Field Trails Research Articles

Optimizing Bt Cotton Yields with Canopy Management in Rainfed Environments

Cotton, the ‘White gold’ is an important commercial crop in India and central India in particular. Sustainable yield can be achieved by increasing plant density and canopy management. Hence an experiment was conducted at Cotton Research Station, Nanded, (Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani, M.S., India) during kharif 2023 on medium black cotton soil in randomized block design. The field trail was conducted with three replications and seven treatments viz.,T1 : Cotton in HDPS - 90 x 30 cm (37,037 plants ha-1), T2 : HDPS + De-topping at 90 DAS, T3 : HDPS + De-topping at 75 DAS, T4 : HDPS + Pruning of monopodia at square formation stage, T5 : HDPS + Pruning of monopodia at square formation stage and de-topping at 75 DAS, T6 : HDPS + two sprays of Mepiquat chloride @ 25 g a.i. at square formation followed by 15 days and T7: HDPS + Polymulch + pruning of monopodia at square formation stage and de-topping at 75 DAS. The results showed that growing of cotton with polythene mulch along with pruning of monopodia at square formation stage and de-topping at 75 DAS treatment recorded highest plant height (109.80 cm), no. of sympodia plant-1 (16.53), leaf area (58.16 dm2 and 109.99 dm2 at 60 and 90 DAS, respectively), leaf area index at 120 DAS (0.2107), seed cotton yield (2734 kg ha-1) and GMR (` 1,87,767 ha-1) as compared to all other treatments. Seed cotton yield was increased by 48.66 per cent, significantly over HDPS planting (90 x 30 cm spacing). While treatment HDPS + pruning of monopodia at square formation stage and de-topping at 75 DAS recorded highest NMR (` 48,896 ha-1) and HDPS + de-topping at 90 DAS recorded highest B:C ratio (1.60) as compared to all other treatments respectively. Treatment HDPS + poly mulch + pruning of monopodia and de-topping recorded highest labour requirement per hectare (112.8 man days) as well as seed cotton yield per labour unit (24.24 kg). Thus, adoption of canopy management practice viz., poly mulch, monopodia pruning, de-topping or use f PGR can improve seed cotton yield with high density planting in rainfed areas where it is very low.

Toxicity Assessment of Tannery Sludge Extract During Early Seedling Growth in Brassica nigra, Vigna radiata, Vigna mungo, Raphanus sativus and Capsicum frutescens

Tannery sludge (TS) contains a number of useful components like Organic carbon, Organic Matter, PO43-, Ca2+, Mg2+, and other nutrients essential for plant growth. However, presence of water-soluble toxic metals in TS may cause phytotoxicity. Primary objective of this work was to adopt a bio-chemical strategy for assessing the potential consequences of agricultural application of tannery sludge, via sludge characterization and subsequent bioassay investigations. Heavy metal concentration in the TS was found to be in the order of: Cr (19576±2065.52) > Pb (16.98±2.54) > Cu (1.76±0.20) > Ni (0.98±0.00) > Cd (0.19±0.00) mg kg-1. Further, bioassay tests were performed in terms of germination index (GI), relative seed germination (RSG) and relative root growth (RRG) on Brassica nigra, Vigna radiata, Vigna mungo, Raphanus sativus, and Capsicum frutescens. RSG and RRG were found to be more than 80% whereas, GI was > 66% in all the tested crops exposed to TS extract at 1:5 and 1:10 (w/v) dilutions. Results revealed that the toxicants present in the TS were failed to cause toxicity at early seedling growth and may be used as a soil conditioner after appropriate dilution. However, long term field trails are essential before agricultural utilization.

Intercomparison of Different Agrochemicals (Herbicides) and Manual Methods of Weed Control on Weed Population and Weed Control Efficiency in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Crop in Himachal Pradesh Dist

Aims: A research study entitled Intercomparison of different Agrochemicals (Herbicides) and manual methods of weed control on weed population and weed control efficiency in wheat crop (Triticum aestivum L.) in Himachal Pradesh district Mandi. Study Design: The experiment was designed using a Randomized Block design method. Place and Duration of Study: Department of agronomy, School of Agriculture, Abhilashi university, Chail Chowk, Mandi, (H.P.) during the Rabi season of 2022-23. Methodology: The field trail was conducted with eight treatments and replicated thrice. The investigation included eight different weed control techniques i.e. T1 -weedy check, T2 - weed free, T3 - hand weeding at 30 DAS, T4 - 2, 4-D @ 0.5 kg a.i. ha-1 + Sulfosulfuron @ 0.02 kg a.i. ha-1 at 30 DAS,T5 - Pendimethalin @ 1.5 kg a.i. ha-1(P.E) + Quizalofop-ethyl @ 50 gm a.i ha-1 (PoE at 25 DAS) + one hand weeding, T6 - 2, 4-D @ 0.5 kg a.i. ha-1, T7 - 2, 4-D @ 0.5 kg a.i. ha-1 + one hand weeding at 30 DAS, T8 - 2, 4-D @ 0.5 kg a.i. ha-1 + two hand weeding at 30 and 45 DAS. Results: The investigation found that the most effective ways to control weeds are by keeping the area completely weed free by using pendimethalin @ 1.5 kg a.i. ha-1(P.E) + Quizalofop-ethyl @ 50 gm a.i ha-1(PoE at 25 DAS) + one Hand weeding (Treatment T2) was found the most successful in terms of achieving the lowest weed density and highest weed control efficiency. Application of pendimethalin @ 1.5 kg a.i. ha-1(P.E) + Quizalofop-ethyl @ 50 gm a.i ha-1 (PoE at 25 DAS) + one hand weeding was found to be better than using herbicides to reduce weed infestation in wheat crops. Conclusion: Based on the results, it can be concluded that integrated weed management practices weed-free treatment was the most effective option for managing weeds in wheat.

Effects of farmyard manure (FYM) and blended NPSB fertilizer rate on growth and yield of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) in Gewata, Kaffa, southwest Ethiopia

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is an essential crop for nutrition and food security and generating income to small-holder farmers in Ethiopia. Productivity of the crop is, however, limited by poor nutrient management practices and low soil fertility. In most parts of potato growing areas of Ethiopia, soil are deficient in macro (nitrogen, phosphorus and sulfur) and micro nutrients (boron) which are known to affect production and productivity of potato. A field trail was accompanied to determine the growing response of potatoes ’Belete varieties’ to combine the treatment of farmyard manure and blended NPSB (nitrogen, phosphorous, sulfur and boron) fertilizer at Gewata, southwest Ethiopia during 2019/2020 main cropping season. The variables are laid out four level of farmyard manure (0, 5, 10 and 15 t/ha) and four level of blended NPSB fertilizer (0, 50, 100, and 150 kg/ha). The treatments were organized in a completely randomized block design with three replications using a 4x4 factorial layout. SAS (version 9.4) was used for data were analyzed. The finding indicate that, combined application of FYM (farmyard manure) with NPSB significantly (p<0.01) affects plant height, average mass of tuber, number of marketable and unmarketable tuber per hill, and tuber yields per plot. It also significantly (p<0.05) influenced days to flowering, maturity, and tuber number per hill. The highest tuber weight (99.33 g), tuber number per hill (9.67), and yield (34.10 kg) per plot were recorded from the mixed fertilization of 15 t FYM with 150 kg/ha NPSB mineral nutrients. As a current finding, it can be stated that the combined use of FYM (15 t/ha) and NPSB blended fertilizer could improve potato growth and yield in the study area (150 kg/ha).

Seasonal Incidence of Spotted Pod Borer (Maruca vitrata F.) in Indian bean and Correlation with Meteorological Aspects

Aim: To study the population dynamics of spotted pod borer infesting Indian bean in relation to weather parameters Study Design: Field trail; Randomized Block Design. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at College farm at Navsari Agricultural University during Rabi of 2022-23 and 2023-24. Methodology: 50 plants were randomly selected from the net plot area. The observations on the number of larvae per plant and per cent pod damage were counted. Results: The larval population, in year 2022-23 started from 51st SMW. The peak activity was observed in 4th SMW when 6.46 larvae/plant population was recorded which coincided with the peak flowering stage. During the second season (year 2023-24) also, the pest population started from 51st SMW with pest population of 0.8 larvae/plant. The peak pest population was observed on 4th SMW with 6.84 larvae/plant. The pod damage started from 2nd SMW with 10.05 per cent and gradually increased. The peak was recorded in 12th SMW, highest pod damage was observed with 55.89 per cent. Similar to previous year, the pod damage was recorded from 2nd SMW with 11.67 per cent and peak was seen in 8th SMW with 56.63 per cent damage. The correlation of number of larvae per plant with maximum (r=-0.63), minimum (r=-0.62), average temperature (r=-0.74) and average vapour pressure (r=-0.59) showed significantly negative correlation. During year 2023-24, minimum (r=-0.637) and average temperature (r=-0.610) showed significant negative correlation. In case of pod damage, it was revealed that maximum temperature (r=0.58) and bright sunshine hours (BSSH) (r=0.59) exhibited significant positive correlation with pod damage per cent, in year 2022-23. A similar trend was seen in year 2023-24 where, maximum temperature (r=0.692) and BSSH (r=0.787) showed significant positive correlation. Conclusion: Temperature and to some extent vapour pressure plays a significant role in the population fluctuation of spotted pod borer in Indian bean.

Investigating the Effectiveness of Various Weed Control Methods to Reduce Narrow and Broad Leaf Populations in the Oat (Avena sativa L.) Crop

Aims: It is aim to investigating the effectiveness of various weed control methods to reduce narrow and broad leaf populations in oat (Avena sativa L.) crop. Study Design: The experiment was designed using a Randomized Block design method. Place and Duration of Study: Department of agronomy, School of Agriculture, Abhilashi university, Chail Chowk, Mandi, India (H.P.) during the Rabi season of 2022. Methodology: The field trail was conducted with seven treatments and replicated thrice. The investigation included seven different weed control techniques i.e. T1 - weedy check (control), T2 - weed free, T3 - one hand weeding at 25 DAS, T4 - two hand weeding at 25 DAS and 45 DAS,T5 - pre-emergence application of Pendimethalin @ 0.75 kg a.i. ha-1 + one hand weeding at 25 DAS, T6 - post emergence application of atrazine @ 0.75 kg a.i. ha -1 at 35 DAS + one hand weeding at 25 DAS, T7 - post emergence metsulfuron methyl @ 0.004 kg a.i. ha -1 at 35 DAS + one hand weeding at 25 DAS. Results: The investigation found that the most effective ways to control weeds are by keeping the area completely weed-free or by using two-hand weeding at 25 DAS and 45 DAS. T2 (weed-free), which involved keeping the area weed-free, was found to be the most successful in terms of achieving the lowest weed density and highest weed control efficiency. Two-hand weeding at 25 DAS and 45 DAS was found to be better than using herbicides to reduce weed infestation in oat crops. Conclusion: Based on the results, it can be concluded that integrated weed management practices weed-free treatment is the most effective option for managing weeds in oats.

Drought-tolerant peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) varieties can mitigate negative impacts of climate change on yield in the Southeastern U.S.

Rising temperatures and varying precipitation patterns in future climates pose huge challenges to the peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) production in Southeastern U.S. (SEUS), which was characterized by hot summers and mild winters. This will require genetic improvement of peanut varieties for adapting to future climates for higher yields. Recently, several novel peanut varieties were found to exhibit higher yield and maintain photosynthesis during drought. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the spatial and temporal patterns of peanut yield response to future climate changes for peanut varieties with and without the drought tolerant trait of maintaining photosynthesis (MPh) under drought in the SEUS and evaluate the relative importance of yield related traits for enhancing yield advantage of peanut under future climate conditions. A modified version of the CROPGRO-Peanut model incorporating the drought tolerant factor was developed and validated using field trail data collected from distinct experimental sites under both rainfed and irrigated conditions. Yield was then simulated for the historical baseline period (1990–2021) and future (mid-century/2050s, late-century/2080s) climate scenarios across the SEUS. The results showed that peanut yield in the Northern SEUS was expected to benefit from climate change in the 2050s (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5), but Middle SEUS and Southern SEUS would experience high probability of yield loss in the future. Comparing to the reference variety (C4), the drought tolerant peanut varieties (C1, C2 and C3) with the trait of MPh under drought could enhance the yield gains due to future climates in the 2050s (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5) in Northern SEUS (yield increases from 5% to 10% for C1-C3, and 2% to 3% for C4) and mitigate the negative impacts of climate change in the 2080s (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5) in the Middle (yield changes from −26% to −1% for C1-C3, and −37% to −11% for C4) and Southern SEUS (yield changes from −24% to 1% for C1-C3, and −35% to −7% for C4). The yield advantage of the drought tolerant peanut varieties in future climates was strongly associated with the higher water use efficiency (WUE), harvest index (HI), seed size, seed number, and biomass with significant P values (p < 0.001). These findings are important for local breeding and management programs to mitigate the potential impacts of climate change on peanut yield in SEUS.

Design and development of rare earth elements anchored pectin/chitosan integrated magnesia hybrid composite for effective defluoridation of water

Fluoride pollution in drinking water is a worldwide concern arises from natural and human actions. The excessive fluoride present in drinking water leads to fluorosis. In this study, dual polysaccharide biopolymers namely pectin and chitosan were incorporated with magnesia followed by imprinted with lanthanum and cerium ions gives PCML (pectin/chitosan/magnesia/lanthanum) and PCMC (pectin/chitosan/magnesia/cerium) hybrid materials for fluoride adsorption investigation. The enhanced defluoridation capacities (DCs) of PCML and PCMC composites were seen as 4.976 and 4.972 mg g−1 by 30 min individually. To decide the impact of various affecting parameters viz., dosage, initial fluoride concentration, pH, contact time and challenging anions were examined in batch method. The pH results show the utmost DCs of PCML and PCMC composites was noted at pH 6 and in co-ions experiments, the significant competition found with bicarbonate ion owing to the superior electronic building of bicarbonate ion. The defluoridation equilibrium data of PCML and PCMC composites follows Langmuir, pseudo-second-order and intraparticle diffusion models. The positive ΔH° value as 3.04 kJ mol−1 for PCML composite and 2.88 kJ mol−1 for PCMC composite were exposed that the endothermic nature of fluoride adsorption occurs onto PCML and PCMC composites. The defluoridation mechanism of PCML and PCMC composites were attained by complexation, ion-exchange and electrostatic interaction. The reusability results shows that the synthesized PCML and PCMC composites can be reused upto six cycles. Field trail result demonstrates the synthesized PCML and PCMC composites were applicable at field conditions by reducing fluoride concentration below 1.5 mg/L.

Smart and Sustainable Crop Protection: Design and Evaluation of a Novel α-Amylase-Responsive Nanopesticide for Effective Pest Control.

In this study, an α-amylase-responsive controlled-release formulation was developed by capping polydopamine onto β-cyclodextrin-modified abamectin-loaded hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles. The prepared Aba@HMS@CD@PDA were subjected to characterization using various analytical techniques. The findings revealed that Aba@HMS@CD@PDA, featuring a loading rate of 18.8 wt %, displayed noteworthy release behavior of abamectin in the presence of α-amylase. In comparison to abamectin EC, Aba@HMS@CD@PDA displayed a significantly foliar affinity and improved rainfastness on lotus leaves. The results of field trail demonstrated a significantly higher control efficacy against Spodoptera litura Fabricius compared to abamectin EC at all concentrations after 7, 14, and 21 days of spaying, showcasing the remarkable persistence of Aba@HMS@CD@PDA. These results underscore the potential of Aba@HMS@CD@PDA as a novel and persistently effective strategy for sustainable on-demand crop protection. The application of nanopesticides can enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of pesticide utilization, contributing to more sustainable agricultural practices.

Genomic basis determining root system architecture in maize.

A total of 389 and 344 QTLs were identified by GWAS and QTL mapping explaining accumulatively 32.2-65.0% and 23.7-63.4% of phenotypic variation for 14 shoot-borne root traits using more than 1300 individuals across multiple field trails. Efficient nutrient and water acquisition from soils depends on the root system architecture (RSA). However, the genetic determinants underlying RSA in maize remain largely unexplored. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive genetic analysis for 14 shoot-borne root traits using 513 inbred lines and 800 individuals from four recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations at the mature stage across multiple field trails. Our analysis revealed substantial phenotypic variation for these 14 root traits, with a total of 389 and 344 QTLs identified through genome-wide association analysis (GWAS) and linkage analysis, respectively. These QTLs collectively explained 32.2-65.0% and 23.7-63.4% of the trait variation within each population. Several a priori candidate genes involved in auxin and cytokinin signaling pathways, such as IAA26, ARF2, LBD37 and CKX3, were found to co-localize with these loci. In addition, a total of 69 transcription factors (TFs) from 27 TF families (MYB, NAC, bZIP, bHLH and WRKY) were found for shoot-borne root traits. A total of 19 genes including PIN3, LBD15, IAA32, IAA38 and ARR12 and 19 GWAS signals were overlapped with selective sweeps. Further, significant additive effects were found for root traits, and pyramiding the favorable alleles could enhance maize root development. These findings could contribute to understand the genetic basis of root development and evolution, and provided an important genetic resource for the genetic improvement of root traits in maize.

Phenotypic plasticity of okra for yield and associated traits

Background: The genetic improvement of okra for the agro-ecological conditions requires adequate genetic background for understanding the inheritance of the traits and genetic control.Aim: To evaluate collection of okra accessions for their phenotypic plasticity and their relationships among tested accession.Setting: Field trail laid in a randomised complete block design of three replication.Methods: A total of 24 okra accessions were planted at Loskop Research Station in Limpopo province, South Africa, during the 2020 and 2021 cropping seasons.Results: The analysis of variance showed significant differences among the accessions for yield and related traits measured. The principal components analysis revealed 68.85% total variation. The genotypic coefficient of variance (GCV) was higher than phenotypic coefficient of variance (PCV) for all the measured parameters. The study revealed medium heritability for yield (33%), high (≥ 60%), for hundred-seed weight and number of fruits per plant. A positive significant correlation between grain yield and fruit yield per plant (r = 0.39) was observed.Conclusion: The study recommended accessions Acc No. 1859.2.3.1, Acc No. 1181.2.1.1 and Acc No. 1900.2.3.1 to be used as breeding lines in future okra breeding programme.Contribution: The accessions identified as potential parents for okra improvement programme, based on complementary agronomic traits could be used for direct cultivation by small-scale farmers and parental lines for breeding population.

Design and Experiment of Profiling Furrow-Ridge Terrain by Cane Leaf-Chopping and Returning Machine

Design and Experiment of Profiling Furrow-Ridge Terrain by Cane Leaf-Chopping and Returning Machine

Effect of Different Transplanting Dates on Performance of Different Varieties on Growth of Broccoli

The field trail was undertaken on the crop broccoli in the Rabi season of 2022-23 at Agriculture Research Farm, School of Agricultural Sciences and Technology RIMT University, Mandi Gobindgarh, Punjab to find out the “Effect of different transplanting dates on performance of different varieties on growth of broccoli”. The soil of the experimental plot had a slightly alkaline texture, a naturally occurring pH of 7.5, level of organic carbon (0.62%) and available amounts of N (430.32 kg/ha), P (17.54 kg/ha) and K (251.65 kg/ha). The experiment was designed in Factorial randomized block design (FRBD), replicated with three times and included nine treatments i.e. D1V1 (5th November + Rani Hybrid), D2V1 (15th November + Rani Hybrid), D3V1 (25th November + Rani Hybrid), D1V2 (5th November + Palam Samridhi), D2V2 (15th November + Palam Samridhi), D3V2 (25th November + Palam Samridhi), D1V3 (5th November + Bobby Hybrid), D2V3 (15th November + Bobby Hybrid) and D3V3 (25th November + Bobby Hybrid). The results indicated that significantly higher growth parameters viz., number of leaves per plant, plant height, leaf length, width and plant spread was observed on the 15th November transplanting as compared to 5th November and 25th November transplanting dates. In conclusion establishment of variety Palam Samridhi showed an excellent result on the 15th November transplanting date as compared to other transplanting dates.

Effect of cow dung and urea on some soil properties and growth of Amaranthus in Bennubyen flood plain in Wukari

A field trail was conducted in Bennubyen flood plain of Wukari, Taraba State, Nigeria to evaluate the effect of cow dung and urea on some soil properties and growth of Amarathus hybridus, The experiment was laid out in a Randomized complete block design (RCBD), with seven treatments replicated three times, T1 receives 30 t/ha, T2 received 150 kg/ha, T3 received 75kg/ha + 30 t/ha, T4 received 15 t/ha + 150 kg/ha, T5 received 15 t/ha T6 received 75 kg/ha, and T7 received no treatment and serve as the control. The pre cropping soil analysis when compared with post cropping soil analysis showed that, application of organic and inorganic fertilizers improved soil OC, OM, N %, ECEC, and available P, while decrease was observed on the pH, Zn, Cu, Mn and Fe. The results on the growth parameters and yield of Amarathus hybridus were significantly (p&lt;0.05) improved by the applications of urea and cow dung, the highest increase was observed on the treatment with cow dung (30 t/ha), urea (150 Kg/ha) and cow dung 15 t/ha combined with urea (75kg/ha). The use of urea and cow dung is therefore essential in increasing Amaranthus hybridus yield. Since no significant difference was found at 30 t /ha of cow dung, 150kg/ha of urea and 15t/ha of cow dung and 75kg /ha of urea combined, use of cow dung at the rate of 30t/ha is recommended.

Role of microbial inoculants for improving productivity and systemic resistance in Abelmoschus esculentus

Okra is an economic vegetable crop and widely dispersed throughout the world's tropical, subtropical zones. It is necessary for human health and an adequate supply of total vitamins, minerals, digestive enzymes and other elements that are typically deficient in developing-country diets. The disease issues in this crop are root-decaying infections. Microbial inoculants are gaining a reputation in agronomic research. Pseudomonas species have the ability to boost plant immunity by inducing resistance against biotic and abiotic stress. Because of its substantial properties in growth and pathogen suppression during its complimentary relationship with host, Pseudomonas is the most preferred bio-inoculant. The association of Pseudomonas with crop stimulates the secretion of phytohormones, secondary metabolites and enzymes responsible for growth and pathogen control. The aim of the study is to figure out the consequences of competing inoculants on the nutritional content and quality of okra plants. So different strains of P. fluorescens (EFP161, EFP121, EFP43, EFP56, and EFP171) were inoculated (200 mL in soil) along with okra seeds in field trails. The experiment was completely randomized block design and run for 60 days of inoculation. After harvesting (60 days), their growth parameters with their biomass and stress resistance indicators like polyphenols (26.5 μg/mL), antioxidant (43.08%) and salicylic acid content (0.11 μg/mL) were estimated in Pseudomonas treated plants. Fruit quality parameters including total soluble solids (4.7%), pH, moisture content (93%), proteins (95 μg/mL) and carbohydrates (39 μg/mL) were tested in order to check their nutritional value. Okra plants showed some complications during field trails like death of the young seedlings, wet soil, rotting of small pods is a fairly common problem. These inoculants exhibited plant growth-stimulating properties by elevating their resistance power to stress and against phytopathogens responsible for plant growth reduction. The inoculation of these strains not only increased the plant growth parameters but also increased the nutritional quality of fruits. This research summarizes the impact of microbial inoculants as agricultural inputs.

Study of the Influence of Cultivar and Biological Seed Category on Winter Wheat Production

Wheat is one of the most cultivated agricultural species alongside corn and rice. In this study, we tested the influence of cultivars and seed biological class on yield in winter wheat. As a comparison, we used two Romanian varieties, Dropia and Faur, and two foreign varieties, Apache and Bercy in field-testing under normal agronomical practices. Data obtained in field trails was statistically processed by Duncan test for multiple comparisons between tested variants. Results indicate that yield decreases according to the seed biological class. Furthermore, the analysis of the distribution of significance differences in production, it resulted that both the cultivar and the biological category of the seeds act individually and combined on the average yields of winter wheat. Since the assortment of varieties in winter wheat is one that is renewed every year, and as a result of the fact that farmers have the option of multiplying the seed of autogamous varieties for their own use, we believe that the obtained results can be useful in evaluating the productive potential of winter wheat crops sown with seed from certified generations C1 and C2 or from subsequent generations of multiplication, which are not subject to the official certification process.

Ecofriendly Management of Dry Root Rot in Black Gram Caused by Macrophomina phaseolina

In the present study Trichoderma asperellum (ECK), Trichoderma asperellum (TNAU), Streptomyces sp (native) and Pseudomonas fluorescens (TNAU) were tested in vitro by dual culture technique. Among the six treatments Trichoderma asperellum (ECK) and Streptomyces sp (native) was found to be more effective as compared to other bio-control agents and inhibited maximum fungal growth (100 %) of Macrophomina phaseolina followed by Trichoderma asperellum (TNAU) (81.6 %). The disease incidence controlled by all other isolates was ranged from 67.72 to 81.66%. The growth promoting activity of various bio-control agents and chemical was assessed based on seedling vigour index by standard Roll Towel Method (ISTA,1993). The treated seeds and controls are placed on the pre-soaked germination paper. After one-week various growth parameters like root length, shoot length, vigour index are determined by using the formulae. The seeds treated with Trichoderma asperellum (ECK) and Streptomyces sp (native) exhibited increased yield parameters like increased germination percentage, root length, shoot length, and Seedling vigour index 2562.0. Under field conditions the seeds are treated with different biocontrol agents and carbendazim. The various growth parameters like root length, shoot length and seedling vigour index observed under field conditions. Streptomyces sp (native) was found to be most effective in reducing pre and post emergence mortality and also it enhances the yield than other treatments. In field trail among the six treatments, treatment containing seed treatment of Streptomyces sp (native) was found to be most effective in reducing pre and post emergence mortality with germination of 87.0 %. Streptomyces sp (native) was found to be more effective as compared to other bio-control agents in increasing the yield parameters like root length, shoot length, and seedling vigour and also it enhances the yield (322.8 Kg/ha) compared to other treatments. Streptomyces sp (native) needs further species level characterization and other biotrophic and tritrophic interaction studies for developing commercial formulation.

Assessment of G × E interaction and stability parameters for quality, root yield and its associating traits in ashwagandha [Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal] germplasm lines

Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal holds significant pharmaceutical and nutritional benefits. The stability and superior root yield of ashwangandha genotype is a crucial parameter for long-term development and raw material supply for pharma-industries. The impact of genotype × environment (G × E) interaction on economic traits (root yield) stability on ninety-six genotypes in four different environments was evaluated in this study. Using two models of stability analysis namely Eberhart - Russell and Additive Main Effects and Multiplicative Interaction (AMMI) analysis models, current study was focused on adaptability and phenotypic stability of ashwangandha genotypes. Field trail was conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Phenotypic data were collected on eleven important traits including four commercially important traits viz total soluble sugars (TSS), starch content, withanolides content and crude fiber in the main and late-season in 2020 and 2021. Analysis of variance exhibited consistency between both models. These results depicated G × E interaction, revealing subtle variations in response to environmental conditions. Eberhart and Russell model provided valuable trait performance insights, while AMMI offered genotype and environment insights. Interestingly, Eberhart and Russell model identified Env 3 as superior while Env 4 as a challenging environment. Genotypes viz. AGP-84, AGP-16, AGP-79, AGP-95, AGP-57 and AGP-14 exhibited stability and consistent performance for root yield across environments. AMMI analysis captured 52.7 % variance in the first principal component and 26.3 % in the second. Genotypes namely AGP 18, AGP 22, and AGP 57 were found best and stabile with high mean dry root yield in both models. Env 1 stood out as the most distinct, and Env 2 was representative for selecting the best genotypes.

A rigorous analysis of vehicle-to-vehicle range performance in a rural channel propagation scenario as a function of antenna type and location via simulation and field trails

A rigorous analysis of vehicle-to-vehicle range performance in a rural channel propagation scenario as a function of antenna type and location via simulation and field trails

Evidence of a pheromone involved in the behaviour ofDrosophila suzukiiMatsumura (Diptera: Drosophilidae)

AbstractRecent findings have documented the importance of (Z)‐11‐octadecenyl acetate (cVA) in the melanogaster group as a sex pheromone that regulates several sexual and social behaviours. However, this pheromone is missing inDrosophila suzukii, thus posing the question of whether it could have been replaced by another compound similar to cVA. Olfactory responses ofD. suzukiifemales and males to conspecific volatiles in laboratory and field trails suggest the existence of a pheromone. Females attracted more females and males than the control. In field trials, both sexes were successfully captured in traps baited with conspecifics. Females were attracted to conspecific females and males. Gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry of volatiles showed that both sexes released 18 compounds, including Z‐9‐tricosene, hexacosane and heneicosane. Our results suggest that these compounds may influence the behaviour ofD. suzukiiand can act as sex or aggregation pheromones.