Food Crops Research Articles

Discovery of a major QTL for resistance to the guava root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne enterolobii) in ‘Tanzania’, an African landrace sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas)

Sweetpotato, Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam. (2n = 6x = 90), is among the world’s most important food crops and is North Carolina’s most important vegetable crop. The recent introduction of Meloidogyne enterolobii poses a significant economic threat to North Carolina’s sweetpotato industry and breeding resistance into new varieties has become a high priority for the US sweetpotato industry. Previous studies have shown that ‘Tanzania’, a released African landrace, is resistant to M. enterolobii. We screened the biparental sweetpotato mapping population, ‘Tanzania’ x ‘Beauregard’, for resistance to M. enterolobii by inoculating 246 full-sibs with 10,000 eggs each under greenhouse conditions. ‘Tanzania’, the female parent, was highly resistant, while ‘Beauregard’ was highly susceptible. Our bioassays exhibited strong skewing toward resistance for three measures of resistance: reproductive factor, eggs per gram of root tissue, and root gall severity ratings. A 1:1 segregation for resistance suggested a major gene conferred M. enterolobii resistance. Using a random-effect multiple interval mapping model, we identified a single major QTL, herein designated as qIbMe-4.1, on linkage group 4 that explained 70% of variation in resistance to M. enterolobii. This study provides a new understanding of the genetic basis of M. enterolobii resistance in sweetpotato and represents a major step towards the identification of selectable markers for nematode resistance breeding.

Next Generation Sequencing and Genetic Analyses Reveal Factors Driving Evolution of Sweetpotato Viruses in Uganda.

Sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas L.) is an essential food crop globally, especially for farmers facing resource limitations. Like other crops, sweetpotato cultivation faces significant production challenges due to viral infections. This study aimed to identify and characterize viruses affecting sweetpotato crops in Uganda, mostly those associated with sweetpotato virus disease (SPVD). Infected leaf samples were collected from farmers' fields in multiple districts spanning three regions in Uganda. MiSeq, a next-generation sequencing platform, was used to generate reads from the viral nucleic acid. The results revealed nine viruses infecting sweetpotato crops in Uganda, with most plants infected by multiple viral species. Sweet potato pakakuy and sweet potato symptomless virus_1 are reported in Uganda for the first time. Phylogenetic analyses demonstrated that some viruses have evolved to form new phylogroups, likely due to high mutations and recombination, particularly in the coat protein, P1 protein, cylindrical inclusion, and helper component proteinase regions of the potyvirus. The sweet potato virus C carried more codons under positive diversifying selection than the closely related sweet potato feathery mottle virus, particularly in the P1 gene. This study provides valuable insights into the viral species infecting sweetpotato crops, infection severity, and the evolution of sweet potato viruses in Uganda.

Can Agricultural Support and Protection Subsidy Policies Promote High-Quality Development of Grain Industry? A Case Study of China

The issue of grain quality has attracted increasing attention with the gradual growth and stabilization of grain output. We take the successive agricultural support and protection subsidy policies introduced in 2015 as a quasi-natural experiment and use a multi-period double-difference model to analyze a panel of data from 298 prefecture-level cities in China from 2007 to 2020. Our findings confirm that implementing agricultural support protection subsidy policies has had initial success regarding grain output growth and quality improvement at the point of contradiction. This success is also due to its scale and technology effects, which can ensure that grain output and quality have achieved growth. The level of agricultural machinery also plays a crucial positive role in the impact of the subsidy policy on food production and food security. Further heterogeneity analysis shows that the impacts of agricultural support and protection subsidy policies on food quality and yield security differ significantly across different geographic regions, food crop production, and pollutant type levels. Therefore, the positive impact of subsidy policies on the food industry should be better promoted to enhance the sustainability and competitiveness of agriculture.

The Impact of Integrated Weed Management Practices on Nutrient Uptake in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

The study investigated the impact of integrated weed management practices on nutrient uptake in rice (Oryza sativa L.) and weeds at 90 days after transplanting (DAT) over the 2022 and 2023 growing seasons at the Crop Research Centre (CRC) farm of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut. Various weed control strategies, including the application of pre-emergence and post-emergence herbicides combined with manual weeding, were evaluated for their effectiveness in enhancing the uptake of essential nutrients such as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) by rice, while also reducing nutrient loss to weeds. Among the strategies tested, the combination of Pyrazosulfuron at 150 g active ingredient per hectare (a.i. ha⁻¹) as a pre-emergence herbicide and Penoxsulam at 22 g a.i. ha⁻¹ as a post-emergence herbicide, supplemented with one manual weeding at 40 DAT, proved to be the most effective. This approach resulted in the highest nutrient uptake by rice and the lowest nutrient uptake by weeds. In this treatment, nitrogen uptake in the rice grains reached 62.7 kg per hectare in 2022 and 67.4 kg per hectare in 2023, significantly outperforming other treatments. The weed-free treatment, which involved complete weed eradication, also demonstrated high nutrient absorption, highlighting the importance of thorough weed control for optimal rice growth. Conversely, the untreated weedy check, where no weed control was implemented, led to the highest nutrient uptake by weeds, severely limiting the availability of nutrients for the rice crop. Manual weeding alone, without the use of herbicides, showed moderate effectiveness but was less efficient compared to the integrated approach combining herbicides and hand weeding.

Revolutionizing Food Safety and Crop Production: Harnessing Novel Biosensors

Farmers and food manufacturers are under immense pressure from consumers and food safety regulations to deliver pollutant-free, high-quality foods. The extensive use of chemicals in food production poses ecological as well as health risks. In order to meet the demand for safe, preservative-free foods, rapid sensing techniques are required. Traditional analysis methods are time consuming, laboratory bound, expensive and require highly skilled personnel. Alternative analysis systems such as biosensors, which are user-friendly and enable real-time monitoring in the field should also be used. Biosensors have been developed to detect foodborne pathogens such as Salmonella typhimurium, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, etc. that cause food contamination, and a large number of cases are reported annually. Mycotoxin-contaminated food presents a serious threat to food safety. Biosensors have been utilised to identify Penicillium and aflatoxin infections, which are major mycotoxins found in food. Additionally, biosensors for identifying artificially ripened fruits have also been developed. Biosensors have been developed to detect pesticide residues such as atrazine, glyphosate, 2,4-D, methyl parathion, lindane, etc. Early identification of plant pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, is crucial because it enables farmers to take the necessary precautions to control the disease. Pathogens such as Fusarium sp., Phytophthora palmivora, tomato leaf curl virus are among some of the pathogens that have been successfully detected using novel biosensors. They can also be used for detecting heavy metals as they are cheaper, faster, more reliable and selective than traditional analysis methods. A bacterial biosensor was developed using Bacillus megaterium, which was sensitive to heavy metals like cadmium, copper and zinc in soil. Additionally, biosensors have been developed to detect heavy metal pollution in plants as well as irrigation water.

Conservation of Food, Medicinal and Dyes Crops Based on Local Community Wisdom in Mareje Village, West Lombok

Mareje Village, located in Sheet District, West Lombok Regency, NTB, Indonesia, is one of five villages and sub-districts in the Sheet District area. Nature protection is carried out to care for and protect natural resources, including flora, fauna, ecosystems and the environment. It involves a series of actions to ensure the sustainability and balance of ecosystems and natural habitats. This research aims to identify various food, medicinal and dye plants that have long been part of the conservation practices of the Mareje Village community. The research method used is descriptive qualitative, with data collected through trusted online sources, as well as interviews and questionnaires with local residents. The research results show that the people of Mareje Village still rely on various plants as a source of food, dyes and medicine. This includes rice, corn, cassava, taro, long beans, peanuts, green beans, and sweet potatoes for food; turmeric, pandan, katuk leaves, butterfly pea flowers, and dragon fruit for coloring; as well as white binahong, cat's whiskers, castor leaves, Chinese betel leaves, katuk leaves, black turmeric, bridal flowers, and horsewhip for medicine.

Evaluating the effect of organic NPK granules on yield, nutrient uptake, post-harvest soil fertility and soil microbial population in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Rice is the most important and staple food crop for more than two third of population of India. India is the second largest rice producing country in the world after China. Although, rice planted area in India is 40 per cent higher than in China, Indian rice production is 30 percent below Chinese production because of lower yields. Among several constraints of production, nutrient management plays a key role in realizing sustainable yield from any given cultivation practices. Integrated nutrient management system plays a vital role in balancing the soil fertility and plant nutrient supply to an optimum level through the judicious and efficient use of chemical fertilizers, green manure, FYM and biofertilizers leading to an eco-friendly approach and economically viable solution for this problem. Continuous integrated use of organic manures with chemical fertilizers would be quite promising in assessing the sustainability of a cropping system vis-à-vis monitoring the soil properties. To investigate further, a field experiment was conducted at the Experimental Farm, Department of Agronomy, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu from June to September 2023 with a key objective of evaluating the effect of combined application of graded levels of conventional fertilizers along with organic NPK granules in lowland rice. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with seven treatments comprised of different levels of conventional fertilizers along with organic NPK granules. Among the nutrient management evaluated, all the yield attributes of lowland rice viz., grain yield, straw yield, uptake of nutrients and post-harvest soil available nutrients were significantly influenced by the application of 70% NPK through synthetic fertilizers and 30% NPK through organic granules. Combining conventional fertilizers along with organic NPK granules improved nitrogen use efficiency via metabolite production, enzyme activity stimulation, and microbial rhizosphere interactions significantly enhancing the yield attributes and yield.

Biofortification-enabled strategies to mitigate the challenges of malnutrition

Scientific and technological intervention have significantly contributed to global food security, especially due to the enabling technologies during the so-called Green-revolution era. However, ending all kinds of hunger poses a daunting challenge to fulfill the food and nutritional demands of the ever-growing human population. Hidden hunger also referred as malnutrition is very common problem in the developing countries in Sub-Sahara Africa and South Asia. Consistent with malnutrition, an associated challenge is to improve the health-benefits of food crops to overcome the problems of obesity, type II diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and some types of cancer by developing functional foods. Biofortification of food crops, especially staple crops like rice, wheat and maize by using innovative genomics and breeding technologies should be given priority to overcome this formidable challenge.

Enhancing Crop Resilience: Insights from Labdane-Related Diterpenoid Phytoalexin Research in Rice (Oryza sativa L.).

Rice (Oryza sativa L.), as one of the most significant food crops worldwide, holds paramount importance for global food security. Throughout its extensive evolutionary journey, rice has evolved a diverse array of defense mechanisms to fend off pest and disease infestations. Notably, labdane-related diterpenoid phytoalexins play a crucial role in aiding rice in its response to both biotic and abiotic stresses. This article provides a comprehensive review of the research advancements pertaining to the chemical structures, biological activities, and biosynthetic pathways, as well as the molecular regulatory mechanisms, underlying labdane-related diterpenoid phytoalexins discovered in rice. This insight into the molecular regulation of labdane-related diterpenoid phytoalexin biosynthesis offers valuable perspectives for future research aimed at improving crop resilience and productivity.

Cascading spatial drought network: A complex networks approach to track propagation of meteorological droughts to agricultural droughts

Meteorological droughts often propagate to agricultural (and other) droughts, both spatially and temporally. The present study proposes a novel complex networks-based cascading spatial drought network to examine the spatial propagation of meteorological droughts in a region to agricultural droughts in other regions. This is done through: (1) establishing stable homogeneous drought communities; (2) investigating inter-community drought propagation; (3) locating drought sources; and (4) evaluating drought connections within major crop belts. The approach is implemented to study droughts in the Indian-subcontinent during the period 1948–2022. Monthly precipitation and root-zone soil moisture data from GLDAS (Global Land Data Assimilation System) are used to compute the standardized precipitation index (SPI) for meteorological droughts and standardized soil moisture index (SSI) for agricultural droughts. Primarily, the drought network is demarcated into several subsets of network communities within which clusters of localized propagation take place. Multi-community subgraphs combining different communities are also formed to understand the long-distance inter-community drought linkages. Using network centrality measures, such as degree, closeness, and clustering coefficient, network properties of scale-freeness, small-worldness, and presence of rich-clubs are checked. Although the overall network does not exhibit any of these properties, certain subgraphs have significant small-worldness, rich-clubs, and partial scale-freeness. Some of the crucial nodes that support these network properties lie in the monsoon pathways (in the Western Ghats), and others have a strong association with El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) teleconnections, thus validating the ability of the drought network to capture seasonal and climatic features. Additionally, subgraphs of nodes with high productivity of different food crops are created to study drought propagation within crop belts. Barring potential shortcomings related to data dependencies, the cascading spatial drought network helps identify an impending agricultural drought that could strengthen our ability to forecast droughts.

Transcriptome and Metabolome Analyses Reveal Response Mechanisms to Alternaria brassicicola-Induced Black Spot Disease in Diverse Chinese Cabbage Genotypes

Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa L. ssp. pekinensis) is an important food crop. However, its growth and development are commonly impacted by black spot disease. To examine the response mechanisms of Chinese cabbage to black spot disease, transcriptome and metabolome sequencing were performed on the leaves of Chinese cabbage genotypes J405 (resistant) and B214 (susceptible), 48 h post-infection (hpi) with Alternaria brassicicola. Expression of essential genes in the jasmonic acid, cytokinin, and auxin signaling pathways of both Chinese cabbage genotypes was inhibited. The expression of the pathogenesis-related protein 1 (PR1) gene mediated by the salicylic acid pathway is inhibited in the Chinese cabbage genotype B214. The basic endochitase B (CHIB) gene in the ethylene pathway of both Chinese cabbage genotypes was upregulated. The accumulation of reactive oxygen species in the disease spots of Chinese cabbage genotype J405 was greater than in genotype B214. The respiratory burst oxidase (RBOH) gene in the reactive oxygen species metabolic pathway was significantly upregulated in genotype J405, while no change was observed in genotype B214. We found that oxidation-reduction-related genes such as type-2 peroxiredoxin genes, NADPH-dependent thioredoxin reductase genes, glutathione peroxidase genes, and glutathione S-transfer genes were differentially expressed across both Chinese cabbage genotypes at 48 hpi. Metabolomics demonstrated that delta-tocopherol and S-hexyl glutathione were all downregulated in genotype J405, while they were upregulated in genotype B214. This approach also identified differential expression of genes in the carotenoid biosynthesis pathway, the glycinebetaine biosynthesis pathway, as well as in the specific sulfur glycoside metabolism pathway. These findings indicate that ethylene signaling is important in the hormone signaling regulatory network-mediated disease resistance and defense in Chinese cabbage. When facing pathogen infection, hormone transduction pathways associated with growth and development in Chinese cabbage are inhibited. The accumulation of reactive oxygen species and the outbreak of various secondary metabolites may endow the Chinese cabbage genotype J405 with increased resistance to black spot disease.

Antinutrients in Halophyte-Based Crops

The cultivation of halophytes is an alternative approach to sustain agricultural productivity under changing climate. They are densely equipped with a diverse group of metabolites that serve multiple functions, such as providing tolerance to plants against extreme conditions, being used as a food source by humans and ruminants and containing bioactive compounds of medicinal importance. However, some metabolites, when synthesized in greater concentration above their threshold level, are considered antinutrients. Widely reported antinutrients include terpenes, saponins, phytate, alkaloids, cyanides, tannins, lectins, protease inhibitors, calcium oxalate, etc. They reduce the body's ability to absorb essential nutrients from the diet and also cause serious health problems. This review focuses on antinutrients found both in wild and edible halophytes and their beneficial as well as adverse effects on human health. Efforts were made to highlight such antinutrients with scientific evidence and describe some processing methods that might help in reducing antinutrients while using halophytes as a food crop in future biosaline agriculture.

Millets: a nutritional powerhouse for ensuring food security.

Millets are important food source to ensure global food and nutritional security and are associated with health benefits. Millets have emerged as a nutritional powerhouse with the potential to address food security challenges worldwide. These ancient grains, which come in various forms, including finger millet, proso millet, and pearl millet, among others, are essential to a balanced diet, since they provide a wide range of nutritional advantages. Millets have a well-rounded nutritional profile with a high protein, dietary fiber, vitamin, and mineral content for optimal health and wellness. In addition to their nutritional advantages, millets exhibit remarkable adaptability and durability to various agroecological conditions, making them a valuable resourcefor smallholder farmers functioning in resource-poor regions. Promoting the growth and use of millet can lead to several benefits that researchers and development experts may discover, including improved nutrition, increased food security, and sustainable agricultural methods. Therefore, millets are food crops, that are climate smart, nutritional, and food secured to feed the increasing global population, and everyone could have a healthier, more resilient future.

Performance Evaluation of Linseed (<i>Linum usitatissimum</i> L.) Varieties in Buno Bedele Zone, South Western Oromia

Linseed (<i>Linum usitatissimum</i> L.) is one of the most important oil crops of Ethiopia and it is considered as the main food crop and the least expensive source of oil for the farmers in many highlands of the country. Even though numerous improved linseed varieties have been released in Ethiopia, the mean seed yield per unit area of the crop remains low due to poor access to improved varieties. To improve the crop’s production and productivity, testing the performance of improved linseed varieties in potential agro ecologies where the varieties have never been grown before is an essential activity. A study was carried out with the objective of testing the performance of improved linseed varieties and their genetic variability for seed yield and related traits in Bedele, Dabo Hana and Didesa districts of Buno Bedele zone, south western Oromia, Ethiopia. This experiment was carried out using twelve linseed varieties were used for investigation (Bekoji-14, Kassa-2, Welen, Bekoji, Kuma, Yadano, Furtu, Bakalcha, Dibane, Horesoba & Jitu) and one local check were sown in randomized complete block design with three replications during the 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 main cropping seasons. Six (6) quantitative morphological traits were collected and analyzed by using R-software accordingly. Combined analysis of data from the three locations revealed that there is significant difference among varieties for days to flowering, days to maturity and grain yield, but non-significant for plant height (cm), number of primary branches per plant and number of capsules per plant. Significant effect of location was observed in plant height, number of primary branch per plant, number of capsule per plant and grain yield however non-significant in days to flowering and days to maturity. The interaction of Variety X location was significant for days to flowering, days to maturity, plant height and grain yield, however non-significant for number of primary branch per plant and number of capsule per plant. The maximum seed yield was recorded in varieties Kuma (1588.9 kgha<sup>-1</sup>) followed by Beokoji-14 (1476.7 kgha<sup>-1</sup>) and the lowest yield (978.9 kg/ha-1) was obtained from local check. The combine AMMI analysis for seed yield across environments revealed significantly affected by environments that hold 26.6% of the total variation. The genotype and genotype by environmental interaction were significant and accounted for 12.40% and 19.42% respectively. Principal component 1 and 2 accounted for 10.78 % and 6.13% of the GEI respectively with a total of 16.91% variation. In general, Kuma and Bekoji-14 varieties were identified as the best varieties for yielding ability, stability and recommended in the area and with similar agro-ecologies.

Pemanfaatan Analisis Komponen Utama dalam Mendeskripsikan Ciri Morfoagronomi Padi yang Berkorelasi dengan Yield

Rice is an important food crop with a crucial role in global food security. Study on correlation between morphoagronomic traits and yield is an important step in the development of superior rice varieties. Research data were collected from 20 rice varieties grown in the experimental field. A total of 10 morphoagronomic trait variables were measured, including plant height, number of productive tillers, flowering age, dry weight of biomass, hollow grain, 1,000-grain weight, grain weight, panicle number, panicle length, and harvest index. Data were analyzed using variance, correlation, and principal component analyses. The results of PCA showed that 3 principal components (PC) explained 80.88% of the data variation. PC1 was associated with plant height, flowering age, biomass dry weight, empty grain, panicle length, grain weight per clump. PC2 was associated with 1,000-grain weight and harvest index, while PC3 was associated with number of productive tillers and number of panicles. Correlation analysis showed that 1,000-grain weight was positively correlated with harvest index, while biomass dry weight was negatively correlated. These results suggest that all observed morphoagronomic traits except biomass dry weight have an important role in increasing rice yield. Furthermore, the results of this study provide basic informations for the development of high-yielding rice varieties.

Interaction Effects of Nutrient and Water on Crop Production System under Dry and Irrigated Agriculture System

Many areas in India, including dryland areas, are under stress from two main obstacles to agricultural output, namely, inadequate soil nutrients and a scarcity of water. In most rainfed regions, except for a few places that can conduct irrigation, low precipitation levels and their erratic distribution usually result in soil water deficiency which leads to water as well as the instances of nutritional stress. Hence, in sustainable agricultural production systems, soil water and nutrient stress are major concerns. In crop production systems, the interplay between water and nutrients might yield favourable results, contingent on the growth stages, volumes, combinations, and balance of the crops. In irrigated areas, water and nutrients have interdependent effects. Efficient water management can enhance nutrient availability and transformation in soil or fertilizers. Water boosts plant nutrient content, uptake, and overall efficiency. Water scarcity stresses plants, impeding root growth and nutrient absorption. Additionally, it has been discovered that there is typically a strong, nearly linear correlation between crop yield and nutrient and water management techniques. Water availability and nutrient efficiency are therefore intimately related. The water state of the soil should be taken into consideration when applying nutrients in a balanced manner, taking into account their types, ratios, amounts, timing, and methods, in addition to their capacity to give nutrients. Therefore, determining the best time or growth stage to add water and nutrients to various crops, as well as how water and nutrients interact, are essential for a sustainable crop production system.

Measurement of the social investment impact of the bahtera segara program using the social return on investment method (SROI)

PT Pertamina Patra Niaga Integrated Terminal Semarang conducted this study to analyze the impact of the BAHTERA SEGARA (Bahagia Sejahtera Nelayan Pesisir Semarang Utara) Program, aiming to enhance the program's quality in the future. This research employs the SROI method to measure the impact of all activities carried out by PT Pertamina Patra Niaga Integrated Terminal Semarang within the framework of the BAHTERA SEGARA (Bahagia Sejahtera Nelayan Pesisir Pesisir Semarang Utara) Program. Based on the study results of the BAHTERA SEGARA Program (Bahagia Sejahtera Nelayan Pesisir Semarang Utara), this program has proven to be effective and has a significant positive impact. The program has succeeded in improving the economic, social, and environmental welfare of the target community groups and communities that replicate it independently. Increasing SROI scores from 2020 to 2023 indicate that the program is increasingly effective in delivering benefits, particularly through the replication of food crop cultivation and increased fish processing productivity. The program also contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and supports climate change adaptation efforts. The program's successful replication demonstrates the effectiveness of BAHTERA SEGARA as a collective learning tool, as well as its potential for replication in other areas with similar conditions.

Rice plants treated with biochar derived from Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) optimize resource allocation towards seed production.

The use of biofertilizers is becoming an economical and environmentally friendly alternative to promote sustainable agriculture. Biochar from microalgae/cyanobacteria can be applied to enhance the productivity of food crops through soil improvement, slow nutrient absorption and release, increased water uptake, and long-term mitigation of greenhouse gas sequestration. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the stimulatory effects of biochar produced from Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) biomass on the development and seed production of rice plants. Biochar was produced by slow pyrolysis at 300°C, and characterization was performed through microscopy, chemical, and structural composition analyses. Molecular and physiological analyses were performed in rice plants submitted to different biochar concentrations (0.02, 0.1, and 0.5 mg mL-1) to assess growth and productivity parameters. Morphological and physicochemical characterization revealed a heterogeneous morphology and the presence of several minerals (Na, K, P, Mg, Ca, S, Fe, and Si) in the biochar composition. Chemical modification of compounds post-pyrolysis and a highly porous structure with micropores were observed. Rice plants submitted to 0.5 mg mL-1 of biochar presented a decrease in root length, followed by an increase in root dry weight. The same concentration influenced seed production, with an increase of 44% in the number of seeds per plant, 17% in the percentage of full seeds per plant, 12% in the weight of 1,000 full seeds, 53% in the seed weight per plant, and 12% in grain area. Differential proteomic analyses in shoots and roots of rice plants submitted to 0.5 mg mL-1 of biochar for 20 days revealed a fine-tuning of resource allocation towards seed production. These results suggest that biochar derived from Arthrospira platensis biomass can stimulate rice seed production.

Advancements in breeding for high oil content in maize (Zea mays. L)

Maize is one of the world’s most important food crops, supplying>5% deity energy. Due to its wider adaptability, high yield potential, maize is widely utilized as food and animals world worldwide. It enriched with caloric starch and the high energy in its oil. The kernel oil content in commercial high-oil maize hybrids averages ∼8%, far lower than that in developed high-oil maize lines (as high as 20%). The maize seed/kernel consisted of endosperm (82%) and the germ (embryo and scutellum) (12%). The germ region makes up 80–84% of kernel oil, with the aleurone and endosperm making up 12% and 5%, respectively. High-oil maize may serve as a valuable forage maize germplasm for breeding. Maize oil is also considered as high-quality oil for human health due to the high proportion of polyun-saturated fatty acids. Selection for high oil increases the proportion of germ and further content of germ oil. The problems that over-shadow the successful production of high-oil corn are low grain yield potential, physiological cost of oil synthesis, low seed vigor, low kernel weight, shorter seed longevity, and poor germination of high-oil corn lines. It is necessary to make efforts to generate nested populations or use marker-assisted recurrent selection (MARS) to accumulate the advantageous quantitative trait loci (QTLs) in the pa-rental lines. The oil content of maize inbreeds and hybrids could be further improved with the use of transgenes, genomics, and metabolic engineering technologies in new insight for the development of high oil maize breeding and strategies.

Effect of NPK and Growth Regulators on Growth and Productivity of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

The present study highlights the effect of NPK and growth regulators on growth and productivity of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Wheat is one of the most important and widely grown food crops with over 25000 different cultivars. The exploration was carried out during Rabi season 2021-22 at Instructional farm, BTC College of Agriculture and Research station, Bilaspur (C.G.). The soil of the experimental site was clayed in texture. The wheat (Var. HI-1544) was grown and treatments were replicated three times in randomized block design. The experiment consists of twelve treatments The crop was sown on 11 November, 2021 and harvesting was done on 24 March 2021.The result that higher grain (45.55 q ha-1) and straw (46.45 q ha-1) yield were observed under the treatment 150% RDF + Two spray of growth regulator at first node(35 DAS) & boot leaf stage (60 DAS) (T9). The improvement in yield of wheat was recorded with the application of 150% RDF + Two spray of growth regulator at first node(35 DAS) & boot leaf stage (60 DAS) (T9) which was at par with the application of 150% RDF (T6). Treatment (T9) assigned yield advantage of 21.19% and 21.52% in grain and straw yield respectively as compared to 150% RDF (T6) and Absolute control (T1). The result of the present study came to the conclusion that the application of 150% RDF+ growth regulators through fertilizer is essential to get higher production output and profit from wheat cultivation and reduce the risk.