + R had ∼31% higher microaggregates within macroaggregates than the CT plots (24.4 g 100 g−1) soil. An increase in SOC content by ∼72, 55% and 69% was observed in the PBB + R, PNB + R and ZT + R plots over the CT plots in microaggregates within macroaggregates (3.02 Mg ha−1). However, plots under PBB + R, PNB + R and ZT + R had only ∼11, 3% and 23% more SOC within silt + clay fraction, respectively, than CT plots (5.85 Mg ha−1). Thus, SOC stabilization within microaggregates inside macroaggregates was the major mechanism, and not the chemical stabilization within silt + clay, of C sequestration under CA. As aggregate-associated carbon is an ecosystem property that strongly affects organic carbon stabilization, water holding capacity and resistance to erosion, growing maize/cotton–wheat system under PBB + R practice is a viable option for carbon sequestration in the IGP and similar agro-ecologies.

Field-scale heterogeneity overrides management impacts following conversion to no-till within an arable system

Crop establishment in no-till arable systems benefits from soil health conducive for growth. Combined with the incorporation of crop residues and manures, no-till can influence soil organic carbon (SOC) and organic matter (SOM) dynamics, crop productivity and nutrient cycling. These processes are shaped by spatial and temporal factors including associated microbial activity. This study aimed to investigate the interaction between microbial and soil physicochemical properties during the transition from full-inversion to no-till soil management. Assessments were conducted over a two-year period and included a combination of soil microbial assays (microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen with physicochemical analyses, SOC, SOM, textural class, pH, gravimetric water content, and macronutrients). Two experiments were established within the same four-hectare field: one on a relatively level area (Experiment-1) and another on a slope (Experiment-2). Experiment-1 treatments consisted of Farmyard Manure (FYM and N-fertiliser), Green Manure (GM, Raphanus sativus and Vicia sp. mix) and Standard Practice (SP = Control, N-fertiliser only). Experiment-2 was a repeat of Experiment-1, but without the FYM treatment. Soil was sampled twice per crop season, in Spring and Autumn, in Experiment-1, and in Autumn only in Experiment-2. The results were influenced by spatial (i.e. where the same was collected from) and temporal (i.e. the time at which the same was collected) variations that were not always linked to management practices. This study demonstrated that the quantification of SOC and SOM were poor predictors of change in management practices over two years, while microbial biomass responded quickly to the incorporation of FYM. SOC and SOM were affected by soil texture, but not significantly by inputs, and were associated with extractable Ca2+ and total-N. Diachronic studies increase our understanding of biological and physicochemical dynamics in response to short-term change in soil management practices. This study emphasises the impact of soil texture within a single heterogenous field, and how it affects management outcomes. It highlights the importance of considering spatial differences to develop effective and sustainable agricultural solutions.

Development and Characterization of Rice Lines Carrying both Sub1 and Anaerobic Germination Tolerance: SUB1A does not Inhibit AG [RESEARCH NOTE

Accelerated coleoptile elongation in flooded soils allowed seedling shoots to reach the water surface to maintain gas exchange and CO2 fixation. Rice genotypes with tolerance of flooding during germination (anaerobic germination, AG) exhibited fast coleoptile elongation as an escape mechanism. On the other hand, tolerance of complete submergence during the vegetative stage, conferred by SUB1A, involved growth retardation to conserve energy for maintenance metabolism, with resumption of growth upon de-submergence. Combining genes controlling flood tolerance at these two stages with contrasting mechanisms was necessary in flood-prone areas for protection during germination under direct seeding and during vegetative stage. Breeding lines combining AG + Sub1 were used to determine the timing of the expression of SUB1A and elucidate its impact when combined with tolerance of flooding during seed germination and to evaluate seedling performance under complete submergence. Time-points for SUB1A expression in IR64-Sub1 and AG + Sub1 lines germinated under hypoxia or submerged for 30 h at vegetative stage showed that during flooding treatment, SUB1A and SUB1C expression was inhibited in young seedlings (< 6 d old) in IR64-Sub1 and at 2 and 4 d of seedling growth under hypoxia in AG + Sub1 materials. SUB1A was weakly expressed in AG + Sub1 starting at seedling age of 6 d following 1 d of complete submergence, indicating that expression of SUB1A may be stage-specific. Physiological tests showed higher percentage of survival of AG + Sub1 lines under hypoxia, comparable to that of AG tolerant check and significantly different from intolerant check IR42, indicating that the presence of SUB1A does not affect tolerance of flooding during germination. When seedlings were completely submerged, Sub1 expression was not inhibited by the presence of AG and tolerant genotypes showed suppressed elongation that was significantly different from intolerant check IR42. Despite their contrasting mechanisms of tolerance, combining AG with Sub1 provides multiple flooding tolerance from early crop establishment using direct seeding through to the vegetative stages.

Yield Component Compensation as Affected by Seeding Rates in Dry Direct Seeded Rice

Sustainability of the transplanted and flooded rice system is threatened by water and labor availability in many Asian countries including the Philippines. Dry direct seeding instead of transplanting is evolving as a viable crop establishment option to deal with labor and water shortages. Two experiments from July 2020 to June 2021 were conducted to determine the effect of different seeding rates [20 kg ha-1 (SR20), 40 kg ha-1 (SR40), 60 kg ha-1 (SR60), and 120 kg ha-1 (SR120)] on the growth, grain yield, and yield components of 2 rice varieties that were established through direct seeding in dry tilled soil and subsequently grown under flooded conditions. Seeding rates of SR40, SR60, and SR120 produced comparable and not significantly different grain yields. However, these seeding rates produced significantly higher grain yields than SR20 (20 kg ha-1). The lower grain yield in SR20 was due to lower panicle density which caused a reduction in sink size. Strong compensation between the number of panicles and the number of grains per panicle was observed in different seeding rates in both varieties. Plants grown at the high seeding rate (120 kg ha-1) had a higher number of panicles but with lower filled grains per panicle. On the other hand, plants grown at the low seeding rate (20 kg ha-1) had more filled grains per panicle with a lower number of panicles per m2. Yield component compensation to maintain desirable sink size was effective at 40 and 60 kg ha-1 seeding rates, although not enough at 20 kg ha-1. Moreover, a longer duration of tiller production was observed at the low seeding rate (SR20) which resulted in a higher number of late emergent tillers with poor grain production. The seed rate of 120 kg ha-1 in this study did not result in yield reduction due to an excessive number of tillers that eventually reduced the number of grains per panicle as observed in other studies. Compensation was between panicle number and grain number per panicle. SR40 and SR60 had similar yield levels with SR120 due to compensation among yield components, these seeding rates would be more attractive to farmers due to lower seed costs.

Analysis of Extreme Rainfall and its Impacts of Rice Production in Krishnagiri District

Extreme rainfall in Krishnagiri district can have significant implications for agriculture and the overall socio-economic landscape of the region. Krishnagiri district, located in Tamil Nadu, India, experiences a monsoon-driven climate, making it susceptible to both deficient and excessive rainfall. Extreme rainfall events have significant impacts on rice production, affecting planting, growth, yield, and grain quality. Excessive rainfall delays planting, causes waterlogging, and reduces crop establishment. Water stress, hindered root growth, and nutrient leaching impact growth and development, lowering plant height, tiller production, and leaf area. Lodging, disease susceptibility, and nutrient loss reduce yield. Fungal diseases, grain sprouting, and post-harvest losses affect grain quality. To mitigate these impacts, strategies like improved drainage, crop diversification, suitable variety selection, and water management should be employed. Early warning systems and supportive policies are crucial for adaptation and resilience in rice production. During the growth and development stages, excessive rainfall can hinder the progress of rice crops. Waterlogged soils deprive plants of oxygen, leading to water stress and hampering root growth, nutrient uptake, and photosynthesis. This, in turn, results in stunted plant height, reduced tiller production, and decreased leaf area, ultimately affecting the overall growth and health of the crop.The impact of extreme rainfall on rice yield is significant. Heavy downpours can cause lodging, where plants bend or collapse due to weak root systems unable to support the weight of the crop. Lodging reduces the crop's ability to photosynthesize effectively and makes it more susceptible to diseases and pests. Additionally, excessive rainfall can leach essential nutrients from the soil, diminishing their availability for the rice plants and ultimately leading to lower grain yield.. Key words: extreme rainfall, Rice production,Krishnagiri District

Cost analysis of a blueberry producing farm in the Cundiboyacense highlands, Colombia: A case study

The blueberry industry is growing significantly in Colombia. For investors, cost analysis plays a key role in project planning for any agribusiness. This paper is an exploratory study, with a descriptive scope to identify components of establishment and production costs of growing blueberries in Colombia. Data were collected and analyzed from a project aimed at establishing a 1 ha blueberry crop in Zipaquirá and 18 blueberry small farms in the Cundiboyacense highlands. Components were applied to estimate the capital investment and to identify the establishment, production, and maintenance costs of this project. Decision investment analysis, including discount rates for the capital asset pricing model (CAPM), were used to compute the net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR), and the return on investment (ROI). Production costs are still expensive due to the Colombian peso (COP) exchange rate compared to the US dollar (USD). Results show advantages for promoting the establishment of blueberry crops because of suitable climatic conditions for continuous production throughout the year in Colombia. Labor costs and utilities are cheaper compared to other countries and represent a competitive advantage in the investment. Intermediation suppliers affect establishment costs for commercial reasons. Blueberry production cost analysis in Colombia may facilitate agribusinesses to promote projects in Colombian agriculture.

Effects of paraquat application at cover crop planting on cover crop biomass and weed suppression

AbstractSuccessful cover crop (CC) establishment in the fall is important to maximize CC production, which is critical for achieving many objectives of CCs. Competition from winter weeds may reduce CC establishment and biomass production. A preplant herbicide, such as paraquat, at the time of CC planting in the fall will reduce winter weed pressure resulting in better establishment and growth. An experiment was conducted between 2019 and 2021 to test this hypothesis by evaluating a no-CC check, cereal rye, hairy vetch, crimson clover, and cereal rye + hairy vetch drilled with and without paraquat applied at planting (mid-October to mid-November) following either a corn or soybean crop. Visible weed suppression ratings were collected in mid-April, and total CC and weed biomass was collected in late April. More CC biomass was accumulated following corn than soybean, regardless of preplant herbicide application, because corn is typically harvested before soybeans. Therefore, CCs should be planted early to accumulate more biomass. Weed suppression varied by weed species from all factors, but in general weed suppression was best from a CC mixture containing cereal rye and paraquat applied at planting. If weed suppression is the main goal of the CC, then a preplant herbicide at CC planting is recommended. However, if CC weed suppression goals can be achieved through biomass accumulation, no preplant herbicide is needed. This information is useful for producers to achieve various CC objectives while managing costs.

USE OF IMAGE FOR CLASSIFICATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF FOREST SEEDS QUALITY

Seeds are essential inputs in agriculture and forestry, being the viability, crucial criteria for determining their quality. Image processing and analysis methods were explored to assess seed quality. The vigor of seeds is vital for the establishment of crops, being defi ned as their ability to germinate and grow in diff erent environments, often inhospitable. Conventional methods, such as germination tests, tetrazolium and the accelerated aging test, have their limitations to determine aspects of predictions and vigor, promoting the search for non-destructive and automated approaches. Image analysis, including near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR) and hyperspectral imaging (HSI), is an eff ective tool for evaluating various seed characteristics such as size, color and shape. Equipment such as GroundEye® allows for accurate and quick analysis of seed quality. Image analysis has expanded rapidly, off ering alternative options to ensure the determination of seed quality of forest and agricultural species, with the potential to revolutionize the selection of plant varieties and increase productivity.

Assessment of Influence of Seed Invigoration Treatments on Seed Germination, Seed Quality and Seedling Vigour in Fodder Maize (Zea mays L.)

Poor germination in fodder crops is one of the major reasons responsible for lower than potential green forage yield of cereals. Invigoration treatments aids to promote and accelerate germination, increase the vigour of seedlings, and improve stand establishment in field, vegetable, and horticultural crops. Therefore, a study was carried out to evaluate the effect of different seed invigoration treatments on seed quality parameters viz., germination, field emergence, speed of germination, seedling length, dry weight and seedling vigour in fodder maize (Zea mays L.). The experiment was laid out in factorial completely randomized design with two factors i.e., months and treatments having 5 different seed priming treatment combinations i.e., - Priming with water for 12 hrs., - Priming with NaCl @ 4 g / litre of water for 8 hours., - Priming with Poly Ethylene Glycol solution @ 10g / litre of water for 8 hours., – Priming with GA3 @ 0.2 g / litre of water for 8 hours and - Control (unprimed seeds) and the treatments were replicated four times during Rabi, 2022-23 at the Department of Seed Science and Technology, Seed Research and Technology Centre, College of Agriculture, PJTSAU, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, Telangana. The results obtained from this study indicate that hormonal priming with GA3 can be successfully employed to improve germination, field emergence, seedling length, dry weight, and seedling vigour in fodder maize (Zea mays L.). At the end of the study, it was observed that hormonal priming with GA3 had a significantly positive influence on mean germination per cent (90%), field emergence (87%), speed of germination (20.221%), seedling length (34.17 cm), dry weight (0.792 g), seedling vigour index-I (3082.05) and seedling vigour index-II (71.42) over the control.

Seed Treatment Potential for the Improvement of Lucerne Seed Performance and Early Field Growth

Seed treatments have a potential to improve seed performance traits and consequently optimize crop establishment. However, there is a lack of systematic research for these techniques in lucerne, especially under field conditions. The goal of this study was to investigate the potential of various seed treatments on the improvement of lucerne germination and emergence under lab conditions and early seedling growth in the field. Compared treatments were heat treatment; seed priming with water, potassium permanganate, chitosan, vermitea, or bokashi juice; and seed coating with cinnamon, gypsum, wood ash, tannin quebracho, and cocoa powder. Among the seed priming methods, potassium permanganate and chitosan provided the best results in the improvement of seedling length or emergence dynamics, whilst coating with bentonite and gypsum could be recommended for having a positive impact on root development. Cinnamon powder significantly improved the emergence dynamics, seedling, and shoot length. The combination of priming and coating methods seems to be the most effective when assessed under the field conditions, where some positive response in root traits can be evaluated.

Predation potential and life history of three nabid species as biological control agents of pests in Canadian greenhouses

Nabids are hemipteran generalist predators commonly associated with agroecosystems. In this study, the predation rate of Nabis americoferus Carayon, N. roseipennis Reuter, and Hoplistoscelis pallescens Kerhzner on several common greenhouse pests was assessed in the laboratory, compared to the most closely related commercially available predator in North America, Dicyphus hesperus Knight (Heteroptera: Miridae). In addition, life history parameters of the nabids were determined to estimate their capacity for population increase, an important data set when considering their mass rearing and population establishment in crops. Our results showed that the three nabid species are generally more voracious predators than D. hesperus, especially when fed adult green peach aphids, adult western flower thrips and adult greenhouse whiteflies. Dicyphus hesperus preyed more on two spotted spider mites and greenhouse whitefly nymphs. Nabis americoferus consumed more western flower thrips larvae than all other species. Of the three nabids, N. americoferus also performed significantly better as a predator of western flower thrips. Additionally, N. americoferus had a significantly shorter egg to adult development time, and had a shorter pre-oviposition period than the other two species. Based on its predation capacity and favourable life history characteristics, N. americoferus was selected for further development as a new biological control agent for the North American market.

Assessing the Effects of Conservation Tillage and In-Situ Crop Residue Management on Crop Yield and Soil Properties in Rice–Wheat Cropping System

Rice–wheat cropping system (RWCS) is a dominant agricultural practice in the Indo-Gangetic plains, particularly in the North–Western states of India. The prevalent practice of open burning of rice residue, driven by the need for timely land preparation, poses severe environmental and health consequences, including nutrient loss, greenhouse gas emissions, high concentrations of particulate matter (PM), and disruption of the ecological cycle. This study focuses on implementing effective management practices in the RWCS through tillage-based crop establishment, residue retention, and incorporation methods. The objective is to improve crop yield and its attributes by enhancing soil health properties. A split-plot experimental design was practiced with four different treatments, zero-tillage with manual harvesting (ZT), Happy Seeder with combine harvester (HS), Happy Seeder with Mulcher and combine harvesting, and conventional tillage (CT). By evaluating soil nutrient content, including organic carbon (OC), N, P, and K, at a 0–10 cm depth, the study demonstrates the superiority of the mulcher with Happy Seeder (MHS), which significantly increased soil nutrient levels by 105, 59, 102, and 97%, respectively, compared to conventional tilled broadcasted wheat (CT). Furthermore, the MHS treatment exhibited the highest yield of 56.8 q ha−1, outperforming the yield of 43.6 q ha−1 recorded under conventional tilled broadcasted wheat. These findings underscore the critical role of surface residue retention with MHS in ensuring crop productivity and overall production sustainability of the RWCS in Haryana, India. Moreover, effective rice residue management holds long-term implications for agricultural resilience, farm economics, environmental conservation, and human health. It emphasizes the importance of adopting sustainable practices, prioritizing research efforts, and advocating for policies that ensure the prolonged sustainability and productivity of the RWCS while safeguarding environmental well-being.

An Experimental Study on Productivity and Bio-molecular Compounds of Direct-Seeded Medicinal Rice Varieties as Influenced by Nutrient Sources and Soil Conditions

Background: Rice being staple food has qualities beyond its nutritive value with high digestibility and least allergic properties compared to other cereal grains. Research on exploring the nutritional value of traditional rice varieties with its inherent medicinal values and productivity has poor documentation and hence should be encouraged and supported. Field experiment was conducted with the objective to study the productivity of medicinal rice varieties as influenced by nutrient sources (inorganic and organic) and soil conditions (reduced and oxidized) under direct seeded rice. Methods: A field experiment was conducted in the wetland during Rabi season (October-February) at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore with an objective to study the effect of crop establishment of medicinal rice varieties as influenced with nutrient sources and soil conditions under direct seeded rice. The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design with three replications. The treatments consisted of soil conditions (reduced, oxidized) as one factor, sources of nutrients (inorganic, organic) as the second factor and four medicinal rice varieties (Black Kavuni, Red Kavuni, Local Kavuni and Njavara) as the third factor. Result: The reduced condition and inorganic source of nutrient recorded higher plant height, maximum tiller population dry matter production, leaf area index, panicle length, higher number of spikelet panicle-1, 1000-grain weight and filled grains. Among the medicinal rice varieties, Red Kavuni recorded higher growth parameters and yield attributes. From the above results, it could be concluded that Red Kavuni medicinal rice under a reduced condition with inorganic nutrients resulted in higher growth parameters and yield attributes.