Field Trails Research Articles

Performance of some new soybean genotypes against the infestation of the cotton leaf worm, Spodoptera littoralis Boisd

Cotton leaf worm, Spodoptera littoralis (Lepidoptra: Noctuidae) is considered one of the most destructive insect pests in Egypt. A field trail was conducted at the experimental farm of Nubaria agricultural research station, Behaira Governorate, Egypt, during 2021 and 2022 seasons to evaluate the performance of 14 new genotypes and two check varieties under the cotton leaf worn natural infestation conditions. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates. The combined results revealed that there were substantial differences across genotypes for all evaluated parameters. The genotypes (H7L39/2015, H6L49, and H6L28) were considered as more resistant ones over the resistant check variety (Giza 111) which recorded the least infestation (25.86, 27.57 and 32.14 %, respectively), with feeding damage area of 18.52, 19.58 and 18.58 %, respectively. These genotypes gave the highest leaf content of P%, K%, total phenolic compounds, yield, and its components. The correlations between infestation% and leaflet area damage% or N all were positive on one another. All other correlations, with the exception of plant height and branches no plant-1, had negative effects on one another. The results proposed that the genotypes (H7L39/2015, H6L49 and H6L28) are promising and could be planted at Nubaria region and used in the breeding programs.

Optimizing Sugarcane Growth, Yield, and Quality in Different Ecological Zones and Irrigation Sources Amidst Environmental Stressors.

The imbalanced use of fertilizers and irrigation water, particularly supplied from groundwater, has adversely affected crop yield and harvest quality in sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.). In this experiment, we evaluated the impact of potassium (K) and micronutrients [viz. Zinc (Zn), Iron (Fe), and Boron (B)] application and irrigation water from two sources, viz. canal, and tube well water on sugarcane growth, yield, and cane quality under field trails. Water samples from Mardan (canal water) and Rahim Yar Khan (tube well water) were analyzed for chemical and nutritional attributes. The results revealed that tube well water's electrical conductivity (EC) was three-fold that of canal water. Based on the EC and total dissolved salts (TDS), 83.33% of the samples were suitable for irrigation, while the sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) indicated only a 4.76% fit and a 35.71% marginal fit compared with canal water. Furthermore, the application of K along with B, Fe, and Zn had led to a significant increase in cane height (12.8%, 9.8%, and 10.6%), cane girth (15.8%, 15.6%, and 11.6%), cane yield (13.7%, 12.3%, and 11.5%), brix contents (14%, 12.2%, and 13%), polarity (15.4%, 1.4%, and 14%), and sugar recovery (7.3%, 5.9%, and 6%) in the tube well irrigation system. For the canal water system, B, Fe, and Zn increased cane height by 15.3%, 13.42%, and 11.6%, cane girth by 13.9%, 9.9%, and 6.5%, cane yield by 42.9%, 43.5%, and 42%, brix content by 10.9%, 7.7%, and 8%, polarity by 33.4%, 28%, and 30%, and sugar recovery by 4.0%, 3.9%, and 2.0%, respectively, compared with sole NPK application. In conclusion, the utilization of tube well water in combination with canal water has shown better results in terms of yield and quality compared with the sole application of canal water. In addition, the combined application of K and B significantly improved sugarcane yields compared with Zn and Fe, even with marginally suitable irrigation water.

Pathogenecity testing of indigenous Bacillus thuringiensis isolates against chickpea pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Ethiopia

Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) is the most significant insect pest of chickpea in Ethiopia. Sole reliance on insecticide causes both human and environmental health problems. A common soil bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis used as a bioinsecticide to control numerous Lepidopteran larvae. Therefore, indigenous isolates were collected, screened, tested for pathogenicity against H. armigera with a reference Bacillus. var. thuringiensis. From 121 soil samples collected, 23 Bacillus species were isolated and purified. Bt index ranged from 0.33 to 1.00 and the mean was 0.73 average Bt index. Absorbance values ranged from 0.46 to 0.98. Screening biotoxicity assay was conducted at the rate of 1 mL against 3rd instar larvae of H. armigera. Experiments were replicated three times; ten larvae were used per replicate and reputed thrice. Ten indigenous Bt isolates were screened based on larval mortality which ranged between 27.78% and 75.83% and LT50 values of 45.71–143.9 h. The highest mortality of 75.83% and LT50 of 45.71 h was recorded from reference Bt followed by indigenous Bt isolate KDL with mortality percentage of 69.16% and LT50 of 48.49 h. Statistically no significant difference was observed among the tested bacterial isolates. Biotoxicity assay was conducted at five concentrations ranging from 0.25 to 2 mL. The LD50 and LD 90 values were 0.84–1.24 mL and 1.54–1.98 mL, respectively. The lowest LD50, 90 of 0.84 mL and 1.54 mL were recorded from KDL Bt isolate compared to reference Bt whose LD50 and LD90 were 0.84 mL and 1.66 mL. Results of Bt growth under varied values of temperature ranged from 15oC to 40 °C. All the Bt isolates showed growth at all the values of the tested temperatures with steady growth from 15 °C to 20 °C and uniform growth observed from 20 °C to 30 °C. After 35 °C, the growth of all the Bt isolates declined indicating that 30 °C–35 °C is the optimum growth temperature range. Protein content ranged from 0.43 to 0.97 (mg/mL). However, protein content and larval mortality was not linearly correlated. It was concluded that all the tested indigenous Bacillus isolates were virulent enough and identified as a promising candidate bioinsecticide against H. armigera. Hence, recommended for further intensive evaluations under greenhouse and field trails.

Effect of Nitrogen and Zinc on Growth and Yield of Cowpea

The field trail titled “Effect of Nitrogen and Zinc on growth and yield of Cowpea” was conducted during Zaid, 2022 at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Naini Agriculture institute, SHUATS, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. The soil of experimental field was sandy loamy in texture, nearly neutral in a soil reaction (pH 7.8) low in organic carbon (0.62), available nitogen (225 kg/ha), available phosphorus (38.2 kg/ha) and available potassium (240.7 kg/ha). The experiment was carried out in Randomized Block Design with nine treatments each replicated thrice. The treatments combination are T1: N-20 kg/ha + Zn-10 kg/ha, T2: N-20 kg/ha + Zn-20 kg/ha, T3: N-20 kg/ha + Zn-30 kg/ha, T4: N-30 kg/ha + Zn-10 kg/ha, T5: N-30 kg/ha + Zn-20 kg/ha, T6: N-30 kg/ha + Zn-30 kg/ha, T7: N-40 kg/ha + Zn- 10 kg/ha, T8: N-40 kg/ha + Zn-20 kg/ha and T9: N-40 kg/ha + Zn-30 kg/ha. Results revealed thatcombined application of Nitrogen 30 kg/ha along with Zinc 30 kg/ha significantly Higher plant height (51.39 cm), number of branches/plant (4.80), dry weight (16.60 g), number of pods/plant (10.60), number of Seeds/pod (5.47), seed index (100.80 g), seed yield (1.30t/ha), stover yield (1.73 t/ha). And also higher economics viz., higher gross returns (1,01,380.00 INR/ha), net returns (67,812.00 INR/ha) and B:C ratio (2.02).

The experience of internal (Domestic) migration among 30 Homeless Former Prisoners in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

The recurring return of homeless former prisoners to Chow Kit Road each time after being released from prison leads to various key questions. One of which: What is so interesting about Chow Kit Road that it has become a focal point for these homeless former prisoners? Their return to Chow Kit Road illustrates two big pictures, either they have no choice or they see Chow Kit Road as a suitable home for them. The repeated return of the homeless former prisoners indicated that they have developed a form of comfort and pleasure with the place. Hence, we conducted a qualitative study to understand the repetitive migration among the homeless former prisoners by interviewing 30 of them around Chow Kit Road. This study stopped the data collection process when the study's overall findings achieved data saturation. Atlas.ti software was utilised to perform the thematic coding process. This software provides a more systematic coding process. Several strategies were adopted in this study to increase the data's validity and reliability, triangulation, member check, peer review, long period in the field and audit trail. This study involved a larger qualitative sample by offering several diverse themes. Based on the findings, 11 sub-themes were grouped into 4 superordinate themes, namely social, economic and urban infrastructure, services, and personal offer factors. The social offer factor superordinate theme included sub-themes of familiarity with the environment, ease of getting drugs, and concentration of friends who are also former prisoners. Followed by the economic offer factor with the sub-theme of finding a job and easy ways to earn. The sub-themes of the urban infrastructure and service offer factor superordinate theme were access to transportation, plenty of food aid, and easy access to hospitals. While the sub-themes of the personal offer factor included wanting freedom, nowhere else to go, and bringing oneself away from family. These results added to the existing knowledge by considering migrations from chronic and marginal groups, i.e., the homeless former prisoners as study subjects.

Efficacy and Economics of Selected Insecticides against Pod Borer [Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner)] on Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.)Walp.

A field trail was conducted at CRF, SHUATS, Naini, Prayagraj during Kharif season 2022. Eight treatments were evaluated against Helicoverpa armigera i.e. of Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC, Emamectin benzoate 5 SG, Flubendiamide 480 SC, Spinosad 45 SC, Thiamethoxam 25 WG, Lambda cyhalothrin5 EC, Indoxacarb 14.5 SC and untreated Control. Results revealed that, among the different treatments lowest larval population of cowpea pod borer was recorded in Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC (1.323). Lambda cyhalothrin5 EC (1.478) was found tobe the next best treatment followed by Emamectin benzoate 5 SG (1.589), Indoxacarb 14.5 SC (1.734) and Flubendiamide 480 SC (1.922).The least effective treatments were Spinosad 45 SC (2.089) where as Thiamethoxam 25 WG (2.200) was found to be least effective. The plot treated with Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC show highest yield (19.46 q/ha) followed Lambda cyhalothrin5 EC (17.82 q/ha) the best and most economical treatment was Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC (1: 3.89). Among the treatments studied, the best and most economical treatment was Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC (1: 3.89) followed by Lambda cyhalothrin 5 EC (1:3.67), Emamectin benzoate 5 SG (1:3.41), Indoxacarb 14.5 SC (1:2.95), Flubendiamide 480 SC (1:2.56), Spinosad 45 SC (1:2.27) and Thiamethoxam 25 WG (1:2.17) as compared to untreated control plot (1:1.60).

Semiochemicals from Trichosanthes anguina (Cucurbitaceae) plants influence behavior in Diaphania indica.

First to third instars of Diaphania indica (Saunders) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) feed on the lower surface of leaves, while fourth and fifth instars gregariously consume leaves of Trichosanthes anguina L. After defoliating, the caterpillar also attacks flowers and fruits of the plant and finally, results in loss of crop yield. Therefore, behavioral responses of D. indica adults were investigated to volatiles from undamaged (UD), insect-damaged (ID, plants after feeding by D. indica larvae) and jasmonic acid (JA) treated T. anguina plants. Females showed attraction to volatiles of UD and ID plants of three T. anguina cultivars [MNSR-1 (MNS), Baruipur Long (BAR) and Polo No. 1 (POLO)] in Y-tube olfactometer bioassays. Females did not show significant negative responses from volatiles of JA treated plants. Females were more attracted to volatiles of ID plants than UD plants. Females showed attraction to volatiles of UD or ID plants compared to JA treated plants. Females were attracted to certain synthetic blends resembling volatiles of insect-damaged MNS, BAR and POLO plants in olfactometer bioassays. Females could not distinguish among these three certain synthetic blends in olfactometer bioassays. A synthetic blend of 3Z-hexen-1-ol, α-pinene, hexyl acetate, benzyl alcohol and 6Z-nonenal at mole ratios of 1.47:1.20:1:1.82:1.21 was prepared at 20 mg/mL dichloromethane and 100 μL when used as lure in funnel traps resulted in the capture of the highest number of D. indica adults in field trails. The earlier five-component chemical lure could be used in traps in an integrated pest management program of the insect pest, D. indica. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Field Trail of F1 Population of Elite Sweet Potato (Ipomoea Batatas (L.) Lam) For Yield and Yield Related Traits in Humid Rainforest of Umudike, Southeastern Nigeria

Field Trail of F1 Population of Elite Sweet Potato (Ipomoea Batatas (L.) Lam) For Yield and Yield Related Traits in Humid Rainforest of Umudike, Southeastern Nigeria

Comparative Efficacy of Selected Bio-pesticides against Tomato Fruit Borer [Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner)] on Tomato [Solanum lycopersicum (L.)

The field trail on Comparative efficacy of selected Bio-pesticides against tomato fruit borer [Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner)] on tomato [Solanum lycopersicum (L.)] was conducted during Rabi 2022-2023, at Central Research Farm, Department of Entomology, SHUATS, Naini, Prayagraj, U.P. The experiment was laid out in RBD (Randomized Block Design) and replicated thrice with seven treatments viz., T1 Spinosad 45% SC (125ml/lit), T2 Chlorantraniliprole 18.5%SC (30g/ha), T3 Nisco sixer plus (1ml/lit), T4 Neem oil 5% (5ml/lit), T5 Metarhizium anisopliae (1g/lit), T6 Beauveria bassiana (0.3ml/lit), T7 NSKE 5% (25kg/ha). The data on incremental larval population of different treatments reported that Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC (1.32) was highest effective which is followed by Spinosad 45% SC (1.45) > Nisco sixer plus (1.58) > Neem oil 5% (1.65) > NSKE 5% (1.72) > Beauveria bassiana (1.72) > and Metarhizium anisopliae (1.80). The most economical viable treatment with the highest yield as well as C:B ratio was obtained from Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC 210 q/ha and (1:8.6) respectively. It was followed by Spinosad 45% SC (1:7.8), Nisco sixer plus (1:7.7), neem oil (1:7.1), NSKE (1:6.9), Beauveria bassiana (1:5.4), Metarhizium anisopliae (1:4.6) as compared to untreated control (1:3.2) having the lowest B:C ratio.

Effect of various foliar applied micronutrients (Zn+Fe+Cu+B) on growth and yield of wheat under Faisalabad condition

The field trail was conducted at agronomy farm, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan during winter 2020-21, to observe the response of micronutrients (Zn, Fe, Cu and B) on the wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Micronutrients play an important role in the crop production of wheat. Micronutrients deficiency is a major issue which decrease the wheat yield and also deteriorate the quality of the grains. The experiment was comprised of foliar spray of M0 (Control), M1 (Zn), M2 (Fe), M3 (Cu), M4 (B), M5 (Zn + Fe), M6 (Zn + Cu), M7 (Zn + B), M8 (Zn + Fe + Cu + B) treatments with three repetitions and the net plot size was be 3 m × 5 m. Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) was used. Sowing was done by broadcast sowing method, with a seed rate of 125 kg/ha. The fertilizer was applied @ 116:86:65 N:P:K kg/ha, respectively. In this study, an attempt was made to check foliar-applied micronutrients effect on growth stages, yield and yield-components of wheat. The results were evaluated statistically using Fisher's analysis of variance, and the treatment means were compared using Tukey's HSD test at a 5% probability level. The experiment results revealed that micronutrients application at booting stage significantly improved the performance of wheat crop and grain yield. Micronutrients application has a non-significant effect on plant height and number of productive tillers. Among different micronutrient combinations, the (Zn+Fe+Cu+B) treatment combination substantially improved the spike length (cm), No. of spikelets, number of grains, 1000-grain weight (g), grain yield (t ha-1) and Harvest index (%). It can be concluded that (Zn+Fe+Cu+B) have significant effects on yield parameters as compared to other treatments.

Tillage intensity by organic fertilization interaction on sunflower performance and some soil properties

Abstract A field trail was performed to study the impacts of soil tillage system and some organic and inorganic fertilizers treatments on sunflower performance and soil characteristics in the semi-arid region across 2015–2016 growing season. The tillage systems were (T1) conventional tillage, and (T2) reduced tillage while the fertilizer treatments were (F1) control, (F2) 20 t ha−1 farmyard manure, (F3) 40 t ha−1 farmyard manure, (F4) 20 t ha−1 farmyard manure plus 50:25:25 kg ha−1 NPK, (F5) 100:50:50 kg ha−1 NPK. The two-way entry (treatment) by tester (trait) biplot tool, described 84 % of the observed variability (68 % and 16 % by the first two principal components, respectively). The which-wins-where pattern, showed six vertex treatment (tillage system × fertilizer type) as: T1-F1 which had the highest values for bulk density; T1-F3 which had the highest values for days to maturity, organic matter and root depth; T1-F5 which had the highest values for soil phosphorus and harvest index; T2-F1 which had the highest values for mean emergence time; T2-F3 which had the highest values for soil potassium and achene yield; and T2-F4 which had the highest values for soil nitrogen. The ideal treatment pattern indicated that T2-F4 was the best treatment combination. We found that the best performance for sunflower achene yield was obtained with using reduced tillage system plus F3 or F4 fertilizer treatments. Finally, application no fertilizer or using only chemical fertilizers could not improve sunflower performance in both tillage systems.

Economic Assessment aganist Shoot and Fruit Borer (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on Okra at Uttar Pradesh, India

The field trail was conducted during Kharif 2022 to evaluate the cost benefit ratio by using different insecticidal applications viz., NSKE 10% T1 @ 10gm/L, Beauveria bassiana 1.15% WP (1x108 CFU/gm) T2 @ 5gm/L, Spinosad 45 SC T3 # 0.5ml/L, Metarhizium anisopliae 4% WSP (1x108 CFU/gm) T4 @ 5ml/L, Imidacloprid 17.8 SL T5 @ 0.3 ml/L, Nisco sixer plus T6 @ 1.5ml/L, Neem oil 5% T7 @ 5ml/L and untreated control T8 in three replications against shoot and fruit borer, Earias vittella (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), management on okra. Obsevations were taken on percent infestation of shoot and fruit on day before, 7DAS and 14DAS after two sprays Results revealed that highest yield is recorded in Spinosad 45 SC (101.4 q/ha), followed by nisco sixer plus (82.2 q/ha), Imidacloprid 17.8 SL (72.5 q/ha). Insecticidal treatment with Spinosad 45 SC with 1:5.66 had the highest cost benefit ratio, followed by Nisco sixer plus (1:4.99).

Mycorrhiza-inoculated biochar as an eco-friendly tool improves the broomrape control efficacy in two faba bean cultivars

Since broomrape weed has an intricate life cycle, its completely elimination is almost impossible. However, it is necessary to try to obtain modern means to reduce broomrape damage. Till now there is no effective methods can be used to reduce the broomrape seed bank in soil. Despite the documented favorable results of its role in amending several issues of the agricultural lands, the available knowledges related to the importance of biochar to protect faba bean from broomrape attacks are rare. Thus, the present work strived to find out the role of biochar alone or combined with mycorrhiza as novel and applicable practices to quench the attacks of broomrape against faba bean plants. A two-year field trail was implemented in broomrape-infested field. The experimental units of two cultivars (Sakha-1 and Misr-3) of faba bean were treated by mycorrhiza (VAM), rice biochar + VAM, peanut biochar + VAM, and glyphosate, in addition to the control treatment (weedy check). Findings clarified that broomrape spikes number and weight and number of faba bean infected plants were higher with Sakha-1 than Misr-3. Among the biochar types and cultivars, VAM inoculation was more effective with peanut straw biochar + VAM for MIsr-3. The distinctive reductions in almost broomrape parameters were obtained with VAM and peanut biochar + VAM equaling the recommended practice (glyphosate). Sakha-1 or Misr-3 plants treated with VAM, rice biochar + VAM and peanut biochar + VAM possessed distinctive improvements in pods weight, seed yield and of 100-seed weight of faba bean equaling glyphosate treatment. It could be concluded that VAM alone or with biochar raised the tolerance degree of faba bean genotype against broomrape attacks, hence sustaining the productivity, could be achieved through application of biochar inoculated with mycorrhiza. Despite the differences between mycorrhiza-inoculated biochar and glyphosate in broomrape traits and faba bean yield were not significant, the application of inoculated biochar as an eco-friendly tool is advisable for sustaining faba bean cultivation.

Successfully Implementing a Clinically-Used Therapy Device in a Home-Therapy Setting.

Telerehabilitation has the potential to improve the outcomes of rehabilitation. To expand tele-rehabilitation, the REHA2030 project aimed to integrate medical devices in therapy. To use medical devices in an unsupervised setting within a telerehabilitation system, requirements, processes and control mechanisms need to be defined. In a field trail with four patients and seven therapists, the REHA2030 system with an integrated hand rehabilitation device was evaluated. The aim of including the hand rehabilitation device in combination with a serious game was to increase hand strength and sensor-motor function and to test the feasibility in a home setting. From the four included patients two used the hand rehabilitation device within the field test and trained with it in average 5,8 respectively 5,2 times per week over a period of 10 respectively 5 weeks. The statements of the participants indicate an increase in exercise intensity and frequency and an increase in motivation to practice independently. Easy handling of the system by therapists and patients could also be demonstrated. Further results with more study participants over a longer period of time are needed to validate the results.

Improving the Selection Efficiency of Breeding Material within Interspecific Brassicaceae Hybrids with Genomic Prediction and Phenotyping

Various molecular markers can be applied to accelerate the breeding process of Brassicaceae plants. The aim of the present study was to assess the usefulness of available markers connected to blackleg resistance and to screen for markers linked to genes influencing major morphological characteristics, suitable for the further selection of Brassicaceae hybrids. Combining the field and molecular results allowed for the selection of useful SSR markers, including mstg004 and mstg027 markers connected to the color of the flowers and marker mstg038 associated with stem color. The field trails were also conducted to investigate the level of blackleg resistance, which permitted the selection of rapeseed hybrids with B. fruticulosa, B. carinata, and S. alba exhibiting the lowest infestation. Furthermore, the functionality of some of the resistance-linked markers was confirmed. The importance of interspecific hybridization and the use of marker-assisted selection are discussed, and the high utility of presented markers in further studies is highlighted.

Volatiles produced by symbiotic yeasts improve trap catches of Carpophilus davidsoni (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae): an important pest of stone fruits in Australia.

Carpophilus davidsoni (Dobson) is an important pest of Australian stone fruit. Current management practices for this beetle include the use of a trap that contains an attractant lure comprised of aggregation pheromones and a 'co-attractant' mixture of volatiles from fruit juice fermented using Baker's yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Hansen). We explored whether volatiles from yeasts Pichia kluyveri (Bedford) and Hanseniaspora guilliermondii (Pijper), which are closely associated with C. davidsoni in nature, might improve the effectiveness of the co-attractant. Field trials using live yeast cultures revealed that P. kluyveri trapped higher numbers of C. davidsoni compared to H. guilliermondii, and comparative GC-MS of volatile emissions of the two yeasts led to the selection of isoamyl acetate and 2-phenylethyl acetate for further investigation. In subsequent field trials, trap catches of C. davidsoni were significantly increased when 2-phenylethyl acetate was added to the co-attractant, compared to when isoamyl acetate was added, or both isoamyl acetate and 2-phenylethyl acetate. We also tested different concentrations of ethyl acetate in the co-attractant (the only ester in the original lure) and found contrasting results in cage bioassays and field trails. Our study demonstrates how exploring volatile emissions from microbes that are ecologically associated with insect pests can result in more potent lures for use in integrated pest management strategies. Results from laboratory bioassays screening volatile compounds should be treated with caution when making inferences regarding attraction under field conditions.

Efficacy of Bio-pesticides and Newer Insecticides against Major Insect Pests of Cauliflower

A field trail Comprising of nine insecticides conducted at farmer’s field in endemic area of pests on cauliflower in Siwan district of Bihar during 2018-19. Data revealed that Indoxacarb 14.5 SC @1.0 ml/L of water was found to be most effective insecticides on major pests of cauliflower i.e. leaf webber (41.06% reduction), tobacco caterpillar (48.91% reduction), Diamond Back Moth (64.40% reduction) and aphid (69.96% reduction) over farmer’s practices (chlorpyriphas 20 EC @ 1.5 ml/L of water) i.e. 24.67% 27.86%, 32.47% and 34.81% reduction of leaf webber, tobacco caterpillar, Diamond Back Moth and aphid, respectively. Similarly, significantly highest yield (144.26 q/ha) produced cauliflower in treatment of Indoxacarb 14.5 SC. However, Cost-benefit analysis revealed that highest cost-benefit ratio of 1:11.15 in treatment of Cartap hydrochloride 50 SP @ 1.0gm/L of water followed by Thiodicarb 75 WP @ 1.0g/L (1:9.39), Indoxacarb 14.5 SC @ 1.0 ml/L (1: 7.96), Emamectin benzoate 5 WSG @ 0.25 gm/L (1:7.22), Novaluran 10 EC @ 1.0 ml/L (1:6.48), Spinosad 45 SC @0.33 ml/L (1:6.34), Avemectin 1.9 EC @ 0.5 ml/L (1:5.57), Azadirachtin 0.15% @ 4 ml/L ( 1:4.10) and farmer’s practices (1:3.10), respectively.

Influence of Sulphur and Zinc on Growth, Yield and Quality of Summer Green Gram

A field trail was maintained at crop research Farm, Department of Agronomy, SHUATS, Prayagraj for Zaid season 2022. The exploratory plot’s soil had a sandy loam texture, a (pH 7.1) that was natural, a low in organic carbon (0.28 %), available N (225 kg/ha), available P (19.50 kg/ha) and available K (213.7 kg/ha). The Treatments consisted of 3 levels of Sulphur Levels S1 (20 Kg/ha), S2 (30 Kg/ha), S3 (40 Kg/ha) and 3 levels of zinc (Zn1-5 kg/ha), (Zn2- 7.5kg/ha) and (Zn3-10 kg/ha). The outcome reported that the of Sulphur 40 Kg/ha + Zn 10 Kg/ha recorded maximum (Treatment-9) Plant height (63.33 cm), Number of Nodules per plant (28.00), plant dry weight (12.78 g/plant), number of pods per plant (39.61), number of seeds per pod (12.66), test weight (32.3 g), seed yield (0.868 t/ha), straw yield (2.287 t/ha) and harvest index was only found to be non-significant. Maximum Gross returns (77182.00 INR/ha), Net returns (53550.00 INR/ha) and B:C ratio (2.2) was recorded with the treatment (T9) with the application of Sulphur 40 Kg/ha + Zinc 10 Kg/ha.

Dissipation kinetics of co-formulation with two herbicides, clodinafop-propargyl and oxyfluorfen, in/on onion (Allium cepa) samples.

Supervised field trail on dissipation of co-formulation with herbicides clodinafop-propargyl and oxyfluorfen in spring onion showed similar pattern of dissipation during two different seasons. Residues of clodinafop-propargyl reached ≤ limit of quantitation (LOQ, 0.05mgkg-1) on 3rd day after application at both standard and double dose during both the seasons. Oxyfluorfen residues followed first-order kinetics in both the doses during first season with half-life of 0.81 to 3.14days. The residues of clodinafop-propargyl were detected in soil at both the doses during first season. However, residues were ≤ LOQ (0.05mgkg-1) during second season. The residues of oxyfluorfen were detected only in double dose during first season in soil. In all other cases and in onion bulb, residues were ≤ LOQ (0.05mgkg-1) at the time of harvest. As the residues were either ≤ LOQ (0.05mgkg-1) on 3rd day or have a half-life of 3.14days, the co-formulation can be used safely, provided a pre harvest interval (PHI) of 3days is followed. On the basis of maximum residue limits (MRLs) in other commodities and from the data of present study, a default MRL of 0.05mgkg-1 is proposed for both the pesticides.

Legume cover with optimal nitrogen management and nitrification inhibitor enhanced net ecosystem economic benefits of peach orchard

Peach (Prunus persica L.), as a traditional kind of fruits in China, was extremely dependent on large application of nitrogen (N) fertilizer to maintain high fruit yield and commercial income, resulting in raising environmental damage risk. Therefore, a three-year field trail was conducted to clarify the environmental N loss under conventional management, investigate the positive effects of optimal N management, legume cover and 3,4-dimethylpyrazole phosphate (DMPP) on N input/output and the net ecosystem economic benefits (NEEB). There are four treatments in this study: conventional fertilizer management with 521.1 kg N ha−1 yr−1 input (CU); optimal N management including 406.4 kg N ha−1 yr−1 input and deep fertilization (OP); DMPP was added to OP at rate of 1 % (w/w) (OPD); legume (white clover) was covered to OPD (OPDG). Results showed 102.9 kg N ha−1 was removed by annual fruit and residues (including pruned branches, pruned and fallen leaves), while 70.2 kg N ha−1 was lost to the environment by ammonia (NH3), nitrous oxide (N2O) and N runoff loss under the conventional fertilizer management. While, the optimal N management mitigated NH3 volatilization about 49.3 %, further added DMPP abated N2O emission by 61.4 %, besides covered white clover lowered N runoff loss by 64.5 %. The NEEB results revealed that optimal N management combined with added DMPP and covered white clover could minimize the production cost, reduce environmental damage cost by 35.9 %, increase fruit yield by 10.3 % and achieved the maximum NEEB with improvement of 27.1 %, in comparison of the conventional fertilizer management. Generally, conventional peach cultivation constituted overwhelming N loss to raise potential environmental risk. While, extending mode of optimized N management combined with DMPP and legume cover could not only realize high fruit revenue, but also abate environmental N losses, thereby should be considered as effective strategy for sustainable fruit cropping systems.