Extract Spray Research Articles

Evaluation of Various Bee Attractants on the Foraging Behavior of Indian Honey Bee (Apis cerana indica) and their Impact on the Seed Yield of Niger [Guizotia abyssinica (L.f.) Cass

Experiment was done at the PC Unit Sesame and Niger Experimental Farm, College of Agriculture, Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. The study took place in during Kharif 2022. A total of nine treatments with three replications were arranged for the experiment using Randomized Block Design to check whether there was a result of bee attractants regarding attraction by Apis cerana indica and their effects on seed production of niger crops. The number of Apis cerana indica visits was found the highest at both the 10% and 50% blooming stages at which Madhuca longifolia flower extract 10% and rose water were 10% (16.50 Apis cerana indica/m2/5min), with 17.50 and 12.17 Apis cerana indica/m2/5min, respectively. This was followed by rose water 10% with 16.50 and (sugar solution 50%) 10.08 Apis cerana indica/m2/5min, respectively. The population of Apis cerana indica was received from controlled condition 5.67 and 2.92 Apis cerana indica/m2/5min at 10% and 50% flowering stage, respectively. This was followed by water spray (7.08 and 4.42 Apis cerana indica/m2/5min) at 10% and 50% flowering stage, respectively. The foliar spray of flower extract of Madhuca longifolia, sugar solution 10% and rose water 10% were found significantly superior over others in respect to record higher seed yield and recorded 6.90 q and 6.70 q/ha seed yield, respectively.

Impact of planting systems and nutrient management on growth and yield of maize and soybean in a maize + soybean cropping system

A field experiment was conducted during Kharif 2023 at Lovely Professional University, Punjab, using a split-plot design (SPD) with five main plot treatments and five subplot treatments, replicated three times, to evaluate the effects of intercropping and nutrient management on maize growth and productivity. The main plot treatments consisted of cropping systems: Sole maize (M1), Sole soybean (M2), Maize + Soybean (1:1, M3), Maize + Soybean (1:2, M4) and Maize + Soybean (2:3, M5). Subplot treatments included nutrient management strategies: Absolute control (S1), 100% RDF through inorganic fertilizers (S2), 70% RDF + NPK nano fertilizer spray (S3), 70% RDF + homemade NPK spray (S4) and 70% RDF + plant extract NPK spray (S5). Results indicated that monocropped maize and soybean systems outperformed intercropping in terms of growth and grain yield, with similar trends observed for stover yield. Among nutrient management practices, foliar application of plant extract NPK showed the most significant improvement, enhancing growth attributes and crop growth rate (CGR) by 14.1% in maize and 43.4% in soybean and increasing productivity by 18% in maize and 30.6% in soybean compared to the control. The interaction of maize and soybean with foliar plant extract NPK spray led to grain yield increases of 36.6% in maize and 50.7% in soybean compared to untreated controls. Furthermore, the crop equivalent yield and land equivalent ratio were maximized in the maizesoybean intercropping system at a 1:1 ratio. This study underscores the role of strategic nutrient management and intercropping in optimizing maize and soybean productivity, with foliar NPK plant extract spray showing the most promising results for enhancing growth and yield.

Seaweed extract spray alleviated postharvest stress but unaffected fruiting in ‘Lapins’ sweet cherry

Seaweed extract spray alleviated postharvest stress but unaffected fruiting in ‘Lapins’ sweet cherry

Sole and sequential application of herbicides and botanicals for weed management in summer sesame

Weed infestation poses a significant challenge in sesame cultivation, leading to yield losses and decreased economic returns for farmers. The present study comprehensively analyses various weed control approaches, including allelopathic interaction with integrating herbicides and hand-weeding practices. The experiment was conducted at the Agriculture Farm, SOA, Odisha, during the summer of 2023 with 10 weed management treatments in RBD with 3 replications. The objective was to study different weed management practices, including the sole and sequential application of herbicides and botanicals, to control diverse weeds and enhance summer sesame growth, yield and profitability. The dominance of Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop., Echinochloa colona (L.) Link. and Poa annua L. among grassy weeds and Melochia corchorifolia L., Cleome viscosa L. and Cassia tora L. among the broadleaved weeds were evident in summer sesame. The execution of different treatments showed that integrated use of aqueous leaf extract of Parthenium hysterophorus at 5 % concentration, followed by quizalofop-p-ethyl at 50 g/ha, was found on par with hand-weeding and brought down the weed count and biomass, which in turn increased the growth of summer sesame. The maximum yield of (793 kg seed/ha and 3035 kg stalk/ha) was registered under twice hand weeding. It was comparable with the spraying of aqueous leaf extract of Parthenium hysterophorus at 5 % concentration followed by (fb) quizalofop-p-ethyl at 50 g/ha (772 kg seed/ ha and 2968 kg stalk/ha). Economic analysis of sesame revealed that the maximum return (Rs. 37454/- per ha) and return/rupee (2.28) were recorded with aqueous leaf extract of P. hysterophorus at 5 % concentration fb quizalofop-p-ethyl at 50 g/ha treatment.

Phytotoxicity Stress Induced by Allelochemicals from Foliar Spray of Sida cordifolia Methanol Leaf Extract on Ageratum conyzoides and Oryza sativa

Allelochemicals are key inhibitors that induce chemical stress in plants. Their mechanisms as agents of oxidative stress are not well understood. A field study was conducted to evaluate herbicidal potential of Sida cordifolia methanol leaf extract (SCLE) on Ageratum conyzoides and Oryza sativa (weedy rice). SCLE concentrations of 0, 3, 6 and 9 g L-1 were prepared and sprayed twice at 7 days interval. The results showed that the SCLE significantly (p<0.05) affected growth attributes, chlorophyll pigments, and proline, and catalase, superoxide dismutase and peroxidase enzyme activities in a concentration-dependent pattern. It was found that high concentrations of SCLE induced greater phytotoxicity against A. conyzoides compared to O. sativa. SCLE spraying stimulated production of reactive oxygen species, boosting their ability to cause damage and inhibit growth. The allelochemicals in the extract stimulated an increased in the level of proline, which is an indicator of oxidative stress. Understanding the physiological and biochemical responses to Sida extract can improve our knowledge on allelochemical target sites and help us to explicate the mechanisms of action of such compounds.

PENGARUH SPRAY GEL EKSTRAK BATANG BAJAKAH TAMPALA (SPATHOLOBUS LITTORALIS HASSK) TERHADAP PENYEMBUHAN LUKA PERINEUM PADA IBU NIFAS

Perineal laceration occurred during childbirth, either naturally or through episiotomy. One alternative for perineal wound healing was using a spray gel of Bajakah tampala stem extract, which had anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial benefits that helped accelerate perineal wound healing. The spray technique delivered the preparation directly to the wound without contact with cotton, reducing waste and preventing infection or contamination. This study aimed to determine the effect of Bajakah tampala stem extract spray gel (Spatholobus littoralis Hassk.) on perineal wound healing in postpartum women. The study was conducted at the Eka Setyowati midwife practice and Ngesrep Health Center from January to February 2024. It was a quasi-experiment with a pretest and posttest control group design. Using purposive sampling, 36 respondents were obtained and divided into two groups: the control group, which received dry clean wound care, and the intervention group, which was given Bajakah tampala stem extract spray gel three times a day for seven days with three sprays per application. The perineal wounds were measured using the REEDA scale (Redness, Edema, Ecchymosis, Discharge, Approximation) on the 3rd, 5th, and 7th days. The results showed a decrease in the REEDA score on post-test I (the 5th day), with an average score of 2.78 in the intervention group compared to the control group, which had an average REEDA score of 5.72. The administration of Bajakah tampala stem extract spray gel (Spatholobus littoralis Hassk.) affected perineal wound healing in postpartum women based on the REEDA score.

Effects of application methods of microbial mixture on early blight disease (Alternaria solani) and growth of potato

Early blight (Alternaria solani) is one of important diseases in potato in Indonesia. In previous study, a microbial consortium (Trichoderma harzianum, Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas sp.) suppressed the bacterial wilt disease in potato. For application, the microbial consortium was mixed with compost (10%). As the microbial consortium is originally intended for controlling soil-borne diseases, this study examined the ability of the microbial consortium to suppress early blight disease and the effects of application methods on its efficacy. The application methods examined were the methods that targeted for soil-borne as well as airborne diseases. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse at the Department of Plants and Diseases, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang, West Java, Indonesia. The experiment used Randomized Complete Block Design with 10 treatments and three replications. The treatments included application of microbes mixed with compost in planting hole solely or in combination with soaking the potato tubers in suspension of the microbes, drenching water extract of the mixture at 2, 4, 6 weeks after planting (WAP) with or without foliar application of the water extract. The result showed that application method influenced the abilities of the microbial mixture in suppressing early blight disease and supporting the potato growth. Even though the application of microbe-compost in planting medium inhibited the development of early blight disease by 37.8-39.5%, the regular foliar spray of the water extract of the mixture enhanced the disease suppression. Combination between application of the microbe-compost in the planting hole, drenching its water extract at 2, 4, 6 WAP and weekly foliar spray of the water extract suppressed early blight disease by 80.8%. This combination of application methods also supported better plant height, numbers of potato leaflets, roots fresh weight and production of potato tuber.

Effect of seed priming, phosphorus and foliar spray of leaf extract on growth and yield of chickpea

Effect of seed priming, phosphorus and foliar spray of leaf extract on growth and yield of chickpea

Effect of Bacterial Biofertilizer, Buffalo’s Organic Manure and Moringa Leaves Extract Spray in Vegetative Growth Characteristics of Local Orange Transplants

Effect of Bacterial Biofertilizer, Buffalo’s Organic Manure and Moringa Leaves Extract Spray in Vegetative Growth Characteristics of Local Orange Transplants

Impact of Humic Acid Addition and Ginger Rhizome Extract Spraying on Apricot Seedlings, Cv. Hamawi

During the growing season of 2021, the study was carried out in the lath house of the Department of Horticulture and Landscaping at the College of Agriculture at the University of Anbar, to investigate the impact of humic acid (H) addition at values of (0, 4, 8 ml L-1) and misting a ginger rhizome extract (Z) solution at (0, 5, 10 g L-1) concentrations On a few apricot seedling growth traits and chemical composition, cultivar Hamawi. The outcomes showed a considerable impact of humic acid addition on all attributes investigated, particularly the high level (H2, which exhibited the attributes with the highest values (seedlings height 30.57 cm, length of branches 18.6 cm, the stem diameter is 2.7 mm, number of leaves is 132.8 leaf seedlings-1, the percentage of dry matter of leaves is 51.86%, the leaf area 2065.02 cm2 seedlings-1, chlorophyll content of leaves 11.21 mg g-1 fresh weight, leaves content of total carbohydrates 13.76%). Spraying ginger rhizome extract was used as treatment (Z2), and it had the most notable effects on the characteristics (The rate of increase in seedling height, rate of increase in stem diameter, rate of increase in number of leaves, percentage of leaf dry matter, leaf area, content of leaves from chlorophyll, content of leaves from total carbohydrates) which were (26.58 cm, 2.6 mm, 126.7 seedling leaf-1, 50.79%, 1804.03 cm2 seedling-1, 11.13 mg g-1 fresh weight, and 12.95%) respectively.

Effect of common horsetail extract on growth characteristics, essential oil yield and chemical compositions of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.)

To investigate the effect of horsetail extract containing high silicon on morphological traits, growth, content, and compositions of essential oil of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) an experiment turned into carried out in the shape of a randomized complete block design with three replications. Foliar treatment of horsetail extract with zero, 0.5, 1, and 2% concentrations was applied on 6–8 leaf plants. The assessed traits include plant height, number of leaves per plant, number of sub-branches, leaf area index, plant fresh weight, plant dry weight, total anthocyanin, the content of total phenol and total flavonoid, antioxidant activity, essential oil content, and compounds were measured. The findings demonstrated that the increase of silicon-containing horsetail extract enhanced the improved increase in growth and phytochemical trait values. The use of horsetail extract in the 2% treatment increased plant height, the number of leaves per plant, the number of sub-branches, leaf area index, fresh weight, and dry weight of the plant by 49.79, 45.61, 91.09, 99.78, 52.78 and 109.25%, respectively, compared to the control. The highest content of total phenol (2.12 mg GAE/g DW), total flavonoid (1.73 mg RE/g DW), total anthocyanin (0.83 mg C3G/g DW), and antioxidant activity (184.3 µg/ml) was observed in the 2% extract treatment. The content of essential oil increased with increasing the concentration of horsetail extract, so the highest amount of essential oil was obtained at the concentration of 2%, which increased by 134.78% compared to the control. By using GC–MS, the essential oil was analyzed. The main components of the essential oil include methyl eugenol (12.93–25.93%), eugenol (17.63–27.51%), 1,8-cineole (15.63–20.84%), linalool (8.31–19.63%) and (Z)-caryophyllene (6.02–14.93%). Increasing the concentration of horsetail extract increased the compounds of eugenol, 1,8-cineole, and linalool in essential oil compared to the control, but decreased the compounds of methyl eugenol and (Z)-caryophyllene. Foliar spraying of horsetail extract, which contains high amounts of silicon, as a stimulant and biological fertilizer, can be a beneficial ingredient in increasing the yield and production of medicinal plants, especially in organic essential oil production.

Effect of Bee Attractants on the Attraction of Apis dorsata and their Impact on Seed Yield of Niger Guizotia abyssinica (L.f.) Cass Crop

The study was conducted at the experimental farm of the PC Unit Sesame and Niger, College of Agriculture, Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya (JNKVV), located in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, during the Kharif season of 2021. The primary objective of the experiment was to assess the influence of bee attractants on the attraction of Apis dorsata (giant honey bees) and their subsequent impact on the seed yield of niger crop. The experiment was designed using a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with nine treatments and three replications. This experimental setup allows for systematic testing of the effects of different bee attractants on both bee behavior and crop yield while controlling for potential sources of variation. By utilizing this design, researchers can obtain reliable data on the efficacy of various bee attractants in enhancing pollination and improving seed yield in niger crops. The results showed that the both at 10% and 50% flowering stage Apis dorsata visit was numerically the highest with flower extract of Madhuca longifolia 10% with 20.42 and 19.25 Apis dorsata/m2/5min, respectively. This was followed by rose water spray with 19.25 and 15.33 Apis dorsata/m2/5min, respectively. The population of Apis dorsata was received from the controlled condition 4.08 and 6.08 Apis dorsata/m2/5min at 10% and 50% flowering stage, respectively. This was followed by water spray 5.75 and 8.58 Apis dorsata/m2/5min at 10% and 50% flowering stage, respectively. The foliar spray of mahua flower extract and rose water 10% were found significantly superior over others in respect to record higher seed yield and recorded 6.90 q and 6.70 q/ha seed yield, respectively.

Effect of Sulphur and Seaweed (Kappaphycus alvarezii) Extract Spray on Growth and Yield of Groundnut

A field experiment was conducted on groundnut during Zaid (summer) season of 2023 at Crop Research Farm Department of Agronomy. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design with 10 treatments and replicated thrice. The treatment consisted of 3 levels of sulphur (30,40 and 50 kg/ha) and 3 levels of seaweed (Kappaphycus alvarezii) extract spray (5,10 and 15%) along with recommended doses of nitrogen, phosphorus and potash and a control (20-40-20 N-P-K/ha). Application of Sulphur 50 kg/ha along seaweed (Kappaphycus alvarezii) extract spray 10% (treatment 8) recorded maximum plant dry weight (36.17 gm), pod per plant (27.93), seed index (39.90 gm), kernel yield (2.36 t/ha) and B:C (1.90).

Comprehensive hygienic assessment of ambient air pollution in the area of food and processing industry enterprises’ location

The purpose of the study is to assess atmospheric air pollution in a city where food and processing enterprises operate using a complex of instrumental, olfacto-odourimetric, calculated, and survey methods.
 Materials and methods. Analytical studies of ambient air pollution were performed using the FOCUS GC-DSQ-II chromatography-mass spectrometer. Olfacto-odourimetric studies of the presence and intensity of odour in the area of the enterprises were carried out in accordance with the method of organoleptic control downwind at various distances from sources. The measurement of the odour level at the discharge of the coffee extract spray dryer was carried out by dynamic olfactometry on the ECOMA TO-8 olfactometer. The calculation of odour dispersion was implemented according to a program using a methodology for calculating concentrations of harmful substances in ambient air.
 Results. It was established that at the time of the research, the source of a persistent specific odour reaching the residential area was a coffee production enterprise. Up to seventy eight volatile organic compounds in concentrations not exceeding hygienic standards have been identified in the ambient air in the area of the enterprise’s location. Field olfacto-odorimetric studies and the conducted dispersion calculation indicate an offensive odour to be capable of causing “annoyance” to the population (3 points or higher with a probability of ≥ 5% according to the results of field studies or ≥ 3.5 OU (odour units) according to the calculation results) spreads up to 4 km from the main source of emissions.
 Limitations. The main limitation of the study is the peculiarities of the operating mode of different enterprises, which makes it difficult to fully assess the environmental situation in the area of their location at the time of the research.
 Conclusion. The results of these studies indicate the use of various methodological approaches (field olfacto-odorimetric measurements, calculation of odour dispersion), along with conducting population surveys, to significantly expand the possibilities of instrumental analysis for an objective assessment of ambient air pollution by complex multicomponent mixtures of odorous substances.

Bioprotection of Olive Trees Against Verticillium Wilt by Pomegranate and Carob Extracts.

Bioprotection through the use of plant extracts is an environmentally friendly strategy in crop protection. Effective control of Verticillium wilt of olive (Olea europaea; VWO), caused by Verticillium dahliae, has proven challenging because of the ineffectiveness of chemicals, which makes it necessary to search for new control tools. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of pomegranate (Punica granatum) and carob (Ceratonia siliqua) extracts on VWO. Extracts derived from pomegranate peels and carob pods and leaves were obtained using ethanol, methanol, or ethyl acetate as a solvent. A targeted analysis of their metabolite composition was performed using QTRAP ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry. Remarkably, gallic acid was detected in all extracts at a high concentration. The effect of the extracts on the mycelial growth and on the germination of conidia and microsclerotia of V. dahliae was evaluated by in vitro sensitivity tests at various doses: 0 (control), 3, 30, 300, and 3,000 mg of extract/liter. Extracts obtained with ethanol or methanol significantly reduced the viability of V. dahliae structures when applied at the highest dose, while those obtained with ethyl acetate were ineffective across all doses. The most effective extracts, as determined in vitro, were then evaluated against the disease in olive plants. Potted plants of the cultivar Picual were treated by spraying (foliar application) or irrigation (root application) of extracts at 3,000 mg/liter, followed by inoculation with V. dahliae. The results indicated that foliar applications were ineffective, while root treatments with pomegranate peel or carob leaf extracts were more effective in reducing disease severity, regardless of the solvent, compared with that of the untreated control.

Polyphenols-Enrichment of Vienna Sausages Using Microcapsules Containing Acidic Aqueous Extract of Boletus edulis Mushrooms.

Polyphenols are ubiquitous by-products in many plant foods. Their intake has been linked to health benefits like the reduced incidence of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. These bioactive compounds can be successfully extracted from Boletus edulis mushrooms with acidic water. However, such extract could influence the sensory or textural properties of the product to be enriched; this inconvenience can be avoided by microencapsulating it using spray drying. In this study, the Vienna sausages were reformulated by replacing 2% of the cured meat with microcapsules containing an acidic aqueous extract of Boletus edulis mushrooms and by replacing ice flakes, an ingredient that represents 22.9% of the manufacturing recipe, with ice cubes from the same extract aiming to obtain a polyphenol enriched product. The results showed a higher content of polyphenols in sausages with extract (VSe; 568.92 μg/g) and microcapsules (VSm; 523.03 μg/g) than in the control ones (455.41 μg/g), with significant differences for 2,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, protocatechuic acid, and 1-O-galloyl-β-D-glucose. However, because of the oxidative stress caused to the microcapsules by the extract's spray drying, VSm had the highest oxidation state. PV and TBARS levels varied with storage time in all formulations, but given the short period tested, they were well below the allowed/recommended limit. The extract, as such, negatively affected the appearance, odor, and taste of Vienna sausages. The microcapsules, instead, determined an increase in their acceptance rate among consumers; they also prevented moisture loss and color changes during storage. In conclusion, microcapsules are more suitable for use as a polyphenol enrichment ingredient in Vienna sausages than the extract.

Effectiveness of Lemongrass Leaf Ethanol Extract Spray Preparation in Inhibiting the Growth of Diabetic Ulcer Isolate MRSA Bacteria

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon nardus) is a type of grass from the order Graminales which is typical of tropical areas of Asia. Compounds contained in lemongrass leaves can inhibit the growth of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria. This research aims to determine the effectiveness of spray preparations of lemongrass leaf extract in inhibiting the growth of MRSA bacterial isolates from diabetic ulcers. The research design of this study is quasi experimental. Data obtained from primary data by testing the inhibitory power of spray preparations against MRSA bacteria. The results obtained were analyzed using the One Way Anova statistical test. The diameter of the inhibition zone for MRSA bacteria in the 25% concentration ethanol extract spray preparation was 4 mm, the 35% concentration was 7 mm, the 45% concentration was 11 mm and the antibiotic Vancomycin was 12 mm. There are differences in the inhibition zone of spray preparations of ethanol extract of lemongrass leaves with concentrations of 25%, 35%, 45% and the antibiotic disc vancomycin with p value = 0.00 < α 0.05. Spray preparations of ethanol extract of lemongrass leaves with concentrations of 25%, 35% and 45% are not effective in inhibiting the growth of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria, however, the average zone of inhibition for spray preparations with ethanol extract of lemongrass leaves with a concentration of 45% is against MRSA bacteria. 11 mm is included in the strong category. Keywords: Lemongrass Leaves, MRSA Bacteria, Spray preparation.

Integrated field application of T. viride, botanicals, and fungicides for managing early blight (Alternaria solani) and enhancement of plant growth, tuber nutritional quality, and potato yield

Early blight disease, incited by Alternaria solani, is the most deleterious foliar disease of potato and other solanaceous crops. Herein, to counter the early blight disease, T. viride (Tv), botanicals [neem (N) and garlic (G)], and fungicides [flusilazole (F) and kasugamycin (K)] in different combinations applied through tuber treatment (ST) and foliar spray (FS) were evaluated for disease suppression, germination percent, plant growth promotion, photosynthetic pigments, and yield components as well as the nutritional quality of tubers under field conditions during the 2018–2019 and 2019–2020 seasons. The results of two-year field experiments revealed that the combination of Tv+ F+ N (ST) + G+K (FS) efficiently suppressed the development of the early blight disease symptoms and recorded 21.63 and 18.37% disease severity (DS) as compared to untreated control, respectively at 30 days post-treatment (dpt). During the 2018–2019 seasons, potato tubers treated with Tv +F significantly increased tuber germination (97.78%), while Tv+ F+ N treated potato tubers exhibited 98.89% tuber germination during the 2019–2020 season. Additionally, the potato plants treated with the combination of Tv+ F+ N (ST) + G+K (FS) and challenge inoculated with A. solani positively increased plant growth promotion activities like shoot and root length, fresh and dry weight of shoot and root, number of branches/plant, and induced accumulation of photosynthetic pigments like chlorophyll-a, b, and total carotenoids content during both seasons. Furthermore, under A. solani inoculated conditions, treatment with Tv+ F+ N (ST) + G+K (FS) significantly increased all yield attributing traits and other parameters associated with tuber nutritional quality such as starch (1.79-and 1.68-fold, respectively), vitamin-C (1.51-and 1.58-fold, respectively), total nitrogen (1.31-and 1.33-fold, respectively), total phosphorus (1.53-and 1.60-fold, respectively), and total potassium content (1.42-and 1.45-fold, respectively) as compared to untreated control in both seasons. So, it can be concluded that among all the treatments, integrated treatment comprising of tuber treatment with T. viride, flusilazole, and neem extract + one foliar spray of garlic extract and kasugamycin was found very effective in reducing early blight disease, promoting the plant’s growth, and increasing the yield as well as nutritional quality of tubers in the field conditions. The inclusive results indicated that integrated application might be a sustainable and eco-friendly control strategy for potato growers to manage potato early blight and achieve higher yields and nutritional tubers.

Phyto-Extract-Based Weed Management in Organic Sweet Corn: A Comparative Analysis

A field experiment was conducted during kharif 2020 and 2021 to study the weed management in organic sweet corn through phyto-extracts at the Main Agricultural Research Station, University of Agriculture Sciences, Dharwad, Karnataka. The experiment with randomized complete block design (RCBD) was laid out with fifteen treatments, comprises of four Phyto extracts of 30% concentration (Parthenium hysterophorus, Cassia sericea, Lantana camara and Prosopis juliflora) in combinations with directed spray of respective extract at pre-emergence, 20, 40 DAS fb one inter cultivation at 40 DAS fb hand weeding and another three treatments namely T13: inter-cultivation at 20 and 40 DAS fb one hand weeding at 20 DAS, T14: weedy check and T15: weed free check. The pooled data of the experiment indicated that, inter-cultivation at 20 and 40 DAS and one hand weeding at 20 DAS recorded significantly higher the fresh cob yield (180.26 q ha-1), fresh fodder yield (341.66 q ha-1), net returns (Rs. 2,45,049 ha-1) and B:C ratio (4.16) with higher WCE as compared to other treatments. Among different phyto-extract treatments with time of application, directed spray of Parthenium hysterophorus at 30% leaf extract at 20 DAS and one inter-cultivation at 40 DAS followed by hand weeding recorded significantly higher the fresh cob yield (159.15 q ha-1), fresh fodder yield (315.13 q ha-1), net returns (Rs. 2,07,914 ha-1) and B:C ratio (3.66) with the higher WCE 80.40 and 68.76 per cent at 60 DAS and at harvest, respectively as compared to other phyto-extract treatments.

Effectiveness of GRAS substances for managing leaf diseases in brinjal (<em>Solanum melongena</em> L)

Leaf diseases in brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) are common and drastically lower its yield. As synthetic fungicides are hazardous to the environment and human health, non-fungicidal approaches to foliar disease control are being adopted progressively. The current investigation assessed the effectiveness of Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) substances in the management of leaf diseases in brinjal. The efficacy of the selected GRAS substances, including 400 μM of salicylic acid, 0.1% of sodium bicarbonate, and botanical extracts such as 200 ppm of garlic clove extract, 200 ppm of neem extract and 200 ppm of eucalyptus extract, were assessed. Six treatments and four replicates were employed in a completely randomized design for this present study. The natural occurrence of leaf diseases was taken into account in the experiment. Disease incidence (%), disease severity (%), number of leaves per plant, plant height (cm) and number of branches per plant were recorded seven weeks after transplanting. Analysis of variance was used to assess the significance of treatment effects. The findings confirmed that the exogenous spraying of salicylic acid and garlic clove extract significantly (P<0.05) decreased the disease severity and incidence, with statistically equivalent efficiency for both substances. Moreover, number of branches per brinjal plant (3.3), plant height (51.4 cm) and number of leaves per brinjal plant (31.5) were significantly (P<0.05) enhanced by salicylic acid compared to control. Hence, spraying garlic clove extract and salicylic acid may therefore be an environmentally potential means of managing brinjal leaf diseases during the vegetative growth stage.