Harvest Stage Research Articles

Association of Agronomic, Physiological Traits and Biomass of a Diverse Set of Sugarcane Genotypes under Varied Early Season Droughts

Background: Recently, multipurpose and biomass canes have become important in breeding. However, biomass sampling is limited in early generation selection. The surrogate traits that represent biomass performance need to be established, especially using non-destructive sampling. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the correlation between agronomic and physiological traits and the biomass of a diverse set of sugarcane genotypes under different drought durations. Methods: The experiment was conducted under field conditions and arranged in a split plot in a randomized complete block design with four replications. The main plot was represented by three drought durations: no water stress, short-term drought and long-term drought and the subplot consisted of six sugarcane genotypes. Samples were collected at 3, 6, 8 and 12 months after transplanting to determine biomass and nondestructive agronomic and physiological traits. A simple correlation was used to determine the relationship between biomass and physiological and agronomic traits. Result: In both field capacity and long drought conditions, 3 months after transplanting, there was a positive correlation between canopy height and biomass and between green leaf number and biomass. The non-destructive leaf area index was a trait that contributed to biomass at 6 months after transplanting under non-water stress conditions. At 8 months after transplanting, a positive relationship between canopy height and biomass was found under short drought and long drought conditions and green leaf number was also related to biomass under field capacity conditions. Biomass at the harvesting stage contributed to canopy width in sugarcane under field capacity conditions. Non-destructive traits in this experiment, such as canopy height and green leaf number, could be used as indirect measurements to reflect the biomass performance under field capacity and long drought conditions at the tillering and physiological maturity phases. For the elongation phase, the non-destructive leaf area index was an altered characteristic that indirectly determined biomass. This information will be useful as an alternative measurement to indicate biomass in the breeding program for drought resistance at the early growth stage.

Irrigation depth and nitrogen rate effects on seed cotton yield, fiber quality and water-nitrogen utilization efficiency in southern Xinjiang, China

Seed cotton yield and fiber quality are two primary factors that influence the international competitiveness of cotton. To enhance the water-nitrogen utilization efficiency and promote the sustainable cotton production, field experiments were performed in 2020 and 2021 to explore the effects of irrigation depth and nitrogen (N) fertilization rate on N uptake and distribution, seed cotton yield, fiber quality traits and water-nitrogen utilization efficiency in the Korla region of southern Xinjiang, China. Three irrigation depths (W1: 60% ETc, W2: 80% ETc, W3: 100% ETc; ETc was crop water consumption) and four N rates (N0: 0 kg ha−1, N200: 200 kg ha−1, N300: 300 kg ha−1, N400: 400 kg ha−1) were applied. The results showed irrigation depth and N rate significantly influenced N uptake and distribution in plant organs, seed cotton yield, crop water productivity (WP), partial factor productivity of nitrogen (PFPN) and some fiber quality traits. Increasing irrigation depth improved plant height, leaf area index, aboveground dry matter and seed cotton yield, while increasing N rate increased and then declined these indicators. At the squaring and flowering stages, the N accumulation in all parts of cotton increased as irrigation depth and N rate increased, whereas it increased and then declined with increasing N rate at the boll-setting and harvesting stages. At the squaring and flowering stages, N was mainly accumulated in the leaves. As the growth period progressed, N was transported to bolls and the proportion of N content in leaves decreased. The proportion of N accumulation in cotton bolls was largest at the boll-setting and harvesting stages, and the N accumulation in plant organs followed the order of boll > leaf > stem > root. As irrigation depth increased, PFPN increased but WP decreased. As N rate increased, PFPN decreased but WP increased and then declined. The increases in N rate improved fiber quality. The maximum seed cotton yield (7578 kg ha−1 in 2020 and 7173 kg ha−1 in 2021) and greater WP, PFPN and fiber quality occurred in W3N300, which was recommended as a sustainable cotton production strategy in the Korla region of southern Xinjiang and elsewhere with similar environments to improve water-nitrogen utilization efficiency, seed cotton yield and alleviate soil nitrate pollution risk.

PSIV-21 Comparing the Nutritional Value and the Trade-Off Between Sugars and Starch of Male-Sterile with Non-Sterile Sorghum Hybrids

Abstract The objective of this study was to assess the effect male-sterile versus non-sterile sorghum hybrids on nutritional value with emphasis on carbohydrates. The experiment was conducted on a dairy farm in West Texas under center pivot irrigation. Two male-sterile (Non-BMR, F465; and BMR12, F430) and three non-sterile sorghum hybrids (non-BMR F10; BMR12, F382, and F431; Richardson Seeds) were used in a split-plot design to reduce cross-pollination. Because of westerly prevailing winds, male-sterile hybrids were allocated to the west and non-sterile hybrids to the east, plots were blocked by irrigation section, and replicated 3 times. Plots were harvested 148 days after seeding with non-sterile hybrids after the hard dough stage and male-sterile hybrids 7 weeks after boot stage and harvested with a self-propelled forage harvester with a theoretical length of cut of 12 mm and roll gap setting at 2 mm. Duplicate samples of freshly chopped forage were obtained from each plot and immediately placed into a cooler with ice until harvest was completed. Samples were then frozen until shipped to Rock River laboratory where near-infrared spectroscopy analysis was performed. In addition, water soluble carbohydrates (WSC) and NDFD at 30h were analyzed with wet chemistry methods. The statistical analysis was performed using mixed linear regression models (GLIMMIX procedure of SAS). Type (Sterile and non-Sterile), trait (BMR12 and non-BMR) and its interaction were included as predictor variables in all models. Normal distribution of residuals was assessed using Shapiro-Wilk test (P > 0.05) and visual diagnostic of residual plots. A summary of the results is presented in Table 1. WSC was 2.5-fold greater for the sterile hybrids when compared with non-sterile, whereas starch was 2.2-fold greater for non-sterile when compared with sterile hybrids (P < 0.0001). Non-fiber carbohydrates were greater for non-sterile over sterile sorghum hybrids (P < 0.0001); however, non-sterile hybrids were past the optimal stage of harvest (soft dough), which would result in poor digestibility of grain starch and protein. In addition, crude protein (CP) was less for sterile than non-sterile (8.29% and 10.2% respectively; P < 0.0001). Compared with non-sterile hybrids, male sterile hybrids DM was decreased (28.4% and 40.8%, respectively; P < 0.0001) due to its proportionally greater vegetative plant parts compared with reproductive plant parts. The trade-off between WSC and starch in male-sterile sorghum hybrids is because sugars are not translocated to the grain where starch is developed as in non-sterile hybrids. This research indicates that concerns about low sorghum starch digestibility can be overcome by using male-sterile sorghum hybrids that will, at least partially, compensate for the reduced starch yield by increasing water-soluble carbohydrates storage.

Effect of Tillage, Crop Residue Management and Nutrient Levels on Growth and Yield of Maize (Zea mays L.)

A field study was conducted during rabi season of 2022 at Maize Research Centre, Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agriculture University, Agricultural Research Institute, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, Telangana. The experiment comprised of 12 treatment combinations laid out in a split–plot design with three replications. The main–plot treatments included four different tillage practices:M1-Conventional tillage (Plough + Cultivator + Rotovator), M2-Residue incorporation (After 10 days of spreading the haulms, only rotovator was run), M3- Residue incorporation (After spreading the haulms, microbial consortium was sprayed and after 10 days only rotovator was run) and M4- Zero-tillage (only microbial consortium was sprayed on the haulms). Sub–plot treatments included three nutrient levels: N1- 100% RDF (240-80-80 N-P2O5-K2O kg ha-1), N2: 100% RDN & P and 50% RDK (240-80-40 N-P2O5-K2O kg ha-1), and N3: 87.5% of RDN, 75% RDP and 75% RDK (210-60-60 N-P2O5-K2O kg ha-1). Results revealed that, among the tillage practices, residue incorporation (M3) had recorded significantly higher growth attributes like plant height, leaf area, dry matter production and chlorophyll content (SPAD) at 30, 60 DAS and at harvest stages and yield of maize and it was on par with zero-tillage (M4) whereas all the parameters were significantly lower in conventional tillage (M1). Among the different nutrient levels, N1(100% RDF) had shown significantly superior performance in terms of growth attributes and yield of maize and it was on par with N2 (100% RDN & P and 50% RDK) whereas N3(87.5% of RDN, 75% RDP and 75% RDK) recorded significantly lower growth attributes and yield of maize .The interaction effect due to tillage and nutrient levels on plant height, leaf area, dry matter production, chlorophyll content (SPAD) at 30, 60 DAS and at harvest and yield was non- significant.

Analysis of Flavonoid Metabolites in Citrus reticulata 'Chachi' at Different Collection Stages Using UPLC-ESI-MS/MS.

Flavonoids are essential substances with antioxidant properties and high medicinal value. Citrus reticulata 'Chachi' peel (CRCP) is rich in flavonoids and has numerous health benefits. The different maturity periods of CRCP can affect the flavonoid contents and pharmacological effects. In this study, we successfully performed UPLC-ESI-MS/MS-based metabolic analysis to compare the metabolites of CRCP at different harvesting periods (Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, and Dec) using a systematic approach. The results revealed the identification of a total of 168 flavonoid metabolites, including 61 flavones, 54 flavonols, 14 flavone C-glycosides, 14 dihydroflavones, 9 flavanones, 8 isoflavones, 3 flavanols, 3 dihydroflavonols, and 2 chalcones. Clustering analysis and PCA were used to separate the CRCP samples collected at different stages. Furthermore, from July to December, the relative contents of isoflavones, dihydroflavones, and dihydroflavonols gradually increased and flavanols gradually decreased over time. The relative content of flavonoid C-glycosides showed an increasing and then decreasing trend, reaching the highest value in August. This study contributes to a better understanding of flavonoid metabolites in CRCP at different harvesting stages and informs their potential future utilization.

Effects of Harvest Timing on Phytochemical Composition in Lamiaceae Plants under an Environment-Controlled System.

The Lamiaceae family is widely recognized for its production of essential oils and phenolic compounds that have promising value as pharmaceutical materials. However, the impact of environmental conditions and different harvest stages on the phytochemical composition of Lamiaceae plants remains poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the effects of harvest time on the phytochemical composition, including rosmarinic acid (RA) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), of four Lamiaceae plants-Korean mint (AR), lemon balm (MO), opal basil (OBP), and sage (SO)-and was conducted under an environment-controlled system. Although all four plants had RA as the dominant compound, its distribution varied by species. The flowered plants, including AR and OBP, exhibited a rapid increase of RA during the transition from the vegetative stage to the reproductive stage. In contrast, non-flowered groups, including MO and SO, showed a steady increase in the content of total phenolics and RA. The main components of VOCs also differed depending on the plant, with characteristic fragrance compounds identified for each one (AR: estragole; MO: (Z)-neral and geranial; OBP: methyl eugenol, eugenol, and linalool; and SO: (Z)-thujone, camphor, and humulene). The total VOCs content was highest on the 60th day after transplanting regardless of the species, while the trends of total phenolics, RA content, and antioxidant activities were different depending on whether plant species flowered during the cultivation cycle. There was a steady increase in species that had not flowered, and the highest content and activity of the flowering period were confirmed in the flowering plant species.

Performance evaluation of the ORYZA_V3 model for rice growth and organ nitrogen content

AbstractThe ORYZA version 3 (ORYZA_V3) model is commonly used for simulating paddy rice (Oryza sativa L.) growth. However, few studies have investigated the performance of the ORYZA_V3 model for predicting in‐season crop growth variables, especially for the nitrogen (N) translocation process among paddy rice organs in the whole growing season, that is, from sowing to harvest stages. This study examines the prediction accuracy of seven paddy rice growth variables based on one cropping season of field experiment. The results show that (1) the ORYZA_V3 model generates accurate prediction of paddy rice leaf area index, above‐ground biomass, and yield, where root mean square errors (RMSEs) are 0.98–1.11 ha/ha, 2360.5–3028.7 kg/ha, and 492.9–515.2 kg/ha, respectively, coefficient of determination (R2) ranges from 0.76 to 1.00, and index of agreement (D‐index) ranges from 0.50 to 0.98. (2) The prediction accuracy of paddy rice leaf and stem N contents is acceptable, where RMSE ranges from 0.0017 to 0.0041 kg/kg, R2 ranges from 0.82 to 0.96, and D‐index ranges from 0.93 to 0.98. (3) The ORYZA_V3 model cannot generate accurate prediction of rice root and panicle N contents, where RMSE ranges from 0.0007 to 0.0022 kg/kg, R2 ranges from 0.01 to 0.20, and D‐index ranges from 0.17 to 0.65. The structural uncertainty in the N translocation module may be a major reason for the unacceptable crop model prediction. This study demonstrated the substantial potential of the ORYZA_V3 model for simulating and understanding paddy rice growth and organ N translocation.

Bacteriophages PECP14, PECP20, and their endolysins as effective biocontrol agents for Escherichia coli O157:H7 and other foodborne pathogens

Escherichia coli O157:H7 is a notorious foodborne pathogen known to cause severe illnesses such as hemolytic colitis and hemolytic uremic syndrome, with fresh produce consumption being implicated in recent outbreaks. The inappropriate use of antimicrobials to combat pathogens has led to the emergence and rapid dissemination of antimicrobial-resistant microorganisms including pathogenic E. coli, presenting a significant risk to humans. Here, we isolated two E. coli O157:H7 infecting bacteriophages, PECP14 and PECP20, from irrigation water and city sewage, respectively, as alternatives to antimicrobials. Both phages were stable for at least 16 h in a broad range of pH (pH 3–11) and temperature (4–40 °C) conditions and have a double-stranded DNA chromosome. PECP14 and PECP20, classified under the Epseptimavirus and Mosigvirus genera, respectively, exhibit specificity in targeting different host receptors, BtuB protein and lipopolysaccharide. Interestingly, these phages demonstrate the ability to infect not only E. coli O157:H7 but also other foodborne enteric pathogens like Shigella sonnei and S. flexneri. Upon mixing phages with their respective host bacteria, rapid adsorption (at least 68 % adsorption within 10 min) and substantial bacterial lysis were observed. The efficacy of phage treatment was further validated through the reduction of E. coli O157:H7 on radish sprouts. Moreover, purified endolysins, LysPECP14 and LysPECP20, derived from each phage exhibited remarkable bacteriolytic activity against E. coli O157:H7 cells pretreated with EDTA. In particular, the activity of LysPECP20 was also noticeable against Listeria monocytogenes and Bacillus cereus, suggesting its potential for broader antimicrobial applications in food industry. The combined results showed that the phages PECP14, PECP20, and their endolysins could be used for biological control of E. coli O157:H7 in various circumstances, from production, harvesting, and storage stages to processing and distribution steps of agricultural products.

Effect of Porphyra haitanensis polyphenols from different harvest periods on hypoglycaemic activity based on in vitro digestion and widely targeted metabolomic analysis

The hypoglycemic effect of Porphyra is well known. Based on in vitro digestion and metabolomics, the bioaccessibility, antidiabetic activity and phenolic conversion of P. haitanensis were investigated at different harvests. Total polyphenol content (TPC), α-glucosidase inhibition and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) increased with harvesting and digestion stages, reaching maximum at the fourth harvest. TPC and α-glucosidase inhibition after digestion reached 130–150 mg/g and 50–90 %, ORAC was 8.7–13.5 times higher than the undigestion. However, bioaccessibility in the first and second harvests was 10–80 % higher than other harvests. The phenolic content in the fourth harvest was up-regulated to 2–30 times than the first and mostly were citrus flavonoids. Redundancy analysis indicated significant correlation between phenolic metabolites and bioactivities in different harvests of P. haitanensis during digestion, with the strongest correlation coefficients were apigenin and genistein. This study provides reference for the application of P. haitanensis in treating type 2 diabetes.

Agricultural Modernization and Social Change in Farming Communities in Arokke Hamlet, Lili Riattang Village, Lappariaja District, Bone Regency

This research aims to (1) describe agricultural modernization in farming communities in Arokke Hamlet, Lili Riattang Village, Lappariaja District, Bone Regency. (2) to describe the impact of agricultural modernization on social changes in farming communities in Arokke Hamlet, Lili Riattang Village, Lappariaja District, Bone Regency. This research uses descriptive qualitative research methods. The data collection process carried out was (1) Observation (2) Interview (3) Documentation. To more easily understand the events being studied, the author uses Talcot Parsons' Functionalism theory approach. The research results show that (1) The development of agricultural modernization in the farming community in Arokke Hamlet, Liliriattang Village is a change in agricultural procedures from traditional to more advanced or modern. Agricultural modernization itself is considered more practical, faster, and makes it easier for farmers to cultivate agricultural land from the process of cultivating rice fields to the harvesting stage. The modernization of agricultural farming in the farming community in Arokke Hamlet, Liliriattang Village is: (a) the values of modernization are the attitude of openness of the farming community towards the changes that occur. (b) agricultural organizations, namely the formation of farmer groups. (c) agricultural technology, based on research results, a form of modernization in agricultural technology is the use of agricultural tools with advanced technology. (d) community knowledge in the use of agricultural technology, agricultural modernization has good potential and opportunities for progress in the agricultural sector, but this potential must be accompanied by knowledge about agricultural modernization so that people are able to manage their agriculture well so that it has an impact on maximum final results. (2) The impact of agricultural modernization on social changes in the farming community in Arokke Hamlet, Liliriattang Village. This research shows that agricultural modernization has brought significant changes to farmers. Changes in the agricultural sector include: (a) an increase in agricultural production. (b) changes in social structure. (c) agricultural modernization also has an impact on the environment. (d) agricultural modernization causes changes in culture and values in society. (e) agricultural modernization has a positive impact on improving the community's economy.

Unveiling the distribution of chemical constituents at different body parts and maturity stages of Ganoderma lingzhi by combining metabolomics with desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry imaging (DESI)

Ganoderma lingzhi is an important medicinal fungus, which is widely used as dietary supplement and for pharmaceutical industries. However, the spatial distribution and dynamic accumulation pattern of active components such as ganoderic acids (GAs) among different parts of G. lingzhi fruiting body are still unclear. In this study, desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry imaging (DESI-MSI) with untargeted metabolomics analysis was applied to investigate the metabolites distribution within G. lingzhi fruiting body at four different maturity stages (squaring, opening, maturation and harvesting stage). A total of 132 metabolites were characterized from G. lingzhi, including 115 triterpenoids, 11 fatty acids and other component. Most of the GAs content in the cap was significantly higher than that in the stipe, with six components such as ganoderic acid B being extremely significant. GAs in the cap was mainly present in the bottom edge of the mediostratum layer, such as ganoderic A-I and ganoderic GS-1, while in the stipe, they were mainly distributed in the shell layer and the context layer, such as ganoderic A-F. Most ganoderic acids content in both the stipe and the cap of G. lingzhi was gradually decreased with the development of G. lingzhi. The GAs in the stipe was gradually transferred from the shell layer to the content layer, while the distribution of GAs among different tissues of the cap was not significantly changed. In addition, linoleic acid, 9-HODE, 9-KODE and other fatty acids were mainly accumulated in the opening and maturing stage of the caps. This study further clarifies the spatial dynamic distribution of GAs in G. lingzhi fruiting body at four different maturity stages (squaring, opening, maturation and harvesting stage), which provides a basis for the rational utilization of the medicinal parts of G. lingzhi. Furthermore, mass spectrometry imaging combined with non-target metabolome analysis provides a powerful tool for the spatial distribution of active substances in the different regions of the medicinal edible fungi.

Growth and yield of shallot (<em>Allium ascalonicum</em> L.) as influenced by soil application of liquid urea and cow urine

This experiment was carried to evaluate the effect of liquid urea and cow urine with cow dung on the economic yield of shallot (Allium ascalonicum L.) in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka. The experiment was arranged in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with eight replicates and six treatments namely, T1: 20 g cow dung, T2: 20 g cow dung + 3% urea, T3: 20 g cow dung + 3% cow urine, T4: 30 g cow dung, T5: 30 g cow dung + 3% urea, and T6: 30 g cow dung + 3% cow urine. The soil applications of liquid urea and cow urine were done as top dressing at two weeks interval from 3rd week after planting (WAP). Data were collected at 3rd, 5th, 7th, and 9th WAP and at harvesting stage. The results revealed that there were significant (P<0.001) variations in plant height, number of bulbs, bulb diameter, fresh weight of single bulb, number of roots, root length, dry weight of leaves, dry weight of bulbs per plant and bulb yield per unit land among the treatments. Relatively higher yield (37.5 t/ha) was obtained from the plants treated with 30 g cow dung and 3% urea (T5) than other treatments whereas 20 g cow dung alone (T1) produced the lowest yield (8.4 t/ha). T6 (30 g cow dung and 3% cow urine) gave 32.6 t/ha bulb yield. It was also noted that there was no remarkable (P>0.05) difference in the bulb yields between T2 and T3. However, significant variation was observed between T5 and T6. The combined effect of cow dung and liquid urea fertilizer increased the onion yield. From this study, it could be stated that 30 g cow dung with 3% urea or 3% cow urine could give high bulb yield in the shallot cultivation at rural areas in Sri Lanka where farmers could easily collect the locally available materials for crop production in ecofriendly manner.

Spraying phenolic acid-modifiedchitooligosaccharide derivatives improves anthocyanin accumulation in grape.

Herein, four chitooligosaccharide derivatives (COS-RA, COS-FA, COS-VA, COS-GA) were prepared by laccase-catalyzed chitooligosaccharide modification with rosmarinic acid (RA), ferulic acid (FA), gallic acid (GA), and vanillic acid (VA), and structures were characterized. RA and FA resulted in higher amino-substitution in the chitooligosaccharides than GA and VA. COS-RA and COS-FA had greater DPPH scavenging rates than COS-GA and COS-VA. Compared with COS treatment, spraying 250mg L-1 COS-RA or COS-VA 6 times (once per 7days) increased soluble sugar and anthocyanin content by 18.6%-23.2% and 41.7%-46.7%, respectively, from the fruit expansion to harvest stage. COS-RA and COS-VA also enhanced gene expression related to anthocyanin synthesis (PAL, F3H, F3'5'H, DFR, and UFGT) and monomeric anthocyanin accumulation (Mal-3-O-glu, Petu-3-O-ace-glu, Del-3-O-glu). Therefore, chitooligosaccharide derivatives may improve grape fruit anthocyanin accumulation by regulating antioxidant systems, improving the photosynthetic rate and inducing gene expression related to anthocyanin synthesis.

Acidity and nutrient management practices for enhancing soil nutrient availability, nutrient uptake and grain yield of rice in Vaikom kari soils in Kuttanad, Kerala

A field investigation was conducted during August to December 2015 and 2016 in farmers` fields in Thalayazham panchayat in Kottayam district. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design having 16 treatments in three replications with rice (Oryza sativa L.) var. Uma. The treatments were dolomite, lime + MgSO4 or RHA (rice husk ash) + MgSO4 along with 100% package of practice (POP) alone or with 100% POP + foliar spray of 13-0-45 N-P-K (KNO3) (1%) or borax (0.5%) or 13-0-45 + borax at PI (panicle initiation) stage. Lime + MgSO4 + 75% POP + 13-0-45 + borax as well as lime without MgSO4 + 100% POP combined with 13-0-45 or borax or both were also included as treatments. Higher grain yield of 5.42 and 5.57 t ha-1 during 2015 and 2016 respectively were produced by dolomite + POP + 13-0-45 followed by dolomite + POP + 13-0-45 + borax and lime + POP + MgSO4 + 13-0-45. The treatments involving dolomite and lime with or without MgSO4 produced taller plants, higher tiller number m-2 and higher Leaf Area Index during both the years. Dolomite + POP + 13-0-45 produced the highest number of panicles m-2. Higher test weight and lower percentage of unfilled grains were observed with dolomite + POP + 13-0-45 and dolomite + POP + 13-0-45 + borax. Lime and dolomite treatments were more effective in reducing soil acidity and improving dehydrogenase activity and nutrient availability in the soil than RHA treatments during both the years. However, the effect of liming materials applied as basal and at 30 DAS diminishes after the crop and this necessitates application of liming materials in every crop season. Availability of soil N improved by treatments involving lime + POP without MgSO4 at PI and harvest stages. The treatments involving dolomite + POP and lime + POP with or without MgSO4 recorded higher available P during PI stage. In general, higher status of available K was registered by the treatments involving dolomite or lime application and lower K status registered by the treatment with 75% POP fertilizer. All treatments involving lime or dolomite registered higher soil available Ca and those involving dolomite or lime + MgSO4 showed higher availability of Mg in the soil. The treatments involving dolomite registered lower status of soil available Fe and higher status of available B. Higher status of available Zn was registered by the treatments involving dolomite or lime + MgSO4. Soil pH was significantly and positively correlated with available P, Ca and Mg and significantly and negatively correlated with available Fe in the soil. In general, higher uptake of macronutrients was observed with dolomite or lime + MgSO4 treatments along with 100% POP during both the years. Foliar spray of 13-0-45 recorded higher N and K uptake. Significant and positive correlation of grain yield with uptake of macro nutrients was also observed.

Effect of Conservation Agriculture Practices on Growth Attributes and Yield of Pigeonpea

A two-year field experiment was conducted at Main Agricultural Research Station, Raichur in 2021 and 2022 was laid out in a Split-Split design with four main, two sub and two sub-sub treatments with three replications to evaluate effect of conservation agricultural practices on growth and yield of pigeonpea. The treatments with flat bed, Compartment bund, Ridge and furrow & Broad bed and furrow were takes on main, treatments with mulching and without mulching an sub treatment and FYM and RDF & FYM an sub-sub treatment. Among them ridges and furrow (M3) method along with mulching FYM and RDF was found to have positive influence of growth parameters viz., plant height, number of primary branches and total dry matter production at harvest stage. Adopting the ridge and furrow method can be an effective strategy for optimizing the grain yield (1555 kg ha-1 and 1599 kg ha-1) in 2021 and 2022 in pigeonpea crop respectively.

Soil microbial population as influenced by different crops and the same crop grown in different locations of Paderu, Andhra Pradesh

Microbial population of soil varies depending on the soil type, climatic conditions, cropping pattern and different cultural practices followed. In the present study, the microbial inoculants with various PGPR were distributed to the farmers of different tribal hamlets. After application of these inoculants, the sampling was made during different crop growth period and microbial population was determined. In general the microbial population was very much improved in the soils of the fields where microbial inoculants were applied. The total microbial population and PGPR viz, Rhizobium, Azospirillum, Azotobacter, PSB, KSB and Pantoea dispersa varied from place to place and in different crops. However, the population was more in plantation crop than other annual crops. In annual crops, the microbial population was more during flowering stage than initial and harvesting stage. This study clearly showed improved microbial population due to application of microbial inoculants in different crops over uninoculated control plots and also more microbial population in plantation crop than in annual crops.

Physiological response, phytochemicals, antioxidant, and enzymatic activity of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) cultivated under different storage time, harvesting Stages, and temperatures

The quality of date palm is highly influenced by postharvest techniques, storage, and processing effects. Fruits stored at room temperature result in dehydration, whereas higher temperatures accelerate the enzymatic browning of fruit. This study aimed to enhance postharvest quality of date palms through improved harvesting and storage techniques. The fruits of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L. cv. Dhakki) were harvested at khalal (mature, firm), rutab (fully ripe), or tamar (dry) stages and stored at different temperatures (12, 18, or 24 °C) for 0, 15, 30, or 45 days. The analysis of the data showed that the studied attributes significantly different at various ripening stages and storage temperatures. The fruits harvested at Khalal stage proved to be the best in retaining moisture content (23.16%), total soluble solids (20.36 oBrix), fruit juice pH (4.97), ascorbic acid (24.65 mg 100 g−1), non-reducing sugars (26.84%), percent acidity (0.39%), antioxidant activity (211.0 mg 100 g−1), total phenolic (40.07 mg100g−1), flavonoids (45.8 mg 100 g−1), tannin (70.7 mg100g−1), catalase (1.82 U g−1), peroxidase (1.4 U g−1), soluble protein (38.2 mg kg−1), brightness (29.9), chroma (16.4), hue angle (34.9), color (16.8), and with minimum weight loss (8.48%) as compared to fruit harvested at Rutab and Tamar stage. Regarding the means for storage temperature, the fruits stored at 12 ± 3 °C retained the highest moisture content (23.2%), total soluble solids (13.5 oBrix), fruit juice pH (5.42), percent acidity (0.29%), ascorbic acid (24.4 mg100g−1), reducing sugars (31.1%), non-reducing sugars (26.5%), antioxidant activity (214.6 mg100g−1), total phenolic (41.6 mg100 g−1), flavonoids (44.7 mg100 g−1), tannin (71.7 mg 100 g−1), catalase (1.56 U g−1), peroxidase (1.21 U g−1), soluble protein (31.8 mg kg−1), brightness (28.8), chroma (15.3), hue angle (29.6), color (16.2),with minimum weight loss (9.91%). It was concluded that for quality fruit production of date palm cv. Dhakki could be harvested at Khalal stage and stored at a temperature of 12 ± 3 °C.

Semi-empirical SAR vegetation index for crop discrimination based on biomass in semi-arid region: A case study in Perambalur district, India

Crop discrimination helps monitor crops and strengthen the agricultural industry to secure food supplies. From existing crop-related studies and observations, found that vegetative Empirical models were limited in crop classification for Kharif and Rabi season crops based on biomass. To improve biomass assessment, this study proposes a modified Vegetation Index using the deviation factor from the plot between the Dual Polarization SAR Vegetation Index (DPSVI) and the Dual Polarimetric Radar Vegetation Index (DpRVI). The deviation factor corrects the difficulties in the lower and higher ranges and is found to be 0.5 for Kharif and Rabi at the harvest stage. Performance of Integrated SAR Vegetation Index carried out to both seasons and shows Kharif (R2 = 0.83), Rabi (R2 = 0.87). In addition, cross-validation with Sentinel-2 derived Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, which has R2 values of 0.84 and 0.86 for Kharif and Rabi seasonal crops respectively. A correlation was performed to assess the capability of the proposed model for individual crops and found that good correlation with vertically grown Kharif and rabi crops except for Sesamum Indicum. A classification capability of the Kharif (76%) and Rabi (84%) crops and variation shows crops are healthy and have more greenery. From the results, a modified measure outperformed than DPSVI and DpRVI at the harvest stage for a selected crop in the above season and proved an alternate.

Optimizing Carrot Harvesting Machine Design: Incorporating Soil and Crop Parameters

Mechanization in carrot harvesting is essential to save time and reduce labour-intensive work as well as harvesting costs. The aim of the study was to determine the soil properties and plant parameters for designing an appropriate carrot (cv: Madhuvan) harvesting machine, that would address the challenges faced by farmers. The physical characteristics of the soil and carrot plants significantly influence the design of the digging, conveying, de-topping, and collection units. These parameters include the digging depth, blade angle, forward speed, plant catch height, conveyor belt spacing, conveyor speed, and collection unit size. The mean values of shoot length, root length and shoot diameter at top of carrot were 62.5 cm, 26.5 cm, and 3.72 cm, respectively. The average weight of carrot root was 61.85 g. The mean values for spacing between ridges, height of ridge and width of ridge were 44.3 cm, 12.1 cm, and 42.8 cm, respectively. The mean number of carrots per meter row length was observed as 41. The black cotton soil with a mean moisture content of 19.77% (d.b.) at the harvesting stage of carrot, and its bulk density measured 1.31 g cm-3, while the average value of soil resistance was 2153.5 kPa. By utilizing this data, the machine's design can be fine-tuned to ensure effective digging performance while minimizing any potential damage to the carrot roots during the harvesting.

Metabolomics and transcriptomics analyses for characterizing the alkaloid metabolism of Chinese jujube and sour jujube fruits.

Jujube is an important economic forest tree whose fruit is rich in alkaloids. Chinese jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) and sour jujube (Ziziphus spinosa Hu.) are the two most important species of the jujube genus. However, the mechanisms underlying the synthesis and metabolism of alkaloids in jujube fruits remain poorly understood. In this study, the fruits of Ziziphus jujuba 'Hupingzao' and Ziziphus spinosa 'Taigusuanzao' in different harvest stages were used as test materials, we first integrated widely targeted metabolomics and transcriptomics analyses to elucidate the metabolism of alkaloids of jujube fruits. In the metabolomics analysis, 44 alkaloid metabolites were identified in 4 samples, 3 of which were unique to sour jujube fruit. The differential alkaloid metabolites (DAMs) were more accumulated in sour jujube than in Chinese jujube; further, they were more accumulated in the white ripening stage than in the red stage. DAMs were annotated to 12 metabolic pathways. Additionally, transcriptomics data revealed 259 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involved in alkaloid synthesis and metabolism. By mapping the regulatory networks of DAMs and DEGs, we screened out important metabolites and 11 candidate genes. This study preliminarily elucidated the molecular mechanism of jujube alkaloid synthesis. The candidate genes regulated the synthesis of key alkaloid metabolites, but the specific regulation mechanism is unclear. Taken together, our results provide insights into the metabolic networks of alkaloid synthesis in Chinese jujube and sour jujube fruits at different harvest stages, thereby providing a theoretical reference for further research on the regulatory mechanism of jujube alkaloids and their development and utilization.